Moon Magic: New Moon in Pisces

By Blog, Moon Magic
Each New and Full Moon I dig into lunar astrology to write my newsletter and to set the theme for the associated Turtle Journey. I am not an astrologer, but I have enjoyed learning about this one aspect of astrology. I share some of what I am discovering here, along with a bit of magic. I have been lax in…
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an American red squirrel stands on snow with one front foot against an outstretched human leg covered in snow pants

The Land and Me

By Blog, Real Wilding
I have been thinking about ecology, which is the study of how beings interact with each other and their environment, to better understand what terms like “eco-spirituality” and “spiritual ecology” mean. Ecology seems pretty science-y, and science and spirituality are often thought of as opposites. Both spirituality and ecology are about relationships, however, and there is crossover in the way…
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Moon Magic: Full Moon in Leo

By Blog, Moon Magic
Each New and Full Moon I dig into lunar astrology to write my newsletter and to set the theme for the associated Turtle Journey. I am not an astrologer, but I have enjoyed learning about this one aspect of astrology. I share some of what I am discovering here, along with a bit of magic. When the Moon is full,…
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bust part of statue of St. Francis of Assisi showing him petting a beetle perched on his finger

St. Francis and the Wolf

By Blog, Spiritual Ecology
When I began my research into St. Francis for an interfaith seminary essay, I knew little of him beyond his designation as patron saint of ecology and the animals. I was curious how he became associated with animals and found a story about a wolf that intrigued me, especially in the context of wolf conservation challenges in the United States.…
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Moon Magic: Second Quarter Moon in Taurus

By Blog, Moon Magic
Each New and Full Moon I dig into lunar astrology to write my newsletter and to set the theme for the associated Turtle Journey. I have recently begun to look at the Quarter Moons as well. I am not an astrologer, but I have enjoyed learning about this one aspect of astrology. I share some of what I am discovering…
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a grey squirrel sits on his haunches on snow covered ground behind a fallen branch

A Blanket of Snow

By Blog, Real Wilding
After a warmer-than-average December melted the little snow we received and early January froze that into a dangerous coating of ice, I appreciate the blanket of snow I see now. Even very cold days are brightened by the sunlight reflecting off the ice crystals. It's hard to capture the glitter in photographs, but the squirrel says to trust me that…
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a close up of a hemlock branch with small pine cones hanging from it and snow covering it

Meeting the Eastern Hemlock

By Blog, Real Wilding
It was an abundance of tiny pinecones dangling below the branches that brought my attention to the tree this winter. I had not paid much attention to this tree in the past, mostly because it was one of the many evergreens that grow here, and I had not spent time getting to know them individually. It is probably no coincidence…
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Moon Magic: New Moon in Aquarius

By Blog, Moon Magic
Each New and Full Moon I dig into lunar astrology to write my newsletter and to set the theme for the associated Turtle Journey. I am not an astrologer, but I have enjoyed learning about this one aspect of astrology. I share some of what I am discovering here, along with a bit of magic. The theme I worked with…
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Good Morning Blue Jay (Part 2)

By Blog, Real Wilding
About the same time the “Vs” of geese could be seen heading south, the blue jay who had become my friend disappeared. For a few days I continued to leave peanuts, then gave up and stood the canning jar that held the few remaining nuts on the floor inside the door. By the time the snow melted the following spring,…
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