Sabbats and Sabbaths

Fehu: Prosperity In All Of Its Forms

Posted on August 28, 2024 by David Taliesin

Fehu is the first rune in Freya’s Aett. Therefore, in some ways, it can be seen as a rune of beginnings. The traditional interpretation of this rune is wealth and abundance and is often associated with cattle. Keywords that come to mind are success, prosperity, good luck and fertility. Depending on where Fehu falls in a reading, it may mean that prosperity of some sort is coming your way. However, this new source of wealth may not be monetary, it may be spiritual as well.

This past week we had a bit of a shake up in the place where I work. In seeking clarification for the kind of energy I needed to bring into this chaotic week, Fehu appeared. It helped me to understand this rune in a new way as I applied it to the situation I’m facing. It is a new beginning. Things have been cleared out of the way so that new sources of “wealth” in terms of knowledge, spirituality, etc. can blossom and grow. This, in the end, may also bring material wealth with it, but the call is to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated over time with others, and this will lead to new streams of prosperity. Does that make sense?

The other thing about Fehu is that the wealth we accumulate, in whatever form it comes, is not meant to be hoarded. It is always meant to be shared for the blessing and benefit of others. This was especially important in Viking times when life was hard and resources were sometimes scarce. The very survival of the village depended on everyone sharing with others out of the abundance of whatever they had.

While studying the runes, I wrote a series to rune poems to help me understand their meaning. Here’s what I came up with for Fehu.

David Taliesin Rune Poem:
The joyful abundance of FEHU:
Wealth given to me is a gift shared with you.
The horn of plenty cannot be contained,
But overflows for everyone’s gain.

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality, Runes | Tagged abuncance, Fehu, norse, rune | Leave a comment

Story of the Green Corn Woman

Posted on August 25, 2024 by David Taliesin

This is my version of the story that was taught to me by a Cherokee elder. There are many variations of this legend out there. It is often told during the Green Corn Festival, an annual ceremony practiced among various Native American peoples including the Cherokee. It is associated with the beginning of the yearly corn harvest. Historically, it involved a first fruits rite in which the community would sacrifice the first of the green corn to ensure the rest of the crop would be successful. The Green Corn Ceremony typically occurs in late July–August, determined locally by the ripening of the corn crops. Enjoy!

There once was an old woman who was raising her two grandsons. They loved to eat deer, rabbit, and quail but corn was their absolute favorite food. It didn’t matter how their grandmother fixed it. They absolutely loved it: Corn soup, corn stew, cornbread, roasted corn. They simply couldn’t get enough of it.

One day the two grandsons began to wonder, “Where does Grandmother get all that corn?” Grandmother overheard their conversation and told them, “You do not need to know where it comes from. Simply enjoy the gift.”

The next day, grandmother went into the smokehouse which was always locked. The curiosity of the two boys got the best of them. They tiptoed toward the smokehouse as quietly as they could and found a place where they could sneak a peak inside. What they saw astonished and amazed them.

There was a big reed basket on the floor of the smokehouse. When their grandmother stepped into it, she started to dance and corn began to fall from the folds of her garments until the basket was full of beautiful green ears of corn. The boys gasped when they saw the sight and hoped their grandmother did not hear them outside of the smokehouse. They left quietly and went about their day, talking about the miraculous sight they had seen.

That night, when they sat down for dinner, Grandmother asked them a question, “Do you have something to tell me?” The two boys knew they had been caught and so they confessed to their grandmother what they had witnessed earlier in the day.

“My dear grandsons, you saw something you should not have seen. And because of this, I will now grow frail and you will need to take care of me just like I have taken care of you. Then, one day, I will die and you will bury me in a special place that I will show you. I will also teach you how to prepare the place of my burial.”

The boys didn’t know what to say. Their hearts were sad. The next day, their grandmother took them out to a level field and showed them how to build a fence around the field to keep out predators. She taught them how to remove rocks, tree stumps and weeds, and hoe the soil until it was nice and smooth. She also told them that, one day, they would teach others everything she was teaching them.

When the project was finished, grandmother began to get weaker and weaker. The boys took loving care of her until she died. Then they buried her body in the special field they had prepared. They also began to wonder how they would survive without her and where they would get the corn from now that she was gone.

