The GreenWood Tree Monthly
May 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 the noted Pagan Author Michael Calabrese
1. GWTM: You are a noted author in the local community: How long did it take for you to get published?
Michael: Well, I’m only noted in this community and some, in England – so I’m pretty local. I’ve been writing for more than 30 years. I had other work published: conference books (Space Studies Institute, Princeton) and Magazine articles. In 1983 I had the cover feature story in Parade Magazine three weeks in a row, (the national Sunday magazine supplement in Gannett newspapers). That was a series of articles on the in-space construction of human colonies.
I worked on A Dragon Rises for about four and a half years. I shopped around for agents but didn’t get one so I went it alone. Tor Books was supposed to report back in 12-14 weeks, but they held the book on the third round of their review for 14 months. I withdrew it and sent it to Bantam. They held it on the third round for 16 months! So I finally published it on my own at Authorhouse.
I’ve had other publications – an essay was published in Avalon Magazine (2004), and last year, I wrote the closing chapter to a book from the Chalice Well Trust.
2. GWTM: How many pagan related books have you published?
Michael: Only the one: A Dragon Rises. Another book called Bracan’s Daughter is out for sale now and under review – and I’m shopping for agents again.
3. GWTM: Do you have any books in the works right now and what are their names?
Michael: I’ve got two projects going: The One Hundred Years of Erwyllian started out as some notes for a sequel to A Dragon Rises. Then I was telling a friend about it and she said that she’d always hoped for something of a prequel on the life of Erwyllian, one of the main characters in that first book. Well, that night 35 pages of notes and copy came spilling out. It happens that way sometimes. Now it’s become a series that will end up as three books with A Dragon Rises being the third and extended a bit. It starts off dealing with the question: What sort of a child gets you an “Erwyllian.” I suppose he’s my “altar” ego.
The second book is called “Paul & Andrew.” That’s a straight Science Fiction book about genetic engineering and nano-technology in humans. That’s on a back burner now; I’ve got about 250 pages of that done. It comes rolling out every now and then, but mostly Erwyllian has center stage. There are notes and idea for others – but nothing definite.
4. GWTM: How many years has it been since you have published your first book?
Michael: A Dragon Rises came out in 2004.
5. GWTM: What are the topics of the books, which have been published?
Michael: A Dragon Rises is something of an altered history that takes place some thirty years after the death of Arthur (probably in 511AD). It’s 6th century Britain and the Pagan Celts win out over both the Saxons, and the roman Church. The Lord Druid Erwyllian is the spiritual focus of the story. The commander he trains and sets up to lead is a young man named Teg – the successor to Arthur.
Most of my work has been in space sciences, space defense systems and policy and international law. There was work for the Air force, and a contract with the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. That stuff wasn’t published. I was a ghost-writer at the Space Studies Institute at the Center for Advanced Studies at Princeton in 1978, (AIAA Journal). That got me to the National Space Society in Philadelphia. All that work was writing: newsletters, briefing books and position papers. I was a panelist on the OMNI Foundation Symposium on U.S. Space Policy in 1982. That was published by OMNI Magazine. So it’s been a few years, now.
6. GWTM: When you write your books such as A Dragon Rises do you channel or do a history type of look up?
Michael: Mostly – it’s research and a ton of it. Most of the kings in the book are the historical leaders of the day. Events take place in the book on the same sites as they did when history turned against Celtic Britain, only these are reversed. The book is based on the real events and issues (political and religious) of those times. I made 5 trips to Britain’s West Country and Wales doing research and was a digger at the “Camelot Site” (the fortress at South Cadbury in Somerset) on two trips in 1995 and 96. I visited all but a few of the sites where the story is set, took tons of photos, talked with the locals, researched the leaders, the archaeology at those sites, etc… In the book there is a series of letters written by one of the characters, a Papal Legate. His writing is based on surviving letters from bishops of the 5th and 6th century, (the language used and the issues and all that).
I can’t say that I channel when I write. It doesn’t come from anyone else. There are times when I get lost in my story and everything else goes away – even Cincinnati. The real world, the clear one, is on my screen. People who read those scenes in particular get pretty absorbed by them. I suppose that is the best part of being a writer. Sometimes I’ll look up and realize it’s dawn. I’ve got no idea where the time went – but 40 pages of new copy is there.
7. GWTM: What is your opinion on Pagans being forced to remain in the closet because of their religion?
Michael: Personally, I don’t buy it. I’m a public Pagan and have been for more than 25 years. I’ve had a few people think that they had something to say about it, but then I’m bigger than they are. My mother thinks it’s fine. My father has been in denial for quite a while. Then again – he wants to go to Chalice Well. Friends, family, co-workers, employees, neighbors; they all know I am Pagan. I’m a published Pagan author who does book signings and gives workshops. For me, getting back into the closet is senseless. I wasn’t in one before – I won’t get in one now.
8. GWTM: When was the turning point for you to become Pagan?
Michael: It was sort of a slow transition. I suppose that by the time I was 16, I figured that religious Judaism wasn’t for me. Spiritually, it left me flat. I’m half Russian Jew and half Italian Catholic – so I am an accident of Brooklyn. On the Christian side – well I don’t think I ever bought into it and Christianity (and less so – Catholicism) was never an option. I started reading Kabbalah. My road to Paganism began with pre-monotheistic Judaism. I spent a several years studying Ceremonial Magic and then couple of years with a group from the Golden Dawn in Philadelphia. There was plenty for the head and nothing for the heart and just before getting my seal, I left. I spent some time as a member of ADF and was a Bard of my Grove here in Cincinnati. Now, I’m simply Pagan. I’m a Companion of Chalice Well. Since that is the real-deal both above and below, I expect to remain this way for the rest of my life – and some time after.
9. GWTM: In speaking with you it is evident that you are a staunch environmentalist. As we all should be. What is your opinion on opening the ocean shelf for oil drilling?
Michael: The whole “Drill baby, drill” thing is a sham. The oil corporations want to sit on the land-based reserves they hold leases for (from the federal government) until the prices rise when we’re almost out of oil entirely. The move to drill on the continental shelf is a fast fix to get the pubic to pay for exploiting the resource while sitting on the reserve. We don’t need more oil. We need to learn to stop using it. Off-shore drilling is an attempt to halt those efforts by providing cheaper gas at the pump, while hanging on to the reserves and to keep Americans grinning in their SUV’s.
10. GWTM: Also what is your opinion of opening the national forest for natural resources?
Michael: It’s idiocy and greed. The forests in themselves ARE the natural resource. Now with climate change closing in on us, and the failure in using water as “carbon sinks,” reforestation is now being viewed as the key to not just cleaning the air – but our continuing to live on our planet. This isn’t about money anymore and even profit is only worth so much. Timber is really the resource of choice now for even more items than it was before. It’s renewable. The key is “arbor culture” in massive amounts; not in cutting down the natural forests. Cultured trees produce much more lumber than any forest and it produces an industrial standard that nature cannot – and should not. In the next 2-5 years, we will see some massive planting projects in the western states where dust bowl erosion is already stripping the land bare. We’ll see a lot of planting projects immediately adjacent to highways where the trees can get all of the carbon they can take in, cleaning the air right at the source.
11.GWTM: Do you believe that the new conservatives are a danger to Pagan’s today?
Michael: New Conservatives… If you mean the Neo-cons, then no. I’ve met a couple of them. They couldn’t care less.
I’m not sure that labels like “Liberal” and “Conservative” have much meaning these days. The “Radical Right” is out there, in growing numbers. There is a good chance that more violent elements will gain a greater hold among the stupid. There are a lot of them. Some of them can see Russia. Pagans need to understand that it’s the Christians who say they will turn the other cheek. Not us. I’m not a militant person, but the idea that we can go along, no matter what others do and not fight back is our own brand of stupidity. I don’t need to look back any further than my own Jewish roots to know that is true.
