SECTION III - THE CAULDRON
The Meant-to-Be Meeting - Isha Arrowhawk
I was Cleopatra in a previous life... - Kim Robertson
An Unusual Encounter - Diogo Monte-Mor
Mythical Musings - Laurel Reufner
The Nature of the Universe - Kim Robertson
The Golden Age - William Bond
The Storm - Lorelei
Mystic Moon - G. Rain
Beating A Not-So-Hasty Retreat - Wren Walker
Announcements - Brenna Fey D'Amaurot
Australian Herb Guide - Moonfyre
Samhain's Eve - Moon Horse Witch
Teen-Wicca - AWDU
The Meant-to-Be Meeting
By Isha Arrowhawk
Well, where was I? Oh yes, the twists and turns that set my feet on the Path I now trod. Ok, so, let's get back to it, shall we? :)
My studies continued for many years, often taking a back burner to other more important things in my life...like a botched suicide attempt due to overwhelming self-doubt and lack of self-esteem...a battle I fight continually to this day; my mother's stroke, when I quit school to care for her (no smart college grad here folks .. just a GED holder); and finally, a marriage to the one I thought was my soulmate (took two failed marriages to find the one I now have!). And through all of this, my doubt, that my chosen Path was wrong, bad, yes...there's that word again...*evil*. I had no faith in me, or my beliefs. I had no one to turn to...there's that 'like mind' thing again .. and it is so very true! Solitary practice works well for many, but not for me. I *need* to share my gifts with other people, I *have* to share my energies, my talents, and when I can't I stagnate.
My hubby at the time was active duty military, and we moved first to Alaska. Talk about a Craft wasteland! And this was way before I ever touched a computer! So, I was stuck with doing little things in my bedroom, and re-reading the precious one or two books I would find in the local library. And believe you me, Kodiak Island hasn't got a very big one! :P But, I still held onto the hope that I would find someone to help me.
Our tour ended in Alaska, and we were shipped off to New York, another island, Governors Island. And there, my dear readers, is where the major turn in my life took place. My hubby drove buses for the Wives Clubs on tours of New York at Xmas time, to show off the lights, and such. Well .. I got to go, even though I was only an Enlisted wife, because he was driving the bus. Lots of perks there .. :)
On one of those tours, in 1981, I was chatting with him about needing to find somewhere to purchase books and stuff, not thinking I was being overheard. Next thing I knew, someone was tapping me on the shoulder, whispering 'Blessed Be' in my ear. Ok, well .. blessings are cool, so I said thanks, and dropped the subject. I'd never heard the phrase before, had no idea what it signified, even.
But, after the tour was over with, and we were all getting off of the buses back at our quarters, this woman gets off with me, and smiles. 'If you want to learn, come see me, I live there,' she said, and pointed to the other side of the building we lived in. She gave me her apartment number, and walked off. Curious, I went to see her the next afternoon. Well, that meeting was quite eventful, as I not only met her, but her husband as well .. both Initiates of Pagan Way, the group that used to meet in Herman Slater's old shop, The Magickal
Chiilde...but got my first addiction .. General Foods International Coffees! She and I talked many times over large mugs of that stuff!
From her, I got my very first book, The Spiral Dance. And from that point, it was one spiral bound notebook after another, filled with notes, lessons, spells, correspondences, you name it, they taught it to me. Finally, I felt needed, wanted, like I belonged somewhere, I had found 'like minds'! But, it was always just us three, and I always wondered, if they were members of a coven, how come I never got to meet any of the others? I was to get my chance, in a most unexpected and most enjoyable manner!
Samhain.1982. The major turning point. I'd gone to their apartment to get some homework checked. I'd already Dedicated to the Craft, and was working towards a degree. They'd taken me on as a student with the approval of the group. Anyhow, her hubby walks in, and asks me if I want to go out later that night. Ok, I said, sure. Dress nice, he said, you'll be outside. Happily, the weather was nice and didn't require more than a jeans jacket. So, after rushing home, grabbing a fast bite to eat, and kissing the bubby, off I went. Now, by this time, there was some major strife going on in the Childe group, and several of them had left to form their own group .. still a Pagan Way one, as well as a new shop, Enchantments. After stopping by the Childe, we headed to Enchantments ... which was the plan all along.
We went in, and I fell in love with the place. And, it had a grove outside in the back! It was so peaceful. Turns out, I was about to participate in my very first Samhain ritual, though I didn't know it at the time. I met some wonderful people, chatted with many of them, shared some fruit and cheese and snacks, and waited to see what was going on. The Circle was nicely set up, with stumps for seats, and a huge tree just behind the altar. I found a stump off to the side and sat down. I wasn't a member of the group, and didn't feel right (there's that self-doubt again!) joining in things .. I was still learning, after all, and *only* a
Dedicant. Needless to say, that thinking didn't hold water.
A lovely young woman came over to me, accompanied by a nice looking man. The Priest and Priestess of the group, I learned. They asked me why I was sitting alone, and I told them. Wrong answer! They took my hands, and led me over to the others telling me that I would never learn if I didn't get involved, and that the Lord and Lady understood mistakes. I learned my first spiral dance that night, and got so super charged! It was wonderful! I also learned how to ground! I knew that tree was going to come in handy! LOL! By the time everything was over with, I didn't *need* to take the subway home...I could very easily have floated there!
They gifted me with my first pent necklace that night. I still have it, and wear it on very special occasions. My studies increased, and I all but lived between the Childe and Enchantments, buying any books I could find, all my supplies, everything I could afford. And at times, I was gifted with things if I couldn't afford them. It was like a dream come true for me. And things were only going to get better.
Next Part: Solitary once again
I was Cleopatra in a previous life....
By Kim Robertson
I hear some pretty far out stories from people from time to time and I used to disregard some of them as straight lies and self-aggrandizement but I got to thinking. What exactly is a truth?
Modern thinking would have us believe that reality is solid, unchanging and totally cause and effect driven. If a tree falls in the forest it does definitely make sound.
The more I look at life the more I get the feeling that reality is more like a stage play. Sometimes you open your eyes and catch stagehands moving scenery around or you find an inconsistency in the plot. Like you see your new neighbor's car and it is green but the next day it is red and you tell yourself that you must have remembered wrong.
These inconsistencies occur all the time and our brains have evolved over time to make automatic correction to what we perceive so that our view of reality doesn't get too challenged. Any optometrist will tell you that the image you see in your head has been very 'optimized' by your brain before it hits you cognizance.
I think that reality is like a collage of everyone's and everything's perceptions. There are bound to be holes and faults and problems in it. Some of you might know a feeling that you get when extremely depressed/panicked where you start disassociating from your body and your perception of the world alters.
Things look, feel and seem totally weird and disjointed and full of scary energy and powerful half-meanings and unformed threats etc. This state of consciousness, in becoming partially divorced from the 'consensus reality' shows you that being out of the stream threatens you with getting lost; really really badly lost, is the feeling. Like you are sticking your head out of an air craft and the wind is trying to suck you out of the cabin, and at the same time trying to listen to what auntie Joan (from the other side of the air craft) is telling you about baking her banana cakes.
Is there any wonder why newborn babies take so long to come to consciousness in this confusing world? It must seem like an eternity to them, and probably is.
OK, having convinced you (at the subjective level) that reality is totally a result of consensus thought streams and not at all of matter and solid facts, it becomes easier to accept other people's explanations of their experiences with the occult. Yes, perhaps they are embellishing the 'truth' or out and out story telling but is that really important?
