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 Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:04 am
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:07 am
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:09 am
First, I'd like to fill you in on all of the exciting things that happened in the guild during the month of January.
- On January 1st, the January issue of Blessed Be News was released.
- On January 3rd, some parts of the guild got a makeover. We're still working on the homepage look!
- On January 7th, Jen (Aurellion) came back to Gaia! We'd appreciate it if all of you could make her feel welcome.
- Also on January 7th, we added some a new features to the guild guidebook (as well as updating the graphics/colors to go along with the new guild look that we're working on).
The new feature is a "In Memory of..." section. This section is so that we can honor all of the people that use to be on our crew. We'd really appreciate it if everyone could stop by and take a look.
There are also some beautiful new signature images for your sigs! Please check those out as well!
- On January 10th, the winner for the copy-cat contest was LuciferKiss, for her wonderful avatar rendering of Sweeny Todd. And kajido takes the prize for the poetry contest.
- On January 16th, we added a new section to the guild's guidebook. I encourage everyone to read it.
Member Conflicts
I'm sure most of our members realize that every now and then some of the members in this guild get into such a heated debate that they start arguing (which can lead to wonderful people being banned from the guild). This new addition to the guidebook will tell you what to do if you ever find yourself in a conflict with another member. I encourage all of you to read this, even if you don't ever think that you'll get in a conflict with another member (you never know for sure).
- On January 17th, we added a Recommend websites list in The Library subforum!
- On January 19th, Welkingpath started an energy and shielding class in The Academy.
- On January 21st, our guild lotto winner is too2sweet! Congratulations.
- On January 29th, WingGoddess won our copy-cat contest and Lore Earthe won our poetry contest.
-On January 30th, we finally had a winner for the Dicey game! Congratulations, Kareena!
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Coming in February:
- It's a new year and our guild has made a resolution to reach 50,000 posts by the end of the year. You all remember how big our 10k and 20k Post Parties were, right? Well this one will be much, much bigger than the both combined... but only if we reach the goal by December 31, 2008.
- We are currently holding a small Imbolc/Lammas party!
- We will also be having a Valentine's Day party around the 14th, so be on the look out for that!
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Coming in March:
- We're planning an Ostara/Mabon party, so be on the lookout for that!
- We're also planning a St. Patrick's Day party!
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Some of the major topics going on in the guild right now include (but are certainly not limited to): Sword questions, Love Spells: Yay or Nay?, and Full Moon Insomnia.
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Want to learn something new? Then I have some great news! The Academy offers many wonderful guides, classes, and discussions that will help you greatly in learning something new! Some of our major classes include: Astrology, Pocky's Divinations Class, Wand Making, Energy and Shielding, and many more! It's never too late to join, so head on over there now and join in on a few classes or discussions!
We're always looking for new teachers, too. So, if you'd like to teach a class or lesson, or maybe make a little guide for how to do something, please check out this thread. It's a paying job, so you benefit from doing it as well!
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Do you have a spell or ritual that you'd like to share with other members? Or are you looking for a spell or ritual, or maybe a certain book title? Then The Library is the right place for you! In The Library, you can find a recommended websites list, recommended books list, a spell writing service, acook book, a directory of Wiccan/Pagan stores, and many spells and rituals.
If you add anything to the recommend websites, recommend books, or cook book list, you will receive 100 gaia gold for each thing you add (up to 10 things per month).
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Do you fancy some fun and games? Then, head on over to The Main Hall! Here you will find our many games, contests, and roleplays. Some of our big contests include: copy cat, poetry, dicey, and our guild lotto.
Our games include: What would you do if...?, would you rather...?, and corrupt wish game.
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We have some very important updates to two of our most popular games/contests:
Our Guild lotto is now a monthly lotto. Check out the bolded parts for the new stuff!
Guild Lotto Instructions - post here with how many tickets you want to buy. - send a trade for tickets x 100 gold to Lotto_Magick. (e.g. 5 tickets being 500 gold.) Any trades that are sent to anyone other than Lotto_Magick will be taken as donations, and you will not receive any tickets. - This is now a monthly drawing, so I'll do each drawing at the first of each month. - I'll let you know if you've won! Good luck! Rules - You can buy as many tickets as you want. - The number of tickets available is infinite. - my (random number generation) decision is final. - No correspondence will be entered into. - If you choose to drop out of the contest, then you will not be refunded. - I reserve the right to withdraw if the lottery fails. If this occurs, you will get your gold returned. These rules and instructions are subject to change - so please check back often. Prize: There will only be two winners in this contest, as it’ll be held for only a short time. 1st = 63% of all gold
2nd = 33% of all gold
(4 % of all gold goes to the guild to keep this contest running, and host guild events like the 10k posts giveaway.)
Dicey
Dicey Since rolling a 6 or 36 is seemingly impossible, we're going to switch things up a bit. From now on, whenever someone wins the listed prize, I will do a random number drawing between the numbers 1 and 36. Whatever number is drawn will be one of the numbers that you have to roll. For example: If my random drawing number is 14, then to win the prize you either have to roll a 6, 14, or 36. The prize to be won will change each time. Each month we will be giving away one monthly collectible. Once the monthly collectible has been won we will give out prizes of random amounts of gold. Once the first of the next month comes, we will start over with a new monthly collectible.
| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:10 am
We had qutie a few people join our guild in December. We'd appreciate it if you could make them all feel welcome.
