November 2013 issue 16 by Elemental Magick

Elemental Magick

Gensha Publishing Maxine Byers Lazy Witch CraftyWitch Diotima Mantineia Alena Orrison Ingrid Jeffries Dr. Tom J. Chalko Laurie Brown Jeff Harrison Sage Runepaw Karen Charboneau-Harrison Elizabeth Barrette Gertrude Moon Dr. Tom J. Chalko Crafty Witch Maxine Byers Janie Bass

elementalmagick@hotmail.com

Cover artwork by The Commons Getty Collection Galleries Contents page artwork, Author Unknown from http://www.howtobeawizard.net/wheel-of-the-year-samhain

If you have something to say, we want to hear it! Letters to the editor can be sent to elementalmagick@hotmail.com

From the Editor

Thanksgiving Throughout history, people have given thanks – sometimes in joyful celebration, often in solemn, even prayerful, ceremony. The United States, over hundreds of years, has come to observe a national holiday for giving thanks. Thanksgiving: family and friends, crisp fall weather, orange and gold leaves, football, turkey, pumpkin pie … The First Thanksgiving 1621 In 1541, Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led 1,500 men in a thanksgiving celebration in what is today the Texas Panhandle. Two decades later, French Huguenot colonists gave solemn praise and thanksgiving at a settlement near what is now Jacksonville, Florida. English settlers joined Abnaki Indians along Maine’s Kennebec River for a harvest feast and prayer meeting in August 1607. In the spring of 1610, in what many consider the “first American Thanksgiving,” colonists in Jamestown, Virginia, held a thanksgiving prayer service after English supply ships arrived with much-needed food. Eleven years later, Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony celebrated the autumn harvest with a threeday feast. Governor William Bradford invited the chief of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit, and his tribesmen to join the colonists and feast on wild turkeys, duck, geese, venison, lobsters, clams, bass, corn, green vegetables, and dried fruits. The celebration included athletic contests and a military review. That harvest celebration is given the distinction of shaping many of America’s Thanksgiving traditions. Thanksgiving in the New Nation In November 1775, the Boston Gazette and Country Journal published a proclamation for a public thanksgiving, asking citizens “…to offer up humble and fervent Prayers to Almighty GOD, for the whole British Empire; especially for the UNITED AMERICAN COLONIES …” Two years later, the Continental Congress recommended that the colonies observe a day of thanksgiving after the colonists’ October victory over British forces in the Battle of Saratoga. The commander-in-chief of the Continental forces, George Washington, set aside Thursday, December 18 “for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise.” Two years later, as the president of the United States, George Washington proclaimed November 26 a day of national thanksgiving and prayer, but Thanksgiving failed to become an annual tradition at this time. Only Presidents Washington, Adams, and Madison declared national days of thanks. Thomas

Jefferson and John Quincy Adams considered the practice to infringe upon the separation of church and state. Thanksgiving Traditions On December 26, 1850, the Territory of Minnesota observed its first Thanksgiving Day with a spirited celebration. Territory Governor Alexander Ramsey stated, “ . . .. Let us in the public temple of religion, by the fireside and family altar, on the prairie and in the forest, join in the expression of our gratitude, of our devotion to the God who brought our fathers safely through the perils of an early revolution, and who thus continues his favors to the remotest colonies of his sons.” Such sentiments were echoed throughout states and territories of the U.S., and thanksgiving became an unofficial national tradition even before it became a national holiday. Another tradition was begun when the American intercollegiate Football Association held its first championship game on Thanksgiving Day, 1876. By the 1890s, perennial favorites Yale and Princeton drew huge crowds of fans for the collegiate championship games, and thousands more club, college, and high school football games were played on the holiday. In 1934, 26,000 fans watched the Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears at the University of Detroit Stadium in the first National Football League game held on Thanksgiving Day. Ninety-four stations on the NBC radio network broadcast that game, and televised broadcasts of games began in 1956. When employees, friends, and families of Macy’s sponsored the department store’s first annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 1924, another tradition was born. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade soon became the standard event that heralded the official start of the Christmas shopping season. On Thanksgiving Eve 1947, President Harry Truman “pardoned” a turkey the day before it was scheduled to be a main attraction at the White House Thanksgiving dinner. The pardoning of one lucky bird, along with the commutation of a trip to the chopping block into a lifelong stay in a Herndon, Virginia, petting zoo, is now an annual Thanksgiving event at the White House. Establishing a National Thanksgiving Holiday In 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared November 23, the next-to-last Thursday of the month, to be Thanksgiving Day. However, the proclamation applied only the District of Columbia and to federal employees. While governors usually followed the president’s lead with state proclamations for

for the same day, in that year 23 states observed Thanksgiving Day on November 23; 23 states celebrated on November 30, and Texas and Colorado declared both Thursdays to be holidays. Football coaches scrambled to reschedule games set for November 30, and people weren’t sure when to start their Christmas shopping! After two years of confusion and complaint, President Roosevelt signed legislation establishing Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving Events in Current History and Today On Thanksgiving Day 1963, six days after the assassination of President Kennedy, President Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation. He announced that Florida’s NASA Launch Operation Center would be renamed the John F. Kennedy Space Center and he asked the public to remain “determined that from this midnight of tragedy we shall move toward a new American greatness.” The civil rights efforts of the 1960s translated into a heightened political and social presence for Native Americans in the 1970s. Organizations such as the American Indian Movement (AIM) staged political protests to draw attention to unjust treatment of Native Americans. On Thanksgiving Day 1970, 25 Native Americans dressed in traditional garb held a day of mourning at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Gathered before the statue of Massassoit, the Wampanoag chief who aided the Plymouth Colony, they buried Plymouth Rock under mounds of sand. As the nation celebrated Thanksgiving Day 2000, it remained unclear who would pardon the White House turkey the following year. The closest presidential election in U.S. history became the longest election in U.S. history as candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush wrangled over voting results for weeks. Bush was finally declared the winner after a December 12 Supreme Court ruling that hand-counting disputed votes in Florida was unconstitutional.

The events of September 11, 2001, resulted in the tragic loss of life and led to the deployment of U.S. troops overseas. As Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving in the early years of the 21st century, many have done so with a heightened awareness of all that they have to be thankful for and of the potential risks that their families and others face, both in this country and abroad.

Reprinted from the Library of Congress Thanksgiving Timeline a timeline of the history of Thanksgiving in the Americas http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentations andactivities/presentations/thanksgiving/ Today in History: November 25 a sampler of historical information about the U.S. Thanksgiving celebration http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/nov25.html

What do our Dreams REALLY Mean??? What type of dream are you dealing with? To interpret your dreams, you need to determine what type of dream you are dealing with. There are two categories that they fit into, those that are generated from within your physical body and mind and those that come from your spirit guides or tutors. They have different purposes and it’s necessary to recognize what these differences mean to you and how they interact in your waking and dreaming state. Two main categories. The dreams that originate with the physical body are for your functioning and survival in the world of physical nature. They deal with your physical and psychological wellbeing. These dreams are like your manager and janitor who try to keep body and mind tidy for your general well-being. Then, there are those dreams that have a mystical and special characteristic to them which are for your spiritual development and progress. They produce instant knowledge and information that is beyond your ability to garner through intellectual or logical means. Why you get information when you sleep. When you are asleep, so is the physical component of yourself. The five senses, smelling, tasting, feeling, seeing, and hearing, and your ego, the controlling master, are all temporarily suspended from activity. Sleeping allows the other sense that you have, the sixth sense, to take over for awhile without much interference. This is when both the physical body and your spiritual essence can perform maintenance simultaneously to help unwrinkle parts of your life. It’s ironic that this is the state of being that psychics and mediums practice for years to achieve, and everyone enters it every time they fall asleep. Dreams from the physical body. Food: Did you ever notice that when you take a nap after you’ve eaten lunch that you can have some crazy images go through your mind. The same thing happens at night too, because food can trigger some wild and wacky dreams. If you enjoy these psychedelic excursions, then take note of what you had to eat beforehand and repeat the process. On the other hand, if you’re not interested, then take note of what you ate and make certain to avoid eating whatever it was. Food is one of the generators of dreams, which are not worth interpreting. Health: Your subconscious knows a lot about you that you don’t, or maybe don’t care to know. Often times it will tell you something about your practices or lifestyle to tip you off about what its needs are.

In dreams it tries to get the point across to you, sometimes politely, at other times not so. Psychology: Stressful relationships and social situations can cause our mind to get out of kilter but our subconscious intervenes to straighten things out. Dreams from the spiritual world Those special visits, instructions, lessons and guidance that we receive that are sometimes (but not always) interwoven with one of those mundane dreams your body generates. They are hidden and disguised because you are not supposed to know where the information is coming from. Like it’s a big secret. You are led to think that you dreamed up all those unique thoughts and ideas all by your little ol’ self. The bad news is that they occur much less frequently than the run of the mill physical dreams. The good news is that when you do experience them, you get the feeling that something special has occurred. Even if you can’t figure out what it means, there is a profound sense of purpose or message behind it. When experienced, they become landmarks in many people’s lives leaving them with a permanent and unforgettable impression of otherworldliness embedded deep within their subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is a most remarkable mechanism when it comes to creating dreams. Most people find their dreams an unintelligible mix of hidden meanings of dreams and secret symbols because that is the intention on the subconscious mind. It wants no interference from the dreamer's input or meddling with any of its actions. The subconscious wants to keep your mind, body and spirit in balance and it does so by sending you through gauntlet of its creations that can range anywhere from a night of grinding psychedelic terror to a blissful trip to the heavens in the company of angels and God like figures. Your subconscious mind does this because you are its favorite person and it wants to keep you, your emotions, your mind and feelings in equilibrium. Whether you wake up crying, shaking, or floating on cloud nine, is no concern as long as you shape up. And if you don't get the message the first time, you can be certain that you'll be visited again with a replay of the action. More than one way to interpret the meaning of a symbol Symbols can have a direct or indirect interpretation in the meaning of dreams, that is they are interpreted directly as they appear in the dream - or they can be applied indirectly like a secret metaphor.

Example of Direct meaning: "In my dream, my mother congratulated me about me being pregnant, and then my sister did the same." This is a woman whose dream first informed her of being pregnant. It was confirmed shortly after. Example of an Indirect meaning: The Dream: "I was nine months pregnant, ready to give birth; my brother was screaming and ridiculing me that I didn't know who the father was. And in the dream I hadn't the faintest idea of who the father was, but I didn't care. I was determined to have the baby anyway and I was surprised how confident I felt about myself in that situation." Interpretation: This is woman who was at the limit with the stress that her job had created and had made a decision to look for a new job. The idea of pregnancy is related to her being ready to get out of the current job even though she had no idea where to find a new job at the time. (she didn't know the name of the baby's father). Her lack of concern of being pregnant and not knowing who the father was in the dream gave her the confidence in her waking life to follow through with her decision to find a new job. When you interpret the meaning of dreams, examine the objects, people and actions in both direct and indirect ways until you can piece it together. Good Luck! Getting knowledge and information from your dreams. You have the unlimited knowledge of the universe available at all times. It’s just a dream away. Some of the very important discoveries in science were made through the help of a dream. Information for science. Edison is said to have invented the light bulb with the aid of a dream. In fact he used dreams quite a lot for his ideas. Dmitry Mendeleyev provided the world of chemistry and physics the Periodic Table of Elements in 1869. The Table, for which he missed the Nobel Prize in chemistry by one vote, came to him in its completed form in a dream. All knowledge pre-exists in the universe Remember that all knowledge already exists in the universe. Infinite quantities of knowledge and information have not yet been transmitted to the minds of humans. Who knows how many other important and mundane discoveries remain to be accessed. We tend to think of future inventions and discoveries, but in reality, these things already exist in the knowledge bank of the universe. It’s all a matter of transmission from there to here. You can access this information through your dreams. Solve your personal problems or invent something. Prior to falling asleep, program your mind to access the information in a dream. Be persistent and keep trying. You’ll get a response. Medical Information for health problems. Rick had been jogging for six months when suddenly he developed an itching on his feet that wouldn’t go away. The problem area was at the point where the hard callous on the bottom of his feet met the soft skin tissue on the side. He tried every remedy that was available at the pharmacy without success. Then he had the following dream: A picture of his foot appeared, a hand began painting the itchy area with a cotton swab with an orange colored liquid. Then he heard the word merthiolate. End of dream.

Later that afternoon, he recalled the dream and decided to try it out. Within an hour of its first application the itching was gone. He claims that after a few more applications, the itch never returned to bother him again. Business information from a dream Harold went to bed one night completely stressed out. He had a building contractor client that was looking for a parcel of newly developed lots that he could purchase. Harold hadn’t been able to find what his client wanted and was worried that he was about to lose him. The moment he awoke in the morning, and before he opened his eyes, he heard words in his mind. "Basin Hill Sanctuary." There was something peculiar about the way the words came to him. He began an investigation, which led him to a newly paved road named Basin Hill and on it a piece of land that was being cleared for streets. He found the only sign on the property that had hand painted words, "The Sanctuary" He was astonished at this discovery. The owner had developed the land and hadn’t yet advertised it. After some negotiations, his client bought the land from the owner. You can obtain this information also. In all three of these cases, the dreamer received help from outside of their subconscious mind’s scope of knowledge. Even though they didn’t specifically solicit the dream state for the help that they received, they were made the beneficiaries of freely available universal knowledge. Anyone can have the same access if they make the effort to get it. These individuals had experienced a connection to a higher and greater power and their lives benefited by the encounter. Again, the only requirement is that you actively seek out this information by programming yourself to get it while you dream. Dream Interpretation - Instructions How to Interpret and Analyze Your Dreams Your dreams are full of symbols and allegories. (Stories that are told that have a meaning other than the story itself.) When you venture into the realm of dream interpretation you must try to decode your dream, you need to dissect it into the separate fragments and examine each for its particular meaning. Each one contains a small nugget of the whole picture. Dreams are composed of a collage of little parts of your own life experience that are stored away in your brain symbolically.

Simply using a dictionary of dreams can be misleading, because these interpretations had a value to the composer of the list, which may have been a part of his or her personal experience. Someone else’s experiences don’t create the same symbols that your own mind has created. You need to develop your own set of interpretations for the symbols that are particular to your own life’s experiences. Divide and conquer! That is one of the basic strategies that military commanders have known since antiquity. Splitting your opponent’s concentrated power into sizable chunks makes it that much easier to overcome him. Then he can be taken out piece by piece. This is the strategy to use in dream interpretation, Divide and analyze! Here are some of the basic parts in most dreams:  You. You are directly involved or observing yourself.  Other actors. Each one is a separate actor.  The scene. There can be more than one.  The action. There can be more than one.  The object. There can be a theme or an object involved.  The end result. End results are not present in all dreams.

The technique: Take every part of the dream and separate it from the rest. Use a separate piece of paper to record your observations. With each part do the following: Recalling from your own memory; what feelings this part has for you, what memories does it evoke, who and what does it remind you of, what impression do you have for it. Add every notion you can come up with. Restrict your analysis strictly to each individual part, and not how it played a role in the dream. After you have done this with all the parts, review what is going on in your life at the present time. Now you are ready to fit the puzzle together. Remember, you are the only one who has the information to make the final interpretation. It’s all stored in the memory bank of your brain. This article is re-printed with permission from the New Age Dictionary and can be found at; http://www.newagedirectory.com/dream/dreamanalysis.htm

ILLUSIONS AND DESIRES Dreams. Faded. Old canvasses. Stretched. Torn. Illusions. Desire. Fire. Passion. Delusion. A bullet. Fired. Shattering. Splinters. Broken dreams. Slithers. Truth. Tragedy. Mortality. Lies. Humanity. Cries. Wind. Whispering. Eternity. Ever. Hopes. Forever. Dying. Never. Blood. Ties. Lines. Bone. Home Nameless. Bound. On and On. Endless. Sun. Path. Journey. Pastures new. Flood. Cleansing. Turn around. New sky. New dawn. New day. New passage. Lies are truth. Truths are lies. I saw it all in the blink of an eye. Janis Nov 2010 Re-printed with permission from;

http://paganpoetry.tripod.com/moonwillow/dreams.html

Full Mourning Moon Esbat Ritual November - Endings and beginnings, November is a time for endings and completion in preparation for the return of the Light at Yule. Yule heralds the beginning of a new period of growth. Before we can begin anew, we must make room for the new things by releasing the old - much as we would weed a garden plot before planting seeds in it. Mourning is the process by which accept that we are never going to get what we wanted from a person or situation. Whether through death or some other passing, the opportunity for what we had hoped for is gone. This is the reason that mourning can be so difficult for someone or some situation with which we have had a difficult relationship. The tendency is to keep hoping that things will turn out differently. Mourning is the process by which we accept that they will not. Anything that you are holding onto for which the hoped-for resolution is obviously not going to happen can be mourned. 15 12 Relationships, as well as people, must sometimes be mourned, even if the person is still alive. The times of the Waxing and Full Moon are most commonly used for attracting, rather than banishing, energies. Although this ritual may seem more like a banishing ritual, mourning is more about acceptance than rejection. Once we have felt our loss, we are able to accept it and are able to move into new phases in our lives. This ritual is especially oriented toward my need to release my connection to a person who is still alive, with whom I have a difficult relationship. You may want to change it slightly if you are mourning someone you love who has died.

Purpose: To mourn the relationship I would have wished to have, in order to release it, reclaim the energy, and make room for new growth and new relationships.

Tools;   

A black candle. An apache tear, the stone of mourning. A cord, about two feet long, in a color that represents what you are mourning. Scissors or your bolline.

  Cast your circle as you normally would. Ground and center, When you are ready say;

Oh Mother Moon, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Full Mourning Moon, You represent endings and beginnings. At this time, I wish to mourn "what might have been" in my relationship with ___. The weight of that relationship is too much for me to bear any longer. Although ___ is still alive, my connection to ___ must be broken in order for me to continue on my path of growth. I am wasting too much energy trying to keep alive my hope that anything is ever going to be any different. It is not. Mother Moon, I ask you to help me release the hope that I have carried for so long, and to accept what I have known for a long time – that there is no hope that I will ever get from ___ what I want.

Whisper, sing, chant, move, dance, beat drums, shake rattles. Cry. Say what needs to be said to that person. Hold apache tear in my hands and pour my feelings into it. When "empty," pick up cord. Hold one end to solar plexus chakra and the other end straight out so the cord is taut.

May my connection to ___ be broken.

Cut the cord about halfway along its length with the scissors or bolline. Sending the Energy

She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes. As I light this candle, my will be done. This, or something better, for the Highest Good of all concerned.

Light the black candle and leave it burning throughout the rest of the ritual. Imagine the remainder of the energy flowing to God, Goddess, and Spirit; stand in Goddess position and "let go." After the Ritual Leave the apache tear in running water (a fountain or just a sink with the tap running) until its energy feels "clean." Bury the "near" end of the cord on your property.

Accept this offering, Goddess and God. May it strengthen my bonds with you and demonstrate my willingness for new relationships to enter my life. Blessed be.

As soon as possible, take the "far" end of the cord and bury it off your property.

