Sabbats and Sabbaths

Scott Cunningham: A Tale of Two Biographies

Posted on May 6, 2024 by David Taliesin

When I was a young witching and enrolled in a Wicca 101 class at Asheville Raven & Crone, the first book that was placed in my hands was Wicca: A Guide For the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. It was there that I was introduced to the man who would change my life forever. The most important thing I learned from Cunningham was to trust your own instinct and forge your own path. His approach to magic was simple and straightforward. He encouraged me to experiment and find out what did and didn’t work for me. Scott’s liberating words freed me to develop a style of magic that was an amalgamation of many traditions and practices. Now that I work at the store that gave me my start, Asheville Raven & Crone, I often place this same book in the hands of those who are curious about the Craft. I cannot think of a better foundation to build on than this.

During the past two weeks I made my way through two biographies about Scott Cunningham because I was curious about the man who continues to inspire me in so many ways. The first was Scott Cunningham: The Path Taken by his sister Christine Cunningham Ashworth (Weiser Books, 2023). It is a very personal take on Scott that’s heartfelt and full of family stories. It’s also a bit of a confession of some of the regrets Christine had in not getting to know her big brother better. It was an enjoyable read and if you’re interested in learning about Scott’s personal life, it’s well worth your time.

The second book I read was Whispers of the Moon: The Life and Work of Scott Cunningham by David Harrington and DeTraci Regula (Llewellyn Books, 1997). Unfortunately, it appears to be out of print. However, it’s easy to obtain a used copy online. This was the book I was really looking for. It was written by two of his closest friends who share lots of details regarding how Scott became the best selling author at Llewellyn. You get an intimate glimpse of a man who was deeply connected to nature and took a very scholarly, experimental approach to the Craft. It gave me a deeper appreciation for all the hard work that went into the knowledge he shared with all of us. It’s a great read.

If Scott Cunningham is to a name that is not familiar to you, I hope you’ll read some of his work. All of his books are simply amazing. If you know of his work and want to get to know him better, these two biographies are a great place to start.

Posted in Magic, Spirituality | Leave a comment

A Poem For Beltane

Posted on April 27, 2024 by David Taliesin

A Poem for Beltane

I want to light a bonfire
And dance with the Great Spirit
Who is Unboxable and Unknowable

I want to howl with Cernunnos
And invite Jesus to join the party

I’m sure he would attend the celebration
Because he once turned six stone jars of water
Into the most delicious wine anyone had ever tasted

This is not the act of a pious ascetic
It’s the act of someone who knew how to celebrate
Life in all of its abundance

I want to light a bonfire
And feast at Sophia’s table of Wisdom

“Come,” she calls me
“Eat of my bread
And drink of my wine
Lay aside immaturity
And walk in the way of insight”

I want to recite love poems with Brigid
And snuggle up close
To the bosom of the Goddess

I refuse to attend a “guys only” shindig
The Divine is much bigger than this
And I invite Them to attend
In whatever form They see fit

I want to light a bonfire
And watch the narrow religion of my childhood
Be purified in its flames

Like the tongues of fire on Pentecost
I want to speak of the Eternal One
In a new language that everyone can understand
A language my soul now sings
With great passion and reverence

And as I sing and dance around the Sacred Flame
I pray that my life will be fertile Beltane soil
That will bring forth a harvest of good things
When the time is right

Posted in Beltane | Tagged Beltane, Pagan, poem, Spirituality, Wicca | 2 Comments

Beltane: Bonfires and May Poles, Oh My!

Posted on April 26, 2024 by David Taliesin

beltainefire — Edinburgh Beltaine Fire Festival

Beltane is celebrated on May 1st or at moonrise on April 30th. This Sabbat marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Almost everything about this holiday is debated and/or shrouded in mystery. Every source I turned to has a different story regarding its origins as well as different ways of celebrating it. Instead of regurgitating what is already written elsewhere, I’d like to explore a few traditions surrounding Beltane and their possible ties to Christianity.

Bonfires — The word “Beltane” is named for the Celtic sun god Bel or Belenus which means “Bright One.” The name may also stretch way back to the Canaanite fertility god Baal who is mentioned in the Bible. Whatever the case may be, fire is involved in many Beltane celebrations, both old and new. Ancient Druids lit two bonfires while chants and spells were performed. Both cattle and people passed between these two bonfires in order to ensure health and protection in the coming year. People also leaped over the flames for the same reason. Household fires were also extinguished at Beltane and villagers would relight them with embers from the Beltane bonfires.

