Sunday, April 19, 2009

April 2009

April 2009 Edition

THE GREENWOOD TREE MONTHLY

A PANTHEIST PUBLICATION PUBLISHED BY ROBINS HOOD COMMUNITY CENTER

Publisher: Lone Wolf Editors: Brenda Sumner-Raven Silverwing
Contributing Writers: Barbara Dreamkeeper, Odessa, Cyrena, Rev. Bonnie, Cindi/Epona’bri and Raven Silverwing

Interview with Master Musician
Patrick McMahon


1. GWTM What inspired you to become Pagan?

1. Patrick You know, with all due respect, right now I don't care for labels of any sort. I think of myself as a very universal soul, transcendent of any particular identity, which has been blessed the gift of being an intuitive musician, able to channel the Spirit at will. With 6 planets in Aquarius in my horoscope, I suppose I am the poster boy for the Aquarian Age. My journey in life has taken me down many paths and given me initiations into various spiritual systems and mystical ways. With labeling and pigeonholing comes a certain "us/them" mentality that I feel is spiritually unhealthy. I prefer to come from a place of Unity consciousness (the sphere of Kether on the Tree of Life). I acknowledge all human beings as my brothers and sisters and have a sense of kinship with all life.

To answer your question about inspiration, I can tell you this. I was raised by atheist parents who taught me that all religion was delusion. A turning point for me occurred at the age of 17, when I had a divine awakening at Venice Beach, CA. Immediately following my experience of cosmic consciousness, I found myself at Swami Yogananda's Self-Realization Fellowship. Hindu yoga became my first spiritual path. I have worked as a teacher, healer, minister and counselor in various religious, mystical and metaphysical contexts over the years. I have come to understand that Spirit is One. I believe in the power of Love.

2. GWTM How long have you played in a band with a Pagan theme?

2. Patrick I played in my first Pagan band in 1969, the legendary Bitter Blood Street Theatre. This shock rock, theatrical rock group helped pioneer the concept of offering a spontaneous, interactive audience experience, hence the use of the word "street" in our name. During that era I started Dawn of Light Occult Center in Mt. Adams. Later, I moved downtown, and changed the name to Aquarius Bookshop. I was fortunate enough to work with fine musicians who were exceedingly creative in many endeavors. One of our drummers is known today in literary circles as Louis Martinie, author of the "New Orleans Voodoo Tarot." Notable also from this band is our beloved Thomas H. Owen Knight, whom I consider to be the godfather of American Pagan Rock. I enjoyed reading your recent interview with him. After Bitter Blood disbanded, I was blessed to work with Owen in Blacklight Braille for the next 20 years.

In the new millennium, I have worked with Snakes Rising, Totems, and my current duo, Tree of Life.

3. GWTM How many instruments do you play?

3. Patrick I have been recorded on 70 instruments on over 60 albums.


4. GWTM With your Pagan music background do you ever see a Pagan radio
station in the future?

4. Patrick I think of music as universal and transcendent of any limitation. Since I don't like to categorize my music, I don't often think in terms of specific genres. But let me say that I am quite pleased with the exposure and recognition that many fine Pagan recording artists have received in the last couple of decades. I'm thinking in particular of artists like Loreena McKinnett, whose musical influence on the world has now been quite extensive.

5. GWTM I know that you have helped Robin’s Hood Community Center, Where do you stand when the homeless are in a discussion?

5. Patrick I applaud the efforts of Robin's Hood Community Center, which has provided urgent help to so many who would have otherwise completely fallen through the cracks of the system. We need an RHCC in every community throughout the nation.

6. GWTM Do you think that the homeless situation in the U.S. is the
fault of the Government?

6. Patrick Instead of seeking to blame or find fault, I'd like to see people simply lend a helping hand to those in need. It's a humanitarian issue that goes beyond the limitations of politics. Again, RHCC is a wonderful model for the rest of the nation to follow.

7. GWTM Are we as Pagans in a better position today than 20 years ago?

7. Patrick Gee, that's a broad question that can be looked at in many ways. If we want to improve our individual lives, we need to let go of the limited thinking that restricts us. We need to access our personal power and express our divine essence. From a collective standpoint, I have seen sweeping social change in America over the last 20 years. There have been shifts in consciousness on many levels in our American society. For the individual, I believe that the spiritual journey involves self-inquiry. It is important to know who we are as unique individuals, and to be true to ourselves. When we turn to the Source, and find God/Goddess within, we can make the divine connection that will ultimately lead to liberation.

Blessed Be!



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A Dragon Rises
Author: Michael Calabrese
Publisher: Author House

Seventh Street Gifts
114 East Seventh Street
Newport Kentucky 41071
859-655-9444

On May 10th 12p.m Till 5 p.m The Seventh Street Gifts Mother’s Day Faerie Festival
Local Artists, Good music, Good People, and a children’s costume parade!
SPONSORS
Senior Services of Northern Ky .has services for the elderly in top 8 counties...Meals on Wheels for those just out of hospital, Food Pantry for people with lack of food (non perishable items, such as canned goods), help finding senior housing, etc. 491-0522, all services are free
http://www.seniorservicesnky.org/Giving2.htm

Welcome House of Northern Kentucky
Welcome House, 205 West Pike St. Covington, KY 41011 | PH: 859-431-8717 FX: 859-431-6297 TTY: 866-648-6056
http://www.welcomehouseky.org/information.shtml

Chakras –
http://www.myspace.com/chakrassounds

Dante's Gypsy Circus
http://www.dantesgypsycircus.com

Dragon Bob
Puppeteer Extraordinaire and Musician

Capt. Jack Sparrow (aka Larry Combs)
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=3039297

Gaia Works
http://www.gaiaworksinc.com/

Midnight Muse
http://www.midnight-muse.com/

Our Haven
http://www.ourhaven.info/

The Soul Stealers - Shawn & Chuck

Barbara & Ann, who came from Oklahoma

Lori Simon

Mickey

Rev Korinne

David Davis

The Staff at The Southgate House
http://www.southgatehouse.com

DJ Roundboy!
http://www.myspace.com/djroundboy

Jesikah Saetara
http://www.jesikahsaetara.com/links.html


Robins Hood Event Schedule
Pagan Pride Day Covington August 29th 2009
Back to school drive: Starts in July - until school starts
The Witches Ball Saturday, October 16th, 2009

Magic Mini Mall to be announced!

OPINION
By Lone Wolf


Representing each other

I have found that what we do as Pagans is representative of Pagans as a whole.
When I see any Pagan that is either in or out of the closet doing wrong to others, I think to myself, is it no wonder that people in the general public dislike, fear, and would do anything to us as a Religion or as an alternative-thinking people?
I am always reminded of what my parents told me. (What you do, say, act or treat others) is reflected upon us as parents.
So think before you act.

Patti's Paganism / Wicca Blog
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide to Paganism / Wicca
March 28: Death of Scott Cunningham
Friday March 27, 2009
It's been several years since the death of Wiccan author Scott Cunningham in 1993, and it never fails to amaze me how much of an impact his books have had on modern Pagans and followers of magical paths. For me personally, I think the one that affected me the most in my studies was The Magical Household. It was a book that reminded me that while it's one thing to hold rituals and memorize correspondences, it's another thing entirely to live a magical life on a daily basis.

One book I always recommend for new folks is Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, because despite its shortcomings, a reader who has no inkling of what Wicca is can still understand the concept of becoming one with the Divine. I've also come to use his Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews frequently as a reference, simply because I like the way he breaks down the ingredients into the why, as opposed to just presenting a list of stuff with no explanations.

Scott Cunningham's books remain some of the most often used titles even today, sixteen years after his death. What other authors have you been influenced by in your magical practice and spiritual path?

If you have an opinion that you would like to voice Please, e-mail us at greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

SPELL OF THE MONTH
From http://www.psychicguild.com/rituals/money.htm

Spell to attract money
Do you have a set of tarot cards? On a new moon in Taurus, sit at your altar with your cards.
Light some frankincense incense and a green candle. From your tarot deck, find the
• Ace of pentacles
• Six of pentacles
• Nine of pentacles
• Emperor (for men)
• Empress (for women)
Place the Emperor/Empress on your altar, with the other three cards in a row underneath in the order written above. Say;
"I create material wealth for myself'
I receive material abundance from the universe
I enjoy an abundant and comfortable life."
Now visualize where you would like your money to be coming from (remember your ethics here!), and visualize this source of wealth flowing freely and abundantly, money is really just energy, imagine that this energy flows freely in and out of your life.
Leave the cards as they are until the moon becomes full. At the full moon, light another green candle on which you have inscribed the word "Wealth" with a knife. On a green piece if paper, write down in detail what you financial intent is;
ie, "A new teaching job, $700.00 a week."
Or "$3000.00 for a new car."
Or "Selling my artwork in a gallery within a month."
Sitting at your altar, Light the candle and, using the flame, burn your piece of green paper. As the paper burns (Be careful, have a fireproof dish to drop it into as it burns.), visualize your spell going out into the universe, and returning to you in manifest form (ie cash).
Thank the universe for its' abundance, place your cards back in the deck, and let the candle finish burning. You may discard the ashes from the paper however you like.
IF YOU HAVE A SPELL YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
Part 3
Is Lucifer Jesus
Discussion on line.
Jeff -

Hang on to your faith. That is truth.

Some Christians need the Bible to be a factual history in every
aspect. It isn't. It has been edited, revised, politicized, cleansed
and manipulated a hundred times by Christians and the Jews before
them.

If the Bible is a "history," then it is a history of the faith and
politics of the men who wrote it. Take its wisdom and beauty to
heart and leave the rest.

-MC
I agree, that is why I have trouble with some of the things in it I guess. too many people has been involved in the writings an rewritings of it, and lessened its meaning to some extent.... thank you very much for your kind words an understanding. .
If I am not mistaken the book of Enoch was 1 omitted from the New Testament, I don’t remember reading it. But it is in the Gideon bible and the bibles in third world country's...
The Book of Enoch is a Hebrew apocryphal book, that used to be the
last book of the Old Testament. While it got edited out, it was still
in at the time when the Dead Sea Scrolls were written and there are
all sorts of references to Enoch himself in Revalations and other NT
Books. How's that for adding confusion? To top it all off, since
Enoch got relegated to the Apocrypha, several of his prophesies were
attributed to other books (like Daniel) in later versions.

You'll also find Enoch references in the Talmud (Jewish religious
law) and Kabbalah, and there is an Ethiopian/Jewish text, which is
closely tied to the text in the Scrolls - but has no translation in
Latin or Greek.

Hours of amusement...

-MC
Interesting. . It gives on much to think about, I see you are well versed in this matter. And in the future I may ask you a few question that I may come across (if you don’t mind) I found that most Christian preachers don’t wish to talk on these topics. But one needs to know these things about his faith if 1 chooses to follow it...Thank you...you have given me much to reflect on....
A lot of Christian preachers don't wish to talk about this stuff
because they are selling the old line of: "This is the WORD OF GOD,"
Period! Thou shalt not question (because then we might not be in
charge anymore...). It's one of the reasons why "fundamentalism, "
sews the seeds of its own destruction. It depends on a view of the
world that is built upon absolutes. The first thing anyone with a
brain and a soul at the same time sees - it a "God" that made a world
without absolutes.

That is not Christianity. It's not faith. It is religion, and there
is a world of difference between the two.

I'm not a Biblical scholar. I've got a good background in history and
archaeology and had to read the Bible cover to cover in college. I
also figure that being Pagan means that I have to actually know why I
am no longer a Jew and never became a Christian. It's a matter
responsibility to myself.

You should probably get a hold of some good books like John
Romer's "Testament." It is an archaeological history of the Bible and
was a top rate TV series as well. Lots of excellent information there.
Having gone to Catholic grad school, high school and college, religion
was part of my education. Protestants seem to think that they have
the inside dope on the Bible, but the Catholic Church put the dad-
blamed thing together...by council. Of course, the Massoretes took
the first important steps in that regard. Then the early Church
councils (one being led by the recently converted Roman Emperor
Constantine, who, in cowardly but under reported fashion opposed the
Praetorian Guard who backed his rival) decided which books to put in
and which to leave out. The measuring stick was a reed common to the
area called konei that was later altered to canon. Hence the measure
of whether a book was considered sufficiently inspired (read:
convenient to a particular group's interpretation of scripture) was
called canon. Canon Law refers to the study of all sacred scripture
and sacred tradition (church teachings and related decisions over the
course of fifteen hundred years or so) that is then codified into a
nifty little book of several hundred pages that few Catholics much
less non-Catholic Christians ever see BUT if you're interested in
priesthood (as yours truly) and you're a history and religion wonk
(again like yours truly) you not only read the thing (it's a real
page turner as you might imagine), you also own a copy (which I
do...mine being about seven feet behind this work station).

The history of the bible is a history of bringing together resources
and tossing several out at various period according to what fits with
your views. It was not without reason that Martin Luther left out a
few texts that didn't quite jive with his position. He called them
Apocryphal and most Protestant bibles, including the KJV leave them
out. The Catholic bibles retain them but refer to them by the quaint
term, deuterocanonical, which means "inspired but a little less
inspired than other texts."

Mike
I agree, and have thought this for some time about them losing powers Absolutes. But by them acting that way only gave me more doubt about them. They were basing their belief on what someone else says it should be, without even question Why. I know that the belief is based on a vague gathering of facts. But if one don’t question why some rule came to pass, how can he truly understand. I guess this is where the term blind faith came to pass. I also know times change as do people and their ways, and some adjustments may need to be made. But how far do you go before the whole meaning has changed, possibly not for the better.

