SECTION III - THE CAULDRON - PART 1
Interview with Elen Hawke, Author of In The Circle; Crafting The Witches Path
(Llewellyn) - Interviewed by ~ G. Rain
Maire's May Day - LunaWillowsong
Abby - Mystickally
Mystic Moon - ~Rain
Michael and Beth Chronicles - Selene SilverWind
Cast The Circle - DreamDancer
Springtime Awakening - Seanachai
Toddler Witch Kit - Review by Luna Willowsong
The Kundalini - Storm Raven
Isis Magic by M. Isidora Forrest - Reviewed by ~ G. Rain
Interview with Elen Hawke,
Author of In The Circle; Crafting The Witches Path (Llewellyn)
Interviewed by ~ G. Rain
Elen Hawke, Author and Witch lives in Oxford, England. Her recently released book, In the Circle reaches out to readers and uncovers the heart of Wicca. Her 'back to nature' approach breaks through the fluff & fad books, enabling the reader to thoroughly understand the gods, holidays, and magic.
Elen candidly answers questions from how she got interested in the craft to info on her new book, the upcoming sequel to In The Circle. This profound author gives advice to beginners saying , "trust your intuition (only you can know what's really best for you)." Grab a cup of tea, some sweets and enjoy the interview !
1. What got you interested in the craft and When was the earliest indication that this was the path for you ?
This is quite a difficult question to answer because, in a sense, I've been practicing the Craft all my life, though without putting a name to it until about fifteen years ago, though I've been an astrologer for nearly thirty years and a tarot reader for eleven, and those two disciplines are a very good grounding for the elemental and magical ritual work of Witchcraft. I know it's a clich‚ nowadays, but I truly have always felt a deep affinity with nature, the lunar tides and the unfolding seasons.
I've also always had a keen psychic awareness and, in common with many children, I was aware of discarnate entities, atmospheres, past life memories and so on when I was very young. I've also always been drawn to the ancient sacred sites and other spiritual-feeling features in the landscape; I well remember being driven across Salisbury Plain (the area which contains Stonehenge among other burial sites and standing stones) at night as a child, and feeling incredibly uplifted by the energies I could feel there - they seemed familiar and comfortable to me somehow. But my earliest contact with and connection to the Craft was when I was read The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the chapter in The Wind in the Willows where Ratty and Mole get lost and encounter the god Pan at daybreak. I was very young at the time, about five or six years old, but I've never forgotten the thrill I felt. However, my spiritual path since has taken me through Spiritualism, Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism, all of which have an affinity with and aspects in common with Witchcraft. I suppose I pulled all these disparate threads together about fifteen or twenty years ago, realized that the Craft offered me everything I had been experiencing in different fragmented ways all along - then I began to read and learn and build up an individualistic practice for quite some years before contacting others and doing workshops, then eventually being initiated into Gardnerian Wicca, and later forming my own eclectic coven.
2. What obstacles, if any, did you face when you started practicing & how did you over come them ?
I've never encountered much in the way of prejudice or obstacles from outside. The main obstacles I faced were from within myself. To explain this statement, I'm now in my fifties, which means that when I was born Witchcraft was still illegal in this country. I grew up with the idea (perpetuated by the media) that witches were evil and satanic. I had to overcome a feeling that I was doing something wrong or distasteful, and this fear continued till I had been openly practicing the Craft for some years. This type of fear is illogical...you can be aware of the reasons for it, can carry on regardless, but it is very persistent. Thankfully I've left all that behind; but I still see the same reservations in people coming into the Craft now, especially older people.
3. What sources were available to you when you began. Did you have a teacher?
When I first began to study the Craft seriously, there weren't as many books available as there are now. I read Stewart Farrar's book What Witches Do, and also one of Gerald Gardner's, I forget which now, and Justine Glass's Witchcraft, a Sixth Sense. I don't think I was really inspired till I read Starhawk's and Vivianne Crowley's books later on. Really I was my own teacher, experimenting (very carefully!!), finding what worked best for me. I would love to have encountered Alex and Maxine Sanders in the sixties, but in fact I was doing other things with my life then, so that's a retrospective wish. Later on, in the eighties, when I began to long for an experience of group work, I did a series of workshops with Shan Jayran at the House of the Goddess in London. She's not so well known in the States, but she has a reputation in England for being very individualistic and for encouraging people to find their own way...and that suited me. My experience of group work with her was one of the best and most inspiring I've ever had. I went on to do a correspondence course and some workshops with Vivianne and Chris Crowley. By the time I had any sort of formal training, including workshops, it served just to focus what I was already doing, to tie up the loose ends and give me a taste of what more formal ritual can give one.
4. What was the best piece of advise you've receive from someone regarding the craft and what advise would you give to a beginner on this path ?
I can't think of any specific advice I've been given, though I must have absorbed a lot from what I've read. By the time I came into contact with other witches, I'd already formed my own opinions and practice, and I think that's probably a common experience with people who do a lot of solitary work.
My advice to beginners is read, read, read; give yourself permission to experiment and to discard anything which doesn't work for you, no matter how much you respect the source; trust your intuition (only you can know what's really best for you). The other thing is to get out into nature, observe the seasons, study the elements in their natural settings (even if that's just watching a fire or candle flames, or dabbling your hands in a bowl of water). Too many people want to be told everything, either through books or through a teacher, and meanwhile life is unfolding all around them unnoticed. I've had as many profound spiritual revelations through sitting in my back garden, or going into the countryside, as I have within the ritual circle, for life itself is the sacred circle which contains and sustains us.
