The Rites of Spring in the High Rocky Mountains.

The sunny birds have stirred me from my winter hibernation to embrace the fertility of Spring. Immediately my eyes lift heavenward to the Rocky Mountains towering above. My heart is like a magnet, as it yearns to be reunited with the wilds of my youth. As soon as I could walk on my own, I was introduced to the near-by mountains and have gone back again and again for the rest of my life. I feel such a strong and peaceful bond with all of nature. It ignited a life-long passion for nature that burns brighter with each passing year. Soon, it will be time to perform my "Consecration of Spring" ritual.

It involves finding a secluded woods far away from camp sites to strip naked. Nudity is our natural form--it is what Mother Nature intended us to wear in our natural habitat. But, since we can't walk around naked all the time, I like to incorporate it into many of my Neo-Pagan rituals. In those hidden woods, I dig a small hole with my hands. I don't use a man-made object because it lacks the personal connection to the fertile dirt that feeds us and gives us resources for shelter and fuel.

I like to raise a scoop of dirt in my hands to my nose and smell of its richness. It is a gesture of respect to the soil's power. At the same time, it's soft yet rich scent relaxes my body and mind, allowing the chaotic stress of modernity to melt away quicker. It's a ritual that shakes the grime of city life off my mind so I can get into spiritual state worthy of Mother Nature's beauty. It's a ritual that reminds me I don't have to carry the baggage of my daily life out in nature. It disintegrates the knots of stress, so that I can fully embrace the experience of nature. I don't believe in rituals without preparing your spirit first because otherwise you rush through it and miss the messages Mother Nature has for you because you weren't in the right frame of mind.

This is where I will be adding some new rituals to my "Consecration of Spring" ceremony. I like to bath in mountain streams when I go backpacking far away from human contact. So, I was thinking that before I strip naked in a secluded grove, and dig the hole that I'll bath in a mountain stream to ritualistically cleanse the grime of materialism from my body. Then when I'm naked I am pure for the rituals to come. Finally, upon completion of the bathing and digging, I drop some wildflower seeds in the hole. Then, I begin to masturbate.

I really loose myself in it, without drawing too much attention. I thank Mother Nature for giving me such a beautiful tool, as my aroused phallus to spread fertility. I thank her for making me a man and with it the enjoyment a sexually horny male can enjoy. I dedicate myself to supporting all ideas that further the birth of revolutionary changes that improve life for humans and animals. Then, when I've extended my masturbating for as long as I can, I unload my streaming man seed (cum) into the hole (womb) as a symbolic ritual of rebirth.

A dedication to a Springtime of renewal and stewardship of nature. It is a ritual where I symbolically impregnate nature and thus feel a deeper bond to the land--and to protect it like I would my own family. It represents a renewed hope and dedication to give birth to new and positive changes in my life. It helps me feel like I am re-connecting with my "natural man" instincts, too. Then I fill in the hole with the soil dug out and cover the sacrificial area with leaves, in a nod to the environmentalists creed, "Leave nature as pristine as you found it." Leave no trace of human activity behind. Feel free to adopt anything that calls to from my "Consecration of Spring" ritual...I believe in communal co-operation and sharing of spiritual expression. That's all for now...

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

Billy Graham's Daughter, Ann Graham, Says it's O.K. To Discriminate Against Atheists.

The daughter of televangelist Rev. Billy Graham, Ann Graham says that it’s important to discriminate against candidates who are atheists because politicians “should have a fear for almighty God.”

Green Man: I heard her say this live, and my jaw dropped wide open. This bigoted comment came just seconds after she said people who are considering whether to vote for a Mormon or not should look at the candidates "policies" rather than their religious beliefs. I guess that only applies to believers in "God." The constitution states that no religious testshould be given as a criteria for public office. Yet that is exactly what Ms. Graham and others like her do every election toward non-Christians.

She was way out of line and not engendering the spirit of brotherhood that Jesus taught about. How are we supposed to work together if Christians dismiss atheists out of hand? As an atheist, I have voted for no one butChristians, and it never kept me from voting based on their policies. Christians dismiss atheists and non-Christians as untrustworthy and evil but then Christians wonder why non-believers feel so discriminated against??? Wake up America -- this is supposed to be a religious free country!! Freedom of religion and freedom from religion. Can you imagine the outrage if President Obama was an atheist and said he wouldn't vote for a Christian?!! And the outrage would be justified. What she said was extremely irresponsible and bitterly divisive.

Speaking of President Obama, it seems that plenty of religious conservatives (thought not all, thankfully) want to have it both ways. They want to be able to falsely label President Obama as a "Muslim" (as if there is anything wrong with being Muslim in the first place). However, when a Democrat or Liberal dares question their insertion of religion into politics, they cry like a baby that their first amendment rights of freedom of religion are being attacked!! They have rigged the system where they are right when they are right, and right when they are wrong. No wonder they don't want the status quo to change, they have a very effective scam going on.