I think we need to take a close look at the “new conservatives,” particularly the Christian ones and see them clearly for what they are. There is movement out there that has some interesting thinking behind it, and it comes from a sound spiritual footing. There are Christians (mostly Methodists) who are saying things like: In order to be a conservative, one must actually ‘conserve’ something. This is God’s creation and our job to conserve the earth and its life in his name. Interesting – yes? We need to be prepared for the bad while NOT turning our noses up at the good. Both are there.
Is there trouble ahead? It can happen. We will need to ready for it. It will separate Pagan from Playgun which is a good thing. 95% of all American Christians are good at being both American AND Christian. The terms aren’t mutually exclusive. Our freedoms are theirs. The crazies aren’t held in check by us. They are held in check by that 95 %. We should remember that.
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A Dragon Rises
Author: Michael Calabrese
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Robins Hood Event Schedule
Pagan Pride Day Covington August 29th 2009
Back to school drive: Starts in July - until school starts
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Magic Mini Mall to be announced!
OPINION
Reclaiming Darkness in Paganism: A Call to Balance
by John J. Coughlin
On the Internet I use the handle "DarkWyccan" which often brings
mixed reactions among Pagans; some are simply curious what I mean
by "dark", but many others are downright offended. Immediately I am
associated with evil and chastised for fostering the negative
stereotypes of witchcraft. (Actually the "Dark" in the name refers to
my style of dress and penchant for macabre imagery but that's another
story!)
Indeed the word "dark", like "witch" has long been used in
association with the concept of evil in modern Western Society. As
Pagans we know that a witch is not necessarily evil. We have worked
hard to reclaim the word "witch", if only so that we can personally
break free of our own social conditioning that a witch is synonymous
with "evil". In seeking to reclaim the word "witch" we have often
distanced ourselves from other such loaded words that carry the
public's projection of evil. The easiest way to accomplish this
distancing was to focus on imagery associated with goodness, such
as "light".
However, there is an inherent problem with this. How pagans see the
duality of light/dark is not the same as is traditional in modern
Western society, which has been heavily influenced by Christian
thought over the last several centuries. The Western world view is
based on dualism where duality is broken down into two very separate
and distinct irreducible parts. These parts are independent of each
other and can be either complimentary or in conflict. In the case of
traditional Western thought, the symbolism of light and dark is
deeply rooted in the Christian ethical dualism symbolized as the
battle of good (light) vs. evil (dark). Paganism on the other hand
has adopted a world view based on monism, where duality is more often
perceived as aspects of an encompassing whole. Dualities such as
light/dark thus exist as polarities - two opposite yet complementing
aspects of a whole. The yin-yang, which shows each "side" as part of
a greater whole, each containing an aspect of its opposite within it,
is a familiar symbol of polarity.
This polarity of light/dark in Pagan thought is no longer the same as
the dualism of good/evil, but rather associated with such
complimenting principles as creative/destructive, external/internal,
attracting/repelling, clarity/mystery, active/passive, solid/flowing,
static/dynamic, masculine/feminine, and order/chaos, to name a few.
The moralistic connotations that were opposed upon the light/dark
dualism by traditional Western thought simply do not apply under the
monastic approach. (Don't confuse "monism" and "monastic"
with "monotheism", that is another issue completely.)
Being raised in a society based on dualism we have a natural habit to
want to break things down into components, even when we have chosen
to take on a spirituality based on monism. Thus, as we Pagans (often
coming from a Judeo-Christian background) began to use the dualistic
imagery of light (good) from Western thought in association with the
word "witch" to reclaim it from the negative association of darkness
(evil) we unconsciously altered the polarity of light/dark in Pagan
thought to fit this imagery. Duality in a monism is not the same as
duality in a dualism.
Additionally, as Paganism became more mainstream in the 1980's and
90's, less attention was a given to formal study and practice, and
sadly many authors over emphasized the concept of "insta-witchcraft"
as 101-style books flooded the market. Covens and even traditions
were formed by novices and yet attempted to take on students. This
had (and is still having) drastic results when mixed with New Age
influences that strip away the cultural context of various beliefs
and negative associations, to provide a more palatable, trendy form,
which is geared for the masses. Paganism has become overrun with
beginners lacking direction and clarity. Although I am a strong
proponent for the validity of solitary practice, the sudden shift in
majority from coven-centric to solitary practice has not come without
a cost.
Normally, when one begins to study and practice a Pagan religion,
there is a shift in his or her world view of dualism in spirituality
to monism. This shift is an internal process - an initiation - and
happens to both the solitary and coven member alike. The external
self-dedication or initiation ritual uses imagery to help catalyze
this internal initiation; alone such rituals are but empty forms and
useless. One of the reasons coven novitiates must wait a year and a
day before a formal initiation is to allow the novitiate time to
experience the mysteries of the Craft; a personal understanding of
Pagan symbolism in the proper context. Of course this same process
can happen to a dedicated solitary with discipline and motivation. A
shift in world view can only occur through practice and experience.
One must work under the principles of the new world view before
it "clicks" and becomes a part of us, and this takes time and effort,
two things many unguided novices (or unqualified teachers) fail to
see.
This is much akin to culture shock. When we cannot relate to a
foreign culture, its practices that do not compliment our own culture
may seem strange or even barbaric. If, however, we were to live
within the context of that culture we would eventually start to see
those practices within the proper context and perhaps appreciate (or
at least better understand) the local practices that we once scoffed
at. What has been happening in the Pagan community more and more is
an influx of people taking its symbolism and mysteries out of the
context of monism and translating them to fit their own context based
in dualism. Light and dark become opposed and polarities are thrown
out of balance as anything associated with darkness is disowned.
Popular Pagan religions such as Wicca become "fluffy" loosing their
depth. Such Pagans are not receptive to challenges to their
comfortable niche in their spirituality. Here they find release from
the overburdening aspects of their former Judeo-Christian religions
while finding the security and encouragement of the more flexible
Pagan paths. The flexibility can be taken to the extreme of assuming
that anything we no not like can simply be discarded without concern.
Unless this imbalance is corrected, the true mysteries that Paganism
offers are lost. Pagan traditions are becoming empty shells of what
they once were and the sense of community is becoming shattered
by "witch wars" and silly politics. Before we can salvage our beliefs
we must first reclaim "darkness" and encourage this reclamation from
within. The road ahead will not be an easy one, but with effort those
serious about the Craft can slowly pull itself out of the pit of
ignorance and again embrace the true teachings and mysteries that
Paganism offers.
To end on a positive note, I have noticed many new books beginning to
emphasize practice and steer away from the cookie cutter books that
follow the same template of generic information with filler spells,
rituals, and catchy graphics. Many new books since the end of the
1990's have begun to concentrate on the principles and meaning behind
the practice and to rely on sound research and personal experience.
Sadly there will always be unscrupulous authors and publishers who
will continue be motivated by profit alone, but it is comforting to
know that some established authors have begun to appreciate their
responsibility and not underestimate their influence - for better or
worse - on the Craft.
John J. Coughlin is Editor-in-Chief of the NYC Pagan Resource guide
and author of the book Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark
Paganism and Magick. Visit http://www.waningmoon.com for more
information or contact the author at darkwyccan (at) waningmoon.com.
Ø
To: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com, WhisperingWitches@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [13Witches] Synchronicity: The Magical Factor
SYNCHRONICITY: THE? MAGICAL FACTOR
by Kathy Sanborn
Coined by Carl Gustave Jung,? "synchronicity" is a term that refers to how
events occur in our lives in a? meaningful, and not coincidental, fashion. There
are no accidents in life -? whatever happens, happens for a reason. That is
not to say that we always know? what the reasons are behind each and every
event that happens in our lives - we? do not, but our Higher Selves are aware of
the "big picture," or greater plan? for us.
