Tea Time

Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it; and it is grace itself which makes this void. — Simone Weil Did you practice working with the Allies of Time over the past several days? How was it? Have you remembered to invoke their help as a … Read more

E-I-E-I-O

We are the power in everyoneWe are the dance of the moon and sunWe are the hope that will not hideWe are the turning of the tide. — Starhawk As we explore the meaning of magic, it seems impossible to discuss it without also talking about ritual. In the rituals and magic that are woven … Read more

What is magic?

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

Consecrating the Garden

Tellus, Holy Mother, source of natureQueen and Goddess I invoke you:You are all-powerful and my needs are so small.Give me what I ask and in exchange,I will give you my thanks, sincere, and from my deepest heart.— from the Tellus Mater, ancient Roman prayer to the Earth If you are an avid gardener, you probably … Read more

The Importance of Flowers

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

Honoring Flora

©Flora – Genevieve AmyI am the handmaid of the EarthI broider fair Her glorious gownAnd deck Her on Her days of mirthWith many a garland of renown. And while earth’s little ones are fainAnd play about the Mother’s hemI scatter every gift I gainFrom sun and wind to gladden them.– William MorrisThe Floralia was the … Read more

The Floralia (slightly late)

When in the springtime of the yearWhen the trees are crowned with leavesWhen the ash and oak, and the birch and yewAre dressed in ribbons fair…–Loreena McKinnett In all the Beltane excitement, we mustn’t forget the other gifts of this most magical time, including the ancient Roman rites of the Floralia. Usually celebrated from April … Read more

Dancing in the footsteps of the Ancestors

Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight,Or he would call it a sin;But we have been out in the woods all night,A-conjuring Summer in!– – Rudyard Kipling Many of the visitors to my website will be celebrating Beltane this weekend with their circles, covens and communities (in addition to their solitary or family rites … Read more