The silence from Christians after Ms. Graham's ugly statements speak volumes toward their hypocrisy on freedom of religious expression. If they truly stood for religious freedom in America then they would be demanding that Ms. Graham apologize for such polarizing, disrespectful remarks. The irony is that most atheists would love to not have to talk religion, but Christians refuse to acknowledge the secular nature of American government. So, to not defend oneself is such an environment is akin to dropping your weapons in the midst of a battle.

I don't have a problem with people voting against atheist candidates based on their policies, but not based on their atheistic beliefs. Being an ex-Mormon, I have plenty of disagreements with that religion, but I would never not vote for Mitt Romney because of his religion. I don't even need to consider such a factor because his policies are plenty enough information for me not vote for him. I really am concerned about the level of religious discrimination toward non-believers and believers of non Judeo-Christians beliefs. I'm even more concerned about how much religion has been inserted into politics over the past 20-30 years. Let's keep our elections based on policies, please.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Spirituality Behind Phallic Worship.

A swollen, full, veiny, throbbing hard penis is a work of art to me, and as a bisexual man, I am a proud adherent of the ancient practice of phallic worship. I can not gaze upon a masterpiece of a cock without feeling my own manhood swell in brotherhood unity. Humanity has long been enthralled by the spellbinding nature of the phallus, from the ancient obelisks of Egypt to the modern age of pornography. It stands proud and noble pointing to the heavens to remind all that we descend from the cosmic seed of the stars. A firm erection demands attention as it protrudes out from the male body mesmerizing those who gaze upon as if they were looking upon a holy relic. It is to be handled like a religious icon as it is delicate and precious to all who enjoy it.


(The phallic rock in Kharkhorin, Mongolia)The kneeling on the floor to suck on a phallus is a very devotional act which shows great reverence as one is quite literally bowing before it and giving all of oneself to its glory. From an early age every male becomes intimately aware of the power and magic between his legs. The young man stands in awe of his cock growing with touch to the point of powerfully ejecting his hot seed of life. From his first orgasm he becomes devoted to pleasing it for the rest of his life. He fondles it with care in recognition of how special a gift it is to him. It is his sacred scepter of manhood. His fleshy magic-wand that when stroked transforms the mundane into the transcendental. Connecting with his penis is a devotional act of submission, submission to the passion that stirs the fire of his being. His sensitive balls carry the weight of creation and raw manhood.

(Phallus fountain in the Netherlands)I cannot resist the beckon of my phallus when it begins to stir, I must touch it and make it happy or I cannot think about anything else. I am devoted to the power of the cock and devoted to its celebration and adoration. A swollen cock ejaculating is a beautiful, magical sight as it is watching the raw power of creation surging forth to find the receptacle of the feminine chalice like vagina. I love to watch my cock pulse as it strains to eject my seed as far as possible to ensure the best chances of achieving union with the yoni energy inside the sacred temple that is the vagina.

Pagan phallic altar at "Graveyard Dirt: Two Worlds and In-between"

One final note, don't let anyone tell you that adoration of phallus is "dirty" or "immoral." Nor the same about masturbation. The various pagan religious traditions consider the human phallus to be immensely sacred (as is the vagina) and they are the oldest and longest surviving religions of humanity!! Often the response you hear is that you just want to indulge your sexual desires and "justify it" by calling it religion. But, if those people aren't experiencing sexuality in an intensely spiritual way then I'd say that they're doing it wrong!! Sexuality is the height of spiritual ecstasy. For the pagan, sexuality and spirituality are not separate because sexuality is the source of life itself!! So, it is perfectly normal to celebrate life through sexual adoration and ritual. Without sexual desires, there wouldn't be religion in the first place. So, for myself, I am not embarrassed or ashamed to worship sexuality, eroticism and the naked, aroused human body.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Turk Mason: My New Man Crush.

Great Odin's beard!! Look who wandered into the grove?! It's Turk (heavy breathing) Mason!! Ok, ok, you caught me -- I lured him here, but can you blame me??? Don't give me that judging look, I told you in the profile that the grove would be a sanctuary for sexuality from time to time!! You'll find no shame in this grove over nudity -- we encourage it!! It is how Mother Nature delivered us, so there is nothing to feel ashamed about. We are supposed to ogle each other, that's why our sexual organs look so amazingly beautiful!! If you want sentient beings to reproduce, then it's only natural to make their bodies works of art to entice copulation. Phew, it's getting steamy in here!!

So, Turk, do you like bisexual men? Well, seeing how you are gay, I'm betting that my "Republic of Bisexualopolis" passport should qualify me as a "guest" in "gaytopia" long enough for us to bond.

