SECTION III - THE CAULDRON
The Pagan Book of Halloween, By Gerina Dunwich - Reviewed by ~ Rain
Chickadee (Demeter Speaks) - Luna Willowsong
Abby - Mystickally
Mystic Moon - ~Rain
Michael and Beth Chronicles - Selene SilverWind
Mewsings from The Alley - Mystickally
Merry Moon! - Savannah Moon
Four Quick Picks for Spring Reading - Book Reviews by Susan Davis
Imbolc Word Search - Isha ArrowHawk
Megan's Imbolc - Kathryn Dyer
Mouse tracks in the snow - Seanachai
A Whisper In The Darkness - Antigone
Windows of Life, Part 2 - Cassaundra RedHawk
My Friend The Tree - "T"
The Pagan Book of Halloween:
A Complete Guide to the Magick, Incantations, Recipes, Spells, and Lore.
By Gerina Dunwich.
Reviewed by ~ Rain
Gerina Dunwich's latest book, The Pagan Book of Halloween: A Complete Guide to the
Magick, Incantations, Recipes, Spells, and Lore is unique and interesting. It was well
written and easy to understand.
The title leads you to believe it's filled with equal parts Magick, recipes and lore,
this wasn't the case. The majority of it was filled with lore, superstitions, and old
traditions. Which I am sorry it says, can be a little bit boring at times!
Although The Pagan Book of Halloween did shed many stereotypes of Witches, it came to
late in the game ( page 118 ). Yes, there was a small section in the preface stating
there is no devil we worship and no sacrifices we perform. It should have gone slightly
more in depth for the newbie or an interested on looker!
I can't begin to imagine the time it took to research this book! Gerina Dunwich truly has
a talent for writing. For example when mentioning the herbs of the Witch's craft, she
states, " Empowered by the energies of Mother Earth and her elementals, herbs are truly
blessed with Magick, and each has its own story to tell. " ( page 72 )
Some say, " don't judge a book by its cover. " I am not disagreeing, but, the look and
layout of a book is important to me. Adorned with one of my favorite Waterhouse images
("the crystal ball ") and interesting black and white images throughout, this book's
style doesn't stop at it's cover! The layout flows and overall The Pagan Book of
Halloween looks great!
My favorite part of the book was a sweet spell titled, " Pumpkin-of-passion love spell
"on page 148. Also, the author included a long Samhain Sabbat ritual that was beautifully
written and was adaptable for both Coven & Solitary practitioners.
Although this book wasn't really practical, it was educational!
I give The Pagan Book of Halloween 4 out of 5 broomsticks!
Chickadee (Demeter Speaks)
By Luna Willowsong
Heavy hearted, booted feet breaking through crusted snow,
I walked through hushed and shadowed woods searching for joy.
Oh that it were that easy,
to break through the ice that held my heart captive.
Where was the comfort of birdsong,
the raucous call of Raven,
the silly chatter of Sparrow that lift my heart to treetop?
For briefest moments the sun broke through a veil of cloud.
Light and warmth returning, bringing gilded epiphany.
The woods filled with a choir rejoicing,
drawing my eyes up to pine bough.
There, Chickadee lifted her throat,
chirped briefly, "All is well! Listen! Listen"
The Sun cloaked itself once again,
light and warmth retreating as suddenly as they appeared.
In the silent wake I heard it, the faintest of sounds...
Joy....a tiny bird in winter...too cold at times to sing,
head tucked into wing, feathers fluffed,
defending against the darkness and cold,
It waited... for the incandescence of returning sun
to set free the song frozen in its breast.
But yet, even then when muted by silence, I felt it,
that tiny avian heart beating faintly a tattoo of hope.
"I'll sing....sing soon....I'll sing...sing soon...."
Luna Willowsong
Abby
By Mystickally
An ambulance came and went; Greg refused to be taken to the hospital instead insisting
that he would be cared for by his "friends". The police took his statement. He told them
that "renegade Pagan haters" had attacked him. He said that he was walking along the
street, minding his own business, when suddenly a group of people attacked him and
called him a Satan lover.
The more and more Greg got into his story, the more Abby began to wonder if any of it was
true. Greg tended to tell stories, and he would go on and on if asked for more details.
The extra details always turned into some big conspiracy against him. Greg always ended
up as the big time victim.
Once all of the police had gone, Abby sat down next to Greg and confronted him. A
resounding "No!" was the response; He stuck to his story and denied her accusations.
Abby dropped the interrogation, but she was not convinced. "He's lying", she thought. "I
just know it..."
Abby dropped the subject and tried to ignore the sinking feeling she had in the pit of
her stomach. She knew that if she conveyed her suspicions to Shaene or Cal, they would
immediately attack Greg. They already doubted the validity of his story, but Abby did not
want to take the chance that she could be wrong, accuse Greg publicly then be branded as
someone who held a grudge. Then again, she knew Greg all too well, and she knew exactly
what he could be capable of.
The next morning, they got together at the local indoor swimming pool. It was a way of
celebrating Janie Leigh's successful party and pretending that there wasn't really 8 feet
of snow right outside of the building. There were a lot of people there with the same
intention, to get out of the cold! While there were very many who either weren't bothered
by or just plain ignored "the local witches and their friends", there was also a great
deal who were obviously skeptical and weary of them. They kept their distances, stared,
or ran away. Nothing could ruin the day for Abby, Shaene, Cari and Janie, though. They
were there to have fun, onlookers and their suspicions be damned!
That all changed when Greg came storming in. He kicked water directly at Abby and started
screaming.
"What the hell do you think you are doing? Who the hell do you think you are?" Greg
snapped. "What are you talking about? You told people that I was lying about being
attacked, didn't you? You told them that I am a fraud!"
"Um, actually I didn't Greg. I could have, but I didn't..."
Abby got out of the pool and stood in front of Greg to defend herself.
"The fact of the matter is that I don't know whether you lied or are telling the truth.
I'm not going to go around spreading rumors about you. I wouldn't go out and tell people
about something I don't have concrete evidence about!"
By now, the entire room had all of their attentions focused in on the confrontation.
Abby felt her cheeks burning, but refused to back down.
"Then who did it, Abby?" Greg asked. "Who ratted me out to the police? Who told them that
I am lying? And who else would have told them about my past? Nobody knew about my drug
addiction, Abby! No one, except you! How dare you!"
Greg suddenly pushed Abby and she fell backwards into the pool. Shaene sprang up and
started pounding on Greg. The room was suddenly filled with a lot of commotion, screams
and loud voices. Several people had jumped into the pull to help Abby out, while most
people surrounded Greg and Shaene.
Cal, Kat and Mike came running into the room and the two men broke up the fight while Kat
an over to Abby. With Cal holding Shaene back and Mike holding Greg back, the groups of
friends dragged themselves into the lobby, and tried to get away from the audience that
had built up in the pool area. As expected, they all followed them.
Nasty comments were tossed back and forth before Abby interrupted them.
"I did NOT tell anyone anything about you! You must think that you and your sad little
existence are on my mind 24/7! You're NOT the center of the universe Greg. And the sooner
you get that through your drugged out little brain, the sooner you can live what's left
of your life!"
"I told the police." Cal admitted.
Everyone turned toward Cal.
"I thought they had the right to know what kind of sadistic mind they were dealing with.
This was a very serious story you staged for them, Greg. I was not about to sit on my
butt and let the cops spend months on trying to solve a case I knew damn well is a
fluke.
"You ruined lives once before Greg. I refuse to let you do it again." Cal explained.
Greg tried to break free from Mike's grip and attempted to lunge for Cal.
Suddenly, a high-pitched scream came from the pool's entrance.
Cari-lynn ran back to the pool, then immediately went running back to the lobby.
"It's Janie!"
They all ran back to the pool area just in time to see people dragging Janie's limp body
out of the pool...
)O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O(
"I'll be happy if I were handed a bouquet of weeds!"
"You wanted weeds? Well you got them....
"You and I haven't exactly been close since all this started ..."
"Maybe not, but when it comes down to it, we're part of the same circle of friends. We
look after one another..."
Janie Leigh's funeral service was beautiful. Her parents had chosen a pale blue coffin
and her headstone read:
...When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am soft stars that shine at night"
Abby did not attend the funeral. She got dressed and stepped one foot into the car before
breaking down. She couldn't go to the service. She spent that day lying on the floor in
the bedroom, still in her clothes, staring up at the ceiling surrounded by complete
silence.
