Ashley Rodriguez

A moment of stillness. A breath of intention.
This week’s prayer: Prayer for Justice

#SundayMagic #PrayerForTheWeek #GroundedLiving

Echoes of Grace "I was once a child full of grace." While the beauty of nature remains, its joy is often overlooked. This short narrative explores the struggle to reconnect with passion and purpose, prompting a journey into the past for clarity and envisioning a freer future.

"I was once a child full of grace". This short narrative was written during a recent writing workshop. It muses on how growing older and wiser can distract us from nature's spiritual bounty /|\

Interesting. I can bet those were lively and interesting conversations, indeed

Someone I was talking to the other day said that those of us trying to revive the practice need to come together and teach one another. If we put the small bits of knowledge we each have together, I bet we'd fill a lot of those missing pieces.

Thanks for the kind words. Its always good to hear that my words are appreciated and (hopefully) helpful

Protecting and Preserving Appalachian Folk Magic When I whitewashed my accent, I didn’t realize I was speaking a dying language. As I read Jake Richards' post on whether Appalachian Folk Magic is a closed practice, I began to reflect on my own stance. This journey led me to explore the delicate balance between cultural protection and preservation. Join me as I delve into the complexities of maintaining authenticity while embracing the contributions of outsiders, and discover how reconnecting with our roots can be a deeply fulfilling journey.

As a native Appalachian, I’ve been reflecting on the delicate balance between protecting our cultural heritage and preserving it for future generations.

This post explores how we can protect our roots while embracing respectful appreciation from others. /|\

Thanks very much!

Happy Beltane from my Community to yours. May your celebrations bring unity and harmony of spirit. /|\ #druidsky #witchsky

Beltane 2025 Solo Ritual This solo Beltane ritual focuses on connecting with divine energies, Awen and Nwyfre, through a series of preparations and invocations. Practitioners create a sacred space, offer peace to the directions, light a symbolic fire, and engage in meditation. The ceremony ends with gratitude and uncasting the circle, inviting ongoing inspiration.

This Beltane, I'm offering the gift of a solo adaptation of the ritual I wrote for our Grove's public ritual. May you all enjoy its blessings and inspiration. /|\

Cardboard Memories Step inside Mr. Stevens' house, where every box is a time capsule and every room tells a story. Discover the beauty of a life well-lived and the memories that fill a house made of cardboard.

Step inside Mr. Stevens' house, where every box is a time capsule and every room tells a story. Discover the beauty of a life well-lived and the memories that fill a house made of cardboard.

Wizards, Warmth, and the Awen (Bitter Winter Part 4) The narrative reflects on a childhood spent in a mystical Wizard house and experiences during significant blizzards, highlighting themes of community resilience and magic. Through personal anecdotes, the author explores trauma, self-worth, and the journey of self-acceptance. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the importance of facing shadows to find healing and hope.

Wizards, Warmth, and the Awen (Bitter Winter Part 4)

The narrative reflects on a childhood spent in a mystical Wizard house and experiences during significant blizzards, highlighting themes of community resilience and magic. Through personal anecdotes, the author explores trauma, self-worth, and…

Births, Blizzards, and Biscuits (Bitter Winter Part 3) The author reflects on their birth during a blizzard that delayed their arrival, symbolizing resilience and the strength of their mother and ancestral women. They honor their family's challenges and legacies, particularly their grandmother's toughness. Ultimately, the narrative intertwines themes of survival, hope, and the importance of tending to one's inner flame through life's storms.

Births, Blizzards, and Biscuits (Bitter Winter Part 3)

The author reflects on their birth during a blizzard that delayed their arrival, symbolizing resilience and the strength of their mother and ancestral women. They honor their family's challenges and legacies, particularly their grandmother's…

Cold & Shadow (Bitter Winter Part 1) The series shares personal stories and cultural anecdotes from the author's experiences at a Druid Gathering in Louisiana, reflecting on themes of healing and shadow work amid life's challenges. The author emphasizes the importance of confronting darkness, harnessing storytelling for empowerment, and aims to inspire others through their journey of survival and growth.