Welcome, welcome, Children and Friends!! Come and sit at my table here in my little kitchen and let's talk about some of the "Old Ways"!!! Since we are entering into the holiday season, I really wanted to touch on something that is fun and useful. Considering how many of us are working to improve our "green" environment, I thought today we'd talk a little about the making of and using plants and other natural materials as dyes which will not contaminate the earth the way storebought chemical dyes will. As Holiday time quickly approached and the stores fill with many plants, unusual fruits, veggies and flowers, you might find this the perfect time to try some small natural dying projects and gain a little experience that can be extended into a few really neat projects next summer. Okay, Children! I can hear your comments ringing in my ears - "Gertrude, have you gone NUTS!!!? What does dying fabric have to do with magick?!?!" Yes, yes, I've gone nuts AND berries as well as veggies and weeds! When making natural plant dyes nearly everything that grows is an option and each plant brings to the dye it's own natural elements and energies, not just its color. Below is a very small list of plants, flowers and a few nuts and berries that can be used as dyes. For the energies/powers of the plant material, I will point you toward your favorite Herbal listing to get their energy information. I do suggest that if you choose to combine your plant substances (i.e., grass and leaves to make green dye) use compatible plants so the energies are compatible (i.e., for an altar cloth, plant material good for psychic workings; for a sexy undergarment, a plant of passion). A couple things to remember about plant dye colors. Plants don't necessarily produce the same color of dye as the plant and your those colors will not be as vibrant as those purchased in packets from the store BUT I think you'll feel a closer vibration to your own and find the fabric far more comfortable to use and wear. Also, it isn't harmful to nature, your septic tank or your city sewer system. Now, back to my lesson: We all know that the colorations of fabrics and yarns has developed over many, many centuries. Today our dyes contain chemicals that I can only hazard a guess how to pronounce!! Further more, introducing these chemicals into our fragile environment is not just dangerous but deadly! Most home- dyers think nothing of pouring their left-over dyes down the drain or out in their yard or gutter, thinking

that the "system will cleanse" all the toxins out of it before it reaches into our water and harms the environment. WRONG!!! Unless you have a specialized disposition center at your local garbage facility, it WILL HARM the environment!!! "Ok," you say, "but I really want to dye that old cotton cammy that would make a really cool top to wear with that pair of pants" OR you are wanting to take all that off-white muslin your granny left behind and turn it into something in her memory! Fair enough. Plant dye is far gentler on your older items than the store bought stuff. I'm right there with you on this as I love nothing better than to buy old fabrics, cotton crocheted table clothes and doilies at thrift stores and needed to use a much gentler dye on them! Here are the instructions I use. I'll let you know at the outset, this does take a little time and vigilance so get everything you need together BEFORE STARTING!!!! 1) Dyes can be made from many, many items found in your kitchen, purchased in the produce section of your local grocery store or farmer's market, and even in the wild or, in cases like mine, my very unkept yard! You may also be fortunate enough to live close to areas where certain dirts, muds, rocks and gravels are available for the picking up and taking home. Nearly ANY vegetable, flower or other plant material having very, very strong color will produce a usable dye if it is properly processed. Many are seasonal (cranberries for example) so must be used at their peak when they enter the store. However even yellow onion skins and red cabbage can make remarkable color. When selecting your dye plant, select those with the richest, deepest color to insure you get that color and energy to transfer into your material. You can not always tell what color of dye you will get from your plant material so experimenting is somewhat necessary. I found that "Autonopedia: The Practical Resource for Sustainable Living" website has a nice list of plants with their colors OR you can do it the traditional way, trial and error. The link is referenced below. Be sure to have a notebook handy to insure you keep your "recipe" handy for future reference. Keep notes on how much water you used, what and how much plant material you used, how long you cooked it, how large of fabric you dyed, and how long you allowed your fabric to sit in the dye. Like most Witching endeavors, your outcome will depend a lot on the quality of the product used. Here are a few to experiment with, just to get started but don't limit yourself to these; Yellow Onion Skins (Red Onion skins will also give a brown dye) Red Cabbage Carrots, ground (juicing carrots are best)

Raw Beets, both root and leaves Canned Beets, both regular and pickled (both stain equally well) Blueberries, fresh and frozen (thaw naturally, do not rinse) Pomegranates, the juice from the inner seeds and sometimes the outer skin Raw Cranberries Walnut husks (not so much the shells but you can try) Pecan husks (again not so much the shells but normally better than walnuts) Cayenne pepper and some brands of Paprika (get the very deepest colored) Indian curry powder (if you only knew!) Freshly mowed grass and weeds (remember all the white football uniforms) Tansy Flower buttons Most Naturally Deep Purple flowers Coffee and grounds Black Tea, strongly brewed Dandelion flowers There are tons more if you look for them. If you are in doubt as to if a particular leaf or petal has dying possibilities, place it between the heals of your hands and twist your hands in a grinding motion or squish and drag the plant across a piece of rough white paper. If there is a green or colored tint, then you can probably use it. If you are in a real rush or working with children and what to have some real fun, try Kool-Aid! Most of us were raised on, stained our clothes with Kool-Aid and I know I had to scrub many a counter top to remove the color. I know it isn't strictly a produce item or one that is found in the garden or naturally in nature but think about it, IT DOES HAVE A STRONG LASTING COLOR and doesn't harm the environment (except our kitchens!)!! Also think about that awful bottle of red/purple wine someone gave you last year for Yule that has been setting on the shelf and you were just toooo frugal to toss it down the sink and don't want to "gift it forward". I'll bet you it will color that cotton chemise a lovely shade of lavender!! Finally, if you are fortunate enough to live close to or in an area of the world that has highly colored soil or colored rocks, many of these can be used for coloring fabrics and if you've ever had to was the red dirt stains out of white socks worn in Oklahoma or South Australia, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. There are many other areas around the world that have these highly colored earths and rocks. You may even live in areas of the world where colored hot mud "ink" pots are found. I've read that some of these are remarkable and carry unbelievable color over to fabrics. If you don't have a problem with it and have access to it, blood is a very strong dye substance (it's a rusty brown because of the iron in it). If you or someone you know hunts or you do any normal animal butchering, this may be an option. NOTE TO READER: I DO NOT hold with purposefully killing innocent animals for their blood or sacrifice! In many parts of the world there are insects that contain color, such as the cactus bugs in Mexico, that have

been used for dying fabrics for hundreds of years. If you are fortunate enough to live in such an area and have never tried them, perhaps now is the time. I'm very certain that if you look around your cupboards, gardens, neighborhoods and local markets, you'll find all natural dyes you could possibly want. 2) Now the fabrics best for natural dyes. I've already mentioned cotton (that's 100% cotton, not a blend of any synthetic materials), flax, wools (100%), and some silks (again 100%). Synthetic and synthetic blends rarely dye well even using store bought dyes. Avoid them. I much prefer cottons, the softer the better, and, of course muslin, falls into that category. Regardless of what natural fiber you use you MUST wash it several times to remove ALL oils, waxes, seizings, starches, etc., that are placed in the material when manufactured. Even those individuals who clip and spin their own wool yarn will tell you that it is vital to wash to the extreme natural fibers. I usually run my fabric yardage through the washer 2 or 3 times with a little laundry soap, white vinegar and baking soda (you can use laundry soda but it may not be real compatible with your septic systems) DO NOT USE fabric softeners in the last rinse cycle. I prefer to wash my fabric in its fullest size before cutting it down to something smaller. Be sure to wash that piece of clothing you are wanting to dye the same way!! NO FABRIC SOFTENERS OF ANY KIND AT THIS STAGE. If you are going to dye small items, place them in a washing bag so your washer doesn't "swallow" them. If the item you wish to dye is stained, do your very best to remove the stain first as it will show just as badly in the finished dyed item as it does now. BEFORE DYING YOUR WONDERFUL ITEM - I'd like to suggest you try a sample or two so you can get an idea of time and color. This will give you a better idea of what to expect. Use a square of material (about a 12"x12") material as close to your items weave and thickness as possible. This will give you an idea of what to expect as far as length of time in the dye bath. But if you are brave and going on your "Witch's intuition", go for it!!! 3) Dye Bath - "this is where the broom hits the ground", so to speak! YOU WILL NEED 1. A pot large enough to submerge your item in boiling dye (Because I use non-toxic plant material, I can use my large stew pot for this. Another advantage in using natural plant dye!) 2. Your natural dye plant (or whatever you are using) 3. You will need a fixative (for berry dyes, 1/2 salt to 8 cups cold water. For plant/leaf/petal dyes, 4 parts cold water to 1 part veggie material). 4. Your notebook TO PREPARE YOUR DYE BATH - Depending upon how many and how large your pieces of fabric or fibers you are, will determine how much dye bath you will need as well as the size of pot you'll be cooking your plant material and fabric in. DON'T OVER CROWD YOUR DYE/POT. If you are just doing a 12" cotton square a large sauce pan will probably be large enough BUT if you are doing larger fabrics or ready sewn pieces, your pot will need to be much, much larger. Continued on Page 49

The Creation of American Indian Heritage Month A brief history What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S. has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose. Early Proponents One of the very proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the "First Americans" and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day. It directed its president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, to call upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens. The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed. State Celebrations The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of N.Y. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday. Heritage Months In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994. American Indian Myths American Indian tribes share many myths. If a myth is exclusive to one tribe, the tribe is listed in parenthesis.  The Great Spirit in some form or name is found in most American Indian beliefs. It is the unknown power that is found in everything—the air, a rock, the sky. The Great Spirit is often seen as the great creator of life and the universe, aided by other spirits who are in charge of more specific things, such as stars, water, or trees.

The Cheyenne call the Great Spirit Heammawihio; the Shawnee, Finisher; and the Algonquin, Gitche Manitou.  Coyote was a popular spirit among western tribes such as the Navajo, Zuni, Sioux, and Chinook. A sly trickster, he made life more interesting for people. Coyote was responsible for sorrow and death, but also for the creation of humans and the Milky Way. There are many stories of Coyote’s mischievous trickery and his contributions to the world.  Raven seemed to have his beak into everything, and like Coyote, was somewhat wily. He could change into a bird, a human or an animal. Raven could bring both good and evil. Always hungry, his search for food often got him into a lot of trouble. Raven was found mainly in Pacific Northwest and southeastern Alaska tribes.  Skywoman (Iroquois) fell through a hole in the sky to a dark watery Earth populated only by animals. Birds caught her and put her on a giant turtle’s back. The turtle grew bigger and became the land.  The hole Skywoman fell through brought light to the world, and the beginning of Earth as we know it.  Kachinas (Hopi) are spirits that lived in and controlled everything—the sky, water, plants, animals. The kachinas protected humans and brought them good fortune. Today, the Hopi give their children kachina dolls to teach them about different spirits.  Aningan (Eskimo) is the most important Eskimo god and the Moon spirit. He was a hunter and he also chased his sister, the Sun, around the North Pole during the brief Arctic summer. She was unable to go over the horizon and the Sun never set.  The Breathmaker (Seminole) or Creator, made humans out of clay. He also blew across the heavens and created the Milky Way. When a good Seminole died the Big Dipper becoame a boat and sailed the soul across the Milky Way to the City in the Sky.  Windigo (Ojibwa, Algonquin) was a huge evil demon who wandered the winter woods in search of humans to eat. In a sort of werewolf or vampire way, if a person was bitten by Windigo, he turned into one. Native American Proverbs and Wisdom With a long history, rich culture, and more than 300 spoken languages, the wisdom of Native American tribes has been passed down through the centuries.  Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. - Hopi  Day and night cannot dwell together. - Duwamish  It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand. - Apache

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They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind. - Tuscarora All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them. - Arapaho Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand. - Tribe Unknown. When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us. - Arapaho If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come. Arapaho Most of us do not look as handsome to others as we do to ourselves. - Assiniboine What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. Blackfoot When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. - Cherokee Those who have one foot in the canoe, and one foot in the boat, are going to fall into the river. - Tuscarora The weakness of the enemy makes our strength. Cherokee When the white man discovered this country Indians were running it. No taxes no debt, women did all the work. White man thought he could improve on a system like this. - Cherokee A good soldier is a poor scout. - Cheyenne We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. - Dakota Do not judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins. - Cheyenne

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There is nothing as eloquent as a rattlesnake’s tail. - Navajo Force, no matter how concealed, begets resistance. - Lakota Our first teacher is our own heart. - Cheyenne Everyone who is successful must have dreamed of something. - Maricopa All who have died are equal. - Comanche What the people believe is true. - Anishinabe You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep. Navajo Beware of the man who does not talk, and the dog that does not bark. - Cheyenne He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone. - Seneca If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove. - Cheyenne A brave man dies but once, a coward many times. - Iowa When a man moves away from nature his heart becomes hard. - Lakota

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American Indian Heritage Month is observed every November in the United States. Learn about the history of American Indian Heritage Month, read biographies of famous American Indians, try our quizzes and crosswords, find stats and facts about tribes and reservations, and more. Read more: American Indian Heritage Month Activities, History, Timeline, Ideas, Events, Facts & Quizzes | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/american-indian-heritagemonth/#ixzz2hj35ysh4

The Lady Within her arms I walk alone Seeking for her always Long trail of desolation

Upon each face I see her touch Never wholly

Facing ever outward Adrift with only hope She lies behind the veil

Reflections of her A scent, a taste Touching hearts

Glimpses of her come Like stars in diversity Within the waking dream

She behind me Yet beside me Forever just beyond?

Touches of chance Reflect upon one In many unseen ways

Long the separation Lady, take my hand Leave me not alone

Here she lies There she walks Shades of memory

E_Rex 2009

Mama Em's Bell Book & Candle (also known as Mama Em's World of Magick)

113 Rice St Carson City, NV 89706 (775)790-4488 http://www.mamaemsworld.com/main.sc Welcome to Mama Em's World! I have been a self-practicing Pagan and Witch for 16 years. I do things my own way, and I love to make my own products. I'm here to help bring new and unusual items to everyone, and to provide metaphysical supplies at prices we can all actually afford. If you're looking for something in particular and you can't find it, please contact me with what you need and I'd be happy to get it for you! To stay up to date on new products, contests, and weekly giveaways, like us on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/mamaemsworld and view my Youtube videos here: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0RiNRgad4PjHOjOuXHvApg Follow me on Twitter: @MagickByMamaEm - Check out my blog on all things from advice to personal issues here: www.askmamaem.blogspot.com and last but certainly not least, check me out as one of the admins of this amazing group: www.facebook.com/thepaganmama

Bast or Bastet Candle Holder Statue Words can barely describe the awesome beauty of this Bast/Bastet candle holder. She holds two tapered pillar candles, or cone incense. Absolutely stunning cold cast resin. Black with gold accents including hyroglyphics around the base. Approximately 8" high by 5" wide.

Gorgeous Amber Resin Scent Pendant This small, beautifully sculpted brass ornament contains 5 grams of amber resin, to create a delightful piece of jewelry that will leave you perfumed with the sweet scent of amber. I cannot tell you how lovely this smells. It's subtle and airy, and simply intoxicating. Sure to get you a lot of attention! If you'd like this pendant blessed with spellwork to attract a lover, or to enrich your existing relationship, just ask! I'd be happy to do that for you, free of charge. Pendant comes on a black cotton cord, but can easily be transferred to a chain of your choice. I wear one of these myself and am quite smitten with it! XoXo Mama Em

Celtic Pentagram with Crystal This intricate pewter pentagram is set within a sculpted, ropelike circle with a Celtic knot work backdrop. Has cord. 1 1/4â&#x20AC;? - See more at: http://www.azuregreen.net/prodinfo.asp?number=JCELP#sthash.fVJMceaM. dpuf

Celtic Sealing Wax Kit Customize invitations, greeting cards, spells, rituals, and more with enchanting wax stamps. Boxed kit (3 1/8 x 4 1/2) includes natural wax and a metal seal.

How we see each other I know a beautiful woman and I see her quite often. Whenever we come across each other, she always pays me a lot of compliments and even more of these pleasant words I heard from her when our second daughter was born. I have always admired her beauty, her lovely personality and a classy style. Recently, I told her about it, and I was so surprised when it turned out that she sees herself in a completely different way. Are there many of us like this? It turned out that she thought of me as positively as I did about her, however, none of us felt that way about ourselves. What is it? Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem maybe? Other people are always better in our opinion, more attractive, and far more successful, have better homes and generally are thousand times greater than us. Does it seem to be a rule somehow….? And a lot of us are stuck in those situations. In my opinion it doesn’t really make sense. Why, then, compare yourself to anyone and compete with one another. I know it’s easier said than done, but I believe the systematic work on ourselves can change it. By observing our thoughts, we can eliminate those which shouldn’t be on our minds. Let them fly off. Ladies, let’s look at each other with total acceptance the way we are without any comparisons to anybody else. Desiring to be somebody else leads to nowhere and we certainly only lose our energy. Let’s smile to ourselves in the mirror and to one another.

