You have no doubt heard of Wicca and Wiccans.  Incorrectly termed witches (the often dark people who practice real life black magic), Wiccans represent the leading edge of modern paganism in the spiritual sensibilities of the West.  Rooted in a reverence for nature, a belief in a mother goddess, and a call for personal and global harmony, Wicca appeals to many in the West who, although they have become disillusioned with organized religion, nevertheless still wish to explore and enhance the spiritual sides of themselves.  Its lure is broad, its adherents diverse and sundry.
     With the recent passing of Margot Adler at the age of 68 (she died of cancer), I have thought of Wicca often lately.  Many years ago, I read her Drawing Down the Moon:  Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today, the definitive look at neo-pagan religions in the West.  I found much to ponder in the longings voiced by the many people whose views she presents in the book.  Although I don't necessarily share their fundamental assumptions about the nature of God and reality, I do laud them for wanting to integrate themselves more fully with each other and the natural world.  Though it was not intended to be so, religion in the West often becomes highly individualistic, and too many religious people continue to insist that caring for the planet is a useless exercise.  Many of us have missed the idea that, at its best, religion is a vehicle of healing and wholeness, a means to achieve a deeper harmony with oneself, one's community, one's planet, and God.  It should bring together, not tear apart.
     Whatever your religious perspective, I encourage you to read Adler's book.  It's fascinating.  More importantly, however, think about what it is ultimately suggesting:  because we are spiritual beings, we should be making our lives a work not of mechanical skill and physical acumen, but a picture of spirit and soul.  Even if we do all material things well, in a world absent of spirit and soul we will still not understand why we think we do.
     Farewell, Margot Adler.  Thanks for your thoughts, your writings, your life.  We wish you well.