If you are interested in exploring Celtic paganism and are looking for local groups near you, there are a few resources you can use to find like-minded individuals. Celtic paganism is a modern-day religious and spiritual belief system that draws inspiration from the ancestral traditions of the Celts. One way to find Celtic pagan groups near you is by utilizing online platforms and forums. Websites such as Meetup.com or social media groups dedicated to paganism can be a great place to connect with others who share similar beliefs. You can search for keywords such as "Celtic paganism," "Druidry," or "Celtic spirituality" to narrow down your options.
"There was an ugly racial element to the anger," said Widmer. "That it had come from Africa made it even scarier. It did seem like a kind of black. and one local Bostonian blamed him for what he called Cotton Mather’s negro-ish thinking."
When a smallpox outbreak once again gripped Boston in 1721, Mather enlisted Zabdiel Boylston, one of the few physicians of the time willing to gamble on Onesimus procedure. Described by Mather as a pretty intelligent fellow, Onesimus had a small scar on his arm, which he explained to Mather was why he had no fear of the era s single deadliest disease smallpox.
You can search for keywords such as "Celtic paganism," "Druidry," or "Celtic spirituality" to narrow down your options. Additionally, books and publications dedicated to Celtic paganism often include information about local groups and organizations. Researching authors and experts in the field of Celtic paganism can provide you with leads on groups near you.
The Slave Who Transformed Cotton Mather From Witch Hunter Into Science Innovator
Edgar B. Herwick III is the guy behind GBH’s Curiosity Desk, where he answers your questions and explores some of the everyday mysteries hiding in plain sight.
July 03, 2016 Updated December 16, 2020This week, after 150 years, Jack Daniels finally came clean that its famed whisky recipe came courtesy of a Tennessee slave. This is, of course, by no means the only example of a slave’s contribution to American industry and culture being, at worst, stolen and, at best, minimized or completely forgotten. There was Baltimore slave Benjamin Bradley’s steam engine. And a Mississippi slave known only as Ned’s cotton scraper. And then, there was Boston’s own Onesimus.
While Massachusetts was among the first states to abolish slavery, it was also one of the first to embrace it. In 1720’s Boston, buying a human being was apparently an appropriate way to thank your local man of God.
"He was presented to Cotton Mather by his congregation as a gift, which is, of course, extremely troubling," said Brown University history professor Ted Widmer.
Cotton Mather was a true puritan. A towering — if controversial — figure, especially following the Salem witch hysteria to which his preaching and writings greatly contributed.
"Mather was interested in his slave whom he called Onesimus, which was the name of a slave belonging to St. Paul in the Bible," Widmer explained .
Described by Mather as a “pretty intelligent fellow,” Onesimus had a small scar on his arm, which he explained to Mather was why he had no fear of the era’s single deadliest disease: smallpox.
"Mather was fascinated by what Onesimus knew of inoculation practices back in Africa where he was from," Widmer said.
Viewed mainly with suspicion by the few Europeans of the era who were even aware of inoculation, it’s benefits were known at the time in places in places like China, Turkey and Onesimus’ native West Africa.
"Our way of thinking of the world is often not accurate," said Widmer. "For centuries Europe was behind other parts of the world in its medical practices."
Bostonians like Mather were no strangers to smallpox. Outbreaks in 1690 and 1702 had devastated the colonial city. And Widmer says Mather took a keen interest in Onesimus’ understanding of how the inoculation was done.
"They would take a small amount of a similar disease, sometimes cowpox, and they would open a cut and put a little drop of the disease into the bloodstream," explained Widmer. "And they knew that that was a way of developing resistance to it."
When a smallpox outbreak once again gripped Boston in 1721, Mather enlisted Zabdiel Boylston, one of the few physicians of the time willing to gamble on Onesimus’ procedure. Mather, who once railed against a “horrible plot against the country by witchcraft,” was now advocating for cutting-edge science.
"He was vilified," said Widmer. "A local newspaper, called the New England Courant, ridiculed him. An explosive device was thrown through his windows with an angry note."
That Bostonians knew exactly where Mather and Boylston’s inoculation ideas came from only added to the outcry.
