ancestors – Author M. A. Phillips

In the Kitchen

I love working in my kitchen. When I’m there, I feel close to Brighid, my patroness and guardian of the hearth. Over the years, I’ve turned into a real foodie. I love making my own food. If I can grow it, that’s even better! The kitchen is a great place to adopt aContinue reading “In the Kitchen”

Celtic Tomb Discovered in Germany

Someone shared this on the ADF e-lists. An intact, ancient Celtic tomb was discovered in Germany! It is believed that it belonged to a woman and you can see some of the beautiful jewelry. I can’t wait until further findings are released!

Personal Religion

Ireland has captured my imagination, for better or for worse. A few years earlier, I never would have believed that I would be seriously studying Irish lore, Irish history, considering learning the Irish language, and worshiping the Irish Gods. A few years ago, the Irish Gods were “the strange Gods with even stranger names.” In a society thatContinue reading “Personal Religion”

The Three Kindred

In my early days of Pagan study and worship, it was easiest for me to connect with and understand the Nature Spirits. I was raised to respect them and even taught by my mother to believe in fairies and unicorns, even if they were part of a different reality than our own. As time went by, IContinue reading “The Three Kindred”

My Home Shrine

Creating a shrine was not a difficult requirement for me as I’ve been making altars for a few years. The challenge, however, was making an altar in accordance with a hearth culture and within a Druidic framework. Having started on a Pagan path through Wicca, I was used to having certain articles on my altar. When I realizedContinue reading “My Home Shrine”

Consecrating Ritual Space

I recently posted about moving my altar into the bedroom. This made space in the art room for Weretoad’s new workbench. We’re still moving things around, but the important aspects of my altar are set up in the bedroom nook. It’s actually a perfect spot for my altar in terms of size. The photo isContinue reading “Consecrating Ritual Space”

Here’s the special altar I set up for the ancestors today. The photos still hang on the wall by the main altar, but I needed a surface for their dinner. I even added some cat food for our deceased animal companions. Blessings and welcome to the ancestors! May you enjoy your visit. ( ForContinue reading

Samhain Snow

I woke up this morning, opened the bedroom curtains, and beheld my first snow of the year. You can see it just starting to frost the Earth in the photo below. I find it appropriate, somehow. The ancient Celts saw Samhain as the end of the light half of the year – the summer monthsContinue reading “Samhain Snow”

Magically Mundane Mondays – Enjoy Autumn!

As I recently posted, my stomping grounds are becoming increasingly winter-like. There is the promise of a short Indian Summer this week. I encourage you to make the most of it and enjoy the last bit of Autumn magic! Admire the leaves. Observe the changes and marvel at the magnificence of nature. Play inContinue reading “Magically Mundane Mondays – Enjoy Autumn!”

Celtic Culture in Ottawa

I’ve returned from Canada, dear readers! Ottawa, to be specific. Yes, Weretoad and I finally got our passports in order and took advantage of our extreme proximity to our northern neighbors. Ottawa was an absolutely beautiful city. I could compare it to other cities I’ve been to, but that wouldn’t be fair. It would beContinue reading “Celtic Culture in Ottawa”