Sometimes we will have a glimmer of recognition when a part of? our life's
plan starts to unfold. For example, in my own life, when I was in? college on
the first day of a new semester, in walked a student who struck me as? "special"
in some way. I just KNEW that she would become important in my life,? but I
was not sure exactly how this would all unfold. Sure enough, she was the? one
who eventually introduced me to the man who would become the producer of my?
first music project, which forever changed my life in a most
important way.? Was this all just a coincidence? No, because the universe
doesn't work in a? coincidental manner, but in a synchronistic one.
By knowing that the? universe works in a meaningful fashion, you are able to
watch for signs that may? arise to guide you through any challenge or question
that you may have.? Sometimes by simply driving along, with a question on
your mind, you will hear? something on the radio, or see a certain bumper
sticker that gives you the? answer to your question. There are always signs in front
of you, given by the? universe, to let you know what you need to do next, if
you are aware enough to? watch for them. Sometimes an
animal will appear as a sign to guide you, such? as a bird that just
"happens" to be flying near you, perhaps showing you that? everything's going
to be okay. When I was riding to the hospital to deliver my? first child, I
was in pretty hard labor, and my mind was racing with worried? thoughts that I
wouldn't make it in time! Just then, a Stevie Wonder song came? on the radio
(I will never forget this), and he was singing, "Don't you worry? 'bout a
thing." I realized at that point that everything was going to be fine -? and it
was!
The reason that synchronicity works is that we, as humans,? are a part of the
universe, and a part of nature - there is no separation? between a human
being and, for example, a tree, in reality. We are all made of? the same "stuff"
- and being intimately connected as we are to everything else,? be it a rock or
an elephant, we are able to tap into the guidance and wisdom? that is
available to us by simply keeping our eyes and ears open. Some people? receive
their guidance by overhearing conversations of strangers while standing? in a
supermarket check-out line! There is no limit to what we can learn from the?
synchronistic signs of the universe.
Meeting special people in your life,? and finding your dream job are
examples of synchronicity in action. Do you? really believe that your life's
partner comes to you by accident, by a strange? coincidence? Knowing that the
universe works with meaningful events, instead of? accidental ones, can help
you to realize that each special person who comes? along, comes into your life
for a reason - sometimes with a lesson to teach you,? and sometimes to
bring you profound love.
One very interesting byproduct, if you will, of being on the? spiritual path
is that your synchronistic experiences will increase, quite? remarkably so.
You will think of someone, and she will call you on the phone or? you will run
into her soon after. Circumstances that you are trying to develop? in your
life, such as certain goals or desires, will be aided by "coincidental"? events,
very much like magic. That is because, when you are in tune with your? inner
self, you are in tune with the universe, and the
universe is indeed a? very meaningful and magical place.
Kathy Sanborn is a singer, songwriter,? and keyboard player who has been
writing and singing most of her life. In 1996,? Kathy's fondest wish came true:
her debut CD, Critical Mass, was completed, and? received national attention on
some of the smooth-jazz radio stations. Kathy? believes her life purpose is to
blend her spiritual insights with her music, to? help the world as it
undergoes the major shift already underway. A lifelong? interest in the
metaphysical has led Kathy to believe spirituality is the most? important aspect of a
person's life, and that daily meditation is the key to? opening the door to the
God/Goddess within - your Higher Self. Kathy's faith and? spiritual values
permeate every aspect of her life and work. "There is no such? thing as a
coincidence," Kathy says, "The universe works in perfect ways, so all? we need
is to have faith that things happen for the best."
Blessed? Be,
Lady Nightshayde
Ø
If you have an opinion on any Pagan subject Please e-mail us at greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
SPELL OF THE MONTH
Found by Cyrena,
Weird Notions and Curious Potions
Posted by: "v wheeler" feydamsel@yahoo.com feydamsel
Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:38 pm (PDT)
From Gerina Dunwich's Book "Magick Potions"
Here is the abbreviated intro for the chapter: This chapter which is the result of many months of researching old grimoires, ancient herbals and books on folklore and will show some of the strangest potions ever to be brewed in a Witch's cauldron! Some of these potions can be viewed as humorous, while others are just amazingly outrageous, clearly reflecting the unusual superstitious beliefs, fears and magickal practices of an earlier time. The potions in this chapter are by no means intended for actual use by Witches today. Rather, they are included here strictly for heir historic, as well as entertaining, value.
Scrying Salve
A strange scrying salve recipe published a long time ago in a medieval grimoire of natural magick called for the gall of a male cat and the fat of a white hen. These two ingredients would be mixed together and then used to anoint the eyes of the scryer prior to crystal gazing or whatever method of divination her or she employed. According to the grimoire, after the greasy (and most likely unpleasant-smelling ) concoction was applied to the eyes, is supposedly gave the user to "see what others cannot see." Of course, applying anything to the eyes is definately not recommended for scrying or any other purpose apart from the obvious that it may harm the eyes or cause blindness, but that an eye salve is necessary in divining. The reason being that visions and sensations are created by the scryer's own clairvoyant mind and not due to any external applications.
Invisibility Potion
In ancient times it was believed by many that invisibility could be attained if a magician recited the correct incantation and/or drunk a potion brewed from the proper magickal ingredients. Throughout the Middle Ages, many invisibility potions were devised. Some were quite complicated to prepare and use, and some were rather simple. The following is one example of the latter. In a bottle or small cauldron pour some wine. Add a handful of seeds from the poppy plant, cover with a lid and allow the seeds to soak in the wine for two weeks. Then drink some of the wine each day for five consecutive days. It is of the utmost importance that you fast during this five-day period, and afterward you shall gain the power to make your physical body invisible at will.
However, should you experience any fear or doubt at any time during the preparation of the invisibility potion, the changes are good that it will not work. (Apparently certain negative vibrations cause it to lose its effectiveness. ) Please note: There is no potion to reverse the effects of this spell or in other words, allow you to regain your visibility. Whether the invisibility wears off on its own accord or after a period of time, is permanent, or can be controlled by the magician's will is not known. Unless you wish to remain invisible forever, perhaps you shouldn't try this potion, no matter how far-fetched it may seem!
Riches for Witches
It was once believed in many parts of the world that the plant known as the fumitory possessed the supernatural ability to attract money to those who knew how to use its secret powers. According to occult folklore, if a Witch desired riches, all she/he had to do was prepare a magickal infusion of fumitory when the moon was a the beginning of its waxing phase and then rub some of it onto her shoes once a week! (there is no mention of what fumitory plant is though)
Alchemists Potion
According to the book 'Rosarium Philosophorum' or Rosary of the Philosophers, the most influential of all alchemical texts ever written, there is directions for the preparation of a potion called the 'Vinum Nostrum' or Our Wine. This curious concoction calls for the following three ingredients: virgin's milk, fountain's vinegar and water of life. According to the book's author, "The chosen one who drinks of this water will soon experience his rebirth."
Henbane Love Potion
Modern Witches no longer work magically with henbane due to its poisonous attributes, however, in the days of old it was reputed that Witches (especially those of male gender) often used certain parts of the henbane as magickal ingredients in love-stimulating potions. But in order for the henbane to work properly, the Witch was required to gather it in the nude at sunrise while balancing on one foot. Why the henbane had to be gathered in this curious fashion is a mystery. Warning! Henbane is poisonous and should not be handled without gloves or ingested and the smoke produced by the burning plant creates toxic fumes that should not be inhaled!
Moonwort Horseshoe Potion
To cause a horse to lose its shoes, prepare an infusion from the fern known as moonwort and sprinkle it on the trail where the horse will tread. When the animal steps on it, according to old occult folklore, one or more of its shoes will fall off. This strange and unexplained power of the moonwort (which appropriately has the folklore name of "unshoehorse" ) supposedly has the same effect upon the shoes of humans as well.
Marijuana Magick
Marijuana, which was not made an illegal drug until the 1930s, was at one time considered by Witches to be a potent herb of love magick (this may be one reason to explain why 'love-ins' were such a popular pastime among marijuana smoking hippies in the 1960s!)
