We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love. – Mother Teresa Even for those of us who do not celebrate the mainstream culture’s religion, today I offer a lovely ritual that you can share with your loved ones tonight, regardless of spirituality or tradition. Sarah Ban Breathnach, one of … Read more
Yule Blessings! Happy Winter Solstice! Hail to the returning Sun. We drink to the Old Gods. To the Holly, to the Oak, and Lady. A Merry Yule to all! — A very old Yuletide toast from the collected lore of my dear magical sister and Plant Spirit Medicine Priestess, Alruna The Winter (and Summer!) Solstice … Read more
The walls between the worlds are thinned; The Gods’ might is at its peak, The wights and the dead walk freely among the living. Let us remember them on this Mother Night. — from a Heathen rite posted on the Internet some years ago, original source unknown. This is the Eve of the Winter Solstice. … Read more
Then for the teeming quietest, happiest days of all! The brooding and blissful halcyon days! — Walt Whitman Once upon a time, Alcyone was the daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds, and the wife of Ceyx, King of Thessaly. Alcyone and Ceyx loved each other devotedly and were never willingly apart. Nevertheless, a time … Read more
Yes, I know it seems a bit early, but I have some fantastic news that just can’t wait! I am delighted to announce that my friend and co-conspirator in re-enchanting the world, Joanna Powell Colbert, is unveiling her marvelous new book TODAY! Joanna writes of this beloved celebration: It is our favorite party of the … Read more
Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. — Alan Watts We are now in the last week of the Year of Justice, poised before the first decade of the new millennium is gone forever and the next begins. And we are in a very magical time out of time. The … Read more
Joy to the world The Light is born Peace on Earth, Good will to all. Goddess rest, ye merry Gentlefolk. May our hearts be merry and bright. Blessings of the Season, Love all ways, — Beth
Winter Solstice by Jody Aliesan Grief Sweat, Broken Moon Press 1990 Thinking only makes the heart sore. – I Ching when you startle awake in the dark morning heart pounding breathing fast sitting bolt upright staring into dark whirlpool black hole feeling its suction get out of bed knock at the door of your nearest … Read more
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper (author of The Dark is Rising) And so the Shortest Day came and the year died And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world Came people singing, dancing, To drive the dark away. They lighted candles in the winter trees; They hung their homes with evergreen; They burned … Read more
Join together beneath the mistletoe. By the holy oak whereon it grows. Seven Druids dance in seven time. Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming. Ring out these bells. Ring out, ring Solstice bells. Ring Solstice bells. — Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull ©1977 The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year in … Read more