Maybe lie down in the tall, soft, grass at the edge of the grove together naked, to bask in the glory of our aroused male sex organs. Watch the sunshine glisten off the tight, shiny, pink skin. Let the cool breeze relax the tension as we express our shared raw, masculine, sexuality. Cuddling, fondling and caressing. Savoring the intoxicating, musky scent of an aroused man. Stroke our masculine pride with absolute enjoyment and no hint of shame, until we explode with blissful ecstasy all over each other and the grove.

Mmmmm, yes, the Green Man has a crush on a gorgeous boy and his name is Turk Mason.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

No Long Term Lung Damage From Occasional Marijuana Use.

By Agence France-Presse, as seen on Raw Story 

WASHINGTON — People who occasionally smoke marijuana do not suffer long-term lung damage the way cigarette smokers do, and may actually experience a slight improvement, said a 20-year US study published TuesdayThose who smoked cigarettes tended to have much higher lifetime exposure to smoking than marijuana users, but when researchers adjusted the data for current and lifetime exposure, they found smokers’ lung function got worse over time while pot smokers’ lung function actually improved slightly. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Cannabis plants (marijuana) by M_Bartosch for Free Digital Photos

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

Of Christians and Pagans: Yule Tide, Not Christmas.

After breaking the Christan shackles of my youth, I gorged myself on the spiritual feast that was forbidden in my brainwashed youth. They took advantage of a naive and sensitive child to program with their narrow-minded views. When someone wakes up from that kind of delusional reality, it tends to cause some anger and resentment. It's baggage that I'm still sorting out. 

So, I strongly protest making children adopt a spiritual belief system that they are too young yet to understand. I feel that way with any belief system -- including Buddhism and Paganism, which are my two shared belief systems. But, I've rudely drawn us off course from the core of what I wished to share with you good people.

So, it's Yule!! Otherwise known as Winter Solstice, but I call it Yule being of Scandinavian heritage. Like so much of Pagan spirituality, it was forcibly assimilated into the Christian celebrations of Christmas. Typical of Christianity, they stole a lot from the Pagans (the tree and Santa Claus to name a few of the big ones). Yeah, you heard that right. Did you honestly buy that story that Santa Claus was a Christian "Saint?" Uh, no.

Again, typical of Christians, they replaced the Pagan Odin with one of the their Saints, Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas. The character and mythology of Sinterklaass was a major influence for the development of Saint Nicholas. Santa is an old man with a long, white, beard? Odin, was an old man with a long, white, beard. Santa Claus wears a cloak? Odin wore a cloak, too. Santa Claus flies through the sky with his 8 reindeer. Oden, flies through the sky on a horse with 8 legs. Santa delivers gifts through the chimney to the children. Children in the some Pagan regions would leave their boots (Christmas stockings) by the chimney filled with sugar or carrots to feed Odin's horse. Then came the "Christmas" tradition of hanging the stocking by the chimney hoping for gifts from Santa. Along with the "Christmas" tradition of leaving cookies for Santa and his reindeer. Santa Claus is said to mysteriously know whether you're been bad or good. Odin, the supreme god of Norse Pagan mythology had this same magical ability.

As for the tree, in Pagan times, evergreen trees and plants were brought into homes during Winter Solstice (Yule). They helped remind them that some life (evergreens) continues to live, even in the dark of winter, and that spring's life will soon arrive!! Yule was unceremoniously changed to Christmas and some bullshit about the star being the star the shepherds saw when Jesus was born. Yeah, well, that may be their story but originally it represented the stars in the universe, along with the candles attached to the tree. The star on top of the tree was originally a pentagram representing the five seasons with spirit being the fifth element. I wanted to write this all out so you know where I am coming from when I saw I made a star for our tree!! The star I made is the star in this post's picture at the top!!

I collected the twigs from one of my favorite nature areas here in the Colorado mountains. As I chose them carefully, I thanked Mother Earth for her bounty. When I came home, I glued the pentagram together and wrapped it in raffia twine. Thus, our Yule Tree is complete!! To combine it with my Buddhist tradition of celebrating Buddha's enlightenment under the Pipal tree on December 8th, a Buddha statue sits under the tree, at the base. May you all have a very find holiday season whether that be Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or Bodhi Day!!

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

The Ancient Cypress Trees of Louisiana.

Floating your way through a Louisiana cypress swamp is an eerie but a deeply spiritual experience. Silently drifting across the water, one gets the feeling of entering a lost world. It's as though you have tumbled into the past to wander the humid swamps the dinosaurs called home. The cypress trees are the ancient guardians of the swamplands. It is they who hold the secrets of our ancestors and you can feel that energy radiating throughout your core. It is an energy that gives much but it must be respected because the swamps are no place to forget that Mother Nature is in control of our destinies.

I have wandered down to Louisiana numerous times and I can always feel an older, stronger energy to the land. It is a realm that is saturated with history and marinating in archaic mysteries. It's not just Voodoo that senses the powers at work in the swamp lands. Anyone sensitive to metaphysical energy can feel it hang in the air like the warm humidity of the environment. Each time that I visit, there is an energy to the place that reminds me of the heart of Africa. It is like recognizing an old friend from my days living in West Africa. It is a place that transfixes me, which is what keeps me coming back year after year. It you want to experience some powerful energy while taking in some of the oldest and most spectacular nature and history in America, you must visit Louisiana.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Traditional Marriage According to the Bible.

