However, there is a comprimise - posting it here. ^^;
Enjoy.
Merry Lammas/ Imbolc, everyone! [dances] It’s time to celebrate. So, like always, we’ve got a Sabbat guestbook set up, and a nifty contest, where you can win 5k!
If you can’t do a circle to celebrate for whatever reason, be it parents, time, money or anything else, never fear. Included in this issue we have a “celebrating subtly” guide for you to use and abuse.
So, grab a hot drink and join us as we explore what's been going on in the guild, and other tidbits of information.
Erych here for another exciting article for this month’s Blessed Be News. This month, I took the time to speak a little bit more with our members and their thoughts about themselves and the guild. I had a lovely conversation with Wolfsbanemoon and I am here to share it with you.
How did you find the Blessed Be Guild?
I was searching for a good Wicca community, and Blessed Be seemed to be the most... right, I guess, for me. It was very welcoming too.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the overall quality of Blessed Be?
If you want overall, it's a 10.
Have you felt that you've grown as a Wiccan since being involved with Blessed Be?
Yes, certainly. I have learned many useful new spells, gained spiritual insights, and have been able to express myself spiritually.
Now, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
14, going on 15 in February, sir.
( gonk I was called “sir”…I feel so old now.)
So, final question, what is your most favorite thing about the guild?
The community, I think. Just having a group of people around me who share my beliefs is such a good thing for me to have.
--
So, as you can see, Wolfsbanemoon enjoys this community quite well as has really benefited from all that we offer. From our Main Hall, to The Academy, to the Memoirs, it seems to really be a great place for Wolfsbanemoon, and I hope it is for you too. Don’t be afraid to look around the entire guild, there are so many things to find and enjoy and there are a fistful of great people here too.
If you feel the same way as Wolfsbanemoon and want to share, feel free!
For Blessed Be News, I’m Erych. Have a great day and pleasant tomorrow.
A huge thanks to those who submitted their creations to us this month - you've made it a lot easier for the Newsletter Team! whee
If you want your chance to shine and get your art, poems, stories, experiences or whatever in this issue, please PM Jen (Aurellion) with your submission. We'll give you virtual cookies~!
Twist Earth and Sky
Listen now friends to the mountain lure,
Where once spirits danced nimbly
Between rocky peak and cloud-lain floor
While far below a lonely bard sings
Awake, oh father, spirit of fire and sky,
Mother water and earth, lift my fears, hear my cry.
Keep insence burning all the night long,
Mother earth, Father sky, shelter from harm
Twist earth and sky sing your soul’s true song.
Twist earth and sky sing your soul’s true song.
~ Wolfsbane
Listen now friends to the mountain lure,
Where once spirits danced nimbly
Between rocky peak and cloud-lain floor
While far below a lonely bard sings
Awake, oh father, spirit of fire and sky,
Mother water and earth, lift my fears, hear my cry.
Keep insence burning all the night long,
Mother earth, Father sky, shelter from harm
Twist earth and sky sing your soul’s true song.
Twist earth and sky sing your soul’s true song.
~ Wolfsbane
~ JenA Wiccan Experience of Mine
This was quite a few years ago when I was 18 or 19 and it was my first group magick experience.
Any way, we decided to go into the woods at about 1 AM. I don't know why, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. We went through the woods to a open area overlooking the town and sat down. There was an old unlit fire set up from someone previously. The guys went off to take a pee and us girls sat in silence staring at the fire. Then flames appeared and we all realised that we had each been concentrating on wanting the fire to relight. Whether you believe that we made it happen or it was the wind relighting a few embers it doesn't matter. I believe that it was a sign that we were all on the right path. It was this experience that made me realise just how powerful the craft is and how much respect it demands. We all then sat around the fire under the stars, feeling the elements. It was one of the best magickal experiences of my life.
~ Michel
This was quite a few years ago when I was 18 or 19 and it was my first group magick experience.
Any way, we decided to go into the woods at about 1 AM. I don't know why, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. We went through the woods to a open area overlooking the town and sat down. There was an old unlit fire set up from someone previously. The guys went off to take a pee and us girls sat in silence staring at the fire. Then flames appeared and we all realised that we had each been concentrating on wanting the fire to relight. Whether you believe that we made it happen or it was the wind relighting a few embers it doesn't matter. I believe that it was a sign that we were all on the right path. It was this experience that made me realise just how powerful the craft is and how much respect it demands. We all then sat around the fire under the stars, feeling the elements. It was one of the best magickal experiences of my life.
~ Michel
Jess here. I'm sitting here at about 9.30 at night, the evening before Lammas (and for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, Imbolc), and I'm staring at my schedule, thinking, "What am I going to do?"
