Author Archives: David Taliesin

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About David Taliesin

My name is David Taliesin. I'm an writer, teacher and retreat leader who explores the connections between Christian and Pagan Spirituality. E-mail me with any personal comments you'd like to share and I will do my best to answer them. You can also contact me through my Facebook page www.facebook.com/davidtaliesinauthor

The Magi’s Blessing: Chalking the Door

Posted on January 2, 2026 by David Taliesin

I came across a wonderful tradition which I will have to research further to learn a little more about it’s origins. According to Pagan Christmas, “Even today, priests go from house to house in the Black Forest on January 6, … Continue reading →

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Unpacking the Epiphany Story

Posted on January 1, 2026 by David Taliesin

After the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem in Judea, in the reign of King Herod, some astrologers from the East arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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, … Continue reading →

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