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

Oktoberfest, Rally Day and Mabon

Posted on September 21, 2023 by David Taliesin

Several years ago, while I was on vacation in Munich, I got the opportunity to attend the city’s infamous Oktoberfest. The best way I can describe it is a county fair on steroids! There are amusement rides for the kids, … Continue reading →

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Mabon Ritual

Posted on September 20, 2023 by David Taliesin

I’m back. Sorry I’ve been away for so long. Here’s the ritual we did to close this past Sunday’s Welcoming Circle at Asheville’s Raven & Crone. We meet the third Sunday of every month, 4:30pm. REAPING AN ABUNDANT SPIRITUAL HARVEST … Continue reading →

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Drying Yarrow: Urban Farmer Method

Posted on June 7, 2023 by David Taliesin

What practitioner of magic does not desire to live out in the country with plenty of land to plant magical herbs and a forest nearby where we can go wildcrafting? Yet, I have the suspicion that many of us are … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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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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 →

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Fjölkyngi

Posted on March 3, 2023 by David Taliesin

Now there’s a word I didn’t know I needed in my life! Fjölkyngi (FYOL-koon-gee) is the Old Norse word for magic or witchcraft. It means “great knowledge” and, according to Diana L. Paxson, is “derived from the verb kunna which … Continue reading →

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