Ostara Seed Bombs

Posted on March 16, 2024 by David Taliesin
seedbomb

At an Ostara celebration I attended several years ago, one of the rituals we did was make seed bombs. [Google it] Participants were given a small plastic baggie into which we scooped a big tablespoonful of red clay dirt that had carrot, radish and kale seeds mixed in it. We watered the dirt with a garden mister and used the bag to form it into a ball. We were then told to let these balls harden for about 24 hours.

Participants were encouraged to toss their ball onto any patch of ground that needed something to grow on it. Suggestions were made such as an abandoned lot, a park, etc. The idea is that once the seeds germinated there would be food produced for animals and humans to eat. I thought it was a creative idea.

Seed bombs could also be used for Earth Day celebrations. I would be inclined to mix native wildflower seeds into the dirt to add a little color to your neighborhood as well as provide a source of pollen for bees and butterflies. It’s a cool idea rich with symbolism and meaning. It’s also a creative way to love our planet. Happy Ostara everyone!

Copyright ©2024 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com

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Ostara: Balance and Growth

Posted on March 15, 2024 by David Taliesin

This coming Tue, Mar 19, 2024, 11:06 PM, is the Pagan Sabbat of Ostara which is always celebrated on the vernal equinox. Since we have equal hours of sunlight and moonlight on Ostara, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the balance of all things: male and female, physical and spiritual, life and death, thought and action, etc. It’s also an opportunity to take a critical look at ourselves and ask the question “What in my life is out of balance?” If you can’t think of something, you’re not thinking hard enough! Everyone has something in their lives that’s “not quite right.” Ostara is the perfect opportunity to plant “seeds of intention” that will help us to grow and draw closer to the Divine.

I think Jesus had this in mind when he said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Mt 7:7, Lk 11:9) Many Christians misunderstand the intention of this saying. It’s often interpreted as “God will give me what I want…if I pray hard enough and believe it will happen,” That’s ridiculous! It makes us sound like whiny children who throw a temper tantrum until we get what we want. It also make the Divine look like an over-indulgent Santa Claus who will do anything for us, as long as we stop crying! Talk about being out of balance!

Thankfully, if we read a little farther, Jesus clarifies the meaning of this saying, “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake?” (Mt 7:9-10, Lk 11:11-13) In other words, the Divine desires to give us what we need, not what we want. The Holy One wants to place in our hands the tools we need to help us to mature and be more in harmony with nature, others and the Sacred. If we ask and search for this kind of Truth and Knowledge, it will be given to us. Guaranteed!

So Happy Ostara!. May the seeds of intention we plant this Holy Season, sprout from the earth of our lives, and grow into beautiful spiritual herbs, gorgeous emotional flowers, and a more balanced life. So mote it be!

Copyright ©2024 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com

Posted in Creation Spirituality, Ostara | 3 Comments

Brigid’s Garden: Brigid the Healer

Posted on March 14, 2024 by David Taliesin

Station Four: Brigid the Healer

[Stones: sodalite or blue kyanite]

Here is the fourth prayer/contemplation station in Brigid’s Garden. I’ll post the rest as I write them. The final document will include an introduction, invocations and all five stations plus the “healing well.” I’m not going to rush this project so be patient. I promise it will be worth the wait. You can choose how to do each station. You can do as many as you like. It’s totally up to you!

For a PDF of station one click HERE

Blessed be! David Taliesin

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Brigid’s Garden: Brigid the Hearth-Woman, Brigid the Flame Keeper

Posted on March 7, 2024 by David Taliesin

Station Two: Brigid the Hearth-Woman/Brigid the Flame Keeper

[Stones: red jasper or carnelian]

Here is the third prayer/contemplation station in Brigid’s Garden. I’ll post the rest as I write them. The final document will include an introduction, invocations and all five stations plus the “healing well.” I’m not going to rush this project so be patient. I promise it will be worth the wait. You can choose how to do each station. You can do as many as you like. It’s totally up to you!

For a PDF of station one, click HERE

Blessed be! David Taliesin

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Mini Ogham Staves

Posted on March 5, 2024 by David Taliesin

Yesterday the most perfectly wonderful package arrived on my doorstep. I just started studying Ogham in honor of my Irish heritage and out of interest as a divination tool. I came across Susan James on Etsy who is the owner of Speckled Wood Crafts. She lives in England and makes these beautiful staves from the native trees there. To say I am thrilled with the purchase would be an understatement. As I opened the package and held the individual staves in my hands, I could feel the love that went into crafting them. They arrived surprisingly fast considering they were shipped from England. I had looked at a number of sets of Ogham staves before ordering these but felt really drawn to this particular set. The rave reviews on her Etsy shop are well deserved. If you’re looking for a set of these, I cannot think of a more beautiful set to own. Here’s the link to her Etsy shop. The set I ordered are the Mini Celtic Tree Ogham Staves.

