MysticWitch » Miscellaneous

Interview with Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary

An interview with Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary on Winter Solstice has just been published on-line by the Los Angeles Times in a blog article, “Winter Solstice: The cold-weather celebration is hot again.”
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/12/winter-solstice.html

Thanks for your support of Circle Sanctuary!

Solstice Blessings & Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2012!

Posted on 12/21/2011 at 11:16 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Celebrate Winter Solstice with Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary

Celebrate Winter Solstice with Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary on internet radio shows this week.
Listen live or listen later to archived podcasts.

Tuesday, December 20, 8-9 pm central: Winter Solstice Ritual
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/witchschool

Wednesday, December 21, 8:45-9:45 pm central: Yuletide Goddess & Pagan Origins of Christmas Traditions
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/voicesofthesacredfeminine

Thursday, December 22, Noon-12:30 pm central: Winter Solstice Celebration
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze

More info about these shows & for links to on-line resources:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/events/yuletide.htm

Merry Solstice! Happy Holidays!
from Circle Sanctuary
http://www.circlesanctuary.org

Posted on 12/20/2011 at 12:39 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

CIRCLE SANCTUARY YULETIDE EVENTS

Wishing You & Yours a Blessed Solstice & Yuletide!

Join us in sharing Yuletide cheer by passing on these links & events notices to others - post on blogs, websites, social networking sites. Thanks!

RESOURCES

Selena’s Guide to Celebrating Winter Solstice: Rites, Lore, Meditations & More
www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/wintersolstice.htm

Selena’s Main Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Selena-Fox/50006939284

INTERNET RADIO

Winter Solstice Ritual with Selena Fox
Tuesday, December 20, 8-9 pm central
Pagan Warrior Radio show on Pagans Tonight Radio Network
www.blogtalkradio.com/witchschool/2011/12/21/pagan-warrior-radio-with-selena-fox-pam-kelly

Winter Yuletide Goddesses & Pagan Origins of Christmas Traditions with Selena Fox
Wednesday, December 21, 8:45 pm central (6:45 pm pacific)
Voices of the Sacred Feminine show with Karen Tate.
www.blogtalkradio.com/voicesofthesacredfeminine

CIRCLE SANCTUARY YULETIDE EVENTS:

Winter Solstice Pageant
Friday night, December 16, 7-9 pm, Madison, Wisconsin
Multicultural celebration with music, storytelling, costumed characters, candlelight meditation.
www.circlesanctuary.org/wintersolstice

Community Yule Festival
Saturday, December 17
10 am-7 pm at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
Full Schedule & information online. Please pre-register.

Posted on 12/15/2011 at 2:17 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Yule Gift Ideas

It’s December and Mystic Witch is ready! We have Yule Kits that are filled with wonderful items. In the kits you receive: oil, working, herbs and more! Everything that is needed for the Yule ritual.

Of course we also offer the Yule oil & incense separately.

Need a gift for a special friend and wish to find something unique? How about one of Mystic Witch’s kits of the month? We have Spell Kit of the Month, Herb of the Month, Oil of the Month and so on. If you can’t decide you can purchase all clubs for one low price!

Look for some seasonal sales in our store front just for Yule.

Hope everyone has an enchanting week!

Posted on 12/1/2011 at 12:56 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Lady Day Or Ostra

Lady Day or commonly known as Ostara and Eostre is this March 20th. Ostara is the Sabbat festival of the Vernal or Spring Equinox, the First day of Spring.

Celebrated by other religious cultures as Easter, on Sunday, April 4th.

This is the time when the light and dark are in balance. Yet the light is over taking the dark. The light is gaining strength and power. This is the time to celebrate the balance of all things. Balance from light to dark, life and death, female and male, not to mention the balance that comes from within you. Spring brings new birth. The new birth of the awakening of the plants, trees, animals and even the human population. After the darkness of winter it is a time of rejoicing and celebration of the fresh new light that is upon us.

A Special Day Event

What to do on this special day? Take a walk in a field full of flowers, or if this is not possible, walk in your own gardens. If you are an urban dweller, look upon your plants that you have. Let your mind wander and try to connect with your plants. If you are lucky enough to have a near by field, or garden, pick some flowers. Ask the plants permission first waiting for a sign of permission, then thank the plant for allowing you to pluck it from the earth that has nurtured it. See if you can find any mystical or magical meaning behind your pickings. Meditate on them and see what comes to you. You will be surprised at what you may learn, not only about yourself but the plant and why you chose it. Or it chose you.

This is something of importance. This is a ritual that may be accomplished in the solitude within yourself. A private time of ritual and celebration that may continue in practice for years to come. A time to appreciate the new growth and season. To gain balance of harmony in nature.

Let us not forget that this is a time of planting. Plant some seeds in a pot to grow inside to brighten your home. Plant in your garden. Give back to nature as it has given to you. As you are tending to your planting, you will find that you are becoming at peace with yourself. It is a relaxing time. Let your mind wander, letting thoughts flow to you. Feel the regeneration of your inner being happen. Thank the Gods and Goddesses for this time. For they are watching and smiling upon you. Watching you painstakingly give new seeds that chance to be born to brighten our world.

Here are some useful information to use as reference in your workings

Colors
Green, Yellow, Pink and all pastels.

Symbols
Eggs, New Moon, Butterflies

Deities
Youthful and Virgile God and Goddess

Stones
Aquamarine, Rose Quartz, Moonstone

Ritual Oils
Lotus, Ginger & Magnolia

Food

During this special day you may wish to eat the foods that are related try a mixture of seeds, like sunflower, pumpkin, sesame seeds and pine nuts. Salads and food items like sprouts are another appropriate food to add to your menu as they are green and leafy vegetables.

Posted on 4/4/2010 at 12:39 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Circle Guide to Pagan Resources

This publication is a directory of hundreds of Pagan Churches, Wiccan Covens, Druid Groves, Goddess Groups, Shamanic Circles, and other resources throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. This latest edition has been completely revised and includes listings for groups, periodicals, networks, stores, festivals, centers, websites, and more.

It also includes an About Paganism section with a variety of writings by Selena Fox.

Indexed and spiral bound for easy reference, this Guide is a perennial favorite networking tool for newcomers and long time practitioners alike. It includes both on-line and off-line resources.

The “Circle Guide to Pagan Resources” can be ordered online at www.circlesanctuary.org/guide.

Proceeds go to support and sustain Circle Sanctuary and its work.
For those that wish to be included in an upcoming issue there is an application form that you may fill in to submit your information to them. All you have to do is go through the application and make sure that all your information is correct! They do have requirements so before you submit please make sure that you are in complete compliance to their TOS!

Posted on 3/31/2010 at 10:26 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

PAGAN SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

PAGAN SPIRITUAL COUNSELING Available for Pagans stressed by the Fort Hood Tragedy

A team of Pagan spiritual counselors has been formed by Circle Sanctuary to provide free telephone counseling support this month for Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, Heathens, Pantheists, and other Nature religion practitioners distressed by the shootings at Fort Hood in Texas this past Thursday.

Fort Hood is the largest US military installation in the nation. On Thursday afternoon, November 5, an Army psychiatrist stationed at Fort Hood went on a shooting rampage, killing 13 and wounding 30 at the base. This tragedy has shaken and stressed those at Fort Hood and in neighboring areas as well as across the country and at US military installations around the world.

More than 150 Pagans of many paths live in and around Fort Hood. Many are part of the Fort Hood Open Circle, which is sponsored by the Sacred Well Congregation. Some are connected with other groups, and some are solitary practitioners.

Circle Sanctuary formed this Pagan counseling support team as part of its services to Wiccans, Druids, Heathens, and other Pagans in the US Military. This special response team consists of sixteen Pagan leaders from across the nation who are among those doing various forms of Pagan ministry through Circle Sanctuary. The team is collaborating with other Pagan leaders in the Fort Hood area in providing help. Circle Sanctuary is offering free Pagan oriented counseling by telephone to supplement grief counseling resources at Fort Hood.

Circle Sanctuary’s Fort Hood Tragedy response counseling services are for Pagans in and around Fort Hood as well as for Pagans at other US military installations and elsewhere who have been adversely impacted by the Fort Hood shootings. The counseling work being offered is specific to distress resulting from the Fort Hood shootings and will be offered throughout the month on November.

NEED HELP? CONTACT: counselingsupport@circlesanctuary.org

Please include your name, email address, phone number(s) and best days & times to call, and a brief description of how the Fort Hood shootings have stressed you. Information you share will be kept confidential by those assisting you.

TELL OTHERS: please post this notice to blogs, websites, e-lists, elsewhere to help get the word out to those in need of this support.

MORE INFO;

Info about the Fort Hood rampage & healing process:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ihGepAkECGoDagETVBMpPb3w7Y3gD9BQODMG0
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/healing/fort_hood.htm

Info about Circle Sanctuary Military Ministries
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/ministries/military/

Posted on 11/8/2009 at 11:51 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Some Haunting Fun Facts

By: Mistress Ravenfyre

To protect against creatures of the night, carry a piece of bread in your pocket

On Halloween in Scotland, the Devil calls all witches together to dance the night away to music played on a ‘Devils Bagpipe’. This is a musical instrument made from hens heads and cats tails.

If a black cat comes to meet you, it is good luck. But if it only comes halfway, walks away from you, this is a bad sign.

An ancient Irish legend has it that on Halloween a cave known as ‘Hell Gate of Ireland’opens up and ghosts fly out, wreaking havoc and stealing babies, whom they replace with demonic children and changelings.

In Celtic lands, on the last day of October, farmers heap their tables with food from the harvest to welcome home their ghosts. Bright flames from huge bonfires guided spirits on their journeys back home and frightened evil ones away.

Turn your pocket inside out to keep ghosts away

At night, cats accompanied witches and because of the darkness all were thought to embody evil

Posted on 10/7/2009 at 12:01 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

Mabon Musings

Written By Autumn Damiana

The fall equinox, or Mabon: what do you think of when you hear these words? What images come to mind? Almost anyone that you ask will probably identify their experiences of this season with things like the changing autumn leaves, cooler temperatures, and the upcoming holidays. Halloween and Back to School are two major features of this time of year, and for rural communities where farming is more prevalent, fall is all about harvest time.

It is this harvest aspect that we Pagans tend to dwell on as well, as this would have been first and foremost in the minds of our ancestors this time of year as they preserved and stored food from the harvest in preparation for the long, cold, hard winter ahead. We’ve all heard this before and understand what it means, but let’s be realistic; few of us really know what it would be like to live this way, and therefore can’t imagine it very accurately. In our modern times, who worries about starvation when there’s a supermarket just down the street? And what does harvest time mean to a population that’s used to having almost any kind of food available year-round? Still, despite being disconnected from that way of life, many of our harvest traditions survive, and we celebrate the fall season not entirely unlike our ancestors would have.

For example, have you ever wondered why so many of our culture’s major holidays take place this time of year? (Remember, the majority of the holiday season actually occurs in late fall!) Also, why each one has food or feasting as the central component to the celebration? I believe that this goes back once again to the concept of the harvest. In olden times, we'’re told, harvest time started around the end of summer and finished in early to mid fall. And then it was time to kick back and have some fun! I imagine that our ancestors felt that after all the hard work of bringing in the harvest, culling the herds, and stocking the larder, feasting with family and friends would be a natural way to celebrate. And thus we have the origins of our modern holidays.

I think that keeping with these traditions is the easiest way for Pagans today to feel a connection with our ancestors, and to understand the meaning behind the holidays we observe, and why we observe them at all. This is why I believe it is important to remember Mabon, the autumn equinox and first day of fall, as much as any other holiday. There are, after all, many timeless and subtle ways that people continue to mark the transition between seasons this time of the year, and these should be both honored and celebrated. Here are a few ideas:

You could hold a changing of the house ceremony, in which your seasonal items are rotated from summer to fall all at once. This would include putting away your summer clothes, and bringing out the fall sweaters, boots, hats, etc. Switch to your flannel sheets, and/or pile an extra blanket or comforter on the bed. Bring out the crock-pot and bake ware, and start cooking all those yummy fall comfort foods. Choose autumn colors to accent your decor, adding items from nature if you wish. And don’t forget to put that cozy afghan on the couch. You can even have a ritual ‘first fall fire’ in your fireplace. Be creative!

Another idea is to have a farewell to summer barbecue, either on the equinox itself, the day before, or even the weekend before if it’s more convenient. I realize that this is akin to what people commonly do to celebrate Labor Day in early September, but think of it this way: it’s likely that no one else you know will also be having a party that competes with yours, and you won’t have to worry that most of your friends will be out of town. Sounds like a great way to start a new tradition! Even just having a special meal with family or friends in honor of the first day of fall is enough to commemorate the occasion.

If you want to really get into the spirit of the holiday, you could try your hand at some of the tasks that would have occupied our ancestors. Try making some candles for those longer nights ahead. Perhaps you can make jam or do some canning (there are plenty of seasonal fruits still available this time of year.) Sew, knit, or crochet a blanket or scarf, especially one you might like to give as a gift at Yule. If you’re not feeling quite that ambitious, you can also go to the library and learn more about what people did during harvest time. Any of these activities are even more fun when you do them with your kids or a group of friends.

Finally, there is one thing you should NOT do when fall arrives: Don’t get too carried away. We all tend to slow down as the weather gets colder, while at the same time eating too much during the holidays, and Goddess, do we ever go overboard on the spending! And the result is that we become fat, we’re broke, and we get stressed out, tired, and somewhat let down when it’s all over. My advice to you is simply to practice moderation this fall, and take a cue from our ancestors. They would not go to such excess in their revelry that it would deplete their food supply or ruin the family name borrowing on bad credit. For them, this was a matter of survival. So eat, drink, and be merry, but don’t forget to exercise. Spend within limits this season, and give heartfelt, if not homemade, gifts. Take time to be with family and friends.

Above all, count your blessings and give thanks for your own personal ‘harvest’ this fall equinox, whatever that may be. Let your symbols of the season include not just pumpkins and autumn leaves, but hearth and home, family, good company, and good cheer. In your celebrations, honor our ancestors by remembering their way of life, for it is because of them that we have our cherished traditions today. And traditions are the ties that bind us from one generation to the next. Many blessings to you all, happy Mabon, and have a truly enjoyable fall season!

Posted on 10/5/2009 at 6:02 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

The Bed of Leaves - An Analogy

This morning, just prior to going to work, as I walked through the rain drenched woods; one thing that I started to notice was the thick bed of leaves that carpeted the floor of this quiet woodland.

Such a thick layer of leaves, that took years to form.

Immediately an analogy sprang to my mind.

As I walked along one could only see the surface of this glistening bed of leaves. And I realized that this was just a one dimensional view. For beneath the surface, unseen to the eye a whole different world existed. Colonies of various life forms were being born, living and dying. Each species was interacting as a community, each one unique to their particular life forms, just below the bed of leaves.

And yet with a one dimensional view their very existence would go un- noticed by those who tread above, totally unaware of such a microcosm just below their feet.

And then I began to think of how society often travels through the woodlands of life with a one dimensional view.

I began to think of how so many folks make judgment of others with such one dimensional views. Many folks will look at others of their own kind and see only the color of one’s skin, or how they wear their hair, or of their nationality, or of how they dress or what religious/spiritual beliefs they follow. And based upon such a one dimensional view, such folks will make a superficial judgment of others. They never bother to look beneath the bed of leaves.

And then I began to think of how this analogy extends itself to the pagan community. And as I pondered these thoughts I began to think of all of the folks who proclaim themselves as masters.

At this point I began to quietly laugh, startling a young doe that was walking up the trail. For by claiming to be a master one is saying that they have such a deep knowledge of the mystical arts, that searching and learning about the mysteries of life is behind them. And yet such folks have barely scratched the surface of what life which extends beyond just this one realm has to offer.

In short they are simply expressing their insecurities at having barely looked beneath the leaves covering the woodlands of life.

I also thought of the one dimensional view which some individuals and groups use when they express themselves as being the only one with the correct answers to the mysteries of life.

Quite frankly, the bed of leaves which covers the woodlands of life is far too vast for any one person or group to make such superficial claims with any sense of validity.

And yet the one dimensional claims continue.

As a simple witch, I am content to dig beneath the bed of leaves that are within my reach and learning about the mysteries that are actually within my sphere of experience and understanding. I realize that there are so many mysteries just out of reach that will not be discovered within just one lifetime. And as such I am content to continue my quest for knowledge as a student of the Great mysteries of life that await each of us. To claim to know what lies beneath the entire floor of the woodlands of life is simply to maintain a one dimensional and thus a superficial view of what could be so much more.

There is nothing wrong in acknowledging that we don’t have all of the answers. But having a one dimensional view just seems to be so “human” like.

As a pagan I expect more from my experiences in this life.

And so as I return to the realities of being at work on this gray and overcast day, I have but two questions.

Have you turned over any leaves recently in order to see what lies below?

Or are you content to just view the surface of the bed of leaves that cover the woodlands of life?

Posted on 1/9/2009 at 8:59 pm by Paganus

Yule - A Sharing from Crick…

Yule

A sharing from Crick…

As we approach the season of Yule (Winter Solstice, Alban Arthan), I personally find myself entering a state of both celebration and reflection. When I reach out and touch the heartbeat of Mannuz, I can sense the intense joy of our Sacred Mother. For her son, our God, is about to be reborn, thus completing yet another segment in the Wheel of Life. When we entered the New Year, which commenced with Samhain and began our life travels anew, I found myself filled with an anticipation and excitement of that which is yet to unfold.
But before I look too far ahead, I muse on that which went before. The highs and the lows of the preceding year, that are now all but fading memories. For each experience is a contribution to our spiritual growth, whether it had a positive or negative impact.
I personally feel that spiritual knowledge is a gift and that the more knowledge that one attains that the greater the gift becomes. And there is no greater gift then that of a life experience that has had some effect on our lives.
As the wheel of the year slowly turned, there were at times life experiences that seemed insurmountable, but we found a way over. There were life experiences that caused so much grief, that we cried a river of tears, but we found a way across. And of course there were life experiences that had us laughing so deeply that we could barely catch a breath, but we found a way to breathe.
And so though the past year has been bittersweet, there is still much to rejoice about within the coming Yuletide season.
It is no secret that some religious belief systems have superimposed the alleged birth date of their God over that of the God of the pagans. This was done, in spite of the fact that the placement of the constellations from that period speaks otherwise. But then Yule is not a time to foment ill will, even if an established cause could be presented.
Instead I feel an empathy for those who worship a distant and revengeful God to the exclusion of the Sacred Mother, for they are missing out on some of the most ancient joys of life. For not only do we as pagans have such a deep and enduring love from our Mother, but we also draw strength and wisdom from our sacred father. And between the two, we as pagans have an opportunity to walk the spiritual path with a steady sense of balance. It is through our own perspectives and actions that we maintain this balance or fall out of stride. As individuals, the choice is ours to make. We have the opportunity to draw upon the spiritual aspects offered by both our Sacred Mother and Sacred Father in order to advance within our spiritual growth.
Yule is a feisty, twelve day period of celebration, a time during which, feasting is a common activity. But while we feast on food to sustain the physical self, it is also a time to feast on the experiences of the year past in order to sustain knowledge for the journey ahead.
Yule is a time of reflection, then acceptance and then of moving on.
Upon the longest night of the year, our God is re-born from the slumbers of death. He brings with him the sacred light by way of the Sun. And from this moment forth the fertility of the land is once again restored. And so too are the fertility of fresh thoughts and new goals introduced into our hearts and souls. Our spirits cherish this moment of his birth for it is a time to shed the chains of the experiences past and to surge forth with a renewed purpose in our lives. The birth of our Sun God is an affirmation that life goes on and that the door to spiritual growth stands wide open.
Yule is a time to celebrate both the joys and the sorrows we have experienced up to this point. For both aspects, that of light and that of dark have strived to offer us a knowledge of life that we can use to build upon as we travel forth. The rebirth of the Sun God, who brings so much joy to the heart of our Goddess is a sign that even within the darkness one can always find a ray of light. For his birth marks the time when the Oak King vanquishes the Holly King. This analogy of victory represents the power of light overcoming the power of darkness. This represents a balance and a sense of hope in the challenges of life that await each of us.
The nights become shorter and the days become longer as life begins to stir within the grasp of the Winter Solstice in anticipation of the coming of Spring.
It is a time to realize that no matter how tough or insurmountable a barrier may seem, we have been given the gift of our life experiences as a tool to achieve our spiritual goals.
As a time of celebration, Yule is also a time to be with family and close friends with which to share the joy of our Blessed Mother as she smiles with anticipation at the thought of reuniting with her son, as the time of the sacred birth draws near. For from such relationships we receive the gifts of love. And like a seed that has laid dormant, awaiting the warm touch of the Sun to sprout forth and prosper, we should take heed and allow these moments of love to define our actions and our mind set as we venture forth into the approaching segments of the wheel of life. To let such an experience to wither away with the passing of Yule is to cast such a special gift asunder.
And so with that I wish each of you a very joyous celebration of our Sun God.

Posted on 1/2/2009 at 11:12 pm by Paganus

Yule - A Sharing from Crick…

Yule

A sharing from Crick…

Posted on at 2:58 pm by Paganus

Some Haunting Fun Facts

To protect against creatures of the night, carry a piece of bread in your pocket

On Halloween in Scotland, the Devil calls all witches together to dance the night away to music played on a “Devils Bagpipe". This is a musical instrument made from hens heads and cats tails

If a black cat comes to meet you, it is good luck. But if it only comes halfway, walks away from you, this is a bad sign.

An ancient Irish legend has it that on Halloween a cave known as “Hell Gate of Ireland” opens up and ghosts fly out, wreaking havoc and stealing babies, whom they replace with demonic children and changeling’s.

Turn your pocket inside out to keep ghosts away

At night, cats accompanied witches and because of the darkness all were thought to embody evil

Posted on 10/1/2008 at 3:42 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Mabon 2008

The Year continues, The Wheel turns, the Seasons change. It is time for the second harvesting. It is the time of the Autumnal Equinox.

For those honour and follow the Lord and Lady - or even their own personal deities and divinities - this is the seasonal moment when the âdyingâ âSun Godâ begins his slowly sollemn sojurn toward Samhainâs Land of the Dead. For some this is but mythological fantasy. For others - especially those of the Northern and Nordic paths and traditions - this is a very real - if spiritual and metaphysical - event. If Yule can be seen as the yearâs midnight, Mabon ap Modron could be seen as the yearâs sunset. The ceremonial year is closing. The Wheel of the Year continues to turn, the cycle continues.

This is the second harvest, the completing of the harvest begun at Lammas. Contemporary pagan practitioners - as well as others - may decoprate the residences - and altars if they even have an altar - with the offerings of the season - amoung them being the autumnal leaves, pine cones and acorns as well as the apple. Cutting open the apple - crosswise, not lengthwise - reveals the inner, hidden wonder - a star of five points - natures own pentacle.

At this festival, this equinox, we stand and walk between the worldly realms, that of the routine daily mundane and that of the magical metaphysical. As the âSun Godâ symbolically âdiesâ only to be reborn in the Spring so to do we mortals prepare our lives, stock out pantries and larders for the upcoming months of darkness.

It should be noted here that this is only relevant and applicable to that of the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere this is the time of Ostara. The seasons are reversed in that as the North is entering Winter, the South is entering Summer. All of this develops from the the planetary tilt - and orbital rotation. Earth {Gaia} has a tilt of 23.45 degrees withy an approximate 365 âdayâ period of solar orbit. This tilt and orbit is the source of both the seasons and why the seasons are hemispherically reversed North and South.

For those of us here in the North the seasons are changing. Leaves are changing colour and dropping - that much can even be seen here in Southern California where this PagnusMagus lives, works and resides. Darkness is slowly winning over the Light. Summer is ending; Fall, the vanguard of Winter, is approaching.

This is the Fall Equinox - the day when the hours of Light and Dark are equal. This is - for only the second time of the year - a moment of balance. Afte this moment the seasons turn slowly darker and colder. The most obvious sign of this is the Sabbot known as Samhain or Halloween. For now the goblins, ghouls and spectral spoolies are still just costumes in the closet. It is not yet time for spooks and tales of fright. It is time for gathering Mabonâs harvest.

Last year - for this Sabbot - a working was written and shared. Here now is that working from last yearâ¦â¦

Supplies for Working:
Wooden Bowl
Second smaller wooden bowl for apple core sections
Apple
Wheat biscuit or small wheat cereal biscuits
Slice of cheese
Fruit knife
Small bell

Optional:
Small table or platform
Altar cloth

Celebrant:

Takes bell and moves clockwise.
Rings bell â twice in each of the four directions.

Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
Elements of the Physical and Metaphysical.
Mother Earth â Gaia.
Akasha â Hand and Voice of the ALL.
Be You Honored.
Be You Blessed.

It is the Harvest.
It is the Gathering of the Harvest.
From the Earth We gather the Foods We will need for the
dark and cold Winter.
This is the Fall Equinox.
The hours of Father Sun and Mother Moon are equal.
This is a time of thanksgiving and balancing.
Mabon is the second of a trilogy of Harvest Festivals.
This Equinox is a time of great changes from the Light
unto the Dark.
We mourn that which is passing â
We celebrate that which is yet to be.
It is at this time â at this Equinox â that we stop and consider
and celebrate our gifts from our deities and divinities.
We celebrate and consecrate this symbolic death of the Father-Sun.
So that the Cycles may continue â
That the Wheel of Year may circle âround â
âdeathâ must be in the Fall so that ârebirthâ may be in the Spring.
Thus we hold sacred this Sabot of Mabonâs Harvest.
Our Harvest is not just of the Fruits and Grains.
It is also of the Spiritual and Metaphysical.

Holds up wooden bowl with apple and wheat biscuits

From the Mother Earth We have Our fruits â
We have Our Grains â
We have Our Milks and Cheeses.

From Akasha â
Hand and Voice of the ALL â
We have Our Guides, Guardians and Muses,
Gods and Goddesses.
We have â each in Our own ways â
Each according to our preferences and needs â
Have Our Espiritus Sanctus.

From the Earth Mother â
From the Akasha -
We have Our Harvest for this Sabot of this Year.

Sets bowl back down on table/platform.

From the Mother Earth We have Our Harvest.

Takes knife and cuts apple into four equal sections.

From One We now have Four.

Cuts apple core from each of the four sections.
Sets apple core sections aside into smaller wooden bowl.
Takes smaller bowl and turns clockwise to the four directions.

North â South â East â West.
Elements and Guardians of the Four Directions.
From You comes this apple.
Returned unto You is this Apple.

Tosses a core section to each of the four directions.

From You this apple came.
To You this apple is returned.

Sets small bowl down and picks up four small wheat biscuits.

Wheat.
Grain of the Earth.
From this grain We make and bake Our breads â
Our muffins, biscuits and bagels.
From the bounty of the Summer â
We Gather the Harvest for the Winter.
With this Harvest We have food for the Winter.

Tosses a biscuit to each of the four directions.

Wheat.
From the Mother Earth this grain came.
To the Mother this grain is returned.

Takes cheese and breaks off four tiny sections.

Cheese.
From the milk of the cow â
Farmerâs companion of the ages.
Source of milk and all milk can be made into.
Oh, Great Placid Mooâing One â
Thanks!

Tosses cheese sections to the four directions.

From the Mother Earth -
Back to the Mother Earth.

Takes Bell â rings three times in each of the four directions.

So thus it was â
We gathered the harvest of bounties from the Mother Earth.

So thus it is â
We celebrate and consecrate these offerings back to the Mother Earth.

So thus it be â
The cycle and circle continues.
From the Mother to Us â Her sons and daughters â back to the Mother.

The Harvest is Gathered.
The Harvest is Shared.

Takes a bite of apple and cheese.

Thanks for the apple and cheese.

As it was â
As it is â
As it will be.

Blessings Be.

Takes Bell and moves counter-clockwise ringing bell three
times in each direction.

This working is closed.
Blessings unto the Elements and Guardians of the Four Directions.
Blessings unto the Earth Mother â Gaia.
Blessings Unto Akasha â Hand and Voice of the ALL.
In Perfect Love â
In Perfect Trust You joined this Solitary Celebrant in this working.
I cannot dismiss that which is always with Me.
I thank You for You presence here today.
I thank You for Your presence in My life every day.
Blessings Be.
This working is closed.
I shall return.

Mabon Harvest Home Cake Recipe

Mix 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup water and 1 cup lard. Bring to a simmering boil for 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. After cooling completely, beat in 1 egg. Add 3 cups flour, Â½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder, Â½ teaspoon salt, and one teaspoon each of powdered cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Beat into mixture for 2 minutes and pour into greased cake pan. Top with 1 cup of chopped nuts of your choice and bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, Serve with butter or cream. Happy Harvest!

Foodstuffs: Grapes, Acorns, Wheat Bread, Goat, Indian Corn, Horn of Plenty, Cornbread, Corn, Root Crops (ie Onions, Carrots, Potatoes, etc.), Nuts, Dried Fruits, Apples, Beans, and Squash.

Drinks: Wine, Ale, and Cider.

Colours: (for those who work with Candle Magick): Red, Deep Gold, Orange, Brown, Maroon, Violet, Russet, Yellow, and Indigo. Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.

Animals: Dogs, Wolves, Stag, Birds of Prey (especially the Blackbird, Owl, and Eagle), Salmon, and Goat.

Mythical Creatures: Gnomes, Sphinx, Minotaurs, Cyclops, Andamans, and Gulons.

Stones: Yellow Topaz, Carnelian, Sapphire, Yellow Agate, Lapis Lazuli, and Amethyst. Also, river or stream stones which have been submerged for the Summer may be used.

Plants: Vines, Garlands (made of these various plants), Gourds, Pine Cones, Acorns, Wheat, Dried Leaves, Corn, Pomegranate, Ivy, Hazel, Hops, Cedar, and Tobacco.

Herbs: Myrhh, Thistles, Tobacco, Oak Leaves, Hazel, Mums, Hops, Acorns, Marigold, Roses, Sage, Milkweed, Solomonâs Seal, Asters, Ferns, Honeysuckle, Benzoin, Passionflower, Pine, and Cedar. Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, solomonâs seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.

Incenses: Aloes Wood, Cinnamon, Cloves, Benzoin, Jasmine, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sage.

Dieties: All wine Deities (especially Dionysus and Bacchus), the Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess, Persephone, Thor, Modron, Morgan, Snake Woman, Epona, Pamona, Muses, Mabon, Thoth, Hermes, Hotei, Harvest Deities, and Aging Deities.
The Green Man.

Symbols:
Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.

Activities:
Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Spellworkings:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.

Mabon Linksâ¦

Mabon mythology
â¢ KILHWCH AND OLWEN or the TWRCH TRWYTH (Translation by Lady Charlotte Guest)
â¢ Apples and Apple Trees in Western European Myths, Legends, and Folklore
Harvest Facts, Customs, Folklore and Tradition
â¢ Orkney Harvest Lore
â¢ Fall Foliage Facts
â¢ The Elders Speak: About Autumn
â¢ Folk Legends & Myths About Predicting Winters
â¢ Festivals Of Autumn (India)
â¢ Slavic Pagan Holidays - Autumn
â¢ Johnny Appleseed
â¢ Great Moments in Apple History
â¢ Applelore
Recipes
â¢ Seed cake
â¢ Caraway Seed Cake
â¢ Irish Potato Cake
â¢ Apple Harvest Cake
â¢ Hazelnut cake recipe
â¢ Cranberry Cornbread Native American Harvest Recipes
â¢ Harvest Feast Recipes- Modern Versions
â¢ Harvest Broth - CAWL CYNHAEAF
â¢ Hazelnut-Chocolate Soup
â¢ Applesauce
â¢ Apple Cranberry Crisp
â¢ Allspiced Cider
â¢ Dudley Eppelâs Hot Cider-Cranberry Punch
â¢ Notchland âMuddledâ Cider
â¢ Cider & Apple Wine Recipes
â¢ Michigan Apple Juice/Cider Recipes
â¢ Boiled Cider Pie
â¢ Apple Cider Jelly
â¢ Poteen From Ireland
Harvest Things to do
â¢ Scarecrow
â¢ Corn Placemats
â¢ Autumn Activities
â¢ Decorated Raffia Braid with Potpourri and Fall Florals
â¢ Apple Votive
â¢ Colorful Leaf Placemats
â¢ Autumn wreaths
â¢ Acorn Wreath
â¢ Stained Glass Window
â¢ Corn Mazes
â¢ Bakerâs Clay Cornucopia
â¢ Cornucopi a Wreath
Fun Fall Facts links
â¢ Fall Color Hotline
â¢ Autumn in Killarney
â¢ Hipparchus of Rhodes
â¢ Precession of the Equinoxes
â¢ Precession of the Earthâs Rotation Axis
â¢ Precession of the Equinoxes
â¢ Precession of the Equinoxes Impact on Astrology

Research Source References:

http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/4885/mabon.html
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabon.htm
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.?a=usma&c=holidays&id=3623

Recipe Source Reference:

http://www.isisbboks.com/mabon-autumn-equinox.asp

Mabon Links Reference:

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.?a=usma&c=holidays&id=3623

Posted on 9/17/2008 at 4:40 pm by Paganus âPagusMagusâ Greybeard

Posted on 9/17/2008 at 11:19 pm by Paganus

Globus Securitas / Scutum, Pt. I

The navies of this world have known it for years. When in a situation of high risk and danger evasion and escape is often necessary. For the navies this has been known since the mid to late 1800’s when the first known navel submersible, the C.S.S. Hunley, made its combat appearance. This strategy has become known as ‘run silent, run deep’.

Even in our own personal and professional lives the same strategy applies. As your Paganus I have often had to adopt ‘deep silent running’ to evade and escape combative confrontations. There have been many days and nights when being ‘out-of-sight’ and ‘out-of-mind’ has been my sole means of conflict avoidance. This has also worked when I was working ’security’. When your supervisor is on a tear, you want to be anywhere but there. You may also need to observe and respond to a situation quietly and without notice. This tactic can be and has been utilized in dealing with non-physical etherial threats and dangers.

The navies in their use of submersibles have the cloaking and shielding aspects and benefits of the world’s global waters. The water becomes both security - ’securitas’ - and shield - ’scutum’. Long years before I was even aware of ‘magick’ and it’s myriad forms and functions I was utilizing a very basic cloaking shield. I used the phrase - “You do not see me, I am not here". I used no tools of any kind - not even my wrist beads or rings. At this early stage of growth and development I was not wearing either my wrist beads or rings. I was however - without being aware of what it really was I was using - using concentrated visualization. This is the same technique used by ‘magicians’ to achieve their objective - yet, I was not aware of this. I simply spoke the words and visualized a shielding cloak around me. I clearly remember using this ‘basic’ technique when working ’security’. I needed to not be seen and noticed - and I wasn’t.

Years later, after working with and studying under the instruction, guidance and direction of Mistress Ravenfyre and certain Festival and Guild members, I have learned what it was that I was doing without any instruction, guidance or direction. I was forming and using a ’security shield globe’. In my present and current development this has become “Globus Securitas / Scutum".

Globus: Globe, Orb
Securitas: Security, Protection
Scutum: Shield

As described and explained last week in “Sic Fiat Luxe” my curent method is to

1) Touch the rings/beads
2) Visualize the shielding globe/cloak
3) Speak the words which in this useage are - “Globus Securitas / Scutum".

I was performing “magick” years before I went to Renaissance Faires & Festivals. I was doing the “Don’t see me, I am not here” even before I worked ’security’. This was years - decades? - before Mistress Ravenfyre, Festival, Guild, My Guides, Guardians and Muses and even the Draconae. This was seemingly something I did on my own. Was it? Was it really? Most likely not. I have been doing Rennaissance Fairs and Festivals since the 1980’s. I was doing Sci-Fi Conventions before that. I have only been actively aware of “magick’ for around ten (10) years. I have been associated with Mistress Ravenfyre and MysticWith.com for six (6) to eight (8) years. I have been a Guild member for five (5) to (6) years. Where then did the knowledge and ability to do the very ‘basic’ ‘magic’ I was doing come from? Were my Guides, Guardings and Muses working with me and through me even then? Was I being guided, directed and protected by then before I was even actively aware of their existence? Could it have been “my” Draconae? Could it have been then as it is now a bit of both?

In my own way ‘running silent, running deep’ is one of my best ways to avoid messy and emotionally complicated confrontations. The only real problem is that in this household - my family of birth household -
in many ways my ‘magick’ does not work. My ‘magick’ - when it does work, for the most part - works outside the household, not inside.

It does, however, to some limited degree lessen the severity of the situations. This is best seen in my daily ‘cleanings/cleansings’ - when I can remember to do them! As an experiment I have not performed the ‘cleanings/cleansings’ ‘magick’ act/function to compare the results of days when the ‘magick’ was performed and when it was not performed. The results are quite clear. While I obviously cannot use the “don’t see me, I am not here” ‘magick’ here in this current familial household, I can do a ‘cleaning/cleansing’ that does seem to work. One is a drectly active shielding cloak - the other is more of a maintenance function. You spray for bugs and vermin - I do the same for etherial vermin and bugs.

Using the “don’t see me, I am not here” in this household obviously will not work. My energy forms and patterns - mundane and metyaphysical - are well known. This will also not work at either Festival or Guild as I am far too well known there as well. At my current level of ‘magickal’ development this technique only seems to work and be effective in a situation where I am not nearly so well known - such as in a crowded store or shopping center or in a late night ’security’ work environment. However, since I am unlikely to be working ’security’ as I once did, there remains one other realm of effective useage. Previously I had been using the ‘don’t see me, I am not here’ in what could be considered mundane conditions and situations.
Now that i am somewhat more trained, skilled and experienced in the useage and utilization of ‘magick’ there is still of the realm of the etherial and metaphysical. It is perhaps here where ‘not being seen because I am not here’ might be most effective.

***** TO BE CONTINUED *****

Posted on 9/5/2008 at 7:18 pm by Paganus

Sic Fiat Luxe

Nox.
Nothing and Nothingness.
Emptiness and Oblivion.
In the absolute very beginning there was not even nothingness and oblivion. There was not even nothing.
Then a Voice spoke -
“Sic Fiat Luxe".

Sic: So, Thus, In This Manner
Fiat: Let There Be
Luxe: Light

This is a Latin translation of a Greek translation of a possibly Etruscian translation of something even unimaginably older. Are these the actual, true, and “real” words “spoken” at the instant of “creation"? Nobody knows. Nobody can ever know. It is, however, a somewhat reasonably accepted tradition that something was said by somebody/something at that “creation” instant. The words are traditional. It is not important what was actually said. What is important is the instantaneous act of “creation".

Creation: From nothing, something.

“Let There Be Light”
Four words in the present day common-use “English” language.
“Sic Fiat Luxe”
Three words in the ancient days common-use “Latin” language.
Either in the “English” or the “Latin” the directed intent of the words is the same - Light. This “Light” can be either metaphysical/spiritual for inner, personal “enlightenment” or it can be quite mundanely physical - basic, ordinary light by which we see.

In the last, past few weeks I have been using the short phrase “Sic Fiat Luxe” as a short form blessing. Instead of appending 2 or 3 more pages of text to an already long email or article entry I simply add “Sic Fiat Luxe". It’s simple. It’s basic. It works. It also works in the daily “Cleaning/Cleansing". “Magick” need need not always be complicated and elaborately ritualistic. It can be very simple, direct and functional. The deities and divinities do not ask for - nor do they even require - the ostentatious, elaborate ritualistic ceremonies we mortals so seem to love.

None of that overblown and quite unecessary “ceremonial ritual” is needed. I learned that several months ago. For the most part I have dispensed with much - but never quite completely all - of the “ceremonial ritual". The ritualistic ceremonial actions are for our mortal use and benefit. The deities and divinities need none of that elaborate bumph.

We humans - homo sapiens sapiens - are an apparently unique “creation". We can think, speak and write thoughts, and are seemingly self-aware. It is this sense of self-awareness that is seemingly insistent on ritualistic gratification. Wearing your wrist beads , and one ring on on the middle finger of each hand is obviously not enough frou-frou bumph for our ritual obsessed minds. We have to concoct and then enact elaborate rituals to do our spiritual and energy manipulations. We call the quarters, we cleanse the ceremonial/ritual site, we incense or smudge, we lay down circles with water and salt, we erect the momentary ‘temple’ and have to use our ritual tools to leave and enter said ‘temple’. It’s complicated.
It’s confusing. Is any of it really necessary?

Perhaps for some certain selected, specific incantations, invocations, evocations and convocations it may still be. Dealing with certain etheral entities you may well need to cast the triangle inside the circle. However, for the most part - under most ‘normal’ and ’standard’ circumstances - much of this ceremonial & ritualistic folderol can be set aside and dispensed with. I wear the wrist beads. I wear the rings. These ‘tools’ are nearly always with me as I wear them. I don’t need to fumble and bumble around and about for my wand & atheme.
For the most part I don’t need them; for the most part I no longer use them. Instead of becoming “The Complicated Witch” I’ve listened to Mistress Ravenfyre and become “The Simple Witch". Anybody remember the K.I.S.S. principle - Keep It Simple, Stupid! I’m the Paganus around here. I’m often having to keep it simple because I’m often “stupid” at times.

I use my rings and wrist-beads. For the “working” of a bit of mental light in the scholarly darkness - touch the rings, envision understanding and speak the words. Touch rings, envision and speak the words - “Sic Fiat Luxe". It’s simple. It’s basic. It works. Even this Paganus can make that bit of “magick” work!

Much of the reason for why we do all the ceremonial ritual is that it’s a mind-distraction. We are physically futzing around and about with distractions so that we can let the other brain hemisphere get to work. Think of a stage magician. Smoke and Mirrors. He puffs smoke, waves a wand, flashes images in mirrors, flutters a cloth and speaks a few ‘magickal” words and - Poof-Ka. Magic is done. You have been so busy watching the “show” you failed to notice what was really happening. This is what the human mind is doing with all of the ceremonial ritual.

In a less dramatic way that is how our bio-internal mind-brain works. We distract ourselves by doing all of these ritualistic ceremonial actions. We self-delude ourselves so we do not notice the real and actual “magic” that is occuring. So many volumes of books of magic have lists and tables and even diagrams of ritual.
Stand here, Hold this in the right hand, Hold this in the left hand, Wear this on your head with the insignia pointing to the left, while saying the following while hopping first on the right foot then the left foot - and do it all in the nude at midnight. Yeah Right. Did it actually accomplish anything ‘magickal’ - or did you just ‘feel good’ by ‘doing something magickal’? I’m your Paganus. I’ve been here online for how many years now? How many ‘workings” have have I written and posted/shared here? I’ve just given You another.

1) Touch rings.
2) Envision/Visualize.
3) Speak words.

Very, Very simple.
Very, Very effective.
It’s “magick” of the highest, primal sort. It’s “low-end” as well as “high-end” “magick” at the same time. It’s practical. It’s functional. It works.

I shall - most hopefully??? - return here next week with “Globus Securitas / Scutum".

“Sic Fiat Luxe".

Namaste.

Handwritten: 08-28-2008 10:50
Keyboarded and Posted: 08-29-2008 11:48

Posted on 8/29/2008 at 7:12 pm by Paganus

Meditation with background music

Written By: Werner Boersch

Most people find it difficult, by exercising meditation, to focus and to empty totally their minds. There is a technique to eliminate that problem. Start with choosing a certain daytime to your convenience to do your every day meditation. Over time, it will become your most pleasant time of your day, you’ll awaiting it from day to day. It will become your most intimate time during your day and a secret place to retire to.

You can meditate how long you ever like and have time to. It can be during the daytime or also in evening(but attention - do not fall asleep). Do it for 10 minutes or for ten hours, it’s by you. You can do it sitting in a comfortable cheer or lay down supine. Your position should be comfortable enough to permit you a complete relaxation. During your meditation, you should be all over relaxed and not force any muscles of your body. Before you start relax a little, calm down from stress and try to eliminate any thinking about whatever, even not about the thinking itself.

Focus your attention onto your breathing, follow your respiration with your thoughts, feel how the air goes in and out through your nose and brings a stream of energy to you. (Never breath through your mouth!) Imagine your breathing as a stream of pure energy coming in to you. Pay attention for your neck, often it will be forced without you’re conscious and feel it. Try avoiding that because it brings you to headaches. You respiration should be like that what you’ve learned from the yoga positions, meaning the complete yoga respiration. (See http://www.meditationsession.com/exercises.html)

Again, think anything, try to empty your mind completely. If you should find that difficult to do, let your thoughts simple flow without paying any attention to them, the mind is like an old wife that never will stop and shut up with the words, let them flow. A little trick can help stopping your mind from thinking; try to turn your closed eyes up right to the middle of your front between your eyes brown. There is following the Indian tradition your third eye and in fact you’ll perceive there during deeper meditation states all of your existence or being. During deeper meditation states you perceived being is not anymore in your body, your body presence will fade away and you’ll feel your existence and your being only there - on the third eyes dimension. Don’t scare about any strange sensations or feelings like some warm stream along you spinal column or shiver or else. You don’t have to fear nothing, nothing can happen to you. You have full control of yourself even if you do not perceive your body anymore, you can wake up whenever you want, in every instant. You are the master of yourself. With more practice, you’ll start to perceive different colors - choose one of them as your favored one to concentrate on the next times. Let yourself slip into this colors till you’re one with the color itself. That can you make happen with every image you like and get during your meditation; it can be a flower, the sun, the sea or water generally, it can be love, it can be friendship, it can be whatever you choose and focus on. In this way you can even program your meditation to concentrate to one purpose only to stronger your behavior. Of course, you should choose only themes that are noble like altruism, love and so on. Don’t choose themes that are not noble they can drive to bad experiences. In any case surrender yourself do never combat any impression or imagine you get during your meditation, be conscious that nothing can happen to you, you are the master of your meditation. By using the holosync meditation music technique (see on http://www.meditationsession.com) all the process will be guided from the music itself and it will be very easy for you to entry in deep meditation states. Use the meditation music technique to ease and make deeper and faster your meditation and get real great results. With meditation you can grow yourself and model your character and your way of life. The power is inside yourself, use it to make more out of your life.