Welcome to Feminine Creations online boutique Each item of jewellery is hand sewn using the soutache technique, with high quality European materials and threads. All items are handcrafted with care and attention to detail to ensure a high quality product that we are able to sell with pride. We feel the time it takes us to produce our soutache style jewellery is worth the effort. Our existing customers agree, and hopefully you will too. It is no wonder that soutache style jewellery has captivated European shoppers with its unique look, vibrant colours, and light weight. We hope you will enjoy browsing. There is much to see in our galleries - necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, hair clips - all original and hand-made with designs inspired by soutache creations from Europe. Light in weight and comfortable to wear, this style of accessories are new to Australia, and very unique. Our clients regularly receive compliments when wearing their pieces. Designs can be varied to suit specific requests, so do take time to peruse our gallery and online store. We look forward to your feedback, or to discuss your design requests.

http://www.femininecreations.com/ USE the Coupon code ‘MAGICK’ at checkout For 10% off your entire order

How did I get Here? By Lady Ti-Eagle

Witch, healer, teacher, independent, alone, battling "lack of self-confidence", etc., etc., etc. Well, that took a lifetime of experiences, probably various lifetimes, but this is the only one I remember so far. Now, to begin. Gramma was a wonderful, very religious, very honest, very kind, very generous person. I've said many times that she was so perfect she could probably walk on water. We went to church often, she babysat me when my parents wanted some time off. I can't say she spoiled me, but I've always had a love for fire (campfire, fireplace), so she even let me have a wood fire in the fireplace in July, 110 degrees outside, and she had no AC! Sometimes I'd get out all of her candles and we'd use no electricity. There were always good-times with Gramma. But, when I was 11 years old, it all changed. She fell in front of the church and broke her hip. The church was her life! She cleaned, cooked, hosted Prayer Meetings, and created incredible costumes for plays for holidays, and always tithed her 10%. So, with the broken hip and needed surgeries, all that work and money came to a sudden halt. Fewer and fewer church members came to visit, until none were there for her. The way I perceived it, "she's of no use to us, so she doesn't exist". That eventually turned me against religion. Also, during those years, there were a lot more changes in my life. My mother was with Gramma from early morning until late evening. I didn't take on the job of cleaning the house, but it was my responsibility to plan the meals, ride my bicycle to the store to buy the groceries, cook the meals, which consisted of meat, potatoes or rice (and gravy), vegetable, salad and biscuit, roll or cornbread. Daddy would help clean up. I learned responsibility quickly at a young age. There were good times, too. I'd get away for two weeks every summer to stay with Daddy's mother (Mom) and my step-grandad (Foster). He raised purebred Arabian horses. Mother always had time to take me to piano lessons (which I hated), Daddy taught me to drive when I was 13, so I was well prepared for my learner's permit at age 15 1/2. We went to the Colorado River at least 5 times a summer for 3-4 day water-ski weekends. Life, growing up wasn't terrible. Ok, I got off track. Back to "church and religion". Somewhere around the age of 15, I REALLY thought about what the church had done to Gramma (or hadn't done). I'm sure I never heard her badmouth either the church or religion in general, but I was PISSED at the way she had been treated. Mentally I visualized a table with all my beliefs. Clenching my fists, I swept across the surface of the table with my forearm, clearing everything except God. For YEARS, until I was in my early 30's, I would often say "OK, God, it's you and me!". Backtracking again and changing the subject a bit, a little about school. Sometime after kindergarten I became

unpopular (nerd, to a later generation). I just wasn't "cool". My self-confidence suffered a lot. I had little interest in studies, and mostly didn't see the point of learning things that wouldn't help me later in life. So, non popular with the kids, not popular with the teachers (unless for some reason I REALLY liked the class), I wasn't at all fond of school. When I was a Jr. in high school, I met Paula, a Sr. that worked with Mother in a little retail clothing store. We were "Mutt and Jeff" as she was barely over 5' tall and I was rapidly approaching 5'10". We were best buds! When she started dating Paul, a student at the city college, they'd take me to the apartment hang-out. I wasn't totally popular, but quietly accepted. For over a year I partied with this group and no one ever questioned the fact that they hadn't seen me on campus. No one except Paul and Paula knew I was "jail-bait". My confidence was growing leaps and bounds. I'd go back to school, thinking"I don't need you a'-holes, I'm hanging with college kids. One weekend, Paula and I decided to check out a frat party. I met Ken in the kitchen of the frat-house, and long story short, we started dating. I was still a Sr. in high school and he was in a fraternity at the jr. college. He was a charter member as well as an ex-President, so he had "clout". I was accepted immediately. We dated all summer, gaining more confidence, then when I started college, I was popular for the first time in my life. That relationship went "South", I took up SCUBA diving because Daddy wanted a dive-partner and also he was excited and wanted to share the experience with me. I dated Mike, the deck-hand on the dive boat (good looking, great body!). I was gaining MORE CONFIDENCE. Then I met John. He was at the city college when I was there. I was "smitten", dumped Mike for someone who was geographically closer. I was having major difficulties at home so I moved in with Barbara, a friend that I'd met at a difference college. I was fascinated by her independence, confidence and self-assurance. At age 19 I married John. We moved to Independence, CA as he had a job with the Inyo County Sheriff's Department. I was apparently needing more than he was able to give me because I was very unfaithful. MORE CONFIDENCE. Men liked me! Soon we were fighting a lot!, yelling, cussing, he'd follow me to spy on me. I was ANGRY and SCARED. I finally made my decision to leave when Shawn was having severe nightmares and would wake herself up, screaming. I moved into a room in the JG Motel in Olancha, CA near where I had lived with John. A few days later I was back with John. It was soon obvious that I couldn't stay,

so he helped me move into a small cabin at the Rustic Motel, only about 1/2 mi. from where he was living. All of my belongings fit into my little Ford Pinto and John's Mercury Bobcat. I had been working at a local restaurant and met Paul, a truck driver. We hung out A LOT, he was my protector. He made me feel secure and safe. My life seemed perfect as I was living with my bodyguard and playmate. Life was awesome. I WANTED TO LIVE. I'd gone through a period of wanting to die, but I wouldn't commit suicide, that would bring my parents too much shame. They were ashamed of me anyway, being a waitress and not continuing with schooling. If I was going to die, it had to be an "accident". My mother and I hadn't gotten along well from the time I was 13, but I still couldn't do that to them. Back on track, my parents loved Paul and he was good to me. Soon, the relationship started to deteriorate. He had more responsibility at work and less time for me. We had no marriage, no friendship, and neither of us were happy. After about 3 months of trying to figure out what to do, I left Paul and I got my own apartment. I soon found a job, more parties, more drinking, more men and more confidence again. I was searching for something. Acceptance? All this time, I was leaving my daughter behind. She started hanging more with her best friend, Gina and her Mom, Cheryl. Soon I received word from Paul that I needed to send Shawn to Barbara's. I didn't see the point until Barbara explained it to me that Cheryl was pursuing a case against me to have Shawn taken away. No question, no time to delay, I had to act immediately or lose my daughter to the "system". So, without responsibilities, I began to drink more, was with more men, had more false confidence. What was I searching for? Mother had somehow (unintentionally) convinced me that I was stupid and I was proving it! I was looking for acceptance wherever and with whomever I could. Maybe she was right as I had a low-life job, couldn't see a future, couldn't keep a job or a marriage. Partying and whoring was my self-confidence. I found a bit of sense of belonging with the BLM. I was respected by my bosses and the miners living in the desert. That's where I met Mammoth Bob and I gained automatic respect from the people in Saline Valley because of hanging with him and his status at the hot springs. Still, I wasn't happy. I didn't have my daughter, I didn't like my job, I wasn't pleased with my life. Werner, one of the regulars at the hot springs suggested that I go with him to Mexico for a five week road trip. "No. I have a job, I have an apartment, I have stuff, and I have no money." His reply was, "leave your job, you can find another, leave your apartment, you can find another, put your stuff in storage, and I'll pay all the expenses. That trip lasted only 3 days and when I returned to my parents' house, Mother asked me what my plans were, now. "I'm going to go to work (I had a job waiting for me), save all my money, and return to Mexico." "Why", she asked. "I don't know", I replied. I just felt that I needed to know more of Mexico. So, I went to work at an alfalfa ranch near Independence, CA. After Memorial Day, the job shifted to the pack station just South of Mammoth Lakes. The job was interesting. I was good with horses and

good with the people. I wasn't popular though, with Jenny the boss' daughter. I didn't like country music and wasn't fond of playing Trivial Pursuit. When I wasn't working, I stayed to myself. I told Mammoth Bob about my plans to return to Mexico. He suggested that we go together in his pickup and cabover camper. We headed out just before Thanksgiving and he stayed in Mexico until just after Christmas. I stayed until March when I returned to CA to look for a summer job. I stayed in Bishop for a short time. I was having no luck landing a job. I met a guy in Rusty's Tavern that was also looking for work. He wanted to go to Lake Tahoe as there were a lot of job opportunities there for the summer. We went to Lake Tahoe and both of us soon had jobs. I worked in a small restaurant that was soon to open. I stayed in a campground until the first snow, then found a cheap apartment. I found out again how much I hated snow so decided to return to Mexico with the money I'd saved. I toured Mexico for three months, approximately 9,000 mi. While in a small village on the Pacific Coast, I met a lady that told me about intensive-study Spanish schools outside Mexico City. That would be perfect as I couldn't converse with the locals. I knew enough Spanish to request bus or train tickets, ask for a room, and order food in restaurants. That wasn't enough! I found addresses of schools in a tour book and wrote to two schools in Mexico and one in Guatemala. The school in Guatemala was less than half the price of the schools in Mexico, so that was where I was going to study Spanish! Roberta (Paul's ex wife that came back to him when I left, then WE became friends), had encouraged me to not go back to Bishop when I returned from Mexico. She invited me to live with them until I found a job and could afford an apartment. Two weeks after I moved in with them, I had a job at Denny's, waiting tables. Roberta then suggested that I continue to stay with them, I could save more money and leave for Guatemala even sooner. COOL! Shawn had been unhappy at Barbara's, so she came and stayed with us. She worked at Denny's with me as a hostess/cashier. I offered to find an apartment for the two of us so she didn't have to go back to Barbara's, but she wanted to go back to the coast and her friends. That was WAY above my budget so she agreed to go back to Barbara's when the summer ended and school started again. Nov. 1, 1986, I had just turned 37 years old, I headed to Guatemala. After 1 week of study, I changed schools. I found a place that was MUCH cheaper and much better! After four weeks of studying, I took a trip to the Caribbean with a friend that was a student at another Spanish school. There I met a yacht owner that was looking for a crew member and lack of experience wasn't a problem. I went back to Antigua where I'd been living, gathered up my belongings and returned to the boat. We made a short trip to Belize then back to Guatemala. The owner anchored the boat near a bar/restaurant in the Rio Dulce and left for Texas for the Holidays. I stayed on the boat with another lady that had been crewing on the boat before I arrived When he returned, I 21

realized that he wasn't someone I cared to be stuck on a small boat with, so I "jumped ship" and headed back to Antigua. I hadn't been back long when I met Larry, an American that had been living in Antigua for a few years. He was an artist/sculptor and designed and built machinery. I worked for him for about a year and a half when I decided I needed more. I had an idea of doing "backpacker" tours from Antigua, up to the North of the country, then back a different way to Antigua. I needed to do the loop first to figure expenses and find reasonable accommodations and transportation. I fell in love with the North of the country immediately and decided to return. I continued to do tours, and studied archaeology and history. I made a lot of contacts with archaeologists, allowing me to learn much faster than just reading books. It was a fantastic experience. It wasn't always easy, though. One morning I decided to count my money that I had left, and I was down to $15 (American). The way I was living, that was about 10 days! I felt as if someone had told me that I would die in 10 days! I went out walking instead of staying in my room, sulking, and met the Kilkan family. The next day I moved in with them, renting a room in their house. They had two kids at the time, Heidi, two years old, and Carmito was four. Yahena was born while I was living with them. There was a civil war going on at the time, and the situation got bad enough that I had to leave the country. The bus trip back to the U.S. was 72 hours if I made good connections and didn't have to lay over for the night. The entire trip I was asking God, "please don't make me wait tables, please don't make me wait tables, please don't ...............". So, of course, I went back to Bishop where my daughter was renting a room from our friend Ted, and applied for jobs in restaurants. I was having no luck at all! I was using Ted's motorcycle as I had no transportation. He suggested that I go to Silver Peak, NV, where he was living at the time, and apply for a job in one of the mines. "But i have no experience." "So?" So I rode the 100 mi. to Silver Peak and landed a job! I loved it! I had a lot of time off as we worked four-10's and had three days off. I spent my time in the the next valley over, dating Norg, a biker whom I'd known since the mid-70's. We dated for about a year, and when the job ended, so we our relationship. Also, SilverPeak is where worked with Bob, the WHITE BUFFALO (May 2013 issue) April Fool's Day, 1992, the job came to an abrupt halt. When we all turned in our paperwork at the end of the shift, we were handed our termination papers. The mine was closing. Most of my fellow workers went immediately to other mines to apply for jobs. I had money in the bank, unemployment checks coming regularly, a grandson on the way and a fairly new motorcycle. I started touring the Western States. Mostly, I camped, but when the weather was bad, I stayed in motels. The February before that, I met Les at Furnace Creek Ranch Resort in Death Valley. We were both just traveling through the valley. We talked awhile outside the General Store, then when he mentioned his girlfriend, I cut short our conversation and headed out to Beatty to see Shawn. Apparently he looked for me for two days, not realizing I'd left the area.

For about six weeks after being laid off from the mine, I stayed fairly close, going from Bishop, through Death Valley to Beatty, then back to Bishop, and so on. In May as I was crossing Death Valley, I stopped at Stovepipe Wells Resort for lunch. I talked to the waitress and hostess about seasonal jobs, and they told me about a guy that had just started work at the front desk that rode motorcycles. When they described him, I realized that it was probably the guy I'd met at Furnace Creek the previous February. I was right. He took me to Bonnie's office (the General Manager) and introduced me. Soon, I had a job that was to start in Oct. WOW! Money in the bank, unemployment checks coming in, a nearly new motorcycle, and a job at the end of the summer! Time to travel!!!!!! My first season at Stovepipe Wells Resort in Death Valley was good but challenging. The hostess/cashier, Betty and the busser Mildred, didn't like me for some reason. Mildred even told me once time that I was the only server that she had complaints about. I was crushed and confused , my confidence plummeted. I worked there for 3 seasons, lived with Les for awhile in his apartment, then my folks gave me a little HiLo trailer. I was desperate at the time to get out of Les' apartment as we were having problems. After an incident with Bonnie, I turned in my two week notice and left April 19 to go to work for Rory, doing reclamation in closed-down gold mines. Les chose to leave with me as we had gotten back together. We were away from Death Valley for two years. After being in business for that two years, Rory told us all that he was closing down the operation, so we no longer had the jobs. We weren't sure if we'd be able to go back to work at Stovepipe, as Bonnie was still REALLY ANGRY with us. According to Richard, the Chef and F&B Director, no one was allowed to mention our names for over a year! Les and I rode to Death Valley two years after we left, to see if we could return to work. Bonnie saw us in the parking lot, at first she acted as if she didn't recognize us. I spoke to her first, and she came over, hugged us and said "I really miss you two". WOW! I guess we had our answer. We returned to work the following October. Three more years passed, and I was fed up again with the SNAKE PIT, (that's what I called Stovepipe Wells). There seemed to be a dark cloud over the place, and others noticed it, too. People would come to work there, nice at first, then turn mean, back stabbing and spiteful. I went to Panamint Springs to work in the restaurant for Jerry. That wasn't working out really well as there was more work, terrible tips, and the pay was figured really strangely. When he hired us, Jerry was nervous that us working there would ruin a friendship. He wasn't far from wrong. Les was unhappy at Panamint, so decided to leave first. He went to the HR office at Furnace Creek and asked about a job. Jean, the acting HR Director at the time overheard his request and asked "is Jan looking for work, too? Would she come to work in the 49'er Cafe?" When I heard this, my first reaction was "Who died?", as there was SELDOM an opening in either restaurant at FC. I gave my two week notice and started work at FC in March, right in the middle of the BUSY SEASON! One of the assistant managers apparently had an "attitudeâ&#x20AC;?

about Stovepipe Wells employees and informed me that "here, we turn and burn". Not sure why I always HATED that saying. He didn't know me, didn't know my capabilities and was making a judgement of me without giving me a chance to prove myself. Needless to say, I got my chance. Soon he forgot that I was "Stovepipe Trash", and there was often compliments but never an apology. Overall, Furnace Creek was a great place to work. We were accepted on property right away by the other employees from every department. We stayed all summer, as that was the stipulation by the dining room manager, Beth. It gave me the opportunity to save money and pay cash for my new 2003 Road King, Harley Davidson, as well as save money to travel the following year. From then on, it was a seasonal job, starting work Oct. 1 and finishing the day after Mother's Day. It was a great gig until just before Thanksgiving, 2004 when I learned that Mother had hired caregivers to help care for her and Daddy. I went to Riverside on my days off and my fears were confirmed. I needed to care for them. I gave my twoweek notice then Dec. 3 I moved to Riverside, taking my little HiLo trailer back home where it had lived originally, and I moved into my Dad's bedroom. He was now in a hospital bed in the living room. People at work had forewarned me that they were

proud of me for doing what I was doing, but that it was going to be the hardest thing I'd ever done in my life! I had doubts, but they were SO RIGHT! It was so much harder than I had even imagined, but there is no way I would have done things differently. Of course, I have some regrets like not spending more time with Daddy. I was so overwhelmed with new responsibilities that I was running all day. I have to remind myself that I was doing the best that I could. Of course, it was tough when my Mother passed, January 4, 2005.. Daddy actually improved. I took him outside to sit in a recliner chair in the patio, just for a different bit of scenery. He died July 3, 2005, seven months after Mother. He died of depression as there was no physical reason for him to go. I miss them far more than I thought possible. It's been a great ride. I've traveled a lot, met a lot of wonderful people in various countries, and am still discovering who I really am. Blessings, Lady Ti-Eagle Any questions or comments? Please write to me at ladyti_eagle@aol.com

November 2013 Quick Reference Full Moon: November 17th

New Moon: November 3rd

Sabbat or Esbat: Mourning Moon on November 17th Meanings: Transformation, Preparation Symbols/Decorations: cornucopia, Plants/Herbs: cypress, alder, hazel, thistle, betony, verbena, fennel, blooming cacti, chrysanthemum Incense and Oils: cedar, hyacinth, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, pine Colors: blues, grays, purples and silvers Stones: lapis lazuli, turquoise, topaz Food/Beverages: apples, meat, mulled cider, nuts, pomegranates, potatoes, pumpkins, squash Animals/Mythical Beasts: water nymphs, owl, goose, sparrow, crocodile, jackal, unicorn, scorpion Activities: mourn what didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come to pass in the last year, cleansing of the home, make potpourri to use and gift, travel, beginning of creative endeavors Spell/Ritual Work: letting go of the past, releasing of bad habits and toxic relationships, develop connection with Deity, strengthen connection to your Higher Self. Deities: Bastet, Osiris, Nicvenin, Bast, Sarascati, Isis, Kali, Hecate, Astarte, Mawu

