John Beckett
@utaodruid.bsky.social
I'm a Druid, a writer, and a polytheist priest. I'm the author of "The Path of Paganism" and "Paganism In Depth".
If you want a faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel, or if you want something new and original, this isn’t for you. But if you want 2 hours and 9 minutes of gothic fantasy you’ll find Luc Besson’s new Dracula movie quite enjoyable.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Luc Besson’s Dracula Is Better Than The Critics Say
Here’s the bottom line on Luc Besson’s new Dracula movie: it’s beautiful and fascinating, and it’s a good though flawed story. But it can’t compare to the
www.patheos.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:50 PM
If you want a faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel, or if you want something new and original, this isn’t for you. But if you want 2 hours and 9 minutes of gothic fantasy you’ll find Luc Besson’s new Dracula movie quite enjoyable.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Less background noise from the dominant religion will make it easier for us to hear our Gods and spirits. Let’s use this opportunity to build a Paganism that serves our Gods, respects our neighbors, and supports us as we live deep and meaningful lives.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
More Organic Paganism, Less Protestant Envy
Less background noise from the dominant religion will make it easier for us to hear our Gods and spirits. Let’s use this opportunity to build a Paganism that serves our Gods, respects our neighbors, a...
www.patheos.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Less background noise from the dominant religion will make it easier for us to hear our Gods and spirits. Let’s use this opportunity to build a Paganism that serves our Gods, respects our neighbors, and supports us as we live deep and meaningful lives.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Our predictions for the future of Paganism have always carried an unstated assumption: that we would be living in a multicultural and multireligious society. And that’s looking increasingly unlikely in this era of Christian nationalism.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Paganism In An Era Of Christian Nationalism
Our predictions for the future of Paganism have always carried an unstated assumption: that we would be living in a multicultural and multireligious society. And that’s looking increasingly unlikely i...
www.patheos.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Our predictions for the future of Paganism have always carried an unstated assumption: that we would be living in a multicultural and multireligious society. And that’s looking increasingly unlikely in this era of Christian nationalism.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
When I see people saying “2026 is the new 2016” my first reaction is “that’s not really a good thing.” Still, I had a great 2017 in large part because of the foundational work I did in 2016. I’m confident that pattern will repeat for me ten years later… and for you.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Is It Really 2016 All Over Again?
When I see people saying “2026 is the new 2016” my first reaction is “that’s not really a good thing.” Still, I had a great 2017 in large part because of the foundational work I did in 2016. I’m confi...
www.patheos.com
January 18, 2026 at 1:58 PM
When I see people saying “2026 is the new 2016” my first reaction is “that’s not really a good thing.” Still, I had a great 2017 in large part because of the foundational work I did in 2016. I’m confident that pattern will repeat for me ten years later… and for you.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Announcing a new 4-week on-line class from Under the Ancient Oaks: “Tarot For Spellcasting” begins January 29 and registration is now open. Details are in Module 0 on the Courses page.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Tarot For Spellcasting
Announcing a new 4-week on-line class from Under the Ancient Oaks: “Tarot For Spellcasting” begins January 29 and registration is now open. Details are in Module 0 on the Courses page.
www.patheos.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Announcing a new 4-week on-line class from Under the Ancient Oaks: “Tarot For Spellcasting” begins January 29 and registration is now open. Details are in Module 0 on the Courses page.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Our culture has flattened. It’s become plain, bland, similar, and boring. And what’s happening with our stuff influences us as people. As Pagans and witches we can show the mainstream a better way to live, simply by being ourselves as loudly as we can.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Banish Minimalism – Embrace Maximalism
Our culture has flattened. It’s become plain, bland, similar, and boring. And what’s happening with our stuff influences us as people. As Pagans and witches we can show the mainstream a better way to ...
www.patheos.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Our culture has flattened. It’s become plain, bland, similar, and boring. And what’s happening with our stuff influences us as people. As Pagans and witches we can show the mainstream a better way to live, simply by being ourselves as loudly as we can.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
We can move through life mindlessly. We can be afraid of losing what we have and settle for good enough. Or we can build on what we’ve accomplished, wait until the time is right, and then act with the wisdom and skill of a Queen and set ourselves up for great things.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Divination For 2026
We can move through life mindlessly and end up getting hurt. We can be afraid of losing what we have and settle for good enough. Or we can build on what we’ve accomplished, wait until the time is righ...
www.patheos.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:58 PM
We can move through life mindlessly. We can be afraid of losing what we have and settle for good enough. Or we can build on what we’ve accomplished, wait until the time is right, and then act with the wisdom and skill of a Queen and set ourselves up for great things.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The Top 10 posts of 2025 on Under the Ancient Oaks: being a Pagan in challenging times, dangerous magic, and what happens when the Gods show up. “Willful childlessness.” And I read the worst book of the year so you didn’t have to.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Top 10 Posts Of 2025
The Top 10 posts of 2025 on Under the Ancient Oaks: being a Pagan in challenging times, dangerous magic, and what happens when the Gods show up. “Willful childlessness.” And I read the worst book of t...
