Welcome to Gaia! ::

Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Guild Happenings
- Member's Section
- Crystals & Gemstones
- Gods & Goddesses
- Kitchen Witches
- Pagan Humor
- Pagan Music
- Spells
- Classified Ads

Please welcome our new members!

Dusk The Wise, Ravyn LaRoux, xXVengefulKittenXx, Velvit-Spider-Love, QuirkQueen, -l- WhoreMuffin -l-, saturnknight, Wiccan_of_Shadow, Dark-Sweet-Candy, Gemziee, ChamomileSky, Dance in The Wynd, Artistic Genocide, Smexybitchy, Neona Rois Naiacinaed, x_xiKilledHelloKittyx_x, ii_SecretNitemare_ii

Please wish these members a happy birthday for the months of August and September!

August 5th - - Angel Lionheart
August 9th - - hoshiko-demon and Marie Bellamy
August 10th - - chubathang1165 and Shizuma Sama Etoile
August 11th - - The Riot King
August 12th - - Lucifer Kiss
August 16th - - YumiSukazu
August 17th - - Naienko
August 19th - - Bayleigh of the Dark Moon
August 20th - - mystikdreamer, dragonwings87 and Amythest Fae
August 23rd - - SinginginSilence
August 24th - - Lady Katmarie
August 29th - - Satans Sweetest Angel

September 1st - - PitifulSoulLostInDarkness
September 3rd - - serangel
September 4th - - sarcastic bracket
September 5th - - Mika Lockheart and isisandshiva
September 7th - - HyPnOrGaSmIc
September 9th - - Slevara
September 12th - - Mystic White Raven
September 14th - - The Deadliest Grace
September 16th - - KimHeroin
September 17th - - The_Count_of_Capieville
September 21st - - stormilee
September 25th - - Unleash Darkness
September 26th - - Reivyn-chan and phoenix_bandit
September 27th - - love_fairy_dust
September 28th - - RPGod
September 30th - - PurestEmotion and Phoebe4448



Welcome everyone to the Member of the Month section of the guild newspaper! The next few editions of the newspaper are dedicated to talking about some of the crew members which help keep the guild running smoothly. This month's member is Mika Lockheart, Vice Captain of the guild. In the next few editions you can learn more about the crew members who (quite happily) work hard for you guys!

Enjoy!



Blessed_Scribe: What initially sparked your interest in Wicca/Paganism?

My friend did actually, she was Wiccan. She told me about her beliefs and certain parts rang true to me and what I felt was what I believed in. My interest in magick is something I’ve always had. I don’t know when exactly that even started. I think, looking back, that my interest has always been innate. I’ve always felt there was something more to the world, things we experience but cannot see, things that happen that cannot be explained but which could have been magical.

My current path is one of a Christian Witch. It’s one I hold very strongly to regardless of criticism I’ve received from others. Dealing with that is hard, I don't necessarily respond well to people being rude or highly critical but that's just me. I’ve found a comfortable way to blend the two together including a feminine aspect to my deity. My interest and a lot of my focus comes from Gnostic gospels however so I wouldn’t call anything I practice orthodox Christianity.

Blessed_Scribe: How long have you be studying Wicca/Paganism?

Since I was 13 so almost 9 years.

Blessed_Scribe: What has kept you interested in Wicca/Paganism for that length of time?

The amount of things you can learn. My current path is one which encourages knowledge as a way to find god. The idea of not having to follow a religion with blind faith is something that appeals to me. Other things which keep me interested is the firm believe in the elements and my own inner acceptance that there is more in the world to explore and learn about then what a book or one person says. Deity is found in learning, in seeking wisdom so there’s so much to do in order to find god.

Blessed_Scribe: What is your favourite area of study and why?

I love all areas of study myself. Past life regressions are my favourite thing to study. I’ve always been interested in who I was in different life times and certain quirks I’ve had my whole life.

A few years ago I did regressions and came up with myself being a Roma (Gypsy). That made perfect sense to my world because for as long as I can remember I’ve always had a connection to the Rom, a feeling of being one of them yet never actually being one. I picked up violin when I was fifteen and without any sort of lesson learned to play almost from the get-go. It was like picking up an old friend in my hands, a feeling of something coming home.

The regression also explained my fear of being burned alive. I know many people fear that but my fear was one which permitted me to feel what eh flames would have been like on my skin, what it would be like. In that particular life I was murdered by fire and so I suddenly realized why that particular nightmare was always so real for me. Very interesting stuff!

Blessed_Scribe: Which element do you feel the strongest connection to and why?

Earth. I cannot even pick one. Earth grounds me very deeply when I’m outside. Bare feet are the way to go in my world. The feeling of grass on my feet is just very soothing.

Blessed_Scribe: Have you ever experimented with any form of divination? If so, what's your favourite form and what's one of your most memorable experiences while using it?

Tarot cards are my favourite. I’ve enjoyed every card reading I’ve done. I use them for past life regressions as well and I’ve had many memorable experiences using them to even talk about just one. I did readings for some friends a few years ago and everything that I said did happen and was accurate. They couldn’t believe it!

Blessed_Scribe: Have you ever tried casting a spell? Did it work? Why do you think it did or didn't work?

Yes. I did one for a friend of mine who has severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I made a little doll of sorts and stuffed it with healing herbs and blessed it for her. One she got it she almost immediately felt better and the attacks she was having lessened. It was great knowing I could help her a little bit.

Blessed_Scribe: If you could have any type of "special" power, what would you choose and what would you do with it?

I`d want to time travel. Honestly I think that would be just the coolest thing in the world. I could go back and see historical events take place instead of just reading about it.

Blessed_Scribe: What one book would you recommend to anyone new to Paganism; and why?

I think I’d recommend reading a wide variety of books instead of just one. In my opinion, there is not just one book that you can learn from but many. That holds true especially on my path of Christian witchcraft where the accepted books in the Bible are not the only ones that count. Sure, it’s a good thing to know what those books are and what they say but frankly, there’s more books to Christianity than just those and they all contain information which may and may not be helpful to my path. I take other Pagan books the same way. Read everything you can get your hands on. Always.

Blessed_Scribe: You’re a crew member for the guild. What’s it like?

It’s great. I love being a part of the guild and being able to help put stuff together. Working in a team is something I also really enjoy and that’s what this guild is. A team. The crew works very hard to keep the guild running as smooth as possible. It takes a lot of time to keep the guild running smoothly and whether in the Council Headquarters or in messages to each other, we’re always discussing ways to keep the guild exciting! We like our members happy.

Blessed_Scribe: What do you do outside being a crew member?

I talk to my friends or do school work. I’m a fifth year university student so I’m always busy doing something! I’m also writing a novel and I play several instruments so I’m never bored for long. I also roleplay so there’s lots of writing to do!

Blessed_Scribe: What’s the best part of this guild for you?

The respect people show one another even if they’re on different paths or have disagreements. I like seeing us all on different paths and still able to openly talk about our ways and seek advice from others. It’s a real community of friends here that accept one another for who they are. I hope it stays this way forever. I think we’re very lucky to have such great members.

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Member's Art

If you'd like to have your art featured here, just PM Blessed_Scribe. You'll get gold for anything that you submit.
(Art is defined as poetry, short stories, excerpts from a novel, photography, sculptures, graphic design, painting, drawings, collages, etc).

Often called “The Fury”, she is a part of the dreaded Morrigan, a triplicity of crone Goddesses associated with death, destruction, and battle. Badb is linked with the death portent faery, the Bean sidhe (in English, Banshee), who was seen washing the armor of soldiers who would perish in the upcoming battle. Badb usually appeared over the fury of a battle as a hooded crow, but sometimes ran among the fighting as a wolf. In her own battle, she is one of the deities who drove the Fo(r)morians out of Ireland forever: also known as Fo(r)mors, the Fo(r)morii, or Fomhoire).

A daughter of Ernmas, she is called the "one who boils," as in boiling the Otherworld cauldron of death and rebirth which she is thought by many to preside over deciding the fate of those who have passed over into its great cosmic mix.

According to myth, it is Badb who will cause the end of earthly time by causing the great cauldron to boil over, engulfing the planet in a great wasteland. Badb also prophesied the downfall of the deities (the Tuatha) to the humans (the Milesians), and many believe she also prophesied the Great Famine of 1845-1849.

Call upon Badb at Samhain to aid you with spirit contact and to learn about past-lives. Through divination she can tell you your time of death, if you really want to know.

