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

Samhain Divination Ritual

Posted on October 19, 2025 by David Taliesin

This is the ritual we did today at both Circles. ANCESTOR RITUAL ANOINTING WITH OIL—David Taliesin Divination oil from Asheville Raven & Crone May the Ancestors impart their wisdom to you tonight.May the Great Spirit make clear what is hidden … Continue reading →

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How to Kill a Witch: Book Review

Posted on October 16, 2025 by David Taliesin

How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy by Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, is not an easy read, but it is essential reading in 2025. The two authors formed the Witches of Scotland campaign to shine a … Continue reading →

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Persephone Myth Revisited

Posted on October 15, 2025 by David Taliesin

The story of Persephone is a familiar one in Pagan circles, yet it has never really appealed to me because of the violence toward women associated with it. The basic story, as I understand it is that Persephone, the daughter … Continue reading →

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A Gothic Witch’s Oracle: Deck Review

Posted on October 13, 2025 by David Taliesin

In the introduction to his guidebook accompanying A Gothic Witch’s Oracle, Raven Digitalis writes, “I think it’s safe to say that Witches have long been portrayed a little bit Gothy, and Goths are traditionally known to look a bit, well, … Continue reading →

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Full Hunter’s Moon: October 6th

Posted on October 6, 2025 by David Taliesin

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Algonquin Native American tribes referred to October’s full moon as the Hunter’s Moon because it was time to go hunting in preparation for winter. As the days grow visibly shorter, perhaps we can use … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Helene Grief Ritual

Posted on September 22, 2025 by David Taliesin

At Yesterday’s Welcoming and Rainbow Circles we talked about processing grief as we approach the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Here is the closing ritual we did: GRIEF RITUAL ANOINTING FOR GRIEF [David Taliesin)Asheville Raven & Crone’s Grief Oil May … Continue reading →

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The Norns Still Weave: Discovering the Teutonic Sense of Time

Posted on September 8, 2025 by David Taliesin

I’ve been reading Kveldulf Gundarsson’s Teutonic Magic: A Guide to Germanic Divination, Lore, and Magic, and came across an intriguing passage about the Old Teutonic concept of time: “Perhaps the most notable difference between modern thought-patterns and those of the … Continue reading →

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Lughnasadh: Origins to Modern Celebrations

Posted on August 19, 2025 by David Taliesin

In my last post, I cleared up a common misunderstanding about Lughnasadh. After consulting multiple reliable sources, I’ve come to the conclusion that, according to early Irish tradition, it was Lugh who created the festival to honor his foster mother, … Continue reading →

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Is Lughnasadh Really About Lugh?

Posted on August 18, 2025 by David Taliesin

Today I was listening to a podcast by Jon O’Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School entitled “Is Lughnasadh really about Lugh?” I had always heard that the day was meant to honor the sun god Lugh. However, O’Sullivan set the … Continue reading →

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Protection Ritual

Posted on August 18, 2025 by David Taliesin

This is the closing ritual we did at last night’s Circle. ANOINTING FOR PROTECTION [David Taliesin]7-9 drops of Hyssop Essential Oil1/4 cup olive oi May the Divine Presence protect youand keep you safe from all harm. CASTING THE CIRCLE—Protection Prayer … Continue reading →

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