Taking up the Path of the Bard, Part I

The Druid's Garden

Bardic Artistic Expression through Clay, Sand, and Straw (cob)! (This is part of a tree piece I collaborated on at Strawbale Studio in Michigan)

A group of people sharing stories and songs by the fire. A fine pair of leather shoes. A beautiful woven garment. A tale full of twists and mystery. Finely wrought iron doors. An amazing wood carving on a stump. A marble sculpture. A wildly painted mural on a wall. A cob structure with whimsical trees and forms. A song that reaches deep within you when you hear it. A rousing speech. Each of these, and so many others, represent the natural creative expressions of humanity. Taking up the path of the bard is one of three paths in the druid tradition (along with the work of the Ovate and the Druid). Yet, many people aren’t sure how to take up the path of the bard because…

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Mullein Herb Medicine and Warding Off Evil

Ukraine Vinok (вінок) Wreath Symbolism

Ozark Encyclopedia – C – Cucumber Tree

Scarab Beetle

Ozark Encyclopedia – C – Crawdads

Top 10 Health Benefits of Thyme

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

There are few things a sprig of thyme won’t make immensely better. This versatile herb blends well with a myriad of flavors and is packed full of health-promoting compounds, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

Thyme belongs to the genus Thymus which is part of the mint family and closely related to oregano—another powerful herb. Native to the Southern Mediterranean regions, this perennial herb is now grown around the world for its culinary and therapeutic uses. While this herb will liven up your cooking, thyme may also help expel harmful organisms from your body and support your mental and physical health.

What Is Thyme?

Thyme is an evergreen herb that blooms with small white, pink, and purple flowers. They hybridize easily and grow quickly in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Thanks to its ease of cultivation and growth, there are over 300 varieties of thyme in existence today. Each variety has…

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The Bindi

Huzzah!

Smudging Without Smoke

Good ideas.

Witchery Wednesday

cauldron1

This is without a doubt one of the things we’ve been asked most often over the years. So many times, so many frustrated people, so many instances of “I really need to sage, but…”

Let’s face it, there are many reasons why you might not want smoke in your house/business/vicinity. Maybe you have a new baby, a sensitive pet, or a family member with a health risk like asthma or COPD. Or you might own a business or work in a place where it would not be practical or appropriate to burn things. Whatever reasons you have are valid. And there are solutions, we just need to apply a little creativity.

The following is just a sampling of methods that we like to use or suggest in situations where smudging is needed but smoke is unwanted. You’ll notice that each suggestion is labeled with an element or elements. There’s just…

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