Sabbats and Sabbaths

God Yul: Sometimes Simple is Best

Posted on December 10, 2025 by David Taliesin

In this season when the world around us—including many of our family and friends—is focused solely on Christmas preparations, it can be hard to carve out space for observances such as Yule or the Winter Solstice. What’s a good Pagan to do?

I’ve found it’s best to focus on simple observances and rituals throughout the month of December instead of trying to do something big on December 21st. For example, my household has a big Christmas tree, but I also keep a sweet little Yule tree in my den. It’s decorated with Yule goats, a few ornaments, dried orange slices, and cinnamon stick bundles with a star anise glued to them. I also have some paper stars I made from old sheet music. Do whatever brings you joy and captures the essence of the season.

Other activities might include making a magical simmer pot or a witch ball to set your intentions for the coming year. There are plenty of instructions online for both of these. If you’re not a crafty person, simply light a candle, brew your favorite hot beverage, and claim some “me” time for meditation and reflection. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Do whatever your heart tells you to do to help you tap into the energy of the season.

Yule Blessings, David T

Posted in Yule | Tagged Yule, yule goats, yule tree | Leave a comment

Coping During the Holidays

Posted on December 9, 2025 by David Taliesin

“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”—Chinese Proverb

As we approach the Winter Solstice, the days continue to get darker and darker. Likewise, the world around us feels like a darker place as well. The headline news brings a fresh new horror every day: mass shootings, global warming, political hubris, war, and the like. I find that many people around me are anxious and afraid of what the future will bring. When we put the insanity that is the secular American Christmas on top of this, it makes many of us feel like hiding behind locked doors and not coming out until at least January 1st.

Since this is not an option for most of us, how do we cope? What tools do we need in our spiritual toolbox to navigate this dark season in all of its layers of meaning? Here’s my list of things we can do to light a candle in the midst of the darkness. No matter how bad things may seem, we all have the power to make a positive change in our lives and in our world. Feel free to add your own coping strategies in the comment section of this post:

Limit the time you spend on social media. Psychological studies suggest that social media sites don’t contribute to us feeling closer to others. In fact, they can make us feel isolated and depressed. Furthermore, inflammatory and reactionary posts and comments can make our blood boil. Don’t get sucked into the drama!

Take a walk out in nature. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a walk down a city street or a stroll through the countryside, turn off your computer and/or cell phone and connect with nature. Breathe deeply and look at the flora and fauna that are around you. It’s good for the soul (and also a great way to get away from that obnoxious relative who pushes all your emotional buttons)!

Avoid the 24-hour news cycle spin. Yes, bad things are happening in our world but you don’t have to wallow in them. Get the highlights, hold the situation in your thoughts and/or prayers, send healing energy if that’s a part of your spiritual path, and move on with your day!

Practice random acts of kindness. Do something loving for your spouse, your family, a neighbor, a coworker, or a total stranger. Volunteer for an organization that is making a difference in your community such as a food pantry, homeless shelter, abused women’s shelter and the like.

Breathe, breathe, breathe. Find a meditative practice that works for you. Channel your inner Elsa and learn to let it go! Let go of worry, obsessive thoughts, etc. I do this on a daily basis and it makes a big difference in my life. Click on the “meditation” link on my site for suggestions.

Lower your expectations for the season. It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Solstice, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza or Yule. We often have a mental “to-do” list running through our heads that is probably too ambitious. Yes, it’s great to create memorable moments for those we love, but they’ll enjoy them a lot more if we’re not cranky and stressed when they arrive.

Posted in Christmas, Meditation, Yule | Tagged blue christmas, Christmas, light a candle, Yule | 2 Comments

Surviving Tower Time: Sheet and Ritual

Posted on November 16, 2025 by David Taliesin

Below is the ritual we used at tonight’s Welcoming Circle. The discussion sheet for our opening can be downloaded HERE.

SURVIVING TOWER TIME

CASTING THE CIRCLE—Protection Prayer, adapted

Using an athame, cast the circle saying the following:

The Light of the Divine surrounds us
The Love of the Divine enfolds us
The Power of the Divine protects us
The Presence of the Divine watches over us
Wherever we are, the Divine is. All is well.

