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 Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:53 pm
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:26 pm
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:27 pm
We had a lot of very nice people join our 'family' during the month of September. Please make them all feel welcome. smile 0xXx0 Gaara 0xXx0, SylphofSecrets, ThisisAidan, Celtic Draconis, Lord ironrose, Summer Sweet Breeze, J-ACE A-STAR, courtney murder, Naokiri, Pretty Blue, cupcake, Rayne Destiny, Mitsukai Sayuri, Nicholas_the_ghost, Anranuktrym, XxsaillexX, Darke Skye, Velloxys Twilight, epais et beau, xXHeartlessRomanticXx, sweetdeily, Mimi-Mako, Meilos, Nikki-raven, xTrilbyx--- Our October Birthdays: October 1st - - Airdweia, serena_shadow, XxPyro_SkullsxX, and SilverGreyWolf October 3rd - - foxtailfairy October 4th - - Wiccan_Black_Angel and Abbie913 October 6th - - Sona Pendragon and Fieryhexe October 7th - - run.away.screaming October 8th - - tabiatha and x-Akki-Hime-x October 9th - - spoildrotten85 and Hikari_Saito October 10th - - Nimue Ailinen October 11th - - isidar_mithram, lonex_lore and Jamie of Spades October 14th - - Artymesia, Asari-chan, baluk15, DehShadow-ness, ferdustheferocious, Limitin Kumiru, Lus-cloud, pixie1821, Risika_Tiger, Romeo Rose, Sachi_x, sakura13322, Saniya_Blackrose, shivanti, SowiloWitch, Vampire_Aireanna, Sikhe, and virgo2591 October 15th - - Lanarah and `Mitsuki Yamada` October 16th - - Amendria and Megami Yari October 17th - - broken_tormented October 21st - - [.Jill Valentine.] October 23rd - - whitestar27 October 24th - - [Helmorana] October 25th - - Neurotripsy October 26th - - Korealia and Pouncequick October 27th - - yashaki October 28th - - ~Bitter~Sweet~Insanity~ and Rurouni92 October 29th - - nicole_isahottie13 and The Pirate Kuei October 30th - - Gwydion Pendragon and Ariel Moose October 31st - - IMA_BI_hehehe and Xylofonix --- I forgot to send out the interview questions to the person who was going to be our MotM for October. So, we'll save it for next month's issue. Sorry. sweatdrop --- Member Art Work:No art was submitted for this month. If you would like to submit your artwork (poetry, photography, drawings, designs, etc), please contact Blessed_Scribe for more information. You will be paid. smile | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:28 pm
Empaths, or Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), are people who are able to pick up on the emotions of other people, animals, and/or energies around them. There are two levels of empaths; low and high. Most people are Low Level Empaths. This means that in certain situations, they are able to sense the emotions of someone. High Level Empaths are the equivalent of an emotional sponge. They soak up all the emotions of everything around them. Luckily, most people are able to learn to control this ability. Let's look at Low Level Empaths. Most people have some sort of low level empathic ability. An example of this is when you feel extremely sad, but you put on a smile to hide it from family, friends, and even complete strangers. But, when you run into your best friend, he/she asks you what's wrong. You tell them that nothing is wrong, but they know better and get you to tell them what is wrong with you. This is your friend's low level empathic ability kicking in. In the same situation as above, if your friend happened to be a High Level Empath, he/she wouldn't even have to ask what was wrong. They would be able to feel it. It is your feelings and energy that are picked up by your friend the empath, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or physical expression. It's like walking in someone else's shoes, but in your own skin. An advantage to this, is the ability to be able to help people cope with their feelings and emotions. These people are able to sense past, present, and sometimes even future energies and emotions. A third type is the Animal Empath. Think of "The Horse Whisperer," or "The Dog Whisperer." These people are Animal Empaths. They have the ability to sense any animal’s emotions. The people such as the dog whisperer, are able to communicate through physical, verbal, and sometimes psychically with the animal. In certain cases, they can help the animal through a problem. In other cases, it’s as simple as letting a muzzled dog know you won't harm it, and the dog letting you pet it. Empathy is believed to be genetic, and passed from generation to generation. It has been, and is, studied by both traditional science and alternative healing practitioners. Empathy has genetic and spiritual aspects. There is still much that is not yet understand about how empathy works, but there is some information available. Everything in this world has some form of energy frequency, and Empaths are able to sense these vibrations and are able to recognize even the smallest of changes in them. Maybe one day we will know all there is to know about empathy. Until that day, thank goodness for empathic abilities. Without it, life could be pretty unbareable. ----- Sources: EmpathEmpath Suffering| Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:29 pm
