La Bona Dea's Journal of Everyday Magic

Sand Candle Making to Capture the Essence of Childhood and Play Note: We did not use items from the beach, but brought all decorations from home. If you go to our public lands, always leave them the way you found them, or better yet, with less litter. Blessed Be!

Blessings to you and yours at this cold and mighty Winter Solstice. The time of year when tradition once begged us to hustle and bustle, to meet-up, and party down. A season filled with laughter, hugs, and kisses or sharing hours in one another’s homes for meals and comforting visits. But not for Winter Solstice […]

When I was growing up I was taught to say thank you when people were kind to me or gave me gifts. And I am old enough to have had a great-grandma, Noni Rosie was her name, who gave me silver dimes when I saw her. “Thank you,” I’d say. As I grew I’d notice things […]

In Northern California, where I live, our typical fire season begins this month. The fires would be a few acres of grassland or a factory–something to remind us of how powerful and raging this element may be. But the last couple of years we have seen ravage and fury rise from the flames, and She […]

Six weeks ago I had to do the hardest thing in all of my 56 years. I had to choose to let Buddy Miles go. I had to let go of him so he could shed his tired body, no matter how much it hurt me. Yes, I’ve been divorced, yes, I have lost a […]

The sun streamed through the window but I rolled over in my bed. The tulips began to push through the earth, but I strode past them. The sunset a few minutes later, but I went inside. I am waking from a different sleep this year. Not a long winter nap, but a dream time filled […]

This year our Apprenticeship went camping. We spent the Summer Solstice Sunset tossing our cares away by throwing rocks (infused with what no longer serves our purpose toward manifesting our desires) into the Russian River. We were visited by the Great Blue Heron who circled above us three times. Click here to learn about the […]

The Maiden blooms, she opens herself to the discovery of her sexuality, independence, and her magic which resides within. The rosebuds are tightly formed, yet with the sun’s beckoning rays and encouragement they submit – allowing all to see them – as they display their fullest beauty. This is Beltane – the once awakened acceptance […]

Right around the corner, just beyond this dreary NorCal rain and fog, there is a song in the breeze, and it carries the tune of spring. As with all beginnings, spring arrives with the promise of new hope, and with that hope is an invitation to set intentions which require risk. This time of year […]

Writing this book filled my heart and my head. I lived through such uncertain times with my child who suffers from severe anxiety disorders. After the first two years of learning and coping with Mia’s condition I realized I had a story here that needed to be told. I don’t consider myself a victim in […]