Tag Archives: Spirituality and Belief

An Ancient Practice: Aboriginal Burial Ceremonies

Taking a look at the first environmentally friendly funeral

The Aborigines of Australia might represent the oldest living culture in the world.  Aboriginal culture is most commonly known for its unique artistic technique evolving from the red ochre pigment cave paintings that started cropping up 60,000 years ago, but … Continue reading

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The Tree of Life (2011) by Terrence Malick

Hugely ambitious, and gorgeous, film which takes on no less than the meaning of life

The Tree of Life, Terrence Malick’s fifth feature film, is as polarizing as it is experimental. The reclusive Malick has a reputation for creating a film entirely faithful to his original vision, sometimes to the chagrin of his producers who … Continue reading

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Halloween’s Deathly History

Halloween Rites Reflect a Wide Range of Cultures’ Collective Struggles with the Concept of Death

It’s that time of year again. Jack O’Lanterns, false cobwebs, and paper or plastic skeletons are popping up all over the place. If you awakened from a coma, you could probably approximate the date. It’s time for Halloween, one of … Continue reading

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What is Green Burial? An Interview with Sam Mulgrew

SevenPonds talks to a monastic casket company

Trappist Caskets is a unique business, producing simple, elegant, ecologically minded caskets from company headquarters in Peosta, Iowa — which happens to be New Melleray Abbey, home of Catholic monks known as Cistercians. Below, manager Sam Mulgrew discusses the roles … Continue reading

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El Malei Rachamim

A traditional Jewish prayer

El malei rachamim shokhen ba-m’romim ha-m’tzei m’nuchah n’khonah tachat kanfei ha-sh’khinah b’ma’alot k’doshim u’t’horim c’zohar ha-rakiah maz’hirim l’nishmot yakireinu u’k’dosheinu she-hal’khu l’olamam. Ana ba’al ha-rachamim ha-s’tirem b’tzel k’nafekha l’olamim u-tz’ror bitz’ror ha-chayim et nishmatam. Adonai hu nachalatam v’yanuchu b’shalom al … Continue reading

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What is a Celebrant? An Interview with Irene Kane

A professional "celebrant" names the key ingredients for a successful memorial

“Celebrants” are nondenominational professionals who help meet the ceremonial and spiritual needs of families, most commonly called upon for weddings and memorials.  As a highly respected celebrant, Irene Kane creates personalized and memorable ceremonies throughout California. Below, Irene shares her … Continue reading

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