Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and is the time we honor the multi-talented Brighid, Celtic Goddess of midwifery, smithery, poetry and healing arts. Lambs and goat kids are being born and little signs of spring are starting to show. Though it may still feel like winter there is promise of returning warmth in the …
Yuletime is when I get really excited about apples. Though they are harvested in the fall they can keep much longer since they store well in cool cellars without refrigeration throughout the winter. So Yule apples have always been a traditional holiday food and beverage at this time of year. One winter tradition called Wassailing, …
In autumn I begin harvesting my dried scarlet runner bean pods to have dry beans throughout the winter. Scarlet runner beans are an heirloom and many heirloom bean varieties are being rediscovered for their flavor and beauty. These beans have many uses throughout the seasons. Their scarlet flowers are a delicious edible flower in the …
As Lughnassad approaches, I am excited to harvest my favorite fruit for mead making: wild plums. The fruit heavily loads down the branches of a tree behind my house as I wait in anticipation until they have ripened to sweet perfection. Which is perfect timing for giving thanks at the first harvest festival feast, and …
The days are growing longer and hotter as we arrive at the longest day of the year. The natural world is busy and bright with bees collecting the succulent nectar of flowers. The Crow Women have a number of songs to honor the Summer Solstice including Suncycle on Crow Magic, which I love to listen …
Beltane is one of my favorite holidays. By May 1st springtime has really arrived, the flowers are bursting forth and joyful sexy energy is upon us. The symbolism of the Maypole being placed in the earth and sheathed by ribbons, while being a fun and joyful ritual in its own right, is also a symbolic …
It is spring in California and though we are still getting colder nights and days of rain, the days are getting longer and the chickens are responding by laying eggs again. Unlike in factory farms where lights keep the hens laying year round, my chickens take a break around winter solstice and don’t really start …
