Author Archives: David Taliesin

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

Walpurgisnacht: Origins and Celebrations

Posted on April 28, 2023 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Beltane, Goddess | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Walpurgisnacht Fire Ritual

Posted on April 27, 2023 by David Taliesin

Here is the ritual we did at this month’s Welcoming Circle. Feel free to use/adapt for your own celebration of Walpurgisnacht on April 30. FIRE EMPOWERMENT RITUAL FOR WALPURGISNACHT CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin On Walpurgisnacht, bonfires burn brightly,their flames kindle … Continue reading →

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Stories of Giants: Jöntar and Nephilim

Posted on April 8, 2023 by David Taliesin

Perhaps the most well-known giants, thanks to Marvel’s Thor movies, are those mentioned in Norse Mythology. The Jöntar inhabit one of the Nine Worlds known as Jötunheimr. There are numerous stories about them that are easy to find. But did … Continue reading →

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The Easter Witch?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by David Taliesin

The Easter Witch? Yes, that’s what I said! There was an interesting AP article by Matti Huuhtanen that I found a few years back entitled “Little Witches in Finland Cast Good Spells Before Easter.” Needless to say, it got my … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Eostre/Easter Explored and Explained

Posted on March 30, 2023 by David Taliesin

I’ve rarely provided a link to a YouTube video but this one is fascinating for those who are interested in the connection, or non-connection, between the goddess Eostre and the Christian celebration of Easter. I’ve never found a more thorough … Continue reading →

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Ostara: Balance and Growth

Posted on March 15, 2023 by David Taliesin

This coming Monday, March 20, is the Pagan Sabbat of Ostara which is always celebrated on the vernal equinox. Since we have equal hours of sunlight and moonlight on Ostara, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the balance of all things: … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation Spirituality, Ostara | 2 Comments

Happy Eostre…Or Is That Easter? Or Ostara?

Posted on March 14, 2023 by David Taliesin

Here comes Peter Cottontail,hopping down the bunny trail.Hippy, hoppity, Eostre’s on its way!  Or is that Easter? Or Ostara? To be honest, it’s really hard to tell the difference. Nearly every Christian tradition associated with the celebration of Easter can … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Ostara | Tagged , | 9 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day: The Great Snake Controversy

Posted on March 13, 2023 by David Taliesin

For most people, St. Patrick’s Day is simply a day where we celebrate all things Irish, including the color green, shamrocks and drinking LOTS of Guinness. Americans go crazy for this secularized holiday and, according to an Irish friend of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ostara | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Declaration of Deeds/Declaration 127

Posted on March 7, 2023 by David Taliesin

Recently, in the midst of my study of Norse Paganism, I came across two very important statements that have been signed by a number of pagan/heathen groups and individuals: the Declaration of Deeds and Declaration 127 (version 2.0). I wanted … Continue reading →

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March Full Moon: Worm Moon

Posted on March 6, 2023 by David Taliesin

“Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold…Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” [Mark 4:8-9, NRSV] According to the Farmer’s Almanac, March’s full moon “is … Continue reading →

Posted in Esbats, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments