Welcome to Gaia! ::

Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by to read our Newspaper! I hope you enjoy the issue. smile

As always, we're looking for some new writers for the paper. If you're interested, check out This thread.

Table of Contents
- Introduction (you are here)
- Guild Happenings
- Members Section
- Abilities
- Animal Totems
- Beginner's Section
- Book Review
- The Elements
- Herb Garden
- Kitchen Witches
- Mabon
- Mythical Creatures
- Ostara
- Pagan Humor
- Spells
- Classified Ads

Please welcome our new members smile

NoahFayce, BlindingWhiteShadow, Avenged_G0ddess, Tonksalicious, Usako_Chi, LuminusPup, searchingx4xserenity, ofsilver, chokeanddiebigot, boykisses88, Mystic Words, Anti L0cke, Morgandria, Fenera, Anterbok, mazuac, KGM13, Usagi Akumu, Shadow White Moon, Chaos Blue, Bunny_Death_Hunter_Wiccan, ValkyriePrincess92, Slash_Morello, Lily Sorbet, jamiz11, Lala the Doll, Nuliaja

Happy birthday to the following people:
March 3rd - - Miss Organism
March 5th - - hitRewind
March 8th - - Cucumbercake and The Goddess of Earth
March 9th - - Phaedra Metsa and XxBangbang.im.a.banditxX
March 10th - - uninsured_speech
March 11th - - raindroproses
March 14th - - jaded_minority
March 17th - - Peaches Sebastian, Demona Nightwing and hidden_lynn
March 19th - - Freya_Crescent
March 21st - - dark_angel_32189, Little Vicious, and Dreamshaper
March 23rd - - Angel Waters and elaisa_angelic
March 26th - - Run_like_the_wind and JaynitaAnn
March 28th - - ChildsWhisper
March 30th - - BabyLove24 and x Haruhi in Wonderland x



Congratulations to Oh Em Jesus!



Blessed_Scribe: What was your experience in discovering Paganism? What motivated you to look into it?
Oh Em Jesus: Well, it really began when I was about 11. One of my friends, whose mother was a practicing pagan, took me to the Next Millennium (a neo-pagan type store). Obviously at that point it was nothing more then fascination, but as I got older I began to realize more and more that Paganism was the path for me.

To be honest, I read the first two books of the Sweep series and decided to go out and buy my first Wiccan book. I've been practicing paganism since.


Blessed_Scribe: How would you describe your Path?
Oh Em Jesus: Hmm... I guess my path is something that comes naturally, it seems to fit in with the natural rhythm of my life. In other words, it isn't forced. Its pretty casual compared to some people's paths, but I like to think its just as deep.


Blessed_Scribe: How do you feel the guild has helped you on your Path?
Oh Em Jesus: The Blessed Be is home to the best group of members I've ever found in a guild. Everyone is so helpful! The discussion, unlike a lot of guilds, is actually very good, and the amount of knowledge the guild contains is great. If I'm ever curious about something involving Paganism, I can be sure to find information within the guild.


Blessed_Scribe: What Pagan author really inspired you early on in your Path? How so?
Oh Em Jesus: The first book regarding Wicca I ever bought was written by Thea Sabin. Simply put, it was a simple, understandable, and complete book about Wicca. As a beginner I couldn't have asked for a better book.


Blessed_Scribe: Do you have a favorite herb? If so, what is it and why?
Oh Em Jesus: I don't know much about herbs, but I love lavender. Its great for relaxation, and I love to put it in baths.


Blessed_Scribe: What is your favorite tool and why? Do you make most of your tools or purchase them?
Oh Em Jesus: I don't really have many, I personally feel more connected to earth when I just use myself. I made a wand recently. It consists of a stick and duck tape, but I like it.


Blessed_Scribe: What do you feel is the purpose of ritual?
Oh Em Jesus: It depends on the ritual I guess. I often times use rituals to get myself in tune with nature. In my opinion, rituals are for breaking down whatever it is modern life has placed on us to expose our true human form. This way, we see the truth without all of the craziness that is life clouding our vision.


Blessed_Scribe: Do you prefer "Magic" or "Magick" and why?
Oh Em Jesus: I think "Magick" looks nicer, but otherwise I don't have a preference.