The Rabbit is an interesting creature, with many species in Northern America alone. These vegetarians provide us with a glimpse of Mother Nature's balance. With a rapid reproductive rate, we also see that the Rabbit is also sought by many predators for food. Rabbits are shy animals, and through this characteristic they tell us to be gentle with ourselves even through the toughest of times. Those who dream of Rabbit are asked to look around for change. It is also said that many Rabbits in one's dream may signify increased responsibilities. Because the Rabbit is mostly seen at dawn or dusk, those with this totem are more likely to be able to connect with magick. The air of mystery that both dawn and dusk holds also hides fairies and other mystical creatures of nature. Though often associated with fear, the Rabbit moves suddenly and decisively. Those with this totem are learning to move quickly while the moment is right. Here the Rabbit asks you to evaluate your fears, while still being compassionate and gentle with yourself. It asks you to believe that it is human nature to fear, but fear need not paralyze personal growth and movement up the ladder of life. ---------- Sources: The RabbitThe Dreamer's Dictionary | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:30 pm
Find a place that you will not be disturbed. Start by lying down in a comfortable position. Take a few deep breaths and relax your body. Allow your breathing to become rhythmic and your body completely relaxed. If you are fearful about leaving your body you will not be able to astral project. Try to remember that your astral self is connected to your body . Many describe it as a silver rope or cord attached to your navel. If something were to happen while you are in the astral state you would be pulled back into your body as if you were attached to a bungee cord. Focus your mind on pushing yourself out of your body. You should start to feel your body vibrate and tingle. This is perfectly normal it means you're almost there. I find the easiest way for me to push myself out is to start with my chest and torso. I push myself straight upwards allowing my head, arms and legs to follow my chest. While other people might find it easier to simply roll out of your body so to speak. Start with your head moving downwards to your feet. While others like the Silva Mind Control Method use counting to enter the astral state. If you are still having a hard time projecting yourself maybe try one body part at a time. Example: try pushing out your head and once you get the hang of that try pushing out an arm. Then both arms, then try sitting up and so on. Don’t worry keep practicing and you’ll get it. Good luck and happy projecting. | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:38 pm
Last article I gave you a list of tools one would need to be a good student of the Craft. In this article, I will build on one of those aforementioned tools: Meditation. What do you think of when you hear or read the word "meditation?" Zen? Empty space? Someone sitting under a tree with their legs crossed? Well it can be all of these things, or it can be none. Everyone has a different pre-conceived notion of meditation, and everyone will do meditation differently. You may have heard of it "having" to feel or be a certain way, but when you actually do meditate, you turn out with something totally different. No big deal! There is no "right" and "wrong" to something as vast as meditation. One thing you should tackle meditation with is "relaxed effort." It takes effort to relax and meditate at the same time! Don't worry, "With practice makes perfect," they say and meditation is no different. Just take your studies seriously and you'll be fine. Some people think that meditation is thinking of nothing. For some people, this is true, and they have no problem doing so. For others (myself included) this is not so. You may be like me--a dreamer who would rather daydream than think of a blank white wall--or you may wish to think of a candle as it dances under your breath. It doesn't matter, don't chase your thoughts away. This is a time for you to examine those thoughts and learn about the inner you. Go exploring! It's quite fun. Some days are better than others, even when it comes to meditation. After trying a few times with no progress, come back to it in a few hours and try again. If you still don't have any luck, then try the next day. It's okay to have bad meditation days. Everyone does. Also, to go off of that note, it is also okay to fall asleep during a meditation session. It just means your body needs sleep more than a "zen session." Just remember when you're trying to meditate to leave yourself plenty of time so that you don't over-meditate or over-sleep! (You can also set an alarm, but I personally don't recommend it.) Now on to the actual "How-to Meditate" part of the article! Remember that these are only suggestions, and