It was dead silence. Dead. Janie Leigh Bowen was dead, and Abby wondered if she could
have been the one to save her - or even worse, had actually killed her.
The newspaper reports read like this:
A college freshman was in very critical condition last night after a swimming pool
accident in which she was knocked unconscious...
...Janie Leigh Bowen was accompanied by a group of friends at the area swimming pool when
a friend was pushed into the pool. She, along with several other swimmers, jumped in to
assist the ailing woman when she was apparently knocked unconscious in the water. Her
friends, distracted by the ailing friend, did not call police for 15 minutes, thinking
that she was with them as they comforted the girl....
Nine days later, the newspapers reported:
A college freshman, who may have been knocked unconscious accidentally at the area
swimming pool last week and spent 15 minutes underwater, died Wednesday...
The girl, Janie Leigh Bowen, was pronounced dead at about 3:30 a.m. at the University
Hospital...
Shaene had wanted to stay with Abby rather than go to the funeral, but Abby insisted that
he go, that she needed to be alone. Reluctantly, he left, leaving Abby alone with her
thoughts.
Abby was paralyzed for 3 days with a heavy pain in her chest. She wouldn't eat, she
wouldn't move, and she certainly wouldn't speak. She couldn't. When Shaene tried to
comfort her, she would start screaming and lashed out violently. The few times that she
did speak, she contemplated her role in Janie's accident, and ended up hyperventilating,
panicking to the point where neither she nor Shaene could do anything about it. All he
could do was leave her alone. "She's calmer when I just let her be." Shaene later
explained to Kat and Cal.
One dark evening, Cari-lynn, Kat and Cal decided to drop by unexpectedly. Cal stayed to
talk with Shaene as Cari and Kat braved the silence of the bedroom to check on Abby.
"Hey." Cari called reluctantly.
After a few minutes, Abby responded, "Hey."
Cari and Kat settled down on the floor next to Abby, who was sitting against the bed,
listening to the low music coming from the radio. After a few moments of silence, Kat
exclaimed ... "It's not your fault..." then let it drift into the silence and hoping that Abby would
let it sink in. "It's not anyone's fault. It just...happened. We were too busy fighting
with Greg to realize that a friend needed us. Abby, we were helping you when it
happened! Janie was trying to help you too..."
Then Abby interrupted Cari.
"Out of all those people that was there that night, not one of them could help her. But
we were her friends. It should have been us."
Silence filled the room once again.
"It was a freak accident." Kat explained. "Nobody would have predicted that it would
happen. Nobody saw that Greg was about to push you. We were stunned!"
"You could have hit your head." Cari interjected. "We were all worried about you. How
could any of us have known to lift you out of the water, then turn around to look for
another person that could be hurt? It was just ......."
"Unlucky." Abby finished.
She stood up and began to walk around the room. "I know that! But then there's that little voice in my head that says I am jinxed.
People close to me ... they suffer somehow. People get hurt, people die, people suffer
mental and physical pain, and they are all connected to me. Why do you suppose that is,
huh?"
"That is completely coincidental!"
"No Kat! It's not! I don't believe in coincidence! It isn't just a strange, freaky thing.
There's a price to pay when you're involved with me, and if I don't figure out what it is
soon, I am afraid of what will happen next!"
"Janie Leigh and I weren't exactly the best of friends. We started off friendly, and then
it turned sour. But towards the end, we started to reconnect. We promised each other that
we'd be there to look out for each other's backs. And I let her down... I could have been
there. She may be alive if I were there to watch her back."
"Going over the 'what ifs' in life will only drive you crazy." Shaene interrupted.
Abby, Cari and Kat turned around and found Shaene and Cal standing in front of the
doorway. Shaene stepped forward and continued, "If you look back and go over every
situation you've been in, guaranteed that you'll find something that you think you could
have done, either instead of what you did do, or that you could have done better. That's
no way to live. That's no way to exist. If there is one thing that I can stop wondering
about, it's the question 'Why are we here? What is our purpose?' It's to learn from the
good and the bad. To take in as much knowledge as you can possibly hold on to, and live
your life as best you can, having learned those things. That's the key to a healthy
Existence. If you go over every mistake or regret you've made or had in life, you can try
to help yourself to never make that mistake again; But to go over and over something that
you have no control over? You'll just be destroying yourself."
Abby knew that Shaene was right. Of course, it was easier said than done. Abby spent many
months letting herself be overcome by her anxiety and depression. Finally, she found
Shaene, reconnected with Cal, and managed to make herself a few decent friends. "I
self-destructed once, but I refuse to let it happen again!" Now, the question stood: was
Abby strong enough to fight? Janie's death was bad enough; now she had to deal with Greg
and his continuous lies, as well as what was going on at the school.
Abby gasped, an expression of surprise on her face. "That's three," she thought. "Three
obstacles, three hurdles to overcome." Whenever trouble found Abby, they always came in
threes, and as bad as it seemed at the time, it ALWAYS got worse.
Mystic Moon
Chapter.. 6
"four witches, tea and cakes."
By ~Rain
I had a hard time driving because Shara kept cracking me up, with her hysterical story
"you know your a crone when..". We arrived safely, but before we entered the restaurant,
I had to wipe the tears out of my eyes from laughing so much. Dinner was wonderful. We
talked, laughed, and ate.
Shara offered me a job at Mystic Moon. It sounded wonderful but I insisted that I wanted
to keep job searching. However, I am definitely going to factor that into my plans.
It was some of the best Chinese I've had, or maybe it was the company I was keeping that
made the dinner exceptional! Jane fit right in with the crowd. I knew she would. I didn't
think any of us wanted to leave.
We could have stayed there for hours but we felt if we did we'd overstay our welcome. So
I suggested we go to the coffee house.
"The night is young, and I could go for something sweet!" I said. Mona and Shara looked
at each other, but, didn't speak, they almost had a telepathic conversation. Shara turned
to me and said, "Sure!"
So we paid the bill, and left. We once again all packed into my car and drove off. We put
on the radio and sang to "Natural woman". Within 10 minutes we arrived at the coffee
house.
"I haven't been here in months!" Mona said with a Shara like screech. We found a
comfortable table, out of the way. The waitress came, it was the same one from last time
Jane and I came. She was walking to us and when she arrived, I believe she actually
smiled, not at Jane or myself, but at Mona.
"Mona, I didn't know you come here?" The waitress asked. Jane was staring at the woman's
jewelry and I was listening to their conversation. Apparently the waitress is a regular
at the shop. Jane whispered to me, "Do you think she is a Witch too?"
I told her that I wasn't sure. We ordered and the waitress left. I watched her go in the
kitchen.
"Mona, do you know her well?" I asked. Mona said that she comes in to the shop every once
and a while.
"So she is a Witch!" Jane shouted.
"Dear, so are you!" Shara said and laughed. Mona got up and went to the ladies room.
Shara continued talking to Jane. Those two never stop! I heard bits and pieces of the
conversation; they were talking about Shara's cats... all eight of them. I saw Mona
walking back but, then the waitress stopped her. Mona was throwing her arms around while
talking seriously and the waitress looked upset. I felt like getting up and interrupting
them, but that would be rude. I knew whatever it was Mona could handle it.
"Egypt, that's such a cute name!" Jane said. Now Shara was showing pictures! Mona came
back to the table a little unnerved. I kept have this urge to find out what happen but my
manners got the best of me. Shara got everyone laughing again. The food and tea came. We
all sampled each other's deserts. I find such comfort with these women; I consider them
my best friends. Yet, as I look around the table I see that we are all so different, we
look different, our ages and our tastes are different.
"I have something important to tell you guys." Mona said. " My mother already knows, and
she wanted me to tell you. I wanted to at the right time. Jane, I just meet you yet, I
feel like I have known you much longer. Maybe in a past life we were sisters! And Gwen,
you are one of my best friends. I am so happy to share this with you both. I have been
trying to have a baby for two years with my husband, Charlie. Nothing is 100% sure but I
think I am pregnant! " Mona was smiling and glowing.
Jane and I got up and hugged her. I started to cry and the whole gang joined in. We were
over emotional witches, crying, laughing and all talking at once. We didn't realize it
but more than half the coffee house was watching our charade. I think the manager was
giving us nasty looks for interrupting his quiet coffee house. We finished our desert and
decided this wonderful night must come to an end. We packed into the car and drove off
into the dark.