Aeosop's fables did not have to be about a true event to contain truth.
Blessed be
Kim Robertson
An Unusual Encounter
By Diogo Monte-Mor
I didn't know what awaited me that Monday morning. Honestly. I got up, had my breakfast and left for work, as usual. I work at a small law firm, where I am responsible for the paperwork. The lawyer there is an old High School friend. He also owns the firm. I just take care of the bureaucratic part. It's a dull job, but it's what I've got, so I live with it. After all, I need the money.
I finished breakfast, took a fast shower - I was late, as usual. Put on my old beaten up beige suit and left, locking the door behind me. Went down the street, said hi to Mrs.
Bosco, my neighbor. She was coming back from the bakery with fresh bread for her husband. As usual.
I had just turned the corner when I saw her. Beautiful, the early sun making her blonde hair glow. She was wearing a simple white cotton dress, which shook as she walked toward me. She looked like she was in college, or maybe a senior in high school. Shy as I am, I didn't dare look her in the eyes, but I could tell that she was looking at me with a steady, warm gaze. As I passed her, I thought that she whispered my name. My entire body grew hot and I started to sweat. I kept walking, afraid to look back at her. But when I finally got the courage, she had vanished.
"Must've turned the corner," I thought. But one thing seemed odd: not one of the construction workers on the street had shouted a line at her, despite her looks. And that, my friend, is not something you see everyday.
I thought about that girl all day. Working, filling out forms, checking files, typing, she was always on my mind. Who was she? Did she really notice me?
"Of course not, Wayne. Don't get so cocky! How on earth would a girl like that notice someone like you?" was all I could think.
On my way back, I hoped I would see the girl again. I knew I wouldn't, but hope dies last, you know. As I thought, I didn't see her. Passing by the bakery, I bought some French bread, a bit of baloney and a couple of beers. I picked up a newspaper, as well, to bring me up to date on world events. As usual.
The next morning, I woke up thinking of her. I took a longer shower, since I was on time for a change. Finished the baloney at breakfast and went down, locking the door, as usual. Mrs. Bosco said hello, from the other side of the street. As usual.
I went down the street thinking, "Will I see her again?" I hoped so. Turning the corner, my fingers were crossed, and...she wasn't there. "Of course," I sighed.
But then she came. Actually, not her. Another woman, with almost identical features, but this one was a little older. In her mid thirties, perhaps. Beautiful, as the other, but she had a more mature beauty. She wore elegant clothes; a long flowered skirt, a white blouse. Her hair caught up gave her a sort of practical look. Passing by her, I felt a bit braver than I had the day before. My head was high, but my eyes never met hers. Again, though, I heard the whisper. This time, a bit louder. My body felt warm, not hot like last time. A sort of motherly warmth.
I carried on to the firm, trying to comprehend the two odd encounters. Twice, a girl and a woman, alike though different. "Was it only a coincidence?" I thought. But I moved on quickly, there was a lot of paperwork to take care of.
On my way back, the routine: bakery, baloney, newspaper, and beer. I sat in my living room, my sandwich made and a beer in hand. Turned on the stereo, stretched out my legs and read my newspaper. As usual.
On the third day, I also woke up early. I had slept very well that night, unusually well. A familiar dream appeared to me, one with a recurring image. I had often dreamt of that image, a peculiar symbol, as a child. I hadn't had that dream in a long time (at least that I could remember), but it had come back. In various dream-scenes, the image persisted. I had never actually seen it anywhere. Oh, whatever. I took a very long shower; the water was delicious.
I had plenty of time that day, so I went down to the bakery to get some fresh bread. On my way back, I helped Mrs. Bosco with her things. "You're mighty cheerful today, Wayne! What happened?" she asked. I only smiled back. I didn't know yet. I went upstairs, had my breakfast, and went down again, locking the door.
I walked calmly and slowly down the street, enjoying the sunlight. Those encounters had made me more cheerful. But how could two events, apparently isolated, change my life so much? I turned the corner, hoping to see one of them. "Who knows, maybe both?" I said to myself.
Neither one. Instead, an old lady was standing there, waiting. She wore somber clothes, in dark colors. She had a sweet look in her eyes, and a warm smile. Sort of like a grandmother would. "Good morning!" I said to her.
"Good morning, Wayne," was the answer.
"How do you know my name?"
"Oh, you know. Think."
"You...yesterday...and before...?"
"That's right."
"But...how?"
"Think, Wayne. You know the answer," she said.
And I did, really. Suddenly I was filled with emotion. Since I was a child, I had felt different. I never accepted the idea that Life could have been birthed by a masculine power. If women gave birth, then God had to be a woman. Goddess.
"You have seen my three aspects. As I was the young seductive Virgin, I have been the Mother and am now the Crone, wisdom and death," she said, walking away from me. "You have found your path. Follow it."
And thus I found two things at once, my religion and the meaning of the triple-moon image in my dream.
)O(
Mythical Musings
By Laurel Reufner
Welcome to my new column, thanks to Midnight Grey Wolfpup. Each issue, hopefully, I'll be bringing you an essay on a different deity. If there's someone you'd like to hear about in particular, let me know. This time around, it's the Roman goddess Flora, who had more than a few surprises in store for me as I went about my research.
Flirtatious Flora
Roman goddess of the Spring, flowers, fertility Mention Flora and a person tends to immediately conjure images of nymphs dancing in the wooded clearings and heads wreathed in Spring-time blooms. Goddess of springtime beauty and innocence. The May Day scene from Camelot comes easily to mind. So who was Flora really?
Harbinger of Spring and the personification of flowers, Flora possessed one of the oldest cults in Rome. She was even one of the few deities to have her own major priest, or
flamen, plus a minor temple in the northwest corner of the Quirinalis, near the Circus
Maximus. There were two festivals to our goddess: the Floralia, discussed below, and another on 13 August, probably connected to some late flowering harvest produce.
However, there was more to our goddess than just Nature's beauty, for without that beauty there could be no harvest. Trees must flower to produce fruit. Wheat must flower. Flora is more than just a flower blooming; she also represents the reproductive, or fertile, potential that the flower's bloom represents. She is the awakening sexuality found in every adolescent. And she was vital to the continuation of the Roman Empire. Without Flora there would be no new citizens, or no food.
A famine hit Rome in 283 BC, prompting the city's leaders to consult with the Sibylline Books. As a result a temple was built on the Aventine Hill, near the Circus Maximus and on 27 (or 28, depending on the calendar) April the temple was dedicated to Flora.
Originally a moveable festival, the Floralia now became associated with the date of the new temple's dedication. However, its observance was intermittent until 173 BC, when it became a yearly celebration.
By the time of Rome's empire period the Floralia lasted from 27 April until 3 May. It was a wild time, with performances in the theater, circus games, and finally ending with a sacrifice to Flora. Those little machines of reproduction, bunnies and goats were let loose as part of the circus games. Vetches, a relative of the common garden pea, as well as beans and lupins were tossed at the crowds in an effort to make their springtime desire flower.
Our dear, beautiful Flora also came to be considered the patron goddess of prostitutes, who came to view the Floralia as their own special festival. Many of the celebration's events ran late into the night, so it is not really difficult to see how the association came about. Stripteases were quite common, especially on the last day, when almost any woman in attendance would be harassed to _take it off_. You know, reading back over this all, it sounds a bit like Mardi Gras celebrations the world over. There really is little that's new under the sun!
