Join hosts Cawnawyn and Annette in this episode of Stars and Sprouts, where they explore the essence of the Winter Solstice, share personal reflections on rites of passage, and discuss the balance of parenting, self-growth, and spirituality. From managing seasonal expectations and traditions to connecting with ancestral wisdom and plant spirit medicine, this episode is rich with insights for pagan parents navigating the sacred and soulful path of raising children.

Timestamps:

00:00: Introduction and Welcome

02:53: Holly and Its Seasonal Significance

09:02: Winter Solstice Reflections

11:45: Finding Elders and Grandparent Communities

16:42: “Turning Left” and Folklore Wisdom

27:52: Plans for the Solstice

39:25: What actually happened for the Solstice

48:32: Embracing Present Moment and Self-Compassion

52:00: The Impact of Ancestral Connections During the Holidays

55:47: The Importance of Self-Reflection

59:42: Closing Thoughts and New Year Wishes

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Matthew Wood and Chris McPadden Course on Animal Medicines:

https://www.matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/course/animal-medicine

Amanda Nicole Lectures on Holly

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UVwIlwOU6bHChQJSgBfuv?si=ObNC9AH4Q6yCUdrHl1Evsg&nd=1&dlsi=f621292cacd54f5c

Books by David Graeber,

The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity

and

Debt: The First 5000 Years

Book by Eliot Cowan: Plant Spirit Medicine

Help bookstores and local communities by purchasing resources from:

thriftbooks.com

bookshop.org

Sacred Fire Community

sacredfire.org

Questions, comments, and suggestions can be addressed to starsandsproutspodcast@gmail.com.

Follow Cawnawyn on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @cawnawynmor for more music, astrology, and witchcraft.

Astrology classes, new podcast episodes, the Dark Moon Chronicle Blog, and music releases on cawnawynmor.com.

Music by C. A. Worden ©️ Smashing Ivory Productions LLC 2025

Violin - Jean-Philippe de Passos (via Musiversal)

In this episode of Stars and Sprouts, hosts Cawnawyn and Annette delve into the profound themes of Samhain, ancestral connections, and the cyclical nature of life and motherhood. They discuss how modern commercialism impacts the meaning of Samhain, share personal experiences of ancestor work, and explore the importance of spiritual and ancestral awareness in parenting. The conversation also touches upon the role of nature, memory, and cultural traditions in shaping our understanding of life and legacy.

00:00 Introduction

00:26 Samhain Season Reflections

02:55 Memory and Witchcraft

05:51 Parenting in the Digital Age

09:26 Ancestor Work and Personal Stories

19:26 Exploring Grief and Spiritual Connections

21:14 The Tradition of Dumb Suppers

28:53 Integrating Spirituality and Motherhood

32:58 Seasonal Reflections and Sustainable Living

37:27 Astrology and Generational Healing

40:08 Conclusion

In this episode of Stars and Sprouts, Cawnawyn and Annette dive into the intricate dance between motherhood and magical living as the seasons change. They share their personal stories, touching upon the importance of the mundane and magical moments in parenting. The discussion covers everything from overcoming seasonal illnesses, navigating family dynamics, and the spirituality surrounding the fall equinox, to Libra Season's impact on our day-to-day lives. They explore rituals, the power of herbalism, and how to integrate ancestor wisdom into our daily practices, offering a heartfelt blend of practical advice and spiritual insight. This episode also includes a deep dive into the significance of the Equinox.