New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
It was once said that if a person heard the bells of the foxglove ring, they were doomed to die. Of course, this is not to be taken literally, as it was folklore inspired by foxglove's (Digitalis purpurea) poisonous nature. But there is something that foxglove and bells have in common, and that is protective magick. Foxgloves are one of our "garden wards," and can be planted to protect your property. Bells have a long history in magick. They have been used to clear ritual space, invoke the ...
We have all heard the horrors of how our brains are being rewired by constant cell phone use. Try changing your routine this morning, and instead of reaching for your cell phone and getting the cortisol hits that come from each email, or seeking the endorphin hits from likes and shares, envelop your morning in magic. Choose a quiet, self-soothing activity to begin your day, such as tea on the back deck, journal writing, or a few moments of prayer or meditation. Let your eyes seek out an object ...
Can you believe it's almost the Winter Solstice? Also called Yule, Midwinter, and many other names, this is a sacred time for those of us who walk in alignment with the seasons. (For folks in the Southern Hemisphere, it is currently approaching Midsummer.) Because we are soon to formerly welcome back the Holy Sun/Son at this time, let's put a little fire in our step to amp us up in preparation! At nightfall, simply light a candle of any color. (Black, white, and fire colors are ideal.) When ...
Today is Giving Tuesday. Held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this holiday reminds us to think of those less fortunate. Turn your attention to deities of compassion, like Quan Yin, Eleos, and Clementia, or of generosity, such as the Charites (or Gratiae), the Vanir, and Lakshmi. Service to the gods is about more than just saying a prayer or casting a spell. It's about doing their work in this world, where human hands and hearts are well scaled for the tasks, while a divine touch is often a ...
