I’ve written about folklore so much, and yet I just realized I never once stopped to consider what it is to begin with. It seems funny because we all think we can define it, we all think we know what we talk about when the topic comes up. But do we? Think about it for a moment, and see what you can come up with. I promise you the blog will go nowhere. Initial Definitions Now, let’s examine some definitions. Merriam-Webster... Read more
I firmly believe in the power of folklore, in the spiritual teachings found within these stories. For me, folklore is just as valuable and powerful as history, because it shows you how the people it comes from think/thought. We always hear that history is written by the winners, but folklore belongs to the people it comes from. Dwelling on my roots as the child of Syrian immigrants, I learned a lot with Syrian Folktales, by Muna Imady. Format: 126 pages,... Read more
I recently finished another beautiful book that I can’t recommend enough. It served as a form of therapy, meditation, and spiritual care, all in one. While brief, Water, by Rumi, translated by Haleh Liza Gafori, is a powerful experience that helps you recover hope. Format: 144 pages, Paperback. Published: June 10, 2025, by OR Books. Genres and Tags: Love poetry, Nonfiction, Poetry, Spiritual. 5/5 stars. A follow-up to her ground-breaking translations of Rumi in Gold, poet and musician Haleh Liza Gafori... Read more
A few months ago, I wrote about something that started making a good, big difference in my life: having a prayer corner at home. However, today I had to pack it into a plastic bin until I can move into a new place because the one I am in is an absolute nightmare. And, of course, you didn’t come here to read a rant at the end of the year, but to read my reflections about it. The truth is... Read more
Three months without anything new. It’s certainly a LONG time. It hasn’t gone unnoticed to me that I have lost focus and neglected this space. I have always thought that, to some degree, our online presence is an act of devotion: you share experiences, feelings, thoughts, ideas, hopes, and so on. It’s not a matter of sharing ad nauseam, sharing for the sake of it, but being mindful about it. The Power of Writing My mental and physical health have... Read more
I just read Thumper Forge’s amazing entry about tarot and the validity of a witch’s identity as such. I have seen tarot become more and more popular as time goes by, lots of people getting interested in it for a myriad of reasons, and it’s all wonderful. It’s great. But then, when people impose the belief that you must read tarot cards to be a real witch… that’s when things become shady and unhealthy. This is an entry for whoever needs... Read more
I’ve been absent, again, for a myriad of reasons. One of those reasons is that the Syrian government, which was supposed to bring peace to a wounded, traumatized society, is now massacring the Druze and Christians. They are targeting whole communities, killing without remorse or a second thought. My relatives in Syria were threatened as well and live in constant fear. There are a lot of things happening in my life right now, some of which remain private for a... Read more
There are books that are not meant for the faint of heart. Some readings are best to leave aside until you can process them and understand them, even appreciate them for what they are: a loud, unapologetic, much-needed protest against something so wrong you can’t describe it with words. There are books that are too heavy because of what they tell you about. Books like Gaza in My Phone, by Mazen Kerbaj. Thanks to OR Books for the review copy!... Read more
As I go back to my basics for the millionth time, there are daily practices that I keep returning to. Being a Modern Day Sha’ir is not just claiming a historically charged title. It means doing the work, accepting the mistakes you’ve made along the road, and learning from them. More than Thoughts and Prayers Don’t get me wrong. Praying is a part of my practice, it is important, it is benefitial, but I want to go beyond that. For me,... Read more
It’s been a long time since I was last here, so it seems I am chronically allergic to plans. However, something has been constantly happening that has enriched my practice, even when I’m not actively doing anything. That thing is praying. In silence, in my head, vocally, with my hands, by writing, or any other way that I can think of. Recently, I started working on a prayer corner in my bedroom again, which I hadn’t had for a while, but... Read more
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