Cold & Shadow (Bitter Winter Part 1)

The series shares personal stories and cultural anecdotes from the author's experiences at a Druid Gathering in Louisiana, reflecting on themes of healing and shadow work amid life's challenges. The author emphasizes the importance of confronting darkness,…

Death & Dirt (Bitter Winter Part 2) The narrative reflects on Appalachian heritage, emphasizing the deep connection between the people and the land. It recounts the author's family's history of sustainable living, healing traditions, and the cycle of death and regeneration in nature. The story highlights resilience, reflection during winter, and the importance of acknowledging both light and darkness in one's ancestry.

Death & Dirt (Bitter Winter Part 2)

The narrative reflects on Appalachian heritage, emphasizing the deep connection between the people and the land. It recounts the author's family's history of sustainable living, healing traditions, and the cycle of death and regeneration in nature. The story…

I would love to see this.

Prayers for Trying Times: Psalms 109 In these times of great adversity, let us not be silent. Let us raise our voices in prayer and in action. Let us stand together against the forces of oppression and injustice. For it is through our collective strength and unwavering faith that we can bring about the change we so desperately need. For Druids are bringers of peace and restorers of balance. Let us not forget that the love of Justice does not make us meek. Instead it calls us into action. Even if that action is just "praying Psalms" as needed.

In these times of great adversity, let us not be silent. Let us raise our voices in prayer and in action. Let us not forget the Druid call to uphold Justice.

In the spirit of my grandmothers, I offer 'the praying of Psalms'. May it bring protection to those in need. /|\ #druidsky #witchsky

You are NOT bound to the evil they planted inside you. No, YOU are beauty defined.
You are power and might and stardust…
…and when the darkness of night wraps around you, remember.
Remember that we have been here before.
/|\ (Repost from 20023, Part 2/2)

Fueled by fire; we keen for the dying world.
We cast our voices to the heavens and wait for the returning vibrations of renewal.
Never forget that you are holy.
The land above, below and around you is sacred.
(Repost fom 2023 Part 1/2) /|\

Folk Magic and Cultural Heritage: Bridging History and Spirit Folk magic practices embody cultural significance and spiritual depth, rooted in the connection with the land. These traditions, often misunderstood, tell the story of common folk and contribute to survival in rural communities. Practices include healing, rituals, and daily acts honoring ancestry, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and regional expression.

Folk Magic is a simple system of magic that is complicated by its diversity and the ways in which it has been portrayed throughout history. In this post, I talk about what Folk Magic is to me and how it intersects with my culture. /|\

Merry meet. I'm a fellow Appalachian. Born and raised in West Virginia. I always love to see our people sharing their knowledge and love for our beautiful land & culture.

Happy Imbolc! Brighid wasn't just the Goddess of Hearth and Home, she was also the goddess of blacksmithing. May you find a sense of belonging wherever you sit. May your iron never crack. And may you be nourished even when the fields are bleak.

#DruidSky #Imbolc #Pagan #WitchSky #Brigid

"The spirit of West Virginia river run through me. May that spirit shine bright within me, always. May I lovingly share it with all mankind."
/|\ Ashley Rodriguez (On becoming an Ovate)
[Part 2/2]
#druidsky #westvirginia #folkmagick #Appalachian ##witchsky #obod #druidry

"I realized that the spirit of the church never left me. I left home looking for the things that flow within me. I entered the Ovate Grade just to find that tney were right where I left them...in the still center of my being"

/|\ Ashley Rodriguez (On becoming an Ovate)
[Part 1/2]
#druidsky #obod

YouTube video by Blanche Rowen & Mike Gulston Imbolc: Ode to Brigid

Imbolc Music
I love the traditional Ode to Bridget sung in Irish so beautifully by lovely Blanche Rowen @blancherowen.bsky.social from her album with Mike Gulston
Called The Dance goes on. Perfect for part of an Imbolc ritual /|\ #Paganmusic #Druidsky #Pagansky #Occultsky
#OBODsky #Imbolc

It's insane. Maybe the world turned upside down and no one told us.

The most magical things are gifted by Land, Sea and Sky. Today's blessing came from the sky. Nearly a foot of snow in #Louisiana is something I never expected to see.

This mountain mama is feeling at home, again. /|\

Like stories? Interested in stories from Ghana? Watch my presentation of Origin stories from the Volta Region with the International Society of Mythology on January 28. www.ismythology.com

One of my favorite things to do is to take slow motion videos of my candles/flame. It gives a whole different perspective and appreciation of the 'living' nature of flame.