We dropped Mona and Shara off. Jane and I decided to take a shortcut. Usually the city is
full of lights, but because we were on a back road, it was very dark. I was still
thinking about the waitress, why did she make Mona so mad?
"She was definitely a witch!" Jane said. "Maybe she could hang out with us." Jane
seemed to like the waitress, yet I had bad feeling about her. For some reason she got
Mona upset, that's enough reason for me to feel uneasy.
"I have mixed feelings about that woman." I stated.
"Why? OK so she dresses differently, so do you, and so dose Shara." Jane said with
enthusiasm.
"You don't understand." I stopped the conversation right there. "Anyway we are home."
we dropped the car off to the parking guy and walked inside. When I opened the apartment
door, I saw Ms. Morgana lying on the couch. The clock in the kitchen read one thirty.
We were out late. Jane and I said our good nights and went to bed. The man in my dreams
came to me once again. This time I heard his voice. I couldn't make out what he was
saying only that it seemed important. The only thing I heard was my name and he started
to walk away. I chased after him but he vanished.
Mixed Manifestations
By Selene Silverwind
(In our last episode, Kurt, Beth's ex-boyfriend showed up at the bar where she performs
and later at her apartment. Everyone in the building went to the beach to participate in
a ritual to save the beach, then Gary and Mark announced their plans to be united.)
After taking a hot shower to clean the dried salt and sand from his numb legs, Michael
opened his door to return to Beth's apartment. He was surprised to see a man he didn't
recognize walking away from Beth's door. He shrugged as he stepped to Beth's door and
tapped lightly. Maybe she had ordered Chinese. She swung open her door clad in a
tattered pink bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her head. Michael caught his breath
in mock awe. "You are so sexy in that robe."
She giggled. "Oh yeah, terry cloth is the new silk. Didn't you hear?"
Michael came in the rest of the way as he said, "Close your eyes and hold out your
hand." With a quizzical look, Beth did as instructed. He dropped a shell he had
surreptitiously picked up on the beach in her palm. "A gift for my sea goddess."
Beth opened her eyes and looked down at the shell. It was perfect, not a single chip
marred the smooth surface. Light pinks and soft peaches swirled around the inside of the
shell. "Thank you," she said as she leaned up to kiss him.
Michael grinned, pleased that she liked her gift, and closed the door behind him. "So
what'd you get us?"
"Huh?"
"Food. What kind of food did you order?"
"Was I supposed to?"
"No, but I saw the guy leaving."
"What guy?"
"Tall. Blond hair. Kinda thin." Beth's face turned red and her lips tightened with
anxiety and irritation. Did he note a trace of fear? "What's the matter? You look like
you've seen a jabberwocky."
"It was Kurt."
"What? How?!"
Her voice strained with anger. "Guess he knows where I live now."
Michael rushed to pull her back in his arms. "Are you okay? Did he bother you?" He
inspected her for bruises, although he knew that Kurt had never hurt her when they were
together.
"No, I didn't even hear him."
"If he comes back, you call me."
Beth smiled at his attentiveness and concern, then kissed his nose. "I will. Don't
worry. Now, you mentioned Chinese. Are you buying?"
Laughing at himself for walking right into that, he went to pick up the phone.
A week later, Kyra knocked on Angela's door just after Angela had sent her kids off to a
birthday party. She had seen James leaving for work and her own family was on a
father-daughter fishing trip. It was a perfect moment for some girl talk. Angela
answered the door in her robe, then went to the kitchen to fill the teapot without a
word. Wondering at the absence of their usual banter, Kyra followed her inside. "I
brought your favorite. Lemon." She held up a basket of tea for show.
"Thanks," Angela said, barely glancing up.
"Okay, what is it?"
Angela looked over at Kyra, who had stopped by the table. "Sorry?"
"What's got you all in a fluster?"
Sighing, Angela leaned against the counter and crossed her arms over her chest. "James.
We had a disagreement about the house."
"I thought you both wanted to buy a house," Kyra said as she lowered herself into a
chair.
"We do. The disagreement was over when. I want to buy it now. He wants to save another
year."
"You said you had enough. You pre-qualified."
Angela nodded. "He's being a nervous nellie."
"What can I do?"
Angela bowed her head. Kyra watched her silently for a moment, then busied herself with
the tea to give Angela some space to think. When the pot whistled, Angela carried it to
the table, then sat down across from Kyra while Kyra filled their mugs.
"What help have you given me already?"
"I said some prayers, manifested the funds and the loan, that sort of thing."
"Um," Angela paused, briefly reconsidering what she was about to ask. "Any way to push
James along?"
Kyra shook her head. "We don't work that way."
Angela sighed. "I know. Anything else?"
"We could do a find a house spell. Maybe once James sees it, he'll be persuaded. And
we'll throw in a little something to make sure all the circumstances are right for you to
buy a house."
"What do I need to do?"
"Draw a picture of your dream house. Write the names of each of your family members on
it, then bring it down to me."
Perking up, Angela nodded. "Thank you, Kyra."
"That's what best friends are for."
"Any word on the beach front?"
"Not yet. Gary is still awaiting judgment from the court, but his injunction has held
up."
"I'd like to host a prayer meeting for the beach. Do you mind if I use the inner
court?"
"Of course not. We can use all the help."
Kyra glanced up at the clock on the wall. "Oh, it's late. I need to ship a batch this
afternoon. The mail carrier comes at one. I'd better go."
Angela stood and walked Kyra to the door. "I'll bring that picture down right after."
Her package safely packed and shipped out, Kyra was in her workshop fixing up a special
blend of house manifesting incense for the spell when she heard the doorbell ring. She
raced out to the living room. As she expected it was Angela with the drawing of the
house she wanted. It was a simple sketch of a small three-bedroom house with living
room, dining room, a spacious kitchen, two bathrooms, and a generous yard. Perfect for a
growing family. Angela had written her children's names in two of the bedrooms and her
and James' names in the master bedroom. "Casa Smithson" was printed on a little plaque
over the door. "How's that?"
"It's perfect. Come on in."
Angela ducked inside and followed Kyra into the ritual room that doubled as the library.
In the center was an altar table simply adorned with a pair of God and Goddess figurines,
a shell, a rock, a candle, and a feather. In the center lay a large pentacle in the
center. Kyra took two chairs from the side of the room, then arranged them at the table.
As she and Angela sat down at the table, she noticed Angela's wary glance at the
pentacle. Kyra quietly slipped the pentacle off the table. Angela glanced up at
Kyra,
her cheeks pinked with embarrassment. "You can put your cross on the table if you
want," Kyra said.
Angela slipped her necklace off, then arranged it on the table on top of the drawing of
the house she wanted. Kyra got up again and went to her magical cabinet. She pulled
open the heavy oak doors and removed an orange gel pen, a piece of parchment, and a small
house she had rescued from the dollhouse Marisa no longer played with.
Kyra carried them back to the table and sat back down. "Okay, close your eyes and
breathe deeply." Kyra watched quietly as Angela's breath shuddered out on the first
breath, then slowed and relaxed into an even, smooth breath. Kyra waited a few more
breaths, then continued her instructions. "Repeat after me. 'Lord God, please aid me as
I manifest my goal of a home to own.'"
Angela repeated Kyra's words with intention, then Kyra went on.. "Now hold the model
house in your hands and visualize the house you want. Use the drawing to help you.
Imagine how you will feel owning your own home. Imagine yourself walking through it."
Angela closed her eyes. Her face became serious as she pictured her goal. She saw
herself walking through its hallways, peering into rooms fully furnished with her own
belongings, her children playing in the private backyard, and James playing on the
computer. She felt satisfied, happy, and safe.
She opened her eyes as a smile spread across her face. Kyra smiled back, knowing that
Angela was ready for the next step. She handed Angela the orange pen. "Now write your
family name across the house and all of your full names on the parchment." Angela
carefully inscribed the names as instructed, then set the house down on the altar next to
the parchment.
"Okay, last step. Repeat after me again. Thank you God for your help in acquiring my
house. Thank you for joining me and for being there whenever I am in need." Angela
again repeated Kyra's words. "That's it. You should take that home and put it somewhere
in the kitchen where you'll see it often. The roof comes off the house, so you can put
the parchment inside it if you want."
