Imagine a Christmas parade, up in hidden villages dotting the Alpine mountains of Germany, Austria, and Northern Italy. But instead of a jolly white-bearded man handing out presents, there are huge half-goat half-demons wearing chains and cowbells, stalking the streets, striking bad children with sticks, and threatening to carry them off and eat them. This […]
Read More...magic
Protection from the Evil Eye
Excerpt from the Hanukkah: Festival of Lights issue: Another Jewish talisman used to ward off the “evil eye” is a scarlet string worn as a bracelet. The red string is worn on the left wrist and is knotted seven times while saying a prayer, and then worn until it naturally falls off. The red string […]
Read More...Metta Meditation
Excerpt from the Memento Mori issue. Meditation One of the practices that I began when I was diagnosed with cancer was daily recitation of the Metta Meditation: the Loving Kindness Meditation. I was taught it at a Yoga for Healing class and these are the words I was taught: Thinking of yourself and really feeling […]
Read More...Harvest and Thanksgiving
This week, in Hag Stone Journal, we explore harvest festivals and Thanksgiving. I write about ancient harvest rites in Britain, sacred wooden spoons, Grandpa Fred’s oyster dressing, a New Moon releasing ritual, hints for hosting a Friendsgiving, and more. “Harvest festivals, like Thanksgiving, have a history that stretches back to ancient Greek women who honored […]
Read More...Old Ways of Appalachia – Planting by the signs of the Zodiac
Excerpt from Issue 8: Traditions “The people of Appalachia had many old ways, as they were descended from many different places: most immigrated from Ireland and Scotland, but the diverse Appalachian population also included people from Germany, Sweden, and African countries. Their customs combined with ways taught by Native Americans and created many traditions unique […]
Read More...Traditions
Check out this week’s Hag Stone Journal issue on Traditions. We explore various traditions out of Appalachia, like granny magic, planting by the zodiac signs, and burial customs. Also Catholic novenas, poet Wendell Berry, bullet journals and more. Starting at $1 a week, you’ll receive new content every week, with over a dozen activities/topics around […]
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