CALLING THE QUARTERS—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the East,
Spirits of Air,
Powers of intuition and inspiration,
We ask you to be present with us
In our Circle today!
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South,
Spirits of Fire,
Powers of discernment and illumination,
We ask you to be present with us
In our Circle today!
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West,
Spirits of Water,
Powers of compassion and peace,
We ask you to be present with us
In our Circle today!
Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North,
Spirits of Earth,
Powers of protection and prosperity,
We ask you to be present with us
In our Circle today!
Hail and welcome!

Divine Presence who is known to us by many names,
We ask you to be with us
In our Circle today!
We need your help to navigate these difficult times.
Fill us with your wisdom, courage and strength.
Hail and Welcome!

RUNE MEDITATION SHEET—David Taliesin

Make sure everyone has a handout and a pen. Ask them to mediate on the three runes from the opening presentation using the sheet they have in front of them. When everyone is finished, allow an opportunity for them to share what they wrote.

DISMISSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the North,
Powers of Earth, protection, and prosperity,
We thank you for your presence in our Circle today.
Stay if you will. Go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West,
Powers of Water, compassion, and peace,
We thank you for your presence in our Circle today.
Stay if you will. Go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South,
Powers of Fire, discernment, and illumination,
We thank you for your presence in our Circle today.
Stay if you will. Go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Guardians and Ancestors of the East,
Powers of Air, intuition, and inspiration,
We thank you for your presence in our Circle today.
Stay if you will. Go if you must.
We bid you farewell!

Divine Presence, who watches over us,
Be with us during Tower Time.
May Kenaz light the way,
Algiz protect us,
And Ansuz empower our speech.
We bid you farewell!

And now 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 and to the animals around us
Who need its strength this winter.
Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Samhain/All Saints: The Great Cloud of Witnesses

Posted on October 30, 2025 by David Taliesin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. [Heb 12:1. NRSV]

As we approach the celebration of Samhain as well as All Saint’s Day, I love the term the writer of Hebrews uses to describe those who have made the transition from our world to the next. The “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews are those who sit in the eternal stadium seats, cheering us on, as we “run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” I have always found this image to be rather comforting. It reminds us that the blessed dead still have a role to play in our lives as a source of wisdom and strength.

So who makes up this great cloud? One of my mentors, Byron Ballard, gave three distinctive classifications of the blessed dead in a class I attended. In looking at each, I hope it expands our understanding of who makes up those we label as our ancestors.

ANCESTORS:People in your direct bloodline who are dead.

BELOVED DEAD:People you honor who are not your ancestors who are also dead.

MIGHTY DEAD:Those you claim and honor as your ancestors. Heroes, writers, warriors, people who inspire you who, again are dead.

On my ancestor altar this year there are a few that fall into each category. I have pictures of my Ancestors such as my great-grandfather and his family. I also have pictures of the Beloved Dead such as dear friends who are no longer with me. Finally, this year’s Mighty Dead include Scott Cunningham whose magical work continues to resonate with me and inspire me and Tich Nat Hahn who passed away since last Samhain. His spiritual as touched many and helped us to become better versions of ourselves.

Everyone’s great cloud of witnesses is different, yet each of us has people who continue to inspire, challenge and comfort us even thought they are no longer with us. Who are the Ancestors, Beloved Dead, and Mighty Dead you are honoring this Samhain/All Saint’s Day?

Posted in Samhain | Tagged All Saint's Day, Great Cloud of Witnesses, Samhain | 1 Comment

Samhain Divination Ritual

Posted on October 19, 2025 by David Taliesin

This is the ritual we did today at both Circles.

ANCESTOR RITUAL

ANOINTING WITH OIL—David Taliesin

Divination oil from Asheville Raven & Crone

May the Ancestors impart their wisdom to you tonight.
May the Great Spirit make clear what is hidden from your sight.

CASTING THE CIRCLE (David Taliesin)

Use sacred smoke such as incense as you go around the circle chanting the following. You may use a feather to waft the smoke if you like.

Dark spirits fly away. Let only peace and love remain.

