Autumn
An Autumn Gathering of Dreams
The darkened land, the brightening wave — And moonlight slants through Merlin’s cave. — Victoria Sackville-West, from “Moonlight“ Let us linger briefly, as we make our gratitude journey through the prayer beads, in order to hearken to the spell of lovely Autumn. For we are now moving into the Deep Waters of the Samhain season. … Read more
In Gratitude for Autumn
Blessed is your gift of Autumn, which we celebrate now: The cooling and the clearing, Swirling, falling leaves of gold and crimson; Birds on the wing, Frosty mornings, And the harvest gratefully gathered in. These are the words I use when I give thanks for the gifts of Autumn with my prayer beads. I love … Read more
Sunday Poetry by Jeanne Lohmann
Our stories lie down in the orchard, their time is not now, but something is coming, something is going away. They rise to the stars, and wait to be told. There are listeners who know how little we know, how much we are feeling. We had to go our own way, a little off course, … Read more
Poetry for Hecate
This is the last day of the month, and so is sacred to the great Triple Goddess, Hecate. On this day, we honor the Her as Queen of the Night and the Goddess of Witches. Hecate is a protector of women, mighty advocate for the disenfranchised, and She who guards the crossroads. It is She … Read more
Blessings of the Harvest Moon
Spring scarce had greener fields to show than these Of mid September; through the still warm noon The rivulets ripple forth a gladder tune Than ever in the summer; from the trees Dusk-green, and murmuring inward melodies, No leaf drops yet; only our evenings swoon In pallid skies more suddenly, and the moon Finds motionless … Read more
Mabon Blessings! Welcome Autumn!
Once more the liberal year laughs out O’er richer stores than gems or gold: Once more with harvest song and shout Is nature’s boldest triumph told. – John Greenleaf Whittier Tonight at 11:09 Eastern time, we cross into the time of perfect balance, the Equinox, taken from the Latin for “equal night.” This is the … Read more
Happy Birthday, Libra!
We must be courageous but also reasonable. The world admires us for walking a tightrope without falling off. It asks us to keep our balance. — Lech Walesa Winner of the 1983 Nobel Peace prize, first president of post-communist Poland and a Libra (Sept. 29, 1943). On this date, the Sun leaves Virgo and continues … Read more
Blessings of Lughnassadh!
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 Lughnassadh (pronounced “LOO-nahs-ah”) or the Anglo-Saxon “Lammas,” is one of the Greater Sabbats … Read more