Category Archives: Yule

A Solstice Blessing

Posted on December 21, 2023 by David Taliesin
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Coping During the Holidays

Posted on December 14, 2023 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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Great Wheels of Fire

Posted on December 13, 2023 by David Taliesin

Imbolc is the celebration of the first stirrings of spring after the dark days of winter. Ancient Pagans celebrated the holiday by lighting ritual fires to lure back the sun. One of the most popular customs among the Celts was … Continue reading →

Posted in Brigid, Imbolc, Wheel of the Year, Yule | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Empowerment Spell for the New Year

Posted on December 22, 2022 by David Taliesin

Altar from last Welcoming Circle at Asheville Raven & Crone This is the ritual we did to close last week’s Welcoming Circle PROTECTION OIL (David Taliesin)7-9 drops of Hyssop Essential Oil1/4 cup olive oi As the days grow shorter, may … 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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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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