The Sacred Glen
Volume #1 Issue #7
October 2007
The Sacred Glen is a publication of Daughters of the Greening online school. All articles within this ezine are written by students of the school and are their own personal property, unless otherwise credited. Daughters of the Greening is dedicated to teaching about the sacredness of all life and offers classes in Sacred Ecology, Holistic Healing, Discovering Past Lives, Faery Magic and Women's Spirituality. The school is open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older.
The Sacred Glen Council
Morgana Ravenwings
Dryw
Stephanie Mayfield
Anarane
Belou
Susan Allen
In this issue:
Sacred Days of the Ancestors
The Goddess Speaks
Gaia's Resources for Health
Animal Medicine Double Feature!
Samhain Special Feature!
Morgana’s Musings
Garden of Eatin'
Harvests from the Printing Press
The Call of the Wild
Spider Woman's Web
October 2007
Oct 3: Elk Festival, Tangun
Oct 6: Water Festival
Oct 8: Cow Festival
Oct 9: Felicitas' Day ( Roman Goddess of Joy)
Oct 10: Festival of Lights begins
Oct 11: Vinalia Wine Festival
Oct 12: Fortuna Redux
Oct 15: Sacred Harvest Festival
Oct 16: World Food Day
Oct 17: Festival of the Grains
Oct 18: Horned God, Ancestral Season begins
Oct 19: Double-Nineth Festival
Oct 20: Chinese Ancestor Festival
Oct 21: Misisi Beer Festival
Oct 22: Rain Making Ceremony
Oct 25: St. Crispin's Day
Oct 26: Felicitastas
Oct 27: Feast of Holy Souls
Oct 28: Potato Day Ceremonies for Isis begin
Oct 30: Mayan Angels Day
Oct 31: Halloween
The Goddess Speaks
Medusa
By Morgana
The Greek Goddess Medusa was portrayed as horrifying. It was She who had snakes for Her hair and who turned anyone who looked at Her to stone. However, Her name actually comes from the root word meaning 'medicine', and derives from the Greek word meaning 'to rule over, to protect'. It is said that Medusa was actually once a beautiful woman who mated with the God Poseidon (whose name means 'husband of earth'). They often lay in the spring grass, but one time they lay in the temple of Athena. This infuriated Athena, and She cursed Medusa, turning her into a Gorgon. Later on, She also orchestrated Medusa's murder. When Medusa died at the hand of Athena's servant, She gave birth. From Her head sprang Pegasus, and the hero Chrysaor. Droplets of Her blood were caught in vials. It was so powerful that one drop from Her left side could raise the dead, and from the right side could instantly kill. Other droplets of Her blood fell in the desert, and from these arose snakes. A lock of Her hair was given to Hercules, who used it to cause confusion amongst armies of his enemies.
Obviously these stories were meant to show the power of Medusa. Behind the stories seems to lie an earlier Goddess, perhaps an earth Goddess similar to Demeter or Ceres. Demeter also mated with Poseidon. Other authorities believe that Medusa derives from an Anatolian Sun Goddess, with Her snake head actually being the masks that Her Priestesses wore.
Medusa was a Moon Goddess, the Triple Goddess in Her death aspect. She is associated with blood, and thus with women's moon mysteries. Women's moon blood is both terrifying and sacred in many mythologies. Medusa also represents the kundalini, serpent energy, which can be terrifying and electrifying when it rises up the spine. She is wisdom, instinct, imagination, chi, and intuitive understanding.
Animal Medicine
Fox
By Morgana
Fox is an animal that can often be seen at the edges of things....fields, forests, etc. and is most often seen at dawn and dusk. These places and times are known as being “tween”, and as such, Fox is known as a mediator between the physical realms and the spiritual realms. Fox is associated with magic, supernatural power and cunning. She is one of the most uniquely skilled animals, and She freely shares this Medicine with those who need it. She excels at the feminine magic of shapeshifting and camouflage, and helps to awaken these abilities within us.
Fox has touched just about every culture in the world. The Chinese believed that after 50 yrs, a Fox turned into a human. Hopi Shamans wore fox skins in healing ceremonies, the Choctaw viewed Fox as a protector of families and the Apaches credit Fox with giving fire to humans. In Persia, She helped the dead find their way in the afterworld, and in Egypt, She brought favor from the gods.