HERBS TO LIVE BY
By Barbara Dreamkeeper
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEB SITE IS NOT INTENDED TO PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE IN ANY WAY, AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP. PLEASE READ THE PRODUCT WARNINGS CAREFULLY BEFORE ORDERING! SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING A DIET OR USING ANY MEDICINAL HERBAL PRODUCTS

NETTLE

Urtica dioica (Urticaceae)

HISTORY AND USES

Nettle occurs in Eurasia and is naturalized elsewhere,
including America and is one of the most applicable
plants found. Nettles have supplied fibers for cloth
and paper since the Bronze Age into the 20th century.
Throughout Europe, it has been used as a spring tonic
and general detoxifying remedy. Nettle leaves contain
iron and vitamin C, being used for treating anemia and
poor circulation. Tea and poultice made from nettle
leaves are used to treat eczema and skin conditions.
Its astringent properties are used to stop bleeding.
Today, nettle is used for hay fever, arthritis,
anemia, and, surprisingly, even for nettle rash.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Diuretic, tonic, astringent, prevents
hemorrhaging, anti-allergenic, reduces prostate
enlargement (root).

© Disclaimer:
Material appearing here is distributed without profit
or monetary gain to those who have expressed an
interest in viewing the material for research and
educational purposes.This is in accordance with Title
17 U. S. C. section 107.Reprinted under the Fair Use
doctrine of international copyright
law.http://www4. law.cornell. edu/uscode/ 17/107.html
Non-profit/Teaching /Educational.
Lemon Grass

Cymbopogon ciatrus
syn Andropogon schoenanthus
Fam Gramineae

Lemon Grass is a tall tropical grass. The fresh stalks
and leaves have a clean lemon like odor because they
contain an essential oil, which is also present in
lemon peel.

Description
Lemon grass is a long thick grass with leaves at the
top and a solid portion several inches long at the
root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded and
used in cooking. As an herb, fresh lemon grass is
preferred for its vibrant flavor, but is also sold in
dried form. The dried herb is available in several
forms: chopped in slices, cut and sifted, powdered, or
as an oil can be extracted from the plant.
Bouquet: lemony
Flavor: lemony with hints of ginger
Hotness Scale: 1

Preparation and Storage
If using fresh lemon grass, use only the lower bulbous
portion of the stem. It can be pounded and used whole
or cut in slices. When using the ground powder (sereh)
use one teaspoon as an equal to one stalk of fresh. It
is advisable to soak dried sliced lemon grass for two
hours before using.
When wrapped in a paper bag, lemon grass stems can
last 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. The stems can
also be frozen for several months. Always wrap and
store separately, as lemon grass will impart its
flavor to other foods.

Culinary Uses
Lemon grass features in Indonesian, Malaysian, Sri
Lankan and Indian cooking and is widely used in savory
dishes and meat, poultry, seafood and vegetable
curries. It harmonizes well with coconut milk,
especially with chicken or seafood, and there are
countless Thai and Sri Lankan recipes exploiting this
combination. The stems are also used in teas or used
in pickles and in flavoring marinades.

Medicinal Properties
the grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and
stimulant. It promotes good digestion, and a
preparation of lemon grass with pepper has been used
for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea. It
induces perspiration, to cool the body and reduce a
fever. It is well known a mild insect repellent
(citronella) and the essential oil is used in
perfumery.

Plant Description and Cultivation
Lemon grass is a perennial tufted grass with long,
sharp-edged blades. It grows in dense clumps in
tropical or subtropical climates. Propagation is by
dividing the root clump. The plants last three to four
years and are harvested every three to five months. It
is grown throughout Southeast Asia, Southern India,
Sri Lanka, Central Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, the US
and the West Indies.

Other Names
Camel's Hay, Citronella, Geranium Grass, Cochin Grass,
Sereh (powder)
French: herbe de citron
German: Zitronengras
Italian: erba di limone
Spanish: hierba de limon
Indian: bhustrina, sera
Indonesian: sere, sereh
Lao: bai mak nao
Malay: serai
Sinhalese: sera
Thai: takrai

© Disclaimer:
Material appearing here is distributed without profit
or monetary gain to those who have expressed an
interest in viewing the material for research and
educational purposes. This is in accordance with Title
17 U. S. C. section 107.Reprinted under the Fair Use
doctrine of international copyright
law.http://www4. law.cornell. edu/uscode/ 17/107.html
Non-profit/Teaching /Educational.
IF YOU HAVE AN HERB YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

DIVINATION CORNER
From:
"Cindi/Epona'Bri"


Spell for Prophetic Dreams

Poppy is used to induce trances or sleep and to reveal information while
in a dream state. Bagels with their round shape and hole in the center
symbolize the moon or feminine intuition.

Place a poppy seed bagel under your pillow at night. Take a bite first
thing in the morning to remember your dream.

author unknown

Intuition Made Visible
Pendulum Motion
Using a pendulum is a simple way to clarify messages from intuition or inspiration. With its minimal construction of a weight, or bob, allowed to swing freely from a piece of cord or chain, it gives us a visual understanding of the subtle energies that influence us. When we ask a question using the pendulum, we may receive answers from our own intuition or from our spirit guides or angels. The process, known as "dowsing" or "divining," is also useful to check our energy centers or even to find lost articles. Whether it is our energy or the whispers of our guides creating the motion, the pendulum helps us better understand the secret language of spirit.

Your pendulum can be anything that feels right to you: a crystal pendant, wood or metal ornaments, a seashell, an item with sentimental value, or even an acorn on a string. The key is that it must be balanced so it can swing freely. Before and after each session, you may want to purify your pendulum, perhaps by using salt water or burning sage or incense. Focus on becoming still and choose who you would like to answer your questions, your higher self or your spirit guides or guardian angels. By asking questions whose answers you already know and watching the corresponding movements, you can learn what "yes" and "no" look like. Your pendulum may move forward and back for "yes" and side-to-side for "no," or perhaps a variety of circular motions will be your indicators. For some people, movement comes easily as they are more in tune with working with energy, but do not give up if you do not get movement right away. Determining a neutral state, which may be stillness or another! Distinct motion can help avoid confusion as well. Once you are familiar with your pendulum, you can use it to check the energy of a room, or use a pendulum over your Chakras to see if they are blocked or open.

When we make a practice of listening to our spiritual guidance, we find it more accessible to us in general. The use of a tool like the pendulum can only help us gain mastery in this understanding, allowing us to transform our lives into playgrounds for manifesting our gifts and dreams.
IF YOU HAVE A DIVINATION TECHNIQUE YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

The Appreciation Section
For those we need to say Thanks
If you want to make an appreciation made to the public to anyone e-mail us at
greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com


Classifieds
Tree of life schedule

2009 CELTIC RENAISSANCE SHOW
Tree of Life, Cincinnati’s premier world music duo, is unveiling a new “Celtic Renaissance” show this year. Instrumental music is played on Irish whistle, recorder and flute, with hand-drum accompaniment. The repertoire includes traditional Irish tunes and original compositions done with a Renaissance fair flavor. These CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Award)-nominated musicians have been performing together in Cincinnati since 2004. They have produced 4 albums and a belly dance DVD. To book this versatile act, call Richard Cisneros at 513.410.7838 or email Patrick McMahon at patricle_93@insightbb.com. Check them out at: www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic
******************************************************
MUSIC AND WELLNESS
The therapeutic value of music has long been recognized throughout various cultures of the world. Tree of Life, a local instrumental duo, has partnered with wellness professionals in a variety of settings, providing musical support for shamanic journeying, meditation, yoga and health exercise programs. This year the band will work with personal trainer Charney (513.608.2399) at The Edge Studio in Loveland, and spinning instructor Chris Lonsberry (513.289.4294) at Queen City Racquet Club. Charity work will include "Spin for the Cure" (for breast cancer) and "Spin for Juvenile Diabetes." To learn more, call Richard Cisneros (513.410.7838). www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic
*******************************************************
WELLNESS & TREE OF LIFE
The therapeutic value of music has long been recognized throughout the world. Tree of Life enjoys partnering with wellness specialists, and is available to provide custom music support for various wellness activities, including:

* Spinning Classes
* Fitness Classes with Personal Trainers
* Yoga Classes
* Meditation Classes
* Shamanic Healing Sessions
* Musical Meditations for Expectant Mothers and their Unborn Children

From the soothing ambient sounds of wind chimes, bells and flutes, to hard-driving double-drumming percussion, this instrumental duo can provide just what is needed to inspire and uplift students and participants in these health-related activities. To learn more, call Richard Cisneros (513.410.7838) or email Patrick McMahon (patricle_93@insightbb.com). www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic

Have you heard the news? Finally there's a fresh sound on the local jazz scene in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. A cultural anthropologist and a graphic artist have combined their musical talents to create a different sort of listening experience. In so doing, they prove the adage "everything old is new again." This duo, called "Tree of Life" brings jazz full circle. Patrick McMahon, ethnologist and flute player for the group explains:

" How would I describe our sound? It's tribal, man. I think we've created a tribal fusion sound that returns jazz to its roots of African percussion. Richard Cisneros and I are both drummers who love African syncopation. As Richard says, our music is percussion-driven. The unique hand drum set that he has assembled amazes me. It's like a forest of percussion. And the pioneering and inventive thing Richard does with it reminds me of Max Roach. I think of them both as being very polyphonic drummers. Richard and I are intuitive musicians, and everything we do is improvised. When we work with dancers that brings another level of synergy and fuels our spontaneity. I'd also describe our sound as "primal." The creative project that drew us together musically involved creating rhythms and wind sounds that would emulate animals in the wild. Our song "Congo," from our self-titled CD, is the culmination of that concept. Jamming with Richard's intense rhythms, I take the listener into the bush. I use tenor sax and bass clarinet to create a dialog of wild jungle beasts doing' their primal thing. It's like an adventure, man. A journey into the unknown. Maybe it's a little scary, but it's also exhilarating and invigorating."

"I grew up listening to the jazz greats of the bebop era. Today I get a kick out of taking that same spirit of creativity and expressing myself on bamboo flutes, recorders, even Irish whistle. In "Tree of Life," we have cross-pollinated all sorts of musical influences. We utilize Native American and Middle Eastern rhythms in addition to our African syncopation to create what I think is a unique "tribal world fusion" blend. We're outside the box, doing something different. We've played all sorts of gigs, man. But I love it when there are jazz enthusiasts in the audience. From their comments afterwards, I can tell that they "get it." They can sense our musical influences, steeped in jazz, and they can appreciate our improvisational approach. Sometimes folks in the audience will be inspired to draw or even write poetry as they listen to us. And often folks are moved to dance spontaneously. Some have even told me that the experience was healing for them. Now that's what I'm talking' 'bout! When we get such feedback, Richard and I know that we are doing our thing as ministers of music. It's all about the Spirit, brother!"

To learn more about "Tree of Life," visit this website: www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic. To book the band, call Richard at 513.410.7838 or email Patrick: patricle_93@insightbb.com..
*************************************************************************
HOLIDAYS with TREE OF LIFE
Tree of Life, Cincinnati's premier world music duo, provides the fun factor for any seasonal holiday occasion. The band's dynamic improvisational drumming brings a tribal feel to any celebration and is ideally suited to Solstice and Equinox celebrations, Earth Day, Beltane and other holy days in the ancient Celtic calendar, Mardi Gras and a variety of outdoor events. Bamboo flutes and whistles add an African, Bedouin, Moroccan and Native American flavor to Tree of Life's percussion-driven earthy sound.
The duo's "Celtic Renaissance" show, which is perfect for St. Patrick's Day, offers an eclectic blend of musical selections that is enjoyable at any time of the year. Traditional Irish tunes and original instrumentals are played on Irish whistle, recorders, flutes and percussion. The same instrumentation is used in a lively and fun-filled "Christmas Renaissance" show.
CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Award)-nominated performers Richard Cisneros (drums) and Patrick McMahon (wind instruments) are versatile, intuitive musicians who will tailor a custom show for any party, gathering or special function. The band is available with or without belly dancers and fire dancers for anything from luau and pool parties to gypsy-themed costume parties, Halloween balls, art shows, grand openings and corporate events. To book this lively and festive act, call Richard (513.410.7838) or email Patrick (patricle_93@insightbb.com). www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic
****************************************************************************
MUSIC PRODUCTS from TREE OF LIFE
The acoustic instrumental duo of Richard Cisneros (drums) and Patrick McMahon (wind instruments), known as "Tree of Life," has been entertaining patrons of coffee houses and restaurants in the Tri-State area since 2005. Their sound is quite unique, offering a fascinating blend of ethnic musical influences that is most intriguing. A typical set takes the listener on a musical journey around the world. Songs like "Rama," and "Golden Temple," played on bamboo flutes, draw upon the rich melodic heritage of the Indian Continent. Irish whistle, recorders and soprano flute are heard on Celtic and Renaissance flavored numbers. Many tunes employ Middle Eastern dance rhythms from Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and various Mediterranean countries played on an amazing variety of drums and percussion instruments. In fact, Tree of Life often performs with belly dancers. From soothing trance music with a Native American flavor to hard-driving African percussion, punctuated with the animal-like sounds of the bass clarinet, these CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Award) - nominated musicians deliver a musically cinematic show that is quite memorable.

The band has several products available for sale at shows. The self-titled "Tree of Life" CD, a world music sampler, is a fine souvenir of a typical performance and is representative of the duo's musical cross-pollination. For those who particularly enjoy the relaxing sounds of soprano and bass flute, the "Cleopatra" CD is sure to please. The trance journey album "Anvil of the Gods," follows the adventures of a young man on a quest, and honors the hero in us all. The happy, upbeat music on the "Elohim" CD has an amazing variety of cultural influences and features motifs drawn from African, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean, Chaldean and Jewish sources. Tree of Life's first CD of 2009, "Faire Fortune," has a definite Celtic Renaissance flavor. It features tunes from the Emerald Isle and other cultures played on Irish whistle and percussion. Their latest CD, "Surya," is named after the Hindu god of the Sun. The album is designed for used by yoga teachers and wellness practitioners. In addition to the title cut, tracks include "Vayu (Wind)," "Gaia (Earth)," and "Chandra (Moon)." The music is mystical, evocative and transcedelic. Born in the studio on Valentine's Day 2009, "Surya" is a musical project that celebrates Divine Love and is intended to enhance the listener's personal connection to Spirit. The CDs range in price from $10-15. The band also has a belly dance DVD which features the wonderful improvisational temple dancer Kristi Renee, currently residing in Asheville, NC. The DVD sells for $20.
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CALENDAR
* Fri April 17th
Starbucks Eastgate (866 Eastgate North Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245) Live music with Tree of Life (8-10 pm). All ages. Free admission.