Gratitude flooded Angela's face. "Thank you, Kyra. I can't believe I did that."
"It was just a simple prayer with some extra tools. If James asks, tell him it's an
Irish folk charm. And make sure you thank God when you get your house."
"I will. Don't worry. Thanks again." Angela glanced at her watch. "Oh, the kids
should be home for a birthday party. I'd better go."
Kyra stood and hugged her best friend, then walked her to the front door. "Let me know
when you find it. I have a potted herb just waiting for a new home."
With a laugh, Angela nodded and stepped out the door into the courtyard. As she started
across to that the stairs to her own apartment, she passed Mark and Gary who were
carrying boxes. Angela called out to Gary as she went by. "I'm going to hold a prayer
meeting for the beach next week."
He stopped and turned toward her. "Great. Let me know the time and I'll join in."
"I will!" Angela turned away, a giant grin spreading across her face, and mounted the
steps.
As they continued toward Mark's apartment, Gary and Mark briefly wondered at her smile,
but they were more concerned with getting their heavy loads into Mark's apartment. Gary
was moving the rest of his stuff in.
Gary and Mark went into Mark's apartment with the boxes and set them down. Mark noticed
the answering machine light blinking and pressed the play button. The mellifluous voice
of a hotel manager drifted from the speaker. "Good afternoon Mr. Sanders. This is Mr.
Farber of the Pacific Sunset Hotel. I'm happy to inform you that we have reserved the
Orchid Room for your party on May 2, 2001. If there are any further arrangements with
which I can be of assistance, I can be reached at 310-555-8435."
Mark turned to Gary with a whoop and a hug. "We got it! We got it!"
Anacati knocked on the door. "Got what?"
"The Orchid Room," Mark said.
"Oooh. Snazzy."
"It's all falling into place," Gary said.
Anacati nodded toward the stack of boxes. "Need any help?"
"Sure," Gary said, "Follow me."
The noisy threesome walking out to the street brought Beth to her window. The stack of
boxes in the moving van outside told her that her chance to return the favor from when
she'd moved in had finally arrived. She popped open her door and dashed down the stairs
to join them. "Hey guys. Need another hand?" she called as she emerged from the
building. She didn't notice Kurt parking his car nearby.
Mark flashed a smile at Beth. "Always." As he handed Beth a large box, Kurt walked to
within a few feet of them and stopped. "Can I help you with something?" Mark asked.
"I'm here to see Beth," Kurt said. Beth's grip on the cumbersome box loosened, but
Anacati caught it before it fell. She exchanged a look with Beth that asked if she
needed help with the man more than the box. Beth nodded, her eyes filled with anger.
Anacati, Gary, and Mark busied themselves with boxes in a way that made it clear they
weren't going back in the building until Kurt was gone.
Before Beth could start yelling, the honk of a car horn caught all of their attentions.
They turned to see Michael driving up. Rather than pull around the building to his
space, he stopped his car behind the van and killed the engine. As he jumped out, he
spotted the man he had seen from the week before. Rage roared through him. He slammed
the car door shut and stomped up to the sidewalk, bringing himself face to face with
Kurt.
"Leave Beth alone."
"This is between her and me," Kurt said like a child arguing over a toy.
"No, it's not. She's my girlfriend. I won't have you harassing her."
Kurt leaned around Michael to make eye contact with Beth. "I just want to talk to you."
"Well I don't want to talk to you," Beth said, her arms crossed firmly over her chest,
her eyes even with his.
Michael glowered down at Kurt, who was two inches shorter than him. "You heard her.
Leave."
Kurt exhaled sadly, then started to move away. "Okay, okay. I'm going." After a few
steps, he turned back to face Beth. "I'm sorry. I only wanted to say I'm sorry. I'll
leave you alone now." He turned back and walked down the street to his car.
"Thank you," she said. His only answer was a slight nod.
After Kurt's car had pulled away, Michael took Beth in his arms. "I think he means it."
"He better," Mark chimed in.
"Or he'll have us to deal with too," added Anacati.
"And I'm a lawyer," Gary threw in for emphasis. "I can make him miserable."
Beth smiled and laughed. "That's right Gary, you can bury him in petitions."
"Hey, I'm Italian. I know people. Cement mixers."
Mark grimaced at the bad joke and lightly punched Gary's arm. "Get inside, you goof."
They continued their caravan into the apartment, leaving Michael and Beth alone at the
van.
"Are you really okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I am," Beth said, peering up at him. "How could I not be with you here to protect
me?"
Michael brushed his lips across her forehead. "I'll always be here for that."
A shout from Mark's window interrupted them. "Hey! Bring those boxes in here."
Mark and Beth laughed, then picked up a couple boxes and started back inside.
Mewsings from the Alley
By Mystickally
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for sharing your animal stories and asking for advice. Keep
them coming! I'm not a doctor, but I can offer some kind of advice, and I am always glad
to help! I can be reached at catsbycorner@arisamoon.net
Marea wrote:
"Jesse is a 10 year old domestic shorthair who enjoys excellent health. He and my other
fur-child (a 7 year old Maine Coon named Dudley) are strictly indoor cats and always have
been. About two years ago my husband and I noticed a very slight problem Jess was having
with the balance in his back end. He no longer tried to jump to heights he once found
easy, and seemed to occasionally lose his balance in his backside - almost as if his tail
was failing to counterbalance him. Two years ago this was such a slight change that we
really didn't pay much attention to it, but it has very slowly progressed. Jesse still
jumps up on the bed at night or on the coffee table downstairs, but sometimes his back
legs don't seem strong enough to push him all the way up in his jump and he falls off
(making me wince). His balance in the back end also seems to be worse, and he has to be
reminded to go down the stairs more slowly so that he doesn't end up going
ass-over-teakettle. He doesn't like to squat in the litter box any more, preferring to
just stand and pee straight out from his body (thank the Gods for covered litter pans!).
He doesn't show any symptoms of pain and lets us easily probe his legs and hips and
manipulate them, although he doesn't provide much resistance to pressure against his
feet."
Hi Marea! Hmm ... I am assuming of course that you've spoken to a vet about this? The
reason I ask is because the first thing I thought of after reading about the symptoms is
some kind of neurological damage. Of course, this is the worst-case scenario! LOL (Don't
want to completely freak you out!) I would definitely suggest bringing Jesse to the vet
and talk it over with the doc. Maybe the only problem is arthritis, which is not uncommon
in aging cats. Is Jesse a large cat? Big boned or obese cats are more prone to these
kinds of things (something you will need to keep an eye on with Dudley since he is a
Maine Coon! That, as well as hip dysplacia.) Before doing any kind of treatment, even
herbal ones, a veterinarian should go over every possible problem. If you need to,
getting a second opinion may also be a good idea. Going by the information you have
shared, I can only guess, and as I said, my first thought was that there may be something
going on in his little brain. :( Definitely have a conversation with your vet. Let him
know what you have witnessed and some testing may need to be done. Email me again if you
have already discussed this with your vet and let me know the details of what he said!
LOL. I definitely have some recommendations on homeopathic treatments if it is simply
arthritis bothering him, but let's make sure it's nothing more serious first, ok? Hope to
hear from you again soon!
)O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O( )O(
LJ wrote:
"My cat (a de-sexed female tabby about 11) has developed some very strange
habits. She cries *a lot* both before and after she has been fed. She doesn't seem to be
ill (certainly hasn't lost her appetite). She insists on following me everywhere,
preferring to be on my lap at all times. If I am sitting somewhere (i.e. at the computer)
she takes a flying leap onto my lap, claws out so she has a good grip. Needless to say my
legs are ripped to shreds & it drives me nuts. I took her for a check up 6 months ago
(when she had a cough) and the vet thought she was fine. I think her balance might be a
bit off too; sometimes she stumbles when she leaps onto either the couch or me. Any
suggestions?"
Hello there LJ! Hmm ... since the vet didn't find anything wrong ... did he happen to check on the eyes?
Especially at 11, eyes tend to start going from old age. LOL. Also, I am debating the
possibility that she is "calling" for others to join her for her meals. Do you have any
other cats? Are there any neighborhood cats roaming around your property, particularly
young cats? She may be having some pseudo-motherly instincts. LOL It happens, believe it
or not, whether the cat is spayed or not. Also, was she just recently spayed, or has she
been spayed for a while now (and if so, how long ago)? Many people notice a change in
personality after the cat has been spayed/neutered and/or de-clawed. One more thought: was
there a recent change in your house? Maybe a piece of furniture isn't where it used to
be, or a favorite blanket is missing, another animal is gone or another human is no
longer in the house? These are definite possibilities. Even a seemingly miniscule
difference could affect her.