CALLING THE QUARTERS (David Taliesin)

Elemental Spirits of the East and of Air, keepers of wisdom and mystery, whisper into our ears all that we need to know. May the cool fall breezes that rustle the leaves beneath our feet point us in the direction we need to go. Hail and welcome!

Elemental Spirits of the South and of Fire, purifiers of heart and mind, burn away the clutter and confusion from our lives so that we may have absolute clarity regarding your will for our lives. May the bonfires of fall that give us light and warmth, bring comfort to our weary souls tonight. Hail and welcome!

Elemental Spirits of the West and of Water, vessels of peace and compassion, may our thirst for justice and equality be quenched. May the fall rains which nourish the roots of the trees, give strength to the dreams you have planted in us. Hail and welcome!

Elemental Spirits of the North and of Earth, stewards of hearth and home, gather around us the community we need to make us feel safe and loved. As the fall harvest continues, we ask you to bring about a harvest of good things into our lives, Hail and welcome!

Everyone face toward the center of the circle. (David Taliesin)

A PRAYER TO THE BLESSED DEAD (Llewellyn Sabbat Essentials)

Hail matriarchs! Hail patriarchs!
Come here, remember with us,
remember yourselves,
as grandmothers, grandfathers,
as mothers, fathers,
as uncles, aunts,
as sisters, brothers,
as daughters, sons.

We remember you with stories
of warriors, of peacemakers,
of healers, of teachers,
of farmers, of city builders,
of poets, of philosophers,
of people we loved.

In memories of you dwell living feeling.
This is your spark, eternal—an ember cherished,
a light passed from one generation to the next.

SHAMANIC DRUMMING AS WE MEDITATE AND LISTEN FOR WISDOM (David Taliesin)

Use a prerecorded drumming session or do it live. This is the background to keep the mind occupied so you can receive messages from the Ancestors and/or Spirit. Write down anything you’d like to remember.

CLOSING (David Taliesin)

Elemental Spirits of the North and of Earth, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Elemental Spirits of the West and of Water, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Elemental Spirits of the South and of Fire, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

Elemental Spirits of the East and of Air, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell!

CLOSING CONTINUED (adapted from John Beckett, patheos.com, Under the Ancient Oaks)

Ancestors we knew in life,
Ancestors whose names we know not,
Ancestors of Spirit, and Ancestors most ancient;
we thank you for attending our circle
and blessing us with your presence.
May there be peace and love between us now and forever.
Stay if you will, Go if you must!
We bid you farewell!

CLOSING CONTINUED (David Taliesin)

Great Spirit whose hidden wisdom
Has been revealed to us tonight,
We give you thanks.
Give us strength to act upon what we have learned,
And illumine the dark days of autumn
With your insight and creativity.
Stay if you will. Go if you must,
We bid you farewell!

And now 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 Samhain | Tagged Samhain, sivination | Leave a comment

How to Kill a Witch: Book Review

Posted on October 16, 2025 by David Taliesin

How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy by Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, is not an easy read, but it is essential reading in 2025. The two authors formed the Witches of Scotland campaign to shine a light on the historic injustice of the Scottish witch trials. As a result of their work, on International Women’s Day 2022, the First Minister of Scotland issued a formal state apology—the first time in 300 years there had been any formal recognition of those accused and put to death. The authors were also responsible for designing the official Witches of Scotland tartan.

The book is clearly a labor of love. It contains exhaustive research on the people who were unjustly incarcerated, tortured and murdered. Along the way, they clear up many misconceptions regarding what actually happened during these trials. They also include narrative vignettes that put the reader in the shoes of various people involved—both victims and persecutors. This information in the book is heart-wrenching to read at times, especially when they describe the methods of torture used to extract “confessions.” However, this is a crucial part of the story, and they do not shy away from the gory truth.

Yet this book is not simply about the Witches of Scotland. It also compares those events to the Salem witch trials in America and explores how the two persecutions differed. I was surprised to learn that the Salem trials were much smaller in scale than I had previously thought. Furthermore, a public apology was issued much sooner in America than the 300 years it took to receive one in Scotland.