Several weeks later, a miracle happened. Green shoots began to appear in the field where their grandmother was buried. These shoots grew tall as they were warmed by the summer sun and began to spout ears of corn. When harvest time came, the boys stored some in the smokehouse and reserved enough kernels to plant them in the spring. They also took these kernels to all the Indian nations and taught them everything their grandmother had taught them: how to cultivate the land and how to plant the kernels so they would have corn to eat as well. And this is how we receive the gift of corn to this very day.

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain. But if i dieds it bears much fruit.” Gospel of John

Posted in Lughnasadh | Tagged Cherokee, corn, green, woman | Leave a comment

Urban Crow Oracle

Posted on August 18, 2024 by David Taliesin

I am super picky about my tarot and oracle decks. I’ve tried a number of them that I thought would serve me well but ended up gifting them to others. The one oracle deck that stands heads above the rest for me is the Urban Crow Oracle by M.J. Cullinane. I’ve always had a special affinity for crows and a family of them lives in a giant evergreen ewe tree in my front yard. For me, they’ve always been the bringers of magic and hidden wisdom so this deck was a no-brainer for me to check out.

What sealed the deal was the simplicity of the deck’s design that contains 54 cards with one or two words on the bottom of each. The rest of each card is filled with vivid artwork of crows as they live and thrive in a urban setting. I often use this deck as a one card draw to know what I need to be on the lookout for in the coming week. This deck never fails to provide me with the insight I need. I also sometimes use it in conjunction with tarot and rune readings as well.

As some of my readers know, I work in a metaphysical bookstore with a large selection of decks. Choosing the right one is an intensely personal decision. Although I do make recommendations based on what kinds of images the customer feels drawn to, I always tell them to trust their instinct. When you feel the “pull” toward a certain deck, then definitely look it up online to see a sample off the images from it. That should help you decide if it’s the right deck for you.

The true test of any deck, however, is how you feel when you use it. If you’re drawn to crow imagery (any fans of Huginn and Muninn out there?) then definitely give this one a try. The imagery here will both surprise and delight you.

Posted in Tarot | Tagged crow, deck, Divination, oracle, urban | Leave a comment

Gebo: Balanced Exchange

Posted on August 12, 2024 by David Taliesin

Last week I drew a card from the Urban Crow Oracle by M.J. Cullinane. It’s my favorite oracle deck and I often consult it to get a sense of what I need to focus on in the coming week. The card I drew was Self-Interest which I have actually never drawn before. Seeking clarification, I reached into my Rune bag and out came Gebo. Taking these two together, I understood what the Divine was trying to tell me: I was extending myself too much and needed to focus on my own needs and goals in the coming week.

Traditionally, Gebo symbolizes the giving and receiving of gifts. When it appears in a reading it’s always good to ask ourselves if our relationships are in balance. Are we spreading ourselves too thin or are we too preoccupied with our own wants and desires? Either extreme is not healthy. Life is about balance and we will be happier and more satisfied with our lives if we learn this important lesson.

While studying the runes, I wrote a series to rune poems to help me understand their meaning. Here’s what I came up with for Gebo.

David Taliesin Rune Poem:
Equal exchange is rune GEBO.
Be generous with everyone you know.
Find balance in relationships
For this is the holiest of gifts.

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality, Runes | Tagged Gebo, Runes | 2 Comments

Claiming Our Power During Difficult Times

Posted on July 22, 2024 by David Taliesin

Durng last night’s Welcoming Circle at Asheville Raven & Crone, we talked about how to stay strong during these tumultuous times we are experiencing in our nation. This was the closing ritual we did. Hope you find it helpful.

CLAIMING OUR POWER DURING DARK DAYS

PROTECTION OIL (David Taliesin)
7-9 drops of Hyssop Essential Oil
1/4 cup olive oil

Dark spirits fly away, let only peace and love remain—David Taliesin

CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Elemental Power of Air, of deep hidden mysteries, intuition and spirituality, be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Elemental Powers of Fire, of passion, decisive action and courage, be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Elemental Powers of Water, of compassion, peace and love, be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Elemental Powers of Earth, of hearth and home, prosperity and health, be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Great Mystery, who is known to us by many names, who gives us life and breath, be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

EMPOWERMENT SPELL—David Taliesin
Strips of paper, pen
Caudron
Red or white candle
Yarrow
Protection Oil

Write on strips of paper the things you worry about most during this tumultuous time in our nation. Place a pinch of yarrow in the flame of the candle.

