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magical life

Mary Tree image

Mary Tree

This week I read in the Dutch newspapers that the Marialinde—Mary tree in Dutch—in Oisterwijk has been elected tree of the year. This tree is at least 650 years old. Its name reveals that this specific tree was important to our ancestors. Linden trees were seen as powerful magical protective trees and were often the first to appear in a new settlement. They played a role in many important social rituals. When christianity gained the upper hand, the church was unable to eradicate this custom, so the tree in question was adopted and christianised. You can read more about Linden’s magical properties and also about its medicinal effects in the monograph elsewhere on this website.

Mouse, beetles and flies image

Mouse, beetles and flies

Nature’s cycles, the circle of life in action.

I came across this mouse today while walking in local woods. I filmed as it was being eaten by burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides) and carrion flies. While around us everything is growing and coming to fruition, death is still also very much part of life.

Rooks nesting image

Rooks nesting

Stillness image

Stillness

Wow, that was quite a rollercoaster, this past Yuletide and a bit longer than that as well.

Shortly after asking you about your ideal place to live (thanks for the many inspiring responses!), I fell quite ill. Additionally, my dearest companion, Chelik, deteriorated rapidly. He was already an old man, but still… I never left his side and tried everything to help him. Towards the end as well, when helping meant being there for him continuously, to ensure his transition would be as peaceful as possible.

Meanwhile, I feel better, although I am still rather tired. I just give into that and everything else at play. Over the years, I’ve learned that during tough times, it works well for me to come to a bit of a standstill. To let whatever needs to be there be there without resisting it.

That doesn’t mean I do nothing. I write, read and walk a lot. I handle the necessary ongoing matters. I spend time with my family members but also a lot of time alone. Just sitting or hanging around or staring into space. But I do avoid doing anything that could have significant future consequences. Now is not the time for that. That time will come again, of course. I’ll feel it when it does.

What helps you get through the tougher times?

The magic of rituals and their importance to our everyday life

We have all seen one of these documentaries at some point: people - druids, wiccans, witches, etc. – going through more or less complicated procedures during what they call magical…

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The stories we tell ourselves and hold ourselves captive with

People love stories. It's the one quality that sets us apart from other animals, if you ask me: the ability to make up stories. We are capable of creating fiction,…

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Turning within… image
Walk with me (Oranjewoud) image

Walk with me (Oranjewoud)

Whenever disconnectedness looms (see yesterday’s nugget) there’s always the forest. I try to go there every day, just to wind down from all society’s madness. It never fails to keep me firmly rooted in what I know matters most…

I often have the most wonderful encounters, like the one with herd of deer the other day. Or the jays who had a message for me over the last month or so. Or the caterpillar that I’ll be sure to share with you soon ❤️

Where to start when using divination yourself: picking your method

Earlier I told you about divination: what it is and how it works. We humans have used divination for eons already. Ever since we became conscious of our own thought…

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Where to start when using divination yourself: picking your method image