Samhain, the time when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest, we can connect with our ancestors. It is commonly known by the mundane as Halloween. This sabbat though has two other equally important aspects people tend to forget. It is the last harvest and to Druids it is the Celtic New Year. Many Celts believe that between sundown Oct. 31 and sundown Nov. 1 time “stands still.” It is the “day” in the Year and a Day promise... Read more
For us Pagans, it is not just the changing of the seasons; the trees shed their leaves after transforming from the beautiful greens we saw all summer long to vibrant colorful reds, oranges, yellows, and gold. Second harvest is also a time to reflect and to give thanks for the great bounty we received. It is time to acknowledge all that we are grateful for this year. Read more
Irene Glasse writes, "The first hint of autumn to come is like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room. It clears my thoughts and ruffles my spirit, waking me back up to life." Read more
This month the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, NJ (UUCM) is following the Souls Matters’ theme of Possibility. This seems appropriate for where we are now, when all is changing again. One minute everything is opening up, then the next more necessary restrictions. Last month I spoke about adapting to both virtual and in-person gatherings. Now the COVID-19 Delta variant is postponing that option. My congregation is considering the possibility of pushing back Welcome Fest and the reopening of the sanctuary... Read more
How are you staying centered right now? What works best for you when the people around you are in conflict? Read more
While Pagans, in general, are all about nature, I believe we adapted well to the virtual world. Read more
Litha is here and it is the longest day of the year. It is the Midsummer or Alban Hefin—light of the summer or light of the shore in the Druidric path. This is my most favorite season, as I am an otter and love to play in the water. The beach —that tingle of the hot sand as I walk to get relief in the cold ocean water. Something I wait for all year long. Last year, the pandemic robbed... Read more
Author and teacher Christopher Penczak refers to this experience as ‘Hitting the Wiccan wall’ and I think it’s beautifully phrased. When I’m stuck, I find that I don’t have energy or enthusiasm for my spiritual practice...How do we get un-stuck? Read more
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, New Jersey, to which I belong to, follows the Soul Matters themes. This May, the theme is “Story.” During the pandemic, I joined our weekly Drop-in covenant group. This month’s questions focused on our own story, including how we handled the pandemic, our ancestors and our childhood. One question addressed change. I could not help but think of two of my biggest ones – how I discovered Unitarian Universalism and leading UUCM Sacred Wheel... Read more
How will you celebrate this time of year? What are you planting for the coming warm months? Are you planning a garden or another new project? And how are you ritualizing your re-connection? Read more
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