Gods from the Machine: In Search of the Urban Deities

[icymist]

Gods from the Machine: In Search of the Urban Deities
Robert S. Curry

Alcestis and I are riding the new light rail system in Phoenix – all twenty miles of it – across the heated metropolitan span of the city. We are in search of the sparking force that speeds, inhabits and blesses this train, the force that rides with its electricity. We are looking to discover and greet a new urban god.

Contemporary paganism is building a scholarly model of what it means to be a 21st century pagan, as well as where our traditions originated. Reconstructionists are doing invaluable work in translating and making easily available ancient source documents from a variety of spiritual traditions. But modern paganism is also very much an experiential one – "What did I do, how did I do it, and what happened when I did it? Let me tell you about it." Consider this article an exploratory foray into the subject, a precursor and perhaps model for further journeys. A meeting place; a talking point. Let us explore together.

Read the article