Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands. Pixabay. The Orkney Islands lie off the coast of northern Scotland in the waters where the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. Less than one third of the 70 plus islands are inhabited with a population of less than 20,000 people. The indigenous cultures of the Orkneys were assimilated into the culture of the Northmen who settled the island in the 8th and 9th centuries. Like much of Northern Europe it was a stronghold of... Read more
Paganism and folk magic are intimately tied to history, heritage and tradition. There are many rituals and customs that call upon the help of the ancestors, honoring them and paying them tribute. Looking into the past for clues about what people believed and how they practiced their spiritual traditions has informed many various reconstructions of the Pagan past. The superstitions and stories that are passed down orally through family lines, often unknowingly, have provided a matrix for countless folk traditions... Read more
In English, Yuletide is synonymous with Christmas time. However, it has connections to the winter celebrations of Northern Europe including the cultures of the Norse, Scandinavian and Germanic people. Yuletide customs surrounding the Winter Solstice have also made their way to America and Britain from caroling to the giving of gifts. The holiday is associated with the darkest night of the year, and the birth of the new Sun. It is also associated with Mōdraniht, or Mother’s Night the New... Read more
When one thinks of rustic winter atmospheres; crackling fires, the fresh scent of pine and rich spices come to mind. Sprigs of Holly, Evergreen Boughs and Mistletoe bring life to the hearth and home. Plants of the Yuletide season have similar characteristics. They are warming and soothing, a balm to the bitter cold. Read more
The Witching Way of Hollow Hill is a tome of knowledge on the topic of traditional witchcraft, Old World Paganism, and animistic spiritual beliefs. It is an in-depth exploration of the basic concepts of fate, mysticism, and land-centered magical practices rooted in the beliefs of pre-Christian Europe. Read more
"Besom, Stang and Sword," is a new publication from Weiser Books on a unique path of traditional witchcraft known as Black Tree. It is written by Christoper Orapello and Tara-Love Maguire the hosts of the podcast, "Down at the Crossroads. Read more
Pixnio. Stock photo. Searching for Personal Truth Many individuals seem to be seeking out the wisdom of their ancestors, turning towards a more animistic way of operating. There is wisdom and power in our connection with the Land, and the Blood that flows within us. While some people feel called to specific pantheons, and are comfortable working with deities to which they have no ancestral connection; others are not called in the same way. What many of us initially found... Read more
Can images of deities be copyrighted? Apparently they can. Many of you have no doubt heard of the lawsuit that is being proposed by The Satanic Temple (TST), over copyrights that have allegedly been infringed upon by Netflix and the creative producers of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. While the likelihood of the entire series being pulled from Netflix is quite small, the claims of copyright infringement that TST has put against creators of the show are legitimate according to... Read more
It seems as though different deities and spirits reach out to me at different times throughout the year. Deities that I have approached and explored in the past speak louder at certain times demanding my attention. Through an exploration of their myths and mysteries I am able to unearth the messages they are trying to deliver. In this case it was the goddess Hel/Hela. During this Hallows tide deities like Hecate, Persephone, Demeter and others are honored. However, Hel, the... Read more
Samhain, the season of the witch, is a time for us to honor the powers that underlie our Craft. The hidden powers behinds the scenes, guiding our movements and our inspiration. The Dead guide us; they are present when we weave our magic. Those who have laid the foundations for our Great Arte, fertilizing our holy ground with their blood. The Dead are always with us, but this is their time. The mothers and fathers of our traditions, great witches,... Read more
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