Yet Another Reader Summons

I have decided that, for the sake of my sanity (what precious little remains), I am going on official sabbatical from writing and teaching for the rest of 2008. 

I could go on for pages about the reasons and the intended results, but to give you the short-short version:  I need to take some time for internal work without worrying about external obligations and self-inflicted pressures.  It's not fair to any potential students or readers of any new book I might produce to attempt to teach while I myself am a roiling ball of nerves, contradictions, anxiety, conflict, confusion, and selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors.  It's also not fair to myself to stay so focused on the outward world that I neglect and allow to fall into ruin my inner world. 

The good news for my intrepid readers here in the blogosphere is that I intend to keep writing for Dancing Down the Moon during my sabbatical.  I do desire, and need, an outlet for my creativity and my spiritual adventures, both dark and light.  So you're not quite rid of me.  Let the bells ring out.

The problem is, the same creative lassitude that has worn away at my book projects has also made it difficult to find inspiration for blog entries.  Once I think of something interesting to say, I have a good time doing so, but it's that initial spark that I'm lacking here at DDtM.  And so, once again, I turn to my readers, who have been patient and inquisitive enough to supply me with Seed Posts and Seldom-Asked Questions in the past (and therefore kept this blog afloat while its author was bobbing about in the dark but extremely boring Sea of Ennui). 

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to give me ideas for things to blog about.  What sort of things would you like to read about on a Pagan blog?  What have you always wished I'd talk about more, or at all?  Are there any stories you'd like to hear from me?  What subjects or ideas have been neglected by Pagan and spiritual writers, either online or in books, that you think could use some exploration? 

I may use your idea, I may not.  It may not be a subject I have any interest in, or may be something so beyond my realm of experience that I would have to do mountains of research just to half-ass a reply.  It may serve as a springboard into something completely different.  I do however appreciate any and all responses.  Hopefully they'll serve as blogfodder for at least a few weeks as I wrestle my life back into some semblance of order and find my way through this strange and unfamiliar terrain. 

Or I may just start posting nothing but pictures of my cat.  Who knows?

(Okay, I won't do that.  The post I did about Cosmo was probably the only one of its kind--he's not a terribly photogenic kitty, as he only knows two poses:  sleeping on the furniture and licking his butt.  His would be the most boring yoga class ever.)

Comments

[Indi]

I've loved many of your posts here. Witch, Please being my all-time favorite.

I wonder about your experiences in the Pagan world and the drama that seems to go with it. I realize there is drama and conflict every time 2 or more people meet; but it seems intensified in Pagan/Wiccan circles. Something about being a minority group perhaps?

peace and joy

[RevAllyson]

For what it's worth, Dianne, your posts always inspire me. And since I went to yoga last night, I hope you are happy with yourself, because I just spit pea soup through my nose because of you. LOL...

I understand about the SSRI's. I'm on one myself. I'm lucky - it worked, beautifully, with very little side effects. I know most aren't so lucky.

Ideas for posts - Where do you turn for "proverbs"? I am working on a book right now, dealing with the Delphic Maxims, and I'm finding it VERY educational. There is so much inspiration there, so many things that ought to be common sense but are not. Be religiously silent. Know yourself. Respect yourself. Wow. Profound in their simplicity, I find these get my blood pumping and my brain firing on all cylinders. What, if any, writings do this sort of thing for you?

[meri.sefket]

I'd love to hear what you have to say about Landscapes. Mythological ones, real ones, political ones, mental ones. While I'd really love to hear how the landscape around you adds (or doesn't) to your practice, anything would interst me.

[Sarah Peters]

It was the Conversations with God series that first drew me to your blog and hooked me for good. I'd like to hear more about those interactions with Himself or any other Deities/Faeries/Celestial Traveling Salesmen that have graced your doorstep.

Also, sex. If you feel this blog could be a place for ruminations on sex as a spiritual practice, a means of spiritual unification on the physical plane, or just a damn good time, I wanna read your thoughts on it.

Not necessarily personal exploits, but abstract ponderings.

But really, dear Sylvan, anything you write about (exluding straight up cat-blogging) would interest me because I love your lyrical voice, wit, and snark.

[Michelle Wade]

I would love to know more about the Dark Goddess...I believe she is more vital to us now as we realize that standing up for ourselves means (sometimes) embraceing the inner bitch. But I think She is also this terrible lonliness that comes from walking the road you know is right for you.

But mostly, (really and truly mostest Pooh) I love the everyday stuff. We tend to forget that being a witch doesn't mean we get to walk away from the 3rd dimension when it gets - vanilla (or rocky road). Your blogs have always been graceful and funny reminders that when we walk the path, we walk it in this world.

[Cynthia]

I second Sarah's requests for posts about Himself (which prompted my purchase of the Faery Oracle) and discussions about sacred sex.

I would love to hear what you have to say about intuition, healing from sadness (or not).

I love your writings and am so glad that once in awhile you will grace us with your time and efforts.

