New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
This year's Drumming Day falls on a full moon—a great opportunity to recognize the power of percussive rhythm in ritual. Drums are among the most ancient of instruments and are still a driving force in rituals today the world over. They help us keep time, energize us, and unify our movements. Many people play drums at circles and events, but few recognize that it's important not only to make a noise but also to listen to what's happening around them. When we listen as we play, we connect ...
Love comes in many different flavors. One of these is what the ancient Greeks called storge, or familial love. This is a subtype of platonic love, which is based on affection rather than sex or romance. Storge takes as much care and maintenance as romantic love, just in different ways. Turn off your electronics and pay attention to each other. Shared meals, game nights, and cuddle piles are all good. Pagan families may work spells or rituals together. This work is sacred to Hestia, the Greek ...
November is National Pomegranate Month. Whenever I see or taste a pomegranate, I instantly think of the Greek goddess Persephone. When she was taken to the Underworld, she ate six pomegranate seeds, which tied her to staying there for half the year. As the fruit often shows up in markets in late fall, it's another reminder of Persephone's journey to the Underworld. Soon winter will be upon us, but life will return in the spring. I always purchase a couple of pomegranates—one to eat and ...
If you are unfamiliar with the traditional Wiccan Fivefold Kiss, I encourage you to research this blessing and modify it for our purpose. Instead of giving the Kiss to another person, change every spoken instance of "your" to "my." Before reciting each line, kiss the tips of the middle finger and pointer finger of your right hand at the same time. The other fingers should be tucked in, so that these two fingers act as one. This method of pointing directs energy from within and is also a common ...
