Peter Green - Man of the world (1969)

Shall I tell you about my life

They say I'm a man of the world

I've flown across every tide

And I've seen lots of pretty girls

I guess I've got everything I need

I wouldn't ask for more

And there's no one I'd rather be

But I just wish that I'd never been born

And I need a good woman

To make me feel like a good man should

I don't say I'm a good man

Oh, but I would be if I could

I could tell you about my life

And keep you amused I'm sure

About all the times I've cried

And how I don't want to be sad anymore

And how I wish I was in love

Fleetwood Mac - Man of the world 1969

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJWOtL-PZiE

Peter Green - Man of the World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gXE3Z2USLU

Songwriter: Peter Green

I'm Sick Of (Anonymous 2020)

I’m sick of covid-19.

I’m sick of black vs. white.

I’m sick of Labour vs. Conservative

I’m sick of gay vs. straight.

I’m REALLY sick of the media.

I’m sick of the language being used and plastered all over the media. I’m sick of no-one being allowed to think what they want & feel what they do without offending someone. I am sick of the people who are out there jumping on the bandwagon, to protest, to cause mass confusion, more hatred and to riot, loot and destroy. I am sick of blaming the world for the sins of a few.

I like meat, again your choice not to eat meat, my choice to eat meat. End of. I’m sick of people who think that sixty year  old history is our fault, it’s history; get over it!

We’re one race, the human race and we all matter! You want to support Boris Johnson, do it! It’s your choice. You want to support Starmer? Fine, also your choice! You want to believe in God? Ok, believe in God. You want to believe in magical creatures that fly around & sprinkle fairy dust to make life better? Awesome, just you do it!

BUT how about being mature enough to be able to deal with the fact; that everyone doesn’t have the same exact mind-set as you. Having our own mind is what makes us individual and beautiful. If you can’t handle that fact. Then I’m sorry for you.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep by Mary Elizabeth Frye (1932)

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

The Whisper

Deep in the heart of England,

I search for a meaning.

I listen for the voice of the land

But I no longer hear.

The land does not want to speak to us

The land is tired of us now.

In a voice that is barely a whisper

I can sense the displeasure.

Look at what we have done to the World

Is it any wonder we can hear only the whisper?

©Daniel Bran Griffith the Chattering Magpie (09/07/2020).

Perceptions - Misconceptions & Change

As a continuation or as a supplement to my earlier written pieces 'Living in Two Worlds' and 'A response to - "Spare me this Pagan Revival." I wish to share with you my thoughts on the misconceptions and the many preconceived expectations, which people have towards those of us engaged is esoteric study.

It is a common human frailty to make an assumption and of course it has a benefit as a behavioural trait. It saves us expending unnecessary time and energy, exploring every nuance of our interactions with others. Psychologists recognise this as a necessity and it is very often, part of our normal day to day existence.

There are however, other times when such presumption is not beneficial. There are instances obviously, when such actions can be a source of misunderstanding. I as a Pagan and a folklorist face this almost daily, as people often think that because of how I self-identify and because of my publicly known interests, I may share many other interests automatically.

As an example I share a telephone call that took place on the 5th of November 2019. I was at home and the time was a little after 5pm. A young lady called me and asked, "Do you do spells?" I asked, "Whose calling?" She had not even given her name. She replied "Yasmin" and asked again, "Do you do love spells?" I told her, "I do not provide services." I then ended the call. If I may quote the musical 'The Producers;' "How do they find me? They all come here." I do seem to attract them. and they sit next to me on the bus.

Seriously, I note that she did not start the conversation in what I consider a normal manner, such as by introducing themselves but instead she blurted out her question. This has led me to suspect that someone has my business card and may have called me as a prank, I do rather give them out like confetti. The example still has validity even if it was a prank and of course, I cannot be sure it was anyway. It still serves to illustrate how people make assumptions.

People will quite simply, wrongly assume that because we share opinion or values regarding for example, subjects A, B & C. We all automatically share the same opinion or values regarding subjects X, Y & Z. This is intellectually and emotionally immature. The reality is that people often fall somewhere in the middle of our imaginary alphabet, sharing opinion and values on for example; P, Q, R, S & T. What however, does become apparent, is that often we do not know people as well as we perhaps thought. Often we have far less in common than we hoped for or expected.

