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Wiccan Thoughts
The Spelcastor Archives
(c) 2004 Spelcastor
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Here continue the Spelcastor Archives back to 1997.
These are segments from Spelcastor's Email Broadcasts of CUUPS Coming
Events that might be of interest to our later visitors to MoonPathCUUPS.Org.
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5/25/04
This Thursday's Topic is Sacred Stones.
Sacred Stones come in all shapes and sizes. There is Ayers Rock, a small mountain in the Australian desert. There are other such giants in the far West that are sacred to native Americans.
Then there is Stonehenge and other such large constructions. Stonehenge was built around 3000 BCE, 2,500 years before the Druids showed up.
Then there are the standing stones in places like Ireland. The weathered rocks might be imagined to be a troll, frozen in place. Some of these stones still have artistic carvings.
For folks like me with a lot of props, altars come in very handy. When I lay my stuff out on a blanket in the grass, my wine goblet falls over and my back hurts as I stoop to touch things. A table-like stone is useful.
Then there are smaller stones with special carvings. Some might be charms. Some might be markers. Some might have a special feel in the hand that shouts, "Throw Me!"
What's your take on Sacred Stones? We'll talk about them this Thursday at Study Group. Come get your rocks off.
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5/18/04
I look at the Celtic Path as seen through the eyes of the Christian invaders. I lament how the monks twisted stories as they wrote them down.
But at least they did write them down. Their predecessors thought that the written word was dead compared to the spoken word. And the Celts were once invaders too. Perhaps their culture and legends were also blended with those they encountered in their new lands. And Stonehenge was build maybe 2,000 years before the Celts arrived.
We can read of the races of Ireland, the Cessair, Partholon, Nemed, Fir Bolg, and Tuatha De Danann, and wonder each time what the older stories were like before the newcomers arrived.
And so we look back from our modern world from which we might be contaminated with Zoroastrian thinking that there are only two paths, the good and the evil. Those old time folks did not think like we do, and it's a journey to rediscover their world.
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4/28/04
Next week brings Florida Pagan Gathering to the top of our calendar.
This is a Beltaine Festival in St Petersburg, FL that will attract 300+ people. There will be rituals, workshops, vendors, labyrinth, Big Name Pagans, sacred fire, and other Beltaine festivities.
There will be both solitaries and covened folk, seekers and people of much experience. For some, this is a public part of their "solitary" world. They are out among Pagans of differing traditions. They are learning, celebrating, networking and playing. The solitary world is not necessarily solitary.
Many so-called solitaries have a web of community of which they are a part. Here they find friends, teachers, students and fellow travelers. Here they might find fellow Pagans that live close to them back home.
There are many ways to find one's path within the Craft. Festivals are one of the particularly fun ones, and such Beltaine Festivals dot the Florida map this time of year. Enjoy!
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4/20/04
Here comes Beltaine!
This Thursday we will share stories of the meaning and traditions of this High Holy Day. Down the hall, some of us will be rehearsing for the Ritual and Seasonal Enactment.
This Saturday we start at Noon. The handfasting is planned for 1 PM. Then there will be music, vendors and a workshop or two. We have our May Pole and the leaf chase in the Tradition of Sadie of the Hawk. Wear your Renaissance garb and bring your favorite beverage.
On another note, there is an organizational chart making the rounds that outlines who in the Pagan community is entitled to dump upon whom. I have reposted it at http://moonpathcuups.org/hierarchy.htm It really is insightful.
Have a blessed Beltaine.
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4/13/04
Tis the season for the transformation into summer. The Festival is called Beltaine. That is good fire in some translations.
Beltaine is a High holy day in Pagan Circles, second only maybe to Samhain six months from now. There are festivals popping up around the state. Covens and solitaries will be doing their own thing.
MoonPath CUUPS will celebrate Beltaine Saturday, April 24 from Noon til Dark. We expect a handfasting at 1 PM. There will be workshops, vendors and food. there will be Ken the Deejay and then the Bear with his Band. There will be the Traditional Leaf chase of Sadie of the Hawk. These will be a Seasonal Enactment, a May Pole and a Beltaine Ritual.
The cost of admission is canned goods for the Cooperative Feeding Program.
Here is a time to dress up in seasonal garb, frolic with fellow pagans of many traditions, and look about for fairies and magick. Why are we doing this in April? So you still have time in May to drive to the other festivals that are miles away.
Visit MoonPathCUUPS.Org/beltaine04.htm This is perhaps the sixth time we have celebrated Beltaine here in Fort Lauderdale. Do come out and play.
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4/7/04
This Thursday in Study Group we do an annotated viewing of the film Practical Magic.
What's the appeal of such movies? For a newbie, it's a way to see other folks doing ritual and magickal stuff. For wizards, it's fun to see what they got right.
Visualization has a bunch to do with spellwork, and here are some lovely visuals. The ladies do herbal magick, in contrast to runes, the Tarot, or just waving things about. Their musty books are quite artistic. There are sight gags and witch jokes. And, it's a chick-flick, just in case and chick-witches show up.
We will talk about what to watch for, view a section, talk a bit, and then fast forward to the next interesting section. There is a really neat example of invocation towards the end, but if you haven't seen the earlier parts, it won't work. It's just like real magick.
Bring your enchanted popcorn, and join us.
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3/29/04
We had a wonderful Ostara Ritual presented by our friends from Hollywood CUUPS. 100+ people showed up and there was much ceremony and mingling.
These Rituals are like the flower of a mushroom, those little capped things you buy at Publix. Unseen, beneath the ground there is an extensive web reaching out in all directions. I was happily not in charge, so I got to play Gatekeeper.
I greeted newcomers. Again we had visitors from Palm Beach and Dade. I spoke with several aspirants who are tired of just reading and out to experience how other Pagans do things. There was one Lady visiting from a magical land to the North that has so many HPSs that the appearance of a fresh aspirant produces a stampede.
There was someone wanting a handfasting and someone else looking for an initiation. I suggested that these folks really clarify their expectations. There were a couple of drunks that we guided off to the side so they would be less of a nuisance. Perhaps they won't come back. No one was asking for references on anyone, or volunteering any, this time.
No torches burst into flame in this Ritual, and there were no other unscheduled happenings. The neighbors have been calm of late, so we had no police. Cleanup proceeded efficiently and there are more people to add to this email broadcast.
We are an interconnected web. And you just never know who you might be standing next to in an Open Circle.
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3/16/04
This Sunday, 7 PM, we celebrate Ostara. Our friends from Hollywood come up to Fort Lauderdale to lead us in this Ritual. We expect a Wiccaning, a blessing of a small child will be included. Ritual garb would be colorful and bring something for the feast afterwards.
Our PNP, Big Name Pagan, Don Wildgrube is us leaving soon and says he will be at the Ostara Ritual to say his good-byes. Don has been around Paganism since Hecate was a virgin. In the 1986 revision of Margot Adler's classic work, Drawing Down the Moon, he can be found on pages 310, 315 & 397.
Don has a long association with the Church of All Worlds and Oberon Zell-Ravenheart. Do bring your copies of DDTM for Don to autograph.
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3/3/04
We had a delightful Ritual with Faerie Elaine Silver, out under the Full Moon with a roaring fire. It's posted at http://moonpathcuups.org/rituals/elaine04.htm Yes, we will do something similar again next year.
We attracted many sorts of people last Saturday. One had just come from seeing "The Passion." How ecumenical of her!
This Passion is part of the Christian mythos. Mythos is not to be confused with myth. Mythos is a scholarly term for the values and attitudes of a religion as transmitted through stories, legends, and art. Mythos is not necessarily myth, and some would be offended at the suggestion that their religion was untrue.
So the movie unfolds with violence and brutality, but everybody's got a mythos. In Greek legend, Prometheus, as a punishment for giving fire to humankind, was chained to a mountain top. Each day a vulture would eat his entrails out and each night they would grow back. This is even less of a plot line than the Passion, what with the same vulture and same restored entrails every day throughout eternity.
It's rough being a male God. They tend to get sacrificed, chopped up, betrayed, or slain every six months. Maybe it's a guy thing, but it is a common thread in legend. So if you want to feel closer to Prometheus, even if you don't get alone with Christians, go see the Passion.
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2/24/04
The Reiki program had a witchy spin and went well. The fed the homeless folks that the church was putting up and shared with them. None were interested in our program.
This week our topic is "To Coven or Not to Coven" Some people are solitaries by choice, by geography, or personality. The surveys I have seen say only 20% of the Craft is in a coven.
There are other ways to ritual and network. How might you pick a teacher, anyway? What if the teacher insists you do more than sit and listen? There might be work to be done. There might be favors to be expected.
How much time would you want to spend each month with any group of people? Are you a loner or a herd person? How well do you know yourself, and do you make good choices about people. Come share your path.
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2/17/04
Last Thursday we had a fine presentation on what it means to be Pagan clergy. For those who consider themselves clergy, it is important to remain aware of related Florida Statutes:
90.505 Privilege with respect to communications to clergy.
39.204 Abrogation of privileged communications in cases involving child abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
There are thoughts on seminaries at http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/p/spelcast/seminary.htm
This week the Muggles host two homeless families in our church. It's a community service and awareness thing, and these folks will move among many churches. Some of our people will make them dinner. They plan enough for 20 to be ready at 6 PM. It's for them, not us.
For our Study Group program, Beki will present on Reiki. For the sake of our visitors, this will be less frightening than a presentation on Athame Etiquette. These folks don't have to join us, but we don't have to terrify them. They will be two mom & kids families on an undetermined religious path.
So we help the Muggles. None of the host churches are allowed to evangelize. We will be good neighbors.
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2/11/04
This Thursday's Study Group topic is Pagan clergy. We have two folks from the UU Hollywood Fellowship that do that sort of thing. They will tell their story and then discussion will follow.
Pagans lack the infrastructure of our Judao-Chrsitian-Islamic neighbors. What is seminary training all about? Who counsels whom? What do we expect of our clergy and is that any different from anybody else?
What about legal handfastings, quickenings, vigils, and memorials, and, oh yes, ethics?
This should be an exciting evening.
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2/4/04
This Thursday In Study Group, we do Moons. There are the 12 moons of the year, each with a name, plus the Blue Moon. The Celts had one set of names. the Native Americans had another. There are Lunar Calendars. Bring your notes and stories.
Then we will go outside and do some empowerment and purification. We will make things up, divide up roles, and then go outside and burn things.
We have a departed friend, Andrea, and we will finish distributing her ashes. the minister wants us to get them out of her office after 3-1/2 years.
What's a pagan to do during a month without a sabbat?
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1/27/04
This week in Study Group, we make wands and show off our pointing devices.
I suspect that wands evolved from staffs. Since they are made from wood, they have been around for a very long time. Staffs became personal items for walking and also could serve as weapons. Recall that Moses and Pharaoh's priests got into a debate over who's staff was better than who's. Boys will be boys.
A wand is a shortened staff. Wands are more for the directing of personal power. A variation is the baton or rod. These are symbols of rank or power. And you could still give someone a whack with a sturdy wand.
Swords did not come along until the discovery of metals. First there was copper, but copper is rather soft. When copper is alloyed with tin, you get bronze, and that makes a more useful weapon. The Trojan War was fought with bronze swords.
Iron enabled the making of far better swords. Iron work was an art that was learned slowly. Thus were born the magical swords that sliced better than those produced by lesser craft people. And then there was all that magick of smelting, and fire, and forging that came with iron.
Some gentler folk in the Pagan community prefer a wand over an athame. That's their choice. Recall that in the Tarot deck, there are both swords and wands.
Some folks like to purify their athame with salt water. Remember that this is a magickal act and not a chemical act. Do not soak your blades in salt water, but keep them well oiled.
So bring your favorite pointing device to Study Group, and share with us its story.