So how does one bring the beauty, fertile potential of Flora, into their own lives? Flowers, flower, flowers. Planting flowers that are also edible would be appropriate, as would planting flowering vegetables. Dishes containing beans or peas could be served at a special meal. Perhaps wearing bright colors, which participants in the ancient Floralia wore, would be enough to commemorate the day. And of course, talking a walk, or simply sitting, and contemplating the flowers is a wonderful day to think of, and thank, Flora.
Bibliography:
Ogilvie, R. M. The Romans and Their Gods: In the Age of Augustus. London: Chatto and
Windus, 1969.
Turcan, Robert. The Gods of Ancient Rome: Religion in Everyday Life from Archaic to Imperial Times. New York:
Routledge, 2000. (Translated by Antonia Nevill.)
Adkins, Leslie, and Roy A. Adkins. Dictionary of Roman Religion. New York: Facts On File, Inc. 1996.
The Nature of the Universe
By Kim Robertson
Beware: the following is an exercise in supposition *grin*
I think that the Universe or just came to be over time. I like the idea that it is just energy and just therefore 'is'. Well, this is a variation in that the 'is' is changing. Maybe if we use the concepts that brought about the existence of humans as an example. To get the first human to exist on this planet took incomprehensible time and enormous effort on the part of the universe.
Let us step back to basic physics. It is no accident that we (or for that matter other planets/peoples) came about. The design of matter/energy in the physical universe is such that situations can arise giving us a planet like earth, which has so much enormous potential for life. It is near infinitely impossible that such a conglomeration of atoms (that atoms even exist is amazing) of the right sort occurs. This fact (natural order) is evidence of a design in the nature of the universe. I'll leave that thought here for the moment without proof... you can go find that for yourself if you like. The main point is that life exists by design.
Now, consider a universe that only has energy and does not have matter. In fact a universe where there are very few laws of physics. For change to occur there by random occurrence would take supremely long. For thought or consciousness to occur would be the result of random changes over near-infinite eternity. If this 'being' that resulted, unimaginable to us, thought long enough (no lack of 'time' for them...in fact nothing to measure it against apart from themselves) perhaps it would realize that, for another to come along it would take another near-infinite eternity. Perhaps this being dreamed of a better universe where it could create the arrangement of energy that is a spirit in a much faster way.
Where the universe was designed to bring about the changes that, to it, would be as a blinking of an eye. In fact the whole evolution of this universe from creation to dissipation might merely be a single breath of this being.
The Golden Age
By William Bond
In Greek Legend there is a story of an ancient Golden Age where people lived in peace and prosperity. To quote: "The first age was an age of innocence and happiness. Truth and right prevailed, though not enforced by law, nor was there any magistrate to threaten or punish. The forest had not yet been robbed of its trees to furnish timbers for vessels, nor had men built fortifications around their towns. There were no such things as swords, spears, or helmets. The earth brought forth all things necessary for man, without his labor in ploughing or sowing. Perpetual spring reigned, flower sprang up without seed, the rivers flowed with milk and wine, and yellow honey distilled from the oaks."
After that came the Silver age, where everything wasn't so good then the Brazen age and finally the Iron age, which is really our present age of warfare and violence. The whole concept of this myth is that everything has become slowly worse and worse for human kind since the Golden Age.
Yet the myth of the Golden age doesn't only come from Ancient Greece.
Probably the most ancient religion that survives today is Taoism in China. Again this religion talks about a Golden age in the past. As explained repetitively in the
Tao-Te-Ching written by Lao Tzu.
The concept of the Golden Age is also in the story of the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned they were banished into the wasteland and Adam had to work "by the sweat of his brow". The story of the Garden of Eden comes from a Golden age story from ancient Mesopotamia. Also in the few Aztec and Maya writing that have survived again there is a myth of a very ancient Golden Age ruled by a compassionate Mother Goddess. Which is shown in contrast to the later age of warfare and human sacrifice.
In fact most ancient cultures of the world have some myth of a golden age of the ancient past.
Up until recently modern academics have rejected these legends as pure myth. Not only do they sound too good to be true. Recorded history shows a different story. It seems that the further you go back in history the more brutal and violent men seem to behave. After all we do not have human sacrifice anymore. Though it has to be admitted we still have genocide and wars as we have seen with the Nazi and Po-Pot regimes. So it has been assumed by archeologists that people in pre-historic times were even more brutal than people in historic times. But recent archeology discoveries have challenged this assumption.
In the 1960s an archeologists called Mellaart lead a team to excavate a site in Anatolia in Turkey. This site turned out to be the oldest city ever discovered. Called Catal Huyuk it goes back over 9,000 years. What was discovered goes against all assumptions archeologist have about people living in Neolithic times. They couldn't find any fortifications to defend the city or any weapons of war. Neither could they find signs of violence committed on people buried in graves. It as also a city full of feminine imagery to the degree that Mellaart was force to say that the people worshipped the Ancient Great Mother.
So unsettling was these discoveries that the site was closed down for thirty years and the academic world ignored the implications of this find. But there was on archeologist who was brave enough to challenge the accepted wisdom of the academic world.
The late Mariji Gimbutas went digging in other Neolithic sites and found similar findings. She also highlight the Neolithic findings that Soviet scientists had made in Transylvania. As well as Goddess civilizations found in Crete and Malta. All showing peaceful societies that worshipped the Great Mother. Gimbutas became a very controversial figure and her books and work was rejected by the academic world. But other archeologists were also finding similar finds. The Indus Valley civilization in Pakistan was again an Ancient society that archeologists could find no signs violence or weapons of war. Even more recently in Caral in Peru the oldest city ever discovered in South America, going back to 5,000 years, the same thing was discovered. Given the violent history of later South American civilizations with mass human sacrifice archeologists expected to find the same thing. But no matter how hard they looked they couldn't find any evidence of human sacrifice, warfare or any other indication of violence. And they had to conclude that this civilization existed in peace for thousands of years.
The overwhelming evidence of these finding have made more modern academic wonder if Mariji Gimutas might be right after all. Some are coming out of the woodwork and supporting her like Richard Rudgley in his book "Lost Civilizations Of The Stone Age".
So what is the implication of these findings?
No longer can it be claimed that we lived in the Stone Age as savage brutes. As it seems that violence started thousands of years after the first civilizations got started. It also brings into question if we are ourselves naturally violence.
After the Second World War the American military done a study on how well their troops done in the war. They interviewed a large number of ex-servicemen and found that only a small minority admitted to killing the enemy. Most claimed that they only shot above the heads of the opposing side and didn't want the deaths of the enemy on their conscience.
In contrast in the same war the Japanese troops had a reputation of brutality and ruthlessness. But the Japanese military training was very harsh. The new recruits were beaten up by older soldiers and then after the first years training they were encouraged to do the same to the newer recruits. Later on in their training they were taught to kill by killing prisoners of war. So it seems that the Japanese military knew that to turn a ordinary Japanese male into a effective killing machine they had to completely brutalize him.
The same is true of the German soldiers under the Nazis, where again the ordinary soldier was again brutalized. Yet in spite of this, when the Nazis started their genocide against the Jews they at first just took groups of Jews into the forest and had them shot by ordinary soldiers. But the effect of shooting defenseless civilians had a devastating effect on many of the soldiers ordered to do this and some were committing suicide. This became such a problem for the Nazis that other methods had to be used to conduct mass murder that didn't involve ordinary servicemen.
