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RITES OF PASSAGE  

An analysis of two themes persistent across various Japanese religious traditions: purification, rituals and charms; and religion in everday life.

This paper will look at the aspects of Wicca from ritual ceremonies to the environment in which Wicca is practiced. Wicca is not new, it just "is".

Candle color magic, like crystal magic, is a very key part to most rituals in Wicca.

Using colors in spell work and other rituals is called color magic. Colors have genders, seasons, direction, elements, workings, and stages of life.

Rituals draw many to both Wicca and Witchcraft. What is a ritual? That all depends on which type of ritual that you are talking about.

Three wicca book reviews that are highly recommended

Comparing my cultural influences, which are primarily Dutch Catholic, to Buddhist beliefs and rituals.

Rituals are those comforting, metaphoric acts-sometimes simple, sometimes complex-that we perform on holy days or at set intervals, depending upon their meaning in our lives. We perform them in temples or in our homes, these acts of faith. Faith in what?

Menstruation is a universal occurrence that marks the beginning of womanhood for women in cultures around the world. In many cultures the act of menstruating brings with it various social implications and taboos for the young woman.

A brief introduction to the beliefs and components of Voodoo.

This article highlights the symbolism of the New Moon and ritual in our lives. Also, it highlights how we can use the New Moon and ritual to infuse our power of intention to attract wonderful new beginnings.

This articles gives a small look into the characteristics of each color in the Magic: the gathering Collectible Card Game.

The Pagan religion Wicca is one of the top ten religions in the United States.

Gerald Gardner, the 'founder' of Wicca, has been attributed with many things regarding the religion. How many of these accomplishments are true? What debates are there over authenticity? Validity?

A basic introduction, by a former student of Wicca. This will cover Wicca as I learned and practiced it - a genuine religion, not a convenient fantasy.

The Bill of Rights states that: First Amendment to U.S. Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

Following the controversy over magic used in the real world in J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, explore this objective guide to three popular magic-centric television shows.

Female Genital Mutilation has been essential to most African cultures for as long as 2,000 years. However, in the past decade, outside pressures have turned the Female Genital Mutilation ritual into something taboo rather than something to be anticipated.

This essay discusses the importance of ritual and tradition to all aspects of Asian life and explores its influence on modern Asia.

Learn the real "magic" behind rituals, and why a well-planned, sincere personal ritual will work to create psychological change or get you what you really want out of life. Plus five tips for creating the most effective ritual.

In the pagan tradition, a magic circle (sacred circle, circle of magic, or even "circle of art") is the foundation for any pagan ritual or ritual magic. Casting a magic circle can be a deeply meditative experience.

Family rituals serve to strengthen families and foster a sense of belonging. Children realize that they're part of something unique. Not surprisingly, researchers have found that there is a link between family routines and rituals and the health and ha

In the Vodun religion, there are many rituals that take place during their ceremonies. These rituals may seem strange to people in the American culture.

Religion should be less about having answers and more about questions. Failure to do this leads to suffering and division.

With a history possibly stretching back into the 1930s, the Neo-Pagans religion claim of goddess worship in the Stone Ages seems to be an outright fabrication. If this information is readily available, who perpetuates this idea?

Thoughts on religion in the workplace and why letting everyone worship at work isn't feasible.

In the hour just before you go out on a date you are nervous and excited about the big night. So its good for us to lay out some pre-date rituals to help you be prepared for a big romantic night with your sweetheart.

Let us try and understand the psychology of what a ritual is and therefore its role in our lives and why we should be according it more importance than we sometimes care to do.

Religion encourages people to look hopefully to a better world to come, minimizing the social problems of their world. A link exists between religious beliefs and societal benefit. But is there a link between religion and adolescent behavior?

What the hell is that guy doing? A little OCD, maybe? Is he off his meds? Nah, relax. He's okay. It's just a little pre-game ritual.