There are 21 species of Fox, and while all have generally the same medicine, some offer other teachings in addition. If Fox has come into your life, research how it's medicine applies to your current situation, but also be sure to look at which species it is that is seeking you out. The most common fox in North America is the Red Fox, but not all Red Foxes have red fur. The color will vary, just like human hair. The Red Fox however, deals strongly with sexual energy, and with kundalini. She can help you free up your creativity, and teach you how to control your energy. One of Fox's grandest teachings is that of charming. When Fox is hunting, She will sometimes 'charm' her prey. She will jump, run, roll around and perform other antics. Watching her, the prey begins to relax, feeling that she is harmless. However, while doing this, she moves closer and closer until she is able to attack. This is a camouflage technique, and is one that Fox teaches to those who call to Her.
Fox has much to teach us. She is crafty and patient, a skilled hunter, and fleet of foot. She teaches us to use our creativity, to shapeshift into what we need to be, to go after and get our prize, to size people up accurately, and can lead us into the Faery Realms. Call on Fox whenever you have need of Her Medicine. She also has an excellent ability to hear!
Parrot
Submitted by Dryw
ANIMAL SPEAK, by TED ANDREWS (pg. 181)
The Parrot is a bird of the sun. Its bright colors and sunshine aspect are what gives it its magic. Its feathers can be used in prayer sticks for powerful healing rites and to invoke the energies of the sun at any time of the year.
In the Pueblo tradition, it is a bird associated with the gathering of salt. The places where salt was found were considered a gift of the sun. Since the parrot was to the Pueblo a bird of the sun, there is the correspondence.
Parrots come in a variety of colors. Anyone with a parrot as a totem should do some study of colors and their effects. The parrot is a wonderful teacher of the power of light and colors.
Some parrots have been taught to mimic humans. Because of this ability, the parrot has been considered a link between the human kingdom and the bird kingdom. Parrots, in this sense, could be linked to ambassadors, diplomats, and interpreters for the bird realm. They have a magic that will enable you to understand others more effectively.
They can help you awaken a sense of diplomacy.
KEYNOTE: Sunshine and Color Healing
CYCLE OF POWER: Year-Round
Samhain
SAMHAIN
(pronounced Sow-en)
October 31st
This is the favorite time of year for many, being a festival for some cultures, sacred to others, and a time of joy and excitement for the children. For one special night, children transform into their super-heroes, princesses, angels and clowns. They can experience the shivers of delightful fear as they imagine ghosts, goblins and monsters hiding in the bushes and cavorting in the fallen leaves. For them, it's "Trick or Treat!"
For the Pagan, this is one of our greatest Sabbats. It is a time when the veil thins, enabling us to contact our ancestors and recently departed. It is a great time of divination, where we approach the local spirits and ancestral spirits with our petitions and questions of the future. This is our time to practice "The Dark Mysteries" and communicate with the Other Side. This is the ending of the old year and the beginning of the new.
Samhain symbolizes The Third (and final) harvest, marking the end of summer and the beginning of the long winter months. In the past, as well as for some of us now, harvests were brought in from the fields. Any crops still left out in the field after harvesting were left as offerings to the Nature Spirits. Livestock and cattle were slaughtered and hung out, stored, in the sheds for use during the cold months when hunting was difficult. Wood had been chopped and stacked for warmth and fuel for these months. Bonfires were lit by villagers, and the hearthfires were re-kindled from fire sticks lit at this communal fire, believed to ensure warmth for the frigid months ahead. The villagers and community celebrated the bounty of the year past around this bonfire, and threw their left-over bones from the feasting into the fire (originally called bone-fire because of this custom) to appease the gods, that They would ensure plentiful and healthy live-stock in the following year.
Samhain marks the full Turning of the Wheel of the Year. It is a time of preparedness, reflection and a good time for ritual to release the old negative and welcome positive change in the coming year, enacting the "death" of the old and "rebirth" of the new possibilities before us.
Some of Samhain's symbols are apples, gourds, squashes, jack-o-lanterns and black cats. Its colors are oranges, golds, black and silver.
For many of us this is "The Witches New Year". In other cultures it is Hallowmas (Scots-Celtic), Shadowfest (Strega), Day of the Dead (Spanish) and here, good old "Halloween".
A Blessed Samhain to Everyone!
