New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Ash Wednesday reminds Christians that everything returns to dust. To me, this day also speaks of the ancestors, and it reminds me to pay respect. To set up an ancestor altar, find a likely spot in your home and place an altar cloth there if desired. Add photographs, tchotchke, and other items that remind you of your dearly departed. Depending on your magical traditions, you may also wish to add items related to a deity or path. I like to include representations of the four elements. Consider ...
To invoke greater purification and clarity in your life, acquire a small amount of powdered turmeric root. In addition to being an incredibly delicious component of many curry dishes, turmeric is one of nature’s best anti-inflammatories and is an excellent cleanser for the skin. This healthy plant is a member of the ginger family. Mix the turmeric with a little warm water to create a paste. Draw sacred symbols into the paste with your fingers, and finish swirling the mix by drawing a ...
In Japan, today is Setsubun, which literally translates to “seasonal division.” According to the lunar calendar, Setsubun marks the first day of spring. Observances of this holiday are often based in the intention to banish negativity and summon good fortune. Some households practice mamemaki, in which a member of the family goes outside, dons a demon mask, and knocks on the door. The other members of the family open the door and throw roasted soybeans at the “demon,” ...
Today we celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Go to YouTube and listen to his “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington. What dream do you have? Cast your circle and set up your altar with four green candles in holders and symbols of what can make your dream come true. Light the candles, call in the four quarters, and invoke the god or goddess who can send the elements of your dream to you. Speak this invocation:I ...
