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to answer this question, I need to answer a few others first...
1. What does it mean to be male?
Well, to me, maleness is biological (but not necessarily dependant on the sexual organs you develop). It does, in part, have some relationship with testosterone levels and some with the way you approach the world. There are feminine males, macho males, and males who are a bit of both. Some males are sexually attracted to the opposite sex, some to other males, and some to both. There are, I also believe, males who have developed as females physically but not mentally. There are people with a unique perspective - who have really had to think about what makes them 'male'.
2. What is a man?
A male (see above definition) who stands up for himself as an individual, who defends his rights (and of those he chooses to defend, especially those weaker in physical strength or spirit), who is strong in either physical strength or spirit, and uses his skills to help create a healthy living environment. (ok, its idealistic, but its my definition)
3. Does this include transgender?
I think it does. If a transgender (defined as male) or masculine female who has a feeling of maleness, who thinks and acts like a male, and follows the definitions of a man; who is to say that they are not, at least in spirit, men?
4. What is your view on the participation in men's groups by gays and transgender?
I personally believe that it really depends on the focus of the group. In a generalised or relaxed community setting, I feel that gays and transgender belong (and should be made to feel welcome by other men) in a male energy focused group. However, in a more focused, tight-knit heterosexual male energy healing/mysteries group, transgender and gay would be not only 'displaced' but unconsciously unbalance the masculine unity of such a group. In such focused groups, gays and transgender would need their own healing/mysteries focused groups. Groups such as the Radical Faeries and Between the Worlds gatherings focus on such energies.
To me 'pagan' is connecting with the cycles and seasons of the earth. It is connecting with its energies and attempting to also connect with the energies of the spirit. It is also about being part of a social community - something that many of us in our western developed world have forgotten; helping, working and celebrating together - celebrating both the human spirit and the spiritual whole.
It is used as an 'umbrella' term used to describe people who have felt this connectedness and attempt to explore it with an open mind through many different belief structures; asatru, wicca, shamanism, druidism and many many others. It has little to do with God and Goddess worship (although many pagans would probably disagree).
Does it affect how I look at the world?
My beliefs affect how I look at the world, my instinct and experience determine how I interact with it. I look at the world in terms of connectedness, lessons, experiences, not worrying about the unforeseeable tomorrow, just focusing on the 'now' (as much as possible anyway). I try to live without regrets - by doing what I believe is the best course of action at the time (we all make mistakes don't we?) and 'live' as much as possible.
Do I do magick?
I have done magick, worship, rituals celebrating the season, connecting with the earth, and invoking the 'gods'. All were powerful experiences and have their place. I don't tend to do magick much anymore, as the only valid use I can find for it is in healing - and I don't do nearly enough of that as I would like. I would like to get back a bit into rituals, as I see it as a powerful way of learning (well, they can be if done right! - as followers of Jungian psychology will agree!) The most powerful thing I do (in my mind) is to attempt to achieve connectedness with my surroundings, which then allows me to be sensitive to events around me. This helps me to react positively and constructively to events that some might call chance and coincidence.
Do I feel that I work hard enough for my spiritual journey?
I often wonder if I could do more, and sometimes I do 'do more' =) Sometimes reading a spiritual book, taking time to find my center and expand my awareness, do a simple cleansing, or just go for a bushwalk and try to connect with the energy around me all helps. But finding the time for spiritual pursuits with a family and a full time job to worry about is often a challenging process in itself. =)
further discussion on my beliefs can be found [here]
this page last updated 03 November, 2006