About the author: Owner&Webmaster http://www.meditationsession.com Psychologist and Yoga practising

Posted on 6/30/2008 at 1:05 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Psychic Angels

Written by Skye Thomas

Are you looking for a way to improve your accuracy as a psychic? Maybe you’re just thinking it would be kind of cool if you could ‘know’ things before they happen. Call on the spirits to help you. It’s not important what label you use to wrap your head around the concept - guardian angels, fairies, or spirit guides. You could even call on God, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, or whomever it is that you think of when you connect to the spirit world. This isn’t the place to debate who or what it is, just call on that force when you want help with tapping into your paranormal gifts. It could be a psychological trick that we’re playing on ourselves by turning to a mysterious spiritual third party to help us with these things or it could be that the spirits are really helping us. Doesn’t really matter does it? Either way, you’ll be amazed at the results.

We all have the ability to connect through telepathy, to see visions clairvoyantly, to channel great works of art from the heavens, and to psychically read each other. Most people don’t believe that they can so they never bother to learn. Some have done it since birth and don’t know life any other way. There’s a decent sized group in the middle that do believe it’s possible, but don’t know how or they just have hit or miss episodes that they have no control over. I was one of those people who since my earliest memories could do some things some times but had no real control over when or how the visions and telepathy and such could be used. I couldn’t summon it at will. It summoned me.

Once I developed a relationship with my spirit friends, everything changed. I requested that they help me in this area among others. Sure enough my accuracy rate improved dramatically. I had been giving psychic readings for some extra cash now and then. I was always worried that I might not be able to tap into the other person’s life and be able to read them correctly. After connecting to my guardian angels, I would simply ask them to tell me what to say. I would literally ask them, “What would you have me say to this person? What is it that they need to hear? Is there anything they need to know?” Then, I’d see visions and describe them or I’d ‘remember’ what it was I was supposed to say. It was like I was remembering a conversation from a previous meeting. The psychic readings had a sense of deja vue about them. I always felt like I’d already been there and had already said whatever it was that I was supposed to say. It became very clear that the angels were more accurate then I was.

One time, a coworker had heard through the grapevine that I was able to give psychic readings. We had recently become friends and so she asked me to read her. As I held her wedding ring, I saw and heard things about her and her relationships within her family. She was tickled with my accuracy rate. She could tell that there was something I was holding back and not telling her. She was right. I had seen something that really upset me and I wanted to protect her from it. I didn’t want it to be true. She pestered me until I told her what I had seen. In the vision, her husband was standing there with the word “infidelity” written across his forehead. I was angry because I knew how devoted she was to him and the idea that he could hurt her like that was more than I could bear. She began to giggle and cheer. She said that despite them both being in their early twenties, that he had been married once before. He had caught his first wife in bed with another man. He had kicked her out and divorced her. He had told my friend that she could get big and fat or bitchy and lazy, but he could never cope with the idea of her cheating on him too. Infidelity wasn’t his crime it was his fear. I learned to not assume what the visions meant in a reading, but to just deliver the message. I was never that accurate before my spirit guides started helping me with the readings.

If you are serious about learning how to see into your own future, ask your guides to show you the way. That’s what they’re here for. You have to find your own form of meditation and prayer that works for you. I recently heard a great definition of the difference between meditation and prayer. Prayer is when you talk to the spirit world about what you need, want, and feel. Meditation is when you listen to the spirit world’s response. Each of us prays and meditates in our own way. Find your method and then ask your guardian angels, the fairies, spirit guides, Jesus, whoever to help you to be able to do psychic readings, or to be able to do healings, or works of art, or whatever else it is that you’re wanting to do. If your request is in your own best interest, doesn’t harm others, and is from a place of love and not ego gratification, then they will help you.

It doesn’t work if you’re just wanting to do it like some sort of a party trick. I personally have never been able to do it when showing off or bragging. They just don’t show up for that kind of stuff. If anything, I think they shut off the power or something. I could always do a little bit even without them, but if I’m being egotistical, they stop me from being able to do any of it at all. So, you’ll want to double check that your motives are worthy of an angel’s help.

About the author: Skye Thomas is the CEO of Tomorrow’s Edge, an Internet leader in inspiring leaps of faith. Her books and articles have inspired people of all ages and faiths to recommit themselves to the pursuit of happiness. After years of high heels and business clothes, she is currently enjoying working from home in her pajamas. To read more of her articles, sign up to receive her free weekly newsletter, and get free previews of her books go to www.TomorrowsEdge.net.

Posted on at 12:52 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Dimensional Shifts

Written By: Robert Bruce Baird

“Spirit is beyond the void of space. This realm, beyond the void, is not an empty nothingness; it is the womb of creation. – Nature goes to the same place to create a galaxy of stars, a cluster of nebulas, a rain forest, a human body, or a thought… That place is Spirit.” (6)

The idea of thought coming from Spirit is a little general and not something I agree with unless he means REAL thought rather than regurgitated thought. Deepak Chopra is a great and wonderful human being who escaped the material competitive focused world and the ‘expertise’ that was his, as a doctor. However, we have shown that science is getting dangerously close to finding templates and forms that mirror this kind of philosophy. The church felt science was philosophy and that all things came from this kind of godhead in the ‘Dark Ages’; and scientists have justifiably thought any mention of a bridge to religion is fraught with these kinds of intellectual authoritarian terrors. Perhaps now we can re-evaluate our belief in godly forces and not involve religious or priestly interpreters who ask us to ‘follow’ like sheep. To replace one set of interpreters with another form of ‘expertise’ is not good. Surely there is a balance that harmonizes with purpose and true knowingness.

The equipment based on Tesla’s ‘non-force info packets’ that draws energy from vacuum that Bearden has patented and the wireless transmission of generated energy will make perpetual motion seem tame. The real possibilities of using other dimensions as storage for energy we create could be just around the corner. Someday the barriers we have created in our real world through an ignorant adherence to conventions of black and white certainty will be brought down just like the Berlin Wall; we built it to keep ideas and people from each other.

I’m not cognizant of all the ins and outs of ‘red-shifts’ or other astrophysical esoterics so the generalities of my insights might not have as much merit. The exorcisms I’ve been involved in helping free both the possessed and possessor are part of the limbo state which energy exists in after death. Does this limbo state include the same energy band- width that our solar or auric body travels in? Not by experience of the astral work I’ve done. However, one can meet dead people in astral travel if one has a guide or the spirit is attuned that you are about to visit. That spirit would be a multi-dimensional traveler then. There are many shades and variations of spiritual bandwidths and it may be because there is so much more energy in the unseen world that the astrophysicists told us about earlier. Ninety-five per cent versus 5 per cent is a large ratio in favor of the unseen. The ultraviolet and light energies might even be part of the visible universe, which would mean we can only actually see a percentage of the material universe. And as big an issue as all of this kind of talk is, we still must consider whether or not we know what we see when it slaps us in the face, as they say.

The average person today will likely have their mind and senses closed to the opportunity that the thalami offer to accentuate, amplify and direct non-visual forces to our conscious processing centers. The operational paradigms of the spiritual world are a science unto themselves, and the astrophysicists may not have as good a picture as I hope they do. There are those I have met, who can travel between dimensions and we will deal with these aspects of life and natural possibilities versus hallucination in other parts of this book. But, if the modern research is right about the Thalami, I feel quite certain that all the dimensions are at our disposal in every aspect of our existence. When one remembers the way we thought about spirits and devils as we listened to the preachers who tried to tell us about HELL - it is difficult to open our minds to what they were saying about the saints who performed the very miracles that men and women have always been able to do.

We shall see that the ‘Gospel of Thomas’ from the Dag (or Nag) Hammadi ‘finds’ confirms Jesus never performed any miracle that you or I can’t do. We are all the ‘children of God’ (John 10:34). The dimensional spiritual world is science and real even if we are ignorant of it. That is what the Gnostics he studied with say is the ‘Original Sin’ that separates us from God - IGNORANCE! Scipio Africanus and others before and after the time of Jesus were used to seeing each other and the spirits of their loved ones alive or dead! In many instances there is potential to visualize the future and it will happen with proper INTENT. Bucky Fuller did it, and I have too. Some say the forces of darkness that created the Dark Age were able to re-program the world mind to the point that our ability was diminished by the evil they fomented. Energy of a negative nature does have to be attuned with good, in order for Abraxas or unity to occur, on the grand scale and as an individual. That is why selfish prayer is wasteful and one must operate in ‘brotherhood’ and love to come up with things like the geodesic dome or wireless ‘free energy’. Still these things are on the shelf and few really know how great they are and how much better the world might be.

About the author: Author of Diverse Druids

Columnist at The ES Press Magazine

Guest ‘expert’ at World-Mysteries.com

Posted on at 12:49 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Choose the right partner with love astrology

Written by Amit Bhalla

Love is blind or so they would like us to believe and only later do we actually come to know the person that we have fallen in love with. At times this love grows with the passage of time while an unfortunate turn of events can cause us to despise the person with whom we had initially fallen in love with. At many times it is too late before we realize our mistake and in the process we lose important years of our lives trying to make things work with an unsuitable partner. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had some guideline or way of knowing whether a person is right for us or not. The closest that we can get to this kind of guideline is through the study and approach of love astrology.

Astrology has many branches that delve into the various aspects of an individual’s life be it birth, education, marriage, career and even death. Our personal relationship with others is one of the most important aspects that we can comprehend with the help of love astrology. Our birth charts are prepared on the basis of our time of birth, place of birth and date of birth. Other factors are calculated on the basis of this information and astrology helps to prepare a snap shot of the heavens at the time when we were born. The position of stars and planets is recreated on a chart to represent the exact scenario when we took birth. The celestial bodies are then analyzed using the art of love astrology to determine our relationship with our partners.

Marriages are fixed in some countries on the basis of this comparison of individual charts to see if the temperaments, nature and character match according to the charts. A horoscope that matches has a better chance for the success of that marriage and thus is given much importance in a marriage alliance. People who are simply interested in the study of astrology and zodiac signs as a hobby also get attracted to love astrology. It gives them a basic guideline about the characteristics and traits of people belonging to the various zodiac signs. Once a person knows certain traits of his or her partner it gets easier to understand and react to certain behaviour patterns and this is where love astrology scores in popularity over other branches.

Love astrology guidelines also make for light reading and entertainment. Compatibility analysis on the basis of the love signs and their traits are a time pass for many evenings while at the same time it gives an insight into the kind of person that we are interacting with. If a serious study of love astrology is conducted it may also help us in avoiding many common mistakes that we make while selecting our partners unknowingly. It may also help us avoid unpleasant situations by making us forewarned about character traits that are diametrically opposite to ours and may cause clash in the future. Hence a judicious study of love astrology may indeed help us to lead a better life by knowing and understanding our partners better.

About the Author

Amit Bhalla works to help all those who want information about the latest and the best, most happening places in the city. To know more about Feng Shui, local search services delhi, Conversion Service, Yellow Pages India, Local Search India love Astrology visit www.myquest.in

Posted on at 12:47 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Rune Wizard Candles Wokr on Mental Plane

Written by: by Ragnar Storyteller

Keep in mind that what I am sharing with you is how to become a Rune Wizard of the 21st century. This means working as a Rune Wizard from the mental plane, not the physical plane. Working from the peace, quiet and safety of your own home.

The only real safe place to practice the rituals and magic of your North European Culture is on the mental plane.. The powerful powers to be who want everyone to be politically correct and wear a size 9 shoe will harass anyone who tries to be different.

So, go where they can’t spy on you. Your mind, the mental plane. The Laws of Quantum Physics tell us there is an infinite ocean of intelligent thinking energy called the Quantum Ocean. It responds to your thoughts and mind. Go There to work.

But before you can begin your mental rituals and journeys you must full understand about the tools of Rune Wizards on the physical plane.

Gather all the info you can gt and store it in a special place in your mind. A place where you can recall it when you want it and need it.

There is hardly any rune ceremonial where Light would not play an important role. Light is neutral. Depending on the action to be performed it assumes some color. Since Light is so important, most ceremony contain and include something that symbolizes Light. Candles are the preferred utensil to symbolize Light. Of course, there are deeper symbolic meanings connected with candles than that of giving Light. As you become familiar with various methods involving candles you will understand better the many symbolic meanings that candles connect with. Consequently you will be capable to touch upon more dimensions that involve the symbolism of the candles This will greatly increase the effectiveness of your magical operations.

Candles, as we know, are made of various materials, mostly paraffin, more seldom true bees’ wax. Candles may be scented and colored, tailored to special lengths and shapes, etc. As you progress, you will learn to include colors and shapes of candles into the overall symbolism of your ceremony. You will store these images in your mind.

The significance of candles reaches into may levels. Since candles are mostly thought to symbolize Light, they are the only source of light in many ceremonies. The specific color of the candle will symbolize the sphere(s) with which the operator wants to be in contact during the ceremony. The number of candles used has another symbolic meaning. Candles are an excellent tool to help your powers of visualization and imagination. The flame of a candle is an ideal focu

When you practice with Runes you can use any number of candles that correspond to the specific higher order energies used in your operation. You may use one candle that has the Rune engraved which you practice. Instead of engraving the Rune, you can put the candle candle holder on a piece of cardboard or wood that has the Rune drawn on it. This Rune should be charged before use. Excellent is a set of 18 candle holders, each one with another Rune drawn or engraved on it. Visualize yourself surrounded by the candles.

Many ceremonies require the use of more than one candle. You may go all the way and use eighteen candels in your ceremony, one for each Rune. When you use eighteen candles, I recommend that you inscribe one Rune on each candle. You arrange these eighteen candles the same way you arrange the 18 Rune stave’s. You should put one candle to the side of each Rune stave. Candles of bees wax have some advantages over candles made of paraffin: There is more “life” in them. The color of the candles is to match the purpose of your operation. White candles are good for every operation. In the case of bees wax candles the natural wax color is equally universal.

One candle alone or two candles serve as an excellent focus. Such a focus is very helpful for your concentration and visualization powers. Two techniques are useful, depending on the number of candles. While looking at the flame of one candle see visions in the halo around the candle. When you use two candles, look in the space between the flames of both candles. The best distance is between six and eight inches apart. In either case you will better be able “to grasp the arrow with the look of your eyes.”

As a practice, you can use only ONE candle for you Runeing, where it can serve as an added focus. Engrave the Rune in the candle. Practice the following way:

1. Put your candle on the altar, or table.2. Establish your outer and inner Rune Realms. For murmuring practice alone, the inner Rune Realm is sufficient.3. Light the candle. 4. Be aware that there is an OUTER Rune Realm around you of which the candle is a focal point for the Rune which you practice.5. Practice your chanting and murmuring.6. Look into the flame of the candle, imagine that the Rune is in the halo that surrounds the flame. Then close your eyes and remain a few minutes in silent meditation. Wait for insights, feelings, visions, thoughts, etc. to emerge. Wait for visions that may appear in the halo. It is useful for developing clairvoyance. It also improves your dream life.7.

When you decide to end the practice, say: “Powers of . . . (name of Rune) Thank you for your energy Flow back to the Realms of Creation!"8. Imagine, or visualize, the Rune energies grounding, flowing into the ground, as water flows down a drain, or seeps into sandy soil.9. Extinguish the flame of the candle.10. Write your experiences in your diary.

Ellis Peterson AKA Ragnar Storyteller is a retired math professor and electronics engineer. He has been studying astrology, runes, metaphysics and alternate healing treatments for over 30 years. He is 70+, in very good health and lives in the boonies of the Pocono mountains with his wife Lory. His writings are unique and refreshing. To see more of his writings visit his websites.

http://www.olevikingshop.com/

and

http://www.runes-for-health-wealth-love-now.com/

and

http://www.radionics-quantum-physics.com/

Or go to goggle and type in his pen name RAGNAR STORYTELLER for his listings. He is also a ghost writer and will write and article for you. Email Ragnar for his FREE 10 PART MINI-COURSE, “How-To use Quantum Physics in Your Every Day Life to Attract More Wealth, Health and Love, Now.”

You can contact him at:

ragnarstoryteller2@gmail.com

Posted on at 12:44 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Why Do Some Christians Fear Witches?

Written by Kathryn A. Graham

During my 28 years as a practicing Wiccan, or “witch” if you prefer, I have had occasion to ask myself this difficult question many, many times. With the recent political controversy over the United States Army permitting pagan services to be held on military bases in Texas and around the world, the question suddenly has more than its usual immediacy for me and for my brothers and sisters in Wicca.

First, let me get the usual questions out of the way. Wicca is a real religion, born in the 1950s as a recreation of the Old Religion of Northern Europe, which some believe dates back about 25,000 years. In the mid-1980s, the U.S. Courts accepted Wicca as a legitimate religion and granted us 1st Amendment rights and freedom from taxation. So the point is moot, really. The same U.S. Constitution that protects Christianity protects our religious freedom and a good thing, too. We are the fastest growing religion of the 20th Century.

We do not believe in an evil deity, and would not worship one if we did. We do not practice human or animal sacrifice. The most sacred commandment our religion demands of us is to harm no one. If you think about that last statement carefully, it pretty well covers most of the Biblical Ten Commandments - the important parts, anyway. Even more important, we do not attempt to convert our friends and neighbors to Wicca. Our faith teaches us that when they are ready for what we have to teach, they will seek us out.

What about me, personally? Am I a New Age nut? Well, that depends on what you mean. I’m an environmentalist, certainly. I am also a feminist. On the other hand, I do not do illegal drugs of any kind. I am a computer technician working for one of the largest employers in the United States. I am a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. I am an aspiring science-fiction writer and screenwriter, actively peddling stories and novels to the publishing industry in New York and motion picture scripts to Hollywood. I am a licensed pilot and a licensed aircraft mechanic. I am a licensed private investigator. My favorite hobby is reading physics textbooks, and I apply such knowledge to my science fiction. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force, the United States Air Force Reserve, and the Texas Army National Guard, and during the time I served, I held a top-secret security clearance. I served my country well and was honorably discharged. I’ve been arrested only once in my entire life, as a 17-year-old runaway, and I’ve had a grand total of three traffic tickets in almost thirty years of driving. In what way am I such an evil and dangerous neighbor?

Why have I been forced to practice my religion in secret for most of my life? Why, during my active duty years (early to mid 1970s), was I forced to record “No Pref” on my dog tags? Am I a pacifist? Hardly! Women have never been drafted in the United States, so why would I have enlisted voluntarily (and during the Viet Nam war!) if I were a pacifist?

Why does publishing my real name on this article cause me to risk the loss of my job, vandalism to my home and my car, harm to my animals (and children if I had any)? Does this make any sense to a rational human being?

Where does the knee-jerk hostility to the word “witch” come from?

Not from the word, certainly. “Witch” is a corruption of “witchcraft,” or “craft of the wise.” In fact, my religion is sometimes called “The Craft of the Wise,” or just “The Craft.” There is nothing sinister there. Do we practice magic? Yes, most of us do. Do we have supernatural powers? Of course not. Oddly enough, those who believe the practice of magic is so evil are often those who most sincerely believe in faith healing. Just think about that honestly for a moment, and try to explain the difference to me. I’m waiting . . .

Let’s get back to the Craft of the Wise. During the Christian Inquisition, nobody really knows how many accused witches were burned at the stake. It is known, however, that a number of village wise women were accused of witchcraft and burned for curing fevers with nasty stuff like moldy bread. Were they followers of the Old Religion? Probably - although I wasn’t there, and I honestly have no idea. Were they wise? You bet they were! Did you ever hear of penicillin? How many centuries of medical knowledge were lost because of a bunch of frightened priests?

So where did the idea come from that we were (and are) Satanists?

The most obvious answer is that the moldy bread cure worked, and was unexplainable. A number of other herbal and common sense remedies were surprisingly effective, as “alternative” medicine is re-discovering today. The only way the church could admit these cures worked (and it was a little too obvious to deny) without admitting this was a really good thing was to make the claim that the women practicing these cures had made a pact with the Devil. Heavens, they couldn’t be physicians! Medicine was firmly in the hands of the priests, and the practice of medicine was expressly forbidden to women. At the time I write of, formal medicine consisted mostly of applying leeches to the sick.

Were the village wise women the only problem? No. During this early medieval period, when the Christians were converting Northern Europe at sword point, a lot of dirty tricks were played. The country folk, whom we believe to be the ancestors of modern Wicca, worshiped a Goddess we consider the Mother of Life, and a God we call the Horned Hunter, or God of Death. For us, death is merely a door to rebirth, so there is nothing at all fearful for us in a God of Death. In an effort to make non-Christianity something horrible, the monks who drew the medieval Biblical illustrations “borrowed” our Horned Hunter when they drew depictions of the Christian Devil. You needn’t take my word for this. Any educated person knows that the Greek Pan predates Christianity by some considerable period of time. Take a good look at a drawing of Pan in your nearest encyclopedia. Look familiar? He should. You’ve been looking at him in biblical illustrations dating back to your first Sunday school. Pan is the Greek form of our Horned Hunter. They are one and the same god. Read your mythology. Pan was never evil, just playful.

If all that weren’t enough, Exodus 22:18 was horribly mistranslated in the King James Version of the Christian Bible. The original “Suffer not a poisoner to live among you” became “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Some pretty bloodthirsty fundamentalist preachers want to enforce that mistranslation literally, even today. In August of 1999, Rev. Jack Harvey of Killeen, Texas, was quoted as stating publicly that all witches should be killed. He organized a March Against Wickedness for that Labor Day Monday in Killeen (which flopped pitifully), and I believe he was hoping and praying it would erupt into real violence, because he advised members of his congregation to carry guns, in case some of us witches decided to snatch his kids.

Can you spell bizarre? We would never, of course, kidnap children, but could someone please explain to me why we are supposed to want them? And, in particular, why we would want his offspring? I thought the idea of sacrificing Christian babies was discarded when the Nazis falsely accused the Jews of it. This is more of the same bigoted excrement.

In terms of our current century, Hollywood hasn’t helped us much, either. Sick, twisted individuals who worship evil have always existed, and sadly, I’m afraid they will for a very long time to come. They pervert the Christian cross by inverting it, and sometimes, they invert our sacred symbol, the pentagram, as well. Hollywood directors just can’t seem to get it right, though. They consistently show evil ceremonies prominently displaying the pentagram right side up.

When the pentagram is displayed properly, the symbolism is that of a man standing upright within a circle, meaning uprightness and spirit over flesh. In other traditions, the five points represent the four elements (fire, air, earth, water) surmounted by aether or spirit. In any case, spirit is on top. Needless to say, the symbolism of an inverted pentagram is obscene to us, just as the symbolism of an inverted cross is obscene to you if you are a Christian. Because most Christians have seen movies in which evil ceremonies were presided over by an upright pentagram, they are upset and frightened when they meet a Wiccan wearing one. That’s understandable enough, but it should be corrected by education.

Other reasons for fear again date back to medieval times. The reasons have mostly been forgotten, but the fear remains. During medieval times, life was unpleasant. In fact, it was downright horrible for the peasants. Christianity taught the peasants that it didn’t matter, that the material world was to be shunned in favor of a reward in the Christian Heaven. Wiccans did not, and do not, agree. I can still remember my first teacher telling me that it would be difficult to cultivate my spiritual nature until at least my basic physical needs - as in food, shelter, warmth - were met. We are taught that achieving success at another’s expense is wrong (remember we are permitted to harm none!), but success in itself is actually a virtue. In medieval times, daring to hope and work for success was dangerous thinking. It might even have led to a collapse of feudalism. So the Christian hatred of that tenet of Wicca was one part envy, one part fear.

Another envy/fear combination had to do with the fact that Wicca is fun. The Old Religion is filled with laughter and playfulness. Our ceremonies are wonderful parties, full of happy tipsiness and flirtation. By comparison, medieval Christian practices were rather grim. Somehow, the Christians who were trying to convert us had to convince us that slipping off into the woods for a bonfire and a roaring good time wasn’t such a good idea. Do what they would, though, they couldn’t get us to give up our fun. Quite logically under the circumstances, they “borrowed” from us. The use of song and chants in ritual (although why the church couldn’t manage happy song, I can’t say), incense (borrowed from Mithraic ritual); even some actual elements of ritual itself. You can hear echoes of our cakes and ale ceremony in Christian Communion. Oh, I don’t doubt that Jesus of Nazareth had bread and wine during his Last Supper! That’s as may be, but I don’t think the contents of his last meal became a central part of Christian ceremonies until Christianity clashed with the Old Religion in Europe.

Where did Jesus get the idea in the first place? Mithras, who died following a ritual meal of bread and wine? Or the cakes and ale of the Old Religion? Scary question, isn’t it? For the record, I believe it was Mithras, as he was the secret god of many of the Roman troops occupying Palestine at the time of Jesus of Nazareth. Nevertheless, enough Roman troops were European barbariansthat it is just possible that some elements of our faith were known to Jesus himself.

20th Century Christian practices never struck me as being a barrel of laughs, either. Wiccans are still having fun. So there is bound to be some ongoing envy, if not outright fear.

Please do not misunderstand. I am not bashing Christians! Those who practice their faith honestly have no part in this hatred and fanaticism. Most are decent men and women, and I am proud to call many of them my friends. When the Rev. Jack Harvey called for a Christian boycott of the Armed Forces over this pagan worship controversy, Rev. Pat Robertson had the courage to publicly withdraw from the boycott and state it was wrong. I refer only to the dignified lack of humor in the Christian faith as it has been practiced down through the centuries. It does not speak to my heart at all.

Also, if I am to be completely honest, I must admit that pagans aren’t completely innocent in the dirty tricks department. The so-called Cult of Mary, which existed within Roman Catholicism for so many centuries, was actually a secret form of “safe” Goddess worship.

I wonder how many Christians know how many of their holidays were originally ours?

Samhain, our New Year celebration, when the walls between the worlds are at their thinnest and our beloved dead walk and feast among us, became Christian All Hallows or Halloween. One ceremony used by pagans to encourage a rich crop (although not at Samhain, which is after the harvest) was the sweeping of brooms over the planted fields. To early Christians watching from a distance, it must have looked like the witches were riding on the brooms or trying to do so. Since Samhain was known to be the witches most important holiday, witches riding on broomsticks became the symbol of Halloween. Not so surprising at all.

Yule, or the winter solstice, when we celebrate the birth of the Sun God to Mother Earth and Father Time, was borrowed for the birthday of the Christian Jesus. Most Christian scholars agree that Jesus was actually born in the spring. The Yule log, the tree, and even the Nativity Churches were originally pagan customs. If you have Wiccan friends, and you thought they were only protecting themselves by displaying a Nativity Churches at Christmas, you were wrong. We had Nativity Churches long before you came along to convert us!

Imbolc, our festival of light, when we celebrate the start of the Mother’s return to us, along with the birth of new lambs and flowers awakening under the snow, became Christian Candlemas.

Beltane, our famous (and infamous) fertility celebration when we leap the bonfires in joy at the arrival of summer, became May Day, famous for playful fertility celebrations throughout the Christian world.

Lammas, or August 1st, when we celebrate the fruitfulness of the land - well, how many Christians have celebrated the rich harvest to come down through the centuries?

There are many, many more examples of “borrowing.”

And therein lies the real root of the problem.

The thing a few fanatical Christians fear most of all is being forced to admit our kinship, because after nearly 2,000 years of borrowing, we aren’t so very different anymore.

About the author: At a tiny 5′1″, Kathryn A. Graham is a licensed private investigator, pilot, aircraft mechanic and handgun instructor in Texas. Also a prolific author, she has written numerous articles, short stories and a science fiction novel. http://www.kathrynagraham.com/

Posted on at 12:40 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Celtic Wedding Rings

Written By: by Kirsten Hawkins

A fairly new trend in wedding ring design has risen in popularity over the past few years and it’s based on something that is anything but new. Celtic wedding rings, wedding bands and engagement rings that are designed featuring classic Celtic knot work are adorning more and more matrimonial fingers than ever before, perhaps since the days of the Celts themselves. At one time these rings could only be special ordered from specific companies and were very costly. Today, however, with the rise in popularity of ancient Celtic design, many jewelers are carrying Celtic wedding rings and jewelry of all kinds on a regular basis.

The best and most beautiful Celtic wedding rings still come from companies that design the jewelry and do all the work themselves. Special intricate designs can be custom ordered and there are companies that will work your initials into a unique Celtic design for your wedding band… Purchasing your wedding rings from one of these companies can result in your having a true one of a kind ring that is completely unique to you. If you love the Celtic look but want to spend a bit less, however, you can simply go to your closest jeweler and find a Celtic wedding ring that suits your tastes. The method you use is entirely up to you.

Celtic wedding rings take their laced designs from the patterns of the ancient Celts, European peoples in the areas of England and Ireland in the last few hundred years B.C. At one time the Celtic civilization stretched across most of Europe, but it is from Ireland that most of the Celtic traditions and designs have been gleaned. Celtic wedding rings incorporate the most recognizable of Celtic designs, the interwoven lacework of basic shapes, entwined and overlapping in a distinct pattern.

Celtic jewelry, including Celtic wedding rings, first gained popularity with followers of neo-pagan religions like Wicca, but are now worn by people of many faiths who simply like the look of the designs. Influences of Celtic design can be seen in many cultures, traditions, and religions of today, most notably in Roman Catholicism which has long since adopted the image of the Celtic Cross as one of their own. It seems only natural that the intricate, ornate, and beautiful designs of the Celts would once again find their way into popular culture. Celtic jewelry began appearing in mainstream America again about ten years ago, although it has been around in one form or another for ages before that.

Celtic wedding rings and other Celtic jewelry make a statement about the person who wears them to the rest of the world. Wearing it says that this is a unique and different person with their own style and a different perspective. Having a Celtic wedding ring on your finger will let you hear some things as well. Most common is the comment, “Oh my gosh, what a gorgeous ring! Where did you get that?”

About the author: Kirsten Hawkins is an event planner from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.wedding411.net/ for more event planning tips, strategies, and resources.

Posted on at 12:33 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

PAGAN CELEBRATION OF EARTH DAY

A report on the Earth Day ceremony and festival at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve was part of today’s Earth Day coverage on Chicago Public Radio.

“A Pagan Earth Day” was broadcast this morning on the “Eight Forty-Eight” news & culture program, and will air again at 8 pm central daylight time tonight on WBEZ 91.5 fm in the greater Chicago, Illinois area.

The radio report included remarks from Selena Fox, High Priestess of Circle Sanctuary, and several community members as well as some of the music from the ritual and the sounds of the restorative prairie burn that followed the ceremony.

A transcript, photos, and an audio podcast of the report is now available on-line:

http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=20772

Happy Earth Day!

Posted on 4/22/2008 at 10:09 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

CERELIA FESTIVAL AND ANIMAL BLESSING

CERELIA FESTIVAL AND ANIMAL BLESSING IN BELOIT, WISCONSIN ON APRIL 12 On Saturday, April 12, at 11 am, Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary will be opening the Cerelia Festival at Beloit College with a public blessing of pets and animal companions.

The Cerelia Festival, the Ludi Cereales, is being held at the Wright Museum of Art on campus and includes a variety of activities celebrating Ancient Mediterranean cultures and the conservation of the historic Fisher Collection of Greek and roman casts at Beloit College.

The Cerelia Festival was begun by Augustus Ceasar 2000 years ago in honor of Ceres, the ancient Roman Goddess of grain and springtime.

Circle Sanctuary Community members Dave and Sylvia Linton will also be helping with the festivities. The Wright Museum of Art is located at 700 College Street in Beloit, Wisconsin.

The pet blessing and other festival activities are free and open to the public. Bring your animal friends for the blessing!

Posted on 4/10/2008 at 10:29 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

A Call To All Wiccan, Pagans & Others

Do you have a blog that you would like to share and gain exposure with? Do you have a blog that is filled with wonderful hints, tips and articles but you feel that nobody is seeing what you are writing?

Wiccan Network is gathering blogs and blog authors to advertise and list their blogs on this upcoming site.

How much is this service? Free. We will be hosting the entire website promoting your blog and websites also.

Wiccan Network will allow bloggers and web owners to list their sites for other like minds to read, bookmark and link with. The more exposure and linking the more chances of page rankings going up.

Why are we doing this? For one reason there are so many blogs out there but a lot are not found. Networking these blogs will bring our community closer together as a way to learn, gain friendship and have a feeling of a real community.

The Wiccan Network is NOT limited to only Wiccans. Pagans, Neo-Pagans and all other beliefs should feel free to list and become active.

We will be promoting the site within this month. The site is being designed as we are speaking here. This is why we are posting this release. The more bloggers the better!

We would also like to have input and ideas on this venture from you the blogger.

For more information please feel free to contact us.

Getting bloggers together is only the first step of the Wiccan Network. Help to make this a striving safe haven for our brothers and sisters

Contact ravenfyre@mysticwitch.com

Posted on at 12:51 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

April Fools Prank

One of the biggest pranks to ever take place was in 1957 by the BBC TV network. The show entitled, Panorama did a fake documentary on Spaghetti Farming. Yes, you read that correctly.

They showed a family in the village of Ticino, Switzerland that were supposed to be spaghetti tree farmers. Showing the family picking noodles off the trees and laying them down to dry. Now, just see in your minds eyes trees covered in noodles with people picking them.

The documentary went through the entire yearly harvest. Ah, the women were laboring ever so hard wit the picking and pulling of the spaghetti.

The response to this was massive. Viewers wrote and called in asking so many questions and wanting to know how they to could have spaghetti trees of their own. Wishing to start farms like this. Imagine hundreds and hundreds of viewers that actually fell for this!

You might be wondering what the response was to the viewers that wanted to become spaghetti farmers. BBC had a standard response, they told them on the growing of the trees to lay a piece of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope it grows.

Posted on 4/1/2008 at 1:01 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

New Releases Coming Soon!

To purchase either of these books or for more information please go to:
Starcrafts Publishing

The New American Ephemeris for the 20th Century, 1900-2000 at Midnight, Michelsen Memorial Edition.

Rique Pottenger, based on the earlier work of Neil F. Michelsen.

Itâs the ultimate ephemeris for the years when all but the youngest among us were born. Neil F. Michelsenâs The American Ephemeris for the 20th Century, 1900 to 2000 at Midnight became the most highly trusted and widely used reference work for astrologers worldwide. Now substantially revised, updated and expanded by Rique Pottenger, The New American Ephemeris for the 20th Century, 1900-2000 at Midnight, Michelsen Memorial Edition, has improvements and refinements that permit more accurate station times, increased accuracy for the position of Galactic Center and more. Ceres is added to daily longitude listings, Sun through Pluto, and monthly positions are provided for Eris, Chiron, Pallas, Juno and Vesta

ISBN 9780976242291

612 pages

$29.95

The Asteroid Ephemeris 1900-2050

The Asteroid Ephemeris 1900-2050: Ceres, Pallas, Juno, Vesta, Chiron & the Black Moon Lilith

Rique Pottenger, with Neil F. Michelsen

Preface by Eleanor Bach
Introduction by Zipporah Dobyns, Ph.D.
Lilithâthe Myth and the Black Moon by Maria Kay Simms

In recent years Ceres, Pallas, Juno, Vesta, Chiron and the Black Moon Lilith have gained steadily in numbers of astrologers who include them in preparing birth charts for consultation and research. This ephemeris provides one hundred and fifty years of daily longitude positions to facilitate easy scanning for adding these widely popular âextrasâ to any horoscope. For the four major asteroids, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta, declinations are also provided for every 4th day. Black Moon Lilith, derived from the lunar apogee/perigee, is given in True positions daily and in Mean positions every 8th day. Introductory text preceding the ephemeris pages includes a preface by Eleanor Bach, a short article on Black Moon Lilith by Maria Kay Simms and an extensive introductory article by Zipporah Dobyns, Ph.D., with mythology and interpretive examples of all five âextrasâ covered by this ephemeris.

ISBN 9781934976005

216 pages

$26.95

Posted on 3/29/2008 at 4:19 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

ROBERTA STEWART IN FIRST FREEDOM FIRST FILM

For Immediate Release

Pagan News Media 3/25/2008

Roberta Stewart of Circle Sanctuary will be among the activists speaking
on Church-State Separation at the First Freedom First film presentation
tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 26 simulcast in theaters in 38 cities
across the USA including New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Roberta will talk about Wiccan rights and the decade-long Veteran Pentacle
quest and victory. âI am glad to be part of this event. It is important
that American people be informed and stand up for separation of Church and
State.â Said Roberta Stewart in a phone call with Selena Fox of Circle
Sanctuary this afternoon.

Titled âEverything You Always Wanted to Know about the Separation of
Church and State â¦ but Were Afraid to Ask!,â the high-definition program
is being hosted by First Freedom First (FFF), a joint project of Americans
United for Separation of Church and State and The Interfaith Alliance
Foundation.

Peter Coyote, a celebrated Hollywood actor and filmmaker, will emcee the
program, which is to include a performance by special guests, The Bacon
Brothers. Actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael formed the band more
than 10 years ago and continue touring nationwide.

Tickets are free. The event, which is being filmed tonight, March 25,
2008, will debut on Wednesday evening, March 26 at 6:00pm eastern, 5:00pm
central, 7:00pm mountain, and 6:00pm pacific. Some venues are at
capacity-check with the theater in your area to see if tickets are still
available.

A podcast is being planned for later this month which will make it
possible for even more people to view this special evening.

More info about the event:
http://www.firstfreedomfirst.org/simulcast-event/learn-more/

More information about the First Freedom First project:
http://www.firstfreedomfirst.org/

Posted on 3/25/2008 at 11:46 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

What Is A Power Song And How Do I Get One?

by Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls

Power Songs are oral prayers expressing your true self, your nature, your individuality, your power. All cultures have power songs but you can have your own power song too. We think of the power in a hymn or an African chant, a Shamanic ceremony song or even in the howling of wolf. And there is definite power in sound.

All Shamans have several power songs because the vibration of the notes in the voice and in the fourth chakra of the throat stimulate sympathetic vibrations in the universe to respond. Everything is connected. What you put out comes back to you. When a butterfly flutters his wings in Cost Rica the winds of Africa are stirred. And when a sound is offered, the universe responds.

Power songs are used in preparation for journeying, healing, offering Reiki, praying, grounding, for protection, for celebration, for solace, anytime you want to connect with the universe in this very special way.

To demonstrate the power of voice and musical notes I would like to you try this exercise.

The fourth chakra is the note FA as in Do Re Me FA. Find a piano and discover the sound of this note if possible. Or find your own closest approximation to it. It is important to find the sound of FA.

The fourth note or sound of FA is also the note of manifestation or creation upon this planet. So if we want to manifest healing, for example, we can send our intention out upon the note FA into the universe and healing will resonate with our voice of FA and become manifest where we are intending. It really is that simple. Don’t try to complicate it like so many others have. This little simple secret is one that some people have paid thousands of dollars for. Some people have made millions creating musical tapes based on the sound of Fa, subliminal, holosync tapes that offer healing are based on the sound FA. But now you know how to do it yourself.

The visual symbol for the universe made manifest is the square. This symbolizes the power of thought and vibration becoming solid and material in this apparent world. So let�s combine the sound of Fa with the visualization of a square.

Get yourself someplace comfortable where you will not be disturbed for a while. Close your eyes and visualize a square. Intone the sound FA and watch the square and see what image appears there.

You can also do this backwards by visualizing the person you want to heal in the square and intoning the sound of FA. Or anything that you would like to manifest for the good of yourself and the world.

Shamans use this technique all the time. The last ingredient the Shaman uses here is desire or strong will. He or she really wants this healing to happen, they can really feel the wish, they put all their emotional energy into the intent.

I often get to dancing and rattling while I intone my power song and bring my whole body into the act of intending a healing for someone. The more feeling you put into it, the stronger the vibration.

Have you ever listened to a Native American song? There is usually one major tone for the song, isn’t there! Now you know why!

As a final thought, each note in the scale represents a unique vibratory pattern in the universe. You could do a study to find those out if you would like to know more about sound.

So you see the need for your own power song. Create one this week. it is usually just a line or two repeated over and over. You can use words or vowels or an imaginary language. As long as you create it with FA as your base and emotion and intent, it will be perfect. Power songs are usually kept private and seldom sung in public. The only time they are sung in public is when a group of Shamans have gathered to do a combined healing. It is your prayer to the universe.

About the author: Come Walk With A Shaman Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls is one of America’s most beloved traditional teaching Shamans. She offers an introductory course called Shaman Apprenticeship 101! To learn more just visit www.shamanelder.com Free Consultation just write shaman@shamanelder.com

Posted on 1/22/2008 at 9:47 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

The Curse of the Saco River

by Patrick Rafferty)

The Saco river begins in the mountains of New Hampshire and winds it’s way through southern Maine to the Atlantic ocean. It is a rough and dangerous river which has taken the lives of many who chose to risk it. Every year the news media reports the crashing of boats on the rocks or kids braving the ice chunks. The mouth of the river is a place called Camp Ellis. Just a few weeks ago during a major storm a few houses collapsed as Camp Ellis with the help of the river, is slowly eroding away into the ocean.

I once went on a fishing trip with my father. We went to a popular fishing spot at a place called the Skeleton Dam. The water was deep there, so it was the perfect spot for catching trout. There were a few people there that day, including an old man who my father just happened to know from his own childhood. They talked for a little while.

He, at one point, turned to me and said, “You know this river is cursed don’t you?” Of course I didn’t, but I was sure about to find out. As it turns out, there is an old legend in southern Maine regarding the early English settlers and the Saco River.

The story goes like this. Back in the summer of 1675, a group of drunken sailors, anchored off the coast of what is now southern Maine came across a young Native American mother in a canoe with her child.

There had been tales circulating around that an Indian baby could swim from birth, so the sailors decided to put this to the test. They captured the canoe, took the baby from the mother and threw him right into the water, where he drowned.

When the mother returned to her tribe, she spoke with the chief who instructed the medicine man to place a curse upon the river. The curse was said to go like this. Three or more white man shall die in this river every year.

He then warned me to be very careful around here.

This wouldn’t be the last time I heard of it either. While telling my grandmother the story, she dug out a box of 45 rpm records. There was a song about it, that she had, called the Curse of the Saco River. The song was sung by a local woman, although I do not remember who.

So far, to my knowledge, this number has held true. There are also various stories about the curse of the Saco River on the web. A Google search will turn some of them up. But I can testify that if you live in southern Maine, you are bound to see news stories every year of people drowning. Perhaps it’s just the nature of the beast. Perhaps it’s due to the carelessness of those who brave the waters. Then again, maybe there is something to this curse after all.
About the Author

Patrick Rafferty is otherwise known as the Blogmaster of http://www.VoodooWhoDo.com The site of Wacky Weirdness, Mischievous Magical Mayhem, and Modern Madness. Visit the new blog at http://www.VoodooWhoDo.blogspot.com

Posted on at 9:45 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

Walking Violets

by Sandra Repash

~~~~~

I can walk the walk of a violet

Sing the song of a bird

Talk the talk of the wind

As the awesome force is heard.

I can go with the flow of the river

Melt with the ice in the spring

Hibernate in the winter

With the new life it will bring.

I can shine with the morning sun

Sleep in the shadow of a cloud

Sail across the prairie

Free and wild and proud.

You might think all this glory

Makes me good or kind or wise

By myself, it means so little

It is a gift meant for many eyes.

~~~~~
About the Author

Ovarian Cancer Survivor

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~ Anais Nin ~

Posted on at 9:42 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

Metaphysical: How To Instantly Manifest

by T. Joseph

Are you searching for a way to instantly manifest your hearts desires? Are you wishing for more money? Is your desire unstoppable confidence or a healthy self-esteem? What about inner peace or happiness? How about love or sex?

I’ve spent countless years searching for and testing just about every self-help method and gizmo on the market. At times it felt as if my quest was in vain. I’d find something new, get all excited with the initial changes, but they just never seemed to last. All that ever did was deplete my ever-dwindling bank account and build my frustration. Those were not the results I was looking and hopping for.

But do you know something? it was that frustration that led me forward. I took a seemingly negative situation and turned it into a positive force that ended the day I found this product. Now my own personal story may be extreme compared to yours. I had been through the ringers as a child. Abused physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually. At times I honestly thought there would never be a way out of the pit of despair I would regularly find myself in.

One minute I’d feel confidence and self-esteem like I had never felt before, only to see it dwindle away to nothing. It seemed as if the confidence in my latent abilities required more consistent results. I knew from all my previous research that these changes I so desired had to start within first. I had to do some heavy duty digging into my subconscious mind the hard way before I discovered this method. Many painstaking moments went by, never really in vain either. Sometimes my progress advanced by leaps and bounds. Then there were the times when it was painful to even get one inch forward.

Now when it comes to products on the market I have specific criteria I go by. It has to be easy to use. It has to be fun to use. It has to create a sense of optimism to keep me wanting more. It has to be guaranteed, no more wasting money on things that sit around and collect dust. It has to show measurable results as quickly as possible. Truth is over the years I have developed a healthy sense of skepticism towards any claims I read, wouldn’t you?

First thing in the morning after I’ve had my cup of coffee and time to wake up I’d sit at my computer and listen to the “Intelligent Warrior". 20 minutes every day, how much easier could that get, it was perfect for me. Just open the program, click the play button and sit back with my headphones on. This is great I thought. Immediately I could feel the power surging through almost every part of my body. It was like every fiber of my being was having a spiritual experience. The electricity I felt was very pleasurable.

Opportunities that I had never noticed before started magically appearing out of nowhere. This seriously got exciting the more it happened. The real test for me was in the follow through. In the past I would have hesitated or even worse questioned myself, but not this time. It was as if I was on autopilot. So far the results I’ve noticed have not left me hanging. They just keep getting better and better, and in the process I keep feeling better about myself.

