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 Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:12 pm
Here's an archive of all the newsletters we've sent out, in case you missed out. whee If you did miss out, then please send me a friend request~!
So far, we have newsletters for August 2006, September 2006, October 2006, January 2007 and February 2007.
Feedback is greatly appreciated, good or bad.
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:14 pm
-- August 2006 I hope that everyone had a merry Imbolc or Lammas, depending on your hemisphere. After all, the purpose of our guild is to teach, learn... and to celebrate~!
The difference in time-zones and hemispheres is certainly confusing. Don’t get me started on the differences in Sabbats… Everything is completely reversed – and there’s no hope of either catching up to the other. The good news is, is that below we have a Sabbat Correspondence Chart for you to use and abuse: and seeing as we have many members from the different hemispheres, no-doubt it’ll come in handy...   Recently, our guild really has been expanding and becoming more active – for the better. Thank you to everyone who has been bumping the recruitment thread, posting helpfully and being a ‘good member’. It’s really pleasing to see. Okay, enough will the cheesy overtones! A couple of notable ‘updates’ include: - A new home page look and feel. - A new recruitment thread. - Lotto: 6k won so far. - New academy classes. - Members participating in the birthday exchange. - Dark_Angel_32189 being promoted to Council Member status – congrats! - The newsletter being released. ^^; - More and more contests appearing – check out the contests forum to win! - A comic sub-forum. - Lots, lots more!  Recently, a lot of new classes in the Academy sub-forum have been popping up. It's great to see people taking the initiative, and teaching all they know: it's appreciated! However, I've noticed that some are struggling to gain students. This isn't too great - but then again, anyone who looks at this forum or on the Wiccan Path is a student. I'll be offering some inside info to help boost your 'class' along. For me, the most important thing while learning is the spelling, grammar and all those little niggling things. If I'm reading something and there's bad grammar, spelling mistakes - or things just don't make sense - then I will either shut down, or tear the tutorial apart and not actually learn anything. Damn you E.I.T... (E.I.T is a local University.)  The obvious way to solve this problem, is to simply run it through Word - or your version of a writing/document program. Copy all you have written, and paste it in. Hit F7 - thee spell checker. Simple. I understand we have foreign users, young people and folks who aren't too hot on their spelling. Its fine – there’s no need to feel guilty. Just make sure you run it through a spell checker: or even better, get a friend to proof-read it. Another thing to take into consideration is presentation. I'm not meaning fancy graphics or anything: just be consistent with font sizes, alignments and organise your content well. A colour scheme does wonders – for example, our front page (and this newsletter) is green, black and white, making it look very neat, memorisable and tidy. On the note of presentation, please don't use font sizes about 18 - that's the large 'size' in the BB code. There's no need to shout, trust me. If people want to hear what you're saying, they will do. What do you do if a teacher yells at you? You don't listen; you shut down or feel guilty. By typing LIKE THIS, then that's what you're doing. You're scaring people away - which you don't want. The occasional capitals are perfectly acceptable, as is the large size. Just use it sparingly. On the other side of the scale, please don't have the text too small. ^^; Some people have really crappy monitors (screen size). The 'small' BB code setting is fine and dandy, so don't go below that. People also don’t want to be overloaded with emoticons and other gimmicks. Some studies suggest that seven is the maximum number of items a person can comprehend at the same time – if there are more than seven cute emoticons visible on the same page, then it’s probably too much. You don't need to stick rigidly to this, but aim to simplify each visible page as much as possible whilst keeping it attractive. You’ll notice this newsletter doesn’t contain too many  s, or  s, or  s. Someone had the questionably great idea of trying to keep it professional looking – emoticons won’t do this. If you’re trying to create a couple of fun tutorials, then go ahead and use the smilies! If you’re trying to be professional and only take a certain amount of ‘students’, then I don’t recommend using too many.  Also, don't say anything along the lines of well, please bear with me as this is my first time teaching... sorry if it's not too great... Don't put yourself down. Other people do enough of that already! As long as people can understand what you're saying, and you have a decent subject then it doesn't matter. If you waffle, it's partially okay: people can just scroll down. Try your best. If you admit that you're a 'new teacher' then people will automatically put you down just because you're new - even though you're actually great. I've seen it happen many-a-time with reliever teachers at school...  What with all the contests popping up, there have been several happy (and lucky!) users walk home with some nifty prizes. Congratulations to the following…
koudelkaW – 2.1k and a Bunny Tail
Dark_Angel_32189 – 2.5k
Lanarah – 200 Gaian Gold
You could be one of these lucky people - simply wander along to the contests sub-forum today! Start your own, win some stuff and have bundles of fun. A very happy birthday to Phillip Lucia (July 24th), Ville Valo Lover (July 27th), Kokuro-sama (also July 27th), child_of_the_eclipse (August 11th) and morrigan333 (August 15th)!