Smex Flavored Jellybeans, SwirlingDark, little miz giggles, The Blessed Zelig, duvessamordichi, azrielsangel, AspenGrey, LesbianWetDreams, Wiccan_Chick89, electrp, ~Gothnore~, XoXoGothic_ragdollXoXo, Kaori Kaminaga, JaynitaAnn, Kaitiaki, light_yamagi, First Class Beauty, L e C a s s, starkbane, Vv Tony_Iommi vV, xaznbbyd0ll, gothic destiny818, `Mitsuki Yamada`, CandyCoatedLSD, Emerald Healer, Pure Kink, Mad Madam Mimm, Fallaryn, navrie, xPlastic Fashion_VICTIM_x, Ross Mohan, Abbie913, Sanguina-chan, Pistol Angel, redalucard, Gaelic_Princess_4ever, rpmaniac, Vashesgal, 1Lilyflower, Fleur_de_Nuit, Chaos-Andy, Carmacao, xdisenchantedxromancex, Spirit Fairy, Josephine, Routine Paradox, Oh Em Jesus, Sango and Kilala 22, xxx B o o g e y m a n, Cheesus Crust on a pizza, poweroften, TAIT xxx, DeadlyMistress, Gods Gift to Men, lzbian2323, zabazor
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February Birthdays:
February 2nd - - Yonde
February 4th - - Violent_Beauty7
February 8th - - Turistiluokan1
February 9th - - The Pink Supreme, veronikapwns, Yuuto_Kigai, and vampiric_faery
February 14th - - gothic destiny818
February 15th - - too2sweet
February 16th - - Snows_Silence
February 18th - - Londe Starr
February 19th - - JVCA and madwitch501
February 20th - - joyrider0
February 21st - - wolfsbanemoon, XxDarkforcesxX and illusen729
February 23rd - - corvilla
February 25th - - NolaIvory
February 29th - - koudelkaW and illusionofadream
If you'd like to be added to our birthday list, please click here.
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Each month we will choose one lucky member to be our 'Member of the Month'! This lucky person will be interviewed for the newspaper and given some sort of prize!
February's 'Member of the Month' is too2sweet! She does a lot of work to write several articles for the guild newspaper each month, she's active and helpful in a lot of guild discussions, and she's just an all around great person!
Here's a little message from too2sweet:Quote: Hi! I'm Brandi...I have been married to my husband Rick for almost 13 years. We have 2 boys Devin and Griffin. I consider myself to be an Eclectic Wiccan and have been studying for over 10 years (practicing for a little less than that). I have a background in Natural Wellness and I am a Reiki Master Teacher and a Certified Hypnotherapist (with Past Life Regression training). Currently I work in the Accounting Office for my local Wal-Mart (evil incarnate I know...but it pays the bills ). For fun I obviously spend quite a bit of time on the computer, I also like to write, watch movies and go to the beach.
...And here's her interview:
Guild: If you don't mind me asking, what is your age?
too2sweet: I am going to be 34 on the 15th.
Guild: Have you ever used cord magic? What did you use it for and how did it turn out?
too2sweet: When I was younger we used to make “wish bracelets” which are a simple form, but as an actual practice - no. Until the topic was posted, I never even knew there was actual “branch” of magic devoted to it.
Guild: If you could travel to anywhere in the world for free, where would you go and why?
too2sweet: That’s a hard one. I have actually traveled extensively already (been on every continent, except for Antarctica), but there are so many places that I haven’t been that I would love to go (and some that I have been that I would love to go back to). I think it would be a toss up between Egypt and Ireland - I have very strong pull towards both places. Egypt primarily because of my affinity for Isis, and Ireland...I’m not completely sure, but I just feel the need to go (doesn’t everyone?).
Guild: If you could recommend one book that everyone should read, either religious or not, which book would it be and why?
too2sweet: I have several main authors that I like, but would hesitate at saying “you must read this”. I do encourage everyone to read as much as they can and make their own decisions. For fiction books my all time favorite author is Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Legacy series). I love the way she brings a story to life. Lots of details and great characters!
Guild: Do you consider yourself a Pagan? Why or why not?
too2sweet: Yes, in a broad sense. I consider myself to be an Eclectic Wiccan, so while Pagan is probably not the first thing I would say if someone asked me to describe my religion, the term does encompass the path I have chosen.
Guild: What does it mean to you personally to be a Witch?
too2sweet: Being a witch means having the ability to manifest change in ourselves and in the world around us through the use of spells. I don't so much think of it as "magic", for me it is more of an energy thing. I am conscious (through force of will) directing energy to effect a desired change. It is a huge responsibility and one that I take very seriously. Just because we have the ability to cast spells, doesn't always mean that we should - especially in matters involving the free will of others. I feel blessed that I can call myself a witch and do my best to use my abilities in positive ways.