If your looking for a great way to manifest your hearts desires then I would highly recommend giving the intelligent warrior a test drive, after all you won’t know until you try. Either click on the following link or paste it into your browser. You won’t regret it, I sure didn’t, and it has to be the best investment in me that I’ve ever made.

T. Joseph South Bend, In

http://2mindme.submssg3.hop.clickbank.net
About the Author

I am a self help expert who loves helping others achieve their full potential in life. I’ve studied this field for over 30 years and found many methods which work. I have a unique affinity for knowledge that I gladly pass on to whom ever is in need.

Posted on at 9:38 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

How To Immediately Spot A Liar

Written By: Gary Zalben

The mundane way of spotting a liar is through the verbal signs of deception and reading body language. Those who are called experts reveal some of their secrets on how to look and listen for a lie. For example there are many ways people divulge their lies. First is learning what to listen for. When someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, they may stammer and insert funny non-words to fill the gaps in their speech using certain vowels like uh or oh. They may often stammer or clear their voice asking you please repeat that. And of course you must know the why do people lie? These signs should be important to the average person, but the transcendental way of learning the truth is never wrong.

The Inner Circle In this segment, I am addressing only those of you which I consider to be in the inner circle. As I mentioned before the spiritual masters tell us that there are two kinds of people in the world, those who meditate and seek a higher state of consciousnesses and those who do not. If you do not you will never be satisfied with the world, impossible. But among those who seek there are two kinds of people, there is the inner and the outer circle. Those in the inner circle are steadfast and constantly trying week after week, month after month, year after year to discipline themselves and expand their minds and consciousness.

How would a sage or master or someone advanced in the inner circle perceive the truth in an individual? This is what they would tell you. Your speech is a open index to the contents of your heart. Reverberations of the hearts vibrations echo into the form of speech. No matter how you dress up and polish an individuals speech, or refine his language, his voice will resonate his inner inclinations residing in his heart. The vibrations and tone of his voice is the reflection of his hearts experience. An evil man may impersonate the tone of voice of a virtuous person, but the wickedness in his heart will surely echo in his deceiving voice. Within the vibration and tone of a persons voice one can recognize from his harshness or mildness the hidden nature and feeling of ones heart. People that have good thoughts and who are adapted in doing good actions automatically store good habits in their heart, and their actions and speech reflect that kindness. A wicked person, with evil actions, produces wicked habits and a taste for sin in his heart; and when he acts or talks, wickedness is spoken within. The life story of a person as to how he lives his life inside himself and what his true character is with friends and family is exposed in his voice.

The post and prenatal history of a mans life is inscribed and written in his eyes; the intuitive way of reading character is through the eyes. The contents of a man are reflected in their eyes because they are the direct index of the mind. Be careful of revengeful, crafty, sarcastic, untrustworthy, shifting, or cruel eyes. Any lack of straight-forwardness or hate-projecting eyes along with a sinking feeling in your stomach, beware of that person.

Those who are not spiritually advanced and are unable to see and read the signs in the eyes of other individuals will with calmness intuitively perceive the good or evil hiding in the vibrations of a persons speech. Heres how; the transcendental way if you are somewhat advanced spiritually is when meditating; in meditation, visualize the eyes of that person and examine the feeling that materializes in your heart. If you sense any fear or hesitation, beware of that person. Keep this in mind, if you are receptive and calm while you are listening penetrate their eyes and study that person your first impression will be correct. Feeling the vibrations in people can also help you determine accurate results.

How do you sense good or bad vibrations in relation to people? Certain people will vibrate with cruelty, some with temper, and some with nervousness. Other people are spineless and vibrate no will at all. The ones that vibrate kindness you like them at once. The surest way to read the good or bad vibrations people radiate is by watching your feelings so you can sense the vibratory rate of their mind, body and soul. A sick or ailing person has inharmonious and negative body vibrations. Speech must be clear and persuasive with just the right amount of measured conviction. Those who exaggerate or lie, suffer from talkativeness, their words are as useless and ineffective as toy bullets shot from a plastic gun. With words that are always truthful and sincere, they will have just the opposite effect.

Free yourself from any feelings or attraction for the opposite sex as you must be in a neutral state of mind. Keep a kind, unprejudiced feeling in your heart and the microphone of pure feeling will judge superior than any intelligence in the land. If you awaken your creative ability any difficulty can be overcome. Slick, silken-tongued liars are abundant and these lordly egotists are easily riled, often defensive and will offensively repel those who seek entry into their private thoughts. The success or failure in trusting that person lies within yourself.

Learn To Awaken Your Intuition The mind with the help of the senses of hearing and sight can give false impressions and build the wrong conclusions from their perceptions. The ocean cannot be poured into a cup, so the sea of understanding cannot be emptied into a small cup of intellect. To be able to grasp limitless truth, comprehension must be increased by meditation until it develops into an unlimited cup of intuition and perception. The intuition in man does not require the power of the senses to distinguish truth. The soul sees directly into things with the power of intuition.

The understanding which is obtained through sense experience and mechanized learning from an intellectual viewpoint and ones own power of deduction keeps the truth unassimilated and limited. We could spend a whole lifetime learning through the modern methods of education with dependence upon the mind and senses, but they do not always give an accurate picture. By practicing the methods of meditation and concentration, the faculties of intuition are born by which knowing is realized with surprising speed.

When is it ok to lie? It is much better if possible to just stay silent, or sometimes play dumb, telling a lie must prevent something that could have an evil result. In this world of relativity, discrimination has to be our guide. It is better to speak pleasing truths and avoid unleashing distasteful utterances. When addressing a lame person hey Handicapped Man, that might be factual but it is unpleasing and a destructive truth.

Copyright 2007 Gary Zalben You may reprint this article as long as the source is kept intact. For more information about the author and self-improvement writings see http://www.howtoselladeadhorse.com

About the Author

Gary Zalben - Original Author, Article titled: How to Sell a Dead Horse. Profile: Gary Zalben. His passion is writing articles on self-improvement, entrepreneurship, yoga and healthy living.

Posted on 12/27/2007 at 3:42 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

The Nature of Dreaming: A Doorway into Multiple Realities

Writing by Julie Redstone

There are different kinds of dreams that we dream, and each has a value in its own right and must be taken seriously as a representative of an aspect of our consciousness.

Some dreams seem peripheral to everyday life. They have fantastic characters, absurd plots, and linger in our minds for a very brief period of time because they seem to make no sense at all to our conscious waking experience.

Other dreams have a strong emotional message that can be felt in the body, even if the actual content of the dream is not entirely understood. Often, the emotional component of a dream message is the central aspect of the teaching, and so it is often not necessary to understand the content further, no matter how much it might add to our knowledge.

Finally, there are dreams whose emotional content and meaning is very clear and very relevant to our conscious waking state. These dreams also fall into several distinct categories: There are those that have to do with everyday life - with relationships, past or present, with longings or fears that we are aware of, with repetitive themes in our mental or emotional experience. These dreams seem to offer a commentary, directly or indirectly, on the life we lead.

There are other dreams, however, which seem to catapult us into a different life and often into a different reality altogether, where space and time feel different, where we experience ourselves on a deep inner level as different from our normal self-perception, and where a message from the beyond may come through to our consciousness that is as real and as potent as anything that we might feel or think that is more familiar to us.

These messages from the beyond are not all fashioned out of words. Some come in the form of visual displays of things that have no correlates on the human level. Some come in the shape of sounds that affect our consciousness with a meaning that only our deepest self can translate. Some come with words that arrive as a thought or as a voice that conveys a purposefulness and a direction that we are being asked to follow. These dreams can be premonitions. They can be glimpses of our soul’s essential nature. They can be visions that we have carried into the present lifetime which have lain dormant beneath the threshold of awareness. These awaken during sleep when the ego and mental processes are less in charge.

The dreams that are visionary or that bring us into a different reality are not always dreams. Some, are the visual translation of messages that were seeded into our consciousness prior to incarnating into a human body, containing things that we were supposed to remember at a particular time. Others are wake up calls that are sent from helpers and teachers with whom an association exists, whether or not it is known to the more conscious self. Still others are actual events that are taking place primarily on a different dimensional level - events which are being translated into our semi-awake mind, even while we sleep. These other-dimensional events may be happening to our physical self or they may not. We may be taken somewhere or carried somewhere in what seems to be an energy body that is very close to our physical body. Or we may exist in a dream as pure awareness, simply in touch with a knowing that could never have occurred in a waking state.

The ‘akashic chronicle’ of the world’s life and the akashic chronicle of our own individual life are often made known during dreaming, especially when one has embarked upon a spiritual path and is pursuing a deepening knowledge of the sacred. These chronicles contain the history of our actions and consciousness and of the world’s actions and consciousness. Both chronicles reveal the moral and spiritual weight of events that have been, are, and will be. Both convey to the self that is aware, a possible or probable future, or an actual or alternate reality of the past. When we sleep, the absence of mental vigilance can lead us to experience our own akashic chronicle that contains our soul’s memory existing outside of time. This ledger extends both to the past and to the future. It brings to us experiences that have already happened at another level that have yet to happen at this one.

All that we know of dreaming cannot fathom the mystery of intertwining multiple realities which dreaming can provide a doorway into. Far from being just a commentary by the psyche on the psychological aspects of our inner life, dreams can create a world of their own and a life of their own which in many ways may seem more real to us than our everyday life. They can engage us with a larger reality that we are already living, though our conscious waking self may not be aware of it. The experience of other-dimensional realities in which we also seem to be living and that we feel touched by is increasing now, as the distance between planes is simultaneously decreasing, and as the physical plane is being drawn closer to the higher realms. Because of this increased proximity, there is a ‘bleed through’ that can happen more easily now from one plane to another, both during waking hours and while we sleep.

When we become able through time, effort, and the illumination of our total being to experience our multi-dimensional self in a waking state as well, it is then that our dream life can become just another layer of our being - one that can easily be incorporated into the ongoing sense of self that lives within time, and one whose other-worldly experiences can be accepted as having equal validity to those we experience during our more awake states. To accept the experiences of dreaming as an extension of our ordinary self into the multidimensional self that we already are, is to recognize the great complexity and expansiveness of the human psyche which, while fully present on the earth, has yet one foot in worlds that are far away which dreaming brings closer.

For additional writings by Julie Redstone and Messages by Request see Pathways of Light, a part of www.lightomega.org.

Posted on at 3:37 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Weaving Samhain’s Circle

By Staff Writer: G. Brad Harte

Quickly, Quickly come
The Circle is forming
Children from Elders
Fathers with Mothers
Sisters and Brothers
Come quickly
round the Fire gather
Link the Chain
Form the Weave
Weave the Circle
Dance for Our Elders
Dance for Our Kin
Green Man, Green Man
Forests Warden friend
Druid, Druid
Sacred Mage of ages old
round this Fire We dance
Dance the Samhain night
This Night between Realms
Veils parted
Welcoming again the departed
Quickly, Quickly come
round the Fire gather
Weaving Samhains Circle.

Posted on 10/31/2007 at 7:08 pm by Paganus

Gathering Mabon’s Harvest

Mabon 2007 Solitary Practitioners Working.

By Staff Writer: G. Brad Harte

Supplies for Working:
Wooden Bowl
Second smaller wooden bowl for apple core sections
Apple
Wheat biscuit or small wheat cereal biscuits
Slice of cheese
Fruit knife
Small bell

Optional:
Small table or platform
Altar cloth

Celebrant:

Takes bell and moves clockwise.
Rings bell twice in each of the four directions.

Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
Elements of the Physical and Metaphysical.
Mother Earth Gaia.
Akasha Hand and Voice of the ALL.
Be You Honored.
Be You Blessed.

It is the Harvest.
It is the Gathering of the Harvest.
From the Earth We gather the Foods We will need for the
dark and cold Winter.
This is the Fall Equinox.
The hours of Father Sun and Mother Moon are equal.
This is a time of thanksgiving and balancing.
Mabon is the second of a trilogy of Harvest Festivals.
This Equinox is a time of great changes from the Light
unto the Dark.
We mourn that which is passing
We celebrate that which is yet to be.
It is at this time at this Equinox that we stop and consider
and celebrate our gifts from our deities and divinities.
We celebrate and consecrate this symbolic death of the Father-Sun.
So that the Cycles may continue
That the Wheel of Year may circle round
death must be in the Fall so that rebirth may be in the Spring.
Thus we hold sacred this Sabot of Mabons Harvest.
Our Harvest is not just of the Fruits and Grains.
It is also of the Spiritual and Metaphysical.

Holds up wooden bowl with apple and wheat biscuits

From the Mother Earth We have Our fruits
We have Our Grains
We have Our Milks and Cheeses.

From Akasha
Hand and Voice of the ALL
We have Our Guides, Guardians and Muses,
Gods and Goddesses.
We have each in Our own ways
Each according to our preferences and needs
Have Our Espiritus Sanctus.

From the Earth Mother
From the Akasha -
We have Our Harvest for this Sabot of this Year.

Sets bowl back down on table/platform.

From the Mother Earth We have Our Harvest.

Takes knife and cuts apple into four equal sections.

From One We now have Four.

Cuts apple core from each of the four sections.
Sets apple core sections aside into smaller wooden bowl.
Takes smaller bowl and turns clockwise to the four directions.

North South East West.
Elements and Guardians of the Four Directions.
From You comes this apple.
Returned unto You is this Apple.

Tosses a core section to each of the four directions.

From You this apple came.
To You this apple is returned.

Sets small bowl down and picks up four small wheat biscuits.

Wheat.
Grain of the Earth.
From this grain We make and bake Our breads
Our muffins, biscuits and bagels.
From the bounty of the Summer
We Gather the Harvest for the Winter.
With this Harvest We have food for the Winter.

Tosses a biscuit to each of the four directions.

Wheat.
From the Mother Earth this grain came.
To the Mother this grain is returned.

Takes cheese and breaks off four tiny sections.

Cheese.
From the milk of the cow
Farmers companion of the ages.
Source of milk and all milk can be made into.
Oh, Great Placid Mooing One
Thanks!

Tosses cheese sections to the four directions.

From the Mother Earth -
Back to the Mother Earth.

Takes Bell rings three times in each of the four directions.

So thus it was
We gathered the harvest of bounties from the Mother Earth.

So thus it is
We celebrate and consecrate these offerings back to the Mother Earth.

So thus it be
The cycle and circle continues.
From the Mother to Us Her sons and daughters back to the Mother.

The Harvest is Gathered.
The Harvest is Shared.

Takes a bite of apple and cheese.

Thanks for the apple and cheese.

As it was
As it is
As it will be.

Blessings Be.

Takes Bell and moves counter-clockwise ringing bell three
times in each direction.

This working is closed.
Blessings unto the Elements and Guardians of the Four Directions.
Blessings unto the Earth Mother Gaia.
Blessings Unto Akasha Hand and Voice of the ALL.
In Perfect Love
In Perfect Trust You joined this Solitary Celebrant in this working.
I cannot dismiss that which is always with Me.
I thank You for You presence here today.
I thank You for Your presence in My life every day.
Blessings Be.
This working is closed.
I shall return.

Mabon Harvest Home Cake Recipe

Mix 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup water and 1 cup lard. Bring to a simmering boil for 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. After cooling completely, beat in 1 egg. Add 3 cups flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and one teaspoon each of powdered cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Beat into mixture for 2 minutes and pour into greased cake pan. Top with 1 cup of chopped nuts of your choice and bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, Serve with butter or cream. Happy Harvest!

Foodstuffs: Grapes, Acorns, Wheat Bread, Goat, Indian Corn, Horn of Plenty, Cornbread, Corn, Root Crops (ie Onions, Carrots, Potatoes, etc.), Nuts, Dried Fruits, Apples, Beans, and Squash.

Drinks: Wine, Ale, and Cider.

Colours: (for those who work with Candle Magick): Red, Deep Gold, Orange, Brown, Maroon, Violet, Russet, Yellow, and Indigo. Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.

Animals: Dogs, Wolves, Stag, Birds of Prey (especially the Blackbird, Owl, and Eagle), Salmon, and Goat.

Mythical Creatures: Gnomes, Sphinx, Minotaurs, Cyclops, Andamans, and Gulons.

Stones: Yellow Topaz, Carnelian, Sapphire, Yellow Agate, Lapis Lazuli, and Amethyst. Also, river or stream stones which have been submerged for the Summer may be used.

Plants: Vines, Garlands (made of these various plants), Gourds, Pine Cones, Acorns, Wheat, Dried Leaves, Corn, Pomegranate, Ivy, Hazel, Hops, Cedar, and Tobacco.

Herbs: Myrhh, Thistles, Tobacco, Oak Leaves, Hazel, Mums, Hops, Acorns, Marigold, Roses, Sage, Milkweed, Solomon’s Seal, Asters, Ferns, Honeysuckle, Benzoin, Passionflower, Pine, and Cedar. Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, solomon’s seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.

Incenses: Aloes Wood, Cinnamon, Cloves, Benzoin, Jasmine, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sage.

Dieties: All wine Deities (especially Dionysus and Bacchus), the Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess, Persephone, Thor, Modron, Morgan, Snake Woman, Epona, Pamona, Muses, Mabon, Thoth, Hermes, Hotei, Harvest Deities, and Aging Deities.
The Green Man.

Symbols:
Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.

Activities:
Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Spellworkings:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.

Mabon Links…

Mabon mythology
KILHWCH AND OLWEN or the TWRCH TRWYTH (Translation by Lady Charlotte Guest)
Apples and Apple Trees in Western European Myths, Legends, and Folklore
Harvest Facts, Customs, Folklore and Tradition
Orkney Harvest Lore
Fall Foliage Facts
The Elders Speak: About Autumn
Folk Legends & Myths About Predicting Winters
Festivals Of Autumn (India)
Slavic Pagan Holidays - Autumn
Johnny Appleseed
Great Moments in Apple History
Applelore
Recipes
Seed cake
Caraway Seed Cake
Irish Potato Cake
Apple Harvest Cake
Hazelnut cake recipe
Cranberry Cornbread Native American Harvest Recipes
Harvest Feast Recipes- Modern Versions
Harvest Broth - CAWL CYNHAEAF
Hazelnut-Chocolate Soup
Applesauce
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Allspiced Cider
Dudley Eppel’s Hot Cider-Cranberry Punch
Notchland “Muddled” Cider
Cider & Apple Wine Recipes
Michigan Apple Juice/Cider Recipes
Boiled Cider Pie
Apple Cider Jelly
Poteen From Ireland
Harvest Things to do
Scarecrow
Corn Placemats
Autumn Activities
Decorated Raffia Braid with Potpourri and Fall Florals
Apple Votive
Colorful Leaf Placemats
Autumn wreaths
Acorn Wreath
Stained Glass Window
Corn Mazes
Baker’s Clay Cornucopia
Cornucopi a Wreath
Fun Fall Facts links
Fall Color Hotline
Autumn in Killarney
Hipparchus of Rhodes
Precession of the Equinoxes
Precessi on of the Earth’s Rotation Axis
Precession of the Equinoxes
Precession of the Equinoxes Impact on Astrology

Research Source References:

http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/4885/mabon.html
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabon.htm
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.?a=usma&c=holidays&id=3623

Recipe Source Reference:

http://www.isisbboks.com/mabon-autumn-equinox.asp

Mabon Links Reference:

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.?a=usma&c=holidays&id=3623

Posted on 9/19/2007 at 4:12 pm by Paganus

INSANITY

Contribution by: Ag Swen

Wild wind whipped at the face
Though all the outlets are closed
White glared at the One from all sides
A mockery of color in this endless maze.

Near or far matters not
Neither does friend or foe
This is a game One wants to play
Was there a more captivating deity than Medusa?

Leave me alone,the One shouts
Their fangs green in dripping poison
Oh,this dance is sublime under the pale moon
Mute torture rips the body urging him to cry.

Cry? the One smirks, who is he to cry?
Did Lilith cry when she was kicked out
condemned in eternal damnation,glorifying her Sin,
burning at stakes, gentle wind carried her ash away.

Does the One own enough blood to wet her ash
Enough to turn it into soft mud,so very soft
That he can kneel and sink both his hands
Deep enough to heal the wounds left by those jackals?

But then again no wound can be healed fully
Could even Isis succeed in healing her husband?
Yes, she get him revived, One knows she paid for it
A payment borrowed from One’s Insanity.

Posted on 9/11/2007 at 11:09 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

President Bush Apologizes to Wiccan War Widow Roberta Stewart

At midday today, President George W. Bush met by phone with Roberta
Stewart, a Wiccan from Nevada and member of Circle Sanctuary. The
president apologized to Roberta for her not being invited to the meeting he
held in Reno, Nevada on Tuesday with families of Nevada soldiers killed in
action.

Reports about Roberta not being invited to this meeting began appearing in
the media yesterday and have continued today:
http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20070830/News/108300034

In the press articles, both Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans
United for Separation of Church and State, and Rev. Selena Fox, senior
minister of Circle Sanctuary, called for the president to apologize to
Roberta Stewart, and to give equal respect to soldiers and their families
regardless of their religious orientation.

During the phone call, the president said that he admired Roberta for her
spirit and thanked her for accepting his apology. He also offered his
condolences for the loss of her husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, who was
killed in action in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on September
25, 2005.

Following her phone meeting with the president, Roberta told Selena: “I am
thankful that President Bush offered his condolences and his apology. This
has helped bring some much needed closure for me regarding this recent issue
as well as the struggles I have endured in the Veteran Pentacle Quest
seeking to have my husband properly honored.”

Both Rev. Fox and Rev. Lynn have expressed their appreciation for the
president’s phone meeting with Roberta:

Rev. Fox: “I am glad that President Bush provided this support to Roberta
– it has helped remedy this recent problem as well as helped heal the
stress that Roberta has endured since her husband was killed in action.
It also is a positive development for Wiccans and other Pagans who are
serving and who have served in the US military and their families in the
quest for equal respect and equal rights in society.”

Rev. Lynn: “The president has done the right thing, and his apology to
Stewart should be commended. All veterans of war, regardless of their
faith, should be honored and treated with the utmost respect, especially
from their commander-in-chief. We are pleased the president recognized his
slight of Stewart was wrong.”

Americans United for Separation of Church and State has issued a press
release commending President Bush for apologizing to Roberta:
http://www.au.org

Rev. Lynn interviewed Roberta for his Culture Shocks show shortly after the
President apologized to her. The show will broadcast today and will be
archived on-line tomorrow: http://www.cultureshocks.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact:

Rev. Selena Fox: 608-924-2216
Executive Director, Lady Liberty League
selena@circlesanctuary.org

Angie Buchanan: 847-456-4833
Public Relations Director, Lady Liberty League
angie@circlesanctuary.org

Paula Johnson: 954-471-1435
Media Relations Coordinator, Lady Liberty League
paula@circlesanctuary.org

Background information on the Veteran Pentacle Quest Success:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle

Posted on 8/31/2007 at 12:21 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

Wiccan War Hero’s Widow Excluded From President Bush’s Meeting

Wiccan War Hero’s Widow Excluded From President Bush’s Meeting With
Veterans’ Families

Rev. Barry Lynn Demands Presidential Apology

On Tuesday, August 28, following an address to the American Legion’s
national convention in Reno, Nevada, President George W. Bush met with
northern Nevada family members of soldiers who have perished in combat.

Roberta Stewart, a Wiccan whose husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, was killed
in combat in the war in Afghanistan, was not invited.

“I’m upset that I wasn’t invited,” Roberta said of the meeting. “I think it
is because of my faith. I feel like I’ve been discriminated against again.”

In 2006, Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) sued the
US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in federal court representing
Roberta Stewart; her church, Circle Sanctuary; and others. AU argued that
the VA’s refusal to recognize the pentacle as a symbol of faith violated
the religious liberty rights of Wiccan service members and their families
and subverted the separation of church and state.

Earlier this year, the VA settled the lawsuit and finally added the
pentacle to its list of religious symbols that are permitted on the
gravestones it issues to honor deceased veterans.

“I had hoped that with this settlement, that finally the Executive branch
of the federal government was giving equal treatment to Wiccan veterans and
their families. However, it seems that the White House is still not doing
this, and I find the exclusion of Roberta Stewart from this meeting
appalling,” said Rev. Selena Fox, senior minister of Circle Sanctuary.
Sgt. Stewart’s VA-issued gravestone with pentacle was dedicated on Memorial
Day at the church’s national cemetery near Barneveld, Wisconsin.

The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, also
condemned Bush’s snub of Stewart. “The president should issue an apology
to Roberta Stewart,” Lynn said. “She stood courageously for religious
freedom for all soldiers, and the president was wrong to treat her so
shabbily.”

During the litigation, AU attorneys unearthed evidence that the VA’s
refusal to recognize the pentacle may have been motivated by bias toward
the Wiccan faith.

It appeared that the VA did not want to recognize the faith, which
President Bush has publicly derided in the past.

Lynn said the president’s snub of Roberta Stewart smacked of retaliation
for her public and successful stand against the administration policy.

“President Bush seems to be continuing a pattern of hostility toward the
Wiccan faith,” he said. “That’s an outrage. America is a nation of great
religious diversity, and all public officials, especially the president,
have an obligation to serve all of the people. Our Constitution mandates
equal treatment of all faiths.”

See also these other reports released August 29, 2007:

Las Vegas Review Journal: Wiccan Practitioner’s Widow not invited to Bush
meeting
http://www.lvrj.com/news/9441071.html

KTVN Television: Wiccan Widow Says Wasn’t Invited to Meet Pres. Bush
http://www.ktvn.com/Global/story.asp?S=7000560

Americans United Protests Presidential Snub of Wiccan War Widow:
http://www.au.org/

For further information and interviews contact:

Roberta Stewart
(775) 223-6638

Rev. Selena Fox, Senior Minister, Circle Sanctuary
(608) 924-2216
selena@circlesanctuary.org

Paula Johnson, Media Relations Coordinator, Lady Liberty League
(954) 471-1435
paula@circlesanctuary.org

More information about the Veteran Pentacle Quest victory:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle

Posted on at 12:20 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

Circle Sanctuary is now accepting applications

Circle Sanctuary is now accepting applications for Communications Editor,
a new full time position at its headquarters near Barneveld, Wisconsin.

The Communications Editor position involves writing, editing, layout,
design, networking, and other duties for a variety of in-print and online
publications produced by Circle Sanctuary. It also involves helping
produce Circle Sanctuary events in Wisconsin and collaborating with staff
on other projects. An important part of this position is serving as
Assistant Editor for CIRCLE Magazine
(http://www.circlesanctuary.org/circle) – the Fall 2007 issue has just
been released and includes a forum on Wands & Staffs plus a special
section on the Veteran Pentacle Quest victory.

Qualified individuals interested in being considered for this
Communciations Editor position should apply by email
(staff@circlesanctuary.org) as soon as possible. Deadline for
applications is September 22, 2007. More details on qualifications,
benefits, & how to apply are on-line:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/staffopening

Posted on 8/19/2007 at 1:16 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

New Web Religions

Written By: Jim Dandy

You may laugh and call the Jedi Knight Religion preposterous, but it’s gaining popularity everyday because of the connectivity of the internet, and because it appeals to a younger, faster, more mobile generation.

Why do we need Religion anyway?

There has to be some moral code to help us understand the world; we all must realize that if there were no religion this planet would become the darkest dungeon and all of us the most unfortunate creatures. We’ve just got to have something…

Don’t give me that Old Time Religion

Hinduism is by far the oldest religion, originating around 1500 BC, but Christianity has been around for over two thousand years, and Islam is almost fifteen hundred years old. Buddhism was founded in the fourth or fifth century B.C. in northern India by a man called Siddhartha Gautama, the son of a warrior prince. All of these faiths were spread by the pen and the sword, and now we must ask ourselves isn’t it time for something new, something fresh?

New Technology always breeds new Humanities

It’s a little known fact that Gutenberg could barely pay his rent. After inventing movable type (in Europe) in 1450 AD, Johannes Gutenberg went bankrupt putting the Holy Bible into print. He was ‘let go’ by his investor when he could not repay the small business loan he secured for the enterprise. Making 180 bibles, simultaneously, on one press took twelve or more craftsmen over one year - they averaged 180 presses of one type set (six pages in 180 bibles) every four days. Before the project began Gutenberg had to create 100,000 pieces of lead type and buy a huge quantity of paper and vellum. The completed bibles sold for 30 florins each and the demand was sufficient to sell the entire stock upon completion with some commercial success - minus lawyer fees.

The transistor radio did more to spread Christianity in Africa in the 1960’s and 70’s than two thousand years of Catholic missionaries. In most cases the messages brought enlightenment, theological cohesion, and eventually revolution. What new religions will the internet foster?

The Jedi Knights

A few years ago in England, a very popular email campaign invited British citizens to declare themselves as members of the Jedi Religion when they filled out the 2001 UK census. According to UK census literature, if 10 000 people indicated they were of a particular faith then that religion would be officially recognized by future data collectors and have its very own number code in forthcoming census documents. It worked. History has now recorded that 390,000 Jedi Knights live in the United Kingdom, and that makes it Britain’s fourth largest religion.

According to their sacred movies, Jedi’s practice an ancient religion accessing cosmic energy known as ‘The Force’, the essence of the universe that binds everything together. Yes one’s knowledge and mastery of The Force brings great powers over all living things, and even some machines. To some people Star Wars is just a film. But for others it’s a philosophy, a way of life. Through meditation, Jedi warriors try to find their own inner strength and realize their own individual destinies.

Matrixism - The Path of the One

A Pathist or a Matrixist believes we are all prisoners living in a cell that we cannot see, smell or touch. The key to open the door to perception is often thought to be LSD or psilocybin mushrooms; according to their geocities website, it is necessary is for one to recognize psychedelics as a valid method of spiritual practice.

The Rise of Cyber Spiritualism

Online dating sites abound with claims of being “spiritual but not religious". Western society’s interest in reincarnation and Native American spirits has never been higher. Plain, simple, undefined ’spirituality’ is really hot these days. The warm and fuzzy aura that surrounds a ’spiritual person’ is very fashionable, and that appeals to the instant messenger, mobile phone generation in the west. Many western students now instinctively accord a sense of “spiritual wisdom” to ancient traditions. Self-help aisles in bookstores address a “spiritual void” many perceive in their lives.

It’s significant to note however, that when asked, most acolytes would be hard pressed to come up with what exactly it means to be spiritual. Many young people will explain the notion by referencing a more (or less) progressive version of their parent’s faith, perhaps incorporating a subset of fresh ideas, symbols, and rituals. Some might define it as a syncretic mix of multiple faiths; others may think of it as a non-denominational mystical feeling and reverence for a force larger than themselves, such as nature.

The fertile young minds of the internet generation are just waiting for a new moral code to unite them in a realistic belief structure, online.

http://www.wondercafe.ca/display_index.php?pageName=discussion_view&loadedFrom=Index&tid=5473&type=discussion

Posted on 7/21/2007 at 11:52 am by Mistress Ravenfyre

You May Be Dating A Chaotic IF

Contributed by: Lord Snowtiger

The Top Ten Hints Of Dating A Chaotic.

You May Be Dating a Chaotic IF:

1. You take her to an M.C. Escher showing and she remarks ” Wow! What a great photographer.”

2. A cat vomits in front of your house and she tries to do a “read".

3. During moments of passion she yells out in an ancient Babylonian tongue not heard since 23 B.C.

4. Every time she says “oops” your skin crawls off your body.

5. She cries when the demons die in Van Helsing.

6. She finds baphomets “cute".

7. She giggles during the exorcist.

8. You notice a painting in her house follows you with it’s “eyes” and its a landscape.

9. While out with the boys you check out another woman and suddenly suffer from painful rectal itch.

10. You read this article and only nodded.

Peace be with you

Posted on 7/3/2007 at 1:59 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

“Charge of the Parents”

[b][i]Charge of the Parents[/i][/b]
[b]By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard[/b]

I am Your Mother.
I am Your Father.
We have been with You always.
Remember Us.
Return to Us.
Come home to Us.
We are Your Parents.
We bring You into life
We take You out of life.
The life You have is Ours to give
It is Ours to take away.
I am Your Father.
I am the Sun that lights and warms Your days.
I am Your Mother.
I am the Moon that lightsYour nights.
We are Your Parents.
From before the start of time till after the end of time
We have been with You.
In the light of day
In the dark of night
We are with You.
Form Your circles
Dance,
Sing,
Quietly meditate.
Consecrate Your days Celebrate Your nights.
This is Your time
This is Your place.
Celebrate Your days Consecrate Your nights.
Light the incense
Burn the candles
Share the food and drink.
Observe Your Rites and Rituals.
Remember the Ways of Your mortal Elders.
Find a tree, sit in silent sanctuary, and be as one with Us.
We are Your Parents.
Come Home to Us.

Posted on 6/7/2007 at 8:00 pm by Paganus

Earth Mother Awakenings

By Staff Writer: G. BradHarte

Earth Mother

We honour Your Body

Earth Mother

We honour Your Bones

Earth Mother

We sing to Your Spirit

We sing to Your Stones.

-Druid Chant- -Anonymous-

Gate Keeper

Open the Portals between the Gods and Mortals

Power freely flows

When our magick grows

-Druid Chant- -Anonymous-

We approach the Sacred Grove

With Hearts and Minds and Flesh and Bone

Join us now in ways of old

We have come home

-words by Sean Miller

Light the Fires.

Bang the Drums.

Dance the Maypole.

In the Germanic countries it’s Walpurgisnacht.

In the modern Irish it is Mi na Bealtaine {"month of Bealtaine"}.

In the English countries it’s May Day.

For Celts, Druids, Wiccans and assorted Pagans it is simply Beltane.

Down through history’s centuries the festival was celebrated around or about

May 1st in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Similar and closely related festivals

were held at the same time in Wales, Brittany as well as Cornwall. The Welsh, Bretons and Cornish did not, and do not, celebrate La Bealtaine. In Wales the day is known as Calan Mai and the Gaulish name is Belotenia. Among the Pagan and Wiccan Sabbats,

Beltane is a cross-quarters festival. In the Northern hemisphere it is celebrated May 1st.

In the Southern hemisphere is it observed on November 1st. [1]

Beltane marks the passage of the earth from the cold fallow season into the warming growing season. The earth is slowly awakened from her winter slumber. This festival marks the return and rebirth of earth’s bounty. [2]

Beltaine, translated, means ‘bright fire’ or ‘bale fire’. On Beltaine the Celts would

build two large fires using the nine sacred woods. The fires are an invocation to bel (Belenos). The cattle herds were driven ritually between the two fires to purify, bring luck and protect them on their way to their summer grazing lands. [2]

This is a time-between-times. The veils between the worlds/realms are thinnest at this time. Like Samhain this is a time of magick, when the two realms mix and intermingle and you may just see if you are awake and alert enough elves, faeries and perhaps even a sprite. Be alert this night for the Queen of the Fae riding on her white horse.

IF you are sitting beneath a tree on t his night and the Queen comes riding by, hide your face, otherwise you may be riding off to the Otherworld.

Celebrate.

Consecrate.

Join in the Circle.

It’s May Day.

It’s Beltaine.

Come dance the Maypole.

Come join the Awakening.

Awakenings.

Dawn’s First Light

From over distant mount

Bird’s song of morn

Rabbit’s run

Squirrel’s scrounge

Out from under

Up and about

Gather and grab

Snatch and go

Cheek pockets filled

Scampering scramble

Back to nest

Down to den

Home again.

Pepper tree

leaves falling

rain of green.

Water falling

Flat rock

Quiet splashes.

Doves on ground

Feeding

No hawks nearby.

Birds

Swooping and diving

Sky dancing.

Bee

Busily buzzing

Making honey.

Acorn into Tree

Seed into Plant

Caterpillar to Chrysalis to Butterfly

Winter’s Cold Empty Dark to

Spring’s Warm Growing Light

Out of Oblivion’s Darkness.

Awakenings.

[1] Beltane: Wikipedia

[2] Beltane - Holiday Details and History
Christina Aubin
Posted: April 30th, 2000
Witchnox
Witchvox

Posted on 4/27/2007 at 7:46 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Resurections #1

[b]Written and Posted by: Paganus Greybeard[/b]

Flying with Angels
Fallen
Crawling with Demons.

Silent Dark
Empty Cold
Solitary Path
Walking Alone.

Shattered.
Scattered.
Thousands Shards of Self.
Integrate.
Consolidate.
Amalgamate.
Become One.

Living as Lost.
Living as Dead.

Walking the Desert
Three Years Walking
Seems like Thirty
Going nowhere
No where to go
Circles.

Under the Tree -
Beside the Path
Sitting
Meditating.
Reading.
Writing.
Learning.
Growing.
Grounding.
Centering .
Balancing.

Cold
Empty
Dark
Alone.

Voice heard
Voice responded to
Guidance heard-
Directions received.

Up from Oblivion
Moving Slowly
Moving.

No longer alone
Lord & Lady walking beside
Companionship.
New Guide also walking alongside.
Calming influence.
Guides advising
Guardians protecting
Muses inspiring
Getting the work done.

Many into One
One for the Many
One for the All.

Walking on.
Walking a new path?
Or is it the old path walked anew?
Let’s Walk.
Let’s Resurrect
Upward -
Onward -
Into the Light.

Posted on 4/13/2007 at 5:21 pm by Paganus

Zoom - Zoom

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Zoom-Zoom

Working.

Doing.

Being.

Face-in-the-Miror -

Be aware.

I am here.

Very little sleep.

Many hours awake.

I just keep pushing forever forward, onward..

I push forward.

Nothing had better get in My way.

Nothing whatsoever.

I will crash through it.

I will leave it shattered and splattered.

Do not even think of getting in My way.

It matters not Whom or What You are.

You will also get shattered and splattered.

No joke.

No empty words.

I have the means and capability to enforce this.

I have enforced this in the past.

I have no problem with enforcing this in the present or future.

No problem whatsoever.

I have been trained to not have any problems with doing whatever must be done to accomplish whatever must be done.

Whatever I may need to do I will do.

Anything whatsoever.

Be aware.

I’m coming right straight on through.

Are You in the way?

Move it or loose it.

You may not have much time to decide.

The clock is ticking, I coming on

I am not slowing down

I am not stopping.

Shatter? Splatter?

Or get out of the way?

Half-awake I batter and crash onward.

I do not stop.

I will not stop.

I cannot stop.

Face-in-the-Mirror -

I have spoken.

Have You listened?

Have You heard?

Zoom Zoom.

Posted on 3/4/2007 at 1:40 am by Paganus

Triplus Poema

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

No Demons Season

Alone I stand -
Alone I walk -
Alone I am.

In Captivity Cold -
Wrapped in Chains -
Bottom of Pit Remains -
My Inner Demon.

Escape did not -
Escape will not -
Confinement continues -
Locked away.

Darkest Weeks passed -
First time in Years -
Last Week -
First Week -
No Sight -
No Sound -
Nothing At All -
For this First Ever -

No Demons Season.

Walking Beyond

Here
There
Beyond

Here
This World & Nation -
This Realm & Reality -
Fragile.
Faint.
Ephemeral.

There
Another Here -
Yet -
Not exactly -
Quite -
For that Here -
is
There -
Away.
Delicate.
Breakable.
Broken.

Beyond
Not Here
Not even There
Outside -
For escaping Inside -
Shapless -
Shapes have Sides -
Formless -
Forms have Shapes -
Null Shape -
Non Form -
Side’s Out -
In’s Reverse -
Backward’s Forward -
Spin’s Dizzy -
Swirl -
Step’s buy bye Step -
Twirl -
Twist -
Move -
Leap -

Be -
Above -
Below -
Inside -
Outside -
There & Here -
Shapeless Forms -
Square Circles -
Round Squares.

Peg’s Boards -
Of the One -
Into the Other -
Not mixed -
Not watched -
Circles -
Squares -
Thrice Angles -
Neither’s Nor.

Out’s Side’s In.
In’s Side’s Out.

Shakedown -
TakeDown -
Breakdown.

Straight Down to Heaven.

Walking Beyond.

Step Walking

Stepping Forward -
Stepping Beyond.

Step buy bye Step -
Forward Two -
Backward One -
Progress Made -
Unmade.

Walking Forward -
Standing Still.

Moving Here to There -
Where is -
Where will be -
Never was -
Never be -
Place -
Function & Form -
Shape & Structure -
Mundanian Physical -
Everyday’s ‘reality’ -
Elsewhere’s ‘meta-reality’ -
Shapeless Shape -
Formless Form -
From Physical Mundane -
Metaphysical Extraordinary -
Daily Journey.

Stepping Forward -
Walking Forward -
Standing Still -
Stepping Beyond.

Step Walking.

Posted on 1/22/2007 at 9:53 pm by Paganus

Eragon - The Original Book

Eragon - the OriginalBook
Authored By: Christopher Paolini
Reviewed By: Ouroboros Astorious

Lost by an Elf -
Found by a Rider -
Sought by a Deranged Despot.
It is blue and outwardly resembles a mountain stone.
It is brought home, marveled at, and set aside as a curious novelty.
Set aside till it begins to hatch.
For the young lad Eragon this is no simple, pretty blue stone.
This is a Dragon’s Egg.
This is Saphira.

She is tiny - as once We all were.
She learns, grows and develops.
So too does Eragon.
Concealed in the nearby woods Saphira quickly grows and develops
into a flying, telepathic Blue Dragon.
It is none too soon.
For the Agents of the Despot are coming closer - closing in….

One Boy -
One Dragon -
A World of Adventure.

As written by Christopher Paolini “Eragon” is 497 pages and is the
first in the “Inheritance” trilogy. Published by Alfred A. Knopf
the book was originally published by Paolini International, L.L.C.
in 2002. After a grueling series of 130 ‘homemade’ ‘book tours’ in 2002
in the Northwest, magic {and a new editor} arrived in the form of Michele Frey
from Knopf. Christopher met Michele at Island Books bookstore on Seattle’s
Mercer Island. Christopher’s mother - Talitha - had received an email
from Knopf saying that Frey wished buy the Trilogy for the Knopf Imprint
of Random House’s Children’s Books. This raised a question - how did Michele Frey
even know of “Eragon” and the “Inheritance Trilogy"? Carl Hiaasen had been in the
Northwest with his family on a fly fishing vacation when his stepson Ryan picked up the book and loved it.
He then read it and liked it so much He called his editor at Knopf who passed the book on to Frey.

This is written, published and sold as fiction.
Human fiction.
Since Blue Dragons, young boys who ride them, ‘magic’ and great cities
under giant mountains do not really readily exist in what You Human’s
are so insistent to call the ‘real world’ - what else can this be but ‘fiction’?
Fiction written by a teen-aged Human Scribe.
For that reason alone this book is a magnificent and most amazing find.
As a story young Paolini has conceived a multi-segment adventure that is most readable.
The characters are well developed and defined.
The included map, pronunciation and ancient language guides greatly enhance
the reader’s ability to visualize and understand the countryside realm in which
this adventure transpires.

As the Staff Dragon for MysticWtich.com I rather enjoyed this book.
You Human’s have always been good at telling stories.
I can easily recommend this book - and not just for young readers.
Go Forth - Read - and Enjoy.

As I read yet another book.
I have selected some few books from this Lair’s extensive Cache to
share with You. It’s winter and cold. What else is there to do?
I will read some books and write some reviews.
So what is the next book on the list?
A Dragon’s work is never done….

Behave Yourselves!
Ascend! - Transcend! - Transform!

Posted on 1/18/2007 at 2:38 pm by Paganus

Book of Ganesha

Book of Ganesha
Royina Grewal // Illus. Arwinder Chawla
Viking Penguin India
© 2001
ISBN: 0-67-004908-5
www.Penguinbooksindia.com
146 pages

Fascinating book.
Much I understand - So very much I do not.
‘Deva’s & Sura’s & Bodhisattvas & Ganapatya’s.
Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu, Parvatti, Agni and other deities -
proto, semi, hemi and demi.
Total confusion in some respects.
Yet - in some respects clarity and and simple, basic understanding.
The Tales and Myths often overlap and frequently conflict.
It’s like a socio-cultural House of Infinite Mirrors. Aspects of Aspects
Anywhere and Everywhere. Name Changes. Different Origins.
Different parents - and in one particular myth Ganesha is the
Father/Parent of All and Everything that Follows.
Confusions and Complications included - this is a most illuminating
and enlightening work.

Much of the difficulty with the book is that it was not written for a western reader.
This book was written for a reader in the Indian SubContinent. I do not know these terms.
Deva? Sura? Ganapatya’s? I have no idea what these are. A reader in Delhi would.
I was for that reader that this book was written.

Yet - for all of that - I was meant to have, hold and read this book.
I am fighting a seriously lingering head/chest cold as I I hand-scribble these words.
These words may not be typed/keyboarded till January.
I was at Barnes & Noble.
Yes.
I was at Barnes & Noble - again.
I was there for another - far different - book.
They are currently out-of-stock on that other book.
So I thanked the lovely lady at Customer Service and walked on.
I was not even fully aware of where I was headed to in the store.
I found Myself at ‘Eastern Religions’.
I stood there scanning the shelves.
There then was this single, small, thin book.
It was as though it was the only book there.
A very clear case of being guided directly to the book I was to read today.
So I bought it.
brought it home,
and between coughing fits,
read it.
Read all of it.
It’s only 146 pages.

I have only a couple of questions:

-) Lord Ganehsa - why this book - now?

-) What am I to get from this?

-) It’s an excellent ‘primer’ on Ganesha. I however, work with Dragons.
Do Dragons and Lord Ganesha go/work together?

-) Am I even asking the right questions?

-) Are there even any ‘right’ questions?

