New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Color of the day: White Incense of the day: Lilac Christmas chants were once common throughout Scotland, and on Christmas Eve groups of men or boys went about from house to house chanting traditional songs. These were known as fir-duan (song-men) or Gillean Nollaig (Christmas lads). When they had sung two or three songs at a house, sacred cakes or "bannocks" were handed out to them through the window. Here is a modern adaptation of one of their traditional chants, which can be used for either ...
Color of the day: Gold Incense of the day: Hyacinth Yule is the ancient holiday celebrating the Winter Solstice, a time when the Sun is at its weakest and the calendar is coming to a close. Although most customs, beginning with Saturnalia, have to do with light, prosperity, and luck for the New Year, many of us find ourselves at odds with the manic party energy surrounding the holidays. Why not celebrate this Sabbat, the longest night of the year, by aligning ourselves with the dormant ...
Color of the day: Black Incense of the day: Sandalwood This day was recently established as All Faiths Day. Pagans, Christians, and Jews joined hands to celebrate in unity the winter holy days of Yule, Christmas, and Hanukah. In honor of this newfound day of interfaith sharing and communion, we offer a prayer for peace and tolerance. To all guardians of the light And of the purest love, Send us your radiant wings That we may ascend And rise above intolerance, Bias, and disgrace. Open our ...
Color of the day: Topaz Incense of the day: Marjoram Today is officially Be Pleasant No Matter What Day. Why? Because I said so. You haven't even recovered from Thanksgiving and Samhain yet, and Yule fast approaches. Everyone is overtired, overstretched, overwhelmed, over-cranky. Therefore, today is the day for you to make the effort. Be pleasant to everyone in every situation, no matter what. Don't be a doormat. Kill 'em with kindness if you have to. Smile. Say "hello," "please," and "thank ...