Guild: What do you feel is the purpose of ritual?
too2sweet: While I am one of those who believes that rituals aren't always necessary...they do serve a purpose. Rituals not only reinforce our traditions and beliefs, but they also help us to rapidly shift ourselves into higher plains of consciousness. Rituals also allow us to focus our energy for a specific task. When we cast a circle we can feel the instant change in atmosphere, or when we do a ritual bath before spell work we can feel the changes within ourselves when we get out of the tub. It's the same with simple rituals, like how lighting candles and incense before meditating puts you in the right "mood".
Guild: Do you have any thoughts on homosexuality and bisexuality in the Craft?
too2sweet: In witchcraft, your sexuality doesn't make any difference. We all are who we are, and it certainly doesn't matter to me - as long as you are happy. With Traditional Wicca, there has been some debate because of the whole "balance" thing, but personally I don't think it should be an issue. Everyone has both male and female aspects, so as long as those are properly represented (when necessary) that is all that really matters.
Guild: Do you prefer to buy tools, books, herbs, etc on-line or in an actual store? Why?
too2sweet: I love the feel of actual stores (most of the time - I had one really bad experience), and in a perfect world I would rather buy my things in person. I especially like to be able to feel the energy of tools before I buy them. However for most of my life I have not lived anywhere near any actual stores, so I tend to do a lot of my buying online. One thing that I love to do is buy "grab bags". One of my favorite online sites has them and I find it interesting that most of the time I end up getting things that I really needed - but might not have bought for myself otherwise.
Guild: Who is you favorite New Age author, and why?
too2sweet: Again, it's hard to name just one. One of the most influential would be Scott Cunningham - simply for making solitary Wicca accessible, where as before we might never have known. However one of my personal favorites is Starhawk. I think mostly because she is one of the first authors that I read (a gift from a friend) when I was starting out, but also because her books have a lot of useful information. She doesn't just describe aspects of the craft, but often gives you exercises to help you understand and connect to what she is talking about.
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We have a lot of very talented, creative members in the guild. This is their spotlight!
Lammas Poem by Lore Earthe
A golden leaf withers in the dying sun,
In the vanishing wind it softly sways,
The decay and the death of the God has begun,
And so begins the end of his days.
He who was once a beautiful baebe,
A lovely lad, a yearning youth,
Is now a man in the prime of his life,
Awaiting age and discerning truth.
He gives of his life that the harvest may ripen,
That the wheel may turn, and that we may be,
And as time wends it way and all hope is heightened,
He dreams of demise and spirally seas.
He’s the bread of life, the fruit of labour,
The yielding of love that’s so tried and true,
The bounty’s decline, the last bloom of seasons,
The abundance now dwindling to only a few
A golden leaf withers in the dying sun,
In the vanishing wind it softly sways.
Copywritten by Tonya Kellman 2008. All Rights Reserved.
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Goddess by Lore Earthe
She danced in the moonlight,
Her voice like windsong,
She walked through the faelights,
Of the forests now long gone.
She played with wolves,
She laughed with darkness,
Ancient as days,
Is the magick that she’s harnessed.
Spirits of the otherworld,
Run beside her through the night,
The night’s sky laves her bronzed skin,
While his wind holds her hand tight.
Undines comb her hair,
Silver tresses the wind sires,
Salamanders kiss her lips,
And sears them with their fires.
Unearthly eyes gold,
Like the spirit of her heartlight,
Goddess of the day,
She’s the lover of the night.
Lady of the treelife,
Of the fauna, and of men,
The moon goddess shelight,
Of the faeries in the wind.
Goddess spirit of earth,
Of the universe, and all within.
Copywritten by Tonya Kellman 2008. All Rights Reserved.
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Stitch (from Disney's Lilo and Stitch) by dark_angel_32189
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Want your artwork (drawings, poetry, photography, etc) to be featured here? Then, contact dark_angel_32189 (Maggie) for more details. You will receive payment for any of your artwork that is published in the newspaper.| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:12 am
The Orca Whale is our animal totem for the month of February. Many people are attracted to the size and look of this massive black-and-white creature of the sea. But for those who hold the Orca as their animal totem or spirit guide, the Orca is held near and dear in their hearts.
The black and white coloring of the Orca in the physical world has one main use: camouflage. When viewed from the top, the black back of the Orca blends in with the ocean’s depths. When seen from the bottom, the whiter belly blends in with the light coming from the sun or the moon. Since the Orca is good at camouflaging itself, those who hold this animal in high esteem, learning to blend in with their surroundings would be most advantageous.
This black and white also has several spiritual uses; to help its followers to balance themselves in a world of opposites, and to symbolize the ability to move from one world to the next.
Orcas work really well together, swimming either in rows or in lines while with their pods (group of whales or dolphins). This shows the ability to organize and a cooperative, maybe even social, nature.
Each pod is said to have different voices and sounds they use to communicate with each other. This also makes it easier for those with the Orca as their spirit guide or animal totem to recognize those who are members of their original soul group. This soul group could bring either great joy or great sorrow to those with this totem, depending on the memories concocted with the event of identification. Either way, a strong sense of family is known, and the soul group members will always have each others’ backs.
