'Ancient Religions Today'
Talk presented for the Pagan Federation's 50th Anniversary, Academic Conference, 24th July 2021.
Abstract
Contemporary Paganism is an ever-expanding new religious movement whose interest and practises significantly intersect with scholarly investigations of the ancient world and the operations of heritage sites and museums. Such growing engagement requires responsible, ethical, and balanced responses from secular professionals in these fields in order to address misinformation and to foster mutually beneficial dialogues. This presentation introduces my current doctoral research on Anglo-American Goddess Spirituality as a project undertaken by one betwixt the secular and spiritual camps in the reception and revival of ancient polytheism. In this talk I will address some of the pros and cons of this position, as well as the progress of my research.
'Sekhmet: Lady of Plague & Pestilence, Mistress of Life'
Talk presented for the first Scottish Goddess Conference, 13th-19th September 2021.
Abstract
Sekhmet is an ancient Egyptian Netjeret (or Goddess) who appears with the body of a woman and the head of a lioness, crowned by the sun disc. Her name means, the ‘mighty (female) one’ and mighty She indeed is, manifesting the dichotomy of life-giving solar power and devastating destruction. She is incarnate female power, tangible, burning sunlight, instinct, health, and affliction. Sekhmet commands Her Seven Arrows, daemonic emissaries, spreading plague and pestilence throughout the land; with the power to cause such dis-ease, Sekhmet also possesses the unsurpassed power to withdraw it, conferring healing and life to those who appease Her. This presentation will explore Sekhmet’s dynamic and uncompromising nature, bringing together Her ancient and modern veneration, demonstrating Her continued presence in people’s lives and her ability to traverse great expanses of time and space.
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