As Lughnasadh starts to turn us towards the Autumn Equinox, and as it is the beginning of the major harvests, I find myself reflecting on the successes and failures of our little container garden. Each year, we learn more about our plant allies. Each year, through a mixture of experience and research, we recognize opportunitiesContinue reading “Garden Update: Harvest and Gratitude “
Tag Archives: 2016
My Garden as a Sanctuary
This year, I’ve started to notice how many Nature Spirits interact with my garden. I’ve always observed frogs, toads, birds, sometimes snakes, and a variety of invertebrates in and around my garden pots, but this year there’s greater significance to their presence. Upstate NY is experiencing a drought watch, and our family garden, watered onceContinue reading “My Garden as a Sanctuary”
2016 Garden Update
Another year, another lovely garden. Each year I learn more about and from the Nature Spirits. This year, my husband joined me in the adventure as he experiments with hydroponics. Once more, we are renters who largely rely on containers for our gardening. It has pros and cons, and I definitely look forward to havingContinue reading “2016 Garden Update”
4th of July Bonfire
Instead of fireworks, we had a bonfire in the backyard. We did use a few sparklers which delighted my daughter. Plenty of sparkles without all the noise. She made an offering of birdseed to the Nature Spirits. I made offerings of drink to the Ancestors and Gods. I sprinkled juniper berries into the fire forContinue reading “4th of July Bonfire”
Working with Plants in Summer
The warm weather is here, and I’m working to improve my relationships with plants. I’m always learning about herbal properties, plant identification, methods of preservation, and various magical uses. My paternal grandmother started to teach me when I was little. She had a beautiful herb garden and apple trees at her home. Some of myContinue reading “Working with Plants in Summer”
Summer Solstice: On Rivers, Under the Moon, and In the Garden
My Summer Solstice celebration started on Saturday. We woke early and headed to Alexandria Bay for Family Day at Boldt Castle. We had to stand in a long line to purchase boat tickets first as the castle is on an island. It was a bright, sunny day… Standing and waiting was exhausting and uncomfortable, butContinue reading “Summer Solstice: On Rivers, Under the Moon, and In the Garden”
Feeling Proud
I just want to take a moment and share how proud I am of my protogrove, Northern Rivers, of ADF. We are small, but we have grown into a strong group giving service to the Kindreds, each other, and our community. We’ve offered public rituals, welcoming many people in the wider community to join inContinue reading “Feeling Proud”
A Quiet Bealtaine at Home
Bealtaine is one of my favorite holidays. One reason is simply because, unlike the Spring Equinox, Bealtaine truly brings the warmer weather to Northern NY. Another reason for my fondness is that it’s basically my unofficial Pagan anniversary. I don’t know exactly when I started the conversion process, but my first experiences with two Pagan groupsContinue reading “A Quiet Bealtaine at Home”
On Performing My First Baby Blessing
About six months ago, I performed my first Mother Blessing for my friend and grovemate Cassandra. During my protogrove’s Spring Equinox rite, I had the honor and pleasure of leading a baby blessing, or saining, for the bundle of joy who arrived around Imbolc. I performed the blessing as one of our magical workings. ItContinue reading “On Performing My First Baby Blessing”
A Pagan At Peace on Easter
I went with my family to an Easter Brunch near the St. Lawrence River. It felt like a homecoming in many ways; I hadn’t seen the river in a few months, and my heart swelled to see her. Like a vibrant ribbon against brown fabric, the bright blue-green of the river certainly gave a springContinue reading “A Pagan At Peace on Easter”
Author M. A. Phillips 