The Orca also asks its followers to be creative, and to not be afraid to not let that creativity show.
If one listens to Orca, he will show you how to find your personal song and swim through life with grace, dignity and strength. The Orca offers balance, creativity, power, organization, and a sense of belonging to its followers. It can help followers in every aspect of life. All one has to do is ask.
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Sources:
http://www.sayahda.com/cyc3.html
http://www.starstuffs.com/animal_totems/dictionary_of_wateranimals.htm| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:14 am
 Book Review - "The Illustrated Guide to Wicca"By too2sweet
Book Title: "The Illustrated Guide to Wicca"
Author: Tony and Aileen Grist
PAGES: 128 pages
Year Published: 2000
Synopsis (from the back of the book): "Immerse yourself in the lore, legends, and rituals of Wicca, also known as witchcraft. Then harness their ancient magical powers and make them work for you. Get to know the history, beliefs and ethics of Wicca. Meet the gods and goddesses who are active in everything we do, from wonderful Demeter, the Greek Earth Mother, to Mighty Mars, the Roman War God. Uncover what it means to be a Wiccan priest or priestess. Set up a sacred space and a temple. Learn what a coven is and what coven members do. Prepare for initiation and learn to use the tools of the trade. Celebrate the Wiccan festivals of the year with this easy-to-follow guide to rituals. Everything you need to set out on the Wiccan path is here."
Review: I have my own fairly decent personal library and I almost chose one of the books I already had, but instead choose to head out to my local library to see what they had to offer for those of us on the path. Truly... not much. I choose this book, simply because the title said illustrated. Pictures...how nice, I like pictures. I’ll admit I never even read the back of the book until I sat down to write this review - note to self: next time read the back. It seems straight forward enough, except for one little line, “Wicca, also known as witchcraft”. Whole separate debate (that I won’t get into here), but there is a difference. But like I said that had nothing to do with my first impressions of this book.
My first impression of this “illustrated guide”, was that if walking the Wiccan path made me look like the people in the book looked, then I would never want to walk that path. At best they look bored and at worst almost angry - maybe that is their intense “I am a powerful witch" look, but either way not very encouraging to someone who might be just starting out. As far as the actual content of the book, I went back and forth between thinking “this isn’t so bad” to “how awful”. There are a couple of pages on the history of Wicca which talks a little about Gardner and Sanders and how Wicca is evolving - nothing earth shattering.
The next chapter is on Wiccan beliefs - the book makes a point of stating that Wicca is a “system of values”, not a “system of beliefs”. However in subsequent chapters (and even within this same chapter) then continues to use the term beliefs. Another statement is made that “Most Wiccans worry very little about the exact status of their belief because they are pragmatists. If a goddess works for you, why bother with the unanswerable questions about who or what she is?”. To me that is like saying we don’t really care what we believe in as long as we believe, which isn’t true at all. The rest of the book is the same, a mix of this and that thrown together, with a lot of contradictory statements.
The book does cover the basics. It includes step-by-step rituals and spells, plus information on the different levels of initiations. As most of you already know I am an “eclectic” Wiccan, but I would have to say that this book is the epitome of the “eclectic” Wiccan viewpoint. While it has useful information in it, it also basically states that whatever you want to do/believe (‘an it harm none) is fine, that it is all Wicca. Which puts us back at the beginning to Wicca, also known as "witchcraft". If you happen to stumble across a copy of this book (cheap or from the library) then it might be worth reading - if only because all knowledge is worth having. But if you are just starting out - please don’t let this book be your guiding force. There are other much more accurate and more informative books on the subject to be found.
A note on the authors of this book: I could not find useful information on the authors, the following are links to what I did find on Tony Grist - I couldn’t find anything on Aileen.
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Sources:
http://absinthe-literary-review.com/archives/contrib6.htm
http://poliphilo.livejournal.com/profile| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:16 am
 Crystals & Gemstones - MalachiteWritten by Ciele Fu
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.
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Sources:
"The Crystal Bible" by Judy Hall
"The Magic of Precious Stones" by Mellie Uyldert| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:18 am
Magyc7 had her divination article all typed out, but I accidently deleted it and she hasn't been on-line since then to send me another copy. sweatdrop So, I went into a guild I use to be in and found something that I had typed out on how to scry.
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Here are the steps that I take to scry:
Lay a bunch of black (or any other dark color) fabric out on the floor so that you won't be distracted by anything around you.
Cast a Circle as you normally would. It's recommended to cast your Circle while your still learning how to scry, but it isn't necessary.
Sit down inside the Circle with a bowl of water (you can add blue food coloring if you think it would help you any). You should use a glass bowl or something of that nature. I personally use a metallic bowl. You don't have to use a bowl of water, any reflective service will work just as well, and you can also use fire. I, personally, scry with a bowl of ice (I fill the bowl with water and let if freeze for 24 hours).
Then meditate for a few minutes until you're totally relaxed and your mind is clear.
Then, look into the bowl of water (don't strain your eyes, you can blink like your normally would) while chanting. You shouldn't do this for much more than 10-15 minutes):
"Sparkle, shimmer. Mind grows dimmer.
The Second Sight is brought to light."
The chanting will help you to keep your mind clear and focuse.
After a while the water should appear to get smokey (it won't actually get smokey). Just keep gazing into the bowl of water (or whatever you are using), the smoke should eventually clear and you'll be able to see an image.
Usually you won't see actual images, in other words, it won't be 'movie-like'. The first time I saw anything, all I saw were certain colors. Be sure to keep a pen and paper next to you so that you can write down everything you saw. Take note of any symbols or colors that you saw and then try to interpret what those symbols mean. For symbols, "Signs, Symbols, and Omens" by Raymond Buckland is a good book and we have a color correspondance list in The Academy. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can always try using Google or asking someone in the guild.
Be patient, for most people it will take a lot of practice before they'll be able to scry successfully (It took me about 10 times to see something), so don't be discouraged if you don't get something your first time.
We also have a thread on scrying if you'd like to check that out!| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:19 am
 Elements - The Greek History (Part II)By Starlock
Empedocles
Empedocles shut the book on arche once and for all. Heavily influenced by Parmenidies, Empedocles maintained that reality could not have come from an original unity and that there was no original unity. This perspective is intrinsically more polytheistic; something we Neopagans can identify with! The arche is all four of the elements together and any change is a shift in the ratio of elements or a rearrangement powered by two motivating forces. The elements themselves were ungenerated from any other thing and indestructible, as well as qualitatively unalterable and homogenous throughout. Empedocles Hear first the four roots of all things: shining Zeus [Air], life-bringing Hera [Earth], Aidoneus [Fire] and Nestis [Water] who with her tears fills the springs of mortal men with water.
To Empedocles, the rearrangement of the elements was driven by the forces of Love and Strife, which could be said to be fifth and sixth elements. Through this elements do not lose their separate identities upon mingling with each other; there is simply a separation of the mover and the thing moved. Love makes the different elements seek one another and Strife drives them apart. A cosmic cycle between these two forces is told of. When Love rules unopposed, all elements are fused into a unity. When Strife enters and dominates everything is wholly isolated from everything else. What we have in the world as we know it is a balance between the two, without which our world would cease to exist and could not exist. Empedocles Twofold is the birth of mortal things, twofold their demise; for the coming together of all begets and kills the one, and the other in turn, as things are separated, is nourished and flies apart.
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Aristotle: Elemental Theory Gets Canonized
The work of Empedocles may well have faded into obscurity if it were not picked up by a philosopher who would come to possess great renown. He continued with Empedocles’ idea of four roots and developed the system into one which would be carried onward through the ages (and I mean centuries here)!
But we won't get into Aristotle just yet. He's so pivotal he definitely deserves an article or two of his very own! Here's were stuff gets really interesting and we stumble upon some odd contradictions between the original cannon of Greek elemental theory and how most Neopagans use the system.
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Sources:
Essays in Ancient Greek Philosophy. Edited by John P. Anton with George L. Kustas. State University of New York Press: Albany, 1971.
Freeman, Kathleen. The Pre-Socratic Philosophers. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1959.
Allen, Reginald E. Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle. The Free Press: New York, 1966.
Fragments of Empedocles' Writing (http://history.hanover.edu/texts/presoc/emp.html). Accessed Jan 2008.
Kirk, G.S. and J.E Raven. The Presocratic Philosophers: A Critical History with a Selection of Texts. Cambridge University Press: New York, 1960.
Kingsley, Peter. Ancient Philosophy, Mystery, and Magic: Empedocles and the Pythagorean Tradition. Oxford University Press, 1995.
A History of Greek Philosophy: Volume I. W.K.C. Guthrie, F.B.A. Cambridge University Press: London, 1962.
A History of Greek Philosophy: Volume II. W.K.C. Guthrie, F.B.A. Cambridge University Press: London, 1965.| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:20 am
Brigid is also known as Brigit, Brid, Brig, and Brighid (She is known as St. Brigid to Christians). Her name means “Power”, “Renown”, and “Fiery Arrow or Power”. She is a Celtic Goddess. She is the daughter of the Dagda* and is often called the poetess, The Triple Brigids, Three Blessed Ladies of Britain, and The Three Mothers. She is associated with Imbolc (also known as Candlemas or Imbolg).
She is often portrayed standing next to a cow, holding either a tree branch, corn, or a pan of milk. Her priesthood at Kildare* consisted of 19 females and no males. The number of priestesses represented the 19-year cycle of the Celtic “Great Year”.
She is the goddess of fire, fertility, the hearth and all feminine arts and crafts, martial arts, healing, physicians, agriculture, inspiration, learning, poetry, divination, prophecy, smithcraft, animal husbandry, love, witchcraft, and occult knowledge.
Lugh is also known as Lugh Lamhfada (of the Long Arm), Llew, Lug, Lugus, Lug Samildananch (many skilled), Lleu Llaw Gyffes ("bright one of the skillful hand"), Lleu, and Lugos. He is "The Shining One", "Sun God", "God of war", "many-skilled", "fair-haired one", "white or shining", and a hero god. He is a Celtic God. He is the son of Cian* and Ethniu*. He is associated with Lughnasadh (also known as Lammas).
