For Light by John O’Donohue (1956-2008) from To Bless the Space Between Us Light cannot see inside things. That is what the dark is for: Minding the interior, Nurturing the draw of growth Through places where death In its own way turns into life. In the glare of neon times, Let our eyes not be … Read more
Halcyon days, now wars are ending. You shall find where-e’er you sail Tritons all the while attending With a kind and gentle gale. ~ Halcyon Days by Thomas Shadwell (1642 – 1692) With the Winter Solstice now only a week away, we here in the Northern Hemisphere have come to the deepest darkness of the … 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
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying, when there seemed to be no hope at all. ~ Dale Carnegie (a true Sagittarian) This afternoon, at 4:50pm Eastern time, the Sun moved from Scorpio into the sign of Sagittarius. I am so glad I didn’t … Read more
I am she that is the natural mother of all things, mistress and governess of all the elements, the initial progeny of worlds, chief of powers divine, Queen of heaven, the principal of the Gods celestial, the light of the goddesses: at my will the planets of the air, the wholesome winds of the Seas, … Read more
Dark shepherdess of many a golden star, Dost see me, Mother Night? ~ From The Electra of Euripides Hail and Merry Meet on this 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 … Read more
As we approach the longest Solstice Night, the Mother Night, we give thanks and bless all that is dark. We heal with our intention “darkness” from its racial wounds and fear spells, and we give honor and praise to the Dark Mother, the Mother of us all. ~ B. A Prayer for Endarkenment by Dr. … Read more
Sonnets to Orpheus, Part Two, XXIX Rainer Maria Rilke (from In Praise of Mortality, translated and edited by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy) Quiet friend who has come so far, feel how your breathing makes more space around you. Let this darkness be a bell tower and you the bell. As you ring, what batters … Read more
O Lady Of Mourning we call to Thee By the Cauldron of Hidden Sight O Lady of Keening we call to Thee By the Wings of Endless Flight O Lady of Wisdom we call to Thee By the Cave as dark as Night Cailleach, Crone, Beloved Guardian of the Ford Night Mother, Lover and Wise … Read more
As you may know, on the last day of each month, I give honor to the Goddess Hecate. For once, this last day of our solar calendar month syncs up with the last night of the lunar month, and the dark of the Moon. What could be a better, more authentic time to give honor … Read more