Feng shui uses an energy flow cycle to determine how to orient rooms and buildings.
While humans have the capacity to extrapolate probable outcomes based on facts and trends, the future contains unknown variables. Our ancestors developed belief systems to explain h…
A Beginner’s Guide to Diwali
Diwali is associated with the Hindu New Year, has to do with new beginnings.
When Americans are questioned about holidays involving lights, most are likely to focus on celebrations surrounding Christmas and Chanukah. While lights definitely play a big part in both …
Not Just Noah: Flood Myths From Around the World
Many flood myth narratives share key similarities across cultures.
If you grew up in one of the three major Abrahamic faiths, you’re probably familiar with the story of Noah that appears in the Hebrew Tanakh, the Old Testament, and several portions of the Quran. …
Ceremonial Pipes: Unpacking These Sacred Objects
Ceremonial pipes factored into the religious and social lives of many cultures.
What is a “peace pipe”? When asked this question, some may conjure up mental images of Indigenous people from cartoons, old Western movies, and books who smoked these pipes with Eur…
Some Sacred Herbs and Their Uses
Take a look at these popular varieties of sacred herbs and learn more about how they can improve your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Throughout human history, people all over the world have found countless uses for plants. Present in every biome on Earth…
Faith Begins at Home: Household Altars and Their Uses
Examining this custom of household altars reveals some fascinating common elements and key differences within each culture.
Ancestral altars in Chinese households, shrines in Hindu homes, family altars in Christian dwellings, and worship spaces in Wiccan households…
Midwinter’s Graces: 3 Winter Solstice Holidays You May Not Know About
Asia, the Middle East, and Turtle Island have marked the winter solstice with their own holidays and celebrations.
Mention the winter solstice and you may conjure up mental images of Stonehenge, modern pagan rituals, or an early evening setting sun dipping below sn…
Deer Woman: Ancient Legend and Feminist Icon
Ancient native myths of Deer Women are cautionary tales.
The Indigenous cultures of the Americas all have unique traditions and mythologies, but many closely related civilizations frequently shared customs, belief systems, and stories. Some of the same legends can …
New Ways of Experiencing the New Year
Adopt these customs that celebrate the New Year.
For many people, the beginning of the new year starts on January 1st. This is a time for fresh starts, when it can be useful to consider making resolutions and becoming a better version of yourself. While the symboli…
Wolfenoot: A Holiday for Modern Times?
Newly created in 2018, Wolfenoot has a mythic feel and themes that resonate with both adults and children alike.
Many holiday observances such as Christmas or Hanukkah have been passed down through centuries. Meanwhile, newer celebrations like Kwanzaa or Juneteenth…