The Revelation of the Pyramids.

What do the pyramids in Egypt, Easter Island, Machu Picho and countless other sacred sites around the globe all have in common? More than you might expect. Watch the following video clips to learn the mysteries:

Happy Thanksgiving from The Grove!!

It's a holiday weekend here in the grove, so I've decided to leave the pixies in charge and have a little fun!! I just hope glitter isn't everywhere when I get back. Last time they were in charge of the grove, there was so much glitter around that I was farting sparkles for days!! Hehe...

Anyway, as you probably can tell by now, I don't have much use for labels but every now and then I think it's good to have a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor to keep us humble. So, even though I am bi-sexual and not gay, I still enjoyed the light-hearted roast of the gay subgenres by Gawker editor, Brian Moylan. The article is titled, "A Handy Guide to All Gay Men" by Brian Moylan.

The gay world is often represented as some sort of monolithic whole that has the same culture. That is a lie. It is actually broken down into a handful of substrata to which each gay belongs. Here they are.

Just like the world at large may stereotype gays as mincing wrist flippers with great taste bent on giving everyone they meet a make over. A queer will tell you that we are all individuals and that those stereotypes are false and horrible.

That said, when the gays see a fellow homosexual in the public sphere, we try to plug them into the convenient taxonomy the community has made for itself. That's right, we have our own stereotypes for each other.

Green Man: As for where I would place myself in these genres? Well, I gotta admit that I'd mostly be the, "Art Fag" (I even have the glasses and artsy facial hair). But, with the following exceptions: I don't feel I am cooler than anyone else. I'm not emaciated and I shave my head. Also, Lady Gaga is my favorite Diva, not Peaches. And, finally, It isn't cheap coke I'm into, but organic cannabis!! Otherwise, I'm more or less an "Art Fag." I know he's not gay or bi-sexual, but Johnny Depp's fashion and persona represent the eccentric artist that I am:The Art Fag:
Body Type: Emaciated, tattooed, usually with some sort of ironic facial hair and an enormous coif. Description: The art fag is cooler than you. He's also cooler than all your friends, and he is not afraid to show it. He is usually an artist (duh), photographer, fashion designer, band member, or something that requires a degree from RISD, FIT, or some other art school that is an acronym. He dresses either in the most current prissy fashions or like a homo version of Terry Richardson, in big glasses, flannels, and jeans that looks so thrown together that it took him hours to put together. You're more likely to find them at a gallery opening or model party, but every so often they'll be at a gay bar to rub elbows, and other parts, with the other homos.

Subcategories: Alternaqueers, gipsters

New York City Hang Out: The Cock

Diva of Choice: Peaches Lady Gaga

Preoccuptions: The hottest club, looking down on things, cheap coke, being bohemian, the outer boroughs

Top or Bottom: Both, but prefer top.

Celebrity Example: Marc Jacobs

Throw in a small bit of sport jock and account for my preoccupation being art instead of "the hottest clubs" and you've got me!! Though, in my 20's I truly was all about the clubs. It's just now, I'm settling down and doing the domestic diva thing. Anyway, I hope that all my American readers have a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday!! And, to everyone else reading, I love you too!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Lawrence O'Donnell: Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol.

A clear and well-reasoned argument on the hypocrisy of alcohol users condemning marijuana users when alcohol is much more dangerous and addictive. Those who call marijuana the "gateway drug" conveniently forget that most marijuana users drank alcohol well before trying the less harmful marijuana. And what about caffeine? There are a lot of people who have caffeine withdrawals.

The Shaman Will See You Now.

PHOTO CREDIT: "Lush Rain Forest" by porbital

Being a novice Shaman, tonight, I am enjoying a show about Amazonian healing methods. I was called to serve by the spirit energy that comes with surviving a severe medical condition. It is said that shamans are called by one of two ways: by your grandparent or parent, or from surviving a severe illness, which gave you access to the vision-realm. I have been both blessed and cursed to carry, "the fire" within myself. Modern medicine would call it "schizoaffective disorder," but in most earth traditions, being able to straddle that mental netherworld is an asset to the Shaman.

It is through my visions or "hallucinations" that I am able to transcend the confines of the mind and intuit deeper understanding. I walk through this world with one foot in "Earth-realm" and another foot in the "Greater Consciousness." When I am most in-tune between those dimensions, I literally see what's happening in my earthy present moment from one eye, and a world of pure transcendence from the other. The vision realm sends me family relatives who have died and now reside in another dimension of consciousness to guide me through lucid dream travels.