Understanding the lore and element behind the crystals can help you pick which one is the most needed one for the ritual or spell you'd like to work

Native Hawaiian spirituality can be traced back thousands of years when ancient Hawaiians looked to the wind (makani, or life giving spirit) to nurture their spiritual well-being, and to assist them in crossing often treacherous miles of ocean in speciall

You don't have to believe in the mystical power of Tarot for the cards to have a profound effect on your everyday life. Take advantage of the collected wisdom of hundreds of philosphers to help you face the challenges you meet each day.

Rites of passage can be tricky. Often times they lead to grief, denial, and/or other difficult emotional states. There are ways to successfully transition, and I discuss some of the ways I've developed in my therapeutic practice.

It might be the first time someone calls you "Sir" or "Ma'am" - or the day you first snore or become a parent. A bit about those inevitable rites of passage.

Today, getting a period is seen as shameful and abhorrent, but it does not need to be. Here are some great ways to celebrate a young woman's special changes.

book review of faeriecraft.

This article discusses the phenomenon of "cutting" by defining the behavior, exploring causes and identifying effective treatment strategies.

Archetypes have increasingly become an integrated part of history and life. The archetype's story is told and retold every day, whether we realize it. Archetypes have dated far back into the history of man kind and are deeply rooted in mythology and legends.

Marcus Grodi is the host of a program called The Journey Home, which features people who have either converted to Catholicism from a variety of different religious traditions, or are lapsed Catholics who have resumed practicing Catholicism.

The importance of cultural competency while caring for patients

Like many hallowed traditions of the past, driver education needs to move out of the dark ages and into the 21st Century.

For hundreds and hundreds of years, cultures across the globe have used special tribal tattoo designs for individual decoration and communal identification.

From first time author Norm Hendricks, Forever Indian Summer takes a ferry full of nine-to-fivers on a trip in time to an American landscape untouched by European hands.

The makers of the old college student standby, Ramen noodles, have created a healthier version of their product -- organic Ramen. Made with organic whole wheat noodles, is this new version of Ramen an improvement? Find out in this review.

The importance of crafting and its relationship to women communicating and bonding.

The family and educational situations of social maturation in deaf children can easily be compartmentalized into several overlapping categories...

An easy road map to understanding the psychology behind the time of your birth, how it relates to who you are and can become, and how you can learn to overcome your perceived limitations by utilizing the tools given to you as your birthright.

A review of the Showtime original series Dead Like Me, Season 2, on DVD.

This paper examines a passage from Hawthorne's "My Kinsman, Major Molineux" and why it is central to the work.

Humans have practiced bodily beautification and adornment throughout the centuries regardless of their sex, race, social status, or creed.

LSD has a long and tumultuous history, from ancient Greek cults to the Swiss scientist who discovered it to the CIA's experiments with it and on.

Saunas have been known throughout history to help relax and improve one's overall health, and promote well being. In many parts of the world taking saunas is a regular part of a healthy lifestyle.

This is an "up front" article that explores what the basic structure of the social work profession implies about the priorities of the American culture and why the risk of "burn out" is high in the social work field.

School gangs are a fact of life and are something which must be addressed and dealt with. It is no longer an option to attempt

Ah, comfort food. French fries, mac & cheese, pasta, ice cream... "This is dead man's cornbread."

Your bunny has chosen a mate! The bunny match is over and your rabbit and his new bunny friend are in a cat carrier waiting to be whisked away on their bunnymoon. Now at last the bonding can begin!

Sex has become far less serious than in the past and teenagers are exposed to sex from an early age.

Oh those crazy teenage girls and their rites of passage.... the first prom, the first kiss, the first bank robbery.....

This essay by G. Stolyarov II details the material and ideological stimuli to European colonization as a means of empirically justifying that monumental development.

Getting tattoos, considered a "rite of passage" amongst military personnel, will soon be receiving some tight restrictions...

This is a review of the book "Manhood in the Making" by David Gilmore.

You can't see it here, but there are kids playthings in the yard. Another generation, primed to soak up the culture of their surroundings like sponges, learning that they must hate in order to be loved.

Despite criticism about the movie's treatment of African American fraternities, Stomp the Yard has depth and artistic value for teens.