* Fri April 24th
Art Show: Bromwell Gallery (117 W. 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202) Live music with Tree of Life (7-9 pm). All ages. Free admission.

Barbara Dreamkeeper's beadworks are all one of a kind. I don’t repeat patterns.
Most work is Custom so I will take orders. Ask for more pic's contact Dreamkeeper57@yahoo.com or phone 918-504-8057
$125.00 Dollars for mirror pouch with the mirror bead patterns vary
$35.00 Dollars for beaded key chains each pattern is different
$200.00 Dollars for beaded Awl Cases each one is a one of a kind.
$30.00 Dollars for totem/Rune pouch
$39.00 Dollars for Lakota Style wedding earrings
$500.00 Dollars for Fringed Pipe and Tobacco bags pipe bag
is beaded on both sides each pipe bag is one of a kind.
I do custom orders
$100.00 Dollars for the peyote stitch necklace this one is sold but all beaded necklace are different.
=========================================================================
Due to the success of the Magic Mini Mall this past Christmas there is a need for specific items, which are in dire need for the Mini Mall

Winter Coats, Battery operated watches (cheap), Broken Jewelry or necklaces,
The list will grow as the year goes on. Each month the list will be added to.
If you have these items PLEASE e-mail info to the following audrey_b_45205@yahoo.com
=========================================================================
Our Haven has nothing scheduled until Beltain http://www.ourhaven.info

CD’s for sale from our sponsors
Jesikah Saetara
http://www.jesikahsaetara.com/music.html

Tree of Life
http://www.tribe.net/template/pub,oc,Detail.vm?plugin=bio&inst=12838060

David Wood
http://www.davidwoodmusic.com/

Chakras
http://www.myspace.com/chakrassounds

Owen Knight and Blacklight Braille
http://w3.iac.net/~moonweb/Artists/BLB/BLBArticle.html

If you have anything to Sell, Give away, Barter, Trade, or if you want an item E-mail us at greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com


THE ORACLE

If the GreenHouse effect is accelerating? Will we see destruction in our life time?

You work your tools or Psychic ability, and e-mail your answer to us at GreenWoodTreeMonthly@yahoo.com

MOON PHASES
Site Location: http://www.stardate.org/nightsky/moon/



a>

Full Moon Names
From the web site
http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/moonnames.htm

Colonial American
April May Planters Moon Milk Moon

Chinese

Peony Moon Dragon Moon

American Indian (Cherokee)
Flower Moon Planting Moon

American Indian (Choctaw)

Wild Cat Moon Panther Moon


American Indian (Dakotah Sioux)


Moon when geese return in scattered formation Moon when leaves are green, moon to plant

Celtic

Growing Moon Bright Moon


English Medieval
Seed Moon Hare Moon

Neo Pagan

Awakening Moon Grass Moon


Herbs Associated with the Gods
Found by Cyrena

Sacred Herbs of the Gods & Goddesses
Posted by: "Sierra Sky" tdakota1962@yahoo.com tdakota1962
Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:19 pm (PDT)
The Sacred Herbs of the Gods

Adonis: myrrh, corn, rose, fennel, and lettus, white heather

Aescalapius: bay, mustard

Ajax: delphinium

Anu: tamarisk

Apollo: leek, hyacinth, heliotrope, corneal, bay, frankincense, date palm, cypress

Attis: pine, almond

Ares: buttercup

Bacchus: grape, ivy, fig, beech, and tamarisk

Baldur: St. John's wort, daisy

Bran: alder, all grains

Cupid: cypress, sugar, and white violet, red rose

Dagda: oak

Dianus: fig

Dionysus: figs, apple, ivy, grape, pine, corn, pomegranate, toadstools, mushrooms, fennel, all wild and cultivated trees

Dis: cypress

Ea: cedar

Eros: red rose

Gwydion: ash

Helios: oak

Horus: horehound, lotus, and persea

Hypnos: poppy

Jove: pine, cassia, houseleek, carnation, cypress

Jupiter: aloe, agronomy, sage, oak, mullein, acorn, beech, cypress, houseleek, date palm, violet, gorse, ox-eye daisy, vervain

Kernunnos: heliotrope, bay, sunflower, and oak, orange

Kanaloa: banana

Mars: ash, aloe, dogwood, buttercup, witch grass, and vervain

Mercury: cinnamon, mulberry, and hazel, willow

Mithras: cypress, violet

Neptune: ash, bladderwack, and all seaweed's

Odin: mistletoe, elm, yew, and oak

Osiris: acacia, grape, ivy, tamarisk, cedar, and clover, date palm, all grains

Pan: fig, pine, reed, oak, fern, and all meadow flowers

Pluto: cypress, mint, and pomegranate

Poseidon: pine, ash, fig, bladderwack, and all seaweed's

Prometheus: fennel

Ra: acacia, frankincense, and myrrh, olive

Saturn: fig, blackberry

Sylvanus: pine

Tammuz: wheat, pomegranate, and all grains

Thoth: almond

Thor: thistle, houseleek, vervain, hazel, ash, birch, rowen, oak, pomegranate, burdock, beech

Uranus: ash

Woden: ash

Zeus: oak, olive, pine, aloe, parsley, sage, wheat, fig
APHRODITE: olive, cinnamon, daisy, cypress, quince, orris (iris), apple, myrtle

ARADIA: rue, vervain

ARTEMIS: silver fir, amaranth, cypress, cedar, hazel, myrtle, willow, daisy, mugwort, date palm.

ASTARTE: alder, pine, cypress, myrtle, juniper

ATHENA: olive, apple

BAST: catnip, vervain

BELLONA: belladonna

BRIGIT: blackberry

CAILLEACH: wheat

CARDEA: hawthorn, bean, arbutus

CERES: willow, wheat, bay, pomegranate, poppy, leek, narcissus

CYBELE: oak, myrrh, pine

DEMETER: wheat, barley, pennyroyal, myrrh, rose, pomegranate, bean, poppy, all cultivated crops.

DIANA: birch, willow, acacia, wormwood, dittany, hazel, beech, fir, apple, mugwort, plane, mul-berry, rue

DRUANTIA: fir

FREYA: cowslip, daisy, primrose, maidenhair, myrrh, strawberry, mistletoe

HATHOR: myrtle, sycamore, grape, mandrake, coriander, rose

HECATE: willow, henbane, aconite, yew, mandrake, cyclamen, mint, cypress, date palm, sesame, dandelion, garlic, oak, onion.

HEKAT: cypress

HERA: apple, willow, orris, pomegranate, myrrh

HINA: bamboo

HULDA: flax, rose, hellebore, elder

IRENE: olive

IRIS: wormwood, iris

ISHTAR: acacia, juniper, all grains

ISIS: fig, heather, wheat, wormwood, barley, myrrh, rose, palm, lotus, persea, onion, iris, vervain

JUNO: lily, crocus, ashpodel, quince, pomegranate, vervain, iris, lettuce, fig, mint

KERRIDWEN: vervain, acorns

MINERVA: olive, mulberry, thistle

NEFER-TUM: lotus

NEPTHYS: myrrh, lily

NUIT: sycamore

OLWEN: apple

PERSEPHONE: parsley, narcissus, willow, pomegranate

RHEA: myrrh, oak

ROWAN: clover, rowan

VENUS: cinnamon, daisy, elder, heather, anemone, apple, poppy, violet, marjorem, maidenhair fern, carnation, aster, vervain, myrtle, orchid, cedar, lily, mistletoe, pine, quince

VESTA: oak


Recipes
By Cyrena

Hot Spiced Witches Brew
(makes about 32 1-cup servings)


1 cup (208 g) dried sugar-free orange-flavored breakfast drink mix
1/2 cup (12 g) sugar-free iced tea mix
1/4 cup (52 g) sugar-free lemonade-flavored drink mix
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon (15 ml) whole cloves
1 continuous spiral peel of 1 orange
1 continuous spiral peel of 1 lemon
2 gallons (7.5 l) water
2-inch(5 cm) cinnamon sticks for swizzles


In a large pot, slowly bring all ingredients except cinnamon sticks to a boil. Stir and reduce heat to a low simmer. Serve hot in cups with cinnamon stick swizzles.
Per 1-cup (236 ml) serving: 19 calories, 0 protein, 0 total fat (0 saturated fat), 4 carbohydrate, 0 dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium
Exchanges: free

Quick Apple Cake
(makes 4 servings)


vegetable cooking spray
1/2 cup (65 g) low-fat baking mix
6 tablespoons (7 g) spoonable sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (15 g) chopped walnuts
2 medium Granny Smith apples
2 1/2 tablespoons (45 ml) canola oil
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
2 tablespoons (18 g) packed light brown sugar


Lightly coat a 6-inch (15 cm) microwave-safe round baking dish with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine baking mix, sugar substitute, and walnuts. Coarsely grate 1 unpeeled apple, discarding the core. Add to bowl along with oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and egg substitute. Beat for 2 minutes.
Spoon mixture into prepared dish, cover with waxed paper, and microwave on HIGH 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, core remaining apple and thinly slice. Arrange apple slices on top of partially cooked cake and sprinkle with brown sugar. Microwave, uncovered, for another 5 to 6 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from microwave and let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve warm.
Per serving: 246 calories (46% calories from fat), 3 g protein, 12 g total fat (1.0 g saturated fat), 29 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 0 mg cholesterol
Diabetic exchanges: 2 carbohydrate (bread/starch, fruit), 2 fat

IF YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com


Pagan Holidays
From the web site http://www.paganspath.com/magik/sabbats.htm

Bealtaine May 1st or 5th
• American traditions ~ Beltane or Beltaine
• Celtic traditions ~ Bealtaine
• Caledonii traditions ~ Bealtinne
• Mexican Craft traditions ~ Rudemas
• Strega traditions ~ Festival of Tana
• Teutonic traditions ~ Walburga

Also known as Mayday, Bealtaine is the last of the 3 spring fertility holidays. While Mayday is traditionally celebrated on May 1st, where Bealtaine is celebrated any where between May 1st and May 5th. Symbolized in the May pole.

This holiday represents the time when people, plants and animals prepare for the summer months. The time of love, and union. Specifically the union of the Lord and Lady, or the God/Goddess. It is a time of joining two halves to make a single whole, the 3rd entity. Could this be a sign of the spiritual trinity?

The season is represented by bright blue, lavender, pink, yellow and white. Ribbons around a favorite tree in your yard, or a wreath for your door using flowers for the seasons colors and ribbons to show off their natural beauty is a great addition.

The ceremony for the day can begin at sunrise with freshly picked flowers. Drop a few in a large white bowl to float around a couple white floating candles. Decorate your mantle with greens and pedals. At the end of the day, take the pedals from the ceremonial decorations and place them around the house for protection.





Poet’s Corner
From http://paganpoetry.tripod.com/magickseeker/silent.html

THE SILENT DREAM

I once was there,
With you in a silent dream,
I once thought you cared,
For me in reality,
Then you left me here,
Alone with my tears,
To live in the nightmare,
Of this life without you,
The dreams that were there,
Shattered now without you,
Are the only thing I have left,
Of what used to be,
Before you left,
And we lived in the silent dream
The Goddess Companion

Lady, Goddess, your light covers
the world like that of the round moon,
Pattini, we offer these dances to you.
Be patient with us if our steps go astray,
for you are more skillful than we are.
Mighty Pattini, be joyous as you receive
all that we offer you, you who were born
from the womb of the lotus flower,
you who bloom as beautifully
as the blue lotus itself, O noble lady,
O blooming Goddess, accept our humble offerings.
~Sri Lankan Hymns To The Goddess

Rituals to the Goddess were not always elaborate affairs. Bowing in the direction of the rising sun, thanking the earth for the food she provides, drinking pure water prayerfully - these are as much rituals as the most extensive festival. How often, today, we forget to be aware as we eat, as we drink, as we walk upon her broad body! The buds of spring are opening around us as we rush to and through our endless chores. her energy is in those buds, as well as powering our own movement through this world.

Unconsciousness of the earth impoverishes us. When we are nourished by the beauty of a hyacinth, when we take time to be moved by its heady fragrance, our need to consume earth's resources diminishes. No new handbag can take the place of a sunset; no credit-card binge can offset the beauty of a missed day of sunshine. Drink in the beauty the goddess provides. Your life will be richer. you will be richer.
)0(
by Patricia Monaghan - From "The Goddess Companion"
If you have Poetry you wish to publish drop us a line at
greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

It is not the policy of this e-paper to Pick and Choose, or Discriminate against anyone that wishes to publish a story, opinion, item to sell, item to want, advertise their wears, advertise an event, advertise their business, However we will not tolerate name calling, accusing, flaming, etc.

March 2009

March 2009 Edition
THE GREENWOOD TREE MONTHLY
A PANTHEIST PUBLICATION PUBLISHED BY ROBINS HOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
Publisher: Lone Wolf Editors: Brenda Sumner
Contributing Writers: Barbara Dreamkeeper, Odessa, Cyrena, Rev. Bonnie, Cindi/Epona’bri and Raven Silverwing

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PATRIARCH
OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
OWEN KNIGHT

As you may know, The GreenWood Tree Monthly is owed and published by Robin’s Hood Community Center.
That being said, I would like to as you a few questions in regards to your books and recordings, about your Pagan beliefs, and where to purchase those.

