Happy (belated) New Year Ali. Just wanted to say that I love your photography in this post, especially the water stopcock and the beautiful Venus statuette. Also, I feel the same about rituals - something that I steered well clear of for many years, and that I find myself more and more drawn to.
Thank you, Lisa! I believe so too. I wish I could be as consistent as you. I keep trying. 😊 If you are interested in the 12 omen days look up Laura Murphy, Everose on Insta, there's a link in my post. She's amazing! 💕
This is a beautiful post. I follow the omen days and this year was the deepest experience I’ve ever had in those days. I love your words on gratitude too, it’s such a transformative thing. Love to you for this year, may all beings know peace and freedom 🕊🤍
Kerri... I'm so honoured to see you here. That's so interesting about your omen day experience. I hope it brings you positivity and joy over the months to come, as the omens reveal their portents. Thanks for all your beautiful words, and for showing us the wonder in the everyday.
Hi Ali, practicing gratitude on a daily basis is a really good thing to do.
I love your inspiration from the Orkney Venus. That little figurine would have some stories to tell amid unbelievable changes in the world over the last 5000 years, from Westray Wifie to Addictive Wifi!
Happy Nollaig na MBan, Ali. Practicing this holiday is a special, honoring ritual for women. Looking for omens for a particular time period is a ritual of sorts. I had not heard of looking for them for the 12 days of Christmas. I like the idea, but I try to look for omens year round. I've just started writing my memoirs, and I'm currently focusing on a whole section of the omens wild animals have brought to me, and how their messages have applied to my life, meeting up with snakes, a mountain lion, hawk, dragonflies, etc. for help, I almost always include looking through Ted Andrews' book called "Animal Speak, The Spiritual and Magical Power of Creatures Great and Small."
I work on practicing gratitude daily, although I admit to feeling sour at times. Expressing gratitude for at least one thing at meals is something all guest at my house are expected to do rather than giving a blessing.
No, I haven't read "The Magic, but I just ordered it. Thanks for the introduction.
Thanks for another lovely newsletter. I am sending you an email in a little while.
Oh wow you're writing a memoir??? That is amazing! I just know you have a fantastic story to tell. I know what you mean about animals, sometimes when they show up you just know there is something very special about it. As for feeling sour at times, you're entitled! You are one of the most selfless people I've ever met. I look forward to your email. 💕
Wonderful collection of thoughts and intents, as usual. For me this is and has been the day of ‘omens’, and revelations, something that was passed down from my family. I have probably written about that somewhere. Also a powerful day for ‘water’ that you refer to. A time of baptisms and cleansing. It was almost so here with recent rains bringing us inches away from flooding. I was looking forward to it all turning to ice in the sun now that it is turning icy, but the water is receding back to the river this morning.
Omens and water are always together in my mind though, and I am writing about that for posting sometime soon. This is all part of my belief in water-life-sidhe.
Gratitude. Indeed one of the practices that should be easy for us to do that has a wonderful dual effect. One is how it bonds us, and the other is how it also sets us free. I do not think we can bond very well unless we are free anyway. Part of the cleansing baptism ritual for today?
One conversation I had today was how whenever there is polarity and conflict … there is always a remedy. I have always loved the mummer’s tradition since I was a child and here in Leitrim that comes to a conclusion today. The folk drama of mummer’s is conflict, characters representing dark and light and conflicting about it, and then the medicine person appears to sort it out and they hug and dance together again.
Another to consider, especially now, and I find this the most powerful of all, especially for personal freedom and ease … and this is ‘forgiveness’. Something that many people find very difficult to hold, but prefer to hold on to their anger, call for revenge, and more, and that only messes up our own minds and lives, and nobody else. Forgiveness has nothing to do with letting someone or something getting way with it. Its all about reclaiming our sovereignty and be fuller with spark and energy for applying the ‘remedy’.
Thank you again for a thoughtful, inspiring, and omen triggering article, Ali
Hi John... I just realised I responded to this comment on your restack! But something I wanted to add is about there always being a remedy, I fully believe in that. It's particulsrly poignant in these troubled times. I honestly believe though that our leaders don't want peaceful resolutions, they seem to prefer the violence. And regarding the flood water returning to the river, I always think it's incredible how much water the earth can absorb... we have a lot of lakes rivers and bogs here, and it floods often, yet within hours it drains away, just when you think these water-bodies can't hold any more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and learning here. 💕
Sadly, I think its about not much profit from peaceful solutions. Investments teachers are always teaching their students to look at where there is war and natural distasters because those places are where the next big profits from investments will be.
Good to "see" you here, today, John. With your recent illness, and lack of seeing your posts online the last couple of days, I was a little concerned that you might still be ill. I hope your holidays were healing and restful.
