Happy Guy Fawkes Night

I hope you, like us, are looking forward to gathering tonight observing bonfires and fireworks. My family are attending a local show at a nearby fire station, firstly for safety, secondly, so we can bolt easily if the fireworks are too loud for our youngest. I wonder if you will be burning an effigy, or …

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Samhain Ritual 2011

This year's ritual is different to last year, mostly because it was also drawing in the elements of the scapegoat study that we've been doing. I've put it below, if anyone wants to borrow ideas - most of it already comes from other sources (which I've tried to put in brackets after each relevant section) …

The Scapegoat: ideas so far

Back in July Simon had the idea that we discuss the idea of the scapegoat (& the festival of Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement) and scapegoating in society, possibly with a view to putting on an artistic/ worship event around the theme. When we had an initial brainstorm we had thought about different connotations …

Scapegoating in contemporary life

A few weeks ago we looked at scapegoating in our everyday life. By definition it always takes place in groups - who is in and who is out. We asked did having a scapegoat strengthen the group? Did the group need a new scapegoat if the old one left? Did Judas serve a purpose by …