effective altruism donation jar

An Introduction to Effective Altruism

Effective altruism is about the most effective ways to benefit others. Most people I know are concerned about the world. Some care deeply about the environment and many are passionate about a variety of social issues. We support crowdfunding campaigns, attend public demonstrations, sign petitions, and generously donate to charity. But how effective is this? I’ve been thinking … Read more

Incense burning. Alternative Spirit Magazine.

Review: Alternative Spirit Magazine

Alternative Spirit Magazine is an independent, quarterly, Australian publication for anyone who has an “alternative spirit”. Though its headquarters are in Victoria, Alternative Spirit doesn’t have a distinctly Victorian perspective and appeals to Pagans and people of other alternative spiritualities all over Australia and perhaps even New Zealand. The theme for the glossy, 30-page Winter … Read more

Painting from the Windows to the Sacred exhibition.

Windows to the Sacred

Windows to the Sacred: An Exploration of the Esoteric is a beautiful and provocative exhibition of alternative forms of spiritual practice. I had a chance to visit and was excited to see art by esoteric icons such as Rosaleen Norton and Aleister Crowley. Rosaleen Norton (2 October 1917 – 5 December 1979) was an Australian occultist … Read more

Child in a costume representing the journey into the underworld

The Underworld

What is the underworld? In various mythology, the underworld a place deep underground where the souls of the departed go. I don’t believe there is literally a dark netherworld deep beneath the surface of the world nor do I believe that it’s a spiritual place where we go when we die. To explain how I view the underworld, … Read more

Health insurance - medical professional holding patient's hand.

On private health insurance

Given Australia’s publicly funded universal health care, is private health insurance worth it? Last June, shortly after I lodged my application for a de facto partner visa subclass 820, I received a bridging visa. That made me eligible for Medicare, which I enrolled in immediately. For my American readers, Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded universal health care scheme. … Read more