James Duvalier

Throughout history, many cultures have held festivals and observances to mark the changing of the seasons.  Such was the norm millennia ago in pre-Christian Europe as can be seen in the beliefs and practices of Wicca which is a modern manifestation of ancient nature based religions.  Other festivals were adopted by the Christian church and incorporated into such major holidays and Christmas, Easter and All Saints’ Day while other observances remained very much a local matter and…
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Throughout the world, various cultures have ways of honoring departed family members and loved ones.  Many of us in the west are family for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, which is a time to clean and decorated family graves with candles and flowers and offer prayers for them at home and in church. In Mexico and Central America altars erected for these Days of the Dead and can be quite elaborate and exquisitely beautiful.  In the…
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As the New Year approaches, we tend to pause and reflect of various goals we wish to accomplish which often involve drawing more luck, money and love into our lives.  These are commonly called New Year’s resolutions.  I would like to share with you a few simple spells, spiritual exercises and even foods you can prepare and eat to help drawn luck into your life.  This year why not back up your resolutions with some strong spiritual…
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In the English speaking world, we are familiar with Halloween, a night dedicated to fun, mystery and a celebration of the supernatural.  Across the globe similar festivals exist.  There is the Japanese Obon and the Chinese Festival of Hungry Ghosts, both dedicated to honoring the ancestors and especially those spirits who have nobody to pray for them.  In Eastern Europe, there is an equally interesting holy day which for centuries has been a night of divination and…
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In the last few days of January and on into February, store shelves are inevitably filled with red and pink hearts filled with chocolates and teddy bears with outstretched arms.  This of course is in observance of Valentine’s Day.  We all know this day is associated with love and relationships and is a time to exchange gifts, chocolates and other treats as well as spend time with the special people in our lives.  In recent days, as…
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