During the Falklands war 250 British servicemen lost their lives. 20 years after the war 265 men who saw action during the war have since committed suicide. Even worse figure are shown for the American troops that fought in the Vietnam War. Though this is a controversial subject in USA and it is hard to get exact figures.
If the Japanese military had to brutalize their troops to make them kill. While soldiers in Britain and America as so upset by the experience of war that many have since committed suicide. It calls into question whether men are naturally violent. Yet recorded history is a history of war, genocide and cruelty. So if it is not natural for men to be violent, why is it still going on?
In all the Golden age legends they do not explain why things started to go wrong. But Gimbutas claims that the downfall of many of the peaceful Goddess civilizations as caused by violent patriarchal tribes invading them from the north. So it suggests that it was the invention of war that ended the last Golden Age. Where the early patriarchal rulers behaved like Mafia bosses in imposing a reign of terror on the people and started a protection racket that was in effect the first taxation.
So the good news is that a Golden age did exist in the past, and we are not naturally violent. Most men have to be brainwashed into being like this through
brutalization. The bad news is that the Pandora's Box has been opened in that violent men have found they can rule countries and even empires by fear and violence.
But this is not what the majority of us want. Most of us do not want to live in a world of war and violence and it is up to us to not allow a minority of violent men spoilt it for us all. We have to learn how to stop our young people being brutalized by school bullies, street gangs, prisons, poverty, unemployment, violent films and video games, violent parents and the military. Then we can perhaps get back to living once again in a new Golden Age of peace and prosperity.
This article was published with permission.
More of my articles can be read at
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/creatrix
The Storm
By ~Lorelei
A bright flash of lightning
fills the darkened sky.
The clock ticks off a few seconds
that last an eternity.
A resounding crack of thunder
shatters the silence.
The hidden memory rises unbidden
causing a hint of trembling.
Alone, she turns on all the lights,
pretending to be calm.
A thumping beat blares out
from a stereo turned up loud.
The shades are pulled tightly shut,
mimicking her emotions.
She attempts to read a book,
unable to concentrate.
The door flies open wide,
crashing against the wall.
Her nerves strung tight,
she tenses and gasps.
A brief moment of fear,
then sudden relaxation.
Her family is home safe and sound,
and she smiles and hugs them tight.
Mystic Moon
Chapter 14: In the darkness, there be vampires roaming
Written by ~ G. Rain
As I think back to that long dark night, I remember mostly the sound of the rain. First it drizzled, than it poured. Non-stop for hours straight. Perhaps the Gods were releasing their power our way, giving us the strength to do what we needed to do. It was a little before three o'clock in the morning, right on the cusp of the witching hour. As any witch would tell you the most powerful magick could be caste between midnight and 3 am to achieve the best desired results.
We didn't have much time left to tap into that magical time space, so each of us moved quickly in the dark living room. Except Belinda who laid in extreme pain on the large purple couch.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing? Jane asked trying her best to be strong.
"We are going to caste out the evil, bind the psychic vampire from doing more harm, than, heal Belinda." I replied, as I set up the pillar candles in a circular pattern on the hard wooden floor.
"You must not worry dear, everything will be alright in good time." Shara said grasping Jane's Shoulders in passing. Her motherly tone soothed Jane's worries but I knew Shara and she couldn't mask her doubt from me. Shara and I exchanged a look in the darkness. We were both scared and worst of all uncertain of the sick girl's fate. Belinda moaned out in pain. Mona gave her yet another cup of tea. She used ginger and other spices to zap out whatever influences the psychic vampire had on Belinda.
"Almost ready." I said as I went into my bedroom in search of my wand. As I came back to the front room I remember almost colliding with Mona. The near miss almost sent me tumbling to the ground, but Mona's strong arm caught me before I could fall. Mona was probably the only calm one out of all of us. She was wise beyond her years. At nine months pregnant I started to wonder if she should be a part of the ritual.
I didn't want to alarm Mona so I turned to Shara, her croned mother for answers. Aside in the corner by the rain tattered window I pulled Shara away from the magical task of sweeping the sacred circle.
"What about Mona's Baby, could it be affected in anyway by this ritual?" I asked in a whisper.
"I wondered that myself a little while ago. Any suggestions?" Shara said in an equally soft tone.
"How about we work a protection sphere around the little one?" Mona said as she sneaked up on us. Shara and I laughed, of course the mother to be would know best.
A flash of lightening illuminated the living room, not once but twice. One right after the other. Thunder rumbled and sent energy waves and trembles throughout the whole building.
The four of us, Jane, myself, Shara and Mona grasped hands. We wanted to go into this together, as a coven. We were not individuals but one magical group with a lot of determination and faith. The circle was caste and energy raised. Belinda was placed in the center, the altar at north, and elements at each corner. With one final prayer to the Goddess and God we got down and dirty weaving our mystical magick upon that dark stormy night.
The lightening crackled a call to the thunder with fierce power and the thunder answered back with roaring passion. A poppet was passed to me from
Shara, I grasped it in my hands and wove a black ribbon around its body. I passed it on to Jane. Suddenly an image came before me within the sacred circle. It was the dark haired man in my dreams. Just as in my night visions he reached out for me. I touched his hand, it felt real. If at anytime before then I was worried about the spell we'd caste that night, with his touch my heart and soul eased. At that very moment I realized who he was: my spirit guide. An angel of sorts who helped me, guiding me along the path. I blinked and he was gone.
I was chanting. For how long was I using the repetition? I did not know. Everything seemed like a blur, even time. A vortex of energy from the coven was being feed into Belinda. Then silence, no rain, no voices, no chanting.
The magick was caste then circle banished, and I, in a fit of exhaustion, fell to the ground depleted. I heard the rain start again, and it cleansed the earth.
__________________________________________________________________
When the rain finally stopped, the city was almost silent. The sun rising made the drops on the window twinkle like crystals. Shara and I sat alone at the kitchen table. Jane phoned her boyfriend in her room, Mona and Belinda were a sleep on the couch.
"Gwen, you look like you could use a cup of freshly brewed coffee." Shara said as she walked slowly to the table with two cups in hand.
"Most definitely." I said with a sigh. "Binding spells, psychic vampires, spirit guides, you name it, in one night I've encountered it." I added as my hands instinctively clenched the coffee mug for warmth. Shara simply smiled in reply. "You knew all along that something like this would happen didn't you?" I said softly gazing out the window. It wasn't so much a question but instead an affirmation.
"My dreams foretold certian events, yes, and my guides gave me some clues." She stopped and turned, looking me right in the eyes. " I didn't know the extent of the challenge, or when it would come. I did my best to prepare you, Mona and Jane." I shook my head in response. She did indeed prepare us well, as well as one could be prepared for that night's fiasco.
"Belinda." I said as I turned to look at her sleeping on the couch. " She'll be alright won't she?"
Shara tapped my shoulder and smiled. "She's strong like you, Gwen, she'll be just fine."
__________________________________________________________________
That afternoon we gather together at Mystic Moon. As we stood around the counter I revered at my friends greatness. We were, each one of us, survivors. On some stormy night, towards the end of winter we didn't fear the fearful, back down or go into the task of fighting evil half-heartedly. Instead we walked into the circle together. From that point foreword it was a new beginning for us, because only until one realizes how precious life really is, can one fully enjoy it.
