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October 2010

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Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 4:58 pm


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Blessed_Scribe
We are in need of writers for the following sections: Abilities, Advanced Practitioners, Animal Totems, Astral Projection, Astrology, Author of the Month, Beginner's Section, Book Review, Comics, Current Affairs, Divination, Elements, Herb Garden, Meditation and Pagan Art.

If you're interested, please head on over to this thread to pick up the application. Once you've filled it out, please send it to Blessed_Scribe.

It's a paying job (Gaia gold only), so it's well worth it! biggrin


Blessed Scribe
If you've enjoyed this issue of the newsletter, or have any suggestions, please feel free to post some feedback!


Table of Contents

- Introduction
- Guild Happenings
- Member's Section
- Classified Ads
- Crystals & Gemstones
- Gods & Goddesses
- Kitchen Witches
- Mythical Creatures
- Pagan Humor
- Pagan Music
PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:12 pm


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- We celebrated Lammas/Imbolc!

- We're currently celebrating Mabon/Ostara!

Blessed_Scribe
Crew


Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:19 pm


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Please welcome our new members!

MORbidInvader, jazzycola, emofaery92, DaniSwattz93, Klepto_Kit, Ketira, Blacklust Hiro, tori bites v--v, DarkWiccaWolf, Enshara

Please wish these members a happy birthday for the months of October and November!

October 1st - - Airdweia and SilverGreyWolf
October 2nd - - XCannibal_ClownX
October 3rd - - foxtailfairy
October 4th - - Abbie913
October 6th - - Fieryhexe and Andromeda_Snipes
October 8th - - tabiatha, MiladyMidnight and Rainy-Desu
October 9th - - Hikari_Saito
October 11th - - Jamie of Spades
October 14th - - baluk15, Lus-cloud, shivanti and virgo2591
October 15th - - Melancholy of an Angel
October 16th - - Amendria
October 18th - - infinite for a moment
October 21st - - ElletNah_Sword, True Blood Addict and Sailor Shanoa
October 24th - - akire1024 and Alky
October 25th - - Neurotripsy and The Spawn of Cookies
October 27th - - yashaki and Moonchild Hachi
October 29th - - The Pirate Kuei
October 30th - - Ariel Moose
October 31st - - IMA_BI_hehehe

November 4th - - Vashesgal and Crimson Eyed Scholar
November 6th - - Taerinn and Sakakikala
November 8th - - xXOnYx MoOnXx
November 10th - - darkvampress16
November 11th - - loveblackbutterflies
November 12th - - Lily Veldman
November 14th - - Hayate of the Wind and NightzRain
November 15th - - the-jo87 and Pixii Stixx
November 18th - - doistu and courtney murder
November 20th - - Ross Mohan
November 23rd - - L o v e r s L u l l a b y
November 24th - - alicemarycullen13
November 25th - - Saturnknight
November 28th - - Eros Conoirus
November 29th - - Feline Godess

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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 koudelkaW, 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!

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

Well, to be honest it was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I remember watching it a lot with my best friend. I was intrigued because I never knew anything about magic before. I did deny it because I knew my parents would freak, but my friend got me a book for my birthday which I learnt even more from. I then decided to read in secret about magic, while still going to church.

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

Hmm, I'm not that sure. I think I was around 11-13 so...about 8-10 years I think.

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

I think it was the diversity of everything you could learn about and that it wasn't so...structured. Church for me was always 'sit there, read that, sing this, listen to this, tea and biscuits'. I use to go to a great family service where instead of reading the bible, you acted it out. The church eventually called it off for the more traditional service.

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

Hmm...I would have to say colour correspondences. I haven't done much studying, but of what I have done, this is my favourite. It's just amazing how much colour can affect things.

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

My sign is water, and I feel connected to it. I read about the signs when I was younger and every description I read always seemed to describe me.

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?

I'm afraid that I haven't. My aunt bought me a crystal pendulum for Christmas though, so I'll have to use it someday to practice.

