New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Freya is a prominent Norse goddess famed for her beauty and grace and possessed of complex attributes. She is kown as a fertility goddess but also represents power and wisdom. She governs the disir, land protection spirits said to be our ancient female ancestors. October 14-15 is known as "Winter Nights" among those who observe Norse traditions: it marks the end of the harvest and the start of the winter season. To honor Freya's fertile gifts, pour a libation of milk, mead, or ale into the ...
Pumpkins are abundant now, from the roadside farm market to the big box supermarket. These squash come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors that the mind reels. Seasonal decorations lacking pumpkins are sad, indeed. Be sure to include a few standard orange globes to welcome guests during this month of harvest. Leave some smaller pumpkins in an unobtrusive yet sunny spot for the winter. Allow rot to occur, right into the ground. In the spring be on the lookout for those telltale vines and ...
Michaelmas is a Christian feast day marking the autumnal equinox, in honor of Saint Michael the archangel. But the entire autumn season in England is often referred to as Michaelmas. The Feast of Michaelmas held in medieval times included fairs and feasting. Roast goose, prepared elaborately and decorated with feathers to look as if it was still alive after being cooked, was the traditional dish, and the saying goes, "Eat a goose at Michaelmas, and you will not want for money all year." The ...
Fall can be a riotous show of color in many parts of the world, one last burst of life and radiant beauty before the starkness of winter. Today take some time to bring a little of that abundant energy into your life by picking three (short) pieces of music and dancing to them, in whatever way helps you feel the beat and enjoy the music. For the first, pick a song that reminds you of what you love now. It might remind you of the glory of summer, the power of the sun, a current goal. For the ...