Another useful way to access information is to join an email discussion group. I run
witchcraft_uk, which can be accessed through the Children of Artemis website at www.witchcraft.org and I've found this kind of group to be a mine of wisdom, support and friendship. Ours is carefully moderated so that it's a safe contact point for people of all ages, but there are many more to be found (though it pays to be cautious!).
Lastly, I warn people not to rush into initiation (many people do this in an attempt to feel part of something). Whether someone wants to be initiated into a group or to do a self initiation, it's worth taking time to prepare and to be sure that it's the right path. Initiation is profound and will bring deep changes, so it's best to be absolutely sure it's the right step for the individual.
5. When you were writing In the Circle, what was the main goal you wanted to accomplish ?
Because of running the e-group, I found I was answering questions all the time, and it occurred to me that a book was needed which would give guidance to the Craft, but in a way which would be accessible for beginners and more experienced people alike. I decided to write the sort of book I would have wanted to read when I began my own search. I also wanted to give the book a personal slant, to give people a glimpse of my own practice and my environment. I remember, when I was pregnant with my daughter in 1979, there was a book on pregnancy I got from the library which was written in the form of a journal. That book was the most popular in the whole section. By the time I had read it, I felt I knew the author, could identify with her life, and therefore felt able to relate to her experiences in a positive way which helped me through my own pregnancy. When I wrote In The Circle, I wanted to do for others, within witchcraft, what that book had done for me in relation to pregnancy. I used my magical journal as a primary source for the italicized chapter beginnings of In The Circle, and this whole approach seems to have worked as many people tell me they love those sections of the book. The other aim I had when writing the book was to give people a sense of empowerment, to help them to realize that they could trust themselves to form their own valid ritual practice.
6. Since you began practicing, has the craft changed ? In what ways ? Would you say it evolved or degressed ?
I think the Craft has both evolved and devolved over recent years. The explosion of information available and people seeking has brought fresh ideas into witchcraft, and has brought things into the open more. Nowadays, it no longer feels isolated and a bit risky to be known as a witch. In fact I've just done a newspaper interview with a reporter who said there is no mileage in the satanic baby sacrificing angle on the Craft now. However, some branches of the Craft have become more entrenched and rigid over the years...though this is an inevitable consequence of any spiritual path become more accepted and mainstream; they all start with a profound essence or inner truth which then accrues more and more outer doctrine and dogma as time goes on. I read Kerr Cuhulain's Wiccan Warrior recently and was forced to agree with much of what he was saying. Sadly many people who enjoyed innovative freedom within the Craft thirty or more years ago are now setting out certain rules and regulations, and becoming disapproving of new ideas, or of people enjoying autonomy. This is probably more the case in Britain than in the States. I think the Craft has grown differently here than it has in America; for example, we don't have so many large open festivals.
7. You mentioned in your book that you teach Witchcraft, at what point did you realize you were ready to teach ?
I've been teaching spiritually all my adult life, so teaching Witchcraft grew naturally out of that. I've certainly been teaching the Craft for at least ten years, probably more. I've also learned an enormous amount from my students over the years. I can't really pinpoint when I began teaching formally as it evolved gradually.
8. Can you tell us more about the Pagan Federation & your involvement with it ?
The Pagan Federation is an umbrella organization for pagans in this country, and many pagans, both well know and otherwise, belong to it. It provides contacts and also will represent its members in any legal matters brought about because of their being pagan. I don't hold a post within the PF, but I renew my membership every year because I think it's important to support any organization which exists to help other pagans. Other than that I receive their quarterly magazine and go to the main conference once a year. That's a lot of fun as it has stalls (booths) selling pagan artefacts and equipment, and there are talks and workshops as well.
9. Tell us about the sequel to the In the Circle, what is the main theme of this next book ?
The sequel to In The Circle, which is to be published next March, takes the material of the first book to a deeper level. There are more rituals, meditations and exercises, such as work with the elements and the
Chakras, the lunar cycle and the eight festivals, as well as magical exercises and spells, divination and so on. Although it is meant to follow on from In The Circle, it contains enough foundation work to be used by a complete beginner as well. I'm also currently working on a tarot deck (done digitally) and accompanying book, which I will be offering to Llewellyn shortly.
I began my walk with the Goddess as a young girl and have danced with the Lady all of my life. She is there for those who have eyes to see her and is known by thousands of names, all beautiful and powerful.
Maire's May Day
By LunaWillowsong
Maire stood in the warm May Day sunshine balancing the silver crown on the slippery white satin pillow. She loved the smell of the tiny white roses that were woven into the beautiful silver crown. The silver crown made her think of the moon that shone through her window at night. Oh how she loved looking at the silver moon and stars through her bedroom window at night. She was sure that it was a lady in the moon, not a man in the moon like everyone else told her.
As Maire waited impatiently for the ceremony to begin she shifted from foot to foot. Her new white patent leather shoes pinched her feet and her legs ached from standing still in one place for what seemed to a four-year old like an eternity. She looked longingly at the lush new spring grass still dewy in shadowed places where the morning sun had not reached. She wanted to take of her shoes and socks and run, feeling the cool grass beneath her feet.
"Stand still! You'll scuff your shoes!" said Auntie.
"Don't drop the crown!" smiled Mommy.
Maire stopped fidgeting for a moment and with one hand balancing the crown and pillow, she used the other hand to smooth the skirt of her new dress that Mommy had bought especially for today. She had tried to stand patiently this morning while Auntie fussed and tied and retied the sky blue sash into a perfect fluffy bow. It was the most beautiful dress that Maire could imagine. This morning when she had put on the dress of white organdy into which were woven threads of silver she had felt like a princess. The dress was itchy but because it was so beautiful, and because Mommy and Auntie told her they would be disappointed if she didn't act like a lady she tried especially hard not to wiggle, and tried to stand still by watching the sun sparkle on the silver threads.
Today was a very special day. She had spent the night with Auntie at St. Brighid's College after practicing her part as crown bearer in the May Crowning ceremony. She liked visiting Auntie at St.
Brighid's. All the grown up girls said and did things that made her feel special! Mommy had gone to college at St.
Brighid's, as had both of Maire's aunties. Mommy said that she loved May Crowning, that it was a very special ceremony held every May at St. Brighid's to honor Our Lady.
(Maire loved Our Lady, Mary, after whom she was named, and sometimes talked to her in her prayers, especially on dark moonless nights, when she heard scary sounds that she was sure was a banshee coming to take her from her bed.) Last night, to get ready for this special day, Auntie had let her take a long bubble bath with special perfumed bubbles and then this morning before Maire got dressed, Auntie had brushed her hair until it crackled and shone. She rubbed at a spot on her scalp still tender from her Auntie's enthusiastic brushing.
Maire felt very small in the group of college girls who whispered excitedly waiting for the beginning of the processional. Some of the Sisters of St. Brighid came to stand in line and the girls became quiet. Marie was a little shy around the nuns in their flowing black habits and veils, and felt a little sorry for them thinking that the white starched wimple that covered their necks and faces must pinch and itch. The women began singing. Maire didn't understand the words to the songs except for part of Ave Maria. She thought that the beautiful voices singing the hymn must be what the angels that Mommy and Daddy had told her about sounded like. She knew that Maria meant Mary in Latin, and that it was time for her to carry the beautiful crown to the statue of Our Lady.
Maire walked somberly as she had practiced yesterday. She felt a little nervous because there were lots more people here today than there were at yesterday's practice and they were watching her. She hoped Mommy and her Aunties would be proud of her today. She stepped carefully, one foot...stop...the other foot.... stop...until she reached the base of the statue. She stood very still waiting for the sisters and big girls to finish singing their songs to Mary. Some of the songs that were sung sounded so happy! Maire wondered why everyone looked so serious when it was such a beautiful happy day. Maire gazed up at the beautiful statue and smiled to think that Our Lady would be happy at the beautiful singing and the crown of silver and roses that would be placed on her head. Maire was so surprised at what she saw that the crown slid off the satin pillow! She was looking not at a statue, but a woman, dressed in blue and silver, her hair flowing in the rose scented breeze. She was smiling a radiant smile at Maire and her eyes seemed to sparkle so brightly that it reminded Maire of the stars she loved to watch at night.
Maire saw some of the disapproving looks from the people who saw her drop the crown and quickly picked it up to place it back on the pillow. She started to speak, wanting to talk to the beautiful Lady but the lady winked and put her fingers to her lips as if sharing a secret. Our Lady said,
"Maire, I love you, I hear you when you talk to me. I will always be with you. We will meet again, many times." Maire looked at the young woman who lifted the crown from the pillow, and watched as the crown was placed on Our Lady's head. Our Lady smiled again at
Maire, and faded back into the statue of stone and paint. The gathering sang another hymn and a blessing was given at the end of the ceremony.
Maire walked over to Mommy and Auntie and wanted to talk to them about the beautiful lady, to ask if they had seen her too, and heard what the Lady had said to
Maire. Mommy shook her head and Auntie told Maire that she had a wonderful imagination. Maire felt a little sad that Mommy and Auntie didn't believe her and hadn't seen and heard Our Lady as she had, but was still feeling very happy that she had seen Our Lady. She took off her shoes and socks when Mommy wasn't' looking and ran to the lush green grass slightly away from the crowd of people who stood and chatted after the ceremony was over. Maire began to dance and the people who watched her dance smiled. No one but Maire saw the beautiful woman, dressed in silver and blue wearing a crown of moonlit silver and roses, who danced with Maire that day at St.
Brighid's, on the dewy green grass in the shadows where the morning sun had not yet reached.
Abby
By Mystickally
"So what do you think is worse; getting a lot of attention and having to answer a lot of questions, or being avoided and feared?" Cal asked Abby sarcastically as they walked through the campus grounds.
"I don't know. I don't think it was such a good idea at all."
Abby had regrets about the entire situation. It was no secret that she wanted nothing to do with the publicity that went along with the whole fiasco. She did it because she thought she was doing the right thing. Greg was fired and his education was disrupted because the "powers-that-be" disagreed with his choice of religion and lifestyle. He was a witch. He was a
Wiccan. Then the battle turned into something more. The Pagan community embraced it as a personal insult and fought to win a battle against "religious tolerance".
"Cal, this is a Christian university. A church does not fund it, but the religious department is predominantly made up of Christian leaders. What the heck did anyone expect would happen?"
"And that justifies intolerance?"
"Maybe not, but why did we turn it into such an event?"
That very question had divided the Pagan community. There were those that were disgusted by the way many
"outed" themselves. The whole "I am a Pagan/Witch/Wiccan! Look at me - I'm not evil!" proclamation angered many traditional practitioners of the craft, who felt that the privacy of every true pagan was compromised, thanks to the already overly advertised Neo-Pagan movement. An individual's religion and lifestyle are very personal things, and not something that should be shared with the entire world. On the other hand, many Wiccans found it to be a unique opportunity to prove to the town that they weren't all that bad, and that sharing some of their "secrets" was a good way to show it - and to educate at the same time.
Abby had done a lot of research since the very first time she was exposed to the craft. She found herself straying away from Wicca. There was a lot that disillusioned her. She continued to search for other thoughts and ideas and secretly, while not really realizing it, situated herself into a traditional path of simplicity. She had been happy and more at peace with herself ever since. But Abby never once shared her "revelation" with anybody; not even
Shaene. And it was somewhere in the middle of that revelation that Abby started to really question whether or not her involvement in the controversy was worth it.
