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”
Tag Archives: summer
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…”
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”
2016 Garden Update
Another year, another lovely garden. Each year I learn more about and from the Nature Spirits. This year, my husband joined me in the adventure as he experiments with hydroponics. Once more, we are renters who largely rely on containers for our gardening. It has pros and cons, and I definitely look forward to havingContinue reading “2016 Garden Update”
4th of July Bonfire
Instead of fireworks, we had a bonfire in the backyard. We did use a few sparklers which delighted my daughter. Plenty of sparkles without all the noise. She made an offering of birdseed to the Nature Spirits. I made offerings of drink to the Ancestors and Gods. I sprinkled juniper berries into the fire forContinue reading “4th of July Bonfire”
Working with Plants in Summer
The warm weather is here, and I’m working to improve my relationships with plants. I’m always learning about herbal properties, plant identification, methods of preservation, and various magical uses. My paternal grandmother started to teach me when I was little. She had a beautiful herb garden and apple trees at her home. Some of myContinue reading “Working with Plants in Summer”
Pea Blossom
It’s amazing – and downright magical – how life emerges from a tiny seed and produces such beauty. After several weeks of waiting and tending, my peas have produced these beautiful blossoms. Indeed, many of the plants in my garden are showing signs of growth. Can you believe that we had snow on the groundContinue reading “Pea Blossom”
A little autumn sunshine for you on this chilly, overcast day…
Exploring the Hedge
This weekend, I took some time to explore the hedge and get to know it a little more. As a Druid in the Northeastern part of the US, I think I spend a lot of time focused on forests, especially the trees. We are blessed with them here, after all! The hedge is the boundaryContinue reading “Exploring the Hedge”
Family Lughnasadh
Last weekend, we celebrated Lughnasadh with friends from Northern Rivers Protogrove and Muin Mound Grove at the latter’s annual Lugh Games. There was friendly competition, feasting, swimming, singing around a fire, and a lovely ritual. My husband was crowned the champion of the games! It was a wonderful time. Today, I celebrated Lughnasadh with myContinue reading “Family Lughnasadh”
Author M. A. Phillips 