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1/19/04
Next Sunday at 7 PM at the UU Church of Fort Lauderdale, we celebrate our Imbolc Ritual, the Festival of the Maiden Goddess, with a handfasting, a visit from the maiden, and too many candles. Everyone wear white, bring a dish to share in the feast, and watch out for open flame.
This Thursday, 7:30 PM at Study Group, we will share stories of the season and of Brigid, Ancient Triple Goddess of the Celtic World. Following Study Group we will do a walk through of Sundays' ritual.
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Before that, we will demonstrate how one might do one's private devotions with a goddess statue, candles, chants, oils and such. I have a Brigid made by Dryad Designs. These folks don't sell direct, so look around at your favorite Metaphysical Store.
This is the sort of ceremony you might do by yourself, or with a couple friends. Not all Pagan ritual involves 100+ people dancing around a fire. There are quiet times too, and they are no less important. |
Someone suggested that we are doing a Pagan Novena? Well, this won't last nine days, it's not for the dead, and not everyone is a Cathlo-Pagan. But check back at Samhain for the Hekate statue.
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1/13/04
Time for a casting call for our Sunday, January 25th Imbolc Ritual. I think I have a Maiden Goddess, Handfasting Couple, and lots of candles lined up. I am looking for Quarter Teams, Supporting Players, Infants and Enthusiastic People who can show up for a rehearsal.
People ask me questions like, "How to get Craft training when I live in the middle of Red Neck Land?"
I do know of an alternate community that might be useful to some. Their rituals look similar to ours. They like ceremony, candles, and robes. Woman tend their altars, although much of the priesting is still done by males. Like many of our covens, their priesthood has three degrees of rank.
After suitable training, prospective members are presented to an elder of third degree for public initiation. Both sexes are welcome, and there is a gay contingent; however, it is a wise person who sees that the women run everything
Although they look to their sacred texts for guidance in how to do things, at least half of their behavior is governed by local tradition. These traditions are shared slowly one-on-one with newcomers and only as trust is built.
These people are close to the earth, in that they like nice property. They enjoy gardens, ancient buildings, and connections to their history. Burial customs are important to them.
It is their practice to be nice to each other, even when they are angry. Among the inner circle, questionable behavior is noted, but nothing is said unless lines are crossed. Blatant rudeness can trigger expulsion faster than anything else.
Although there may be more that 100 in a local community, these people often divide into subgroups of 6 to 13 and these members are called Daughters. They revere a specific elder female who has passed to the Summerland. The doings to these small groups are confidential.
Members may stay within their community for decades. Should external circumstances force them to leave town, they have the option of joining a local community elsewhere. A letter from their former community will be requested. Whatever their past experience, they will be expected to undergo new training and initiations.
Have you recognized yet that the community I am talking about are known as Episcopalians? This is a joke, right?
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1/8/04
A special broadcast of local Fort Lauderdale news:
Dragnfli (AKA Janine G)'s father, Phileas Kadushin, passed to the Summerland and the Memorial Service will be at the UU Church of Fort Lauderdale this Sunday at 3 PM.
Janine is a beloved member of our community and her father was failing and had just entered a nursing home. The service might me more UU than Pagan, buy that could depend upon who shows up.
The Wheel of the Year continues to turn.
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1/5/04
Now it is time for us to plan this new year.
Our Imbolc Ritual will be Sunday, January 25. Is there a child out there in need of dedication? Is someone looking for a handfasting? Last call.
We are planning our Study Group programs. Sometimes we do presentations. Sometimes we do spontaneous rituals. Sometimes we do hands on stuff. We are always looking for suggestions and volunteers. This week our topic is Strega, Italian Witchcraft. Nereus will lead off, and we have a few questions about what a few grandmothers were once upon doing.
What else? Our recent Rituals are now posted online at MoonPathCUUPS.Org/rituals/ Sometimes one of our folks is ready for a dedication. It's been a while since we've done a ritual on the beach. Ren-Faire is coming. Here is another opportunity to dress up and act out.
Here begins the new year!
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12/29/03
Here comes the New Year on the Gregorian Calendar.
Even though this is a Muggle event, everyone, for a moment, becomes aware of the passage of time. This provokes thoughts on success, failure, and mortality. People get a little strange. The time is like the Dark of the Moon when the energy is confused, until Diana's Bow appears three nights later.
It is a difficult time for magick. One thing I like to do is a bit of purification. As the Earth spins through the stroke of Midnight into the next year, like a whirling lemon in a Sprite soft drink commercial, I toss a pinch of salt into the air. Salt is an ancient cleanser. At the moment of midnight, this salt may hold some negative energies back within the dying old year.
Soon, I will start thinking of Imbolc and the Candle Festival of the Maiden Goddess. I will be asking who has a child that they would like to dedicate next January 25th? A handfasting would work too, but you know how much witches like children.
Happy Gregorian New Year!
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12/22/03
We had a fine Yule Ritual. 130-150 showed up. The youngest among us, an infant drew a rune to foretell our future. The Rune was Thorn: Warning.
Thanks to Lady Valan the Druid and everyone else who made it happen. Thanks to the cleanup crew too. This morning I woke to hear that Homeland Security had raised the terrorist threat level to Orange.
We are about to pass through the Christian Christmas. Take some time out and carol back at your Muggle neighbors. Here is a link to Pagan Yule carols: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2395/carols.html
Folks who are into Christmas run around Christmas Eve and perhaps again on Christmas Day. By nightfall, they collapse with nothing left to do. We can fix that. This Thursday, in place of Study Group, we are holding yet another Open Ritual.
The Moon will be three nights past the New (Dark of the) Moon. It will appear as a thin curved sliver in the western sky. We will celebrate the Ritual of Diana's Bow. It's about new beginnings and female power, but the boys are welcome too.
So don your ritual garb, bring your leftover holiday goodies, anything but that fruitcake, and join us for a little magick. 'Tis the reason for the season,
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12/16/03
Now we approach the time of the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.
It was traditional in ancient times to do magick to turn the sun around and hasten the warmth of Spring. This Sunday we will circle for such a Ritual in the Druid Tradition. This Saturday there will be a Yule Ritual at the Miami UU Congregation.
In Study Group, we will make lofty discussion of the season, and when we tire of that, we will go outside and burn things. We will do a "lock and load" ritual. Without rehearsal, we will gather what emotions and needs we have for this season, and then divide up roles. We know the steps of a Ritual, so we will just do it.
So bring your lofty thoughts, and maybe something to burn.
'Tis the season,
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12/9/03
Tis the Season of Yule. We will celebrate with an Open Ritual in a couple weeks and there will be another in Miami.
But this Thursday, we talk of other things: the legends of Arthur, the Invasion of the French, and it's Impact upon the Craft. Bring your stories, pictures, lances and pointed hats. Let us bow to the Ladies of High Degree. Let us take up a quest. Let us listen to the Brits who assure us that there has always been something witchy about those French.
The more folks who bring in stuff, the better our program will be. Later, we can act out at the Renaissance Faire, but now we can be, the Lion in Winter.
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12/2/03
The Norman Invasion of England happened in 1066 CE. They took over and stayed around. Think what that did to British and Celtic culture. Compare it to other take overs, like the British in India in the 1800s or the US of the Native Americans.
There is so much more to history than the dates of battles and the names of kings. I look for the social impact of the grand doings of the powerful.
The local English had already experienced other invaders, including the Christian church. After invaders wipe out everyone they find troublesome, they romanticize whomever is left. In England, this went on from 1100-1300.
The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Manmouth became a best selling manuscript. There blossomed the legends of King Arthur. Arthur was probably an obscure warlord from the 600s. He was inseparably linked to the mythical wizard Merlin, an image of the traditional court Druid.
The Normans were French, actually French Celts, with a heavy Roman influence. Stories of courtly romance became popular along with legends of the Holy Grail and the Fisher King. Celtic tradition had long included stories of otherworld vessels and supernaturally powerful weapons. Old tales acquired a Christian veneer.
The Norman nobility remained in power and slowly killed themselves off in wars in Europe against France. The rise of the merchant class brought with it the strengthening of English values culminating with Henry VIII tossing Rome out of England. This was said to have something to do with a divorce.
Courtly wording has been carried over into early Craft ritual. Take a look at published Gardnerian writings. Merlin remains the role model for Wizards.
And one cannot be serious about Witchcraft without, sooner or later, encountering the French.
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11/16/03
See MoonPathCUUPS.Org/Starhawk for our very successful Thursday night rally.
Tips on dealing with TV cameras: If you want footage of you to be used, do not stare at the camera. Wear something that stands out: robes, horns, tattoos and such, or just be beautiful. Spelcastor showed up in street clothes looking like a church Muggle and was completely invisible to the camera.
A reporter's job is to see newspapers, or high viewer count. They have choices in what they say. They liked our fire, torches, and lanterns. They liked us so much they went live on the late evening news to cover us. They did not call us weirdoes or terrorists. We got good coverage.
I like to be polite to the press. Firm is OK, but I do not scream at them. Paybacks are rough, even when they are inflicted a week later on a fellow Pagan I don't know.
I am nice to the police, especially in my neighborhood setting. We will see each other again. They live in a different world than I do. I want to educate them.
Sometimes the magic works and sometimes it doesn't.
Listed in the events below are things happening next week in Miami. Be safe.
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11/11/03
This Thursday 7:30 pm, Starhawk will join us outside for an expanded Study Group to tell us about FTAA, Free Trade in the Americas. See more at MoonPathCUUPS.Org/Starhawk
Bring your blankets, folding chairs, water bottles, drums and ritual garb. We plan to start with a press conference. Yes, there will be cameras. If you are closeted, be warned. We will be outside. Hope the weather is good. We plan to conclude with a little magick. I have no idea how big this will be.
There is another group meeting inside, so we must not interfere with them, and parking will be tight. Let us all be good guests. I will have helpers parking cars and steering people to the right meeting.
FTAA will be a big deal in Miami next week. Check your local news source.
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11/4/03
The Samhain Season continues. Many of us are going to Florida pagan Gathering in St. Pete this weekend. There is a full moon, an eclipse and some sort of convergence.
We guess we had 390+ at our Fort Lauderdale Witches Ball. That was a really big rituals. It's posted online at MoonPathCUUPS.Org/rituals/sam03.htm
A bit of trivia: Over in Fundie Christian circles, there is a belief in the "Seltic" Dark God of the Dead, Sam Hain. This started with a bad translation from the 1700's, but these folks have picked up the story and now reference each other's version of the same misinformation. They like the idea of discovering a god that looks like their devil.
I found this story online and one of my Fundie buddies confirmed it. If you just dropped in, "Sow' en" is a celebration of Summer's end. The Celtic deities have multiple facets, but nobody is in charge of "evil." That's a Christian thing.
It is only in Fundie circles that this incestuous feeding occur? We Pagans would never create our own myths!
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10/27/03
Our Sixth Annual Witches Ball was a great success. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen. There is much that goes on behind the scenes.
I especially like seeing so many solitaries come out, make connections, and experience big Rituals.
I welcome praise, thanks, and congratulations. I also welcome any feedback. There was inevitably things that don't work right and problems that we don't notice.
This Thursday at Study Group, we will tell Stories of Samhain and review all that went on last Thursday.
Check our calendar below for other Samhain events going on. There is a little something going on at the Beach. There will be others that are Invitation Only. Within the Craft, making oneself know is part of the growth process.
We will plan our November topics for Study Group. We will talk about the upcoming Florida Pagan Gathering in St. Pete. Samhain is the Reason for the Season, and its not over until the fat lantern sings.
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10/21/03
The time of Samhain approaches. Here marks our High Holy Days and the beginning of our new year. Our Jewish neighbors have recently been celebrating their new year.
The coming of winter, and the coming of summer, have long been significant passages in the Pagan world. There may have been other holidays that were local, and some folks did watch the stars, but these two were the biggies.