Congratulations to last weeks member of the week, Dark_Angel and this weeks member of the week (wow, that’s a mouthful) – Sophie_Neveu! Lately, I’ve been stumbling across some really nifty Wicca related websites, books, music – you name it. Just a few are listed below. http://www.glasstemple.com/info/index.php?conjure=wicca101 - A spiffy ‘test’ of your knowledge on Wicca, for fun or for a progress report. http://www.consciousdreaming.com/lucid-dreaming/how-to-lucid-dream.htm - A Lucid-Dreaming ‘how-to’. http://www.jonasridgeway.com/ - A very nifty guide to Astral Projection: not to mention a great layout! http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewforum.php?f=51717 - The Guild’s Academy. Music: Twilight, by Woodland. - This is a really delightful compilation of what could be considered to be Fae music. Tips, hints and ideas are gladly snapped up. If you’ve got a great idea for the guild, PM one of the Guild Council Members and we’ll try and make it happen.
Also, feel free to submit your own articles to next month’s newsletter! There’s even talk of there being a prize… Can you de-code the following runes? The first correct answer will receive a prize! 
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:15 pm
-- September 2006Merry meet, and welcome to the guild’s second instalment of the newsletter! It seemed that the last issue/trial run was a success – this means that the guild will permanently have a newsletter running, with proper ‘staff’ and all those nifty gimmicks. For more information on this – please check out this thread. By submitting an article or applying for a ‘job’ you’ll receive one lotto ticket, 100 gold and will go into the draw to win 5k. That means you could potentially win 25k, all up! Now, I bet you’re all wondering what the answer was to the fun spot from last issue. That – or you’ve completely forgotten all about it! To jog your memory, here’s the image: Elspeth (healerweaver) was the first correct entry in, receiving 1k. Congratulations! ((The runes say ‘preliminary proliferation’ – try saying that when you’re not sober!))  We’ve recently established a ‘names’ list, in the Sitting Room. This is quite simply, a list of all our members’ real names, to create more of a ‘community’ feel than there already is. So far we have four Sarah’s! ^^; Alright guys, if you've checked the announcements in that last little while, you'll hear tell of a Dream Interpretation Service. Sounds nifty, eh? What we're wanting from you is your feedback- we want to here what you’ve got to say, and you could be up to grab 1000g . I bet that got your attention, didn't it? But more on that later. Our big questions are: 1) A Dream Interpretation Service: what do you think?
2) Would you use it?
3) What kind of prices do you think are reasonable?
4) We're thinking of offering 'gift vouchers' as well- so you can give someone a dream interpretation as a gift. What do you think of this idea?
5) Are you able to, and would you be interested in helping?
6) Should interpretations be conducted within the thread, or done privately through PM? Now, some other information that you might like to know: Where does the money go?
Right back to you guys- all money made by this service will fund prizes for competitions, the birthday service, giveaways and the like.
What prices are you planning at the moment?
We're thinking of going by a system of 'number of symbols'- a symbol being a 'keyword' (as such) of the dream. Each symbol would cost somewhere between 25g and 50g- we're aiming for a standard interpretation to cost 250g, we think, but this may change.
Who should I send my ideas and such?
Jess (JVCA) is going to run this service for the most part, but all of our Council Members are more than happy to hear anything you've got to say about it.
Where will it be?
Probably in the 'Services' sub forum in the mini-shop forum – if it becomes popular, it may pop up in a sub-forum actually in the guild.
What was this about a competition!? I want money!
Ah, that's right. Thought I'd forget about that, didja? wink What we need, is a good, catchy name for our dream interpretation service- one that catches interest, but still lets people know what our service does/is about. We're willing to offer 1000g to the best one, judged by the council. You can enter as many as you like, but please, try to keep them all in just one or two PM's to Dream Reader – and the last thing she needs at the moment is an over-flowing inbox! If you've got a good name, and are willing to enter, send your entry to Dream Reader via PM with "What's in a Name Contest" as the subject. May the best pagan win! ((Don't forget to include your filled out form! You don't need to have a name to fill out the questionnaire - but it's worth a shot, right?))
