La Bona Dea's Journal of Everyday Magic

Storytelling which touches the heart and awakens the soul

Inspiration

Samhain, kissing death and saying goodbye

Goodbye to the old, the unwanted, the muck. Today we have cleaned out what is no longer needed. The floors are clean, the bed is made…we await the Dreamtime and have cleared space for all that is ours to embrace! Blessed Be

If it no longer serves me, it’s gone!

Letting go of things, whether it’s clothing, household, memorabilia, or hurt feelings, even rage, it can be hard. We grow accustomed to things and feelings and somehow they wedge their way into what we think we are or what we have become. Not true. Things and feelings, places and people are each a part of […]

What it means to Sacrifice, thoughts at Lughnasadh

Summer’s Roses are in full bloom, some have begun to fade. Lughnasadh is approaching quickly and with it sweet berries to harvest! It will arrive with hotter days which the Northern California Coast boasts this time of year. August and September, sometimes October, too, grace us with the best of the west coast’s weather. With […]

Summer Solstice Sunset in The Woods

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 […]

This Is Beltane

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 […]

Ostara Salt Bowl

Basil, bay, ginger, nutmeg, thyme, Please accept this Ostara rhyme sage, vanilla, rose, lavender too, cleanse, refresh, and start anew Absorb negativity with crystals of salt, invoking good hoo-doo without fault By the light, of this full moon, honoring springtime in full bloom So, Mote, It Be & Blessings from the Goddess it is done! […]

It’s All About Risk

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 […]

A Candle for Brigid

THE JOURNEY BEGINS Ignite the Flame Watch it Burn A candle for Bride The Wheel Turns Sunlight flickers Peeking through the Dark She passes- Awakening Mother Earth- Watch Her Magic Spark Wake-up Dear One For Spring is Coming Welcome Warmth and Creativity Listen to Her Gentle Humming As You Wake Remember Your Dreams Imbolc is […]

Persimmons and Robins

According to the book “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews, the Robin is a symbol of Spring and New Growth And according to Scott Cunningham, “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, the persimmon is a symbol of the Feminine, Venus, and Water. Also, Changing Sex, Healing, and Luck. Well, I am not sure what all of this […]

Winter Solstice and the Return of the Light

This is the Winter Solstice Indoor Altar. It remains on my table today, though it was over a week ago. I enjoy the beauty which radiates hope for a new year filled with LIGHT! Prepping the Outdoor Altar for the Spiral Meditation Lighting our Spiral Altar Sometimes it is hard to imagine that the light […]