On Midsummer - a very magickal time of the year for all herbs - the seeds and leaves of the marijuana would be brewed into a magickal tea potion and drunk, not only to inspire feelings of love, but to induce divinatory visions and dreams regarding one's future mate.
Wahoo Hex-Breaking Potion
If a hex has been cast against you or your family, make an infusion from the bark of the plant known as the wahoo (Euonymus atropurpuracea) then let it cool. Dip the fingertip of your right index finger into the infusion and then use it to trace the symbol of a cross on your forehead and/or those of the family members afflicted by the hex. As this is done, shout the work "Wahoo!" seven times. According to occult tradition, the hex will be instantly broken. Warning! Do not drink the wahoo! infusion, wahoo is regarded as a poisonous plant.
Omens of the Witch's Brew (miscellaneous tidbits)
If a Witch's brew continues to boil after it has been removed from the fire, it is said to be a sign that the Witch will live to be a ripe old age! This omen originated in Europe in the Middle Ages.
A quarrel with a friend or family member is portended if a Witch's brew should accidentally be spilled on the carpet. However, it is said to be a sign of good luck to accidentally spill some upon yourself.
It is bad luck to brew philtres (love potions) wen the moon is in a waning phase or during the time know as the dark of the moon. The ideal time is during a waxing moon, especially on Valentine's day.
If two Witches stir the same brew, they will be stirring up strife, according to an old superstitious belief from England. If they both drink it from the same cup, it will bring them bad luck unless they are married or handfasted to each other.
It is said to be extremely unlucky for any Witch to heat his or her own brews and potions in a teakettle or cauldron belonging to another. (To avoid this, a good rule of thumb is to always use your own magickal tools.)
If a lady and a gentleman pour out a cup of brew from the same pot, this is an omen that a child will be born to them. If two women pour, one of them will give birth to a red-haired set of twins within the year.
It is an invitation to poverty and misfortune should you throw away herbs that are leftover from potions and brews. For good fortune to smile upon you, always dispose of used herbs by casting them into a fire.
A stranger will soon be arriving on your doorstep if you accidentally leave the lid of the tea kettle or cauldron off while preparing a magickal brew. This superstitious belief hails from Victorian-era England.
It is said to be unlucky to stir a Witch's brew in a counter-clockwise direction. To do so creates bad vibrations and attracts negative influences. Always stir in a clockwise direction.
If your left eye itches while you are brewing a potion, this is an omen that sorrow shall soon find it's way into your life. An itching of your right eye indicates precisely the opposite. How and where these originated is a mystery
IF YOU HAVE A SPELL YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
Old World names for herbs
Part 1
This was on the http://www.maxpages.com/eclecticwicca2/Old_Herb_Names site. I have always been interest in what real names were for some of the herbs unsed in spells of old
Tongue of Dog?
Blood of Goose?
Do you really think witches cut of tongues of dogs? Or take blood from geese? Ummm...NO!
They were just pseudonym names for the herbs to keep them secret.
Here are some old time names for herbs:
A Bone of an Ibis: Buckthorn
Adders Tongue: Dogstooth Violet
A Titan's Blood: Wild Lettuce
A Lion's Hairs: Tongue of a Turnip [i.e., the leaves of the taproot]
A Man's Bile: Turnip Sap
A Pig's Tail: Leopard's Bane
A Hawk's Heart: Heart of Wormwood
An Eagle: Wild Garlic
Ass's Foot or Bull's Foot: Coltsfoot
Blood: Elder sap or another tree sap
Blood of Hephaistos: Wormwood
Burning Bush: White Dittany
Bread and Cheese Tree: Hawthorne
Blood from a Head: Lupine
Bird's Eye: Germander Speedwell
Blood of Ares: Purslane
Blood of a Goose: A Mulberry Tree's Milk
Bloodwort: Yarrow
Blood of Hestia: Camomile
Blood of an Eye: Tamarisk Gall
Blood from a Shoulder: Bear's Breach
Bat's Wings: Holly
Black Sampson: Echinacea
Bull's Blood or Seed of Horus: Horehound
Bear's Foot: Lady's Mantle
Calf's Snout: Snapdragon
Cat's Foot: Canada Snake Root and/or Ground Ivy
Candelmas Maiden: Snowdrop.
Capon's Tail: Valerian.
Christ's Ladder: Centaury
Cheeses: Marsh Mallow
Chocolate Flower: Wild Geranium
Christ's Eye: Vervain Sage
Clear-eye: Clary Sage
Click: Goosegrass
Cucumber Tree: Magnolia
Clot: Great Mullein
Corpse Plant: Indian Pipe.
Crowdy Kit: Figwort
Cuddy's Lungs: Great Mullein
Crow Foot: Cranesbill
Cuckoo's Bread: Common Plantain
Clear Eye: Clary Sage
Crow's Foot: Wild Geranium
Devils Dung: Asafoetida
Dragon's Blood: Calamus
Dog's Mouth: Snap Dragon
Daphne: Laurel/Bay
Devil's Plaything: Yarrow
Dove's Foot: Wild Geranium
Dew of the Sea: Rosemary
Dragon Wort: Bistort
Earth Smoke: Fumitory
Eye of Christ: Germander Speedwell
Elf's Wort: Elecampane
Enchanter's Plant: Vervain
Englishman's Foot: Common Plantain
Erba Santa Maria: Spearmint
Everlasting Friendship: Goosegrass
Eye of the Day: Common Daisy
Eye of the Star: Horehound
Eye Root: Goldenseal
Eyes: Aster, Daisy, Eyebright
Frog's Foot: Bulbous Buttercup
From the Loins: Camomile
Fat from a Head: Spurge
Fairy Smoke: Indian Pipe
Felon Herb: Mugwort
From the Belly: Earth-apple
From the Foot: Houseleek
Five Fingers: Cinquefoil
Fox's Clote: Burdock
Graveyard Dust: Mullein
Goat's Foot: Ash Weed
God's Hair: Hart's Tongue Fern
Golden Star: Avens
Gosling Wing: Goosegrass
Graveyard Dust: Mullein
Great Ox-eye: Ox-eye Daisy
Hairs of a Hamadryas Baboon: Dill Seed
Hair of Venus: Maidenhair Fern
Hag's Taper: Great Mullein
Hagthorn: Hawthorn
Hare's Beard: Great Mullein
Herb of Grace: Vervain
Hind's Tongue: Hart's Tongue Fern
Holy Herb: Yerba Santa
Holy Rope: Hemp Agrimony
Hook and Arn: Yerba Santa
Horse Tongue: Hart's Tongue Fern
Horse Hoof: Coltsfoot
Hundred Eyes: Periwinkle
Part 4
Is Lucifer Jesus
JEFF MEYER
Yes I can tell you've have spent some serious time on this, and alot of what your saying makes sense ( something many preachers failed to do for me, I've looked at and visited several different denominations) an you wanna know the kicker, I've learned more from a Pagan ( the so called bad guy , they teach you to stay away from) than my own preachers. I don't blame them they are only relaying what they were taught.... what I do blame them for is why didn't they question a few things, did they d=not think this question would arise. or maybe they were just taught to avoid the questions of this sort.
Michael
*inspired but a little less inspired than other texts."*
Hah! Sounds downright Rabbinical to me :-)
Massoretes.. . Wow. There's a word I have seen in 30 years. Hey, they
were just doing a little clean-up of the Hebrew text...
I wish more Christians understood the Council of Nicea and what
Constantine was doing there. There is this great case to be made that
the only Biblical text he cared about was "give unto Caesar." He made
his point and left, only kept getting drawn back by Bishops who
wouldn't stop arguing - or leave. Constantine finally got rid of the
whole bunch of them by ending the feasts. With their food cut-off,
they finally got out of dodge. The creed was nice, but Constantine
didn't really care about that.