An overview of popular tattoo styles hoping that along the way you'll find your own perfect piece of art - you know, the flash that somehow magically found its way onto paper instead of your skin and now you've gotta have it back.

Religion serves many functions. It can be a catalyst for change, or it can serve to preserve social ideals and traditions.

A little something developed while in college.

When you think of witchcraft, you probably envision old, ugly, wart-ridden women dressed in black robes, hovering over a cauldron. Or perhaps you would more quickly think of recent Hollywood images of witches, sexy teens sporting obnoxious attitudes.

George Starks' new fantasy novel, Blood: The Beginning, is a fascinating read that ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more.

It is very true that the "science" of dream interpretation was said to be more like an art than science. The relationship between one's waking life and one's dreams is hard to explain.

Babies are making the headlines in 2008. If you thought Mr. Big would never become a Dad, think again. Read all about Big's baby debut, and a pair of famous tots born on the same day!

A review of appropriate Baptism Gifts for people of all ages.

Marriage is a sacred institution that should not be taken lightly in the eyes of our society and nation.

Many do not realize that there is a controversy in the dental community regarding the advisability of prophylactic wisdom tooth (third molar) extraction.

Spiritual maturity or what I have come to call "self-actualization" calls us to claim our life and in effect let go entirely of what we want. As a spiritual seeker, I used to think we had some kind of say in the course for our lives. Now I would ammend this idea.

Out of all the questions homeschoolers are asked, this one is the most frustrating.

A review of Religious Medals and things to be considered when giving them as gifts.

Several of the top florists in Fort Worth Texas are reviewed by a local.

A review of Blake Snyder's book on screenwriting. In Save the Cat, he explains everything you need to know about plot development, genres, and character development, so that anyone can create a movie that will sell.

The 16th annual celebration of gay culture continues through Aug. 25th in New York at the Hot! Festival.

Celebrities influence the trends of beauty, but it is often forgettable that they to are human and bear the same physical types of scars we do. Here are some famous scars.

The Vision Quest, is considered very religious by native Americans.

Jack Zipes believes that Disney destroyed fairy tales. Here's why he's right.

Rigby's Thalidomide Kid has been described as "a poignant and atmospheric study of cultural and personal rites of passage" which "lifts a corner of the veil to reveal the cruel and uncomfortable face of the thalidomide horror that crippled a generation."

The cow is viewed as a motherly figure since it provides things such as milk and butter and since nurturing is considered motherly, what appears to be 'worshiping' is more of a deep, sincere respect towards these animals as Hindus are taught to respect all living beings.

Stories about Bigfoot and similar creatures date back to prehistory around the world. But to simply see those stories as evidence of whether Bigfoot exists or not ignores the richness of the folklore, and misses what the tales tell us about ourselves.

Growing up in any region of the country involves activities which are unique and differ from other areas. Growing up in the South,

The Parents Guide to what causes sibling rivalry, how sibling rivalry is a good thing, and ways that you can make the most of sibling rivalry

I'm Dedan Tolbert, founder/CEO of Tolbert Books and Distribution as well as the author of the hit novel, "The Love We Had..."

Mary James founded the Moms Club in 1983 because she was sick of being a lonely, at-home mom. She thought their might be other moms out there that felt the same. There are... over 100,000 of them.

Readers and movie-goers respond to the mythic elements in a novel or movie without necessarily knowing the origins of those myths.

Considering how the Scriptures counsel young people in terms of dances.

A preview of the 2006 NBA season for the Orlando Magic.

Part prank, part courting ritual, the Great Pumpkin Ritual was a common practice a long, long time ago. Back in the olden days, somewhere in the mid '80s, teenagers in the town where I lived used to practice the Great Pumpkin Ritual.

What do writers and readers expect from fiction that contains magic?

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is one of four major theme parks at Walt Disney World.

Christian church history is fascinating. Read this article to learn reasons why people study church history and learn tips for studying it yourself.

An exclusive club only open to practitioners of trickery and grand illusions, the Magic Castle is devoted to promoting the art and history of magicians past and present.

short poems for Black History Month"