The house grows still after another busy day. Upstairs, my husband’s voice rumbles like a purring cat as he reads to our daughter in bed. A moment ago, she sipped a “sleepy dream time” potion we made together. Lately, Bee has been playing witch. I did the same thing when I was her age. IContinue reading “Magic Lessons”
Tag Archives: family
Socially Distant Summer Solstice
This time last year, my grove celebrated the Summer Solstice together. We gave gratitude to the Kindred, to the sun, and to the network of rivers that connect us all in the North Country. We gave an offering of yellow flowers to Manannán mac Lir. This year, I missed my people, my grovemates. We willContinue reading “Socially Distant Summer Solstice”
Return to the River
Like many of you, I’ve been striving to keep my family safe. We stayed home and only my husband and I went out for essentials while always wearing a mask. We took my daughter to the greenhouse once in May, but she fussed so much with her mask that we worried about bringing her placesContinue reading “Return to the River”
Grateful for Warmth and Light
The power came back on a few minutes ago. It’s been out since ten in the morning. Where we live, electricity is pretty cheap, so that’s how we heat our home. Unfortunately, we’re at a disadvantage when the power goes out in the winter. It didn’t really bother us until a few hours in. ThenContinue reading “Grateful for Warmth and Light”
Turning Inward on the Winter Solstice
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 toContinue reading “Turning Inward on the Winter Solstice”
If at first you don’t succeed…
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m working through the Initiate Path of ADF. The Dedicant Path took me three years to complete. The IP is taking much longer. The biggest hurdle for me is finding the quiet time and mental space to complete the work. My career is exhausting. Keeping house is exhausting. My daughterContinue reading “If at first you don’t succeed…”
Clearing the Dust
When I woke up this morning, after going about my toilette, I approached my altar, but decided I would hold off on my usual devotional. I felt unsettled, so I went outside. I contemplated yoga, but my inner voice urged me to stretch up to the sun, to feel the dewy grass on my feet,Continue reading “Clearing the Dust”
Enjoying the End of Summer
Between difficulties with our car, cleaning at home, and going back to work a few weeks early, my summer is ending before I’m ready. I have no right to complain, though. Life is relatively good, and the summer fun I did have was wonderful and exciting! And rather than mope, I try my best toContinue reading “Enjoying the End of Summer”
First Bealtaine at Our New Home
For the last decade or so, my Bealtaine celebrations have been punctuated by an explosion of green. Every year, I dance the Maypole, all the while taking note of the leaves finally reaching out in praise of sun and rain. This year, I did not dance the Maypole until the weekend after, but I spentContinue reading “First Bealtaine at Our New Home”
Welcoming Spring with Yoga Retreats and Starting (Some) Seeds
March melted away like all the ice we had. Spring is officially here, but it doesn’t yet feel like it. In fact, a chill remains in the air, and we had more snow this afternoon. I find that these transitional times are always a bit messy around Upstate NY. It can also be draining asContinue reading “Welcoming Spring with Yoga Retreats and Starting (Some) Seeds”
Author M. A. Phillips 