Then again, her old age may just be changing her! LOL. People change with age, so do
animals. This could very well be the case. Age could also explain her disorientation with
her balance. The only thing I can suggest is just to pay extra attention to her. Play
with her, brush her fur, pet her more often. A simple smile could be all that she wants!
LOL. And of course clip her nails as often as possible. If she is one of those kitties
that sharpens her claws all the time, clip her twice a week.
Keep in touch!
Four Quick Picks for Spring
Reading:
Book Reviews by Susan Davis
Llewellyn's Magickal Almanac 2001
Compiled by Llewellyn Publishing
I always look forward to the release of this book and it has never yet failed to meet my
expectations. It is filled with tidbits, spells, rituals, poetry, historical facts and
delightful articles by well-known authors. The Almanac section provides a calendar with
all of the important dates and times of the Pagan year, as well as the color, planetary
ruler and scent for each day.
This is a great read for those rare idle moments as well as a handy basic reference.
There are lots of things in this little volume that will delight, inform and inspire you
daily.
Origins of Modern Witchcraft
By Ann Moura
Explore the evolution of spiritual belief systems from early civilization forward in this
book. Well founded in solid historical research, the author is full of insights into the
correspondences of spiritual beliefs worldwide. As you read you will see the pattern of
merging cultures giving birth to new beliefs and will understand how the hero stories and
myths of one people was adopted and changed by new cultures.
The author also offers the reader clearly written methods for connecting with your own
heritage. The rituals, meditations, exercises and information all combine smoothly to
guide the reader into a deeper spirituality. The historical timeline in the back of the
book helps the reader to get a Clearer view of how events flowed across time and space
and is a real bonus.
Pagan Parenting
By Kristen Madden
A delightful book filled with activities, ideas and rituals for parents and even the
youngest of children. This thought provoking volume clearly defines the authors' deep
belief in reincarnation and the awareness of the spirit before birth. Many basic pagan
beliefs and holy days are revisited from the perspective of parent teaching child, with
concrete suggestions, geared to the age of the child. Topics are wide-ranging, covering
everything from holistic health concerns to sacred play. This is a teaching guide that
covers a number of subjects, from herbs and stones to privacy and morals.
Clearly written chapters cover the intricacies of protecting your children as they
venture into public society and a wonderful selection of rites of passage. This is
definitely a book that will become well-worn as your children mature. The author has
provided a wonderful reference book for any pagan path, and one that is overdue.
Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft
By Raven Grimassi
A truly comprehensive reference book with very balanced explanations that cover both the
history and the legends from which modern witchcraft has grown. Fair and equal coverage
is given to many different spiritual belief systems. Clear explanations of both the what
and the why of things will hold the attention of Pagan and non-Pagan alike. This is an
indispensable reference for any person seeking to understand this complex group of
religions and beliefs. Raven is at the top of his form with this book.
Reviews written by Susan Davis
IMBOLC WORD SEARCH
By Isha ArrowHawk
----------------
A Y E Q F E S P V W D S B M E O D X I I
O W N N A Y R A U R B E F V R P A A F N
X W D C A N D L E M A S L K U I T G X S
V I O C D B A Y B R I G H I D S B E D P
K L F F K V W D Z Q Z C H A W A Z Y T I
O L W Y R O P I K I X Y F U C U O P G R
Q O I P L Y X H I K X W F F X W W Y R A
R W N L A W Q G A Y L L O D N R O C Q T
S V T N B G H I D X U E H M R Z E L O I
L K E D S F N R I F W Z U M V X L Y V O
I R R Y B L C B H F B I R C H W O O D N
F E R T I L I T Y R I T U A L G C P B T
P X R P O U R I N G O F T H E C R E A M
D L F E S T I V A L O F L I G H T S O Z
Q Z B E V T S L A M B I N G S E A S O N
Y V G R E E N M A N K S S M E N U L B P
U Z N S S P R I N G C L E A N I N G Q I
B T A V M U Q M F I R E G O D D E S S Q
D F A C W A X I N G L I G H T S R B F A
L Y J X P H A L L I C B R E A D N B O H
BIRCH WOOD
BRIGHID
BRIGHIDS BED
CANDLEMAS
CORN DOLLY
END OF WINTER
FEBRUARY
FERTILITY RITUAL
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
FIRE GODDESS
GREEN MAN
INSPIRATION
LAMBING SEASON
PHALLIC BREAD
POURING OF THE CREAM
SPRING CLEANING
WAXING LIGHT
WILLOW
Words can be forwards, backwards, or diagonally from either direction.
Enjoy!
MEAGAN'S NEW SIBLING
By Kathryn Dyer 1997
Once upon a time there was a little girl named Meagan. She lived with her mommy and
daddy, her big brother Corwin and her beautiful cat named Starweaver. Meagan's mother
was pregnant. Meagan would soon be having a new sibling. Her parents had told her that
'sibling' meant 'brother' or 'sister'. Meagan's mother Elizabeth had an ultrasound done
which showed that the new baby would probably be a boy. That would make him Meagan's
brother. The new baby was inside Elizabeth's uterus. The baby was getting bigger and
bigger every day and it would soon be time for him to be born.
Meagan knew that some babies were born in hospitals, some in birthing centers and some
were born at home. Elizabeth and Michael had chosen the birthing center run by
Elizabeth's midwife as just the right place for the new baby to be born. One day Meagan
saw her mother packing a suitcase. "What are you doing, Momma?" asked Meagan. Elizabeth
smiled, "I am packing the bag that I will take to the birthing center when it's time to
have the baby. Would you like to help?" Meagan bounced into the room. "Sure!" she said,
"What can I do? What are you putting in there?" Elizabeth folded a nightgown, "I am
putting in an old nightgown and a robe to wear while I'm in labor, some clean clothes to
wear home, and clothes for your baby brother to wear home. I will also want my nursing
book and I'll want my pregnancy journal but I'll wait to put the journal in until right
before we leave. Can you hand me that purple tube?" Meagan handed the tube to her
mother. "What's that?" she asked. "This is a special cream that I can use on my nipples
if they get sore when I nurse the baby." replied her mother, "It shouldn't hurt very
long but sometimes a woman gets a little sore the first few days after the baby is born.
I hurt a lot when your brother was born because he wasn't nursing right, but with the
help of my midwife and a group called LaLeche League Corwin and I were able to learn
together how to nurse so that he could get all the milk he needed. We'll also need to
put in some clothes for you and Corwin and your father because you will stay with me
until the baby is ready to come home."
Meagan helped her mother pack the suitcase. They decided to let Meagan put her clothes in
the backpack she had gotten for her birthday. Meagan also put in some books to read and
some toys to play with. When her mother wasn't looking she put in a card that she had
made for her mother and the new baby. It was a few days later that Elizabeth came into
the kitchen with a funny look on her face and holding her belly. Michael went to her and
began rubbing her back while she took deep, deep breaths. "How many is this?" he asked.
Elizabeth took one more deep breath and said, "This is the first one I've really noticed,
but it was pretty intense. Corwin, would you get a piece of paper and write down the
time? I didn't time the contraction itself but we can do that with the next one." Meagan
helped her brother find a piece of paper, and then she went to put on her watch so that
she could help time too. She knew that a contraction was the muscles of the uterus
working to help push the baby out into the world. Everyone seemed really excited, but
Meagan felt funny and scared at the same time. She was worried about her mother. Even
though she had taken classes at the birthing center so that she could be there when the
baby was born it was different when it was her own mother in labor!
Elizabeth took several walks that day with Michael. She wandered around the house with
that funny look on her face. She kept changing her mind about things. Finally, Elizabeth
was having contractions every few minutes. She called her midwife while Michael put
everyone's bags into the car. While Elizabeth was on the phone she cried out and suddenly
the floor was all wet. Michael raced back into the house, "Well, we'd better hurry as
safely as possible kids...your mother's water has broken." Meagan knew that meant the
baby would probably come soon. She got into the car with Corwin and her parents and they
drove quickly but safely to the birthing center.
