The Wild Hunt (https://wildhunt.org/author/clio)
Clio Ajana is a death midwife, lover of tarot, numerology, and astrology. A current practitioner of Baltic Heathenry and Hellenic Alexandrian Witchcraft & Spiritual Tradition, she is a member of the House of Our Lady of Celestial Fire, E.O.C.T.O. Her writings include contributions to the anthologies - Shades of Faith: Minority Voices in Paganism (2011) and Bringing Race to the Table: Exploring Racism in the Pagan Community (2015). A frequent presenter at Paganicon (https://tcpaganpride.org/) and Mystic South (https://mystic-south.com, she considers everything in her life to be touched by and guided by the Gods.
December is a month of holiday festivities, near-nonstop sales advertisements, and many religious observations surrounding light. In the Northern Hemisphere, as we venture faster than dropping temperatures to the longest night and shortest day, it is only natural to think of the coming year and ask: where do we want to go?
As we gather and rejoice with our beloved ancestors and ancients during these uncertain times, may the lessons of Samhain grace our table with plenty, our chosen group of family and friends with blessings, and our hearts with much needed wisdom. As our ancients might remind us: are we living or are we being lived?
As I squirmed in the endodontist’s chair, trying to distract myself from the pressure and vibration of the metal tools – and the large needle – I realized that our nation, like my infected tooth, also needs a root canal.
September exhales the last gasp of summer in the northern hemisphere while providing balance and a harvest of memories. This is the perfect month to reflect on what is around us, and what needs to be swept away.
To sacrifice takes courage. In our ethics, to put others or our values above the desires of the individual means to appeal to the better parts of our nature. How often do we teach our children or say to each other that we should “do the right thing”? How often do we applaud words or deeds that demonstrate this higher form of sacrifice precisely because it is so difficult for many people and it is not what most might do if we were in that same position.