Heh.... Wonk. That's a pretty good word!
Michael
It may be sad that you're reading all this on a Pagan list - but it
isn't all that odd. At the risk of repeating myself, I truly do feel
that Pagan's are under a greater obligation than others to understand
both their chosen faith, and the faiths they don't hold with. The key
word is 'chosen.' With very few exceptions, no one is born into a
Pagan household. There are many more now - but among those who are
adults now, I think I've met two or the course of the last 25 years.
Many (including me) had family members who were "that way," a
grandmother who healed people, an aunt who looked into tea cups and
all that, but born and raised to walk a Pagan Path? Hardly.
Most Christians get born into Christian families, go to church,
Sunday school, all the rest. We don't have that. For the most part,
they don't make the kind of choices we do and certainly not the same
sort!
Several years ago, on another list, I came into contact with someone
known as "Randy the Religion Raider." He was one of those characters
who would show up on a Pagan list and scream that we were all going
to Hell and then leave - only this time, he hung around a while. Over
the course of a few days, I asked how he would feel if I visited his
list. He said I was welcome and a discussion with his pastor and the
elders of their Baptist Church developed. The Pastor was very
concerned that his parishioners didn't know scripture as I did and in
an off-list e-mail, I was invited to not come back. He thought that
was a more Christian gesture than just canceling me out ;-) They
really didn't like the part about Christians not knowing if there was
a Hell or not until the Council of Toledo in 430AD. Got downright
upset about that....
-MC
Michael
On the same sort of topic...
About 6 or 8 years ago, I was watching a program on cable (it may
have been History) on an amazing discussion between Christian
Theologians at SMU (Southern Methodist University) about The Book of
Revelations, who was this guy John of Patmos anyway and why did
Jerome choose to put his book in the Bible. They had some interesting
things to say:
John of Patmos was by every definition - a madman. They thought that
part of his violent problem was due to Ergot poisoning (the mold that
grows on Rye seed). He was banished to his cave - where he was fed
more rye bread, by the Christian inhabitants of Patmos, a Christian
place at the time. They felt he was off his rocker and had become
dangerous.
John's writings reached Jerome along with tons of other material. At
the time, Revelations and the indictments found there aren't really
seen as the end of the world sort of stuff. The whole numerology
thing, name of the beast and all of that stuff referred to Nero in
John's time, and frankly in Jerome's too. Jerome is writing a
political sort of Bible in many, many ways. One of the huge points he
is making is that while Constantine is the Roman Emperor - he's no
Nero. That may be one of the bigger reasons why Revelations was
included.
So the folks at SMU asked a devastating question: What would
Christianity have become had Revelations been left out of the
Christian Bible?
One of their better answers was that the Sermon on the Mount would
certainly have risen to be seen as the single greatest defining
statement of Christian faith (it is certainly the finest).
So what might the history of the last 20 centuries have looked like?
There's a question...
-MC
that is so sad, but only enforces my position on knowing all the facts. I think you may have put a scare in to the preacher for him to cancel like that. and the fact that he didn't do it in person is
JEFF MEYER
even sadder. we all have the right to know all the facts no matter what the source. maybe he was afraid you would turn some of his flock....lol. but frankly the ones that lost out were the people who would have learned from the experience. I think their are many Christians such as I, but for their own reasons decide not to search for the answers
Michael Manor
Here's a bit of John-related material to consider. In the ancient world, it took some time for news to reach the outer edges of the Empire. Someone exiled to Patmos would, by very definition, be out of touch. His references to the various heads of state indicate that he expected Nero to return from a self-inflicted but not fatal wound. He would come with the backing of Parthian satraps. When this failed, he expected certain things of the Nero-like Emperor (Domitian).
John wrote in a style of literature that has been entirely mis-interpreted by Protestants called Apocalyptic. The period of this literary style ranged from about one hundred years before Christ's traditional birth to one hundred years after. It was designed to exhort Jews (and early Christians) to be strong in the faith and stand up spiritually to their adversaries, first the Hellenistic rulers of the Middle East and later the Romans. A numbering system was developed in which messages could be laid between the lines. Hence Nero (NRO) was listed by the number 666. Thus "the beast" was originally a reference to Nero and later Domitian, because, you see, if you read extra biblical literature of the period, there was a couple guys going around passing themselves off as Nero after his suicide. When the truth came to light (and all of John's prognostications about Nero fell apart) he merely changed horses (or emperors) midstream.
The Beast, being Domitian, was assassinated in ninety-six and with his passing, all the stories about the beast failed. But when has that stopped a determined group resting the welfare of their future upon failed promises, second returns, and other such apocalyptic stuff?
Hard to believe, but I was making the same case fifteen years ago and some of our "experts" in the local community poo pooed the idea because it didn't jive with their concept of the bible. Well...hmmm. ..
What most folks don't realize is that the various streams of the past that come to us as history do not unfold in entirely linear fashion, especially the farther into the past that you go. Thera (modern Santorini and almost certainly the inspiration for Atlantis stories) also, because of dim memories passed down through generations, gave rise to the story of the pillars of fire and smoke that wound up in the Exodus account. From all indications, the eruption sent up such a plume of smoke and fire that it could easily be seen for days from the northern coast of Africa including Egypt. And it created such a massive tsunami, that it was later remembered in myth (somewhat anachronistically, but what wasn't?) as the Bull that rose from the sea.
The hated Hyksos of the 15th, 16th and 17th dynasties in Egypt, who came down out of Canaan brought many things with them and picked up a few things on their ways back home. One of their kings was Mowersere Iaqob El (or Har). The name is shorthand for various gods worshiped by the king including Re, Ia and either El or Har. To read the Exodus accounts, the Jews worshiped one god, Yahweh, when in fact the Hyksos (the Canaanites who actually made it into Egypt) were polytheistic. As discussed earlier, Ia (Yom) almost certainly evolved into Yahweh-Elohim, but here as worshiped by this king (pharaohs came later) he is but one of many gods honored.
In the 18th dynasty, monotheism makes its first appearance in verifiable history with Ikhanaten, whose grandparents included a chamberlain of Hyksos descent named Yuyu (spellings vary). You can see his mummy in the museum in Cairo. Turns out Yuyu translates Joseph. Ring any bells? Of course, in later generations the names and theologies were changed for sake of convenience and expedience, but at least we know the rest of the story.
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
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Other Names: Poke Salad, American Pokeweed,
Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry,
Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours,
Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo,
Yyamilin
Habitat: Pokeweed is a common perennial native plant,
found in Northern and Central N. America from the New
England States to Minnesota and south to Florida and
Texas, naturalized in Britain and other countries.
Growing in damp rich soils in clearings, woodland
margins and roadsides.
Cultivation: Pokeweed is an easily grown plant,
succeeding in most soils and full sun or partial
shade. The stout erect stalk is tall, growing to 10
feet or more, smooth and branching, turning deep red
or purple as the berries ripen and the plant matures.
The root is conical, large and fleshy, covered with a
thin brown bark. Leaves are about 5 inches long and 2
to 3 inches wide, simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate,
and smooth. The flowers, which appear from July to
September, are long-stalked clusters and each has 5
whitish petals with green centers. The fruit is a rich
deep purple round berry, containing a rich crimson
juice. Gather young edible shoots in spring, the roots
in fall, slice and dry for later use, and berries as
they ripen.
Properties: Pokeweed is edible (cooked) and medicinal.
It has a long history of use by Native Americans and
in alternative medicine. The young shoots are boiled
in two changes of water and taste similar to
asparagus, berries are cooked and the resulting liquid
used to color canned fruits and vegetables. The root
is alterative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, cathartic,
expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative. It is
used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other
complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh,
bronchitis and diseases related to a compromised
immune system it has potential as an anti-AIDS drug.
Some of the chemical constituents in the plant are
triterpenoid saponins, lectins, antiviral proteins and
many phytolaccagenic acids, which are not completely
understood.
New research has revealed that a possible CURE for
Childhood Leukemia called (B43-PAP) is found in the
common Pokeweed. Anti-B43-pokeweed antiviral protein,
B43-PAP, PAP is a pokeweed toxin. The B43 carries the
weapon—the PAP—to the leukemia cells. It has been
touted as a smart weapon. In one study 15 out of 18
children who had participated had attained remission.
The following is part of a repot from Parker Hughes
Institute: The two parts of this drug are the B43
antibody (or anti-CD19) and the pokeweed antiviral
protein (PAP) immunotoxin, a natural product in the
pokeweed plant. B43 is designed to recognize specific
B-cell leukemia cells just as natural antibodies
attack and recognize germs. When the antibody finds a
leukemia cell, it attaches and B43 delivers the other
part of the drug, PAP. Inside the cell, PAP is
released by the antibody and inactivates the ribosomes
that make the proteins the cell needs to survive. With
the cell unable to produce proteins, the specific
leukemia cell is killed. More than 100 patients have
been treated with B43-PAP and shown only minimal side
effects.
Caution is advised, as the whole plant, but especially
the berries, is poisonous raw, causing vomiting and
diarrhea.
A beautiful red ink and a dye are obtained from the
fruit. The rootstock is rich in saponins and can be
used as a soap substitute.
Folklore: Some Native American tribes used Pokeweed as
a Witchcraft Medicine, believing that it's ability to
totally purge the body by causing drastic diarrhea and
vomiting would also expel bad spirits. Fruit was made
into a red dye used in painting horses and various
articles of adornment.
© 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
Re: HOW DOES DOWSING WORK?
Posted by: "Donovan Walker" pasturepuk2003@yahoo.com pasturepuk2003
Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:03 am (PDT)
My mothers family were extraordinary Dowsers I can remember seeing one of my uncles dowse water with just a pair of pliers. I hired a water witch to dowse our well (successfully) I tried his rods & got the same results. I have dowsed water lines & electrical lines before digging with a couple of welding rods. It can be kinda fun, but its had to accept the first time you do it even if you know its real & not faked because your doing it yourself. Thanks for this article!
--- On Sun, 4/12/09, Sierra Sky wrote:
From: Sierra Sky Subject: SpiritualOccultist HOW DOES DOWSING WORK?
To: SpiritualOccultist@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2009, 4:32 PM
WHAT IS DOWSING?
The definition of dowsing has changed over the years from a narrow perspective to a wider one. Here are a few definitions.
The use of rods or pendulums to find minerals or water
The use of apparent paranormal senses or extrasensory perceptions to make discoveries
The search for under ground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod
HOW DOES DOWSING WORK?
Dowsing involves asking a series of 'yes' or 'no' questions
The tool then responds to these question with a movement
The dowser will know the answer by the type of movement the tool makes
For example; if the rods dowsing swing outward or cross each other the answer is 'yes'. If the rods dowsing don't move at all then the answer is 'no'.
It is through a series of questions from the dowser and responses by the tool that the dowser gets closer to target and eventually finds what he/she is looking for.
DOWSING HISTORY
Dowsing has been going on for thousands of years
Cave paintings dated back 8 thousand years ago appear to show a forked stick
Other ancient pictures of dowsing have been found in Egyptian and Chinese artwork
Dowsing was used by European miners in the 15th century
Dowsing became known by authority in particular the church as the work of the devil over time and therefore disappeared from public view
Peasants in particular needed dowsing to find their water source and so it was done secretly
This is perhaps why the Y shaped stick was used commonly because it could be broken from a bush and destroyed after use
Today It is a skill used by authority but is not necessarily valued by them for example; police use dowsers to find where murder victims are located but this is not something they always openly discuss.
DOWSING TOOLS
Rods- A tool with two L shaped rods commonly made out of metal. They are held parallel to the ground with the short end of the rod in each hand. The rods dowsing will cross when the target is near.
Pendulum- A tool with a device hanging from a string commonly made out of crystal or metal. It may swing or move back and forth when the target is near
Fork stick- A tool commonly made from a Y shaped stick or fresh tree branch. This is the most traditional tool and is also held parallel to the ground. The stick moves up or down when it is near target.
There is no limit to the tools you can use or the materials the tools are made from. Some people are able to dowse with plastic or parts of their bodies. It is about finding what works for you.
TYPES OF DOWSING
Map dowsing is achieved without physically being at a site. It requires a dowsing map which could be any map of the location you are searching within. A pendulum or rod could be used. The pendulum is held over the map and will indicated when asked to show the target area by swinging or moving back and forth.
On sight dowsing is when the dowser is physically present at the location where he/she is searching.
CAN I LEARN DOWSING?
Yes you can learn to dowse. We all have this ability.
Like other ESP abilities such as clairvoyance or telepathy it is necessary to find inner silence to be able to access this ability
HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR DOWSING
Fundamental Things You Will Need to do in Order to Dowse Accurately
Find your 'yes' and 'No'
Concentrate
Ask the right questions
Practice
We will work with the Rods dowsing through out these exercises but once the principles or techniques are learned you can apply these to other tools
Getting the Feel of the Rods Activity
Hold one rod in each hand parallel to the ground
Feel them as an extension of your body
Find a comfortable grip slightly firm but not so tight that they could never move
They may begin to swing all over the place without you physically causing it (this is good)
Now walk with them and concentrate on keeping them still
They may feel more comfortable with the extension of the rod above your hand or below. Time will tell as you work through the other exercises.
Now allow them to move at their own will
Continue allowing them to move and consciously making them stop until it happens instantly
Finding Your 'Yes' and 'No'
With complete concentration
Ask the rods dowsing "Show me my 'yes'"
Pay attention to how the rods move
This is the movement that shows you the answer is 'yes'
Ask the rods dowsing "show me my 'no'"
Pay attention to how the rods move
This is the movement or none movement that shows you the answer is 'no'
The most common 'yes' is movement and the most common 'no' is none movement
To test the responses ask a question that you know the answer to
Example- "Am I wearing red shoes?"
This may need to be done a few times until you can trust the response of your rod
Keep in mind that your degree of concentration will affect the results
Also keep in mind that your responses for 'yes' and 'no' may change
It is a good idea to ask the rod to show you your 'yes' and 'no' at the beginning of each dowsing session to check this
Development Exercise
Lay a piece of rope, garden hose or string in a line in front of you
Hold the rods parallel to each other and the ground
Close your eyes
Stand back from the line
Focus on the rope
Become the rope
Ask "Where is the rope?" as you walk forward
Stop if your rods dowsing show you a 'yes'
Notice where you are
If you were focused your rods dowsing should have crossed or given you a 'yes'
Formulating Questions
It is important that your question be able to be answered by a 'yes' or 'no'
The rods dowsing can not reason
Be specific as possible
If you are dowsing treasure and ask "Show me the treasure" you could be shown a tin can. Your rubbish may be someone else's treasure. What do you define as treasure? If you are money dowsing a more appropriate question would be "Is this where the money is?"
The rods dowsing make no judgment. They tell the truth.
Formulate one after the other so you can narrow it down i.e. Is there water in this paddock? Is it within 100 square meters of me? Is it within 50 square meters of me?
Then you would want to know if the water is drinkable, if its below the surface etc.
These types of questions allow for accurate results
Meditation is recommended for the development of concentration which is necessary when dowsing
(Affiliate for mediation CD)
You will know that you are dowsing when you come to a conclusion that your logical mind would not have given
From money dowsing, dowsing treasure to dowsing water there is no limit to what you could search for. Enjoy discovering.
