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: ritual
Where Do I Put Offerings?
If there’s one positive to come out of some of the more bizarre news in the online Pagan and witchcraft communities this weekend, it’s that it brought many of us together in conversation. Yesterday a relatively new Pagan posted in a local FB group about the whole “hexing the moon and the Fae” nonsense, butContinue reading “Where Do I Put Offerings?”
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”
The Pea Shelling Rite
I was working in the garden this afternoon. Specifically, I was pulling out the dried pea plants and shelling the pods to save seeds. No matter how frequently we pick and eat fresh snap peas through June and July, the plants are usually tired and brown a few weeks following Lughnasadh. The final harvest isContinue reading “The Pea Shelling Rite”
When Life Hands You Potatoes…
I wanted to use my patio table as a temporary altar to do some work under the full moon. I had forgotten the potatoes I harvested and left there (oops). Then I realized this was perfect! My magic could tap into that fertile potato crop energy. With a clear sky, a bright moon, and aContinue reading “When Life Hands You Potatoes…”
Preparing is a Type of Ritual
We put up our Winter Solstice tree last night. My daughter was so excited. This is the first time in many years that we’ve had a large tree or used lights. The new LEDs are supposed to be better… Having a young child made us nostalgic, so my husband and I felt the tug toContinue reading “Preparing is a Type of Ritual”
On Preschool Offerings and Dark Places
The actual Autumn Equinox felt more like Summer’s last gasp. The leaves were changing, but the heat was intense for September in Upstate NY. It makes me glad that my grove decided to celebrate a week later. Yesterday was perfect. The air was finally cool; the wind had a bite. The sun shined through flocksContinue reading “On Preschool Offerings and Dark Places”
30 Days of Magical Roots
Between the impending move, FAE Fest, and the upcoming school year, August is going to be insane. In an effort to help me stay rooted in my spiritual practice, and in the spirit of reflection, I’m going to try my best to participate in #30DaysMagicalRoots Challenge that Plentiful Earth is facilitating. If you’re interestedContinue reading “30 Days of Magical Roots”
“Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess” – A Review
This post has been on my to-do list forever. Those who have followed me for awhile know that I haven’t been updating as regularly. Blame motherhood. Thank goodness for spring break! First, a disclaimer – I did not buy this book. I won this directly from the author as part of a publication giveaway! IContinue reading ““Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess” – A Review”
Looking Ahead to 2017
2016 has been a strange one for many of us. It feels disingenuous to type that, though, when I’ve lead a very comfortable life all year. Considering the atrocities faced by people in Syria, for example… Yet 2017, as most years, will also throw some difficulties at us, challenges that can feel insurmountable. Sometimes theyContinue reading “Looking Ahead to 2017”
Author M. A. Phillips 