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            In the centuries before medicinal drugs were common, herbs were the most important healing medicine we had.  Women were usually the ones to use them, and often a village that had a Wise Woman, as these healers were often called, was very fortunate and often healthier than those that did not. In many homes herbs are still in use for their healing properties and can supplement whatever other medicine may be in use. Also, many medicines have been originally derived from herbal sources. There are those who feel they may be more effective in their original form, rather than isolating the primary healing agent. However, opinions differ.

Many years ago, I was a young mother with mouths to feed and appetites to satisfy. I began to read up on herbs, both for cooking and ultimately, for their healing properties. Being occupied with caring for my little family and eager to keep my mind growing, I began reading up on and experimenting with what I had in my kitchen. In time this led to my giving lectures, writing articles, and learning about the many benefits of the wild herbs many think of as weeds, have to offer. Eventually, I even crafted and sold my own herbal teas and blends at a farmers' market.

I am sure you will come to find this to be true, certain crystals can be true touchstone, in your life and bring multitudinous benefits, both emotional and spiritual. Find spots in your home or office where you can incorporate into your each and every day. Whether is shrine, your nightstand or stacked in a corner on your desks, a sort of crystal cairn. This can be your special corner of the world where you can renew and connect with your spiritual center. Picking up and holding your touchstones can be one of the most soul-nourishing small acts of self-care you can do.

Gods. Pagans.

I've been hearing stories. So, I'm just going to say it.

Magic will not protect you from corona virus.

Magic will not protect you from corona virus.

Magic will not protect you from corona virus.

Not your magic. Not nobody's.

Magic will not protect you from corona virus because that's not how magic works. Magic is a finger on the scales of possibility, not a headlock that wrestles reality into submission.

For gods' sakes, hear the voice of experience. Back in the early days of the last Great Plague, I can remember hearing from a number of Radical Faeries that “Faeries can't get AIDS.”

Well, they were wrong. Faeries did indeed get AIDS, just like anybody else. Their Faerie magic did not protect them from the AIDS virus, just as your magic alone (whatever its variety and vintage) will not protect you from corona virus.

Let me add that every single one of those guys is dead now. They all died—predictably—of AIDS.

I'm no expert in Tarot – not by a long shot – but I've always had a particular fondness for card number IX, the Hermit.  This iconic image of an old, hooded man, staff in one hand and lantern in the other, resonates with me on a very deep level.  Folks who know me well would not be surprised by this at all.  Indeed, one of my best friends recently encouraged me (only half in jest) to offer my skills as a consultant in hermitting, in this new age of social distancing and self-isolation. Apparently, we are all be asked to become hermits for the time being, and many people find that exceedingly challenging.

As Covid-19 sweeps through the global population, everyone except essential workers are being told in no uncertain terms to go home and stay there.  Front line health-care staff and other service providers are already feeling exhausted by the demands of this pandemic, and the rest of us feel vaguely overwhelmed by the fact that we can really do nothing except stay home.  Of course, there are many interesting new ways being developed, mainly online, for people to stay connected and keep working.  Churches, libraries, and other community centres are empty, but their staff are working hard to provide their ministries and services in novel ways.

More than 35 years ago, we kindled a fire in the old way, wood on wood.

That same fire has burned here at Temple of the Moon ever since.

Candle lit from candle, fire from fire: the long, slow, patient work of years, keeping the Fire burning.

At midnight tonight, by order of the governor, the state of Minnesota goes into covid lockdown. All non-essential businesses are to be closed. All temples and other houses of worship will shut their doors. People will shelter in place.

So today I head across the River to pick up a case of temple candles. Some things are too important to lay down.

Here at the temple, the twice-daily offerings will continue. The prayers, the praise will not end.

Happy family spell

Lepidolite should be called the letting-go stone. It’s like a fresh breeze coming into a room filled with stale air. In elixir form, it’s a wonderful way to deal with addictive behavior or to rid yourself of old patterns that no longer serve you or are potentially unhealthy. This uncommon mica, an ore of lithium, has only recently come onto the gem and mineral market. It is shiny and plate-like in appearance, usually occurring in a pretty, pearly pink or purple color. On occasion, it appears white, and, very rarely, it shows up in gray or yellow. This mineral occurs in Brazil, Russia, California, and a few spots throughout Africa. My favorite specimens are the single, large sheets of the lovely mica, which are called books and are an unforgettable violet.