 Do you remember us asking for articles and content for this issue? Thanks to Jess (JVCA), we do actually have some! Below are three examples of her work. Don’t forget – by submitting for next time, you get good advertisement for your mini-shop (if you have one) and some goodies along the way!   Wow – a big congratulations to the following. whee Thank you to everyone who took part in all the various contests – and good luck for next time! To see what contests we have available, pop along to the Main Hall. Spell of the Month - Home protection spell Say this before you go to sleep, or at sundown.
"Earth, hold foundations strong,
Air move energies along,
Fire, pass my home this night,
Water, protect until morn's light,
Guardians of the towers four,
Protect this home forever more,
As is above, so is below,
As such the God and Goddess know,
By the power of three times three,
As I will it, so mote it be."
~JVCA Poetry Contest - The Elementals Heat and warmth is what he does
And to light the lonely dark
In every heart he resides
And to comfort even the lark
To cool and calm is what she does
Flowing slowly by
Falling down upon the Earth
Controlled across the nigh
To grow and provide is what she does
Giving nutrients to the plants
What she does is taken from her
Even by the ants
To blow and change is what he does
To give birds their flight
Giving breath to the living things
Even in the night
~ lunaki3 Rune De-code 1st: healerweaver
2nd: Airdweia
3rd: SowiloWitch Fiction Contest Aurellion (It's too long to include - you can view it here.)  Since the last issue, a bunch of stuff has taken place. Just a few are: - a sister guild! ^_^ Check out Avalon today.
- new sub-forum organisation.
- the Lotto being re-vamped: you can now win 20,000!
- some nifty new signature banners, courtesy of Jen. Also – a big happy birthday to Freya (Lady Freyja - September 5th) and Sarah (Viragogirl - September 15th)! From now-onwards, each newsletter will contain a section of the Fool’s Journey. It’s basically an exploration of Tarot. If anything written here you’re unsure of, check out Lex’s Tarot Class in the Academy. ^^; With all his worldly possessions in one small pack, the Fool travels he knows not where. So filled with visions and daydreams is he, that he doesn't see the cliff he is likely to fall over. At his heel, a small dog harries him (or tries to warn him of a possible mis-step). That’s a wrap for this newsletter. If you’ve got any questions, submissions, hints or anything that you’ve got a burning desire to see in the next issue: go ahead and PM me – I do appreciate it! biggrin
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 7:58 pm
-- October 2006Blessed_Scribe
Welcome to another issue of Blessed Be News~!
This issue is a little late, which I’m sorry for. As you all know, things do tend to get really hectic at this time of year and it just got a bit much for our Newsletter team. gonk
To prevent this, we’re offering loads of nifty prizes for all of you starving artists/writers out there for if you were to help out. We want you. We need ideas for up and coming issues - guides, art work (doesn’t have to be Wicca related), advertisements, articles, debates – anything! Just show off your skills – don’t be shy!
If you want to get your voice heard on an issue you’re passionate about, then we want you. If you’re good with telepathy, the spiral of re-birth, runes or anything else of that nature then we want you. For more details, please PM Jen (--aurellion--).
Have you ever had the feeling where you’re certain someone’s looking at you? Then, you turn around – and bam! There they are. What about predicting phone calls, events, or finishing peoples – sentences?
These events are known as Telepathy. Maybe they’re not just co-incidence – after all, what is co-incidence? Is it something like being born on your birthday?
Telepathy has been researched by several men in white coats with beards and long names – or maybe even long coats, white beards and names – and results show that it does indeed exist in this world. For example: in a UK survey, over half of the participants said they’ve had a “telepathy telephone” experience – where they where thinking about a person they knew, only to have them phone at that exact moment. Sure, most of these cases could be just put down to “co-incidence” – but just hang on a cotton picking minute. Over four million testes where conducted to find telepathy, and a very high hit result came out – well over half – and with four million tests, chance just doesn’t have a chance.
But, telepathy isn’t just limited to tests and phone calls. Think of your own personal experiences. One of my most notable is that I saw my mum walk into the office at school, but thought nothing of it as I had a debate coming up. I had to then loose that debate as I kept bursting into tears for no obvious reason. Then, I arrived home and found that mum had indeed died.
Has anything like this happened to you? Come and share your experiences in our Telepathy: Fraud or Fact thread.
