Hex's Introduction

Greetings.

I am one of the panel that Chris has assembled for this project. To let you know more about me, here is some information which may help with understanding my perspective on some of the issues that may be raised here.

Credentials-wise, I've attained my Ph.D. in Anthropology (the four fields of Cultural and Physical Anthropology, Linguistics, and Archaeology) with a specialization in Archaeology. I've also got a heavy interest in religion from a Cultural Anthropological perspective - that being why people set it up the way they do; what functions does it perform for/ through/ against (restraining) them, their lifestyles, and their views of the world. I actually teach classes at the college level on Introductions for Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Physical Anthropology, and special classes like an upper level on Magic, Religion & Culture, and Ancient Civilizations.

My outlook is, overall, that of a scientist. I like validation, and am skeptical about it's lack in answering a question/ explaining a phenomenon. I like theory that fits the evidence, and can be flexible enough to recognize when a new hypothesis explains things better. I expect that that's part of coming from the 'soft science' of Anthropology where there are -no- universals if you look at enough cultures ...

I'm not big on philosophies, as many of the modern works are more 'meta-' than 'practical'; when I'm looking at people anthropologically ('on-the-ground' if you will) I'm more concerned with the why at a functional level. In a sort of theoretical/analytical approach, I'm a "systemics functionalist".

As to my beliefs ... Well ... I'm of the opinion that there seems to be an intelligence in keeping the world's systems in balance, but that those might not be at all concerned with the individual's whims (see here). That said, I do have some kind of skeptical faith in divination (again, see here and here), but it consistently amazes me that it works, because, other than supernatural means, I can't explain it.

As far as that goes, then, I'm a Pagan. Not a Wiccan, not a Druid. I've no group affiliations, I'm solitary. If pressed, I might express my beliefs as dealing with Rhea, a cognitive spirit (or spirits) of Nature/ The Elements/ Continuity. And given some of my successes with divination (and the sheer fun of blotts), I'd throw in a recognition of Odin and Thor as important deities for me. My wife has introduced some Romana rituals into our house, and I've no problem with them. They're nice and give structure. But if there's anytime/place that is 'holy' for me, it's outside with the moon, comfortably on a porch in a massive thunderstorm, a beach feeling the winds pick up, or on a dock feeling the ionization that precludes a serious change in the air.

All of that said, I'm looking forward to the discussions the blog has the potential to generate, and I welcome all manner of comments and criticisms; they can only help to improve me and my input here.

Enjoy!