www.patheos.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The Top 10 posts of 2025 on Under the Ancient Oaks: being a Pagan in challenging times, dangerous magic, and what happens when the Gods show up. “Willful childlessness.” And I read the worst book of the year so you didn’t have to.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Divination, reincarnation, the divinity of Nature, and the need for life-long learning. These are topics I thought would be popular, but for some reason they weren’t very well-read. If you missed them the first time, I encourage you to read them now.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The 4 Best Posts Of 2025 You Didn’t Read
Divination, reincarnation, the divinity of Nature, and the need for life-long learning. These are topics I thought would be popular, but for some reason they weren’t very well-read. If you missed them...
www.patheos.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Divination, reincarnation, the divinity of Nature, and the need for life-long learning. These are topics I thought would be popular, but for some reason they weren’t very well-read. If you missed them the first time, I encourage you to read them now.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Creative reimaginings of Dracula and Carmilla. A Spanish novel from Argentina. An unexpected invitation to a hidden magical school. The most unique vampire novel I’ve ever read. And proof that the book is almost always better than the movie even if it’s 90 years old.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The Top 5 Novels I Read In 2025
Creative reimaginings of Dracula and Carmilla. A Spanish novel from Argentina. An unexpected invitation to a hidden magical school. The most unique vampire novel I’ve ever read. And proof that the boo...
www.patheos.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Creative reimaginings of Dracula and Carmilla. A Spanish novel from Argentina. An unexpected invitation to a hidden magical school. The most unique vampire novel I’ve ever read. And proof that the book is almost always better than the movie even if it’s 90 years old.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
“Fairy is a real place that humans may interact with and which is the home of many different beings that may come into the human world.” So says Morgan Daimler in their 2024 book Fairy: The Otherworld by Many Names – and I agree.
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www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Fairy – The Otherworld
“Fairy is a real place that humans may interact with and which is the home of many different beings that may come into the human world.” So says Morgan Daimler in their 2024 book Fairy: The Otherworld...
www.patheos.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:36 PM
“Fairy is a real place that humans may interact with and which is the home of many different beings that may come into the human world.” So says Morgan Daimler in their 2024 book Fairy: The Otherworld by Many Names – and I agree.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Groups based on regular practice, inquiry, and a deep desire to be as good as they can possibly be will succeed and grow. How big they grow isn’t important. What’s important is that they will be here for those who need and want them for generations to come.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Building The Future Of Paganism
Groups based on regular practice, inquiry, and a deep desire to be as good as they can possibly be will succeed and grow. How big they grow isn’t important. What’s important is that they will be here ...
www.patheos.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Groups based on regular practice, inquiry, and a deep desire to be as good as they can possibly be will succeed and grow. How big they grow isn’t important. What’s important is that they will be here for those who need and want them for generations to come.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
There is no shortage of holidays and holy days to celebrate at this time of year. I’m a Pagan – I celebrate the Winter Solstice. This is why and how I celebrate.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
I’m A Pagan – I Celebrate The Solstice
There is no shortage of holidays and holy days to celebrate at this time of year. I’m a Pagan – I celebrate the Winter Solstice. This is why and how I celebrate.
www.patheos.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
There is no shortage of holidays and holy days to celebrate at this time of year. I’m a Pagan – I celebrate the Winter Solstice. This is why and how I celebrate.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
I’m seeing a steady stream of posts by Evangelicals trying to “debate” atheists and doing a very poor job of it. They present weak arguments based on weak evidence, but they’re 100% certain that they’re 100% right.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Dunning-Kruger For Religion
I’m seeing a steady stream of posts by Evangelicals trying to “debate” atheists and doing a very poor job of it. They present weak arguments based on weak evidence, but they’re 100% certain that they’...
www.patheos.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:09 PM
I’m seeing a steady stream of posts by Evangelicals trying to “debate” atheists and doing a very poor job of it. They present weak arguments based on weak evidence, but they’re 100% certain that they’re 100% right.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Different Pagans have different callings and different areas of interest. Unlike the followers of some religions, we understand that no one way is best for everyone. This is what I mean when I call myself a Pagan.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
What It Means To Be A Pagan
Different Pagans have different callings and different areas of interest. Unlike the followers of some religions, we understand that no one way is best for everyone. This is what I mean when I call my...
www.patheos.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Different Pagans have different callings and different areas of interest. Unlike the followers of some religions, we understand that no one way is best for everyone. This is what I mean when I call myself a Pagan.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Statistics show that people fear death less as they grow older, and that Catholics fear death far more than Protestants, Others, or Nones. What does that mean for us as Pagans? More importantly, do you fear death?
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Do You Fear Death?
Statistics show that people fear death less as they grow older, and that Catholics fear death far more than Protestants, Others, or Nones. What does that mean for us as Pagans? More importantly, do yo...
www.patheos.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Statistics show that people fear death less as they grow older, and that Catholics fear death far more than Protestants, Others, or Nones. What does that mean for us as Pagans? More importantly, do you fear death?