In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve got a Guild Survey up and running at the moment. This is all in the name of improvement – we’re not looking to tell you off for not liking our guild. It’s actually quite the opposite – we’ll give you cookies for pointing out to us our faults! Well – not literally of course. I’m sorry guys…
Anyway – it would be most appreciated for you to fill this out. After all, we can’t fix what we don’t know about.
Thanks in advance!
The Survey Please don't be afraid to be brutally honest with your answers. This is to help make our guild a better place for everyone. You won't get in any trouble what so ever (unless it breaks a guild rule) for anything that you should happen to say in this survey. 1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate our guild? (1 = worst, 10 = best)2. Are you happy with our current sub-forums? If not, what would you like to happen?3. Do you ever feel left out of a conversation/ thread?4. What do you think to our contests and services? (Lotto, rune-decode, copy cat, poetry, writing, Dream Catchers, birthdays.)5. Would you be able to help out with the newsletter, or Dream Catchers?6. What's your opinion of our "staff"? (Myself, Jess (JVCA), Maggie (Dark_Angel), Vaughan (The Spam Fairy) and various mules)7. Do you find the "guild guide" helpful? If not, why?8. Be honest here. What's bugging you about the guild?9. Is there any more information/ threads you'd like to see in the Academy or Library? If so, any thoughts on what?10. Are our rules too harsh?11. Anything else?On another note – do you appreciate this newsletter? Would you consider subscribing, and paying a low fee of 15 gold per issue? All proceeds will fund our 10k post celebration, and contests. Did I mention a 10k Post celebration? Yes indeed. When we hit 10,000 posts, we will be giving away over 10k to active members – so get posting! More information will be released closer to the time… Seeing as this is a Guild newsletter, I better include some other information that’s guild related. xp Current Buzz Topics:What’s your element?http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=3267007Come and find out what “element” you are likely to be, or help out others in need.The Guild Bloghttp://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=4439857Let off some steam about your life and get advice and other warm fuzzy stuff from other members.
Birthdays:
A very happy birthday to Vix (Helmorana), Alyssa (~Emo~Ookami~) and snooty_shim!
To get your birthday listed and to recieve prezzies, head along to our birthday thread.
Contests:
Our contests are going strong at the moment, and have recently been updated – so why don’t you come along and check ‘em out? Have some fun, stretch your skills and win money? What’s not to like!
Advertisements:
If you would like to advertise your quest, shop or service in the next issue then please PM Jen. (--aurellion--) We don’t charge! biggrin
Wishlist Quest
Come along and offer some support to Michel. She’ll appreciate it, and so will your karma!
The Jenimator’s Quest
Jen’s embarking on questing for some fuzzy penguin slippers (300k) and will do you some avi art too…
Lex’s Tarot Class
Being under constant construction, this thread is incredibly useful for answering all your niggly questions about Tarot – and Lex is a great teacher as well!
Other:
Please keep in mind that our guild caters to the whole world. To demonstrate our point, here are some photos of what’s going on in the Wheel of the Year for both hemispheres. The difference really is amazing…
Northern Hemisphere
[x] [x] [x]
Southern Hemisphere
[x] [x] [x]
To submit and show off your skills in the next issue, please PM Jen (--aurellion--) with your art.
 Note from the artist: Just a quick five minute doodle in Art Rage. Heh heh, I’ve submitted anonymously but it’s pretty easy to tell by my “voice” whodunnit. Click for larger. [scampers off]  Note from the artist: Free desktop for all! Click for larger. [scampers off yet again]
Seeing as we promised it, we better upkeep it. Here’s the next card in the Fool’s Journey – The Magician. Traveling on his way, the Fool first encounters a Magician. Skillful, self-confident, a powerful magus with the infinite as a halo floating above his head, the Magician mesmerizes the Fool. When asked, the Fool gives over his bundled pack and stick to the Magician. Raising his wand to heaven, pointing his finger to Earth, the Magician calls on all powers; magically, the cloth of the pack unfolds upon the table, revealing its contents. And to the Fool's eyes it is as if the Magician has created the future with a word. There are all the possibilities laid out, all the directions he can take. The cool, airy Sword of intellect and communication, the fiery Wand of spirituality and ambition, the overflowing Chalice of Love and emotions, the solid Pentacle of work, possessions and body. With these tools, the Fool can create anything, make anything of his life. But here's the question, did the Magician create the tools, or were they already in the pack? Only the Magician knows - and on this mystery, our eloquent mage refuses to say a word.