As I have got older I have changed; as we all do. The result of this maturing is that I have become increasingly intolerant towards the New Age Garbage (NAG) and the Mindless Bullshit (MBS) that is prevalent today. Gradually over the past decade and most certainly within the last five years, I have become aware that I have less and less in common; with so many that call themselves Pagan. That is outside of sharing that identifier in itself and obviously this raises many questions. Since I no longer feel at home within the community of the tree-hugging, crystal kissing hippies that many appear to associate with contemporary Paganism; am I still a Pagan? What does it mean to be a Pagan?

I postulate that Paganism can be defined as a Polytheistic or Pantheistic nature focused religion or collective of spiritual paths. Under that broad description then I am indeed a Pagan. If however, the required qualification is that I submit to the 'Three Fold law' or 'Harm None' then the answer is no. Of course the maxims referred to above are predominantly Wiccan but not even all Wiccans subscribe to them. This may come as a surprise to some people and does therefore, illustrate a further misconception.

The misconceptions we have of contemporary Paganism is not unique to those outside of the collective. The assumptions and the misconceptions are common within it. Many Pagans and perhaps Occultists to a lesser extent, will assume that other Pagans all vote for the same political party. The real life that exists outside of the echo chamber that we call Social Media, is simply not like that. Not all British Pagans vote Labour, many vote Conservative. Not all American Pagans vote Democrat, many vote Republican. Not every Pagan is a vegetarian and we don't all smoke cannabis. We don't all like Star Trek and we don't all read Harry Potter. To state that someone is not a Pagan because they do not vote a particular way, eat a certain diet, share the same interests or even enjoy the same hobbies, is beyond being a simple error. It is foolish, it is absurd. We do not all share the same opinion, the same values or the same principles.

In looking back at my own journey over the past thirty odd years, I sometimes feel that I have delved into contemporary Paganism and then passed right out the other side. The lack of commonality I have with that community today is marked. I am still a Pagan, I can still declare that Paganism is my religious standpoint. I am however, not the kind of Pagan that many appear to think I am or even expect me to be. I am my own man.

LIVING IN TWO WORLDS

https://chatteringmagpie-summonerofthehearth.blogspot.com/2018/08/living-in-two-worlds.html

A RESPONSE TO - 'SPARE ME THIS PAGAN REVIVAL'

https://chatteringmagpie-summonerofthehearth.blogspot.com/2019/06/a-response-to-spare-me-this-pagan.html

IN DEFENCE OF INTERFAITH

https://chatteringmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/04/14/in-defence-of-interfaith/

It is hard (Poem)

It is hard to face a pain,

When you don't know why;

You are in pain

Or where that pain has come from.

How I want to sleep a peaceful sleep,

To have a mind at rest and uncluttered.

To have a heart that does not beat;

Loud and hurting.

It is hard to talk,

When you don't know who to talk to

Or whether anyone would listen

Or if anyone would care even.

How I want that sleep,

How I want my mind to rest; uncluttered.

To have a heart that does beat;

Loud and un-hurting.

It is hard to cry,

When you are cold inside.

Oh God, I want to cry.

Oh God, I want.

© D.B. Griffith the Chattering Magpie - 3rd July 2020

Young Earth Creationism and the Televangelist Movement

Over recent months in an attempt to learn more regards the world's leading faith, I have been generally 'reading up' on the subject. As part of this ongoing study I have purchased a new Bible, I have attended church and I have watched on YouTube an assortment of programmes on the subject. What I have read, seen and experienced has been enlightening, educational but also at times, deeply confusing.

Nothing in this area has perhaps confused me more than New Earth Creationism and the total denial of evolution by some self identifying Christians. As I have stated frequently, there is no conflict between science and faith unless one chooses to create such. I am equally intolerant towards all those of extreme views, whether they be potty Pagans, mad Muslims, angry Atheists or crazy Christians. Young Earth Creationist take an extreme view and choose to create a dichotomy; which is both unnecessary and harmful.

The New Earth Creationists can in some cases be dismissed like the other childish extremists above but not always. Some are far too articulate, educated and professional, to be dismissed easily as foolish or stupid. Furthermore, some are unfortunately the promoters of dangerous opinion and they are overly aggressive in their educational approach.