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Mercury Moves Into Retrograde Oct 21st to November 10th 2013 The Scorpio Solar Eclipse November 3rd, 2013 Do I or Don’t I….????? “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -- Helen Keller Sir Francis Bacon, wrote in 1632 that “wiser astrologers (believe) that there is no fatal necessity in the stars, but rather that they incline than compel." I write this because most of us have heard of the Mercury retrograde phenomenon and its lore that recommends things like; “don’t sign contracts or launch a new business, beware of travel glitches and losses, never buy a computer, car or new appliance, expect miscommunications, delays and challenges, don’t be careless with money, your personal information, or paperwork, as more costly mistakes are made during this time,” etc. All of which is good information to consider before an impulsive word or purchase is made. Impulsive is the keyword here. Truthfully, as an astrologer I would prefer not buy certain items, sign a contract, or begin a ill prepared journey to an unfamiliar location during this time. I have found mistakes, miscalculations, misunderstandings, and confusing conversations are more prevalent. It does seem that traffic issues are more likely which of course can lead to delays but not necessarily in the case of other forms of travel such as air. Whatever you choose to do during this time a little extra forethought and preparation will insure a positive outcome. Due to Mercury’s close proximity to the Sun, from our perspective he appears to move backwards through the zodiac 3-4 times every year. During this 3 week period it is inevitable over time that we will find ourselves participating in important conversations, events, and decisions, or purchasing a costly item, etc. Are these activities doomed? I think not. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness. It can be a time when reworking old plans, and reviewing past ideas and needs are favored. It is a time that can re-connect us with what is most important to our personal goals and growth while readjusting our thinking. (Gemini and Virgo are you listening?) There is absolutely no reason to suspend projects during the Mercury Retrograde cycle, even though it's not an ideal time to start new ones. Usually, a change of mind due to more information surfacing is possible once Mercury turns direct. However, it's a perfect time to do some "outside of the box" thinking, but acting on our ideas, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period. Presently the Mercury retrograde cycle will occur in the sign of Scorpio moving from 18 degrees back to 7 degrees from 10/21 to 11/10. This retrograde will carry the amplified energies of both the Full and New Moon eclipse cycles. When in Scorpio secrets may be revealed, emotions may be more intense, intimacy more important, our instincts, motivations, obsessions, and control issues more prominent. Be aware that

paranoid thinking and the tendency to read the negative into what others say is greater now. This is an excellent time for research, reexamining your partnership objectives, examining financial goals, and reconnecting with the tribe that shares your heart values. The Scorpio Solar eclipse occurs on November 3rd and can be seen in the far northeastern USA at sunrise. We all have the sign of Scorpio operating in some area of our chart but for those with the Ascendant, Sun, Moon, or the other personal planets here, this eclipse can provide a lot of opportunity through acknowledging and ACTING on your hunches. Intuition is often a ‘gut’ feeling that may or may not make rational sense. Both of Scorpio’s ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, are in the pragmatic earth signs and making a fortunate trine aspect, lending positive outcome to following one’s feelings with practical attention to details. Due to Mercury’s retrograde motion it is not necessarily the time to instigate a totally new project that requires an influx of resources, but it is the time to reinvigorate, revamp, or reevaluate, an existing one. Reconnecting with someone from your past is likely to provide insight, inspiration, and enjoyment, in the days, weeks, even months ahead. Remember the effects of this eclipse can be felt for 6 months! For that reason impulsive words or actions have a more lasting influence…so make them positive ones! Wherever this eclipse occurs in your natal chart, re-imagining, redesigning, re-commitment, renegotiating is favored. Scorpio can be a highly emotional and resistant to change. It is a sign that does not trust easily often missing opportunities through over analysis. With the addition of Saturn and Mercury to Sun Moon connection, surrendering and trusting in a higher power, whether that be the wise soul self or your God, is crucial. Jupiter the planet of good fortune and faith located in family oriented Cancer shines auspiciously on this Scorpio stellium, encouraging us to take time for home, family, and tribe. Planetary wild card, Uranus, in a quincunx aspect to the Sun, Moon, and Mercury, challenges us to think in new ways and release our attachments to what we believe is safe and secure. Both are illusions that do not exist in nature. Uranus stretches us to think unconventionally, radically, and innovatively, to “risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.” If you would like to explore more deeply the astrological dynamics of your birth chart please call 303-697-8309 or email: IngridJeffries@yahoo.com

IPHARETH is considered the center or heart of the Tree of Life and its title is Beauty: the Beauty of Perfect Balance and Harmony. Its Magical Images are the Divine Child, the King and the Sacrificed One. The Divine Child of Tiphareth is the Innocent One the Birth of each individual as a human being. The image of the King in Tiphareth is the King as Ruler and Mediator, using both Cosmic Mercy and Cosmic Severity along with personal emotion and thoughts to guide judgment. The Sacrificed One is he or she that lays down the earth-bound conceptions of separateness from the Divine, sacrificing the comforting illusion of ego. Here we find the mystery of the meeting point between human and divine. The God Name of Tiphareth in the level Atziluth is YHVH ELOAH VE DAATH meaning the manifestation of the Divine in Knowledge and Balance. This is the Divine Name at the Central point of Equilibrium of the Tree. The name contains the Tetragrammaton which we've discussed in previous articles which contains both male and female as well as the four elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water. This is the God name of the stillness in the midst of motion, silence at the center of sound - this is the central point from which the top that is Creation spins. Tiphareth is the Balance point of all aspects of Human nature which allows the individual to connect with the Divine. The Archangel of Tiphareth in the level Briah is given most often as Raphael whose name means "Healing of the Divine". Raphael is the Archangel of Healing and Teaching and is the special patron of travelers. Raphael is often seen with the Hermetic Caduceus Wand which is used today to symbolize the physician or healer. Raphael is here to heal the wounds of Humankind and as the Archangel of Tipareth, Raphael heals through creating balance and equilibrium. The Order of Angels of Tiphareth in the level Yetzirah are the Malachim, meaning Kings, Rulers or Masters. Being of the level of Yetzirah which is the World of Formation, the Malachim are the Formators of Balance and Centralization. On a cosmic level the Malachim work to keep solar systems and galaxies balanced and related to one another. On the smallest scale they hold the molecules of an insect's wing in a balanced state of form. In the Mithraic Mysteries they were called the Lords of the Pivot - if the center was sound enough, the peripheral arrangement would continue its cyclic progression for a good period with balanced results, if the centre was unsound the circumference broke up. The planet of Tiphareth in the level of Assiah is the solar orb of the Sun. Just as Tiphareth is the heart of the Tree of life, the Sun is the heart of our solar system. It is the Vital Center, the Heart which holds all in perfect balance. Without an Inner Sun, without a strong and shining heart, we lose our lives to chaos and are unable to communicate with our Higher Self, our Holy Guardian Angel - the Self in the famous psychologist Carl Jung's terminology. This is the Focus of the Great Work, to unite our everyday consciousness as much as possible

with Tiphareth, to bring balance into this World, and by contacting this point we understand our connection the Top of the Tree, Kether. The Middle Pillar Exercise is often associated directly with Tiphareth. Just as Tiphareth is the balanced center of the Tree of Life, the Middle Pillar Exercise balances and joins the polarities in the electro-magnetic system of an individual's aura field. This enables the person to live in balance and to open to the natural expression of his or her true Divine nature. Here is one example of how to do the Middle Pillar Exercise: Sit or stand in a relaxed, comfortable position. Ground and center your energies with those of the Earth and breathe slowly and deeply, aligning the rhythm of your heart beat with your breath. Begin to draw up into your body the energy of the Earth through the soles of your feet. Each time you inhale, draw the energies up further until your entire body is suffused with energy. In your mind's eye, see the energy start to glow, and allow it to radiate out in a sphere from the top of your head. Vibrate the Godname EHEIEH (pronounced Eh-Heh-Ee-Yeh) aloud several times feeling the energy glow brighter and with even more strength. Notice that your head is filled with this glowing energy and allow it to move down into your throat and neck. See this energy form a ball of light at your throat and intone (vibrate) the Godname YHVH ELOHIM (Yod-Heh-Vah-Heh Eh-Loh-Heem). Feel the energy growing in even more brilliance and strength as it moves down to your heart. Allow the energy to form another sphere of light at your heart and vibrate the Godname YHVH ELOAH VA-DAATH (Yod-Heh-Vah-Heh Eh-Loh-Ah Vah-Da- aat). The energy is growing brighter as it descends into your groin area where you see it forming into another brilliant, white ball of light. Intone the Godname Shaddai El Chai (Shah-Die El-Kie). And now, allow the energy to flow all the way down your legs to the bottom of your feet. See a ball of energy-light forming around your feet as you vibrate the Godname ADONAI HA-ARETZ (Ah-Doh-Nie Hah-Ah-Retz). Feel the balls of light glowing with intensity at the crown of your head, your throat, your heart, your groin and your feet. As you inhale, infuse them with even more energy and allow the sphere at the crown of your head to begin to shoot off sparks of energy which fountain down your body. Suck this energy up through the bottom of your feet and bring it back up through your body to the top of your head. Continue this circulation of force for a few minutes. Now absorb the energy into your self, allowing the spheres of energy to dissipate as you re-ground yourself with the energy of the Earth.

Magical Image: Warrior in His Chariot God name: Elohim Gibor: Gods of Strength and Power. This Can be feminized to Elohim Giborah. Older Semitic tribes, of which the Hebrew are one, had a Goddess of War and Love called Anat or Anatha who was said to be the wife of Yahweh, although another of her titles was the Compasssionate Virgin. Anat did not make wars, but fought and finshed them. This emphasizes Geburah as not the cause of imbalance but the cure. Archangel Khamael: "The Burner of God" Angel of Justice and Severity, the Angel who tests the purity of our intents. Linked with Sammael, the Destroyer and Angel of Death whose task it is to erase imperfections from the cosmic Drawing board. An Analogy would be that of Resistence and Conduction (Geburah and Chesed) of the Power from the Middle Pillar. Khamael is the resistance that modifies divine power in such a way that it can safely be used further down the Tree as it begins to physically manifest. Angels of Geburah: Seraphim, Fiery Serpents, the root SRP means to burn by fire, and a Seraph was placed as a guard before the Gates of Paradise after Adam and Eve's exile. Seraphim as angels of flame help us in burning away that which is unnecessary or no longer needed whether it be mental, emotional or spiritual waste - the key is to make sure that they are selective in burning away only that which is outworn. They do not punish, they purify - we are not allowed into paradise without first passing the Seraphim.

Geburah's Planet of Assiah and Mundane Chakra is Mars. In the world of action, Mars gives us strength of will, fire, drive, ability to act and to stand up against our foes. Mars is also incredible discipline where the proper amount of energy is always expended, nothing more nor less. Geburah is force, might, power and courage. "Nature red in tooth and claw" - this is not cruelty but the absence of Mercy. The Merciful Lion does not eat, and soon dies. Called the Radical Intelligence, Geburah unites itself to Binah in a higher energy sequence to keep the cosmic order. Deities of Geburah include Kali, the Morrigan, Athena, Ares and all warrior Gods and Goddesses. Chesed and Geburah are often worked with together because they represent the extremes of either polarity. Together they complement and balance one another very well to encourage manifestation on this physical level of existence. Their balancing aspects are shown by their respective titles: Mercy (Chesed) and Severity (Geburah). In our next article we'll examine Chesed in detail and compare its energies to Geburah so that you get a balanced understanding.

This is the Freeze Up Moon. I am of the Turtle Clan. I have seen much and my heart aches. So much is destroying our mother earth. She has taken care of us for so many moons. Her ground should be sacred. Our clan uses the copper to focus our energy for good. The malachite for sensitivity. Many who walk here are not kind to our mother. She deserves the help of all people. We are her keeper. Be respectful in all you do. Without here what would we do? Silver Wolf(Brave Heart Woman)

How to see and READ the AURA:

Nature gave us ALL we need to see Auras. All that is required is the knowledge how to use your senses together with your conscious effort. ANYONE can see auras to some degree. What is the Aura? Everything in the Universe seems to be just a vibration. Every atom, every part of an atom, every electron, every elementary “particle”, even our thoughts and consciousness are just vibrations. Hence, we may define the Aura as an electro-photonic vibration response of an object to some external excitation. The Aura around humans is partly composed from EM (electromagnetic) radiation, spanning from microwave, infrared (IR) to UV light. The low frequency microwave and infrared part of the spectrum (body heat) seems to be related to the low levels of the functioning of our body (DNA structure, metabolism, circulation etc.) whereas high frequency (UV part) is more related to our conscious activity such as thinking, creativity, intentions, sense of humor and emotions. Russian scientists, who seem to be about 3 decades ahead of everyone else in Aura research, make experiments suggesting that our DNA can be altered, by influencing its microwave Aura. The high frequency UV part is very important and most interesting but largely unexplored. And this part can be seen with naked eyes. Our Eyes With our eyes we can sense (perceive) a very narrow range of vibration frequencies of Electromagnetic (EM) vibration corresponding to wavelengths from 0.3 to 0.7 micrometers - from purple to red. A mix of the vibration frequencies in the above range we perceive with our eyes as color. We can measure this mix precisely by recording a spectrum of light, but only using special instruments, called spectrophotometers. Colors perceived by our eyes are only our partial perception of MUCH more complex reality: complex vibration of light (and other vibrations as well). To explain the above statement, we would need to define the spectrum and explain how we perceive color with our eyes. How to see Aura: developing auric sight In an effort to see the Aura we need to: • Increase the sensitivity of our eyes AND • Extend the range of perceived vibration beyond the visible light. It seems that we can accomplish the above by: • Using and training our peripheral vision • Increasing exposure • Enhance visual sensation processing in the brain enhance the communication between left and right

Concentration exercise 1 Place the picture in Fig 1 about 1.5 m in front of you. Look exactly at the black spot for 30 seconds or so and observe colored dots with your peripheral vision. Resist temptation to look anywhere else but the black spot.

Fig 1. Image for concentration exercise Note that colored areas seem to be surrounded by the “Aura” of a different color. When peripheral sensors are stimulated for some time, we have color sensations, much different than when we use the central vision. The longer you concentrate, the brighter is the “Aura” around colored areas, because your sensitivity increases. Yesterday you could look at this picture for hours and never see anything. Concentration at ONE spot for long enough is the key. Rather than the true Aura, this exercise demonstrates the principle of how to look to see human Auras by making you aware of certain specific capabilities of your eyesight and your perception.

Concentration exercise 2 This exercise aims to stimulate the communication between both hemispheres of the brain, thereby increasing the "processing power" needed to see Auras.

Place the picture in Fig 2 about 1 meter in front of you. Stretch your hand forward so that one of your fingers is between and underneath circles. Change focus on the tip of your finger and overlook the circles. You should see 4 circles. Then aim to overlap the middle two to see ONE CIRCLE WITH A WHITE CROSS on top of your finger, in the middle between the two. Seeing the cross is the evidence, that the left hemisphere of the brain (connected to the right eye) is communicating with the right hemisphere (connected to the left eye). This exercise turns out to be extremely beneficial: 5 minutes of it seems to double the size of the electro-photonic aura as recorded by bioelectrography.

The cross will initially float and seem unstable. Experiment with the distance from your finger to your eyes to achieve a perfect cross. You gain a significant benefit after 3-5 minutes of maintaining a perfectly balanced cross, preferably without blinking, but a magic duration seems to be 45 minutes of concentration at the time, which is said to make a REAL difference to your mental and auric abilities. In my experience it is best to start with a minute or two and gradually increase the time every week. Short and intensive concentration seems to be better than a longer one, interrupted by the lack of skill. Gradually, with practice you should be able to achieve and maintain the cross without the finger. While maintaining the cross try to become aware of the other 2 circles as well as everything around using your peripheral vision. You should see Auric colors around the colored circles above with your peripheral vision. When you can analyze surroundings using your peripheral vision, without losing the cross (and the concentration), you are ready to see and read auras. Advanced levels of concentration: One diameter in the cross seems usually "in front" of the other. This means, that one of your brain hemispheres seems to dominate the other. Males usually see the horizontal diameter above (left hemisphere dominates) females usually see the vertical diameter above (right hemisphere dominates). Try to get the "hidden" diameter in front as much as possible, by concentrating, on demand. The final level of concentration is to achieve and maintain a perfectly balanced cross with all four arms of similar intensity, thereby achieving a perfect balance both hemispheres. Many people experience amazing effects here. Firstly, concentration gets much deeper. Secondly, after 2-3 minutes you seem like losing sight, with bright background becoming dark purple or pink. Your sensitivity and awareness greatly increase. Seeing the Aura This exercise is designed to see Aura for the first time and/or practice seeing Auras. Choosing good conditions is important: not only you see the Aura better, but also to gain a confidence about what you see. 1. Situate the person in front of a very softly illuminated PLAIN WHITE background. A color background will change Aura colors, so you need additional knowledge about combining colors. Some combinations of background and Aura colors may cause misinterpretation problems. 2. Choose ONE SPOT to look at. The middle of the forehead is VERY GOOD. This is a location of so called Brow Chakra or the Third Eye. In some cultures (India) they put a mark on a forehead. Such a mark in ancient times could mean the invitation to look and see the Aura. 3. Look at this spot for 30 to 60 seconds or longer 4. After 30 seconds analyze surroundings with your peripheral vision, while still looking at the same spot. Continuing the concentration is most important. Resist temptation to look around. You should see that the background nearby the person is brighter and has a DIFFERENT color than the background further away. This is your own perception of the Aura.

Observing auras of other people The best is to look directly at someone's brow chakra (third eye or wisdom eye, which is located @1.5 cm above the nose, between eyes) and aim to achieve the state of mind similar to the concentration technique described above for at least 30-60 seconds. I have tried also looking at throat and heart chakras with similar results. However, if you concentrate on someone's chest it looks so unusual that the person concerned is usually very uneasy about it. When you look into someone's brow chakra you can actually continue conversation. Again, VERY softly illuminated background, with no shadows is best. With practice, any uniformly illuminated background (such as a blue sky for example) will suffice. How to see your own Aura Stand about 1.5 m in front of a good size mirror. In the beginning it is best if the background behind you is plain white and there are no shadows. Illumination should be VERY soft and uniform not bright. Follow instructions above for seeing Auras. PRACTICE for at least 10-15 minutes each day to increase your sensitivity and develop Auric sight. Remember that practice is required to develop Auric sight. Meaning of Aura and its colors The Aura is a reflection of our True Nature at any given moment. Our True Nature is what is left when we recognize and discard all our habits, stereotypes, manners, and pretending, superficial behavior and become fully conscious, truly natural and spontaneous. Note that some people are so attached to their manners and habits that it is very hard, if not impossible, to discover who they really are. The only way to get an instant insight into their personality seems to be by watching their Aura, because the Aura shows their True Nature, behind any facade of superficial behavior. In general, the more colorful, cleaner and brighter the Aura, the better and more spiritually advanced is the person. Also, the more uniform the energy distribution in the Aura, the healthier and more balanced the person is. Usually, people have one or two dominating colors (strong points) in their Aura. These colors (or their Auric pairs) will be most likely their favorite colors. In addition to dominant colors, the Aura reflects thoughts, feelings and desires, which appear like "flashes", "clouds" or "flames", usually further away from the head. For example a flash of orange in the Aura indicates a thought or desire to exercise power and control. Orange as a dominant color is a sign of power and general ability to control people. Quickly changing "flashes" indicate quickly changing thoughts.

Meaning of Clean Colors of the Aura (colors of the rainbow, bright, shiny, monochromatic colors): Purple: indicates spiritual thoughts. Purple is never a strong point in the Aura. It appears only as temporary "clouds" and "flames", indicating truly spiritual thoughts. Blue: Balanced existence, sustaining life, eased nerve system, transmitting forces and energy. People with blue strong point in their Aura are relaxed, balanced and feel ready to live in a cave and survive. They are born survivors. Blue thought is a thought about relaxing the nerve system to achieve the balance of the mind or a thought about surviving. Turquoise: indicates dynamic quality of being, highly energized personality, capable of projection, influencing other people. People with turquoise strong point in their Aura can do many things simultaneously and are good organizers. They feel bored when forced to concentrate on one thing. People love bosses with turquoise Auras, because such bosses explain their goals and influence their team rather than demand executing their commands. Turquoise thought is a thought about organizing and influencing others. Green: restful, modifying energy, natural healing ability. All natural healers should have it. People with a green strong point in their Auras are natural healers. The stronger the green Aura, the better the healer. They also love gardening and usually have a "green hand" - anything grows for them. Being in a presence of a person with a strong and green Aura is a very peaceful and restful experience. Green thought indicates a restful state and healing. Yellow: joy, freedom, non-attachment, freeing or releasing vital forces. People who glow yellow are full of inner joy, very generous and not attached to anything. Yellow halo around the head: high spiritual development. When this chakra is observed when highly active, a yellow (Auric pair) halo appears around it, surrounding the entire head. Yellow thought indicates a moment of joy and contentment. Orange: uplifting and absorbing. Inspiring. A sign of power. Ability and/or desire to control people. When orange becomes a strong point, it usually contributes to a yellow halo, which then becomes gold, indicating not only a spiritual teacher, but a powerful spiritual teacher, someone capable of demonstrating his/her unique abilities. Orange thought is a thought about exercising power or a desire to control people. Red: materialistic thoughts, thoughts about the physical body. Predominantly red Aura indicates materialistically oriented person. Pink (=purple+red): love (in a spiritual sense). To obtain a clean pink, you need to mix the purple (the highest frequency we perceive) with red (the lowest frequency). Pink Aura indicates that the person achieved a perfect balance between spiritual awareness and the material existence. The pink color in the Aura is quite rare on Earth and appears only as a temporary thought, never as a strong point in the Aura.