By Dryw
Ritual for the Ending of the Old Year
By Dryw
We are approaching the time of rest for Mother Earth. This is a time to slow down and reflect on the year past. It is also a time to honor our Ancestors.
“When we know about our ancestors, when we sense them as living and as supporting us, then we feel connected to the genetic life-stream, and we draw strength and nourishment from this”. Philip Carr-Gomm
Supplies:
Red Candle- Ancestors of our blood (the physical)
Green Candle- Ancestors of our land (the spiritual)
White Candle-Ancestors of our faith and spirit (our continuing existence on both planes)
Leaves
Sage
Beverage
Gather up a small amount of colorful Fall leaves. If you live in an urban area, and leaves are scarce, drawings, fabric or magazine pictures of leaves are fine. Just enough to create a small pile beside you.
If you cast a circle, then go ahead and do so. If you have a sacred space, that is fine also.
Light loose sage on a charcoal block after blessing your sacred space. Place your leaves beside you, so that you can often touch them.
Light the red candle and chant “Ancestors of our blood—you who have passed into the Summerlands, be with us now, we of your own blood. Remind us of where we come from”. In honor of your cultural heritage, say a prayer for both the recently departed, that they may have peace, and those that are long dead, to show your respect. Use the words that come from your heart to honor them. When done, raise your cup and sip, saying “Hail, blood of my blood”.
Light the green candle. “Ancestors and Spirits of this very place on which we dwell, thank you for your presence, for staying here to teach us how to learn and grow daily. Thank you for your daily guidance and for the life you extend to us moment by moment, thru Mother Earth, upon Whom we live.” Meditate and give thanks that they are with us as we pass into this New Year, a year of new hopes and dreams, and the desire that the Ancestors of this place be by our side. Raise your cup and sip, saying “Hail, Spirit of my Spirit”.
Light the white candle. “Ancestors of our Faith: We honor You for the road forges on our behalf. We light this white candle as a beacon for others, that they too might see your sacrifices and the growth you have made available to us, the freedom that you have made possible”. Meditate on the paths that were cleared for us as women, by the many women who gave their active lives to our cause, for our independence. Honor also the shakers and movers still present with us and still working to maintain that freedom. Again, when done, raise your cup, sip and say “Hail, Sisters of Mine”.
Ancestors of my blood, Bless you!
Ancestors of my Faith, Bless you!
Ancestors and Spirits of this place, Bless you!
Take the sage, the leaves and the beverage and place them in a sacred place, pouring the left over drink over them as a libation. Open your circle or leave your sacred place when ready, and spend the rest of the evening thinking about our blessings.
Samhain (Oct. 31st)
Submitted By Belou
On the night of Samhain, the old God dies and the Crone Goddess mourns him deeply for the remaining six weeks of his death. A good thing to note here is that Samhain is not associated with evil or negativity, nor was it ever. It was always a day to remember those who have passed. On this night Witches still leave soul cakes at crossroads for dead ancestors, and is a custom which has evolved into two things: giving food to the homeless and giving candy to trick or treaters.
Along with Beltane, Samhain is perhaps the greatest of the festivals and in the popular guise of Halloween it is the one perhaps most often associated with Witches. Samhain (pronounced "sow-en", where sow rhymes with cow) derives from an Old Irish word that may mean "summer's end".
For the Ancient Celtic peoples the Samhain festivities marked the Celtic New Year and traditionally took place during the period of the Full Moon nearest the midpoint between the autumn equinox and the mid-winter solstice. That this time was thought of as a period of new beginnings may have been because the Celts believed that the year was divided into a light half and a dark half, and that the year began in this darkness. It was a period when the last of the harvests were in and stored, the herds would have been brought down from their summer pastures closer to the settlements and many would have been slaughtered and salted as food for the months ahead. If the harvest had been good it would've been a time of joyous celebration, but if it had been mediocre or poor one can imagine that the Samhain festivities would have been distinctly marked by many prayers that the winter be not harsh and that the food last until the spring. More often than not it would've been a time of uncertainty, difficult today for many of us to truly imagine.
Further, as the year plunged into darkness and the populace spent more hours in firelight than sunlight, there would've been an air of psychic tension created by the sense of existing in a dark and mysterious time, where all was withering and dying with only the distant promise of lengthening days. It may well have felt as if one was inhabiting a nether-world of dead souls awaiting reincarnation in another form.