It was not my intention in writing this piece to focus upon any individuals or to identify them by name. They are to be frank, all rather similar. They are all American and the majority are male. We have for example one 'Pentecostal or Baptist' style minister who presents YouTube sermons in both English and Spanish. Which is in itself impressive. This man I have named 'Mr Shout at the camera' as that seems to be his main style of educational approach. This wonderful example of Christianity is 'anti' so many things, I really do not know where to start with him. There is a puzzling focus upon the 'Rapture' even going so far as to claim that the end times will come anytime between 2021 and 2027. This is based on a remarkable exegesis of scripture that is in a direct contradiction to his forceful disavowal of Gnosticism.

As one would expect the majority of these preachers are not supportive of a homosexual lifestyle, this is to be expected within the broad Christian context. The aggressive attitude however, does rather take me by surprise. The Christian teaching of love appears to be nonexistent. There is as I allude above an anti-esoteric element and this leads further to attacks upon that great charitable benefactor, the Freemasons.

I add that I am deeply shocked by the stance of some of the 'Evangelicals' in the USA who are blatantly anti-Catholic. Some even going so far as to not consider Roman Catholics to be Christians. Such an opinion is barely credible but the lack of respect for the Mother Church of Western Christianity, the original and primary Christian Church; being shown in the 21st century is more than disappointing. One would have hoped that we as a civilisation had outgrown such opinion.

There is as one would perhaps expect an underlying Islamophobia present but compared to the homophobia, the chauvinism and the anti-Catholic rhetoric; this is relatively minor. What these so called pastors fail to realise, is that their 'preaching' is actually an excellent endorsement for Freemasonry, Catholicism and other Christian denominations. It is certainly not a positive endorsement for their own brand of 'Christianity' which is clearly less welcoming than many others.

Not wishing to pun but I do observe that the 'big name' televangelists, have come as something of a revelation to me. Thankfully here in the United Kingdom these people are little known but watching them, in a detached manner from the safety of the east side of the Atlantic, I can see the very worst of American society. They are conceited, egotistical, avaricious and manipulative.

Although it was not my intention name and shame, there are some notables that a brief internet search will soon identify. This includes one gentleman who runs 'Dinosaur Adventure Land' and hosts a YouTube show called 'Whack an Atheist.' Another gentleman, far more articulate and better educated; has built a full size replica of Noah's Ark in Kentucky. I have no idea what 'Dinosaur Adventure Land' is like but having seen videos of the 'Ark Encounter' I am quite impressed. If I was holidaying in the USA, this is one 'amusement park' that I would visit. Both of these gentlemen genuinely believe that dinosaurs walked with Adam and Eve. Taking the Bible literally they discount evolution and misunderstand the definition of scientific theory. 

A belief in evolution and in scientific knowledge, does not preclude a spirituality. Science does not disqualify a religious belief and religious practice does not exclude the acceptance of science as a body of knowledge. The dichotomy is artificial and unnecessary. I am a religious man but I accept evolutionary theory. There is no conflict.

There is however, one preacher I will name. He is unlike the ones alluded to so far, a televangelist. As such he has much in common, with many others that preach the so called 'Prosperity Gospel' live and on television. This man is Kenneth Copeland and I really do not know what to think of him. I have seen him boast of his millions, his private jets and attempt to blow COVID-19 away with the 'Wind of God.' Although what he actually did was blow a pathetic raspberry at the microphone. I have seen him act out divine inspiration and the speaking in tongues, badly but well enough to have his audience in ecstasy. While watching Kenneth Copeland I have formulated a question. Is this a man with senility or a man with a mental health issue? Perhaps the reader can answer that question but I know a charlatan when I see one.

To aid my research for this piece, I have spoken to work colleagues who are Christian. One of whom is the young man whose church I attended in February. I wrote a blog about that (see link below). He is a far better example of living the life of a Christian Pilgrim than any televangelist or many of those making podcasts. I can see the light of God in the eyes of my work colleague. I do not see the light of God in the eyes of these televangelists.

In the eyes of Copeland in particular, I see something quite terrifying. I look at these televangelists that claim to be saved and I think that many could be in for an unpleasant surprise. If the Rapture did ever happen in the way that they envision, it is they who will be left behind. Televangelists are a disgrace to the church and to Christianity as a whole, they do a disservice to the Christ that they claim to serve; with every word they so shamefully utter. They appear at odds with the Christianity that I know and their brand of Christianity is not one I wish to know further.

