Thoughts & Ideas

  Fandom is more than just enjoying a story, a band, or a team — it’s belonging to something greater. It is a collective identity, a shared culture, and for many, even a way of life. Whether it’s cheering in a packed stadium, writing fanfiction in the quiet of night, or gathering in costume at a convention, fandom is proof of how passion can unite strangers into family. What Is Fandom? The word “fandom” combines fanatic and kingdom — a realm built by the people who love something so much that they live and breathe it. Fandom is not passive consumption. It is interactive, creative, and communal. Fans don’t just watch movies, read books, or follow teams — they discuss, debate, expand, remix, and celebrate the things they love. This builds traditions, inside jokes, and even full subcultures. The Rise of Geek Culture For much of the 20th century, geek culture lived on the margins. Comic book collectors, sci-fi enthusiasts, and tabletop gamers were often dismissed as outsi...

  Mabon, the autumn equinox, is a sacred turning point in the Wheel of the Year. It is a time of balance, gratitude, and reflection, when day and night are equal, and the harvest’s bounty is celebrated. One of the most meaningful ways to honor Mabon is by creating an altar—a sacred space that embodies the season’s energy, your personal intentions, and the spiritual magic of the equinox. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, your Mabon altar can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here’s a guide to help you design a beautiful, meaningful, and magical Mabon altar. 1. Choose Your Space Your altar can be anywhere you feel comfortable and focused. Many practitioners use a small table, a shelf, or even a windowsill that receives natural light. The key is to select a space where you can connect with the energy of Mabon without frequent interruptions. Some people prefer an indoor altar to protect seasonal items, while others choose an outdoor space, connecting ...

 This is a slightly different blog for the week, as it features no picture and is an interview I conducted with a gentleman I met in Seattle not too long ago. Enjoy    For centuries, the Irish Travellers—known in their own language as Pavee or Mincéirí —have carried their culture, language, and traditions across Ireland and beyond. Unlike settled Irish communities, Travellers historically maintained a nomadic lifestyle, specialising in crafts, music, horse trading, tin smithing, and storytelling. Their distinct identity has survived centuries of marginalisation, misunderstanding, and dispersal, including migration to places far from their ancestral lands. Seattle, a city of constant movement and cultural fusion, has become home to a small but vibrant Traveller community. To better understand their life, heritage, and modern experiences, I sat down with Seamus O’Connell , an Irish Traveller who has lived in the city for over twenty years. Q: Seamus, thank you for ta...