The Winter Solstice is officially tomorrow at 4:47 PM EST in the Northern Hemisphere where I live. It marks the longest night of the year, but it’s also on a school and work night! How can we mark the occasion? Like other religious minorities in the US, I weigh my options each year. Honestly, it’sContinue reading “How I’m Observing the Winter Solstice this Year”
Tag Archives: Pagan parenting
Book Review: The Return of the Light
While browsing my favorite local bookshop during “Shop Local Saturday,” I came across this little gem tucked among the various winter holiday selections. I was so delighted by the inclusion, I simply had to bring home The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards.Continue reading “Book Review: The Return of the Light”
Pagan Parenting: Creating Magical Garden Nooks
When asked what drew one to Druidry (or other kinds of Paganism), many are quick to answer that it had something to do with a love of Nature. For many of us, this stems from a background in gardening, and those of us who became gardeners as adults were exposed to it as children. IContinue reading “Pagan Parenting: Creating Magical Garden Nooks”
Three Things Thursday: Pagan Parenting Things and Stuff
Each Thursday I share three items that have inspired or informed me. This week, I’m sharing some things for Pagan Parents: information on a religious education program, a craft activity, and an adorable onesie. Little Oaks: A Religious Education Program for Young Pagans Fellow ADF member and parent, Rev. Jan Avende, is putting together aContinue reading “Three Things Thursday: Pagan Parenting Things and Stuff”
Magic Lessons
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”
Three Things Thursday: Sturgeon Lecture, African American Nature Poetry, and Animism in Avatar
Each week, I share three things that have informed or inspired me in the hopes that they will help someone else exploring nature-based spirituality. Sturgeon Lecture – Tonight! Later today, I’m going to attend an online lecture from local environmentalist organization the Indian River Lakes Conservancy. I’m super pumped to learn about one of myContinue reading “Three Things Thursday: Sturgeon Lecture, African American Nature Poetry, and Animism in Avatar”
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”
Three Things Thursday: May Bushes, an Easy Bealtaine Garland, and More to Read,
May Bushes I’m sad that my grove is unable to celebrate Bealtaine in person this year. That means no Maypole, a tradition many modern Pagans enjoy during this holiday season. While not originally an Irish tradition, Maypoles are an import from other European countries like Germany and England. Over the last couple years, I adoptedContinue reading “Three Things Thursday: May Bushes, an Easy Bealtaine Garland, and More to Read,”
How to Make a Spider Your Ally
The Adirondack Center for Writing decided to inspire its members and supporters with weekly prompts to help us get through this alarming time in our history. When they posted this week’s prompt, “How to make a spider your ally,” it immediately spoke to me as an animist. I had so much fun with this project,Continue reading “How to Make a Spider Your Ally”
Three Things Thursday: Virtual Vernal Equinox, Devotionals with my Daughter, and a Writing Update
Welcome to Three Things Thursday – your weekly dose of three mini posts in a larger post. Virtual Vernal Equinox: Life changed quickly due to Covid-19, and my grove adapted with an online ritual. Unlike other instances when we did virtual rites, I did all the parts. I wanted to make it as stress-free asContinue reading “Three Things Thursday: Virtual Vernal Equinox, Devotionals with my Daughter, and a Writing Update”
Author M. A. Phillips 