it may take you several tries to find which system works best for you. Find a spot where you will not be disturbed for some time, usually 15 minutes to half an hour. This may be outside, in your room, or even in a car. Sit or lie down comfortably. If you are worried about falling asleep, I suggest sitting. Standing isn't recommended until you get used to meditation as a whole. If you have some music you would like to listen to, you may choose to put it on. Sometimes I listen to soft, relaxing music. Sounds of nature are often used, as well as classical music. Some people even listen to rock music, but you know what's best for you. Slowly take a big, deep breath. Slowly let it out. Do so three times, getting all the "stale" air out of your lungs. Relax your body completely. Select a positive image or symbol to concentrate on. It can be a magickal symbol, a letter, a simple picture, or even a word or idea. Continue to relax your mind and body. When you're fully relaxed, recall this word or symbol. Feel free to think of everything that comes to mind when you think of the word or symbol. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back. Here is where you need the "relaxed effort" I spoke of earlier. This will help you develop the mental discipline that is crucial to those who wish to study the Craft. These symbols may morph or move around. This is not due to a lack of "relaxed effort" on your part, but instead you are achieving a deeper level of consciousness that allows your subconscious to rule. This may not come with your first, second, or even third meditation session. Practice makes perfect. When you are done, slowly start to "wake" your body up. Slowly increase your breathing, open your eyes, stand and stretch. You may have a headache, or you may be just tired. Reward yourself with food and drink for a job well done. This also serves as a method of grounding. You may also wish to picture yourself under a waterfall before you truly "wake up" your body. This is another method of grounding. You can also take a shower or bath if you choose. Another way to ground would be to crouch down on all fours and visualize energy leaving your body and entering the earth as you exhale. Do so for a few minutes until you get the hang of "feeling grounded." This month's recommendation: http://www.learningmeditation.com/. This site has guided meditations in the "Meditation Room" as well as an online store where one can buy meditations and jewelry and other meditation aids. Have fun meditating! May the road rise up to meet you, and the wind be at your back Merry Part, until we meet again Blessed Be ---------- Sources: Meditation CenterIf You Want to be a Witch by Edain McCoy | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:39 pm
 Sabbats - Beltane: October 31 (Southern Hemisphere)Written by dark_angel_3289Beltane is most commonly known as May Day to non-pagans. Other names for Beltane include Roodmas, Bealtaine, Whitsun or Old Bhealltainn, Bealtinne, Samhradh and La Baal Tinne, Rudemas, Walburga, Walpurgisnacht, Walpurgis Eve, Celtic Summer, Giamonios, Tana's Day - La Giornata di Tana , Floralia, The Great Rite, Cetshamain, and May Eve. Beltane is one of the Greater Sabbats and is a fertility festival. It is the time that the Goddess and the God come together to conceive. It is a great time for weddings or to renew your vows. The most common ritual performed on Beltane is what's known as The Great Rite, the sacred union between a man and woman. It's also the perfect time to start new gardens. "Beltane is the time of year when we celebrate new life, fertility and the earth's ripe abundance in all its forms. It is a time of pure joy, bliss, and playfulness" ( link). Traditional activities of Beltane include, but are not limited to, blowing horns, gathering flowers, creating and dancing around the May Pole, decorating your homes and yourselves with fresh flower garlands, stringing up greenery around your homes and places of work, sending flowers to loved ones, planting new gardens, cleaning out the cupboards and general spring cleaning, plaiting and weaving straw, creating things with wicker, and making baskets and fabrics. Symbols of Beltane include the May pole, crossroads, eggs, butterchurns and chalices. Flowers that are representative of Beltane include roses, bluebells, marigolds, daisies, primroses, violets and lilac. Colors that are associated with Beltane are white, red, and dark green. Stones that represent Beltane are sapphires, bloodstones, emeralds, orange carnelians, and rose quartz. ------ Sources: BeltaneBeltane2Beltane3Beltane4----------------------------- Strawberry CrispIngredients:1 c Uncooked Oatmeal 1 c All purpose Flour 1 c Brown Sugar 1/4 c Chopped Walnuts 1/2 c Butter or margarine 1/2 c Sugar 3 c Sliced fresh or frozen Strawberry Directions:Mix together oatmeal, flour and brown sugar. Add nuts. Cut in butter or margarine until crumbly. In another bowl, mix strawberries and white sugar together. Grease an 8" square pan. Spread half the crumb mixture on bottom. Cover with strawberries. Spread remaining crumb mixture over top. Bake at 350 deg F oven for 45 minutes. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or topping. ----- Fairy FurnitureMay is a month that fairies love. Show them your appreciation and give the kids a great project by making them some furniture! Materials needed:twigs, vines, dried flowers needle and thread scrap material scissors hot glue gun-be sure little fingers are safe! pruners to cut the twigs-again watch those little fingers Directions: Decide what you're going to make. We'll make a chair, to give you an example. Cut the twigs in this manner - one long, bendable piece that will form the back legs and back of the chair, and four equal lengthed twigs which will form the two front legs and the seat.The chair should stand no more than four inches tall (including the back) Bend the long twig,and hot glue one of the smaller pieces in between the two ends where you want the seat to be.This will be the back of the seat. Hot glue on each side of the bent twig facing towards you a smaller twig; these will be the sides of the seat. Glue the front piece of the seat to these side twigs. Glue the two front legs to the seat so that the chair legs are even. If you wish,wrap the vines around the chair back and legs. Cut the scrap material to form a "back" and a "seat" - these are NOT to be as wide as the chair, but will fit inside of the twigs. Using your needle and thread, attach the material to the chair using a whip stitch. Hot glue small dried flowers at the top of the chair. This technique can be used to make all kinds of fairy furniture, from tables to beds, to sofas - all of which are sure to delight your fairies as much as your children! | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:40 pm
 Book Review - The Wiccan MysticWritten by too2sweet Ben Gruagach PAGES: 253 pages YEAR PUBLISHED: 2007 SYNOPSIS (from the back cover): Beyond Wicca 101... The Wiccan Mystic is the intermediate to advanced book on Wiccan spirituality that you’ve been looking for. Perhaps you’ve read one, two, or more beginner books on Wicca and know this is the spiritual path for you. Maybe you’ve been practicing as a Wiccan for a few years now. You might even be an elder in a formal Wiccan group, with a decade or more of experience under your belt. If one of these sounds like you, and you are looking for solid information to expand your understanding, or want suggestions for ways to advance on a Wiccan spiritual path, this book is for you. The Wiccan Mystic takes the foundational ideas of Wicca and explores them in more depth. Learn about what constitutes a mystery religion and how Wicca fits the pattern. Discover the living mystical core of Wiccan practice and strengthen I in our own exploration of this exciting magical path. Establish strong thinking skills to help you empower your spiritual life and open up new vistas for exploration. Tap into your individual direct relationship with the Divine and feel new joy come into your life. The Wiccan Mystic presents proven ways to help practitioners develop a sophisticated, mature, yet surprisingly simple spiritual depth. Learn to grow your relationship with your chosen gods and goddesses to new levels of intimacy. Discover how magick can be an integral part of an ecologically sound, profoundly ethical, and spiritually based life. Explore nonphysical realms and learn how actions on the other planes affect life in the physical. Learn ways to discover new knowledge and transcend time and space in your pursuits. Experience how we each individually fit into the greater Divine pattern. Whether you are a solitary practitioner or a member of a dedicated magickal group, you will find ideas and techniques in The Wiccan Mystic that will enhance your spiritual and magickal growth. REVIEW: My on-going issue with the use of the word Wicca aside, I think this is a really great book. While it’s not going to be nearly as easy as what the back of the book seems to make it out to be, there is quite a bit of excellent information to be found within these pages. It gives you the foundation on which to build and deepen your understanding of your path. I have to admit that up until chapter 4, I wasn’t completely thrilled with the book. Again it wasn’t necessarily that the information presented wasn’t good or useful, but I didn’t feel that it applied specifically to Wicca. I do think that the information applies to anyone who is seeking to create their own spiritual path, but isn’t exactly sure where to start, or to anyone who is looking for ways to increase their current practice - no matter what path they are on. What I especially like about this book is that while it gives you basic outlines on how to do things, it gives you the leeway to make it your own. It also does an excellent job of explaining basic concepts, that are often times lacking in many of the other books that are out there. There is also a great list of resources in the back of the book and a nifty little “Wicca” timeline that is quite