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Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2008 12:33 pm
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Meditation - Finding Your Craft Name
Written by too2sweet


If you don't want to wait for your name to "find" you, you can try going on a journey to find it.

Find a quiet, comfortable place where you can sit or lie down and not be disturbed. Take a few moments to ground and center. Then take a few deep cleansing breaths and allow your body and mind to completely relax. When you are ready...

Imagine yourself at the edge of a forest, it's mossy green and cool, there may be birds chirping and you can hear woodland creatures moving through the trees - in front of you is a path. It is narrow, but well worn by those who have come before you. You pause here for a moment, allowing yourself to become attuned to the earth around you - breathing in the scent of the trees and feeling the ground beneath your bare feet. For at this moment you are one with the earth.

When you are ready, you start walking down the path. Your purpose is clear - you are on a journey to find that secret part of you that has been hidden. You know that at the end of this path is a name that will unlock that secret and through your perseverance you will find it. As you continue to walk, again noticing the smells, sounds and feel of the forest. Suddenly you notice a gentle breeze, you stop and let the breeze flow over you. You feel its fingers ruffle your hair and your clothes, you notice the scent of the forest that is carried with it. Pause here for a moment, and allow yourself to become attuned to the air around you - breathing in the freshness and seeing how the breeze makes everything dance - for at this moment you are one with the air.

When you are ready, you continue on your path - feeling the ground beneath your feet and the breeze through your hair. You walk for a while and soon the temperature around you begins to get warmer. You come to a clearing and before you is a fire pit, to the side there is a table with food that has been prepared. You sit for a time and eat - nourishing you body and basking in the warmth of the flames. As you look deep into the fire there is understanding - for out of destruction comes renewal...and out of renewal comes destruction...and so on, such is the circle of life. Pause for a moment and allow yourself to become attuned to the fire - breathing in the smoky scent, hearing the crackling and feeling its soothing warmth. For at this moment you are one with the fire.

When you are ready, you continue on your path - feeling the ground beneath your feet, the breeze through your hair and the warmth from the fire still on your skin. You walk for a while and soon you hear a sound in the distance - a laughing, bubbling sound, and you find that the path has lead you to the shore of a little river. You notice that in order to continue your journey you must cross, and so you slowly walk into the water. The sparkling water is cool and refreshing - it is deep in spots so you float through those areas, allowing the water to wash over you and cleanse your body and you mind. Pause here for a moment and allow yourself to become attuned to the water - drinking in the coolness, feeling it as it flows through your body - renewing and refreshing, washing away all negative energies that surround you. For at this moment you are one with the water.

When you are ready, you leave the river and continue up the path. You are so completely attuned to the elements, that the forest around you is now swirling with energy - light and color is everywhere. You could stand here forever and watch the spiralling dance that is life. However you know you must move on - your journey is almost complete. You move forward into another clearing and see that your path ends at an ancient stone altar. It is simple and unadorned, but you can feel the power that surrounds it. On the top of the altar there is a crystal box. That which you seek is inside - you have only to reach down and lift the lid to receive the knowledge. Pause here for a moment - feel the elements swirling through you. For this moment you are one with the universe.

Your purpose is clear - and you know that when you lift this lid that you will have the name that you seek. When you are ready, place your hands on the lid of the box, and lift. Inside there is a small piece of parchment - you take it and then slowly unroll it. Written on the page is your name - take a few moments now and accept your gift. Feel the changes that are occurring as your secret self awakens - attune yourself with this new awareness. For at this moment and forever more you are one with yourself.

When you are ready you may begin your journey back to the mundane world. Though you have gained the knowledge you were seeking, know that this forest is always here for you. Whenever you feel the need to recharge your connections - you have only to walk the path for it to be so.
When you are ready...open your eyes.

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PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2008 12:39 pm
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Mythical Creatures - The Siren
Written by Arthela

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Sirens also called Seirenes or Sea Nymphs date back to ancient Greece. The Sirens are three sisters whose upper halves were human but their lower halves were that of birds. The Sirens were the handmaidens of Persephone.

After Persephone was abducted by Hades the Sirens lived on an island, called Anthemoessa, which lies between Sicily and Italy. The island is surrounded by huge boulders and an impenetrable coral reef. When they sang they lured many sailors to their deaths. The spell weaving songs they sang would make sailors forget what they were doing and they would lose their sense of direction. The sailors would sail straight toward the island and would crash into the rocks or coral reef. The island soon became white with the bleached bones of the sailors. The bones the Sirens would use to make musical instruments. The Sirens are said not to only have been a talented vocal trio but also a small instrument ensemble. During which two would accompany the third on lyre and flute.

Hera is said to have persuaded the Sirens into a singing Competition with the Muses. When the Muses won they plucked out the Sirens feathers, and made them into crowns to wear as trophies for their victory. Without their feathers the Sirens were no longer able to fly.

A prophesy stated that the Sirens would die when a ship passed them unharmed. Odysseus heard their song but escaped unharmed. The Sirens were so distressed that a man had heard their song and escaped that they drowned themselves in the sea.

