Problems of Humanity Lecture Series No. 4

Lecture/Presentation:

"Understanding the Neo-Pagan Revival"

        Light Net Inc. and the Ageless Wisdom Library are hosting a FREE Lecture on "Understanding the Neo Pagan Revival" to be conducted by the Soul Guide Fraternity on July 23, 2006, Sunday, 1-5 pm in Manila, Philippines (see sketch of Venue).

       With the showing of the movie, "The Craft" in the early 90s, the publication of the Harry Potter series, and the commencement of the "Charmed" TV series, millions of people world-wide, especially the youth, were captivated by the existence of magical powers, unseen realms and exciting lives of witches, wizards and other magical characters. This also sparked a revival in the interest of everything occult - particularly modern witchcraft, paganism and magical arts. Literature abound and hundreds of "covens" or magical " circles" or small groups were being formed everyday.

       While in the local scene, the popularity of paranormal beliefs and practices are not something new or alien, the global hype also created a stir as can be obseved by the sprouting of tele-novelas along the magical fantasy genre. This, plus the popularity of ghost story mags and local publications on kulam, tawas, etc., have drawn thousands of people into western-styled pagan or magical groups. What worries some researchers along religious or anthropological lines is that, unlike in western nations where celts, druids or forest witches are almost extinct, these local indigenous magical groups and cults - shamans, albularyos, mangkukulam, manggagaway, mambabarang, babaylan, baki are very much around and alive in the Philippines. The technology transfer or exchange between these older indigenous groups and the western-inspired neo-pagan groups might blur boundaries- like certain practices, observances and ethics (which were applicable only during olden times) might be taken out of context due to youthful aggressive eagerness and haste to learn more.

       To understand better this new movement, a primary source will be invited - a group named "Soul Guide", composing of professed practitioners of pagan and magical arts, to explain and present their views, beliefs and practices. It will also try to explore various reasons why many people, especially the youth, are attracted to it; and what future direction or obstacles they foresee confronting this movement.

        Accordingly, "Soul Guide is a magical fraternity that endeavors to create an elite group of responsible and exemplary psychics, mediums, shamans, magic practitioners, oracle readers, healers and other people who wishes to specialize in paranormal activities. Essentially, they aim to study, explore and utilize the infinite capacities of the spirit, which is part of being human. Doing this, they endeavor to be living examples of how to practice peaceful co-existence through unconditional love."

       After the close of the lecture, a Reflective New Moon Group Meditation, "Strengthening the Hands of the New Group of World Servers" will be held.