In any case, Beltane was soon approaching and a public gathering was planned to take place on campus. It wouldn't be anything spectacular, but it was organized to signify the end of the craziness, and was hoped to be a means of getting everybody together to have a good time, regardless of his or her belief system. Maybe this would be the peace treaty that the school needed to move on.
The days preceding the Beltane celebration consisted of lots of excited preparation. The campus grounds were decorated to look like a spring garden. A pole had been erected on the campus, and most that passed it wondered, "Where's the flag?
The afternoon of the celebration, the campus was buzzing. People were showing up on campus with long, colorful ribbons and baskets of food. Confused onlookers watched on in amazement, wondering what the night held in store.
Abby and Shaene showed up together with food, ribbons, and a video camera. Kat showed up a few minutes later with several large blankets and more food.
The grounds became more and more saturated with people situated on blankets and surrounded by food and more people.
Shaene, Abby and Kat were eventually joined by the rest of the crew - Cari-lynn, Cal, and Mike, as well as
Cailey, Paul and Josh, three friends who had remained neglected throughout the entire Greg fiasco - and together they sat to talk and laugh and listen to the live music being performed by several different groups of people. You couldn't really tell apart the pagans from the non-pagans, and even the church officials that were carefully monitoring the events looked more at ease than they had in previous months.
The light gave way to darkness before anyone realized, and soon a bonfire was lit. People gleefully roasted marshmallows and many jumped up to dance around the may pole, their colorful ribbons wrapping around the pole as they danced around it.
"So is this where we all dance around naked under the full moon?"
The group turned around and found Tim standing behind them. Kat, Cailey and Paul's jaws dropped to the floor when they recognized Tim's famous face. Abby introduced Tim as a very old friend and after the initial shock, they shared stories of how their friendship blossomed and Tim's struggle to become a vocalist. "The next teen sensation" was his original goal, but that dream turned out to be more like "the next sensation for teens". Tim proved to be an excellent friend and a real down to earth person.
"I came here to support Abby. I just wish I could have been here sooner."
"Blast those darn 'touring around the world making mucho bucks' commitments!" Mike exclaimed sarcastically, with a snap of his fingers.
"I would watch the sarcasm with me ... what's your name again? 'Mike Rotch from apartment 69', was it?" Tim spouted back.
Abby giggled and explained that Tim was the king of sarcasm and that even Mike would be hard pressed to top him.
The night was an obvious hit, and at midnight, it didn't look like the festivities would be over in the near future.
A discussion about beliefs started with a small group of people, and eventually spread out to include everyone present. Some exchanged views from a Christian point of view as well as a Jewish, Buddhist and Pagan view, and each with several points to each religious group, to present differing opinions within each group. It was an interesting conversation that could have easily turned into a violent one, but instead remained a peaceful but heated discussion. It was a chance for outsiders to get a glimpse of what the pagan viewpoint of life was, without resorting to the usual, boring arguments like "We don't believe in the devil".
The most animated discussion brewed within differing pagan groups. One side argued the importance of the Wiccan Rede and the Law of Return, while the other side questioned its validity. At around 4 in the morning, the group finally dispersed, but not before setting up a date at the end of the week in order to continue the discussion. It left quite an impression on every attendant. Abby and the crew continued the discussion as they headed home. Abby hadn't yet gained a steady foot to join in the discussion, but she had a lot to think about. It was certainly time for her to really think about her life and where she stood with the set of beliefs she was supposed to be living her life by.
The second discussion turned into a third and fourth one, and eventually became a weekly gathering. A sort of "pagan student union" was unofficially formed, where week-to-week, different issues were addressed and debated.
Normally, this would be considered a good thing, except for the fact that it seemed to drive a wedge between Abby and Cal. Suddenly they began to argue frequently and never seemed to be able to stay in the same room without going at each other's throats.
The biggest argument started after Abby began to really think about The Rede and the Threefold Law of Return. The more she thought about it, the more she found herself defecting from both sets of beliefs.
"It's pretty and has a happy little message to it, but I don't buy it."
"What's there to 'buy'? An it harm none ... what thou givest shall return to thee ... those are basic tenets."
"It's hokey."
"It's hokey?"
"Threefold Law: watch what ya do or it'll come back to bite ya in the butt at three times the strength? I left the Catholic church because I didn't like being told that I was born with original sin, therefore I have to spend the rest of my life asking for forgiveness from a God that stands by, watching us suffer excruciating physical and emotional pain! Threefold Law is the same thing, only with a new age-y twist to it. Wiccan
Rede: Perfect Love and Perfect Trust? Puh-lease. It doesn't exist. Nothing is perfect. Everything in Nature is inherently flawed. That's what makes life what it is. The good and the bad is Nature. It's how things are."
Cal and Abby went back to that argument everyday for a week before they finally decided to keep their distance from each other for a bit. Kat and Shaene decided to stay out of it, even if they had wanted to intervene, neither knew what course of action to take.
Kat never followed a religion. She was raised in a household that disavowed the very thought of it. But what Abby argued was exactly how Kat was brought up: respect her environment, do what must be done to ensure her own and her family's safety, and respect only those that extends you the same courtesy. Anything more or less was unacceptable practice. Kat found herself siding with Abby, and thought it best not to speak with Cal about it, and Shaene had always been very guarded in talking about his beliefs in detail.
"I just don't understand why Cal is taking what Abby says as a personal insult." Shaene admitted to Kat.
"I don't know that he is taking it as a personal insult. He just can't see it from her point of view. He was raised with Wicca, and his dad follows a ceremonial path. They are definitely going to butt heads about it."