He is often portrayed with a white stag, magick spear, and rod-sling. He obtained one of his magick hounds* from the sons of Tuirenn* as part of the blood-fine for killing his father.
He was a carpenter, mason, smith, harper, poet, Druid, physician, and goldsmith. He is the god of war, magick, commerce, reincarnation, lightning, water, arts and crafts, manual arts, journeys, martial arts, blacksmiths, poets, harpers, musicians, historians, sorcerers, healing, revenge, initiation, and prophecy.
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*The Dagda is an important god of Irish mythology. His name means "The Good God" (Old Irish deagh dia; Modern Irish dea-Dia), not necessarily good in a moral sense, but good at everything, or all-powerful. The Dagda is a father-figure (he is also known as Eochaid Ollathair, or Eochaid All-Father) and a protector of the tribe.
*Kildare (Cill Dara in modern Irish, originally derived from Cell Dara in Old Irish, meaning "Church of the Oak") is a town in County Kildare, Ireland.
*Cian is the son of Dian Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann and is best known as the father of Lugh by the Fomorian princess Ethniu. He was born with a caul on his head, and was turned into a pig as a boy when struck by a Druid's wand. Thereafter he could transform into a pig at will. In other versions he could transform into a dog.
*Ethniu is the daughter of the Fomorian leader Balor, and the mother of Lugh.
*Magick Hounds - Another of his possessions was a magic hound which an ancient poem, one attributed to the Fenian hero, Caoilte, calls,
“That hound of mightiest deeds,
Which was irresistible in hardness of combat,
Was better than wealth ever known,
A ball of fire every night.
Other virtues had that beautiful hound
(Better this property than any other property),
Mead or wine would grow of it,
Should it bathe in spring water."
*Tuirenn - In Irish mythology, Tuireann or Tuirill Biccreo was the father of Creidhne, Luchtaine and Giobhniu by Brigid.
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Sources:
"Magick of the Gods and Goddesses" by D.J. Conway
"Goddesses in World Mythology" by Martha Ann and Dorothy Myers Imel| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:08 pm
The Herb Garden - StrawberriesWritten by Choir-Angel "Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did." - William Butler (1535-161 cool
Strawberries are a common and delicious fruit. Used for centuries to aid in health and magic. Strawberries are used in such things as smoothies, fruit salads, and even to help spice up a love life. When we think of a strawberry, we think of a little squishy and sweet fruit, but there are actually over 20 named species of strawberry and many hybrids and cultivars, though the common one that we find in stores is the Garden Strawberry, a hybrid itself. Most believe that the fleshy red part of the strawberry is the fruit, but really, it's not. In fact, the seeds are the actual fruit of the plant and the rest is just a surrounding tissue, much like the womb which surrounds a child during pregnancy. Also, the original name of the strawberry was strewberry, named so because the strawberries seemed to be strewn among the leaves of the plant.
Some of the historical uses of the strawberry in medicine include that the leaves, fruits, and roots were used for a digestive and skin tonic, internally it was used for diarrhea and upset stomach, and the leaves and roots were used for gout. Strawberries were also used for sunburn and blemishes on the skin and the fruit juice for discoloration of the teeth. For the last, just rub your teeth with a strawberry.
Strawberries are often used in love magick. Eat strawberries with your lover to help rekindle the passion, or to connect with them better. Carry strawberry leaves to promote luck, and when pregnant, carry a small packet of strawberry leaves to help ease pregnancy pains.
Folk Names: Poziomki, Tchilek, Jordboer, Strewberry
Deity: Freya
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Luck
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Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry
http://www.jamm.com/strawberry/harvests.html#Historical
"Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by Scott Cunningham| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:09 pm
 Sabbats - Imbolc (Northern hemisphere – February 2nd)Written by Kareena80
Imbolc is also known Candlemas, the first day of Spring, St. Brigid’s Day, The Festival of Lights and is generally celebrated February 1st or 2nd, or at the first local signs of spring.
Originally it was celebrated among the Gaelic people, and other Celtic cultures. It was dedicated to the Goddess Brigid. Later in the Christian period it was adopted as St. Brigid’s Day.
Imbolc is the celebration of the Goddess' recovery from giving birth to the sun at the Winter Solstice. It is a time for celebrating the goddess as a bringer of fertility. Fire and purification are an important aspect of this festival. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun in the coming months. It is time to celebrate the joy in life and warmth in all things returning. We plant the "seeds" of our hopes and dreams for the coming summer months.
Imbolc is also a traditional time for initiations, rededication and pledges for the coming year. Personally, I see it as the Pagan/Wicca New Year- similar to how the Chinese New Year is also in February and not January 1st.
Colors: White, Green, Silver and Gold
Incense of Imbolc: Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.
Herbs of Imbolc: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.
Stones of Imbolc: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise
Deities of Imbolc: All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brigid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.
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Activities:
Decorate your home/circle with fresh greenery and colorful spring flowers
As this is traditionally a time of purification - clean your house, your altar etc.
Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year; for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Brigid's blessing upon your prayers.