In Christendom, there is All Saints' Day which is preceded by All Hallows Eve, which we know as Halloween. Do you remember Walt Disney's animation of Mousorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain"?
This is the time when the veil between us and the Other World is most thin. It is the time when lingering spirits pass and when others return to take care of unfinished business. Here is an auspicious time for divining. Here is a time to contemplate what we are reaping from what we have sown.
In ancient times, this was the time when the final harvest was brought in. This was the time when the animals were slaughtered that would not make it through the winter. It is the time to honor the Goddess in her crone aspect. These are often knows as the Dark Goddesses, but they are not "evil." Death makes room for new life. Destruction and creation are opposite sides of the same coin.
Do join us in Fort Lauderdale this Saturday, 7:30 PM, for our Sixth Annual Witches Ball. See MoonPathCUUPS.Org/wball.htm
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10/14/03
I have a Book of Shadows. It's full of personal notes that I have made as I grew within the Craft. I also have a Disk of Shadows, full of rituals and chants. This is very handy when I put together, cut and paste, something new.
Now people ask me to do handfastings, quickenings passings, or blessings. If I carry my BOS around, sooner or later I will put it down and forget it. I am not worried that the Inquisition would discover it, but I would mourn it's loss.
So I am putting together what my Protestant friends would call, a Service Book. In it I will place a Handfasting, quickening, a memorial, some blessings, some chants, and what ever I might need when out and about. Yes, significant ceremonies should be planned in advance, but I like having sufficient resources all in one place.
Just like I have my "Traveling Temple," a chest full of whatever I am most likely to need in a ritual, I will have a service book. And it will be printed out from my computer so, if I lose it, I can print out another one. No, I am not publishing. This is personal.
Expectation are rising for Pagan clergy.
In the meantime, we continue planning for our Sixth Annual Witches Ball. See MoonPathCUUPS.Org/wball.htm
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10/7/03
As if the Witches Ball will not be enough, we are already planning November:
Thursday, November 13, 2003, Starhawk will be holding an outdoor rally in Fort Lauderdale to raise more than a little magic concerning the Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA) meeting in Miami the following week.
Gathering at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale, a bonfire will be lit, a circle will be cast, and Starhawk will tell us something of the international forces at work. Starhawk is traveling from Tallahassee, through Gainesville and onto Miami raising awareness about FTAA.
Starhawk is a veteran of progressive movements and deeply committed to bringing the techniques and creative power of spirituality to political activism. She travels internationally teaching magic, the tools of ritual, and the skills of activism.
FTAA, or, Free Trade in the Americas, is the ongoing effort to unite the economies of the Americas into a single free trade area. Trade ministers will meet for a five-day business forum November 17-21, Monday through Friday, in Miami, FL.
This event is one in a series coordinated over the Internet using webpages, email, and list servers. The Fort Lauderdale rally is sponsored by MoonPath CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans). We expect members from the Covenant of the Goddess and the local community. The press is invited to attend, so expect reporters and cameras to be among us. We are looking to raise more awareness in Broward County so folks will take more interest in the trade ministers meeting in Miami November 17-21, 2003, and travel south to make their views heard.
Additional information will soon be posted at: MoonPathCUUPS.Org/Starhawk
Download the PFD Flyer from: MoonPathCUUPS.Org/StarhawkFlyer.pdf
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10/2/03
Planning continues for our Sixth Annual Witches Ball in Fort Lauderdale.
See MoonPathCUUPS.Org/wball.htm for the beautiful artwork produced my our own Valan the Druid. When she is not teaching art on the faculty of a local university, she is designing book covers for Llewellyn and other cash customers. We are ever so lucky to have such talent in our midst. Inquiry about commissions to
How to write a Ritual? This year we invoke Hekate.
We start with last year's ritual for format, and the we research in a few books the story of this Dark Goddess. We use google.com to locate some Hekate websites for stories and prose. Then we drop it all into our cauldron and stir it well.
We let our brew simmer and sample it in the light of the following day. We call in our chanters and musicians to add life. We show it to our fellow priestesses for editing. They might make observations like, "This one particular passage is brilliant, but it has nothing to do with anything else in the Ritual. Perhaps it would work better on another occasion?"
Then we do our casting call and schedule a rehearsal. Yes, rehearsals are good. We block out the motions so that the story comes alive. We toss in a splash of humor.
We recite our chants aloud. Some that look so good on paper can later tie our tongues into knots.
And we continue editing and practicing up until the night of the Ball. Do join us for this magickal moment, and in the meantime, check out the art.
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We had a fine time celebrating Pagan Pride Day. We gathered lots of food for the Cooperative Feeding Program plus raised some money that we gave to our host congregation.
The Goddess sprinkled upon our Ritual, but she did not drown us. Our own Barbie Witch made an interesting observation: in a large open ritual, you can sure spot the covened folk. This is especially true during quarter calls and invocations.
Covened folk tend to group together and move in unison. They move together and with purpose as the elements are invited. The solitary folk each gesture in their own way. Also, when the circle moves, some step as in a dance and others clomp.
Yes, people watching is fun in Ritual too. Any speaking of watching, our next big event will be our Sixth Annual Witches Ball.
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This is the week for Pagan Pride Day Celebrations.
We are doing ours in Fort Lauderdale from Noon on at the Fort Lauderdale UU Church. There will be vendors and food and workshops and a handfasting. The Open Ritual is planned for 5:30 PM.
Pagan Pride is celebrated all around the country. There is an organization behind this. They shuffle papers, collect data, ask for reports and make statistics. Pagan can be bureaucrats too. Who says we don't have infrastructure?
Last year, in 2002, 29,506 people attended the 105 Pagan Pride Day events held in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Brazil. Together, they collected $19,202.48 and donated 24,244 pounds of food and goods to charity. More than 115 events are scheduled for the year 2003 in 45 US states and 7 foreign countries.
There is more at www.paganpride.org
Everybody else is into pride. Why not us Pagans!
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I was thinking about Craft history.
Whether you are connected to a tradition that emerged from a forest in England, rose from a tomb in Egypt, or sparked from lightening in Lantana, this modern Craft stuff can be documented from the 1950s forward.
Things also happened in the 1930s, and there are noted writers from the end of the 19th century. There really is a tangible history.
Visit www.Llewellyn.com, check out the Author List, and ask yourself how many of these people were publishing five years ago.
Since the 50s, the published Craft material has become much less sexist and much more diverse. Robert Heinlein used to say that, "One person's religion is another person's belly laugh." Yes, there are now many paths out there.
There are rites for any passage you can imagine. Shelves are full of Grimoires, Spell Books, plus there is all that secret, handwritten stuff. As new people enter and take up the athame, remember that there are others who have been fussing about an altar for some time.
So check out your fellow Crafty people. They may have a story to tell.
Yes, there is more to the Craft than pentacles and black nail polish. And the best protection spell I know, is laughter.
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For you local folks, the following is a list of volunteers that are needed
to help with the Pagan Pride Day/Autumnal Equinox Ritual to be held on
Saturday, September 20. We already have enough vendors. For you folks
elsewhere, think about organizing something yourself for Pagan Pride. Visit
http://www.paganpride.org/
Our theme of the ritual will be Thanksgiving for the Harvest & Our Own Pagan
Community which both nurture us. There will also be a Handfasting Ceremony
during the ritual.
If you would like to participate, please email dragnfli at dragnfli@bellsouth.net,
with the details of what you want to do. We will also pass around a sign-up
sheet at the CUUPS Study Group meeting August 21. There will be a least one
rehearsal prior to the ritual, probably one Thursday after Study Group.
Ritual Volunteers Needed:
Drummers? No limit, please bring your own drum
Chanters? No limit
Smudgers ? 2 (these folks will smudge each participant with sage before
they enter the circle)
Gatekeepers ? 2 (these folks will challenge participant, asking them if
they enter the circle in perfect love & perfect trust)
Annointers ? 4 (these folks will anoint each participant with oil prior
to entry into the circle)
People Movers ? 2 (these folks will direct participants on where to walk
or stand)
Libation Distributors ? 12 (these folks will hand out the cups, cakes &
ale; there will be three for each elemental quarter)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE DRUMMING & CHANTING WORKSHOPS PRIOR
TO THE RITUAL. All involved are encouraged to attend them so they know
the chants and drumming beats that will be used during the ritual in order
to assist the participants in having a better experience.
dragnfli@bellsouth.net
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When is the Full Moon?
The astronomers tell us the Full Moon occurs at the exact moment the Sun,
Earth and Moon are aligned in syzygy. For me doing ritual, it's the three
nights closest to the moment that the astronomers determine.
The Celts figured that the new day began at sundown. Our modern calendar
places the start of the new day at midnight. My Llewellyn calendar lists
the moment of syzygy for each Full Moon. If it occurs after midnight,
Eastern Standard Time, it is listed in the next day.
So the Full Moon can arrive on different "days" in California and Florida?
So what you say? The magick works anyway! Yes, but if you are looking for
the other Full Moon Drummers on Fort Lauderdale Beach and syzygy is near
local midnight, there may be confusion.
Looks like the Celts had a simpler idea. We modern folk do best when we
share our plans in advance.
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August 17, Sunday, 11:00 am: Spelcastor and Valan the Druid present the
Sunday Service at the UU Church of Fort Lauderdale, 3370 NW 21 Ave. The
Sermon topic will be "The Role of the Wizard." If you are up that early,
do drop by and show your support. Ritual garb is optional.
How did this newsworthy item miss my last broadcast?
This will not the their "Regular Service."
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I need a public religious community.
I am accustomed to gathering someplace on Sunday mornings and seeing friends.
I like hearing good words and then finishing up with coffee.
My Unitarian Universalist Community works for me. My beliefs and practices
fit within their Seven Principles. I find them to be friendly, diverse, and
accepting of what I do.
What pieces of my puzzle I don't get there, I pick up somewhere else. I
can't see confining myself to just one group. I can't imagine any community
being all things to me, and I do like to get out and about.
I have a friend who tells me that she can worship nearly anywhere. She
says that she has a problem with our Native American way of calling things
in from the quarters, but otherwise, she is fine with the chanting,
meditating, candle lighting, and prayerful spirituality.
I have seen friends jump between denominations and across what others would
call battle lines. There seems to be room within most spiritual communities
for variations in path. Do you really know what the person kneeling next
to you is praying to? Creedal differences may not be obvious, unless you ask.
Asking has the potential of getting really messy.
When I get mystic, I use words that make Christians see me as one of their
own. Perhaps, when we let go of the dogma and focuses upon the journey and
connection, many paths look the same.
I suppose there are other communities where I could fit. There are multiple
places in which I could find a home, as long as there is music and meditative
people doing introspection and celebration. But I might just be left with
more to pick up on the outside.
Wherever I nest, I would still have to go out and about for whatever pieces
are missing, and I can accept that.
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We had a fine time at our Lammas Ritual and 85+ people showed up. We had
ceremony, fire, drums and cymbals. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.
Since you asked, the Guardians of Gaia did that bake sale at Litha and
brought in $90 to go towards Save the Everglades funds. Visit
http://www.everglades.org/gaia.html
Thanks Theresa!
Besides the eight sabbats, sometimes we do rituals as part of Thursday
Study Group. This month, we will do some on blessings and healings and
another on banishing. For later, we are planning another called, the
"Ritual of Diana's Bow." This is a new moon thing involving
empowerment and with slightly feminine undercurrents. I see that Amber K and
also the ATC do something with this. Has anyone els encounter's Diana's Bow
in their travels?
Being creative is fun: Just to take an idea and run with it and see how
far from other variations we get. It's your magick.
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And so begins the fall season:
This Sunday, 7 PM, we will host a Mid Summer First Harvest Sun Celebration
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, 3970 NW 21st Ave.
