Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Martin Luther King Jr. Quote

Time for another great quote:

Martin Luther King Jr.: The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be... The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

Be sure to check back Saturday for Cora's Post!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

YMR's on Facebook!

Be sure to check back next weekend- as YMR will have a new post!

And don't forget to check us out on facebook @
http://www.facebook.com/pages/You-Me-Religion/116251075068134

See you next week!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Anne Frank Quote

Time for another great quote!

Anne Frank:
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Marcus Aurelius Quote

Hello All!

Wanted to let everyone know that YMR has it's own facebook page! A better way to interact with questions and comments, and no more multiple answers!
Please check us out @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/You-Me-Religion/116251075068134

Hope to see you there!

Also it's time for another great quote! This one comes to us from Cora:

To those who ask the question, 'Where have you seen the gods, or from where have you learned that they exist, that you worship them in this manner?' I answer: First, they are visible even to the eyes; secondly, I have not seen my own soul and yet I honour it; and so, too, with the gods, from my own experiences every instant of their power I apprehend that they exist and I do them reverence."
- Marcus Aurelius Meditations 12.28 -

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Deb Dove

Hello Everyone and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Kris "Mrs. B" Bradley for sharing her perspective with us. A very unique and interesting read!
Today we have a new post! Please welcome Deb Dove.
Deb is a Garden Witch and I know you're going to enjoy her post as well.

Here is Deb's Introduction:


I'm Deb, aka Wildflower. I am a Garden Witch, which comes under the umbrella term of Wicca or Pagan. I have been practicing informally for about 35 years and formally for about 5 years. I am married and enjoy cooking, gardening, herbs, herbalism, and nature. My husband and I own and operate a New Age shop and I work outside of the home as a nurse.
My blogs are
mystikdoveshop.blogspot.com and dovesart.blogspot.com

Btw: Namaste means "the spirit that is in me, honors the spirit that is within you"

1) What religion do you practice?
I am a Garden Witch. Being a Witch comes under the umbrella term of Wicca or Paganism. My practice is more eclectic then Wicca.


2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
My Fathers family was Catholic and my Mothers family was Methodist. I grew up between the two. As I child of the 70's I learned to question everything, including the dogma of religion. I began studying the basics of Paganism in High School. There was little information that could be obtained without raised eyebrows back then, but I knew that it was the spiritual path I would eventually adopt. As an Adult, I began reading everything I could find on Earth based religions and spirituality. I also took a good long time and studied the Bible as well as other religions before I finally committed myself to my current Spiritual path. To become a Witch, one must first recognize within one's own heart a deep love of the Earth. I've always felt that it is our responsibility to protect and care for Her. And then one must study. Mostly from reading books and talking with others of like mind.

3)Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Other. One does not earn their Spiritual path by following it, but by living it. But everyone needs to follow their own path.


4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
I would have to say "other". My relationship with Spirit is always growing and evolving. Meditation is a big part of my practice. With meditation, as well as, reading, studying and learning, there is plenty of room for change and adjustments in my thinking and practice.

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Following a stated dogma or a set guideline for religious doctrine would be conservative to me. Following your own path exactly as you've laid out and within room for growth, would also be conservative. Allowing yourself the opportunity to live and grow within the tenets of your path would be more moderate.

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
The Summerlands is the place were we all go after death. It is there that we reunion with loved ones, review the lessons we have learned during our life time, rest and plan the lessons we will learn in the next life time.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Every soul is here to learn lessons. Every soul continues to come back here until all of the lessons are learned. Mass murders as well as those deemed to be Saints in the eyes of the church are all here for the same purpose and all will be back again to learn more lessons. When your soul has accomplished all of it's lessons and paid back all of it's karma then we reach a state of nirvana and the eternal rest and "vacation" we would then deserve.

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
My religion is part of me. It is who I am.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
We celebrate 8 holy days every year, along the wheel of the year. Samhain (your Halloween) is our most holy day. It is our new year and a time to honor our ancestors. Yule is the winter solstice and is celebrated much the same as Christmas. Imbolc, is your Ground Hog's day, February1, is a time to celebrate the coming of Spring, Ostara, is the Vernal equinox and is celebrated much the same as Easter. Beltane is May Day or May1. It is opposite Samhain on the wheel of the year and equally important. It celebrates Spring's arrival and the fertility of the earth. Midsummer, is the Summer solstice and Lughnassadh celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and is on August 1. Mabon is the autumnal equinox and is our Thanksgiving. We celebrate each by holding ritual with friends, and a time of fellowship. There really isn't enough space here to go into more detail.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
absolutely! I would be rather lonely if I didn't, there really aren't that many of us yet.

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
I would, I have. I am a life long student of religion. I want to know what draws people to their spiritual path and why. I love the pageantry associated with many of the religious traditions!

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I believe everyone has a right to their own religion and their own path. I don't want anyone judging the tenets of my spiritual path and I don't judge theirs. When/if they're ready to reevaluate the dogma associated with their path, they will. It's not my place to have an opinion.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I'm a witch. Women and men are completely equal. My husband and I are both ritual leaders and founders of our "church". Every Pagan is his or her own priest or priestess.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
We don't segregate. We may ask new comers to Paganism to observe from outside of the ritual circle, but all men and women are equal.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
I am my spiritual path, as I've stated previously. My opinions on these hot button issues were formed long before I committed myself to Paganism. When I need to make a decision about anything important, my first questions always involve the effects that my decision will have on the environment and humankind in general. I follow the Wiccan Rede to "harm none"

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion Every person must find and follow their own spiritual path. Paganism is something that is part of your soul. Not everyone, including a child of mine, is necessarily drawn to it.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
There is no hell. Everyone goes to the Summerlands. Everyone is here to learn lessons and pay back karma.

18) Who do you think is not a practising ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not ?
Everyone practices their faith in their own way. Everyone's way is valid. Many of those following a Pagan path are still in the "broom closet". Other than poor media coverage showcasing extremists, I really don't think anyone is attempting to speak for us.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
My husband and I run a New Age shop and Sanctuary, church if you will. We are somewhat open about our beliefs because of that. We have had questions from many curiosity seekers, but no hate crimes.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
I am my spiritual path. It empowers me.

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
absolutely! I know that within my meditation are the answers that I seek for any trouble or uncertainty that exists. I also know that I am doing my part, in my very small way, to help the Earth heal from the abuses She has suffered over many years of "progress"

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Reincarnation is a basic part of our Spiritual path. It is what the Summerlands are all about.













Friday, April 16, 2010

A. Powell Davies Quote

Hello All!

Some cool news to share- "The Amazing Randi" has just completed the YMR questionnaire! His answers will be published July 24th!

Also, it's time for another quote!

A. Powell Davies:
True religion, like our founding principles, requires that the rights of the disbeliever be equally acknowledged with those of the believer.


See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Homer Simpson Quote

Time for another great quote! This one comes to us from YMR's first participant- Andrew Joseph:

Homer Jay Simpson:
“Help me, Jebus”

Mohandas Gandhi Quote

Something new- YMR will periodically add 'Famous Quotes',
First up is:

Mohandas K. Gandhi:
Truth is my God. Nonviolence is my way of realizing Him.


If you've got a famous quote you'd like to share, please email ymr@bell.net,
thanks!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Happy Tuesday All!

YMR has some exciting future posts and I just wanted to share what's coming up:

This weekend we'll hear from Deb Dove.
Deb is a Pagan so you will definitely want to check back this weekend!

May 1st we'll hear from Cora. Cora is a Polytheist (YMR's first, but hopefully not last!).
May 15th we'll hear from 'inannasstar', who is a Pagan.
The Pagan/Wiccan community has been a wonderful help to YMR!

On May 23rd Casey Kochmer will be sharing what it means to him to be a Taoist.
May 29th we'll hear from Ange, who was raised Catholic but is now Muslim.
June 12th we'll hear from Ryan who was raised Jewish but is now Atheist.
On June 26th, we'll hear from Abe Solomon who is a Conservative Jew,
and on July 10th we'll be hearing from 'Infidel753' who is an Atheist.

Wow! Some great future posts you are not going to want to miss!

Plus we have several posts in the works as well.
And don't forget to check back and have your say on our polls too!

Thanks everyone and see you all this weekend!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Make sure to check back with us next weekend- YMR will have a new post!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Kris Bradley aka Mrs. B

Happy Sunday All!

First up, I'd like to thank Monica for being so open and sharing her voice with us. Please check out her post if you haven't already done so!

Secondly, we have a new post. Many of you know her as "Mrs. B". Please welcome Kris Bradley. Kris is a Domestic Witch and writes a very funny blog (see below) and she's been a big help to YMR as well!

Here is Kris “Mrs. B.” Bradley's Introduction:

I am a very happily married mother of three and practicing domestic witch. I love to write, sketch, paint, cook, read and garden. Though I grew up in Texas, I now reside in New Jersey (without the fake tan).
Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom at
http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com

Domestic Witchery column:
http://www.examiner.com/x-26373-Newark-Domestic-Witchery-Examiner.

