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Midsummer 2005
Guest Editorial: Gods and Machines
By Ceri Young
The use of technology in ritual and spiritual practice has always fascinated me. I'm not a Technopagan myself, but the idea of incorporating non-traditional gadgetry into Paganism sets my mind on all kinds of different and interesting thought paths. What is technology? And does it have any place in a spiritual practice that has its roots in traditions that are thousands of years old, in what theoretically is a "nature religion?" So, when I was asked if I would like to edit a "Technopaganism" -themed issue of Wyntergreene, I accepted. I'm an editor by trade, so while I may not know much about the path, this was a good opportunity for me to talk to the experts and get them to share their thoughts and experiences.
Now, you'll notice that the theme of this issue is not exactly "Technopaganism". It's "Gods and Machines". There's a very good reason for this: when I started describing the theme, I realized that "Technopaganism" might be too narrow for what Wyntergreene is all about, and too narrow for the issue I had in mind. What I wanted to see was an issue that explored technology and the Pagan path. In my mind, it would examine technology not solely as a ritual tool, but in the way that it affects our practice and community. What you are holding in your hands right now is the product of that vision.
It would be impossible to deny that technology has had a profound effect on the Pagan community. At the very least, the ready stream of information available online has made the community grow exponentially. This, of course, has its good and bad sides, both of which we explore in this issue. We cover the wealth of information online and how to sift through it all; some good sites you might want to look at; online communities and how they're run; and we're featuring interviews with people who run websites. We've covered the practice of online ritual and what it's like - and why some say it can't work.
It's not surprising to me that an issue on technology and Paganism became very skewed toward the Internet. The Internet has had such a profound effect on our society and our consciousness that it's hard to get away from the topic. Indeed, after reading the articles that have come in, it occurs to me that a sub-theme in this issue is creating our reality, and how we have done that through focusing on the technology of the Internet. In a sense, "cyberspace" has become a kind of astral plane. This was not necessarily intentional, but so many people work with and in it that it's taken on a life of its own, for good or for ill.
However, technology is not all about the 'Net. I've kept to the original theme of "Technopaganism" in some places as well. One of our feature articles looks at the practice and what it incorporates. We also look at how you can use technology in ritual, and how you may be doing it already. This doesn't make you a Technopagan - or does it?
While editing this issue, I've had someone tell me about a fabulous ritual they attended with a paper shredder as a focus, and another smirk at the mention of calling a quarter with a cellular phone. I've also hit upon many interesting questions. This issue has made me think about the real world, the virtual world and how we relate to both. It's made me think about the nature of spirituality, the nature of tools, and the nature of technology.
I hope you find it as interesting and informative as I have.
Ceri Young has been a student of Paganism for ten years and a practicing Wiccan for five years. In her day job, she works as a writer, editor and copy editor.
Illustration by Annika Diehl. Annika is a Montreal artist and illustrator. She currently teaches painting to children in the West Island, writes and illustrates children's stories, and shares a studio space where she creates hand-crafted and hand-painted boxes, cards, and other beautiful things. See more of her work at www.anredi.com
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