"Thank you all for coming." Shara said as she looked at each one of us with a new light in her eyes.
"So why did you want us to come to the store?" Jane asked
"Well, I have a small announcement to make." Shara replied
"Actually, so do I." Jane chimed in. Mona and I looked at each other and laughed.
"So, who wants to go first?" I asked eager to hear what looked like exciting news.
"I am engaged!" Jane yelled not able to hold in her secrete any longer. Shara, Mona, and myself looked at each other and instantly started shouting questions in Jane's direction: How did he propose? When's the wedding? Did he give you a ring?
"Ok, alright, hold on!" Jane yelled in all the commotion.
"Today at lunch he took my out to a restaurant, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I don't know when well get married, and hold on let me get the ring." Jane said fumbling through her purse. She took out a small ring box and handed it clockwise to Mona.
After a good five minutes the commotion stopped and all eyes fell on Shara.
"Well my news isn't as exciting but it does involve a serious commitment." Shara said in a warm soft voice. The rest of us waited patiently for her to continue. "As you know I am an old witch and I've had this store for a good part of my life. But, even the magical need a little vacation. In other words, I am giving the store to you Mona and Gwen, as an equal partnership. I expect that you'll have no problem figuring out the details." I remember glancing in Mona's's Direction. She seemed delighted by the news; I on the other hand, was in shock.
"Oh Shara, I don't deserve this" I said instantly.
"As of this moment the store is under your rule and domain. I take it that Mona's baby will attract most of her attention so for a while Gwen, your own your own." Shara said to me with a bright smiled. "You may not be my daughter by blood but your my daughter by heart and in the Goddesses eye's that's what really matters." The shock wore off and excitement kicked in, Mystic Moon, the very store I'd first stepped into all those years ago was now, mine.
"I really am excited by this news."Mona said as she touched her stomach. "Well, I have to get to the hospital."
"Do you have an appointment dear?" Shara asked her daughter.
"Yes, in a way, I do." Mona said as she walked towards the front of the store. "Oh, and could one of you give a call to my midwife?" Mona said as she turned back in our direction.
"Oh my goddess the baby's is coming!" Jane said and ran to help Mona out the door. Quickly, Shara and I followed.
"Gwen dear, don't you think someone should stay at the store?" Shara said to me as I ran out the door.
"Oh yes, of course." I replied and turned back.
"Will you call me from the hospital?" I said semi-pleading with Shara.
"Of course dear." Shara said taping me on the shoulder.
_______________________________________________________________
Darkness fell quickly. I counted the money that the store made that day, locked up the back few rooms and turned off the lights. I used the main key to close up mystic moon and realized that; it was my first day as co-owner. I glanced up at the small enchanted store front, and the memories flooded back. What a chaotic year! I remember mostly the bond that I found with my closet friends. No, that year wasn't easy but we survived, and made our lives better for the things we went through.
Later on Jane got married, Shara adopted several more cats, and Mona, well, Mona had a beautiful, healthy baby girl. As for me, you can find me any day at the Mystic Moon store, somewhere in the hustle and bustle of the city life. Perhaps if you're in the neighborhood, you'd stop by for a tarot reading or a spell. Blessed Be my friends, and thank you for allowing me to ponder back to years ago.
Beating A Not-So-Hasty Retreat...
By Wren Walker
Co-Founder - The Witches' Voice (http://www.witchvox.com/)
Those of you who believe in or follow astrology probably already know that Saturn and Pluto are currently engaged in a bit of a tussle. Looking around our very small apartment last week, one might surmise that those planets had been mixing it up right there in my kitchen. We have limited counter space as it is and much of that had disappeared under rags and salvaged cream cheese containers and baskets. Fritz, patient man that he is, never complained even as he had to excavate the coffee pot out from under the rubble. As a Capricorn, I usually don't deal well with clutter. I like things lined up, visually symmetrical and neat. Not necessarily antiseptically clean, mind you, (where would I leave a message if it weren't for the dust on the table?) but a chaotic jumble of stuff strewn about just grates on my nerves. I suppose that is why I have developed such a pragmatic personality. If one doesn't care for all things messy, one has to develop tools and skills in order to
'unmessify' wherever one can. For all of those other things that lie beyond one's personal control, one simply has to learn to shrug them off and go on. Or you can just do what I did: You can call it art.
For those of you who don't necessarily follow planetary shenanigans on a regular basis-but who may be wondering just why everything really sucks of late- here is a little update. The Saturn-Pluto opposition cycles take place every thirty-five/thirty-six years. This present cycle started with Saturn-Pluto in opposition on August 5, 2001 and again on November 2, 2001. Everyone reading this is certainly aware of the events that happened in the world between those two dates. Pluto, named after an underworld God, rules those things that lie beneath the surface. That sounds safe enough and it would be if those underground things were really and truly dead and were content to remain really and truly dead. But Pluto also rules over such things like explosions, secret plots, mass movements and dramatic transformation. Pluto happens to be completely amoral in those regards. It will change things that need to be changed no matter the cost. Pluto is what must become.
Saturn on the other hand is the planet of what is. Saturn's energy will fight just as hard to maintain existing structures as Pluto's is determined to strike them down. Saturn is preservation. Pluto is transformation. You can see the root of the current world problems right there. You might also see some of the reasons why various factions of the
Pagan/Heathen/Wiccan communities are dueling over definitions, historical truths (or the lack thereof) and validations of all kinds. It's shake up time. And some people and some things don't like being shaken up. Anything that has not been built upon a solid foundation is in danger of collapse. But before you start pointing fingers, let me remind you that even the most firm of structures might also get a good rocking when Pluto comes to town. Just to keep things from falling into stasis, you understand. Saturn's influence might keep your religion or belief or system from utter devastation, but even here Pluto will force you to either take a few steps back or even a step forward into new territory. Nothing can remain exactly as it is. To say that this opposition could also shake out a few personal relationships as well is more than an afterthought here if yours just happens to be one of them. Well, maybe it's time to take your lumps, cut your losses and move on anyway. And don't be surprised if you see a lot more political and religious dirty laundry flapping in the breeze out there on the public clothesline. The effects of this Saturn-Pluto opposition will be with us for quite a while to come. And it won't over until they say that it's over.
Feel better now that you know what is going on? Me neither. The final Saturn-Pluto opposition of this cycle will occur on May 25, 2002 at 10:34 AM EDT. But it's not all 'bad' news. The Saturn-Pluto effect can also be channeled into learning new skills and thinking innovative thoughts. It can mean breathing new life into old systems (The 'Three Little Pigs' was probably birthed during a Saturn-Pluto opposition.) or even resurrecting old ones. This can be in the form of investigating new belief systems, returning to a religion that you once left behind or realigning the new with the old where you are right now. Since both Saturn and Pluto ask the same question, "What is real?"-One to question for usefulness and the other to test for worthiness- this can be an excellent opportunity to haul oneself out of that previously comfortable rut and to try something different.