Then, one by one, place each strip in the flame and let it burn as you verbally state the opposite of what’s on the paper, i.e. what you would like to see come into your life. Let it burn out in the cauldron. Ex. If you write “feeling overwhelmed” on the paper, say something like “I will be calm and peaceful.”

DISMISSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Elemental Powers of Earth, keep us grounded and surround us with people who make us feel nurtured and loved. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Elemental Powers of Water, keep us feeling positive and peaceful. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Elemental Powers of Fire, keep our minds focused on the sacred work you call us to do during this chaotic time in our nation. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Elemental Powers of Air, clear all the clutter and distraction from our lives so that we may focus on what’s necessary and important. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Great Spirit, who is known to us by many names, help us to stay focused on the work you have called us to do during these difficult times. Empower us to beacons of hope. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Our circle is now open but never unbroken
Because it is a circle woven in love.
Whatever energy is left in this space
We return to the earth with a spirit of gratitude.
Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

Posted in Magic, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Divine Energy Ritual

Posted on June 17, 2024 by David Taliesin

Here’s the ritual we did to close Sunday night’s Welcoming Circle:

CASTING THE CIRCLE—adapted by David Taliesin

Use the following adapted form of the Protection Prayer. Cast the circle with your hands, athame or wand. Your choice.

Divine Light surrounds us
Divine Love enfolds us
Divine Power Protects you
Divine Presence watches over us
Wherever we are, the Divine is. All is well.

CALLING THE QUARTERS—David Taliesin

Guardians and Ancestors of the East, Spirits of Air, we ask for your presence in our circle tonight. May Divine Wisdom blow though our lives like a cool summer breeze. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the South, Spirits of Fire, we ask for your presence in our circle tonight. May Divine Fire set our hearts ablaze with a desire to do what is good and right and true. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the West, Spirits of Water, we ask for your presence in our circle tonight. May Divine Compassion fill us with love, peace, empathy and joy. Hail and welcome!

Guardians and Ancestors of the North, Spirits of Earth, we ask for your presence in our circle tonight. May Divine Strength keep us grounded in these difficult times. Hail and welcome!

Divine Presence, who is known to us by many names, speak to each person in this circle tonight. Strengthen our connection to you and the many forms you choose to embody. Hail and welcome!

SHAMANIC DRUMMING

Have everyone breathe deeply and settle themselves comfortably in the circle. Play a shamanic drumming track to help free the mind to receiving messages from the Divine. Make sure each participant has pen and paper to record any messages or insight they receive. If there is time, let those in the group share they they heard or discovered, if they wish to do so.

CLOSING—David Taliesin
Guardians and Spirits of the North, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Spirits of the West, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Spirits of the South, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians and Spirits of the East, we thank you for your presence in our circle tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Eternal One, whose verdant beauty is all around us, whose wisdom whispers trough the flowers and trees, thank you for your holy presence in our circle this night. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

The circle is open but never unbroken because it is a circle woven in love. Whatever energy is left in this space we return to the earth with a spirit of gratitude. Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

Posted in Goddess, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Working With Divine Energy

Posted on June 17, 2024 by David Taliesin

Working With Divine Energy:
Do You Choose Them or Do They Choose You?

Be Open—It begins with a longing for something that is greater than ourselves. We may feel a tug or a pull toward a specific Deity. Maybe we read something that really resonated with us. Maybe we saw an image that spoke to us. Some people have dramatic spiritual encounters with Divine energy, but I think that’s rare. For most of us, it’s much more subtler than that.

Be Curious—This is the “dating” phase. Read about and research the specific Deity you are interested in. If you know others who follow this specific Deity, look to them for recommendations on good books, web sites, etc. Do not skip this step. For example, there’s nothing worse than a follower of Odin who bases their knowledge of him by watching Marvel comic movies.

Be Reverent—Begin working with this specific Deity. Take baby steps. Learn some spells, prayers, and rituals, associated with this Deity. You may want to start a spiritual journal chronicling your process. Above all, listen, REALLY LISTEN! Don’t make lots of demands. As more questions arise, go back and do more research.

Be Dedicated—You may reach a point where you feel led to do some kind of dedication to the Deity you are working with. Go with your instincts on this. Maybe you’ll place a statue or picture on your home altar. Maybe you will wear some kind of talisman or symbol of this Deity. Maybe you’ll undergo a more formal dedication.