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

Well, the first spell I did was very silly. It was a book for teenage witches and the spell was for if you had forgotten your homework and didn't want the teacher to ask about it. I whispered the spell quietly in class and the teacher didn't ask about homework, which of course made me think it worked. Now I'm doubtful that it really did work.

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

I'd like to be able to read minds. Mostly because I'm so paranoid about what people think of me, but I think I'd regret it if I did hear bad things.

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

I'd say Book of Spells by Soraya. It has a lot of information about spells, runes, and sabbats. There's also yummy recipes!

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

It's great! I've been here 2 years now and I just can't leave!

I actually started working for the guild in 2007, as a co-editor for the newsletter, in a non-crew role. I never imagined at the time that it would lead to being a crew member!

I have my ups and downs, and have those moments when I think I should just leave, but deep down I know that is not an option. If I did, I'd still be checking everything every day anyway!

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

Well, I'm unemployed right now, so I'm looking for jobs a lot. I'm hoping to find something in data entry.

In my spare time - I look after my parents. I write stories with a friend on MSN, play computer games (my favourite is Pokemon), listen to music, watch anime, watch Sera Myu (Japanese musical of Sailor Moon), and I go to night school once a week to learn Japanese.

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

The members of course! A guild would be nothing without them.

Also the parties! *laughs* I always get stressed when it's time to organise them, but when they're open, I'm happy again!

-----

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).
PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:29 pm


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Blessed_Scribe
We are in need of writers for the following sections: Abilities, Advanced Practitioners, Animal Totems, Astral Projection, Astrology, Author of the Month, Beginner's Section, Book Review, Comics, Current Affairs, Divination, Elements, Herb Garden, Meditation and Pagan Art.

If you're interested, please head on over to this thread to pick up the application. Once you've filled it out, please send it to Blessed_Scribe.

It's a paying job (Gaia gold only), so it's well worth it! biggrin


Blessed Scribe
If you've enjoyed this issue of the newsletter, or have any suggestions, please feel free to post some feedback!

Blessed_Scribe
Crew


Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:33 pm


Note from koudelkaW: As the current Crystals & Gemstones writer is busy, we have used an old article. This article was written by Ciele Fu for the February 2008 newspaper

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Crystals & Gemstones - Malachite
Written by Ciele Fu

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Found In: Romania, Zambia, DR Congo, Russia, Middle East
Colors: Marbled green
Correspondences: Venus, Taurus, heart chakra, Netzach
Keywords: Self-expression, freedom, emotions

Malachite is probably not the first crystal you'd find in a healer's collection, but it's a very powerful one, and amazing at the job it does.

It aids self-expression, and it does it quickly and strong. If you have suppressed any emotions, expect them to come up while wearing this stone. I've seen and experienced several cases of it causing venting and mood swings - the first time I wore the stone resulted in smashed malachite on the floor because I got annoyed at the effects it had. But it's normal and healthy, and you'll probably find you feel much better afterwards.

Once it has stopped surfacing everything, it'll start on the less scary aspects of expression. It will allow you to speak your mind, to aid you in creative exploits, and let you be just that little bit more daring. If you're trying to enhance any emotion, good or bad, use malachite. It also appears to heighten empathy and sensitivity, so if you're one of the many magical folk that have problems with controlling these, be careful and be prepared. If not, have fun.

In Ancient Egypt the stone was very popular, used as a cosmetic and believed to be beneficial for the eyes. It is also said to have a beneficial effect on the female organs, perhaps leading to the connection with Venus.

Malachite is mildly toxic due to the amount of copper it has, so shouldn't be used to make elixirs, inhaled, or consumed. It also reacts badly to salt and water, losing the shiny coating, so neither cleansing method should be used if you want to keep the stone pretty.