interesting, and helps put things into perspective. I have to laugh, because in order to do this review I had to order a copy of the book through the inter-library loan system and then wait several weeks while they searched all over the country for a copy to send me. After all that trouble, I think I am actually going to go out and buy a copy for my own collection. In all it is worth the $20 it will cost me to get it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ben Gruagach is an eclectic Wiccan practitioner who has been active in this spiritual path for over 20 years. He has worked with a number of different Wiccan groups in both Canada and the US. He has had articles published regularly in Circle Magazine, as well as a number of online periodicals, including MysticWicks.com Magazine and ecauldron.com newsletter. His articles can also be found at WitchVox.com and Sacred-Texts.org. For more info on Ben Gruagach, you can check his website at witchgrotto.com| Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:45 pm
As the gemstone for the month of February, Amethyst represents the second stone of the common year. Amethyst is a beautiful stone that is lauded by many as a stone for psychic ability, healing, and spiritual awareness. While amethyst only has one variety, it does come in a wide range of shades from very transparent purple to rich, dark purple. Amethyst is a rutilated quartz. The darker the color, the more valuable the stone. Amethyst is found primarily in Brazil and Zambia, though also in Uruguay, Russia, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Arizona. Magical Properties & Mythological HistoryAmethyst has a very long history of magical use and a tie to the God Bacchus in mythology. It is said that the first amethyst was a young woman of the same name whom Diana turned into quartz in order to protect her from his wrath. Bacchus, seeing her miracle, decided to pour wine over the quartz and turned it purple in her honor. Because of this tie to Bacchus, amethyst was thought to protect against drunkenness and poisons. Amethyst is a very esoteric stone, and is often thought to relate solely to the world of the spirit and the unseen. Sleeping with a stone underneath your pillow or wearing an amethyst necklace was thought to enhance your natural psychic tendencies. Energy - According to Scott Cunningham, this is a Receptive stone with feminine qualities of emotionality and healing. Healing - The mind, the spirit, and the psyche. Zodiac Signs - Aquarius, Gemini Element - Water Chakra - Usually the Crown chakra, but occasionally the Third Eye. ----- Sources:Bernadine Fine GemsEncyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:50 pm
 The Elements - Personal ElementsWritten by StarlockD. Suzuki The average human being is roughly sixty percent water by weight, nearly forty litres of it carried in trillions of cells. ... Basically, each of us is a blob of water with enough macromolecular thickening to give us some stiffness and to keep us from dribbling away. It is common nowadays to hear people ask each other 'what's your element?' While a common topic of discussion, I don't see much critical examination of the methods used to determine this personal quality. Some will base their outcome on particular astrological models corresponding the zodiac signs to the elements. Others will make up lists of personality traits they believe correspond to a particular element and have participants fill out a simple questionnaire and tally totals at the end. Others still will say the one that resonates most with you will simply make itself known and that is your element. Elemental quizzes are fun. I take them all the time, though mostly for entertainment (it's always interesting to see how different people categorize various traits along the elemental spectrum). Some of them have been good, some just plain terrible. Very few of them mention the possibility that a person can be more than one element. Fewer still recognize an interesting conundrum when it comes to corresponding complicated things like people to the elements. We're not elemental beings. That is to say, nobody is any one element. Everything of this world is Quintessence; it is all of the four. This is an easy point to miss, but an important one. What made the theory of the four elements unique was that the fundamental stuff which makes up the universe comes in four kinds instead of one. And each of these four kinds is present in everything in the universe. The mixture may not be equal, but they're all there in some amount or another. So instead of asking 'what element am I?' ask instead 'what parts of me relate to each element?' Find ways in which you are all four. Certain aspects of your life might tend in one direction more than another. For example, in dealing with friends you might be positively Earthy (the one often obsessed with keeping order and rules) while dealing with co-workers you might be the Watery king of compromise. We should also remember to keep this viewpoint distinct from the element that appeals most to us. For some people, the element that appeals most to them is something they want to aspire to while for others it represents to them their personal essence. Between now and the next release, take a bit of time to think of 'your' element in some new ways - beyond just taking those fun online quizzes. You might be surprised what you uncover! SOURCES & ADDITIONAL READING: Suzuki, David & A.M. McConnell. The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering our Place in Nature.[and of course, this all builds on what has gone before!] | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:53 pm