The other night, I spoke with my recently deceased uncle in a dream following a week of mental strain. This often happens before a vision, I'll get bad headaches and successive nights before the vision, a purge of bad dreams. It's as though the Shaman is cleansing themselves of all the heavy energy before making contact, so that the connection is strong to allow the best transfer of information. In that dream, my uncle told me that my great-great-grandfather also had the "fire" (schizoaffective) and his energy wanted to tell me that he understands the hardship of the bad effects that come with the "fire" but that it is so worth having. And, to keep courage not to fully cross over into the vision realm before it's time (death).

My grandmother who died has visited me twice in lucid dream travels. Once, directly following her passing. She was (and always will be) my hero in many ways and we were very alike in our energies. So, I was not the least bit shocked when I awoke early one morning around 6a.m. and knew that someone in the family had died. Then, as if on cue, the phone rang. "Hello?" It was my mom, "Grandma just died." I replied, "I know, I just was woken up by her energy as it fluttered off." After about a week following the funeral, I had a lucid dream vision where I spoke with her. It was in a classy, F. Scott Fitzgerald, roaring '20s style hotel, which was a great selection on her part since she was a flapper. I remember being aware I was "dreaming" while floating in the elevator heading up to her apartment.

I realized that I could go up or down with the elevator simply by thinking the direction!! So, "whoosh" I sped up to her floor, high atop this building. I knew it was very high in altitude because I could see clouds passing by the window at the end of the hallway. I continued to float down the hallway toward her room and instinctively knew which door opened to her apartment. I motioned my hand at the door and it glided open, and naturally, I floated smoothly into this suite that looked as though it was forever floating in the dimension of '20s America. I first saw the back of her head in the bob style of her younger pictures, and a cloud of cigarette smoke billowing forth. She smoked for 60 years but died of old age at 94!! As I rounded the couch and gazed upon her face, she looked happier than I'd ever seen her. She was glowing and told me not to worry about her dying but that she'd always be in my visions. I have relied upon her spirit many times to endure the side effects of "mental illness."

I had another dream of her later at the shore of a lake where she was wearing a red cloak and we discussed the importance of love and we shared the beauty of the water around us. How do I know that these dreams are different than any other? Firstly, when I normally dream I don't know that I am dreaming. I'm buried in the context of the dream, which usually is a big murky and sometimes random. But when I have my "visions" I am aware that I am "dreaming." And the lighting is always different in them. It's brighter but not painfully so, and there is always this rainbow sparkling aura or crown of light around nearly every little pixel. The essence of them are crisper and clearer in intensity. In those dreams, I always remark to myself, how different the feeling is from my other dreams.

I know and acknowledge a completely different sensation and understanding when I'm having a "hallucination" versus a "vision." I have them both and they are very distinguishable. When I hallucinate, there isn't a purpose behind them except to flash random sounds or visuals in my vision. However, with a vision, there is always a specific message to be heard. Usually the visions erupt out of a dream in progress. I have a regular dream and then it's from that regular dream where I feel like I open a door out of the dream, while asleep, and enter a whole other dimension where time is occurring just as equally as it is in earth time!!

Anyway, I'll wrap this one up. While watching this shamanic show, the Amazonian priest told of how the plants teach them what powers they have to heal. He uses a machete to make a small cut to a certain tree, and tastes the milk inside it's roots. He says that is how the plants give them insight into their healing properties for the Shaman must try all these medicines before giving them out to others. That is why a Shaman will not leave you alone during a hallucinogenic experience. They walk through the vision with you, every step of the way. That is when their experience with the vision realm comes into value -- to guide you in a realm that can often be disorienting if one isn't use to navigating in a non-earth realm.

--

The Magic of Quantum Levitation.

"Peace" by Salvatore Vuono for Free Digital Photos

Green Man: As an aspiring wizard, I find science, such as the kind seen in the video below, to be stunning magic. The scientist is truly a magician. I need a quantum levitation set-up like this so that I can float around the grove and through town. However, if I levitated around town, they just might try and lock me up; there are still a lot of people who are intimidated and frightened of magic and science. Sad, but true.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Poll: Marijuana Legalization Support Reaches New High.

PHOTO CREDIT: "Cannabis" by M. Bartosch for Free Digital Photos

In a new poll from Gallup, a majority of Americans now support legalization of marijuana. Fifty percent now favor the end to prohibition, whereas 46% oppose it. Just last year, that support for ending prohibition was at 46%. Americans are finally seeing through the propaganda that has incorrectly labeled marijuana as a dangerous drug.

Not one person has ever over-dosed from marijuana; compare that to alcohol, and yet alcohol is as available as Starbucks coffee. Marijuana isn't physically addictive like tobacco and yet tobacco can be easily purchased at convenience stores!! Anyone who says marijuana is physically addictive is misinformed and has obviously never tried the herb. I have used marijuana throughout various times in my life and it has never been hard to stop when I wanted to.

