Groundless hope, like unconditional love, is probably the only kind that counts. — John Perry Barlow A BRIEF FOR THE DEFENSEby Jack Gilbert Sorrow everywhere. Slaughter everywhere. If babies are not starving someplace, they are starving somewhere else. With flies in their nostrils. But we enjoy our lives because that’s what God wants. Otherwise the … Read more
O Yuletide Tree, O Yuletide TreeEvergreen and fragrantO Yuletide Tree, O Yuletide TreeEvergreen and fragrantWe bring you in our home to beA sign of life’s eternityO Yuletide Tree, O Yuletide TreeForever green and lovely. Evergreens have long been part of Winter Solstice celebrations. The evergreen trees, such as fir, pine and cedar or juniper, keep … Read more
©Osho Zen TarotWatch out now, take careBeware of the thoughts that lingerWinding up inside your headThe hopelessness around youIn the dead of nightBeware of darkness… — George Harrison Last night, as I shook my head in horror at the dramatic news events of recent days, I commented to my husband that there seems to be … Read more
Dark of the MoonNew beginningsDark of the MoonPlant a seed tonightDark of the MoonWhat we envisionWill come to be by the Full Moon’s light. The Hermitby Robert Bly Darkness is falling through darknessFalling from ledgeTo ledge.There is a man whose body is perfectly whole.He stands the storm behind himAnd the grass blades are leaping in … Read more
Though my soul may set in darkness,It will rise in perfect light,I have loved the stars too fondlyTo be fearful of the night. — Sarah Williams (1837 – 1868) On Sunday, we take the next step in our Solstice Sunwheel ritual. At sunset, or some other quiet time, you will first re-light the first candle, … Read more
Light One Candle – © Larkin Van Horn Brother stand the pain; Escape the poison of your impulses. The sky will bow to your beauty, if you do. Learn to light the candle. Rise with the sun. — Rumi To many traditions and spiritual paths, Fire is a Guardian, protector and a living being. It … Read more
Lethargics are to be laid in the light, and exposed to the rays of the sun for the disease is gloom. -~Aretaeus This night, having made the preparations I described last week, we begin our spell for the return of the Light. It is based on the Christian practice of lighting candles around an Advent … Read more
Night Fall #1 – Mary McIntyre ©2003I believe in rainbows and all of that. But there are darker colors …and it’s the shade that defines the light. –– Tori Amos As we work with the magic of timing, once again this year, I invite my visitors to join with me in a magical working that … Read more
Dark of the MoonNew beginningsDark of the MoonPlant a seed tonightDark of the MoonWhat we envisionWill come to beBy the Full Moon’s light. Today brings a powerful New Moon, one that touches on Mystery and transformation at the deepest levels. Astrologer Lisa Dale Miller writes, “Sometimes referred to as Lunar Samhain, the New Moon in … Read more
Mother Kali, Mother Kali,Mother of the world-transformingand world-illuminingFiery Dance,O Mother, You are at once the destruction-floodOf Concern-Light and Compassion-OceanFor our heart’s aspiration-flame.— Sri Chinmoy We stand today on the threshold of the New Moon of Samhain, the doorway to the darkest time of our Northern Hemisphere year. From now until Yule, Winter Solstice, the days … Read more