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Archive for the ‘Druidism’ Category

Upcoming Short Story

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , , on January 18, 2020| Leave a Comment »

I was so proud to be part of the inaugural issue of Stone, Root, and Bone. I’m thrilled to have the honor again for issue two! I’m humbled to once more join a community of talented authors and artists to create a powerful publication for polytheists. Based on what I see from Hagstone Publishing,  issue 2 promises to be just as gorgeous, inspiring, and informative!

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The gorgeous cover image of Stone, Root, and Bone issue 2 from Hagstone Publishing!

You can pre-order your electronic copy here for $5. To whet your appetite, here’s a tiny excerpt from my short story “Through the Brambles.” Find out what happens in issue 2!

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“I looked up from the tangle of thorns and yarn, convinced the forest swallowed my daughter whole. I couldn’t see her crouching in the snow. I couldn’t hear her galloping laughter.” – Excerpt from “Through the Brambles” by M. A. Phillips 

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Succulents: Just What the Druid Ordered

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , , on January 17, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Today it was 1° Fahrenheit in my neck of the woods. The air hurt my face. While knowing that temperatures can and will dip lower didn’t make it any more comfortable, a delivery raised my spirits.

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Unboxing succulents! Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2020

A pagan acquaintance recently posted about her subscription through Succulent Studios. In an age where there are subscription boxes for everything under the sun, the concept of receiving baby plants intrigued me. I don’t need any more plastic, shirts, jewelry, or candy, but I always want plants. I think it’s my nostalgic longing for gardening that sets in each winter.

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A “blue burrito” succulent. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2020.

I didn’t subscribe until I read more. The company strives to be as earth-friendly as possible. They don’t use plastic in their packaging which is something I value. They grow their succulents organically, and the pots are biodegradable. All the same, I’m eager to find them new containers. Follow my Instagram to see where I ultimately place them!

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Elegant blue chalksticks. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2020.

I tried to be really hip and video my unboxing, but I was seriously awkward. My final take begins with a really inappropriate sounding sigh. Then my husband pointed out I filmed it vertically. I guess I live up to my blog title! Perhaps I’ll record next month’s arrival. I’m already excited to welcome more green friends to my home!

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Helping Australia

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , on January 5, 2020| Leave a Comment »

The news from Australia is heartbreaking. There’s only so much each of us can do, especially if you live in another country like me, but if you can, please contribute.

I donated to The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie. I’ve seen them in the news a lot, and I sympathize with the work they’re doing. I’d rather my donation go right to people with boots on the ground in Australia.

On the spiritual front, if you’d like some ideas, The Druid’s Garden has some useful suggestions, including a beautiful hex sign. If money is tight for you, these are some helpful options.

 

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What a Decade! What a year!

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 31, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Truly, the last ten years have been transformation for me, and 2019 was, overall, a grand end.

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The famous entrance stone in front of New Grange. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2011

 

I entered the decade a newly married woman with a new job, new apartment, and new community. I had to start from scratch making friends and learning the land. My Druidry grew, especially in the first five years. Before I had my daughter, I did some intense magical and meditative work. I created and acquired some of my most cherished tools. I had profound experiences with the land and spirits that pushed me onward. My husband and I even traveled to Ireland! It urged me to start a Druid study group and find kindred spirits. This ultimately resulted in Northern Rivers Grove! Connecting with others who wish to commune with the Kindreds and serve the land in a positive, safe environment has been such a blessing and sense of pride. As I continue to read about others who struggle(d) with toxic circles, I count myself lucky and intend to remain vigilant to protect my grove.  Though my official studies within ADF have stagnated since having my daughter, I’ve continued to grow on a personal level to serve my spiritual family by writing liturgies, performing rites, and practicing with divination. I rediscovered the value of simple but powerful folk magic and devotionals, and I placed the academics on the back burner for now.

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A Bealtaine ritual with Northern Rivers Grove, ADF. Photo by Grey Catsidhe

Becoming a mother was the most defining aspect of the 2010s. While it slowed my progress in magic and trance, it taught me patience, endurance, and perseverance I never knew I was capable of. My blog’s focus turned to Pagan parenting for a bit, and I continue to reflect and share on that topic with my readers.

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Airmid (OoaK Fabric Art Doll) sewn by Grey Catsidhe. 2010

I began the decade with a flurry of sewing, and I had the pleasure of vending at small festivals and through Etsy. My husband was always a tireless support, even sitting with me at my stall. Once I had my daughter, my priorities shifted. My sewing slowed, but Brigid woke my love and drive for creative writing. I believe my Druidry nurtured this and gave me a natural outlet at rituals and within ADF as a whole. I shared work with my grove, published material in Oak Leaves, and took part in some #Prayeraday challenges!

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As 2019 comes to a close, I am full of gratitude for my growth as a writer. I attended a conference, joined a writing society, participated in #pitchwars and #pitmad, and even queried a few agents and publishers. Networking has been helpful. I haven’t felt so connected to other writers since college! I’m still tweaking my manuscript after some kind rejections, but I’m very proud of my work. Beta readers are giving me helpful suggestions and positive feedback which is encouraging. I don’t often talk about my geeky side on Ditzy Druid, but I’ve even written some highly reviewed fan fics! Finally, I’m incredibly proud to say I published a short story in the first issue of Stone, Root, and Bone magazine through Hagstone Publishing. 

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I intend to continue improving and achieving as a writer. My greatest focus remains creating stories about contemporary Pagans. 2020 and the coming decade promises more writing, and that includes my blog! I’m honored that you’ve joined me for some of my journey. Thank you.

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A full moon working in summer, 2019.

May the coming decade be full of growth, kindness, good stories, and time outside. Kindreds bless! Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh – Happy New Year!

