At the end of January, my grandma passed away. She was my last living grandparent, and probably the one I was closest to if I’m honest. My maternal grandfather passed before my birth, and my grandmother when I was eight. I spent many happy childhood and adolescent days at my paternal grandparents’ home which wasContinue reading ““Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” – The Book I Needed After My Grandmother’s Death”
Tag Archives: death
Three Things Thursday: Death, Rebirth, and Rejuvenation
It’s Thursday again, which means I have three little things pasted together as a big post. Death My eldest cat, Esmerelda, passed away after twenty years of gentle companionship. She was there for me during heartbreak and joy. She sat on my bed as I read my first books about witchcraft and Druidry. She keptContinue reading “Three Things Thursday: Death, Rebirth, and Rejuvenation”
I Should Have Listened
I killed a bird today. I never meant to, but it happened. Earlier this summer, I bought some netting in an attempt to protect some berry bushes, and I also put it over my squash after a chipmunk got the only fruit on the vine. I was discouraged and just wanted to protect my harvest.Continue reading “I Should Have Listened”
Celebrating New Life while Reminded of Death
The transition from winter to spring was marked by a tragedy within my own community and grove. A friend, someone I started studying Paganism with back when I was in college, suddenly passed away. It was very sudden and heartbreaking, especially as he left my friend (his wife), and their daughter on the corporeal realm.Continue reading “Celebrating New Life while Reminded of Death”
Reflections on Samhain and Mortality
Another Samhain has come and gone in my household and protogrove. Some, like myself, observed it from October 31st-November 1st (sundown to sundown). Many celebrated this weekend, for reasons of convenience or celestial precision. I know of some people who honor it all month long, which is totally fine, as the veil between this world andContinue reading “Reflections on Samhain and Mortality”
Honoring Margot Adler
I’m ashamed to say that I never read the late Adler’s groundbreaking book, Drawing Down the Moon. The news of her sudden death moved me to order it immediately. I needed to read it; I needed to honor one of our community’s elders – now ancestors. I had admired her as a journalist on NPR, nowContinue reading “Honoring Margot Adler”
Nova’s “Ghosts of Murdered Kings”
I recently watched “Ghosts of Murdered Kings” on PBS. If you follow the link, you’ll be able to stream it on their website. This documentary focuses on the research surrounding the various bog bodies that have been uncovered throughout much of Northern Europe. I was able to see some bog bodies in person, first one atContinue reading “Nova’s “Ghosts of Murdered Kings””
Rest in Peace, Potion
Last night, we lost a very special little friend. Potion the ferret has been one of our furry companions since my undergrad years. I fell in love with her at a pet shop one day and couldn’t resist. I had been researching ferrets already and was hoping to give one a home. This particularContinue reading “Rest in Peace, Potion”
Death and Suffering in the Forest
Originally, Northern Rivers Protogrove was going to meet today for a workshop and discussion. That’s going to be rescheduled, but it gave me some free time to engage with Druidism in other ways. I did something I’ve not felt up to in months – I took a walk in the forest. That’s right! It’sContinue reading “Death and Suffering in the Forest”
Rest in Peace, Papa
My grandfather’s health had been declining steadily since the Winter Solstice. He came down with a form of skin cancer and the treatments they utilized didn’t heal him. He had started to decline mentally as well, and we heard from his hospice worker that it wouldn’t be much longer. Honestly, I’m surprised he lastedContinue reading “Rest in Peace, Papa”
Author M. A. Phillips 