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
A recent Tarot reading advised me to “keep your goal in front of you every day.” When I thought about how I can best do that, I realized I’ve done this many times before. The process works for me, and it’s likely to work for you.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
7 Steps To A Successful Long-term Magical Working
A recent Tarot reading advised me to “keep your goal in front of you every day.” When I thought about how I can best do that, I realized I’ve done this many times before. The process works for me, and...
www.patheos.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
A recent Tarot reading advised me to “keep your goal in front of you every day.” When I thought about how I can best do that, I realized I’ve done this many times before. The process works for me, and it’s likely to work for you.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Bad times inspire good art. Florence Welch has made good art with Everybody Scream. It’s witchcraft for people who don’t know they need it. And for some of us who do.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Everybody Scream: Witchcraft For Everyone
Bad times inspire good art. Florence Welch has made good art with Everybody Scream. It’s witchcraft for people who don’t know they need it. And for some of us who do.
www.patheos.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Bad times inspire good art. Florence Welch has made good art with Everybody Scream. It’s witchcraft for people who don’t know they need it. And for some of us who do.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
I cannot accurately convey what it was like to be in our Samhain ritual. You had to be there to watch, listen, speak, move, and participate. But I can share the Call of the Morrigan, not for ancient Ireland or even for 2010 America, but for us here and now.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The Call Of The Morrigan In 2025
The Morrigan is not coming to save us. No one is coming to save us. But if we live by her values and if we embody her virtues, we can save ourselves.
www.patheos.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:05 PM
I cannot accurately convey what it was like to be in our Samhain ritual. You had to be there to watch, listen, speak, move, and participate. But I can share the Call of the Morrigan, not for ancient Ireland or even for 2010 America, but for us here and now.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
You do not have to be born with 90th percentile psychic skills and intuitive abilities to read Tarot or to practice any other form of divination. Natural ability helps, but what matters most is what you do with the gifts you have.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The Metaphysics Of Divination
You do not have to be born with 90th percentile psychic skills and intuitive abilities to read Tarot or to practice any other form of divination. Natural ability helps, but what matters most is what y...
www.patheos.com
November 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
You do not have to be born with 90th percentile psychic skills and intuitive abilities to read Tarot or to practice any other form of divination. Natural ability helps, but what matters most is what you do with the gifts you have.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
A man who has spent his entire life denying reality and avoiding consequences is starting to understand that he’s going to die. Donald Trump is building a state ballroom because he knows death is getting close and he’s grasping for any sort of immortality he can get.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Memento Mori, Donald Trump
A man who has spent his entire life denying reality and avoiding consequences is starting to understand that he’s going to die. Donald Trump is building a state ballroom because he knows he’s dying an...
www.patheos.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A man who has spent his entire life denying reality and avoiding consequences is starting to understand that he’s going to die. Donald Trump is building a state ballroom because he knows death is getting close and he’s grasping for any sort of immortality he can get.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The holiest day on the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year is rapidly approaching and I’m in no mood to celebrate. But I’m going to celebrate anyway. Because at Samhain – especially this Samhain – we need to remember who we are.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Samhain: Remember Who You Are
The holiest day on the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year is rapidly approaching and I’m in no mood to celebrate. But I’m going to celebrate anyway. Because at Samhain – especially this Samhain – we need ...
www.patheos.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:22 AM
The holiest day on the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year is rapidly approaching and I’m in no mood to celebrate. But I’m going to celebrate anyway. Because at Samhain – especially this Samhain – we need to remember who we are.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Like a bad romantic relationship, the religion I left was toxic. No amount of tradition, no amount of universality, no amount of liturgy would have ever made it healthy. I needed to get out so I could find something better. I needed to cut the cord. And I did.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Grieving A Religion That Might Have Been
The Under the Ancient Oaks course “Unpacking Your Religious Baggage So You Can Live A Magical Life” is nearing conclusion (but it’s on-demand, so you can
www.patheos.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Like a bad romantic relationship, the religion I left was toxic. No amount of tradition, no amount of universality, no amount of liturgy would have ever made it healthy. I needed to get out so I could find something better. I needed to cut the cord. And I did.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Attacks on Paganism almost always include attacks on magic that label it naïve, evil, or both. We need not engage in bad-faith debates with our attackers, but we need to make sure we aren’t influenced by our enemies just because they’re louder and more numerous.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Magic As A Foundation Of Paganism
Attacks on Paganism almost always include attacks on magic that label it naïve, evil, or both. We need not engage in bad-faith debates with our attackers, but we need to make sure we aren’t unduly inf...
www.patheos.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Attacks on Paganism almost always include attacks on magic that label it naïve, evil, or both. We need not engage in bad-faith debates with our attackers, but we need to make sure we aren’t influenced by our enemies just because they’re louder and more numerous.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
Nature is our source and our sustenance. We are a part of Nature – not the head and not the center, but one part among many. We are connected to all the other parts and all of them are connected to us. Nature is not fallen – Nature is good and holy.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
The Divinity Of Nature
Nature is our source and our sustenance. We are a part of Nature – not the head and not the center, but one part among many. We are connected to all the other parts and all of them are connected to us...
www.patheos.com
October 8, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Nature is our source and our sustenance. We are a part of Nature – not the head and not the center, but one part among many. We are connected to all the other parts and all of them are connected to us. Nature is not fallen – Nature is good and holy.
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...
www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbe...