-
Notes from the Apothecary
Notes from the Apothecary: Primrose Primroses are a hardy, perennial plant which means they’re tough and come back year after year. They’re also absolutely gorgeous and often around in winter, lending some welcome colour to gardens, windowsills, or containers. Originally a woodland plant, primroses or Primula vulgaris will grow just about anywhere as long as there’s drainage so the roots don’t get waterlogged. Finding primroses in the wild can be a sign that you’re on ancient woodland. However, some “wild” blooms can be escapees from folks’ gardens! Either way, even in November and December, their blooms make a gorgeous, colourful addition to the winter landscape. The Kitchen…
-
Of Medicine ‘n’ Magick
Deep Autumn I love this time of year. The wheel turns in my hemisphere, and the dark of night claims sway in its dance with daylight. It’s a wondrous sharing. As I anticipate the arrival of winter, the enveloping darkness is comforting Medicine to me. The older I get, the more meaningful this deep autumn Medicine becomes. It’s hard for many, I know. It’s hard, even for me with my solitary ways and absolute love for the long nights, short days, and cooling temps. And this year such seasonal challenges are compounded for many – if not most – with the increased isolation offered by COVID-19. Nonetheless, with or without…
-
The Gifts of the Solstice to Connect with the Animal Allies
(Image: Robert Kaufman) Seeking our Animal Allies We are filled with great anticipation for welcoming the Light of the Solstice, the promise of increasingly warmer days and the promise of Spring’s grace. Solstice is also a wonderful time of opportunity to connect to those energies and beings that stand with shining eyes in the darkened forest, seas and air. These gentle and fierce creatures are ready to support our work in all of our endeavors. I would like to share with you a pathworking written a few years ago and one that I have had requested many times. Join me on a journey through the gates of the elemental…
-
Storm Moon
(Image via Unsplash) Full moons in November or December are sometimes known as Storm Moons. Here’s my poetic take on that, and how it can feel when times are tough. Storm Moon Storm moon coming Beating at the door Tempers are a raising Mood drop through the floor Hard times over Starvation ain’t the kill Hearts running hungry Stagnant water standing still Voices louder No one asking why Anger comes from the gut Emptiness from the sky Flowers drowning Crimping o’er with frost Tiny reminders Of just what you have lost Trees still bare Under February air But they need no help to get there To the green…
-
Ho’oponopono: A Hawaiian Forgiveness Practice
Forgiveness is the end result of a deeply emotive process of coming back from the devastation of trauma and betrayal and into strength once again. You’ll understand anger’s profound connection to real forgiveness and you’ll understand the true definition of mercy: mercy can only arise from a position of strength that gives you the ability to harm, tempered by the ability to control your impulses and choose not to. -Karla McLaren from “The Language of Emotions” *The following is an excerpt from the book “Dreaming of Cupcakes: A Food Addict’s Shamanic Journey into Healing:” Harry Uhane Jim is a Kahuna, healer, and teacher. He is the author of…
-
MagickalArts Video Edition
A New (Witch’s) Year! A New Mantle of Power! Welcome to this month’s video version of MagickalArts. This month we begin a new series “A New (Witch’s) Year! A New Mantle of Power!” Join me as we explore the Witch’s Year moving through each of the Sabbat’s and claiming new ways of practice, expression, integration and self-awareness. This is a journey of claiming your mantle of power as a Witch. Enjoy! *** About the Author: Robin Fennelly is an Elder within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan…
-
Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times First Edition
Bright Blessings! Those who have been following my articles know I was prepping to move, right? Thus I did not plant a garden like I usually do, and I even removed perennials, pots, a large raised bed, and gave it all to friends! Well…the pandemic hit, my husband’s hours were cut at work, and while we are making ends meet, it’s just not a great time to buy property for us. I have no idea how long we will be here. I missed an entire year of gardening thanks to this. Don’t get me wrong, I planted zinnias, like always, and I have a couple of potted mums outside with…
-
GaelSong
Labyrinth Lore I’ve built quite few labyrinths and used to walk one every day, for years. This is the season for labyrinths and mazes, so I’ll share my thoughts on the two major types that have been found in history. First is the Minoan, 7-circuit one. This was built as a place for initiates to meet their darkest fears, and it is said there was a Minotaur in the center. But I am guessing it was shaman in disguise, helping move his tribe through their initiations, instead. These ancient mazes were not easy places, though, for many who entered did not come out alive. The seven-circuit labyrinth was used in…
-
Inside the Heart of Darkness
As we move into the darkest time of the year, the human mind takes an inevitable turn towards more negative thoughts and emotions. One of the biggest myths of today’s society is depression. An entire society is forced to ignore their own needs and desires and trade them in for soul crushing indentured servitude; our very thoughts imprisoned by various belief systems. A legal system that imprisons a human being for doing with their own bodies what they will. A society of brainwashed sheep trained to trample any hint of free thinking. All of life has become a prison, where every man, woman and child is reduced to a mere…
-
She Who is All – Goddesses and the Divine Female
CERNUNA (Image Credit – Deviant Art by Kendigo) I had a special request to do a column on the Horned Goddess Cernuna. As it turned out, there is not much available on Her. As per usual, She seems to have been superseded by the Horned God Cernunnos, who is represented by his torque, holding a snake and surrounded by animals. It would/could be assumed that all representations are of Cernunnos, however a small bust of a Horned Goddess was found in Kent, UK. Two others have also been found; one rests in the British Museum of London and the other at the Musee de Clermont-Ferrard in France.…