Many thanks to M. Macha Nightmare, for her excellent and important wake up call. (Although, as she points out, and as our mutual friend Oak would have noted, “mistakes were made”).Nevertheless, let us not lose sight of the message, for it is a desperately important one. For every reason I can imagine – from the … Read more
Charge of the Goddess Traditional by Doreen Valiente, as adapted by Starhawk: Listen to the words of the Great Mother, Who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid, and by many other names: Whenever you have need of anything, once a month, and better it be when the moon … Read more
The problem of money dogs our steps throughout the whole of our lives, exerting a pressure that, in its way, is as powerful and insistent as any other problem of human existence. And it haunts the spiritual search as well. Jacob Needleman, Money and the Meaning of Life This weekend, we will be celebrating the … Read more
When in still air and still in summertimeA leaf has had enough of this, it seemsTo make up its mind to go; fine as a sageIts drifting in detachment down the road. — Howard Nemerov, Threshold This is the eve of Lughnassadh, also called Lammas in the Christian revision of the Pagan rites. It is … Read more
I will keep the magic-The magic that hidesIn the greens of leaves,In the flight of birds,In the smell of fertile earth. I will keep the magic- The magic thatGlows in fire,Falls in rain,Blows in wind,Rests in stone. I will remember who I am and what I keep holy,And that all else will pass like frost … Read more
Beloved, gaze in thine own heart,The holy tree is growing there;From joy the holy branches start,And all the trembling flowers they bear.The changing colours of its fruitHave dowered the stars with merry light;The surety of its hidden rootHas planted quiet in the night;The shaking of its leafy headHas given the waves their melody,And made my … Read more
Today is Midsummer Day in many of the Scandinavian and eastern European countries. In Finland, Latvia, and Estonia, for example, Midsummer Day is second only to Christmas as the biggest holiday of the year. Bonfires, feasting, parades, dancing and carousing fill the countryside. All sorts of divination and spells are common practice, and reveling outdoors … Read more
The young maid stole through the cottage door,And blushed as she sought the Plant of pow’r; —“Thou silver glow-worm, O lend me thy light,I must gather the mystic St. John’s wort tonight,The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decideIf the coming year shall make me a bride.”— Old German St. John’s Eve divination spell Today is … Read more
Today, the Sun enters Gemini, sign of the Twins. Influenced by Mercury, who rules Gemini, the next 30 days are especially favorable for learning and studies of all kinds. This is why for many centuries spring final exams have been held in late May and early June in Western countries. This time favors communications, and … Read more
Hail Mother, who art the earth, Hallowed be thy soil, rock and flora that nourish and support all life. Blessed be thy wind that gives us breath and thy watersthat quench, bathe and refresh all living things. Holy Earth – as one – we praiseyour majesty, grace and wonder.— Bill Faherty If the Romans could … Read more