(between Commercial and Oakland Park), Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309,
954-484-6734 Free. We will honor the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet (Sekhet).
There will be drumming, dancing, and chanting. Bring food and drink to share
for the feast, as well as your drums and percussion instruments for the drum
circle, to follow the Celebration. Feel free to come dressed in ritual garb.
For out-of-town folks who read this, It's time to start planning your own
Pagan Pride Day Celebration for around Sept 21. Visit
http://www.paganpride.org/
Plan a Witches Ball for late October. Folks will gladly pay $10 for music,
dancing, networking, and rituals at this time of the year when everyone is
"Witch Aware." Visit
http://moonpathcuups.org/wball.htm
This is where we make the money to underwrite the other things we do.
It's OK to make a nickel to make more things happen.
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I was thinking about getting along with our church Muggles.
When we do an event, especially inside, we figure anything we use will
get knocked over: candle wax, soap bubbles, red wine, stage makeup,
popcorn. What ever we use, we ask ourselves, "Is it worth it?"
and then bring something to clean it up.
Few of our muggles ever show up for our events. We could have 30 people
or 300 and they will never figure it out. We put everything back together
for Sunday morning. And it is good that they don't notice our numbers.
We don't want to spark envy.
They too hold excellent programs but they don't publicize them or tell the
newsletter or web person or they go and change the date. Then they complain
about their low attendance and lament that, "Nobody lives in this part
of town anymore."
And when we break something and a Muggle complains, I confess immediately
that it was I and that I am very sorry. When seeing with a real person
and not faceless invaders from the night, they calm down. And we fix what
we can, and we put furniture back in the special way that would not be
obvious to outsiders.
We get along with our muggles and that is really important. I just wish
that they would take a little more interest in publicity.
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Last Thursday we did a Bike Blessing Ritual.
With fire and torches lit, the bikes entered our circle. The athame was a
crescent wrench. The anointing was with 10/50 motor oil.
We were providing a passage and those of us present found it meaningful.
I saw quite a few Bike Blessings online, mostly by Catholics, but there
were no words. Perhaps there was too much noise for anyone to hear?
Some called us creative for this, others called us crazy. Really, the
Craft or any other religion is to be adapted to the time and people where
it is celebrated. Janet and Stewart Farrar published fine outlines in
their book, "A Witches Bible." Yet, when we mold classic ritual
to suit our personal needs, we build an ownership and understanding that
does not come with copying.
Visit moonpathcuups.org/rituals/bikes.htm
to see what we did. Feel free to adapt it to your own world. A Toyota
Blessing?
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I like the movie, "The Wicker Man," starring Christopher Lee of
"Lord of the Rings"" fame. It was made in the 1970s and is now
a cult classic within the Pagan community.
There are two versions in circulation. The initial release was edited down
so much that the story line became muddled. The restored version later
became available and tells a clearer tale of the people on a fictitious
Summerside Island off Scotland that returned to Pagan ways.
The script writer, while he was recovering from a heart attack, did is
research in a local British library. He drew upon the information on the
old Celtic culture available at the time. In 1970, Julius Caesar was the
accepted authority. He was a Roman general pushing support for his wars of
conquest in France and Germany.
The legend has since been discredited that the Celts performed human
sacrifices to encourage the fertility of their crops. The Celts did not
burn prisoners or enemies alive within a towering wicker statue. This was
war propaganda.
It was the Romans who were more inclined towards human sacrifice. Remember
the slaughter in the Coliseum for the entertainment of the citizens? Some
things never change. Here was Caesar's version of claiming "Weapons of
Mass Destruction" to justify what he wanted to do.
The Wicker Man can be found at Blockbusters, Amazon.Com and some metaphysical
stores. Happy viewing.
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While flying into our local airport, have you seen the Fort Lauderdale
Pentacle?
Visit www.mapquest.com
and enter the address 1400 NW 22 Ct, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Next, on the top
tabs, switch the view to "aerial photo." Click the center of the
pentacle and then zoom in two steps. Got it?
When I first saw this, I thought about running out to this site on the
next Full Moon. With wind blowing, and light flashing from my athame, I
would stand in the center and invoke the elementals....
On the ground, the Pentacle looks different. It's the five baseball
diamonds of Mill Pond Park. In the center is a flag pole and a trailer
used as an office. There are high fences all around to catch the fly balls,
so I could get no feel of where I was. I could see nothing except refreshment
stands, rest rooms and people carrying bats.
Well, it sure looks neat from the air.
We had 100+ people at our Solstice Ritual. We raised some money to help the
Everglades.
This Thursday our topic is "A Year and a Day." We will share
stories on what we have done to mark this milestone in our study and
practice. Then we will celebrate the Year and a day of two of our ladies.
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We have moved our MoonPathCUUPS.org webhosting over to Drak.Net at
www.drak.net/.
They are a Pagan outfit. I can tell by the free Tarot Reading on their
front page.
The UU Church is now on a separate provider. We have many redirectors at
our old pages at
uucfl.org/cuups/
Looking at a report of pages with at least 20 requests last week, I see
our "Coming Events" is most popular, followed by our links page,
past rituals, local shops and archives.
People come to us from around the country, even though we feature the
local scene. The Internet is a big part of learning and networking within
the Craft.
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The label Wizard came into being with the rise of Christianity. The
Druids were the educated class of the Celts and provided the doctors,
lawyers, scientists, advisors, diviners, story tellers, and poets of
this civilization. They blended into the new culture as monks, scholars
and story tellers. Those who continued as diviners, scientists or advisors
became known as Wizards.
There were women in prominent positions among the Druids. However, wizards
are as male and have thus received better press than witches who are
assumed to be female. Both perceptions are wrong.
A Wizard wears a conical hat with no brim and decorated with moons and stars.
This is the classical fashion, and the "Dunce Cap" is a mocking
evolution of this. In contrast, Witches wear pointed hats with brims.
In modern fashion, since Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, Wizards too
wear pointed hats with brims, especially when they are outside traveling
and desire protection from the weather.
Wizards tend to be solitary by choice. In contrast, Witches are said to
prefer to gather in groups for instruction, social life, and magickal
workings. Wizards may belong to Councils, but they are not gregarious or
sociable. A Wizard may take on a few apprentices to do menial tasks in
exchange for training. Wizards do not suffer well incompetence or stupidity
in others.
Wizards: appear when least expected, are always in a hurry, and don't stay
long. Wizards may take new names from time to time. When traveling, they
are often disguised in a cloak. A Wizard will use a staff with some sort
of forked tip but never a broom.
Wizards may be fond of holding appointments such as "Royal Wizard in
the Court of the King," but if they remain in residence, they will
require a small private tower near the postern gate. They will mingle
infrequently with the court. A Wizard's employer will benefit from such
divinations, prognostications, and fireworks as will leave the Wizard
free to wander far distances on her own pursuits much of the time.
Our model for Wizard may have evolved from the Druids, but the role
performed is timeless. We can look to recognize it in mundane culture. And
by the way, can a Wizard also be a Witch? Of course! It's just a matter
of definition, or shall we say, shape shifting?
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I see three charms in others to which we humans are susceptible.
One is excessive intelligence. Thinking of a very bright person, she or
he will come up with observations and solutions that the rest of us will
miss. They aren't always right, but perhaps we give them credit for being so.
There is excessive brawn. I think of Arnold Schwarzenegger or Shaquille
O'Neil. Where would you like to sit, Shaq? Any place you want. There is no
contest, no threat. These people just get extra room.
Then there is excessive beauty. To see a person so beautiful that my eyes
water. The parts aren't that different from what others have, but somehow
it all comes together and I am speechless.
Yet folks like this see themselves from the inside out. They may not be
aware of their own charms as others are. Bright people can make their
worlds sufficiently complex that they confuse themselves. The hulk might
be gentle inside. The beautiful person might fret over a wrinkle on a
kneecap.
Some gifts are more obvious to the beholder than the owner and all gifts
have more than one side.
Our next Open Ritual will be Sunday, June 22 and in the Greek tradition.
We will do a Skira Celebration and focus upon the Decent of Persephone.
The Saturday before we are clearing a new worship space out back. We will
have morning and late afternoon shifts and include blessings of the Earth.
Come join us. Bring your consecrated chainsaw.
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I just got back from watching X-Men2.
I can relate to the theme: a community of social misfits each with a
special gift. Sounds Pagan to me, except maybe the misfit part.
I used to see myself as wishy-washy because I can see some good in what
most people say. I thought I ought to have more opinions and be noisy
about them.
But seeing something good in what another person says makes them easier
to listen to. It makes them more willing to listen also. I find I can
reduce the level of conflict in a group just by showing up. That's helpful
for a leader.
Oh, sometimes the magick doesn't work, but sometimes it does. What's
your special magick?
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The recent wedding rite of Starwind and Dr Mikal is at
http://moonpathcuups.org/rituals/wed.htm
Spelcastor is assembling a set of "Occasionally Asked Questions"
at moonpathcuups.org/spel
The Internet really is a valuable resource for those looking to learn.
Checkout historyforkids.org as a tool for those who do not enjoy PhD-Speak.
Coming up this Thursday: the topic is, "A Book of Shadows." We will talk
about what they are for and where they came from. Bring your own stories too.
It's time for a casting call for our Litha Summer Equinox Ritual. Janine
is priestessing. Show up Thursday and volunteer. It's scheduled for Sunday,
June 22nd.
The day before, we are planning a Pagan Work Day where we will clear
the Southeast corner of our property for a new worship space. This will be
a spot, more secluded with a layout useful for groups of 13. We plan one
shift for 7:30-10:30 AM and another for 5:00-7:00PM. Something for every
lifestyle, plus we will throw in a few earth blessings.
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We are back from Florida Pagan Gathering and had a great time. Selena Fox
dazzled us in workshops with incantations and stories.
I recognized 25 people from Southeast Florida. We danced, played, and
ritualized. Starwind and Dr. Mikal got handfasted and legally married.
Selena and Spelcastor did the honors and solemnizing.
This Thursday at Study Group, the Moon is Full and Sophia will draw it down.
Bring mirrors, small bottles to hold charged water, and any tools you want
charged with the moon energy.
Our Moonpathcuups.org and uucfl.org websites are down. Our ISP went belly up.
As soon as I pick a new one, they will be up again. I hate when this happens.
Backups are good.
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Many of us in Fort Lauderdale are off to Florida Pagan Gathering. It's
time for Beltaine in St. Petersburg with 300+ people, workshops,
Ritual and BNPs (Big Name Pagans.)
Being solitary does not mean being alone. We will carpool and gather
and see old friends. We will learn new things and perhaps spend too
much money with the vendors.
Florida Pagan Gathering happens twice a year, for Beltaine and Samhain.
We do our local celebrations and then troop off for a larger community.
Sometimes we meet people who live next door back home.
We ARE a community, and we are everywhere.
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Our Beltaine was wet, but successful. The Goddess and the God were
outrageous in their blessing of the Season. Quarter altars were beautiful.
We did get outside to dance the May Pole, but we stayed inside for our
Ritual, Hand Fasting and Fertility Rite.
Yes, as practitioners of an Earth Religion, we like being outside. In
the last few rituals, we had candles or musicians to worry about, so
we have been inside, but around the wheel we go.
We have a lunar eclipse coming up, followed by a solar eclipse. It's a
time for special magick, or no magick at all. Our next sabbat is Litha,
Sunday, June 22, and we are making plans already.
Study Group continues on Thursdays and here is where we learn new things
and build our teams for the sabbats. The magick works so much better
when we are connected.
http://moonpathcuups.org/rituals/belt03.htm
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And now we come to Beltaine, one of the two Grand Sabbats on the Wheel
of the Year.
Beltaine is across the Zodiac from Samhain. It celebrates fertility
and the beginning of summer. In northern climates, Ostara moves forward
and becomes intertwined with it. After all, these are Earth Religions
we are talking about.