QUESTION: How many books have you written?
ANSWER:
Five. Moonlight Snow, The Draug, Wind Over Linden Hill, Waterford and Nearby Towns, and Harry Powell – Detective.

QUESTION: HOW MANY RECORDINGS HAVE YOU MADE?
ANSWER: WITH BLACKLIGHT BRAILLE THERE ARE FIVE.
SAILING AWAY – RAZ27
IN A DARK GARDEN – RAZ-3-RAZ37
CASTLE OF THE NORTHERN CROWN - 3RAZ-35
DIETIES TAVERN – 3601
SOUNGS FROM MOONLIGHT SNOW

QUESTION: WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE THESE BOOKS AND RECORDINGS?
ANSWER: WWW.BLACKMOONWEB.COM

QUESTION: ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING AT PRESENT?
ANSWER: TWO BOOKS.

QUESTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING PAGANISM?
ANSWER: 1938, OR 1948? I JOINED ASATRU SHORTLY AFTER 1950.

QUESTION: BEING A PATRIARCH OF THE LOCAL PAGAN COMMUNITY, HAVE YOU SEEN ANY CHANGES FOR EITHER THE GOOD OR THE BAD?
ANSWER: I MISS THE BIG HOLIDAY EVENTS WE ONCE HAD – AND THE PLACES TO MEET IN A LARGE GROUP AND BE MEMBERS.

QUESTION: DO YOU MAKE ANY PERSONAL APPEARANCES AS OF LATE?
ANSWER: ON FEBRUARY 6TH AT THE AWAKENING.

QUESTION: AS A PATRIARCH OF THE PAGAN COMMUNITY, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT WARLOCKING SHOULD BE PRACTICED FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BROUGHT HARM TO THEIR OWN OR OTHER COVENS OR GROUPS?
ANSWER: NO, I THINK IT BEST TO HAVE THE PERSONALITY CLASHES KEPT ON A NON-RELIGIOUS LEVEL.


ADVERTISERS:





SPONSORS
Senior Services of Northern Ky .has services for the elderly in top 8 counties...Meals on Wheels for those just out of hospital, Food Pantry for people with lack of food (non perishable items, such as canned goods), help finding senior housing, etc. 491-0522, all services are free
http://www.seniorservicesnky.org/Giving2.htm

Welcome House of Northern Kentucky
Welcome House, 205 West Pike St. Covington, KY 41011 | PH: 859-431-8717 FX: 859-431-6297 TTY: 866-648-6056
http://www.welcomehouseky.org/information.shtml

Chakras –
http://www.myspace.com/chakrassounds

Dante's Gypsy Circus
http://www.dantesgypsycircus.com

Dragon Bob
Puppeteer Extraordinaire and Musician

Capt. Jack Sparrow (aka Larry Combs)
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=3039297

Gaia Works
http://www.gaiaworksinc.com/

Midnight Muse
http://www.midnight-muse.com/

Our Haven
http://www.ourhaven.info/

The Soul Stealers - Shawn & Chuck

Barbara & Ann, who came from Oklahoma

Lori Simon

Mickey

Rev Korinne

David Davis

The Staff at The Southgate House
http://www.southgatehouse.com

DJ Roundboy!
http://www.myspace.com/djroundboy

Jesikah Saetara
http://www.jesikahsaetara.com/links.html

Robins Hood Event Schedule
Pagan Pride Day Covington August 29th 2009
Back to school drive: Starts in July - until school starts
The Witches Ball Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Magic Mini Mall to be announced!

OPINION
By Lone Wolf

The Pagan Community today is one that should be ready and able to help their fellow human? The Conservative political area has changed this to the point of making a vast number of the Pagan Community SCROOGES!
When help is needed instead of doing it without question, there are questions of how they got into this mess, why they got into this mess, why should we help them, and what’s in it for me!
The question should be how could we help! My GODS people we are in a recession! There are people out there that are in need of desperate help! There are 23,240,528 people unemployed in the United States right now for GODS sake. That is 23 million 240 thousand 528 people unemployed! Is it no wonder that there are people that need help! For the people that criticize those people that need help GET A LIFE! Open your eyes and start helping!



If you have an opinion that you would like to voice Please, e-mail us at greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com


