Bright Blessings.   Fall is here, and we are rapidly moving towards the final harvest, Samhain.   In years past, my Samhain articles gave information about historic observances in Pre-Xtian times, including historic sites. I always include a working, and some personal anecdotes as well.   This month, I had the opportunity to talk about ghoulies, ghosties, long leggety beasties, and things that go bump in the night with horror writer, and director Michael Williams.       He and his team just released a fun, and creative horror called The Atoning, which I reviewed, and highly recommend all of you watch. I would like to thank Michael, and his…

“THE ATONING”     THE HAUNTING HORROR/SUSPENSE/THRILLER FROM GRAVITAS VENTURES TO BE RELEASED SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 ON DVD, BLU-RAY, AND DIGITAL HD *** Movie Review: I had the privilege of per-screening The Atoning, a creative horror by writer/director Michael Williams. I watch a lot of horrors, having worked a few haunts , myself, and relish nothing more than the sounds of horrified screams in the night. I’m also a Witch, and Intuitive Medium, and I would like to offer viewpoints based on my experiences. I watch a lot of horrors. While this is not my favorite one I’ve seen, it’s also not the worst by any means. It delivers in regards…

Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times Mabon 2017 Bright Blessings!   The harvest is in full force now. It is hard to believe it was just Lammas, and already, it is nearly Mabon!   Some of you are hard at work, gathering the fruits of your labor from your gardens, others, reflecting upon the fruits of your labors in your lives.   At my garden, we’ve had a very small harvest so far this year, but it’s not over yet.   We got six zucchinis, and three cucumbers. One cucumber is left on the vine, and then I think I will be pulling them out of the ground, as…

Bright Blessings!   August already!   (pinterest.com)   Depending on your tradition, you will likely celebrate either Lammas, or Lughnassadh, and while I’ve written about Lughnassadh, I’ve delved into little about Lammas.   (drieddecor.com)   The difference lies in what is being harvested. Lughnassadh is about corn harvest, and Lammas is about wheat harvest.   The underlying principle is the same. Both wheat and corn were very meaningful to the people who grew them, and both crops can be used in multiple ways. Meal is ground from corn, while wheat makes flour, and both can be used to bake spectacular things tons of different ways. Both also store well, and…

July 2017 Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times It is the day before Summer Solstice, and I’m writing July’s article. Next month will bring Lammas! The year is going by so fast! This month’s topic will be a very important one we talk about, but seldom sit in silence and meditate on. How Pagans get on with those who they cannot stand. It all depends on both your tradition, and your personality. My own, personal knee jerk reaction is to tell people off very harshly, and write them off for good if I really cannot endure them. This is because, like many, it takes a lot for me to get…

Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times: Beltaine 2017 Bright Blessings! I write this on April 21. It’s in the sixties here in Central Ohio, and my radishes and peas are coming up nicely. Big plans are in place to add manure to soil for our tomatoes, summer zucchini, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Aside from that, people who have literally been hibernating save for the mandatory work, and errands, are slowly reappearing into creation. Outdoor gatherings and festival season is nearly here, and invitations are being sent left and right. Every year here, this time of year is the same. And every year, it is about Samhain time the hibernation begins.…

Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times April 2017 Bright Blessings! I missed doing an article for last month. My computer crashed! I am thankful we have a new computer now, and I can write all I want! This month falls in between Sabbats, March 20 being the official date of Ostara. This is one Ostara that I have planned no gatherings, and will not attend any. It’s not that I don’t have peeps, and it’s not that I lack invitations. It’s that staying in has become routine for me. Those who have been reading my articles know I’ve been struggling for a bit over 2.5 years now. I am not…

Imbolc 2017 for Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times Bright Blessings, Here in Central Ohio, we have enjoyed temperatures in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s in late January this year. We are lulled into a false sense that Spring is here due to the warmth. Winter isn’t over yet. Or is it? Our ancestors would say this time of year IS the beginning of Spring, regardless of temperature. First signs are everywhere from groups of returning birds, to animals awakening from hibernation, and buds on the trees. For me, it means time to start planning the garden again. I dug out my seed stash, sorted what I do not want,…

January 2017 for Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times   Bright Blessings! By the time you read this, Solstice, all the days of Yule including Twelfth Night, and Xmas, and New Years will be over with. Some of you will be heaving a huge sigh of relief as all responsibilities for the Holidays will be done and over with, and you can start arguing with the kids/significant other as to how soon the decorations should be put away. The obligatory gift exchanges, party going, and family trips and visits will be over with, and many of you (not me) will be feeling fat and guilty for all the holiday snacking…

Winter Solstice 2016 Bright Blessings! The Solstice Season is upon us, and all I can think about is planning my ritual and gathering. Then, I can’t wait until the hubbub dies down from shopping, and parties that last until January. I have done my annual bowing out of all Christmas themed celebrations, and reminded people I do not send cards, or do gift exchanges. I have had the gripe fests with others who want to avoid the mainstream holiday, but can’t get away from it. A friend hit the nail on the head yesterday, and said, “I am just NOT in the Xmas Spirit this year.” I told him that…