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

Lughnasadh/Lammas: August 1st

Posted on July 28, 2022 by David Taliesin

August has a rhythm all it’s own, especially in the South. These hot, humid days force us to slow down our pace a bit, and why not? The soil has been tilled. Gardens have been planted. Many vegetables have already … Continue reading →

Posted in Lughnasadh, Wheel of the Year | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Positive Pagan: Staying Upbeat in an Offbeat World

Posted on July 18, 2022 by David Taliesin

For several years author Lisa Wagoner and I co-facilitated The Welcoming Circle at Asheville’s Raven & Crone. It became a jumping off place for many seekers who are new to earth-based religions and magic. We tried to give them a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Marking Time, Part 2

Posted on July 16, 2022 by David Taliesin

I gave yesterday’s post a little more thought and came up with a theory as to why many Christians are, unfortunately, antagonistic to their Pagan brothers and sisters. If Christians view time in a linear fashion, then everything new that comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality, Wheel of the Year | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Marking Time, Part 1

Posted on July 15, 2022 by David Taliesin

In his insightful book, Pagans and Christians: The Personal Spiritual Experience, Gus DiZerega explores the different ways Pagans and Christians mark time.  Regarding Pagans, he says “The Pagan view of cyclic time leads us to focusing more on process than … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality, Wheel of the Year | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Candles, Prayer and Magic

Posted on June 2, 2022 by David Taliesin

A Christian goes into her local Roman Catholic Church. Before worship, she lights a candle for a sick friend and prays to Jesus, asking for healing. She believes her prayer will help to make her friend better…and it does. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Magic, Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Home Altars International

Posted on May 23, 2022 by David Taliesin

I must admit I’ve watched more than my fair share of HGTV. I love home improvement shows because our houses are sacred places. They become sanctuaries where we should feel safe and secure. The colors we choose and the way … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation Spirituality, Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Connecting With Herbs Ritual

Posted on May 16, 2022 by David Taliesin

Here is the ritual we did at Sunday’s Welcoming Circle. Thanks to all who attended. We will take a break for the summer and start back in September. CONNECTING WITH HERBS RITUAL CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin (Ares incense on charcoal … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation Spirituality, Herbology, Magic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Universal Characteristics of Candle Magic

Posted on May 10, 2022 by David Taliesin

Ever since the first prehistoric humans learned how to harness fire for warmth, protection and cooking food, we’ve been in awe of the power of the flame.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s a blazing campfire in the woods, prayer candles … Continue reading →

Posted in Magic, Meditation, Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Sophia: Lady Wisdom

Posted on May 9, 2022 by David Taliesin

Sophia is the Greek word for “wisdom.” She has her roots in Hellenistic philosophy and Platonism, but eventually became a central idea in Gnostic Christianity, Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism, among others. My favorite image of Sophia comes from Proverbs … Continue reading →

Posted in Goddess, Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ritual: Battleground and Blessing

Posted on May 5, 2022 by David Taliesin

According to the dictionary, the word “ritual” is defined as, “a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.” BORING! My definition would be “any action or attitude that helps us to … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged , , | Leave a comment