1) What religion do you practice?
I consider myself to be a “domestic witch”, which would probably fall under the realm of “eclectic Pagan”

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
My family, growing up, was Presbyterian, though not really actively practicing. I have been really interested in mythology, herbs and nature since I was very small, so I like to think I was on this path long before I really knew what it was. About 11 years ago, I started reading about Wicca and Paganism and knew it was the right thing for me. I self-dedicated about a year later.

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Hmm, I’m not sure those terms really apply in the Pagan umbrella of religions, really. I’ll just say that I am very devoted to my path.

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
N/A

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
N/A

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Heaven, or Summerland, is a place of natural beauty, simplicity and peace, where souls go to connect with their ancestors and loved ones.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
It’s my personal belief that everyone makes it to Summerland. I believe those who have made bad choices or inflicted cruelty on others have their eyes open to the pain they have caused and must live with their own pain at their choices until moving on to a new life where they can try to live in a better fashion.

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
There are so many things I could list here! I love the balance of being part of a religion that gives equality to a female deity as well as a male. I have a deep love of nature and animals. I also love being in a sacred place no matter where I am!

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I celebrate eight holidays (we call them sabbats) that correspond with the changing of the seasons, and the midpoints in between. The new year starts on Oct. 31, or Samhain; Yule is on the Winter Solstice; Feb. 2 brings Imbolc, the Spring Equinox is called Ostara; May 1st is May Day; the Summer Solstice is Litha; August 1st is called Lammas; the Fall Equinox is Mabon. (Not all Pagans celebrate these days, and some use different names, depending on their own Pagan tradition). I celebrate the sabbats with rituals depending on what season it is, with big family dinners and doing seasonal crafts with the kids. Recently, after being a solitary practitioner for so long, I helped form a new coven and we celebrated Ostara together. It was a really amazing thing!

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Absolutely! I have friends of many faiths. Two of my closest friends are Catholic, my parents are still Presbyterian, I have a very close friend who is Muslim. I believe down deep we are all worshipping the same deity, just in the way that is right for us. My husband’s family is very Catholic as well.

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
I celebrate the Christian holidays regularly with my husband’s family. Oh, and I recently attended “Sauces and Crosses” at the Catholic church with my friends. I have no problems joining in a good celebration!

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I don’t have a problem with either, as long as they are being practiced voluntarily. I have an American friend who lives in Saudi Arabia and lives by traditions of the area by choice. I don’t believe however that anyone should be forced to live by any such rules against their will.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Oh, that’s a tricky question. I believe in a perfect world, everyone would have the chance to take part in all parts of their religion. There are certain traditions and rules to every religion and there are other choices to be made if you don’t care for the ones in place. Of course, in my religion, women are allowed to be priestesses and have equal billing to the men, so it’s not something I have to really deal with.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel? There are some Pagan traditions that are all female, but mine is not one of them. I do belong to an all female coven, but it’s a choice we made, not a rule of the religion.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
As a domestic witch, I try to bring deity into my life every day, even into the most mundane chores. I live, for the most part, under the rule "do as you will, but harm none". That means you try not to harm yourself, others or the earth. My religion has no rules pertaining to abortion or gay marriage. As a person, I believe in a woman's right to choose (and the act of taking responsibility for your health and your own actions) and I fully support gay marriage. I believe it's a basic civil right that should be afforded to all American citizens.

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion? I’d be completely fine with that, as long as their partner accepted them for who they are and treated them well.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Absolutely not!

18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
There are so many forms and traditions of Paganism that no one person in the public speaks for all of us. I think that there are some very steadfast, good people doing good work out there that are good representatives of Pagan people, though. One of my favorites is Selena Fox, who puts a lot of time and effort into supporting those of the Pagan faith, and just people in general. There are those who end up in the news who would try to represent themselves as "witches" who are just generally mentally unstable, not real Pagans. A recent story about a man who killed a woman for "breaking a Wiccan blood oath" comes to mind. No real Wiccan would ever do such a thing.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
I would say I've been the target of a hate crime as much as the target of occasional email harassment. I regularly get comments to my column, blog and in email about how I am going to burn in hell for my beliefs. I let them roll off my back for the most part. There are fundamentalists in every religion, so I don't hold the wack-os up to their alleged religion.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Not in any way. Men and women are equals. Everyone is encourage to be strong individuals, to educate themselves on many topics, and to be open and accepting.

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Very much so. I have very strong beliefs, strong connections in my Pagan community, and the knowledge that I strive to be understanding and open to all people.

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I do. I believe that souls have the chance to come back and live another life and to learn lessons that they missed in their previous lives. I also believe that it's a choice to come back and that not everyone does. Thanks for giving me the chance to share my views! Kris