Make your own Brigid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food. See this link for instructions: http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/MakingBrigdXs.html
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Have a feast:
Imbolc Menu
The table should be set with white candles. Since ewes(sheep) begin lactating at around the time of Imbolc in many locations in the northern hemisphere, the Sabbat is connected with ewe's milk. For this reason, some sort of dairy product - cheese, for example - should be included in the feast. Other than that, there are no specific food requirements, except that food should be plentiful! Something green and fresh, such as a salad, would indicate the coming of spring, but since winter is yet with us, the main fare should be hearty, served with a nice, crusty bread. Mead, ale, spiced wine or non-alcoholic equivalents would all be appropriate beverages.
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Imbolc Cake
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbs. poppyseeds
1 tbs. lemon peel
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
powdered sugar
Directions:
You can do this in one pan! Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, sugar, poppyseeds, baking soda, and salt with a fork in an un-greased 9"x9"x2" baking pan. Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the powdered sugar. Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven & cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
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Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/imbolclore.htm
http://www.worldspirituality.org/imbolc.html
The Book Of Wicca by Lucy Summers| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:10 pm
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Ingredients:
24-30 perfectly ripened strawberries, green caps intact
6 oz (.375 lb) sweet, semi-sweet, bitter sweet, milk and/or white chocolate. Preferably chocolate chips, chocolate calets or chocolate bars coarsely chopped.
Directions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips using either the “defrost” setting or 10-percent power in the microwave. Use two to three minute increments until smooth.
When you dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate, give it a little shake as you withdraw it. This will fill in all the cracks and leave a nice, even line of chocolate at the base. When the strawberry is completely withdrawn from the chocolate, swirl it in a quick, clockwise motion to "spin" the dripping chocolate off.
Invert the hand, pointing the strawberry at the ceiling, to seal it and allow you to sprinkle other candies or toppings around the surface.
Cool covered strawberries on a sheet pan with wax paper. Keep them at a cool room temperature and try to dip them the same day you serve them.
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Strawberry Jam
Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds strawberries, washed and stemmed
5 cups sugar
1 box fruit pectin*
1 cup water
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, mash strawberries coarsely with a potato masher. (You should have about 3 cups.) With a wooden spoon, thoroughly stir sugar into mashed berries and set aside for 20 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, mix together fruit pectin and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking for 1 minute; then remove from heat.
3. Immediately pour pectin into strawberries and stir well to combine. Let sit for 4 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds or so, until mixture has thickened.
4. Pour into clean glass jars (or any freezer container), leaving at least 1-inch of space at the top. Cover and let set at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. Freeze jam for up to 6 months, or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Makes 7 cups.
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*Pectin, a white to light brown powder... is mainly used in food as a gelling agent in jams and jellies. Today it is also used in fillings, sweets, as a stabilizer in fruit juices and milk drinks and as a source of dietary fiber in foods.| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:13 pm
 Sabbats - Lammas (Southern hemisphere – February 1st)Written by Lore Earthe
On the 1st of February, in the Southern Hemisphere, Wiccans, witches and others of Pagan persuasion celebrate the lovely Sabbat of Lammas. Following is a concise explanation of the Sabbat as well as interesting information, including but not limited to, 1 recipe, 1 activity and 1 personally written poem specific to Lammas and just for you. Enjoy! This article was written by: Lore Earthe.
Lammas is a time of sacrifice, reflection and harvest. As the God sacrifices his strength and as his power wanes into death, we too sacrifice our immediate comfort and gratification to prepare for the seasons to come - seasons of scarcity, deference and want. (Or rather we should. How else would we be able to afford all of those gifts for our loved ones at Yule? Not to mention Solstice supplies.)
As the Goddess reflects upon the spokes of the wheel which have already turned - the seed sown, the leaf uncurled, the flower that has blossomed and the sun-ripened fruits - we reflect upon the beginnings, evolutions and fruits of our own spiritual labor as well.
Now comes the release where the first fruits of the harvest cycle will be borne. Lammas is the Maiden Harvest, Mabon and Samhain being the Mother and the Crone, respectively. Growth crescendos to its climax at this time, and as we scour the fields and gardens of our homes for yield, so too should we scours the fields and gardens of our spirit, making certain that the fruits of peace, power and beauty reside therein, ripe for our daily harvest and swaying in the gentle breeze of ‘An it harm none, do what ye wilt’. Now is the time to reflect on the quality of our creations, especially our self.
As we consummate each year upon the spiral of life, we make significant choices concerning the qualities we wish to create within ourselves and the vices also inherent within us, which we wish to sacrifice for the sake of future growth. Lammas is the seasonal symbol of this maturity, this craft of hard work and the ability that one possesses to be personally responsible for one’s own path and one’s own life.
It is now we give thanks to the God for sacrificing his life, that he may be reborn of the Goddess at Yule, and so beget future life. It is now we give thanks to the Goddess for her blessings, her bounty and her abundance, and the suffering she must endure in the absence of the God for the sake of us, her children. It is now that we give thanks for the harvests, of earth and of spirit, and make ready ourselves after the reaping for the darkness almost upon us, with the fading of the light and life.