Meaning of Dirty colors: (colors appearing darker than background more like a smoke than a glow) Brown: unsettling, distracting, materialistic, negating spirituality. Gray: dark thoughts, depressing thoughts, unclear intentions, presence of a dark side of personality. Sulfur (color of a mustard): pain or lack of ease, anger White: serious disease, artificial stimulation (drugs). Why does the white color in the Aura indicate problems? White color is like a noise, rather than a set of harmonious tones (monochromatic colors). It is impossible to "tune" the noise to an orchestra playing harmonious music; hence the white Aura indicates a lack of harmony in the body and mind. Nature, which we are a part of, is harmonious. This harmony comes in discrete vibration "tones" or harmonics, partially described by the modern quantum physics. Several hours before the death, the Aura becomes white, and greatly increases in intensity. For this reason in most cultures "death" is depicted in WHITE (not black), because in the past, people could actually see a white Aura before death This article summarizes the content of regular lecture-workshops on seeing and Reading Auras held by Dr. Tom J. Chalko. It was written to be BRIEF. You can buy Dr Tom J. Chalko workshop notes (an expanded version of this document) at;

http://www.bioresonant.com/bookshop.html

Directions to the Shop 313 W Davidson is located in a residential area between Lincoln and Government Way just south the Kootenai Medical Center. Davidson is the second left turn off Lincoln after you cross Ironwood. Then a left turn on Pansy. eclecticworldgems@gmail.com

, PICK YOUR STONES AND MAKE A WANDSTONES TO HAVE IN YOUR HOME FOR GRATITUDE, ABUNDANCE AND INNER PEACE-

At Samhain -- Summer’s End -- the Veil between the Worlds is at its thinnest, and in the Northern Hemisphere, our bodies, minds and spirits respond to the dying vegetation and longer nights by preparing for the advent of Winter. While festivities around the time of the Winter Solstice are a long-standing tradition, our modern obsession with parties and presents in the weeks before Solstice distracts us from what Nature offers us at this time, and is the prime contributor to the often-flaming holiday burnouts that happen so frequently between now and the secular new year. Holiday burnout is particularly problematic among Pagans, Wiccans and Heathens. We strive to honor our own beliefs and follow our own (often young and fragile) traditions while meeting the expectations of a family that still celebrates Christmas. Sometimes, hiding our own beliefs seems necessary or at least politic at family gatherings, adding to our stress and feelings of burnout and disconnection. This stress begins in November, with the plans for the first of the season’s family holidays, Thanksgiving. If you were sitting there nodding your head as you read that last paragraph, take note: you really, really, really need to take some time for yourself. Not just the occasional Sunday morning when everyone else in your family is asleep or at church. No, you need to take time every day and some more time every week to renew yourself spiritually within your own tradition and let yourself tune in to the seasonal rhythms of Nature. Here are some actions you can take that, with intent, can be fit into a busy everyday life without too much difficulty: •Find a place in Nature you can visit every day. Yep, every day. If it needs to be a different spot on weekend days, fine. If it is just a tree in a sidewalk surrounded by an ocean of concrete, fine. You’ve got that, and the sky. The important thing is that you tune into Nature and give thanks – thanks to Nature, thanks to your vision of the Creator(s) and the Creation, thanks to whatever you are genuinely thankful for. Your heart knows what these things are – just listen. The ability to genuinely give thanks is a tremendously powerful magic that shifts lives – a secret you don’t always learn in Wicca 101. Once you have found one or two things to be thankful for, nurture the feeling of gratitude and look for

more people/beings/things that give you that feeling. You’ll find them, and your life will improve as you do, because the energy you put out into the world will change. Touch base with Nature every day, and let Her know about the things you’ve found that you are grateful for. •Build an Ancestor Altar and spend some time with your ancestors. It doesn’t have to look like an altar; it can just be a few pictures and maybe a small object or two – an acorn, a feather, or a stone. Give honor to your ancestors; to your bloodline as it has stretched back through the centuries. If one of your ancestors was someone you cannot bring yourself to honor, then simply make a vow to those ancestors you can honor that you will transmute and heal any emotional poison still within you. There are ancestors who will help you heal, and others in your line whose spirits will take healing from yours as one candle takes flame from another. Work with your ancestors to heal not only yourself, but any disease or abuse that has occurred in your bloodline along the lines of time. Do this work at least once a week or so. •Sit down and re-vision your spiritual touchstones. What do you think is intrinsically right? What do you think is intrinsically wrong? What’s relative, and what’s in a gray area? What are the really important things in life? Spiritually and philosophically, what is the ground beneath your feet? Can you clarify what you believe for yourself? When you find them, write these touchstone ideas and beliefs down. These are the things you should never lose track of. This exercise is something you might want to consider doing at least once a year between Samhain and the Winter Solstice, and it will probably take at least 2 or 3 sessions of writing and thinking, as well as even more thinking as you go through your daily life. •Another good exercise for this time of year is to find a mass belief (one reflected in the popular culture, or what I like to call consensus reality) that is in conflict with one of your touchstones, but still affects you. How do you know it affects you? Because you see that at least some actions you take in your life are in line with this belief

and not in line with your spiritual touchstone. Then work to clarify your beliefs through thought, careful consideration, and synthesis of any conflicting beliefs, or just let go of the belief that limits you because it separates your life from your touchstones. Once you’ve identified this belief or beliefs, (conflicting beliefs around consumerism are easy to spot this time of year, as an example), then start taking note of where and how this limiting belief is brought into your life through your interaction with consensus reality – for instance, television, movies, music, or water-cooler conversations. Write or draw these things in your journal (a Witch’s, shaman’s or magician’s journal is a critically important tool). You can even tear pages from magazines or print illustrations from the Web. But get it down on paper, so you can really work on breaking the hold this belief has on you.

•Finally, be with the people you care about. Value them, nurture them, talk with them and laugh with them as we honor the dying of the year and then welcome the returning Sun. Don’t waste your time partying with people who mean little to you – your time is a magical gift you should give only where it will do you and others the most good. In both Astrology and Tarot the Sun is the symbol of the Self – the bright light of who you truly are. As we move into what can be a difficult season for many, give honor to that bright Self within as part of the honor you give to the reborn Sun at Solstice. Give yourself the time and devotion you need to shine. Bright blessings. Diotima Mantineia

If Our Pets Made Our New Year’s Resolutions

By Lisa Spector

While people have been making their own new year’s resolutions, I decided to let my dogs, Sanchez and Gina, make mine for me. Here’s what they had to say:  Take more walks (with us)  Spend more time at the piano (We love sleeping under it while you play.)  Take more breaks from the computer  Remember to play (especially with us)  Make more dog treats for us  Brag about us every day  Perform more concerts for dogs  Be patient with me in my senior years (from Sanchez). I’m giving you an opportunity to slow down and remember that every moment in life is a gift.  More agility training PLEASE (from Gina)  Help more homeless dogs If your pets made your new year’s resolutions, what would they say?

In the Before Time, soon after the world was made, Erishkegal ran naked with the animals, queen of the weeds and the wilds. The rest of the gods divided up the world and all within it amongst themselves; then they went to Erishkegal and said, "You take the Underworld. We don't want it." And so She did. In the Underworld She found a palace of lapis, but it was cold and empty and She had no clothes. She had only clay to eat, and only dirty water to drink. After a time, the gods above found Gugalanna, the Great Bull of Heaven, guilty of rape and other violence, so they banished him to the Underworld. There Erishkegal took him in, taught him the ways of women, and made him Her husband. Gugalanna learned from his mistakes, and his love for Her helped him change. As humankind multiplied and spread, the numberless dead poured down into the realm of Erishkegal. She swallowed them, and mourned, for they were Her children. Her belly grew great as She gorged unwillingly on the dead, and She cried out Her misery to the uncaring stones. One year, Gugalanna died. Erishkegal, Queen of the Dead, swallowed Her husband with the others. Then She wept, for now She was truly alone. When Her sister Inanna, Queen of Earth and Heaven, proposed to use Gugalanna's death as a pretext to enter the Underworld, Erishkegal flew into a rage. She commanded Her chief gatekeeper, Neti, to challenge Her sister at each of the seven gates, and to strip Inanna of her symbols of power. Though Inanna submitted to this indignity, when she came before Erishkegal, she did not bow down to acknowledge her sister's sovereignty here. She did not sympathize with Erishkegal's pain, nor even offer condolences for Gugalanna's death. Angered still further, Erishkegal struck Inanna down, and she fell dead to the floor.

Then Erishkegal ordered the corpse to be hung from a hook on the wall. She wanted Her proud sister to learn what it feels like to be left out, to be ignored and taken for granted and treated as worthless. Yet soon after, two strange creatures appeared at the lapis palace. They were neither man nor woman, but neuter. When they heard Erishkegalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cries, they ran to Her at once and wailed along with Her lament. Startled by their sympathy, Erishkegal ceased Her complaint. She asked the two asexual beings if there was anything they wanted, because they had shown Her such compassion. Humble before Her, they asked only for the corpse hanging on the hook. Erishkegal knew that Her sister would now understand Her situation, and so She granted their request. The two creatures gave Inanna the Food of Life and the Water of Life. Then they took Inanna back to the surface world. Erishkegal felt better knowing that someone understood Her and knew of Her service below. Indeed, Inanna counseled peace in the world above, so as to lessen the flood of dead that welled in her sister's belly. The story sounds quite different told from Erishkegalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, doesn't it? She didn't get to choose Her sphere of influence. The gods decided without Her, and gave Her a nasty, messy, miserable job that no one wanted. They left Her alone in the dark, without comfort or company. Then they exiled a rapist into Her realm, someone they deemed unfit for their exalted presence. Yet even in Her own distress, Erishkegal reached out to Gugalanna, and when he grew into a better person She made him Her husband. When he died, no one really cared about Her sorrow; Inanna saw the funeral only as an excuse to venture into Erishkegal's realm. She was proud, but worse, she showed no compassion for her sister's plight. Erishkegal, tired of being ignored and mistreated, finally lost Her temper.

She took Her retribution, but She did so in a way that would teach Inanna an important lesson about understanding. Afterwards, Erishkegal allowed Herself to be swayed by the compassion of the two asexual beings; She forgave Inanna and let her go. Erishkegal’s actions show us the strange dichotomy of Her nature. She is at once the Goddess of Thankless Tasks and She Who Complains. She can be cruel, but She can also be compassionate, and She always responds well to sympathy. She offers the hope of change -- but She also forces change on those who enter Her domain with arrogance. She holds the power of death, yet groans at all the death in the world. First, as the Goddess of Thankless Tasks, Erishkegal looks out for women who hold similar positions: jobs with miserable working conditions, unfair terms, lousy wages; jobs that nobody wants to do but which nevertheless must be done; jobs that are taken for granted by those who don't have to do them. She watches over the women who clean toilets, wrap bloody meat in neat plastic, and slave over greasy machines in hot factories. Because of this, a good way to gain Her favor is to volunteer: stay to clean up after an event, pick up litter, or fold newsletters. As She Who Complains, Erishkegal reminds us that sometimes, "Enough is enough!" It's okay to lose your temper under intolerable conditions, especially when someone barges in when you're working but doesn't offer to help. It's okay to say, "No! This is too much." By thinking of Erishkegal, we remember to set limits, to speak up when we aren't happy. She breaks the silence with her howls. Erishkegal also teaches us how to make our complaints effective. Pure vengeance doesn't improve the situation; only understanding can do that. When rowdy teenagers carelessly track mud all over a clean floor, Erishkegal is the one who tells them to go get some toothbrushes and start scrubbing! When you have a legitimate complaint, turn to Erishkegal for support. She will help you get your point across. Sympathy always attracts Her attention. If you want to include Erishkegal in a ritual, let Her know that you have heard Her side of the story. Show Her what you have learned: when a claims that no one ever listens, commiserate. Lend an ear, and a shoulder if need be. Volunteers who work crisis lines (for suicide prevention, rape crisis support, or other emergency services) draw her especial care, because they combine understanding with actions which can save lives. Call on Erishkegal if you need to explore your inner shadows, if you crave change but feel stuck. Don't ask for Her assistance unless you truly mean it, though; She doesn't pull Her punches. She'll get you unstuck, all right, but you won’t enjoy the process. Be prepared to have your nose rubbed in everything you’ve been hiding, or hiding from. On the other hand, if you believe in playing hardball when people seriously abuse their power, invoke Erishkegal.

She's good at giving big shots a lesson in compassion. When it comes to change, Erishkegal plays rough. Still, She does everything in Her power to lessen death in this world, because it causes so much pain. She understands pain very, very well. Although an Underworld goddess, Erishkegal champions the cause of peace. Thus, another excellent way to please Her is to help reduce war and death: write letters protesting dangerous weaponry, participate in a march against violence, or join a peace-oriented group such as Amnesty International. If you don’t have the time or skills to volunteer, perhaps you could send a small donation to a charity or other organization. Even telling the story helps. >>> Bibliography <<< The Book of Goddesses and Heroines by Patricia Monaghan. Llewellyn Publications, 1993. The Dark Goddess: Dancing with the Shadow by Marcia Starck and Gynne Stern. The Crossing Press, 1993. "The Descent of Inanna" Part 1 & Part 2 translated by Diane Wolkstein and Samuel Noah Kramer. Soul Rebels. No publication date listed. "Erishkegal" Wikipedia entry "Erishkegal, Lady of Shadows" by BellaDonna. White Moon Gallery. No publication date listed. "From the Great Above to the Great Below" by Dan Sewell Ward. Library of Halexandria, 2003. Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth: Her Stories and Hymns from Sumer by Diane Wolkstein and Samuel Noah Kramer. Harper & Row, 1983. Truth or Dare: Encounters with Power, Authority, and Mystery by Starhawk. Harper & Row Publishers, 1987. The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker. HarperSanFrancisco, 1983. I would also like to acknowledge the inspiration of various storytellers who keep "The Descent of Inanna" alive, especially John White, who first introduced me to Inanna and Erishkegal.

This poem was originally published in SageWoman magazine Vol. 31, Autumn 1995.

Scorpios are the most intense, profound, powerful characters in the zodiac. Even when they appear self-controlled and calm there is a seething intensity of emotional energy under the placid exterior. They are like the volcano not far under the surface of a calm sea, it may burst into eruption at any moment. But those of us who are particularly perceptive will be aware of the harnessed aggression, the immense forcefulness, magnetic intensity, and often strangely hypnotic personality under the tranquil, but watchful composure of Scorpio. In conventional social gatherings they are pleasant to be with, thoughtful in conversation, dignified, and reserved, yet affable and courteous; they sometimes possess penetrating eyes which make their shyer companions feel naked and defenseless before them. In their everyday behavior they give the appearance of being withdrawn from the center of activity, yet those who know them will recognize the watchfulness that is part of their character. They need great self-discipline, because they are able to recognize the qualities in themselves that make them different from other humans, and to know their utterly conventional natures can be used for great good, or great evil. Their tenacity and willpower are immense, their depth of character and passionate conviction overwhelming, yet they are deeply sensitive and easily moved by their emotions. Their sensitivity, together with a propensity for extreme likes and dislikes make them easily hurt, quick to detect insult or injury to themselves (often when none is intended) and easily aroused to ferocious anger. This may express itself in such destructive speech or action that they make lifelong enemies by their outspokenness, for they find it difficult not to be overly critical of anything or anyone to whom they take a dislike. They can harness their abundant energy constructively, tempering their self-confidence with shrewdness and their ambition with magnanimity toward others provided they like them. They relate to fellow workers only as leaders and can be blunt to those they dislike to the point of cruelty. In fact they are not above expressing vindictiveness in deliberate cruelty. They are too demanding, too unforgiving of faults in others, perhaps because they are not aware of the shortcomings within themselves, and extravagantly express their self-disgust in unreasonable resentment against their fellows. They do, however, make excellent friends, provided that their companions do nothing to impugn the honor of which Scorpios are very jealous. Part of the negative side of the Scorpio nature is a tendency to discard friends once they cease to be useful, but the decent native is aware of, and fights this tendency. They are fortunate in that their strong reasoning powers are tempered with imagination and intuition, and these gifts,

together with critical perception and analytical capacity, can enable the Scorpions to penetrate to profundities beyond the average. They have a better chance of becoming geniuses than the natives of any other sign.But charismatic "twiceborn" characters such as they can sink into the extremes of depravity if they take the wrong path, and the intensity of their nature exaggerates their harmful tendencies into vices far greater than the normal. Rebelliousness against all conventions, political extremism to the point where hatred of the Establishment makes them utterly unscrupulous terrorists. Brooding resentment, aggressive and sadistic brutality, total arrogance, morbid jealousy, extreme volatility of temperament, these are some of their vices. At the other extreme is the procrastinator, the man or woman who is capable of so much that they do nothing and become indolent and self-indulgent, requiring extravagant praise and flattery from those whom they make their cronies. Being so gifted, they can find fulfillment in many employments. Their inner intensity can result in the ice-cold self-control and detachment of the surgeon, the concentration of the research scientist, and the heroism of the soldier. Any profession in which analysis, investigation, research, dealing with practicalities, and the solving of mysteries are relevant, can appeal to them. So police and detective work, espionage and counterespionage, the law, physics or psychology may attract them, and they can become masters of the written and spoken word. They may be most persuasive orators and find fulfillment as diplomats or preachers and, if they make the Church their profession, their inner intensity can express itself in the spiritual fervor of the mystic or the thaumaturgy. Scorpio is the symbol of sex and Scorpios are passionate lovers, the most sensually energetic of all the signs. For them, union with the beloved is a sacrament, an "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.". Their overriding urge in loving is to use their power to penetrate beyond themselves and to lose themselves sexually in their partners in an almost mystical ecstasy, thus discovering the meaning of that union which is greater than individuality, and is a marriage of the spirit as well as of flesh. They are thus capable of the greatest heights of passionate transport, but debauchery and perversion are always dangers, and Scorpios can become sadistic monsters of sensuality and eroticism. Their feelings are so intense that even when their love is of the highest, and most idealistic kind, they are nevertheless frequently protagonists in tragic, even violent romances, "star-crossed lovers".

The Archer November 23 to December 21 Traditional Traitsâ&#x20AC;Ś..

Optimistic and freedom-loving Jovial and good-humored Honest and straightforward Intellectual and philosophical

On the dark side....

