The darkened land, the brightening wave — And moonlight slants through Merlin’s cave. — Victoria Sackville-West, from “Moonlight“ Let us linger briefly, as we make our gratitude journey through the prayer beads, in order to hearken to the spell of lovely Autumn. For we are now moving into the Deep Waters of the Samhain season. … Read more
I can see the lights in the distance Trembling in the dark cloak of night Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing A waltz on All Souls Night. — Loreena Mckennitt The Wheel of Time turns, and we are now in the magical period that ancient Celts and modern Witches call Samhain. Traditionally celebrated on Halloween, … Read more
We honor this night the Dark Goddess, the Mysteries, the Blessed Dead, and the Mighty Ones of the Craft. I send my love and gratitude to all my teachers, elders, brothers and sisters who dance the Spiral Dance with me in spirit, if not in flesh, this night. And I give thanks for each of … Read more
There was a grove, immemorially inviolate, Hidden from the air above by interlacing branches… There fell fountain-streams, There gloomy images of Gods Stood guard, jutting, human-carven in tree-trunk shape… — from De Bello Civilis by Lucan (39-65 C.E.) As we approach the crossroads of the Old and the New Year at Samhain, we honor the … Read more
The leaves fall patiently Nothing remembers or grieves The river takes to the sea The yellow drift of leaves. –Sara Teasdale Today, according to the Celtic Tree calendar, we enter the month of The Reed. The Celtic Tree Year is divided into thirteen lunar months. Each has a tree (or in this case, a shrub) … Read more
The Cherokee always teach their young to listen. We hear not the crash of cymbals or the noise that rides the airwaves — but the sweet song of the meadow, the even rhythmic sounds of nature. It is here where the dikanowadidohi angel sings.— A Cherokee Feast of Days, Vol. 1 by Joyce Sequichie Hifler … Read more
Blessed be.
Scorpios are often considered the most intense, profound, powerful members of the zodiac (and I swear, I’m not just saying that because I’m afraid to be on your bad side, Scorpio! Love ya! Smooches!). Even when they appear self-controlled and calm there is a seething intensity of emotional energy under the placid exterior. Sometimes Scorpios … Read more
Dark Moon Goddess – Libra by StarweaverDark of the MoonNew beginningsDark of the MoonPlant a seed tonightDark of the MoonWhat we envisionWill come to be by the Full Moon’s light. Tonight is the dark of the Moon, the new beginning of one of our most important annual lunar cycles. It is this cycle that, as … 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