Blessed_Scribe: Do you participate in your local Pagan community? If so, what's your experience been? If you haven't (or if there is no community in your area) do you want to participate? What do you think you'd gain?
Oh Em Jesus: Unfortunately, I'm not sure there is one, and even if there was I wouldn't be able to participate (Catholic family). I do go to a craft store, but that's about it. If I were able to meet fellow pagans and participate in pagan activities with them, I would definitely gain a deeper appreciation for the path. I tend to find that things work better in groups, but that's just me.


Blessed_Scribe: What are some Pagan-related websites that you visit or that you have found useful?
Oh Em Jesus: Only one besides this guild, WiccaCourse

Its a great website for people who learn better through structure. It provides great exercise for beginners.


Blessed_Scribe: What does this time of year mean to you? What are some ways you celebrate the season?
Oh Em Jesus: Its kind of on the verge of spring right now. Well, we actually just got 8 inches of snow, but I hear in some places its nice. Spring is like my new years, its when I set my goals and give myself second chances. I try to make amends with people and start things of right.

I do a "Spring is here!" ritual, if that makes sense.


Blessed_Scribe: Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not?
Oh Em Jesus: This is a toughie for me. I do believe that all objects, including the planets, have their own unique energies and tugs. So in that sense, yes, I do believe that where heavenly bodies are can effect the way we act and feel. Heck, its been proven that full moons actually have an effect on our brains. (Yay science!)

On the other hand, most astrological readings I find are just really generic. Not to mention they are all different! I'm just not sure people can predict how my day is going to go based on where Saturn is. I prefer to hold my own life in my own hands.

The turtle is the perfect union of water and land. The turtle shows us how to look at things through new glasses. Longevity is also a characteristic of the turtle, so the new perceptions could also be seen as wisdom.

Those with the turtle as their totem are also patient, or should be reminded that they should be patient. Since the turtle carries its home with it, the turtle often reminds us to look to our roots—family and close friends are re-evaluated and re-appreciated.

Those with this totem are also reminded to not have too many material possessions—a turtle has all he needs in his shell. Food and water are bare minimums for the wild turtle, so be careful to keep material needs and wants separated.

When a turtle is turned over, he uses his head and strong neck to flip back on his stomach. This reminds those with this totem to use their heads even in the toughest of situations.

“Slow and steady wins the race.” Don’t forget to slow down enough to smell the roses. Let your problems go enough to be a good listener for others. Spend time in quiet reflection and express yourself carefully, with full thoughts. Do not speak when you have nothing to say.

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Sources:
Turtles 1
Turtles 2

TITLE: A Grimoire of Shadows - witchcraft, paganism & magick
AUTHOR: Ed Fitch
PAGES: 236 pages
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1996 (though it was originally published in the late 1960’s)

SYNOPSIS (from the back of the book): A Grimoire of Shadows is one of the great, underground classics of modern Witchcraft. Only now available to the public, this major work has always been much in demand, and it is the sourcebook from which a large number of Wiccan traditions have developed.

A thorough introduction to Magic, ritual, and Neo-Paganism, A Grimoire of Shadows was originally created as an alternative cycle of rituals for the Gardnerian Craft: a complete, self-contained system of magickal training based on Tibetan, Austrian, and ancient Pagan sources.

Learn about aura, astral projection, herbalism, Wyvern covens, and Witch-prayers. Magic circles, amulets and charms, invocation and evocation techniques - every aspect of basic Craft practice is outlined and explained clearly and completely.

A Grimoire of Shadows contains material never before made public, including and essential guide to starting and operating your own coven. Students will refer to this Magical tome again and again, as proven by decades of successful use by modern initiates the world over.