While it may be stretching things a bit, the Christian celebration of Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter. It celebrates the “tongues of fire” that rested on the disciples when they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is usually an exuberant, creative celebration in Christian churches and, depending on the date of Easter, falls close to the celebration of Beltane. This could be coincidental but I find the thematic tie between these two holy days quite interesting.

Fertility — Beltane is all about fertility in terms of crops, livestock, and human beings While some still celebrate the lusty spirit of this Sabbat, others focus on the fertility of creativity, work, ideas, and love in all of its forms. May Poles eventually became incorporated into this holy day and people have danced around them, both Pagan and Christian. It is a not so veiled phallic symbol. Perhaps a weak attempt at a Christian alternative to this fertility rituals was Roodmass, which is also known as Holy Cross Day. It was celebrated on May 1st and commemorates the finding of the “true cross” of Jesus by Saint Helena in 355. However, the observance of this holy day never gained much momentum but this is understandable. Let’s be honest, a somber worship service could never compete with the joyous, exuberant celebration of Beltane!

Water — It was believed that the dew collected early on Beltane morning possessed magical powers. This was especially true among the Druids. They would use it for anointing and purification rites and believed it promoted health and good fortune. Holy wells were also visited during the festival, and it was believed that first water drawn from a well on Beltane was also powerful. Christians also have a strong connection to water through the rite of baptism. In liturgical churches it is believed that the waters of baptism are symbolic of our being cleansed from sin and rising from death to a new life in Christ. It connects us to the Divine in a powerful, life-changing way.

As a final note, my celebration of Beltane includes a reflection of Jesus’ parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, Luke 8:4-8) where seeds fall on four different types of soil. The seeds that fall on good soil produce a harvest that is 30, 60, or 100 times greater than what would be expected. This reminds us that the holy seeds of intention we plant in our lives do not always grow into healthy plants. However, when they fall into the Divine’s fertile soil, a spectacular harvest is guaranteed.

As I bring my thoughts to a close, I hope you have a wonderful Beltane no matter how celebrate it. Life is a beautiful and holy gift that is well worth celebrating with all the gusto we can muster! Happy Beltane, everyone!

Posted in Beltane, Pentecost, Wheel of the Year | Tagged Beltane, bonfire, Christian, may pole, Pagan, Spirituality, Wicca | 2 Comments

Fire Empowerment Ritual for Walpurgisnacht

Posted on April 24, 2024 by David Taliesin

This is the ritual we did at Sunday’s Welcoming Circle at Asheville Raven & Crone. Feel free to adapt for personal or group use.

FIRE EMPOWERMENT RITUAL FOR WALPURGISNACHT

CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

On Walpurgisnacht, bonfires burn brightly,
their flames kindle our imagination
and remind us of the creative spark each of us possesses.

Like it’s calendar opposite Samhain,
Walpurgisnacht is a time
when the veil between the worlds is thin.

This allows us easy access
to the voices of our ancestors
who have much wisdom to share
as we face the tumultuous times we live in.

May our ritual tonight fan the embers of creativity
as we shake off the slumber of winter
and enter into a time of growth and rebirth.

May the Ancestors whisper into our ears
all we need to know in order to prosper
and bring about positive change
in our lives and in our world.
So mote it be!

With this incense, we form a protective circle
that will shield us from any negative forces
who seek t0 hinder the sacred work
we are about to begin.

[Leader goes around the circle, fanning a protective incense such as frankincense or other solar/fire related incense. If you are doing this ritual outside around a bonfire, make sure the smoke reaches everyone in the circle.]

CALLING THE QUARTERS—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Spirits of Air,
May our ears be attuned to any messages
You have to give us tonight.
May Heiðe, the mistress of magic, weave a web
of creative energy all around us!
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Spirits of Fire,
Light the way for us in these uncertain times.
May Wodan, the master of magic,
light a fire in our hearts
that will move us from apathy to action.
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Spirits of Water,
Revive our weary souls with your hope,
peace, compassion and empathy.
Wash away any feelings of pessimism and despair
we carry with us tonight.
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Spirits of Earth,
may the greening of spring rub off on us,
helping us to grow in ways that enable us
to reach our fullest potential!
Hail and welcome!

Great Spirit, who works in our midst
in ways both seen and unseen,
we ask you to bless our ritual tonight.
We are honored by your presence,
And treasure your wisdom.
Hail and welcome!

