Herb and Candle

Here is my simplified altar after getting rid of some of the clutter. I've felt the need to simplify my life as much

As I step off the porch with bare feet I feel the cool richness of the earth beneath me, the refreshing crisp air of an early December night, and I take notice of the stars shining against the black of night.  With the chalice in my left hand, and cut apple revealing it's sacred star in my right hand; I venture out to leave my offerings that have adorned my altar the previous day.  As I kneel down before the old tree I take a moment of silence as my heart is filled with gratitude.  I place the apple at the base of the tree and know that I'm giving back a gift that already belonged to the earth.  I slowly tip the chalice and let the aromatic wine pour over the fruit.  As I rise, I look up once more and I feel the connection between myself and deity.  Seeing the stars glistening above the branches, I recognize the world tree in the place where I stand.  The old tree becomes the stang which connects this world to the upperworld and the underworld.  ...

As I sit at home this morning, gazing out the window and watching the trees dance in the wind; I'm reminded of my teenage years when I secretly practiced magick in the wooded hills of Kentucky.  I didn't have in my possession a single ritual tool.  The concept of drawing down the moon was foreign to me.  I had never heard of the Wiccan rede, nor did I know the dynamics of setting up a ritual altar.  However, there was such a connection between my spirit and that of the forest.  Instinctively I developed a relationship with the elements.  I felt a connection with the plants and the trees all around me.  I remember being drawn to certain herbs of the woods and intuitively working knot magick.  I would speak ecstatic utterances under my breath and call up the winds and the local spirits of the land.  While I now have more experience and knowledge of the craft, that can never replace the raw, uncompromising communion with nature.  As a paga...