Blindly optimistic and careless Irresponsible and superficial Tactless and restless

Sagittarians have a positive outlook on life, are full of enterprise, energy, versatility, adventurousness and eagerness to extend experience beyond the physically familiar. They enjoy travelling and exploration, the more so because their minds are constantly open to new dimensions of thought. They are basically ambitious and optimistic, and continue to be so even when their hopes are dashed. Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. They are honorable, honest, trustworthy, truthful, generous and sincere, with a passion for justice. They are usually on the side of the underdog in society they will fight for any cause they believe to be just, and are prepared to be rebellious. They balance loyalty with independence. Sagittarians are usually modest and are often religious, with a strong sense of morality, though they tend to overemphasize the ethical codes they follow and worship beliefs about God rather than God Himself. This means that, negatively, they regard rigid, unloving, intolerant adherence to ritual and conventional codes as more important than the truths they symbolize or embody. They sometimes pay lip service to religions and political parties in which they have ceased to believe because the outward forms satisfy them, yet they may not hesitate to switch allegiance in politics or change their system of belief if they see personal advantage to themselves in doing so. They have both profound and widely ranging minds, equipped with foresight and good judgement, and they can be witty conversationalists. They love to initiate new projects (they make excellent researchers) and have an urge to understand conceptions that are new to them. they think rapidly, are intuitive and often original, but are better at adapting than inventing and are at their best when working with colleagues of other types of character that compliment their own. They are strong-willed and good at organizing, a combination that gives them the ability to bring any project they undertake to a successful conclusion. Their generosity can be balanced by their extreme care at handling their resources. Sagittarians are ardent, sincere and straightforward in love, normally conventional and in control of their sexual natures. Yet if thwarted, they may easily allow their failure to embitter their whole lives or they may revenge themselves upon the opposite sex by becoming cynically promiscuous. They are more apt then the average to make an uncongenial alliance. If their marriages are successful, they will be faithful spouses and indulgent parents; but their innate restlessness will inspire them to use even the most satisfying mĂŠnage as a base from which to set out on their travels. They need to fell free and are often faced with the choice of allowing their

to take over their lives at the expense of the love of their spouse and family. Sagittarian women are the counterparts of their men; even if they have no career to rival their love, they find it difficult to express affection and may run the risk of being thought frigid. In other personal relationships they are reliable, seldom betraying any trust given to them. They can, however, be impulsively angry and both male and female Sagittarians know how to be outspoken and exactly what expressions will hurt their adversaries most. On the other hand they are magnanimous in forgiving offenses and are responsible when looking after the elderly in the family. Their gifts fit Sagittarians for a number of widely differing professions. They are natural teachers and philosophers with a talent for expounding the moral principles and laws which seem to explain the universe. This gift enables them to be successful churchmen on the one hand and scientists on the other. The law and politics also suit them, as does public service, social administration, public relations and advertising. Travel and exploration naturally appeal to such restless souls and, if their opportunities are limited, they may find something of travel and change of scene in the armed forces or through working as a travelling salesman. Others may make fine musicians and, in the days before automobiles, they were said to be successful at horse trading and all activities, including sporting ones, concerning horses. This has been translated in modern terms into an interest in cars and aircraft - and again with emphasis on the sporting side racing, rallying etc. They are said to make good sports coaches, but their tastes in this direction may lead them into imprudent gambling, though the gambling instinct may be sublimated by carrying it out professionally as a bookmaker. The vices to which Sagittarians are prone are anger they tend to flare up over trifles; impatience - they want to rush every new project through immediately and demand too much of colleagues who cannot work at the pace they require; and scorn of the inadequacies of others while expecting fulsome recognition of their own efforts. They may in one sense deserve recognition, because in completing a major project they will sacrifice their health and family relationships; in their family's eyes they may merit condemnation. They can be exacting, domineering and inconsiderate in the work place; and boastful, vulgar and extravagant in their private lives. Their restlessness, if excessive, can jeopardize more than their own stability. some Sagittarians risk becoming playboys, wasting their lives away in frivolous pursuits. Others can develop a moralizing, religious fanaticism or else turn into hypocrites, their inner prudishness disguised by an outward appearance of joviality.

The Turkey http://www.auntyflo.com/magic/turkey# Turkey plays a great significance with Native American culture, even before the Thanksgiving festival. Eastern tribes have a peculiar way of consuming its meat by turning it into a type of jerky to maintain its meat quality. Indeed the turkey has always been a symbolism of prosperity and wealth. Turkey seems to infiltrate the culture of American Indian as it used as a sacrifice for various ceremonies. Up to this day, A certain ethnic group from Oklahoma still practice the traditional "Turkey Dance". Caddo people strut the Turkey dance to convey significant events that happened in the past. Recent findings at the Jaguar Paw Temple, an ancient Mayan archaeological site suggest that Mayans have been using turkey as an elite sacrifice. Turkeys have been domesticated by the Aztecs long before the Spanish colonization period. Did you know that the turkey we eat today was a direct descendant of the ancient breed of turkeys that the Aztecs produced? Chalchiuhtotolin, (Jade Turkey) an Aztec God was also part of its mythology. Also a part of the native Mexican culture, the Toltecs, uses the turkeys as a source of their headdress decoration. The turkey symbolizes the following attributes... •High sense of self esteem- feathers of turkeys are used to adorn their chieftain headdress. •Prosperity-Turkeys are always present on our table to celebrate a good harvest annually. •Benevolence-By being a source of nourishment, this creature has been generous enough to provide us with his delicious meats and eggs. •Sacrifice-Ancient cultures used turkey as a sacrifice for fertility and thanksgiving ceremonies. •Wealth.

It should be noted that turkey also shows a disturbance during bad weather condition, reason why the ancient culture used them to foretell the future. Up to this day even the breastbone of the turkey is use to predict the winter, light shades for a mild winter and dark colour for a harsh one. Moreover turkeys also remind us to cultivate our skills, it is significant to know and be one with our surroundings, be aware of what might happen. There are things that will happen that might jeopardize your life, turkey is a good teacher that we should avoid unnecessary confrontation, just by utilizing our skills. Turkeys also teach us to be grateful for the things that come our way. Not only that, turkeys also remind us to appreciate everything we possess now, instead of asking and seeking new things. Never forget to share what you have, be charitable to those who are in need so that you will receive the same grace when you are in need. Male turkeys also teach us to be proud and to showcase our strength. Spread our wings and reveal our true colours. It’s better to be appreciated for who you are than for who you are not. Deliberate that things that make you wonderful as a person. But having said that, turkeys also teach us when to use our energy effectively, this creature has a perfect sense of timing, it knows when to use its ability to out run predators. Turkeys remind us not to waste our energy to unimportant things. Overall, this creature is the best example of appreciation, gratefulness and conservation of energy. Turkey shows up as a spirit guide when... •You need to sacrifice yourself for a higher purpose. •You need to understand the gift of giving away. •You need to honour the earth mother. •You need have bounty harvests. •You need to share what you have with others. Call on turkey as a spirit guide when... •You need to sacrifice so as to achieve greater things. •You should be able to give to others. •You need to honour your parents. •You need to have what is enough for you. •You need to appreciate what you have.

If poppet magick was to be defined, it would be considered “sympathetic” magick. Like is, what like does. And while poppet magick, for the most part, is for healing it has however, over the centuries, been used in many different ways. Making a poppet is quite simple. It is usually made in the rough image of a human, though animals poppets are known as well. It can be made out of just about any material; cloth, wax, clay, various metals (lead, copper ect.) wood and so on. It is the intent and the energy that it is empowered withthat counts. The poppet is often filled with certain herbs depending on the desired result. Those of the VooDoun faith fill poppets or voodoo dolls or grisgris as they are also known, with personal items such as hair, nail clippings, articles of clothing ect. They then use these gris-gris for binding and for acts of revenge. It has been suggested that poppets were first used by Paleolithic hunters from about 50,000 B.C.E. An image of the animal being hunted was created, and a ritual resulting in a successful hunt was performed on the poppet. Indigenous people around the world have used this method of magick and in some parts of the world, they still do to this day. In ancient Greece (4th. century B.C.E.), poppets were referred to as “Kolossos”. Their primary purpose was for binding. This could be applied to one’s enemies, deity, ghosts and spirits, and so on. They were also used for healing and self defense of the individual or community and protection of boundaries. The act of binding was similar to the voodoo method. In that various personal articles were embedded into the kolossos (poppet). The kolossoswas then set upon by tying the figure up, mutilating various parts, and/or piercing it with thorns or nails. This was usually accompanied by various incantations and/or ritual in order to further enhance the binding. One example of these incantations is: ” O Hermes Katokhos, restrain ( name of person ) ! I commit __________ to the Gods, to Ge, Hectate and Persephone! I bind _________, born of _________, in your presence, Hermes Katokhos. May he/she be restrained in hand and foot and body! ” The kolossos is then concealed by burying it or sealing it in a jar or clay pot. or cast into the deep sea. Among the Greeks and Hellenes the most common material for making poppets were clay, wax and lead. The Babylonians often used poppets for defensive or protective magick. They were often made of clay or wax. These poppets were place around the entrances to their homes and still others were buried, depending on the need. The ancient Egyptians also used poppets for protection from their enemies. Spells of destruction were written on the poppet and then smashed and buried. The point being made is that poppets have been in use for centuries and in different ways by many diverse cultures.

In the United states, mountain folk, particularly the women, have used poppets for ages in order to attract and bind a lover. After casting a binding spell, they would bind the poppet with string or a ribbon and then conceal it where it could not be found. If found the spell is broken. Witches often use poppets for healing and love magick. Though one should not use these for binding magick. When doing a healing spell using a poppet, first stuff it with Calendula ( a good healing herb ) and then do a naming ritual, using the name of the person that the healing is for. Here is an example: ” Image of health, your purpose is healing. I bestow upon you the name of _________ . Their body is your body. Their thoughts are your thoughts. Their emotions are your emotions. Their state of health is your state of health. I proclaim you both as one entity! ” Here is an example of a healing spell: Material needed:  1 Yellow candle  herbs of calendula, Lavender, and Rosemary  Clear quartz crystal  Photo of the patient  Any personal articles To be performed on a Sunday; Stuff the poppet with the herbs and place the crystal at the heart of the poppet. Seal the poppet and do the naming ritual. Light the candle and visualize the patient as being healthy and energetic. Chant three times: “Lavender, marigold, and rosemary The body, soul and mind are free Crystal of quartz, take the pain away Whole and healed and free today With harm to none My will is done So Mote It Be!” Bury the poppet on the same day. The same procedure should be followed when using the poppet for love magick. (Attracting love, not binding ones emotions. Remember the Threefold law. ). Use herbs associated with love magick to stuff the poppet. Some of these would be Lavender, Rose, Patchouli and Basil. Some of the crystals that you could use are Lapis Lazuli, Alexandrite, Malachite, and Jade. Do the naming ritual, using aspects of love in place of healing. And then do a love chant, repeating it three times. Afterwards bury the poppet.

Color plays an important part when doing magick. And the color of the cloth used in poppet magick is no different. The colors can be used alone or in combination with other colors. Following are a few colors and their associated meanings to help you get started: White – This is a universal color and can be used for just about any type of spell. It is often used for spells pertaining to spirituality. Green – To be used for spells of prosperity, healing and fertility. Red – Poppets made of this color are used for blood related diseases, sexual passion and courage spells. Blue – This color is for emotional and mental healing, harmony and all round good health. Black – Used to reverse curses or spells cast against you and to stop harmful gossiping. Yellow – Used as an aid in mental healing. Pink – A poppet made of this color cloth is for fertility, love and compassion towards others and yourself. Brown – Financial success and to attract gain . Orange – This color is used for success and to attract positive energy. Purple – The color of this poppet is used to enhance psychic ability. HOW TO MAKE A POPPET To make a poppet, take two pieces of cloth with right sides facing each other. A bit of fabric from an old shirt or other garment is best. From them, cut an image of a person (yourself). Sew them together, leaving an opening for stuffing. Next, take a dried rose and pull the petals off in a counterclockwise manner, repeating, “Doubt torn away, confidence today.” Place the petals inside the poppet and sew up the hole. On the outside, paint or embroider a word or emblem which symbolizes uncertainty to you. Then place the poppet in the light of a waning moon to reduce your reservations. After 10 days bury the poppet along with your hesitations. POPPET HEALING SPELL Take a poppet and sprinkle it liberally with blessing oil. Rub a perfume oil all over your hands and hold them over the dolls head, palms open and say: You are very ill-be healed You will recover-be healed Heal! Heal! Heal! Now blend equal amounts of Rosemary perfume oil, Violet perfume oil, Voodoo oil and Damnation powder. Mix thoroughly until you have a paste. Completely coat the doll from top to bottom with this mixture and repeat the words given above. After several times, carefully wrap the coated doll in a piece of red cloth and hide it away, it must not be seen for several days. Then take the doll and burn it and scatter the ashes to the wind.

MAGIC POPPET  Grave dirt or earth  Rosemary or Sage  Piece of smoky quartz  Piece of amethyst  Some item from the person A poppet can be sewn to represent the malicious person. Fill it with earth (grave dirt if you can find it), rosemary, sage, a piece of smoky quartz and a piece of amethyst. Also enclose a piece of the person’s fingernails, a lock of hair, or another personal item. Handwriting can be enclosed if you have nothing else. Photos can be used also. SPELL TO BIND AN ENEMY A poppet to represent the person you wish to bind; Patchouli leaves ; Frankincense; Charcoal block; Black candle; Red ribbon; White cloth Make a poppet to represent the person you wish to bind. Burn patchouli leaves and frankincense on a charcoal block. Light a black candle and pass the poppet through the incense smoke saying: Hecate, great Goddess of life and death, I ask you to acknowledge that this Creation of cloth be known as Flesh and blood of.(name). Wrap the poppet tightly in red ribbon, paying close attention to the area you wish to bind, i.e.: the genitals of a rapist, the mouth of a slanderer. As you wrap, say: Between the worlds in Hecate’s eyes you (name) are bound powerless. In the eyes of this world, you are harmless. Imagine a heavy net made from a white light. Imagine the net clinging to the poppet. Wrap it in a piece of white cloth and bury it close to the person’s house (or by the ocean and bid the sea to bless it). MAGIC GOSSIP STOPPING POPPET Using black felt, a needle and thread, and stuffing, make a simple poppet to represent the offender. Cut a slit into the fabric for a mouth and stuff it well with slippery elm. Sew the mouth shut with a six-stranded piece of purple embroidery floss. As you sew, say: “Your mouth is closed. You cannot speak To gossip, slander, or havoc wreak. Your mouth stay shut, but only ’til It speaks of friendship and good will.” Place the poppet in a box. Stuff the box with paper to force the poppet’s face into a corner. Leaving the poppet as such removes the offender’s urge to gossip. ~ by Stacey This article can be found at The Daily Wicca Web Site http://dailywicca.com/ at; http://dailywicca.com/2011/04/24/poppet-magick/ You can also follow the Daily Wicca on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/DailyWicca/174914099248566

Dear Readers, Recently a dear young friend of mine passed from this plain. I met him a few years ago at a local group gathering. When I met Austin he was about 15, full of life, curiosity, the desire to know and understand everything in his world. His lovely mother had recently joined our group and he wanted to be trained in ALL the workings of "Magic", the kind seen in movies. Someone had told him that IF we were truly Witches, we would be able to teach him HOW to do all those marvelous feats of movie magic. I spent a few hours with Austin that afternoon and from time to time on other occasions discussing the difference between "Movie Magic" and what I perceived Magick to be. I know a few other individuals did the same thing but, in the end, he seemed very disappointed because none of us would "give him the power" to vanquish his foes in a puff of smoke or turn a pile of newspapers into spending money. The very concept of reading and studying certainly was not anything Austin wanted to hear as, since it's shown in movies and on TV, magic comes automatically to anyone who desires it. As with most teens today, Austin was well verses in FX Magic, be it the magic of witches, vampires, or aliens. Someone had told him that he could do any of this himself IF he located the right teacher so why should he spend time reading, studying and practicing. He finally told me that I didn't know what I was talking about and obviously was incapable of doing magic. With a few exceptions I've avoided watching most of the TV shows and many, many of the movies using "cinematic magic". You see, I got my working start in a movie theater and I have worked and managed movie theaters a few times in my many years and I KNOW about the film tricks (FX) that has been and continues to be used in movies and TV. I respect theses imaginative individuals though I don't always respect the final movie or show. Unfortunately some of our youngsters today seem to have a great deal of difficulty distinguishing the difference between reality and "filmality" (the manipulation of graphics to enhance the movie/TV story line). Yes, in the movies and early TV it was very obvious what was real and what wasn't, but, as with everything, we, the viewing public, have asked for and gotten better and better special effect, more "realistic" story lines and more "realistic" viewing material (though I'm not really sure just how realistic some of the recent vampire "blood bath" films are). I guess my point here is this, many, many individuals, both young and old, who seek "Magic" through paganism and the Craft, for personal gain or retribution or even "fun", look at

what we do as "Movie Magic". This is also true of those who condemn us. Because we have, for whatever reasons, hidden and shielded ourselves from public view for so long, our actual paths and training are, for the most part, totally unknown to the general public. It's no wonder that people are confused and become opposed to our personal paths/religion. Through our own reticence we have encouraged the public's lack of knowledge about our practices. Things are starting to get better BUT we have a long, long way to go. In the meantime, I do have a couple things to ask of you: 1) First, when you watch or discuss a movie or TV show featuring Witches or Pagans and their practices and those practices are shown as "special effects", please, please, please let it be known several times through your discussion that the "magic" that is being shown is IN FACT "movie magic" and usually not the real thing. Do this with children, teens, everyone else who watches, even those individuals who profess a pagan path. 2) NEXT, and perhaps more importantly, discuss WHY the individual(s) decided it was necessary to use their "magic" in the development of the story line. Was it to protect themselves or another person; for personal gain; for revenge; or just to advance a rather shallow story line. What was the reason? This is such an important part of actually being a Witch, Wiccan or Pagan. When is it necessary to put our "magick" into play and WHAT will be the FINAL outcome of our actions. There are some remarkable movies out there that show Witches and Pagans in good light but by far more films and shows portray us in darkly antagonistic situations. You are saying, "Well, of course they do because that's the story!" and I agree BUT those formative minds who know only what they see on the screen see us from a whole different perspective. I just ask for you to be prepared to defend responsible movie or TV watching and ask the question, "Why would any sane person, regardless of their personal capabilities or belief system, do what was on the screen KNOWING that in the end their negative actions would come back upon them and kick their butt?" I have recently begun watching "Charmed" as I didn't see it when it first appeared on TV. Yes, I know, what a fluff piece of cinematic blather and for the most part, as far as the "magic" I must agree, however, looking beyond the film trickery, there is a much more important message. The "Charmed Ones" learn, over time, that NOT ALL situations require them to perform magick or to even take any action. They also learn, very early

on, the importance of reading and studying BEFORE attempting any "magick". This concept was echoed in "Practical Magic". These two important elements of "Magick" are shown over and over again in most film portrayals of Witches, Wiccans and Pagans. They may be hidden in the blood, guts and gore, the flitting and flying around or even the instantaneous manifestation (or demanifestation) of persons or objects pertaining to the story BUT somewhere within the story line are the lessons of the necessity of learned knowledge and selfcontrol. As Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans, it is our continuing responsibility to encourage those seeking to follow our path to study and learn all they can, to understand as completely as possible the importance and responsibilities of this path they seek. Not every individual seeking will be fortunate enough to find a coven or group that will welcome them in and train them. For that matter most will come to this path solitarily, which is fine, but it is OUR COLLETIVE responsibility to assist them in any way we can. This may include long conversations over coffee, late nights on the phone when sleep is calling us, or extended texts, face book message entries or emails and don't forget those panicky requests for prayers and lite candles to help them find their way through antagonistic bosses, friends and families. This is the responsibility we accept when starting down this ancient, lonely path.