Then there is the fact that marijuana pacifies people and therefore you just don't see the violence associated with it that you do with alcohol. Think about all the violence on the border with Mexico over drugs; sixty percent of that drug trade is in marijuana!! If we legalized it then that crime would drop drastically. Some people say that drug cartels would still have other drugs to sell but who in their right mind would oppose putting a 60% dent in their business?!!!

And, the cost to tax payers of enforcing a failed 70 year prohibition in police resources has been atrocious. That is time that the police could be chasing violent criminals and solving cold cases. In addition, we already clogging up our already crowded prisons with non-violent marijuana users and growers while pedophiles and rapists get light sentences!! The warehousing of those marijuana "offenders" also costs the tax payer ridiculous amounts of money. The money is flowing the wrong way--out of our pockets; legalization and regulation similar to alcohol could be bringing in millions (if not billions) to state and federal coffers to balance budgets and fund schools.

The last time I checked, America was a country where we have a right to personal freedom and unreasonable searches and seizures. Tax paying, law-abiding citizens should have the freedom to enjoy small amounts of marijuana in the privacy of their own homes. Whatever happened to the pursuit of happiness?!! For these, and many other reasons, marijuana should be legalized and it appears that America is ready to do it. The tipping point is upon us and now it just looks like it is being opposed by "do-gooders" who oppose it purely on religious, moral grounds. However, a religion shouldn't have the right to deny others personal freedoms; this is a country after all that allows for the practice of no religion, too. Even amongst the religious there are many who agree with legalization, so the time is now.

---The Green Man has Spoken---

New Mexico: Land of Enchantments.

Following the trail of time, we arrived for a week's stay in the enchanted lands known as, "New Mexico" (also known as Nuevo Mexico). Our wander lust eventually led us to the ancient city of Taos Pueblo. There, we met the past; a timeless culture that defies the laws of mortals and dances near the threshold of immortality. The Taos Pueblo people have been continuously inhabiting this land since the year 1,000 CE. The energy of all those ages envelopes you upon falling under the shadow of the buildings. And, if your senses are alert, you can hear the walls speak to you of wisdom that was nearly sacrificed upon the altar of "progress."

As I curiously explored the wandering alleyways, a sense of belonging and peace washed over me; almost as if I had returned to visit family after being lost in time. There was indeed an energy that felt reassuringly familiar in that isolated but vibrant mud-walled village. Vibrant visions, dreams and shamanic interaction have often reveled to me previous lives lived as a Native American.

The sacred nature of Taos Publo was so impressively all-encompassing that I removed my hat upon entering any of the dwellings; just as I would in any religious temple or shrine. It was spiritually refreshing to have the privilege of exploring a sacred refuge built with the purity and fertility of Mother Earth's own fertile ground. Their respect for Mother Nature is such that every building in their town is a monument to her. It is a simple but powerful tradition of living in accordance with Mother Nature, rather than against her. This kind of humility toward nature is even more precious today since modern humanity has foolishly squandered and exploited our Mother's gifts.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Cops Admit Drug War Failure. Advocate Legalization with Tight Regulations.

No matter what statistic it is that's examined, be it the kidnapping ranking of Phoenix, shootings in El Paso, marijuana arrests in Brownsville or the number of new gang members in San Diego, the reality of today's America is that drug violence has become a pervasive and pressing threat to most citizens. "We have got to fix this problem, or else it's going to get a lot worse for us here at home," explained Terry Nelson. But what does this mean for American citizens? In short: the drug cartels have won, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Nelson, a life-long Republican, said that he believes many conservative lawmakers are beginning to come around to their view of drug policy as counter-productive to the overall goals of the drug war. "They're just waiting for when it becomes politically viable to take action," he said. "I hope that happens. It needs to."

Green Man: As usual, politicians know what that legalization would reduce crime, violence and adolescent drug use but they are too cowardly to lead because they care more about their jobs than Americans. We can look to Portugal for guidance. They decriminalized all drugs 11 years ago in response a failed drug war--not unlike the failed drug war in America. Decriminalization means it's still technically illegal but instead of going to prison, which won't solve the drug addiction, users are sent to treatment facilities.

Upon decriminalization, the crime dried up, violence was reduced and adolescent use has decreased. HIV/AIDS infections related to dirty syringe use dropped by a staggering 75% and the number of drug users held steady. American cities are slowly but surely increasing drug treatment programs instead of prison time where drugs are just as accessible as on the streets. The drug courts are showing promising signs of hope. "Between 4 and 29 percent of drug court participants in the United States will get caught using drugs again, compared with 48 percent of those who go through traditional courts" (link).

The other problem with sending drug addicts to prison is that they mingle with violent offenders and other criminals where they learn to be real criminals. Plus, it increases the prison population, which costs the tax payer more than if they were treated in the drug programs since the recidivism rates from drugs courts are so much lower than with straight imprisonment. I do think, however, that marijuana should be treated as a separate case from the hard drugs like crack, meth and heroin. Marijuana should legalized, taxed and regulated since it isn't physically addictive, doesn't cause overdoses and causes less societal problems than alcohol.