Remember, I'm looking forward to hearing your articles, seeing your art and getting your important feedback. wink
'til next time...
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Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 8:14 pm
-- January '07 
Welcome to our guild's newsletter for January~!
Now, in case you didn't already realise, our guild is having a massive fun-stuffed party. Why? Because we've hit 10,000 posts - and for a guild that's barely a year old that's pretty damn spiffy. biggrin More information on this hip and happening party is included later on in the newsletter, but if you're not fussed about info then here's the link so you can jump straight into it.
Like all our other newsletters, this issue has been created for your benefit. However, this particular specimen of an issue is created by you, for you. Those folks who helped out and had the idea/submission published have been entered into our 5,000 gold raffle, and have been awarded 100 gold and 1 lotto ticket.
For your chance to have those glistening gold pieces, scamper along to our Brain Storming thread and get submitting. Any idea submitted will get you in the 5k raffle - so what do you have to loose? February's issue should be using a few more of the ideas submitted, so that means even more money if your idea gets published. (Ideas that are published in an issue will mean 100 gold and one lotto ticket gets sent to the imagineer.)
What separates Wiccan journals from the average "Dear Diary" or Blog that can be found almost everywhere?
The answer is simple: content.
It doesn't matter if you choose to share your feelings publicly on an open Blog or to privately scribble in a notebook, because Wiccans deal with simultaneous planes existence. Wiccan journals are different from typical journals. There is no "I did blankity-blank today, and I felt blah-de-blah about doing it, etc, etc."
Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with a simple chronicle. But being a Wiccan isn't linear, and neither is Wiccan journaling. The Grimoire, the Mirror Book, and the Book of Shadows all have specific tasks in a Wiccan's life. And so does a journal. But the Wiccan journal is freer flowing. It can encompass some or all of the other three kinds of books, but takes things further. A Wiccan journal chronicles, analyzes, and offers a place for you to write in a stream-of-consciousness style. It is also a place for experimental ideas.
According to Marta Hiatt in her book "Mind Magic", the subconscious mind works in the present. That means that in a magical journal, your affirmations must be written in the present, not future. In your journal you must write toward the life you want to accomplish in the future as if it was the life you live today. With this, you are pulling in positive energy and boosting your magical strength. Not only do you have to put just your dreams, but your feelings and how you want to add or change to the feelings you are feeling. Like if you're stressed with work, write about how you're stressed and what you can do to relieve the stress, again, bringing in that positive energy. Don't forget writing down small notes like moon phases, and make sure that you date everything.
After each year, I take my journals out that I've written in. I have two, one for personal, and one for magical. I compare them. I read them and look them over, seeing if I accomplished any of the dreams I set in or see how my emotions changed throughout the past year. This really helps me see how I've grown as a Wiccan.
So, why not start today? Go and journal.
If you have any questions about this, I'm happy to answer them - just drop me a PM.
~ Fenrir Fenris
Here's what members have concocted this month. Remember, if you want your submissions in the next issue then please PM Jen (Aurellion), be it fiction, a wiccan experience, poetry, art, photography or "other". wink
Each month we need about three pieces - I know it doesn't sound much, but trust me, it is. You've got nothing to lose by submitting, 'onest.
 ~ Fenrir FenrisConfusion
In my mind there is a world of confusion,
Which way is right and which is wrong.
Is this all just a looming illusion?
Why must this frustration go on?
I beg of you, show me the right way,
So that all of my uncertainty flees.
Which yearning should I obey?
Please just hand me the right keys.
In my mind there is no more confusion,
I now see that it was all an illusion.
~ [ Pixilated_Death ] A Wiccan Story of Mine
At the beginning of the month we are never busy at work, so I sat re-reading Scott Cunningham's book on being a solitary witch. Well, there was a new lady at work, my boss, and she is a bible reading freak. (Sorry, but that is the only way to say this, I don't like to put others' religion down, but she is excessive and is always trying to convert people.) She came into my cubicle, just to chat and saw what I was reading.
Well, she just went ballistic. I could not get a word in edgewise. When she finally calmed down, we had a discussion about Wicca. I did not want to convert her of course; I just wanted her to understand me. She just did not get that I had already done it her way (Catholic) and did not find what I needed. After about two hours, she told me that I was going to go to Hell. I told her that if Heaven was filled with people like her who were all so un-accepting, then hell was the place for me, and frankly I would probably not be alone.
