The Tao has no place for pettiness, and nor has Virtue. Pettiness is dangerous to Virtue; pettiness is dangerous to the Tao. It is said, rectify yourself and be done. — Chuang Tzu, Chinese philosopher, major thinker in Taoism (circa 360 BCE -275 BCE) The origins of the word virtue are from the Latin virtutem … Read more
Yes, this is political, and so it is controversial and not particularly pleasant. But I believe that we are on the brink of changes that could forever alter the very nature of our democracy and government. So we pause at this pivotal moment in history, to reflect on the choices now before us, and how … Read more
These three ways lead to the heavens:asserting the truth,not yielding to anger,and giving…— Dhammapada, verse 224 Right now, if I get one more email that’s fairly vibrating with fear and anger regarding the economy, Sarah Palin, John McCain, and on and on, I think I might have a case of the vapors. Yes, I am … Read more
Although the most acute judges of the witches and even the witches themselves, were convinced of the guilt of witchery, the guilt nevertheless was non-existent. It is thus with all guilt.— Friedrich Nietzsche Autumn Equinox draws near. Now the Harvest Moon is visibly diminishing, yet still powerful and beautiful as it rises later each night. … Read more
Today I’d planned to continue our explorations of harvest lore, specifically making corn dollies, but instead, I feel the urgency of this occasion to share these words from two of my dear teachers with you. The Three Candles, Marc Chagall Words from Starhawk:September 11, 2001: Hecate sits on her tripod at the crossroads in the … Read more
The Power and the Gloryby Phil Ochs Come and take a walk with me through this green and growing landWalk through the meadows and the mountains and the sandWalk through the valleys and the rivers and the plainsWalk through the sun and walk through the rain This is a land full of power and gloryBeauty … Read more
Faeries Looking Through a Gothic Arch by John Anster Christian Fitzgerald Dare you haunt our hallow’d green? None but fairies here are seen. — from The Fayries Daunce (in A Briefe Discourse), by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1614 Creating a special meeting place with an altar is an integral part of building a relationship with the Fair … Read more
© Margaret Dean The fairy beam upon you,The stars to glister on you;A moon of lightIn the noon of night,Till the fire-drake hath o’ergone you. — Ben Johnson (1572 –1637) I’ve been suggesting that, if you feel called to do so, you may wish to establish and deepen your alliance with the Good People that … Read more
Neither substance quite, nor shadow,Haunting lonely moor and meadow,Dancing by the haunted spring,Riding on the whirlwind’s wing… — from A Faery Speaks by Sir Walter Scott Yesterday, I began a discussion about building an altar as a way to begin to connect to the Fair Folk in your home or garden. Of course, I realize … Read more
Happiness is not a matter of intensitybut of balance, order, rhythm and harmony. – Thomas Merton The Greek Goddess Iris is a Goddess of sea and sky. Her father Thaumas “the wondrous” is a God of the sea, and Her mother Elektra “the amber,” is a cloud-nymph and one of the Oceanids (not the daughter … Read more