In Mesopotamia, the King would enter into a not-so-symbolic marriage
night with the High Priestess of the Temple who represented the Goddess.
The population would join together, setting an example for the animals
and crops. There would be swithing in the fields.
Just as at Samhain, the veil between the worlds would be thin, so now
would be an opportune time for divination. Beltaine means ""good fire,"
so bonfires would be lit. Animals would be driven between the fires for
purification and insect removal. The more agile folk would jump the fire
for good luck.
And so we shall celebrate Beltaine. Our doors open at Noon. There will
be vendors, workshops and frolicking. Our Ritual with Hand Fasting and
May Pole will be at 5 PM. Before and after we have the music of Jerrod's
Door. That's why we are asking $5 at the door, kids free, and passing
out wrist bands. (One must pay the musicians.)
So bring your drum, your favorite beverage. We have our food vendor, a
raffle, a fertility rite, fun and good community. Come join us.
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Happy Tax Filing Extension Day!
For an entertaining evening, take a picnic lunch down to the main post
office and watch the circus of late filers, protesters, postal workers
and police.
In the meantime, Beltaine approaches. Our Ritual is coming together and
we are about filled-up with vendors. The band, Jerrod's Door should be
a big addition. We will be asking $5 at the door to cover them. Kids
free, of course.
This Thursday in Study Group we do "Was Jesus a Pagan Wizard?"
How would you spot a Wizard, anyway? Yes, we will be respectful. I wonder
who will show up. Many Pagans have issues with anything that smells of
Christianity. Bring your ideas, BoS and/or Bible.
I was up at Florida Atlantic University this week with Dragnfli speaking at
a Sociology of Religion Class on how we go about being Witches. There
were many sorts of people there, and we were well received. For those of
us who are a little bit out, there are scholars who want to study us.
Yea! Beltaine is coming!
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For those who have not heard the news, Muggle now listed in the Oxford
English Dictionary. It means a non-magickal person, and it is
sometimes used in a derogatory fashion. It has a so much nicer ring
than the older term, Cowan.
There is magick outside of the Craft. Let us not forget that. There
is magick through words, magick through touch, magick through passion
and magick through faith.
I like watching how other people do theirs. I might learn something.
My own workings are about connecting. I look about in the crevices of
my heart for pieces of me that I do not claim. Any facet left
untouched weakens my magick.
I like sharing online. I post spells, rituals and such. When it's
really personal and I still want to share, I leave a piece out. It's
no longer that intimate, but close enough.
I can't imagine using someone else's Spell Book. Sure, I can find
ideas and concepts, but without part of me, it does not work very
well. And maybe the spells in books are a bit incomplete. Maybe a
rhyme doesn't quite sing. Maybe someone else had something a bit
too personal to share.
The magick is within us.
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Saturday, we had a timely Ritual Banishing of the Waning Moon. I
posted it at
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/deluna.htm
Much thanks and praise
to everyone who participated. And we had fun.
With Celtic Harp, listed words from Shakespeare, and flitting faeries,
we setup protection from some of the bad things going on of late. It
is a challenge to plan an event when late-breaking news could really
shatter the anticipated mood.
Last Thursday, we did a Full Moon Ritual and included more of an
Ostara flavor. I expect we will be doing more reverence to the
moon among our Thursday evening programs.
Now we move on to Beltaine. We have one couple ready to handfast
and another seeking fertility. We build our Rituals around the
people who will be in them and we are planning a very big day for
April 26th. There will be Ritual, vendors, workshops, May Pole,
music and more.
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The clouds of war and uncertainty hang over us. And we continue on.
This Saturday, our Open Ritual will be one of banishing and protection.
This will be during the waning moon. The theme will be one of Faeries.
These folk are not always cheerful and bright. They have their many
sides, like the rest of us.
Our music will come from De Luna and her Celtic Harp. She will present
a concert at 7 PM and the Ritual will begin sometime around 8:15 PM.
I have posted more about De Luna at MoonPathCUUPS.Org/deluna/
Admission for the concert is $10, kids FREE. This is how we pay for
De Luna. The Ritual is free to all. So we shall see what events unfold
in the days to come as the Moon slips toward darkness. Whatever comes,
we will be working the appropriate magick.
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It's casting call time for Rituals again. We are planning for Ostara
March 22 and Beltaine April 26. The way we do it is to ask at Study
Group who is interested and what talents they have, and then we write
parts. Yes, there will be a rehearsal.
For Ostara, we will be doing Faeries and a Waning Moon Banishing
Ritual with phrases lifted from Shakespeare and Edmund Spencer.
This will not be the regular spring bunny thing, plus we will have
De Luna playing Celtic Harp.
For Beltaine we will have the traditional frivolity and passion. We
are looking for handfasters, horses, bag pipers, quarter teams,
players, wenches, maidens and rogues.
This Thursday we will be doing a New Moon, New Beginnings Ritual
and planning the next month's study topics.
Busy little bees, are we.
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And now we can settle back for some quite time after Imbolc and
Ren-Faire.
This Thursday in Study Group, the topic will be "The Role of
The Wizard." Can a wizard be a witch? can a witch be a wizard?
Why not be both? Pour over your scrolls, tomes, tablets, and tracts
in your a small private tower near the postern gate of the castle.
Share your findings with us.
Valan the Druid's New Moon Program will slide forward one week,
into the time of the New Moon.
In the meantime, I am working on how to incorporate DeLuna the Harpist
into our Ostara Ritual.
And for Beltaine, we are looking for couples who want to be handfasted.
Since there will be pre-ritual activity, meditation and rehearsal, I
hope for couples who have mastered the lofty art of showing up.
Otherwise, there is one more week of Ren-Faire, plus other Faires
scattered about the land. Blessed be.
***************************************************************
We had a marvelous Concert and Ritual with Faerie Elaine Silver.
I posted this online at
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/esilver6.htm
Lori at New Age Books & Things donated a $75 gift certificate for a
raffle.
This has been a busy month. Now I am playing catch-up. I posted our
very colorful Imbolc Ritual online at
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/imbolc03.htm
Last New Year's, Shining Spirits led a Ritual of Change and Passages
which I just posted at
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/swim03.htm
In Study Group we experimented with an erotic ceremony for lovers,
the Yum-Yum Ritual. That one is posted at
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/yumyum.htm
We do seem to have quite a bit of creativity around here for
producing magickal things. This Thursday in Study Group, Star
presents Chanting and Music.
***************************************************************
Last weekend, MoonPath CUUPS was at the Renaissance Faire. We
demonstrated the history of mediaeval bread, to the amusement of all.
Spelcastor was striding about looking like a cousin of Alban
Dumbledoor. There are four more weeks of the Faire and we will be
back.
We did a marvelous Imbolc Ritual with much ceremony and candles.
Many exciting events lie ahead: a Faerie Elaine Concert and Ritual;
next Thursday we make Witch Bottles, a protection tool; and even
before Ostara, it's time to start planning for Beltaine.
***************************************************************
Here comes Imbolc, and we posted a greeting at
MoonPathCUUPS.Org/imbolc.htm
We are planning our ritual for February 2, Festival of the Maiden
Goddess. We are looking for a couple quarter callers and supporting
cast who can rehearse Wendesday January 29. Yes, rehearsals are good
and required.
Imbolc, Bridgid, Candlemas,
We are also getting very excited about the coming Ren-Faire and plan
to demonstrate a ritual the first weekend. 'Tis the season.
***************************************************************
What's in a name? What's a High Priestess anyway? It has nothing to
do with herbs smoldering in the cauldron.
Anyone after their year and a day likely considers themselves a
priestess or priest. This is like being the captain of a navy ship.
There might be many people onboard holding the rank of captain, but
only the one in charge is called "captain." The rest are
called "commodore."
And it does not matter what the captain's rank is otherwise: admiral
or lieutenant jg. It does not matter whether the ship is a dingy or
an aircraft carrier. There is only one captain and that person is in
charge. Think about that, the next time you are running a ritual.
What about printing High Priestess or HPS on your business card?
That's a marketing decision. Outside of Circle, why are you so
special?
And if you notice others snickering when you call yourself HPS,
maybe it's not time yet.
***************************************************************
And now we must finally admit that the new year has begun, whatever
calendar we are using.
We have another round of events and festivals.
Highlights: Saturday, January 18th, 6:30-9:30pm at the UU Church of
Fort Lauderdale, will be the first gathering of MUUNPath Bridge.
This group is for 13-18 year olds and will provide lessons and such
in earth centered spirituality. Think of it as a Pagan alternative
to Sunday School. More information will be online soon.
Planning ahead, there will be an all men's canoe trip on the Peace
River April 4-6. Visit
MoonPathCUUPS.Org/canoe.htm for more
information or email
peredur50@yahoo.com
This Thursday's Study Group topic will be taken from Harry Potter:
"Defense Against the Dark Arts." Everyone bring your
thoughts and resources.
We expect to have some child blessings at our Imbolc Ritual Sunday
Feb 2. We have heard from several interested Moms. We ask that the
kids be interested too and that we do some advanced preparations
together.
We are thinking of a group expedition to the Ren-Faire for Saturday,
February 23th. Perhaps we will work a group discount. It's not like
there aren't any Pagans at Ren-Faire otherwise.
We live in exciting times. Let us stay connected in this blessed
new year.
***************************************************************
We had a delightful Yule celebration last night. There was a Seasonal
Enactment and then a Ritual and then a second Ritual for World Peace.
Old friends came together just like one would expect at this time of
the year.
We made it into the news. Check out the Pompano Pelican at
moonpathcuups.org/melinda.htm
Check out last Saturday's Palm Beach Post at
moonpathcuups.org/pbp.htm
And while many enjoy the season, some leaders are already turning
their thoughts to Imbolc, February 2nd. This is an excellent time
for a Quickening or Saining, otherwise known as a child dedication.
What's a Saining look like? Visit
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/saining.htm
Is there anyone out there looking for a Saining at our Imbolc?
You know how much witches love children!
Happy Holidays!
***************************************************************
I dredged up a bunch of our old Rituals and Stuff and posted them
online at
moonpathcuups.org/rituals/
They go back to 1995. What is interesting to me is to see how we
evolved.
What are now our CUUPS activities began as an occasional church
service and then workshops. Our early rituals were an edited
version of one published by Raymond Buckland. We would insert
something for the season.
As we grew, we let go of terms that were not meaningful to us,
(like Watch Towers, we now leave to our OTO friends) and focused
more on the particular season and related deities. We included
seasonal enactments, both for education and fun.
Eustacia Blackstar brought to us a burst of creativity, high theater,
and special ceremonies for rites of passage. Some rituals were
elaborate, rehearsed, and planned. Others were spontaneous. What
we invited to the quarters each time became more important as we
thought about what we were gathered for.
Different HPS would focus more on their specific deities, as they
grew to know them better. We collected poems and other clever
sayings along the way.
Perhaps your Ritual Crafting has evolved in a similar manner? We
serve as a gateway, so our past is on the Internet and not locked
away in a Coven Book. Many people have passed through our Circle,
and we expect a few more this Sunday for Yule. Do join us!
***************************************************************
This Saturday we have arranged for The Magick of Glass
Blowing: Demonstration and Ritual at Crystal Vision
Studios. Visit their website at
www.crystalvisionstudio.com
These folks are a class act and they will show us among the
flames of Vulcan, heat and light, just what can be
crafted. Bring a dish for the feast afterwards and $5.
This is a full weekend of events. Early Saturday I will
be working with the Muggles doing their Buildings &
Grounds thing. I will tidy the labyrinth. Then Sunday
afternoon, there is "Dance with the Moon" at Secret
Woods Nature Park.
At Study Group, we will do Wheel of the Year, share
stories from recent Pagan Festivals, and plan our coming
programs. There is magick in the air.
