I’ve been living in Australia for almost six years. I still get homesick around the holidays. This time it crept in and caught me by surprise. I thought I was coping well this year with the lack of gifts, decorations, or gatherings. But on Sunday, I spoke with one of my best friends in Miami. … Read more
It’s almost Beltane. It’s almost Halloween. It’s always time for ancestors. As I wrote last month in Darkness and the spring equinox, I’ve given up on trying to create boundaries when it comes to holidays. Some local Pagans say it’s not Halloween, but it is, just like Christmas in summer, and what they mean is … Read more
In Australia, Easter happens in autumn, Halloween in spring, and Christmas in summer. I’m embracing the darkness at the Spring Equinox.
Some people love winter. I am not one of those people. I quietly celebrated the winter solstice last month. I was overjoyed that we were on the other side of winter and the days would now grow longer. The celebration was astronomically supported, but optimistic in light of the actual conditions. July has been bitterly … Read more
It’s summer so you know what that means – Christmas! The Melbourne CBD is alive with the scorching sun and the colourful sights and sounds of Yuletide. It feels strange to celebrate Christmas in the summer. It’s not just the warm temperature. I’m from Miami and winters there are mild, but it’s still winter. December 25 was selected to … Read more
It’s my third Halloween in Australia, and it’s not a popular holiday here, but it’s growing in popularity. According to the Australian social research company McCrindle: “Those in Generation Y (aged 18-31) were far more likely to have celebrated Halloween in the past than Generation X (aged 32-46) and the Baby Boomers (aged 46-65). When … Read more
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We aim to provide an inclusive service.