Books: Raven Grimassi, Colleen Deatsman

One thing I learned from struggling to with Christian doctrine is to listen to my gut when it comes to teachings and what I should or shouldn't do. Which is the point of being an eclectic. My Solstice reading, Raven Grimassi's Old World Witchcraft and Colleen Deatsman's The Hollow Bone, A Field Guide to Shamanism,  gave me much to chew on and numerous gut feelings to consider. Finding one's path is not an easy thing.

Raven Grimassi's book was, as in all his books, informative and well written, thoughtfully looking for the "real witch" of ancient times, gleaning through the false for the grains of truth. I am grateful for both his careful research and his insights.  I've learned a lot from his books, including connecting with plants, which is an interesting practice.

My gut check began with the extensive use of non-native species in the Old World Witchcraft described.  As a tree-hugging, bio-geek, nature lover, I prefer native species to sustain native wildlife. Plus, I have no interest in growing members of the Belladonna family and have been at war with uninvited guests in my yard.  My yard instead is home to native varieties, including roses.  I am a big fan of the Rosaceae family which contains numerous wonderfully sustaining plants including apples, pears, raspberries. As for the magical Hawthorne and Rowan, a native species please.  I also found the parts on shadow, graveyards, contacting the dead and extra-dimensional beings did not resonate well with me.  I guess I'm waiting for a book on the New World Witch, with magical correspondences for native/regional plants. 


I resonated with Colleen Deatsman book The Hollow Bone, A Field Guide to Shamanism, and I plan to read more books on the subject.  I chose this one because I wanted an introductory text to what Shamans do, not a "how to". This well written book provided just that and so much more.  Ms. Deatsman is a gifted writer and her explanations were clear and interesting.  I was gladdened to learn of the indigenous Grandmothers who are out there making a difference toward healing the Earth and the diverse beings who live on Her. Our fragile planet needs all the help She can get!








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Solstice night

Like candles lit on the longest night,
New Moon Solstice stars shine bright.
Celestial songs of silver light--
Dark's own sparkling respite.

The sun shines bright but weak
As day creeps back slow and meek.
Until the day of equality's peak,
With cold and ice we wait and seek.

Staring Down the Holidays

With the exception of ordering myself a few presents, I'm not really into the holidays this year.  I am looking forward to the Solstice, and it is kind of cool we have a new moon soon afterwards, but I'm not into decorating for the Yule. Anyone else feeling like this?

Just curious, really.  I'm interested in learning how others celebrate this holiday.  Without family nearby it has long been something of a non-event, even before the day I woke up and realized I was a pagan.  I think I'll hoist a few in a local brewpub the day before and then wander around to look at the decorations and absorb some of the "holiday spirit." That is about all.  I see no reason to try to make it an event.

New Moon

New moon rises,
Time of beginning:
Choose wisely.

Blessed be

Out of the broom closet

Knowledge grew slowly,
Understanding crept into awareness.

Loyally, I clung to the wrong path,
Though I kept hitting the wall

Of not belonging
Why could I not see?

I did not believe as they believe
Or truly hold their convictions.

And the Truth I gleaned from their book
Was not the lesson they wanted me to learn.

They wanted sacrifice, not compassion
Anger and fear I could not share.

Until I had to face who I am
Patient Goddess waiting

I pick up my broom
And follow Her Home.

Sorrow

Poison burns,
Stifles air.
Water chokes,
Soil sickens,
Gaea weeps.

Equinox

Day meets night--
Equal share dark, light:
Equinox.