In the fabric of life, some threads shine brighter than others, not because they are more important—but because they hold everything together. As I reflect on my journey over the past 55 years—as a mother, grandmother, and spiritual seeker—I am drawn to the roles I hold and the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Like Daenerys Targaryen of “Game of Thrones,” with her grand introduction of titles, I have come to view my own roles as a reflection of my identity and purpose. My love for fantasy, a genre that has shaped my imagination for decades, inspires this perspective.
As a child, I once saw three dragons in the sky—a dream, a waking vision, or perhaps something in between. I may never know for certain, but the image has stayed with me for over 50 years, a symbol of wonder and possibility that continues to fuel my creative and spiritual journey.
This passion now lives on my skin, etched in the form of a dragon tattoo that celebrates the spirit of wonder and resilience I have carried since childhood. Like the mythical phoenix, I have risen from the ashes of a life riddled with abuse and hardship, emerging stronger and more determined to craft a legacy of strength and love.
The phoenix, forever etched on my skin alongside my dragons, is a reminder of my ability to transform and rebuild—to rise again and again, no matter how difficult the trials.
Christine Allison Taylor,
First of Her Name,
Keeper of the Grimoire,
Watcher of the Crossroads and Gazer of the Moon,
Mother of Dragons, Bearer of the Phoenix Flame and Twin Flame,
Painter of Portals and Weaver of Dreams,
She Who Walks Between Worlds,
Guardian of Ancestors and Matriarch of Twelve,
Preserver of Traditions and Builder of Generations.
These titles are not just a poetic reflection but a homage to the fantastical stories, dreams, and personal mythology I have crafted. They honor my journey through darkness and my rise from the ashes, a testament to the strength I found within myself to stand tall and build a life of meaning and purpose.
They remind me that we are all the authors of our own tales, shaping our identities and legacies with every choice and every vision that inspires us. From my childhood vision of three dragons soaring through the sky—a dream that still feels as vivid today as it did then—to the phoenix tattoo I wear as a badge of resilience, these elements of wonder and imagination are deeply intertwined with who I am.
Under the pen name Phoenix, I write stories for my Grimoire, blending personal mythos with creative expression, further crafting my legacy in the written word. My titles tell the tale of my passions, my roles, and the legacy I strive to build.
What Does It Mean to Build a Legacy?
When we think of legacy, we often imagine material possessions—a house passed down, a family heirloom, or a financial safety net for future generations. While these are undoubtedly valuable, true legacy transcends the tangible. It’s the stories we share, the wisdom we impart, the traditions we uphold, and the love we leave behind.
A legacy is built in small, everyday moments. It’s in teaching your grandchildren how to bake cookies using a recipe handed down from your grandmother. It’s in celebrating family holidays in ways that honor both old customs and new additions. It’s in telling your children stories about the ancestors who came before them, connecting them to a lineage of strength and resilience.
The Power of Traditions
Traditions are the anchors of family life. They ground us, connect us, and give us a sense of belonging. They can be as simple as hosting Sunday dinners or as elaborate as holding a month-long spirit feast to honor ancestors, gods, and the cycles of life.
Some traditions become even more magical when shared across generations, like our annual journey to witness the burning of the phoenix at Phoenixville’s Firebird Festival.
Over the past few years, this has become a cherished ritual that Chuck and I share with two of our grandchildren, Valerie and Cassius. Walking a mile up the trail in darkness to see the phoenix rise has had a profound impact, especially on my grandson, who was only three the first time (and we mostly carried him). He still talks about seeing the firebird, a memory that shines brightly in his young mind.
This past fall, his little legs carried him the full two-mile round trip to witness the build progress in anticipation of the event, which was actually originally scheduled for last night. Although the 2024 festival was postponed due to weather, we eagerly await February 1, 2025, when it coincides with Imbolc, a celebration of light and renewal. It’s a tradition that connects us not only to the wonder of the moment but also to the cycles of nature and community.
In my family, traditions have evolved to reflect our blended heritage. We now celebrate Samhain with reverence, incorporating elements of Día de los Muertos to honor my grandchildren’s Mexican heritage. These rituals are more than just events—they are acts of love and connection, weaving the past and present into a shared narrative.
