Quill’s Curio

Artio’s Writing Den - Weekend Recap
A recap of the wonderful weekend I was blessed to attend during the Artio’s Writer’s Den - a creative writing retreat.

Artio Guided Meditation at the Crossroads
This upcoming weekend, the vibrant and welcoming Deeply Rooted Church Community will be hosting the exciting “Artio Writing Den” creative writing retreat. This unique retreat centers around the profound transformation of the author and writer through the magic of their words. It's set to be a fun and laid-back weekend filled with inspiration, ideas, and friendship, which is warmly open to both members of our community and curious non-members alike. We can’t wait to see all the creativity that will unfold! Here is a guided meditation dedicated to Artio.

Artio’s Call - Artio’s Writing Den - Creative Writing Retreat
This weekend, the Deeply Rooted Church Community will be holding “Artio’s Writing Den” a creative writing retreat centered around developing ourselves as Pagans and writers. Even if you don’t work with Artio or know who they are, this weekend is geared to help Pagan writers grow through the expression of their words. Artio is a little-known deity with not much of a historical past, my goal personally is to dedicate these gatherings to them as an offering. This article explains more about the reason for the weekend, my initial meeting with Artio, and a little information on them as a muse for writing.

It’s Paganism, Man! Or is it?
Today, I would like to share my thoughts on an episode of the HBO Max Original series, "It's Florida, Man!" In this recent episode, the story focuses on a couple who identify as Pagan and their encounters with a difficult co-worker. I want to emphasize that this is solely my opinion and is not meant to represent anyone else's views. I strongly encourage you to read this article, watch the show, and form your own opinions. The contents of this article are intended to be a topic for discussion rather than an established fact.
Samhain 2024 Recap
Welcome, everyone! We are so grateful for the opportunity to gather in community to celebrate Samhain 2024. We had a great weekend, filled with laughter, remembering our ancestors, and the kind of camaraderie that Deeply Rooted Church is known for. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive and loving community. Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful celebration.

11.01.2024 Daily Divination - Look on a Deeper Level!
Here is your daily divination for November 1st, 2024. This message from the Ancestors comes to us in the form of the tarot card, “8 of Swords” and urges us to look at ourselves on a deeper level.

10.30.2024 Daily Divination - FULL STOP!
Good morning! Quill here and at your service! I’ve been reading the tarot for over 25 years. One of my clergy passions is helping people understand the language of tarot so they can improve their lives. I wanted to include a daily divination if I have time, so here it is.

Working with Ancestors: Reciprocation
The bond between generations is a delicate thread, woven through time. My father, a beacon of kindness and compassion, understood this deeply. He taught me that our ancestors, though departed, continue to influence our lives. By honoring their memory and practicing reciprocity, we strengthen this connection.
I recall a vivid memory from my childhood. During a school field trip to the Bronx Zoo, while other parents turned a blind eye to the unhoused individuals outside, my father approached them with compassion, offering them food and a warm smile. This simple act of kindness, rooted in his Catholic faith and later enriched by his openness to Indigenous and Pagan beliefs, left an enduring impact on me.
Through my own spiritual journey, I've come to realize that the principles of reciprocity extend beyond human relationships. When we engage with deities, ancestors, and spirits, it's essential to approach these interactions with respect and gratitude. By offering prayers, rituals, and acts of service, we foster a deeper connection with the unseen realms.
In return, our ancestors may offer guidance, protection, and healing. They may appear in dreams, synchronicities, or subtle signs. By listening attentively and responding with gratitude, we can cultivate a rich and meaningful relationship with the generations that came before us.

Ancestor Journals
I think anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy writing. One of the ways that I incorporate the expression of emotions through words is journaling. I’ve kept Private journals for years now, both online and handwritten. After reading a very intriguing book, I came up with an idea to have daily communion with my ancestors. Introducing, the ancestor journal - a place for words with those who have come before us. I’m sharing my process with you if it would be of interest. Thanks for reading!

Samhain 2024 Pre-Ritual Discussion
Good morning! Quill here. On November 2nd, 2024, the Deeply Rooted Church Community will celebrate our annual Samhain sabbat. We’ll have a main ritual and a 2.0 ritual. In this article, I’ll cover Samhain's history, details of the main ritual, and what to expect from our 2.0 offering. To keep it concise, I’ll have everything broken down into easy-to-read sections. All of this information will be presented again a few hours before our main ritual.

A Time to Mourn
As we approach Samhain, I am reminded of the many interactions I’ve had with folks regarding the mourning process. Samhain is a celebration to acknowledge the names, deeds, and memories left to us by our ancestors. Is there a set time to mourn? Is it wrong to grieve? Let’s explore that together!

Thoughts on Mortality & the Samhain Season
Raised in a Catholic household, death was presented as a frightening inevitability, shrouded in guilt and judgment. However, my father's open conversations about mortality helped me break free from this perspective and embrace a more Pagan worldview.
Learning about my ancestors' views on death offered a profound sense of acceptance. I realized that death is a natural part of life's cycle, not a punishment or a cause for fear. Embracing this perspective brought a sense of comfort and peace, knowing that one day I would rejoin the earth.

Samhain Ritual Preview
Samhain is coming fast! Here is the ritual I've been working on!

Games, Guns, Curry, & Crafts Recap
Photo courtesy of member Mary Frampton. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I love the photos you take! This article is a recap of last weekend, Deeply Rooted Church's Games, Guns, Curry, and Crafts Weekend! It was a blast! I took over 300 pictures of the event!