"Maybe so, but he is acting like Abby is dead wrong and another view can't possibly be the right one. Isn't that one of the arguments Wiccans have today, that they are not widely accepted and are expected to conform to the Christian belief structure? Whether Cal realizes it or not, he is treating this exactly the way he expects others NOT to treat him."
"I guess so. But who are we to say that he is wrong?"
"Who are we to say that she is wrong?"
Kat and Shaene agreed that neither person had the upper hand. They just hoped that Abby and Cal would get through it and still come out as friends.
Mystic Moon
Chapter. 8 "Ice cream"
By ~Rain
After a week of working at Mystic Moon, it felt normal. People would come in, I'd help them find what they need or answer questions. It's amazing what some people buy. One day this woman, a few years older than myself came in and went directly to the book section. She spent at least an hour flipping threw books and figuring out what she wanted. What shocked me more was that she brought seventy-five dollars worth of books. That same day a young man came in, he was looking to banish evil spirits. I tried my best to help, but that definitely isn't my area of expertise. I also noticed that many people bring a friend with them, I guess to get a second opinion.
Shara came in to check up on me several times a day. She always had an excuse, forgot this or that, needed a special herb that sort of thing. She also informed me that she was working on an important project, but refused to tell me what it was.
I would get this calming sensation whenever I walked in the door, peace at work. Most of all I realized working at Mystic Moon is equally as fun as shopping in it!
When I had the day off. I went shopping and bought new clothes. When I was in the clothing store and I walked by woman's suits. I started to look around. But it hit me; I don't have to wear suits anymore. That was a wonderful revelation. So I brought free flowing dresses and a few scarves. Comfort in the work place who would have thought!
I got to my apartment door, struggled with the bags and keys. Then the door clicked, Jane opened the door.
"Gwen, let me help you." She took some of my bags.
"I thought you had work today? " I asked.
"Yes, I did but I took half the day off. " she replied. We put all the packages by the couch, and sat to talk. Miss Morgana came and sat on my lap. She seemed happy that I was home.
"I have been thinking a lot these past couple days." Jane stated.
"Ok." I thought it was bad news. Maybe she wanted to move out, was she happy living her? A thousand thoughts filled my head.
"I am ready." she said. At first I had no idea what she meant, then it clicked. Dedication. She was ready to dedicated herself to the Goddess and God. I told her a few weeks before that she could take all the time she wanted to decide if this path was for her.
"Oh that's so wonderful!" We hugged and I immediately called Shara and Mona, to tell them the good news!
"She's ready." I said. All I heard was squeals and shouts. I pulled the phone away from my ear, to prevent the loud noise from hurting them. I handed that phone to Jane. "They want to talk to you."
"You witches! " Jane told them. They talked for a little while, I unpacked my clothes. Jane got off the phone and told me that Shara invited us over to her loft tomorrow evening.
"I have never been to her loft." I said. It was a weird thought. Although I was invited a few times, due to my old job I was never able to go or something always came up. Jane was so happy, we talked about Wicca for a little while and I told her what my dedication meant to me. Some time during the conversation, I realized how much fun Jane's dedication ritual could be. Knowing Shara as well as I did, I didn't doubt for a second that it would be boring.
We ate dinner, talked more, and went to bed. Neither of us could sleep. We were both excited about the next day. At around one o'clock, I heard Jane's foot steps in the hallway. I got up to see what she was doing. I carefully walked out of my room, down the hall. After a few minutes I hear Jane open a draw in the Kitchen, than the
frige. I walked in the kitchen and I saw Jane in her pj's eating ice cream by candlelight.
"I am sorry, did I wake you?" she said casually.
"No, I can't sleep, either." I took out a spoon and sat at the table with her. We ate ice cream and talked. Miss Morgana stumbled into the kitchen looking tired.
"Come here missy, come talk with us." I said. Miss Morgana came slowly and snuggled into my lap. Jane. We talked till two-thirty and finished the ice cream box. Finally I felt tired and cold so I curled into bed and went right to sleep. I kept dreaming of this man, at least four times a week. It always begins the same, he asks for my help but I don't understand. Then he vanishes. The next morning came very quickly. I felt as if I got no sleep. Instead of tea, I put on coffee.
"Hopefully, this will wake me up, right missy." I said, walking barefoot through the kitchen towards the fridge. Miss Morgana kept getting caught in my skirt. She was purring and rubbing her face through the fabric. I was making toast when Jane walked in looking worse than myself.
"Coffee." That's all she said and thumped down on the kitchen chair resting her head on the table. I poured us both large cups of coffee and sat at the table.
"You ever have those dreams that keep repeating?" I said.
"A reoccurring dream, yeah sometimes." She looked up and saw the coffee mug. She sat up in the chair and had a sip. " Much better."
"I keep dreaming of this man, and I don't know why." I told her.
"Dreaming of men isn't bad, in fact I welcome those dreams!" She smiled.
"He needs my help, he is asking me something but I don't understand. Its frustrating me. " I looked at my coffee and I see images from my dream, that were still vivid in my mind. The dark liquid molded into an image of his face. I quickly covered the top of the cup with my hand.
"Tell him to get a therapist." She laughed. " No, but seriously you should tell
Shara, she is good with things like that. "
"Yeah, maybe I'll do that." I dumped the coffee in the sink. I told myself the image wasn't real, I was still sleepy and my lack of sleep was getting the better of me. " Well, I have work. I'll meet you back here at four and well drive to Shara's together." Jane said something to me but I didn't hear; only one thing went through my head 'what dose he want from me?'
Michael and Beth Chronicles
Jellyfish to the Rescue
By Selene Silverwind
SeleneSilverwind.com
(In our last episode, James found a house for Angela and the kids, Kyra was notified that her products were going to be featured in a major magazine, and everyone else had a pleasant day that concluded with Chinese Food Gossip Night.)