It would have perhaps been only natural to assume that as the cattle were brought in from the fields and the land on the outskirts of the village gave no place of comfort to any soul that the dead would come back to their homestead hearths to warm themselves by the fire, imbibe a hot drink or two and partake of some of the harvest food. It is to this kind of ancient belief that the modern Day of the Dead celebrations and Christian All Souls' Day probably owe their origin, as indeed do Wiccan notions of how to celebrate those who have passed to the other side. During this festival period it is common for Witches to light a candle or a fire for those who have departed. They may display photos and personal artifacts of the deceased and even leave out a drink and favorite cake or biscuit for them to enjoy.
Of course, it was not only benign spirits that were felt to be on the loose on Samhain night. Against the backdrop of the Full Moon all manner of fairies, Witches, hob-goblins, cats and dark horses were unleashed, to sweep across the land and create mischief and merriment in abundance. There was ample opportunity for telling tales of fantastic and terrible imagination that would only have added to the anxiety over the harvest stock and the emotions of remembrance for the dead.
With the veil between the seen and unseen so frail the moment was ideal for the art of divination. The Celts used this time of year to take stock of the old and project forward to the new. What would happen in the coming months ahead? What would be their fate? For an agrarian people at the mercy of the whims of the Goddess answers to such questions would have been urgent and important. Even today, where many Witches are cosseted by the modern world, it is undeniable that there is something in the air during these days; a feeling that the future is tangible. Quite how divination was carried out is uncertain, although there is some evidence from Northern Wales and Perthshire to suggest that stone casting may have been one of the methods used. Each family, or group of families, would have built a great bonfire. Once it had gone out the members would cast a marked white stone into the ashes, prayers were then said round the fire and all retired to bed.
In the morning, should a stone be missing it was supposed that the person it had belonged to would die. Today such a prophecy seems a little overly dramatic, but in Celtic society death's icy hand would have been far closer than it is today where the average lifespan would have been much shorter and infant mortality high.
Indeed it is interesting to note just how much need there is among many groups of people in "Westernised" countries for a festival at this time of year. So much so that by late September shops become awash in all kinds of plastic and rubber Halloween novelties, supermarkets stock up with pumpkins and people begin to plan fancy dress parties. Despite the fact that we live in a world of incredible technology and a 24 hour culture, seemingly immune from the tides of the year, many of us still feel a deep need to mark or counter the descent into darkness with displays of excess and light, as if almost somewhere underneath it all we know that the cycle of life and the
rhythms of nature are what truly govern us and are, in fact, quite inescapable.
Often it can be seen that there are two sides to the Samhain festivities. On the one hand there is a week of fireworks, bonfires, parties and dressing up that many witches will throw themselves whole heartedly into; whilst on the other there is a quieter time of ritual work in honor of the Goddess and God, as well as reflection in tribute to those who have passed. Some Wiccans take an either/or approach and choose one of these paths of celebration and 0thers will combine both.
A lot of witches get great benefit from using this time of year in remembrance of friends and family who have passed to the other side.
Telling tales of cherished moments spent within their company to others can be a great way of keeping memories alive. For a family this can be especially important, whether this be an opportunity for a younger generation to keep a place in their hearts for their fore-fathers and mothers or to remember those of the same or younger age who have moved on. Handled sensitively it can bring a family, group of friends or coven closer together. One of the ways to do this might be to share pictures or even movies. A portrait could be displayed over the period and a candle lit for the person as well.
Care should be taken with people's feelings though, individuals react quite differently to death and some in ways that may be quite unexpected. Special consideration should be given before sharing stories or images of someone who has departed as those present may find things too painful. It can therefore be a good idea to plan such an event ahead and privately ask those who will take part what they might like to do (or not do) during Samhain.
Samhain Correspondences
Herbs/Flowers: Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade,
Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage, Straw, Dandelion, Ferns, Flax, Fumitory,
Mullein, Thistles, Wormwood and (Burn to protect from roving spirits).
Incense/Oils: Clove, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Mint, Heliotrope, Dragon's
Blood, Camphor, Nutmeg, Mace, Cinnamon, Acacia, Copal, Frankincense,
Basil, Yarrow, Lilac, Wood rose, Wormwood, Patchouli, Apple, Sage, and
Ylang-ylang.
Colors: Black and Orange.
Stones: All black gemstones. Jet, Obsidian, Carnelian, and Onyx.