------

Sources:
"The Crystal Bible" by Judy Hall
"The Magic of Precious Stones" by Mellie Uyldert
PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:36 pm


Note from koudelkaW: As the current Gods & Goddesses writer is busy, we have used an old article. This article was written by Rebo_Nicky for the December 2007 newspaper

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Each month we will have a featured God and a featured Goddess. This month, we will talk about two Egyptian gods. This article was written by: Rebo_Nicky.

Osiris
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Osiris was the Egyptian god of the underworld. He was also worshipped as a fertility, resurrection, and vegetation god. He was married to Isis and was father to Horus, the god of sky, and protector of the dead. The story of Osiris is quite interesting. Osiris was killed by his brother Seth, and was shut in a chest and flung into the Nile River. The chest washed up onto the shore and was trapped in a huge tree. The King Byblos turned in into a pillar in his palace. Isis had been searching for her husband and discovered the trunk. She retrieved the trunk and the body. Isis left the body for a moment and while she was away, Seth found the body and chopped into many pieces, and scattered then throughout Egypt. Isis and her sister, Nephthys, found the pieces and made wax models of them to give to priests to be worshipped. When they found all of his pieces, they were so sad they wailed loudly enough for Re, the father god, to have pity on them. He sent Anubis and Thoth to help. They mummified Osiris, and put his body in a lion headed pier. Isis changed into a kite and fanned breath into Osiris. He was not allowed to stay in the land of the living, and was sent to the underworld to serve as king, and to judge the souls of the dead.


Isis
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Isis is one of the most popular goddesses in Egypt. In the Osiris myths she searched for her husband’s body, who was killed by her brother Seth. She retrieved and reassembled the body, and in this connection she took on the funeral rights. Isis impregnated herself herself from the body of Osiris and gave birth to Horus in the swamps of Khemnis in the Nile Delta. Here she raised her son in secret and kept him far away from Seth. Isis was worshipped as the divine mother-goddess, faithful consort of Osiris, and dedicated mother of Horus.


Rebo_Nicky used the following sources for information:
www.pantheon.org

Blessed_Scribe
Crew


Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:57 pm


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Apples
Written by FlyingPinkElefantSaysMeow

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Whenever I think of autumn, I always think of one of my favorite fruits....apples! Apples, like most fruit, are not only healthy for your body, but taste delicious too! There are many types of apples and many ways to prepare them. This month I will introduce how to make Hot Baked Cinnamon Apples, and Caramel Apples, both are very perfect for the season of autumn!

Hot Baked Cinnamon Apples

• 10 apples, cored, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 dash salt
• 1 dash nutmeg
• Fresh whipped cream (optional) or ice cream (optional)

1. Place cut and peeled apples in a mixing bowl and gently mix all the ingredients together.
2. Put apples in a non-stick pan, and cook covered for 45 minutes at 375°F.
3. Stir at least once every 15 minutes.
4. Once they are soft, cook for another few minutes to thicken the cinnamon sauce.
5. I like to put everything into my baking dish and then mix it since there is less to clean up.

[[Recipe Can be Found Here]]

How to Make Caramel Apples

• 40 caramel cubes
• 12 apples (preferably Granny Smiths)
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 12 wooden sticks
• 1 sheet of waxed paper (approximately 24" long greased with margarine or butter)

1. Wash the apples thoroughly.
2. Cut off the stems and insert the wooden sticks into the stem hole.
3. Melt the caramel and add the water in a small saucepan over a low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Dip the apples into the hot caramel sauce, coating the apple completely.
5. Place on greased wax paper.
6. Store your caramel apples in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours.
7. Enjoy!

