Leaves of orange and gold and red
spiral gently overhead
and then the wind begins to sing
of dreams that only Fall can bring.
Then in my heart and in my soul
there came the dream
and it would seem
of all the things that Fall could bring
the gentle spiral of the leaves
would be the dream now granted me.

© Deanna Joseph

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“O Winter! King of intimate delights, fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness…” William Cowper

The long ago December night is cold and quiet. Wise men and shepherds journey to the birthplace of a child of wonder; a child born to a mortal woman, yet of divine origins, who will one day bring hope and inspiration to mankind.

It’s a story many people are familiar with, though surprisingly this was first the birth story of Apollo and then later Mithras, long before it became the birth story of Jesus.

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What would a dreamer say about the symbolism of the popular holiday carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas?”

On the first day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
True Love represents that aspect of ourselves that never buys into the dramas, lies, or outdated belief systems that we love to carry around with us. True Love towards ourselves is understanding, compassion and acceptance.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The pear is symbolic of hope, balance and love. The Partridge symbolizes fertility, and reminds us that it takes intent to walk a spiritual path. We can just as easily fall into patterns of addiction and destruction as we can walk a path of truth and light.

Two Turtle Doves
Doves represent peace and harmony. Two of them represent a harmonious relationship.

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It’s no secret that Autumn is my favorite time of the year. The days are getting shorter, and the scent of cinnamon fills the air. The event filled Summer is behind us, and we are in a peaceful lull before the holiday rush starts up.

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There is a place, a place I know
Where all the kindred spirits go,
Where you can hear the faerie song,
Where hopes and dreams still linger on.
The days are brightly filled with cheer
and merrily songs do fill the ear.
And as the old year passes by,
And time, it so does seem to fly,
Then I will know, the time has come
to honor those who’ve gone along.

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I love this time of year. The leaves are turning gold and red, pumpkins and squash are beginning to ripen, and the first of the pomegranates are starting to appear.

There is something very special about the arrival of fall. The days are getting shorter, and a faint chill is in the air. We pull out our favorite sweaters and find our favorite blankets. We are drawn to the comfort of the hearth, and have a desire to reconnect to our friends and family.

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Sing, sing, sing for the dawning
Sing for the midnight, the moon, and the day!
Sing, sing, sing for the morning
Sing for the glory of Midsummer’s Day!

~ Caitlin Matthews

The Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer, Litha or Alban Hefin (Light of the Shore), marks the longest day of the year and the moment when the sun reaches its northernmost point.

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“…the force that drives the green fuse through the flower.” ~ Dylan Thomas

Every Spring, as May draws near, the weather warms up, and you can feel a change in the air. You may feel restless or excited, or you may be motivated to make change or make merry. But either way, there’s no denying it; magic is afoot.

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Every February 14 millions of people around the world prepare to celebrate the greatest holiday of love; a holiday of flowers, candy, jewelry, romantic dinners and poems of love and affection. But how did such a holiday come to inspire lovers to so lavishly shower gifts upon each other?

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We all have our favorite Christmas memories; fruitcake and family gatherings and beautifully wrapped presents beneath the tree. Christmas is a time of celebration and love and the birthday of the Christ child.

But did you know that long before Christmas, another famous December holiday was celebrated by our ancestors, and for much the same reason?

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