"There was an ugly racial element to the anger," said Widmer. "That it had come from Africa made it even scarier. It did seem like a kind of black. and one local Bostonian blamed him for what he called Cotton Mather’s negro-ish thinking."
Nevertheless, on June 26, 1921, Boylston began employing Onesimus’ technique at Mather’s urging, inoculating two of his slaves, and his own son.
"It was much better science than what they had at their disposal, which was old fashioned folk remedies or a lot of prayer which did nothing against small pox," said Widmer.
Bostonians of the era were fastidious record keepers, and while only 248 chose to be inoculated, the numbers revealed its stunning effectiveness in what looks – to our modern eyes – very much like the city’s first clinical trial.
"A few people who got inoculated did die. But roughly one in 40 did, and roughly one in seven members of the general population dies, so you had a much worse chance of surviving small pox if you did nothing."
Mather and Boylston both wrote about their findings, which were circulated at home and impressed the scientific elite in London, adding invaluable data at a crucial time that helped lay the groundwork for Edward Jenner’s famed first smallpox vaccine 75 years later.
"Even though most of the city was on the wrong side and didn’t want inoculation to happen they were smart enough to realize afterward that they had been wrong," said Widmer. "And so there was a higher level of respect for science going forward."
The scourge of slavery would continue in Massachusetts for another 60 years, but as for the man whose knowledge sparked the breakthrough.
"Onesimus was recognized as the savior of a lot of Bostonians and was admired and then was emancipated," said Widmer. "Onesimus was a hero. He gave of his knowledge freely and was himself freed."
Boston’s first inoculations, one of the Bay State’s earliest medical breakthroughs, brought about when Cotton Mather put his faith in Onesimus – an enslaved man – 295 years ago this week.
Editor’s Note: The audio file of this story has been removed because it contained a musical clip that might offend some listeners.
If you have a tale of hidden Massachusetts history—or there is something that you’re just plain curious about—let us know. Email [email protected]. We might just look into it for you.
Some authors may also offer workshops or gatherings, which can be another way to meet fellow practitioners. Attending pagan festivals or events in your area can also be a great way to connect with local Celtic pagan groups. These events often include workshops, rituals, and opportunities to meet and network with others who share similar spiritual interests. Websites such as Witchvox.com or local pagan event listings can help you find upcoming events near you. Finally, reaching out to established pagan organizations or societies can also provide you with information on local Celtic pagan groups. Many pagan organizations offer resources and directories of local groups and contacts. The Ancient Order of Druids in America, for example, is an established Druid organization that may have local chapters or connections to Celtic pagan groups in your area. Remember, when exploring Celtic paganism or any religious or spiritual path, it is important to approach groups and individuals with respect and an open mind. Take the time to get to know the group and their practices, and consider attending open events or social gatherings to see if they align with your own beliefs and interests..
Reviews for "Gathering Under the Moon: Joining a Local Celtic Pagan Moon Circle"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I recently attended a Celtic pagan group near me, and I was quite disappointed with the experience. The group lacked structure and organization, making it difficult to fully engage and connect with the rituals and practices. The members seemed more interested in socializing rather than truly diving into Celtic paganism. Additionally, the leader of the group lacked knowledge and expertise in Celtic mythology, which created a disconnect between the teachings and the actual traditions. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled with the group's offerings.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While I appreciate the effort of having a Celtic pagan group near me, I found the experience to be lacking depth and authenticity. The rituals felt more like a surface-level exploration of Celtic traditions, without delving into the deeper meanings and significance behind them. There also seemed to be a lack of guidance and structure within the group, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the practices. Additionally, I was hoping for opportunities to deepen my knowledge and understanding of Celtic paganism, but the group did not offer any educational workshops or resources. Overall, it was an average experience, but not something I would actively seek out again.
3. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for the Celtic pagan group near me, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The group lacked a sense of community and camaraderie, making it difficult to connect with other members and forge meaningful relationships. The rituals and practices felt superficial and rushed, without allowing for a deeper exploration and connection to the Celtic traditions. Furthermore, the group seemed to lack diversity and inclusivity, which hindered the overall experience. In the end, I left feeling disconnected and unsatisfied, and I'm not sure I would recommend this group to others looking for a genuine Celtic pagan experience.