New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
The Consualia was a yearly festival for Consus, the Roman god who protected the grain. Mars, and the Lares (household gods) were often also celebrated on this day. Today we often take food for granted; even in the dead of winter one can go to a supermarket and get fresh produce. There are plenty of people in the twenty-first century who never have enough to eat, and the Consualia is a reminder to not assume food will always be available. When you prepare supper tonight, set aside a plate for ...
December may seem like a strange time to celebrate fertility; however, Barbes Diena, a traditional Latvian celebration today, focuses on the fertility of sheep. While generally lambing season occurs in the spring, winter births are not unheard of. Winter is generally seen as a gestation period, and while spring may seem far away, the solstice approaches and the equinox will arrive before you know it! Thus, December is a good month to start planning projects for the upcoming new year. It's also ...
Most people think of deer as a gentle totem. However, this time of year many species of deer go into rut; bucks will then battle it out for the right to mate with does. Both sexes possess sharp hooves and a powerful kick any time of year, and deer have been known to attack people, especially this time of year. Likewise, you may be underestimated by others because they may not understand you as much as they think they do. Today, take a page out of Deer's book and show others what you're really ...
When things get rough, it helps to remember that we have people in our lives who care for us. Even when we're far away, traveling or away at college, they still bless our lives. Sometimes we need a reminder that we aren't alone, especially when we're feeling down. Get a beeswax candle, preferably one that will burn for a long time. Next, ask permission from those closest to you to carve their names into the candle; if they're of the magical persuasion, you might even ask them to put a personal ...