Thank you. I have posted quite a lot on Facebook during the past 2 or 3 days, especially as we are approaching this Epiphany time. I am starting to focus much more on posting in the Nature Folklore group more than my profile, though. That is the Nature Folklore group rather than page. I’m keeping my Facebook profile more for the jokes and memes now.
I’m gutted right now, due to still being weak, I am not able to get to the Leitrim Mummer’s conclusion today where all of the town troupes of Leitrim gather for one big parade around Manorhamilton, then everyone goes off to a meal and show at the Ballroom Of Romance in Glenfarne, Co Leitrim. The show is wonderful and includes some celebrity too as well as a grand Mummer’s Play. Last year it was Dervish’s Kathy Jordan and friends. I bet it’s Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (mare-aid ni mee-own-ee) and friends doing the songs and music MC this year.
Ah... that's such a shame that you'll miss it! Is it ever recorded? I know its not the same as being there in person, but it would still be lovely to watch. And I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell, I hope you're right as rain very soon! 💕
Aww, John. So sad that you are missing the Leitrim Mummers' conclusion. And missing Altan's performance - awful! But it is so important to take care of yourself until full recovery! I'm actually going to start wearing a mask again in public places where large numbers of folks come and go, such as the grocery store. It's flu season.
Agreed! Perhaps we are a little empathetic and find it hard to disengage. A friend once taught me when I was caught up in a toxic 'friendship' how to surround myself in a kind of bubble, and I think that's something I need to practice more, but I think it would be impossible to do that all the time. Simple rituals like lighting a candle can help to let go whilst still bearing witness and showing you care. Hugs to you! 💕
Thank you! Love the idea of a protective bubble - a soft boundary to guard against being too 'permeable'. Here's to getting that balance of being with/holding our center.
Happy (belated) New Year Ali. Just wanted to say that I love your photography in this post, especially the water stopcock and the beautiful Venus statuette. Also, I feel the same about rituals - something that I steered well clear of for many years, and that I find myself more and more drawn to.
I so loved being greeted by gorse... the presence and scent of that magical plant still walk with me, even across the seas.
I have had a gratitude practice for over a decade. It does seem to rewire the brain. I believe it works.
I am not familiar with omen days and will be taking a deeper dive into this ritual.
Thank you for this beautiful, very thoughtful post.
Thank you, Lisa! I believe so too. I wish I could be as consistent as you. I keep trying. 😊 If you are interested in the 12 omen days look up Laura Murphy, Everose on Insta, there's a link in my post. She's amazing! 💕
This is a beautiful post. I follow the omen days and this year was the deepest experience I’ve ever had in those days. I love your words on gratitude too, it’s such a transformative thing. Love to you for this year, may all beings know peace and freedom 🕊🤍
Kerri... I'm so honoured to see you here. That's so interesting about your omen day experience. I hope it brings you positivity and joy over the months to come, as the omens reveal their portents. Thanks for all your beautiful words, and for showing us the wonder in the everyday.
Hi Ali, practicing gratitude on a daily basis is a really good thing to do.
I love your inspiration from the Orkney Venus. That little figurine would have some stories to tell amid unbelievable changes in the world over the last 5000 years, from Westray Wifie to Addictive Wifi!
All the best and happy writing.
Haha! Absolutely right, there, Colin, thank you! All the best to you, too, and a very happy new year! 💕
Happy Nollaig na MBan, Ali. Practicing this holiday is a special, honoring ritual for women. Looking for omens for a particular time period is a ritual of sorts. I had not heard of looking for them for the 12 days of Christmas. I like the idea, but I try to look for omens year round. I've just started writing my memoirs, and I'm currently focusing on a whole section of the omens wild animals have brought to me, and how their messages have applied to my life, meeting up with snakes, a mountain lion, hawk, dragonflies, etc. for help, I almost always include looking through Ted Andrews' book called "Animal Speak, The Spiritual and Magical Power of Creatures Great and Small."
I work on practicing gratitude daily, although I admit to feeling sour at times. Expressing gratitude for at least one thing at meals is something all guest at my house are expected to do rather than giving a blessing.
No, I haven't read "The Magic, but I just ordered it. Thanks for the introduction.
Thanks for another lovely newsletter. I am sending you an email in a little while.
Oh wow you're writing a memoir??? That is amazing! I just know you have a fantastic story to tell. I know what you mean about animals, sometimes when they show up you just know there is something very special about it. As for feeling sour at times, you're entitled! You are one of the most selfless people I've ever met. I look forward to your email. 💕
Thank you Ali. Really gorgeous nourishing words . Happy Nollaig na MBán 🔻🙏🏻
Hi Mari, thank you so much, I appreciate that coming from you! I hope you have had a Happy Nollaig na mBán, too 💕
I love all these photos!