Many people have a problem when it comes to being able to celebrate the Sabbats - for some, like myself, it is merely a matter of time, but for many, it is a matter of the opinions of others. In both of these cases, it is simply not possible to do a celebratory ritual - a circle takes time to perform, and parents, flatmates, landlords and caregivers alike may disapprove - some even disallowing it altogether. However, there are other, less obvious, and less time consuming ways to celebrate the Sabbats. The following, I have found to be useful:
Take a walk. Find somewhere that's close to nature - a bush, a beach, a forest - even just your local park. Spend some time looking at the natural, everyday wonders around you, and recognise the combined efforts of the God and Goddess. Take this time to have a mental celebration, to honour the deities. Cook a dish. This doesn't help for those who are struggling with time, but Parents or flatmates will be more than happy for you to cook something (especially if you share it with them wink ), and meals or baked goods can be chosen according to suitability of Sabbat. This way, you can feast in honour of the Lord and Lady, and perhaps leave an offering of a small portion of your dish. For Sabbat related recipes, click here. Take a bath. This may not be an option for those of you who do not have one, but if you do have one, take a long bath with some essential oils, maybe some candles, and just spend some time with yourself to reflect on the nature of the seasons, and the way the wheel turns. Perhaps even turn a simple bath into a ritual cleansing. Take a minute. This one is for those who are particularly time deprived. When you have a spare moment - be it a few minutes as you wake up, or those last few before you go to sleep, brew yourself a mug of your favourite drink, be it tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate, and go outside to drink it. Watching the sun rising or setting, or just watching the stars or the clouds, share a moment with the universe, and acknowledge this special day. See the beauty in everything, even the most trivial.I hope this is of some use to those of you who wish to celebrate, this February 2nd, and I wish you all the best, whichever stage of the wheel you are in.
10,000 Post Party Conclusion
As you all know, our 10k post party came to a close. ;_; It was so much fun!
Congratulations to txbabe - she was the lucky member who took home a massive 10,000!
In the end, we gave away well over 18,000. Congratulations, everyone! This couldn't have been done without your donations - see, I told you that what you put in is what you get out... When donating however, please donate to our mule - don't use the form on the front page, as we can't use it.
A scrapbook of the celebration will be created shortly, as will badges and participation money for those who took part - things have been hectic for all the mods, so thanks for looking after yourselves. xp
Oh, and keep an eye out for mention of a 20,000 post celebration... ninja
Birthdays
A huge happy birthday to the following members! Give 'em presents!
February 2nd - - Yonde
February 4th - - Violent_Beauty7
February 9th - - The Pink Supreme
February 18th - - .Londe Starr.
February 19th - - JVCA and madwitch501
February 29th - - koudelkaW
To get your birthday listed, and to receive presents from the guild, pop along to this thread.
Contest Winners
gonk Unfortunately, no-ones won any of our "normal" contests - probably because everyone was too preocuppied with our 10k Post Party celebrations! So, it's even more important that you enter this month - hey, we've even got a new contest running, where you can win monthly collectables!
To view previous contest winners however, check out our Hall of Fame.
Updates
A lot happened in January - too much to list coherently, in fact! x_x However, in case you've been underground for the last little while, here's a brief outline of the going ons...
- - January 31st: Happy birthday to agentofdemise, BloodyRain666, Decen Frost, and Sanutamar!
- January 27th: Happy birthday to princess_neko123!
- January 26th: Happy birthday to Tazzy Wolfstar!
- January 25th: Happy birthday to Fenrir Fenris!
- January 19th: Check out our new game of Dicey - where you buy a "pass", roll the dice, and possibly win a Monthly Collectable
- January 17th: A new rule has been added to the guild guide.
- January 16: Happy birthday to fallen_angel_216 and shaddowchild!
- January 14: Happy birthday to Sir Wolfgang Jones!
- January 13: Happy birthday to CraftyCow!
- January 9: The guild's 10k Post Party has sadly come to an end. The prizes have been sent out. Thank you to all of those who participated! We'd also like to wish a happy birthday to hesterbabi! We've also added a new rule to the guild.
- January 8: The guild's home page has a new design thanks to our guild Captain, Jen! Isn't it lovely? We would also like to wish a happy birthday to purplekitty, Saburiina-san, and vampire_Kitty!
- January 6: The Rune De-code contest has started up again! whee A big congratulations to Vix, Erych and Alex.
- January 4: To make it easier on everyone in the guild, we now have a list of all of the threads that are in the Main Forum. The list can be found in our guild guide! We'd also like to wish a very happy birthday to Phoenixfire Lune Soleil!
- January 3: Our January newsletter went out. We hope you all enjoy it...
- January 1: Our 10k Post Party starts today! ^__^ We hope you all have fun with the celebrations and we hope you all had a wonderful New Years! We'd also like to wish a happy birthday to dawnlupin!
Be sure to check out our new rules - they're not major, but still, they're rules. wink
Having decided what shape his future will take, the Fool strides forward. But he is impatient to make his future a full-grown reality. This is when he comes upon the Empress. Hair gold as wheat, a crown of stars, a white gown dotted with pomegranates. She rests back on her throne surrounded by an abundance of grain and a lush garden. It is possible that she is pregnant.
Kneeling, the Fool relates to her his story. And she, in turn, smiles a motherly smile and gently gives him this advice: "Like newly planted grain or a child in the womb, a new life, a new love, a new creation is fragile. It requires fertile soil, patience and nurturing, it needs love and attention. Only this will bring it to fruition." Understanding at last that his future will take time to build and create, the Fool thanks the Empress and continues on his way.