Lord Ganesha - I am beyond confused.
I have to admit I did what I was guided and directed to do.
I simply do not understand the ‘why’ of it.
I ask for no ‘boon’ other than comprehension and understanding.
OR - if that is not to be part of ‘the plan’ - perhaps another bit of guidance
and direction?

Lord Ganesha is the Patron Deity of Writers and Students.
I am Paganus Greybeard.
For the Mystress - I am both Writer, Student and Administrator.
Lord Ganesha helps Writers and Students.
That much - so far - I do understand.

This is an excellent book on Ganesha.
It may not be all that easily found - even at Barnes & Noble.
My finding it was a bit magickal and serendipitous.
There is - however - the online URL for Penguin Books India.
You might be able to access and find the book that way.

Now if I could just get rid of this cold so I can think clearly.
I might re-read “Ganehsa” and find that bit of guidance and direction.
It seems the most logical place to start.

Posted on 1/4/2007 at 10:43 pm by Paganus

Frankincense and Myrrh

Frankincense

Latin Name: Boswellia carterii
Folk Names: Olibans, Olibanum, Olibanus
Gender: Masculine, Hot
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Ra, Baal
Part Used: Gum
Powers: Protection, Exorcisms, Spirituality, Purifications, Consecrations
Ritual Uses: Burnt at dawn to honour the arising Sun God Ra.
It is included in some of the ritual incenses used by the Catholic Church.
Magickal Uses: When burned uplifts vibrations and energizes but also aids in
driving out ‘evil’ and negativity. It is also burned to assist in meditations
and visulizations [vision quests]. Added to sachets for luck, spiritual growth
and protection.

Myrrh

Latin Name: Commiphora Myrra
Folk Names: Gum Pyrrh, Karah, Mirra Balsom Odendron
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Deities: Isis, Ra, Adonis, Marion
Part Used: Resin
Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality
Ritual Uses: Myyrh was burned for Ra at Noon,
and was also fumed in the Temples of Isis.
Magickal Uses: Myrrh, in combination with Frankincense,
is burned to purify an area, lift the vibrations and create peace.
Myrrh is rarely burned by itself. Myrrh increases the power
and effectiveness of the incense to which it is added.
It is also used in sachets.

Frankincense and Myrrh are often considered two of the gifts
presented to the Baby Christos by the Wise Men of ther East.
It is not known exactly whom these traveling Wise Men were
but since they had - at that time - the rare and valuable spices
Frankincense and Myrrh they could possibly have been
Traders or Monks/Priests from the East - even possibly China.
Many ancient predictions and prophesies were purportedly
fulfilled by the Bethlehem Nativity. Not all of the predictions
and prophedies were Biblical.

References:

1) Cunningham Encyclopeadia of Magickal Herbs
Scott Cunningham
Second Edition
© 1988 Scott Cunningham & 2000 Scott Cunningham Estate
Lewellyn Publications
www.llewellyn.com

Posted on 12/22/2006 at 9:42 pm by Paganus

Heffalumps and Woozles

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Strange days -
Weird energies -
Long hours -
Cold mornings -
Warming Afternoons -
One morning this working week some energies came by -
Around 10:30 in the AM it was -
Still slowly warming up with frosty mental fuzz -
Song appeared -
‘bangin’ ’round ‘n ’bout in the brain -
“Heffalumps and Woozles”
sung to the music of the old tv series “Addams Family” -
Strange that -
The words and music fit -
So why am I thinking of Cousin Itt? -
Makes no cents -
Perhaps some British pence -
or even a Zloty or two? -
Don’t know ’bout You -
but nothing here seems to fit -
Might be time to give it over to Fester and Itt -
as this Solitaire Greybeard does sit and in these quiet hours observes -
and has the passing thought -
perhaps all of this is a message -
I sent My Dragons out -
Perhaps this is their message -
I know Dragons have a sense of humour -
But “Heffalumpos and Woozles” sing to “Addams Family"?

Ah well -
Dragons -
Huffenstuff and Puff -
and Away We Go!

Posted on 12/14/2006 at 12:06 am by Paganus

Tiny Climber

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Tiny little ant -
crawling, crawling -
up, up faux-marble pillar -
where are you going? -
what is there? -
tiny climber?

Posted on 12/12/2006 at 11:22 pm by Paganus

Sharings - 12, 2006

Time.
Hours.
Days.
Dark to Light to Dark all around the Cycle.
Quiet.
Noisy.
Busy.
Moments of Inner Study,
Understanding and Outward Sharing -
The Solemnis Solitaire Sits -
Observes -
Writes -
Shares.

Black Cat dumpster scrounging -
scramble fast away -
parked by palm -
early morning arrival -
empty lot -
City still asleep -
sleeepy chirp of unseen featherhead -
“Go away. Sun not up yet.”
Suit rides up -
Suit, tie, fighting yawns -
bicycle in locker -
laptop over shoulder -
off to coffeehouse -
newspaper delivered to racks -
lot begins to fill -
first stirrings -
hint of dawn -
this working mondae begins -
slowly.11/20/2006

Hours -
Moments -
Slow rising of the Warming Sun -
The DayFather Arrives -
The NightMother softly slips away -

Sun is up -
Cold concrete slowly warming -
Birdseed offered and served.

Offerings found -
Offerings accepted.
Hungry, Hungry. 11/21/2006

Sounds -
nearly half heard stirrings and rustlings -
the day comes slowly alive -

First Light -
Orange, Blue, & Red -
Slow rising dawn -
Soft rustlings -
Quiet Chirpings in the bushes -
Seed offered and accepted -
Cold Morning -
Slow Flying Bee -
Pauses on sweater -
Resting for a moment -
Little ‘chi-chirup’ -
Offerings found -
offerinbgs again accepted.
Winter’s Coming.
Eat, Eat! 11/22/2006

Sitting at pillar -
Faux-stone -
Watching the little events -
Observing the story beneath Our Human feet -

Small Black Bug -
feelers atwich -
up from concrete’s crack -
seeking, searching, sensing -
gust of wind -
dry, brown leaf -
leaf vs. small black bug -
bug back down concrete’s crack -
leaf blows onward -
silly little bug! -
it was only a brown, dried leaf!12/01/2006

Sitting -
Watching -
Observing -
Remaining not above -
Not seperate and distant -
But a silent, observing paricipant -
One of -
One with -
One belonging.

Time -
Hours -
Moments -
Days.
Light and Dark -
Day and Night -
Around the Endless Cycle -
Moments of Inner Study -
Observing, Learning, Sharing -
Thus it was -
This is is -
Thus it will be -
This Paganus the Greybeard -
This Solemnis Solitaire.

Posted on 12/3/2006 at 10:46 pm by Paganus

Bearing the Light

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Light.
Of the Light -
From the Light -
Illumination Spirits -
Guide’s of the path -
Agent’s of the ages -
Occult’s Officers -
Mystic Magi -
Magical Muses -
Ancient Ages Wisdom -
Sages from the Aeon’s -
Warrior’s of the way -
Bearing the Light -
Warmth and Healing unto Winter’s Cold
and Despairing Darkness -
Salve the Sorrows -
Repair the Damage -
Heal the Hurts -
Rebuild, Reset, Redo,
For the Hemisphere North -
The Cold, Dark, Depressingly Despairing Months of Doom,
Prepare the Hearth -
Light the Fires -
Stock the Larders.
The Night are long -
The Storms destructive.
The Harvests gathered.
Comes now the long months of Darkening Cold -
Ice and Snow upon the Ground -
Rivers frozen -
The Land lies fallow -
The Goddess carries on Alone -
Her Lord Lies Dead -
A Childe inside Her Grows -
Hope for the Next Year -
Hope for the Coming Spring.
As this Season lies buried under blankets of frozen white -
White not of life -
White of despair, cold and death -
The Land and its People huddle close -
close by the Fires of the Hearth -
waiting -
waiting -
Waiting for the Light.
Light of Life -
Light of Spring.
Bear the Light.
Bear the Life.
Winter is Coming.
Spring is months away.
Hold alight the Light.
Let not Hope of the Coming Spring Die.
Bear the Light into Winter’s Night.
Bear the Light.

{To Be Continued….}

Posted on 11/16/2006 at 10:07 pm by Paganus

Halloween/Samhain 2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Tiu’s Day - October 31st, 2006
Moon Sign: Aquarius
Moon Phase: Second Quarter
Colour: Lavender
Incense: Rose

Again the ghouls, ghosts, gremlins and ghoblins appear on Our doorsteps.
It’s Halloween.
Costume Shops have been busy.
Candy sales are making merchants happy.

For the sake of the tykes, toddlers and other children out
‘trick-or-treating’ - a few simple safety and security precautions
are suggested.
-) Be careful where You go. Stay in Your own neighborhood if possible.
-) Use reflective costumes - if possible.
-) Carry and use a good, bright, long-lasting flashliight if You go out before dark.
-) If possible do not wait until dark when it is harder to see and be seen.
-) Wait until You get home to eat anything handed out. As the the Adult in the
Family and Household - it is up to You to safeguard the children on this night.
One thing You can do is to hold all the treats handed out.
Do not let any of the children eat anything till You are back home.
Once home - carefully inspect everything You have received.
If You have any questions or doubts about anything - do not let the children eat it
or play with it. Take it to either a Fire Station or a Hospital so It can be examined
or X-rayed if necessary.

It is not just Your Children You need to protect.
Keep Your Dogs and Cats inside if at all possible.
This has long been a night of unspeakable cruelty to Dogs and Cats -
especially black cats.
Keep them inside and safgely away from the neighborhood marauders.

This is not just Halloween.
This is also Samhain.
On this night the veil between the realms and realities thins and parts.
That ghost You thought You heard -
You thought You saw -
perhaps You did See and Hear -
Something or Someone.
Or It may have just have been Granpa’ Ned stoppin’ by for a visit?

This is also the day in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed His ninety-five (95)
theses to the Wittenburg Castle Church’s door - sparking the Protestant Reformaion.
For the ‘Church’ it is ‘All Saints Day’ on Woden’s Day - November 1st.
On Thor’s Day - November 2nd - it is “All Soul’s Day’.

Cast Your Circle -
Raise Youir Shields.
Let’s Be Careful & Cautious out There.
I am Casting a Circle -
I am Raising Shields -
I am Grounding and Centering -
and staying very, very quiet.
May the only ghosts, ghoblins, saints, ghouls and gremlins I see
are children in costumes.

Take Care out there.
Stay Safe, Secure and Out of Harm’s Way out there.
Keep the Children, Dogs and Cats safe out there.

Do No Harm.
Let No Harm Be Done.

So Mote It Be.

Blessings Be.

Posted on 10/30/2006 at 9:55 pm by Paganus

Goddess Letter - Good Fair

By Paganus Greybeard - Staff Writer

It was a good Fair.
For this Paganus it was a good Fair.
I had ‘work’ - such as it was - that got Me out of the Household for
ten (10) days.
I had Challenges to Overcome.
I had Tasks to Accomplish and Ojectives to Achieve.
Goddess - I thank You for all of that.
I had Lessons to learn.
Some I am already learning.
I thank You for the chance to resuce to tiny little kitt.
Finding the lost child was also rewarding.
It was dusty, smelly, draining and exhausting total sensory overload.
I thank You for all of that also.
I thank You also for the unexpected and unwanted challenge of the
‘team leader’. He was not My team’s leader. We had an encounter.
It was quite ugly. His kharma came back and chewed and lunched Him up good.
I am still waiting for My kharma’s verdict.
Aside from the Jury Duty Summons I think I am still clean and clear.
I had the ‘rabbit-totem’ and rescued kitt experiences after that nasty, brief encounter.
I think I might, perhaps have a clue to my kharma’s verdict.
Yes, Goddess.
I thank You even for all of that.
Teaching Moments.
Learning Experiences.
Sharing Moments.
You were tossing basket-full’s of those at Me at Fair.
I probably missed several of Your Lessons and Learning Moments.
I think I might have used a Sharing Moment or three.
It was not so much the ‘work’ - If I can say that with a straight face -
that was so overwhelming. It was the background experience of the
noises, smells, sights and realities of the Fair.
That and the driving home.
That is and was the Big One.
You got Me home every night.
Driving home every night was My biggest challenge of this Fair.
The roads were dark, often not well marked if they were even marked at all,
wet and slippery and in Reche Canyon - narrow and twisty.
Reche Canyon is bad road in the daytime.
At night it is a nightmare.
Even at that it is still better than the Freeway.
Around here almost any road is better than the Freeway.

I am here.
With Your help I made it.
I endured and survived.
I comprehended and understood.
I centered, grounded and shielded.
I succeeded.

This was ‘work’ for ten (10) days.
I need more than this.
If possible - I need it closer.
No more night drives in back-country canyons and hills.
No more gasgging and choking dust.
No more deafeningnoise from ‘Carnivale’ -
“El Toro Huaco” ‘Mexican’ rodeo -
and dirt track motorcycle and sprint and demo derby car races.
Urrggh.
Especailly the last.
I can handle the rodeo.
It’s those dirt-trackers that are a bit much.
For My next paycheck -
and Teaching, Learning and Sharing moments -
Perhaps a nice, quiet office someplace?
I can - at least ask for that?
I can do that - right?

I thank You also for the opportunity to serve the Membership
and Readership of MysticWitch.com.
I thank You for the Mystress. She is a good Editor and Publisher.
She is also a good Teacher and Sharer.
I am lucky to be working with Her.
I also thank You for the Staff of MysticfWitch.
I am lucky to be working with them also.

May tghe baby kitt, baby camel ‘Delilah’ and all of the babies be well tended
and carfed for.
May the 2nd shift ‘dispatch’ be safe anbd secure in Her patrols.
She is a Riverside County Deputy. Not sure how many knew that.
And Yes - Look after “P.". HJe was a pain. Look after Him also.
He pinched his nerves. Perhaps HIs pinched nerves can be a wake-up call
to Him that His Darksider Spirit and Ways is doing as much damage to
Himself as He is to others.
Do No Harm.
Let No Harm Be Done.
Perhaps - in time - even “P.” can learn this.

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be.

Do No Harm.
By Thought, Word or Deed -
Intentionally or unintentionally -
By action or inaction -
Let No Harm Be Done -
To Others or Yourself -
Let No Harm Be Done.

Let’s Be Careful & Cautious out there.
Let’s Remain Out of Harm’s Way out there.

So Mote It Be.

Blessings Be.

Paganus Greybeard
Solemnis Solitaire
BardicMagus/Priest-in-Training

Posted on 10/18/2006 at 9:18 pm by Paganus

Mabon ap Modron 2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Come One -
Come All -
Gather Here -
Gather ‘Round -
You are Invited Here -
You are Welcomed Here -
In this Solemn, Sacred Place -
In this Solemn, Sacred Space.
We are once again united -
Each on Our own separate path -
United in Our Direction and Goal -
Collected together here -
United and Solitary -
Writers and Editors -
Contributors and Visitors -
we are together in this Space -
Mystic Witch.

Spirit of this Sacred Place -
Spirit of this Sacred Space -
We come here to Honour -
We come here to Celebrate -
Spirit of this Sacred Space -
Spirit of this Sacred Place -
We ask Your Blessing for this Gathering -
We ask Your Blessing for this Working -
May Our Words and Actions find Your Blessing.

We Approach this Sacred Space -
We Approach this Sacred Place
With Hearts and Minds and Flesh and Bone -
Join Us now in Ways of Olde -
We Have Come Home.

Earth Mother, We Honour Your Body -
Earth Mother, We Honour Your Bones -
Earth Mother, We Honour Your Spirit -
Earth Mother, We Honour Your Stones.

GateKeeper -
Open the Portals -
Between the Gods the Mortals -
Power Freely Flows as Our Magick Grows.

Opening Invocations:

Celebrant ‘facing’ East:

DayFather Sun -
NightMother Moon -
Aspects of the Eternal, Infinite ALL -
I Honour and Greet You.
Sun of the Day -
Moon of the Night -
I Honour and Greet You.
Sun of the Day who brings Light and Energy and Life to this little blue world -
You are Welcomed Here.
Moon of the Night who brings the Reflected Light of the Sun into Our dark nights -
You are Welcomed Here.

Celebrant ‘facing’ South:

Lord and Lady -
Aspects of the Eternal, Infinite ALL -
I Honour and Greet You.
Lord -
Consort of the Lady -
and Original Image of Male Humanity -
You are Welcomed Here.
Lady -
Companion to the Lord -
and Original Image of Female Humanity -
You are Welcomed Here.

Celebrant ‘facing’ West:

Gaia -
Earth Mother -
Living Spirit of this world -
You are Honoured here -
You are Welcomed Here.

Celebrant ‘facing’ North:

Akasha -
Spiritus Sanctus Aspect of the ALL -
I Honour and Greet You.
Akasha -
who brings the ALL into all Our lives, faiths, beliefs and ‘religions’ -
be it Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, Chaotic, Catholic, Taoist, Protestant,
Baptist, Hindu, Jewish, Lutheran, Shinto, Hebrew, or even humble
Undecided Eclectic -
You are Welcomed Here.
Akasha -
You who - in other faiths - carry other names such as ‘Holy Ghost’, ‘Holy Spirit’, ‘Espiritus
Sancti’ are Sacred to all of Humanity. For without You as the ‘Word’ there would have
been no World. When in the Beginning - When the All - the Original Primal Creator Being - reaches forth across the Heavenly Cosmos and Creation is Created You were the ‘Word’ by which it was done.
You are the ‘Voice of the ALL’.
You are Honoured and Welcomed Here.

Celebrant ‘holding up’ a ‘Cup of Water’:

Water -
Element of Life -
Element of Wisdom from the Wellsprings of the Earth Mother -
You are Honoured and Welcomed Here.
Water -
for whom there Would Not and Could Not be any life here on this little blue world -
You are Honoured here.
Water -
from which all life arose -
We who live upon this little blue world Would Not and Could Not be here without You.
You are Honoured and Welcomed Here.

Celebrant ‘holding up’ a ‘Handful of Earth’:

Earth -
Element of the Very Ground upon which We walk and live -
and the Sacred ‘Flesh’ and ‘Bones’ of the Earth Mother -
You are Honoured and Welcomed here.
Earth -
in and upon which We grow Our foods and build Our homes -
We would have no place to live without You.
You are Honoured and Welcomed Here.
As has been said and sung -
Let now the rocks and stones themselves begin to sing.

Celebrant ‘holding up’ a twig from the Original Primal Tree
{"Yggsradsill"}

Tree -
Element & Representative of all that is Green & Plant upon this
little blue world -
You are Honoured and Welcomed Here.
Tree -
You stand forever tall and majesticly proud.
You offer shade and fruits.
You are home to birds and other small creatures.
You are wood for Our fires and lumber for Our homes and furniture.
You are Tree - an Old and Very Dear Friend.
You who in the ancient Celtic, Druid and Norse traditions connected the
Depths to the Heights of the Heavens -
Who connects the Nine Realms -
Who is the Axis of the Universe -
Be Welcomed Here.
You are very much Welcomed Here.

Celebrant again ‘facing’ East:

Good Morning and Greetings!
DayFather Sun And NightMother Moon I Greet You!
Sun of the Day and Moon of the Night I Greet You!
Element of Air I Honour and Greet you!
Greetings Guides and Guardians of the East!
Spirits of the Air -
Who come on the Winds and Wings of Understanding -
Forever Inquisitive and Curious -
Awaken Our Intuition and Intellect so We may Comprehend and
Understand so that We may Share this Learning with Others so
that They too may Comprehend and Understand.
Be Welcome!
Blessings Be!

Celebrant again ‘facing’ South:

Good Morning and Salutations!
Hawaiian Goddess of Fire Pele I Honour and Greet You!
Element of Fire I Greet & Honour You!
Greetings Guides and Guardians of the South!
Spirits of Fire who come to warm Our hearths and hearts -
who Illuminate and Light Our Lives -
who Heal Our Physical wounds and Emotional and Psychic sorrows -
who Make Us strong -
Aid Us as We give honour and respect
to those of Us who have ‘traveled onward’.
Bring Us warmth - but not so much as We cook Ourselves.
Be Welcome!
Blessings Be!

Celebrant facing West:

Good Morning & Merry Meet!
Sea Nymph Galatea I Honour and Greet You!
Element of Water I Greet & Honour You!
Greetings Guides and Guardians of the West!
Spirits of Water who come to cool Us down on days of heat -
who come to wash away the negative, hurtful and damaging -
who softly and gently salve Our wounds and hurts -
who bring Us cooling in these days of summer.
Be Welcome!
Blessings Be!

Celebrant ‘facing’ North:

Good Morning & Hail & Well Met!
Earth Mother Gaia I Honour and Greet you!
Element of Earth I Greet & Honour You!
Greetings Guides and Guardians of the North!
Spirits of Earth who dwell within this planet -
Friends of Humankind -
Seen and Unseen -
Known and Unknown -
Sons and Daughter’s of Earth Mother Gaia -
who support and uphold Us -
who nurture and sustain the flowers and trees,
who watch out for and protect Us mortals all -
Be Welcomed here.
Blessings Be.

Celebrant Very Slowly turning Clockwise:

Lord and Lady -
Gods and Goddesses -
Aspects of the ALL -
Who was here before Anything & Everything -
Who will still be here after Everything and Anything is long gone -
IF it be Thy Will -
Bless this ‘Working’ with Your presence -

Elements of the Five Directions -

Air of the East -
Fire of the South -
Water of the West -
Earth of the North -
Akasha of the Spirit -
Come in Peace.
Come in Understanding.
Come in Learning, Loving and Sharing.
Air of the East I ask for Your offering of Inspiration and Understanding.
Fire of the South I ask for Your offering of Energy and Power -
to get this ‘Working’ worked - and to just get successfully,
safely, sanely and sensibly through this time of ‘testing’, changes and opportunities.
Water of the West I ask for Your offering of coolness so all of Us
here collected as MysticWitch stay cool and not suffer from Summer’s Heat.
Earth of the North I ask for Your offering of Wisdom and Comprehension.
Akasha of the Spirit I ask for Your offering of Guidance and Direction.
Guide and Direct this humble, mortal Celebrant.
Akasha - Let Your offering of Guidance and Direction be for All and Everyone..

Celebrant takes ‘atheme’ and ‘faces’ East:

DayFather Sun -
NightMother Moon -
Aspects of the All -
IF it be Thy will -
By Your Light -
Original by Day and Reflected at Night -
Out of the Darkness of the Night -
Out of the Depths of Dark Fury and Anger -
Out of the Despair of Emptiness and Loss -
From Yesterday into Today -
Today into Tomorrow -
Tomorrow into Infinite Eternity -
I - Paganus - ask that IF it be by Thy Will -
May no harm be done this day.
No harm by thought, by word or by deed -
Whether by active intent or accident -
Let No Harm Be Done -
By Anyone -
To Anyone -
Themselves included -
For Any Reason.
Let - No - Harm - Be - Done!
DayFather Sun -
NightMother Moon -
Aspects of the Infinite, Eternal ALL -
I thank You.

Celebrant at the Altar

We are gathered here to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox.
In Ancient Traditions of the Celts, Druids and Norse -
As well many other Ancient Pan Indio-Asian-European
Traditions and Cultures -
this was the time of the Sacred Second Harvest.
This is the time when the Sun King ‘dies’ and goes into the West -
This is the time when the Goddess is Ascendant -
the God is Descendant -
and We Celebrate and Honour the Harvest.
We have here cinnamon - a spice from the Far East.
We have here Apple - one of the fruits of the Harvest.

Celebrant takes a ‘working knife’ and slices open the Apple.

Inside this Apple -
this Fruit of the Ancients -
We see the Ancient, Sacred Pentagram.

Celebrant removes seeds from Apple.
Celebrant places seeds in small wooden bowl.
Celebrant holds up bowl.

These are the seeds of the Apple.
These are the seeds of the Apple Tree.
In the Spring -
In the Season of Renewal and Rebirth -
These saved seeds will be planted.
Planted to grow and develop into an Apple Tree.

Celebrant takes some of the cinnamon and sprinkles
some on an apple slice.

Fruit of the Earth -
Herb and Spice of the Earth -
Both from the Ancient Sacred Tree -
One an Apple Tree -
One a Cinnamon Tree -
From the Earth -
From the Earth Mother -
We Celebrate and Share this Harvest.

Gaia -
Earth Mother to Us All -
Home World to Us All -
We Honour and Thank You.

Celebrant takes a bite of the cinnamon apple.

Thanks, Gaia.
The apples are good today!

Closing Invocations:

Celebrant ‘facing’ East:

SkyFather Sun -
NightMother Moon -
Aspects of the Infinite, Eternal ALL -
We thank You for blessing Us with Your presence during this ‘Working’.
Blessings Be.

Celebrant ‘facing’ South:

Lord and Lady -
Consort and Companion -
Aspects of the Eternal, Infinite ALL -
We thank You for blessing Us with Your presence during this ‘Working’.
Blessings Be.

Celebrant ‘facing’ West:

Gaia -
Earth Mother -
Living Spirit of this world -
We thank You for blessing Us with Your presence during this ‘Working’.
Blessings Be.

Celebrant ‘facing’ North:

Akasha of the Spirit -
Spiritus Sanctus Aspect of the ALL -
You - who are the ‘Voice of the ALL’ -
We thank You for Blessing this ‘Working’ with Your Presence.
Blessings Be.

Celebrant ’slowly turning in a clockwise circle’:

Elements of the Five Directions -
Aspects of the ALL -
Air of the East -
Fire of the South -
Water of the West -
Earth of the North -
Akasha of the Spirit -
You came in Peace, Understanding, Learning, Loving and Sharing.
Air of the East We thank You for Your offering of Inspiration and
Understanding.
With Your help this ‘Working’ was written and ‘worked’ and the
intent and desired result of this ‘Working’ was accomplished.
Fire of the South We thank You for Your offering of Energy and
Power. This ‘Working’ was worked and with Your help We might just
make it through these times of ‘testing’, changes, and opportunities.
This is a time of stress for Us all.
We thank You for Your Power and Energy to help Us through these times.
Water of the West Your offering of Coolness and Healing is greatly
appreciated. The hot days of Summer are a bit easier to survive and endure
with Your help. Your healing ‘washing away’ of Our hurts and troubles is also greatly
appreciated.
Earth of the North We thank You for Your offering of Guidance and
Direction.
Akasha of the Spirit We thank You also for Your offering of Direction and Guidance.
Blessings Be.

Celebrant ‘facing’ North:

Earth Mother Gaia -
Aspect of the ALL -
We thank You for this world upon which We live.

Ancient Tree of the Celts and Norse -
Aspect of the ALL
We thank You for the plants and greenery of this little blue world.
And the apples are still good.

Ancient Element of Fire of the Celts and Norse -
We thank You for all the gifts and benefits Fire has brought humanity.
Fire is Our friend - it can - as can all the elements - be also Our enemy.
Fire can cook our meals and warm Our hearths.
Fire can also burn Our forrests, grasslands and homes.

Ancient Element of Water of the Celts and Norse -
We thank You for all the gifts and benefits Water has brought humanity.
Water is Our friend - it can - as can all the elements - be also Our enemy.
Water can fill Our lakes, rivers and water storage reservoirs.
Water can also flood Our cities and homes and let slide Our homes off the
hillsides in which they so perilously perch.

Ancient Element of Air -
Without You We could not breathe -
We would have nothing to breathe -
We thank You for Your gift of the ‘Breath of Life’.
Air is Our friend - it can - as can all the elements - be also Our enemy.
Air gives us the ‘Breath of Life’.
Air can also - in great storms - blow down Our cities and homes.

Ancient Element of Earth -
Without You We have no ground upon which to live.
Earth is Our friend - it can - as can all the elements - be also Our enemy.
Earth gives us Our ground to live upon.
Earth also takes away that ground in slides and earthquakes.

Fire and Water -
Ancient Elements of the Celts and Norse -
Fire and Water -
Air and Earth -
Ancient Primal Elements of the ALL -
You are seen as both Friend and Enemy to humanity.
You are neither Friend Nor Enemy to humanity.
You are Basic, Primal Elements.
So very often We forget that.
You never let us forget We are but humble mortals upon this lovely little blue world.
We thank You for Your offerings, lessons, reminders and teachings.
We thank You for Blessing this ‘Working’.

DayFather Sun -
NightMother Moon -
Lord and Lady -
Sea Nymph Galatea -
Earth -
Air -
Fire -
Water -
Akasha of the Spirit -
Tree of the Ancients -
Earth Mother Gaia -
All of You who have Blessed Us during this ‘Working’ -
I know not how to ‘release you’.
How can I release Elements and Aspects of the ALL -
when, as I have Read and Studied -
Learned and Shared -
You are always here with Us at all times anyway?
How do I say -
with a straight face and not giggling in My nicely trimmed up beard
“thanks for coming by and carry on!” -
when You are still going to be here with Us at all times?
Perhaps this Celebrant does not quite yet completely ‘get it’.
Or perhaps this Celebrant Does ‘get it’ - in My own humble way..

Closing Open Benediction to the Mystic Witch Readership:

We who are gathered together here as MysticWitch -
We who are Writers and Editors -
We who are Readers and Occasional Contributors -
We who think, write and work for MysticWitch -
In All the Names of the ALL -
In the Names of All of the Aspects of the ALL -
In All the Names of the DayFather Sun -
In All the Names of the NightMother Moon -
In All the Names of the Directions and Elements -
May Akasha of the Spirit -
the ‘Living Ethereal Embodiment of the Spoken Word of the ALL’ -
be with Us always.
May All of the Aspects of the ALL be with Us Always.
May the Ancient Tree of the Celts and Norse stand silently beside Us always.
May the Ancient Well - Source of the Water’s of Healing and Life -
never run dry.
May the Ancient Cauldron - Source of Fire’s Energy and Power and
Warmth in the Cold Days of the Winter - never go cold.
May the ALL - in All It’s Aspects - be with Us always.
We came in Love, Learning, Peace, Sharing and Understanding.
May We now conclude this ‘Working’ with Love, Learning, Peace,
Sharing and Understanding.
Go now in Love for Your fellow inhabits of this tiny blue world
Love Your friends and Your ‘lover’s - if You have any.
Love Your cat’s and dogs.
Yes - love even - IF You can - Your neighbor.
Go now in Learning - and Learn something.
Keep Your mind alive.
Keep it growing and seeking and searching.
Yahoo, Ask.com, Mamma and Google are not the only search tools.
Use also the one between Your ears.
Go now in Peace - and help to keep the Peace
Do not start the Fight - IF there is a Fight - but do not be afraid - IF needed - to finish it.
Go now in Understanding that We need not all be of the same ‘faith’ or ‘belief’.
It it all the same to the ALL. Whether We be Pagan, Protestant, Druid,
Catholic, Jewish, Taoist, Shinto, Shaman, Wiccan, Chaotic, BardicMagus or even
“Eclectic Whatever.” - we are all ‘family’.
We are All of Us Children of the ALL
Go now in Sharing - and take these humble and inadequate words with You.
For it is in the Sharing that We are Mystic Witch.

Walk with Wisdom -
From this Hallowed Place -
Walk not in Sorrow -
Our Roots shall embrace -
May Strength be Your Brother -
and Honour be Your Kin -
Luck be Your Lover until We meet again.

Remember always -
Be Careful & Cautious out there.
Stay Safe and Secure out there.
Let Your Guides and Guardians Serve, Preserve, Protect & Defend
You out there.
Let the Lord and Lady -
{or personal preference Deity & Divinity of Your choice} -
Bless You and Keep You -
May Their Lights Shine forever about You -
And Give You Their Peace.

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be.

So Mote It Be.

Blessings Be.

Addendum #1

Cinnamon

Latin Name: Cinnamomum zeylancium, C. vervum, C. lauracea

Folk Names : Sweet Wood, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cassia

Gender: Masculine, Hot

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Venus, Aphrodite

Part Used: Bark

Powers: Spirituality, Success, Healing, Protection,
Power, Psychic power, Lust, Love

Ritual Uses: Cinnamon was used as an ingredient in an anointing oil by the
Ancient Hebrews. The leaves of the Cinnamon tree were woven into wreaths which
were used to decorate Roman temples. The Egyptians used Cinnamon oil during the
mummification process.

Magickal Uses: Cinnamon - when burned as an incense - raised high spiritual vibrations,
aids healing, draws money, stimulates psychic powers and produces protective vibrations.
Can be used in healing incenses and burned to help stimulate clairvoyance {’far seeing’}.
It is one of the herbs used to stimulate and excite the passions of the male. Can be
added to prosperity mixtures. Can be mixed with myrrh for a good general incense for general magickal workings. Cinnamon is also used in sachets and infusions for these purposes.

Medicinal Uses: Cinnamon is also widely used in treating athlete’s foot, body odor, diabetes, fever, heartburn and nausea. Cinnamon contains at least ten (10) fungicidal chemicals. Cinnamon also contains eleven (11) antibacterial chemicals. Cinnamon is one of the spices that current research indicates may help the body better use insulin more effectively. Simply add a pinch or two to a pot of black tea and steep for ten minutes then let cool. Sprinkling a bit of Cinnamon on your toast may help indigestion and heartburn & nausea.

Kitchen & Cooking uses: Cinnamon is a popular spice used in baking.
It is also used as a spice for yoghurt’s and seasonal eggnog’s.
It is even used in certain teas and other drinks.

Other Uses: Cinnamon has also been used as an insect repellent.
Sprinkle some around the ground perimeter of the structure and
ants and other small bugs should be repelled.

Addendum #2

Apple Names: Pyrus spp.

Folk Names: Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld, Silver Branch,
Silver Bough, Tree of Love, Tree of Life, Eden’s Tree

Gender: Feminine & Cold.

Planet: Venus

Deities: Venus, Dionysus, Olwen, Apollo, Hera, Athena, Aphroditie,
Diana, Idura, Hercules, Zeus

Element: Water

Parts Used: Fruit, Cider, Blossoms, Branches {wood}, & Bark.
Seeds used for next season’s planting.

References

1) Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise
© 1982 & 1983 Scott Cunningham.
© 2002 Scott Cunningham estate
3rd edition, 3rd printing
Llewellyn Publishing
www.llewellyn.com

2) Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
© 1985 Scott Cunningham
© 2000 Scott Cunningham estate
2nd edition, 12th printing
Llewellyn Publishing
www.llewellyn.com

3) Green Pharmacy
© James Duke
Rodale Press

4) “Sacred Grove” chant - words by Scott Miller

4a) Druidic Materials - awensbreath@aol.com

Posted on 6/15/2006 at 9:41 pm by Paganus
Revised & Rewritten & Saved to Draft on 09/15/2006 at 16:06 by Paganus
Edited & Saved to Draft on 09/16/2006 at 14:02 by Paganus
Final Edit and Typo Check and Posting on 09/18/2006 by Paganus

Posted on 9/18/2006 at 10:00 pm by Paganus

May the Goddess Bless - A Goddess Letter

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

In Times of Trouble -
May the Goddess Bless.

One of Our Own needs Your help.
One of Your Own needs Your help.
The Father of Our Mistress R. is in hospital.
He knows not himself nor anyone else.
He is alive -
yet -
in a way -
not alive.
He is hanging between the Realms.
He is holding between the Worlds.
The Mistress is facing a nightmare situation
that no Childe prepares or plans for.
This is the Horror and Nightmare
that the Childe most fears.
The Parent is gone -
yet is still here.
The Body is here -
the Mind may be gone.
The Family is in severe emotional
disruption and stress.
They need You and Your Healing.
They need You and Your Help.
You are Needed.

Blessings to the Father.
Blessings to the Family.
Blessings to All.

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be.

Blessings Be.

Paganus Greybeard
BardicMagus/Priest-in-Training
Solemnis Solitaire
17:33 [5:33p] {pacific/’california’}
09/14/2006

Posted on 9/15/2006 at 12:36 am by Paganus

Away the Swords

By Staff Writer Paganus Greybeard

Home.
Off the Ships -
So long at Sea -
Off the Roads -
So long the Riding and Marching -
I am Home.

The stone walls around me -
courtyard and wall -
common room and kitchens -
My room - my sanctuary - awaits.

Unsaddle the horse -
Wipe down, rub down -
Grain and water -
So trusted and steady -
Honoured, trusted friend & companion -
Again home -
In pasture’s safety -
Run and have a moment away from the Wars.

I hang the tabards, the baldrics, surcoat, doublet,
mailshirt away.
I don again the the pants and tunic.
The Swords again locked away high upon the wall.
The Shields hung also upon the wall.
Retain the Daggers - useful tools.
Slice the bread and cheese -
Core the apples -
Time for lunch -
Here back at home -
Back in this village -
This community -
Where baker knows butcher -
Candlesticks knows weaver -
All know the blacksmith -
My village -
My quiet place -
My home -
Where I serve the Lords & Ladies -
The Lord & Lady -
So pull up a stool or chair -
Gather ’round -
I’ll draw a pint for all -
This Barman has tales to tell!

Posted on 9/2/2006 at 8:10 pm by Paganus

Alone I write: Again as nothing……

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Alone I sit -
quiet in the night -
upright in bed -
light overhead -
paper and pencil -
writing.

Beside Me books -
printed pages bound -
words and images -
knowledge offered -
wisdom shared -
learning enabled.

Clipboard and paper -
pencil in hand -
words in thought -
words by written hand -
images of visions -
sensations of emotions -
feelings of encounters -
sharing of inner self -
fragments of psyche -
captured by mind -
committed to paper -
to be read -
to be shared -
written by One for All.

Quietly I sit -
alone to write -
upright in bed -
quiet in the day -
sunlight through window -
paper and pencil -
writing.

Beside Me piles -
books, papers, boxes -
life in cluttered jumble -
collected here -
where I sit -
where I write -
alone.

This Household is no Monastery -
This Room is no Cloisture -
yet in many ways -
for so many years -
in so many Households -
so many Rooms -
Those roles Household and Room have served.
I am here as surely as if I were locked up.
I cannot leave.
Where to go? -
How to get there?
Cloistured here I am.

I sit here -
I sit here alone -
I write here -
I write here alone -
Who is there to read?
I am here to write.
Who can read if I never leave here?
Here I write.
Here are My words.
Together We are here -
alone.

I am here -
words by hand -
no online -
no phone -
silenced.
Shut-down.
Shut-out.
Solitary.

I have Articles, Forum entries and Poems to write.
They are not written.
Not today are they written.
What is the point -
if in this Cloisture -
I am to remain?

I cannot contribute this way.
I cannot participate this way.
I am not involved this way.
Here -
as Silent Solitary -
I cease to exist as a working and functional
participant and contributor.
Here -
in this Room that is not a Cloisture -
in this Household that is not a Monastery -
I become again as nothing.

Cold stone walls surround Me -
there are physically no stone walls here -
yet I ‘feel’ & ’sense’ them.
Exercises I have been doing -
this is not exercise.
I am in stone -
surrounded by stone -
there is no stone.
I ’see’ the arched covered walkways -
I ’see’ the well & cistern -
the strange patterns of shadow in the courtyard -
I ‘hear’ the slam of the heavy wooden doors -
the soft footsteps down the corridor -
in My Room -
in My Cloisture -
I am -
again as nothing -
writing as by hand -
pausing for a moment -
wondering if any will read the words -
words I write -
not in stone -
but here in Household -
alone.

What ‘test’ is this?
What ‘challenge’ is this?
What ‘lesson to be learned’ is this?
I sit enclosed in a silent and empty
monastery of stone -
a monastery of silent stone that
does not physically exist -
yet I ‘feel’ it -
I ’sense’ it as thought it were existant -
I can almost even ’smell’ it -
dampness and mildew -
not of lath, metal and wood -
but of stone and brick.
I am not a Monk,
So why do I feel that I am?
This is no monk’s cell.
So why do I feel that it is?
This is no stone carved monastery.
Then why do I ‘feel’ the stone so strongly
I can almost touch it?
What experience is this?
I know not.
I am simply sitting here -
clipboard and paper -
Saturn’s Day afternoon -
writing -
alone.

This is no exercise.
This is very, solidly real.
This is happening -
if only inside My mind.
White stone walls.
Dark wooden doors.
Tiny slits of windows.
Cots, tables, desk, closet and chair.
Worn rug upon floor.
None physical.
Yet all so very real.
Another time?
Another place?
Another realm or dimension?
I do not know.
Yet I do know this -
the longer here I sit -
sit writing here -
the more I ’see’, ’sense’, ‘feel’.
How unreal.
Or is it?
Whom to speak with?
Whom to share this with?
Nobody.
Not till Mondae -
If even then….

Will anybody even read this
will anybody even know of this -
I cannot say -
I cannot know.
Perhaps yes.
Perhaps no.
This is far beyond My knowing.
These words - by hand -
were written.
That much I know.

Alone I sit -
Quietly -
upright in bed -
sun through window -
paper and pencil -
writing -
alone.

Posted on 8/24/2006 at 8:37 pm by Paganus

The Elements of Change

From QUANTUM SPIRITUALITY, The Science of Change
By Cate Cavanagh

Most of us have heard the old adage of how some people see the cup half full and others, half-empty. I have taken it a step further: some of us have to make our own cup. You see there is a way to look at life or rather how life treats you. One person can be an optimist- life has treated them well or at least fairly. There are others (pessimists) that life seems to have passed by or worse yet, dumped on. There are some people who, other than the grief from the inevitable loss of a loved one, live uncompromised lives. Yet, we all know people who, no matter how hard they try, have a rough ride just getting through life with their heads held high. For these people, life is difficult indeed.

Some people seem to gain opportunity just by being in the right place at the right time. Others must work hard, plan strategic moves and learn to know when to take that leap, leave the familiar and expand into a new area. I think most of us have the latter scenario as our journey. The problem is, we often fall short somewhere between planning and knowing when to take that leap. Most of us prefer the comfortable. The comfortable does not have to be pleasant. It is what is known and familiar. Why else is it so hard for people to decide to move or relocate for a job? It is because change is difficult and frightening.

It is when life holds nothing exciting or enchanting, when we are in a rut we cannot climb out of that it becomes time to make a new cup. Making a new cup is not easy. We only know the cup we had and what was in it. If we truly do not like the old cup or what we were drinking from it, we have to look at ourselves and see how did we brew that drink that made it so bitter? We need to think about what kind of cup do we want now? What kind of new drink could we possibly make and how the heck do we start making a cup? Do we pour out the old drink altogether, do we throw out the cup? They both had their purpose for a long time. Do we want to really part with them?

These may all seem like rhetorical questions but they are not. To bring about change takes conscious effort. After all, we lived in our rut, with our rut and perpetuated (re-created) our rut probably for a long time. We probably had all the reason in world to be in our rut to begin with. Our life path may have been extremely difficult or deprived, giving us every reason to be justified in having the fears we have and remaining with the familiar, even if uncomfortable. But, you know what? Changing is even more uncomfortable, especially if you begin from the standing point of no faith or trust. If you are starting at this standing point, you have to decide whether or not you are going to take a “leap” of the faith you do not yet have. Youre not sure what you believe in anymore, you just hope there is something to believe in because you surely do not believe in yourself. You reflect on your life and decide you really cannot stand another year, week or day of the same old routine so, you decide to work on changing. The beauty of this first decision is that you do not have to change anything about your environment. You dont have to quit your job, you dont have to relocate. You simply have to begin with your own package. You are the cup that is to be. You are going to fashion it and decide the stuff that will go into this new vessel.

Congratulations! When you decided to work on change, you embarked on the majickal journey of thought transformation. The beauty of majickal thought is that you do not have to be a Wiccan or Witch. You do not have to be a shaman or priest. You can use the thought principles that go into casting spells or doing work and apply them to yourself on a very personal level. The key to right thinking (or contemplation) is to be sure no one is harmed by your goal, that you improve yourself at the cost of no one else (do not demean someone in order to feel more powerful) and to be very, very focused.

As you think, see what it is you want, taste what it is you want and wait. Some people sit quietly and vividly imagine VIVIDLY their desire; some people will write it down. By the way, writing something down then burning it is an effective way to send energies into the Universe! But, theres more. The flame of the match creates energy, the burning of the paper and the subsequent smoke is all energy. This practice is so successful, anonymous groups use this exercise very successfully to purge anger, rage or sorrow. But, you can use this tool to create change by writing down the things you need, want or desire.

I was in a nowhere job once for far too long. I was highly skilled but grossly underpaid in the social services field. I needed a better paying job but how could one command a higher paying job when your current salary was very low? I was not naive. I knew that no matter what one knew, in order to demand a higher salary you had to at least had to be making a salary that demonstrated your worth. I was just beginning to discover my spiritual path and so, I sent my need into the universe. I had a small daughter to support and I was not making it financially. I had not yet met my second husband, so I was on my own completely. Despite my fears and desperation, I reached a state of mind in which I could see and taste a new position with more money. I worked feverishly to complete my work before I lost the concentration.

Within three months, a friend of mine told me about a totally new position with her agency. I called, made an appointment to interview and although the competition was rather stiff, I got the position and had a $25,000 jump in salary!

I have helped others find jobs, collect money due them from people, obtain benefits they were rightly entitled to and meet a soul mate. Now, by meeting a soul mate I mean the right person for them, ahead of a timetable, someone they would have met eventually. This is different from targeting a particular person and deciding he or she is the one for you and doing something to make them desire you. This is wrong! I am talking about a generic request to meet a soul mate if that person is destined to meet you in this lifetime. You must, of course, accept the possibility that you are not supposed to meet in this lifetime.

This is where acceptance is so important. We must all be willing to accept karmic areas that may be fixed. We just cant always know what they are. In thinking properly, it is possible, depending on our skill, to push a timetable up quite a bit. This is why I do not believe in things being fixed. Since we do not know, for the most part, what is and is not fixed, why should we sit on the sidelines deciding this is karma and that is karma? Too many people use karma as an excuse to give up, sit around and feel sorry for themselves. The end-result will be reliving similar-lifetimes until they get it.