Blessed be! David Taliesin

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Brigid’s Garden: Brigid the Peacemaker

Posted on February 26, 2024 by David Taliesin

Station Two: Brigid the Peacemaker

[Stones: lepidolite or amethyst]

Here is the second prayer/contemplation station in Brigid’s Garden. I’ll post the rest as I write them. The final document will include an introduction, invocations and all five stations plus the “healing well.” I’m not going to rush this project so be patient. I promise it will be worth the wait. You can choose how to do each station. You can do as many as you like. It’s totally up to you!

For a PDF of station one, click HERE

Blessed be! David Taliesin

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February: Cougar Moon

Posted on February 23, 2024 by David Taliesin
cougarmoon

The February full moon (February 24th) goes by many names such as Cougar Moon, Snow Moon (Native Americans), Moon of the Seer, and Quickening Moon. Typically, winter snows are the heaviest in February and the scarcity of food favors solitary hunters such as the cougar. Feb 27th is a good night to contemplate the energies the Cougar brings into our lives.

According to Jamie Sams and David Carson’s excellent book Medicine Cards, “By observing the graceful pounce of Mountain Lion/Cougar you will learn how to balance power, intention, physical strength, and grace.  This relates, in human terms, to the balance of body, mind, and spirit.” Cougar energy also speaks of the times in our lives when we need to step out as leaders/pioneers without any followers behind us.

So go outside if it’s a clear night. Light a candle inside if it’s not. Then spend some time asking yourself if there are any imbalances in your life at the present moment and strategize what it would take to right them. You might also want to contemplate if the Divine Presence is asking you to have the courage to step out and lead. Is the Cougar calling you to pounce on an opportunity that has been in your field of vision for a while? Only you can answer this question!

Copyright ©2024 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com

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Brigid’s Garden: Brigid of the Land

Posted on February 20, 2024 by David Taliesin

Brigid’s Garden

Station One: Brigid of the Land, Brigid the Earth-Woman

[Stones: moss agate or green opal]

Here is the first prayer/contemplation station in Brigid’s Garden. I’ll post the rest as I write them. The final document will include an introduction, invocations and all five stations plus the “healing well.” I’m not going to rush this project so be patient. I promise it will be worth the wait. You can choose how to do each station. For station one, I have two separate paths to embark on that include a story, a prayer, and questions for contemplation. You can do as many as you like. It’s totally up to you!

For a PDF of station one, click HERE

Blessed be! David Taliesin

Posted in Brigid, Creation Spirituality, Goddess, Imbolc, Prayer, Spirituality | 1 Comment

Brigid’s Garden

Posted on February 13, 2024 by David Taliesin

Recently, I’ve been reading Lunaea Weatherstone’s delightful book Tending Brigid’s Flame. It was there that I discovered an experience that tickled my imagination: “At Solas Bhríde in Kildare, the Brigidine Sisters have created a pilgrimage walk with five stones. At each of the stones an aspect of Brigid is honored and prayers are offered. The Solas Bríde walk culminates at Brigid’s well. Create your own walk that leads to a place of contemplation in your garden or a circular walk that can be done repeatedly.”

So, I’m working on a miniature version of this pilgrimage that can be placed on a home altar since most of us will never get to journey to Kildare. Stay tuned and I’ll begin posting stations of this walk as they are written. I will make the final form available as a free PDF booklet. I feel led by Brigid to create this devotional journey for everyone to enjoy. I have not been able to stop thinking about it which is always a good sign! May Brigid guide my creative journey.

Blessed be! David Taliesin

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My First Month Working at a Metaphysical Bookstore

Posted on January 27, 2024 by David Taliesin

Not all is bad and horrifying in the world. Sometime the Universe blesses us in ways we never expected. I needed to look for part-time work in 2024 and actually considered bagging groceries in a local supermarket. The Divine sort of laughed at me and said, “Oh no, honey, I have something much better in mind.”

Long story short I started working part-time this month for the most amazing metaphysical bookstore in my city: Asheville Raven & Crone. I’ve known the owners of the store ever since it started and am grateful for the opportunity. Of course, there is a lot to learn but I know I’ll get there. The staff is so kind and knowledgable and I’m glad to add my particular knowledge base to the mix.

I love working with the customers, some of whom it’s clear by the look on their faces that this is the first time they’ve ever set foot in a “witch store.” I remember taking that first brave step myself many years ago and am grateful for those who were able to answer all my questions and guide me to the resources I needed. It’s my pleasure to return the favor.

The most beautiful thing that happened my first day working there was the way the staff treated a homeless person who walked in our door. I was at the register at the time and after greeting him warmly he said, “I’m really cold.” I invited him in to have a cup of hot tea and sit in the reading room to warm himself up. One of the other employees and the store manager rustled up some prepackaged snacks he could take with him along with a packet of “hot hands.” They sat and visited with him like any other customer. It was a holy moment and made me proud to work there.

So, if you live in Asheville or are in the area, please stop by and see us. This is a wonderful store filled with unique creations from a number of local artists and magic practitioners. We also have an exceptional selection of books, incense, candles, stones, ritual items, divination decks, etc.

I know I will enjoy this new chapter in my life. I just know I’m supposed to be there and am glad to serve others in this capacity as they continue on their spiritual journey. Blessed be!

Written by David Taliesin, ©2024, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com

Posted in Magic, Spirituality | 3 Comments