REVIEW: If you are a Wiccan seeker wondering what you are supposed to do while you are looking for a coven to join, this book should be part of your answer. Designed to give seekers and solitaries alike a cohesive “outer court” practice, it takes you though the various aspects of the craft in easy to follow chapters/sections. Strangely enough though, I don’t necessarily consider it an intro book, as I think it will help if you have a basic understanding of certain concepts before you read it. However, as a more advanced book it is somewhat lacking as well, as if you truly want to explore some of the techniques described within, you’d be much better off finding books specifically written on those particular subjects. I think part of the problem I have with any “everything you need to know” book, is that they are usually missing the in depth details, that I myself am usually looking for. Of course it’s those particular details that one usually gets from working within a coven structure, with others who have been practicing for many years, and probably for the most part just don’t translate well into book form. Overall though I think this is a great book, that is definitely worth adding to any seeker’s library. I got my copy through the ILL system, but I know that when I place my next book order from Amazon, there will surely be a copy of A Grimoire of Shadows listed on the invoice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ed Fitch is an occult author and a Wiccan High Priest of the Gardnerian tradition, and was a leading figure in the rise of contemporary Wicca and Neo-Paganism in America. He was initiated by Raymond Buckland in 1967 and was of the creators of "The Pagan Way", a non-initiatory Wiccan tradition. He was one of the editors of “The Waxing Moon”, the first magazine devoted to Witchcraft in America (later re-named "The Crystal Well"). In the mid 1970’s Fitch also helped to organize and chaired two Pagan Ecumenical Councils to establish the “Covenant of the Goddess” (COG) as an international umbrella organization representing Pagans. Through the 1980’s Fitch continued to perform as a Gardnerian High Priest, but his researches also led him to initiation in a number of other traditions and orders, including: Faery, Mosian, the Order of Osiris, the Order of the Temple of Astarte and Norse, and Ceremonial magick.

Source
MySpace

Cymbopogon, or more commonly known as lemongrass, is a very underestimated herb, and its uses are usually limited to tea - But its actual uses far exceed the common tea! This popular perennial has a mild lemon fragrance and a lemon-citrus taste. Even though their stalks are too tough to eat raw, they can be chopped to add flavor to fish or chicken sauces, curries, casseroles, soups, and stews.

Natural medicinal uses are mostly for aches and pains. For example, 10 drops or so directly to affected areas in cases of athlete's foot, cuts, scrapes, lower back pain, sciatica, sprains, tendonitis, neuralgia, circulatory problems, and rheumatism will bring relief naturally. The fresh leaves are useful when crushed and rubbed on the skin as a natural outdoor insect repellent. Please note, Lemongrass is safe for use in moderation, but should be avoided by young children, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver disease.

This is an easy herb to grow; As a grass when you cut it, it grows back moderately fast! For the best care of lemongrass, you should remember it is a natively tropical plant and it needs the water that goes along with tropical climate. Pot growing is recommended for cooler climate areas, since when it gets cold you can bring your Lemongrass in and use it year round! When growing it in a pot, do not be surprised if you feel the need to re-pot two or three times after the seedling matures!

Some common magical and superstitions include: 'Drinking the tea can aid in psychic abilities and divination.' 'Carrying it in a sachet to attract the object of your desire and bring honesty to your relationships.' 'Burn as an incense for strength and purification.' 'Put a handful of leaves in a mesh bag and place under the tap water for a purification bath, to attract and keep a lover.'

Common names vary: lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass, fever grass or Hierba Luisa.

Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Gender: Masculine
Power: Repel Snakes, Lust, Psychic

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Sources:

Cymbopogon
Lemongrass
1001 Garden Questions Answered by Carl Alfred Hottes
Selecting, Growing and Combining Outstanding Perennials: Southern Edition by Teri Dunn and Walter Reeves

Hello and, Welcome!

Come, sit near the hearth with me and I’ll tell you a little of the Autumn Equinox or Mabon…

The harvest is in and the pantry is full. We have picked apples, winter vegetables and nuts. The last of the grain has been brought in from the field. That is how it was for our ancestors literally, for us most of this is symbolic, unless we are fortunate enough to have some land to plant. Whether purely symbolic or a bit of both, as we prepare for the coming winter it is time to evaluate our harvest and give thanks to the Goddess and God for all that they give to us.

The Mabon Feast is the focus of our ritual. Giving thanks with good friends, food and family in a happy, warm setting brings a smile to the faces of the Gods.

As we prepare freshly harvested fruits and vegetables from our gardens, or possibly we have hand picked them from the local Farmer’s Market, we consider the table decorations…

Hmm...Maybe some of these fresh flowers and nuts? Yes, they would look good with some leaves from the yard. How about these gourds? Maybe we can make candle holders* from them? Yes, perfect! Now the table is set. It is time to make the Sun Bread.**

While the bread cooks and we finish the preparations we consider our own personal harvest, especially that of any magickal workings we may have preformed.

Finally it is time for the feast. As we eat we may choose to share the story of Mabon-son of Modron, or the story of Kore and Persephone. Whatever you choose to do, whether lavish or simple the Autumn Equinox is the time to give thanks for all we have.