The bottom line is that the war on drugs isn't just failing, it's doing so exponentially and now the violence that we've seen in Mexico is coming here to America. We'll never stop those who want to use drugs but we can take away the criminal element by decriminalization of the hard drugs and legalization of marijuana. We can also ameliorate the health issues surrounding drug use. Plus, we can drastically reduce adolescent rates because they would have to provide identification to buy marijuana. Whereas, right now, they can go to a shady drug dealer who won't ask for identification. A growing number of Americans on the left and right understand the path ahead, but unfortunately America doesn't have "leaders" courageous enough to lead!!!

Stand up and be counted--email your leaders and tell them you want a more progressive drug policy because this current "war on drugs" has been a failure. If the politicians won't lead, then we the people must take charge.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Coming Out LGBT--You are Not Alone.

Green Man: Wow. I am SO PROUD of this hero, role-model and kind man. I feel less depressed knowing there are still great people like him in the world. I got chills of joy for him and am thankful for his example; because, it is unacceptable that LGBT brothers and sisters are so harassed that they feel suicide is their only option for peace from their torment!! But, there was one thing missing from this video--I wanted to be able to give him a big bear hug at the end!! Doesn't he look like he gives good hugs?!! My heart is radiating with love and acceptance to not only him, but to all those who feel unwanted, abused, misunderstood and rejected--whether because of sexual orientation or for other reasons. The Green Man's grove is a hate-free zone and we will do anything in our power to help those in need. Welcome to our refuge.

On a side note, I honestly thought this little mini-documentary was better than anything coming out of Hollywood or tv these days. It touched me deeply on an emotional level that a video hasn't done in awhile. It was just so refreshing to watch a positive message from society for a change. There is too much hate, selfishness and fear infecting humanity right now and we need good people such as this man more than ever. Please, shared this beautiful video to all that you think would benefit from it. And, if you are an LGBT person who feels isolated, please know that you are never alone.

In your darkest thoughts and moments, picture this man's warm smile (and the big teddy bear hugs his surely gives) wrapping you in the energy of warm acceptance. Hold onto that pure energy because it's the light that will guide you from the darkness. You deserve to be respected, loved and understood--don't let anyone tell your otherwise. So, don't listen to the haters and hold messages like these in your heart because they are the truth--not that fear peddled by those who would belittle you. They don't deserve your fear of them--they tell lies because they fear strong, independent, free thinkers like you.

Let me tell you a secret, they are privately jealous of your courage and individuality. So they seek to insult you in a pitiful attempt to feel better about their miserable lives. They are the sick ones--not you. Don't let them infect you with their toxic words. They will not win--there is an entire army of those who stand with you in the world, and we will stand in the way to protect those who can't protect themselves. Even if you don't know an ally personally, just know that we are out here and one day you will find us. Look upon the moon and know that we are looking at the same moon and reflect in it's proud, bright light to you, our love and acceptance. Never give up, never surrender, because it will get better. Don't stop reaching out and you will find true friends who accept you for all your beautifully diverse life. The internet is a great tool for reaching out. You can find me at: jaymur@gmail.com

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

Toxic Tar Sands Could be "Game Over" for Earth.

Even as a child, I felt a calling to Mother Nature. It all started with a book by illustrator, and children's author, Bill Peet. He was known for being able to convey deep topics to children while maintaining a creative and imaginative story to keep the kid's attention. I was an advanced reader with a serious-mind, so I often eschewed the usual fare of children's books that seemed to convey nothing but silly, fluffy rhymes about nonsensical story lines. Eventually, I found Bill Peet's book, "The Wump World" in a dusty corner of the library where I'd hide out during recess to avoid being bullied.



In this book lived these creatures called, wumps. They are a simple but noble community of beings whose planet was taken over by rampantly consuming and polluting humanoids known as the "Pollutians." After they trash the planet and use up all the natural resources they jet-off into space to find another planet to exploit. But, not all is lost when the wumps emerge from hiding and discover one small plant survived. It stirred me deeply and I mourned the actions of the Pollutians but it also stirred a passion for protecting nature that would develop in adulthood into a full-blown activism for Mother Earth. Yet, the Pollutians of planet Earth are still amongst us and about to rape the Earth so ruthlessly that such actions could be the breaking point for our environment.



The Pollutians of Earth are pushing to install a scarring, oil sludge pipeline (known as "Keystone XL") from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It would cut across the heart of the American prairies that grow food for America and the world. But, this shit isn't just any oil--"It's not just regular oil, but highly corrosive and particularly carbon intensive. The process of extracting the oil from the sands is more energy intensive than drilling for crude. It entails destruction of Canada's Boreal forest, which serve as a carbon sink, making this particular resource extraction a global warming double whammy."