Foods: Apple, pumpkin pie, pomegranate, pumpkin, squash, hazelnuts,
corn, cranberry muffins, bread, ale, cider and herbal tea.
Tools/Symbols/Decorations: Halloween items, black altar cloth, jack o'
lanterns, oak leaves, acorns, straw, balefire, besom, black cat, black
crescent moon, cauldron, divination tools, grain, magic mirror, mask,
bare branches, animal bones, Hazelwood, and pictures of ancestors.
Gods/Goddesses: The Goddess in Her dark aspect as the Crone, Hecate
(goddess of fertility and moon-magick, and protectress of all
Witches), Morrigan (Celtic goddess of death), Cernunnos (Celtic
fertility god), and Osiris (an ancient Egyptian deity whose annual
death and rebirth personified the self-renewing vitality and fertility
of Nature)
Essence: Magick, knowledge, the night, success, protection; rest, new
beginning; ancestors; lifting of the veil, mundane laws in abeyance,
return, change, death, and rebirth.
Dynamics/Meaning: Death & transformation, Wiccan new year, wisdom of
the Crone, end of summer, honoring, thinning of the veil between
worlds, death of the year, time outside of time, night of the Wild
Hunt, begin new projects, and end old projects.
Purpose: Honoring the dead, especially departed ancestors, knowing we
will not be forgotten; clear knowledge of our path; guidance,
protection, and celebrating reincarnation.
Rituals/Spells: Foreseeing future, honoring/consulting ancestors,
releasing the old, power, understanding death and rebirth, entering
the underworld, divination, dance of the dead, fire calling, and past
life recall.
Customs: Ancestor altar, costumes, divination, carving jack o'
lanterns, spirit plate, the Feast of the Dead, feasting, paying debts,
fairs, drying winter herbs, masks, bonfires, apple games, tricks, and
washing clothes.
Element/Gender: Water/Female.
Threshold: Midnight.
Morgana’s Musings
Developing Our Psychic Powers
Ever since I was a small girl, October was a month of increased psychic power for me. I would begin dreaming very vividly, thoughts would pop into my mind from seemingly nowhere, synchronicities would abound. Now that I am a crone, I know that these things happen because October is a month when the veil between the worlds is very thin, and those of us who have the sight are able to tap into the energy that seems to swirl around us from the mists.
Having the sight, or psychic powers, is not something that some people are born with and others are not. We are all born with this ability. Some of us had the luck of having it nursed when we were younger, while others of us were shown that any tendency in this direction would be quickly nipped in the bud. People are naturally afraid of what they do not understand, and the sixth sense is very much something that people do not understand. For centuries, we have been taught that it was evil, or from the devil or something that only witches had (and we all know what happens to witches....)
Now however, with the coming of the New Age, people are 'coming out of the closet' when it comes to their psychic abilities, and a wide array of books are out on how to develop them. Here, I give you some tried and true ways of developing your own psychic powers. Enjoy!!
1.Burn dried powdered acacia, frankincense and sandalwood as incense.
2.Burn amber (the real thing, which is a resin)
3.Sleep with star anise under your pillow for psychic dreams.
4.Mugwort is an extremely magical herb. It can be used in dream pillows for psychic dreams, used as a tea, burned as incense, placed in sachets, worn as a garland. All of these will aid in psychic development. For an even stronger potion, combine with it's cousin wormwood. Wormwood should not be taken internally however, and neither should be used internally by pregnant women.
5.Soak basil leaves in a light oil keeping in a dark place for several weeks. Add to your bath.
6.Surround your home with birch or cedar trees.
7.Apply moistened cornflowers to the Third Eye. Repeat frequently.
8.Wear or carry an amazonite stone.
9.Store all divination objects such as tarot cards and rune stones, with a clear quartz crystal.
And finally, to hear the faeries, sit naked under the light of the Full Moon and listen. The more you practice, the more sensitive your hearing becomes, until finally you are able to hear the Fae speaking to you. Have fun!
Gaia's Resources for Health
Affirmations of the Month
Submitted by Belou
Practice one or all of the following affirmations 30 times a day for 30
days. These affirmations help to build up the energy around you and
within the Universe to manifest these desired changes in your life.
Today, I will get out of the way.
I release and forgive my past, and realize the joys of my present.
The light of the Goddess illuminates my path.
Today, I will treat myself with love and kindness.
