It’s August already. Hard to believe, honestly. Last year at this time, I was climbing a mist-covered South Barrule on the Isle of Man. I sat atop its peak surrounded by the old hill fort, sheltered from the wind by the low circle of stones that enclosed the central marker. I thought of Lugh and …
Tag: Alexandrian
The Witch as Chaplain
I've been exploring chaplaincy for the past nine months. I've always felt prompted to work in the spiritual. When I was in undergrad, I strongly considered Pagan ministry, but I realized that wasn't for me. Rather than ministering to a particular path, I wanted to work with people of all different faiths and non-faiths. I …
Laa Luanys
We spent Laa Luanys (Lá Lúnasa) on the Isle of Man this year. Mann isn't a place that I associate with Lúnasa, but it certainly didn't disappoint. True to Celtic form, there were advertisements for many festivals throughout the island during the early days of August. Unfortunately, we weren't able to make any of them …
Isle of Man
I'm on a month-long sabbatical from work. I'm taking a couple of weeks in the Isle of Man to start and then will be wrapping things up in Iceland. A few people were skeptical of my itinerary: "What are you going to do for two weeks in Mann?" Truthfully, I didn't know. Now that I'm …
UK Adventures Recap
I had planned to do more individual posts about the UK, but as usual, the busyness of life has gotten the best of me again. So I thought I'd combine many events in one post. Rollright Stones The Rollright Stones was my favorite place to experience. There are three monuments on the land: a circle …
Stonehenge
Stonehenge opens for a few hours to the public four times a year, on the equinoxes and solstices. I was able to take a trip into the stones for the Spring Equinox yesterday. It was a very surreal experience. Being able to see and touch the stones and feel their energies was moving. The day …
West Kennet Long Barrow
While in Avebury I checked out the West Kennet Long Barrow, a 5.5 thousand-year-old tomb. It was undeniably a place built for the dead; it was still, silent, void. It was extremely comforting. I could feel my god, the Lord of Death and the Beyond. Stern, quiet, loving, embracing. As a Witch, I don't fear …
Avebury
I've been exploring Avebury the last few days. I'm fortunate enough to be staying in Avebury proper, in the middle of the stones. For those who aren't familiar, the area around Avebury hosts a complex of Neolithic sites, with the village of Avebury itself nestled inside a stone henge. This is the view from my …
Journey in the New Forest
Seldom have I found photos to capture the intensity of emotion that precedes them, but I think this picture comes close. This is me walking in the New Forest, in Wilverley near the Naked Man. This is where it began--modern Witchcraft. There is a real sense of peace and magic in the New Forest, and …
Candlemas and the Midwest Witch
Whether celebrating a generic Candlemas or a more culturally appropriate Imbolg, I've always had a hard time connecting with festivals at this time of year. In Wisconsin February is an inevitably cold and snowy month. Amidst the subzero temperatures it never feels right to rejoice that the earth is warming or that somewhere in Europe …