(Oh my gods, I never even gushed about all my gardening!)

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A lovely little potato and pea harvest from 2016! Photo by Grey Catsidhe

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“The Mandalorian” and Brigid

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , on December 27, 2019| 2 Comments »

If you haven’t finished season one of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, fair warning: there will be some slight spoilers below.

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If you’ve been watching the show, you’ve seen the amazing armorer who dwells in the enclave amidst maze-like sewers. We don’t know much about her, but the main protagonist of the show clearly respects her as a leader of sorts. Ever since she wielded her tools in episode one, the unidentified armorer hammered her way into my heart.

When fellow polytheists and Druids refer to Brigid, we most often think of her healing and bardic talents. We often link her to the fire of our hearth and ritual center. Yet in our modern world it’s easy to overlook her association with blacksmiths.

Intellectually, I’ve been aware of this side of her for years, but I’ve always struggled to connect with it, in part because I rarely see female blacksmiths. When I first sat down with my family to enjoy “The Mandalorian,” I was treated to the sight of a woman using her power and talent to create functional art to defend one of her warriors. My heart skipped a beat.

That’s Brigid, I thought. Not literally, of course, but she manifested in that form for me and, no doubt, other Pagans watching.

Fast forward to episode number eight and, my gods, what a masterpiece of a character! Like the goddess Brigid, the armorer is an artisan and keeper of traditions. She remains in the sewers collecting the armor of her fallen kin to preserve their ways. As Brigid would, she works to protect her clansman and the child he has taken in. Their creed demands the protection of children, and she gives the protagonist parting gifts to accomplish his duty as a guardian. Finally, even as she knows Storm Troopers will come after them, she remains at her forge as if meditating before an altar. When the Imperial soldiers arrive, she takes them down… with her tools!

I was floored and moved. This was a side of Brigid I had always sensed but never really saw outside of Ashley Bryner’s art. I’ve read bits about Brigid as a warrior, and I found that spirit in the armorer of “The Mandalorian.”

I now have a new cosplay goal.

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Turning Inward on the Winter Solstice

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , , , , , on December 22, 2019|

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Dawn on December 22nd, 2019. Photo by Grey Catsidhe. 

Today my family welcomed the reborn sun following the longest night. It’s always a joyous occasion. We rose before the sun, drummed, and cheered for its ascension. Then I made waffles because they’re golden and round!

We would have celebrated with our grove last night, but many of us are ill so we decided to cancel. I’m always sad to do that, but I must admit I wasn’t as disappointed this time. Perhaps it’s because, compared to other occasions when the weather kept us apart, feeling more or less sick for a month has nearly worn me to hermit-like mentality.

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Candles and offerings for Winter Solstice. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2019.

And so, like animals hibernating, I felt a desire to turn inward and embrace the darkness yesterday. It brings the space for introspection. It is the silence I crave to dream up stories. It is the peace of not rushing anywhere to do anything. I needed it. I think many of us did.  My family and I did a tiny ritual together last night – one with minimal stress on our tired throats and lungs.

Today I feel a sense of renewal and hope. I look forward to more time with my grovemates in the coming year. I embrace where my Druidry is taking me. I give thanks for light, warmth, and inspiration. Also, I have gratitude for quiet times for healing and thought.

Blessings to you this Solstice season! May the new year find us healthier.

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Sunset on the shortest day, Dec 21st 2019. Photo by Grey Catsidhe.

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Identity

Posted in Druidism, tagged , , , , on November 27, 2019| 3 Comments »

I’ve been ruminating on my identify for the last month. Much of it has involved my association with ADF. You can read about what happened on The Social Justice Druid’s Patreon. Many of us in the community are still processing it all.  I know some have decided to leave. Some are stepping back. The whole situation is discouraging and depressing.

And yet, my grove remains a positive place. I recently ran into a man who  visited our grove a couple times in the past. It wasn’t for him, but we move in the same circles. He asked how the group is doing, and I explained that we’re still around; that we’re a small grove, but we get along. Whenever we do our toast and boast, many express gratitude for the group, describing it as a spiritual family. That’s what it feels like to me. We feel safe to be ourselves, and we keep working to make it a safe space for others who may seek us.

So I’ve been experiencing this odd, disconnected feeling. I’ve talked a bit about it with my grovemates – my worry about being associated with the very real issues that ADF needs to work through. However, I’m also really impressed with the positive work some people are doing to make change or  move forward. Missy Ashton recently shared her own reflections, and they really helped me.

It was time for me to renew my ADF membership. Missy posted her thoughts the day it was due, which seemed like a sign to me. I lapsed, mostly because I forgot due to other things happening in my life, but also because I was still processing.

I literally just renewed. I still possess a lot of trepidation about it, but for now, I’m mostly doing it for my grove after talking to them.

The year going forward, I will continue to watch and reflect. Not just about ADF, but about even calling myself a Druid. I keep worrying that I’m doing a disservice to Gaelic speaking communities using that descriptor… So I’m trying to get back into my studies, learning  more about the authentic folk practices of  my ancestors*. I continue studying Gaeilge (Irish) one Duolingo lesson at a time. I just bought Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland to better inform my practice. I’m so excited to dig in!

As we near a new decade, it seems a prudent time to reflect and reevaluate. Yet I do so with hope and optimism. I prepare to step past the threshold between 2019 and 2020 with a grove of spiritual siblings to support me as we continue our journey together to honor the deities, beloved dead, and land.

*I feel it’s important to remind readers that, although I have been inspired to research and embrace the folk practices of my Irish ancestors, DNA is not a prerequisite for this spiritual path. All you need are an earnest respect for, and desire to learn directly from, the living culture.

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