I see the manifestations of my prayers easily and quickly.
Crystal of the Month
Submitted by Belou
Amber is used to dispel fears and phobias, depressions and severe
fatigue. This stone sends out a sunny and calming energy and because
of this it is an excellent stone for those that suffer from depressions and have suicidal tendencies. It is also effective for people that suffer from mood swings, fear of open spaces or fear of failing; people wearing this crystal have gained tremendous results in these areas. It also stimulates the ability to make decision when one feels incapable, aids with unselfishness and with short term as well as long term memory.
Amber also gives its wearer physical strength, courage, self confidence and joy of life. It helps overcome memory loss, eccentric behavior, anxiety, the inability to make decisions. Amber aids in general healing and happiness, activates altruistic nature, absorbs negative energy, and is very grounding. It is used for protection, and in realization of the spiritual intellect..
Excellent for use in rituals for enhancing your beauty and attractiveness, amber helps to attract love and stimulates happiness and pleasure. Amber is used as both a good luck and protective amulet, and is extremely protective against negative magick which has been directed against you.
When placed on the altar, it can increase the effectiveness of your spells. Amber is said to increase strength while relieving or curing health conditions. Amber is also very useful in protecting children. It reduces fluid retention and helps to detoxify the urinary system. Amber has always been regarded as a protective stone by Wiccan and Shamans. It is a sensual stone, it is warm to the touch, and a magnetic stone that attracts love. Amber protects its wearer against negative influences, magick and witchcraft. It stimulates psychic abilities and inner sight. Place a large piece of Amber on your altar to add power to your magick. Although Amber can be
used for many purposes in magick, it is commonly used to obtain magickal healing and for love magick. Amber is also used to enhance magickal powers. Amber necklaces are strong amulets.
The Brow Chakra: Sanskrit word: "Ajna"
By Belou
The Brow Chakra is associated with clairvoyance, intellect, belief, understanding and analysis of reality. It is connected with looking inward rather than expressive like the throat chakra. It is connected with affecting the eyes and the conscious workings of the brain.
Its main function is to make sense of the raw information received from the
"sense organs". It also works with memory and planning. Another function is to leave behind the constraints of time and space because it gives us greater insight. This chakra more than the other chakras needs integrated balance and a firm grounded energy.
Signs of malfunctioning: When the brow chakra is stressed, the mind becomes clouded and thought patterns run in chaotic circles, making practical decision making extremely difficult. Intuitive sensitivity may become blocked. Visual defects, nightmares, and headaches are also signs of a malfunctioning brow chakra.
CHARACTERISTICS:
*color is indigo, violet and sometimes yellow
*it is all the elements
*the main element is spiritual
*the musical note is A
*the mantra is "aum, om or mmm"
*it governs the pituitary gland, skeletal system, pineal gland, nervous system, and other glands.
*it is located one finger width above the bridge of the nose at the center of the forehead.
*sacrament of marriage
*associated wit the planet Jupiter in ancient times and the planet Mercury in modern times
*it spins to the right
Magickal Times Of The Day
By Belou
Sunrise - Day begins as light stretches out from the eastern horizon.
This is an excellent time to perform rituals involving purification,
business success, study, employment, breaking addictions of all kinds,
travel, releasing guilt & jealousy, healing diseases, & the conscious
mind.
Noon - The sun shines far above at full strength. This is fine for all
sunrise ritual purposes, as well as those that involve magickal
energy, physical energy & strength, protection, money & courage.
Sunset - The sun slips below the western horizon, signaling the time
for breaking addictions, weight-loss, banishing misery & pain,
transforming anguish & negative habits.
Night - The sun is out of sight. This is the drowsy time for beauty,
dreams, psychic dreams, psychic awareness, spirituality, sleep, sex,
purification, love, friendships, peace, releasing stress, and healing
wounds.
Rain Storms - are fine for purification, love, compassion, friendship,
beauty rituals, releasing guilt and jealousy.
Snow Storms - are the time for gentle magick, purification, and
stilling emotions. It is a good time to release unrequited love.
Lightening Storms - are periods of intense energy. All spells cast
during storms will be empowered by them, and may prove to be more
effective. Protection rituals are ideal at these times.
Hot Days - charge rites of protection, courage, and energy.
Heavy Winds - empowering rites designed to break addictions, assist
study, and travel spells.