Early Sunday morning, Gary and Mark took their usual morning stroll on the beach that was scheduled for paving. They walked in silence, enjoying the meditative splash of the early morning waves washing up the shore. Bits of seaweed, small shells, crabs, and tiny fish that the ocean had deposited on the sand dotted the edge of the tide line. Mark watched the debris pass under his feet without great concern until he spotted a larger animal among the typical shells and clumps of kelp.
Mark stopped, reaching out a hand to pull Gary's attention to the sand below his feet. "Look at this," he said, pointing to a white jellyfish washed up on the shore. "I've never seen that here before."
Gary looked down at the fish, and then whipped out his cell phone, pushing the button for information.
"You said you weren't going to bring that," Mark said.
Gary glanced at him, eyebrows raised. "And you believed me?" Gary asked his cell phone service to connect him to the local office of the Fish and Game department. As he waited to be connected, he squatted down to look at the white gelatinous mass below his feet. Finally, someone at the office answered.
"Hi, we're on the beach near Santa Monica and we found a jellyfish on the sand." He paused. "Okay, thanks." He hung up and turned to Mark. "The ranger will be here in a few minutes.
They walked several feet further up the beach and spotted several more jellyfish carcasses washed up on the shore. Within ten minutes of Gary's call, a Fish and Game truck drove across the white sand toward them. Gary waved and the truck pulled to a stop in front of them. The ranger hopped out, walking around the front of the truck to greet them. Mark showed him the trail of dead jellyfish that extended several yards up the beach from where they stood.
The ranger stooped over the nearest one and poked it with a wooden stick. "It's not a species I recognize," he said. "Although, that doesn't mean much." He returned to his truck, retrieving a large jar and a small scoop. He carefully scooped three of the invertebrates into the jar, and then turned to face Gary. "Thanks for the call. I'll have the beach patrol clean these up. We can't leave them out here where kids could step on them." He hoisted the jar in his hands. "I'll take these to be tested."
Gary handed the ranger his business card. "I'm the lawyer trying to stop the paving. Can you call me when you find out what this is?" he asked.
The ranger nodded, smiling appreciatively. "Sure will. I'd hate to see this fine sand disappear just so another twenty cars can park."
That afternoon, several of Angela's fellow church members accompanied her back to the apartment building for a beach-saving prayer circle. As Angela's guests arrived,
Kyra, Gary, and Mark greeted them with tea and cookies in the courtyard. Once everyone had gathered on the lawn, Angela called their attention.
"Thank you all for coming. I'm so happy to see how many of you feel this beach is worth saving. I'd like to introduce you to our legal crusader, Gary
Donahoe." Angela pointed to Gary and the congregation turned to face him. He waved, and then they turned back to Angela, who continued. "If you would all take a seat, we'll get started."
The members of Angela's congregation filed into the circle of chairs Kyra had set up on the lawn. Gary and Mark joined them. All together they closed their eyes and reached out to join hands. Angela spoke again. "Dear God, Creator of all that we cherish, hear our prayer. Help us to rescue the beach from impending destruction. We ask this in honor of you. Amen."
"Amen," echoed the congregation. Eyes still closed, their prayer continued in silence.
Inside her apartment, Marisa peered out the front window at the quiet circle. When Kyra came back inside, Marisa turned to her. "They pray kind of like us, Mom."
"Prayer is a universal thing, sweetie. The difference is in who they talk to."
"Can I go pray with them?"
Kyra nodded. "Certainly, but follow their lead and don't say anything they don't. Not everyone understands that prayer is prayer no matter the words." Kyra watched as Marisa walked quietly out the door and crept onto the lawn to join Andrew and Jennifer on a blanket. The twelve-year-old settled down cross-legged beside her friends and bowed her head in prayer, bringing her hands together in front of her chest.
Smiling appreciatively at her daughter's open attitude, Kyra went into her workshop to mix another batch of lotion.
Half an hour later, the murmur of people talking outside drew Kyra out of her almost meditative work. She emerged from her apartment to find Angela's guests admiring her garden. Several of the women complimented her on her on her green thumb. Kyra thanked them. The activist side of her wondered what they would say if she told them she owed it all owed it all to the Goddess and her trusty lunar planting guide. They probably wouldn't understand, she decided. It would be better not to make Angela's friends uncomfortable.
After Angela's guests had departed, she and Kyra dragged a couple chairs to the side of the lawn to finish off the pot of herbal tea and watch Marisa, Andrew, and Jennifer played musical chairs with Gary and Mark.
"Aren't they supposed to have less chairs than people," Kyra mused aloud. This game had fifteen chairs and only five people playing.
"I think so," Angela said, "but this way they're guaranteed that no one will be knocked out for quite a while."
Kyra refilled Angela's cup, then leaned back in her chair to watch the contest. After a moment, she said, "Would you mind explaining your faith to Marisa?"
Angela turned to her, surprised. "Are you sure?"
"I want her to understand other faiths, even if she chooses to remain Pagan. I think it's important for her to learn the similarities and differences. She's at the age where she's questioning."
"I'd be happy to. Would you do the same for my kids? Sometimes they're exposed to intolerance at church. I want them to learn to accept religious differences before they learn how to hate."
"It's a deal," Kyra said. "By the way, did you make an offer on the house yet?"
"We sure did. We should have an answer in a few days. I'm saying a few extra prayers that we get it."
"You will."
Angela glanced at Kyra, who wore an assured expression, and wished she had Kyra's ability to know things before the answers were obvious to others.
Michael and Beth returned from their afternoon hike. They went to stand beside Angela and Kyra and watch the game. "How exactly does this work?" Beth asked, confused by the apparent lack of rules.
