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 Ring the bells of joy and blessings! Throw open the Gates … Read more
Deepest Dark Blessings to you and yours! It is the Eve of the Winter Solstice. This is the great celebration of Mother Night. As far as we know, our ancestors did not have atomic clocks or satellites to help them dissect Time to the nanosecond. Instead, they had to figure by their keen observation, by … Read more
I am the hallow-tide of all souls passing, I am the bright releaser of all pain, I am the quickener of the fallen seed-case, I am the glance of snow, the strike of rain. I am the hollow of the winter twilight, I am the hearth-fire and the welcome bread, I am the curtained awning … Read more
It is bad luck to fall out of a thirteenth story window on Friday. — Anonymous Although I am in last minute prep madness for my class tomorrow (Handouts! More handouts!), I’m pausing a moment to take note of this special day. Yes, beware, my lovelies, for today is Friday the 13th, associated throughout Christendom … Read more
Lammas Bread Blessing Bless the earth that grows the grain, Bless the water that gives us rain, Bless the wind that helps seed spread, Bless the fire that bakes our bread. – Words by Diane Baker, music by Anne Hill, Serpentine Music Now the Wheel of the Year turns once more, and the season of … Read more
Today is the celebration of the United States of America’s birthday. I am looking forward to my friend Lynn Haye’s soon-to-be published discussion about this year’s Sibley astrological chart for our country, which she has indicated has many dramatic elements. But in the meantime, with it becoming increasingly clear we are in unprecedented times of … Read more
… Hecate whom Zeus the son of Cronos honored above all. He gave Her splendid gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea. She received honor also in starry heaven, and is honored exceedingly by the deathless Gods. ~ Hesiod, The Theogony (circa 750 – 650 BCE) As you may know, … Read more
As the sun spirals its longest dance, Cleanse us! As nature shows bounty and fertility Bless us! Let all things live with loving intent And to fulfill their truest destiny. ~ from a Wiccan Summer Blessing (as reported by the BBC) Happy Litha (Summer Solstice) to those of us in the northern hemisphere, and Happy … Read more
I must go seek some dewdrops here And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear. Farewell, thou lob of spirits; I’ll be gone: Our queen and all our elves come here anon. ~ From A Midsummer Night’s Eve, by William Shakespeare Today is the last day of Spring in the lands above the Equator. … Read more
I am the handmaid of the Earth I ‘broider fair Her glorious gown And deck Her on Her days of mirth With many a garland of renown. And while earth’s little ones are fain And play about the Mother’s hem I scatter every gift I gain From sun and wind to gladden them. ~ William … Read more