Author Archives: David Taliesin

Unknown's avatar

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

Samhain/All Hallow’s Eve Soul Cakes

Posted on October 25, 2023 by David Taliesin

The Soul Cake is part of traditional Samhain/All Hallows Eve festivities in the British Isles. The cakes are flat and round, scented with saffron, mixed spices and currants.During the 19th and early 20th centuries children would go ‘souling’ on Samhain … Continue reading →

Posted in Samhain | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Samhain Ancestor Ritual

Posted on October 16, 2023 by David Taliesin

This is the ritual we did to close last night’s gathering at The Welcoming Circle. Feel free to adapt it for yourself or your group. It was written by Tree Higgins, my co-facilitator who died last year. We did it … Continue reading →

Posted in Samhain | Leave a comment

Thurisaz: A Giant Is Coming Your Way!

Posted on September 29, 2023 by David Taliesin

Thurisaz (ᚦ) is a rune that hearkens back to the Norse stories of the Jǫtnar (giants) who dwelt in realm of Jǫtunheimr. I was recently the recipient of this kind of energy and, trust me, it’s not pretty. The Old … Continue reading →

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality, Runes | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Mabon | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Herbology | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Beltane | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment