It is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and perhaps a good time to acknowledge that I live, work, and pray on Haudenosaunee land. I am always learning and striving toward a better tomorrow, and while I know that simply saying that is never enough, it is a step in the right direction. If you are not Native, takeContinue reading “Land Acknowledgement and Reflection on Indigenous Peoples’ Day”
Tag Archives: history
Three Things Thursday: Irish Folklore in America, Blodeuedd, and Herb Spirals
My weekly post in which I share three things I enjoyed or thought about this week. Irish Folklore in America If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to the latest episode from one of my favorite podcasts , New World Witchery. Episode 164, “Irish Folklore and Magic with Morgan Daimler,” is excellent. IfContinue reading “Three Things Thursday: Irish Folklore in America, Blodeuedd, and Herb Spirals”
Ways to Celebrate Irish Heritage Day Without Gnashing Your Teeth about St. Patrick and Perpetuating Bad History
I’ve talked about my feelings about St. Patrick’s Day in the past, as well as my reasons for celebrating it as Irish Heritage Day instead. I’ve also shared, and will share again, Morgan Daimler’s excellent post on what we do know about St. Patrick, his history, snakes, etc. Each year, I continue to see theContinue reading “Ways to Celebrate Irish Heritage Day Without Gnashing Your Teeth about St. Patrick and Perpetuating Bad History”
The Ditzy Druid Travels: Visiting a Viking Ship
As one last hurrah before our summer vacation ends, my family took a day-trip to Oswego, NY, to see the Draken Harald Hårfagre. It’s a modern viking ship that traveled from Norway, down the St. Lawrence River, through some of the Great Lakes, and is now going to move through the Erie Canal, heading to New YorkContinue reading “The Ditzy Druid Travels: Visiting a Viking Ship”
Yay Ireland!
In case you haven’t been following the news, Ireland has all but officially just became the first nation to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote! And wow – by 70%! I am very proud to have Irish heritage today. It’s especially fascinating for me to see this after having recently finished reading Angela’s Ashes, a memoirContinue reading “Yay Ireland!”
“The Celts” – A Review
A grovie recently brought a documentary on Hulu to my attention. It’s called “The Celts” and you’re able to watch it free online! With six fifty minute episodes, I decided to give it a go while marathon nursing my little one (growth spurt, I guess?). Narrated by John Morgan, it spans Celtic history from thatContinue reading ““The Celts” – A Review”
Death of a Bee Balm?
I think I see some new growth… Here’s hoping! Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2012 My husband’s birthday was a couple weekends ago so we went away to visit our family and celebrate. I had recently brought in some of my potted herbs since the frost is becoming more intense each evening. Upon returning, IContinue reading “Death of a Bee Balm?”
How to Carve Turnips into Jack-o-Lanterns: A Samhain Tutorial
Our turnips for Samhain this year! Photo by Weretoad, 2012. Carved pumpkins are a ubiquitous tradition here in America. It’s no wonder really – pumpkins have been growing here for generations! In Ireland, turnips were mostly used as Samhain decorations. There’s not a lot of evidence that this is an ancient practice. Writings on theContinue reading “How to Carve Turnips into Jack-o-Lanterns: A Samhain Tutorial”
ADF Initiate Study Program: Magic 1
I’m very excited to say that I passed Magic 1 which is a research heavy course part of the ADF Initiatory track. Its purpose is to give students a greater understanding of the history of magic. I read way more books than I actually used as references in my paper, but there’s still so muchContinue reading “ADF Initiate Study Program: Magic 1”
Documentaries About Ireland
Since we’re in Irish heritage month, I’d like to suggest a few documentaries about Ireland for you to check out. Now, I’m no Irish scholar so some of the information may be out of date, but they still contain some very useful tidbits that are sure to inspire or move you. The links should takeContinue reading “Documentaries About Ireland”
Author M. A. Phillips 