[Cynthia]

I second Sarah's requests for posts about Himself (which prompted my purchase of the Faery Oracle) and discussions about sacred sex.

I would love to hear what you have to say about intuition, healing from sadness (or not).

I love your writings and am so glad that once in awhile you will grace us with your time and efforts.

[Jocelyn]

I would love to hear what some of your most amusing experiences as a Pagan have been.
I'm really glad you're going to keep writing in your blogs during your sabbatical. I'd miss you if you didn't!

[Aquari]

Sarah, Cynthia, and now me - we sound like a bunch of schoolgirls, pressing our one friend who has boyfriend for whispered details ;)

Never the less, I third the motion. Connecting with the divine is what it's all about, isn't it?

[John Pageless]

Hello Dianne,

I'd like to second discussion about sacred sex. Also, I would like to see an article about finding inspiration for Wiccan ritual in other religions... Yes, this suggestion is more of a challenge than anything else.

Namaste.

[Laeticia]

Hi Dianne,

I'll be the fifth to ask about Him and spiritual sex. Like Sarah (btw Sarah, I'm just reading your blog and like it also very much), it was what really got me hooked, as I was and still am going through similar experiences - a spiritual reawakening with a 2-by-4 so to say. How about sex as a devotional ritual?

I'm so in with the schoolgirls!

Also more about Him. After meeting Him for the first time, did you try find "book information" about dancing gods, or did you just go with the flow and your feelings about Him?

Take care!

[Rue]

Your writing is consistently intriguing and thought provoking or laughter provoking, depending. So pretty much anything is welcome but since we get to make requests. These are a few things I've been hoping you would talk more about.

I'm going to chime in for on more about Himself. Definitely at the top of the list.

Something you mentioned a while back that caught my interest was that you occasionally talk to houses, would be interested in more detail on that (really hoping I'm remembering correctly and that was you).

More food as devotional practice would be very good.

And one last thing, perhaps something more on the books, fiction and nonfiction both, that you get something from rereading. The ones that resonate with you. You've mentioned before books like Strands of Starlight that had an impact on you and you practice. I'd certainly enjoy hearing more about the books that you love and come back to time and again.

Thank you for all the wonderful writing you've shared in the past and everything yet to come. This blog is one of my favorite places to go for inspiration, well that and all the snarky wit.

[JavaStitcher]

Your thoughts and philosophy have been a constant inspiration to me. I had felt so lost until I found discovered wicca (quite recently), and I felt as if I had finally 'come home'. Your books have literally given me strength to continue down the path that has been opened for me.

I am glad to see you taking time for yourself. I would love to read about what books resonate with you, like the entry above asked about. I enjoy reading about walking the path in the normal every-day-part-of-life stuff too.

And I love your wit. It just makes sense. Your 'Witch' post is my favorite.

[Karen]

I really enjoy your posts/musings etc.
I would love to hear your view on why humans feel the need to tear people down. It is like we love someone or some cause and then the first hint of something negative is jumped on like a cat on a mouse. Why are we always so willing to thing the worse of people, especially ones we have admired. I am trying in my own life to see the best in everyone or everything without being to naive or maybe I will stay naive, who knows.
Anyway thanks again for all your wonderful posts, I hope you find your center in the chaos, thought the chaos can be fun in of itself, no?

[Belle]

Your commentary on The Secret and your ingenious quote: "the Goddess is Not Your Bitch" ..
got My attention..and still makes me chuckle.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Pagan Aferlife...
Judgment..
and I wonder if you have ever had a Solar Return astrological chart done ? They can be really useful tools in navigating a difficult year - which it sounds like you are having.

I hope your time off refreshes you !

[Danmara]

First of Dianne...I'm nearly finished The Circle Within and am happily looking forward to The Body Sacred (which is in my closet and next on my 'to read list'). You are a huge inspiration to me, especially now when I'm dealing with a partial diagnosis of GAD (and related fun stuff) myself.

As for things to write about:

I'm gonna jump on the sex train myself (sex train? Where is my mind at!) and say that sounds like a very good topic.

The dark side of Divinity, the dark goddess, death, all that good stuff.

Spring and new life. It IS that time of the year after all!

Recipes for various and sundry herbal mixes. I just made some orange lip/skin balm myself and it is LOVELY. And about the easiest thing in the world too. The hardest part is finding a container.

Comic ritual mishaps. Those are always fun to write about (and read about, too!)

More about you and Jeff. *wry grin*

Your writings about Pagans and Depression have been a huge inspiration. Would love to see more.

Writing personal rituals and working them into your life.

I know I'll think of more as soon as I hit 'post' LOL such is my luck.

With Love, Hope and Life
~Danmara

[RAcu]

Heh...if anyone's been paying attention, they'll remember Sylvan's not much into sacred sex...sex yes, but trying to make it ritual..no. But I shall of course, let her address that (and hide the evidence and tell me I've been smoking too many odd weeds).

I'd love to have you dig out the story of miss skinny-jogging-suit bitch in Book People and post it here...retreads are sometimes wonderful things.