Solar and Lunar Eclipses - are dramatic moments both for their
observers as well as for magicians. In the past, magicians were urged
not to perform magick during eclipses. Today, many natural magicians
use the suggestive power of an eclipse to fuel spells involving
banishment, including the destruction of disease.
Garden of Eatin’
Corn Chowder
You can use frozen corn in this soup, but fresh corn is better. Cut the kernels from leftover ears of corn, cooked or uncooked.
1 onion, chopped fine
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups water
2 cups corn kernels
3 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter for five minutes. Add the potatoes and water, cover, and cook until the potatoes are just tender. Add the corn and milk and cook five minutes more. Before serving, add the remaining butter and salt and pepper t taste, and then reheat.
You can add other vegies if you prefer, or using this same recipe, make parsnip soup, substituting 4 medium parsnips for the corn and using 4 cups milk. Using the fresh ground pepper before serving, I feel really adds to the "warmth" of these soups, and makes for a nice, brisk fall supper when serves with homemade spice breads.
by Dryw
Harvests from the Printing Press
Book Review
by Dryw
Goddess Spirituality for the 21st Century
by Judith Laura
Judith Laura, interested in Goddess Spirituality since the 1970s, has studied the devaluation and suppression of women in religion since patriarchal take-over throughout history. Her politically motivated study has "become a joyful journey through an unfolding form of spirituality that allows greater personal participation and experience of the Divine."
In her book, Judith Laura discusses inclusive language (words used to express the divine in a strictly masculine nature), immanence and transcendence, and the nature of the Goddess in context to the Kabbalah. According to Judith Laura, "the Tree of Life, the central symbol of Jewish Kabbalah and Western esoteric Qabalah, is rooted in the Goddess." She encourages the incorporation of contemporary science, such as quantum physics, into the symbolism and practice of Goddess spirituality."
This may sound complex when reading the synopsis on her book cover, but Ms. Laura writes for the layperson, and with her extended knowledge of Kabbalah, quantum physics and their relation to Goddess spirituality, she weaves together a wonderful book that clarifies a once complex subject.
As a lover and student of Kabbalah myself, I found this book so enlightening and encouragingly expressed, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any layperson interested in the beauty of the feminine face of God as expressed in Kabbalah. More information can be found at www.judithlaura.com.
Call of the Wild
Set
By Belou
Set (Seth, Setekh, Setesh, Seti, Sutekh, Setech, Sutech) :
Set is the Egyptian god of chaos who embodied the principle of hostility if not of outright evil. He was associated with foreign lands and was the adversary of the god Osiris. Seth was usually depicted in human form with a head of indeterminate origin, although it is said to resemble that of an aardvark. He had a curved snout, erect square- tipped ears and a long forked tail. Sometimes he was represented in entirely animal form with a body similar to that of a greyhound. He was said to be the son either of Nut and Geb or of Nut and Ra, and the brother of Isis, Osiris and Nephthys. Nephthys was sometimes given as his consort, although he is more commonly associated with the foreign, Semitic goddesses Astarte and Anat. Despite his reputation, he had an important sanctuary at Ombos in Upper Egypt, his reputed birthplace, and his cult was also prominent in the north-eastern region of the Nile delta. For a time during the third millennium BC, Seth replaced Horus as the tutelary deity of the pharaohs. However, the story of
Seth's murder of Osiris and subsequent war with Horus gained currency
and Horus was restored to his original status. The war with Horus lasted eighty years, during which Seth tore out the left eye of his adversary and Horus tore out Seth's foreleg and testicles. Horus eventually emerged victorious, or was deemed the victor by a council of the gods, and thus became the rightful ruler of the kingdoms of both Upper and Lower Egypt. Seth was forced to return the eye of Horus and was himself either castrated or, in some versions, killed. In some versions Seth then went to live with the sun god Re, where he became the voice of the thunder. In the Book of the Dead Seth was referred to as the "lord of the northern sky" and held responsible for storms and cloudy weather. Seth protected Re during his night voyage through the underworld against the Apophis-snake. On the other hand, Seth was a peril for ordinary Egyptians in the underworld, where he was said to seize the souls of the unwary. Among the animals sacred to Seth were the desert oryx, crocodile, boar, and the hippopotamus in its aspect as a destroyer of boats and of planted fields. The pig was a taboo in Seth's cult. The Greeks later equated Seth with their demon-god Typhon.
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