Pagan holidays are linked to the natural cycles of our planet. We honor the two solstices (the longest and shortest days of the year) and the two equinoxes (when day and night are of equal length) among other holidays. The spring or vernal equinox is on the way, occurring on Monday, March 20, this year….
Category: Holidays
Many years ago, I was introduced to the idea of selecting a single word for each calendar year to act as an intention, touchstone, and big-picture goal. The beauty of a single word intention is that the simplicity means multiple ways of connecting are possible. For example, my word for 2020 was “Manifest.” One of…
Normally, I write for the Pagans and witches of the world, but today I’d like to share a blog for the allies, family members, and Pagan-adjacents. It’s holiday shopping season, and gifting a witch can be…well…a little challenging. I’ve been the recipient of some very well-intentioned but misguided gifts, and I want to give you…
New for 2022! Professionally printed Gift Certificates are available for services here at Glasse Witch Cottage. Irene offers Tarot readings, Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Co-creation, and more through videoconferencing platforms like Zoom. Gift your loved one a session with Irene that best fits their needs. $40 Gift Certificates cover all half hour services, $60 Gift Certificates…
The pagan year ends on Oct. 31 at Samhain (pronounced sow-ehn). Samhain is the old Celtic name for this holiday and the one we continue to use today. As a belief system connected to an agrarian calendar, our year reflects natural cycles. All around us, the trees are in the middle of their annual transition…
I felt the coming change of season a few nights ago. The usual August heat had given way during an afternoon thunderstorm and a cool, damp breeze touched my skin. The relief from the sweltering temperatures was immediate, joyful, and then contemplative: I know what this means. Summer is winding down. We still have some…
When I look at the path of a river, I sometimes marvel at the way it cuts through stone to wend its flow through the landscape around me. I’m lucky enough to live near both the Potomac and Conococheague rivers and I’ve spent a lot of time wandering their shores and paddling kayaks along their…
This week’s offering is my rotating contribution to the The Frederick News-Post‘s “On Faith” column. As is true of my other columns there, this article is written for a broader audience. Today’s offering is all about Midsummer, and ways to connect to the rhythm of this season. As always, I am so grateful to the…
High holidays that are spaced fairly evenly throughout the year seem to appear just when you need them the most. I love all the holidays in the pagan wheel of the year, but Imbolc holds a special place in my heart. Imbolc is celebrated on February first and marks the midpoint between the winter solstice…
Many years ago, I was introduced to the idea of selecting a single word for each calendar year to act as an intention, touchstone, and big-picture goal. The beauty of a single word intention is that the simplicity means multiple ways of connecting are possible. For example, my word for 2020 was ‘Manifest.’ An interesting…