FIRE EMPOWERMENT SPELL—David Taliesin

Strips of paper, pen
Caudron
Red or white candle
Yarrow
Dragon's Blood or Rue Oil

Light the candle and anoint it with the Dragon’s Blood or Rue Oil. Place it in the cauldron. Sprinkle a pinch of yarrow in its flames as a symbol of courage. Write on strips of paper the things that are currently keeping you from reaching your fullest potential. Then, one by one, place each strip in the flame and let it burn as you verbally state the opposite of what’s on the paper, i.e. what you would like to see come into your life. Let it burn out in the cauldron. Ex. If you write “feeling overwhelmed” on the paper, say something like “I will be calm and peaceful.”

[If you are doing this outside with a bonfire, sprinkle the yarrow into its flames and, one by one, throw your pieces of paper into the bonfire.]

BLESSING FOR SETTING INTENTIONS—David Taliesin

Heiðe and Wodan, mistress and master of magic,
we’ve set fire to the roadblocks
that are preventing us from moving forward,
and stated our intentions for the future.
Bless and empower our work tonight.
Guide us in the days ahead that we might
change the world for the better!
So mote it be!

CLOSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Spirits of Earth,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your stability and strength travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will. go if you must!
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Spirits of Water,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your compassion and peace travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Spirits of Fire,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your guidance and clarity travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Spirits of Air,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your wisdom and insight travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Great Spirit, who is known to us by many names.
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

The circle is open but never unbroken
Because it is a circle woven in love.
Whatever energy is left in this space
We return to the earth with a spirit of gratitude.
Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

Posted in Beltane, Prayer, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Meta AI and Facebook vs. Yours Truly

Posted on April 23, 2024 by David Taliesin

So, like everyone else who is on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp, I was unceremoniously and rudely greeted by the new AI search tool. I groused about it for several days and then tried to take it on a trial run to see exactly how smart it really was.

First I asked it to generate a picture of a “majestic raven.” I got something that looked like a demented eagle in a severe thunderstorm. After several other prompts to try and correct it (it could not understand what I meant by lowering the poor creature’s wings), I ended up with a fine image of a raven I could live with.

The fun really started when I asked it to generate an image for The Fool Tarot Card. I won’t give you the multiple tries it took to get something that was half way decent. At one point I had to argue with AI that, yes, I understood the meaning of the card and it did not. Then it apologized and said it was designed more for text than images. Ha!

The final run involved a crow. I had to make multiple adjustments to get something closer to what I wanted. Then I asked it to do an Old Norse crow and it came up with this which is really quite nice.

My conclusion is that we need not fear that this particular version of AI is going to take over the world. It’s actually not very smart at this point, I would never use it to generate a blog post because I simply don’t trust that accuracy on the info. I suggest you, dear readers, so the same.

However, it just might be useful for generating an image or two. Just don’t ask META AI to do too much because it’s really not up to the task! Bless its little heart (or lack thereof!)

Posted in Spirituality | Tagged AI, crow, Facebook, Meta, raven | 3 Comments

Walpurgisnacht: Origins and Celebrations

Posted on April 18, 2024 by David Taliesin

In honor of my German heritage, I did some research in order to better understand the origin of the Teutonic version of the Celtic holiday, Beltane. Not surprisingly, there is some conflicting information on the internet regarding this subject so I kept pursuing it until a clearer vision of Walpurgisnacht emerged. The most helpful site on this subject was www.friggasweb.org/walburga.html. Here’s my theory on the origin and development of this May fertility festival.

According to Llewellyn’s Beltane: Rituals, Recipes and Lore for May Day, “the earliest mention of Walpurgis Night is found in a 1603 edition of a text called Calendarium Perpetuum by Johann Coler, but the holiday likely has earlier origins.” I have no doubt this is true and the best info I can put together is that the night of April 30th was a night when witches (wise women, healers, etc) gathered on the mountaintops in Germany to light sacred bonfires, dance and cast spells in order to drive away the spirits of winter and welcome the arrival of spring. These ancient rituals have their roots in the worship of fertility goddesses such as Nehalennia and also have ties to the theme of the Wild Hunt. I believe these rituals were seen as a positive thing by the villagers who were sick and tired of winter and welcomed the help of the Wise Ones to banish the cold and snowy weather.

Opinions toward this ancient pagan festival began to shift with the arrival of Christianity in Germany. Walpurga (a.ka. Walburga, Waluburg, Waelburga, Wealdburg, and Valderburger) was an 8th century abbess who came from England with St. Boniface in order to convert the German “heathens” to Christianity. As is often the case, they tried to Christianize this festival while demonizing some of the old rituals connected to it. Apparently they succeeded because eventually Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis’ Night) was viewed as a time when witches meet on the Brocken mountain to cavort with the Devil. (Sigh!) Meanwhile the “good Christians,” believing it was dangerous to be outside on this night, lit fires and danced wildly in order to deter the witches from coming too close to them or their homes. Another beautiful Pagan ritual ruined!