At the birthing center they helped Elizabeth get settled into a pretty room that looked
just like a regular bedroom. Soon Jeremy and Sybil arrived. Sybil would be Elizabeth's
doula. "What's a doula?" Meagan asked Jeremy. "Well," said Jeremy, "A doula is someone
who helps the woman who is in labor...in a way, I'm your and Corwin's doula because I'm
here to help take care of you and explain things to you while your mommy is having the
new baby. Sybil and Michael will be helping your mommy and she will be working very hard
so none of them will have time to take care of you and Corwin until after the baby is
born. So if you need anything, or if you just want to know something or have someone hold
you, you can ask me because that's what I'm here for." Meagan felt good knowing that
there was someone at the birthing center just for her. She didn't think that Corwin would
really need anyone that much because he was older. Later Elizabeth was working very, very
hard to have the new baby. She even screamed out loud sometimes. Corwin looked very pale
and he held tightly to Jeremy's hand, just like Meagan!
It wasn't long after that that the new baby was born! The doctor had come by earlier to
check but told everyone that things were going well and that the midwife would probably
not need him at all. The midwife was telling Elizabeth to push as Sybil and Michael held
her hands. "This is it!" she said. Meagan and Corwin came a little closer to see but did
their best to stay out of everyone's way. Meagan squealed when she saw the baby's head
starting to come out of her mother's body. As soon as the baby's head was out the
midwife used a blue bulb syringe to help get out any fluid the baby might have inhaled
while being born. She finished and told Elizabeth to push one more time. Elizabeth
screwed up her face and the baby was born!!
Everyone gathered around as the midwife laid the baby on Elizabeth's stomach. It was a
baby boy! Meagan and Corwin got to touch their baby brother but he was crying a little
bit so they laid a blanket over him and let him nurse. While he was nursing the placenta
that held him safe inside the uterus came out of Elizabeth's body. Then the midwife put
some clips on the cord that fed him inside of Elizabeth and Michael cut it.
"Welcome to the world, Jonathan Aelfraed!" said Elizabeth with tears in her eyes. After a
while they helped clean Jonathan up and got him ready to go home. The midwives had
Elizabeth stay for awhile after Jonathan was born to make sure that they were both okay.
One of them would come out to the house the next day to check on everyone. Michael
dressed the baby while Elizabeth got dressed. As she was pulling out her clothes she
found a card in her suitcase. "What's this?" she asked as she opened it. It was the card
that Meagan had made. "Oh Meagan!" she exclaimed, "Thank-you so much!" She showed the
card to everyone and they all said what a nice card and a sweet thought it was for Meagan
to make it. That made Meagan feel very good. As her father finished dressing the baby he
pulled out two packages from the suitcase, "Look! I've found a package for Meagan and one
for Corwin!" Meagan's package said "to my new big sister" and inside was a new tape!
Corwin's had a new book. It made them feel very good. When they left to go home, Corwin
wore his 'big brother' shirt and Meagan wore her 'big sister' shirt. They felt very
proud.
As soon as they got home, the baby wanted to nurse again. Meagan knew that babies nurse a
lot when they are first born. When it was time to go to bed her mother was nursing the
baby again! Meagan gave her mother a kiss and kissed the baby's arm. She knew that she
couldn't touch the baby's face while he was nursing because it would confuse him. "Good
night baby brother," said Meagan. Michael carried her up to bed and helped her put in her
new tape. She was very tired, very happy and just a little sad. But as Starweaver jumped
up onto her bed and began to purr she fell asleep. It had been a good day.
A Whisper In The Darkness
By Antigone
Aria spent most of the morning playing outside in the snow with Whisper. Brynn watched
her daughter roll around in the snow and giggle. For a split second she worried about
Arianne catching a cold, but she couldn't bring herself to interrupt her joy. Instead,
Brynn left out a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a thermos of hot chocolate. (And a
bowl of fresh chicken with homemade chicken broth for Whisper!)
When noon came and went, Brynn began to wonder if it was healthy for her to be so jealous
of a cat. After all, it took all but a single look from this cat to get Arianne to utter
one single word. "I'm her Mother, for goodness sake!" she thought. Brynn reminded herself
that she should be grateful that her daughter had even smiled. Still, she couldn't help
but feel a little twinge of envy that a cat had a closer relationship with Aria than she
did.
After a phone call with Aria's doctor, Brynn was sure that her daughter was on the road
to recovery. Now her question was how in the world would she get Aria back in the house?
"Arianne! Come in and open your presents!"
A half an hour later, Arianne finally came into the house with Whisper in her arms. The
cat flew out of her arms and ran towards a bowl of water that Brynn had just placed
carefully on the kitchen floor. Aria ran to the tree and started to sift through the
wrapped packages.
"There are a few in there for Whisper."
Arianne smiled and continued to rummage through the packages. She finally settled on a
particularly bulky package that read, "Be careful! Do not shake!" She opened the box and
found a picture frame. They contained photos of Arianne growing up, her mother and
father, and a single picture of Whisper the cat, set up in a collage. Aria ran her
fingers across the pictures of her father, and then carefully placed the frame gently
beside her. She ran to the den with her mother running close behind her. Arianne went
over to the oak desk that sat in the middle of the room. She ran her fingers across the
desk and inhaled deeply.
"That was your father's desk. I left it the same way that he left it when --"
Arianne suddenly started to shake her head ferociously and covered her ears. She sat down
on the floor with her legs crossed and started to rock back and forth. Brynn did her best
to comfort Aria but the child would only start to scream and push her away.
With tears flowing from her face, Brynn backed away from her daughter and didn't know
what to do. Whisper came running into the room and started to purr and rub up against
Aria. Sobbing, Aria picked up the cat and lay down on the floor, cuddling the creature.
Whisper seemed to calm her, and pretty soon the sobs began to subside before Arianne
finally fell asleep on the floor.
Brynn held herself up against the frame of the door and then sat on the floor, across the
room from her sleeping daughter. All she could do was watch her sleep and weep. A cat!
How could a cat reach this little girl, without saying a word? How could this cat bring
her so much comfort, yet one touch from her own mother sent her screaming and cringing?
That night, Aria and Whisper slept peacefully on the floor, in the den where her father
had been killed. Brynn lay weeping across from her, and only a night of tossing and
turning awaited her and she wondered how she could repulse her own daughter so much.
=^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^=
Her father meant the world to her. Even at such a young age, she remembered. She
remembered her Daddy's strong arms lifting her above his head and then over his
shoulders. She remembered sitting on his broad shoulders, giggling and dripping melted
ice cream on his forehead from the cone she held. Aria remembered most of all, her Daddy
collapsing on top of her, to shield her from that awful intruder. Even during his final
moments, he was the perfect Daddy, handing her a lollipop in an attempt to calm her down,
distracting her long enough to turn her away and prevent her from actually seeing her
father's death.
Arianne hadn't been to the den since that awful night, when the memories seemed to grip
around her little neck and choke her. Brynn hadn't been able to look into her baby's eyes
since that night. "I'm an awful mother ... I'm an awful mother", she thought to herself
often. Every night, she'd sneak a peek at her sleeping daughter and weep. Her beautiful
daughter wasn't perfect; She was flawed, and nobody could help Brynn fix her. Her
grandparents wanted nothing to do with her. After their son's violent death, they
couldn't stand the sight of their grandchild, so her only connection to her father was
severed.
Brynn saw herself as a failure, a bad mother, and a rotten person. Friends and family
couldn't console the grieving mother either. She let Aria and Whisper do whatever they
wanted, and left them alone whenever possible.
One night, Whisper jumped up on Brynn's bed and start purring into her ear, rubbing up
against her face and chewing on her hair. It took a few foggy minutes for Brynn to awaken
from her deep sleep and realize that the cat was trying to wake her. It was odd; Whisper
had never done that before. Only to Aria did she ever purr and love on. Brynn's first
thought was, "Oh no. Something is wrong with Aria!" but Whisper immediately grabbed at
her hand when she attempted to get out of bed. Brynn started to scratch behind Whisper's
ears and neck. He responded with louder purrs and kneading on the blanket. Eventually,
Whisper climbed up on Brynn's chest, forcing her to lay back down on the bed. He circled
around a few times before finally settling down and falling asleep. Brynn fell asleep to
the sound of Whisper's purr.