Badb is associated with the carrion crow, the staff, the scythe, garnets, bloodstone, Samhain, the Tower Tarot card, and apples.




In Welsh cosmology, Cythrawl archetypically symbolizes the opposing male creative force which represents destruction rather than creation. Pagans accept the energy as leading towards nothingness, and being as necessary to existence as that which leads towards creation.

Cythrawl’s energy has been personified as a deity, and his home is in the Otherworld, where his energy is first manifested before appearing in the concrete world.

Call upon this very powerful divine force when you wish to banish something from your life. This “destructive” magick can have just as much of a positive, unharmful effect as so-called “positive magick.” You can also merge with his energy when you wish to be reincarnated with a loved one.

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Reference: http://www.shee-eire.com/magic&mythology/races/Formorians/Page1.htm

Country Astrological Signs

Okra December 22 - January 20

Although you appear crude, you are actually very slick on the inside. Okra have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. Stay away from Moon Pies.

Chitlin January 21 - February 19

Chitlins often come from humble backgrounds. Many times they're uncomfortable talking about just where they came from. A chitlin, however, can make something of himself if he's motivated and has plenty of seasoning. When it comes to dealing with Chitlins, be very careful. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra. Remember that when marriage time rolls around.

Boll Weevil February 20 - March 20

You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.

Moon Pie March 21 - April 20

You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. It's a cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. "Big" and "round" are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.

Possum April 21 - May 21

When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a "don't-bother-me-about-it" attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you. One day however, it won't work, and you may find your problems actually running you over.

Crawfish May 22 - June 21

Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're always hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically.

Collards June 22 - July 23

Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the "melting pot" of life and share their essence with the essences of those around them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards stay away from Moon Pies. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot of heartache.

Catfish July 24 - August 23

Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, with one exception: Whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You catfish are never easy people to understand. You prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.

Grits August 24 - September 23

Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese or gravy or bacon or butter or eggs. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that will serve you well.

Boiled Peanuts September 24 - October 23

You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best - your friends and loved ones - may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will probably affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.

Butter Bean October 24 - November 22

Always invite a Butter Bean because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you too shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.

Armadillo November 23 - December 21

You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle. A good evening for you involves old friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're really almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but Possum is another mating possibility

Source:
http://www.ecauldron.net/humor40.php

Success Spell:

Every now and then we all need a helping hand becoming successful in whatever we’re trying to do. This spell is for those of us in need of a helping hand now and then. Let it bring you all the success in the world!


Items you will need

A green candle
A purple candle
A talisman with your religious symbol (pentacle, cross, star of David, etc)

Casting Instructions

Place a green candle on one side of a room. Place a purple candle on the other side. Now, light the purple candle. With your religious talisman hanging from a chain or string (to be worn as a necklace) dangling from your right hand, pick up the purple (lit) candle with your right hand. Now walk in a straight line across the room directly to the green candle. Using the purple one, light the green candle. Set down the candle so they sit next to each other. Chant,

''I walk forth without doubt and fear,
And success draws me near.''

Lay the necklace in front of it and meditate for awhile on the success you need. Let the candles burn themselves down, and wear the necklace whenever you wish success you follow you. When you walk through a door to job interviews, auditions, or anywhere you need success, imagine how you walked in a straight line in your ritual, and consciously make an effort to do the same when passing through the door.




Everyone needs a little acceptance in their lives. Sometimes it can be hard to find. This spell is meant to help those of us who need a little more acceptance in our lives.

Items you will need

A white cord.

Casting Instructions

Every time you repeat the incantation below, tie a knot in the cord. Repeat the incantation three nine times for a grand total of nine knots. Keep the knot with you or in a safe space so the spell continues to work in the future!

Goddess please help me to be,
Accepting from others idiosyncrasies
Let me truly see the value of,
Greeting all with perfect love.
Guide my heart to let others be,
And treasure their individuality.
Each one unique and special find,
a positive thought in my mind.
To always be kind and fair,
So mote it be

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Sources:

Success Spell: http://www.spellsofmagic.com/spells/wealth_spells/job_spells/6875/page.html

Acceptance Spell: http://www.spellsofmagic.com/spells/love_spells/friendship_spells/284/page.html