Come back soon and I’ll tell you of Samhain…

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*Gourd Candleholders
This will make two candle holders

Supplies:
2 ornamental gourds of your choice
2 6-8” taper candles (any color)
1 package Sculpey, Fimo, or any other polymer clay (any color)

Directions:
Cut the top off the gourd. Scoop out the insides, making a flat spot on the bottom to hold the candle base. You may also need to trim the bottom so that the gourd will sit flat on the table.

Wrap a 1” strip of aluminum foil around the bottom of the candle, where the clay will touch the clay (see below).

Using the clay make a base to hold the candle upright when set inside the gourd. You can do this by rolling the clay into a ball about 1-1/2” in, pushing the candle into the ball and molding the clay around the candle so it will act as a base.

The base can be hardened using the directions on the clay package.

Set candle and base inside the gourd. If you would like you can also place flowers in the gourd.

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**Sun Bread
Makes one loaf of bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 packages active dry yeast
2 Cups lukewarm water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6-7 cups all purpose flour

Directions:
Soften yeast in warm water, add sugar and salt. Let sit 5minutes. Stir in flour 1 cup at a time until dough forms. Turn on to a floured surface, cover and let rest for 5 minutes.

Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, adding flour if necessary, about 10 minutes. Place dough in a clean greased bowl cover and let rise until doubled, 1 1/2 –2 hours. Turn out and punch down. Let rest 5 minutes.

Shape into a sun with rays coming out. Place n a baking sheet that has been greased. Let rest 5 minutes. Place in a cold oven. Put a pan of boiling water on rack under loaves. Set oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake 35-40 minutes. Bread is done when it makes a hollow sound when tapped.

Hail and Welcome!

It is time to talk of Ostara. Although some days speak more of Winter and the Old Man truly does hang on at times, today speaks of Spring and it is warm enough that if we sit here on the porch the sun will warm us nicely as we talk.

Ostara or the Spring Equinox is celebrated around the 21st of March. It is a time to celebrate life; the returning of life to the Earth, and the return of the growing energy. The God and the Goddess are young and fertile and this can be seen everywhere we look. The Earth brings forth her young ones, and the flowers seem to unable to stay in their buds any longer, their color seems to be every where after winters stark white beauty.

Where there are small children it is always fun to color eggs and have an egg hunt. New ritual clothes are also a fun thing to get at this time (especially if you were lucky enough to have spent the winter making them!) The story of Persephone could be read at this time as she will be returning to her Mother’s world until Autumn. A walk in a nearby wild place done simply for the joy of being able to once more be out of doors along with the households spring cleaning are also right in line with the energy of the season. If it is now warm enough where you live this may well be the first out-of-doors ritual of the seasonal cycle in which case cleaning the winter residue from the altar may also be in order.

It is also a time for new projects and goals, one of my favorite Spring spells is: Choosing a few goals or things I’d like to work on during the next growing season. Then once in the circle I raise energy and direct that energy into some flower seeds previously chose. I plant the seeds into small pots while still in the circle. Then as I tend to the flowers during the Spring and Summer I use the energy of the plants to help me work towards my goal.

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Spring Green and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:
1 Package Spring Greens Salad Mix
4 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese
2 Tbsp. (each) Sun flower Seeds, Dried Cranberries (optional)
1Tbsp. Olive oil
1 tsp. Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix all together in a 1 gallon zip lock bag. Toss lightly to mix. Pour out on to a plate. Serves 2.

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Painted Eggs for Decoration
These eggs can be used to decorate the altar. (Plan to make eggs for breakfast when you make these!)

Materials:
1 dozen eggs
Sewing needle
Acrylic paints in various colors
paint brushes

Instructions:
Use the sewing needle to make a small hole in the small end of the egg. In the large end of the egg use the needle to make a larger hole. Stick the needle in the egg and break the yolk. Blow the egg out by blowing into the small hole. Use the eggs for breakfast. Put a small amount of water in the egg to rinse the egg out. Set aside to dry.

When the eggs are dry, paint designs of your choice on them. (Flowers, suns, stars, whatever you like.) Set the eggs carefully into the egg carton. You can spray the eggs with a finish coat if you desire. These eggs will last several years if stored carefully.

You could also attach a ribbon with some glue and then hang the eggs from trees and bushes around the ritual area.

If you have access to natural colored eggs you could use them and forgo the painting.


Egg Two:
(DO NOT REMOVE)