Episode 140: Mistletoed!

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
The Glitter Witch herself, Sheri Kurdakul, is back with the perfect herb for Winter Solstice, mistletoe. There’s the medicinal and ecological stuff, but also lots of seasonal lore. And wait until you find out how mistletoe got its name, because it had me giggling the whole time. I also share a bit about the magic in my practice of gathering…
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Nonviolent Engagement with Wildlife as a Hope Building Practice

By Papers
Uncertainty created by the global crises of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss creates anxiety and challenges one’s ability to feel hopeful and to act to mitigate or solve those crises. This paper aims to position positive, nonviolent interactions with wildlife as opportunities to build the active hope required to address those global crises. The impact of hope on…
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Episode 139: Yule Reflection

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
The Winter Solstice is approaching in the northern hemisphere, where I am. Listen to the second-to-last episode of 2023 and hear me reflect on some Yule traditions that show up in the celebration of Christmas and how we can find meaning in them in the modern Pagan revival. I also share some of my observations of the beginning of winter…
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Yule Season: Reflect

By Blog, Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year is turning towards the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere and the corresponding celebration of Yule. Acknowledging the eight “spokes” of the wheel of the neo-Pagan year gives you the opportunity to tune into and honor the Earth’s solar cycle, the natural world around you, and your inner cycles of change and growth. While Wheel…
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Episode 138: The Hermit

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
Winter is coming. It is time to turn inward and get cozy. Jen VanBenschoten shares how to do that with the Scandinavian concept of hygge. Then she pulls The Hermit out of her Tarot deck and guides you through a spread that helps you discover your best approach to the winter season. Grab your favorite fluffy blanket and have a…
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Episode 137: The Give-Away

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
As the months flow from November to December, I reflect on the spirit of Turkey, the “Give-Away Eagle.” I say some stuff about my privilege and the economic and social systems that give me that privilege, which was uncomfortable to talk about. And I share some wandering thoughts on shifting from gratitude to give-away. In the second half of the…
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Episode 136: The Wisdom of Sage

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
Sheri Kurdakul is back with another engaging talk about her herb of the month. This episode is all about sage – the plant, the lore, and the wisdom. Sheri focuses on garden sage, which came from Europe, like my family did. She got me thinking about what it means to be naturalized, which I touch on before introducing Sheri. Listen…
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Handfasting by the Fireplace

By Handfastings, Infinity Knot
This simple handfasting ceremony was held in the couple’s living room by the fireplace with immediate family and a few friends. A little bit of customization made the standard ceremony meaningful and memorable.  Ceremony Script  Ring Warming and Singing Bowls Welcome! It’s wonderful to be here with you today. I’m Reverend Debbie Philp and I’m so happy to be officiating…
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Enchanted Rite in the Woods

By A Magical Rite, Handfastings
This same-sex couple wanted to capture the fun and enchantment of “The Princess Bride” and “The Lord of the Rings” in a meaningful ceremony. 75 guests were meant to gather in a clearing in the woods to witness the rite, but rain forced the ceremony into the reception barn. Ceremony Script Processional Flower guy walks down aisle, scattering petals. Family…
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