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Sources:
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/s/sirens.html
http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/SIRENS.html
http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Seirenes.html
http://www.dl.ket.org/latin1/mythology/2creatures/sirens.htm

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Blessed_Scribe
Crew


Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2008 12:41 pm
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Spells - Litha and Yule


Litha: Longest Day Spell
Source: James Kambos

Since the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, this magical day may be observed with activities throughout the day. In the morning, before sunrise, light a tall orange candle, and from its flame light four smaller white candles to represent the four seasons, saying:

"Father Sun, you illuminate the year."

Then, fashion a small hoop from a thin branch. Ignite the hoop and let it burn out in a heat-proof dish. As the Sun rises, snuff out the candles.

At noon, the solar hour, go into a garden or wooded area and select a tree to honor. Trees are living beings who, although connected to Mother Earth, reach toward Father Sun to complete their growth cycle. Honor your chosen tree with a gift of compost or water. At sunset, light your candles again, and thank the Sun for returning. You may seek visions by sprinkling the area with larkspur, or you can simply meditate. When done, snuff out the candles. After dark, near midnight if possible, harvest any herbs for future magical use. As a final gesture on this longest day, sprinkle the ashes from the hoop you burned near your front door.

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Yule: Enchanted Gift Spell
Source: Paniteowl from Llewellyn

Anyone can give a gift by going to a store and buying something nice. Enchanting a gift makes the gesture much more meaningful. To do this, think of the person you intend to gift. Select something you know will be appreciated. As you wrap the gift, visualize all the things you'd like to see come true for that person.

Tie a ribbon, or a length of yarn, around the gift. Use red for passion, green for healing, or yellow for prosperity. As you tie the ribbon, say:

"Ties that bind us will remind us of the love we have to share. May your life be filled with kindness, and all your days be free of care."

For a birthday gift, add a small birthstone to the ribbon in the center of your bow.

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PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2008 12:43 pm
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Sabbats - Yule (Circa June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere)
Written by Kareena80

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Yule is an important winter festival that has been celebrated since ancient times. In pre-Christian times, Pagans celebrated Yule in late December or early January on a date determined by a lunar calendar. During the process of Christianization and the adoption of the Julian calendar, Yule was placed on December 25, in order to correspond with the Christian celebrations later known as Christmas. The terms "Yule" and "Christmas" were often used interchangeably; though in recent years more people are aware of the religious differences. A lot of Pagans traditionally celebrate Yule at the winter solstice (December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere or June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere), though some do chose to celebrate on Dec. 25th.

Yule is when the God is born to the Goddess. It is the longest night of the year, and afterward the days get longer and longer until midsummer (Litha). Most Pagans believe in reincarnation, so the God is not really "born" at this time; He is simply returning from being recycled. The Goddess sleeps at this time after Her birthing.

This is a time to celebrate the light as well as to revere the night (as it is the longest night of the year). We accept both sides of our nature. We honor the God, who has been reborn, and it is a reminder of rebirth and continuing recycling. Yule is a time to honor the Mother and all mothers and to call back the light of the Sun. The old year is banished and the new year is begun!

A lot of Christmas customs are ultimately based upon older Pagan customs; the Yule log, Christmas trees, even holly & mistletoe!
• The Yule log signifies the death of darkness and the warmth of the Sun during the newly born solar year. Ash is the traditional wood of the Yule log. The log should burn continuously for twelve hours (modern) or twelve days (traditional), and a bit of wood should be saved to start the next year’s fire.
• Decorating evergreens dates back to earliest winter festivals; since the green never faded from their branch & leaves, evergreens were thought to have power over death & destruction. Enough power to defeat whatever winter demons roamed the earth, and enough tenacity to urge the coming of the Sun.
• Since holly sports vibrant green leaves and bright red berries during winter’s deathly chill, it provides an excellent symbol of rebirth. The prickly shrub was a favorite amulet among early Europeans, and they often placed it in their homes to rid themselves of negative entities & nasty weather.
• Mistletoe was probably first used in the Greek winter ceremonies. When the holidays spread throughout Europe, the Druids gave the parasitic plant sacredness & new meaning. For them, the berried plant symbolized great fertility & abundance.

Yule Traditions

Symbols:
Yule log, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, poinsettias, Christmas cactus, strings of dried flowers and cinnamon sticks.

Herbs:
Bayberry, evergreen, frankincense, holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, and yellow cedar.

Foods:
Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, Wassail or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).

Incense:
Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.

Colors:
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.

Stones:
Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds.

Activities:
Caroling, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, making/exchanging wreaths, exchanging of presents, and kissing under the mistletoe.

Spellworkings:
Peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness.

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Sources:
"Wicca for Life" by Raymond Buckland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule
http://www.netglimse.com/holidays/yule/traditions_.shtml
http://www.newmoon.uk.com/bos/99.htm

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Yule Moon Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cup grated almonds (blanched)
1 tsp. vanilla

Icing Ingredients:
2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 Tbsp. water

Directions:
Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add grated lemon peel, salt, flour, grated almonds, and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix thoroughly. Place dough in bowl. Cover and chill thoroughly. When the dough is well chilled; or the next day, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness and cut with moon/crescent cookie cutter. Place 1/2" apart on un-greased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 375° oven for 8-10 minutes.

