This is a part of a series by Staff of Asclepius contributors. I think it is important to take stock of the year. For me the old Pagan year ended on the last harvest, or Samhain. Yule marks the beginning of the new. In between is a time to rest, and evaluate where we stand. What have I gained, what I have lost, what I need to change, what I wish to keep.I gained: --The first place I truly felt at home --a renewed knowledge of my own abilities as a psychic vampire --the recognition of … [Read more...]
Winter Solstice Reflections: By Nornoriel Lokason
December 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This is part of a series by Staff of Asclepius contributors.This is my first chance to really post on Staff of Asclepius this month - for those of you who read my blog Ride the Spiral, you already know what's been up, but for those of you who don't, I moved cross-country (from Oregon to my home state of Connecticut) earlier in December, and then promptly fell ill a few days after arriving, and I'm still not 100% yet. I also lost Internet access for awhile when my laptop died and I was r … [Read more...]
Gratitude Part 3 – by Masery
November 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This is part of a series by the Staff of Asclepius contributors on gratitude, for this (US) Thanksgiving holiday.If we are going to be thankful for something we need to be responsible and care for it. If we say we are thankful for family and friends, we need to help them in times of need and offer friendliness when possible. If we are thankful for our food, we need to respect the farmers and animals that provided the meal. If we are thankful for the Earth and its bounty, we need to do … [Read more...]
On Gratitude: by Nornoriel Lokason
November 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This is part of a series by the Staff of Asclepius contributors on gratitude, for this (US) Thanksgiving holiday.During a dark time in my life about a decade prior, I met a man who became the closest thing I've ever had to a father figure this side of the fence. He has since passed on - I wrote more about him here for those interested. One of the things that this man, Jay, taught me was the importance of "an attitude of gratitude". He would challenge me each day to tell him at least five t … [Read more...]
Winter is coming
November 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment
While summer tends to be the worst time of the year for me mental health wise, winter isn't much better. Summer is more obvious in that department, where I am irritable and don't sleep well, and prone to mood swings. Wintertime for me is just meh. Compared to the way my brain chemistry works in summer, it's the lesser of the two evils, but it's not fun.At least some of the reason why winter is not a great season for me is the holidays. The holidays are difficult for me, with inescapable r … [Read more...]
In Remote Uganda a School for the Deaf is Formed
November 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Patrick Otema, 15 was born profoundly deaf. In the remote area of Uganda where he lives there are no schools for deaf children, and he has never had a conversation. Raymond Okkelo, a sign language teacher, hopes to change all this and offer Patrick a way out of the fearful silence he has known his whole life. … [Read more...]
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