Tag: spiritual tools
Welcoming In The New Year And The New Moon
Mercury enters its first retrograde period of the year on the 14th of January in the sign of Aquarius. Mercury retrograde in Aquarius can have us questioning what areas we are feeling restricted by in our lives. Aquarius is all about freedom and liberation, so this retrograde could have you noticing the areas in your life where you need more expansion and movement.
On the 16th, Sun conjunct Pluto can help you step into your personal power and make decisions from a heightened perspective. There is also a desire and increased ability at discovering mysteries or uncovering secrets.
The Full Wolf Moon in Cancer takes place on the 17th. The moon is most at home in the sign of Cancer, and you too might find your focus on your home and family.
The Wolf Moon in the nurturing sign of Cancer could shift your attention towards the safety of your pack and your environment. You might feel like cleansing, blessing and protecting your personal space at this time. Listen to your instincts!
Read full article at: Spirit de la Lune ~ Welcoming in the New Year and the New Moon
An Approach to Spiritual Retreat and Rejuvenation: Going Dark Week
Perhaps now more than ever, the idea of taking regular retreats is a critical one. Last week, in my post on the Winter Solstice, I shared the deep need for restorative activities that allow us to heal, process, and deepen our practice–particularly in today’s age and as we move further into the age of the Anthropocene. Finding restoration activities are particularly critical because so many of us are languishing, dealing with the real effects of deepening climate change, dealing with the long-term upheaval and separation due to the pandemic, among a host of other issues. Thus, this week, I want to share one practice that I’ve developed over the years that is particularly helpful–I call it “going dark” or “inner life retreat.”
What is a Going Dark Spiritual Retreat?
Going dark to explore the world of the subconscious and dreams
The principle of going dark is very simple–rather than…
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Sacred Goddess Magic
A 21st Century Wheel of the Year: Restoration at the Winter Solstice
The time of the greatest darkness is upon us at the winter solstice. Each morning, the sun seems to struggle to rise and hangs low in the sky. The world is covered in frost, cold, and snow, and the darkness of winter sets in. This is a hard time for many, perhaps more so now than before, given the cultural darkness and challenges that so many of us are facing globally and locally. So facing the darkness, in this very challenging time, takes something extra.
Winter Solstice Snow
In my first post on this series (Receptivity at the Fall Equinox), I made the case that the traditional Wheel of the Year was developed and enacted under very different conditions than our present age. We now live in the Anthropocene, a period of human-driven climate change and cultural unrest which is very different than the Holocene, the period of…
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Sacred Trees in the Americas: American Holly (Ilex Opaca) – Magic, Meanings, Ecology, and Divination
American Holly is one of the most wonderful trees for getting us through dark times. And as the season of darkness is upon us once more, it is a good time to consider the magic, meanings, and mystery of this incredible holly tree!
American Holly has many names including white holly, prickly holly, Christmas Holly, Yule Holly and Evergreen Holly. It is quite similar to European Holly (Illex Aquifolium) with similar leaves, berries, and an overall growth habit. The American Holly has larger, brighter leaves and berries, but the trees are otherwise quite similar. While I often argue against importing meanings and uses of European trees into American contexts (with Ash being a great case in point), in this case, I think that the myths and old-world understandings of Holly apply!
This post is part of my Sacred Trees of Eastern North America series–here you can learn about the…
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Druid Tree Workings: Witnessing the Death of an Old Tree
Oak friend – one of my first interactions with this incredible friend and mentor
Many of us on the path of nature spirituality grow close to trees–so very close. What happens when a tree that you love dearly, who is a good friend and mentor–tells you that it is time to go? In this post, I share the story and passing of one of my dear tree friends, a White Oak with a giant burl. After I share the story, I offer some general thoughts about how we, as humans, can support and honor the natural lifespan of our tree friends. This post is meant to be a compliment to my earlier post: Holding Space and Helping Tree Spirits Pass. My earlier post talked about trees who were cut before their time–while this post honors those who have the privilege of living a full life and dying naturally.
The…
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Solar Eclipse Portal | Entering the Cold Moon Cycle Moonthly Lunar Report
Are you feeling the intensity behind this total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius right now? This last New Moon of 2021 is a big one that helps us close out and learn lessons that began almost 2 years ago.
Eclipses are powerful portals that we can intentionally use when it comes to our life lessons and soul progress.
They are known for their intense energies, and they often bring with them major life lessons. While this one is no different, it carries a much more optimistic and friendly tone thanks to Sagittarius.
This new cycle is our final cycle of the year and with it comes opportunities to create and refine the life we are wanting to bring into 2022.
Read original article at: Spirit de la Lune ~ Solar Eclipse Portal | Entering the Cold Moon Cycle
Creativity, Mental Health, and Well Being: A Case for the Bardic Arts
Creativity is the birthright of all people. When humans are young, play and creativity are central to our own development. Children don’t worry about it being ‘good’; they just make things, play with crayons, laugh, dance, and sing. They play. As children get older, school and society often discourage individual creativity and play, particularly in a culture that values economic growth above all else. The result of this has been a stifling sense of creativity, with many adults believing in the myth of talent (that you have to be good at something immediately to practice it creatively) or insisting they have no creativity.
The bardic arts are those in the druid tradition that focuses on creative works: storytelling, creative writing, fine arts, fine crafts, and any other endeavor where you are building in your creativity. The ancient bards were part of the druid community and were the storytellers and historians…
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Paths I Walk 
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