The next morning, Brynn woke up to Whisper running around the room like a chicken with
its head cut off as he chased a fly. She was surprised to find Aria sleeping next to her,
with a cat toy in her hand and her favorite blankie rolled up around her ankles. Brynn
listened to her gentle breathing for a few minutes and watched her chest rise and fall
with every breath. Well, at least she could pretend that Aria was beside her because she
wanted her Mommy to be near her. It was a lie of course, but at least for a second Brynn
could feel like everything was normal. Her husband was just away on business and Aria
wasn't talking to her because she wouldn't let her buy that fifty dollar Barbie doll.
Most mothers look forward to her first mother-daughter chat about life, boys, bras, and
the dreaded 'S' word. "Not me", Brynn thought. "I have to worry that my daughter will be
institutionalized, unable to communicate with anyone but the voices in her head - and a
cat."
Just then, Whisper decided to pounce on Brynn's feet, attacking them like they were the
filthiest creatures. "So maybe it's not so bad that this cat is in our lives. He may be
the one thing that gets to Aria, but at least something can rile this kid up. Whisper has
a way of making you feel better anyway. Maybe he represents the happiness we would have
had."
Brynn did her best to push the depression out of her mind. She got out of bed and started
her daily routine of making breakfast then working in the backyard. Silence, and nothing
else but the wind against her face - a painful reminder that IT was her only companion.
She almost didn't realize that Arianne had risen out of her sleep and joined her in the
yard. She turned on the radio that she had carried out with her and started humming along
to the music that was playing. Brynn had started to hum along with her before noticing.
Arianne smiled at her mother and continued to hum the tune. Brynn decided not to make it
look like a big deal, and turned her back away, just in time for a single tear to trickle
down her cheek. Music truly is the universal language.
=^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^=
On the day of February 1st, Brynn lit a single white candle at every window, cautiously
covered by a glass encasement. All the lights were turned off, so the flame of each
candle illuminated the house. It brought about a very serene atmosphere and gave Brynn a
sense of calm. As much as she loved the sound of Aria running up and down the stairs, and
hearing the sound of her voice hidden away in her laughter, the deafening silence became
a welcomed sound. It helped her to think. It became a form of meditation.
Brynn had a lot on her mind these days; Arianne was coming along quite nicely. Every few
days, she would utter a single syllable word. "Hi", "Sun", "cat", "milk" and even "love"
are only a handful of what wondrous sounds Brynn was blessed with in the past couple of
months. But not even Aria's progression could top the most recent turn of events:
Brynn discovered that she would once again become a mother.
How? But of course she knew "how". One lonely night, she needed a warm shoulder to cry
on. Arianne shut her out and let the cat in. Her own daughter was a complete stranger to
her, yet this mysterious cat came out of nowhere and seemed to know Arianne better than
Brynn ever could. Brynn could always confide in two people: her sister and her childhood
friend Jakob.
What a gift it was to have a man like Jakob as a friend. He was the one person from
Brynn's youth that she had managed to keep in contact with. They had always been no more
than very good friends, and their relationship had never crossed that line - until that
unexpected night. Now, they were going to become parents together...and she hadn't yet
told him about it!
That night was a complete surprise. Brynn and Jakob parted ways the next morning as
friends, and hadn't spoken of it since. It wasn't that they felt an awkward presence
standing between them. It just didn't change the foundation of their friendship. Would
this new baby change the friendship? "Is it selfish of me to worry that this baby will
ruin my friendship?" Worse yet, how would little Aria react to a sibling? Could she
understand that her "Uncle" Jakob would play an even bigger role, not only in her new
brother or sister's life, but her and her mother's?
Brynn decided that her first step had to be to tell Jakob about his child. After the
shock wore off, Jakob emphasized his feeling of joy. And although it was unexpected, he
wouldn't dream of abandoning her or their unborn child. Three little words were still
left unsaid though. "I love you". But neither of them really knew what kind of love they
had for each other. A love in the form of a deep friendship was unquestionable. Being in
love though? It was an entirely different thought altogether.
How would they break the news to Arianne? "She doesn't take to change very easily,
Jakob." "Brynn, she is stronger than you think. Give her some credit. She has your blood
running through her."
That is EXACTLY why Brynn was so worried.
Windows of Life
Part 2
By Cassaundra RedHawk
caxtell@magnolia-net.com
Note: First off I apologize for this being a month behind. I could offer several
excuses, but I won't bore you with any of them. Secondly, should any person have a fear
of water or the ocean, I strongly recommend you either work on the meditation with a
trusted companion close by your side or skip it all together. Next, I am interested in
your thoughts regarding the meditations I have written for these articles. This is a
different venture for me and your feedback will help me in reiki healings as well as
future ventures. You can write to me at the email address above. Thank you. Now on
with it...
In the past it has been taboo in American culture for women to be sexually explicit and
men to display tears openly. As time goes on we are slowly moving away from these
stigmas as a society. Men and women have begun to explore these sides of themselves.
They are learning things that eastern cultures have known for centuries. As a result,
changes have begun to erupt that are shifting the weights on the scales of life to be
more balanced. Women are learning to not be so emotional where men are learning to show
a healthy amount of emotion. In a different regard women are more open to exploring
their sexual side with men right there to help them and vice versa. I am sure though
that we will eventually over do it to become an almost Amazonian type culture before
finding a happy medium. With that said, let's move right along with our overviews.
It is time now to visit the second level. We climb the stairs and go into the open
rooms. This level is distinctive. It is the second chakra and it controls a significant
part of a lot of people's lives as it influences our sexual attractions, need to
procreate, drive of desire, and is greatly responsible for the release of tears in
response to emotional situations. People whose second chakra is highly stimulated may
desire intimate contact more frequently than others or may be more openly emotional. Of
course there is no hard and fast standard to say someone is normal or not. Many other
factors can contribute to this window being fogged or clear, as is the case with
anything.
Chakra number two is two-fold. It is ever flowing and changing, encompassing both male
and female qualities, but is often viewed as being more feminine as it relates to
childbirth. This chakra is located at the lower abdomen and is represented by an orange
flower with six petals. Correspondences are the color orange, element of water, stones
that are orange in color - specifically coral, and the herbs orris root, gardenia,
damiana. Some of the deities associated with the second chakra are Diana, Pan, Poseidon,
Jemaya, and the archangel Gabriel.
Well, that concludes the look through this window. Should you feel that things are not
quite right, the meditation provided in part one would work just as well. Allow the
energy to flow up to the second chakra as you meditate. Below you will find the
meditation I wrote for this level. I hope it can help you.
Until next time...
Brightness,
Cassaundra
*********************************
Meditation 2
Get comfortable and relax. Steady yourself as you prepare to set off on a great journey.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Through your mouth, exhale.
Feel the breath travel through your body. Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax
your feet. Feel the tension in your feet leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your legs. Feel the tension from your legs
leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your belly. Feel the tension from your belly
leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your chest. Feel the tension from your chest
leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your back. Feel the tension from your back
leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your arms. Feel the tension from your arms
leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your shoulders and neck. Feel the tension
from your shoulders and neck leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your head. Feel the tension from your head
leave your body as you breathe.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Take another deep breath. Exhale and relax your mind. Let all thoughts drift away like
bubbles on a spring breeze. See them pop and disappear.
(Pause - 10 seconds)
See yourself at the opening of a cave. It is a wondrous cave, large enough to be quite
comfortable. You step inside to see the walls covered in orange and clear crystals. The
orange crystals give off a soft glowing light that is somehow comforting. At the back of
the cave is another opening that leads into a corridor covered in the same glowing
crystals. You can see a dirt path following the corridor that gently slopes downward.
You are drawn to follow the path and step through the opening.
The corridor is somewhat narrow, but you feel quite safe and comfortable. The crystals
lining the walls and ceiling continue to glow with a beautiful energy that lights your
way. You feel the path slope gently downward. With every step you take you go deeper
and deeper into the earth. With every breath you take you go deeper and deeper into
yourself.
(Pause - 10 seconds)
As you walk a little further you start to see a different kind of light. A soft white
glow starts to appear ahead of you. As you near the light you see that it comes from
another opening that leads out of the cave corridor into the sunlight. As you emerge
from the cave you find yourself on a beach. The sound of the surf mingles with the smell
of salty air being carried on the sun kissed breeze. You find that you are barefoot as
you step out onto the sand. Look around you. What do you see?
