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

Positive Pagan: Staying Upbeat in an Offbeat World

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

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Marking Time, Part 2

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

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Marking Time, Part 1

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

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Candles, Prayer and Magic

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

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Home Altars International

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

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Connecting With Herbs Ritual

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

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Universal Characteristics of Candle Magic

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

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Sophia: Lady Wisdom

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

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Ritual: Battleground and Blessing

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

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Ostara Intention Setting Ritual

Here is the ritual we used at Welcoming Circle this past Sunday: OSTARA INTENTION SETTING RITUAL CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin Light the green candle and say: Ostara is behind us, Easter is before us,And spring has just begun.Baby plants are … Continue reading

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