Dowsing Books have been written by many experienced dowsers who have found their unique way to harness the powerful energetic vibrancies of rod dowsing to find anything from water, treasure to energy vortexes accessed for planetary healing
Immerse yourself in one of two books that you are drawn too and they will open up the dowsing world to you - prepare to be amazed.
http://www.extrasen sory-perceptions -guide.com/ rods-dowsing. Html
Elements & Magick
Tarot is a system of guidance as well as divination that people can use to process dilemmas pertaining to career, family or relationships. Tarot readers are experts who can interpret the meaning of the cards picked by the inquirers and guide them towards a possible and probable solution. Tarot card readers are well acquainted with the meanings of the cards and Tarot spreads that are used while performing a tarot reading.
Tarot readers can be approached to gain a better perspective of the situation that the inquirers may find themselves in. They put forward their queries in front of the Tarot card reader one at a time. For each question, the reader asks the inquirer to pick up a few cards, which the reader lays face down in a pattern, known as the Tarot spread. There are hundreds of tarot spreads that the reader can choose from, including self-created ones. The cards are then placed in the same sequence as they were on the designated positions. The Tarot card reader now turns the cards over and interprets the overall picture presented by the combination of cards picked, their positions on the spreads and the numbers depicted in each of the cards.
People approach professional tarot card readers to inquire about various aspects of their lives. The main responsibility of a tarot card reader is to offer insights to people who have to seek answers for their seemingly overwhelming problems. Tarot shows possibilities and projections and offers advice, and does not conform to any writing on the wall.
It is advisable for people to ask specific questions to the Tarot card readers as loosely formed questions usually fetch vague responses. It is not necessary for people to approach a professional tarot card reader every time. They can buy any popular deck that appeals to them and can do a reading for them. People can also go on line and get free as well as professional reading through various websites.
The Major Arcana represents an evolution from the very first steps one takes in a spiritual odyssey, a voyage or journey, and on through the final completion when one is absorbed back into the original Godhead Source. Each step, each cycle in the Major Arcana is as a completed phase of moving beyond everything previously experienced. The Major Arcana cards represent a great amount of power structures bonded and locked together, and these are the power cards. Any layout consisting of 4 or more Major Arcana cards has a considerable amount of power. Layouts having 6 to 8 Major Arcana cards have special significance and power. Major Arcana cards rule over the Minor Arcana. Each card serves as a resonator, a tuning device, that connects energy patterns of the mind and psyche with other Creative Force Energy vibrations in the layout and throughout the Cosmos.
Minor Arcana cards consist of 4 suits of cards numbered 1 through 10, plus 4 court cards per suit. Each of these do represent an evolution. Cards 1 through 5 deal with evolution in terms of concise realities, and deal with the first part of the evolution. The later part of the evolution, numbers 6 through 10, represents lots of distortion, difficulty and confusion.
The Minor Arcana does have its difficulties and problems. It was reconstructed in a fashion that did not represent the original form of Egyptian structure. As a result, certain meanings of the Minor Arcana are not as valid as others from a mundane standpoint of reference, but the Creative Forces Vibrations resonate with the Thoth Tarot card Matrix's to offset this non-representation of the original Egyptian structure.
Although there are only 1 or 2 cards in the Major Arcana that can frighten people, there is much in the Minor Arcana of a frightening nature. Nothing in the Court Cards can frighten people. Frightening aspects of the Minor Arcana have caused it to be misused as a fear motivating, manipulative and mind control tool, and did, to a certain degree, influence the structuring for these cards. If you wish to do readings with these cards, realize you are fully responsible for what you tell your clients. Exercise great care, concern and understanding when you read the minor Arcana. These are the most misread cards in the deck, are very important, and need as much of your time as other cards in the deck. Each card is very significant, and when you find this significance, communicate the nature of the energies and forces involved in the most appropriate, constructive creative manner. This is not always possible, and sometimes difficult, but most important that it be done.
The tarot reading should be a helpful and beneficial experience. Accentuating the positive and minimizing the negative aspects of the reading, in order to provide information to help your client better fulfill their life purposes makes for a good, healthy reading.
The Major Arcana represents an evolution from the very first steps one takes in a spiritual odyssey, a voyage or journey, and on through the final completion when one is absorbed back into the original Godhead Source. Each step, each cycle in the Major Arcana is as a completed phase of moving beyond everything previously experienced. The Major Arcana cards represent a great amount of power structures bonded and locked together, and these are the power cards. Any layout consisting of 4 or more Major Arcana cards has a considerable amount of power. Layouts having 6 to 8 Major Arcana cards have special significance and power. Major Arcana cards rule over the Minor Arcana. Each card serves as a resonator, a tuning device, that connects energy patterns of the mind and psyche with other Creative Force Energy vibrations in the layout and throughout the Cosmos.
Minor Arcana cards consist of 4 suits of cards numbered 1 through 10, plus 4 court cards per suit. Each of these do represent an evolution. Cards 1 through 5 deal with evolution in terms of concise realities, and deal with the first part of the evolution. The later part of the evolution, numbers 6 through 10, represents lots of distortion, difficulty and confusion.
The Minor Arcana does have its difficulties and problems. It was reconstructed in a fashion that did not represent the original form of Egyptian structure. As a result, certain meanings of the Minor Arcana are not as valid as others from a mundane standpoint of reference, but the Creative Forces Vibrations resonate with the Thoth Tarot card Matrix's to offset this non-representation of the original Egyptian structure.
Although there are only 1 or 2 cards in the Major Arcana that can frighten people, there is much in the Minor Arcana of a frightening nature. Nothing in the Court Cards can frighten people. Frightening aspects of the Minor Arcana have caused it to be misused as a fear motivating, manipulative and mind control tool, and did, to a certain degree, influence the structuring for these cards. If you wish to do readings with these cards, realize you are fully responsible for what you tell your clients. Exercise great care, concern and understanding when you read the minor Arcana. These are the most misread cards in the deck, are very important, and need as much of your time as other cards in the deck. Each card is very significant, and when you find this significance, communicate the nature of the energies and forces involved in the most appropriate, constructive creative manner. This is not always possible, and sometimes difficult, but most important that it be done.
The tarot reading should be a helpful and beneficial experience. Accentuating the positive and minimizing the negative aspects of the reading, in order to provide information to help your client better fulfill their life purposes makes for a good, healthy reading.
The Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.) Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire: red; air: yellow... The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and
colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later on in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual.
Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called 'correspondences' . Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Correspondence Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid.
The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements.
Element Suit Quarter Archangel
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Pentacles
Cups
Swords
Wands
North
West
South
East
Uriel
Gabriel
Michael
Raphael
Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.
ELEMENTALS
The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main categories:
Earth Water Fire Air
Gnome
Dwarfs
Elves
Brownies
Hobgoblins
Leprechauns
Undine
Nymphs
Tritons
Mermaids
Mermen
Sirens
Harpies
Salamander
Jin
Genies
Sylph
Faries
Angles
Elementals are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities -- especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is called an 'artificial elemental'.
To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe. However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is 'familiar' (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat.
YIN YANG
Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown:
Yin Yang
Water
Contraction
Cold
Feminine
Moon
Negative
Passive
Ebb
Wane
Fire
Expansion
Hot
Masculine
Sun
Positive
Active
Flow
Wax
The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs.
SIMPLE MAGICK
Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. It is a variation of affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier lesson...To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success.
Copyright © 1988 Phil Hansford. This article is licensed for free non-commercial distribution only. Coding and format by Herne of The Celtic Connection, http://www.wicca. com If this document is used in its current format, credit and a link for the effort and work involved is appreciated.
http://www.wicca. com/celtic/ elements/ elements. htm
Blessings
Sierra Sky
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The Appreciation Section
For those we need to say Thanks
From Lone Wolf
John and Lori Simon and Cheryl Zippay for being there and able to talk without judgement.
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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
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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
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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..
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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
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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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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 scheduled http://www.ourhaven.info
· Beltane April 29 - May 3, 2009
· Heartland Poly Conference - CANCELLED
· The Fire June 5 - 7, 2009
· Babalon Rising June 11 - 14, 2009
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 Divination Question of the Month
Will the double taxation of Tobacco throughout the country be repealed?