I know I didn't answer Austin's questions and desires the way he wished me to. I know that he went back to whomever he had been talking to and told them I was totally full of "IT"! It's very hard to accept that possibly at some time I could have made a difference in this young man's life, perhaps changing the outcome and seemingly failed to so. Many of you will say that it just wasn't his time to walk the path and, perhaps, in his own way, he now is. I've had several long conversations with Austin since his death. He bares malice toward no one and wishes only the best for his family and friends. A calmer Spirit I've never contacted, but I will always wonder if I tried harder to explain to him what "REAL MAGICK" is, would it have made any difference in the outcome in his life. In Blessed Memory to Austin Earl Wilson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, who passed on October 8th, 2013. A Blessed Thanksgiving to all of you here in the States Many Blessings to all of you around the World

Gertrude Moon, CC

The lyrics from ‘Tears in Heaven’ by Eric Clapton: Would you know my name? if I saw you in heaven, will it be the same? if I saw you in heaven, I must be strong, and carry on, I know I don't belong, here in heaven, would you hold my hand? if I saw you in heaven, would you help me stand? if I saw you in heaven, I’ll find my way, through night and day, cause I know I just can't stay, here in heaven,

time can bring you down, time can bend your knee, time can break your heart, have you begging please, beyond the door, there’s peace I’m sure, and I know there'll be no-more, tears in heaven, would you know my name? if I saw you in heaven, will it be the same? if I saw you in heaven, I must be strong, and carry on, cause I know I don't belong, here in heaven.

Wicca: Growing Deeper Like the River

By. Sage Runepaw

Photo by; http://www.fbcoverfx.com/covers/others/witchcraft-wicca-wiccan-witch-45.html

Wicca is not dying or already dead as some may think. If you hold this thought, I ask you to read on with an open mind. Considering how new the religion is, and that those of us who have fought for what we believe in and have seen such great progress in its growth, it is part of its life cycle to- once spread and be more widely known about (if not necessarily understood) - grow deeper. I'm shocked that anyone would call it dying or dead- it's hardly even a hundred years old, yet I have heard some people saying such things. What seems to have happened is that great minds helped spawn it and brought important growth and ideas together. After fighting for it and discovering how broad it truly is, people who call it dead or dying may now simply perceive the stillness that it is coming to in this life stage. Like a river, it first runs fast, wild, and widens out; then as it matures, it grows deeper. We have so much that it draws from and this brings to it the flexibility required. We don't need a centralized leader to tell us what to do. It's between us and Deity/Source itself. And for those of us who feel the need for a 'leader' - that's what our HPs, HPs, and ministers and reverends are for! We are there to help facilitate and enrich the experience if difficulties are showing up for an individual. We are here for each other! The river became new, ran wild, gathered ideas, established itself, continued, and grew broader. Now, it is growing deeper. Wicca cannot die. It will only shift forms until and unless every last Wiccan out there forsakes his/her vows to Divinity and starts hurting people for fun. After all, the Wiccan Rede is what binds Wiccans together (not so much for witches, and no worries, problems, or

accusations there. It is simply my mentors and HPS/HPs who have taught me the Rede is followed by Wiccans; not all witches follow the Rede, etc) . If you are a HP or HPs or elder questioning if Wicca's dying or if you think it is already dead, then were you ever serious to begin with… and if you're saying those things, what happened that led you to be less serious about it now? It sounds harsh, but objectivity must be present in times where truth is sought. One cannot, in my opinion, simply take a look at Wicca as a whole, and say, “Oh, it's dying” or consider my time involved with Wicca to be a 'waste'. We are all evolving on personal levels. Wicca as a religion is no different, simply a larger thing than we are and with its own path. Are you still validly serving Them, or are you copping out and taking an easy way to backing out? Are you stagnating in your personal practice? I mean neither insult nor disrespect to you with this article, but I will if necessary bonk someone over the head with words (with no harming intent!) until they open their eyes if they have shut them for some reason or another. And if it's a perceived lack of 'good' HP/HPs- see what your shortcomings are, see what the holes in those HP/HPs are, and heal 'em up! Our teachers must likewise be capable and up to the ability to help newcomers. I would grieve if any of my HPs or HP came to me one day and told me they thought Wicca was dead and/or dying. During my time learning with the River Shadow Tradition, the river analogy kept coming up and it's a good one. As I already mentioned, Wicca is like a river. It starts with a few desires and thoughts of those who start its flow. Then others join the river and seek to know where it goes and in the process, change and

evolve as they reach different degrees of self-understanding. There are a few rocks along the river's path but water flows and goes around, over, or erodes them away. As time progresses, that river adapts to its landscape and sees new things as new ideas form and grow. We have experienced this with Wicca as the main branches- Alexandrian, Gardnerian, British Traditional, etc- branched out into many other branches and flavors and continued to grow. The river then seems to go still and be tranquil when it reaches a certain breadth. Look at Catholicism/Christianity for another example. Methods of doing services and 'what to do' varied wildly for the first 500 years after Jesus (one of the five in Nazareth at the time, anyways) died and that whole shebang went down. Wiccan elders who are claiming that they're disappointed with their perceived lack of growth or progress over the last few decades seem to be missing a basic point. As another person mentioned in a Witchvox article a few years back (which, if I find, I will reference in an edit to this which I'm writing) , the great influential famous figures of Wicca also sought for us all- and future witches and Wiccans- not to need any further 'greats'. They wanted us to be smarter than to rely on another up-and-coming figure and while we may be blessed with amazingly talented witches and Wiccans along the way, we already know by looking at other religions that we are not to lose our way by worshiping the figurehead rather than that figure's teachings and integrating them into our lives for our personal evolution and self-betterment! We have such a rich, beautiful religion and we are truly blessed to have it and be a part of it. Look at how much there is to learn from a beginner's perspective.

To this end, I am with a coven learning the basics all over again and I am still learning new things about that which once was new to me and then became taken for granted as ease came in with practice, seeing how others learn and integrate the teachings, how I learned, and learning new ways of doing things. With the river, it never stagnates. You might say, well, with covens, they come and go. Yes, they do, as they are living, magickal entities just as we people are. However, that's not cause to think that if this happens continually, Wicca will die out. And if you believe in a need for a central authority after all- personally I think that would doom it! A singular authority is a singular point of existence, and let's look at all the shortcomings of past leaders in any capacity. Bias is an individual thing and all suffer from being in a human condition and therefore unable to please everyone and be the All-Wise-Knowing-ReveredLeader. It is our- Wiccan consensuspreference that we not have a central figure, and for good reason, and if Wiccans as a whole did up and go “You know what, we actually do need this person to be in this position”- that's when I would grieve for Wicca. However, I would grieve most if every Wiccan mutually abandoned the Rede and knowingly went around harming people and the very deities and ethical guides that helped shape it and themselves. I'm sure every individual ancestor who died for religion or under religious oppression or even practiced similar to what we have today would come up from their graves and slap us upside the head for those sentiments, calling our religion of choice dead or dying. If you hold anti-Catholic/Christian sentiments within you as a witch or Wiccan- why? You divorced yourself of that religion when you left it. It is no longer with you except in your memories and that is the only place where you might need to do some healing in order to let go of and come to harmony with it. Please don't go around saying our religion needs to supersede other religions- No! That's neither the point nor our purpose!

I was stalked by a priest who called in to my public high school trying to commit me to a mental institution for “questioning God and asking if other religions were equally valid”, and yes, it took time to get over that and heal, but I bear no anti-Christian/Catholic sentiments except some sadness that the more narrow-minded individuals who happen to believe in that religion bear us ill will and don't necessarily want to open up to tolerance of other religion, especially here in the United States, where religious freedom is held dear. Gods forbid that we choose to come out of the broom closet or stay in it in case we become like that poor kid over in the UK this past Christmas. Whether or not we do must be an individual decision. A religion is there to help individuals interface with Divinity and provide a moral/ethical framework upon which they can evolve. Don't be disappointed in Wicca or call it doomed to die out based on your prejudices or anti-other-religions sentiments. Instead, ask how you can enrich your practice if you feel that you are growing dissatisfied with it. Wicca and witchcraft has its challenges, but if you can't handle it, what are you doing and when will you step up and work proactively with them to overcome them? What can you do, or what are you notdoing? Are you seriously calling Wicca dead or dying based off your own thoughts, opinions and/or biases? Like the wild river that grows, seeing many cultures and beautiful things and ways of practicing, we are now in this period of stillness where our devotion and connection must grow deeper. Just because we look upon a still pond and cannot see the bottom does not mean the pond is shallow or deep. It simply continues downward rather than expanding outward. Shallow or deep is our perception- and while some may insist that it actually -is- a certain measurement to the pond's floor, we are placing our own fallible discernment upon it using a human construction (measurement methods) . Calling Wicca dead is like this. With the river analogy, the river grows deeper while continuing onward. Its journey ends with the re-union of Deity and the individual. Our line of “Thou art

God/dess” already reaffirms this! As long as we contain divinity within us and exist, and even exist beyond this world as energy, as long as we continue to uphold our personal honors, and actively live our personal promises to Deity and to ourselves to live, grow, learn, reciprocate with that around us, Wicca is alive. Wicca is not dying. If you believe that it is, I ask now that you go before Deity and question your devotion to the religion, to the deities/Source whom you serve and represent here in this manifestation of Their will, love and lust for existence, and if your own personal practice is stagnating. This stagnation often occurs when we feel we have learned a lot and don't particularly know which direction to choose next. It challenges us to think, feel and live our practice in new ways… and not just that, but also to bring our knowledge to the newcomers. We are the light for those who seek us and we ever must be as long as we are true to ourselves and to Deity. If not, we would be mere mockeries of ourselves and bring dishonor to our students, future seekers, and the Sacred Ones. Shadows are simply the absence of light, but there is no light without shadow. This balance is needed in order to understand. If you are a torch looking at Wicca as a whole from the place of High Priest or High Priestess, and you say Wicca is dying, your shadows must contain things you should look at. You came to this point because of Deity and your choices to grow with it. Have you simply outgrown yourself, or are you in need of a new rebirth? Go before them and ask. Part of my challenge as a High Priest is that sporadic 'glass wall syndrome', where you feel stumped and reflect on how far you've come and where should you go from where you're at. Pick a direction and run with it! As I've told my students, “S/he who is lost has but every direction to choose from and any number of paths from that point onward to live! Now go pick one and go with it!” Continued on page 44

My first teacher, Alder Destiny, who gifted me with my first High Priestess to teach me, Alder Lotus, said, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another flame”. We become not just candles as we grow into high priest/esshood, but our own torches. Torches do not go out because they say, “I have cast enough light for others and lit several other torches, therefore I am no longer needed”, nor do they say, “The collective light has gone dim and what we have lit together is dying.” I don't personally believe Wicca will form offshoot religions. It's already as broadly varied as it can be and this article isn't about what constitutes a new religion vs. other religions' varieties still being umbrellatermed the same religion and whatnot. With each new seeker comes a new light. Upon my Initiation night, I thought to myself, “Even if Wicca stops being practiced by every individual on the planet, and by everyone living in the realm of spirit, I will still continue onward, even if proven it was all a joke to begin with. I will continue to live and breathe, Wiccan, because it is flexible enough to allow for personal growth.” Even if it proves itself outdated or silly or even somehow holds me back in some distant point in time, I know for a fact that it helped me reach a connection and intimacy with Deity and helped everyone who sought it through me, and that it's flexible enough to keep growing and adapting within me. That's all that really matters.

We are all here on this earth, nearly adults of Deity now, and here to help each other. Calling Wicca dying or dead is counterproductive at best and a lie at worst- be it to another or to yourself. I stand with Helios* on this 'issue'. (“for 'it may be an issue, but it might not'.”) When the river reaches stillness, its depths form. We are in the stillness where we move deeper with Deity or leave under the illusion that in its stillness, it has died. We are still traveling on our journey to the eternal ocean of Their love and spirit. Within it, we are one. We already are. These are my thoughts. Blessed be. Sage Runepaw “It is love which created the web and it is love which is needed to heal it. Perspective is everything, but love is all there is.” ~musings from my journal entry Re-printed with permission from http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a&c=words&id=151 87

Squirrel Pagan Symbol of Gathering and Activity

The squirrel's lessons are that there are no insurmountable

Squirrel Lore

obstacles and to balance life. She's the subject of legend and an autumn symbol, gathering food for winter. More than two hundred species of squirrels are native to all continents except for Australia and Antarctica. The largest is the Indian giant squirrel which can grow to three feet long. Although most live in trees, some species live in burrows or tunnel systems, where they hibernate during the winter season. There are flying squirrels; however they don’t fly like bats do, they glide. The most common fur colors are grey and red although there are black squirrel varieties as well. Squirrels are omnivorous and eat nuts, acorns, leaves, berries, roots, seeds, plants, insects, bark, eggs, baby birds and small animals. Their primary predators are raptors including owls and hawks, foxes, wildcats, raccoons, and opossums. Fleeing from these animals is the squirrel’s primary defense. The social rodents chatter to warn others of impending danger.

The Pennsylvania Dutch believe that when her tail is extra bushy and her fur is thick, the winter weather will be severe. People in some European countries think that people lose their hunting skills if they kill a squirrel. In some parts of the UK, squirrels are called tree rats. Whether it is considered good luck or ill luck to kill one varies with the location.

Squirrel Symbolism Her keynotes are gathering, preparedness and activity. Her cycle of power is year around and peaks in autumn. She symbolizes problem solving, resourcefulness, storing for the future, planning ahead, balance in giving and receiving, playfulness, warning, discovery, change and getting rid of what isn’t needed, be it objects and/or negative emotions, memory and beliefs.

Choctaw Legend of the Black Squirrel The Choctaw believed an eclipse of the sun was caused by a mischievous black squirrel who would try to eat it. The only way to prevent this was to scare the rodent when he was ready for a solar meal. When the sun began to darken, members of the Choctaw Nation would shout that he was trying to devour the sun. Women’s and children’s shouts mingled with ringings of discordant bells and the sounds of tin pans and cups being beaten. Men stood in front of their homes that had river cane and plaster walls and thatched roofs, firing rifles at the black squirrel. The cacophony continued until the sun reappeared and the people believed it was safe from being eaten by the black squirrel.

Squirrel’s Lessons The squirrel teaches people there aren’t any obstacles that can’t be surmounted. Any problem or threat can be overcome by going into a higher place of the mind and forming a plan of action. The squirrel is one of the very few wild animals who is trusting enough to eat from a person's hand, so one of her lessons is for people to learn to drop their defenses, and learn to trust more. Another lesson is that there’s time for everything in life. The balance between rest, work and play is crucial to harmony and well-being.

SPOKANE PAGAN VILLAGE COMMONS http://www.spokanepagans.com/index.html November 3, 2013 - Squirrelly Productions - Remembrance Ceremony - "Celebrating Life" Our second Remembrance Ceremony will be at a truly magickal sacred space in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho this year. Admission is free. The event will consist of a Samhain ceremony where everyone will make New Year's Resolutions. One by one, each celebrant will be asked to place memorabilia on the Remembrance Altar, say a few words about a recently departed dear one and light a votive candle. A dumb feast, where we share favorite dishes of our departed ones with them, will follow the ceremony. Bring: photo or some memory of your loved one and their favorite dish. Ceremony will be outdoors and dumb supper indoors. Location & Time: Magick Garden, CDA 3807 Buckskin Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/Squirrelly-Productions/events/131292132/ November 6, 2013 - Squirrelly Productions - Coffee Social and Group Discussion Each month, a topic is discussed. This month: TBD Location & Time: Reboot Cafe, 501 South Thor, Spokane 11;00 a.m. http://www.meetup.com/Squirrelly-Productions/events/131292132/ November 9, 2013 - Spokane Witches Meetup - Monthly Meeting Location and Time: Riverpark Square, Kress Gallery 808 West Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 12:00 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/Spokane-Witches/ November 9, 2013 - Inland Empire Pagan Guild - Remembrance Celebration & Pot Luck Fog Moon: Day of Remembrance in Honor of Queen Sigrith of Sweden. $5 donation to help cover costs. Activities include pot luck, Asatru class and blot. Location and Time: TBD http://www.meetup.com/IEPGSpokane/?trax_also_in_algorithm2=original&traxDebug_also_in_algorithm2_picked=original November 11, 2013 - Inland Empire Pagan Guild - Wine Full Moon Gathering Location and Time: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 West Fort George Wright Drive. 6:30 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/IEPGSpokane/?trax_also_in_algorithm2=original&traxDebug_also_in_algorithm2_picked=original November 13, 2013 - Spokane Pagan Meetup, Monthly Meetup Location and Time: Riverpark Square, Kress Gallery 808 West Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 6:00 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/pagan-166/ November 15, 2013 - Squirrelly Productions - Pagan Pizza Bring your minions for a family night with the Nutz! Location & Time: Round Table Pizza, 1908 West Francis Avenue, Spokane, WA 6:00 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/Squirrelly-Productions/events/131292132/ November 17, 2013 - Roots - Scorpio Full Moon Ritual Location and Time: 327 N. Stanley Street, Medical Lake, WA 6:30 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/rootsgroup/ November 20, 2013 - Squirrelly Productions - Dream Dabbling with Shade Grown Coffee Come in and have a latte and discuss and interpret dreams! Location & Time: Reboot Cafe, 501 South Thor, Spokane 11;00 a.m. http://www.meetup.com/Squirrelly-Productions/events/131292132/ November 24, 2013 - Roots - Sunday Afternoon Reiki & Potluck Location and Time: 327 N. Stanley Street, Medical Lake, WA 4:00 p.m. http://www.meetup.com/rootsgroup/

Accepting the Divine ~ By Eleazar Rex.

