Religion on the Road (Again)

May 17, 2012 by P. Sufenas Virius Lupus

Continued from Page 2

While some religious practitioners might not feel comfortable dropping in to a local church or temple with people they don't know, as modern Pagans, the entire world is our potential temple, and so it should not be a problem for us to carry out our devotions in almost any location we might find ourselves in. Just as paying attention to the literal elements when they are before us is just as important as the symbolic qualities of those elements in our rituals, prayers, meditations, and other practices, so too do I think that these matters which are taken as metaphorical of spiritual life and practice are just as important to pay attention to and take care during as it is to understand and promulgate them as metaphors. The same could be said about that most important dimension of what we do as Pagans and polytheists: the gods themselves, who are not just metaphors!

So, when you find yourself "on the road again," take a moment to remember your gods, thank them for their blessings, ask for their protection, and be mindful on your journey of their continued presence with you, and be ready for their sudden and unexpected emergence as you are on your way. It only takes a few seconds to recall them and even speak a short prayer under your breath when you turn the keys of your car and wait for it to warm up, as you wait for an elevator, as you queue for your row to be called to board the plane, or as you drop your coins into the bus fare collector. The gods are there for all of this, and it is our role to be mindful of this fact, no matter how stressful traveling might seem to be.

Page: 3 of 3

12/2/2022 9:01:59 PM

Pagan

Queer I Stand

Travel

Paganism

more at patheos

Making the Truth Laugh: An April Fools Day Reflection

Iran–US Peace Deal: Is the War Over?

Dennis McIntyre

About P. Sufenas Virius Lupus

P. Sufenas Virius Lupus is a metagender and a founding member of the Ekklesía Antínoou (a queer, Graeco-Roman-Egyptian syncretist reconstructionist polytheist religious group dedicated to Antinous, the deified lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and other related gods and divine figures). E is a contributing member of Neos Alexandria and a Celtic Reconstructionist pagan in the filidecht and gentlidecht traditions. Follow Lupus' work on the Aedicula Antinoi blog.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos