food – Author M. A. Phillips

For Dinner Tonight

All homemade, local and/or organic. Also vegan! Potato, leek, and fennel soup, baked acorn squash, and steamed Brussels sprouts over couscous.

A kettle can be looked at much like the cauldron, a goddess symbol with connections to both Earth and Water elements. The above quote is from Juniper on one of the tools of hearth craft. This idea really resonates with me and I’m amazed that I didn’t make that connection before. Sure, I see myContinue reading “Tea Kettles”

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”

Looking Forward to the New Year

I do consider Samhain to be the beginning of my spiritual year, but I also cannot deny the status quo in regards to modern society. Generations have looked to the point between December and January as the threshold to a new year and the continual existence of all. I can’t deny the power associated withContinue reading “Looking Forward to the New Year”

Working with Nature

It was always easy for me to connect with The Nature Spirits. Upon reflection, I must confess that it was the Nature Spirits who originally helped me decide to turn to Paganism. I’ve always been an environmentalist. At a very early age, I started to learn about animals, ecosystems, and the huge amount of damage humans were inflictingContinue reading “Working with Nature”

A Holly, Jolly Solstice

Weretoad and I had a lovely Winter Solstice! I was so excited and in a festive mood. While he was away at work, I finished wrapping gifts, put on some Solstice music, and lit the tree. It’s the only night we leave it on and it’s a great reminder of what we’re celebrating. I alsoContinue reading “A Holly, Jolly Solstice”

My Autumn Equinox: Part One

Yesterday I talked about what the Autumn Equinox means to me. Now I’m going to share with you some of what I’ve been doing to celebrate it! I’ve started to collect twigs from specific trees to create small ogham staves. So far I’ve started luis/rowan and dair/oak. I’m proud of them so far! Here theyContinue reading “My Autumn Equinox: Part One”

Ahimsa and Druidism?

The fact that I’m a Druidic vegetarian quietly amuses me. My ancestors were Irish, Scottish, and Germanic! They ate mutton, haggis, and sausage! My ancient Irish ancestors looked to Druids for spiritual guidance – which often involved blood. On Samhain, the herds were culled before the hard, cold months. My ancestors were from Northern Europe.Continue reading “Ahimsa and Druidism?”

A Lovely Day Exploring the St. Lawrence River

I was recently diagnosed with bronchitis and prescribed medication. I need to be careful with regards to sex and booze, but my doctor told me that I can go out as long as I cover my mouth when I cough. Weretoad and I had planned for yesterday to be a “date night.” He was goingContinue reading “A Lovely Day Exploring the St. Lawrence River”

Living in Northern NY

As of August 6th, Weretoad and I have been residents of Northern NY for a year. We moved up here from the Mohawk Valley last year. It’s been a bit of a transition. I’ve been meaning to write about it. In many ways, the North Country is similar to the Mohawk Valley. It’s still NYContinue reading “Living in Northern NY”