This will be my second run at writing this. The first one became a convoluted mass of abstract concepts that was beginning to boggle me as I tried to sort it out. I’ve been poking at it with a stick, trying to provoke it to some semblance of life for a couple of days. I paused, stepped away and took the time to settle self and to do exactly what this article is supposed to be about. It is about accepting, and becoming aware of divine action within ones life. I write about myself mostly, yet with the awareness that I see many people struggling with the same problem in their lives. We do not walk a path, a life where we curry the favor of the Gods and Goddesses, nor do we beseech them for miracles and wishes granted. We instead, struggle to refine ourselves, and ask for guidance in order to empower our own desires. I can tell you with certainty, that the Gods and Goddesses do watch over us and they do act in our lives in ways we do not always perceive. I myself have had moments where I look back over a span of years and suddenly realize just how tightly the Goddess, God or both were holding me. Do I deserve this, good or bad I find myself asking many times? Do I deserve this action, this empowerment that is occurring in my life, or is it just some chaotic whim of chance? I have been walking through this valley for a couple of years now, actively silencing the tumultuous voice within, to HEAR the God and Goddess. I have always had a pagan heart. Yet in my upbringing I would be nothing more than a spiritual outcast, a black sheep denying the precepts of another religious paradigm. I have always had a pagan heart, and to explain the course my life has taken would seem only to be a score board and bragging session. I stand here, now in wonderment that I survived. I have had many occasion to look over my shoulder and realize that for some reason I lived when I should have been dead and with arguably wiser awareness can see many times that the Gods have kept me safe, always showing me the next finger-hold to grasp, and often in the bare nick of time. I shook myself out of a long lethargic period several years ago. Took up the call and a challenge to silence myself and walk blindly off the cliff. I have been, and work to continue to trust blindly, intuitively and instinctively in The Goddess and The God. Each time I do, everything works out in startling ways. No matter how stressful the situation is, learning to trust, and more importantly heed consistently the words and wills of the Gods has carried me through so many obstacles in the past several years I can only wonder now, “Why Me”? Do I truly deserve this favor?

At the same time, in the same place, a place that is everywhere and nowhere, my soul recognizes that I do. I have worked, even obstinately upon the course I chose, and always in pursuit of divine will. Every lesson in life, every trial and travel has been about learning to cope with an enormous array of situations and personalities. The last several years I have sought to employ that. I have actively asked the Gods to guide me, to lead me, and to inspire my directions and actions. Of course, as I suspected, even feared that it would, the Gods are leading me into the very thing that I denied becoming and the new struggle is to accept that and to rise to their challenges. I still wonder at moments if I deserve this, if I am truly fit for it, yet when I stop and listen, I remember always that yes, the Gods have purposes for all of us and while they may test us to our bitter limit, they will rarely if ever challenge us to become something we are not fully capable of becoming. The harder I work, the more blessings arise in my life. The more whole and healed I become and the more deeply connected and fully functional my spiritual life is. I have had to make changes, and yes I still struggle to balance the mundane world against the magickal, yet as long as I struggle to heed the Gods, the less difficult it becomes. I have at least learned not to question, not to argue with what the Gods bring me, who or what they bring into my life. I thank them for it, and ask for the guidance and wisdom to embrace and empower the situation or being, well most of the time. I’m still stubborn and obstinate at times and end up getting thrashed roundly by Coyote or Loki until I am laughing tears of frustration. Yet by and large I have learned to trust that I am hearing and heeding the Goddess and Gods guidance in my path and to quit questioning when they gift me with a blessing in any form within my life. I hope that in my own words, that one person finds something they need in this rambling, that these words light a spark for someone in the dark when they most need it. So Mote it Be.

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The Croneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cupboardâ&#x20AC;Ś cont. Continued from Page 15 The pan/pot must be large enough for the fabric to move freely in and completely submerged in the dye. 1) Prepare the fabric by soaking the it in a color fixative prior to dying. This will make the color set in the fabric. Allow the fabric to set in the fixative while you prepare the dye. Squeeze out the fixative water very well just before placing the fabric into the prepared dye. 2) Chop plant material into small pieces and place in the pot. I have been known to use my food processer for this as long as the plant material isn't woody. Double the amount of water to plant material (example: 4 cups of water to 2 cups firmly packed plant material). Bring pot to boil and then SIMMER for about an hour. Add water as necessary to keep the pot from boiling dry and burning your plant material. At the end you will want the same amount of liquid as you started with. 3) Strain out plant material. If you are going for a more organic look you might wish to leave some of the plant material in your dye to add "splotches" or dots. This is your decision. 4) Add your damp pre-treated with fixative fabric to the dye. Dying will take at least an hour. For a stronger shade, allow material to soak in the dye longer, even overnight. I prefer to leave the pot on a low heat as the fabric is dying as I have found that warm/hot dye seems to color better and faster than cold dye. I also stir the fabric every five minutes or so, always saying a few choice magick words over the pot/fabric for success. I use words that are connected with the purpose of the fabric (example: for a blanket or quilt - something for warmth of the user; for a sexy undergarment - well, you get the idea!). Stirring is important to keep dye lines out of the material. If it isn't stirred regularly, you run the risk of light and dark areas within your item. This will sometimes resemble the old "Tie-Dyed" fabrics from the 60s and 70s or it will look streaky. That's why it's a very good idea to practice before doing your final item to dye.

5) Your fabric has now been dyed and it's time to take it out of the pot. This will be messy at best so, if possible, take the pot with fabric in it out doors, set it on level ground and gently lift up your fabric, squeezing out the dye water as you go along (often you can use the same dye one more time which will give you a lighter item than before but will be of the same hue and could be used along with the first item). NOTE: Should your dye water be of a deep red or green, OR if you have any kind of plant allergy, I strongly recommend using rubber gloves to squeeze out the water. After the water is all squeezed out, shake the fabric out and drape it over a close line, fence or a bush to air dry. The more water you squeeze out the faster the fabric will dry. If the weather is too cold to do this or it's raining, do this in your bathtub or shower, just be sure to rinse the tub or shower very well afterwards. 6) I have found that it's important to apply heat to the freshly dyed dried fabric BEFORE gently washing it gently to take out any remaining dye. In ironing or putting the freshly dyed and dried item in the dryer, you will "HEAT SET" the dye making color more permanent. If the fabric is dryed outdoors, iron it, taking out all of the wrinkles. If the fabric indoors in the dryer, add a couple of old clean towels or pillow cases, then iron the it. 7) Now give your fabric a gentle wash in your washer with just a little detergent and fabric softener and dry it. 8) Your fabric is now ready for use. If you find that the fabric is not dark enough, you can dye it again, this time making your dye stronger by increasing the about of plant dye to water or changing the plant matter used. CAUTION: Most plant materials you will use will be non-toxic however check before using any plant you are not certain of as you don't want to release toxic fumes in your home. Pretty much if the item you are using is edible, you're probably safe. When in doubt, check on the Toxic Plant/Poison Plant website. You can make some fantastic items for your home, put new life in old garments and make some really beautiful gifts using natural dyed fabrics. This activity will help bring you closer to your ancestors and our Ancients. It's fun and very educational and always gives you a greater appreciation for those who came before us.

Blessed Be, my Children. Have a wonderful Holiday! Gertrude Moon, CC

Willow ~ by Laurie Brown

When we hear the word ‘willow’ the first image that springs to most people’s minds is the stately weeping willow. While a beautiful tree, the weeping willows (there is more than one species/hybrid with a weeping form) are too large for many people’s gardens. But there are at least a hundred different species of willow and they all have the same magical properties. There is a willow to fit into any magical garden! All willows are fast growing and water loving. They are important plants in land reclamation and biofiltration projects- their roots can filter a lot of crud out of water, prevent erosion of the banks of streams and rivers, and provide shelter for other young plants and for animals- their early bloom time makes them valuable food for pollinating insects. This water seeking behavior of willow roots, however, makes them poor candidates for planting near a septic field as the roots will invade the leach lines, clogging them. They can even make their way into older sewer systems and water pipes. The modern PVC (water) and ABS (sewage) pipes leak less than the older types and are much less likely to be victimized by willow roots. Willows make good windbreaks even in winter despite being deciduous because of the huge number of fine branches a willow has. As we all know, a willow bends instead of breaking when pushed by the wind- most of the time. The wood is weak, and a strong enough wind can over come it. It’s not advised to plant a large willow where the branches can grow over a roof because of this.

Genus Salix is undemanding; willows will grow in pretty much any soil and they don’t need fertilizing. They do, however, drop twigs and leaves pretty much spring through autumn and so are deemed to be messy. I might not put one right over a grill or picnic table because of this, but I don’t see what the problem is in the rest of the yard. These trees and shrubs are very easy to propagate; just cut a branch and put it in moist soil. Some will even root in water. They have so much growth hormone in them that willow water- water which has had willow twigs soaking in it- is used to stimulate rooting in cuttings from other species. So if you know someone with a willow, you can have one, too, for free! The weeping willows are the giants of the willow world. Salix elegantissima is hardy to zone 4 and stands 40’ tall; Salix babylonica is only hardy to zone 6b and stands 30’; for hardiness you want Salix alba tristis, the golden weeping willow. It’s hardy to zone 3 and stands 75’ tall; the young branches have yellow bark so it provides winter interest. We have the ‘Niobe’ selection and, while it’s supposed to only be hardy to zone 5, it’s gotten through winters here (zone 4) for over 15 years with no problems at all. It’s only supposed to get to be 40’ tall, but even at 15 years old it’s not full grown yet.

For a smaller tree, try one of the corkscrew willows, Salix matsudana tortuosa or ‘Golden Curls’ which is hardier than the species. It gets to 30’, is hardy to zone 5 (but, like the ‘Niobe’, has proved hardy for us with no dieback), has a rounded head but semi-weeping branches, and the curling, twisting branches have yellow bark. On these plants, even the leaves are curly! This is a very ornamental willow; the young branches make great filler for cut flower arrangements- and sometimes root in the vase. The Blue Arctic willow, Salix purpurea, is familiar to many people; it’s a large shrub that grows in a dense, rounded shape with blue gray leaves. It’s used in new housing developments a lot because it grows fast and makes good privacy screening. In places where the species is too large ( 10’x10’), there is a dwarf Blue Arctic Willow, that only gets 5’to 8’ tall and 4’ to 6’ wide. Everyone loves pussy willows, whose fuzzy catkins announce that spring is coming. Pussy willow is not a small shrub, however. It can actually get as tall as a house, but it grows slower than a lot of willows and it is easier to keep it pruned back to reasonable size. You can get the regular one with gray catkins, and ones with pink or black catkins. The showiest willow is Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’, the Japanese dappled willow. This is a very tall and wide shrub that bears foliage of gray green that is splashed with white and peach; young branches can sometimes have all peach leaves! As it keeps putting out new growth all summer, there is always bright new leaves that make it look like the shrub is in bloom. Make sure you have enough space for the willow you select before you put it into a tight space. They grow fast and while they are easy to prune, it gets

tedious if you have to give a 10’ round shrub a trim a couple of times a year. Even when it doesn’t outgrow its space, a willow will need some pruning after about 3 years. When the older branches get to be large diameter, the plants start losing their grace. Cut a few of the big, thick branches out at the ground once a year to ensure a steady supply of young growth, which bears the more colorful bark. When you find the word ‘withy’ in folklore, it is referring to willow. Willow has always been regarded as a useful plant, with products as diverse as baskets, wattle & daub houses, furniture, cricket bats, rope, paper, and tool handles being made from it. In addition, willow contains salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin, and has been used for centuries as a pain killer and to lower fevers.

Willows figure in religious and magical practices in numerous places around the world. Willow is one of the four species used for rituals during the Jewish holiday Sukkot. One of the symbols of Kwan Yin, the eastern goddess of mercy, is a willow branch. Christian churches in northern climates frequently used willow branches in the place of palm fronds on Palm Sunday. Willow is feminine and linked with water and the Moon. Goddesses & gods associated with it include Hecate, Hera, Artemis, Ceres, Persephone, Mercury, Belili and Belinus. This is the preferred wood of many dowsers for making dowsing rods. It is a great wood for wands, especially ones to be used for healing, moon magic or love magic. Use any part of the willow when making a spell of healing, to attract love, for protection, to inspire dreams and visions, or for help with writing projects. Its protective power makes it a useful thing to have to protect your home, your person, and, I’m thinking, your car- I’m planning on making a charm to hang from the rear view mirror! Willow has an association with death; I’ve seen weeping willows in many cemeteries but I’m not sure if this is a hold over of a folk magic practice or simply the fact that the tree ‘weeps’ like the families of the dead.

Old burial mounds have been found in England that were lined with willow. To conjure spirits, an incense of crushed willow bark (or sawdust) and sandalwood chips or powder can be used during the waning or dark moon. Along with wands, the supple willow makes an excellent wreath base; a star can be made across the wreath for a pentacle. Magical brooms are sometimes bound with a young, green willow branch- any time you are shaping willow, whether for magic or mundane use, use it when it’s fresh cut and green. The same holds if you are carving a charm or talisman; do the carving right after you cut the wood; if it dries out, it’s a lot harder to carve. And, as always, thank the tree or shrub when you take its wood or leaves.

Willow Poem It is a willow when summer is over, a willow by the river from which no leaf has fallen nor bitten by the sun turned orange or crimson. The leaves cling and grow paler, swing and grow paler over the swirling waters of the river as if loth to let go, they are so cool, so drunk with the swirl of the wind and of the river -oblivious to winter, the last to let go and fall into the water and on the ground. William Carlos Williams

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We believe that you are created with sacred worth. We welcome you and seek to serve you in spiritually uplifting and emotionally caring ways. If you are looking for a spiritual home and want to build a better life and world, then join us. Everyone is Welcome! 2900 South Bernard, Spokane, WA 99203 Unity believes that all people are created with sacred worth. We welcome all people and seek to serve them in spiritually uplifting and emotionally caring ways. We strive for our ministries, publications and programs to be free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, sexual orientation, or social or economic background. Our sincere desire is to create a spiritually-aware community that is nondiscriminatory and supports diversity. Nov 2 09:00 AM Landscape Clean Up 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Nov 3 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation Nov 4 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Nov 5 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Nov 6 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner Nov 7 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace 07:00 PM Unity Choir Nov 9 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Nov 10 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation 07:00 PM Crystal Bowl Harmonic Sound Bath Nov 11 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Nov 12 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Nov 13 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner Nov 14 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Unity Choir Nov 16 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots

Nov 17 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation 12:30 PM Oneness (Deeksha) Blessing Nov 18 08:00 AM Men of Unity Breakfast of Champions 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Nov 19 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Nov 20 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner Nov 21 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace 07:00 PM Unity Choir Nov 22 05:30 PM Crosswalk Nov 23 10:00 AM Outrageous Wild Women of Unity 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Nov 24 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation Nov 25 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Nov 26 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Nov 27 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner Nov 28 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Unity Choir Nov 30 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots

May We Never Hunger... By Alena Orrison

In the United States, November is the traditional Thanksgiving, a celebration of plenty of food and preparing and storing food for the winter. Not only should we give thanks in November, we should give thanks every time we enjoy a meal.

Sweet Potato Spice Muffins http://onceamonthmeals.com/sweet-potato-spice-muffins/

Ingredients: 2 cups flour 3/4 cups brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg 1/2 teaspoons cloves 1 & 1/2 cups sweet potato puree** 2 whole eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

**Jarred sweet potato baby food is a good time-saving substitute for sweet potato puree. Look for brands that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have additivesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;just the veggie and water. Directions: Beat eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, sweet potato puree, and milk. Stir in dry ingredients until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake at 375F in lined or greased muffin tin for 15-18 minutes or until done. Freezing Directions: Prepare as above. After baking, allow to cool, place in freezer bags, seal, label, and freeze. To serve: thaw and reheat in microwave if desired. 56

Taco Soup This one is a favorite of my family. My mom told me how to make it as a quick and inexpensive meal when I first moved into my own apartment. I’m sure there’s lots of variations of this, and it’s not original, but it’s still very tasty, simple and warming.

Ingredients: 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can black beans 1 can kidney beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can corn 1 can sliced olives taco seasoning to taste Corn chips or tortilla chips

Optional: 1/2 pound cooked ground beef, shredded chicken or other desired meat diced onion 1 can diced green chiles Garnish: Sour cream shredded cheese

Directions: Combine all ingredients except for chips and garnish, in a medium pot and heat on stove until warm. Do not drain juices from canned food. Serve over corn or tortilla chips and top with sour cream and shredded cheese as desired. Image Source: ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com

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Mourning Moon and Giving Thanks By Alena Orrison The Mourning Moon, also known as the Fog Moon or Snow Moon, is a time for reflection and letting go. It is when we look back on the past year and see what we hoped for but didn’t receive and say goodbye to those hopes, hence “mourning” as we mourn what did not come to pass. It is also a time to create new goals for the coming year. Sometimes this can be a big concept for even adults to grasp, let alone children. So how do we teach our children about the Mourning Moon?

In our family, we usually take a few minutes on the evening of the Mourning Moon and talk about what we wanted to happen wanted to happen this last year, what did happen, and express our sadness about not being able to do everything we wanted. Usually the smaller children start off with something they really wanted for their birthday that they didn’t get - and that’s okay. Ask them how they felt when they didn’t receive their most desired gift. Acknowledge their emotions, help them to clarify them if needed. Emoticons are great teaching. tools to help children learn what they are feeling.

Don’t forget to express your feelings of loss to your children during this time as well. It is important to show them that you feel sadness or disappointment when you do not get everything you want, too. They need to know that it is okay to have those feelings and how to properly express them. Frequently sadness and disappointment can manifest as frustration or anger if a child does not know how to express or explain how they feel.

A simple way to show the letting go of the past is for everyone to write or draw on a piece of paper what they are trying to purge from their life. Then simply bury the paper in the earth if the ground isn’t frozen solid by now, or burn it. Always be safe and smart when working with fire.

After everyone has had time to mourn their losses, go around and discuss what you have that you are thankful for. In the birthday gift example, ask them how happy they were to receive all the other gifts and spend time with their family and friends. This teaches them how to be thankful for what they have received - and lessens the feelings of loss just a little.

Sometimes it’s fun for children of all ages (adults included!) to make a collage of things they have in their life that they are happy and grateful for. It can be anything from pictures of family to the dog to their favorite toys and food. It is very important for the parent to allow the child to express their own happiness regarding whatever it is. As your child grows, they will learn that not everything in life that is important is tangible.

New hopes and goals should be next. Here you can incorporate a simple ritual as part of the Mourning Moon and Full Moon.

Ground and center, and cast your circle like usual. Call the quarters, the deities, whatever your family likes to do. For the body of the ritual, each person has a flower bulb. Out loud or silently, everyone puts their hopes for the next year into the bulb. It can be anything from wanting a new toy to getting better grades to learning how to ride a bike. Once everyone has had a chance to infuse their hopes into the flower bulb, plant the bulbs. Preferably this should be done outside but if your climate isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cooperative, just plant them in pots indoors to transfer outside in the spring. Then close the circle as usual. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple yet the children can easily participate and it will have a physical manifestation of their hopes.

It should not only be once a year that we show our children how to give thanks; it should be every day. We should be showing them how to be thankful for their clothes, their friends, their meals and everything else. Help them by teaching them how to say please and thank you to each other and others. Show them how hard you work to be able to provide for them, make sure to they write thank you letters or at least make phone calls to thank people for gifts received at holidays and birthdays. This has a bonus - it will also teach them to be caring and compassionate.