Category Archives: Paganism

Wicca connection

Posted on April 4, 2013 by John D.

An article in the Huffington Post today describes the practice of a Wiccan called Annie Finch.  It’s of interest for the pagan commonality with Shinto.  Both celebrate the blessings of nature in the seasonal round. Both share diversity in local … Continue reading →

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Vernal equinox

Posted on March 21, 2013 by John D.

The spring equinox is celebrated in Japan with Shunbun no hi, a national holiday.  It was established in 1948 as a day for the admiration of nature and the love of living things.  Prior to 1948, the vernal equinox was … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Paganism, Rites and celebrations | Leave a comment

Ancestral monuments

Posted on March 10, 2013 by John D.

(Picture above shows the so-called ‘Nintoku burial mound’ aka Daisen kofun (c.400 AD) in Sakai, Osaka, considered to be the third largest funeral monument in the world) In the compelling Japan, An Attempt at Interpretation (1904) Lafcadio Hearn put forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancestor worship, Paganism | 1 Comment

The yearly round

Posted on January 6, 2013 by John D.

The pagan tradition The New Year rites in Japan are a reminder of how celebrating the yearly round is an important part of pagan traditions. It signifies our connection with the natural cycle and our rootedness in Mother Earth. Above … Continue reading →

Posted in Green issues, Paganism, Syncretism | Leave a comment

Native American links

Posted on January 3, 2013 by John D.

Japan Times, Jan. 3, 2013 http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20130103a1.html ************************************* Kitaro taps into Native American culture By SACHIKO TAMASHIGE New-age musician Kitaro (left) and Native American leader Dennis Banks met up in Tokyo at a party that showcased their joint album, “Let Mother … Continue reading →

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Mistletoe

Posted on December 25, 2012 by John D.

No, mistletoe doesn’t feature in Shinto, but it’s an important part of the European pagan tradition at this time of year.   Here naturalist Kevin Short takes a seasonal look at the folklore of mistletoe in Europe, prompting thoughts about the … Continue reading →

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Pagan solstice

Posted on December 22, 2012 by John D.

  From The Huffington Post… By Jahnabi Barooah    12/20/2012 In 2012, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Dec. 21, 2012 at 6:12 a.m.  Officially the first day of winter, the winter solstice occurs when the North … Continue reading →

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Dogu exhibition (Miho Museum)

Posted on November 8, 2012 by John D.

    Miho Museum near Lake Biwa is holding a special exhibition of ancient clay figurines known as Dogu, dating from literally thousands of years ago.  They’re weird and fascinating, possibly early fertility figures.  The maple colours at this time … Continue reading →

Posted in Origins, Paganism | Leave a comment

Recovering a sense of Animism

Posted on August 27, 2012 by John D.

  Animism is sometimes cast as primitive, or seen as outmoded by contrast with ‘sophisticated religions’ like Christianity and Buddhism.  But with the rise of paganism and neo-shamanism, animism is again gaining ground in the West. Perhaps it never really … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Green issues, Paganism, Shamanic connections | 6 Comments

Pagan connectons 12) Ancestor worship

Posted on August 15, 2012 by John D.

  Today is Obon in Kyoto, when ancestral spirits are welcomed back home before being sent off with a grand fire ceremony called Daimonji, about which I’ve written previously.  (See here.)  The festival appeals to the syncretic sentiments of the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Ancestor worship, Death, Paganism | 4 Comments