Finally, the authors connect their research to what is happening to women around the world today. This is especially eye-opening when we consider what’s happening in the United States and the ongoing attempts by conservatives to restrict women’s rights and silence their voices.

This is one of the finest books I’ve read in a long time, and I’m certain I’ll be referring back to it time many times. Don’t miss it!

Posted in Spirituality | Tagged claire mitchell, How to Kill a Witch, Salem, Scotland, witch trilas, witches of sotland, Zoe Venditozzi | 1 Comment

Persephone Myth Revisited

Posted on October 15, 2025 by David Taliesin

The story of Persephone is a familiar one in Pagan circles, yet it has never really appealed to me because of the violence toward women associated with it. The basic story, as I understand it is that Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, was abducted by Hades — her uncle —who took her to the underworld to be his wife. While in the underworld, she became associated with the dead, and her return to the surface and to her mother represents spring and the renewal of vegetation.

While doing research for a book I’m writing, I came across a kinder version of the myth in Sandra Kynes’ A Year of Ritual: Sabbats and Esbats for Solitaries and Covens. Here’s what she wrote:

“One of the most well-known stories of the Maiden Goddess is that of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Persephone felt that it was her calling to go to the underworld to comfort and guide the spirits of the dead to their rest. Even though Demeter knew her daughter would return, she put her life on hold and waited. During this time, grain and other plants did not grow and the weather was cold. When Persephone returned bringing warmth and love for her mother, the entire earth came alive again. Later (ancient Greek) versions of the story added violence with Persephone being kidnapped to the underworld by Hades and Zeus bargaining with Demeter to bring her back to life. Happily, the gentler version is gaining popularity.”

I appreciate Kynes’ version of the story because it places Persephone in a position of power, where she is making all the decisions. She feels called to go to the underworld instead of being abducted. She also chooses to return to the earth’s surface to be reunited with her mother and to help the world come alive again as it moves from winter to spring.

I know there have been some modern attempts to retell this story in a more positive light. Do any of my readers have favorite resources or reinterpretations of the Persephone myth that do this well? Or do you understand the story in a different way than I’ve presented here? Inquiring minds want to know know!

Posted in Goddess, Ostara | Tagged Demeter, Hades, myth, Persephone, underworld | Leave a comment

A Gothic Witch’s Oracle: Deck Review

Posted on October 13, 2025 by David Taliesin

In the introduction to his guidebook accompanying A Gothic Witch’s Oracle, Raven Digitalis writes, “I think it’s safe to say that Witches have long been portrayed a little bit Gothy, and Goths are traditionally known to look a bit, well, mystical and Witchy! Yet the majority of members in either group do not identify with the other. Gothic culture is based in art, music, and emotion. Witch’s lifestyle is centered on spirituality, mysticism, and the cycles of nature. For many members of each camp, however, a noticeable overlap can’t be brushed aside. That’s where this deck comes into play.”

If this is his intention in creating the deck, I’d say he succeeded admirably. While it doesn’t completely align with my own spiritual path, I’m certain it will find its audience. A Gothic Witch’s Oracle is clearly a labor of love. Each of the 40 cards represents an aspect of self-care or spiritual and magical growth, with evocative titles such as “Shattering the Mental Prison” and “Nurturing the Inner Child.”

When I first held the cards, they felt slightly wider than what I typically work with. However, I quickly realized this was an intentional design choice—to let John Santerineross’ artwork take center stage. The images are strong and evocative. The deck also embraces body positivity, intentionally “freeing the nipple,” as Raven puts it, to destigmatize the female form. He also chose to work with “a variety of models, incorporating ethnic diversity, various body types, multiple ages, and an array of gender/sexual expressions.” Nicely done!

The accompanying guidebook is equally well crafted. It expands on the meaning of each card and includes suggested activities to explore the themes more deeply. The book is beautifully printed on heavy stock paper that feels durable and made to last through regular use.

I’m grateful that Raven reached out to me to review this oracle deck. In the right hands, A Gothic Witch’s Oracle has the potential to be a meaningful tool for deepening one’s spiritual practice.

