Mysteria Misc. Maxima: June 15th, 2012

Mysteria Misc. Maxima is a weekly feature which brings together links on religion and esotericism from around the internet.

• As more clergy reject their faith, the former spiritual leaders turn to support groups to embrace their atheism. (CNN)
• You know that book written by nuns that the Vatican disapproved of? It’s now on the bestseller list. (CNN)
• Those who believe in life after death see the world more positively than those who don’t. (Epiphenom)
• Mormonism has a Heavenly Mother. Giggity. (Feminism and Religion)
• Oh, Hotei, how often you’re confused for the Buddha—especially when it comes to “Buddhalicious” energy drinks. (Shambhala SunSpace)
• If two of your favourite things are opera and the Dead Sea Scrolls, why not watch Carmen perform “Habanera” at Masada? (NBC via PaleoJudaica)
• ESSWE is holding a workshop for academics who want to learn how to write about magic. (Heterodoxology)
• Did you know Salvador Dali did a series of zodiac paintings? It’s true! (Lockport Street Gallery via Mystic Medusa)
• Here’s something else that’s surreal: A Cardinal mowing the lawn inside York Minister Cathedral. You would think they could get a lowly bishop to do this sort of thing, right? (My Modern Met)
• There’s a gender divide in how ancient magical practitioners are portrayed. Spoiler: It breaks down pretty much how you’d expect. (Iris via History of the Ancient World)
• What the heck is Théodish and what’s it got to do with Asatru? (The Wild Hunt)
• Sexuality, redemption, and the Kabbalah. (Polyphony)
• Do you need advanced magic rituals if the basic ones work just fine? (The Magickal Universe)
• Finally, those looking to drop a few pounds may want to turn to religion as research shows that those inspired by their faith are more resolute in avoiding temptation. Sorry, but all the Jesus in the world won’t help me say no to a cool slice of cheesecake. Hail Satan…and desserts! (Religion Dispatches)

Photo by Sue H J Hasker.