Hey Whitney, how are you keeping? Hope you had a great holiday, and a Happy New Year to you! 😘
Thank you, Ali! I am well. Completely different life than this time last year! Living life daily at the crossroads...xxxx
I should say! I admire your adventurous soul. Health and happiness to you! 💕
Some days it feels like there really is no other way...
Wonderful collection of thoughts and intents, as usual. For me this is and has been the day of ‘omens’, and revelations, something that was passed down from my family. I have probably written about that somewhere. Also a powerful day for ‘water’ that you refer to. A time of baptisms and cleansing. It was almost so here with recent rains bringing us inches away from flooding. I was looking forward to it all turning to ice in the sun now that it is turning icy, but the water is receding back to the river this morning.
Omens and water are always together in my mind though, and I am writing about that for posting sometime soon. This is all part of my belief in water-life-sidhe.
Gratitude. Indeed one of the practices that should be easy for us to do that has a wonderful dual effect. One is how it bonds us, and the other is how it also sets us free. I do not think we can bond very well unless we are free anyway. Part of the cleansing baptism ritual for today?
One conversation I had today was how whenever there is polarity and conflict … there is always a remedy. I have always loved the mummer’s tradition since I was a child and here in Leitrim that comes to a conclusion today. The folk drama of mummer’s is conflict, characters representing dark and light and conflicting about it, and then the medicine person appears to sort it out and they hug and dance together again.
Another to consider, especially now, and I find this the most powerful of all, especially for personal freedom and ease … and this is ‘forgiveness’. Something that many people find very difficult to hold, but prefer to hold on to their anger, call for revenge, and more, and that only messes up our own minds and lives, and nobody else. Forgiveness has nothing to do with letting someone or something getting way with it. Its all about reclaiming our sovereignty and be fuller with spark and energy for applying the ‘remedy’.
Thank you again for a thoughtful, inspiring, and omen triggering article, Ali
Hi John... I just realised I responded to this comment on your restack! But something I wanted to add is about there always being a remedy, I fully believe in that. It's particulsrly poignant in these troubled times. I honestly believe though that our leaders don't want peaceful resolutions, they seem to prefer the violence. And regarding the flood water returning to the river, I always think it's incredible how much water the earth can absorb... we have a lot of lakes rivers and bogs here, and it floods often, yet within hours it drains away, just when you think these water-bodies can't hold any more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and learning here. 💕
Sadly, I think its about not much profit from peaceful solutions. Investments teachers are always teaching their students to look at where there is war and natural distasters because those places are where the next big profits from investments will be.
Regretfully, that is true. Power and money, they go hand in hand.
Good to "see" you here, today, John. With your recent illness, and lack of seeing your posts online the last couple of days, I was a little concerned that you might still be ill. I hope your holidays were healing and restful.
Thank you. I have posted quite a lot on Facebook during the past 2 or 3 days, especially as we are approaching this Epiphany time. I am starting to focus much more on posting in the Nature Folklore group more than my profile, though. That is the Nature Folklore group rather than page. I’m keeping my Facebook profile more for the jokes and memes now.
I’m gutted right now, due to still being weak, I am not able to get to the Leitrim Mummer’s conclusion today where all of the town troupes of Leitrim gather for one big parade around Manorhamilton, then everyone goes off to a meal and show at the Ballroom Of Romance in Glenfarne, Co Leitrim. The show is wonderful and includes some celebrity too as well as a grand Mummer’s Play. Last year it was Dervish’s Kathy Jordan and friends. I bet it’s Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (mare-aid ni mee-own-ee) and friends doing the songs and music MC this year.
Ah... that's such a shame that you'll miss it! Is it ever recorded? I know its not the same as being there in person, but it would still be lovely to watch. And I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell, I hope you're right as rain very soon! 💕
Aww, John. So sad that you are missing the Leitrim Mummers' conclusion. And missing Altan's performance - awful! But it is so important to take care of yourself until full recovery! I'm actually going to start wearing a mask again in public places where large numbers of folks come and go, such as the grocery store. It's flu season.
As someone who also overpacks her bags with the worries of the world, really appreciated the reminder of how supportive simple ritual can be.
Agreed! Perhaps we are a little empathetic and find it hard to disengage. A friend once taught me when I was caught up in a toxic 'friendship' how to surround myself in a kind of bubble, and I think that's something I need to practice more, but I think it would be impossible to do that all the time. Simple rituals like lighting a candle can help to let go whilst still bearing witness and showing you care. Hugs to you! 💕
Thank you! Love the idea of a protective bubble - a soft boundary to guard against being too 'permeable'. Here's to getting that balance of being with/holding our center.
True... that is so important! 💕