Posted: February 27, 2008, 1:00 am Eastern © 2009
the Devil even existed. Modern Christians seem to have no doubts and don't seem to know that their religious fathers had plenty.
Death, the after life and Hell was a very murky concept for the
Christians, because it was such a murky concept for the Jews. If
you read the Old Testament, you'll see that they really aren't too sure
what it all means. The clearest entry about Hell is found in Enoch
a book which was written during a time of Greek occupation and in Editor's note: This column is the cover story from Whistleblower magazine's January 2008 issue, "Witchcraft in America."
So there I was, listening intently to local radio talker Bob White interviewing a witch.
Yes, a real witch – and a male one at that. The guest sounded New Agey and effeminate, but harmless enough, and painted a colorful picture of what modern-day witches, or "Wiccans," believe and do. You know, god-and-goddess worship, preparing herbal remedies, casting spells, caring for the Earth and so on – all couched in terms that sounded almost reasonable, or at least tolerable in a diverse society like ours.
But then he got to the part about their nighttime ceremonies, during which everybody – men and women – would get stark raving naked, dance and chant in the moonlight, have sex, worship Gaia, cast spells and invoke the blessing of various spirits.
When he finished describing this bizarre scene, there followed a long, pregnant pause before Bob White responded. Assuming the host to be as shocked as I was, for a moment I savored the prospect of his imminent rebuke – or at least some expression of surprise.
But when White finally responded, he exclaimed emphatically: "I can't imagine anyone having a problem with that!"
Amazing. Here I was, living in "conservative" rural Oregon, and local talk-show host expresses dismay that anybody could have even the slightest problem with naked witches sexing each other in the moonlight while summoning spirits and casting spells.
Now, the really interesting part of this story is that "Bob White" was actually the on-air radio name for none other than Neale Donald Walsch, who shortly thereafter became the internationally mega-best-selling author of "Conversations with God" and several sequels.
With two-and-a-half years on the New York Times best-seller list and book sales of over 7 million copies in 34 languages, the author became a full-fledged, world-renowned New Age guru speaking to enthralled audiences everywhere.
Obviously, whole bunches of people are in love with whatever Neale Donald Walsch – I mean, "God" – is telling them. Here's a sampling:
There is no judgment in what you call the afterlife ... there is no accounting, no one giving "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." Only humans are judgmental, and because you are, you assume I am. I cannot tell you my truth until you stop telling me yours.
Remember, this is supposed to be God talking. When Walsch asks about sin, here's the response from on high:
This alleged state of imperfection in which you are said to come into this world is what your religionists have the gall to call original sin. ... Some of your religions have built up whole theologies around this misconception. …
So far, it sounds like everyone on earth can jolly well do whatever he or she wants – there's no sin, and there's no hell, so party on!
When Walsch asks about reincarnation, "God" tells him:
You have had 647 past lives, since you insist on being exact. This is your 648th. You were everything in them. A king, a queen, a serf …
Now that's getting pretty exotic and occult sounding. Speaking of which, many people warn of the dangers of "channeling" and "automatic writing," as Walsch has done here in producing his "with God" books. ("On a blank sheet of paper," wrote Walsch, "I would merely write a question … and no sooner was the question written than the answer would form in my head, as if Someone were whispering in my ear. I was taking dictation!") But when Walsch asks "God" whether it's OK to develop and exercise such occult powers, of course he's told it's just fine:
Using psychic ability is nothing more than using your sixth sense. Obviously, this is not "trafficking with the devil," or I would not have given this sense to you. And, of course, there is no devil with whom to traffic.
OK. There's no devil, no hell, no sin and no judgment. … But wait, what about people like Hitler? Surely he didn't go to Heaven? Yet, according to Neale's "God":
I do not love "good" more than I love "bad." Hitler went to heaven. When you understand this, you will understand God.
Your head is undoubtedly spinning 360 degrees at this revelation that "Hitler went to heaven," but hang on – there's more. Walsch asks "God" about sex, always a hot-button issue with the human race. While both Judaism and Christianity have strict moral codes when it comes to sex, when Walsch asks, "Is sex OK?" "God" responds:
Of course sex is 'OK.' … Play with sex. Play with it! It's wonderful fun. … Sex is sacred, too… But joy and sacredness do mix (they are in fact the same thing). … You have repressed sex, even as you have repressed life, rather than fully Self expressing with abandon and joy. You have shamed sex, even as you have shamed life, calling it evil and wicked, rather than the highest gift and the greatest pleasure.
By golly, I think I'm beginning to understand why millions of people love Neale Donald Walsch and his god! There's no sexual immorality, no sin to run afoul of, no devil, no hell, no judgment – and everything turns out peachy no matter how evil you've been in this life. Even Hitler goes to Heaven!
But wait a minute. Is it really God talking to Walsch? After all, it would ruin everything if it turned out it was just Neal's subconscious mind talking to him – or whatever crazy, malevolent, deceitful spirit might be lurking down there just beyond his subconscious mind. Remember, channeling bizarre spiritual entities – which always claim to be "good" – is very common in the New Age world.
Interestingly, during an April 7, 2000, interview on CNN's "Larry King Live," Walsch admitted that maybe it's not God after all that he's been channeling all these many years:
King: "How do you know you weren't, one, hallucinating? People do that."
Walsch: "Yes."
King: "Imagining this voice?"
Walsch: "Yes."
King: "Two, your own subconscious, in a sense, talking to you, you have put it into words."
Walsch: "I don't know, Larry."
King: "You don't know that."
Walsch: "I don't know."
King: "So maybe it wasn't God."
Walsch: "Maybe it wasn't. And the day...”
King: "But you wrote a book called 'Conversations with God.'"
Walsch: "Because I think that it was. I sincerely think that I was inspired by the divine."
OK, so let's sum up: Millions of people are embracing an immoral, unbiblical and disastrously delusional view of God and life, which will – if they don't wake up – determine their very destiny for eternity, based on the murky spirit channeling of a former local talk-show host who admits, "Maybe it wasn't [God]."
Incredible.
In any event, it's now clear why Walsch, in his former persona of radio talker Bob White, had no problem with the naked-witches-sexing-in-the-moonlight thing. After all, if Hitler is beamed up to Heaven after his hellish romp through life on earth, why not a peaceful, nature-worshipping witch who might occasionally engage in bizarre and immoral behaviors, but hey, never murdered millions of people?
Good witch, bad witch
Actually, my first contact with witchcraft was as a young child. The witch was frightfully ugly, wore a black robe and hood, had a hooknose with a big wart on it and was obsessed with poisoning Snow White. Then came the witch-who-morphed-into-a-dragon in "Sleeping Beauty," and of course there were all the black-pointy-hatted hags that came out every Halloween. It was pretty clear to this little boy that all witches are "wicked."
But then I saw "The Wizard of Oz," which challenged my previous belief about total Wicca wickedness, since it featured equal numbers of wicked witches (East and West) and good ones (North and South).
Today's young people, of course, have been immersed for years in "Harry Potter" books and movies, featuring beautiful, heroic young wizards and witches zooming about on broomsticks and waving their magic wands while barking ancient-Latin-sounding spells like "Wingardium Leviosa!" (to make things levitate) or "Expelliarmus!" (to disarm an opponent) or – my favorite – "Stupefy!" (to render one's adversary unconscious).
All this may be great entertainment, but it has nothing whatsoever to do with real witchcraft.
So, what is witchcraft? Is it the same as Wicca? Is it a form of Satan worship, as critics allege? Or can witches be good? Can they really cast spells that somehow call forth the spirits beyond the world of nature to help them accomplish their will – whether good or evil? And what's the deal with going naked? Most of all, why do so many people today aspire to be witches?
I'm a journalist, and in the news world we see many reports on witches, but they don't have hooknoses or poisoned apples. Instead, we hear that increasing numbers of modern-day Americans – housewives, students, professors, even soldiers believe it or not – self-identify as witches or Wiccans. We see stories about Wicca being an official, legal religion and a fast-growing one at that, about judges ruling that witches must be allowed to lead prayers at local government meetings, and that Wiccan convicts must be provided with requested "sacred objects" so they can perform spells in their cells.
A few basics: "Wicca" and "witchcraft" are often used interchangeably, but they aren't exactly the same. While witchcraft goes back into ancient times, with many varieties springing from diverse cultures and worldviews, Wicca is a relatively modern nature-based religion first popularized in the 1950s by an Englishman named Gerald Gardner. Most "witches" today, at least in the Western World, are followers of the Wiccan religion. Although Gardner claimed he was resurrecting an ancient pre-Christian, matriarchal pagan religion, that is disputed – some historians saying he just made up parts of it. And while there are other forms of Wicca today besides "Gardnerian" Wicca, each with their own variations of belief, ritual and practice, all share certain basic features.
According to Wiccan teachings, to find balance, practitioners must worship both the male and female aspects of deity, the god and the goddess, embodying the life force manifest in nature. Although males are welcome, Wicca is predominantly a female religion, and the goddess dominates the god.
Here's how the U.S. Army's chaplain's manual – titled "Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains" – describes Wicca. (Warning: As with all religious groups described in this Army reference book, the description of Wicca was written by Wiccans themselves.)
Wiccans worship the sacred as immanent in Nature, often personified as Mother Earth and Father Sky. As polytheists, they may use many other names for Deity. Individuals will often choose Goddesses or Gods from any of the world's pantheons whose stories are particularly inspiring and use those Deities as a focus for personal devotions. Similarly, covens will use particular Deity names as a group focus, and the groups often hold these secret.
It is very important to be aware that Wicca’s do not in any way worship or believe in "Satan," "the Devil," or any similar entities. They point out that "Satan" is a symbol of rebellion against and inversion of the Christian and Jewish traditions. Wiccans do not revile the Bible. They simply regard it as one among many of the world's mythic systems, less applicable than some to their core values, but still deserving just as much respect as any of the others.
Most Wiccan groups also practice magic, by which they mean the direction and use of "psychic energy," those natural but invisible forces which surround all living things. Some members spell the word "magick," to distinguish it from sleight of hand entertainments. Wiccans employ such means as dance, chant, creative visualization and hypnosis to focus and direct psychic energy for the purpose of healing, protecting and aiding members in various endeavors. Such assistance is also extended to non-members upon request.
What about Wiccan ethics and behavioral standards? Says the Army handbook:
The core ethical statement of Wicca, called the "Wiccan Rede," states "An it harm none, do what you will." The Rede fulfills the same function, as does the "Golden Rule" for Jews and Christians; all other ethical teachings are considered to be elaborations and applications of the Rede. It is a statement of situational ethics, emphasizing at once the individual's responsibility to avoid harm to others and the widest range of personal autonomy in "victimless" activities.
Prejudice against Wiccans is the result of public confusion between Witchcraft and Satanism. Wiccans in the military, especially those who may be posted in countries perceived to be particularly intolerant, will often have their dog tags read "No Religious Preference." Concealment is a traditional Wiccan defense against persecution; so non-denominational dog tags should not contravene a member's request for religious services.
How do Wiccans worship, and why the nudity?
Wiccans usually worship in groups. Individuals who are currently not affiliated with a coven, or are away from their home coven, may choose to worship privately or may form ad-hoc groups to mark religious occasions. Non-participating observers are not generally welcome at Wiccan rituals. Some, but not all, Wiccan covens worship in the nude ("sky clad") as a sign of attunement with Nature.
Most readers, I suspect, are slightly relieved to hear that the "Wiccan Rede" prohibits witches from harming others – although the "rede" (or rule) is more akin to the '60s hippie counterculture ethic ("Like, I can do whatever I want, dude, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else – you dig?") than the much nobler Golden Rule.
Now, what about spells and magic circles and strange rituals?
To celebrate their various festivals, practice magic and cast spells, Wiccans engage in a wide variety of rituals. Typically, a rite begins with the establishment of a purified magic circle, during which the practitioners may invoke spirits or "guardians" of the north, east, south and west, representing earth, air, fire and water, respectively. Special tools are used during these rites, including candles and incense, a broom, cauldron, chalice, wand, altar cloth, pentacle and other items. After placing the ritual tools on an altar in the circle, the rite is performed, following which the practitioners thank the goddess, god and guardians and close the circle.
"OK, whatever," you might well say. "But where do the moon-lit sex orgies fit in?"
Exhibit A: The "Ritual of the Great Rite." In keeping with Wiccan cosmology, this is a ritual enactment of the creation of the universe in the union of the god and goddess. As explained by Vivianne Crowley, a prominent Wiccan high priestess, author, university lecturer and psychologist: "The outer rite involves a linking of the male and the female, the God and Goddess. The inner symbolism is a uniting of the initiate with the animus or anima. The sacred marriage is outwardly a marriage of two people, but inwardly it is a marriage of the two within one person."
So, what seems to a mere muggle (that's "Harry Potter" lingo for a non-magical person) as just a chance to have sex in the woods, to a Wiccan has a much more sacred purpose – that of unifying and integrating the practitioners' inner selves through the union of opposite polar energies. And if that isn't highfalutin enough for you, one Wiccan website explains the Great Rite as "the opening of the gateway to the womb of the Goddess that the Self may be reborn."
Well anyway, I think I see why more and more men are being drawn to this woman-dominated religion. But right now let's take a quick look at witches' spells.
Here's a "love spell" from BeginnerWicca.com:
Desire Me Spell
A simple candle spell to bring desire to the eye of your beholder
First you need to scoop some soil.
Sprinkle this around the base of a red candle anointed with your spit and some patchouli oil.
Light the candle and focus on you being desired. See you in another's arms and bed.
When the vision is strong intone as many times as you like:
"Come to me
My will is great
Your new fate
You can't escape."
Do this every night until the next full moon.
And here's a spell to enhance one's beauty:
Moulin Rouge Spell
For this spell wear colorful clothes, flamboyant and luscious! However if you can't bear to venture out in anything but black make sure you wear opulent jewelry – stones of topaz, sapphire and ruby.
Stand in the center of four lit red candles that have been anointed with cinnamon oil.
You need to invoke the blessings of the night when glamour and mystery abound.
"Guardians of the night,
Bless me so that I radiate
A beautiful light, and bewitch
All held in my sight."
In your mind's eye see the flames leap up and join above your head, spiraling into the cosmos and know that you are the center of all beauty and glamour in the universe.
Right. Here's one more spell, this one to bring good fortune:
Good Luck Spell
Make a fire outside and throw on seven big handfuls of leaves and seven big handfuls of dried chamomile. Do not light the fire yet.
Now have a cold shower and go outside. Light the fire and leap through the smoke seven times as you say:
"Away Away
Bad luck and woe
The tide is turned
My fortune grows."
When the fire dies down, turn the ashes into the soil to bury your old bad luck.
By now, you must be asking: What is accomplished by jumping through a fire while chanting, "Away away, Bad luck and woe"? How on earth can they believe this stuff works?
Wicca is intentionally shrouded in mystery. In fact, each initiate maintains a hallowed, hand-copied book of spells, rituals and magical information called – mysteriously – the "Book of Shadows." Yet, in the news business we prefer sunshine to moonlight, believing it makes a much better disinfectant. So why don't we now pull the veil of mystery off of Wicca? Let's let the sun shine. Let's set aside all the esoteric, intoxicating words that beguile our minds and seduce our senses. Let's take off the amethyst-colored glasses, extinguish the incense – and honestly, soberly look at our growing obsession with New Age religions like Wicca.
Rewind to the "Good Luck Spell" we just discussed: It's actually not hard to understand why people might think an invisible spirit can somehow help them banish their "bad luck" and bless their lives with health, prosperity and happiness – because that's the truth. There is such a God. But He's not the god or goddess of Wicca, or the god channeled by Neale Donald Walsch or any other New Age guru. He (not she) is Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and everything in it, including us.
Moreover, each of us, created "in His image" and for His purpose, has an inner "programming" put there by Him, to seek His influence in our lives. This programming – so deeply engrained in us, as though it were embedded in our DNA – says we must discover and submit to His inner leading in all things, or else live meaningless, deluded and ultimately wasted lives.
Here's the problem. If for any reason we're not willing to submit to God – a state of honest transparency that tends to annihilate our selfish pride and bring us the blessings of happiness, common sense and moderation – then by default we find ourselves attracted to false gods, that is, to worldviews and religions that sustain our angry rebellion against our Heavenly Father.
Feminism and Wicca: Rebellion against Father
In dysfunctional families, if you have a problem with your father, it's very easy to bond extremely closely – often too closely – with your mother.
Goddess worshippers worship creation – "Mother earth," with her trees, flowers, clouds, streams, rocks, and of course the sun, moon and stars and so on – because they're in rebellion against the Creator Father. They're totally identified with Mom because they have a problem with Heavenly Dad, Who perhaps seems too "judgmental" – too stern and mean and out-of-touch with them.
Two big reasons for this rebellion against God the Father are the failure of most earthly fathers and husbands to be truly manly (strong and gentle), and the failure of today's Christian church to be truly Christ-like (strong and gentle). Indeed, while America's news and entertainment media gave the New Age movement a huge boost during the '60s and '70s through their enthusiastic and uncritical treatment, the biggest single reason for the upsurge in neo-pagan religions like Wicca is undoubtedly the falseness and shallowness of so much of the modern, institutional Christian church. Sorry about that, but the truth hurts.
Unfortunately, the mainline Christian church world, which today is full of confusion and outright rebellion against time-honored biblical principles, displays the outer trappings of the faith while falling further and further away from genuine Christ-centered spirituality. Thus it has very little natural authority, but instead turns people off in droves. Some discover faith outside the church, some fall away to agnosticism or atheism, and some are attracted to other religions that appear to be deeper and more spiritual, including New Age religions.
In many ways, the interest in Wicca among women (at least two-thirds of Wiccans are female) parallels the growth in feminism and lesbianism – all fueled by disillusionment with and alienation from men. Indeed, sociologist Helen Berger, who spent 10 years researching and writing the authoritative book "A Community of Witches: Contemporary Neo-Paganism and Witchcraft in the United States," reports the astounding conclusion that at least 32 percent of Wiccans and neopagans are homosexual or bisexual. Clearly, Wicca has become the spiritual home for many feminists, including lesbians. It's also the most graphic, in-your-face example of a much more universal phenomenon – the increasing feminization of the Christian church and of Western culture.
Although many feminist women today resent men and reject what they see as the "repressive patriarchy" of Christianity, the sad irony is that the true Father in Heaven is not only strong and just, but also kind, patient and full of love. In other words, He's the father they never had – the perfect father every child wants and needs.
But why, then, does He condemn witchcraft? In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read, "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee" (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
No question about it: Scripture clearly condemns witchcraft and sorcery as "abomination." And yet, miracles are evident in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible – the same book that condemns magic. Do we understand the difference? Although we use the word "miracles," would it be correct to say Jesus performed "magic" when He turned water into wine, greatly multiplied scant supplies of fish and bread to feed thousands of people, calmed storms, walked on water and many other wonders? And by the way, we can't ascribe this "magical" ability solely to His being the Son of God, because He also said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12). Indeed, His disciples reportedly performed miracles.
But in truth, there was no magic, witchcraft or sorcery involved in biblical miracles. Why?
Jesus made the point crystal clear when He said: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30)
That's the problem with Wicca, magic and occultism of every variety, and it's the very reason the Bible condemns them all: In the eyes of God, it's an abomination for people to try to harness the hidden powers of nature and beyond nature, for whatever purposes they will – because they are literally playing god. All they accomplish, if anything, is to open spiritual doors and allow malevolent entities to take up residence in their bodies – which were meant to remain the temple of the Living God alone.
Furthermore, your will and my will mean nothing, as this whole notion of individual will is something of an illusion: In reality, we either serve God's will or we are slaves of the unseen dark forces we have submitted to – forces that pull on the strings of our minds and bodies (but which we think of as our own will) when we lack commitment to what is right.
When Jesus performed miracles, it wasn't His will. When Moses parted the Red Sea, it wasn't Moses doing it. Standing there with his outstretched arms and staff, he was just the instrument. The true miracle worker has no sense of power. It's a paradox – like many other biblical paradoxes (The last shall be first and The greatest of you shall be the servant of all and so on).
But is magic real?
Magic spells are affirmations, ceremonial expressions of the Wiccan's will, of what she or he wants, typically sprinkled with the elements – earth, fire and so forth – in hopes of subtly harnessing those powers by the force of their will. That is the aim of occult practices in the real world: To manifest our selfish will. But not God's loving will.
In "Magick in Theory and Practice (Book 3)," notorious British occultist Aleister Crowley, an important mentor to Wicca founder Gerald Gardner, defined "magick" (he always spelled it with a "k"), as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will."
"Will" was a big deal to Crowley, whose central credo was: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." (In case you didn't notice, this is utterly insane.)
Thus, Wiccans claim magic spells; ceremonies and rituals focus the practitioners' hidden reservoir of psychic energy, along with the aid of benevolent spirits, in the service of the witches' will.
Now, even though much of what passes as magic can be chalked up to hypnotic suggestion, affirmation and outright delusion, we need also to realize that each of us is a spiritual being inside a physical being. And much of what the occult world alludes to – the astral plane, spiritual entities and the like – is quite real.
Astral travel, for example, is indeed possible – and exceptionally dangerous. Some New Age religions like Eckankar teach "soul travel," a euphemism for astral projection – literally the intentional separation of the soul or consciousness from the body so it can travel around freely, sightseeing, spying on others and so on. The hard truth is that practitioners' souls can return "home," only to find their body has become inhabited by a malevolent intruder spirit while they were foolishly gone, and they can't get back in.
Then there are near-death experiences, or NDEs, which generally are nothing more nor less than beautiful delusions – created by the "Great Deceiver" for the purpose of evangelizing the living regarding the superior joys of death. How many people have committed suicide or otherwise given up on life because they heard someone like Dannion Brinkley ("Saved by the Light") or Betty Eadie ("Embraced by the Light") talk rapturously about how delightful death and the afterlife are.
So, if you're enamored of such "signs and wonders" as channeling, astral traveling, clairvoyance, remote viewing, communicating with disincarnated spirits, reading auras, near-death experiences and other psychic phenomena, just remember that God is not the only one who can confer "gifts." Indeed, recipients and purveyors of such occult abilities may well be much closer to hell than you are. After all, don't you think the devil knows the future? If so, can he not impart knowledge of it to the minds of a gullible human helper, for the purpose of deceiving many others?
As Jesus Himself said, "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect" (Mark 13:22).
This is why the Bible prohibits sorcery and witchcraft and talking to dead people, and why even so-called "white magic" is not blessed by God – because it not only does not serve His will, but it invites evil and deception to invade our world. There's a fantastic complexity to the "spiritual mechanism" of the human being, but just like a new sophisticated piece of electronics, it's not supposed to be user-serviceable or modifiable. That's the realm of the Manufacturer alone. Instead of meddling with the Maker's sacred matrix of Life, we're meant to share in an entirely different kind of "magic."
For this magic to bless our lives – the seemingly effortless walk through difficult circumstances, the aid of a hidden hand we call "grace" – we need to abandon pride and "wait" patiently on God in each moment of our life. In this state of grace, we are in alignment with His will and thus the creative powers of the universe, and not the other way around. We have a sense of well being, a lack of time pressure, a knowing that the future is being rolled out before us by God, and that we just need to be there to discover it in each moment.
It's a sort of "magic," yes, but we're not the magicians making it happen. We're just the grateful receiver, full of wonder as our life unfolds, because to ourselves we don't seem very worthy. Much of what we see from moment to moment, in fact, is our very real flaws and faults and weaknesses. But that's the very humility that connects us up with the real-life "force" of God.
However, sorcery, witchcraft – where we're literally trying to play god, harnessing the hidden or "occult" forces of creation to accomplish our will – is an abomination, and a doorway through which hell readily enters this earthly realm. It's pure rebellion against God.
'Ye shall be as gods'
Ask yourself: How is it that millions of people can grovel at the feet of Neale Donald Walsch, who has channeled an ungodly spirit entity claiming to be God? How can they follow such a profoundly counterintuitive ("Hitler went to Heaven") and frankly insane path to "enlightenment"?
It's because most of us are unconsciously addicted to the power of lies that keeps our pride alive – our love of the great illusion of life that says we ourselves can be masters of our own destiny.
This, of course, was the original lie in the biblical account of Adam and Eve. Remember the story? God gave the first two people a test in obedience:
"Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2: 16-17).
Shortly thereafter, the story goes, Satan in the form of a serpent approached Eve and said: "Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3: 4-5).
Long story short: Adam and Even couldn't resist the promise that they would be "as gods," and we've been falling for the same lie ever since. This is the madness of Eastern, New Age and other religions that claim we are all gods, and that – just as Neale Donald Walsch and other gurus teach – our only problem is that we haven't yet realized our own greatness and divinity.
So, the Wiccans are absolutely right when they say Satanism and witchcraft are different. The problem is, they're both different forms of rebellion against God. One is male in nature – overtly angry, arrogant, selfish and rebellious. The other is female, a seductive version of the same rebellion – smiling, passive and powerfully alluring.
But both are separated from the love of God, obsessed with magic (playing god), and clothed in the beguiling philosophies of the serpent. Yet what a sad, pathetic, shadowy reflection of the real power we're supposed to freely enjoy in our lives, when we truly live in the sunlight of the One True God.
Note: All Bible quotations in this article are taken from the King James Version.
SPELL OF THE MONTH
From http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Tylwyth- Teg/
CELTIC FAERIE RITE TO BANISH ENERGY

