June 7, 2025: My spiritual practice has always been eclectic. I've tried to join specific spiritual paths and traditions but I can't just be on one type of pagan or magikal practitioner–rules that I respected and thus left those groups. I have Kindreds from all over the world, and mine have always said to research and study to understand and show respect, but overall, just do what I know. Be authentic. Do what feels right, don't force it. If they don't like what I'm doing, the Kindreds will let me know. I am mostly Kindred guided on my spiritual path. In fact, my eclectic nature is one of the reasons why it took me so long to join ADF. I don't do well with being told how to believe and how to practice by humans–what is and isn't allowed (no shade towards non-toxic healthy groups with their own rules). Spirituality is a personal practice–between you and your Spirit Family and Allies. Yet, I wanted community and was drawn to ADF. I was tired of being...
On the 17th, I performed the Reindeer Ritual with my virtual grove, which overall went really well. On the 20th, my family and I did our Yule Eve stuff, and gave offerings to our Winter, Solar, and Hearth deities. We thanked and said goodbye to Krampus and gave carrots and oatmeal to the Yule Goat and Tomte. Come Solstice morning, the kids tore through their stockings to see what the Yule Goat and Tomte brought them, and then we did our gift exchanges. After a nap, I attended the Three Cranes Grove's Heliogenna, which honored the Hellenic Sun, Helios. Rev. Dangler fire scrying for the omen. Which was a message about rekindling our fires so we can help others do the same within our communities. In the evening, after a feast of hearty beef stew and chicken nuggets (for the picky eaters), it was time for the family's favorite ritual--Reindeer Mother. Usually we make sun masks and dance with our jingle wands to raise energy, and even make rein...