Posted in Magic, Spirituality | Tagged A Gothic Witch's Oracle, oracle cards, Raven Digitalis, Spirituality | 1 Comment

Full Hunter’s Moon: October 6th

Posted on October 6, 2025 by David Taliesin

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Algonquin Native American tribes referred to October’s full moon as the Hunter’s Moon because it was time to go hunting in preparation for winter. As the days grow visibly shorter, perhaps we can use this full moon to contemplate what resources we need in order to make it through the approaching winter season.

We can think of this preparation as either literal or metaphorical. Some of us have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and have to surround ourselves with the people and coping skills we need in order to keep us healthy. Others are feeling like they’re slipping into a winter season of their lives. If this is the case, be intentional about doing what you need to do in order to keep yourself strong and grounded.

Since, the veil between the worlds is also thin this time of year, it’s the perfect night to seek the wisdom of our Ancestors and Beloved Dead who can help us to navigate the perilous journey ahead. Candles, mugwort, marigolds/calendula, pictures, etc. can help us draw closer to those on the other side. We all need to feel their love and encouragement in this stressful and angry world.

So, put the energy of this season and this powerful moon to good use. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Posted in Esbats, Samhain | Tagged Full Moon, Hunter's Moon, october | Leave a comment

Hurricane Helene Grief Ritual

Posted on September 22, 2025 by David Taliesin

At Yesterday’s Welcoming and Rainbow Circles we talked about processing grief as we approach the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Here is the closing ritual we did:

GRIEF RITUAL

ANOINTING FOR GRIEF [David Taliesin)
Asheville Raven & Crone’s Grief Oil

May you find comfort and strength
As we remember the devastation
Caused by Hurricane Helene.

CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin
Use a chevron amethyst or quartz crystal

The Light of the Divine surrounds us
The Love of the Divine enfolds us
The Power of the Divine protects us
The Presence of the Divine watches over us
Wherever we are, the Divine is. All is well.

CALLING THE QUARTERS—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Spirits of Air, we remember how your fierce winds blew during the hurricane, stirring fear in our hearts. May your winds today be a gentle breeze, clearing away any lingering fear we still hold within. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Spirits of Fire, we remember the piles of debris burning after the hurricane, reducing to ash what once were living trees and plants. May your flames now be a purifying fire within our bodies, releasing the trauma we still carry from Hurricane Helene. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Spirits of Water, we have never experienced your fury quite as much as we did on September 27, 2024. Lives and homes were lost; businesses were swept away in the raging flood. Our landscape was forever changed. May your waters now flow more softly, washing away survivor’s guilt, grief, and loss. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Spirits of Earth, we lost 40% of our trees in Buncombe County during the storm and its aftermath. Yet, we know that nature is resilient, and we have seen signs of healing that began this spring and continue today. Hail and welcome!

Divine Presence who is known to us by many names, we ask for your strength as we approach the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Continue to mend that witch is broken in us and in our community as we heal and recover from the storm. Hail and welcome!

GRIEF RITUAL

Make sure everyone has a pen and some dissolving paper. Ask participants to write whatever they wish to let go of as we approach the anniversary of Hurricane Helene. When everyone is ready, ask them to go up to the bowl, one by one, and watch what they wrote dissolve in the water. Remind them that water can be both cleansing and destructive.

CLOSING THE CIRCLE

Guardians and Spirits of the North, we thank you for your presence in our circle today. As we move forward, may we do all we can to restore our land and our community. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Spirits of the West, we thank you for your presence in our circle today. As we move forward, may we continue to heal from the trauma of the hurricane. Help us also to be a source of healing for others. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Spirits of the South, we thank you for your presence in our circle today. As we move forward, may we remember the lessons the hurricane taught us—lessons that have shifted our priorities and given us a new perspective. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Spirits of the East, we thank you for your presence in our circle today. As we move forward, may our lights shine brightly. Help us to be beacons of hope and resilience. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Divine Presence, who journeys with us through storm and stillness, through loss and rebirth, we thank you for your presence in our circle today. Guide us as we continue the work of healing our community. 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, merry part, and merry meet again.

Posted in Spirituality | Tagged anniversary, grief, Hurricane Helene, ritual | Leave a comment