This Rite is useful for eliminating negative influences in your life.

Cast your Circle.
Call friendly Faeries and/or Fae Elementals to join you. Be sure to
offer any spirits called from the Other World food, drink, stones, etc.
Call on the directional quarters or runic powers and light a candle to
them.

Your first task in this technique is to identify the negativity. State
that you wish to drive the negative influences out of your life and say
it bravely and loudly as if addressing the negativity itself. Show no
fear on which the unwanted energy might be able to feed.

The second step is to build up an image which represents what you have
identified. Visualize a symbol of the negative influence forming before
you. This can be of any form although it should preferably be capable of
life (i.e. a viper as opposed to a blade.)

The third part is to destroy (banish) this astral entity. Use a
visualization to aid in banishment.
Point at the imagined negativity and project a bright blue pentagram at
the figure from your fingers and shout, "(name) be gone!" This shout
should cause the visualization to dissolve or be destroyed.

Or visualize a vivid astral weapon of some sort, point the astral weapon
at the figure and say something like:

"By the Power and Energy of the Lord and Lady of the Fae,
I command you (name) to vanish, depart, disappear.
You are banished forever and may not return.

A bolt of Colorful Energy is emitted from the tip of the astral weapon
and surrounds the image with Vivid Electric Energy. It is destroyed and
it dissipates. Allow the weapon to dissolve back into the Astral Plane.

Fell the negative influence gone.
Do a Relaxation/Meditati on Rite.

Lady of the Earth

Seren shines acha 'r awr chan 'n yn cwrdd

(A star shines on the hour of our meeting)

From
http://magicspells.in/free_spirit_ridding_magic_spells.htm

SPELL TO RID ONESELF OF A BOTHERSOME SPIRIT
Say "What is dark be filled with light, remove this spirit from my sight."
Before starting place your hand before you, and start the flow of power out of your hand
and then say the words, letting the envisioned blue-white light from your power hand
fill the room or house or any other place that you might be.
TO HONOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS
When presenting your house spirits with offerings of incense,
candles or what not you can say this little chant:
"Wraith of the house, Take heart and live,
To every chamber This light I give,
To every corner This breath I send
Approve and favor my willing hand."
TO FREE A HOUSE FROM HAUNTING
"The Presence that stands upon the stairs
the unseen hands that moves the chairs.
The lights that play Across the wall,
The stains that stay, The plates that fall,
The mist, the chill, The wandering scents
This gentle spell must speed them hence.
At midnight, set A table neat,
with cup and plate, And wine and meat,
Invite the ghost to sit and feast,
as any host should urge a guest.
Presently, clear the meal away,
Then open the door and softly say-
"Quick or dead, Thou art fed,
Cease to grieve and take thy leave,”
Bid him depart But should he remain
be calm, take heart and feast him again.
IF YOU HAVE A SPELL YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
Part 2
Is Lucifer Jesus
Discussion on line.
From Kelevh Qadesh
I think, perhaps a fruitful approach would be to provide a chronology of the development of the character, Satan and its relation (and corruption) of Lucifer which was a designation added to the names of various Roman deities and also a Roman deity in his own right. The name translates Day Star Son of the Dawn and most assuredly in the OT refers however anachronistically to the King of Babylon. A lot of this stuff gets lost in the various translations (especially the Vulgate and KJV).

It is helpful, for instance, to note that prior to the Exile, Satan was always depicted as acting on behalf of God testing man. After the Exile, his character is colored by cross-cultural exchange with the Medo-Persians who introduced the concepts of Messiah, Millenial Kingdom and divine duality. Ormazd was their all-good God. Ahriman was his all-evil counterpart. Ahriman's character was transferred to Satan.

The serpent has his own interesting history. He appears in association with Athirat (Asherah) among the tales of Canaanite and Ugaritic religious and mythological texts. She is known alternatively at Chawas or Hawas which translates Eve. She is associated with the Tree of Life and the Serpent well before the Biblical tale was written. The serpent almost assuredly later appears as Ti-yam-at (or Tiamat), the female serpent of Babylonian mythology, BUT originally, in Canaan, Yam or Yom (see middle syllable above) was a male God cast into the Sea by Hadad (Baal) in a great struggle. In time Yom evolves and is conflated with the chief god, El, and becomes known by the Jews as Yahweh-Elohim. In various communities in ancient Israel, Yahweh is said to have had a wife. In some places, the wife is Asherah. In other places, she is Anat.

See the Qadash Kinahnu site for lots more info.

Jeff -

Hang on to your faith. That is truth.

Some Christians need the Bible to be a factual history in every
aspect. It isn't. It has been edited, revised, politicised, cleansed
and manipulated a hundred times by Christians and the Jews before
them.

If the Bible is a "history," then it is a history of the faith and
politics of the men who wrote it. Take its wisdom and beauty to
heart and leave the rest.

-MC

--- In CovenoftheFaintingG oat@yahoogroups. com, JEFF MEYER
Wrote:
>
> Very Interesting, it gives one something to think about... I myself
being of Christian beliefs have had a lot of reservations on the
translations, not only the fact that is the translation accurate, but
also the fact that some things are omitted from the bible. when i
found out things were left out it infuriated me. so I had to find out
why, after doing alot of serching an asking questions I was told
i\that if they were all put in the bible it would confuse people.
Frankly I think all should be put in an let the people decide what
they believe.... I can tell you this rocked the very foundation of my
faith, I am not one to follow blindly but I do have faith... But I
also believe that Faith should be Based on the whole story not just
the parts someone thinks you should know....... Thank you for the
Extra information.

The Book of Enoch is a Hebrew apocryphal book, that used to be the
last book of the Old Testament. While it got edited out, it was still
in at the time when the Dead Sea Scrolls were written and there are
all sorts of references to Enoch himself in Revalations and other NT
Books. How's that for adding confusion? To top it all off, since
Enoch got relegated to the Apocrypha, several of his prophesies were
attributed to other books (like Daniel)in later versions.

You'll also find Enoch references in the Talmud (Jewish religious
law) and Kabbalah, and there is an Ethiopian/Jewish text which is
closely tied to the text in the Scrolls - but has no translation in
Latin or Greek.

Hours of amusement...

-MC

--- In CovenoftheFaintingG oat@yahoogroups. com, JEFF MEYER
wrote:
> If I aint mistaken the book of Enoch was 1 omitted from the new
testament, I dont remember reading it. but it is in the gideon bible
and the bibles in third world country's...
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Michael
> To: CovenoftheFaintingG oat@yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 1:02:16 AM
> Subject: [CovenoftheFainting Goat] Re: Is Lucifer Jesus?
>
> One of the things we need to keep in mind - whether we are trying
to speak intelligently with Christians or not, is that the much of
what is believed about the Bible is built on its "spin," gained over
centuries, and not the book itself. If you look at what the Bible
actually says and the history of events, you will get a very different picture of what is going on.
Modern hype would have it that the Bible is "Gospel," no pun
intended and that it is the direct and unalterable word of God and always
has been. This simply isn't true. If nothing else, the Bible and the
beliefs that have grown around it evolved over centuries, dozens of
transition and influences and all of it is seen through a series of
filters. Here are two of them:

1. Jerome. This guy has taken it on the chin for quite a while now.
Yes, he made errors - some with disastrous results. For example
the words in Hebrew for "ray" as in ray of light; and "horn" as in
those things on a goat's head are very close in spelling and he got it
wrong. Therefore - when Moses is described with rays of light
coming from his head - he had horns (see Michelangelo' s statue of Moses);
therefore Jews have horns; therefore Jews are the Devil - who also
has horns and they should be killed.

Jerome was in all probability, the only man of his era who could
read and write Latin, Greek and Aramaic. Quite an accomplishment really.
He is blamed too much.
2. The early Christians had one "Devil of a time," in coming to any decision about whether or not Hell and
that murkiness, Hell is sort of a Hades like place where there is some
mention of evil people getting what they deserve. That's it. That's
the whole ball of wax.
The early Christians themselves were uncertain that there even was
a Hell until they held a synod at Toledo in 430 AD and the Bishops of
the day decided that there was a Hell and thus - a Devil. Jerome
died in 420 and had been in his grave for ten years before that meeting.
-MC


HERBS TO LIVE BY
By Barbara Dreamkeeper
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEB SITE IS NOT INTENDED TO PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE IN ANY WAY, AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP. PLEASE READ THE PRODUCT WARNINGS CAREFULLY BEFORE ORDERING! SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING A DIET OR USING ANY MEDICINAL HERBAL PRODUCTS
Hey these are a few herbs for Diabetes.

CAYENNE IMPROVES THE BLOOD CIRCULATION AND GENERAL HEALTH OF A DIABETIC. TAKEN DAILY IN SMALL AMOUNTS POWER FORM. TAKE ONE GEL CAP DAILY. MAKE YOUR OWN TO INSURE FRESH CAYENNE.

CINNAMON IS AN HERB THAT WILL REDUCE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. JUST SPRINKLE IT IN YOUR FOOD THROUGHTOUT THE DAY, UP TO A QUARTER OF A TEASPOON. TRY IT ON OAT MEAL IN TEA EVEN SMOOTHIES OR CEREAL.

BITTER MELON HELPS INCREASE YOUR BODY'S TOLERANCE TO INSULIN. A POPULAR WAY TO TAKE IT IS IN CAPSULES. BUT IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE IT, MAKE SURETAKE YOU RESEARCH IT YOURSELF.

MILK THISTLE IS A COMMON HERB TO TAKE FOR THE LIVER, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE USEFUL IN DIABETES TO HELP WITH BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS. CAPSULE ARE POPULAR THESE DAYS.

GINGKO BILOBA IS AN HERB THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY TREAT THE DIABETES. HOWEVER, IT HELPS WITH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES SUCH AS POOR CIRCULATION. CAPSULES ARE BEST SINCE THE HERB CAN BE BITTER.

STEVIA LEAF IS AN EXCELLENT SWEETNER BETTER THAN THE ASPARTAME SWEETENERS. BETTER AND NATURAL.

If you are serious about treating your diabetes with herbs, consider consulting with a naturopath and/or herbalist. AND YOUR DOCTOR.

http://www.geocities.com/dreamkeepe r57/Regalia. html

Amber
Last weekend I was gifted several chunks of Amber from a gentleman; it was beautiful and was normally out of my price range to obtain any for myself so after receiving this wonderful gift.
I did a little research One thing I found was that it is very healing, from experience. I put a large piece in my pocket and the pain in my left leg I could almost feel it leaving.
Now some folks may think I’m crazy but I’d swear by it. So here is a bit of it’s history and medicinal uses.

What is Amber?
Amber is the fossilized resin from ancient forests. Amber is not produced from tree sap, but rather from plant resin. This aromatic resin can drip from and ooze down trees, as well as fill internal fissures, trapping debris such as seeds, leaves, feathers and insects. The resin becomes buried and fossilized through a natural polymerization of the original organic compounds.
How is amber formed?
Amber is a fossilized resin, not tree sap. Sap is the fluid that circulates through a plant's vascular
system, while resin is the semi-solid amorphous organic substance secreted in pockets and canals through epithelial cells of the plant. Land plant resins are complex mixtures of mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenoids, which have structures based on linked isoprene C5H8 units (Langenheim, 1969, p. 1157). Volatile terpenoid fractions in resins evaporate and dissipate under natural forest conditions, leaving nonvolatile terpenoid fractions to become fossilized if they are stable enough to withstand degradation and depositional conditions. The fossil resin becomes incorporated into sediments and soils, which over millions of years change into rock
such as shale and sandstone.

