-
Cody’s Column: For the Love of Wisdom
What wisdom does your land hold? How about the people who live there? These are two essential questions that have guided me on a quest to become more connected and explore a realm beyond my own, uncomfortable at times, but filled with adventure. It all started when I began working at the local library a little over a year ago. I had just finished a stint on an organic apple orchard, picking apples, juicing them, and bottling the juice on site. Before that, I had worked on my own farm, during which I experienced a manic episode that nearly separated me from reality and all that I love. The…
-
Weyland’s Whey Mabon 2025 Column
Mabon This year Mabon will arrive on Monday, September 22nd. It’s the second harvest on the Wheel of the Year. (Lughnasadh is first, Samhain is third), and it celebrates feasting, giving thanks, and preparation for Winter. Mabon Activities Try a nice, quiet walk outdoors. Helpful hint: don’t take along a dachshund, unless you’re collecting ulcers. Delinquent barks at everything. Now, since my heart attack, I’d like to think she’s actually trying to “protect” me against (to her) perceived threats, but a stroll with her is far from tranquil. I reserve walks with my little girl (three or four times a day, Pilgrim–puppies need exercise!) for times I can concentrate on her, not trying…
-
Learning Lunar: New Moon into Waxing Crescent, Autumn Equinox 2025
If you’ve been following previous issues of Learning Lunar, you’ll see that we’ve looked at some of the major moon phases both generally and in relation to the specific time of year. This month, I want to get super specific and look at the exact phase and movement of the moon around the Autumnal Equinox. Why? Because I love this time of year. The Autumn Equinox is very magical for me, and has seen me go through many changes, some good, some bad; some happy and some sad. This year’s equinox holds bittersweet mixed emotions, thanks to a run of events coming to an end, but with it, the opportunity…
-
The Modern Merlin’s Summer Reading List: Lessons, Perspective Shifts, Transformation and Impermanence
Hello friends! I know it’s been a hot minute since you’ve last heard from me, and I do apologize for that. To be honest, I hit a moment of deep inner change, one that I’m still not completely out of. During this process of change, I came to realize that returning to my roots in Buddhism and Taoism wasn’t enough; I had to apply those practices in my daily life, something that I still struggle with, and likely will for the remainder of my time in this life. That’s not to say that it isn’t worth it; in my view, it’s well worth it to be mindful, live in the present moment,…
-
Weyland’s Whey September 2025 Blood Moon Eclipse Column
Full Moon Call it the Blood Moon. It’s subject to a total lunar eclipse on September 7th-8th, depending on the observer’s time zone. It will take about 3 1/2 hours for the Earth to pass before the moon. Totality (when Earth’s shadow fully covers the moon) will take about 1 hour, 22 minutes. Sorry, Pilgrims, this show won’t be visible from the US. It will be seen from Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and New Zealand. According to NASA, the next total lunar eclipse seen from this country will be on March 3rd, 2026. Now, maybe we won’t be able to see it, but the astrological impact will still be…
-
Road to Runes: Buying a Rune Set
There are plenty of questions you might ask when choosing a rune set. What material should I choose for runes? Do I have to make them myself? Are mass-produced runes okay? To be clear, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, only answers that are right for you. However, we’ve pulled together some tips and advice to offer guidance with this important choice of divination tool. Materials for Runes You can find runes made out of just about anything, and you can make a set of runes out of any materials you might have to hand. Even runes written on pieces of paper can work. But if you’re in the…
-
Notes from the Apothecary: Bistort
Until the end of August, possibly a little beyond depending on the weather, you may find the bristly, bottlebrush-like flowers of bistort growing everywhere from meadows to roadside hedgerows and verges. Although the bistort we have in the UK and that found in the US are slightly different, they’re all part of the same family: Polygonaceae, under the genus Bistorta. Here in the UK, I always think of the flower as little pink or purple cleaning brushes. The North American variant tends to be a bit paler and fluffier looking — I hope I get to see some with my own eyes someday. The Kitchen Garden The Wildlife Trust reports…
-
A World Re-Enchanted August 2025
In the lore of Arda, the Ainur are the mighty offspring of Eru Ilúvatar’s thought, shaped in the Timeless Halls before the world began. Among them, the greatest who entered the world are the Valar, the Powers who govern and guard the realms of Arda — from Manwë, lord of the winds, to Varda, kindler of the stars. Beside them dwell the Maiar, lesser yet potent spirits who serve and aid their greater kin, moving unseen or walking in fair form among Elves and Men. In the oldest tales, the word fairies was once used for some of these lesser Ainur and the most radiant of the Eldar, beings of…
-
Weyland’s Whey, August 2025 Spirit Moon Column
Full Moon The Spirit Moon rises tomorrow, August 9th. Named by the Ojibwe people, indigenous to the Northeastern woodlands and sub artic. It’s associated with Aquarius. A moment of release, perseverance and strength. A powerful time for reclaiming purpose and parts of your self that have been dormant. (Go.com, Wikipedia.) It’s August 8th International Cat Day Mee-yow! MAGAZINE Review The cover story of the August 11th issue of People is about the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. ‘Nuff said! “How do you move on? You move on when your heart finally understands that there is no turning back.” –J.R.R. Tolkien No Place Like Home Texting, texting: Namor: Hey,…
-
Weyland’s Whey, Lughnasadh 2025 Column
Blessed Lughnasadh! Also known as Lammas or Lughnasa. It’s a Gaelic festival that marks the start of the harvest season. Named after the god Lugh. In medieval times, huge gatherings included ceremonies, horse racing, athletic contests (think Tailteann Games. Look it up, I had to) and matchmaking. In more recent times. Lughnasadh celebrations include baking bread, feasting and community events. Some areas recognize the festival as a time for trial marriages, signifying new beginnings and partnerships. Am I the only one wondering about trial divorces as well? Might be popular… MUSIC Review Music for Lughnasadh–Lammas Songs (Celtic Festival). Miquel Berkemeir. Celtic/Pagan music. Violin. Impressive. Ranges from upbeat to haunting. Check…
