Category Archives: Christmas

The Magi’s Blessing: Chalking the Door

Posted on December 31, 2022 by David Taliesin

I came across a wonderful tradition which I will have to research further to learn a little more about it’s origins. According to Pagan Christmas, “Even today, priests go from house to house in the Black Forest on January 6, … Continue reading →

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In Praise of the Invincible Light

Posted on December 17, 2022 by David Taliesin

“The light shines in the darkness,And the darkness did not overcome it.”(John 1:5, NRSV) While writing a sermon on the first chapter of John, I came across this interesting observation from Karoline Lewis in her Fortress Preaching Commentary on John: … Continue reading →

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Coping During the Holidays

Posted on December 16, 2022 by David Taliesin

“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”—Chinese Proverb As we approach the Winter Solstice, the days continue to get darker and darker. Likewise, the world around us feels like a darker place as well. The … Continue reading →

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Time Keeps On Ticking

Posted on January 2, 2022 by David Taliesin

People mark time in different ways. Some of us carry a physical calendar with us to keep track of events and appointments. Others use a virtual one on our cell phones. Some have four seasons and all the delightful changes … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Beltane, Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Imbolc, Lent, Liturgical Calendar, Lughnasadh, Mabon, Midsummer, Ostara, Samhain, Wheel of the Year, Yule | Tagged , | 5 Comments

The Christians and the Pagans

Posted on December 8, 2021 by David Taliesin

While strolling through YouTube looking for Solstice/Yule carols, I came across a delightful song by Dar Williams entitled “The Christians and the Pagans” that recalls a somewhat tense but hopeful December family gathering. The first version of the chorus goes … Continue reading →

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Holiday Survival Kit

Posted on November 13, 2017 by David Taliesin

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL KIT Simple but effective uses of herbs/essential oils to beat the winter blues. DEPRESSION/ANXIETY Frankincense—Johns Hopkins University did a study in 2016 that proved burning frankincense helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. The essential oil can also be … Continue reading →

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Ritual: Claiming Our Power During the Darkest Days of the Year

Posted on November 12, 2017 by David Taliesin

Ritual from November’s Welcoming Circle: Claiming Our Power During the Darkest Days of the Year PROTECTION OIL (David Taliesin) 7-9 drops of Hyssop Essential Oil 1/4 cup olive oil As the days grow shorter, may the light within shine brighter … Continue reading →

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Myrrh: From Birth to Death and Everything In-Between

Posted on January 1, 2016 by David Taliesin

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [Matthew 2:11, NRSV] When most people … Continue reading →

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