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-WestI hereby call a recess from the books! For the next several days, I urge you to celebrate Ostara, dear friends! For this, too, honors and strengthens your Artist’s Recovery, since … 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. This is an unusual New Moon, in what is certainly the most unusual of times. Not only is it the first New Moon of the Western New Year, and only one … Read more
Animating the Spirit of Democracy with a Ritual of Unity and BlessingPreparing for the Inauguration of Barack ObamaHeld by our Brothers, Sisters and Friends (many of whom you may recognize!) on Monday, January 19th, 2009 at the Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D.C. Intention:We ask for help from our multitude of deities, our ancestors and all of … Read more
Tonight, we light the fourth candle of our Solstice Sunwheel. It is not too late to join this ritual, even if you have not done so before. Instructions can be found here. Our Intention:Let our intention be that we will shine with the Light of understanding and truth. Let our Light awaken what is best … Read more
Darkness is only driven out with light, not more darkness.— Martin Luther King, Jr.Tonight is the second night of our Solstice prayer-spell. Tonight, preferably around sunset, take a moment to create sacred space and a peaceful spirit for yourself and your family. When you are ready, light the first candle that you lit last week … Read more
There isn’t enough darkness in all the worldto snuff out the light of one little candle. — Siddhartha Gautama BuddhaIn case you’ve been traveling or overlooked it, this Sunday will be the second night of our Solstice Sun Wheel ritual. Even if you missed last Sunday’s first part, it is perfectly fine to start it … 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. Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. and a powerful New Moon in Sagittarius. As Caitlin Matthews points out in her beautiful The Celtic Spirit: Daily Meditations for the Turning Year, … Read more
Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. — Brooks AtkinsonTomorrow is the New Moon, occurring just before noon, Eastern Standard Time. The lunation period that surrounds Samhain can be thought of as the Samhain season, during which … Read more
Love is the vital essence that pervades and permeates, from the center to the circumference, the graduating circles of all thought and action. Love is the talisman of human weal and woe — the open sesame to every soul.— Elizabeth Cady StantonIf you have been a regular reader here in past years, you know that … Read more
The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death. (He) jokes about it, caresses it,sleeps with it, celebrates it. It is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love. — Octavio Paz (1914 – 1998) Nobel Laureate for Literature, 1990 In many parts of Mexico, the Day of the Dead is observed on more … Read more