As any of you who follow me on social media know, I have been transitioning as a non-binary/trans masc person. This includes legally changing my name. That is a ton of work (and money!). I am just beginning the paperwork for a legal name change in this county, then I will have to change my name on all of my legal documents. It seems like it is a good time to get all this in order, especially as anti-trans legislation becomes such a hot topic around the country and next year is an election year. I am grateful to live in Washington state, where trans affirming health care and name changes are so much easier than most places right now, and I am also aware of how fleeting these rights can be in our current political climate.
For myself, this transition has been one of so much joy, living more fully into my full self. I have so much more energy and hope, and so much joy in not hiding all of who I am.
I have also been in transition in my own spirituality and spiritual practice. For most of my spiritual journey, I have felt accompanied by guides and saints, goddesses and the earth itself. This earth based spiritual practice has deeply grounded me the past several years. When I was in Iceland, I met with an Àsatrù leader, who talked about how deeply grounded her spirituality was in the landscape of Iceland and the place she belonged. She talked about listening to ourselves and the earth.
That has led me to another transition. As my practice has become more visibly and openly pagan, I am asking, and talking with my bishop, about whether I can remain ordained in the Episcopal tradition. I will always see myself as a follower of Jesus, and I will always appreciate my training in Christian theology, but I find myself turning to new ways of being in the world, and new ways of imagining old stories. I have been taking some classes with the Irish Pagan School, learning a bit about spiritual practice in Irish tradition.
I have also been taking classes with Vancouver School of Theology in Indigenous studies and creation ethics. I want to learn how to decolonize spiritual practice as I seek to connect to earth based spirituality. White people in the United States are rather prone to appropriating any spiritual tradition they feel drawn to, and this is especially true in earth based spiritual practice. As we see a rise of white nationalist organizing in this country, there is also an effort to use so-called Norse and Celtic mythology and pagan religious practice in service to white supremacy. I found this frequently in prison and jail chaplaincy and I have a particular interest in studying this trend and developing tools to counter it.
And, finally, Emily and I are both in transition for work. Emily just graduated with her Master’s in Social Work and is looking for what will best support her in her next stage of training. And I have been so grateful for this time to rest and write, but am also searching for my next step and call. I am considering chaplaincy jobs while I research PhD programs and teaching opportunities.
Transitions are scary, but they are also liminal times that open up new futures. I am equal part terrified and excited.
If you have read this far, thank you! I appreciate all your support over the years and hope all of you are enjoying this time of late spring and new life!