Kathe Schaaf | Women of Spirit and Faith

The Magic of Early August

The Magic of Early August

As I write this, it is Saturday August 8, 2026. 8/8/26 is a celestial and astrological event known as Lion's Gate. Lion's Gate represents a turning point, a moment in time where there is both huge creative potential ... and the opportunity to surrender to rapid change. I find it interesting that in ancient Celtic practices, dating prior to the Dark Ages, August 1 was celebrated around these same themes in the northern hemisphere. The Celtic festival of Lammas (or Lughnessadh) was both a festival of gratitude and communion ... and honored the funeral date of the Ancient Mother, known as 'The Old One of the Earth'. Their teaching for the day "Clever is not wise" guides us to seek our own deepest inner wisdom at this Read More...

WomenOfSpiritAndFaith2026-08-10T17:12:32-07:00

Walking With Mary Magdalene

Walking With Mary Magdalene

This week Christians will commemorate Good Friday and Easter. The story in the Christian gospels tells us that Mary Magdalene is one of the few who stand at the foot of the cross to courageously bear witness to the full trauma of Christ's crucifixion. Then on Easter morning, her loving devotion has her alone at his tomb to prepare his body for burial. Those same gospels tell us she was the first person to encounter the risen Christ and that she was given the commission to announce this miracle to the world. As we welcome spring and approach the holy season of Easter, it seems the perfect moment to share this new book about Mary Magdalene from our dear friend Veronique Flayol. Walking with Mary Magdalene: A Personal Journey of Faith, Devotion, and Spiritual Awakening Read More...

WomenOfSpiritAndFaith2026-08-10T17:16:14-07:00

Welcoming the Fire Horse

Welcoming the Fire Horse

As we live through the heart-breaking experience of breakdown, many of us are praying for the breakthroughs. As we witness shocking hatred and violence in our communities, many of us are also witnessing the love and compassion, resilience and courage rising up. As we grieve, we are more keenly aware of the beauty and wonder all around us.

WomenOfSpiritAndFaith2026-03-28T18:44:11-07:00

Welcoming the Autumn Equinox

Welcoming the Autumn Equinox

In the past month, we had the opportunity to celebrate two milestone birthdays in our core circle - a 50th birthday ceremony in the redwoods of Sonoma County and an 80th birthday Sacred Blessing Circle on Zoom. Our amazing Erin Erickson crafted personalized Birthday Blessings to the 7 Directions for each of these gatherings -- and shared profound wisdom when she observed that "vulnerability and strength are not opposites but allies." In the extreme vulnerability of these in-between times, it is important to remember that our deepest sorrow and grief are actually intricately intertwined with our greatest strengths. It is only because we are so strong that we can allow ourselves to feel genuine empathy and compassion for all of Life; it is only by being more open, more authentic, more vulnerable that we develop more strength.

WomenOfSpiritAndFaith2026-03-28T18:44:11-07:00

Reclaiming Grace

Reclaiming Grace

by Kathe Schaaf In the Northern Hemisphere, we will experience the Spring Equinox early on the morning of March 20. The Celtic people celebrated this day as a transition to adulthood, a day to re-dedicate ourselves to our true calling. Their wisdom for this day is 'We give ourselves to the path that has chosen us." The power of this Equinox is magnified because it sits parked between a lunar eclipse on March 14 and a solar eclipse on March 29. The energy of a lunar eclipse allows us to acknowledge endings and closure. We are invited to explore questions like: What is 'over' in my life? Where have I been a victim? What am I being asked to release? And the solar eclipse invites us Read More...

WomenOfSpiritAndFaith2026-03-28T18:44:11-07:00

Yes

Yes

[Art created by Alison Fast.] by Kathe Schaaf The patriarchs are feeling confident that our spirits must surely be broken, as they have been so many times before when men came for us to burn away our power and our sacred wisdom. They came for us once again, with the authority of the highest court in the land and we did not rise up too loudly. We did not swarm the streets by the millions as we did not too long ago, rivers and seas and oceans of pink-hatted women. I am sure that was a little alarming to the old white men, especially as those images on our little phones, broadcasting that particular shared frequency of power, inspired and electrified others far beyond those Read More...