Bread is the perfect sacrifice for Lammas. The grain from which bread is made is the first seed of the earth. Thus when we make bread from grain, it also symbolizes the first seed of human labor. Grain, an element of the earth, is made into flour through human craft, and then combined with the other four elements - water to make dough, spirit to knead it, fire to bake and air to cool - to make the staff of life - bread. It is the perfect sacramental fare, along with fruits.
Symbolism: First Harvest Festival, Aging of the God and the Goddess, sacrifice, reflection, harvest, thanksgiving and gathering darkness
Symbols: Corn dollies, Cornucopias, grain, bread baked for sacrament, fruits, wishing wells and the Sun
Deities: Lugh, Bel and Balinus. The Corn King and The Green Man sojourning towards their yearly deaths. Any God in aged aspect. Any Goddess in late Mother or Crone aspect, moving towards menopause and elderliness.
Traditions: Bread is eaten, tossed into flames and used in ritual. Wheat is woven into Goddess images and symbols.
Herbs, Flowers and Fruits: Ash, Camphor, Caraway, Fern, Geranium, Juniper, Mandrake, Marjoram, Mistletoe, Nutmeg, Thyme, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sloe, crab Apples and Pears.
Foods: Breads, Grains and Harvest Fruits
Incense: Allspice, Carnation, Rosemary and Vanilla
Colors: Red and orange
Stones: Amethyst and bloodstone.
Activities: Baking Breads, berry picking, making jam and preparing foodstuffs for storage and consumption in the season of scarcity.
Spell workings: Insight, celebration, preparation, growth and the return of the waning light.
Miscellaneous: Lammas is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term “Loaf Mass”, which is why bread and grain are such significant symbols of this Sabbat.
It is also known as Lughnasadh, which is the Celtic funeral feast of Lugh, the Irish-Celtic God of Fire.
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Lammas Activity: Making a Wishing Well
Materials:
1 Large crystal bowl - for vision
2 liters of pure water [spring water, melted snow] - for transformation
3 Floating candles - for illumination
Flower petals - for growth
Pennies - for luck
Instructions:
1. Fill the crystal bowl to approximately 2 inches below the rim with the water and toss in your pennies (if you are a coin collector as well, you may wish to toss in coins of significant sentiment to you, as the emotion connected to the coins will definitely make the energy fulfilling your wishes that much more powerful.)
2. Add and arrange the petals and lastly the candles in an aesthetically pleasurable pattern to the eye, bearing in mind that because water is (e)motion, the arrangement will not remain perfectly static.
3. Light the candles and say the following blessing:
Well of wonder, well of light,
Give this gazer second sight,
Pennies for luck and petals for growth,
Let vision be conjured from water and snow,
Call forth my need from elemental power,
That magick be wrought for my will and desire.
So mote it be.
4. Now you may make your first wish. You might also want to change the materials once a month to keep your wishing well as fresh as your wishes and dreams.
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Lammas Recipe: Whole Wheat Lammas Loaf
Ingredients:
2 cup warm milk
1 cup warm water
2 packets baker’s yeast
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cup whole wheat flour
4-7 cup white flour
Instructions:
1) In a large bowl place water, milk and yeast. Stir to dissolve.
2) Add 3 cups of whole wheat flour, mix well and let sit for 15 minutes.
3) Add the oil, honey, salt, brown sugar and white flour. Add the flour 1 cup at a time until you have smooth, non sticky, manageable dough.
4) Place in a greased bowl, out of drafts, and let rise till double in bulk.
5) Punch down and form into loaves, wreaths and so forth. Let rise again and bake 350 for 45 minutes.
6) Remove from pan and cool on rack. Try to avoid the temptation to eat the loaf while it is still very warm - for cutting a slice off of a hot loaf will turn the remainder soggy.
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Sources:
“Wicca: A Guild for the Solitary Practitioner” by Scott Cunningham
“Living Wicca” by Scott Cunningham, and
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/spiritwolf/our_path.htm| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:15 pm
Note from the editors: too2sweet has been a little busy lately and didn't have enough time to write a full article. So, she kindly gave us links to three wonderful meditations. At each link you will find a description of the meditation, a step-by-step guide, and a list of benefits that you get from doing the meditation.
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Last Month we talked a little about why we would use meditation, so this month I thought I would show you some different types of meditations that can be used. In truth you can meditate on almost anything (or nothing at all), but for those of us that are still learning these are some simple, but effective ways to achieve a meditative state.
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Mantra Meditation
A description, step-by-step guide, and list of benefits can be found on this page at The Online Meditation Center.
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Inner Light Meditation
A description, step-by-step guide, and list of benefits can be found on this page at The Online Meditation Center.
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Mindfulness Meditation
A description, step-by-step guide, and list of benefits can be found on this page at The Online Meditation Center.
Happy Meditating!
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Sources:
http://www.meditationcenter.com/index.html| Introduction | Letters to the Editor | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Animal Totems | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | The Elements | Gods and Goddesses | The Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Meditation | Mythical Creatures | Spells | St. Valentine's Day | Game Room | Classified Ads | Feedback Thread |
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