"They take turns singing silly songs, then race to chairs when the singer stops. They remove one chair, then start over."
"How many did they start with?" Michael asked. "Aren't there supposed to be less chairs than people?"
Angela laughed. "That's what we thought. We were wrong. They started with fifteen."
Beth did a quick count of the chairs. Eight left. More than enough room for two more players. Grabbing Michael's hand, Beth dashed into the moving circle to join the game. When Marisa stopped her warbling rendition of "The Earth Is Our Mother," they all rushed to take seats.
An empty seat was removed, and then it was Beth's turn to sing. She belted out an Irish drinking song as they walked around the circle of chairs, stopping abruptly and leaping for a seat. They all got seats, but one more was removed from the game. Now the number of participants would start to dwindle along with the number of chairs.
"You're turn, Michael," Marisa teased, knowing he hated to sing. He did his best to sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider," the only song he could remember on short notice. When he stopped, they scrambled to the chairs. Beth missed, landing in Michael's lap.
Michael liked having Beth in his lap, but rules were rules and Beth was out of the game.
"Let's make it fair!" she said, running toward the stairs. "I'll go get my guitar."
A moment later she returned and struck up a jaunty tune while the others walked around the outer edge of the chairs in a tight circle. Gary was the next to miss a seat. He went to sit beside Beth on the stoop. "I haven't played this in years," he said as he settled down to watch the rest of the game.
Beth laughed. "I know. It's great, isn't it?"
She continued stopping and starting her tune until the game was down to Marisa and Michael. They paced around the lone chair in the middle of the yard, eyes trained warily on each other, each ready to spring into the chair when the song stopped.
Beth silenced her guitar and Marisa jumped backwards, landing squarely in the chair. She cheered victoriously.
"Marisa, lunch time," Kyra said, standing up to usher her daughter inside.
"You too, guys," Angela said.
Marisa, Andrew, and Jennifer accompanied their mothers inside, leaving the adults in the courtyard. Gary glanced at his watch. "Wow. I didn't realize it was so late. I've got some work to catch up on."
Mark and Gary went into their apartment and Michael followed Beth up to hers. "I'm not very hungry," Beth said as soon as they were inside. "How about a game of musical beds?"
Michael lunged for her. "I prefer musical floors."
Giggling, Beth turned and sprinted toward the bedroom. Michael caught her in the hallway and lowered her to the floor for a new game.
The next afternoon, Kyra was hard at work in her shop. The article wouldn't appear for another two months, but she wanted to be prepared for the sudden onslaught of orders. She already felt behind. It helped that her tenants came by to help whenever they could. Today Beth and Anacati worked alongside her.
Beth lifted a pitcher of freshly blended lavender lotion and carefully poured the liquid through a funnel into a smaller clear plastic bottle. When she was done filling it, Anacati would stick one of Kyra's fancy labels on it, then seal it tightly.
"Things seem to be going well for you and Michael," Kyra said as she mixed a batch of energizing bath salts.
Beth smiled, remembering their recent floor bound lovemaking session. "They are. He's wonderful. I'm so glad I moved in here."
"Me too. It's good to see Michael with a girlfriend," Anacati said.
"I have a good feeling about you two," Kyra said.
Anticipation tinged with elation washing over her, Beth turned to Kyra. "Anything you want to share?"
Kyra shook her head no, grinning secretively. "Not yet. You'll know eventually."
Beth laughed and went back to work carefully pouring the lotion into the bottles. "I have a good feeling too. I'm glad I'm not alone in it."
"Something tells me Michael feels the same way," Anacati agreed. "W still have our gab sessions sometimes. He gushes. Well, Michael doesn't really gush, but you know what I mean."
A knock at the front door interrupted their work. The knock was followed a moment later by loud banging. Wiping her hands, Kyra rushed out to the living room to answer the door. Gary stood on the other side, his face glowing with excitement.
"Call a meeting!"
"Okay. What about?" Kyra asked
"I'll tell you tonight!" Gary called as he dashed away.
A few hours later, everyone gathered in the inner court to hear Gary's news. They fired questions at him, but he refused to answer any of them until the last person had arrived. Finally, Adam joined them and Gary shushed his neighbors. "Okay, I'll explain. Yesterday, Mark and I found some jellyfish on the beach. So far the tests say it might be a new species. If that's the case, we have a better shot at saving the beach. I'll know more by the end of the week, just wanted to keep you updated."
"I'll tell me prayer group," Angela said.
"I'll add this request to my morning meditation," Beth said.
The others murmured their own plans for the new information, and then dispersed to get on with their plans for the evening.
Michael and Beth returned to his apartment where they were in the process of making dinner. Beth loved cooking with Michael. It was the perfect end to her day. "That's great news," she said as she stirred the sauce for Michael's favorite pasta dish: angel hair with chicken and herbs.
"Yeah. I hope it works out."
"Me too. I'm not a big fan of jellyfish. I got stung by one once, but if it will save the beach, then it's a worthy animal."
"They are kind of creepy," Michael agreed.
"Would you make the salad?"
Michael stepped behind Beth, whipping open the refrigerator. He pulled out a plastic bag of pre-mixed salad, turned around, dumped the salad in a bowl, and held it up for Beth.
"Done."
"Ever the gourmet," Beth teased. "How ever can I thank you for the effort?"
"I'll show you later," Michael said with a sly grin, looking forward to another wonderful night with the woman he was growing to love.