[[Recipe can be found here]]
PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 6:00 pm


Note from koudelkaW: As the current Mythical Creatures writer is busy, we have used an old article. This article was written by Arthela for the January 2008 newspaper

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Ladon the Dragon
By Arthela


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Ladon was a dragon with a hundred heads, who guarded Hera’s golden apples in the Garden of Hesperides. He was also known as Ismenos. After Hercules slew him, he was placed in the sky as the constellation “Serpent” or “Draco”. It is said that Ladon was the child of Mother Earth herself. Ladon’s hundred heads never slept and the 200 eyes were always roaming over the garden keeping watch. Each of his heads had a different voice and jaws lined with teeth sharp as knives. Ladon’s serpentine body had a grip so tight that no mortal could pry him off. He tortured his victims by squeezing the life out of them, slowly suffocating them in his coils. His tail was thick and can fatally lash anyone stupid enough to get near it.

------

Sources:
http://www.theserenedragon.net/Tales/greece-ladon.html
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/l/ladon.html
"Dragons" by an unknown author

Blessed_Scribe
Crew


Blessed_Scribe
Crew

PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 6:01 pm


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Pagan Humor
Provided by Zydrate Addicted GENtern


How many Gardnerians does it take to change a lightbulb?
13 consisting entirely of man-woman working couples

How many Rad fems does it take?
7: One to do it, 2 to organize the crèche and 4 to debate the meaning of the word unscrew

How many Crowleyites does it take?
They can't. Uncle Aleister didn't leave any instructions.

How many Chaos magicians does it take?
They don't need to--they are used to working in the dark.

How many Zen Buddhists does it take to change a light bulb?
Two. One to change it, one not to change it.

How many Zen Masters does it take to change a light bulb?
None. The universe changes the light bulb and the Zen Master gets the hell out of the way!

How many Gardnerians does it take to change a light bulb?
1. I can't say. It's oathbound.
2. I can't tell you--you're not a third-circle initiate!

How many Alexandrians does it take to change a light bulb?
1. Same number as Gardnerians.
2. What do the Gardnerians do?

How many Dianic women does it take to screw in a light bulb?
That's W-I-M-M-I-N, and that's not funny!

How many Solitaries does it take to change a light bulb?
Who cares!

How many Dianics does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one, but that bulb has really got to want to change.

How many witches does it take to change a light bulb?
1. None... they call the electrician who's also pagan and keeps the money in their community.
2. None -- if a candle was good enough for Gramma it's good enough for me!

How many light bulbs does it take to change a Gardnerian?
None, they can do it all by themselves, thank you very much!!

How many Asatru does it take to change a light bulb?
None. The light from the burning monastery is sufficient, thank you.

How many Druids does it take to screw in a light bulb?
They don't screw in light bulbs, they screw in stone circles.

How many Druids does it take to change a light bulb?
Thirteen. One to hold the bulb, and twelve to drink enough to make the room spin.

How many ceremonial magicians does it take to change a light bulb?
One. He stands still with the bulb, and the universe revolves around him.

How many Witches does it take to change a light bulb?
Depends on what you want to change it into.

How many Thelemites does it take to change a light bulb?
None. Crowley never wrote a book about it.

Source:
http://old.ecauldron.net/humor02.php
PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 6:02 pm


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Abney Park
Written by addicted to sin

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This month a slightly different Pagan music group will be spotlighted.

For those who know the band Abney Park, you probably do not outwardly think of them as a pagan rock group but rather a Steampunk group. However, they do show some of their pagan roots in some of their songs, like Root of all Evil. With an interesting style, a flair for the dramatic, intense and entertaining lyrics, their music gives a new spin to the pagan music scene.

Their instruments are well played and express the saying "The more the Merrier" with a total of 5 members, each with impeccable style and amazing, making them the "it" band. They've gained quite a notable fame in the industrial music genre almost rivalling that of Emilie Autumn.

A potent and sometimes haunting mix of a female and male vocalist can give you chills down your spine as you listen to more of their chilling songs. With album imagery that is above par with any other group out there, if you enjoy industrial music with a bit of pagan flair. Why aren't you listening to them already?

-Music-

The Wrong Side
The Root of All Evil

-Sources-

Personal knowledge as a fan
Official Website

Blessed_Scribe
Crew

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

 
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