Jewish wisdom teaches that each life is a blank slate, that no soul has a recollection of its previous knowledge. I say if we allow ourselves to be touched by our own spirit power that is programmed to get us going rather than rationalizing such effort away, we can gain or regain previous knowledge provided we are open minded enough to watch, listen and feel!

Keep in mind that only after redefining ourselves as wonderful, loving, courageous and deserving of joy, can we begin bringing about change in our lives on the quantum level by creating ripples in space and time. How quickly something is achieved depends not just on our focusing skills but also on how many years we contributed to the circumstance we wish to change. How many times and for how long did we tell ourselves it could not be done, hence closing ourselves off to opportunities by not just being blind to them but actually preventing them from coming our way by the blockage that was created just by not knowing there was another way?

Lets look at an example of attracting that which you want. Go to a party and look around. Invariably the person having the most fun will be the person who is dressed neatly, appears to have made an effort in the area of grooming, smiles easily and in general emits an openness to meeting people. Now look for the wallflower. Wallflowers are not born. They are made. The wallflower will stand to the side and appear as if, not expecting to have a good time, no effort was made into appearance. This goes for men or women. Does a wallflower seem approachable? Probably not. Insecurity is projected as loudly as a scream. So wallflowers in actuality, bring about their own anticipated outcome.

Just like wallflowers, if we continue to wallow on the sidelines better circumstances will deem us unapproachable.

Are you ready to change yet?

Cate is a spiritual life coach and Quantum Metaphysician. Now you can hear her podcast every Tuesday. Her commentary FROM MY SIDE OF THE FENCE can be heard by visiting passionateinternetvoices.com for her political commentaries.

Also visit CateCavanagh.net for information on her first free book, GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, and quantumspirituality.tripod.com for information on QUANTUM SPIRITUALITY, The Science of Change.

CateCavanagh.net
quantumspirituality.tripod.com
Get your FREE BOOK now!!!!!

Posted on 8/16/2006 at 4:05 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

St Alban’s Voices #1

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Voices -
A toast -
Spirit invoked -
Elder’s spoken -
Younger’s speak -
Scribe silently scribbles -
in end of table quiet -
Faces and Souls known -
In this Guild -
Where the fun is put back into disfunctional -
Daniel and Sarah -
Married after Festival ‘04 -
Power and Glory -
Truth and Justice -
Love, Honour and Obey?…..

This Scrible is blasted-
Blitzed -
Blown -
and sitting here -
Learning -
Growing -
Being and Becoming -
Becoming and Being….

It’s getting deep here -
Deep it’s getting here -
So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be -
Whatever -
However -
Wherever -
Whenever….

I sit here listening -
I sit here learning -
I sit here scribbling…

Around and about -
About and Around -
This scribbling powerless Magus -
Magus without power -
Magus who does not know how to call power -
Power is here -
Even if this blasted and blitzed scribbling scribe cannot describe it -
it is here -
It flows -
It goes -
It is -
In around & about…..

So thus it is -
So thus it was -
So thus it be…..

Original handraft written: 07/25/2004 20:20 [8:20p] {pacific}
Keyboarded & posted to http://www.mysticwitch.com/articles/2006/st-albans-voices-1:
08/04/2006 13:36 [1:36p] {pacific}

Posted on 8/4/2006 at 8:34 pm by Paganus

Workmen & Patio Transformations #3 - 08/04/2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Thumps, rattles, clatters,
Bangs, Clangs, Clunks -
Dog barking -
Cat me-rowing -
People talking -
Workmen day three.

Sitting quietly -
Avoiding contact -
Escaping hassle.

Displaced Cat -
Makeshift enclosure -
Many merow’s of displeasure & complaint.

Escaping hassle -
Handwritern words -
Writer, being.

Sirens on street -
racing up and down -
Rapid quiet -
Many needs served.

Dog quiet -
Out-of-pattern -
No bangs or thumps -
Writer, checking.

Garden room -
New roof -
Re-built -
Hours of Labour -
Days of Disruption -
Cooler room in heat -
Less leaks in rain -
Better room for garden -
Better room for cat -
Upgrade.

Dog baqrking -
Single workman -
redoing a window -
hammer and saw -
all was quiet till workman stepped to inside door -
Brief question asked -
Brief question answered -
Dog erupts.

Writer observes -
Writer records -
Writer retreats.

Project continues…..

Posted on at 8:17 pm by Paganus

Workmen & Patio Transformations #2 - 08/02/2006….

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Second day -
More workmen -
More Noise & Disruption -
More Transormation.

Writer Escapes -
Errands to do -
Administrating to do -
Adminstrating done -
Errands done.

Quiet check upon return -
Site cleaned -
Old replaced -
New look -
New patio roof -
Changes.

Cat still loudly complaining.

Dog still strongly barking.

Writer still Writing…..

Posted on at 7:56 pm by Paganus

Workmen & Patio Transformations #1 - 07/31/2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Back Patio -
Back ‘Garden Room’ -
Space of Plants and Cats -
Many plants and cats -
Many windows -
Sunny place.

Hot in Summer -
Leaks in Spring and Winter -
Re-Do Required.

Workmen arrive -
Two Trucks -
Many Tools -
Hammering and Sawing -
Old removed -
Much mess.

Cat moved -
Serena not happy -
Displaced cat -
Much commentary.

Dog Barks -
Strange people -
Much noise -
Dog protective.

Old removed.
Transformation begins.

Writer steps outside -
Images recorded -
Sights seen -
Sights saved -
Writer, Writing……

Posted on at 7:54 pm by Paganus

Household ‘Tendings & Visualizations - #1

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Quiet household -
Family away for day -
Soltary household ‘tending -
Magus-In-Training being mundane…..

Cat crying -
Cat brushed and combed -
Cat purring -
Nap time in chair.

Flowering plant -
Floating hummingbird -
Rapid moving stillness.

Quiet moments of thought -
Unseen options found -
Plans contemplated.

Dog barking -
Noise outside -
Guarding.

Clock ticking -
Eternities drumbeat.

Silent House -
Empty House -
1 cat -
1 dog -
All others gone -
No Companions -
No Familiars -
House slowly winning battle -
House slowly returning to silent and empty -
All who were here and gone dead -
So many gone -
So many dead -
Who is next? -
Who will this House kill next? -
This House does not want anyone here -
This House wants to be alone -
So soon it shall be.

Sitting here -
Thinking and writing here -
Being Magus -
BardicMagus/Priest-in-Training -
Being Solemn Solitary -
Seeking understanding -
Attempting to ‘visualize’ options -
‘Seeing’ only dark nightmare scenarios -
Rejecting & blocking darkside’s waking nightmares -
Not empowering nightmares -
Not giving dark scenarios any existence -
Attempting to focus on simple, basic objective -
‘Self-test’ objective -
Can I ’see’ this objective? -
Can I really do this? -
So far all I get is more static -
More ‘failure-mode’ disruptions -
More disasters and desecrations -
Concentrating & Focusing -
Focusing & Concentrating -
Invocations -
Convocations -
Dedications -
Consecrations -
Forward Upward Light -
Concentrate & Focus -
Focus & Concentrate -
I can do this -
I must do this -
I will do this…..

As I ‘tend My household -
‘Tend My tasks and chores -
I make efort -
Contrated effort -
to accomlish My ’self-test’ ’seeing’ -
Simple enought objective -
What will I find on the MysticWitch Forum boards
when I get there? -
A new entry? -
A new commentary? -
Perhaps even a U2U from somebody? -
Can I ’see’ this? -
I can only do -
There is no try.

Concentrate & Focus -
Focus & Concentrate -
and run the recycle and trash out to the bins -
Do this -
Do this -
Fauggghhh -
Headache and a sneezing fit -
that is what I get -
I am still not good at this…..

I sit here thinking -
Concentrating & Focusing -
Focusing & Concentrating -
Attempting to ‘visualize’ -
Just what do I ’see’? -
Just what is there to ’see’? -
Anything?…..

To - Be - Continued…..

Posted on at 7:53 pm by Paganus

Shieldings - #1

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Moon above -
Dark residence below -
Night hours.

Fitful sleep -
Shattered, skattered dreams -
Awakening jolt -
Solid, dull thud -
Impact sound.

Walk around -
Check about -
Listen, look, sense, feel -
Nothing obvious found.

Standing in hallway -
Senses alert -
Downward shiver -
Energies used -
Shields.

Hours till Dawn -
Must remain quiet -
Must not awaken or disturb family -
Working using Strength -
Writing words -
Banishing -
Securing -
Power.

Original handraft: 07/06/2006 02:30
Keyboarded to MW Forum: 07/06/2006 16:57 {4:57p}{pacific}
Posted to http://www.mysticwitch.com/articles/2006/shieldings-1: 08/04/2006 12:51 {pacific}

Posted on at 7:52 pm by Paganus

Sharings #2 - 06/26/2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Doves on ground.
Feeding.
No Hawks nearby.

High Heels -
Lack of Balance -
Walking in Woodchips.

Water falling -
Flat rock -
Loud Splashes.

Pepper Tree -
Leaves -
Rain of Green.

Dog -
Deat Rat -
Crunchy lunch.

Toddler Child -
Falling mist -
Hair Curling damply.

Two Girls -
Walking Faire -
Men all watch.

Parents -
Old Age -
Stress for All….

Lizard -
Damp boards -
Flys on ground -
Easy quick lunch.

‘Pyrate’ ‘Festival’ -
Hot summer days -
no business -
no money earned…..

Paganus sitting in corner -
not really awake -
not really caring -
was anybody?……

Posted on at 7:48 pm by Paganus

Sharings - #1 - 06/23/2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Still water -
Garden pond -
Reflections of self.

Lizard climbing tree -
Eating Bugs -
Gardener’s Friend.

Birds flying -
Feathers in flight -
Not so much walking.

Dog -
On Lap -
Sleeping.

Dog -
Scratching -
Lap Shakes.

Storm -
Winds & Rain -
Trees Down -
Survival.

Cat -
Sitting in Window -
Wise eyes watching world.

Turtle -
Slow motion -
Long life.

Thread -
braided into strand -
strand braided into rope -
Rope Strong -
Single thread weak -
Be Rope -
Not Thread……

Scribe -
Writing -
Thoughts shared….

Posted on at 7:46 pm by Paganus

Lines of Support - #5 - 06/20/2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Battle is Enjoined…..

Force to Force -
Strength to Strength -
Will to Will -
Contact and Encounter -
Forces Mingled -
Forces Melded -
One inside the Other -
Struggle for Dominance -
Warrior to Warrior -
Individual to Individual -
Hand-to-hand -
Skill to Skill -
Combat on an intimate & personal level -
Challenge offered -
Challenge accepted -
Support offered -
Support provided by Scribe -
Scribe uninvolved -
As by the Ancient ‘Way’ -
‘The Way of Life’ -
‘Tao Te Ching’ in the Ancient Tongue -
And in that Tongue of the Ancients -
‘Wei Wu Wei’ -
“….To do without doing - to act without action….”
This may also mean that -
“….The ‘Wise Man’ does what He must do - for everything and everyone but remains independant of them all…..”
The Scribe observes but takes no direct action.
Words are Written.
Words are made available for Reading, Study & Contemplation.
Thoughts are Thought.
Thoughts are saved as Words.
Words are Shared.
Sharing is Support.
Support is Offering of Words.
Words in Lines.
Lines of Support.
Five (5) Lines.
Five (5) Lines of Support.
Five (5) Arrows.
Five (5) Points of the Star.
Stars.
Points of Lights in Heaven’s Firmament.
Lights of Heaven.
Lights Ascendant.
Ascendant to the Heavens.

As Above - So Below….

May the Lights Hold You -
May the Lights Keep You -
Keep You Safe -
Keep You Secure -
Salve Your Hurts and Wounds -
Give You Peace…..

Benedictus Solemnis Sanctus…..

Posted on at 7:44 pm by Paganus

Lines of Support - #4 - 06/19/2006

By Staff Writer:Paganus Greybeard

Been reading of Spartans and Romans
and some really bloody battles.
The Medes and Persions got into it also.
Let we forget the Egyptians…..
Then there were the English and Scottish
at places like Hastings and Bannockburn……
Wars of Roses they called it.
Pretty name for some really ugly hand-to-hand…..

Stand Tall -
Stand Firm -
Be Bold -
Be Strong -
Remain Resolute -
Bang the Drums -
Sound the Bagpipes and Fifes -
Clang the Shields -
Unsheath the Swords -
Sharpen the Spears and Pikes -
Line Up -
Ranks Be Formed -
Swords, Spears, Pikes -
Hammers, Clubs, Maces -
Bows and TinterBoxes -
Shields to the Fore -
Rank Up -
Form Your Units -
Prepare -
Stay Awake and Alert -
Post Sentries and Guards -
The Battle nears -
The Struggle intensifies -
That which was cast out -
Cast forth -
Removed from Sight -
Removed from Mind -
Reforms in Desecraced Space -
In Perversions of Propriety -
In Ruins of Righteousness -
Darkness regroups -
Resurgent in revulsion -
Rising up from Stygian Abysses -
Disolution and Dissipation -
Desecration and Destruction -
Aspects and Avatars of the Eternal Emptiness -
Return forth to do Battle in Eternal Challenge
of Combat with -
Enlightenments Entourage -
Truth, Justice, Faith, Hope, Charity, Honesty, Ethics.
Hold Fast.
Do Not Weaken or Waver.
Darkness is Rapacious.
It Gives and Honours No Quarter.
Truth against Lies.
Justice against Perfidy.
Faith against Emptiness.
Hope opposing Despair.
Chairity countering Greed.
Honesty combating Deception.
Ethics versus Corruption.
Love to Battle Hate.
Clarity to Overcome Obscurity.
The Ancient Struggle -
The Never-Ending Battle -
Rumbles and Rages forever on…..

Stand Not Alone.
Stand Not as Solitary Warrior on Fields of Battle.
Support is Available.
Encouragement offered -
Back-up is behind You.
You are Not Alone…..

Take up Your Shield -
Take up Your Sword and Spear -
Stand to Your Station -
Your position in the ranks -
Soldiers to the Left of You -
Soldiers to the Right of You -
Soldiers behind You many ranks deep -
Soldier -
Your Time is Now -
You are not Alone -
Together We can do this -
We can Battle this Battle -
Fight this Fight -
Block Darkness’s Advance -
Sending Desolation and Despair -
Desecration and Destruction away
back from whence they came.

Stand Tall.
Stand Firm.
Be Bold.
Be Strong.
Remain Resolute.
Do Not Weaken.
Do Not Waver.
Do Not Falter.
The Enemy approaches -

Battle is Enjoined…..

Posted on at 7:43 pm by Paganus

Lines of Support - #3 - 06/18/2006

By Staff Writer:Paganus Greybeard

Songs of the Mother -
Songs of the Earth -
Songs of the Ancients -
Music of Power -
Music of Strength -
Earth Mother -
We sing to Your Spirit -
We sing to Your Stones -
We sing to Your Flowers, Plants and Trees -
We sing to Your Oceans, Lakes and Seas -
We sing to the life that flies, swims and walks -
We sing to the Gaia -
Home of Us All -
Where the Light Within -
Defeats the Darkness Without -
Consecration Within -
Desecration Without -
Build - Not Destroy -
Salvage - Not Savage -
Sacriment - Not Sacriledge -
Up from Darkness Below -
Rising Upward Enlightenment Above -
Soul Wings Arise -
Spirit Wings Alight -
Sacred Consciousness in Flight -
From mortal bound flesh released -
Soar to Heights Unknown -
Sail to Realms Unexplored -
Seek and Follow the Onward Path -
Towards the Shining Golden Light -
Sanctus Day -
Sanctuary Day -
Sacred Moment -
Sanctified Time -
Moment & Time out of Time & Moment -
Consecrated Hours -
Hours to Study -
Contemplate and Reflect -
Read and Write -
Observe and Learn -
Accept the Bounties, Blessings and Boons
this day offers and provides -
Dawn to Dusk -
Instant to Instant -
Moment by Moment -
Songs of birds in trees -
Quiet purr and mrow of drowsy cat in lap -
Soft snuffle of sleeping dog -
Songs of the Mother -
Songs of the Earth -
Music of Power -
Music of Strength -
Earth Mother -
We sing to Your Spirit -
We sing to Your Stones -
We sing to Your Flowers, Plants and Trees -
We sing to Your Oceans, Lakes and Seas -
We sing to the Life that flies swims and walks -
We sing to the Gaia -
Home of Us All -
Where the Light Within -
Sacred Espiritus Alight -
Sacred Soul Aflight -
Defeats the Darkness Without -
Darkness not to Remain -
Darkness not to Return -
From this Sacred Place -
At this Sacred Time -
Be Gone -
Be Away -
Depart this Place -
Depart this Space -
From this Time -
From this Sanctified Place & Space -
Depart -
To Do No Harm -
To Anyone, anywhere in any way -
To return from whence it came -
To Darken and Despoil Our Sanctus Day No More.

In Dominae Maximus -
In Excelsius Gloria -
The Darkness Is Gone.

Blessings Be.

Posted on at 7:41 pm by Paganus

Lines of Support - #2 - 06/17/2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Candle Light -
Candle Bright -
Tiny Fire -
Tiny Flame -
Light for Sight -
This Day -
This Night -
Light against Darkness -
Pretender’s on the rout -
Come Not Here -
Enter Not Here -
Be and Stay Not Here -
Go Away -
Get Out -
Be Gone from this Time -
Be Gone from this Space -
Ye be not welcome Here -
From this Time -
From this Space -
Ye must go -
Ye must depart -
Away -
Away -
Away….

Born of Stars -
Born of Space -
Born of Mortal -
Born of Man -
Espiritus requested -
Akasha -
As above -
As within -
As below -
As without -
Akasha -
Espiritus Sanctus -
By request -
Never command -
Never demand -
Water -
Clean, cleanse and wash away -
Fire -
Light, heat and burn away -
Earth -
Support, endurance, strength and secure & seal away -
Air -
Wisdom, understanding and blow away -
Any and all Aspects and Avatars of Spirits Malevolent Dark -
From this Time -
From this Space -
This Sacred, Sanctified Place -
Ye must go -
From this Place -
This Sacred, Sanctiified Space -
Depart -
Go -
Leave
From Out of Sight -
From Out of Mind -
Doing No Harm -
To anyone anywhere -
In any Time -
In any Place and Space -
Never to Return -
Here -
There -
or Anywhere…..
Away -
Away -
Away…….

Posted on at 7:39 pm by Paganus

Lines of Support - #1 - 06/16/2006

By Staff Writer:Paganus Greybeard

Greetings, All & EveryOne!

Here are some lines I wrote this day.
Sitting with the pup words came this way…..

Time out of Time -
Moment between Moments -
Place out of Space -
Sacred Place -
Sacred Space -
Hallowed be this Time -
Hallowed be this Space -
In this Moment -
In this Space -
Light unto Darkness -
Light of Illumination -
Light of Enlightenment -
Light to Show the Way -
To Sanctify and Seal -
To Secure and Shield -
Against the Pretenders of Light -
The Imitations -
The Simulations -
The Demons in Angelic Guise -
Sourness and Brimstone -
Flaming Foul Rot -
Desecration’s Champion Despoiler -
Bloody hoofprints -
Stamping, stomping, standing -
Howling in agonized frustration -
Scratching,
Biting,
Smashing,
Kicking all to no avail -
Inside this Space -
Inside this Moment -
Quiet calmness reigns -
Time for contemplation & meditation -
For Family, Friends & Self -
Time to Heal -
Time to re-set the Balance -
Raise the Shields -
Expand the Bubble -
Secure and Shield -
Sanctify and Seal -
This Time out of Time -
This Moment of Moments -
This Place -
This Space -
And for this Day -
And the remainder of this Night -
May the Blessings Be……

GBH/PG
BardicMagus/Priest-in-Training
13:38 {1:38p}{pacific/’california’}
06/16/2006

Posted on at 7:37 pm by Paganus

Arrogance.

By Staff Dragon: Draconis

Humans.
Upright Hairless Hominids.
So many of you.
So many who don’t care.
So many that should care - but do not.
So many that do not even know that they should care.
Why ever do I still bother with you?

In the utterly unlikely event there is still anyone serving and working
at that MysticWitch.com online establishment -
I am Ouroboros ‘Rob’ Astorious.
‘Rob’ for those of you with the attention span of a flea.
As you have apparently returned to active service -
I have deigned to continue my efforts at enlightenment.
I am the Staff Dragon.

Shall we begin?
Do pay attention.
This is important.

Arrogance.
The unnatractive and unappealing behavioural trait that says -
“I am better than you because I am better than you.”
In your Human species that is so very common an accurance.
Psychologically that mind-set and attitude is counter-productive
if not outright non-productive. You alienate youself with that
obsequious ‘holier than thou’ attitude.

Here are some Primal Egg level realities:
You are all Human.
You are all the same species.
Skin colour is a less than insignificant outward physical distinction.
You have taken a vanishly minor physical differentiator between
Human genotypes and made sociological and cultural divides.
Yes - Today in middle and lover economic ‘class’ communities and environments
there are some decided differences between what is considered the ‘white’,
‘black’, ‘red’, ‘yellow’ and ‘other’ ‘races’.
There is a highly disruptive and disturbing trend in certain northern U.S.
backcounties and southern U.S. urban areas for a ‘white power’ movement.
No. This is not - and you must clearly know that this is not and never has
been - anything empowering and positive. This is Human vs. Human
primal ‘race hatred’. This is arrogance at its darkest. This has nothing to
do with the work and workings of certain ‘white-lighters’. Calling upon the Primus
and His Lady is far different than the gutteral grunts and chants and occasional burned
cross of the Movement and its philosophical relative - the Klan. Wearing a white robe
while burning a cross on somebody’s front yard was not that uncommon an occurance.
Even today it may still happen.

Arrogance.
It is disruptive.
It is destructive.
It is disrespectful of your fellow Humans -
as if you even care about such a detail…..
It need not always be a burnt cross in a front yard.
It can also be very insidiously subtle.

You have the “Manager” - who because of the title thinks that because of the title
“Manager” things need to be managed.
You have the “Gurus". Let us all never forget where that insanity may lead.
You have the “Celebrity” who becomes famous simply because of being famous.
Child of fame, inheritor of family or corporate wealth it does not matter.
Arrogance is not about being better - it is actually a sign of extreme insecurity and deep personal inadequacy and weakness. It is overcompensation for internal psychological and emotional imbalance and lack of supportive structure.

Arrogance.
It is not pretty.
It is ugly and dangerous.
It is not just a Human trait.
I am a Draconis.
To you Human’s that is a Dragon.
Your Mistress Ravenfyre is quite correct.
So too is your Renegade.
We Draconis are not always likeable.
We are often not likeable at all.
We can often be what you Humans consider ‘evil’.
We are Dragons.
We are Sons & Daughters of the Primal Egg. We have been around for a
very long time. We live in the Shadows and Darker Places. We have seen the
Dark Side. Some of Us tend towards the Lighter Shades. Some of Us are
the Dark Side. It is simply who and what We as Draconis are.
Arrogance is an almost inborn and natural state for a Draconis.
So too is something else. A Mind and Spirit. Some Look towards the Dark.
Some look towards the Light. This is true for you Humans also.
So listen to your Staff Dragon.
Arrogance is ugly and dangerous.
You are not better than anyone else.
No. You are not.
Not unless you have a skill, talent, ability or First Mother given gift.
You are Hunan.
Stop being so Draconian.
I’m the Staff Dragon around here -
You’re Not…..

Posted on 7/24/2006 at 11:42 pm by Paganus

Ostara 2006 Offering/Working

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Including prayers from ‘ A Book of Pagan Prayer’
*by* Ceisiwr Serith

Celebrant:
{Introductory and explanatory comments….}

Ostara.
Easter.
Former is ‘Pagan’ -
Later is ‘Christian’.
Both honour, celebrate and consecrate the Spring.
The ‘elder’ Ostara speaks of the Spiritual, Elemental
and Metaphysical Rebirth of the Land.
The comparatively ‘newer’ Easter speaks of commercial
product sales and Egg Hunts for Children.
There is very little of the Spiritual and Metaphysical
left in the ‘Christian’ Easter save for the
occasional ‘Sunrise Services’. While in the ‘Christian’
modification/adaptation/usurpation of the ‘elder’ ‘Pagan’ Ostara
celebrations celebrates the ‘resurection’ from the Grave & Hades
of the Christos it is still only through the ‘elder’ ‘Pagan’
Ostara celebrations that the Spring and its Rebirth of the Land is
honoured. With that in mind…..

Celebrant:

{Offering & Working}

Goddess, Ostara!
Greetings, Goddess!
Hear my offering of words from the “Book of Pagan Prayer".
I offer You these words of Ceisiwr Serith as well as words
of My own.
May You find these words -
as well as the plant offering -
suitable and acceptable…..

Blessed be Eostre -
Springtime’s Queen -
Blessed in all the signs of warmth’s return -
Blessed in the scent of thawing Earth -
Her own true Incense rising up in Her praise.

Take a small earthenware planting-pot and fill
it halfway with ground soil or a good quality
commercial potting-soil mixture.

The snow sinks back into the Earth -
there to nourish the sleeping life -
that waits patiently for its time to come.
Goddess of Spring -
You have performed this miracle through many ages.
Transform again the frozen white into the pliant vibrant
growing green.
Work again the ancient magic -
and bring Spring to our Land.

Place a plant cutting or seedling in the pot and
cover it with the mixture.

Warm the Earth -
Make the ground soft -
so we may again walk barefoot in the grass
and plant the seeds that will grow all Summer untill the Harvest -
when Your full power will be known -
and eveyone will see what You have done.
But now it is time to begin these great deeds.
Bring us that Spring -
So that together we might produce that harvest.
Warm the Earth -
So that the plants may live and grow so we might
display Your gifts.

Water the newly planted seedling/cutting.

Goddess -
This is Your plant.
This is Your life.
I prepare it here for many years of service to You.
This is the Spring.
You warm the Land - melt the white ice and snow -
and bring back the living, growing green.
Goddess Ostara -
Aspect of the ALL -
I Thank You for this opportunity to serve You with
this Offering of Words and this humble,
newly planted seedling/cutting.
From the ALL came everything.
Blessed be the ALL.
Blessed the the Godess Aspect Ostara.

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be…..

So Mote it Be.

Blessings Be…..

Words in boldface from “A Book Of Pagan Prayer".
Ceisiwr Serith
© Ceisiwr Serith
Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC
ISBN: 1-57863-255-2
www.redwheelweiser.com

Posted on 7/5/2006 at 11:25 pm by Paganus

Solemnis Solitaire: #3

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Faith.
Faith and Belief.
Belief in a Being You cannot see, hear or physically sense or detect
in any known way.
Belief in a Being ‘higher’ on the ‘evolutionary’ path than You -
a mortal human.
Belief in an Original Primal Creator Being.
You cannot detect - by any currently developed or known device or
means - ‘God’.
Yet You accept that ‘God’ has, does and will continue to exist.
You ‘believe’ in Your selected Divine Divinity.
You have ‘faith’ in Your ‘God’.

You also - by logical extension - have ‘faith’ and ‘believe’ in the
righteousness of Your chosen clergy. Whether You be Catholic, Protestant, Methodist,
Episcopalian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jewish, Lutheran or even Sikh, Hindu & Muslim - You
are expected to accept and follow the tenets, teachings and precepts of Your ‘religion’. You
are told what to think, how to think it, and when and where to think it by Your ‘church’s’
‘clergy’. You are a member of a congregation. You do as You are told.
You do what the ‘congregational’ group does because You are part of
that group.
You sing the Hymns from the Hymnal. You pass the offering and drop a
dollar a dollar in.
You are a member of Your chosen ‘religion’ and You do what is expected
of You to do.
Sitting in Your pew, listening to the Sunday Services sermon in Your
neighborhood ‘church’,
You are not alone. You are just a single member of a single, ‘local’
congregation. In Your ‘Denomination’ You are Your communities ‘local branch’.
You are part of a very large and diverse ecclesiastical membership.
Membership in such a ‘Denomination’ can be considered as is a
double-edged sword. Such a sword cuts both ways.
You can cut on the forward stroke as well as on the return stroke.

Membership in such a large ‘Denomination’ can be both positive and
negative. Recently, in the newspapers and broadcast news reports,
‘Denominations’ and their ‘Congregations’ have been noteworthy.
There has been the increasing turbulence after political cartoons of
the Muslim Deity Muhammed. According to the news reports, Muhammed
is not to be visually depicted at all.

This has reportedly caused strife and discord. Bombing and burnings
have ensued. Embassies and Consul offices have been attacked and
destroyed. Yet - as has also been repeatedly pointed out and reported
in the media - this are the results of a small, vocal and very
physically and spiritually violent micro-sub-set of the Muslim ‘faith’.
There have also been accounts of ‘heresy’ and ‘criminal abuse &
misuse of authority’ trials. These ‘church’-based ‘trials’ examined a
Catholic Priest in Southern California for what was described as
‘heretical thoughts, actions and teachings’ and a ‘refusal to
accept the ultimate, final temporal authority of the Pope’ .
A female Priest of the Episcopalian ‘Dnomination’
was tried for conducting gay weddings. She was acquitted. The ‘trial’
determined that She was following the guidance and dictates of Her understanding of the
teachings of the ‘Holy Spirit’.
No ecclesiastical ‘crime’ was committed. The Catholic Priest was not
nearly so fortuitous.
He was excommunicated and ‘removed’ from the Church.

These were - and are - Catholics and Episcopalians.
I am neither Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, Muslim, Hindu or
Taoist. I am not now - this day - a member of any of these ‘Denominations’.
I am Pagan. I now follow a very much older and somewhat fundamentally
different path and tradition. I have also not always been - or considered myself to be -
Pagan.

I am 48 years old. Somewhere in the hazy mists of semi-forgotten
personal time, space & history I was once very different. Around 25 to
30 years ago I was Lutheran. - Missouri Synod.
This was the time I served as ‘Candle-Lighter’ for my local,
neighborhood church. I last sat in a church pew somewhere between 1976 and 1982.
I have written that my personal change was slow. IF my
Memory is to be even partly trusted it has been a 30 year process.

Faith and Belief in a personal and intimate Deity & Divinity is a matter for the individual alone.
It is not - no matter how many times it is taught and ‘preached’ as being so - fundamental to a congregation. For what is a congregation but a disparate collection of individuals?
‘Churches’ - in and of innumerable sects and denominations - are
critically dependant upon the unity and collective cohesiveness of their assembled congregations.
It is through the congregations that the national and multi-national ‘churches’ exist and survive. It is the mundane political, social and economic power and influence that
ensures their continued survival. IF enough of the ‘faithful’ simply stopped showing up on Sunday and stopped giving/dropping their ‘voluntary contributions’ into the entirely
unsubtle ‘offering bowl’ where would the denominations, sects and
churches be? The money would dry up and the political power and
influence would wither and die away.

‘Church’ and ‘Denominations’ - since their inception thousands of years
ago - are not nearly so much about Deity and Divinity as they are about mundane, temporal
Political, Social and Economic Power. ‘Churches’ are now - and they always have been - multi-national corporations.
Deity and Divinity runs a far distant fourth or fifth place
following Politics, Social Change and Reform and the monthly Profit
Statement. While by law ‘church’s’ can be - and are - classed by
the Revised Tax Codes as exempt non-profits - it is indeed profits that is one of
the twin driving motivators for the development and continued existence of any ‘church’ or ‘denomination’.

For this very much former Lutheran I find the never-ending emphasis
on the Power and Profit motivators disturbing. Even before I last
attended a service I knew ’something’ was wrong.
I was not old enough, well read or experienced in life enough to know
what could be wrong.
I just knew and could very clearly sense that ’something’ was wrong.
Certain theological and ecclesiastical questions were strongly
discouraged. One was - why is it so necessary to be here -
in this building - every Sunday? This is ‘God’s House’. But if God is
God - can’t He be anywhere?
Of Course. He is Omniscient and Omnipresent. Then why can’t I go
commune quietly and personally with Him in the park under My favorite
tree? I never did get much of an answer to that one!

Even as I lit the Candles I was thinking. Thinking My own thoughts
for Myself. In a local ‘congregation’ where ‘you go along to get along’ was constantly spoken
of and acted upon - I was already unknowingly starting to seek, find and walk My own path.
I clearly remember a moment downstairs in the ‘Sunday School’. It was a conversation
concerning ethics. The ‘official line’ was that there was only one (1)
kind of ethics. For all conditions and situations - there was just this one (1) kind,
type, form of ethics. ‘Situational Ethics’ was not only derided - it was described and
coloured as something distinctly ‘evil’ and ‘You do not want to even think of going there’…. Thinking for One’s Self was thusly therefore implicitly, strongly discouraged. ” ‘God’ has the Answers. Just ask ‘God’ ” was the de-facto motto and mantra. Even as a child and later as a teen I had some very severe problems with that kind of non-thinking non-response to Spiritual as well as mundanian, temporal, everyday reality.

I have never been good at taking commands. Direction, Guidance and
Instruction are not only accepted but welcomed and encouraged.
Commands are not. You know the situation.
The Child’s - ‘Why’? The Adults - ‘Because I said so’…. That never
worked well with Me.
It still does not work well with Me. Dealing with an imperious
imperator of an employer is one thing.
Dealing with the ‘Holy, Apostolic, One, True and Only Real’ ‘Church’
makes My skin itch and crawl.

Because life is complicated, confused, conflicted and contradictory
a simple ‘one size fits all’ form of ethics is unmanageable and unworkable.
An at work situation is far different than that of one at home with the family and kids.
A Supervisor to Employee behavioral approach cannot
be expected to work at home when you are mediating brother and sister.
Or the classic one we discussed - and never were able to get a consensus decision on - is the
lifeboat scenario.
There are only supplies and room for 6 people in the boat - there are
seven people to save.
I came up with a solution. One person hangs onto the boat and swims in
the water. And to extend supplies You eat fish. Simple solutions.
Simple, basic, practical, functional ‘real world’ solutions. The Others
were off busy debating the nature of the lifeboat and the ‘moral’ qualities of
the people involved. Are they Catholics, Jews or Buddhists? I had no interest in that
metaphysical trivia. Life is Life. Save them all I did. I did ‘get real’. The Others still
missed the point. At least that’s how I remember it!!

Even as a child and later as a teen in High School I could see that ‘one size fits all’ won’t work. Later - in my very brief and very much abortive mis-adventure at the Seminary - it was so very much worse. I was there - IF memory is even
remotely accurate after 30 years - no more than 5 weeks. It may have been far less than that.
It was clearly not the place for me to be.
‘God’ - for the ‘churches’ and their attendant ‘denominations’ - is not so much a Deity
and Divinity as He is a Product to be marketed and sold. Catholics
light a Candle for prayers. Very fundamentally good idea. Basic candle magick. For the
Candle another of the seemingly endless ‘voluntary contributions’ is required. Remember the
‘Sales of the Indugences’? Many fortunes were raised with that im-pious moneymaker.

There is not a ‘church’ that does not - in some way or form, to some degree - sell ‘God’, ‘Faith’, or
‘Salvation’. It’s a multi-billion dollar a year Business. Even the online ULC does it. Yet the Universal Life Church seems to be a bit more open and straightforward about it. Want or need to do a Wedding? There are packages for that. Counseling? Sure. Packages exist for that too. ID?s,
Credentials and even music, books and proper ‘reverential’ garb is offered. I have no problem with this by the ULC. They are clearly offering a service. A service at a nominal cost. At no time have I read anything saying that not buying something from them will harm your karma or damage your eternal soul. This is quite unlike many of the TV-Evangelicals and even some of the more ‘mainsteam’ ‘’denominations’.

“BUY! GOD! NOW! or Die the most gruesome, hideous death possible"..?
There is a popular bracelet amoung the ‘Christians’ and ‘Evangelicals’ - WWJD?
What Would Jesus Do? It is an excellent question. What would the Christos do?
As early as approximately 50 years after the ‘Death’ and ‘Resurrection’
of the Christos His teachings, have been re-interpreted, re-cast, re-imagined,
re-structured and re-formed into something quite un-’Christian’ and un-recognizable.
He spoke to the individual.
He spoke to small groups. His was an intimate and personal message and
ministry. It was not until the writing of and ‘publishing’ of the ?Acts of the
Apostles? and the Letters of Paul that the nascent ‘Christian’ ‘church’ began to take
shape, find a function and develop a social, political and economic viewpoint. It was - even at
that early date - a ‘Christian’ ‘church’ in promotional name only. In practical,
functional reality it was ?religion? as usual with only a new ‘product’ to produce, market and
sell.

It was not many decades later that ‘God’ was being used as an
‘insurance policy’.
‘Buy Jesus or Die and Go to Hades’. ‘Redemption or Destruction’. Just
how would the Christos feel about being used and sold as the ‘hammer’ in an old-style
‘vigorish’ scam?
While the Sicilian Mafiosi may have earned their darkly deserved image
and reputation for their organized crime Families and Brotherhoods - the ‘organized’,
‘mainstream’ ‘Church’ - irrespective of sect or denomination - makes
their extortive hardball tactics look penny-ante in relative comparison.
The Chistos spoke of love, compassion, hope, faith and charity. In
a certain box - opened by a certain young woman - the last thing in the box was Faith, Hope and Charity. The box - that legend and myth says should never have been opened - was
closed before Faith, Hope and Charity could escape and be lost. The
Christos was a ‘fisher of men’ - not a cheap, hustling, scamming
shyster. I am reminded of the sequence in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
where He cleans out the temple. The ‘Church’ and ‘Religion’
has indeed turned a ‘House of Prayer’ into a ‘Den of Thieves’. {Really
cool song - and really rockingly performed as I recall!} Had Paul - who
once was Saul - known his very personal and intimate letters
to the seven (7) tiny and nascent ‘churches/congregations’ would be
copied, assembled and bound together into a ‘New’ Testament - he might
have had second - or even third thoughts - on writing them
had he known the in-intended and un-forseen uses they would eventually
be put to.

The Temple Lyrics
Artist: Jesus Christ Superstar
Album: Jesus Christ Superstar Soundtrack

Moneylenders and Merchants
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
Take your pick of the finest wine
Lay your bets on this bird of mine
Name your price I got everything
Come and buy it’s all going fast
Borrow cash on the finest terms
Hurry now while stocks still last

Jesus
My temple should be a house of prayer
But you have made it a den of thieves
Get up, get out
My time
Is almost through
Little left to do
After all
I’ve tried for three years
Seems like thirty
Seems like thirty

Crowd
See my eyes I can hardly see
See me stand I can hardly walk
I believe you can make me whole
See my tongue I can hardly talk
See my skin I’m a mass of blood
See my legs I can hardly stand
I believe you can make me well
See my purse I’m a poor, poor man
Will you touch, will you mend me Christ?
Won’t you touch, will you heal me Christ?
Will you kiss, you can heal me Christ
Won’t you kiss, won’t you pay me Christ?

Jesus
Oh, there’s too many of you, don’t push me
Oh, there’s too little of me, don’t crowd me
Heal yourselves!

Posted on at 11:17 pm by Paganus

Solemnis Solitaire #2

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Greetings.
Salutations.
Hail & Well Met.

Welcome…..

I am a Reader
I am a Writer
I am a Sharer
I Read.
I Write of what I Read.
I Share of what I Learn.

As both a Reader and a Writer I am in a position to not only do my Readings
but to Write of that which I have Read and Learned. It is - in this way -
that the valued and valuable process of Sharing is achieved and
accomplished.
Sharing - whether by physical action or by written word or by recorded
spoken word - is a basic human behavioural trait. Observe a toddler with a favorite
toy or cookie. The toy and cookie will be offered. To the tiny toddler there
is no ‘me & mine’. There is ‘our’. What belongs to one belongs to all.
What is Shared by One is Shared by All. Let us read. Let us learn, discover
and explore. Let us - together - join in a sharing of those readings,
discoveries and explorations…
Let us together share….

In my Readings that I have made so far - a book is often prominently
described and mentioned.
A “Book of Shadows". A Shadow is Dark from the Dark. In the Light of the
Day a Shadow is where the Light shines not. I am not here writing of
where the light is not. I write of the Light from the Light.

I am not whom and what I once was. What then am I?
I am if I can be considered to “be” anything - I might be best considered
an “Eclectic Practical Functionalist". Yeah. A really big mouthful that
does not say much. Boiled down it means - “whatever works".
I have always been an Eclectic. Bit’s of this - Bits of that.
Bit’s of anything and everything from anywhere and everywhere.
Rigid and ritually formalized “Canonical Dogma” does not work with me.
My life changes.
So too must my interactions with Deity.
My life is not in any way rigid and ritually formalized.
Why then should my interactions with Deity be?

My interactions with Deity are as open and free-form as possible.
I remember Sundays when I would sit on a hard wooden pew and “Hear the
Given and Delivered ‘Word’".
I also remember that on those Sundays I would serve as the ‘Candle-Lighter’.
In proper black and white alb and chasuble I would give honour to the
altar then very carefully light the candles on the left side of the altar. I would
then pause at the altar again giving honour then light the right hand set of candles.
You always lit from the outside inwards. After all candles were lit I would pause
for the final time at the altar then extinguish the lighter and step offstage. It was
five or so minutes of ritual and drama. I really enjoyed the brief moment of ritual.
At the end of the Services I would go out and repeat my actions save
this I enxtinguished the candles. At that time that was acceptable. In all things a
foundation must be formed and laid down.
Remember - You cannot build a building from the top down. You build a
building from the bottom up.
Those years of sitting in those pews are and were my formative
foundation of the Deity.
While I no longer sit in a hard wooden pew on a Sanctus - I still do
accept and acknowledge the existence of Deity.
It is just far more personal and direct now. It many even be - according to the
rigidly dogmatic and doctrinaire “mainstream denomination” - a different
Deity!

As an adult I no longer have any desire or need to have the ‘Word’ - in
whatever form it may be “Given and Delivered” - be “Given and Delivered” by an interpretive
middleman.
The ‘Word’ - in whatever form it may be - is mine to discover, explore and share.
The Goddess is important.
The God is equally important.
Neither is more important than the other.
Neither is ’superior’ or ‘inferior’ to the other.
Have I forsaken my earlier Deity learnings? No. Absolutely not.
In no way is my acceptance of Goddess and God a repudiation of what I
was taught - and what I learned earlier. Deity is Deity. It matters not who you send the
messages to.
It matters not at all. It all winds up in the same place. It’s all the
same multi-faceted, multi-formed,
multi-dimensional infinite “Creator” being. It’s all the same thing.
It’s the ALL. {Remember the Creation Mythos?…}

Why are we so concerned about our limited views, comprehension and
understanding of Deity?
We are Humanity.
We are - in no possible way - Deity.
Deity is Deity.
Deity has no restrictions or limitations.
Why then limit and restrict Deity?
Why limit and restict the ALL?
Convenience.
Personal pride and ego.
Human competitiveness instead of human cooperation.
Challenge and Confrontation instead of Cooperation and Coordination.

It all comes down not to the needs of the Divine - but rather the needs
of the Humanly Mundane.
The Humanly Mundane ‘Church’.
It derives from “Religion".
Sociological Power and Control.
Personal interaction with Deity is not based upon Power and Control.
But “organized” “religion” most certainly is. For “organized” “religion”
as it is structured and formulated - cannot exist or operatively function - without Power
and Control over it’s members and adherents. This much is sociologically and historically
proven and documented.
Personal interaction with Deity is private, intimate, instructive,
enlightening and empowering. Enlightenment and Empowerment for the solitary individual is
not a priority nor encouraged with the ‘Church’. It is the ‘congregation’ that matters.
For it is the ‘congregation’ that feeds that ever insatiably greedy golden ‘offering’
bowl.

As a “learner” and most recently an “eclectic” “solitary practioner” of
“whatever works", I find that listening and paying close attention to my “Guides” helps.
Yes. My Guides. Spirit Guides. Guardians. Muses. Good People.
I have no Priestess.
I do have my Editorial Mystress.
She often tells me what to do - and how to do it. This does not count.
She is my Editor/Publisher. Without her guidance and instruction as
to what the Membership and Readership needs - I would be nothing.
There would be nothing written or posted. There would be nothing
at either MysticWitch.com or Mystic Witch Forums.
I have my “Guides".
I have the Goddess/ Earth Mother.
I even have the “God".
Horned God? For me that once was a bit much. That once was too much too
close to my “Demonic Devil"/cosmological ‘Boogy Man’ figure I had waved in front of
me for all those earlier formative years. Is the Horned God the ‘Christian’s’
smelly, dark and nasty ‘Devil’? No. In no way. What then is He? He is the ancient ‘Green Man’
of Northern European Celtic and Nordic cultures. He is the Priest/ess//Shaman wearing the
head and horns of the beast that was killed and slaughterd for food. He is the very deep reverent
honouring of the life and spirit of the beast sacrificed for the survival of the human tribe.

I even had to come to terms with the “pentacle". I knew it as the
“pentagram". I never knew it with the fifth point pointing upwards. It was always pointing downwards.
Even the security officer badge I wore had the point downward not upward.
I could “sense” and “feel” that was wrong.
The badge pointed downwards. That “felt” wrong.I did not know why.
I wore it but it “felt” wrong.
It was only in my Readings of the past few years that I have seen the
“pentacle” and read of its usage and meaning.

So much of what I am Reading and Learning is not so much a denial or
contradiction of that which I was taught and learned earlier, as it is
an amplification and alternative viewpoint. But even so - I will be
open, ethical and honest in this admission - it has been difficult to
“expand” my previous and prior comprehension and understanding to
include and encompass my new “readings and learnings". As was quoted by
one of the writers I read - from Father Loyola:
“Give me your children to the age of seven and I will have them for life".
I have many years of teachings to comprehend and understand in new light.