Icing: While cookies bake, combine confectioner's sugar, vanilla and water. Spread over the tops of cookies while still warm, but not too hot, as icing will melt. Thin with additional drops of water if glaze is too thick. Allow cookies to cool.

Yield: 10 dozen cookies

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Solstice Dream Pillow

Materials:
1-4 oz (30-120 gms) each of the following five herbs: dried chamomile, mugwort, catnip, hops, lavender
Whole oranges & lemons
Cinnamon sticks
Allspice berries
(Optional) myrrh or frankincense resin lumps
Scraps of lightweight cloth (4-7 inches/100-175 mm, two for each bag)
(Optional) bits of ribbon
Embroidery floss
Scraps of lace or a few small beads.

Directions:
For those who are sitting up all night on the Solstice, this is a special dream pillow you can make for prophetic dreams when you go to sleep the next night or throughout the year. (If you are not sitting up a vigil, go ahead and make them anyway - I get some interesting quirks to the dreams when I use the spices in the dream pillows.)

Take the first five dried herbs and mix them in whatever proportions you desire/have on hand. More Mugwort will lead some folks to more psychic dreaming, more hops will lead to a sounder sleep for some others, more catnip may encourage feline pillow sharing.

As the night passes, eat the oranges, and use the lemons (minus their peels) in teas/punches/hot drinks. As you use them try to remove the peels in large chunks or in easy to work with sections. Using a spoon, carefully scrape out as much of the white inner rind as you can without damaging the zesty outer peel. Scatter the remaining outer peels on a cookie sheet and dry them on low heat in the oven (200F or less). Watch them to make sure they are drying but not scorching. Remove them from the oven, and let them cool.

If you have a fire or incense burner, burn some of the incense resins, saving most to use in the pillows.

Crumble the dried peels up into smaller bits, break up the cinnamon sticks up into smaller pieces, and add the spices, resins and peels to the herb mixture. Mix well. Gather up the scraps of material, and sew up small bags: 3-6 inches/75-150mm should be fine. Leave one side open: small openings will make it more difficult to fill the bags later. If you want to use the ribbons and floss to embroider protective or other magical symbols or representative designs, it will be easier to do before you stitch the sides together. Work on this to keep you awake, thinking of the season and what it means to you as you do it. If these are intended as gifts, think kindly and lovingly of the folks you will be giving these to.

Fill each of the bags with the herb/spice mixture, but not so full that it is hard: people will want to smell them, but they need to be soft enough to sleep on. Fold the last side inward, and stitch

closed. If you want, a small loop of ribbon may be added at this point at the top.

After the sun rises, and you have finished your celebrations, set these aside, and finish them when you have/make time during the day if they aren't done. When you go to bed, slip one or more of these into your pillow case, and inhale deeply as you relax before sleeping. Watch for special dreams as you sleep.

| Introduction | Letters to the Editors | Guild Happenings | Member's Section | Animal Totems | Beginner's Section | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods & Goddesses | Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Litha | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | Yule | Game Room | Classified Ads | Book Review Discussion Thread | June 2008 Feedback Thread | Suggestions Thread |
 

Blessed_Scribe
Crew


Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2008 12:44 pm
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Word Searches

I suggest that you save the puzzle(s) to your computer and then open them in paint (or some other program like that) and mark where the words are.

Once you've found as many words as possible, send me your completed word search. You will receive 50 gold for each word you find, which makes one whole puzzle worth 500 gold if you find all of the words.

The Rules
- Be sure to title the PM "Newspaper Games", and send them to Blessed_Scribe please.
- You cannot post your answers for others to see or share them with any other member anywhere or at anytime. Doing so will forfeit your prize.
- No cheating, don't ask others where the answers are.
- We will only accept the answers to these puzzles during the month of June 2008.
- Have fun!

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PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2008 12:46 pm
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This is the spot where you can advertise just about anything you want.

Want to advertise your quest? Do you want to advertise something you're trying to sell? Or maybe you're looking for a mentor.

Whatever it may be, this is the place to do it!

It's completely free. All you have to do is send a PM to me, Blessed_Scribe, with your ad and which months issue you'd like it to be in. It can be as many months as you'd like, not just one.

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WelkingPath
I'm currently a Vice Captain of the guild "Open Minds, Open Hearts", and I would love to see more activity there!

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Controller-Tamer
Looking for both a past life reading for myself; and some teachers.

The Teachers I am actively seeking are:
One to teach me to do past life readings
One to teach me advanced divination
And if possible one who can teach me about communing with and seeing spirits.


| Introduction | Letters to the Editors | Guild Happenings | Member's Section | Animal Totems | Beginner's Section | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods & Goddesses | Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Litha | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | Yule | Game Room | Classified Ads | Book Review Discussion Thread | June 2008 Feedback Thread | Suggestions Thread |
 

Blessed_Scribe
Crew

Reply
The Blessed Be Newstand - - [guild newspapers] - - FEBRUARY 2013 NOW AVAILABLE!

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