***************************************************************
This Thursday, we do Movie Night at Study Group.
We will watch the 1958 film, Bell, Book, and Candle, staring Jimmy
Stewart and Kim Novak. The Craft was seen differently, almost 50
years ago. Men were called warlocks, the traditions were sexist,
and witches were different from "ordinary people."
It's a sweet story and a lesson in our history. I went through three
Blockbusters to find this one. We will have a popcorn night.
Here's an opening in a local group:
Guardians of Gaia is a Pagan environmental group in Boynton Beach
that meets bi-weekly to receive and lend wisdom on subjects involving
an earthy, healthy way of living. We also give back to the community
through volunteering as a group. We have a great time while
contributing to Mother Earth! We enjoy drumming as well.
If this interests you contact Theresa at
GuardiansofGaia@att.net
for more information.
Starting on December 22,2002, the Goddess Store, 2017 Harrison St. Hollywood,
Fla. Will be holding its first Sunday Service. The
service will be Pagan (Goddess) orientated and will start at
12:30 P.M. Telephone # is (954) 929-2369
Bernard and Karmen are looking for speakers for the Sunday Service
to give short talks (15-20 minutes) and a quick question and answer
session.
***************************************************************
Now is when we enter the Dark Time of The Year. It's
like the Dark of the Moon, where we hold off doing
magick, turn introspective, and wait for the new Moon.
We have passed the three harvests on the Wheel of the
Year. Following the secular Harvest Festival of
Thanksgiving, we wait for Yule.
At this time, we see other traditions celebrate their
festivals of lights. Look at Hanukah. The muggle season
of Christmas begins following Thanksgiving and ends
abruptly on December 26. The better educated Christians
are now doing Advent for which they are appropriately
gloomy and introspective. They start their Christmas
season 12/25 and celebrate for 12 days ending in
Epiphany, their festival of lights.
We Pagans turn inward now, contemplate what we have
sown and what we have harvested, and light bonfires at
Yule, the shortest day of the year. We wish to invite
the Sun God to return and not forsake us. February 2,
or thereabouts, we celebrate our Festival of Lights at
Imbolc as the Maiden Goddess gives birth to the new Sun
God.
Yes, in many traditions, newborn gods with be bursting
out all over. Even for the muggles, the Babe of 2003
will replace the Old Man of 2002.
This Thursday in Study Group, we make wands and Yule
Logs.
***************************************************************
Here comes the harvest festival of Thanksgiving. We
pagans have already celebrated three harvests ending
with Samhain.
This one is special because it does not belong to any
one spiritual path. Also, thankfulness is good for the
soul. Thanks is healing and strengthening. To find
something "good" that came out of something
"bad" is
also strengthening.
So here is a celebration to share with people on other
paths and an opportunity to give thanks together. Neat,
huh?
We will take next Thursday off from Study Group to give
thanks and do our own turkey rituals.
***************************************************************
Spiral Scouts is a Pagan alternative to the Boy
Scouts/Girl Scouts founded by the Aquarian Tabernacle
Church.
Started in 1999, this "work in progress" is an
alternative for pagans and other minority path groups.
There three age groups, FireFlies, Spiral Scouts, and
PathFinders, with mixed genders of members and adult
leaders and the usual background checks. Along with badges
and such, there is teaching of respect for the earth and
a balance of gender energies.
A local Circle has formed at River of Grass UU
Congregation in Weston. Email adamus@earthlink.net or
visit www.aquatabch.org/spiralscouts/
for more information.
This week in Study Group, we do a Wealth and Empowerment
Ritual. Bring green candles, magickal phrases, hopes
and dreams and contribute to this program.
***************************************************************
A week after the Witches Ball, following Study Group, we did an impromptu
ritual for Samhain. There were no scripts and no preparation. Twenty of us
divided up takes, went outside to the fire, cast a Circle, and began.
Big Rituals are theater. Small rituals can be more intimate.
I posted our Cerridwen's Cauldron Ritual online at
MoonPathCUUPS.org/rituals/sam02.htm
The earlier contemplation is posted at
MoonPathCUUPS.org/rituals/contem.htm
Becky Toosya did a fine article on us for The Forum and it is online
at MoonpathCUUPS.org/wball.htm
For good measure, our Mabon Ritual is at
MoonPathCUUPS.org/rituals/mabon02.htm
So this Witch Awareness Season passes into history. We will fade back into
the shadows for Yule. Perhaps to trim some greens, feed some deer, bring
out the old log. What's witchy about that?
Some of us will go to Florida Pagan Gathering in St. Petersburg. See
www.flapagan.org/
Our next local adventure is the Magick of Glass Blowing Saturday, November
16th.
***************************************************************
Wow! Those who tried to count estimated 400 in our Midnight Ritual Circle!
People came from West Palm Beach, Miami, Naples, and Orlando!
Things went smoothly at our Witches' Ball. We had Music, Labyrinth,
Attunement, Contemplation Ritual and Main Ritual. Many folks on many paths
were there. I encountered no problem people and no police. Cleanup took til
3 AM or so. I will soon post our rituals online.
I invite thanks and praise. I also welcome any feedback on anything:
publicity, the grounds, the music, the vendors, our readers, the networking,
the labyrinth, our gatekeepers, the multiple rituals, and whatever. We want
to get even better.
We plan to continue to do something for each of the eight sabbats around
the Wheel of the Year and our next big bash will be Beltaine at the end of
April.
Have a blessed 10/31.
***************************************************************
Final preparations are underway for our Fifth Annual Witches' Ball.
Our deejay has his music, we have lights for the Labyrinth. We are rehearsing
our Midnight Ritual. We expect we may see as many as 300 people show up.
There will be solitaries, covened folk, seekers, and the curious.
So the deal is, $10 at the door, kids are free. Kids are your responsibility
and hopefully will find all this meaningful and not get bored. Being
disruptive is not OK, for adults either.
We will provide munchies, ice, and one food vendor. Bring your favorite
beverage and whatever else you will need. There is a Walgreen's down the
street.
Costumes are nice but not required. We are secretive so no cameras please.
We will have our designated "Foto Faerie" on site who understands our rules.
So we shall have fun and conclude with a moving Open Ritual at Midnight.
Have a blessed Samhain.
***************************************************************
Bring your sewing kit to this Thursday's Study Group. We are making poppets.
I poppet is a cloth doll that looks like a "gingerbread man." It
is used to represent yourself, a loved one or someone you wish to bind for
your own protection. On my path, it is not ethical to do spellwork on other
people without their permission.
The cloth for your poppet can be felt, but you can use silk or any other
material that fits. You cut out two pieces of cloth, maybe three inches
long and sow them together. While sewing, chants are used to focus energy.
It you have not got a chant, cackling will do.
The bigger the doll, the more sewing. A three inch doll will do nicely.
Remember, this is a symbol.
Leave the poppet open at the head or a foot and stuff in some herbs. You
have many choices here. Avoid pine needles because they make the poppet
painful to handle. Also add minerals. You have many choices again. Our
Voodoo friends might include a little grave yard dirt.
Then to make the poppet personal, add some hair, fingernail clippings, or
a dab of your favorite bodily fluid. If the person you are aiding is not
around, chop the bristles off their toothbrush.
So bring your sewing kits and scissors and materials to share: cloth, herbs,
minerals, stories and chants. Not everyone will come prepared.
A poppet is a personal symbol that you will charge with energy. You might
make one of a loved one and nurture it as she goes into the hospital. If
there is a person who would do you harm, you would use it to perform a
binding, magically wrapping it for your own protection. And don't leave
your poppet just laying about. Someone might find it and use it for their
own magick.
And so come Friday morning, will there be a muggle out there wondering why
there are no longer bristles on his tooth brush?
Samhain is drawing near!
***************************************************************
In Grecian and Roman times, the public world was the realm of men and the
private world the realm of women. Aside from political correctness, the
problem with this model is that the men dream up dreadful laws regarding
women.
For women of the nobility, these public/private distinctions would blur.
With the right connections, a patrician lady might do much good or mischief
in politics. Yet when praised in public, she would also be bestowed the
"private virtues" accorded to women.
Rent the PBS video I, Claudius from Block Busters and observe how
the Lady Livia, wife of the Roman Emperor Augustus, maneuvers through the
corridors of power and shadows.
Why would we Pagans care about understanding these distinctions? Because
we get to see our ancient goddesses through Greek and Roman eyes.
Being a single Mom is rough, even for a Goddess. The Goddess in her Matron
aspect will have a consort. Neither the Maid nor the Crone needs such
protection.
Why would Hecate or Sekhmet have a consort? Perhaps they were awarded
consorts as their stories traveled through "classical civilization."
A woman standing alone was just too frightening.
"As it is below, so it is above," may be wise for us to remember,
as we study the Old Ways.
***************************************************************
As we enter the month of October, awareness builds of our High Holy Day of
Samhain.
Toy stores are stocking up on Barbie Witches. Pointy hats and costumes are
available everywhere. Plastic cauldrons go on sale, and they cost so much
less than iron ones.
And so, we begin the season of "Witch Awareness." The media will
focus on us. Fundie ministers will take time out from gay bashing to complain
about us. They will complain that Halloween is the only religious holiday
that can be celebrated in the schools. (I hate it when I agree with those
people.)
There really are witches out and about on Valentine's Day, but no one thinks
about us then. Correction, a few muggles do, who are looking for love spells.
There will be many special events popping up this month. Some will be open
and some will be by invitation only. Ours, our Fifth Annual Witches' Ball
(10/26) will be open ($10 at the door). Kids are welcome and we expect them
to behave at least as well as the adults. (Witches have always liked children.)
'Tis the season! Does anyone care for an apple?
***************************************************************
We had a wonderful Pagan Pride Day last Saturday in Fort Lauderdale.
Below is a summary of how it went. I invite your comments: good, bad,
indifferent, about anything. We had printed programs, a theatrical ritual,
labyrinth tours, covened folk and muggles, and no police. Help us make the
next one even better!
Number of Attendees: 250 (75 in circle. 30 people outside)
Poundage of Food Collected: Estimate about 350 lbs. The food was added to
the UU Church food collection which is donated to the Cooperative Feeding
Program in Ft Lauderdale.
Notable Events: This year vendors and performers were set up inside the UU
Church in air conditioning. The weather was sunny and hot so being inside
was a plus. We had a Greeter at the door to welcome everyone and to have
them sign in if they choose to, hand them a program and tell them where to
put the food. 126 did sign the book but there were many, many more who
declined. And some people came in through the grounds where they had set up
their picnic area. We had signs with information on where the workshops
were being held. There is a patio area outside which was also utilized by
some for a picnic and eating. Some people did set up picnic areas outside
on the grounds. Everyone had a wonderful time and the event was considered
a success. There is a labyrinth outside for everyone to walk and it was
very popular.
This year we also had workshops which included:
Labyrinth, Ritual chanting/drumming, Runes, Sortilege class, Trance/circle
drumming, What is a Coven?, 'Sacred Nudity', Living a Magickool Life, and
Grounding meditation.
Live Goddess Music was performed by 'Lady Bridget and The Bella Donnas'.
They donated their talents and played inside the church. We did sell raffle
tickets to raise money for them. We asked each vendor to donate an item or
service to be raffled. We sold raffle tickets and 60% was given to the 'The
Bella Donnas.
There were 9 information tables and 23 vendors including food, drums,
merchandise, Reiki healer, psychics, and massage therapist. We charged the
vendors 9% and collected $258.00 from them. There were also cash donations
so a total of $454.00 was given to the UU Church for the use of the building
and grounds. So this was the most successful as far as the money we raised.
The Autumn Equinox ritual was held outside on the ritual circle grounds of
the UU Church. The theme of the ritual was 'The Greater Mysteries of
Demeter, The Sacred Drama' created by a CUUPS member. There were 75 people
in circle. There was about 30 people outside of the circle just watching.