We've all seen one (most likely), most of us have carved them, eaten them, and more. What could I possibly be speaking of? One more hint, they're usually orange and are seen around Samhain. The pumpkin! The name of the pumpkin originated from the Greek word "pepon," which means large melon. Pumpkins are actually just large squash that are native to North America, however, they are grown all over the world with the exception being Antarctica. The pumpkin has always been included in the Native American's diet and was most likely present at the first Thanksgiving between the pilgrims and Indians. Pumpkins are very healthy and can be eaten in a wide variety of ways (even the flowers are edible!). From pumpkin pies to pumpkin stews. They are rich in Vitamin A, Potassium, and fiber. Pumpkins are used to treat an irritable bladder and the seeds can be eaten to help rid one of dizziness. They can also be used to help treat boils, fever, warts, and more. The pumpkin juice can be useful in cases of sunstroke, heat stroke, acidity, and liver troubles. It also keeps the body cool during summer months. The juice can also be used on the face to remove dirt, black spots, and to make the skin appear more youthful. If the fresh juice is taken regularly it helps rid one of kidney stones, and can also be used in getting rid of worms in humans. Jack-o-Lanterns have long been a Halloween symbol. People began making these long ago to frighten away evil spirits. Generally they are placed in windows or near doors. The first Jack-o-Lanterns in Ireland and Scotland were made by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes, but in England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought this tradition with them to North America, and soon found that the pumpkin made perfect Jack-o-Lanterns. So, despite the pumpkins obviously fictional usage in such stories as Cinderella, The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, and more, the pumpkin really can be quite amazing. It has an interesting history, can be used to aid in the treatment of a fair amount of ailments, and can even scare off evil spirits! Overall, the pumpkin is definitely worth growing, eating, or carving. ------ Sources: Pumpkin FactsPumpkins in medicinal usePumpkins in medicinal use 2Pumpkin history| Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:54 pm
Spicy Pumpkin CookiesDescription: The secret to this spicy pumpkin cookie recipe- Ginger and a few other ingredients adds a spicy zip to these cookies. Yields: About 2 and 1/2 dozen. Ingredients: 1 /4 cup Soft Butter or Margarine 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar 1/2 cup Cooked, strained Pumpkin(or canned) 1 Egg 1 cup Flour 1/2 cup Raisins 1/2 cup Chopped Almonds(or Walnuts) 2 teaspoons Baking Powder 1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon Ginger 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon Salt 1/4 cup Diced, Candied Orange Peel Preparation Directions: 1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Sift flour with baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt and set aside. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. 4. Beat in egg and pumpkin. 5. Stir in flour mixture. 6. Add in nuts, orange peel and raisins, mixing well. 7. Drop rounded teaspoonful of dough onto a cookie sheet. 8. Flatten slightly with spoon. 9. Make 20 minutes. Serving Tips and Suggestions: • Sprinkle lightly with Confectionery sugar. • Add candy sprinkles before baking. ------ Roasted Pumpkin SeedsIngredients:Seeds of one pumpkin and salt. Preparation Directions: 1. Extract sees from pumpkin. 2. Separate and discard pulp. 3. Thoroughly wash seeds in warm water. 4. Spread seeds out onto a cookie sheet. 5. Sprinkle generously with salt. 6. Put into oven and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. 7. Check every five minutes and stir, adding more salt or to taste. 8. Check seeds to see if they are done by taking a sample out, allowing to cool and tasting. If the insides are dry, they are done. 9. Allow to cool and serve. | Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Astral Projection | Beginner's Section | Beltane | Book Review | Crystals & Gemstones | The Elements | The Herb Garden | Kitchen Witches | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Samhain | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads |
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