The interesting thing, however, is that some of the attributes of the Pagan goddess became grafted onto Walpurga after she was canonized as a saint on May 1st around the year 870 CE. We see this same pattern with St. Brigid in Ireland (see my posts on Imbolc). Walpurga’s symbols, as shown in the oldest stone carvings in her chapels, are a dog and a bundle of grain. The dog has often accompanied the goddess in early art including the regional incarnation of the goddess, Nehalennia, who is also pictured with a dog on her altars and votive sites. The shock of grain hearkens back to the Grain Mother and all the old fertility rites of spring.

I think the reason why this happened is because some of the Old Ways of celebrating this holy day never went out of fashion among locals. Attaching these ancient symbols to the St. Walpurga were an attempt to make it easier for them to convert to Christianity. Thankfully, the Old Ways survived and modern Germanic Heathens celebrate Walpurgisnacht with bonfires on mountaintops, feasting, dancing, and a toast to the god Wotan (Odin) and the goddesses of magic. Some modern fireside rituals also include purification rites, thus reincarnating the way this holy day was originally celebrated.

If you haven’t seen it, there is an amazing music video by the German band Faun entitled Walpurgisnacht. You can easily find it on YouTube. The imagery is absolutely stunning in its stylistic portrayal of Walpurgisnacht. There are several English translations of the lyrics online but here’s my attempt at it using the English translations of others, my limited understanding of the German language, and my heart as a poet:

Walpurgisnacht by Faun

In the evening sky tonight climb the enchanted ones,
Wild folk and Lilith’s kind lurking, secretly riding the winds.

Let us wander to the bonfires, whispering, reaching for the stars.
Both the good and bad news we carry today will fly away.

In the meadows our dreams will ring and the wind will sing our songs.
Let us jump with the sparks over the fire on Walpurgis Night!

Hear the fiddles, hear the fiddles, the fires are kindled!
Follow the circle dance, follow the circle dance on Walpurgis Night.

Boisterously the fiddles play. Our nocturnal circle dance is spinning,
And we step wildly and freely with this old magic.

Only once in this great circle will we dance in this way,
Until the early morning light breaks through our web of dreams.

In the meadows our dreams will ring and the wind will sing our songs.
Let us jump with the sparks over the fire on Walpurgis Night!

Posted in Beltane, Goddess | Tagged Beltane, germany, may day, walburga, Walpurgis Night, walpurgisnacht | 11 Comments

Brigid’s Garden [Complete]

Posted on March 25, 2024 by David Taliesin

Here it is! My Brigid’s Garden meditation project is complete. You can find a copy of it HERE. This includes all five stations plus an introduction, invocation, and closing at the “healing well.” This project has been a labor of love and I felt called by Brigid to undertake it. I hope it helps those who use it to form a deeper relationship with this amazing goddess/saint.

Blessed Be! David Taliesin

Posted in Brigid, Prayer, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Brigid’s Garden: Brigid Champion of the Poor

Posted on March 19, 2024 by David Taliesin

Station Four: Brigid Champion of the Poor

[Stones: rose quartz, celestite, garnet]

Here is the fifth prayer/contemplation station in Brigid’s Garden. I’ll post the rest as I write them. The final document will include an introduction, invocations and all five stations plus the “healing well.” I’m not going to rush this project so be patient. I promise it will be worth the wait. You can choose how to do each station. You can do as many as you like. It’s totally up to you!

For a PDF of station one, click HERE.

Blessed be! David Taliesin

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Ostara Ritual

Posted on March 18, 2024 by David Taliesin

This is the closing ritual we used at last night’s Welcoming Circle. Enjoy!

CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Light the green candle and say:

Ostara is upon us and Easter is before us,
And spring has just begun.
Baby plants are emerging from winter’s soil.
Dandelion, chickweed and nettle
Provide nourishment for our bodies.

Spring is a season to consider
What things we would like to grow
In the garden of our lives.
It’s a time to plant and nurture
New projects and new goals.

May the greening of spring
Be our source of inspiration tonight!

Light the yellow candle and say:

Spring is a season where the days grow longer
And the sun feels warm against our skin.
Our focus shifts from indoors to outdoors
As we awake from winter’s hibernation.

We garden. We hike in the woods.
The little child that lives in us
Asks us to come out and play…
And we accept the invitation.

May the sun’s golden rays
Be our source of inspiration tonight!

Light the purple candle and say:

Spring is a season where the Divine
Breathes new life into us,
Waking us up from winter doldrums,
And filling us with creative energy.