My kitchen certainly looked different and very un-Capricorn-esque this week. But it's all part of the cycle. I went back and rediscovered/ resurrected an old skill that I had forgotten that I had even once possessed: painting. I found that I needed to take a break from all of the shaking of the systems and the rantings of the shook. So I got out my acrylics and my brushes and started to paint. But, of course, under the Saturn-Pluto influences, my paintings- although based upon something quite ancient- were not like any of the artwork that I had ever done before. It was both very old and very new (to me anyway) at the same time. And I have found that this blending of an old system and a new medium has worked very well in getting me back into emotional and spiritual balance. Let me share with you some of the pictures that got me started. You'll recognize the art form right away. But take a few minutes to notice how the artists placed certain colors next to each other and the symmetry of the designs. This type of art is both decorative and spiritual and while this particular combination or style might not 'rock your boat', there are all sorts of different art forms that you can explore on your own. This is just my own mini-tour and I hope that you enjoy it:
This is the picture (http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/view1zoom.asp?dep=10&full=0&mark=1&item=15%2E2%2E2) that started it all. I saw a case like this one in the Boston Museum and fell in love with it. From there, I went exploring and found this
(http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/view1.asp?dep=10&full=0&item=30%2E8%2E57). Another simple and clean design. (You can zoom in on the pictures for more detail. The home pages of sites referenced will be listed below.) And I began to muse, "You know, I think that I can do something like that!" Some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring pictures come from Osirisnet
(http://www.osirisnet.net/) such as this one (http://www.osirisnet.net/tombes/pharaons/nofr/nofr2/nfrt2194.jpg) and this curved towering figure
(http://www.osirisnet.net/tombes/artisans/nakht335/photo/nak335_22.jpg) has to be one of my favorites. The colors in this one
(http://ragz-international.com/egypt007.jpg) from the International History Project site are still vibrant after all these many centuries and are the basis of my new color palette. Okay, most of these designs are still beyond my budding capabilities, but I did find this site
(http://members.aol.com/FyreWyngz/cbook/cbook.html )(a coloring book) with many good designs to print and color or to help guide your own 'ancient' Egyptian creations. I adapted the
Nut/Geb print onto an old stool and embellished it with a multi-colored border. Sanding down the edges heavily and over the design lightly gave it this nice well-worn look and feel and I'm pretty satisfied with the results.
So if things have been a bit wild of late in your neck of the universe, just take a little break during the window of 'opportunity' presented by the Saturn-Pluto opposition and create your own mini-retreat area. Whether it is through art, music or poetry- or by simply sitting under the shade of a big tree- give yourself some creative or quiet time in which to reflect upon the question, "What is real?" Wait for the answers to come. They will. And then go out and design something worthy -- create something beautiful -- and treasure that which survives the test.
Become an artist. Dare to paint your own life.
Walk in Love and Light,
Wren Walker
Co-Founder - The Witches' Voice
Monday, April 15th., 2002
References and credits:
1. The Metropolitain Museum of Art - http://www.metmuseum.org/home.asp
2. The Egyptian Museum (Cairo) - http://www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg/home.html
3. Osirisnet - http://www.osirisnet.net/
4. The International History Project - http://ragz-international.com/
5. Ancient Egyptian Coloring Book - http://members.aol.com/FyreWyngz/cbook/cbook.html
Above article used with permission. This article can be viewed at http://www.witchvox.com/wvoxhome.html. I highly encourage you to visit the Witches' Voice if you haven't already. They are fabulous in their information.
The Wolfpup
Australian Herb Guide
By Moonfyre
Each issue I will be featuring a different Aussie plant that can also be used as a
BushFood. Many, if not all, have been used by the Aborigines in times past, and some even to this day. I'm not saying that we should incorporate Aboriginality into our spiritual practices. Rather, let's experience some of our own country's history. Use some of the plants and foods that it has to offer. Just the same as other countries use the plants indigenous to their areas.
There are an estimated 15,638 plants that are native to Australia, and those figures do not include the bryophytes, the lichens, and the fungi! I hope to introduce you to a small part of them. Maybe even bring out the need in you to experiment and experience them further.
The Acacia/ Wattle
The Acacia/Wattle is the Australian Emblem. The generic name Acacia is derived from the Greek
'akis', a point, referring to the prickly leaves of some species. There are an estimated 850 - 1000 different species of Wattle, making it the largest genus in Australian flora. It is not known whether all are indigenous to Australia, and exactly which ones are introduced. Wattles are also known in other countries as the Mimosa Tree. Wattles growth habitats range from woody shrubs to trees. They offer food in the form of edible seeds, gums and roots.
Some Aboriginal tribes defined themselves as shrub seed people or grass seed people, based on their staple foods. Other tribes used them as seasonal calendars for the timing of different activities throughout the year. Some more uses of Wattle seeds are in Dreaming, tanning, timber, fencing, dyes, animal fodder, perfume making and fish poisons.
Approximately 30 different species have edible seeds. The seeds can be eaten green, ground and used as flour, or used as coffee. To use as coffee, oven roast the seeds or roots for approximately 40
mins, then when brown and brittle, grind to a powder (grate the roots first). The seeds are high in protein, complex carbohydrates and
fibre. The green seeds are eaten like peas. Gums can be eaten as found, or made into a jelly-like substance by heating in a little water. Gums are 100% soluble
fibre.
If you are going to use any Acacia/Wattles from your backyard, make sure you properly identify them first, as not all varieties are safe to eat. Alternatively, you can buy seeds from many BushFood suppliers in Australia.
Here are some recipes you could try for this Samhain.
Wattle Seed Bread
For an automatic bread machine.
Ingredients
290ml boiling water
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. roasted, ground, wattle seed (Gundabluey or Acacia victoriae)
11/2 tbsp. macadamia oil
500g bread flour
11/2 tbsp. sugar
11/4 tsp. instant dried yeast
1 tsp. bread improver (eg. No knead bread improver(TM))
1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
Add water to wattle seed and allow to cool to room temperature. Add wattle seed mixture, salt, oil, flour yeast and bread improver to bread machine pan. Select basic setting. At the beep add macadamia nuts. Eat warm or toasted with honey.
Golden Wattle Seed Bread
For an automatic bread machine
Ingredients
270ml boiling water
40g roasted, ground, wattle seed (golden wattle or Acacia pycnantha seed)
1 tsp. salt
11/2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. macadamia oil
3 tsp. poppy seeds
320g white bread flour
160g wholemeal bread flour
11/2 tsp. instant dried yeast
1 tsp. bread improver (eg. No knead bread improver(TM))
Add water to wattle seed and allow to cool to room temperature. Add wattle seed mixture, followed by the other ingredients in the order listed to the bread machine pan. Select basic setting. Delicious with cucumber dips.
Wattle Seed Liqueur
Ingredients:
11/2 tbsp. roasted, ground wattle seed (Gundabluey or Acacia victoriae)
11/2 cups boiling water
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
2 cups brandy
1 tsp. vanilla essence
Sterilize a large, sealable jar.
Add boiling water to ground wattle seed in the sterile jar and allow to cool. Put the sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring. Simmer, without stirring for 1 minute. Add the cooled sugar syrup, brandy and vanilla to the wattle seed mixture and seal. Allow to stand for 7 to 10 days, shaking occasionally. Filter the liqueur into an attractive bottle, seal and store for 4 weeks before using. Serve with a dash of cream for added indulgence, substitute for coffee liqueurs in dessert recipes or spike hot chocolate. Makes about 5 cups.
Samhain's Eve
By Moon Horse Witch
My Lady missed her husband so
But off to war the King must go
"Please be back afore the snow,
Samhain is near upon us."
My Lady missed him e'er so much
His hardened hands, yet gentle touch
She talked all night, I drank too much,
She asked, "Be honest-
If you were me and he were yours,
Slaying dragons and raiding shores,
Whilst drinking ale with foreign whores,
How would you rectify it?"
