Glory of the Day-Star, hail! Lifter of the Light, Burnisher of the Sky. Gifts of love to earth are bringing, Summer’s shimmer, dew’s delight. Dancing be the heart within us, Open be our souls to bliss, Courage vanquish every shadow, Greet Midsummer with a kiss. – Greeting to the Summer Solstice from Celtic Devotional – … Read more
Today is not only the Spring Equinox, but it is the beginning of the astrological new year as the Sun moves into the sign of Aries! As the first sign in the zodiac, fiery Aries is the first one to get things started, initiating projects and leading others. The Ram is adventurous, ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic … 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
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
Summer Sunby Robert Louis Stevenson Great is the sun, and wide he goesThrough empty heaven with repose;And in the blue and glowing daysMore thick than rain he showers his rays. Though closer still the blinds we pullTo keep the shady parlour cool,Yet he will find a chink or twoTo slip his golden fingers through. The … Read more
… And now, home again. Yes, I am home from my amazing journey, but will not be officially “at work” until tomorrow. All I say is, “After the ecstasy.. the laundry.” I hope you all enjoyed the videos I posted on my website while I was away! “I beseech Minerva and Venus, of whom one … Read more
As the sun spirals its longest dance,Cleanse us!As nature shows bounty and fertilityBless us!Let all things live with loving intentAnd to fulfill their truest destiny.— from a Wiccan Summer Blessing (as reported by the BBC) Happy Litha (Summer Solstice) to those of us in the northern hemisphere, and Happy Yule to our friends below the … Read more
I gather thyme upon the sunny hills,And its pure fragrance ever gladdens me,And in my mind having tranquillityI smile to see how my green basket fills.And by clear streams I gather daffodils… — from Immalee by Christina Rosette To enhance the fresh, clearing energy of Spring, I like to make a magical dry potpourri (as … Read more
Blessings of Imbolc This is the great moment in the Wheel of the Year when we take note of the first stirrings of Spring. Though snow may still blanket the ground in some places, and storms are sure to continue, the light is growing stronger every day, and new signs of the return of life … Read more
We are a circleWithin a circle,With no beginning,And never ending… — Circle Chant by Rick Hamouris For our magical working (see yesterday’s post), you will need a wreath and five candles. You may be familiar with the Christian tradition of lighting candles on an Advent wreath. Our spell will be a reclaiming of that practice, … Read more