• Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted January 2026

    The anticipation of the New Year has passed.The clock struck midnight, fireworks filled the sky with color, sparkling cider was raised, kisses were exchanged—and then, quietly, the moment slipped away. Resolutions were shared with enthusiasm: spoken aloud, posted across social media, and in many cases even begun. Yet as the weeks progressed, the magic, excitement, and optimism that briefly gripped the world began to fade. With each passing day, the familiar weight of “another year” settled back in. And once again, a familiar phenomenon unfolded—one curiously bound to the number three. In magical traditions, the number three is revered. It is a number of balance, power, and completion. In Freemasonry,…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted December 2025

    December in the Tolkienian Imagination: The Waning Light and the Hallowed Stillness In a rendering of Middle-earth shaped for mortal understanding, the month that corresponds to December stands beneath the long shadow of the year’s turning. Though the Eldar do not reckon time by the same divisions as Men, they nonetheless perceive this portion of the cycle as an interval of profound quietude—a deep inhalation of the world itself before the sun begins its slow return. Among the Eldar, this season aligns with the late passage of Hrívë, the Winter season, when the air lies sharp with memory and the light thins like pale gold upon frost-covered lands. For the…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted November 2025

    November and the Dawning of Hrivë In the reckoning of the Elves, Hrivë signifies “Winter,” one of the six seasons recognized in the Calendars of Arda. Although Tolkien’s Elves did not align their seasons precisely with our Gregorian months, Hrivë is typically associated with the period that begins in late October and reaches fully into November. Thus, in a spiritual or symbolic adaptation for modern practice, November may be understood as the month in which Hrivë truly awakens—when the slow, inward-turning breath of the world becomes unmistakable. November marks the threshold where the vitality of Quellë—the fading of autumn—gives way to the stillness and clarity of winter’s rule. In Tolkien’s…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    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…

  • Spells & Rituals,  This Month's Holiday,  Uncategorized

    Lughnasadh, Lammas, does it matter?

    As this is my first year back as a practicing witch in many years, I wanted to re-learn the Pagan origins and celebrations of Lammas aka Lughnasadh. I keep seeing both names, but ignorant as to why some call it Lammas and some call it Lughnasadh. I was surprised to discover these two names were not always the same festival, however, got combined in the Wiccan community. This doesn’t surprise me given that old European pagan practices were mostly lost to time, due to the absence of written language, records, and the destruction of cultural heritage by the Roman Empire. Therefore, it makes sense that the bits and pieces we’ve…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted July 2025

    The month of July focuses on the concept of gardens not just as a physical space which produces flowers, food, medicine and other things, but also as a spiritual astral place where you can find rest, rejuvenation and planting seeds to grow the reality we wish to live in. As a purely physical place the garden offers a connection to nature that allows us to be able to make outside engagement and to grow an appreciation for the flora and fauna around it. There are physical benefits health wise improves strength, flexibility, and overall physical health. Also, as studies have shown being in a green space can lower blood pressure,…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted June 2025

    The month of June has arrived and the energies have shifted from that of Spring to the time of Summer and we kick off that change with a month focused on the aspect of fire. Within Tolkien based spirituality and especially for those of us in Way of Arda’s Lore fire holds a deep significance. It is held as the second most important concept next to Music. The reason fire is so vital has to do with the Flame Imperishable also called the Secret Fire. Ilúvatar used this fire which has the power of creation, to bring everything to life. He placed within the Elves, Humans, Dwarves and all other…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted May 2025

    In the ever-hectic pace of our daily lives there is something that is often overlooked even though there are many antidotes regarding this often simple and unassuming item. To what is this author referring? Why the often thought of simple and common flower though it is an often misunderstood and powerful plant. The power of the humble flower was once very well known in our modern society. I am talking about not so long ago during the Victorian age when the language of flowers known as Floriography reached its peak. While its origins can be traced back to the Greeks and Romans, it definitely culminated during the Victorian era and…

  • Monthly Columns,  Spells & Rituals,  This Month's Holiday

    Spring, Beltane, and the Magick of Renewal: A Special Column from The Modern Merlin

    Hello friends, and welcome to May! Happy May Day, and Merry Beltane/Bealtaine! After a short hiatus, I’m back, and will slowly be picking up the pace in my writing so as to not burn myself out. How often I’ll be posting this month is TBD, if I’m being honest, but I’m excited to be back! That aside, I’m excited to be sharing with you a unique perspective I’ve come to regarding Beltane. Beltane is, and always was, a fertility festival; there’s an energy of renewal in the air, and love, too. Culminating with the Solstice at Midsommer, this season is truly about life renewed, as the bees and various critters…

  • Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology,  Spells & Rituals

    A World Re-Enchanted April 2025

    The flowers of spring are now in full bloom as the days grow longer and the weather warmer. The winter season has passed as spring continues assert its influence and time upon the world of Arda. Spring is a time of great change and as the vitality of the world grows again, the world is ready for prosperity and change.   The month of April focuses on Youth which is viewed differently among the races of Arda. For example, the Hobbits can be described as being carefree and innocent focused on the simple pleasures of the shire. The Hobbits are not considered adults until 33 years old. As a result…