The mead a rainbow in my head,
"Why don't you just ban war?" I said,
"The King could spend all day in bed,
Why don't you try it?"
My Lady held the silver bough,
She closed her eyes and wondered how,
The Gods of war would e'er allow
For peace across the country.
The nights were cold, the days were short,
Who can't be sold can oft be bought,
My Lady lone addressed the court,
She showed the bounty.
The gold coins spilled across the floor,
She said "All folk who will not war,
Can have not one, but forty four,
And I'll be poor yet grateful."
They swore upon the Pagan Gods,
Then toasted mead and roasted cod,
The King returned, "What lazy slobs!"
He yelled, most hateful.
They tried to stand, salute the King,
The rowdy ones began to sing,
Of ale and mead and all it brings,
Like rotting of the liver.
They sang their praises for the land,
A joy unheard this raucous band,
They thanked the Queen for gold in hand,
The King, he quivered.
His face turned red, his ears did steam,
"This can't be true," he dared the Queen,
"It might be better than it seems,
Sweet, "offered his fair Lady.
My Lord he raised his jeweled knife,
So angered by his wilful wife,
He plunged and took away her life,
The room went shady.
My Lady she meant much to me,
I gave her up for poetry,
I thought a queen she'd rather be,
Than a-drifting with a bard.
So now you've heard my heart's sad tale,
I hope of joys you will regale,
Distract my thought of King impaled,
Bleeding through the heart.
I dare not drink the merry mead,
For on my anger it should feed,
While planting madness like a seed,
It won't bring back My Lady.
I loved her, still I love her now
My Lady holds the silver bough,
On Samhain Eve, I honour thou,
My Love, My Lady.
Teen-Wicca
By AWDU
We have all heard of the Teen-Witch phenomenon, arguably the most public face of Wicca at this time. Many of us were once Teen-Witches (although the term wasn't around back then!), many of us were raised
Wiccan, many others of us have children we are rearing in a Wiccan lifestyle and many of the readers of this Ezine are in all likelihood teenagers. So, I believe I can justifiably comment that within Wicca there is a place for teenage witches. The topic of Teen-Wicca is a controversial one however. This was no more evident than in a recent edition of Australia's most popular magazine about Wicca. A subscriber to the magazine, I was dismayed when I read a letter sent in about Teen-Wicca by a coven of mature age witches. The letter showed complete intolerance and a scathing attitude towards Teen-Witches. Quoting just a small part of the letter by the coven 'One thing that we have been getting increasingly concerned with has been the age of some of the so-called "Witches" that write in [to the magazine]. One in particular is...[a] 17y.o. guy who states that he has been a "Witch" for four years, which means he was 13! How can you become a Witch at such a young age? We find it really insulting that children are calling themselves a Witch...Do they watch Charmed and other such tongue-in-cheek movies that Hollywood portray and decide it looks like fun and automatically call themselves Witches? Can they get into the meditative state for Circle work, or to decide if this is the way of life they want to lead?'
Like most Wiccans I am concerned about the issue of discrimination and so was utterly incredulous that a coven of witches claiming to have years of knowledge behind them could be so utterly discriminating about the age of some of the younger of today's witches. I feel that there is enough to worry about from unenlightened individuals who still believe witchcraft is evil and involves human sacrifice, without having to watch my back from members of my own movement! I myself was a Teen-Witch
(I am now 24). I began my journey into Wicca at the age of 15. Those of you versed in the 'tongue-in-cheek' movies and television series around today will be aware that this pre-dates shows and movies such as 'The Craft,' 'Charmed,' 'Practical Magic' and
'Buffy' (of which I am now a great fan!) by quite some years. This goes to show that "children" (and I really believe that by the teenage years we are definitely beginning to hit young adulthood) are quite capable of becoming interested in Wicca without being under the influence of movies and T.V shows. As for these Hollywood images all I can say is that if they introduce a young person to a belief system that may make their journey through adolescence a little lees traumatic then good for them!
Teenagers are just as likely to be intelligent and sincere as those of mature-age. If I remember correctly the emotional intensity of my teenage years, I can honestly say that I have never thought about things in so much detail and at such length as I did back then! I honestly believe that Wicca is beautiful because of its eclectic nature. This is the single greatest thing that appeals to me about Wicca. It is what separates it from all other religions and movements that I have been exposed to. Wicca is tolerance. It is acceptance. It is diversity. To be Wiccan is to embrace this. If there are Teen-Witches out there who are into Wicca simply for love spells....fine. There are mature age individuals into it for just the same reason! If there are mature age individuals into it for its deeper spirituality and philosophy...great. There are teenagers into it for just the same reasons. I know, I was one. We each have a journey and a way of knowing. It is unique to all of us and is our right to follow our own path.
Despite my sadness at that letter, I have to admit that I was completely heartened by the responses given by members of the Australian Wiccan community. The following issue published four letters in response and all of them criticized the letter for its discriminating attitude. One was particularly poignant with the following message 'This coven of supposed matureness and knowledge obviously have a long way to go when it comes to true compassion, constructive intent and selflessness. All the book, study and degrees in the world mean nothing when your character or soul does not inherit this...In my eyes, age is no barrier when it comes to the belonging of life, and even death, for in it we are both teacher and student.' Following from this there was such a hearty response by readers of the magazine in support of Teen-Witches that the editor was forced to devote a section in the next issue to these letters and to then formally close the debate (understandable when your mail bag is over-flowing!). A big 'Good on ya' to all those who wrote in!
After this debate was closed I began to think about why people can be so scathing of Teen-Witchcraft. I came to the conclusion that this attitude may come from ignorance about what Teen-Witchcraft is. So, I thought I'd write a little bit about my understanding of it below. Beware; this is only a general sketchy description! I also thought that there might be many
Teen-Wiccans out there who are feeling the full-force of discrimination, not only for their choice of belief-system but also for their age. So I thought I'd create a spell that teenagers can conduct to help lift their spirits after they've come under attack from those who have demeaned them for their age and/or beliefs.
You're a Teen-What?
Teen-Witch. Teen-Wiccan. They pretty much mean the same thing. Both refer to a person of teenage years who is involved in the practice of Wicca to some degree or another. This involvement can range from conducting spells to help with such things as homework, love interests, family arguments, to celebrating the seasonal festivals, to living life according to deeper Wiccan philosophies. Teen-Witches may be avid readers on the subject and possess a great variety of knowledge. They may just do their own thing. They may have family members who are Wiccan and they may have been raised Wiccan or they may just be following their own path. Teen-Witches can be dabblers who are experimenting with a new way of doing things or they are just as likely to be committed and sincere about their religious choice. They may view Wicca as a religion and a way of life or they may see it as a hobby or a practical solution to some of their problems.