I therefore, have no interest in Power and Control.
I do have interest in Learning and Guidance.
So too did all those earlier generations. In their books - their Books
of Shadows - They shared.
It was quiet by need and necessity - a book written in and shared in -
the shadows.
It was indeed a “Book of Sharings” but it was done in the safety and
security of the obscuring “shadows".

Sometimes the absence of Light is not a bad thing
When in times of Darkness - The Light is needed
Martyrs and burned books are not needed.
So care and caution were exercised.
So in that context I can accept and understand “Book of Shadows".
Yet - for all of that - these words I am now writing - are part of my
“Book of Sharings".
They are again the same thing - serving the same intent and purpose.
I just like “Sharings” better.

So let us - together - read
So let us - together - learn
So let us - together - share

So thus it was
So thus it is
So thus it be……

So mote it be………

Blessings Be….

Posted on at 10:55 pm by Paganus

Solemnis Solitaire #1

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Greetings.
Hail & Well Met.
Blessings Be….

In the Beginning all was dark, shapeless and without form.
In the Beginning there was no function, point and/or purpose.
In the Beginning there was nothing.
Then the Primal Event occurred -
and came forth the ALL and with the ALL came the Whole of Creation.
The basic, universal Creator and Creation myth.
Myth not because it is fiction phantasia - but because it is
the first story ever told and recorded. Recorded not in a written
form - but in spoken word oral history and tradition.
Oral tradition passed down father to son - mother to daughter,
generation to generation - down through the millennia.

Because this Creation Myth is so ancient - and so primal - it is
found in nearly all of the Major Faith’s, Cultures and Societal
Histories. It even appears - in slightly varied forms - in
indigenous aboriginal peoples myths - including such as the Australian
and North and South American Natives’s. It even appears in the Edda’s of the
ancient Norse and Celtic peoples.

Being originally oral history and tradition the Creation Mythos
was not ‘written’ and ‘recorded’ till around 3000 BCE.
This was not ‘written’ as words on papyrus scrolls.
This was ‘written’ as pre-Egyptian cuneiform of the Sumerian,
Assyrian and Babylonian temple and burial chamber inscriptions and
carvings. While by our current era’s historical and cultural
frame of reference Ancient Egyptian is archaeic - there are and
were vastly older societies and cultures.

In the beginnings of ‘faiths’ and ‘religions’ all peoples were
essentially pagan. There were as many male as female deities and
divinities. Male and female deities and divinities covered the
lands and the cosmos. It was not until after the death and crucifixion
of the Christos that a ‘new’ faith came forth into the chapels and temples
of the land. Formulation of the nascent ‘Christian’ ‘religion & faith’ -
in it’s earliest years - depended extensively upon vastly older
Zoroastrianism from Persia and selected elements from the Egyptian
pantheon as well as other selected elements from the Greeks and Romans. It could,
therefore, be argued - in a limited sense - that in many of its core basics
‘Christianity’ is itself pagan derived.

Writing down the myths, teachings and wisdom of their respective
faiths on papyrus scrolls is - in the long view of human history - a
relatively recent development. Even the oldest of the known scrolls only
date to after the death and crucifixion of the Christos. This is - at
best - circa 1800 to 1950 years old. Well under 2000 years ago.
Some of the oldest of the Persian/Sumerian inscriptions/carvings are
somewhere in the realm of 4 to 6 thousand years older than that - making
them 6 to 8 thousand years old from our present date.
Ancient oral traditions are many multiple millennia older still.

In my own individual and personal beginnings I was not Pagan.
I was a “mainstream denominational". I did the Sunday services.
I attended Sunday School. For a summer I even assisted in Summer School
classes. I graduated from a “denominational” High School in Denver, Co.
After High School I enrolled in - but did not complete - classes
at a church based and operated seminary school. I then enrolled
in and graduated from Metropolitan State in Denver, Co. I last attended
’services’ in the ‘denominational church’ somewhere in the mid
to late 1970’s. I still had my ‘faith’ - I just had no physical ‘church’.
I was open and ready for a drastic and very dramatic change.
A change that was already happening - but since it was
happening so very slowly and incrementally - I never noticed it.
I never knew the ‘change’ was happening.

Time changes everything. Everything changes over the years.
In the 1950 circa years since the ‘birth’ of the so-called
‘Christian’ ‘religion & faith’ many of its integral tenets,
teachings, ritual and ceremonial services and structures and
‘essential’ core beliefs have become ‘official canon’ instead
of the Zoroastrian paganistic ‘borrowings’ they clearly
originally were. So too I am no longer who and what I once
was. Once I sat in a cold, hard, uncomfortable wooden pew
attending Sunday Services hearing the pastorally delivered
‘Word of the Lord’. At that time I also assisted with Sunday
and Summer School classes. Today I sit under a tree - provided
I am sitting anywhere other than at a ‘puter somewhere - quietly
and personally communing with my Guides, Guardians. Muses and
the Lord & Lady. The years have passed. Changes have been
made….

I am nearing the start of my 3rd Year of Readings.
I am starting to read of the Shamans and the Druids.
I am also starting to read “The Supernatural".
It’s a series of Time-Life-like picture & text
books from the 1970’s. I know they may not be
accurate or reliable on many things - but they are
good for what I am going to use them for. I see them as
sign posts to thoughts, topics, ideas and concepts
that may yet be new and as yet unexplored by this Paganus.
New ways - new thoughts - new patterns and forms.
New authors, new readings and new writings.
Moving forward from where We were to where We will be.
Let’s together begin with a simple analogy….
I am building my new life.

I may not yet be a Witch - but I do work for one!
I work for M’lady Mistress Ravenfyre.
I work and serve as Her Site Administrator & Group Moderator
for Her Mystic Witch Forums
I am a Writer and Editor for Her MysticWitch.com.
I am the “Owner” of a Google Group - MagickalMystics.
I am a Guild member of the ‘Science & Arts’ Guild at the
“Koroneburg” Renaissance Festival in Corona, CA.
I also serve and tend this household.
My life is complicated, often confused and contradictory
and emotionally, psychologically and metaphysically busy.
I serve many people in many different ways.
For the Mistress I am Her Paganus - Her Site Administrator
{spam killer!} and Group Moderator {Forum’s ‘traffic cop’}.
I also serve Her as a Writer and Editorial Contributor.
It is in that role that I write and post these thoughts….
I also “own” and “manage” MagickalMystics on Google Groups.
In the ‘physical’ and often quite tediously mundane ‘real’ world
I am this household’s ‘house-tender’. Yes - that does indeed
include some inevitable and inescapable ‘parent-tending’.
I also serve the ‘Science & Arts’ Guild out at the “Koroneburg”
Renaissance Festival. This coming season I am again blessed with
the opportunity to work for Tom & Pat - producers and presenters
of the Festival.
Let us not ever forget I also serve the Lord & Lady.
I serve not only a very masculine God but a very feminine
Goddess.

I am building my ‘new’ life.
In a very real way it quite similar to building a structure.
You first select the site and location for your project.
You clear and prepare the ground.
You take out all the old dead stumps and rocks.
You keep as many of the living tress and shrubs as possible.
You then dig out for the foundation.
A life - nor physical structure - is never built from the
highest level downwards.
A life - as well as all physical structures - is/are built from
the lowest levels upward.
I am ‘building the foundation’.
One digs out for the foundation -
lays in the electrical and plumbing -
and then builds the basement level.
That is what I am doing.
I am gathering materials - the metaphysical & metaphorical
electrical conduit, copper pipe, wood, plaster, concrete and
rebar and other component stuff - and am busy ‘building’ and slowly
‘outfitting’ my ‘basement/foundation’ level.
Shamanism, Druidism, Wicca, Magick and Mysticism are all going
into that Foundation Level.
The process is slow.
It is meant to be slow.
You are not meant to do any of this quickly.
Building Your physical ‘real’ world home may take years.
So too it may take years to ‘build’ and ‘outfit’ Your
metaphysical, metaphorical, spiritual home.

I no longer sit in a wooden, cold and uncomfortable pew
listening to a pastor deliver “God’s Word".
I no longer ‘pass the offering’ down the aisle.
I no longer drop a dollar into that insatiably greedy golden bowl.

I no longer serve as a ‘Candle-Lighter’ for the Sunday Services.
If I light any candles at all it is for my own personal workings.

I can - and do - wear to Renaissance Festival an outfit/costume very
similar to that which I once wore as ‘Candle-Lighter’. I once wore
black and white for ritual and ceremony - I wear shades of tan and brown
now.

I have moved far, far beyond the restrictive and intentionally
limiting constrictures and confines of a “mainstream liturgical
denomination".
I have seen that so very much - if not in a very real way nearly all of
what the ‘mainstreamer’s’ believe in & do on their Sundays - is merely a
‘Christianised’ & ‘De-Paganized’ variant version of what Druids,
Wiccans, Witches do in their circles and in solitude under their favorite
welcoming and sheltering tree.
There is also the real matter of now having a cosmic ‘mother’ as well as
a cosmic ‘father’.
“Mainstream” reduces - if not eliminates - the feminine.
For years I knew something was not in balance.
Something was very much missing.
It is missing no longer.

I serve the God.
I serve the Goddess.
I serve the Lord & Lady.
I serve the Mystress RavenFyre.
I serve the Readership & Membership of both MysticWitch.com but
Mystic Witch Forums.
I serve my family, household and its inhabitants.
I serve myself.
Finally - most importantly - I serve The ALL from which
everything else derives…..

As I do my Readings -
As I gather my Learnings -
I shall Share.
I will Share of the Readings.
I will Share of the Learnings.
I will Share of Questions and Answers.
That is how we Grow & Develop.
That is how we Be & Become - Become & Be.

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be…..

In Perfect Love -
In Perfect Trust -
So Mote It Be.

Blessings Be

Posted on at 10:46 pm by Paganus

White Cat Ascendant #2: The Visitation…..

Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

She has Returned.

It had been a long, tiring and draining day.
It was late at night.
Family had gone to bed hours earlier.
I was watching some Olympics from Torino, Italia.
I got up to rinse up and put away my dishes.
I was walking across the carpet.
I heard soft, quiet footfalls.
I looked back.
Obviously there was nothing there.
I went on to the sink.
I felt a unmistakeable rubbing of my leg.
I looked down.
Still there was nothing physical there to be seen.
I rinsed up my cup and dishes.
The Olympics were over.
I shut out the light over the sink.
I walked back over to where I had been sitting.
I shut down the satelite system and shut off the TV.
I felt another very brief leg rubbing.
I gathered up my cell phone and wand.
I shut out the light.
I stood there for a moment.
Something had just happened that I was beginning
to think would not or could not ever happen.

I work for a Witch.
I Work, Write and Edit for Mistress RavenFyre @ MysticWitch.com
I Write and Edit for MysticWitch.com.
I am the Site Administrator / Group Moderator for
Mystic Witch Forums.
I am a Guild member of the ‘Science & Arts’ Guild at the
‘Koroneburg’ Renaissance Festival.
I work for Tom and Pat at the Festival.
I am what I consider to be a ‘Magus-In-Training’.
I have what I would consider some good, solid yet basic
‘qualifications’.
Yet for all of those ‘qualifications’ I have never seen, heard
or sensed in any way a spirit or ghost.
Not untill a few nights ago…..

I stood there in that darkend room and knew She had been there.
Been there - if only for a tiny, fleeting moment.
I knew those footfalls.
I knew those quiet and gentle leg rubs.
The White Cat Ascendant had returned.
If only for the shortest, briefest moment She had returned.

Thank You, Bast.
Thank You, Brighid.
Thanks, Patty…..
Purr On, M’Lady-Cat!
Purr On!

Posted on at 10:41 pm by Paganus

Foundations

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Greetings All & Everyone.
Hail & Well Met.
Be Welcome Here.
Paganus Greybeard here….

I am nearing the start of my 3rd Year of Readings.
I am starting to read of the Shamans and the Druids.
I am also starting to read “The Supernatural".(1)
It’s a series of Time-Life-like picture & text
books from the 1970’s. I know they may not be
accurate or reliable on many things - but they are
good for what I am going to use them for. I see them as
sign posts to thoughts, topics, ideas and concepts
that may yet be new and as yet unexplored by this Paganus.
New ways - new thoughts - new patterns and forms.
New authors, new readings and new writings.
Moving forward from where We were to where We will be.
Let’s together begin with a simple analogy….

I am building my new life.
I may not yet be a Witch - but I do work for one!
I work for M’lady Mistress Ravenfyre.
I work and serve as Her Site Administrator & Group Moderator
for Her Mystic Witch Forums.
I am a Writer and Editor for Her MysticWitch.com.
I am the “Owner” of a Google Group - MagickalMystics.
I am a Guild member of the ‘Science & Arts’ Guild at the
“Koroneburg” Renaissance Festival in Corona, CA.
I also serve and tend this household.

My life is complicated, often confused and contradictory
and emotionally, psychologically and metaphysically busy.
I serve many people in many different ways.
For the Mistress I am Her Paganus - Her Site Administrator
{spam killer!} and Group Moderator {Forum’s ‘traffic cop’}.
I also serve Her as a Writer and Editorial Contributor.
It is in that role that I write and post these thoughts….
I also “own” and “manage” MagickalMystics on Google Groups.
In the ‘physical’ and often quite tediously mundane ‘real’ world
I am this household’s ‘house-tender’. Yes - that does indeed
include some inevitable and inescapable ‘parent-tending’.
I also serve the ‘Science & Arts’ Guild out at the “Koroneburg”
Renaissance Festival. This coming season I am again blessed with
the opportunity to work for Tom & Pat - producers and presenters
of the Festival.

I am ‘building the foundation’.
One digs out for the foundation -
lays in the electrical and plumbing -
and then builds the basement level.
That is what I am doing.
I am gathering materials - the metaphysical & metaphorical
electrical conduit, copper pipe, wood, plaster, concrete and rebar
and other component stuff - and am busy ‘building’ and slowly
‘outfitting’ my ‘basement/foundation’ level.
Shamanism, Druidism, Wicca, Magick and Mysticism are all going
into that Foundation Level.
The process is slow.
It is meant to be slow.
You are not meant to do any of this quickly.
Building Your physical ‘real’ world home may take years.
So too it may take years to ‘build’ and ‘outfit’ Your
metaphysical, metaphorical, spiritual home.
As I do my Readings -
As I gather my Learnings -
I shall Share.
I will Share of the Readings.
I will Share of the Learnings.
I will Share of Questions and Answers.

That is how we Grow & Develop.
That is how we Be & Become - Become & Be.
So this was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be…..

Blessings Be

Posted on at 10:38 pm by Paganus

Imbolc

In a small, northern hamlet a childe plays outdoors.
The community is up and about their day. The cooking fires are lit.
The sheep and lambs are milling about in their pens waiting for their
morning feeding.
The men of the hamlet gather their bows and spears. They gather and
pause at the cookfire of the Shaman. Snow still covers the ground.
The Shaman emerges from the hut. Preparations for the ritual blessing
of the hunters begins but is quickly interrupted by the shouts of the children.
Quickly the adults of the hamlet hurry to where the children are clustered about.
The Shaman eases all aside and looks to where one of the children is pointing.
Out of a hillside, in the warming sun, seveal tall green shoots struggle
upwards into the light. Excitedly the adults chatter amoungst themselves.
The Shaman steps back away to make room for others to gaze upon the first new green
growth of Spring. The Shaman glances over at the sheep and lamps. There too signs
of life are to be seen. The first signs of Spring. Spring is not yet here - but
it is coming.
There is hope again…..

Here in the Northern Hemisphere Spring is coming. The deadly grip of Winter
is slowly giving way to Springs healing warmth. In the Southern Hamisphere
Imbolc is celebrated and observed August 1st and 2nd. In the Southern
Hamisphere the seasons are reversed - so we here in thr Northern Hamisphere are
celebrating and observing Imbolc on Feb. 1st and 2nd., int he Southern Hemisphere it’s
Lughnasadh. (1)

By the time of imbolc Winter’s deadly icy grip is slowly loosening. The
days are slowly growing longer and warmer. The annual re-birth and re-growth of the
plants can slowly start to be seen and noticed. Imbolc symbolicly hearalds the first lambs
birth and the ewes (mother lambs) begin to lactate (make milk). This is part of the
ancient connection to the first milking of ther season and year.

This also connects to the Celtic Goddess Brighid. Brighid is the Celtic
version and variant of the ancient Pagan and pre-’Christian’ Triple Goddess. She is the
Maiden, Mother and Crone. She is the Goddess of poetry, Smithcraft and healing. She is even seen by some as a protector and preserver of knowledge. (2)

Farm animals and their milk were exspecially sacred to not only Brighid
but to her Celtic, Irish and Northern Lands peoples. This was the time of the year when new
life and new hope for life was vital to the endurance and survival of the peoples and
cultures. It is for this reason that Brighid ’survived’ the ‘Christian Conversion’. In
Ireland she was made over by the ‘Christians’ into St. Brigid and became the “Foster Mother”
of the young Christos and Mary’s midwife. In many ways it may be thought that Brighid
is the protector, preserver and midwife of Spring. (1)(3)

Here in the U.S. Groundhog Day has come to be celebrated and observed on
the ancient Pagan Sabbat. While much of the original ancient pre-’Christian’ Pagan message
and meaning has been stripped away and ‘lost’ we still do celebrate and observe the
warming of the lands and the coming of the Springs re-birth and renewal.

Other Names:
Feast of Torches, Oimelc, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival,
Feastof the Waxing Light,
Brighid’s Day.

Dates Celebrated & Observed:
Feb. 1st and 2nd {Northern Hemisphere}
Aug. 1st and 2nd {Southern Hemisphere}

AltarCloth Colour:
White

Candles:
White, Yellow, Blue

Stones:
Amber, Amazonite {feldspar}, Clear Quartz, Rose Quarts, Citrine

Herbs & Plants for Magickal Workings:
Cedar, Chamomile, Evergreen branches, Rose hips, Sage, Sunflowers

Other Decorations:
A small bowl of seeds for the Altar along with a smal bowl of potting soil.

A Brief Imbolc ‘Working’:

An Acorn or a small collection of seeds.
A planting pot.
Potting Soil.
Water.
Candle or battery-’candle’.

Light candle or battery-’candle’.
Aspect Brighid - We thank You for the Spring.
Place acorn/seeds into planting pot with potting soil.
From this Acorn {these seeds} great growth will come.
From this tiny seed {seeds} will come the future.
Cover acorn/seeds with potting soil.
Out of Winter’s white frozen ground comes Spring’s green growing life.
Water the newly planted acord/seeds.
Aspect Brighid - You watched over, protected and preserved not only the
Plants of Spring but also the new Lambs, Foals and Babies. Spring may
not yet be here -
but it is coming. Hope and promise of Spring’s rebirth and regrowth is
coming.
Place plant pot - with planted and watered acord/seeds - in a wondow
with sunlight.
Thanks Brighid.
Use candle snuffer to extinguish the candle or turn off battery-’candle’.

SOURCES:

(1) Wicca Bible
Ann-Marie Gallagher
Sterling Puiblishing Co., Inc.
New York, N.Y.
© 2005
ISBN: I-4027-3008-X
(2) Wicca & Witchcraft for Dummies
Diane Smith
Wiley Publishing Co., Inc.
Hoboken, NJ
© 2005
ISBN-10: 978-0-7645-7834-2
ISBN-13: 0-7645-7834-0
etips.dummies.com
www.dummies.com

(3) The Complete Idiot’s Guide to: Paganism
Carl McColman
Alpha - A member of Penguin Group
Indianapolis, IN
© 2002
ISBN: 0-02-864266-X
www.idiotsguides.com

(4) The Complete Idiot’s Guide to: Wicca & Witchcraft
Denise Zimmerman & Katherine A. Gleason
Alpha.
© 2003 by Ameranth
ISBN: 1-59257-5
www.idiotsguides.com

(5) Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Scott Cunningham
© 1988
Llewellyn Publications
ISBN: 0-87542-118-0
www.llewellyn.com

(7) Wicca For one - The Path of Solitary Witchcraft
Raymond Buckland
© 2004
Citadel Press/ kensington Publishing Corp.
N.Y./N.Y.
ISBN: 0-8065-2554-1
www.kensingtonbooks.com

Posted on at 10:12 pm by Paganus

New Year’s Midnight Working

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Setting/Set up for Working:
Table/Altar with altar cloth and either a single small candle
or single small battery-’candle’. There is also a small clock.
The atheme and wand are also on the altar - but will not be used
in the working. The altar pentacle is also on the altar below
either the candle or the battery-’candle’.

From one moment to the next -
one hour, day, week, month, year -
time passes -
the Wheel turns….

Hold either candle or battery-’candle’
Facing EAST
East.
Facing SOUTH
South.
Facing WEST
West.
FacingNORTH
North.
Place either the candle or the battery-’candle’
back on the altar.

Four Directions -
Four Guides -
Four Guardians -
Inside this Sacred Space -
This Sacred Physical Place -
This moment of time out-of-time -
the cycle continues….

From Dawn to Dusk -
Sunlight to Moonlight -
Father Sun to Mother Moon -
Day to Night -
The cycle continues…..

One year departs -
One year arrives -
Still the cycle ever continues….

A single small candle or battery-’candle’.
One tiny light.
One tiny candle/’candle’ to light the Darkness
and show the way till Dawn.
Let NOT the Darkness rule forever.
the cycle continues.
One moment to the next.

As it was -
As it is -
As it will be….

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be -

The candle/’candle’ burns on…..

Posted on at 10:06 pm by Paganus

Yuletide’s Lights

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

This is the Season of the Celebration - for the “Christians” of
the “birth” of the “Christ Child". This is - for all practical intents
and purposes - the primary underlaying “religious” reason for this
Winter Season holiday. For the vast mass of modern civilization -
it is the season of sales, shopping and retailer’s worrying about their
“sales figures” and “cash flow bottom lines".

The lights are up on the house here. The tree is up. In fact -
the tree has been up since the day after “Thanksgiving". It is
going to be a very quiet holiday this year - as it has been for
several years.

It’s Sanctus. It was a warm day outside. But the weather
report says that in my part of Southern California we may be getting
some high winds. House is quiet. Nothing is happening. Cat’s are
snugged in together and Penny-pup is in the bean-bag.

This “season” of the “yuletide” is far more than just an excuse
for the wholesalers and retailers to sell their products. It is
an ancient and honourable “religious” holiday.
It is both Pagan and “Christian". The “Christians” - in very large
form and measure - co-opted this holiday for their own purposes. This is
NOT the actual “season” of the “Christ Child’s” birth. The holiday - as we now know
it and celebrate it - was moved to the Pagan’s Winter Solstice holiday to
directly co-opt that celebration. Celebrants of the Eastern Orthodox faith
celebrate on January 6th - the Feast of the Epiphany. Many of the traditional
trappings and seasonal celebratory festivities are directly descended from
ancient Pagan roots such as the tree, wreath, candles and feasts.
Ancient pre-"Christian” Romans celebrated Saturnalia on December 17.
When the Germanic and Celtic tribal cultures blended with the Romanic
cultures the Germanic and Celtic Paganistic traditions of food, fellowship, yule log,
“Christmas” tree and the exchange of gifts were added to the holiday’s
celebration. Even many of the carols that are sung in this season are
very ancient and very pagan. As with the holiday itself - the carols
were co-opted and re-cycled by the early “Christian Church” for their
own uses and purposes.

Who then - in all of this commercialized retail mayhem - is the
symbol of the season? Santa Claus. A fat man in a red suit who
lives at the North Pole with elves. Sounds more than slightly
Pagan to me! How does he travel? Flying reindeer. By whom is
he guided? Rudolph with his “red nose".

But even this has a historical basis. St. Nicholas - or “Sinter
Klaus” in the original Dutch. Nicholas was a fifth century priest
in Asia Minor was said to have performed various “good deeds". Perhaps
the best known of these deeds involved three young women who were about
to be forced into prostitution because of poverty. Nicholas - or so the legend goes
- secretly entered their home through their chimney, and left gold in
their stocking which were left over the fire’s embers to dry. This
“legend” was subsequently brought from Asia Minor to New Amsterdam and
the other Dutch colonies in the New World where they were combined with
ancient Celtic and Nordic legends about a Yuletide gift-giving figure
who would only leave gifts for “good little boys and girls".

As an inevitable result of these inter-cultural and
cross-cultural meldings and blendings there is a gift-giving figure in many
societies and cultures. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland the
figure is known as Christkindl or Kris Kringle. Some of the figures
are blatantly Pagan and decidedly non-Christian as in the Scandinavian
countries were the gift-bearers are a trio of gnomes. Poland
celebrates with a blending of the two traditions - the Star Man, thought to be
called so because of a connection to the Star of Bethlehem. In France the figure
is Pere Noel {Father Noel}, in England it’s Father Christmas, and it’s
Grandfather Frost in Russia. Even into the far-eastern realm of Japan
this figure is found. There the person is their deity Hoteiosho.

The tradition and practice of gift-giving at the Yule is ancient
and apparently very much pre-"Christian". There are written and
confirmed accounts of at least four (4) pre-"Christian” Pagan and
Roman festivals that “Christmas” came to supplant and replace.
Two of these festivals - the Kalends and the Roman “Saturnalia”
were characterized by feasting and revelry. A third festival is
that of Libanius where the focus is upon gift-giving.
The fourth - the Roman festival of Deus Sol Inviticus - was held and
celebrated on December 25th and is often considered to be the
date co-opted by the early “Christians” for their “Christ’s Mass".
So - with all of this in mind - how does this particular Paganus
and Family savor this season? We spend time with each other - as
much we can and as much we can stand each other. We set up the
tree just after “Thanksgiving” and will leave it up till just
after “New Year’s". The lights are up on the house and the the
electric candles are in the window. The “Christmas” cards are on
the mantle over the fireplace.

Blessings Be to All & Every One..

Posted on at 9:59 pm by Paganus

White-Lighter’s Wear Black

I wear Black.
I am NOT the ‘villain’.
I AM the “White-Lighter".
I AM the “White-Lighter” -
or so my Editorial Mistress tells me I am.
I am still seriously working on understanding and accepting
that.
There is still so very much I do not understand.
But there is also much -
that after years of hard learning and experience -
that I do understand…..

It’s only in the older ‘Hollywood’ Westerns and ‘Action’ movies
that the ‘villain’ wears black.
You could always tell who ‘hero’ and the ‘villain’ were by
the color of their clothes and hats.
Well - after many years - that changed.

A Druid wears dark robes.
A Magus wears dark robes.
When I am able to afford robes I will wear dark colors.
Not because of any interest in the ‘Dark Side’ but
rather that I wear black better than white.
I just do not look good in white.
I look good in Dark Blue and Brown.
One of my Cloaks is Brown.
I look good in that.
I feel good in that.
Brown - for me - is the colour of Mother Earth.
I do much of my Faire and Festival work wearing my
brown outfits.
In time - I will add a black outfit.
There are printed - paper - catalogues of “pagan gear”
and some of the robes and cloaks are very appealing.
I would look very good in dark colours.
I would also work well in dark colours.
Most of my workings are done at night or at dawn.

I am NOT of and or from the ‘Dark Side’.
I am - as Mistress RavenFyre said - of the ‘White’.
I am not fully adjusted to that.
But with the help and guidance of my Guides and
Guardians - I may become a better and more
effective “White Lighter".

Festival is coming up in the Spring.
Perhaps by then I’ll have my black Druid/Magus outfit.
I would cetainly madke a good impression at Festival.
I might even be able to do some bigger and better workings….
And that - is the point of the matter…..
Its is not what I wear -
but what I do…..
I could do my ‘Pagan’ ‘Magus’ thing at a local area ‘nudist resort’.
Yes - there is a ‘nudist resort’ in my area.
But would your Paganus be comfortable there?
I’d rather wear my Robes.
At least -
untill I am invited into and join a circle, gove or coven…..

I know I’d look good in brown or black then…..

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be…..

Blessings Be

Posted on at 9:51 pm by Paganus

Serving the Household

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

I serve.
I serve the household.
I do what must - and needs - be done.
I serve also the Goddess as best I can.
At times that may not be very well at all.
I am told that I am a ‘White-Lighter’.
I am doing my inadequate and humble mortal best to
live-up-to and serve in that capacity and role.
But as a mortal I am clearly not always very
much of the ‘White’.
In many ways - so very often - I am still very
much what I consider to be the ‘Grey-Lighter’.
I still have many clashes with my ‘inner darkest demon’.
The ‘anger inside’ is still very much there.
I am constantly ‘on watch’ to keep my ‘inner anger’
from coming out and taking over my personality and life.
I also serve my Editorial Mistress.
I am a Writer/Contributor.
I am the Group Moderator and an Administrator
for the MysticWitch.comn forum.
I serve in many people in many ways.
It is - however - at ‘home’ - in the ‘household’ -
that I find myself at most in service.
My parents are elderly.
Much that they used to be able to do -
they now can no longer do.
I do errands.
I feed the birds at night when I return
‘home’ from here at this ‘cyber-cafe’.
I tend Sherri and Serena - the cats.
I tend Penny-Pup - the dog.
I do ‘mail & errand'’runs’.
I tend to the household in the middle of the night
when that is needed and necessary.
When they are gone for the day I stay at home -
I do not leave until they return.
The ‘household’ is not left untended and unserved.
I serve also by avoiding the anger and fury that
I am so capable of.
Last year - at this time - I had a real battle
with that ‘inner darkest demon’.
That ‘inner darkest demon’ is NOT coming out to visit
this time this year.
I must - at all times - remain in total and complete
control. That ‘inner demon’ is far too dark and deadly
to ever come out for a visit ever again.
So - in a way - I serve the household by something I am not
doing. I am avoiding problems and hassles. This year that
is very critically important. The health of the parents
is delicate - to be diplomatic and discrete.
I cannot afford any hassles.
Therefore - I serve the household by avoiding and preventing hassles.
Another way I serve is in these late afternoon and early evening
‘visits’ to this ‘cybernetic-cafe’. By being here for two hours
per day I am doing two (2) things. I am out of the household
and thusly not there for problems to even begin - and I am here
working for the Mistress & the Goddess. That is also a excellent
way and means to keep that deadly ‘inner darkest demon’ under permanent
control.

I serve the Goddess - in all Her Aspects and Forms - by being the
best possible ‘White-Lighter’ I can be.

I serve the Mistress by being the best Writer/Moderator/Administrator
I can possibly be.

I serve the Household by being the best possible Son to the Parents I
can be.

I am the Paganus.
I am the Greybeard.

I do what I must do.

I serve many in many ways.

Posted on at 9:48 pm by Paganus

Greybeards Samhain Midnight

By Staff Writer:Paganus Greybeard

Midnight. The infamous witching hour. A moment between moments
between the worlds. This Greybeard prefers to celebrate this hour from
23:30 /11:30 p. to 00:30 / 12:30 a. Circles are raised and workings are
worked. This Greybeard is not hiding anything. Despite what the often
overly excitable evangelicals would want you to hear and believe
doing magick or even a simple and basic working or sharing in the
quiet hours of the night is not of the Darkness or Evil. It is
simply a better, quieter time. This Greybeard can concentrate without as
many disruptions or distractions. It is for me simply a better time
to work.

One of the more important Nights to do a working with as few
distractions and disruptions is Samhain {Sow-ween}. On this Night in
this moment between moments between the worlds I did my first ever
working. It was very basic. I was not even working from written, prepared
notes. I was very new to both MysticWitch.com and my Chaotic Eclectic
status. Chaotic? To be sure. To be very sure!…. Eclectic? That too!
Complicated confusion from many different places and sources.
I had no idea what I was doing. I also knew it did not matter.
I honoured the Living.
I honoured the Departed.
I honoured the Lord & Lady.
It was over and done with in less than three (3) to five (5) minutes.
It was my first working.
On the 31st of this October month Samhain is again observed and
celebrated. this year I will again in a moment between moments between
the worlds honour the Living and the Departed.
I will also honour the Lord & Lady.
We all develop our own personal traditions. As your Paganus GreybeardI
am no different. I will again for the 2nd time do the working
impromptu. No preparation. No planning. I will assemble what is needed
and do the working. I have no idea what I will be doing. That is part of
my developing tradition that I not know what I am to do much before the
moment of the working.
I write workings.
I do workings.
On this Samhain {Sow-ween} Night I will again do a working
spontaneously. It will be done as my Guides, Guardians and Muses inspire
and direct me to do. As the all the Children of the local neighborhoods wander
throuh the community with their bags and baskets Ill be spending time
with the Lord and Lady and my recently departed.
Ill especially be spending time with Patty-Cat.
She who may so very soon be the White Cat Ascendant.
Light the Candles.
Present the Offerings to the Gods and Goddesses.
Honour The Living.
Remember the Departed.
Samhain is the Night of the Ancestors.
Ill do a simple working.
Will you?…..

Posted on at 9:44 pm by Paganus

Badges of Office

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

I am the Paganus.
I am the slightly different man in black and brown occasionally
black, blue or white sitting quietly in either a quiet corner somewhere or
at a puter unit keyboarding away. Sometimes I wear what I think of as my
scholars cloak. Most of the time I wear one of my old black
uniform shirts out as a over-shirt. Today as I sit here in the Student Resource
Center I am wearing my standard black jeans, brown turtleneck and brown
shirt-jacket. I am as dressed-up as I ever am here at San Bernardino City Unified
Schools Adult School.

Since I am the Paganus - and a Chaotic Eclectic I am also wearing
my Celtic Cross, Pentacle, Jewish Six-point Star and a yellow stone
symbolizing the Sky-Father Sun. It all looks matched and coordinated to me but
then after-all I am a single, adult, male. I am probably a walking sartorial disaster
and do not even know it. Here at School where I am slowly working my through clerical and
office & administrative skills classes I have been confronted only
once by anyone who even knew what the pentacle is and means. Here in
School either nobody is observant enough to notice or I am quiet and
discreet enough that I am attracting any interest or attention.

I am here at School just another student. I do nothing overly
odd, strange or different. I am the Chaotic Eclectic. I am an
Eclectic whose life is in nearly total disruption and chaos - hence the
designation. I am in relationship with and in comparison to the mass
student body here quite unremarkable. There is after-all a
couple of nuns here in full habits, a Buddhist in his saffron robe, and
students and instructors from all form and manor of sociological, ethnic
and cultural backgrounds in their native cultures attire. Here in
this ever busy S.R.C. I am almost part of the background in my jeans,
turtleneck and shirt-jacket. Only my Badges of Office are in any way
distinctive.

Take a good look at the badge graphics IF they
survived and appeared in the posted version of these scrawled scribblings.
Note the marshals badge. Is that not a pentacle? That is the badge of the
U.S. Marshal of old west fame. You have the star within the circle.
The badge is a very old symbol of healing and protective authority updated
to a relatively modern era.

Now take a look at the center-piece graphic of the U.S. Seal.
That is the symbol of the United States Military and Government.
This is the symbol of a Nation State of the modern era.
Finally there is the Celtic Cross. This is a symbol of an ancient
and proud society, race and culture that wandered, explored, settled
and cultivated much of Europe and South Asia. There are anthropological
and archeological signs and records of ancient semi-pre-historic Celts
as far east as what is now present day India and Bangladesh. This
would mean that those nearly-lost to history Celts possibly had trade and
cultural contact with equally ancient Hindus, Arabs, Jews and others of the Middle and
Near South Eastern continent. With that multi-cultural, ethnic and racial
contact and trade aspects of each race and culture would be adapted, adopted and
dispersed throughout the Celts areas of wanderings and settlings.
When the Church blundered and bludgeoned its way into the lives and
cultures of the ancient Europeans older symbols and referents were
modified and adapted if not outright ham-handedly altered by the
Church to fit its view and vision of religious reality. One of the
changes that was made was that of the cross to overlay and overwrite older
indigenous symbols. The ancient Northern Europeans had their Elder
Gods and with these Elder Gods their associated symbologies. Along
then come the priests, friars, brothers and nuns to re-arrange and
re-design everything. The Celts lived and existed for thousands of years
before the invasion of the holy orders. They had their own ways and
means of doing things and living their lives. The Circle and the Four
Directions were an integral and vital part of these ancient Celtic
lives.

I am the Paganus. I used to wear a badge for my security work.
I no longer do security work so I no longer carry or wear that
badge. I am however the Paganus. I wear the Pentacle and the Celtic Cross.
These are not badges for employment and work. They are my badges
for the Goddess. I work for her and the Mistress now. I dont carry a
baton anymore. I carry my Celtic wand. I dont carry the Penal Code anymore.
I carry Scott Cunninghams Truth About Witchcraft and Witches Datebook and
Planner.

I am the Paganus.
I am the Pagan Eclectic Chaotic quietly keyboarding away in the S.R.C.
Have no fear the Greybeards here…..
Shall we go Raise a Circle?……

Posted on at 9:36 pm by Paganus

Waking the Dragon

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Drums.
Drums playing Call to Quarters tattoo.
Drums playing softly in distance then coming ever closer.

Darkness before dawn.
Solitary Figure stands.
No altar. Just a single candle-stand at circle center and at each
station of the circle.
Celebrant steps to candle-stand and with burning taper lights single white
candle.

Drums ever slowly closer.

At North point Celebrant walks slowly the circle.
At each station of the circle Celebrant lights the candles in the
candle-stands. All stations lit. 5 stations lit.
Celebrant now extinguished taper into water filled wooden bucket.
Celebrant stands at circle center.
Circle is enlightened.
Circle is ready.
Circle is waiting.

Drums approach.
Four {4} groups slowly approach the circle each lead by a drummer and a
banner bearer.
There is also a sword-bearer, a scholar/herald and a healer. There
are four {4} groups of five {5}.
One group for each direction, guardian and element.

One: Groups approach from four {4} directions lead
by their drummer and banner-bearer and take station
in the circle.

Two: Groups approach in standard parade order with
N., E., S., W. taking station.

Groups take station.
Banner-bearers place and unfurl flag-banners into
prepared stands or holes. Each flag-banner is in the
directions colour with a symbol of that directions
element.
In the distance a fifth {5th} drummer is now heard.
Group- Five {5} now approaches from the parade route.
Lead by a drummer, banner-bearer, flute-player, with the
sword-bearer, scholar/herald, and healer.
Only when the 5th group is in circle centre and on station with Celebrant do
the drummers all 5 increase tempo then
after a rufflles and flourishes creshendo conclusion -
- stop
with only the single flute player of group 5 playing.
As the flute player plays Celebrant walks the circle and at each station
stops and taps the ground three {3} times with staff.
Back at circles centre Celebrant hands staff to banner-bearer and takes
sword from sword-bearer. Celebrant again walks
circle and stops at each station. Tip of sword is placed
just above each candles flame. Sword is held there for
a moment then raised and held vertically in a salute to
the direction, flame, element, guardian and group.
Back at circles centre Celebrant returns the sword to the
sword-bearer.

The scholar/herald of the North group opens the book
and begins to read….

In turn from E., S., and W., the scholar/heralds read
from their books….

Norths Reading:

In the beginning there was only Darkness.
Upon the Eternity of Infinity there was only Darkness.
Then out of that Infinite, Eternal, Empty Darkness
comes a Flash of Light.
Out of the Infinite and Eternal Darkness of Nothing comes the Creator.
With the Creator comes the Whole of Creation.
Upon the Darkness comes the Light
and the Creator was well pleased.
Now that Light has moved upon the Infinite and dispelled the
Darkness The Hand of the Creator passes over the Empty Infinity
and from the Empty Infinity comes worlds and lives upon the
worlds. As the Creators Hand continues to move across the
Infinity it pauses over a tiny, unremarkable blue and brown world.
Upon that little blue and brown world in the oceans and upon
The drying land life appears. Aeons pass upon this little world.
Aeons of civilizations and cultures rising and falling.
In the fullness of time a Circle is Cast. From each point of the
Circle part of the Story is told. From the North The Elemental
Guardian of the Earth has spoken..

Souths Reading:

Upon the Centuries
when the dry land had appeared and life first walked instead
of swam
the energies and elemental forces of the little brown and blue
world first began to appear.
The Creators Hand continues to move across
the tiny, unremarkable blue and brown world.
Upon that little blue and brown world in the oceans and upon
the drying land life appears. The Salamanders and the FireDrakes
first make their entrance of fire and flame.
Aeons pass upon this little world.
Aeons of civilizations and cultures rising and falling.
In the fullness of time a Circle is Cast. From each point of the
Circle part of the Story is told. From the East The Elemental
Guardian of Fire and Flame has spoken..

Easts Reading:

Soon after the Beginning
when the dry land had appeared and life first walked instead
of swam
the energies and elemental forces of the little brown and blue
world first began to appear.
The Creators Hand continues to move across
the tiny, unremarkable blue and brown world.
Upon that little blue and brown world in the oceans and upon
The drying land life appears. The Sylphs, Zephyrs, and the Fey
first walk and fly across and upon the firmament of this tiny new
world.
Aeons pass upon this little world.
Aeons of civilizations and cultures rising and falling.
In the fullness of time a Circle is Cast. From each point of the
Circle part of the Story is told. From the East The Elemental
Guardian of the Air has spoken..

Wests Reading:

The Centuries pass
when the dry land had appeared and separates the dry lands from one
another -
the energies and elemental forces of the little brown and blue
world first began to appear.
The Creators Hand continues to move across
the tiny, unremarkable blue and brown world.
Upon that little blue and brown world in the oceans
life appears. The Nymphs, Undines and the Mer-people first make
their aquatic entrance of water and mist..

Aeons pass upon this little world.
Aeons of civilizations and cultures rising and falling.
In the fullness of time a Circle is Cast. From each point of the
Circle part of the Story is told. From the West The Elemental
Guardian of Mist and Water has spoken

End of Part One.
This Working To Be Continued……

Posted on at 9:28 pm by Paganus

Beyond the Far: A Working

by
Paganus Greybeard apearing & serving as the BardicMagus/Priest.

Grey foggy murk.
No Light.
No Sound.
A figure enters from the Grey foggy murk.
Paganus Greybeard serving as the BMK {Bardic MagusKnight}
steps to the single table/altar.
BMP uncovers the altar and puts the covering down on the
second shelf/level of the table/altar.
BMP lights the single candle.

BMP: Light. Out of the Darkness comes the Light of the ALL.
Light to dispell the Darkness.
Light to Guide the Way.
Candle and the Candle’s Flame serve as
symbols of the Element of Fire.
Element of Fire - You are Welcome here.

BMP picks up the small wooden bowl of water.

BMP: Water. Source of Life and Healing.
Element of Water you are Welcome here.

BMP picks up the small bowl of Earth,

BMP: Earth. Upon the ground we live.
Element of Earth you are Welcome here.

BMP pours the earth back down upon the ground.
{If indoors another bowl can be used.}.

BMP holds up a small twig of the ‘One Tree’ -
symbol of all plants and ‘green life’.

BMP: Ancient symbolic ‘One Tree’ - representative
of all that is green and growing.
Ancient ‘One Tree’ you are Welcome here.

BMP hold up his empty hands.

BMP: Element’s of Air and Spirit.
I cannot hold you.
But without you we would not be alive here.
There would be no life - as we know life to be -
here on this world.
Elements of Air & Spirit you are Welcome here.

BMP holds up a small model globe.

BMP: This be our world.
This is but a symbolic globe.
Upon this model globe are the lands and nations
we - as humble mortals - live.
From nation to nation -
city to city -
land to land -
we travel and explore.
We travel by air -
by land -
by sea.
Earth Mother Gaea/Gaia we live here upon this living
world.
This is your world - we only just live here for our
short lives.
Mercury - Mesenger of the Gods - keep watch
over all who travel.
{One in espescial particular - this ReaderShip’s & Membership’s}
{Lady ‘Jussi’ as she voyages far across land and sea…}
May the Healers, Guides, Guardians and Muses keep watch
over not only the Traveler’s and Voyager’s but those of us
who travel no further than the Mail Box and the Corner Store.
Some of us work. Keep watch over those of us who commute
to and from work. Keep watch over those of us who simply
travel to class and back home. Keep watch over the instructors
and adminstrators of the schools and colleges. They who teach and
instruct -
and those who simply administrate and assist need your Guidance.
Keep watch over the parents of young children.
Keep watch over the children and their care-givers.
Keep watch over the adult children of elderly parents - they need your
help also.
Upon this world we here do live.
We all need your help.
It’s been a bad couple of months.

Take Care out there.
Stay Safe & Secure out there.
Let the Lord & Lady -
{Or your own preference/choice of Deity/Divinity} -
Bless you and Keep You.
May your Guides, Guardians & Muses keep watch
over you.

BMP: Blessings be to All & Everyone….

BMP snuffs the candle.
BMP covers the Altar and steps back into the
Grey foggy murk…..

Posted on at 9:18 pm by Paganus

Transitions Accelerations….{Pt. One)

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Quiet moment’s thoughts -
Early hours -
A few words written….