Therefore, amber is formed as a result of the fossilization of resin that that takes millions of
years and involves a progressive oxidation and polymerization of the original organic compounds,
oxygenated hydrocarbons. Although a specific time interval has not been established for this process,
the majority of amber is found within Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary rocks (approximately 30-90 million years old).

When was Kansas’s amber produced?
Kansas’s amber was found among Cretaceous age rock, which is in the Mesozoic Era. Fossil resin and copal occur on the North American continent among strata from Triassic to Recent. The oldest amber is found in the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation, New Mexico (Grimaldi, Nascimbene, Luzzi, Case, 1998, p. 81). The next oldest deposits of amber are Cretaceous in age. The most abundant North American Cretaceous fossil resins are from the states of Alaska and New Jersey, USA and from the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba, Canada.

Amber Used as Medicine
Honey was mixed with powdered amber and prescribed for asthma, gout, and the black plague. Amber pendants were worn to preserve chastity, and used as rosary beads or talismans against evil and dark forces. Amber was burned along with non-fossil tree resins, such as frankincense, myrrh, and copal to dispel evil spirits and fumigate worldly nuisances such as mosquitoes.
Sailors burned amber on ships to drive away sea serpents and the perils of the deep. Today amber is still used as a medicine!

IF YOU HAVE AN HERB YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
Creating Magical Dyes
Posted by: "v wheeler" feydamsel@yahoo.com feydamsel
Mon Feb 16, 2009 8:01 pm (PST)
Creating Magical Dyes
Color, as we know, has strong symbolism in witchcraft. Color can be used to invoke a variety of elements and energies for whatever type of ritual work we are conducting. Dyes can be used for cloth, poppets, clothing, wands, wooden chalices and bowls, eggs, and even altars. Natural dyes work well as paints for illustrations and inks in books of shadows. This section offers many different ideas that work well for making your own dyes.

Pink 1) Cranberry Juice
2) juice from pickled beets
3) Raspberry juice lightened with water.

Red 1) Boil the skins of several red onions. Boil off the water to make the color darker.
2) Raspberry juice (purplish-red)
3) Simmer soapberry (Shepherdia canadensis) until sufficient color is reached.
4) Strawberry blite simmered until desired color is reached.
5) Bedstraw root simmered.
6) Powder Brazil wood and expose to the air for a few hours. Sprinkle with water and alcohol.

Orange 1) Boil bloodroot (TOXIC).
2) Simmer coreopsis flower for two hours then boil off the water as much as possible.
3) Annatto seed boiled.
4) Henna powder mixed with hot water and a little lemon juice (reddish brown to orange)

Yellow 1) Boil one cup of water. Add 1 1/2 tsp of turmeric. For eggs, add 1/2 tsp of vinegar.
2) Saffron (can be costly)
3) Simmer coreopsis flowers for one hour.
4) Simmer goldenrod flowers for 1/2 hour.
5) Simmer onionskins for 20 minutes.
6) Boil burdock root.
7) Boil clematis leaves.
8) Simmer yarrow
9) Barberry

Green 1) Liquid chlorophyll
2) Mash fresh grass and add just a little vinegar and water.
3) Boil violet blossoms in water for several hours. Boil off the water to darken the color. Add 1/4 tsp baking soda. Test an area for color before using this dye.
4) Simmer fresh Lilly of the Valley leaves (TOXIC) for one hour
5) Use Queen Anne's Lace flowers and stems. Simmer for 1 hour.
6) Rhododendron leaves - let green leaves soak overnight, then boil for one hour.

Blue 1) Juice of some types of blueberry.

Indigo 1) Indigo flowers steeped in simmering water, then darkened by boiling off the extra water.

Purple 1) Boil violet blossoms in water for several hours. Boil off the water to darken the color.
2) Blueberry Juice
3) Blackberry Juice.
4) Salal berry juice.
5) Mulberry juice
.
Lavender 1) boil the skins of just a few red onions. Boiling off the water or using too many skins will cause the color to become darker and turn red.
2) Grape juice
3) 1) Boil violet blossoms in water for several hours and then add some lemon juice.

Tan 1) boil the skins from yellow onions to make a light golden brown. Boil off the water to make it darker.
2) Add a very small amount of coffee to hot water.
3) Simmer marigold heads for one hour.
4) Cedar chips soaked in water overnight then boiled one hour.
5) Sweet woodruff leaves simmered.

Brown 1) Add coffee to hot water. Use vinegar to help the color take to eggs.
2) Soak ground acorns overnight, then boil for 2.5 hours.
3) Henna powder mixed with hot water and a little lemon juice (reddish brown to orange)

Black 1) India ink
2) Charcoal mixed with a tiny amount of water.

Tips and Tricks:
1) to make a color darker; boil off more of the water. You can also use several layers of the color to make it darker.
2) To make your colors permanent you can boil off as much of the water as possible and replace it with vodka or vinegar. Keep your colors in well-sealed containers to keep the alcohol and vinegar from evaporating. You can also try keeping colors in the refrigerator to make them last longer.
3) Keep colors in glass containers if possible. Reusing plastic containers, even if they have been cleaned, can contaminate your colors.
4) If you do not have enough to make lots of colors, try making only the basic colors and mix them to obtain other hues. (Red, Blue, and Yellow)
5) When dyeing eggs, add one tablespoon of vinegar to the dye. Orange sometimes does not need vinegar added.
http://www.witch- crafted.com/dyes.htm
DIVINATION CORNER
Crystal Scrying
Learn How to See Your Future
© 1997 by Donald Tyson
Crystal scrying is one of the oldest forms of scrying. Because of the traditional associations, you may think you need a natural crystal ball. Unfortunately, even a small rock crystal ball with little imperfection is horrendously expensive. A common mistake for beginners is the belief that the bigger the crystal, the better it will work. In all actuality, if you have a choice between buying a small, perfect crystal and a larger crystal with many imperfections, get the small crystal.
The second choice for a crystal ball is a good quality leaded glass. Like the rock crystal balls, glass crystals vary greatly in quality. Look around until you find a glass crystal that is regular on the outside, with no sign of sag or ripples. This can be easily seen in a bright light, when you look through it.
The last choice for a scrying crystal is plastic. Plastic "crystals" are light, highly polished, perfectly round and contain no flaws, but are not a natural material.
The surprising thing about using a crystal ball is that you do not actually see much of the ball during use. Crystal scrying should be done in near, or total, darkness.
How To Begin:
When you begin to scry, focus your gaze upon the center of the crystal, not upon its surface. Try to look through the crystal as though it were merely a window upon the astral world. Probably the first thing you will see after concentrating your vision at the center of the crystal for several minutes is shifting gray clouds that billow and roll like thunderheads. These will begin to change color. Observe these color changes in a detached way but do not focus your attention upon them. Continue to scry through the crystal, not into it.
A white radiance that is similar to a milky mist will gradually spread outward from the center of the crystal. This will lift to reveal images. At first these will be very tiny and far away, but clear and unnaturally bright. If you focus your critical reasoning powers upon these visions, they will vanish at once. It is necessary to observe them with an absent mind and allow them to arise of their own accord. As you gain skill in scrying, it will become possible for you to focus your awareness more directly upon these images without causing them to be covered by the white mist.
These visual abstractions of the mind from the images that arise in the crystal are learned techniques. Once you begin to receive visions, you will quickly discover what internal mental actions you must follow to sustain them. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you exactly how to create the right mental climate for sustaining scried visions any more than I can tell you how to balance on one foot. You must try yourself, observe your mistakes and learn by experiment. The correct mental state is the one that does not banish the visions.
If you find that you are getting no results after half a dozen sessions, you may wish to employ this technique for training the mind to receive visions: Look around the scrying room and focus your attention on some small object, then close your eyes and mentally attempt to transfer the image of the object into the crystal, to be observed when the eyes are reopened. When you are successful at this, transfer the image of a strong memory into the crystal and observe it in the same way.
IF YOU HAVE A DIVINATION TECHNIQUE YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

The Appreciation Section
For those we need to say Thanks
All of the members of The Coven of the Fainting Goats and Flying sacred bird.
During our time of emotional need and sorrow you guys were there and continue to be there. You have become more than friends you are family more so than my own real family.
Craig S. Bland
Rev Bonnie
You can talk to her and not feel put down and she makes you laugh.
Edith Siekbert (Pam)
She took the time to listen. She took the time to be patent. She took the time to not judge. She took the time to have fun. She took the time to laugh. RIP
If you want to make an appreciation made to the public to anyone e-mail us at
greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

Obituary
Edith Siekbert (Pam)
Classifieds
Tree of life schedule

2009 CELTIC RENAISSANCE SHOW
Tree of Life, Cincinnati’s premier world music duo, is unveiling a new “Celtic Renaissance” show this year. Instrumental music is played on Irish whistle, recorder and flute, with hand-drum accompaniment. The repertoire includes traditional Irish tunes and original compositions done with a Renaissance fair flavor. These CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Award)-nominated musicians have been performing together in Cincinnati since 2004. They have produced 4 albums and a belly dance DVD. To book this versatile act, call Richard Cisneros at 513.410.7838 or email Patrick McMahon at patricle_93@insightbb.com. Check them out at: www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic
******************************************************
MUSIC AND WELLNESS
The therapeutic value of music has long been recognized throughout various cultures of the world. Tree of Life, a local instrumental duo, has partnered with wellness professionals in a variety of settings, providing musical support for shamanic journeying, meditation, yoga and health exercise programs. This year the band will work with personal trainer Charney (513.608.2399) at The Edge Studio in Loveland, and spinning instructor Chris Lonsberry (513.289.4294) at Queen City Racquet Club. Charity work will include "Spin for the Cure" (for breast cancer) and "Spin for Juvenile Diabetes." To learn more, call Richard Cisneros (513.410.7838). www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic
*******************************************************
WELLNESS & TREE OF LIFE
The therapeutic value of music has long been recognized throughout the world. Tree of Life enjoys partnering with wellness specialists, and is available to provide custom music support for various wellness activities, including:

* Spinning Classes
* Fitness Classes with Personal Trainers
* Yoga Classes
* Meditation Classes
* Shamanic Healing Sessions
* Musical Meditations for Expectant Mothers and their Unborn Children

From the soothing ambient sounds of wind chimes, bells and flutes, to hard-driving double-drumming percussion, this instrumental duo can provide just what is needed to inspire and uplift students and participants in these health-related activities. To learn more, call Richard Cisneros (513.410.7838) or email Patrick McMahon (patricle_93@insightbb.com). www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic



Have you heard the news? Finally there's a fresh sound on the local jazz scene in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. A cultural anthropologist and a graphic artist have combined their musical talents to create a different sort of listening experience. In so doing, they prove the adage "everything old is new again." This duo, called "Tree of Life" brings jazz full circle. Patrick McMahon, ethnologist and flute player for the group explains:

" How would I describe our sound? It's tribal, man. I think we've created a tribal fusion sound that returns jazz to its roots of African percussion. Richard Cisneros and I are both drummers who love African syncopation. As Richard says, our music is percussion-driven. The unique hand drum set that he has assembled amazes me. It's like a forest of percussion. And the pioneering and inventive thing Richard does with it reminds me of Max Roach. I think of them both as being very polyphonic drummers. Richard and I are intuitive musicians, and everything we do is improvised. When we work with dancers that brings another level of synergy and fuels our spontaneity. I'd also describe our sound as "primal." The creative project that drew us together musically involved creating rhythms and wind sounds that would emulate animals in the wild. Our song "Congo," from our self-titled CD, is the culmination of that concept. Jamming with Richard's intense rhythms, I take the listener into the bush. I use tenor sax and bass clarinet to create a dialog of wild jungle beasts doing' their primal thing. It's like an adventure, man. A journey into the unknown. Maybe it's a little scary, but it's also exhilarating and invigorating."

"I grew up listening to the jazz greats of the bebop era. Today I get a kick out of taking that same spirit of creativity and expressing myself on bamboo flutes, recorders, even Irish whistle. In "Tree of Life," we have cross-pollinated all sorts of musical influences. We utilize Native American and Middle Eastern rhythms in addition to our African syncopation to create what I think is a unique "tribal world fusion" blend. We're outside the box, doing something different. We've played all sorts of gigs, man. But I love it when there are jazz enthusiasts in the audience. From their comments afterwards, I can tell that they "get it." They can sense our musical influences, steeped in jazz, and they can appreciate our improvisational approach. Sometimes folks in the audience will be inspired to draw or even write poetry as they listen to us. And often folks are moved to dance spontaneously. Some have even told me that the experience was healing for them. Now that's what I'm talking' 'bout! When we get such feedback, Richard and I know that we are doing our thing as ministers of music. It's all about the Spirit, brother!"

To learn more about "Tree of Life," visit this website: www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic. To book the band, call Richard at 513.410.7838 or email Patrick: patricle_93@insightbb.com..
*************************************************************************
HOLIDAYS with TREE OF LIFE
Tree of Life, Cincinnati's premier world music duo, provides the fun factor for any seasonal holiday occasion. The band's dynamic improvisational drumming brings a tribal feel to any celebration and is ideally suited to Solstice and Equinox celebrations, Earth Day, Beltane and other holy days in the ancient Celtic calendar, Mardi Gras and a variety of outdoor events. Bamboo flutes and whistles add an African, Bedouin, Moroccan and Native American flavor to Tree of Life's percussion-driven earthy sound.
The duo's "Celtic Renaissance" show, which is perfect for St. Patrick's Day, offers an eclectic blend of musical selections that is enjoyable at any time of the year. Traditional Irish tunes and original instrumentals are played on Irish whistle, recorders, flutes and percussion. The same instrumentation is used in a lively and fun-filled "Christmas Renaissance" show.
CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Award)-nominated performers Richard Cisneros (drums) and Patrick McMahon (wind instruments) are versatile, intuitive musicians who will tailor a custom show for any party, gathering or special function. The band is available with or without belly dancers and fire dancers for anything from luau and pool parties to gypsy-themed costume parties, Halloween balls, art shows, grand openings and corporate events. To book this lively and festive act, call Richard (513.410.7838) or email Patrick (patricle_93@insightbb.com). www.myspace.com/treeoflifeworldmusic
****************************************************************************
MUSIC PRODUCTS from TREE OF LIFE
The acoustic instrumental duo of Richard Cisneros (drums) and Patrick McMahon (wind instruments), known as "Tree of Life," has been entertaining patrons of coffee houses and restaurants in the Tri-State area since 2005. Their sound is quite unique, offering a fascinating blend of ethnic musical influences that is most intriguing. A typical set takes the listener on a musical journey around the world. Songs like "Rama," and "Golden Temple," played on bamboo flutes, draw upon the rich melodic heritage of the Indian Continent. Irish whistle, recorders and soprano flute are heard on Celtic and Renaissance flavored numbers. Many tunes employ Middle Eastern dance rhythms from Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and various Mediterranean countries played on an amazing variety of drums and percussion instruments. In fact, Tree of Life often performs with belly dancers. From soothing trance music with a Native American flavor to hard-driving African percussion, punctuated with the animal-like sounds of the bass clarinet, these CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Award) - nominated musicians deliver a musically cinematic show that is quite memorable.

