Together, We Shall- February 2025
Hope, Imbolc, Reading, Writing Updates, & so much more
On March 14, 2020, I attended an authors’ luncheon hosted by a local bookstore. For many years, this annual event had been a celebration of literature in the small coastal town where I live. My friends and I enjoyed talks by authors, a nice lunch, and a really good bloody Mary.
If I’d understood the severity of what was coming the next day, I would have ordered a second drink. On March 15, COVID-19 shut the world down around us.
On Monday, March 16, I made three phone calls. I knew these calls would bring me what I most needed during that strange time.
I called my friend Eva at Down To Earth Oils https://downtoearthoils.com/
I asked her to ship me her Burglar’s Blend essential oil blend. I figured Eva’s concoction, similar to thieves’ oil, would be good to have on hand, since thieves’ oil was reputed to stave off death during the Black Plague of the 15th century.
I called my friend Gwenyfar at Old Books on Front Street http://www.oldbooksonfrontstreet.com. I asked her if she would ship books to me. Not only did she agree to do so, she offered to toss books into my car from a distance if I’d park in front of her store. In return, I tossed checks out the window to her.
I called my friend Kathleen at Pomegranate Books https://pombooksonline.com/order-online/ who agreed to do the same.
The answers to those three calls saved my sanity during that insane time. Those three women, along with many other friends, continue to be lifelines in a bizarre world.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, on Martin Luther King Day, Pomegranate Books hosted a lovely event. We gathered to share stories and poetry of hope, and to stand together in silent meditation at noon. That time together was a homecoming of sorts, a time of reconnecting and recommitting during which each of us promised to do our part to make the world a better, more peaceful place.
Here’s the poem I wrote and read at this event:
Together, We Shall
“There is no end to what a living world will demand of you.”
― Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower
I struggle today to breathe past my fear, my feelings of helplessness.
I struggle today to see a way forward because I am chained to memories of past horrors.
I struggle today to touch softness, kindness, a warm embrace.
I struggle today to hear words of comfort, of promise, of hope.
Yet it is I who must breathe courage into you,
who must loosen your chains, guide you forward,
who must embrace you with gentleness,
who must speak words of solace to you.
No. Wait. That is not quite right.
We’re in this together.
We must see and hear and touch and work for and with each other,
for all beings, for Mother Earth herself, and for the universe beyond.
Together, we shall overcome.
We shall overcome.
We shall overcome.
I’m so happy to connect with you and I’m grateful that you subscribe to this newsletter! If you missed my last newsletter, you can read it here.
Honoring Imbolc
The beautiful holiday of Imbolc arrives February 2. Imbolc reminds us that, although we cannot see it, Mother Earth is awakening. Far beneath the frozen earth, roots are stirring and life is quickening. This cross-quarter day in the Celtic calendar marks the time between Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. The holiday honors Brighid, the ancient goddess of holy wells, healing, fire, smithery, early lambing and poetry.
Imbolc is a beautiful time to plan your garden, maybe start early seeds indoors. Gather friends and family around the hearth for warm soups and breads spread with honey. Read a poem or two!
What I’m Reading:
Tove Jansson built a cabin on an isolated island in the Gulf of Finland with her partner Tooti in 1963, where, for many years, they spent much of their time chronicling the rugged ecology of the land and the sea around them.
There is a softness, a kindness, that pervades the pages of this lovely little book. There were moments when it reminded me of Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gifts from the Sea, and other times of Pat Conroy’s descriptions of our connection to the sea in The Prince of Tides. I recommend nestling into a soft throw with a cup of tea as you settle into the beautiful language Jansson serves up in this extraordinary work.
What I’m Writing:
I’m working on a poetry collection.
I’ve seen (and love) the cover art of the book I’m co-writing and have finished proofing the galleys. The book will be released in autumn. It’s beautiful and I can’t wait to be able to tell you more about it.
I’m working on an environmental essay.
I’ve been granted a retreat at a writer-in-residency program in spring and will tell you more about that as plans solidify. I’m so honored and excited!
And there’s more coming…..
What I’m Teaching:
So much gratitude to all of you who just completed my Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot course! It was a privilege to work with you. As I promised, I’ll let you know soon when I plan to schedule my advanced course, Deeper Mysteries of Tarot.
I’m so honored to know that those of you who enrolled in The Fool’s Calling tarot course before the deadline are enjoying the lessons each week!
Click on the links below to read my most recent works in Salvation South:
“A Tale of Two Hauntings”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/a-tale-of-two-hauntings-essay-deb-bowen/
“Let No One Turn You Around”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/let-no-one-turn-you-around-joan-baez-essay-deb-bowen/
“Sunday Fatback”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/sunday-fatback-essay-deb-bowen/
“The Coyote’s Journey”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/the-coyotes-journey-nature-essay-deb-bowen/
“Takin’ Up a Poundin’”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/takin-up-a-poundin-christmas-story-deb-bowen/
“Tidal Wave Terror”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/ground-truth-from-the-climate-reckoning-janisse-ray/
“Where I’m From: Seven Decades in Seven Scenes”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/where-im-from-seven-decades-in-seven-scenes-deb-bowen-poem/
“Mending Nets”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/mending-nets-north-carolina-barrier-island/?mc_cid=c4bb217ffc&mc_eid=fae2a9a622
“A Talisman for Poseidon”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/a-talisman-from-poseidon-hurricane-donna-1960/
Podcasts
I’m so excited that many of you are listening to BOTH of my podcasts! PsychicTeachers will soon celebrate its 15th year on-air!
Real Deal Divas Podcast is growing and we appreciate you listening and sharing with your friends! Tune in for lively conversations and exciting guests! Please help spread the word:
You can listen to the podcast at this link: https://shows.podcastle.ai/real-deal-divas-jGn8EGDf. You can also find us at most podcast outlets: Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! And, if you want to watch us, click on our You Tube channel.
You can find out more about the podcast and each of us on our website, or Facebook page.
Deb’s Facebook Pages
Another way you and I can connect is through my Facebook pages. I’d be honored if you’d follow my pages. They are a great way to see up-to-the-minute news! I so hope you’ll LIKE and FOLLOW and feel free to comment and share posts!
Deb Bowen, Author
PsychicTeachers
Real Deal Divas
Please note: I will never send friend requests or offer services through Facebook comments on any of my Facebook pages. If you have any questions regarding our communications, please contact me through my email. deb.bowen.crone@gmail.com
Just One More Thing Before You Go
In my January 3 newsletter, I wrote that my two words for this year are Word and Grace. I found this Facebook post I made a while back, not realizing how long I’ve been contemplating these words!
In the cold days of winter yet to come, may you remember that the sun’s warmth, and the rose’s knowing deep in the earth, will bring forth new life, and we will see Grace shining within us all.
Thank you!
Bloody Marys and tossing checks out of the car window! Love it!
Beautiful poem Deb, thank you 🙏🏻
Happy Imbolc!
Each month I look forward to reading your email communications as I find your words bringing me back to the present moment, which was so very needed today. I smiled when I open my email app to see February's edition. Thank you Deb for your commitment to the community!