Evensong and Epiphanytide 2020

https://chatteringmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/02/16/evensong-and-epihanytide-2020/

Derby City Church 2nd February 2020

https://chatteringmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/derby-city-church-2nd-february-2020/

The Toxic Internet & Misinformation

https://chatteringmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/the-toxic-internet-misinformation/

SELF-IDENTITY & LABELLING

Who we are or perhaps more appropriately; who we think we are, is a vital element of what we call our self-identity. Various sociological and cultural factors interplay in a creation that we can call us. How we see ourselves is frequently projected out into society at large but importantly, our self-identity can be influenced by that same society. It is important however, to be aware that there is a difference between a self-identifier and a label. A self-identifier is how the individual or group determines their own identify. A label is a determinator that is imposed upon an individual or group by society.

I see myself as an Englishman, despite having an Anglo-Norman and Welsh ancestry. British is legally my nationality but I still identify as English. I am white and unfashionably unapologetic of what is an unchangeable fact. I am heterosexual and I do not require any fashionable alternative to describe my gender or sexuality; indeed such modern language is beyond my comprehension or even my interest. I am some respects a Victorian, I have a predilection for tweed and nineteenth century novels.

Some sociological variations are of interest to me, perhaps because I work in healthcare which if anything, is far more cosmopolitan than our mainstream society. I have colleagues whose heritage is varied, European, African, Asia, the Middle and Far-East. My patients represent the same varied and fascinating diversity.

Many cultural and ethnic differences are broad and have a degree of fascination far beyond their actual importance. Apparently Koreans and people of the Far-East, produce dry earwax but Europeans produce wet earwax. No one seems to know why and the difference does not appear to have any environmental advantage. There is simply a difference. I am told that the Chinese and again other Far-Eastern peoples have slightly longer intestines when compared to Europeans. We know why however, a longer intestine is required to digest rice than that required to digest wheat. The historical difference in agricultural development also means that in the Far-East where the diet is less bovine milk based, people are more susceptible to being lactose intolerant. It is of course well-known that Asians are more likely to develop Type Two Diabetes Mellitus than any almost any other ethnic group.

Monitoring the internet and Facebook, sociological differences are noted between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America. One of the more obvious is how certain ethnic groups self-identify. For example Asian in the USA does not refer to the people of the Indian Subcontinent, which is the meaning that I have used here so far. Rather it is used to describe people of the Far-East, such as Koreans, Japanese and Filipino.

Another area of difference is the use of the term People of Colour (POC), as usage of this term here in the UK is not encouraged. There are several reasons for this. It falls too close to the term coloured, which here in the UK is so heavily associated with apartheid that offence can barely be avoided. Indeed black persons of my acquaintance, primarily work colleagues, are deeply angered by the use of this word. Some years ago, there was a public information film that actively sought to persuade people not to use the term coloured. It is best avoided.

Another reason for objection to People of Colour overlaps with recent objections to the term Black, Asian & Minority Ethic (BAME) here in the UK. Talking to my colleagues the reasons are perfectly clear. BAME like POC generally combines a wide variety of ethnic groups, subsuming them in a 'lumped' together 'catchall' term. This is far from satisfactory, as it is felt that the individual identities of the various ethnic groups is ignored in an attempt at convenience. Since we should ideally be celebrating diversity and individual cultural identities, this subsumation is not truly acceptable. The acronyms POC and BAME are therefore, examples of socially determined labelling.

We who are white do not suffer the same form of sociological labelling but there is some. The most obvious being that we are often assumed to be racist. We can be called racist most often when an individual disagrees with another politically. It is an example of puerile name calling, the politics of the school playground and often nothing more. That is not to suggest however, that there are not differences even within the white European subgroup of humanity. There are cultural, sociological and even some slight physical differences, between the geographical extremes. Comparisons between Northern Europeans and Southern, between Western and Eastern, are of interest culturally and quite apparent even to the most casual social observer.

What is obvious to me as an observer of a rainbow coloured world, is that rather than impose these culturally insensitive labels that society is so obsessed with. We should avoid this forced coalescence and instead celebrate our diversity across the entire rainbow. We should praise every culture, every nation and every ethnic group of every colour. We could even go so far as to avoid labels and actually ask people how they wish to be described. That of course, is far too obvious for any government in any country, to ever consider.