People brought drums and there was some drumming during the celebration.
***************************************************************
Today begins National Be-Nice-To-Gardnerians Week.
It's time to lay off the jokes like, "Why did the chicken cross the road? How dare you ask, Initiate!" Also,
chill out on those discussions of who is a better witch than who.
We owe a lot to Gerald Gardner http://www.geraldgardner.com/. In 1954 when the Witchcraft laws were
repealed in England, he was the first to publish, Witchcraft Today, information in something other than a
novel. People like Raymond Buckland brought out of closer Craft to the US. Janet & Stewart Farrar
published A Witches Bible. Then there was Doreen Valiente and others.
Online there is a summary of this path at
http://knotwork.com/~albion/gardnerian.html"
OK, so there
have been parallel paths, but Gardnerians take their education seriously and have built up a national
network of people of high degree.
How do you connect with these people? Beats me, I'm not one of them, and they are kind of secretive. Just
network, because they are out there. And for the next seven days, be nice!
This week Valan the Druid presents on Mystical Runes at Study Group.
***************************************************************
Our Barbie Ritual was a big success. Read it at: http://moonpathcuups.org/rituals/barbie.htm
This Thursday we do "Remembering Andrea." She was briefly part of our group two years ago and then she
chose to suicide. We in the Craft are called to act as priests and we will share experiences of such similar
situations we have been in. We will conclude with a ritual remembrance and communing on the labyrinth
and then move to the Memorial Garden. See http://moonpathcuups.org/rituals/andrea.htm
We know people looking to start a metaphysical groups or build a coven. Interested? Check out the link
below for one and email Lady E for the other.
Meta Physical Group: http://cards.webshots.com/c32558634toksju
The Temple of the Crescent Moon (Welsh Tradition) is looking for sincere
seekers to study towards initiation. A four week course will begin in
September which will be an introductory into the Pagan Way Grove. Sincere
seekers of the Occult Arts need apply. We also offer a Pagan Way Grove
for those who wish not to study toward the Priesthood; however, the four
week course will apply towards entrance into the Pagan Way. If you are
interested, please contact Lady Eilonwy at lady_e156@yahoo.com
In Service to the God and Goddess, Lady Eilonwy
***************************************************************
We had a marvelous presentation on the O.T.O., Ordo Templi Orientis. I posted their information kit at
http://moonpathcuups.org/OTO/
The week before, we had a presentation on the 28 Theorems of magick.
This all brings up some interesting contrasts between the Pagan World and Christendom.
We Pagans know that our goddesses and gods have many names and we recognize them by their behavior.
None are good or bad, but each has a shadow side of varying intensity. We gravitate to the deities that we
relate to and conjure up what we choose.
Over in Christendom, all the gods are male and have the same name. There is a good one and an optional
bad one. Among the good, there is one who loves gays, one who hates gays, one who embraces women, one
who commands women to submit, one who sees the Earth as a creation that is good, one who sees the earth
as the playground of evil. Then there is the bad god. There is one that is either all bad, or not there, or one
who offers useful business and social skills, if only you can learn them without becoming ensnared.
So I see a Chinese Menu of a Religion: Pick One from column G and One from column B. Then boast that
you have the only Truth and that everyone else is wrong.
What an interesting way to do religion.
***************************************************************
Times are changing. I have been offering Wicca classes with Shining Spirit
at the UU Summer Institute
in Virginia since 1997.
We used to get people asking what's a Witch, or concerned parents worrying
about what their daughter was up too. We even had an Atheist showing up
asking if she could be a Witch (The answer is, if it's the
white-haired old man who keeps punishing you that you don't like, YES.)
This time we got people who already know what CUUPS is and want to build up
their chapter. They want to learn how we organize our Witches Ball. And
they all want to see how somebody else does Ritual.
Yes, Ritual is more popular than the head stuff. Yes, there are a lot more
of us out there than five years ago, and, yes, there are still things we
can learn from the Catholics.
Happy Lammas. Do contemplate what you have sown and will now reap.
***************************************************************
Next week's topic in Study Group is, "Statement of Practice."
When I began looking to join the Covenant of the Goddess, they asked me to
write one. It turned out longer than necessary and I posted it at
uucfl.org/cuups/rituals/stmt.htm
For the left brained Wonk Witch, writing down what one does and how one got
there is an entertaining exercise. For others, this effort might be helpful
in collecting your thoughts, if you plan to be explaining yourself in public.
Teaching by example is part of the process, and people who care about us
will just be curious.
Personally, I do like to sort out my history. I like to look at where I have
come from, what I have left behind and what I have kept. I see myself
traveling around and around on the great circle, hopefully getting things
better on the current pass.
A note of warning: a writing of spells or practices tends to have omissions.
Something will either be too obvious to the writer, or too personal, to
include. And those of us not on a warrior path may not be willing to strut
all our doings in public that might happen in the shadows. Think of us as
Fuzzy Little Cuisenars.
***************************************************************
This week at Study Group, Janine presents on Altar Layouts.
Some folks have a "Ritual Room" in their house. Some have a table
or shelf. Others stash their stuff in a drawer. Some who travel a lot may
have a tool box filled with their favorite goodies.
I look at my altar and begin with salt, water, bowl, sage, chalice, athame,
hand broom, and some sort of fire. That's a good, Catholic, pyro start.
Now there is the season, esbat or special working to consider. I can pick
candles of appropriate colors plus altar cloth, flowers, gourds, crystals,
and such.
To focus for regular connections, I have my Moon Goddess statue. If I need
to be creative, it's time for Cerridwen stirring her cauldron. If I am in
conflict, there is the Morrigon War Goddess statue.
And then there is incense to burn, and oils to dab. Feathers to fan, and
charcoal to light, and a consecrated pot holder to handle the hot stuff.
For special workings, I can select a few cards from my Tarot deck or pull out
some runes. Don't forget astral candles and poppets. And I have this very
nice crystal ball I should use more often (it's two channel with spirit
waiting).
Yes, Altar Layout can be lots of excitement for a Catholic Witch.
Baptist Witches do it much simpler: an athame and a chalice and they are
ready to invoke!
Tools are fun, but they are just that: tools.
***************************************************************
Next Thursday's topic in Study Group will be "Pagan Parenting."
I invite all Pagan parents, Pagan grandparents, Pagan children, children of
Pagans, parents of Pagans, grandparents of Pagans, and those who just wonder
what their Pagan neighbors are doing with their children.
How do you do it? What happens in school? What happens with muggle relatives?
What happens with other kids? What happens on the holidays? What happens
during a divorce?
This will be a group sharing of stories and experiences. Come, bring yours
and hear others.
***************************************************************
There will be no Study Group Meeting this Thursday, July 4th. Go make your
own fireworks and then come to Crabby Jack's to celebrate Spelcastor's 7/5
Birthday.
At Crabby Jack's some of us throw salt at the rednecks. It's is well known
in most of Appalachia that when a witch throws salt on a redneck, it makes
him impotent. Sugar, Sweet & Low or Equal won't do it. It has to be salt.
And it's not like we throw it at all of them. Mostly we are there for our
evening out and to enjoy each other's company.
So when one of those rednecks turns around after noticing white crystals
rain down upon him, and sees a lady holding up an empty pink packet and
winking at him, he knows he is being flirted with. Such are the quaint
customs where cultures collide.
***************************************************************
I was reading an article on genetics. It seems we have many more genes than
we use. Some are turned on by hormones or even emotions.
I remember in the futuristic movie The Matrix. Life was an illusion
controlled by a computer. Among the band of rebels was Trinity, a lethal lady
in black. Striding towards a helicopter she was asked, "Can you fly that
thing?" Her reply: "Not yet," as she radios to her support
person up upload the pilot tape into her past experiences.
I think of us conjuring and what undiscovered library of genes we might touch.
It's all about magick!
This evening our own Barbie Witch presents "Supermarket Sorceress"
and shows us why most witches shop at Publix. It's not just the fresh herbs.
"Barbie knows about these things."
This Saturday Covenant of the Goddess is
presenting Greywolf and Bhrigha with workshops on drumming and belly dancing.
Expect more than the usual number of covened folk at this event, even
though they don't wear nametags. How many covened folk do you know?
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Happy Litha! This Friday is the real summer solstice. We celebrated last
Sunday because of personal schedules. The clouds parted and we were dry
around our fire. Our group was smaller than usual, but then it was raining
everywhere else in Southeast Florida.
Historians take note. Saturday marks the repeal of the last Witchcraft Law
in 1951 in England. Gerald Gardner then began publishing.
Speaking of Litha, Summer, and Pan, one of the nuisances we High Priest folk
have to deal with is the occasional Errant Male. Such folks are more
interested in picking someone up than in anything Crafty. They go after the
women who are not closely connected to the rest of the group.
HP's have many concerns, like keeping the candles lit and whether or not
the Caller for the West will show up in time for the Ritual. When we do spot
one of these Errants, we know how to deliver sufficient misery so that they
go away and stay away. Any effort to save them, change them, is futile. We
meet to welcome other to the Craft and thus inflict zero-tolerance on Errants.
Relax. This has not been a problem for a while. I see people networking and
connecting. I even see an occasional romance. Still, we leaders welcome
tip-offs from anyone who is being bothered.
Have a joyous and safe Litha!
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An Asatru Hearth up in the Oldsmar area (just Northeast of Clearwater) is
planning a Moot for sometime in early-mid October before the regular Samhain
festivals take place. Contact Demarus at
mdonegan@hotmail.com (the Florida
Steward for the Ring of Troth,
asatru.knotwork.com/troth/
to get on the growing email list.
This Sunday, 7:30 PM we hold our Summer Solstice Open Ritual. It will be in
a Norse Tradition, so leave your athame blade home and bring your ceremonial
hammer. (It's a Viking thing.)
A drinking horn will come in handy too. We will provide something
non-alcoholic like cider, but you are welcome to bring your own mead and
get into the spirits of the celebration.
There will be much toasting going on, as is in the tradition of the Norse.
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I went looking for a blessing.
There is this neat bunch of Witchy folk and I want to move further into
their inner circle. One does this by getting better known (and behaving well).
So I once met this national celebrity Witchy person who is part of this
same group. I thought maybe if I shared with her my story and all my good
deeds that she might say something nice about me. And so we chatted by
email.
As it turns out, she was rather depressed about some harsh treatment she
had received from yet another group that that we both know. I told her how
I personally got quite renewed each time I introduce someone else to the
Goddess or aid them on the next step of their journey. I reminded her of
how many people she has helped along their way.
So I went looking for a blessing, but I got to give one instead. Even HPSs
need blessings. Do be nice to someone today.
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(EarthWisdom Books has moved inside the Native Village gift shop at 3551 N
State Road 7, in Hollywood, across from the Seminole Casino & Bingo Hall.)
This Thursday we discuss a "Brief History of the Craft." Instead
of doing the linear thing of going from then til now, I see us doing it this
time in a circle.
There are three ways to trace our heritage: By blood lines, by cultural lines,
or by spiritual/philosophical lines. These links will be different for each
of us.
We would start with Gardner and go forward to Ray Buckland, The Crucible,
and Bell, Book & Candle. Then we would go back to James Frazer and
The Witches Hammer. Then we would go forward to Scott Cunningham and
Margot Adler. Then we would go back to ancient times and Kali, then forward
to the present and Lora Croft. Then we would go back to prehistoric times
and then forward to the people who will someday pass on our teachings. On
each circuit, we will draw connections to ourselves.
We will conclude with an invocation. We will call upon our kindred spirits
from the past for a blessing.
Sounds like fun? Everyone will be invited to contribute. Let's see how we do.
***************************************************************
These folks, Vikings and others, got a bad rap from Christian monks. Perhaps
it had something to do with the pillaging and burning their monasteries.