Teen-Witches should be following the 'an it harm none do what ye will' rule and should be remembering to not interfere with anyone's free will. In my experience most teenagers know this and are happy to work within its boundaries. Wicca maybe providing its teenage adherents with empowerment, a sense of direction, control and belonging. These are good things and allow teenagers to transverse the turbulent waters of adolescence in a much less traumatic manner! Teen-Witches often organize themselves into covens. This isn't something to be afraid of. For many Teen-Witches, their coven is a group of their closest friends and they get together much like any other teenagers to discuss their love-life, school, their parents and find ways of dealing with issues that arise in these areas. The difference being that Teen-covens may decide upon spells to help solve their problems. These spells involve herbs, gemstones, colored fabric, sometimes candles, incense and essential oils. Teen-Witches may also be solitaries (i.e. following their own path without being involved in a coven), they may be secretive about their involvement with Wicca or they may be open about it. In Australia, a group of teenage Wiccans organized and conducted the first public gathering of Teen-Witches. It was a huge success with large numbers of teens attending! I have to be honest and say, I don't know many mature age individuals who would be capable of organizing and running a large public gathering and so there really is no call whatsoever to brand Teen-Witches as silly and ineffective. Good for you,
Teen-Wiccans!
The Downside for Teen-Witches
One of the biggest downsides of Teen-Witches has got to be the stereotypes about it. It is hard enough for mature age witches to come out of the broom closet about their beliefs, without having to do it as a teenager! I can only imagine what it must be like to tell your Mum or Dad that you are a Teen-Witch when all they have to go on are either stereotypes labeling witchcraft as evil and dangerous or stereotypes labeling Teen-Witches as frivolous dwellers in the realm of fantasy. It must be so hard to see your parents' faces either contort in horror and fear or to crumple in amusement that just about humiliates you completely! The solution to this problem has got to be a two-fold one. The first solution is to decide who should be told about your involvement in witchcraft and who is likely to be open-minded if they are handled correctly! It isn't necessary to tell everyone but it may be a good idea to let your parents know in advance so that they don't walk in on you conducting a spell and wonder what is going on! The second solution is to explain what your beliefs are without using the term witchcraft or Wicca until the end. In this way you avoid eliciting stereotypes of witchcraft before you've had time to explain yourself.
The other negative of Teen-Witchcraft is the question of exploitation. Not just by the media and by commercialism but by people out there whose intentions are less than positive. Teen-Witchcraft provides the perfect environment for individuals who prey upon children, adolescents and young adults. The best advice is to be incredibly wary, particularly if you use the Internet to converse with Wiccans you haven't met. Avoid people you don't know who make claims about teaching you secret occult knowledge or about initiating you and making you a high priest/priestess. Don't go to groups that you do not know unless you go with an adult you trust. If you are uncomfortable with any practices then don't do them. People who try to manipulate you or force you are not Wiccan and not possessors of great knowledge at all. Trust your intuition. This can't be stressed enough and if you are a teenager and you're thinking "I know, I've heard all of this before" then listen to it again! I'm only saying this because I care and not because I think you are stupid or have no common sense. Just for the record, I think this is good advice for all Wiccans and not just teenagers. I'm 24 and I still hear it from the people who love and care about me. Also, it's good to bring this topic up with your parents or family members before they do because then they know that you are aware of the dangers and are taking precautions!
There was a brilliant episode in Australia's favorite drama "Blue Heelers" (and this is a mainstream conservative drama I might add!) sometime last year that very cleverly looked at the question of Teen-Wicca. One of the recurring small roles in the show is that of a female Wiccan who has a teenage daughter. In the show, the woman is portrayed as an intelligent and law-abiding citizen. Her beliefs as a Wiccan are shown within context and she is really a very good advertisement for Wicca. This is not surprising given that one of the scriptwriters for the show is Wiccan herself! (Yep, we Wiccans are everywhere!) In this particular episode the daughter wants to know about witchcraft and the mother says that she is too young. The mother is under the impression that she doesn't want to force her own views upon her daughter. The daughter then goes elsewhere to learn and falls in with a man who is using the guise of Wicca to cover a pedophile ring. He preys upon young girls by promising to make them important members in his coven and to share secret knowledge about witchcraft with them. In the end the ring is exposed and the girl escapes without harm. The mother then reassesses the situation and realizes that her daughter obviously is old enough to know what she wants and is therefore old enough to know about Wicca.
The show was particularly good because it raised questions about pagan parenting, about what age young people are old enough to be involved in Wicca, about the dangers of adults forcing their children to practice Wicca behind their backs by forbidding them access to it and also about stereotypes of
Wiccans. The show quite simply showed that Wiccans are good and that those individuals who indulge in negative behaviors are not Wiccan at all and have no place in the movement.
The final negative has got to be the feeling of humiliation, anger and frustration you get when you have tried to explain your beliefs to someone and they just are too close-minded to want to listen. You may have been ridiculed (particularly at school) and made to feel small and worthless. If you have had your freedom limited by those in authority over you then you may be feeling helpless as well. Below is a spell that is aimed at making you feel better about yourself
The 'It Isn't Fair - Why can't they understand' Spell
What you need
Just Yourself!
If you are able to burn a candle, then light a white one for protection and for its calming properties. If you are able to use essential oils or perfumes then infuse the air with something calming like lavender or your favorite perfume/deodorant/aftershave. If you can listen to some music then choose something calming for the final part of the spell. If you can't do any of this then it's fine not to.
Before you begin
If you are able to go for a walk or a run then do so. It is amazing how this can calm you down and relax you. If you can't, you may be able to sit by an open window and take some deep breaths. Or have a relaxing bath.
The Spell
This spell relies simply upon affirmations and visualizations. Sit calmly in a place where you hopefully won't be disturbed. Your bedroom is probably the best place but you can sit in the bathroom or even in the toilet if you wish (not too many people will walk in on you in there!)!!!! Close your eyes and breathe deeply. In through your nose and out through you mouth. . Breathe slowly and calmly. Try and clear your mind of thoughts, your body of tension and your emotions of turbulence. The purpose of this is for you to begin your spell in a place of calm. Any emotion or thought that rises after this is what you choose to put into your spell working.
When you are feeling ready, open your eyes and look at your hands. You are now ready to conjure up all of the horrible feelings you have been feeling. Keep looking at your hands (open palmed to begin with) and focus all of the hateful things people have said to you into your hands. Let your muscles tense up. As they do, your hands will begin to clench into fists. Your breathing will probably begin to speed up. This is what you want. Keep boiling up your hurt, humiliation and anger within you and focusing it upon your fists. You may begin to shake. That is good because it shows that your body is ready to let your pain go. When you feel that all of your hurt is ready to burst out of you, hold on to it for one moment longer. Just a moment! Then suddenly let it go. Throw your arm wide, hands and fingers outstretched and really feel and see all that hurt being flung away from you. As you do this you should be feeling a release inside of you. You may burst into tears. Perfect. You may need to pound your fists on the ground or get up and run to really let it all go. That's fine. Do what you need to. Remember the physical feeling of release is important but so is the visualization of it leaving you and dissipating to neutralize into the air around you.
When you are ready, sit once more, close your eyes and take some deep, slow breaths. Feel yourself relaxing, your muscles un-tensing and your mind calming. When you feel relaxed, open your eyes and say firmly and positively to yourself (aloud or in your head) "I am my own person. What I feel is valid. What I believe is valuable. The bad times will pass. One day soon I will be recognised as an adult. I can be patient" Repeat this as many times as necessary. If you begin to feel some residual anger then let it build up and release it as you did previously. Keep doing this until you can speak the words calmly. You can then repeat these words whenever you need to say them. Let them help you feel calm and empowered and patient.
Remember, only you own your own mind. You may not be recognised legally as an adult yet but this will change in a few short years. It may not seem to be the case at the moment but the bad times will pass. They always do.
Good luck Teen-Witches! Your enthusiasm is indeed a bright light indeed for Wicca!
