Author Archives: Zita

About Zita

Zita brings “Happily Ever After” to life. She is a wedding officiant, ordained interfaith minister, a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, playwright and multipublished romance novelist. Through Moon River Rituals, Zita creates customized ceremonies for individuals, couples, families, and communities in CT, RI, MA, and NY. She is a proud supporter of marriage equality. To see her handfasting cords, visit www.etsy.com/shop/MoonRiverRituals and www.Facebook.com/MoonRiverRituals. Zita also hosts and produces three television shows: Weddings with Zita, Page 1 and Full Bloom. Watch them on YouTube.com/ZitaTVNetwork. For information about Zita's writing, visit www.ZitaChristian.com, Yes, she wears many hats

Beltane, Fairies, the Hawthorn, and the Goddess Bloddeuwedd – Episode 18

Fairies, flowers, fertility, a Maypole, and a hawthorn tree.  They all weave their way into the Celtic festival of Beltane and other seasonal festivals so common in the Old World. On episode 18 of the Ritual Recipes podcast, I talk … Continue reading

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Episode 17: Spring Equinox – Ready to Break the Bonds of Winter?

The Vernal Equinox arrived last week. The Sun has entered the sign of Aries. Spring is here. Depending on where you live, it might still feel like winter. That’s how it is was here, until today. Soon, with a fierce … Continue reading

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Episode 16: A Valentine’s Day Ritual for One

I have a lot of friends who are single. Some are divorced, some widowed, some single by choice, some living “in the wait.” Even though I read and write romance novels, I don’t believe a person has to be in a loving, committed relationship to have a good life. That said, I do believe every single one of us needs to give love and be open to receiving love from others. How long the loving energy flows back-and-forth in any relationship will vary. To keep the energy flowing, I’ve designed a few safe and simple rituals. Continue reading

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Episode 15 – Unity Rituals for Weddings

You’re planning your wedding ceremony and want to include a unity ritual.  You think unity candle or sand ceremony. Both are lovely, but you do have other options. In a wedding, the purpose of a unity ritual is to symbolize … Continue reading

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Episode 14: Imbolc – Brigid, Blacksmiths, Brewers, and Bards – and Swans!

Blacksmiths, brewers, and bards. What a strange group, you might say. What could they possibly have in common? All three are favored by the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Why? Because they all create with her elements of fire and water. The … Continue reading

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Episode 13 – Steps in a  Rite of Passage For Getting Married or Competing on The Voice

Do you watch reality television? I read somewhere that the shows are plentiful because a reality show doesn’t cost as much to produce as would a show with A-list stars. But why are the shows popular? I think it’s because … Continue reading

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Episode 12 – Winter Solstice Ritual and the Infinity Symbol

The Winter Solstice is the longest night. What does this cosmic event have to do with gifts and candles, pigs and wine, freedom and fear, self-discipline, resolutions…weddings, handfastings, and the infinity symbol? A lot! Solstices and Equinoxes A little background … Continue reading

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Episode 11 – Animal Totems as Spirit Guides to the Underworld

I learned a valuable lesson the day a skunk crossed my path.  It was about animals as totems and the magical medicine they offer. Seeing animals as spirit guides was at the heart of a public ritual I created for … Continue reading

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Episode 10 – A Butterfly Ritual for Weddings, Memorials and More

In folklore, butterflies are said to come from the faerie realm. In some Native American traditions, butterflies represent a living piece of a rainbow. In many cultures, butterflies represent the sweetness of life, the beauty of dance, the inevitability of … Continue reading

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Episode 9 – Magical Soup Ritual to Heal the Earth

It’s September. The harvest season continues. If we could make a symbolic soup to heal the Earth, what ingredients should we include?  What ingredients does Mother Earth have for you? I explored all that and more in a special harvest … Continue reading

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