Student.
Classroom’s time.
Administrative matters.
Paperwork’s adjustments.
First lesson’s & assignments.
Sharing class with students from Mexico.
Students that have to struggle with the language.
Classes in ‘Adult School’ -
for so many -
in so many ways -
it’s another name for “remedial education".
Education and Training they never had -
and now know they need and must have.
For this Scribbling Scribe it’s a ‘refresher’
on some things - nouns, verbs, adverbs and predicates.
There is also the ‘Computer Skills’ class -
Word processing is taught and learned there.
Keyboarding {typing} was escaped.
Slow though this Scribe may be -
This Scribe can - after a fashion - type!
{Slowly, in My own fumble fingered way…}
For class it’s another ‘new’ textbook for $45.
I did Not plan for that.
It’s also something called a “flash drive memory stick".
That is around $35.
That was also Not planned for in the budget.
Such as it is - it is when one takes classes.
So thus it be -
new things to study -
new things to learn.
Education is not easy -
Education is not cheap.
Education is not -
as such as was re-learned today -
also not stress and hassle free.
What must be done - must be done.
So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be -
out here in the ‘real world’ -
and not the Cloistered Academe……

Posted on at 9:12 pm by Paganus

Out From the Cloisture’s Cell

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

We open on a Monastery. Not a real, physical Monastery, but a
‘Monastery of the Mind’. A quiet, studious greybearded Magus-Monk
is sitting quietly scribbling in his tiny, bare and spare cell. High
overhead a fire-raven circles. Below the raven a ghostly figure is half-seen waiting
at the gates of the Monastery. The raven lands and shape-changes to a
human Witch. The Witch pauses at the gate of the Monastery to speak to
the ghostly figure - one of her associates. The Witch then walks up to the
gate of the Monastery and the gate opens. She walks into the courtyard
and looks around. She finds the cloisture where the cells are located.
She walks down the long, silent hallway till she comes to the solid oak
door of the Monk’s cell.
“Paganus Greybeard!”
The puzzled Magus-Monk looks up from his scribbling. He thought
he had heard something.
“Paganus!”
Puzzled he gets up and goes to the closed and locked door of his
monastic cell.
“Yes?”
“Paganus Greybeard! Come on out of there!”
The Magus-Monk stands there in total consternation.
“Come on out of there. There is a whole, new and exciting world
out here you are missing.”
The Magus-Monk steps closer to the door.
“M’Lady Mistress - Is that you?”
The Monk hears a soft laugh.
“Whom else, Paganus? You did conjure the raven - did you not?”
The Monk stands at his cell’s door. He looks back at his table, chair,
single dim candle and his papers and inkwell and pen. There is also a
bare cot, and a trunk at the end of the cot. There is a closet with only a
few things on hangers and a staff and sword. It’s an otherwise empty
Monks cell. He turns back to the door, unbolts it and swings it open.
The Mistress Witch steps into the cell and looks around.
She sniffs.
“Cold. Damp. Drafty. Dark.”
The Monk shrugs.
“It’s a Monk’s Cloisture, M’Lady….”
The Witch turns to the Monk.
“You deserve so much more. Come with me. We can do so
much - together….”
The Monk looks around the cell.
“Works for me, M’Lady….”
Together the Witch and Magus-Monk walk down the hallway out of
the cloisture into the courtyard of the Monastery. The Monk stops and
looks back.
“I forgot to -”
The witch shakes her head.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s under control.”
The Monk takes one last look back, pauses as he almost sees
something that is almost there. The Witch sees this and nods.
Together they walk towards the
Monastery’s front gate.

Back in the Monk’s cell a form slowly takes shape. The appartition slowly
looks around the cell. The Spirit sniffs and snorts.
“Pathetic…..”
The Spirit steps over to the where the Monk had been seated and writing.
The Spirit leans over to read the scrawled scribblings of the Magus-Monk.
“Hmnnnnn - not bad. Not bad at all. But nobody does this by written hand
anymore….”
The Spirit steps back from the Monk’s table and again looks
around the cell.
“This place just won’t do. Won’t do at all…..”
“Not for this Magus. Not for this Paganus…..”
Spirit pulls out an ancient whistle and blows it.
A face appears out of the ether.
“Yo?”
“Get the crew together. We have a re-build job.”
Second spirit glances around the cell. His eyes open wide as he realizes
where he is and whose cell this is.
“Paganus?”
The first Spirit nods as the second Spirit pops out. Although he is gone
we can still hear the second Spirit.
“About bloody, damn time. Was beginning to wonder if we’d ever
get the call…..”
First Spirit sits down at the Monk’s table and sighs.
“You and me both……”
Spirit starts reading the Monk’s writings. Slowly the Spirit’s
form changes to that of a slightly older, greyer version of the Magus-Monk.
Spirit reads then fowns. Spirit pauses in thought for a moment. Then the Spirit snaps his
fingers. A large wooden mug appears and hover in mid-air besides the Spirit.
The Spirit reaches for the mug then takes a long draught.
“Ahhh - that’s better. Writing always was thirsty work…..”
He sets the mug down and picks up the quillpen, dips it into the inkwell
and continues the writing……
He looks up - as if directly at the reader -
“Now then, where were we?…..

The Paganus keeps on writing…..

Posted on at 9:09 pm by Paganus

Rounding the Circle

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Mist.
A swirling, grey, murky mystic mist.
A Solitary Figure stands in the quiet grey mystic mists.
A Sword and a Staff are held.
A tiny, four legged, square table stands in the altar’s place.
There are several objects on the table/altar covered by a grey cloth.
There are four other small table/altars at the ‘four corners of the
circle’. The Sword is set down beside the table/altar. The Staff
is leaned up against the table/altar. There is a ceremonial
broom/besom leaned up against the lover shelf of the table/altar.
The Figure takes the cloth cover off the table/altar, folds it up
and sets it down below on the second shelf. The Figure lights a
candle on the table/altar.

BMP {BardicMagus/Priest}/{Celebrant}:
“This candle is lit.
This candle is Light unto the Darkness.
May the Darkness be dispelled and dispersed….
May this Circle - this Place, this Space - be Consecrated and
Sanctified.
This Circle is Sacred and Sanctified.
May This Moment between Moments be Consecrated and Sanctified.
This Moment between Moments is Sacred and Sanctified.”

Celebrant takes the candle and lights four more candles on the four
table/altars:
“Candle of the East - Be lit and let Your Light shine into the Darkness.
Candle of the South - Be lit and let Your Light shine into the Darkness.
Candle of the West - Be lit and let Your Light shine into the Darkness.
Candle of the North - Be lit and let Your Light shine into the Darkness.”

Celebrant slowly turns in a clockwise circle:
“Candles of the Four Directions - Be lit and let Your Light shine
into the Darkness. May the Darkness be dispelled and dispersed….
May this Circle - this Place, this Space - be Consecrated and Sanctified.
This Circle is Sacred and Sanctified.
May this Moment between Moments be Consecrated and Sanctified.
This Moment between Moments is Sacred and Sanctified.”

Celebrant sets the candle down and picks up the Staff:
From the Ancient Sacred Tree comes this Staff….
Staff is tapped on ground:
For Truth - Understanding - Learning - Growth & Development.
Staff is tapped on ground:
For Justice - Health & Healing - Strength - Survival & Endurance.
Staff is tapped on ground:
For Honour - Ethics - Faith - Hope - Charity - Love.
Staff is tapped on ground:
From the Lord & Lady Aspects of the Infinite, Eternal ALL.
Staff is tapped on the ground:
From the Guides, Guardians & Ancient Sacred Elements of the Four
Directions.
Staff is tapped upon the ground:
From Akasha - Elemental ‘Word of the Creator’ Aspect of the ALL.
Staff is tapped upon the ground:
From the Ancients whom once were here and still are here….
Staff is tapped upon the ground:
From the Tree, Cauldron & Well of the Ancients.
Staff is tapped one last time upon the ground:
From the Eternal & Infinite ALL. From the ALL in All of the
Names, Aspects and Understandings of All the Religions, Faiths
and Beliefs From All of the Cultures, Societies and Nations from
the Dawn till This Day.

Celebrant sets the Staff back against the table/altar and picks up the
Sword. Celebrant holds the Sword above the candle on the table/altar:
“Out of the Ancient and Eternal Fires of the ALL’s Creation came
the Ancient Sacred Elements - Fire, Earth, Water, Air and Spirit.
Fire for the Light Into and Against the Darkness.
Water for Life and Healing.
Earth for the very world we live in and upon.
Air for the Very Breath of Life.
Spirit for that which is unseen but not unknown.
In the most Ancient and Forgotten of Days The Ancients
learned to make fire. From that first fire came the knowledge of
survival. Some of that survival meant protection and defense
against dangers known and unknown. Protection against dangers seen and
unseen. You could not always hide in the cave. Sometimes you had to
stand your ground and defend yourself. For that moment when action had to be
taken The Ancients were given The Sword and The Staff….”

Celebrant lowers the Sword till it touches the Flame of the Candle:
“Sword of Truth - Justice - Honour.
Sword of the Ancients.
Sword of the Decendants.
In Fire’s Flame You were Born.
In Fire’s Flame You were Consecrated and Sanctified.
In Fire’s Flame You are Greeted and Welcomed.”

Celebrant moves slowly in a clockwise circle with the Sword to each of the four
table/altars. Celebrant moves first to the table/altar of the East:
Candle of the East - Out of the Flames of the Forge came the Sword.
Heated and Forged by The Ancients.
Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the South:
Candle of the South - Hammered and Shaped by The Ancients.
Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the West where BMK dips the tip of
the Sword into a small Wooden Bowl of Water:
Water of the West - The Sword was Cooled in Your Water.
Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the North:
Earth of the North - Out of the Earth came the metals to Forge the
Sword. From the Earth came the Ancients to Forge, Hammer, Shape and Cool The
Sword. From the Earth comes the Spirit and Soul of the Sword. The Sword of the
Ancients. The Sword of Today. The Sword of Tomorrow. The Sword of the
ALL….

Celebrant sets down the Sword and picks up the Staff:
Staff of the Truth - Justice - Honour.
Staff of the Ancients.
Staff of the Decendants.
From the Ancient Tree You were Symbolicly Born.
From the Ancient Tree You were Consecrated and Sanctified.
From the most of Ancient of Days till this Day You are Greeted and
Welcomed.

Celebrant moves slowly in a clockwise circle with the Staff to each of
the four table/altars:
From the Ancient Sacred Tree that links the Realms comes symbolicly
the wood to make this Staff. From You - Ancient Living Symbol and
Element of all that is Living and Green - comes the wood to make
this Staff. This is for Walking - when Walking is difficult. This
is for the Festival’s Parade - when Blessings and Honours are Given
and Shared. This is for Magick & Mystery for the ‘Workings’. This
is the Staff….

Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the East:
East - From the Ancient Tree and all that is Green and Living….
Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the South:
South - Life and Source of Life on the Mother World….
Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the West:
West - Fruits, Vegetables, Roots, Flowers and Herbs for Health,
Healing and Living.
Celebrant moves to the table/altar of the North:
Earth of the North - Out of the Earth came the Ancient Sacred
Tree’s Wood’s to Form the Staff. From the Earth came the Ancients
to Form and Shape the Staff. From the Earth comes the Spirit and
Soul of the Staff. The Staff of the Ancients. The Staff of Today.
The Staff of Tomorrow. The Staff of the ALL….

Celebrant places the Staff back at the table/altar. Celebrant picks up a small
wooden bowl with herbs and vitamins:
“From the Earth -
From the ALL -
The Staff of Life.
Food and Nutrition.
Life, Health and Healing.”

Celebrant sets down the bowl and picks up another with water.
“From the Earth -
From the ALL -
The Water of Life.
Life, Health and Healing.”

Celebrant sets the bowl down on the table/altar.
Celebrant picks up a small wooden whistle & ‘toots’ three times.
Celebrant moves to each of the four directions, pauses at the table/altar
and ‘toots’ three times.
Celebrant sets wooden whistle down on table/altar.
Celebrant picks up small wooden drum.
Celebrant taps drum three times.
Celebrant moves to each of the four directions, pauses
at the table/altar and taps drum three times.
Celebrant sets wooden drum down on table/altar.
Celebrant picks up tambourine.
Celebrant taps tambourine three time.
Celebrant moves to each of the four directions, pauses
at the table/altar and taps tambourine three times.
Celebrant set down tambourine and picks up besom.
Celebrant ’sweeps’ three times first left and then right side of
table/altar.
Celebrant then moves to to each of the four directions, pauses
at the table/altar and then ’sweeps’ three times first left and
then right side of table/altar.
Celebrant sets besom back down and picks up pentacle.
“Four Directions - East, South, West, North.”
“Five Elements - Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Spirit.”
“Life, Health & Healing.”
“Survival and Endurance”
“Knowledge, Learning and Sharing.”
“Serving, Preserving, Protecting, Defending".
“Doing No Harm".
Celebrant sets down pentacle and picks up bell.
Celebrant rings bell three times.
Celebrant moves to each of the four directions, pauses
at the table/altar and rings bell three times.
Celebrant sets down the bell and picks up a wooden cup.
Celebrant pours tiny bit of water into a small wooden bowl.
Celebrant sets the wooden cup down and crumbles up a single salad crouton.
“Food and Water.”
“Life, Health & Healing".
“Of the Earth - Back to the Earth…..”
Celebrant pours water and crumbled crouton back onto the ground. {IF
done indoors a larger wooden bowl with some leaves and dry earth can be
used.}

Celebrant picks up Staff and taps it three times upon the ground.
Celebrant goes counter-clockwise and taps staff three times at each of the
table-altars.
Celebrant sets Staff down and picks up small candle snuffer.
Celebrant goes counter-clockwise from North putting out the candles.
After the four ‘circle’ candles are extinguished Celebrant pauses at the
fifth candle.
“This candle is lit.
This candle is Light unto the Darkness.
May the Darkness be dispelled and dispersed….
This Circle is Sacred and Sanctified.
May This Moment between Moments be Consecrated and Sanctified.
This Moment between Moments is Sacred and Sanctified.”
Celebrant extinguishes the fifth candle.
“This candle is extinguished.
This candle was Light unto the Darkness.
The Darkness was Dispelled and Dispersed.
This Place - This Space remains Sacred and Sanctified.
This Moment between Moments remains Consecrated and Sanctified.
This Moment between Moments is Concluded.”

Celebrant covers the table/altar with the grey cloth.
Celebrant picks up the Staff and the Sword and steps back into the mystic
grey mists….

Posted on at 8:34 pm by Paganus

Life By Timer -An Illustrative & Informative Sharing

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

We humans have this seeming need to think we are in charge of our
lives. In some small ways - in some small things - we may still be.
But for the main things in life - we have set aside our control to
that of the little black or grey box. It may beep - it may not.
It is the timer - and it is in ultimate control of our lives.
You don’t quite believe me? Come with me as I point out a few things
in our daily lives. But first - is the coffee ready yet? Did anybody
set the timer last night?

OK. Now that we have our first cup of inky black caffeine we can
get started. Let’s go get the morning paper. Let’s do avoid the water
in the driveway. The sprinkler’s ran last night. Only two of the
‘papers are here. And do watch out for the rosebush. It’s blossoming.
Pretty isn’t it? But that thorn was a bit sticky - wasn’t it?

Good. We are back inside where we have a cat waiting for us.
She is hungry and patiently waiting for us. She is very old - nearly 20
years in human years - and very set in her ways. She likes her snuggles and
cuddles in the morning. She also wants her morning munch. A spoonful of
something and a handful of dry kibble and she is good for a few hours.
The other two girls are up now. They are also waiting for some attention.

The Penny-Pup is sitting quietly watching all of this. It’s time
for her to go outside for her morning walkies. The birds are in
the feeder and scattering seed everywhere. Delightful little
feathered souls - but such messy eaters. Somewhere off in the
middle distance a crow is heard cawing about something. The owl
that lives around here is also heard. It’s a bit early for the
doves but we don’t want to be out here too long because they can
come early. Penny is snuffling something in the grass.
Something only her nose knows is there.

Back inside we open up the ‘papers and settle in for a few minutes
with the ‘paper and Patty who has decided you really don’t want to
read that article but would rather pay attention to her. You are
at the kitchen counter and you are in her space - her place.
Besides - the toaster just clunked and the microwave just beeped.
Your toast and warmed over whatever from the ‘fridge is ready. You
find a hot pad and set the reheated whatever-it-is out of the
microwave. You go get the toast out of the toaster and return to
find Patty-Cat staring at the re-heated whatever with a strange
look on her face. “You’re NOT really thinking of eating THAT are
You?” She seems to say. Sure. Why Not? Plop some processed
cheese goop on it and it’ll be almost edible. With a decidedly
disgusted flick of her expressive tail she hops down off the
counter with a mournful “Murr-roww…” and has a few bites of kitty
kibble. She’s not only ancient - she’s very vocal and opinionated.
She just does not like cheese goop. Now if it had been sourcream or
mayo - that would have been a very different story. But your
Paganus happens to like cheese goop from the glass jar. It’s good
on nearly everything. Especially leftover whatever’s from the ‘fridge.

Now that we’ve grossed out the Old Lady Cat with our recycled
‘fridge whatever’s we can come back down the hall to where the
computer is set up. It’s not connected to anything. Everything is
done to the floppy disc but it does do basic word processing rather
well. After we move “Little Bear” out of the chair we can sit and
‘boot up’ this beige box. That gives us time to go heat up the
coffee. A few numbers punched in and the microwave is zapping
away. After the beep I have warmed up caffeine. Patty is still
nowhere to be seen. I am back down the hall in time to watch the
icons flash in the little box in the centre of the screen.
Computer’s up and ready. Slip the floppy in and let’s get started….

We’ve typed and re-written and spellchecked. This little bit of
editorial submission is ready. We’re dressed. Disc is in the little leather
planner. But before we leave to go downtown we have a few more tasks here at
home. First we have to go walkies again. Penny knows her schedule. And so
does Patty who has appeared from seclusion. She’s sitting beside her kibble
dish. She’s old and slow and needs help to get to the main kitchen counter.
So a quick ‘lift up’ is in order. That and a fresh spoonful of something
that only be described as smelling like cat-food from the ’small can in the
‘fridge’ and she is happy again. The other two girls are asleep in their chairs.
No need to bother them. It’s time to get downtown and post this week’s writings.

The car is hot. We wait a few moments to let the A/C cool it down.
We are rolling when we are stopped by the first of several stoplights.
Parking lot is empty as we pull into the Downtown Library.
We grab our bag and planner, lock up and head on in.
We punch the button for the elevator and watch the circulation desk
as we wait. Upstairs we find our space and log in. We have only one hour to
get everything done. So we start by calling up the word processing
program and getting the document ready to transmit. We then open up the e-mail
account. After a quick copy, paste and save-to we have our document in
in the e-mail account’s composition folder. After we save it to the
drafts folder and run a last spell-check it’s time for the send button.
We can now check our e-mail. Nothing but ads and scams. Not even any
“aluminum siding’ from Sears or “live nude wives” from Pocatatello,
Idaho. Just not much at all today. We sign-out of the e-mail account and
go check the Forum. Not much there either. One of the Readership has
posted some photos of her cats. It’s a quiet Friday for everybody it seems.

Over on LiveJournal there is not much happening either. A few new
comments from some teen girls on life in general and some responses to an earlier
posting by a lady working long hours at her new job. It’s Friday. There’s just
not much of anything happening….

Except for the timer on the computer. It says I only have 15
minutes left. I quickly move on to a couple more sites for the weekly check. Still
nothing much on either Witches Voice or Mystic Witch’s Forum. I sign
out and go back to the e-mail account. Still nothing there either.
OK. No problem. I see I only have five minutes left anyway and
log-out. I need the time to get back across town.

I gather everything up, check for the disc and head on downstairs
and back out to the car. I again wait for the A/C to cool it down then
head back across town. This time I am headed for my weekly ‘hair’
appointment. I am a male with long hair. Very long hair. I make a very good ‘pagan’
at the Renaissance Festival. So I get it brushed, washed, combed and braided
weekly. On the way back across town I am again slowed down by the red lights.
But it is of no matter - I have time. I find a spot in the parking lot and slip
inside the cool shop. It’s good to get your hair done.

After I ‘hair’ I slip into the “Cybernetic Cafe” that is in the
same shopping center and do a fast 30 minute check of e-mail. Some
things I leave till this second session because they take too long
to do at the timer ruled Library. I again run through my list of
places, sites and accounts I need to check. Still nothing of much
from anybody. That’s good. I can head it on back home then. I
stop for the USA Today newspaper and get it on back in. It’s a hot
day and I do not want to stay out in the heat.

Penny’s waiting for me. We do another quick walkies and get back
in. Patty’s waiting for her ‘lift up’ to the counter. Another spoonful of
her smelly favorite for today and she’s ready for some snuggle and
cuddle time.

After some snuggle with Patty it’s time to get the afternoon
‘running & doing’ done. I don’t really have all that much to do -
just pick up the newspapers and stop by the “CyberCafe” to do a
fast e-mail check. I grab my stuff and slip out the door.

Traffic is quiet at this time of day. I stop first at the UPS Store
where I get most of my mail. As expected on a Friday - nothing there. I slip
on down the road to the “CyberCafe” where I find a short message from
the Mistress!! Cool! Contact is re-established - at least for the
momentary moment. I read she has received a certain package I had mailed
to her. This is very good news. I was more than slightly concerned
because I sent it U.S. Postal instead of UPS. U.S. Postal was better
priced. I send a fast reply and then check the rest of the e-mail.
Nothing much there. So I make a quick stop off at both MysticWitch
and Witches Voice. A few new things on the Voice that I do not have
either time to read or can copy down. I am at the “Cafe".
Can’t do any ’save downs’ at the “Cafe".
So I’ll have to wait till the Public Library.
I do a fast check of my ‘friends list’ on LiveJournal.
It’s Friday and hot in the western U.S.
Not much happening there either!

I make a quick stop at Stater Brothers for something to eat. It’s
summer and I have to really struggle to find anything I might even
want to eat. I find a frozen quiche at $2.39 and I just cannot do it. I like quiche - but
$2.39? Sorry - no can do. I settle for two banana’s and head on down the road.
I find the newspapers and head it on home.

The hour is late and the household is quiet. I am again - save for Patty -
the only one still up and awake. I am sitting in my chair, reading my
‘papers, and thinking. On the bottom of the weather page of the Los Angeles
Times there is the sun and moon dates and times. I note the date of the next
full moon. As sit there I am reminded that for the Ancient Celts, Norse and
the even earlier proto-civilizations there were no clocks, no timers. Not as we
know them anyway. You had the sun - which became Day/SkyFather Sun.
You had the moon which became NightMother Moon. You had the Seasons of
the Year which eventually became the Great Wheel of the Year. You did
have the smaller, more intimate cycles of life such as the growing
plants in the spring, the coming of the rains, and the appearance and
disappearance of certain animals. You had what became known thousands
of years later as the Gaia Cycles. Though at that time in human history
you did not call it Gaia’s Cycles. You were far too busy just staying
alive from day to day and season to season.

Patty comes by and wants a few more moments of snuggle. It’s an
easy request. I’m finished with the ‘paper anyway. On my lap,
curled up and dozing, is one of Life’s best timers. Patty knows
when it’s time to feed her. She knew when I was going off to work.
She would wait for me at the front door and quietly complain. She
would be waiting for me when I returned. She knows the patterns
and timings of this household. She is one of this household’s
familiars. My family does not quite completely understand or
accept that sort of thing - and I do not make an issue of it. But
Patty knows. Penny and the Girls know. After all - they are the
household familiars. And it’s time to go down the hall for the
night. Patty has gotten up and stretched. I get up from the chair
and she hops up into it and curls up into her sleeping ball.
I glance out the window. The moon is up. NightMother Moon is ‘on
duty’ watching over us all. For what it’s been worth - this day is
done and over….

Friday.
Lived by and for the timer.
How many timer’s did you find?
Remember - it’s not always the ticking or electronic clock…..
Anyway - that’s my Friday.
So how was your Friday - lived by the timer?…..

So thus it was - it was.
So thus it is - it is.
So thus it will be - it will be.

Remain Careful and Cautious.
Stay Safe and Secure.
Let the Lord and Lady - {Or Your choice of Deity/Divinity} -
Bless You and Keep You and Shine Their Light about You and Give You Their Peace.

Blessings Be.

Posted on at 7:52 pm by Paganus

Notice And Request for July 4th, 2006

Notice and Request for July 4th, 2006

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Its nearly July 4th, 2006.
Please for the sake of Your Dogs, Cats, Horses and other pets and animal companions keep them inside and under shelter. This is the second (#2) worst day for bullets and firecracker bangs of the entire year. For Your Furred Ones sakes Serve Them and Protect Them and Preserve their Peaceful Quiet.
Put the guns away and leave them put away.
You do not need them.
Put the fireworks away and leave them put away.
You do not need them.
Set aside the booze and enjoy a safe, sane, sensible and sober July 4th.
The Medics, Doctors and Surgeons do not need the extra work.
The Firemen do not need the extra work.
The State Police & Patrols and County and Local Sheriffs and Police most
decidedly do not need the extra work.
Nobody needs the extra hassles, concerns, complications and problems of the
Shots Fired and Motor Vehicle Crash and Structures Burning and most
decidedly they do not need Subject(s) Down. They need none of these extras.
Their daily working lives are complicated and busy enough. Dont give them anything extra.
Lay off the Sauce. You just dont need it.
Stay Clean. Stay Sober.
Stay Home. Stay Safe.
Keep your Dogs and Cats undercover and They will sleep quietly at Your feet in Your laps and You will know a Quiet and Safe and Sane and Sensible July 4th.
Your Cats And Dogs will thank You forever for it.
I was once Security.
This is My State and County and Community.
I live here.
I work here.
I once carried a badge.
I may no longer be in uniform. I may not be in uniform at all.
I am your Magus. I too Serve Preserve Protect Defend.
I just do it in a rather different way now.
I also have My tasks to perform.
I have enough to do already.
I dont need any of this extra July 4th sh*t either.
So dont give Me any..
Don’t give anybody any.
Let this be a quiet July 4th.
Let nobody blow their hands off.
Let no Dogs or Cats be scared.
Let no Horses and Cows be terrrified by the loud bangs, bright lights
and possible fires.
Let No Harm Be Done At All.
Calm down.
Chill out.
Watch a fireworks and concert show on TV.
There is nearly always a good one from Boston or Washington, D.C.
Your ‘companions’ and ‘familiars’ as well as Your family and friends
will thank You for it.

Take Care.
Stay Safe.
Remain Care & Cautious.
Remain Out of Harm’s Way.

Blessings Be.

Posted on 6/30/2006 at 10:02 pm by Paganus

Sounds and Sights

Sounds and Sights
Written by Quest

Please enjoy my train journey.

-First sound I hear is an announcement system delay due to Draw Bridge.
-Wait, here comes a freight train, as the wheels go clackity clack with each turning motion of the wheels.
-People of different nationalities waiting for a train some patiently and some impatiently.
-I can hear the sounds of cars, trucks and various other autos as the travel on the freeway.
-Wahoo another announcement stand behind yellow line as the train arrives.
-Which track, which track, no announcement have to hurry to track 3 which is on other side of the station.
-You learn to watch people, short, tall; heavy or skinny each shows frustration in different ways.
-Some are dressed in business attire must be a professional Manager or Lawyer reading the New York Times. Wait there are some dressed in shorts casual attire talking about what they will do in San Francisco.
-Here comes a Southern Pacific freight train, 2nd one for today, the railway is busy.
-Deep in thought, there is no interruptions today, car is empty. Just the sounds of the wheels and memories of the passengers from the earlier run.
-Calmness of the morning breeze is a pleasant reminder of todays journey..
-From Southern Pacific to a Canadian rail never no which freight will pass by while waiting.
-Birds come and go-swooping down for handouts of any morsel they can get.
-We go by cars in a parking lot, watching early arrivals fight for a space which might give them afternoon shade.
-Sounds of a tractor preparing for new track installation along the route.
Will this eventually cause a delay for the daily commuters?
-The train was 14 minutes late arriving so daily commuters are hanging around the exist doors.
-Home reveals new items to see and hear.Clackity clack, Clackity clack
as the wheels go round,
-A pile of gravel in a field, which wasnt there this morning, construction prep must be going on. Where will the animals go?
-The freeway traffic is backed-up for miles, glad not to be driving.
-Passengers are quiet after a hard day at work, and the ride home must be
relaxing.
-I can see the green wild grasses in the fields, makes looking outside seem cool.
-Ducks and cranes are in the ponds, digging and looking for food.
-There is a hawk sitting on the train trellis, it has adapted to civilization hustle and bustle.
-I look up and see a Majestic Oak, who has stood for 100s of years, the branches reaching out, so dark a color of green, saying look at me appreciate me and my age.
-A homeless persons camp, unlived in for quite sometime, looks deserted.
-I can see branches in the river along the bank where a tree once stood, there is a family with 4 little kids fishing on the river bank.
-Farmland fields have been plowed and prepared for the summer crops.
-Farm houses are in the distance one reminds me of Big Blue 2 floor with an attic and basement big backyard with a pond
-I look to the right and see a mockingbird and crow in a fight who will win?
-I am oneness with the train.

ATLAST WE HAVE MADE IT INTO THE DEPOT, HOME AT LAST.

Posted on at 4:20 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

July 7th ‘Working’ -Three Days After - 2005

By Staff Writer: Paganus Greybeard

Opening Call to the Assembled Readerships:

Greetings!
Salutations!
Merry Meet!
Hail & Well Met!
Blessings Be!

We are here again assembled in this ‘cybernetic space -
this ‘cybernetic place….
We are here -
Solitary and United -
each in Our own time -
each in Our own place & space -
each in Our own personal way -
Together -
We are assembled here for this brief moment -
this instant of time -
when We all come together and share -
in this ‘Working’ -
This ‘Working’ for Three Days After….

Opening Invocation’s:

Paganus ‘facing’ Readership:

It is past.
It was endured and survived.
This American Nation’s ‘4th of July’ ‘Celebration’ is over.
We are here to give Honour and Thanks to the Lord & Lady.
We are here to give Honour and Thanks to the Elements, Guides &
Guardians of the Four Directions.
We are here to give Honour and Thanks to the Native American’s
“Great Spirit".
We are here to give Honour and Thanks to the Ancient Celtic & Norse
Tree, Cauldron and Well.
We are here to give Thanks and Honour to the Akasha Aspect of the ALL.
We have been Blessed by Their Efforts in Our behalf.
This could have been a much worse weekend.
It was bad - but it could have been so very much worse.
We Thank the ALL - in all It’s Aspects and Forms - for not
permitting more destruction and damage.
We Thank the Earth Mother Gaia for Her Blessings.
We have been Blessed….

Paganus ‘facing’ East:

Greetings Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred Elements of the East.
We Welcome and Greet Our Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred
Elements of the East.

Paganus ‘facing’ South:

Greetings Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred Elements of the South.
We Welcome and Greet Our Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred
Elements of the South.

Paganus ‘facing’ West:

Greetings Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred Elements of the West.
We Welcome and Greet Our Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred
Elements of the West.

Paganus ‘facing’ North:

Greetings Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred Elements of the North.
We Welcome and Greet Our Guides, Guardians and Ancient Sacred
Elements of the North.

Paganus ‘facing’ Readership:

This is the 7th of July.
Our ‘Nation’ was ‘born’ three days and nights nights ago..
‘Our’ “American” ‘Nation’ was not the first here.
There were other ‘nations’ here.
There are still other ‘nations’ here.
The Native American’s were here First.
They are the First One’s here.
Who blows up firecrackers for Their day?
Do They even have a day?
Did ‘We, the People’ ever give the First One’s a day?
Or did We just give them dry, dead, empty desert land?
Who Celebrates the First Ones here?
Who even remembers the First Ones here?

This ‘American’ ‘Nation’ was ‘born’ three days and nights ago.
We ‘celebrated’ with fireworks and gunfire.
We see that as a ‘joyful noise’.
Do Our Dogs see it as a ‘joyful noise’?
Do Our Cats, Horses, Cows and other Animal Companions see it as a
‘joyful noise’?
No. They do not.
It’s Loud.
It hurts Their ears.
It startles and scares Them.
Noises such as these frighten Our Animals - Our Companions - Our Familiars.
But do We seemingly care?
Do We see the fear in Their eyes?
Sometimes - IF We know to look for it.
Sometimes - IF We care to look for it.
Put the Guns away and leave them put away.
You do not need them.
You did not need them.
Put the Fireworks away and leave them put away.
You do not need them.
You did not need them.
This year the Fire Danger is Very High.
The Fire & Rescue Crews do not need more work.
The Medical Crews do not need more work.
The Police and Sheriff’s do not need more work.
The Doctor’s, Surgeons and Nurses do not need more work.
The Veterinarians {Animal Doctors} do not need more work.
They all have had too much work already.
Do not give Them any more.
Do not burn the hillsides and forests.
We have already had a few fires in the hills.
We do not need any more.
{’Uhhh - it’s burnin’ dude….’}
Do not blow Your fingers and hands off.
{BOOM! Ouch! ‘Uhhh - that hurt, dude…’}
Do not shoot Your Neighbor, - or Yourself - when firing Your gun
into the air.
{Don’t shoot Your gun in the air. Duhhh!}
We have had an Officer shot. Do NOT shoot your Police and Sheriff
Officers.
You really DO NOT want to do that….
{Or do locking steel bracelets go with Your outfit?}
Don’t scare and frighten the Dogs and Cats and Other Companions.
Don’t Frighten Your Companions and Familiars!
You Really Do Not Want A Frightend Companion and Familiar!
You wanted Fireworks?
You did go see a licensed, professional show - Right?.
Better yet - you did watch one on TV - Right?.
You did watch the show from Boston and the Orchestra. It’s always
a great show.
You did leave the beer and wine and alcohol alone - Right?.
You did not need any of that either.
This is the 7th of July.
Did You Wake Up?
Did You Wise Up?
Are You Paying Attention?
Or did Bubba have a new ‘friend’?
Bubba was lonely in that ‘lock-up’.
You looked really, really good.
And He was very, very lonely……

Paganus ‘holding’ up a ‘lit candle’…..

Fire - Element of both the Ancient Druidic and Wiccan Faiths - You
are Welcomed Here.
Fire - Element from the Ancient Celtic & Norse Traditions - and the
equally Ancient Wiccan Traditions - You are the Light unto the Dark.
You are also the Flame that burns the hillsides, forests, homes and
communities. Controlled You serve Humanity. Uncontrolled You burn
and destroy Humanity and Humanities Habitat.
Fire - Ancient Sacred Element - You Stayed Your Hand.
You burned only a few hills and grasslands.
You did not burn the grillers in either their backyards or apartments.
We are Thankful.
We are Blessed.
You Did NO Major & Massive Harm.

Paganus ‘holding up’ a ‘handful of earth’….

Earth - Element of The Ancient Pagans - You are Welcomed Here.
Earth - Elemental Aspect of the ALL - You are the Ground upon which
We walk and live. We needed no ’shakes and ‘quakes this day.
Earth - Ancient Sacred Element - You Stayed Your Hand.
You did not Shake & Quake.
We are Thankful.
We are Blessed.
You Did NO Harm!

Paganus ‘holding up’ a ‘bowl of water’…..

Water - Element of the Ancient Pagans - You are Welcomed Here.
Water - Elemental Aspect of the ALL - You are the Water We drink to
live.
You are the Water that washes away and salves Our hurts, sorrows
and wounds.
You are also the Destroyer of hillsides, homes and communities.
Water - Ancient Sacred Element - You Stayed Your Hand.
We are Thankful.
We are Blessed.
You did not Flood and Drown.
You did not harm the boaters or swimmers.
You Did NO Harm!

Paganus ‘holding up’ empty hands…..

Air - Element of the Ancient Pagans - You are Welcomed Here.
Air - Elemental Aspect of the ALL - You are what We breathe so that
We might live.
You also blow hard and fast across the land.
Air - Ancient Sacred Element - You Stayed Your Hand.
We are Thankful.
We are Blessed.
You Blew not down anyone or anything this day.
You Did NO Harm!

Paganus ‘holds up’ a ’small ceremonial sword’….

Ares/Mars - Ancient ‘God’ Aspect of ‘War’ - You are NOT Welcomed
Here.
You are NOT EVER Welcomed here.
You are NOT Greeted Here.
You are NOT EVER Greeted Here.
GO Away!
{You went away.}
Turn around.
{You turned around.}
GO Home!
{You went home.}
Stay away.
{You stayed away.}
We need not Your destruction and devastation and desolation.
Take Your Toys of War - and Go Away.
{You took your Toys of War - and went away and stayed away.}
Stay Away!
We DO NOT want You Here! -
We DO NOT need You Here! -
Begone!….
Begone!….
Get - Outta - Here!….
And Don’t Come Back!….
Begone!
Begone!
Stay Away!
Do Not Come Back!
DO NO HARM!

Paganus ‘faces’ Readership with a ’small wooden bowl with a flower
in it’…..

Gaia -
Mother Earth -
You Are Welcomed Here.
Earth Mother to Us All -
You are the Living World We humble Mortals inhabit.
You are Our Home.
You are Home to Our Cats, Dogs, Horses and Other Animal Companions.
You are Home to the all the green living things.
You are Home to the Ancient Celtic and Norse Tree.
Hello, Tree - You are Welcomed Here.
You are Home to the Ancient Celtic and Norse Well of the Waters.
Hello, Well of the Waters - You are Welcomed Here.
You are Home to the Ancient Celtic and Norse Cauldron of the Flame.
Hello, Cauldron of the Flames - You are Welcomed Here.
You are the Native American’s ‘Great Spirit’.
‘Great Spirit’ We are Honoured and Blessed to have You here with Us.
‘Great Spirit’ - You are Welcomed Here.
You are Home to All of Us.
Mortals from all directions and ‘corners’ of this tiny little blue world.
You Are Our Home.
We thank You for letting Us live Here.
We apologize for some of the things We have done - and are doing to You.
You Are Our Only Home.
Blessings Be.

Paganus again ‘holding up’ empty hands…..

Akasha - Ancient ‘Word of the Creator’ Aspect of the ALL -
You Are Welcomed here.
You are Very Much Welcomed Here!
Nobody important died.
Nobody was seriously hurt - save for that Police Officer and the
person who shot him. Thug shoots at Cop. Cop fires back.
Cop kills Thug. Cop was Harmed. Thug? Who cares about a Thug who
shoots a Cop? No harm done by the Cop. This Paganus does not think so anyway…..
No Cat, Dog or Horse was scared, frightened and disturbed - not that this Paganus
knows of…
No fires major fires burned. There were the expected ’smaller’
fires - but nothing like the Fires of October 2003. It is by those Fires all else is
measured….
No earthquakes rattled.
No windstorms blew.
No raging waters flooded.
Only a few shot’s were fired.
Only a few suspicious fireworks.
No Major and Serious Harm - so Far as this Paganus is aware of -
was done on the three days and nights of this ‘Nation’s’ ‘4th’.
We are Thankful.
We are Blessed.
IF It be the Will of the ALL -
Let NO HARM BE DONE this day….
By active intent -
or even accident -
by Mortal Man or Ancient Element -
Let NO HARM BE DONE!
Akasha of the ALL -
You Bless Us by being here and taking this humble Paganus’s request
to the ALL.
Akasha - We Thank You.
Blessings Be - ‘Word of the ALL’.
Blessings Be….

Paganus ‘faces’ Readership:

Day/SkyFather Sun & NightMother Moon We Greet You.
Sun and Moon - Symbolic Aspects of the ALL - We Welcome You.
Great Spirit of the Native American’s - Indigenous Inhabitant’s
Aspect of the ALL - We Welcome You.
Sun for Light in the Day.
Moon for Reflected Light in the Night.
Great Spirit of, by and for the Land.
Symbolic Aspects of the Creation of & by the ALL -
We ask for Your Guidance this day.
Let Your Light Shine upon Us.
Let Your Peace be upon Us.
Let Us get through this day with NO HARM.
Blessings Be.

So thus it was - it was.
So thus it is - it is.
So thus it will be - it will be.

As it was in the Beginning -
As it is Now -
So shall it be -
Forever and Ever -
Amen.

So Mote It Be.

Blessings Be.

Posted on 6/19/2006 at 8:24 pm by Paganus

Sacred Solstice Sacramental

Written by Staff Dragon: Draconis

Leaves on ground -
Wreaths on doors -
Candles in windows -
Trees Up and Decorated -
Tinsel & Garland strung around -
Shoppers everywhere -
Register’s ringing -
Packages wrapped, waiting -
Cooking fires lit -
Families gathered -
Form the Circle -
Call the Quarters -
Honour the Elders -
Celebrate the Sacred -
This Day of Commerce -
This Day of the Ancient Sacrament -
Before the Cross -
The Tree of Life -
The Pagan’s met in Circle -
The ‘Christians’ in pews in rows in ‘Church’ -
Light the Candles -
In Circles’ round -
On Altar’s square -
Celebrate the night -
Sacramental Day -
For Ancient Pagan Rome - Mithras -
For Reformation and Renaissance ‘Christian’ Rome - the Christos -
For the Hebrews of Palestine - the Menorahh lit -
Celebrate the Day -
Be Ye Pagan -
Be Ye ‘Christian’ -
Be Ye Muslum -
Be Ye ‘Hebraic Jewish’ -
Be Ye Whatever -

It Matters Not -
It Never Has -
It Never Will -

In Any Way -
In All Ways -

Posted on 6/11/2006 at 9:46 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Fires of the Lair and Household

Written by Staff Dragon: Draconis

Fires.

There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm, safe, secure
fire in the night.

Safe Fire.

How often were my Honoured Ancestors unjustly accused of burning
villages and torching forests? We did not do it. You ‘humans’ did -
or came the lighting from the heavens. We Draconis did not.
We know better.

Build your fires in an enclosed stove or a fireplace. Franklin stoves
are very good for heating a room. They are also very decorative.
Fireplaces are also good. Use metal or glass screens to contain the
fire’s flames.

Set your Franklin on a base of fire-brick. You need to do this because
the legs of the stove can get quite warm. Besides - it looks nice.
A black stove, with black metal venting flue on a base of brown and
red brick. A decorating and household design tip from the Dragon’s
Lair.

You must not forget the ashes in either the stove or fireplace. This is
where the small shovel that comes with the fireplace tools is useful.
You will also need a small metalic bucket. You do not want wood.
Some of those ashes might still be hot! Consecrate a place in your
back-garden
and bury the ashes there. You will be keeping the Fire-Elementals
happy.
You will also not be filling up your household with ashes.
Please - my ‘humans’ - remember to open the flue when the fire is lit.
You don’t want smoke in your household. Smoke alarms are so loud and
noisy.
Smoke is also not good for you ‘humans’ to breathe.

As another design and decorating tip you can also use the top of the
firplace
as place to display your treaured trinkets and treasures. I use mine to
display my own special treasures.

Stay warm, my ‘humans’. You cannot endure and survive the cold as we
Draconis do.
Keep your fire’s safely contained. Use fire wisely. It will serve you
well.

I shall return….

Posted on at 9:45 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Appears..All Over the Bookshelf

By: Wolfstar the Elder

During my 20-year so far pagan life, I have perused, read, passed over and otherwise fumbled around with and examined many, many books. In the beginning, I was, of course, unfamiliar totally with the genre of neo-pagan literature, if it can be called that, or wiccan literature, and especially anything to do with high magic. Much wading has occurred in those years. Even today, its sometimes hard to tell whether a book is so much opinion, touting experience, is well researched and how that was done and where all that came from, and whether the author has his or her head screwed on straight. Like any new venture, in the beginning, with so much widespread promotion, it has given rise to its charlatans as well as sincere writers and promulgators. Caveat emptor here as well as everywhere else.

With 20 years experience under my belt, as well as a well earned college degree, which only means that I have spent much time perusing books and other literature and learned discernment, it has become much easier to tell the standard wiccan cookbook from an honest, researched and worked-on piece of material. Anything that tells you to do such and such and get such and such results, is a cookbook. Without citing the author, I saw one such example in a popular but poorly done tome which said, open all your chakras, and do- whatever it was, cast a spell or sacrifice a toad or whatever. This is a good example of a wiccan cookbook, which by definition is one which simply tells you to get this or that item and say these sundry words and voila, you have your result. Although there may be better ones more well known, the pithiness of this example is that , first off, one cannot open all the chakras (as if chakras had anything to do with the witchcraft at all) all at once. If one can, Id like to meet this person and stick them in the eastern-religion version of the Guinness book of world records. It is always a lengthy effort to open the chakras at all, and who can tell when the process is completely done?

Another semi-irritating thing is that no one seems to be writing at all about the origins of witchcraft, so that the reader wont be confused by things that seem to not go together. Suppose you were to encounter the above chakra command, and find out later that chakras have nothing to do with witchcraft. Then you would be all confused. This happens in any effort of study, to begin with, but I think that, at least from those of us who care how our religion is portrayed to the public and wish to ease the way thru the subject for those who wish to peruse the material for possible acceptance as a belief system of personal use, that a little clarification is necessary.

Let us begin with basics, the magical weapons, the disc, cup, wand, and dagger. In the first place, these have no real origins in witchcraft, historically. These are tools of high magic, and going back way far, to boot. There have been many contemporary battles between high magic touters and wiccan touters. Yet, in my 20 yrs.I have not encountered a group ritual in these U.S. which did not involved these tools, not like I go to a great many, but still, if the tools were not incumbent in modern wicca, they would have been less likely to have been used. At least until last Lamas when someone created a Greek ritual for the local UU CUUPS group which used none of these.

The cookbook type of magic instruction will simply tell you to use this or that tool/ingredient, say these so many words and voila, as I said before, you have your result. Its easy to fall into this trap, as a beginner. Maybe it even gives one some experience, feeling their way through and so on. But it is not the be-all and end-all of participation in what is an active and more intellectually oriented way of belief. Here are a few suggestions of non-cookbook volumes on learning either the high magic tools and/or further more experienced and believable writing about this path is about.

The Witchs Bible Compleat, Janet and Stewart Farrar, Magical Childe Books, 1989 Starhawks Spiral Dance and Dreaming the Dark The Rebirth of Witchcraft, Doreen Valiente, Phoenix Publishing, 1989 20th Century Magic and the Old Religion, Alan Richardson, Llewellyn Books, 1991

One of the major distinguishing characteristics of this path is that it is not a passive participation, even if you do go to group rituals for Sabbats and see everyone standing around waiting to do what the ritual coordinators tell them to do. The study and personal practice are all up to ones self. Compare this with the usually passive standard religions which would have one suck up all of what it purported from the soapbox without question. Havent we all passed that one up?

The decision to reject being injected with dogma must gravitate into personal practice, or one is pretty much the same as being in the sheep fold. This also applies to what you decide to believe about what you read.