But Norse folk did travel. They got to the New World and as far east as
Russia and Constantinople. Stonehenge was built in England around 3000 BC,
and that was before the pyramids were built in Egypt.
Writing in the north evolved from the runes. The symbols started as
pictographs, each with magical meaning. Later they became a simple alphabet.
It was in the agricultural communities to the south that property became so
abundant that those people needed writing to keep track of it.
The Northern Traditions are a bit more male, a bit more militant.
Agriculture was more dispersed and the population less sedentary. But the
seasons were important and winter was very real. The coming of summer was a
cause for celebration. The harbors would thaw, and it was time to sail out
there and pillage those monks.
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We are heading into summer and putting together programs for our Study Group.
We do an occasional ritual, an occasional movie night. We draw upon the
people among us for what they know or for what they would like to know after
they prepare.
Some topics are serious. Other are playful. Some are thoughtful. Either way,
the groups meeting down the hall tell us that we cackle a lot.
We announce topics in advance so everyone else can do their own preparation.
We get more than one set of ideas, and they don't always match. It's kind of
like a spiritual journey. We each find our own way.
***************************************************************
These shops are important. Along with festivals, they are where we connect.
This Thursday's Study Group Topic will be Festivals, Ours and Other People's.
There have been at least four Beltaine Festivals in Florida. If you have
not had enough yet, BelFyre is coming up this weekend in Central Florida.
Festivals are more fun for me when I already know some of the people there.
The volunteer programs are helpful. I can be a Gate Witch and greet people or
work registration and connect.
There is usually a big ritual at any festival. For a solitary, these are
otherwise difficult to locate. Here, I get to experience someone else's
magick and see how they to the "People Mover thing," always a
challenge with numbers over 50.
I get to meet witch celebrities. I can hear how each came to write their
book and how they get through their day. And then there are the regular
pagan folk: people like me who live somewhere else.
So I get pepped up. I dance the fire. I buy things. I offer to be of service.
Festivals are part of the community for us folks who call ourselves
solitaries.
***************************************************************
Beltaine is second only to Samhain on the calendar for many Pagan folk.
Festivals are popping up around the state.
Visit http://uucfl.org/cuups/beltaine.htm
and see what we are planning for this Saturday April 27th. We will open the
doors at noon. There will be vendors, food, a May Pole a Queen of the May
and an Open Ritual later in the day.
Bring a blanket and a picnic. Costumes are nice. Colors are green and bright.
We may have a hand fasting? We shall see.
Here come the merry days of summer.
***************************************************************
A couple of 18 year old Mormon's were knocking on my door. They introduced
themselves as Elders. How silly.
So what is an Elder? I see an Elder as someone who "has been there and
done that" and is sought out by others for advice. An Elder has been
around for a while.
An Elder can walk through walls, those social barriers that might be
obstacles to many of us. An Elder is part of a web of relationships and
influence. The working of an Elder might be subtle.
The concept of Elder extends outside the Craft. Take a look at your
social and professional organizations. Take a look at the U.S. Congress.
So can an 18 year old Mormon male be an elder. Perhaps, to a 12 year old.
Join us for Beltaine.
***************************************************************
This Thursday in Study Group, we will be making wands.
The oldest pointing tool is the staff. A staff is handy for walking: it
provides a third leg, plus it reduces back strain. We old wizards enjoy that.
When I find a staff I like, I keep it. My staff must to have the right feel,
weight, length, and look. A staff can become an extension of oneself. Recall
Moses and the Pharaoh's priests dueling with staffs that became snakes.
Parade leaders use a decorative staff to give directions.
A wand is a smaller version of a staff. Sometimes called a rod, it can be a
symbol of office and power. Wands are used by wizards, kings, faerie
princesses, and music conductors. Actually, a king's wand is called a scepter.
Other types of wands that are symbols of power are called truncheons or
cudgels and are carried by underling enforcers.
So what's with the athame, the magical knife? This knife is typically made
of steel and is double bladed. A king might use a sword as a symbol of power.
Look to King Arthur and the honor of knighting. I suspect the athame came to
us from Gerard Gardner. He would say it was passed down to him, but I would
suspect an influence from Allister Crowley. Steel is seldom used in other
ritual tools. Legend says the "Little People" of Ireland saw steel
as a weapon of their oppressors.
Some pacifist witches I know use a wand in place of an athame. Others like
the visual effect of a flashing blade in the moonlight.
So bring wand making material this Thursday: wood, stones, wire, cord, glue,
and such.
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Ostara is a celebration of the coming of summer and the Spring Equinox.
Colors are green, there are rabbits, eggs and flowers, and it looks a lot
like Easter. The time of equinox is set in the stars. The end of winter has
more to do with latitude. Folks further north saw spring come later and
Ostara merged with Beltaine.
It's like in an Earth Religion, we do what the Earth is doing. Our Strega
friends in Italy start earlier than our Norse friends. Some folks celebrate
only two festivals: Beltaine and Samhain. Caribbean Wiccans tend to merge
dates and months. What time is man? Ostara, I think.
This Thursday at Study Group we will work out details of our Sunday Ostara
Ritual. We need helpers, cup bearers and such. We are honored to have Lord
Athos and Lady Caru priesting for us this time. We will also share some
about coming-of-age rituals and how they are different for males and females.
Bring your thoughts, notes and stories.
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Come get your rocks off on our Labyrinth. Construction continues. Come join
us this Saturday to rake mulch and place rocks. Do bring some of your own.
Consecrated rocks are good too.
A Labyrinth is an ancient meditational walk. There are no choices. As you
walk in, ask a question. As you walk out, reclaim your goal. See more about
Labyrinths at uucfl.org/labyrin.htm.
This Thursday in Study Group, the topic is "The Ireland that Patrick
Saw." Bring your Celtic and Druid stories and relics for show and tell.
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What's in the W word? I call myself a witch because I practice and teach the
Old Religion, I revere the Goddess and cherish the Earth. I see the W word
as a political statement, and it makes people crazy, who otherwise would make
me crazy.
But as I study the writings of the Ancients, or Asians, or Native Americans,
I see W does not translate well, especially where everyone believes in magic.
There are people who are very good with herbs. Many herbs are useful for
healing but some can be lethal. This was a salable knowledge in the years
before crime labs. Such skilled people were sometimes called witches.
When bad things happen to good people, its not the deities who do it. So
believed the ancient Babylonians, it was murky creatures like daemons that
did the dirty work. One could pray to the gods to turn these dark things off,
but it was the sorcerers who dealt with them directly.
Then there is the whole world of divining: Tarot, runes, stars, fire, tea
leaves, entrails.... This popular talent was in demand and included many
specialties.
And then there are people who were very good with animals, like horse
whisperers. And what about storytellers, channelers and the occasional
feminist? The Witch Word does not translate well when we go outside our
modern culture.
***************************************************************
Presidents' Day was my day to go to the Renaissance Faire.
I put on my wizard regalia and got there at 10:30 AM to stand in line. Two
condo ladies ahead of me asked why was a Wizard would have to wait to get in.
I assured them that there are so many of us now, even a senior Wizard must
pay at the gate.
They asked about my pentacle and I told the story of how it is an ancient
symbol that got a bad rap during the Inquisition. They assured me that their
people had experienced a similar problem and pulled out a coupon to admit one
senior free. Yes, there was magick in the air, and these ladies travel with a
lot of coupons.
At the gate, there was a man in monks garb. I greeted him cheerfully and
assured him I was glad that all paths were represented at this faire.
Inside I saw old friends, many things to buy, music and entertainment.
Children kept coming up to me to see a real live Wizard. I told them my owl
had to stay home today. Their moms would greet me too. One was speaking some
sort of Slovakian language and explaining me to her children. People would
ask me for directions. Other wanted their photo taken with me. I guess
Wizards are in.
I sought out the beer wenches. They are a mediaeval tradition I cherish. The
clarion bells were beautiful. "To the Hilt" was performing on stage.
I went back a second time. There is just something about humor, ladies, and
swords. Lady Katrina is a hoot.
I came away with a new drinking horn, a cup holder for my belt, and a card
reading from Halley that bodes well for the next year. All in all, it was a
very good day.
Ren-Faire will be running two more weekends at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield
Beach. Don't miss it. Visit
http://www.ren-fest.com/.
***************************************************************
'Tis the season for Love. It must have something to do with Imbolc, Maiden
Goddesses, Rabbits, the quickening of spring and such.
In study group, we are sharing love spells. Voodoo Lady says she has a bunch.
Bring your favorites. Others will too.
This Saturday is the Faerie Elaine Silver Concert and Ritual. We start with
the concert: $10 at the door, kids free. Following that, we will close the
cash box and do a Love Ritual with Faerie Elaine and her music. Both paired
and unpaired are welcome. No guarantees are offered. Bring something for a
feast afterwards.
Elaine was a big hit last year
(www.elainesilver.com) when she did
the concert and Faerie Goddess Ritual.
This Saturday morning is a work day for the Buildings & Grounds Muggles
at the UU Church of Fort Lauderdale. Come help maintain the sacred space we
enjoy. We are expanding the area we use for the Labyrinth.
Spring is around the corner and we are into the season.
***************************************************************
There are many paths in this world.
In a couple weeks, a very special group will gather in Sacred Ritual. Long
time friends will come together. Newcomers will be invited. Initiations may
occur. This tradition goes back 36 years although they can trace their roots
much further. There may be a link to Asatru. Encircling the sacred light,
there will be chants, yells, cakes, and many ales.
Out of respect, we have moved our own Imbolc Open Ritual ahead to January 27
(7 PM). We will celebrate the Candle Festival of the Maiden Goddess. The
other folks are doing SuperBowl. There are some paths with which we do not
trifle.
Wondering how many of us there really are? See a census on the witch
population from Covenant of the Goddess at
http://www.cog.org/cogpoll_final.html.
***************************************************************
I went and saw Lord of the Rings. Much magick and characters a la Toikin. The
to-be-continued ending I expected because I read all three books long ago.
I liked the idea of the Fellowship of The Ring with all its different sorts
of beings working together, for the most part. I contrast it to the TV show
Survivor, where everyone plots against each other.
I prefer the first sort of fellowship. It is more like the world I try to
keep for myself. There is more to conjuring than just spells. We conjur up
the worlds we live in, don't you think now?
This Thursday in Study Group the topic is Book Night: Bring something you
are reading and tell us about it. Or ask about something you have been
meaning to read.
***************************************************************
Happy Gregorian New Year!
Even if your year began last Samhain, it's difficult to ignore last night's
passage.
I am making my resolutions: Less weight, better balance, more money,
intentional study... kind of like last year.
If you are getting more serious about your study, and are local to South
Florida, consider Lady Bridget's series of classes.
If you tend to argue with Fundies, try a little extra Biblical Literacy for
Liberals. The local UUs offer a class.
This is a time for divination. Try some candle magick and join us this
Thursday at Study Group to make astral candles. Don't be a spectator.
Bring candles that match your sign:
If you don't like these correspondences, find some others.
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9/23/03
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http://moonpathcuups.org/rituals/fert03.htm
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the Wheel must turn anew.
We come together on this night
to keep the promise true.
As Mother Earth begins to stir,
we'll burn our candles long.
We know this magick that we do
will help the Sun grow strong.
1/15/03
1/7/03
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Sign Dates Base Top
Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Blue Green
Pices February 19 - March 20 White Green
Aries March 21 - April 19 White Pink
Taurus April 20 - May 20 Red Yellow
Gemini May 21 - June 21 Red Blue
Cancer June 22 - July 22 Green Brown
Leo July 23 - August 22 Red Green
Virgo August 23 - September 22 Gold Black
Libra September 23 - October 22 Black Blue
Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Brown Black
Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Gold Red
Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Red Brown
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