We awaken to wonder, miracle, and mystery.
We see bold visions and dream dreams of new adventures
That fill us with vitality and purpose.
May the Divine’s energetic presence
Be our source of inspiration tonight!

Take the crystal athame and cast the circle, while saying:

We cast this circle and create
a sacred space for us to dwell.
May it protect us from all spirits and powers
that seek to do us harm. So mote it be!

CALLING THE QUARTERS—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the East,
Spirits of Air,
You blow through our lives like a warm spring breeze
Whispering into our ears the mysteries of the universe.
Lend your wisdom and insight to us tonight.
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South,
Spirits of Fire,
You illumine our path like the rays of the sun,
Showing us the way forward.
Lend your guidance and clarity to us tonight.
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West,
Spirits of Water,
You nourish our spirits like a gentle rain,
Filling us with peace, love and gratitude.
Lend your compassion and shalom to us tonight.
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North,
Spirits of Earth,
You cause new growth to germinate in us,
And give us a firm foundation to stand upon.
Lend your stability and strength to us tonight.
Hail and welcome!

Great Spirit, Divine Presence,
Who is known to us by many names,
You are the power of rebirth and regeneration
You are the promise that spring will come
After the winter seasons of our lives.
Bless us and be with us tonight.
We are honored by your presence.
Hail and welcome!

SETTING SPRING INTENTIONS—David Taliesin

The egg is a symbol of fertility and new life which were decorated in days of old to honor the Goddess. Tonight I ask that you take one of the plastic eggs in the basket and hold it in your hands. Take some time in silence to think about the things you would like to give birth to this spring. In order to birth something new, part of your intention may be to let something go. When your vision for what you would like to accomplish is clear, take a pen and as many strips of paper as you need. Write your intentions on theses strips of paper and place them in the egg. (Pause until everyone is done.)

Now we will raise energy to empower the intentions that are contained in our eggs. We’ll use the Om-ah…..Now direct the energy into your egg. One, two, three, release.

After our ritual is over, I ask that you take these home with you and place them in a prominent place in your home such as an altar. Periodically open the egg and take a look at the intentions you’ve made tonight. See how well you are doing in fulfilling them.

BLESSING FOR SETTING INTENTIONS—adapted. LLewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials

Great Spirit, Divine Presence,
Giver of life and Creator of all things,
life has many twists and turns
and now we embark on a new path
We are afraid to travel alone.

We ask for your guidance,
and your loving helping hand
to support us along the way.

We ask that when needed
you will lead us in the right direction
and steer us away from wrong turns.

Help us to keep on the path
and to not stray away even when we’re tempted.
Assist us in moving forward, and not in reverse.
Comfort us when needed.

Bless our paths and the journeys we undertake.
Encourage us in times of self-doubt.
Protect us from those willing to harm us,
even if it is ourselves.

Embrace us in your loving arms, to give us peace
and surround us in perfect love and perfect trust.
So mote it be! Amen!

CLOSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Great Spirit, Divine Presence,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
We thank you that you walk with us
Every step fo the way as we leave this place
And go out into a world that is sometimes
Cruel and unforgiving.
Stay if you will. go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North,
Spirits of Earth,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your stability and strength travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will. go if you must!
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West,
Spirits of Water,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your compassion and shalom travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South,
Spirits of Fire,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your guidance and clarity travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the East,
Spirits of Air,
We thank you for your presence in our circle tonight.
May your wisdom and insight travel with us
As we leave this place.
Stay if you will, go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Posted in Ostara | Leave a comment

Ostara Seed Bombs

Posted on March 16, 2024 by David Taliesin

At an Ostara celebration I attended several years ago, one of the rituals we did was make seed bombs. [Google it] Participants were given a small plastic baggie into which we scooped a big tablespoonful of red clay dirt that had carrot, radish and kale seeds mixed in it. We watered the dirt with a garden mister and used the bag to form it into a ball. We were then told to let these balls harden for about 24 hours.

Participants were encouraged to toss their ball onto any patch of ground that needed something to grow on it. Suggestions were made such as an abandoned lot, a park, etc. The idea is that once the seeds germinated there would be food produced for animals and humans to eat. I thought it was a creative idea.

Seed bombs could also be used for Earth Day celebrations. I would be inclined to mix native wildflower seeds into the dirt to add a little color to your neighborhood as well as provide a source of pollen for bees and butterflies. It’s a cool idea rich with symbolism and meaning. It’s also a creative way to love our planet. Happy Ostara everyone!

Posted in Creation Spirituality, Ostara | Tagged Ostara, Spirituality, Wicca | 1 Comment