Meal Planning

Hestia, as I flip through our family recipe book, be with me. 
I’m choosing meals for this week, and I’d like my children to eat them. 
Help me pick things that are delicious, and will retain their flavors well for leftovers. 
Help me pick things that have overlapping ingredients, yet different flavor profiles. 
Hestia, as you are with all things in the home, be with me in this.

Prayer for Evening Companionship from the Gods

The quiet parts of the evening are sometimes the hardest. 
That time when my brain slows down
And I’m no longer focused on keeping everything in order. 
That time when anxiety and depression have the opportunity to rear their heads. 
The chance to relax, once so welcome,
Now feels empty and uneasy. 
I’m those moments, when I’m feeling alone and vulnerable,
I ask:  gods of my heart, be with me. 
I need to feel your presence and your comfort. 
Be with me as the evening winds to a close,
And I seek  calm before bed.

Morning Patience

In the bustle of the morning,
Kindreds grant me patience.
As I’m called on to brush and braid hair,
To pour cereal and milk,
To help get dressed,
To help with the potty,
And on and on and on. 
The never-ending refrain of “Mom!”
Resounds in my sadly still empty coffee mug.
So, Kindreds… patience and compassion this morning. 
Please.

Days of Rest

Kindreds, may tomorrow be better than today. 
It’s not like today was awful, 
But it was a mulligan day. 
I slept more than I kept up with tasks. 
I relaxed more than I was productive. 
Actually… Kindreds…
Perhaps more days like today, please,
But also help me release the guilt,
And the pressing need to always be doing something. 
Help me allow myself moments of pleasure,
Days of rest. 
Kindreds, help me see that I deserve these things too.

Ogmios, during D&D

Ogmios, Bright One,
Thank you for being with me tonight. 
Some may not think that the gods are present in D&D,
But you are present whenever I must speak with eloquence,
Whenever I must let my creative vision take flight.
Ogmios, you are there with me as I paint with words what I see in my head
To carry others along with me in our story. 
So, thank you Ogmios, for filling me with your blessing.

Belenos, I am Star Stuff

In the darkness, as all the sounds begin to still,
I look to the stars, and there I see you,
Belenos. 
Your starry cloak draped across the night sky,
With pinpricks of light glinting through black.
Belenos, wrap me in that cloak,
Let me feel that I am part of the universe,
Integral to its pattern, 
but also insignificant beside the great cosmos. 
Belenos, encircle me in your bright darkness,
And remind me that I am star stuff.

Accepting Help

Ancestors, you lived in intertwined communities,
Helping each other day to day,
With all manner of things, big and small. 
It is through these communities,
This village mentality,
That you thrived. 

Ancestors, I pray that you help me:
Let me ask for help when I need it. 
Let me accept help when it is offered. 
Let me help others when I have the means.