Also...a question that's been burning me...does it get harder and harder to not come out to certain people who don't know you're Wiccan as the years go by?

And of course the Jeff sightings are always a good read.

Any epiphanies?

Why students like me are pains in the arse? Or not?

The love cave ;) .

*smoochies*

[Sjh]

Good for you! So often we never allow ourselves a rest. You deserve it.

I’m glad you’ll still be blogging. A few thoughts (since you asked):

I always do yoga in my rituals – to raise energy, to ground, etc… few people are talking about integrating eastern techniques like yoga and ecstatic dance in the western practice of Wicca. I’m always interested in posts where you address this kind of thing.

Book reviews. I loved the Red Book – which you turned me on to. (I love your books, too!) There are so few books out there that aren’t Wicca 101 that I am eager for any recommendations.

Wicca and writing. There is a connection between creativity and spirituality – and it’s hard to pin down. Do you have a personal ritual for writing? Do you thing writing is your calling? How are you going to recharge when it comes to your writing?

I’ve always found your posts on reclaiming holidays or creating holidays really interesting. I’m not one for May Eve, either. It’s really wonderful when you talk about this – I feel like I’m not alone and I always end up thinking ‘hmm….perhaps I should give that a try.”

Everyone else has said it – sex. Never a bad topic.

Depression. Painful, I know. But you have no idea how powerful those posts have been. Write it all down. Get it all out.

And last but not least – Himself. One of the things that hooked me about your work was that you talked openly about a women’s relationship with the God.

Thanks for soliciting opinion. And thanks for taking good care of yourself!

[Dana]

Hi Dianne,

I've been following your blog for some months now, after reading your books. I owe you thanks for bringing me smiles & sometimes outright laughter during a difficult period. Every time you write from the fat woman angle, I'm so thankful, it's such a rare voice.

For future reference, I'd love to hear more about human dynamics with fellow pagans around planning rituals/doing spiritual work together. I often find this a big challenge. Also hearing messages from Her: sometimes I feel she's always nearby, whispering in my ear. Sometimes she seems to take off, letting me struggle on my own, and I miss her guidance and loving caress.

with love and blessings,
Dana

[Thalia]

Oh yeah, me too, I'm with Sarah Peters (and I suspect for similar reasons, hmm) in that I want to hear more about The-Being-Whose-Name-Is-Not-Jeff. But I know that can be some hardcore stuff, too, so I get it if it's a bit much to ask.

But it's just so reassuring hearing someone else's version of it. 'Cause maybe I'm not crazy, you know?

Take care, you.

[Joe]

Hello Dianne,

I love hearing about the mystical and magical experiences people have. Things that happen in ritual, Spells that worked,those mystical coincidence moments, spirit contact. Those are my favorite. I also love hearing your observations about books and shows that you like. For example have you ever read:

A wizard of Earthsea
The chronicles of Thomas Covenant
The Fionavar Tapestry
Anything by Terry Pratchet
The Witching Hour by Anne rice
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Golden Compass

or movies and tv shows:

Queer as folk
Carnivale
Dungeons and Dragons (old cartoon)
The Great Muppet Caper
Children of Men
The Brave one
Lord of the Rings

There are certain books and shows that I turn to When I'm sick or depressed. Do you have anything like that?

Joe

[Jax]

I seem to recall you recounting a story about startling a coworker by telling her you had six lovers simultaneously...perhaps you can give us some thoughts on non-monogamy?

Also, more on dancing! What it is to be a Wiccan who identifies so closely with a male deity? More on living in and loving a female body, with all its accompanying hassles. Hearth as altar. Music and books. Tattooing. Austin.

[Tammy]

How you connect with nature, how you deal with negative comments against wicca (either by the public, or from family members who may not understand), how you incorporate your wiccan beliefs into your everyday life by the choices you make about products you use, food, transportation, would love to hear how you connect to god, and the elements.

[Pax]

How about some things on being involved, or not involved, in ones local Pagan community? I am big on trying to be involved in my own, and was active in trying to build a stronger one back in my home town.

At what point does ones internal spiritual quest, become an external quest for community or fellowship... or does it neccesarily?

Peace,
Pax

[Adam]

Hi!

First off, you are an amazing author and have done SO much for me! Your book Circle Within helped me in SO many ways I don't even know where to begin.

I've just got done reading The Mists of Avalon for the third time. And I was wondering what our pagan society would be like if we formed a much more organized approach to our religion. Specifically, if we actually had a place where girls learned to become priestess and boys learned to become druids. Much like our Christian counterparts have convents run by "mother superior" teaching young woman how to dedicate their lives to their God, and the same for male pagans.

I know that could be somewhat difficult with all the different sects and so forth within our religion, but maybe we could teach them all? I don’t know, I haven’t worked that part out yet.

What impact would that have on our society at large? I feel like if we were all more organized we would have a little more validity when it comes to being recognized political and socially.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you so much for your thoughts and words!

-Adam