The band has several products available for sale at shows. The self-titled "Tree of Life" CD, a world music sampler, is a fine souvenir of a typical performance and is representative of the duo's musical cross-pollination. For those who particularly enjoy the relaxing sounds of soprano and bass flute, the "Cleopatra" CD is sure to please. The trance journey album "Anvil of the Gods," follows the adventures of a young man on a quest, and honors the hero in us all. The happy, upbeat music on the "Elohim" CD has an amazing variety of cultural influences and features motifs drawn from African, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean, Chaldean and Jewish sources. Tree of Life's first CD of 2009, "Faire Fortune," has a definite Celtic Renaissance flavor. It features tunes from the Emerald Isle and other cultures played on Irish whistle and percussion. Their latest CD, "Surya," is named after the Hindu god of the Sun. The album is designed for used by yoga teachers and wellness practitioners. In addition to the title cut, tracks include "Vayu (Wind)," "Gaia (Earth)," and "Chandra (Moon)." The music is mystical, evocative and transcedelic. Born in the studio on Valentine's Day 2009, "Surya" is a musical project that celebrates Divine Love and is intended to enhance the listener's personal connection to Spirit. The CDs range in price from $10-15. The band also has a belly dance DVD which features the wonderful improvisational temple dancer Kristi Renee, currently residing in Asheville, NC. The DVD sells for $20.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALENDAR
* Fri March 20th:
Spring Equinox Celebration: Starbucks Eastgate (866 Eastgate North Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245) Live music with Tree of Life (8-10 pm). All ages. Free admission.

* Fri April 17th
Starbucks Eastgate (866 Eastgate North Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245) Live music with Tree of Life (8-10 pm). All ages. Free admission.

* Fri April 24th
Art Show: Bromwell Gallery (117 W. 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202) Live music with Tree of Life (7-9 pm). All ages. Free admission.

Barbara Dreamkeeper's beadworks are all one of a kind. I don’t repeat patterns.
Most work is Custom so I will take orders. Ask for more pic's contact Dreamkeeper57@yahoo.com or phone 918-504-8057
$125.00 Dollars for mirror pouch with the mirror bead patterns vary
$35.00 Dollars for beaded key chains each pattern is different
$200.00 Dollars for beaded Awl Cases each one is a one of a kind.
$30.00 Dollars for totem/Rune pouch
$39.00 Dollars for Lakota Style wedding earrings
$500.00 Dollars for Fringed Pipe and Tobacco bags pipe bag
is beaded on both sides each pipe bag is one of a kind.
I do custom orders
$100.00 Dollars for the peyote stitch necklace this one is sold but all beaded necklace are different.
=========================================================================
Due to the success of the Magic Mini Mall this past Christmas there is a need for specific items, which are in dire need for the Mini Mall

Winter Coats, Battery operated watches (cheap), Broken Jewelry or necklaces,
The list will grow as the year goes on. Each month the list will be added to.
If you have these items PLEASE e-mail info to the following audrey_b_45205@yahoo.com
=========================================================================
Our Haven has nothing scheduled until Beltain http://www.ourhaven.info

CD’s for sale from our sponsors
Jesikah Saetara
http://www.jesikahsaetara.com/music.html

Tree of Life
http://www.tribe.net/template/pub,oc,Detail.vm?plugin=bio&inst=12838060

David Wood
http://www.davidwoodmusic.com/

Chakras
http://www.myspace.com/chakrassounds

Owen Knight and Blacklight Braille
http://w3.iac.net/~moonweb/Artists/BLB/BLBArticle.html

If you have anything to Sell, Give away, Barter, Trade, or if you want an item E-mail us at greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com


THE ORACLE

1.Can you predict whether the 2012 end of the myan calendar is a myth or is it just a scare?

2, When will the Troops start coming home from the Police Action?

You work your tools or Psychic ability, and e-mail your answer to us at GreenWoodTreeMonthly@yahoo.com


MOON PHASES
Site Location: http://www.stardate.org/nightsky/moon/

March



Full Moon Names
From the web site
http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/moonnames.htm

March April

Colonial American

Fish Moon Planter’s Moon

Chinese

Sleepy Moon Peony Moon

American Indian (Cherokee)

Windy Moon Flower Moon

American Indian (Choctaw)

Big Famine Moon Wildcat Moon

American Indian (Dakotah Sioux)

Moon when eyes sore from bright snow Moon when geese return in scattered form


Celtic

Moon of winds Growing Moon

English Medieval

Chaste Moon Seed Moon

Neo Pagan

Death Moon Awakening Moon





Recipes
By Cyrena from : http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51003237.tip.html

Funnel Cake II
Ingredients:
1 egg
powder sugar
2/3 cups of milk
1 1/4 cup of self rising flour
oil to fry in
Directions:
Heat oil over med heat in cast iron or any fry pan.

Mix all the ingredients together, except powder sugar & oil, beat until the mixture turns smooth.

You need to use a squeeze bottle or funnel to pour the batter into the hot oil. Pour or squeeze the mixture from the center towards the outer side. When the mixture turns golden brown and crispy enough, you can remove it from the oil to a plate. Sprinkle powdered sugar over it, serve warm.
By Kathleen from Dothan, Al


Robin's Recipe Corner:

Stir Fried Broccoli and Romaine
Ingredients:
1/2 bunch broccoli
1 medium head romaine lettuce
4 slices bacon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup water
Directions:
About 20 minutes before serving, remove any large leaves from broccoli and trim ends if stalks are tough or woody and cut into 2x1/2 inch pieces. Tear romaine into bite size pieces; set aside. In pan over medium heat, fry bacon slices, diced, just until crisp. Add broccoli; stir quickly and frequently (stir-fry) until pieces are coated with bacon drippings. Add water, cover and cook 4 minutes. Uncover and add romaine, salt and sugar. Stir-fry 3 minutes more or until vegetables are tender crisp. Serves 6.
By Robin from Washington, IA

Scones
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups flour
2 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1/3 cup cream

Directions:
Cut the butter into dry ingredients until the size of peas. Beat eggs and cream together in a separate bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of egg mixture. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour liquid into this and mix into well-blended dough. Place on floured board. Pat into 3/4 inch thick. Cut with a knife into triangle shape. Brush with reserved egg mix and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in 450 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
By Robin from Washington, IA

IF YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com

Pagan Holidays
From the web site http://www.paganspath.com/magik/sabbats.htm

Ostara - {Vernal Equinox} Around March 20th
· American and Celtic traditions ~ Ostara
· Caledonian traditions ~ Alban Eiler
This festival celebrates the warrior aspect of the God and the Goddess as the Maiden. It occurs in the middle of March when the length of day is equal to the length of night. It is a time of balance, the official end of winter and beginning of winter. The second of the fertility festivals, Ostara represents the seeding and preparation for the remainder of the year.

Blessing seeds for future plantings celebrate the season. Eggs are colored and placed on an alter as magical talismans. The "Easter Bunny" and "Easter Baskets" are both variations of this Pagan festival. The Bunny represents abundance of planting yet to come and the baskets are used to gather the new spring flowers, another representation of fertility. After all, blossoms are a culmination of combining masculine pollen with feminine pollen. What a better representation of fertility.

The season is also represented by light green, lemon yellow and pale pink. The beginning colors of maturing plants and flowers. Twisted bread and sweet cakes are prepared and served at dusk to represent the abundance of planting for the new harvest.


Poet’s Corner
From http://paganpoetry.tripod.com/magickseeker/silent.html
THE SILENT DREAM
I once was there,
With you in a silent dream,
I once thought you cared,
For me in reality,
Then you left me here,
Alone with my tears,
To live in the nightmare,
Of this life without you,
The dreams that were there,
Shattered now without you,
Are the only thing I have left,
Of what used to be,
Before you left,
And we lived in the silent dream


Featured Author
Copied from Witch Vox



A Dragon Rises Author: Michael Calabrese Publisher: Author HouseCategory: Pagan Sword & Sorcery Level: AllIt is the time of Erwyllian, the ancient Lord Druid of Brython - a time of magic and Gods who rise from myth to walk in the world of men. It is the time of Teg, a young warrior chosen by the Gods to unite his people against the Saxon invaders - and given an impossible task: to be the new Riothamus . . . to fill the shoes of Arthur.A Dragon Rises is an altered history. It’s sixth century Britain; some 30 years after the death of Arthur (he probably died in 511AD), and the Pagan Celts win - against the Saxon invader and druid ways triumph over the domination of Rome. The Old Gods promise a rebirth of the land and the people and appear in public for thousands to see. It is a story of conflict, magic, faith and the historic political and religious issues of the day.Years of travel - to know the land and the feel of the West Country and research – went into the weaving of history and myth to make the cloth of this story – a blending fact and mystery into a tale of the successor to Arthur.A Sample PassageThere were days when the love of all the Gods lay across the land. This was one of them. Their path wound its way through deep woods. No scrub grew here. Great oaks, elm and larch spread huge limbs up to the sky. The canopy rose high above the forest floor casting soft blue shadows, and brilliant fingers of light painted the trees in dusted shafts of golden air.Rhundalan rode quietly, tasting the smell of the living woods. Even the soft clopping of horse hooves made a contented sound. He was at the head of a line of horsemen, moving single file through the trees. Ten warriors and two journeymen harpers rode behind him - welcome company on a ride through Saxon lands.Rhundalan looked deep into the woods. Had he ever seen so green a place before? It was just mid June, yet the land was full of more color and life than any high summer he'd ever known. There could be no doubting it; the hand of the Goddess lay over the land. Only a fool would deny the fruits of faith. All was as Great Cernunnos had promised, at Samhain.They rode through a hundred miles of territory, staying to Brython lands when they could, avoiding Saxons when they couldn't. Wherever they went, it was the same. The lands of the faithful, who kept to ancient ways, were in full bloom. Fields, which had languished for years, were in heavy yield where Samhain's fires found their spark. Farms where Christians worked the land did poorly, even when they were right next to those who made proper offerings.Christian priests offered salvation in the world to come for those who would pay the tithe and bend their knees in fear of damnation. They measured the power of the Dead God by the weight of the gold they collected and the numbers of yoked souls. The Roman bishops screamed heresy and sent soldiers to punish those who did not believe as they did or refused the tithe.The Gods offered the salvation of life itself, in this living world. It was not heresy to deny the power of the living Gods, it was stupidity! Men had only to look and believe what their eyes found in front of them.The path turned through the trees and led them to a small stream where cold water splashed over the rocks. Rhundalan brought his horse to a halt and let the beast lower his head to drink with the others. Waiting for the horse to take his fill, he noticed a tiny movement in the water. A small wooden statue floated, carried by the flowing water to the spirit who inhabited this stream. Rhundalan squinted to make out the carved offering. The form of a child had been cut into the wood; one leg was shorter than the other, its foot twisted inward. A moment later a second carving floated by - the child with two even legs, feet straight.These were prayer symbols. Someone, probably a young mother, had made these offerings to the God for a healing. The first figure showed the malady and the reason for the prayer. The second showed the God what outcome was hoped for.Rhundalan watched the figures float downstream and added his own silent prayer and good wishes. Somewhere upstream he knew, a young woman made her way through the trees back to her village, heart full of hope. He could do no more for her here, by the water. But once clear of the forest he would find Erwyllian and there, his work might save her life and her child's. Rhundalan pulled the reins gently and pressed his knee to the horse's flank.They rode the path through most of the day, before coming to a great sprawling meadow. The sun followed its course toward the west, where the hills rose until the land turned from green to smoky blue in the distance. Ten miles to the east, the rolling meadows sloped down to the wetlands which surrounded The Wash, the notch where the sea cut into the coast and the mouths of a thousand streams turned the land to marsh.They rode toward the river Sloa and the ford, which ran near great burial mounds, where ancient people laid their dead. The long barrows dotted the land, rising high above the plain, each with deep chalk ditches dug along its sides. No one knew who raised these high hills. They marked the resting places of kings from a time when men prayed to the sky in their stone circles and the Old Ones were new.Author's Notes: About the AuthorMichael Calabrese has been writing throughout his professional life. A long-time Pagan and once a Bard to his Grove, he now takes a new path - as storyteller. A historian by schooling and avocation, research and myth come together here. This book started as a short story. One night at 3am he found himself with 150 pages of copy and notes. A month later – he landed in London beginning the first of many trips through Britain’s magical West Country. Michael is a Companion of Chalice Well, Glastonbury, UK.Where To Buy: A Dragon Rises is available from Author House at the web site given below. It can be ordered at Borders, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com

You can get his book from Author House at http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~22590.aspx
This is a must read book from a fellow Pagan in our local area.

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