Thalia’s Gifts: The Iris

Wild Iris at Dawn – © Galen RowellIn your neat garden iris growsBright yellow, mauve – in stately rows.This one you’ve picked is a lovely thing,I know it brightens up our spring. But in the forest, springtime’s child,A purple iris growing wild,Can melt my heart as spring melts snow,It’s spoilt me for the sort you … Read more

The Fires of Beltane

The Fires of Beltane(trad.) Nine woods in the Bel fire goBurn them fast and burn them slow. Birch wood in the fire goesTo represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest, towers with mightIn the fire it brings the God’s insight. Rowan is a tree of powerCausing life and magick to flower. Willows by … Read more

The Road to Paradise

For the May Day is the great day,Sung along the old straight track.And those who ancient lines did leyWill heed this song that calls them back. Pass the word and pass the lady,Pass the plate to all who hunger.Pass the wit of ancient wisdom,Pass the cup of crimson wonder. — Cup of Wonder, from Songs … Read more

Blessings of Beltane!

Hail Thalia, Grace of Flowering and Mirth! Hail to The Lord and The Lady!Hail to the King and Queen of Faery, to blessed Flora, and to Maia Majestas! ©Helena Nelson-Reed Hail to the Summer!Hail to the Summer!The season that drivesThe cold Winter away!Hail to the Summer!Hail to the Summer!Light your bonfires –Today is Beltane!— from … Read more

Celebrating the Flowering of Thalia

“…Higher in the space the fragrance of the star still disappears;near us a rose is breathing…” — Decimus Magnus Ausonius (ca. 310-395) Now is the time of the ancient Roman holiday of the Floralia, celebrated with games and theatrical presentations known as the Ludi Florales. A holiday honoring the Goddess Flora, also known as Chloris, … Read more

The Earth Leans Towards Us

I arise todayThrough the strength of HeavenLight of SunRadiance of MoonSplendor of FireSpeed of LightningSwiftness of WindDepth of SeaStability of EarthFirmness of Rock. — commonly known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate, but also believed to be the far older Druid Deer’s Cry Invocation As I’ve been discussing, the evidence is overwhelming that time spent in Nature … Read more

Salutations to Kuan Yin

Kuan Yin does not come hither; I do not go thither;the water is in the basin; the moon is in the heavens.When the water is clear, the moon appears;when the mirror is bright, the image emerges. — Su Tung-po – 11th Century poet Today is the 19th day of the second moon of the new … Read more

Psalm 66

Spring’s Arrival © Willow Arlenea Psalm 66from Earth Psalmsby Angela Magara Shout, shout with joy.Shout for the honor that is Life. Shout the greatness of this world. And the pleasure and pain of it.Ring the Universe with gratitude.For bulbs do burst to flowers and Seeds spring to life without labor,Enfolded in Time’s cloak.As do we. … Read more

More Spring Celebrations

Spring ChantBy Ivo Dominguez, Jr Joy In The Gold Buds Of Spring.Passion In The Greening Leaf,Joy In The Rising Day.Passion Neath The Glowing Moon,Come Swelling Tides Of Spring.Fill Me With The Promise Of Green. The Spring rites continue as many Pagans and Witches will be gathering over this weekend to celebrate the Full Moon Esbat … Read more

Blessings of Ostara!

The Goddess Ostara © Mickie MuellerThe country habit has me by the heart,For he’s bewitched forever who has seen,Not with his eyes but with his vision, SpringFlow down the woods and stipple leaves with sun. – Vita Sackville-West Also known as Lady Day or Alban Eiler (in Druid traditions), on this day, night and day … Read more