(Pause - 15 seconds)
Walk now to the water's edge. Watch the water flow, ebb and change. Think of the things
that you know that flow and change. How do they relate to your life and the lives of
others?
(Pause - 15 seconds)
Go into the water. Keep going until the water is at your chest. Feel the water flow
around you. Feel it change as life changes. Touch your fingers to your lips. Taste
the salty water.
(Pause - 10 seconds)
In front of you appears a creature of the ocean. A glistening gray dolphin puts its
smooth head above the water to playfully chatter at you. You understand the creature
wants to play so you exchange splashes. The dolphin then presents its fin for you to
grab on to. It wants to take you somewhere. You feel safe and take hold.
(Pause - 10 seconds)
The two of you swim out a short way then stop. The dolphin chatters as if to ask if you
are ready. You nod yes and feel an energy bubble surround you. The dolphin dives and
takes you under the water. You find that the bubble protects you and allows you to
breathe normally. The dolphin continues to guide you. Where do you go? What do you
see?
(Pause - 1 minute)
You are taken to a clearing on the ocean floor. Here your guide says farewell and allows
you to explore.
(Pause - 10 seconds)
Looking around you see a great city. All around are columns and majestic buildings
carved from the very stone of the ocean floor. Sea life wanders and floats effortlessly
all around you. Surrounding the city is a great coral reef. All manner of sea life
dance in this vibrant world in harmony. Move closer to the reef. Study its creatures.
What does it show you?
(Pause - 2 minutes)
It is time to move on. Go into the city. You see now that it is full of life. The
ocean creatures dance as they travel around the columns. As you approach what seems to
be a square you notice a great building decorated with statues of men and women. A
once-flowing fountain depicting a couple in an embrace embellishes the top of the
stairway.
You enter through the great doors on either side of the fountain into what was once a
great bathhouse. The double pools span the entire length of the building. On either side
of the room are great stairways that lead to a balcony. In the center of the room stands
a stature as tall as the balcony. It is a man and a woman standing back to back with
arms stretched up holding what appears to be a large bowl. From the balcony are walkways
that lead to the statue.
Explore this lower level. What do you find?
(Pause - 30 seconds)
Swim now to the top of the statue. As you reach the top you see the water's surface at
the edge of the stone. You come out of the water and notice it is warm. Holding on to
the statue you look around to see that the bowl held up by the man and woman is a level
second floor. There are torches lit along the walls of the balcony. In the center of
the statue's floor are several sofas laden with pillows and colorful scarves. On one
side is a small table with a tray of fruit and a decanter.
You swim to one of the staircases to climb out of the water and on to the balcony.
Slowly you walk the balcony to the catwalk that will take you to the suspended floor and
cross to the sofas.
(Pause - 10 seconds)
As you approach you see a man and a woman snuggled into the pillows. They beckon you to
come lay with them. As you get comfortable, you learn that they are Poseidon and Mari.
Talk with them. What do they have to teach you? Tell them what you want.
(Pause - 2 minutes)
After the three of you talk, are given the opportunity to make love to one or both of
them.
(Pause - 2 minutes)
You are offered something to eat and drink after your session.
(Pause - 5 seconds)
Poseidon tells you it is now time for you to return to the surface. He calls for a lady
to lead you safely out. As you go to leave you are given a piece of orange coral on a
cord. Mari ties the cord around your waist so that the coral rests on your tummy. It is
shaped like a six-petaled flower. You feel the coral against your skin and know you have
the power to create life. You feel the changes and the cycle continue.
Both Mari and Poseidon tell you that you are welcome to return any time you wish. You
express your gratitude and follow the lady through a door at the back of the balcony.
You are led into a corridor. After a short way the lady tells you to continue on your
own. She can go no further. You keep going through the corridor. Soon the walls are
lined with the crystals of the cave corridor. You feel yourself walk up the path that
leads through the crystal cave. The walk is not hard and with each step you get closer
and closer to where you started this journey. With each breath you feel your mind and
body returning to the everyday world. Each step brings you closer and closer to
consciousness. You see the light coming into the cave and are back in the room where you
started. You step out of the cave to awaken and feel rested and refreshed.
My Friend The Tree
By "T"
Finally! A clear night. The moon is setting off to my left as I drive towards my friend
the tree. Pretty soon the stars will seem brighter by it's absence. This is one of those
days that make winter so memorable. The weather forecasters would call it 'clear and
cold'. It's been overcast or snowing on and off for the last moon. The snow banks left by
the plows are easy follow since they block out the view to the side of the road, except
where there is a driveway to break up the wall.
The road itself is almost completely free of snow, it looks grey in the light from
Dayen's headlights. A pale river unwinding in front of me. The light from the moon is
shining on the snow- bank to my right leaving the left side of the road in a colourless
shadow. The bottom of the hills were completely dark and I was driving up and out of the
valleys into the light of the moon. I wished for a minute that enlightenment was as
easy.
The right side snow-bank disappeared half way up the final hill. I slowed down enough to
see the tracks of some heavy machine that had driven repeatedly over the side of the
road. At my usual parking spot were two vehicles parked on the side of the road. Dayen's
headlights illuminated a tractor with a drill attachment and another with a scoop on the
front. I parked behind the tractor and left Dayen running as I got out to look at the
machines.
The tracks from the shovel were ankle deep in the snow, so I had to watch my step as I
walked towards the machines. I almost stepped into a hole. Round, and in the light from
Dayen, the hole looked deep. I could see a couple more in a line along the side of the
road. On the far side of the machine with the drill I could see a pile of metal poles
that I assumed would be used as fence posts. It makes sense, doesn't it? A whole lot of
snow cleared, a row of at least three holes, equipment still here and metal poles. Means
fence to me.
The song came to mind -as it always does- when I see a fence going up. You know the one!
Signs, by The Five Man Electrical Band. "Or to keep Mother Nature in." A time like this
I'm glad that I can't sing an on-key note, people that fence in the world don't deserve
perfect pitch. My belly became a solid lump as I realised that this could be the last
time I would be able to visit my friend the tree. My throat closed in on itself and a
couple of tears froze on my cheeks. With my sight blurred I staggered towards Dayen and
leaned against her while I wiped my eyes clear. After a while I reached inside and shut
off the engine and lights, grabbed my travelling bag (with extra nuts) and walked up the
hill.
The vale of my friend was in almost complete darkness, perfectly suiting my mood as I
came out of the wall of pine trees. The setting moon illuminated the tops of the highest
branches of my friend leaving the rest in darkness. The stars that I saw above my friend
were steady, unblinking and seemed further away than I remembered seeing them before. I
stood there for a while, memorising the moment. I was still not seeing too well and it
took an effort to make my legs move.
I called out to my friend as usual and received no reply. I could feel my friend was
asleep as it should be at this time of year. Briefly I wondered if it would miss me.
Silly thought T! As if an ephemeral such as I could be remembered by a tree except as the
smallest portion of time in it's life-span. I walked up to my friend and leaned up
against it, the frozen tears on my cheeks broke off on the rough bark. I realised I was
crying for myself. The tree would still be here, it would be protected from kids that
would hurt it, but I wouldn't be able to see it again. Is that grief or self-pity?
For the last time I walked the circle, drops of blood and the occasional tear marked the
cardinal points. I tried to re-charge the ward I had set but I didn't have enough energy
to do a good job. My friend was still asleep when I finished. I emptied the bag of nuts
near my favorite sitting spot.
I sat on my waterproof and thought back through my memories of my friend the tree. The
tears froze on my cheeks, my breath froze in my moustache, my knees started to complain
about the cold. Still, I sat there, saying goodbye to my friend.
I couldn't feel my nose or fingers when I got up to leave. I told my friend that this
would be the last time I would be able to visit it. It was still asleep and probably
couldn't hear me. I walked towards the edge of the vale and turned for a final look. I
told myself that the memories I had, would sustain me. Yeah right. An important part of
who I am was being torn out of my soul. I couldn't stay. My breath started coming in
shorter gasps as I turned and ran from the clearing. I bumped into a couple of trees
without feeling it, then fell on my butt as I slid down the hill.
Cold and wet, I sat in Dayen with the heater going full blast until I had control of
myself. When my eyes had finally cleared and I had said one last goodbye, I drove home,
a place where I didn't fit in.
The End
"T"
jan '01 gregorian
