This year's Drumming Day falls on a full moon—a great opportunity to recognize the power of percussive rhythm in ritual. Drums are among the most ancient of instruments and are still a driving force in rituals today the world over. They help us keep time, energize us, and unify our movements. Many people play drums at circles and events, but few recognize that it's important not only to make a noise but also to listen to what's happening around them. When we listen as we play, we connect ...
November is National Pomegranate Month. Whenever I see or taste a pomegranate, I instantly think of the Greek goddess Persephone. When she was taken to the Underworld, she ate six pomegranate seeds, which tied her to staying there for half the year. As the fruit often shows up in markets in late fall, it's another reminder of Persephone's journey to the Underworld. Soon winter will be upon us, but life will return in the spring. I always purchase a couple of pomegranates—one to eat and ...
National Color Day celebrates the wonderful diversity of color in the world. Whether by playing with paints, taking a hike in nature, or making a playlist of "colorful" songs, there are a lot of fun ways to appreciate the hues in your life. One of my favorite things to do is watch the leaves changing color where I live. No matter where I have resided, there's always a shift. In some places the change is subtle, and other places it's a riot of color, like in New England. I hand-collect the ...
It's Fire Prevention Day. Let's face it—most magical folks love setting things on fire! But nothing ruins a spell or ritual faster than a fire hazard. Here are some handy tips to be aware of when burning things and a little blessing to keep things safe: While candles that have lots of herbs, crystals, and other interesting bits in them look cool, they can be a serious fire hazard. These are best burned in larger cauldrons, away from any flammable materials. Those little charcoal ...