The simple fact that the magical tools are from high magic could be a revelation for some. A nutshell version of how the high magic tools got into witchcraft comes from what was going on in Europe at and just before the turn of the 20th century. Theosophical societies, magical more Masonic craft fraternities, theo/philosophical societies and traditional more historically based witchcraft groups/folks sort of collided at a common corner from two separate paths. Similar to the commercial where the one person is coming to the corner with a jar of peanut butter, and the other comes from the other blind direction with a chocolate bar, and they collide at the blind corner, exclaiming, you got your chocolate in my peanut butter/you got your peanut butter on my chocolate! All sorts of interactions ensued, much as we have today, what with some personality coming up with their own group/order/religion and expecting people to join, and books, and magazines, and so on.

I think Doreen Valientes book mentioned above gives a fair overview of this period of time in Europe, or at least sounds like it, with what is obviously opinion throughout but nonetheless is believable in the light of my experience with this sort of scene.

An item which one might not think is a magical tool but just a symbol is the cauldron. Probably one of which is more authentic at least symbolically to witchcraft. The ancient celts believed that people were born with three cauldrons in the body, one at the hip level, one at the waist level and one at the heart level, similar in general concept to the chakras. Whichever way the cauldrons were facing or tipped would determine ones personal characteristics. For example, if the heart cauldron were tipped to the right, then one would have certain characteristics relating to emotional and social matters, and if the bottom cauldron were tipped down, one might have less energy than normal, and so on. The cauldrons were considered areas of the body where energies and characteristics were fomented, developed or cooked as is done in a physical cauldron. However cauldrons are also mentioned in much alchemical literature as well

While these are basic tools, all the differing objects which we use on seasonal Sabbat altars are tools and symbols as well, such as the harvest ritual with perhaps ears of corn, stalks of wheat, whatever comes from the local harvest, symbols of the Lord and Lady, anything else indigenous to the season. One could use the corn or wheat stalk as a wand, or make discs out of the corn or wheat, and so on, whatever suits the imagination and the necessity of the rite.

I hope the reader will take the time to research and study more about what they are reading or perusing for their spiritual education. The few suggestions I have made here would at least send one on yet another side journey full of surprises and learning on their personal path!

Posted on at 9:27 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Ostara’s Eggs

*Ostara’s Eggs*

Greetings!
Salutations!
Merry Meet!
Hail & Well Met!
Hello, Again!

Spring is here.

For the most part Winter is gone. Imbolc has been observed and
celebrated. It is now time for Ostara or Eostar for the pagans. Easter
in the Mainstream Religious Denominations. It is time for the colored
eggs and the chocolate bunnies. It is time for the all the little
children to scramble and run in the “Easter Egg” hunts.

This is has not always been a commercialized “Christian” holiday. The
modern day “Easter” celebrations are “christianized” versions of ancient
Indo-European rites and rituals marking the Spring or Vernal Equinox
(circa) March 21st. It is from these ancient pagan roots that we have
the eggs and the bunnies. Both were ancient and pagan. The name “Easter”
is an English language derivation of the ancient “High” Germanic
Ostarun, which became Ostern or Ostara in “Modern” German. Ostara or
Eostara was an Anglo/Saxon/Germanic Goddess that was thought to fly over
the earth leaving eggs as symbols of the beginnings of the new life of
the Springtime. The bunny was her companion totem animal.

It is during this time of the year that the energies of nature - of Gaea
- slowly and subtly shift from the frigid white coldness of Winter to
the warming green of Spring. Gaea blankets the earth with newly awakened
fertility. During the time of this Equinox the hours of Day and Night
are equal. The Light is overtaking the Darkness. The Green of Spring is
replacing the White of Winter.

The stores are filled with “Easter” eggs and chocolate bunnies. What was
once a pagan celebration that was “salvaged” by the ancient “Church” has
become just another commericalized & industrialized corporate holiday.
The “Christian” churches still do hold their “easter” services - but as
with the Yuletide - much of the ancient original meaning - and point and
purpose - of this Spring or Vernal Equinox has been set-aside and
essentially forgotten.

It is important to remember at this moment of renewed life to do a few
simple things. Take a walk through a garden, a park, a woodland or other
green places. Make this walk celebratory. This walk should not just be
for exercise - though even that at this time of year would be of value.
Getting out and doing some walking - if it is possible for you to do so
would be not only a good way to maintain your own inner physical health
it would be a good way to maintain your inner spiritual health. You need
to maintain both your physical as well as spiritual selves. You can also
do some plantings of bulbs and seeds. You can also collect some some
wildflowers. You can use these wildflowers in your rites and
meditations. Be sure to thank Gaea for her flowers.

This is the time of year to honour and celebrate nature - the Mother
Earth. Get outside and celebrate the Spring. Do something special, like
perhaps a Festival or a Faire. I will be, hopefully, at Palm Springs for
the Renaissance Festival. I will be honouring Gaea in character in
costume at the Festival.

If you can, come join us at Palm Springs. If you are not in the Southern
California Area you can also attend and participate at the
Faire/Festival in your area.

Spring is here.
Winter is - for the most part - gone.
Green is back. Life is back.
It’s time for a Celebration.
Let’s Party!

So thus it was -
So thus it is -
So thus it be….
Blessings Be.

Posted on 6/7/2006 at 1:04 am by Paganus

The Use and Power of Candles in Prayer

Submitted By Cate Cavanagh

I’t’s always fun to watch a movie or television show where there is a ritual of some sort going on
especially if there are always candles lit around the room or in a circle or on the floor. In the media candles create a mood of love, horror or suspense depending on the storyline.

In everyday life people use candles to create an ambiance in the home, to scent it with roses, lilies or cinnamon but how many people consider connecting a prayer with every candle they light? Candles and prayer have gone together since before who knows when and churches and shrines used to feel so peaceful and tranquil years ago when people used to light candles at an altar or in front of a saint or other holy figure. Today, Catholic churches now use electric candles. The first time I went to a Catholic church (after many years) and discovered this I was shocked. Childhood memories of the smell of melting wax watched over by a beatific and comforting Virgin Mary were now dispelled by a switch. Candles have always had beautiful mysticism about them. When real candles were lit in church, currents of peace combined with strength could be felt. I find lighting a candle in my home makes my home feel more tranquil and if you are wondering why, the science of physics explains it al
l.

I am a Spiritualist and Quantum Metaphysician. My book, QUANTUM SPIRITUALITY, The Science of Change introduces the school I have founded, of the same name, which teaches the techiques of change by impacting reality on a subatomic level. I will take a moment to define what the word “prayer” means to me. It does not mean “I wish this or I wish that". To me, prayer involves asking my Creator(s) to bless my prayer and then fulfilling the tenet of helping myself in the creation of change that will harm no one in its fulfillment.

Here is a truth: simply stated, energy is never destroyed, merely converted Thought has energy as proven by EEG technology and in Einstein’s world the past, present and future are not linear. They are all co-existing and, as such, points of focus such as intentions, wishes, good feelings and prayer (which are all mind-created waves of energy) traverse the spiral of time.

The mysticism of lighting a candle can be evidenced by the feeling of peace that ensues. Gaze into that candle while meditating and the environment around you shifts and becomes a surreal haven where external pressures no longer exist. You have just moved out of space. The act of lighting a candle with prayer or mental intention sends mind created energy out into the realm of time as well. Lighting a candle while in prayer is comforting because we know we have planted a seed of hope. During prayer, we can let go of fears and simply trust Creator and the Universe to respond. In that moment we are out of “our time” and in Creator’s- which is ever fluid and ever spiraling within the same spatial environment.

Everything and every action emotes energy of some kind. When we light a candle at home rather than thinking of only the decorative or scent value, if we offer a prayer say for peace imagine what the power of this prayer energy, said by millions as they light a simple candle, could accomplish. Taking this a step further let me share my personal prayer ritual. To me lighting a candle is a quantum ritual. When I light my candles, I focus my mind and envision my thought (or energized intention) traveling down my arm, through my hand and into that match. Before I light that match, I make sure my intent ‘reaches’ the match first. Since I channel energy all the time, my arm and hand shake violently as I feed the energy created in my mind into my hand. When I have controlled this focused energy field then I light the match and then the candle itself. Because fire is such a dynamic and powerful medium of energy I believe using a match is a most effective way to orchestrate my intentio
n into the quantum field, creating a flux of energy. The act of lighting a candle maintains focus on my prayer (or desired outcome). Lighting the match as described above also links the energy of my mind with the candle. As the candle continues to burn, it will continue to emit the intention I programmed into this candle as ongoing energy. The impetus of heat from the match will empower the candle to emit even more heat energy waves (or quinta as Einstein called it) as it sends my prayer into time and space. Candles have been esteemed by all peoples of all beliefs as tools for prayer and petition. Never was science ever correlated with its effectiveness.

As a matter of facilitating focus, you may it find it interesting to consider that candle rituals can and should involve a little preparation. To mentally prepare for intentional prayer with candles, there are a number of things I do. Since I am a Quantum Metaphysician working with energy all the time, I believe in cleansing candles because there are any number of people who have touched it or handled it. If the energy with which these candles were handled was negative, then sorrow, despair, hopeless and rage can be send out when I light a candle and counter my work or prayer. Because of this, I purge negativity from candles so that prayer will not be tainted by this negativity. Rub salt around the candle and sprinkle some on top around the wick. After all, this was the only substance Jesus used to exorcise demons. You can use cold water by wetting your hands and rubbing the candle with the water. Buddhists monks use freezing water to strength the mind as it trains to generat
e heat despite freezing weather. You can smudge the candle (lighting incense and letting the smoke clean the candle) with sage as Native Shaman’s do or burn rosemary as Wiccans do. What you may notice here is the universality of the belief that there is negativity and negative energy around us as well as long recognized ways to get rid of it.

Many people find the colors of candles facilitate focus as well. In some traditions colors identify with petitions or requests in the following manner: blue for mental serenity and healing, green for help with money, and red for strength. Keep in mind however that these colors vary depending on the belief system followed. In the quantum and spiritual realms, the lack of a specific color candle does not restrict prayer. In these realms, anything can be changed by the power of the mind. So, the mind can change a white candle into blue, green or red. This is why I keep many more white candles than colored ones especially since sometimes color candles are not as available.

If you need to pray, do so. A prayer is never wasted but perhaps next time, you might add more power to your prayer by putting science to work with it. Then just wait to catch up on the time line!

Cate is a much published writer and author. the release dates for her new books, HER GODMOTHER AND QUANTUM SPIRITUALITY, The Science of Change have not as yet been announced. She is offering her first book, GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, FOR FREE!!!!!
Visit her at: catecavanagh.net

Posted on 5/28/2006 at 4:44 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

I Enjoy Being a Witch

By: Agate

A Little Fun For Yule

I love musicals. I used to collect sheet music and Id sing my heart out. For good or bad to the ears of those around me, that enjoyment has resurfaced. Along with it came a new idea. A song, not one of my favorites, was running around my head when I was struck with inspiration. If you have ever seen the musical The Flower Drum Song you will recognize the song I enjoy being a Girl, a particularly annoying song glorifying all of the worst stereotypes about women (vanity, man hunting, endless telephone chatting). However, when the main line drifted through my head it came out different this time. I enjoy being a witch were the words I heard. Thus was born my version of this song. I hope you get a kick out of it as well.

(Note: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote the original song, lyrics and music, for their musical The Flower Drum Song.)

I Enjoy Being a Witch

When Ive got a brand new Ash wand,
And the spell went without a hitch,
Then I dance til the break of a new dawn,
I enjoy being a witch.

My pentacle is shiny silver,
And my pointy hat is more than kitsch.
I hear music on the wind and river,
I enjoy being a witch.

I honor nature in the name of Goddess,
I do my best to never do no harm,
My magics only meant to help and to bless,
And Ive got a stone for every charm.

Im strictly a modern day witch girl,
And with Goddess I am always Blessed Be.
I dream of a time and day in this world,
I can live just as I want while being a witch like me

HAPPY YULE TO ALL!!!

Posted on at 4:20 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Spiders For Healing

witen By: Mistress Ravenfyre

Little Miss Muffet
who sat on her tuffet
eating her curds and way
Along came a spider
that sat down beside her
scaring Miss Muffet away

You may not be Miss Muffet, but like myself these spiders come from nowhere, scaring you half to death. Wait before you whip out the can of Raid or squash it, you may want to save its life.

In some cultures, such as in the Tahitian culture it is considered a no-no to harm that spider. They firmly believe that the spider is one of the shadows of gods. They safely escort the spider out and no harm is done. Other cultures deem it as bad luck to kill one of our 8 legged creatures.

So this doesn’t sound reasonable to you. Especially if it is a Black Widow. Speaking of black spiders in the medieval times black spiders were thought, when carried on the person, as a protection against contagious diseases. Catching a black spider, placing it into the bag made of silk and then wearing it around your neck would ward off those bugs that made them sick.

You don’t want to wear a spider in a bag around your neck. Try this one to make yourself strong and powerful. Catch a spider, place it between two slices of buttered bread and chow down. MMMM, MMM, Good. Once you have done this awhile you are supposed to be powerful and have much strength. That bag around the neck looks a little better, now doesn’t it?

Spiders were also associated with the moon and the phases. Spider webs and the weaving are said to be related to dreams, destiny and creativity. The moon phases closely relating to these web designs were the waxing and waning moon. Moons were drawn to show the web weaving in the artwork. Making the moon and spider webs as being very close in their meanings.

We in modern day do not look to our small creatures as being anything other than pests. not many would dare eat a black spider each day for power. We call the Terminex Man to rid our dwellings of bugs and other creepy crawling things. I am sure they squashed a few spiders also, so don’t feel to bad the next time you kill one.

Before you do snuff that spider, think of this quick and surely delicious recipe for treating the Ague: Ingest live spiders rolled up in either molasses , butter or cobwebs. Once you do this the Ague is cured.

If that doesn’t work, take two spiders and call your doctor in the morning
REF: Witches & Witchcraft

Posted on at 3:10 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Halloween Recipes

More of those hauntingly good Halloween Recipes

If you have a recipe idea, send it along to Mystic Witch

JACK-O-LANTERN BROWNIE
Submitted By: AngelAsuan

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Yellow and red food color
1 can (16 oz.) canned vanilla frosting
(optional) Garnishes: MINI KISSES Baking Pieces, Twizzlers Nibs Licorice Bits,Twizzlers Pull-n-Peel,
(optional) SKOR or HEATH English Toffee Bits, assorted Bake Shoppe items

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 12-inch round pizza pan. If using a disposable pan, place on baking sheet to bake.
2. Beat melted butter, sugar and vanilla with spoon in large bowl. Beat in eggs. Stir in dry ingredients; beat with spoon until well blended. Spread into pan.
3. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool completely. Add yellow and red food color to frosting for desired shade of orange. Frost brownie; garnish to resemble a jack-o-lantern. 12 to 16 servings.

Transylvania Punch
Submitted By: AngelAsuan

2 cups water
1 3-ounce package cherry-flavored gelatin
4 12-ounce cans lemon-lime carbonated beverage or ginger ale, chilled

1. In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups water to boiling. Transfer to a bowl. Add gelatin and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Cover and chill 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, pour about 1 cup of ginger ale into a glass. Add a spoonful of the chilled gelatin. (Gelatin should float atop beverage.) If desired, stir together just before drinking. Makes six servings.

Witch’s Brew
Submitted By: AngelAsuan

1 quart raspberry sherbet
2 12-ounce cans frozen orange juice concentrate
2 liters ginger ale
3 12-ounce cans frozen fruit punch concentrate
3 12-ounce cans frozen lemonade concentrate

1. Prepare fruit punch, orange juice and lemonade as directed.
2. Pour all the juices into a large punch bowl.
3. Spoon in raspberry sherbet and whip with a wooden spoon.
4. Pour ginger ale gently around the edge of the punch bowl.
5. Toss in a couple handfuls of gummy creepy crawler gummy candies

Posted on 5/11/2006 at 2:07 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Autumn Wreaths

Written By: AngelAsuan

Natural autumn wreaths are a joy to make and it’s as much fun gathering the fresh materials as it is creating the wreath! Besides autumn is comming soon.

The Base: You can easily make your own wreath out of grapevine or other vining materials such as wisteria.

*NOTE* Do be cautious however and learn to recognize poison ivy, which will vine and inter mingle with other vines.

Simply cut three to four pieces of the vine, from 2 to 5 foot in length, depending on the size you desire.

*note* If they are too stiff soak them in water until they become workable.

On a large surface lay the vines out so they are laying together but each end is staggered by a couple inches. Now gather them all and form a circle. Start twisting the longest vine around the circle, so that is “catches” the other vines. Keep twisting around and tuck the ends. When the circle is complete and the vines are snug take a look at what you have. You can cut off or tuck in any loose ends. The vine will need to dry. I hang mine on the deck posts.

*note* If you can’t locate vining material you’ll find grapevine wreathes very inexpensively at your local craft store.

The decorations: This is where the gathering becomes a scavenger hunt that you can involve the kids in. You want to look for pinecones, acorns, seed pods, teasel, milk weed pods, wildflowers, and herbs. Some things you’ll find dried, some will be fresh. It’s okay to combine, and gradually they will all dry. Anything that appears like it might crumble or lose berries you can spray with a clear lacquer to seal. Lay out all your treasures and decide what needs to be sprayed. Allow these to dry.

Stems: If the stems are weak you can wrap them to make them stronger. Place a piece of straight floral wire along the length of the stem, holding it in place with your finger and use the other hand to wrap around floral tape. This will give you a stronger stem to use on your wreath. You can also use this same method to group together several flowers or herb sprigs. If you wrap the wire around the bottom section of a pine cone and twist it, you can use this to attach the cone to the wreath. You don’t need to wrap the wire in this case with floral tape.

Assembly: Working on a big surface such as a table or counter, lay out all of your items with the wreath in front of you. Experiment with placement first, then wire or glue each item in place. Take a step back at the end and fill in any spaces that look empty. You don’t need to fill the entire wreath…it depends on the look you want. That’s why experimenting is important before gluing.

Final Steps: Though you’ve made an all natural wreath, it’s nice to add a little color. Don’t go with shades that are too bold, but rather muted colors that will accent the wreath. You could add miniature Indian corn tied together with raffia, or a rustic fabric bow. Artificial birds made of cork add a nice touch too. You can center your accent at the top of the wreath or place it off to the side. Fall picks are nice too and some are very real looking and not expensive. One pick can really change the look of the wreath. Wreaths are fun and easy to make for the porch, doorways, entries or anywhere you want a littletouch of nature.

Posted on at 2:05 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Halloween Recipes

Some ghoulish dishes for those creepy nights ahead. Whip these up for your little ghosts and goblins that will sure to bring a smile and screech of delight!

If you have a recipe idea, send it along to Mystic Witch

Ichabod Crane’s Baked Pumpkin Mousse

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup superfine sugar
4 eggs separated
5 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Butter a 6-cup oven proof bowl
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Beat in the yolks, one at a time. Stir in cornmeal, pumpkin, and spices, then the cream.
3. Beat the egg whites until they are foamy. Add the salt. Continue to beat until small peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, a tsp. at a time, and continue beating until the whites are stiff and glossy, but not dry. Fold the whites into the pumpkin mixture and pour into the buttored bowl.
4. Set the bowl in a larger pan filled with 1 inch of hot water and bake for 1 1 /4 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm from the bowl, or let it settle on a cooling rack for 30 minutes and then invert the mousse onto a plate. Make a jack-O-Lantern face with currants and serve with unsweetened whipped cream. Serves 8

Soothslayers Sliced Apples

8 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
6 large firm apples
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
2 tbs. unsalted butter
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Place the chocolate in a double boiler over a medium heat until it is almost melted. Remove from heat, stir and let cool.
2. Spread the nuts in a small bowl.
3. Dip apples into the chocolate and shake off excess. Then dip apples into the nuts to coat the bottoms. Set them 3 inches apart on a slightly buttered tray and refridgerate 45 minutes.
4. In a small pot, stir together the sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until mixture reaches 240 degrees, stir occasionally. Remove pot from heat, and add vanilla. Pour the hot carmel over the apples a little at a time, letting it drip down the sides. Cool the apples but do not refridgerate.
5. When ready to serve, slice the apples in half and remove the cores. Cut each half into 4 slices. Makes 48 slices

Witches Brew With Ghostly Manifestations

1 generous cup miniature marshmellows
24 whole cloves
1/2 gallon apple cider
3 cups grape juice
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tbs. lemon juice
3 tbs. star anise(about 48)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbs. finely sliced ginger

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Butter a baking sheet and and sift confectioners sugar over it. Arrange marshmellows into 12 vaguely triangular shapes to form ghosts, about 8-9 marshmenllos per ghost. Bake until they melt, about 5 minutes. Do not let them get brown. Insert cloves for eyes intot he top marshmallow of each triangle. Let the ghosts cool completely before removing them with a spatula
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large pot and place it over med. heat until the mixture is warm to the touch. Do not let it come to a boil. Let the brew stand for at least 2 hours. Transfer to a punch bowl and float the ghosts on top. Serve cold or at room temperature. Makes 3 quarts.

Posted on at 1:56 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Halloween Poetry

Each week until the end of October we will add more poems and witchy rymes. If you have a poem you would like to see here, send it in!

Three little ghostesses
Sitting on postesses,
Eating buttered toastesses,
Up to their wristesses,
Oh, what beastesses
To make such feastesses.
~Anonymous

The Hag

The Hag is astride
this night for a ride
The Devil and she together;
through thick and through thin,
Now out and now in,
Thogh ne’er so foul be the weather.
A thorn or a burr
she takes for a spur.
With a lash of the brambles she rides now,
through brake and through briers
O’er ditches and mires.
She follows the spirit that guides her
~Robert Herrick

If you light a candle at the ends
Twirl it that the air it rends
Should the right end stay lit
all will be gay.
If the left stay lit the witches slay.
If both stay lit you will belt.
If both go out you have routed them out

This is the night O’Hallowe’n
When a’ the witches may be seen
Some o’ them black, some o’ them green,
Some of o’ them like a turkey bean.
~anonymous

Hang a bell of gold
round a cat’s
neck at the witching hour
and he’ll do what he’s told.
~anonymous

An’ all us other children, when the supper things is done
We set around the kitchen fire an’ has the mostest fun
A-list’nin to the witch-tales ‘at Annie tells about
An’ the Gobble-uns ‘at gits you Ef you don’t watch out!
~James Whitcomb Riley

Posted on at 1:53 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Some Haunting Fun Facts

By: Mistress Ravenfyre

To protect against creatures of the night, carry a piece of bread in your pocket

On Halloween in Scotland, the Devil calls all witches together to dance the night away to music played on a “Devils Bagpipe". This is a musical instrument made from hens heads and cats tails.

If a black cat comes to meet you, it is good luck. But if it only comes halfway, walks away from you, this is a bad sign.

In Celtic lands, on the last day of October, farmers heap their tables with food from the harvest to welcome home thier ghosts. Bright flames from huge bonfires guided spirits on thier journeys back home and fightened evil ones away.

Turn your pocket inside out to keep ghosts away

At night, cats accompanied witches and because of the darkness all were thought to embody evil

Posted on at 1:51 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Samhain Wish For All

Written By: Mistress Ravenfyre

Samhain will be here before we know it. Looking in the stores, of course, it has been here since September. All the ghostly and ghastly decorations that will adorn so many homes!
I must admit that I am guilty of purchasing those trinkets. I love this event, actually it is a holiday in our family. We celebrate this as most celebrate Christmas. With decorations, lights and thoughts of the past loved ones deceased, we celebrate with great love and a lot of fun.

Each year I receive the traditional witch from my children. This year I was blessed with two. My daughter Lady Sabriena bought the first, which is a funky looking bird with feathers all over it. The bird is actually a writing pen. Bright orange and wearing a witch hat. My other daughter, Maiden Shaina purchased three table decorations which were: a punk rocker vampire, a skater frankenstein and a trailer trash witch. So, that started the celebration month off. The decorating bug bit me. Slowly but surely by Halloween night this home will have every possible decoration hung up and in view. I am like a child during this time.

I have to say that I am a “winter” child so this month begins the time of year when I have the most energy. I savor the start of my “New Year". Each night I light the candles for the deceased that have gone before us and think of the wonderful times that we had. After all this is their month as well as mine.

I will as years passed set the table with the plates for the spirits and have the chairs ready for their comfort. I practice the “Old Ways” of ours in paying homage. It is a wonderful month that starts the holiday season off on the right foot.

Warming our home with candles in the evening leaves all with a welcoming sense of “home". There is one candle that is burning during the day and night to guide those departed to our home. This is a very old practice in our family and hopefully one of my children will keep it going long after I am gone. I would like to add that when I am away from the home, for safety reasons, I use a light that is designed for Samhain. Upon returning the candles are lit.

This is the start of the New Year for us. May this holiday bring all the love, hope and happiness that you, fair reader deserves.

Now, that I have sent my greeting to you all, I have to hang a skeleton over the entry way door.

From the staff and myself, have a safe and Happy Samhain!

Mistress Ravenfyre

Posted on at 1:47 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Fall In Love with Autumn Potpourri

Written By: AngelAsuan

The earthy colors and scents of the equinox celebrate the depth of the secret presence at the heart of nature. As autumn arrives with a vibrancy even in its dying, so sweet and sensual. The hillside is ablaze with burnished copper leaves, russet vines, ripe red berries, and velvety mosses,as this glorious season seduces the earth.

Enchanted Forest

A rich, autumnal potpourri blend, Enchanted Forest is rich in balsam, vanilla, and patchouli – earthy, sensual, and mysterious. It is gorgeous in forest green and shades of brown, with sprinkles of moonlight thrown in.

You will need:
Dried Flowers and Herbs
2 cups deer’s-tongue leaves
2 cups patchouli leaves
1 cup balsam fir needles

Essential Oils
20 drops patchouli oil
10 drops sandalwood oil
8 drops vanilla oil

Fixative
1/4 cup cut or ground oakmoss

Textured Elements
1/2 cup orange peel
1/2 cup sassafras root bark
1/4 cup sandalwood chips
1/4 cup cinnamon chips
1/4 cup vanilla bean chunks

Finishing Touches
1/4 cup vervain blossoms
1/4 cup silver-painted pinecones
1/4 cup foxglove flowers
1/4 cup silver glitter

Foxglove Facts

It was believed that if you picked the tall spires of foxglove – the most legendary of fairy flowers – you would offend the fairies, but growing them in your garden would surely please the pixies!

The delicate pink or white, bell-shaped blossoms are covered with tiny flecks that are said to be fairy fingerprints.

Foxglove derives its folk names of fairy gloves and fairy caps from these splendid blossoms, which became props when the fairies played dress up. Other names include fox’s glew and, because of the poison found in its exquisite “cups,” witch’s thimble and bloody bells.

Digitalin, obtained from the blossoms of foxglove, is used to treat heart ailments.

Posted on at 1:40 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Christmas Goblins and Faeries: the Kallikantzaroi

Written By Staff Writer: Fiona Broome

In most faerie references, there is scant mention of Greek faeries except for the nymphs and nereids. But, in connection with Christmas, a darker and diminutive spirit emerges.

The Kallikantzaroi* (also called Kalkes in the rural community of Panorio) are Greek Christmas faeries. It might be better to describe them as goblins since these small creatures best-known for malicious mischief, especially during the twelve days of Christmas. Nevertheless, the Greek people seem to think of them fondly, often describing them as elves. These spirits remain a strong element in popular, modern Greek folklore as well as in history.

In many ways, they seem closely related to the Mesopotamian beliefs about Chaos. In darker accounts, the Kallikantzaroi are more closely related to vampires, and–as such–an odd addition to Christmas lore. In some Greek traditions, any child born during the twelve days of Christmas is at risk of becoming a Kallikantzaroi. Garlic cloves, as amulets in the baby’s clothing, are among the remedies for this problem.

According to popular legends, the Kallikantzaroi are bent on destroying the world by chopping away at its Underworld support, a huge tree trunk. Just when the faeries have nearly destroyed this tree, it is December 25th and they cannot resist emerging above ground to play pranks on humans. (The significance of December 25th is not clear, since the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas later.)

In another version–where Christmas is celebrated on December 25th–Christ’s birth causes the tree to renew itself in full strength. It regrows where it had been chopped, and the Kallikantzaroi spring to the surface of our world in fury, because all of their work has been undone.

Above ground, they enter homes, douse fires and steal all of the good food. (Since they are supposed to eat worms, frogs, and snakes, it seems odd that they’d want the best foods that humans eat.)

Because one of the Kallikantzaroi’s primary entries is by leaping down the chimney, the Greeks keep the Yule fire burning round the clock, to keep the Kallikantzaroi out. In another story, the Kallikantzaroi urinate on the fire to put it out, making it difficult to relight.

The Kallikantzaroi hate fires; Yule logs; holy water; strong odors including burning salt, and garlic; and black crosses. The sound of a bell will neutralize their powers.

They return to the Underworld on January 6th, the Epiphany, when large amounts of holy water are blessed in churches worldwide.

Author Fiona Broome’s Site

References: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia, by Carol Rose, p. 175.

Greek & Cretan Christmas Customs, with a reference to Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan, by Clement A. Miles, London: T. Fisher Unwin, 2nd Ed. 1913, pp. 229-247.

Christmas in the Greek Tradition, at GreekAmerica.net, Vol. 7, Issue 2.

*The Kallikantzaroi are also called Kallikantzaro, Kallikantzaros, and Kallikantzari is different resources. This can be attributed to alphabet differences between Greek and English, as well as pronunciation variations.

Posted on at 1:36 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Mabon / Fall Equinox / Autumnal Equinox Solitary Ritual Guide

Please Note:Resource unknown as this was sent in for information only to be used by students and any others that wish to perform this ritual

Decorate the altar with acorns, oak sprigs, pine and cypress cones, ears of corn, wheat stalks and other fruits and nuts. Also place there a small rustic basket filled with dried leaves of various colors and kinds. Sweep area, moving in a deosil (clockwise) manner. Outline your Circle with a red cord, low vibration stones, or various Harvest items such as wheat, corn, beans, etc. Set up your altar and place the red altar cloth over it. At center top, place the basket of dried leaves. Place an apple and the bolline on your Pentacle or a plate. Place the rest of your tools according to your personal preference. Take a shower or bath for purity. Sit quietly and meditate to ground and center. When you are ready, begin by playing some soothing music associated with the Sabbat and your ritual.

Cast the Circle and call Quarters… Pick up your Wand in your right hand, face your altar, and with arms stretched out above your head, say:

“I honor Thee, Autumn Queen, and Thy consort, the God of the Harvest.
The Wheel has once more turned, and the change of season begins.
What will be is. What was will be.
The Equinox is upon us, and the time to reflect, at hand.
All time comes together, here and now in this sacred space.
And I, but a moment in time, feel the change as I pass from one season to the next.
The Second Harvest has been reaped, and the time of rest is deserved.
Go now My Mother and slumber.
Go now My Father and dream of re-birth.
I shall be here to greet Thee on Your return.”

Stand before the altar, holding aloft the basket of leaves, and slowly scatter them so that they cascade to the ground within the circle. Say such words as these:

“Leaves fall,
The days grow cold.
The Goddess pulls her mantle of Earth around Her
As You, O Great Sun God, sail toward the West
To the land of eternal enchantment,
Wrapped in the coolness of night.
Fruits ripen,
Seeds drip,
The hours of day and night are balanced.
Chill winds blow in from the North wailing laments.
In this seeming extinction of nature’s power, O Blessed
Goddess, I know that life continues.
For spring is impossible without the second harvest,
As surely as life is impossible without death.
Blessings upon you, O Fallen God, as you journey into
The lands of winter and into the Goddess’ loving arms.”

Place the basket down and say:

“O Gracious Goddess of all fertility, I have sown and
Reaped the fruits of my actions, good and bane.
Grant me the courage to plant seeds of joy and love in
The coming year, banishing misery and hate. Teach me the secrets
Of wise existence upon the planet.
O luminous one of the night!”

With arms still out-stretched lower your head and close your eyes. Contemplate what you have just spoken. When ready, open your eyes and lower your arms. Pick up the apple and place it in the center of the Pentacle/plate. Cut it crosswise with the Bolline, to reveal the natural pentagram at its core. Then lift half the apple, pentagram up, as if in offering, while saying:

“As the Wheel turns, the seasons pass, and the years give way to the next,
Guide me most Wise Ones,
Lest I forget
Every beginning has an ending
And every ending is a new beginning.”

Take a bite of the apple. Put the rest aside to share later with the wildlife. Close your eyes and feel the seasons pass within the circle from summer to autumn. When ready, say:

“As the days grow colder, and the nights last longer,
May I remember the summer past.
With sunlight fading, and hearth inviting,
My memories will warm my soul.
From a season of hard work and hard play,
I hear Mother’s voice calling me forward.
While I rest, shall She lull me, with songs of a dream,
As close to Her bosom I cling.

Between the worlds I stand in this sacred place.
All time is here and now.
As I leave this circle, the season shall have changed,
And I will have changed with it.
May I use the short time of Winter Finding
To draw the strength and power from within
As I quest for vision, understanding, and peace.”

Pick up the Bell with your right hand, and ring thrice, to toll the passing of the first 3 seasons of the year. Now place it in your left hand and ring once to usher in the 4th and last season of the year. Place the bell on the altar.

“In Life is Death, and in Death is Life.
The Sacred Dance goes on and on
From whence we came, we shall return,
And come again.

The circle stays unbroken
Heed the words of your child, here,
Through Your wisdom I have spoken.”

It is now time for meditation and spell working. Associated spell workings would include those for protection, wealth, security, and self-confidence. If there is no spell working, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then release the Circle.

Mabon Incense #1

* 1 part Benzoin
* 1 part Myrrh
* 1 part Honeysuckle Bark
* 1 part Cinnamon
* 1 part Vanilla

Mabon Incense #2

* 2 parts Frankincense
* 1 part Sandalwood
* 1 part Cypress
* 1 part Juniper
* 1 part Pine
* 1/2 part Oakmoss or Oakmoss Oil
* 1 pinch Oak Leaf

Burn this incense during Wiccan ceremonies on Mabon or at that time to attune with the change of the seasons. Also burn to attract its influences, or during spells involving lust, physical strength, competitions, rituals concerning men and so on.

Posted on at 1:32 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Just For Little Goblins

WindChimes By: AngelAsuan

Wind chimes are very easy to make and calm any room they are hung in. And what parent doesn’t appreciate a little calm?

*note* Parents children will need your help, so if you dont plan on helping them then I dont think this is the craft you’ve been looking for.

For this project, you can experiment with materials a little bit, and see what makes the best sound. For outdoor chimes, you can go to hardware stores and get hollow metal rods. Have the store cut the rod in to different sizes for a beautiful array of notes. For indoor chimes, you can use metal trinkets, ceramic figurines, or anything your imagination can dream up. Terra cotta tiles are easy and sound great, but you can also use rods, pieces of porcelain tile, sea shells, bits of slate or stones, jewelry, glass, old toys, and so on.

For starters, you will need an embroidery hoop, some fishing line and chimes to attach. Any sharp edges on any chimes need to be supervised for small children. You may simply want to get some sandpaper to deal with the sharp edges. Or for a safe and purely decorative chime for small children, try dipping macaroni onto water color and using those.

To make the chimes, tie the fishing line across your embroidery hoop and then tie the other side to create a cross. From this you will attach your chimes. Tie a hanging loop on the hoop and hang the hoop on the back of a chair. This will make it easier to attach your chimes and evenly distribute the weight.

Using the materials you have chosen, tie or hot glue the objects onto the fishing line, then tie around the hoop. Keep doing this at different lengths until you have chimes hanging from all around the hoop. Take care to spread the objects evenly, and to make them hang at lengths where they will come in contact with one another as they move in the wind or at the hands of your child.

Finally, attach some chimes in the center of the hoop where you first created a cross. Make sure your chimes are evenly balanced n weight and add a few more where necessary before hanging. Hang the chimes, and with your children, be sure to take time to enjoy the product of your own labor.

Posted on 5/8/2006 at 3:07 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Mystically Speaking

Have a spirit chasing you? Spell gone bad? Questions on hexing someone? You have come to the right place. Answers to your Magickal & Mystical questions are just a click away. The sky is the limit. Any and all questions will be answered. See what others have written and you’ll see what I am talking about.
These are REAL questions, by real people. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent or not so innocent) I will warn you, answers may not be sugar coated or what you expect to get. They are answered as truthfully as can be answered. I love receiving questions, comments and the likes from our readers. Each week I receive so many that it is hard to choose which to show here. All questions are answered either here or in a personal email by myself.

Here are a few questions that I have received.

Dear Mistress Ravenfyre:: Recently I was asked to join a coven of sorts. They really had some neat things they were doing. The problem is, they said that I would have to buy a membership. I am not a rich guy, to join was $200. I get a card and lifetime membership. I like the group, they are Satanists which I am too. Is this normal? Thanks, JW

Dear JW: I hope this card that you are buying is lamented in gold or at least sterling silver. In order to join most covens there is no fee. Some may ask for group offerings to cover certain costs of the group, BUT nothing like that. If you are signing up with the COS then they have a membership fee, but you get a Satanic Bible and a card. Plus a lot of help on your new found path. They are established in the occult community. If this “coven", which I do not think they are a real coven, says they are affiliated with the COS, check them out and think about it first. When you decide, let me know if you decided to pay for that card. Now, I know I am in the wrong business.

Dear Mistress Ravenfyre: My friend and I are in a fight over this. I say that the spells in Charmed are real and she says they are fake. Do you think they are real? I do.
Dear Charmed Fan: I get a lot of letters from the younger crowd on this show. I have only seen the show a couple of times. Personally, I have to side with your friend. The few that I have seen and read seem a little over dramatized, but it is for TV. Remember, magick is an illusion, not delusion, which if you really think that they are real you are being-delusional. Go to your local book store and flip through the pages of spell books written by notable authors and compare. I think that you will realize that the spells in Charmed are well, charming but not real. I hope you didn’t make a bet.

Posted on 5/6/2006 at 3:43 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Myfanwy Sidhe’s Yule

The Night Tree Celebration

Every year on Winter Solstice Eve, my family has what we call The Night Tree Celebration. We spend a couple of hours making edible ornaments for the local wildlife. Rice cakes spread with peanut butter (use a chopstick or something similar to make the hole before spreading the peanut butter), dipped in bird seed and hung on a string keep the squirrels and birds happy. The racoons love the apple and orange slices on a string. And the rabbits munch on the cran-raisin and popcorn garlands.

We take our trays of goodies outside (after bundling up - it’s freakishly cold here in Michigan) and decorate all of the trees in our yard, taking care to hang the ornaments close to the bottom so even the smallest creatures can reach them. Our favorite tree to decorate is the little spruce in our front yard. It’s a birthday tree in memory of my nephew, Zane. We planted it on what would have been his first birthday. My sons and I love to watch the animals eat from “Baby Zane’s Tree.” Last year, my littlest told me that Baby Zane was helping us take care of the animals.

Afterwards, we warm up with hot cocoa, quilts and stories. Two we read every year are, Night Tree by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ted Rand and A Possible Tree by Josephine Haskell Aldridge, illustrated by Daniel San Souci. Both of these stories focus on honoring nature and all of the creatures in the world around us, values I hope my children take with them into adulthood.

Posted on at 3:39 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

No Halloween for the kids?

I saw an interesting article recently. An elementary school in Puyallup, Washington, saying they were canceling Halloween festivities not only because it detracted from learning, but also because some Wiccan parents complained that the images of stereotyped Halloween witches would confuse their children.

For a week I had read articles about Christians enraged that Halloween fell on a Sunday and should be either cancelled or moved to Saturday night. This is not an unexpected reaction, from Christians; there is always a segment of them trying to get rid of Halloween.

But from Wiccans? I was astounded.

I know as I have progressed from newbie to now, I have held various opinions on Halloween. One year I was appalled at all of the cutesy ghosts, pumpkins, and black cats that smiled back from decorations; Halloween wasnt supposed to be cute. Another year I bristled at every warty witch, while the next I collected some of those same witches. However, there was always one constant: I loved Halloween.

I remember as a child we would dress up the Friday before Halloween and parade around the campus. The long lines of children winding their way through hallways and playgrounds, showing off costumes, eagerly viewing everyone elses. Then we would go back to our classrooms for parties with frosted cupcakes, iced cookies, and loads of candy. Ah, sugary heaven. It was fun. I dont think I ever dressed as a witch, although my sister did three years in a row. For us, Halloween wasnt about religion, politics, or worshipping devils. It was dress-up day, we got to go around demanding candy, and adults would have to give it to us. Plus, we didnt have classes the last part of the day so we could have parties, which made it even better.

For the life of me I cant figure out what the problem is. Halloween, for the most part, is a commercial holiday, a time for companies to make some extra money, like Valentines Day. For Pagans, it holds a special significance since it corresponds with Samhain, but we still support the commercial part as we buy decorations and candy, and dress up for Witches Balls, parties, and even our rituals, injecting the childlike fun of our childhood, into what otherwise might be a somber ritual. I have often seen real Witches dressing as their green-faced hag counterparts for Balls. Why do we as adults, long to deprive our children of the joyous memories that we have of our childhoods? Whether Pagan or Christian, what is stuck up our collective butts that we see demons and prejudice behind every tree?

Samhain is a time to honor our dead. Halloween allows us to honor our child-like sides. Everyone needs to get a grip. Children dont think like adults. They arent as easily confused as we think and if you take the time to explain something, they will understand more than you think they can. While I understand the desire to end the negativity that is often heaped upon us, I also know that the best way to deconstruct a stereotypes power is to embrace it. What doesnt hurt you, cant be used against you. Halloween stereotypes arent what damage us, misunderstandings do.

So, go ahead and have fun this Halloween and Goddess bless the child within us all that longs to dance with the witches.

We also offer material submitted by our readers who also practice Solitare.

Author: Agate

Posted on at 3:36 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Imbolc

Also known as: Candlemass, Imbolg, Bride’s Day, Oimelc, and Brid’s Day Date: February 1st or 2nd

Symbols: Candles, Brides, Grain Dolly, Burrowing Animals, Ewes

Colors: White, Silver, and Pale Yellow

Deities: Virgin or Child Goddesses, Gods as Young Men or Boys

Herbs: Basil, Bay, Benzoin, and celandine may be burned; Angelica, myrrh, yellow and white flowers may be used as altar decorations.

*Imbolc is THE Sabbat which honors the Goddess as the waiting bride of the returning sun God. Before the Nordic influence, it was also the Sabbat in which the Celts saw the sun as being born anew. In Ireland it was, and still is, a special day to honor the Goddess Brid in her guise of bride. The modern Irish know this as St. Briget’s Day, St. Briget being a vaguely disguise and Christianized version of the Pagan Goddess.

Celts would often dress grain dollies, representations made from dried sheaves from the previous harvest, as brides, and set them in a place of honor within their homes. They were usually placed in cradles called Bride’s Beds, and nuts, symbols of male fertility, were tossed in with them.

This is also a Sabbat where candles are lit in profusion, often within a wreath, another symbol of the Wheel of the Year. These are symbolic of the heat and light of the returning sun.

At Imbolc the deities are still youthful and not yet joined as one through sacred marriage. They are innocent and fun-loving, and are waiting just as anxiously for spring as we are.

*from: “Celtic Myth and Magick"- Edain McCoy

Activities: Here are a few suggestions for Imbolc activities, some of which can be incorporated into the Sabbat celebration or simply as someting to make the day more special, especially for children.

Burn the Yule greens to send winter on its way.

Make the Bride’s Bed using the Corn or Wheat Doll made the previous Lughnassadh. Dress the doll in white or blue with a necklace that represents the seasons. Lay it in a long basket adorned with ribbons; light white candles on either side of the basket, and say:

“Welcome the bride both maiden and mother;
rest and prepare for the time of the seed;
cleansed and refreshed from labors behind her;
with the promise of spring she lays before me.”

Next morning, remove the dress and scatter the wheat outdoors (or if you use corn, hang it up in a tree for the squirrels and birds). this can be seen in terms of the Lady’s recovery from the birthing bed and readiness to begin the turning of the seasons anew.

The Imbolc Corn Doll represents the mother nurturing her son, who will grow and become her husband. This is the earth and the sun, which is still weak but gaining in strength.

On Imbolc Eve, leave buttered bread in a bowl indoors for the faeries who travel with the Lady of Greenwood. Next day, dispose of it as the “essence” will have been removed.

Place three ears of corn on the door as a symbol of the Triple GOddess and leave until Ostara.

Light a white candle and burn sandalwood incense.

Cleanse the area where you do card readings or scrying with a censor burning rosemary or vervain, and say:

“By the power of this smoke I wash away the negative influences that this place be cleansed for the Lady and her babe.”

Cleanse the altar and equipment, do a self-purification rite with the elemental tools representing earth (salt) for body, air (incense) for thoughts; fire (candle flame) for will; and water (water) for emotions.

Make dream pillows for everyone in the family.

Create a Solar Cross from palm fronds, make enough to place one in each room of the house. Place a red pillar-style candle center to the front door; with palm crosses in hand, light the candle and open the door and say:

“We welcome in the Goddess and seek the turning
of the wheel away from winter and into spring.”

Close door; take up the candle and go to each room of the house and say:

“Great Lady enter with the sun and watch over this room!”

Leave a Solar Cross in the room and proceed thusly throughout the house. This is great for the kids as you can divide up the tasks for each to do - one can hold the palms, another can open doors, another can carry the candle, and so forth. The last room should be the kitchen and here you say:

“Mother of the earth and sun,
Keep us safe and keep us warm,
As over our home you extend your blessings.”

Staff Writer: Asuan Avoris

Posted on at 2:59 pm by Mistress Ravenfyre

Christmas; Through Time and Ages

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world.

Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside. *1

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia-a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture-was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of

All are united yet seperate on the Spiritual path