Weaving the Past and Present
As Keeper of the Grimoire and Guardian of Ancestors, I feel a profound responsibility to honor those who came before me while ensuring their wisdom isn’t lost to the sands of time. My ancestor altar, adorned with photos, trinkets, and mementos, serves as a focal point for reflection and gratitude. It’s not just a tribute to the past but a bridge to the future, a space where my children and grandchildren can connect with their roots.
Building a legacy isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about being intentional with the time we have and the stories we share. When I sit with my grandchildren, telling them tales of dragons, phoenixes, and their great-great-grandparents, I am weaving dreams and history into the fabric of their lives. These moments are the foundation of my legacy.
Discovering Your Titles
Every person has a unique role to play in their family’s story. Some are storytellers, keeping the past alive through tales and memories. Others are nurturers, creating spaces of comfort and love. Some are record keepers, chronicling family recipes, photographs, and milestones.
What are your titles? Are you the Keeper of Traditions, the Builder of Generations, the Guardian of Stories? By recognizing and embracing these roles, you can begin to craft your legacy with intention and purpose.
Reflect on Your Titles:
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What roles do I naturally gravitate toward in my family or community?
- What activities or traditions bring me the most joy?
- How do others describe me when they talk about my contributions?
Journaling Prompts to Discover Your Titles:
- Write about a time when you felt most connected to your family or community. What role were you playing in that moment?
- If your loved ones were to give you a title, what do you think it would be? How does that make you feel?
- Reflect on the values and qualities you most admire in others. Do you embody these traits? Would you like to?
Shadow Work for Unearthing Hidden Truths:
Sometimes, we avoid claiming our titles because they reveal parts of ourselves we’d rather not confront. Try these prompts to dig deeper:
- What title do I fear others might give me, and why?
- Are there roles or responsibilities I’ve rejected or avoided? What might I gain from embracing them?
- What stories have I internalized about my worth or contributions that may no longer serve me?
What if You Don’t Like What You Discover?
Discovering your titles isn’t always comfortable. If you find aspects of yourself that you’re not proud of, remember that this is an opportunity for growth. Here are steps to help you get where you want to be:
- Acknowledge Without Judgment: Accept what you’ve uncovered as a starting point, not a permanent definition.
- Set Intentions: Identify the qualities or roles you aspire to embody and write them down. For example, “I want to be a better nurturer” or “I want to contribute more to my family traditions.”
- Take Small Steps: Change doesn’t happen overnight. Begin by incorporating small actions that align with your desired titles.
- Seek Support: Share your journey with trusted loved ones or seek guidance from mentors, counselors, or spiritual practices.
By exploring these questions and prompts, you can not only discover your current titles but also work toward the roles you aspire to hold. Remember, crafting your legacy is an ongoing process, and you have the power to shape it with intention and purpose.
The Legacy of Love
At the heart of every tradition, every story, and every memory is love. It’s the love we give and the love we receive that creates bonds strong enough to span generations. Legacy isn’t about grandeur or accolades; it’s about ensuring that the people who come after us know they are loved, valued, and connected to something greater than themselves.
As I look at my children and grandchildren, I am reminded that the legacy I build today will shape their tomorrows. And so, I strive to be present, to share stories, to honor traditions, and to preserve the threads of love that hold us all together.
Your Legacy, Your Story
What will your legacy be? How will you honor the past while building the future? You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to start with grand gestures. Begin with small steps: share a story, start a tradition, preserve a memory. Step into your role as the Keeper, the Guardian, the Builder—whatever your titles may be.
Because, in the end, our legacy isn’t just about us. It’s about the love, wisdom, and traditions we leave behind for the generations to come.
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Grandma. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandmothers while I was growing up and I have many happy memories of each of them. Today, I live in a “Grandmother’s House” where my husband and I enjoy lots of time with our family. In addition to my role as Grandma to nine grandchildren, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of three grown children, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a writer, an artist … and a witch.
✨Grandma’s Grimoire✨ is a collection of family wisdom interwoven with a touch of magick. Our goal is to create a living and lasting legacy that we hope will inspire our future generations as well as anyone who is drawn to it.