He was the first person to employ the word "pantheist" in English and envisioned a Pantheist Society.  He was born on this day in 1670.  Learn more at http://naturepantheist.org/toland.html.

Writer, naturalist, and self-described Pantheist, born on this day in 1830.  He coined the phrase "trust in wildness" to substitute for the simple "love of nature" when we mean trust in nature as both the creator and sustainer of health, happiness, and joy.  He described it as a modern form of Pantheism:  "It is a philosophy, a faith; it is even, if you like, a religion."  (from ​Pantheist Vision)

A festival marking the transformation of life to death.- the end of the agricultural year, departure of migrating and hibernating animals, and decay and death of vegetal and animal life.  Observed by remembering departed ancestors and contemplating one's own mortality.  Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.  
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​From Pantheist Vision:  

The primary goal of this day is to develop a compassionate culture to make our world a fairer place for all living creatures -- where animals are recognized as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare.  Celebrated in a variety of different ways in many countries, with no regard to nationality, religion, faith, or political ideology, World Animal Day sometimes includes a Blessing of the Animals."  Click on the picture above for more information.

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It's a beautiful time to be outside, and a great time to look up!  Lots of cool things happening in the October night sky...from the Harvest Moon to the Halloween Blue Hunter's Moon and lots in between, including a meteor shower!  Just click on the picture below from the Farmer's Almanac website.
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Today is also World Rhino Day! Watch this video to learn more about the endangered Sumatran rhino.

First day of Fall in the northern hemisphere, and first day of Spring in the southern. In the northern hemisphere, it is observed as Mabon, celebrating the harvest, the time when the work of the summer has resulted in an abundance of the fruits of the earth.  Happy Autumn!  
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