For those of us in the Northern Tradition, the high holy tide of Ostara is upon us. Some are gearing up to celebrate this weekend, and others may postpone their celebrations so that they coincide more with the observed Christian date of Easter instead. The later allows heathen children to be able to participate in more mainstream activities such as egg hunts with their peers at school and at community parks. (more…) Read more
The Irish love a good story. They are a lyric, storytelling people. Their storytelling tradition is full of the improbable, impossible and likely not quite so. So although I appreciate those whose commitment to veracity in historical matters leads them to be St. Paddy’s Day debunkers each year, I feel they miss the point of the story of Padraig and the Snakes: it’s a good story. What makes it even better is that in true Irish fashion, the story continues... Read more
I have never looked forward to Ostara so much before in my entire life. I find Circle to be purifying, cleansing and healing. As the gunk and stress of daily life accumulates I come to crave Circle. I need it. I need that safe, supportive space to let down my burdens and connect directly to my Gods, the spirits of the Earth and my coven family. Add on top of my usual longing the riotous outburst of Spring and I... Read more
I used to own A Book of Pagan Prayer by Ceisiwr Serith, so I was excited to receive a copy of his A Pagan Ritual Prayer Book to review from Weiser. To begin with it’s a good size for a prayer book. Small enough to fit easily in a purse or bag with a cover that is wipeable. I like that. No flashy pictures or dust covers or fancy leather bindings. This book is designed to be used and to... Read more
It snowed today in St. Louis. We were expecting a few big flakes—the “size of hamsters,” according to one meteorologist—mixed with mostly rain. But it’s March in the Midwest, and cold air can be stubborn as it lurks at ground level. And as this water first flowed and then drifted from the sky to cover the pioneering spring leaves, Water came with it. For the first time in weeks I awoke feeling love and gratitude flowing into me, out from... Read more
A couple of days ago I wrote a post on why disasters happen from a religious perspective. I got some really good feedback on it that made me rethink how I think of myself in relation to the Gods and the planet. Here are two examples of some of the excellent comments I received: Cara Schulz said: What if a god had been holding back this earthquake for hundreds of years, until now, when Japan (and the world) is more... Read more
On Friday, as I watched the news and saw the damage caused by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami that swept the Pacific, I began to reach out to Pagan charities and get as much information as possible on the best way to help the Japanese people rescue, heal and restore. I wish I could claim I was overwhelmed with responses. Peter Dybing has been reaching out to his contacts to find the best way for folks to effectively aid... Read more
As I followed the story of the Japan earthquake and the tsunami that swept the Pacific my thoughts were both with the people caught in this tragedy and the temples and shrines of the Shinto faith. Maybe that sounds callous, but I am a religious person and my mind tends towards religious things. I know that Vodou has had struggles in Haiti since their earthquake over a year ago, and from Katrina we know that some folks will pounce on... Read more
Peter’s recommendations for donations can be found here. Peter Dybing is First Officer of Covenant of the Goddess, is a National Incident team member with the US Forest Service and was on the ground helping folks shortly after the earthquake in Haiti last January. I’ve been in contact with him to help get a better idea of how to best show solidarity with the folks affected by the earthquake in Japan. He was kind enough to briefly share his thoughts... Read more
An earthquake has devastated Japan and a tsunami is racing across the Pacific ocean. I am watching the live news web broadcast in Hawaii, lighting candles and praying for the folks living there. I’m praying for the folks in Japan who are caught in the aftermath of this tragedy. Please keep those in the midst of harm’s way in your thoughts. Pray, chant, sing, make offerings, send energy and be prepared to give to organizations providing relief for those who... Read more
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