Though it seems like the Summer Solstice was only moments ago, the time of Lughnasadh, the first harvest, is nearly upon us. This is a time of abundance and hope, the earth is ripening under the caress of the sun and the grain harvest is beginning. Above all it is a time for gratitude. Gratitude…
Book Review: Sacred Actions by Dana O’Driscoll
It is through the combining of human reverence and thoughtful action with the outer energies of the land that the sacred is awakened. Dana O’Driscoll Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Quite simply, this is a beautiful and thoughtfully practical…
A Partnership for the Earth…
Exciting times here at Earth Spirals! I’m really excited to share with you that we are now part of the SoulTrees Partnership program, and 10% of all profits from Earth Spirals will go to TreeSisters, helping to fund their amazing work reforesting the tropics, empowering local women and giving back to the Earth. “We are…
Sea Foam and Sanity – The Names Aphrodite and Venus
What is allure without a little mystery? Our beloved Goddess Aphrodite, called Venus by the Romans, queen of love, desire, truth and beauty, still confounds scholars who try to pin down Her exact origins, and even the origin of Her name. The Roman name Venus is not too obscure, it comes directly from the Latin…
Discovering Brides Mound – People and Place
In the last post we looked at the many legends surrounding Brides Mound in Glastonbury. Now I’d like to look at how people interact with this special place. How do people celebrate the land, and connect to the living mythical landscape? How do the enduring legends contribute to the sense of the land as sacred,…
Discovering Brides Mound – Legends and Lore
To the west of the town of Glastonbury in South West Somerset, tucked between Wearyall Hill and the River Brue, lies an unassuming hill known as Brides Mound. Once hailed as the Western ‘Gateway to Avalon’ [1] the ancient entrance to the sacred islands, visitors to the spot now must make their way behind an…
A chat with the Author of River Magic
Those who are not new to the Earth Spirals blog will know that I think stories are wildly important, for they have the power to shape and change our view of the world. So it’s great to see new Pagan authors out there. I was delighted to sit down for a virtual chat with M…
What is Folklore?
What is folklore? Ever since I started mentioning to people that I’ve started studying for an MA in folklore studies I’ve been met with many a blank look and puzzled stare. Reactions range from just total incomprehension ‘What’s that?’ , via ‘Oh like woo-woo magic?’, through to ‘Isn’t that just things that aren’t true?’… So…
Marking the Thresholds
Coming of age rituals in many forms have been celebrated by people the world over since ancient times, though in our increasingly secular society they seem to have gradually received less attention. I’ve written before here about my belief that humans have a need for ritual and story in our lives, to build connection with…
Light the Bel-Fires!
Wishing you all a merry Beltane, feel the sap rising within you ready to burst forth in renewed creativity and passion! Brighid of the Flames She rises from the flames as the hypnotic drums beat their passion into the night Born of the Bel-fire, emergent yet ancient Women’s wisdom of a thousand generations calling Her…
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