"I was once a child full of grace." While the beauty of nature remains, its joy is often overlooked. This short narrative explores the struggle to reconnect with passion and purpose, prompting a journey into the past for clarity and envisioning a freer future.

When I whitewashed my accent, I didn’t realize I was speaking a dying language. As I read Jake Richards' post on whether Appalachian Folk Magic is a closed practice, I began to reflect on my own stance. This journey led me to explore the delicate balance between cultural protection and preservation. Join me as I delve into the complexities of maintaining authenticity while embracing the contributions of outsiders, and discover how reconnecting with our roots can be a deeply fulfilling journey.

This solo Beltane ritual focuses on connecting with divine energies, Awen and Nwyfre, through a series of preparations and invocations. Practitioners create a sacred space, offer peace to the directions, light a symbolic fire, and engage in meditation. The ceremony ends with gratitude and uncasting the circle, inviting ongoing inspiration.

Step inside Mr. Stevens' house, where every box is a time capsule and every room tells a story. Discover the beauty of a life well-lived and the memories that fill a house made of cardboard.

The narrative reflects on a childhood spent in a mystical Wizard house and experiences during significant blizzards, highlighting themes of community resilience and magic. Through personal anecdotes, the author explores trauma, self-worth, and the journey of self-acceptance. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the importance of facing shadows to find healing and hope.

The author reflects on their birth during a blizzard that delayed their arrival, symbolizing resilience and the strength of their mother and ancestral women. They honor their family's challenges and legacies, particularly their grandmother's toughness. Ultimately, the narrative intertwines themes of survival, hope, and the importance of tending to one's inner flame through life's storms.

The series shares personal stories and cultural anecdotes from the author's experiences at a Druid Gathering in Louisiana, reflecting on themes of healing and shadow work amid life's challenges. The author emphasizes the importance of confronting darkness, harnessing storytelling for empowerment, and aims to inspire others through their journey of survival and growth.

The narrative reflects on Appalachian heritage, emphasizing the deep connection between the people and the land. It recounts the author's family's history of sustainable living, healing traditions, and the cycle of death and regeneration in nature. The story highlights resilience, reflection during winter, and the importance of acknowledging both light and darkness in one's ancestry.

In these times of great adversity, let us not be silent. Let us raise our voices in prayer and in action. Let us stand together against the forces of oppression and injustice. For it is through our collective strength and unwavering faith that we can bring about the change we so desperately need. For Druids are bringers of peace and restorers of balance. Let us not forget that the love of Justice does not make us meek. Instead it calls us into action. Even if that action is just "praying Psalms" as needed.

Folk magic practices embody cultural significance and spiritual depth, rooted in the connection with the land. These traditions, often misunderstood, tell the story of common folk and contribute to survival in rural communities. Practices include healing, rituals, and daily acts honoring ancestry, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and regional expression.

YouTube video by Blanche Rowen & Mike Gulston