If these tar sands are tapped, the federal government’s premier climate scientist James Hansen says it would be “essentially game over for the climate.” "It would cross under 11 major rivers between Canada and southern Nebraska, according to TransCanada officials, and also would pass beneath several hundred smaller streams draining into major rivers. TransCanada has a dismal record of pipeline spills. Its Keystone 1 pipeline, which began operating in June 2010, transports tar sands crude from Canada to Illinois refineries and Oklahoma tank farms. TransCanada reported an astonishing 12 leaks the first year" [...] Beyond polluting major rivers and countless streams, toxic crude oil leaks could poison a major aquifer. The Ogallala Aquifer lies underneath parts of eight states, and most of the residents in those states depend on it for their drinking and irrigation water.



So, I am putting out the call to the grove that our Mother Nature needs us. She shelters, feeds and entertains us with the patience that only a mother can display. However, she can't help us if we continue to poison her mystical source of life. We have dishonored our mother by abusing her with pollution. We have exploited her gifts for our own greedy desires, which has often left Mother Nature powerless to protect our fragile animal cousins. But, all is not lost--she has given birth to a vast and diverse family of children; luckily, some of them have not strayed from her heart very far and are standing up to push back against the forces of destruction.



If you want to help protect our benevolent Mother then please join me in donating to stop the Canada Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. Two organizations on the front lines that I'd suggest are: "Greenpeace Canada" (click here to visit their page). Then, visit "Tar Sands Action" (click here for their site) to sign a petition to stop this rape of our dear Mother. Whether you are in the United States, or Canada, I ask one last thing from you; please, email or call your political leaders and beg them to stop this risk to not only our climate but our health (and that of our children). President Obama's administration is leaning toward going ahead with the American side of the pipeline, so we have to act now.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

John Muir: Attached to the Rest of the World.

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." -naturalist, John Muir

John Muir was a tireless defender of Mother Nature, Mystic of the Woods, and Advocate for the preservation of our Sacred Temples of Earth. As with a shaman, Muir survived a brush with bodily harm, which beckoned him to a higher calling of the spirit. After a sawmill accident nearly left him blind, John received a revelation, "he saw the world—and his purpose—in a new light," wrote author, Amy Marquis in her book, "A Mountain Calling."



John Muir recalled, "This affliction has driven me to the sweet fields. God has to nearly kill us sometimes, to teach us lessons." According to biographer Donald Worster's book, "Passion of Nature," he saw that purpose to be, "saving the American soul from total surrender to materialism." Thus, disillusioned by the addiction to materialism that belched forth during the Industrial Revolution, Muir disappeared into the woods to be embrace Mother Nature's spirituality. To many in that era, the idea that nature was spiritually on par with "God" was heresy. At the time, unlike past eras, much of Christianity saw nature as something to be tamed and exploited. It was a careless attitude that stemmed in large part from a ego-distorted view of the Biblical verse granting humanity dominion over the Earth.



As he wandered the land, John Muir stood at the feet of the cathedrals of nature and proclaimed that no temple made by the hand of man could compare to those within the environment. As he explored further, Mother Nature opened up and revealed a realm of such complexity, grandeur and interaction that Muir was understandably humbled. It was dramatically clear to him that humanity was but one spoke in a giant wheel of environmental interdependence and not its master. Mother Nature spoke to him through the whispering pines and the singing rivers that these natural sanctuaries could heal the wounds of the world. It was a world that was poisoning itself with urban pollution, dehumanized by rampant greed and spiritually lost.



Yet, the magic of these natural worlds were quickly disappearing within the so-called jaws of "industrial progress" and John Muir understood what was to be done. He hoisted the banner of Mother Nature and beckoned a war-weary country to be healed by her powers; and the people came. He extolled the virtues of the land and guests to those temples left converted protectors of those rediscovered treasures of Earth. I guess you could say that John Muir was the Savior of the American Wilderness. May we honor the gift he has given us by passing on his wisdom to future generations.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Sacred Chamber of Ruby Falls.

Deep in the bowels of Lookout Mountain, in Tennessee, hides an ancient cave system named, Ruby Falls caverns. The dank, and musty air within its serpentine passages whisper secrets of eons gone by that remind you that you are a guest in this otherworldly realm. You are at the mercy of nature, sitting deep below a mountain such as this one. The low ceilings require you to humbly bow your head, in respect, for the spirit of the cave. Upon showing this submission, the seeker may enter the inner sanctum of the cave; a vaulted chamber carved out of solid rock by the spirit of the cave--the goddess waterfall.

The roaring of the falls humble you with the overwhelming power of her archaic magic, while the delicate and lacy dance of the water rejuvenates you with her sensual femininity. As I stood at her feet, I raised my arms and head into the spray of her aquatic magic, to honor her energy and be cleansed by it. I left that cave deeply grateful to exist on a planet with natural temples such as the one safe-guarded 1,120 feet below, Lookout mountain.

~The Green Man has Spoken~