All Posts By

Debbie Philp

Feb 13
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Spiritual Ecologies

By Inspirational Talks
This talk, presented to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls on May 7, 2023, summarizes my exploration of ecological consciousness and environmentalism within the world's religious and spiritual traditions. During my second year of seminary, one of our monthly assignments was to pick a person off a list of religious and spiritual “big names we should know” to research…
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Feb 13
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All Those Souls

By Inspirational Talks
Presented on October 29, 2023, to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls, on the topic of All Souls Day. This talk is about death. I have changed it several times, right up until yesterday, because current events have brought death into the spotlight in ways I didn’t anticipate. The conflict in Gaza, Otis slamming into Acapulco as an unforecast…
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Feb 13
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A Shamanic Life

By Inspirational Talks
In this talk, presented on February 5, 2023, to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls. I share my journey to becoming a shamanic practitioner. I’m going to begin with a story I rarely tell, because at the beginning I did something stupid that I am still embarrassed about. But it was also one of the most magical experiences of…
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Feb 13
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Horned Gods, Mother Goddesses, and the Resurrection of Nature

By Inspirational Talks
Presented to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls on February 4, 2024. This talk considers the ancient history of god and goddess worship and how our relationship with nature has changed since then. May we recall an ancient understanding of the world, and may the remembering guide us into these uncertain times. Historical Background Fifteen thousand years ago, in…
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Feb 12
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Mountaintop Elopement

By Handfastings, Infinity Knot
An outdoorsy couple desired a private ceremony on a mountaintop. Only the officiant and two friends, who acted as witnesses, trekked up the trail with the couple. The ceremony was secular and did not include a handfasting, but the magic of nature was captured in the wedding address and vows. A reading was added to the basic Infinity Knot script…
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Feb 12
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Infinity Knot Ceremony Script

By Handfastings, Infinity Knot
This is the basic script used for Infinity Knot package handfasting ceremonies, ideal for elopements and small gatherings. Your vows and the officiant’s address will be customized, as noted, and the ceremony wording can be adapted for same-sex couples. Other small changes may be made to accommodate logistics at the venue and the number of participants in the ceremony.  …
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Feb 09
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Episode 146: Clearly Intuitive

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
Somehow I knew Jen VanBenschoten was going to bring you another wonderful episode. To help you find some clarity, Jen shares about intuition – what it is and how to develop yours so it becomes something you can trust. Listen and you’ll find out why I’m digging into my bowl of gemstones for my piece of amazonite. Enjoy! Episode links:…
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Feb 07
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Episode 145: Clarifying Imbolc

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
Imbolc, the Celtic festival that marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, was last week. Although I didn’t get this episode published ahead of time, the energy of the season continues. I’ll share some ways we can work with Imbolc energy, a bit about Brigid, the goddess associated with Imbolc, and the origins of Groundhog Day,…
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Feb 07
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Imbolc Season: Clarify

By Blog, Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year turned past the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere and we have entered Imbolc season. 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…
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Jan 26
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Episode 144: Winter’s Bloom

By My Shamanic Life Podcast
Sheri Kurdakul, of Glitter Witch Gardens, brings us lots of goodness about a winter-blooming herb, witch hazel. You’ll hear about the origins of commercial witch hazel production and why witch hazel is a favorite for dowsing. I also revisit bones, this time from a garden perspective. Enjoy listening! Episode links: Find Sheri at Glitter Witch Gardens:  https://sherikurdakul.com/category/gardens/ Sheri’s post about…
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