Be of Service—Don’t be a whiny follower who only asks for stuff. You might feel led to do a specific project in honor of the Deity. Answer the call. Make the world a better place for all of us.

As a final thought you may work with a particular Deity for a lifetime but you may also work with a Deity for a season. Both are valid. Trust the spiritual path you’re walking.

Posted in Goddess, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Raidho: Getting Back on Track

Posted on June 8, 2024 by David Taliesin

Last week was one of those weeks I don’t care to repeat for a long time. It was tough emotionally and spiritually and left me feeling defeated and exhausted. I remember shouting out loud “Whoever or whatever is doing this to me…f&ck off!” Once the air was cleared and a new week began, I reached into my rune bag and drew the Raidho rune. As it turns out, it was exactly the message I needed to hear. Raidho, is a rune of travel (riding) and embarking on a journey. However, this rune of movement and momentum does not have to be understood in a physical way. The journey can be spiritual and emotional as well. As the week progressed I felt like I got “back on track.” I returned to the path I’m supposed to be walking and was my true, authentic self once again.

Some people use Raidho to ensure safety in travel. But if we only understand this rune in a physical sense we miss its true potential. Raidho is good for vision questing and seeing the bigger picture. When we feel a little bit lost as we travel the road of life, it’s the force that can gently guide us back to where we belong. Several questions this rune asks us are: What is holding you back on the journey of life? What is the Universe calling you to embark on? Perhaps it’s time to make a move!

While studying the runes, I wrote a series to rune poems to help me understand their meaning. Here’s what I came up with for Raidho.

David Taliesin Rune Poem:
RAIDHO is the journey you take.
It transports you from place to place.
A new adventure or spiritual quest
Awaits you now. No time for rest.

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality, Runes | Tagged meaning, Raidho, Raido, rune | Leave a comment

Gjallerhorn: A Norse Oracle Deck

Posted on June 3, 2024 by David Taliesin

I am super picky about my oracle decks. In fact, I only have three of them, including the spectacular Gjallerhorn: A Norse Oracle Deck which I got a copy of this week. First of all, the packing is superb. The outside box is black with gilded embellishments. It also has hidden magnets in the cover which keep it secure. Inside, it contains a hard cover book of the same quality plus three different decks which can be used together or separately:

RUNES—It has a lovely set of runic symbol cards which are also gilded. They have a nice weight to them.

NORSE GODS AND GODDESSES—I love the pictures because they go beyond the over-used “Vikings with horn hats” that you usually see in pictures of Norse deities. This section also includes Fenrir, Huginn and Muninn and a few other surprises.

NORSE SIGILS—This is a nice collection of traditional Norse sigils to work with.

The book is very well written and the flexibility of the deck is fantastic. I’ve seen a few Norse decks that feel like nothing more than a cash grab. This one is leagues about the rest and they clearly took a lot of time and care in creating it. Honestly, it just doesn’t get any better than this.

I look forward to using this amazingly crafted deck. If you have any interest in Norse magic and mythology then this deck is definitely for you. It’s also reasonably priced considering the quality of the deck and packaging.

Posted in Norse/Germanic Spirituality | Leave a comment

May Full Moon: Flower Moon

Posted on May 23, 2024 by David Taliesin

Native Americans named May’s full moon (which occurs tonight, May 23) the Flower Moon for obvious reasons. May is the month when everything is coming into full bloom and there are flowers popping up everywhere. It’s a time for us to focus on spiritual growth where the seeds we planted on Imbolc have germinated and are well on their way to maturity. You may want to take some time this full moon to reflect on projects and activities that need a little TLC in order to come to full fruition.

It is also called the Mother’s Moon, Corn-Planting Moon and Milk Moon (from the Old Anglo-Saxon). All of these make sense since May is a time of increasing fertility, both in the animal and plant world.

If the weather is good and you have a fire pit, it’s a good night to light a bonfire in the spirit of Beltane which occurred May 1st. If you have some dried yarrow, throw a little bit of it in the flames for courage (or use other courage herbs if you don’t have yarrow) and ask your Divines for the strength to be a force of change and transformation in the midst of this global pandemic. Let the energy of that moon plant fertile seeds of change in your life. Blessed be!

Posted in Esbats, Uncategorized | Tagged Full Moon, May, names | Leave a comment