I really don't think that there is a hell anyway, and I must be honest, I don't like being anywhere she is anyway. I learnt one thing from her through, she is very unmovable, accepts no change and no one else's opinion. Well. That is her loss.
I still read my Wicca books at work - it makes her crazy, but I can't help it. We do have discussions about the Bible, and she is always amazed how much more I know than she does. It's a shame that she does not understand or try to accept everyone.
~ Healer Wolfstar
If you want your story in the next issue, please PM it to Jen (Aurellion). It'd be greatly appreciated - and it means you get to be famous! xp The story can be based around anything, as long as it's Wicca related. For example, it could be a really cool circle, a "co-incidence", discovering spirits/guardians/angels, etc - but not how you and your best mate bought the same pair of totally hot pink shoes one weekend. wink 
If you have been observant, you will have noticed a 10,000 Post Party occurring in the guild. smile
If you haven’t been however, don’t worry! All shall be revealed…
Basically, we want to celebrate the fact that at long, long last, we've hit 10,000 posts! Congratulations, everyone!
The party is runs from the 1st to the 8th. It’ll be held in our Main Hall, where contests will be run, spot prizes will be given, sillyness will flourish, and a massive 10,000 will be given to one lucky member! Oh boy! xd
The current events happening there are:- Copy Cat
- Caption Contest
- Mystery Pic
- Whack a Keyboard
- Word Disconnecting
- Dice
- What Would You Do If...?
- A Chat Room Once the event has finished, a “photo” will be set up of all those who participated to go into a special Party Scrapbook. To make sure you’re included in this photo, please sign the parties Guestbook.
If you want to spread the word, you can put this image in your signature:
[url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/index.php?gmode=index&guild_id=12574]
[img]http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2453/wiccablessedbeparty2ce1.jpg[/img][/url]
This is, after all, a guild news letter so I am obliged to include some info about what’s been happening over there. xp Current Buzz Topics:Guardianshttp://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=3795107Find out about your Guardians.Japanese Lessonshttp://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=6900213This handy class will – yep, you got it – teach you Japanese. Certainly goes to show that we’re a lot more than just a Wiccan guild, eh?Whack your Keyboard!http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=7246753This game is part of our 10,000 posts celebration, and is incredibly amusing. Basically, you hit your keyboard and make an acronym out of the letters that come up. Worth a shot, right?
Birthdays
A very happy birthday to the following members!- Michel (January 13th)
- fallen_angel_216 (January 16th)
- Fenrir Fenris (January 25th)
- Healer Wolfstar (January 26th)
- princess_neko123 (January 27th)
- agentofdemise (January 31st) To get your birthday listed and to receive prezzies, head along to our birthday thread.
Contest Winners
(Contest Winners for the 10,000 post celebration will be included next month)Fiction ContestSowiloWitch (It's too long to include - you can view it here.) Poetry Contest
- Patato Chip Man Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Why do you make them so crunchy
They hurt my teeth and make look like a sissy
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Why do they taste so good?
They are amazing, so salting good
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
why did the bag go empty?
They just went poof like it was magic or something
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
why is my tummy getting bigger and bigger?
I haven't eaten anything other than chips
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
Mr p.a.t.a.t.o chip man
-insert explosion sound-
~ Lex 
The next card in the Fool's Journey is below, seeing as we promised it. smile 
Continuing his journey, the Fool comes upon a beautiful and mysterious veiled lady enthroned between two pillars and illuminated by the moon. She is the opposite of the Magician, quiet where he was loquacious, still where he was in motion, sitting while he stood, shrouded in the night where he was out in the bright of day. She is the High Priestess and she astonishes the Fool by knowing everything about him. "Since you know me so well, perhaps you can help me," says the Fool, laying out his sword, chalice, staff and pentacle. "The Magician showed me these tools, but now I'm in a quandry. There's so many things I could do with them. I can't decide." In answer, the High Priestess hands over to him a pair of ancient scrolls. "These will teach you how to decide." Seating himself at her feet, the Fool reads by the light of her crescent moon. Finally, the Fool knows enough that he can now decide what he wants, where he will go, and what he will do. Though he suspects that the High Priestess has even more secrets she could teach him--like what lies behind the pomegranate curtain--he is focused and ready to be on his way. Thanking the High Priestess, he heads off. But as he leaves he hears her whisper, quiet as the waters which bubble up from beneath her throne, "We'll meet again...when you're ready to travel the most secret path of all."
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Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:35 am
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. 
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  ~ 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 
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.
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