Cast The Circle
By DreamDancer
Cast the Circle, cast it wide
At break of dawn or eventide
Cast the Circle, left to right
By the light of noon or dark midnight
Cast the Circle, draw it near
Block out hatred, block out fear
Cast the Circle, your chosen place
Free your spirit in this sacred space
Cast the Circle, as below, so above
Join the Lady, feel Her love
Cast the Circle, work your spell
See in your mind what words just tell
Cast the Circle, feel the power
It blossoms forth like a Spring flower
Cast the Circle, alone, with friends
A circle cast which never ends
For true are the word which are spoken
The Circle is open, yet never broken
DreamDancer
4-13-01
Springtime Awakening
By Seanachai
He dances in the forest
To the sound of flute and drum
He sings in the forest
To awaken the sleepy ones
In the morning so bright
We cannot see him
Dancing so fair
But we follow his path
Of green grass and soft moss
The forest awakens
To the king of the Spring
The Greenman of legend
Dressed in leaves and bark
He watches the wood
And keeps safe Her children
Mouse and deer, bear and rabbit
He whispers to trees
To put forth their leaves
His music awakens
Snowdrops and violets, crocus and lily
The sweet breeze of his passing
Caresses the land
The song falls as gentle raindrops
Playing midst the leaves
To swell the streams and ponds.
He brings us the Springtime
So fresh and so pure
He is the innocence of wild things
The wildness of the young
He is the hope of a new age
And the prayer of the old.
Seanachai, April 18, 2001
The Kundalini
By Storm Raven
strmrvn@hotmail.com
She is a Goddess of Ecstasy. She will fill you with Her fiery energy. The ultimate encounter with Kundalini is when you come to the point of feeling that your inside and outside selves are one; when you cannot distinguish between the two. You feel your molecules flowing with Her energy and they no longer have a distinct form.
When She retreats, she leaves behind tendrils of flames that flow throughout your body frequently setting off convulsions of ecstasy. This continues until they snuff out on their own. Depending on your responsiveness and the intensity of a particular experience, this
post-Kundalini effect can last for quite some time. Each person is different. Each event will also have different effects.
The more in tune you are with your Inner Self, the longer the effects of
Kundalini. This is tantra. This is sexual energy. Tantra events do not necessarily include sex. However, the inclusion of sex can be very meaningful, especially if the energy is exchanged between you and your
partner(s). Kundalini energy can also be shared with others not in contact with you. She permeates the air and those receptive to Her energy may be stirred by it.
You do not need to be consciously receptive to Kundalini to feel Her presence. However, the effects are much more enjoyable if you knowingly embrace the energy. In addition, it is more rewarding to your
partner(s) if you are aware of Her, since your ability to share the experience is heightened. This sharing of the Kundalini is the ultimate union of partners, for the two (or more) of you become One.
The sharing of Kundalini between same-sex partners is not to be lessened. Heterosexual and Homosexual Kundalini experiences are different, but neither is less than the other. And the ultimate union can be achieved in both cases. Nothing can take away from such an experience between partners. And nothing can compare.
I hope all people have the chance to experience the Kundalini. Once She comes into your life and you feel Her embrace, you will never be the same. Your senses are heightened when She is with you and the world takes on a sensual quality. Find your Kundalini and enjoy the experience.
Blessings to all.
Storm Raven
<Editors note: this article was submitted thanks to Storm Raven's Spirit Sister
Mareth>
Special thanks goes to Maichael William Kirk for his eye-opening Tantra Workshop at FrostFyre 2001. Kundalini has been with me for many years, but his workshop helped me to understand Her on a more academic level. For more information on
Tantra, please contact Maichael William at MaiWilliam@bigfoot.com.
Isis Magic by M. Isidora Forrest
Reviewed by ~ G. Rain
Isis Magic is a large, 600 page book. It is divided into two sections. The first has information & myths about the Egyptian Goddess Isis. The second contains rituals & meditations to start and maintain your relationship with her. Isis Magic delves deep into the ancient Egyptian culture & myths creating a serious and educational view of the ancient texts. M. Isidora's book cuts a pathway to the Goddess by providing myths and stories of love, sadness, anger and revenge.
The author's love for Isis brightly shines through her work. Stating:
"We know that Isis will understand our pain for She Herself has suffered. We know that She will understand our love, for She Herself has loved. And while Isis' humanity touches our hearts, Her Divine magic touches our souls and spirits." (Pg 23)
Through ancient myths and stories the reader will understand and relate to the Goddess. M. Isidora's profound words show the importance of Isis and worshiping her,
"... we need to acknowledge the power of the Goddess and to make ourselves open to Her. Only then can we bring Her healing and renewing power into our lives. When we reveal ourselves to Her, we can know Her and be known by Her. We may than enter into mystical communion with her and the natural cycle of decay and renewal that is guided by Her hand." (Pg 65)
One of my favorite sections was about the Nile River and how the Egyptians found the water to be special and holy. The sacred water was frequently used in Isis rituals and especially for purification matters. (Pg 106 - 112) Also I enjoyed the chapter titled "Isis Unveiled" as it talks about modern day worshipers of Isis, including information on Dion Fortune and her connection to the Great Goddess.
The second part of the book contains exercises, meditations and rituals designed to jump-start & continue your relationship with Isis. The author writes;
"To discover Isis for yourself, you need only spend time with her." (Pg 245)
Most notably M. Isidora comments on worshiping saying:
"True worship has to do with reverence and appreciation for the Divine, for that which is sacred in others and in a way of expressing our feelings and inner selves to the Divine. It is a way of speaking actions of our bodies, but also by the focus of our minds, the openness of our hearts, and the willingness of our spirits." (Pg 246)
In this second section/part of the book, the author arranges rituals into levels into for stages; starting at "Votary" then gradually going into "Handmaiden or Servant of Isis," "Magician of Isis," and "Prophetess or Prophet."
Tap into the power of the Goddess with Isis Magic. Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 broomsticks!