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/May
Full Moon Names
From the web site
http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/moonnames.htm
Colonial American
May June
Milk Moon Rose Moon
Chinese
Dragon Moon Lotus Moon
American Indian (Cherokee)
Planting Moon Green Corn Moon
American Indian (Choctaw)
Panther Moon Windy Moon
American Indian (Dakotah Sioux)
Moon when leaves are green moon to Plant Moon when June berries are
Ripe
Celtic
Bright Moon Moon of horses
English Medieval
Hare Moon Dyan Moon
Neo Pagan
Grass Moon Planting Moon
How to make Black Salt
Black Salt: How to Make it
Posted by: "v wheeler" Black Salt: How to Make it
Are you wondering how to make black salt, an ingredient sometimes included in hoodoo workings. It does occasionally pop up in Wiccan ritual as well. While there are a few places on line that sell it, it's not hard to make your own. Black salt is traditionally used to drive away evil, and can be sprinkled in the footsteps of a person who is annoying you to make them go away.
Black Salt is used in banishing, binding rituals or to quiet bothersome neighbors. Magically used to remove negative energies from items, or places. Often used to remove hexes and other harmful or negative energies. Cleanse your magical implements in a bath of black salt and water... and then wash in a bath of sea salt to purify the item and allow in only positive energies. Black salt can be used in protection workings. Sprinkling along window sills and thresholds. Put in a protection mojo bag.
A PERFECT ingredient for filling 'Binding Poppets' for a powerful outcome. Place a black candle in a pile of black salt for Samhain Remembrance rituals, sprinkle Ouiji Boards with Black Salt before use.
A few websites recommend adding a dye or food coloring to the salt. However, as someone who cooks pretty regularly, I know exactly what happens when you add liquid to salt. Best case scenario, it gets clumpy, and worst case, it dissolves. So you'll want to use something dry to color it instead. Here's my basic recipe for black salt:
2 parts sea salt (which is the same as kosher salt)
1 part scrapings from a cast iron skillet or pot OR
1 part fine ash from your fire pit OR
1 part finely ground black pepper
Depending on the density of your coloring ingredient, you may need to adjust the portions a little, but that's the basic method of making it. If you have a well-seasoned cast iron pot, you should be able to get a good amount of black scrapings out of the bottom of it -- if it seems too oily, use the ash or pepper instead.
http://paganwiccan. about.com/ b/2008/04/ 02/black- salt-how- to-make-your- own.htm
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Recipes
By Cyrena
Crispy Peanut Butter Bars
This recipe is a great to use up some of those chocolate bunnies. Just remember, using a different kind of chocolate will give it a different flavor. This is also a great way to use those handfuls of leftover cereal that are always at the bottom of the bag.
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 cup shortening (solid)
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
Topping:
1 cup (6 oz.) chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cup corn flakes, crushed
Combine first 8 ingredients. Batter will be thick. Pat into an ungreased 15x10x1 inch pan. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes until set. Cool. While that is cooling mix chocolate chips and peanut butter. Stir in corn flakes and gently spread on crust.
This recipe compliments of Living On A Dime. Get more of the recipes you can actually use:
Living On A Dime
Crock Pot Meat Loaf
This is an easy, yet delicious meatloaf, and you can make it without turning on the oven. Put it in the crock pot in the morning, run errands all day and your main course is ready when you get home. The topping makes this meatloaf a real treat.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 envelope McCormick meatloaf seasoning mix
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 small green pepper, chopped fine
1 lb. lean ground beef
28 small saltine squares, crushed
Topping:
8 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
Directions:
Spray a crock pot with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine the egg, tomato sauce and seasoning mix. Stir in the onion and green pepper.
Using your hands, add the ground beef, then the crackers. Shape into a ball, place in the crock pot, then flatten the ball into a patty, leaving about 1/4 inch of free space all around.
Stir together the topping ingredients and spread on top of the meatloaf.
Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
Servings: 4
Time: 10 Minutes Preparation Time
7 Hours Cooking Time
Source: This is my own recipe.
By Amuck from Fairview Heights, IL
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82755841.tip.html
Email to
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Pagan Holidays
From the web site http://www.paganspath.com/magik/sabbats.htm
Midsummer - {Summer Solstice} Around June 20th
· American and Celtic traditions ~ Midsummer festival
· Caledonii traditions ~ Alban Hefin
· Pecti-Wita traditions ~ Feill-Sheathain
Also known as 'Midsummer Night's Eve', it is the longest day of the year. The Midsummer festival celebrates the kingly aspect of the God. It is a festival of passion and glory, a time to merge and commune with nature, sprites and fairies. In the Celtic traditions it is also a celebration of the Mother Goddess who is seen heavy with child, ready to deliver the fruits of the season so to speak.
Colors of red and maize yellow and gold are excellent decorations representing the Sun God, the masculine aspects of the season. Sunflowers and sunflower seeds are also excellent examples (provided you've planted them in early spring). Or replace the early spring wreath on your door with a new summer decoration of red feathers for for sexuality and yellow feathers for prosperity, intertwined or braided with ivy. Alter candles should be of gold and red.
Money tree plans can be added to your mantle decorations for monetary wealth, (providing you once again have had an early planting season).
Poet’s Corner
From http://paganpoetry.tripod.com/magickseeker/silent.html
BROOM RIDE
Ride with me across the moon,
Silver streak upon my broom,
Over the earth so dark below,
Until the sun decides to show,
Laughing now in our glee,
Just you, my broom, and me.
LONG NIGHT
Another long night,
Searching, nothing in sight,
Feeling so all alone,
Isolated, on my own,
Sick of wondering,
Tired of calling,
Out your name,
Never the same,
Without you here,
The one I held dear,
Scared to try again,
Of falling again,
Of Being turned away,
Back to this wretched place,
Of being let down once more,
But I don't want this anymore,
So, off I go again,
Never knowing when,
But charging toward the day,
When I will find my way,
Back.
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.
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 the noted Pagan Author Michael Calabrese
1. GWTM: You are a noted author in the local community: How long did it take for you to get published?
Michael: Well, I’m only noted in this community and some, in England – so I’m pretty local. I’ve been writing for more than 30 years. I had other work published: conference books (Space Studies Institute, Princeton) and Magazine articles. In 1983 I had the cover feature story in Parade Magazine three weeks in a row, (the national Sunday magazine supplement in Gannett newspapers). That was a series of articles on the in-space construction of human colonies.
I worked on A Dragon Rises for about four and a half years. I shopped around for agents but didn’t get one so I went it alone. Tor Books was supposed to report back in 12-14 weeks, but they held the book on the third round of their review for 14 months. I withdrew it and sent it to Bantam. They held it on the third round for 16 months! So I finally published it on my own at Authorhouse.
I’ve had other publications – an essay was published in Avalon Magazine (2004), and last year, I wrote the closing chapter to a book from the Chalice Well Trust.
2. GWTM: How many pagan related books have you published?
Michael: Only the one: A Dragon Rises. Another book called Bracan’s Daughter is out for sale now and under review – and I’m shopping for agents again.
3. GWTM: Do you have any books in the works right now and what are their names?
Michael: I’ve got two projects going: The One Hundred Years of Erwyllian started out as some notes for a sequel to A Dragon Rises. Then I was telling a friend about it and she said that she’d always hoped for something of a prequel on the life of Erwyllian, one of the main characters in that first book. Well, that night 35 pages of notes and copy came spilling out. It happens that way sometimes. Now it’s become a series that will end up as three books with A Dragon Rises being the third and extended a bit. It starts off dealing with the question: What sort of a child gets you an “Erwyllian.” I suppose he’s my “altar” ego.
The second book is called “Paul & Andrew.” That’s a straight Science Fiction book about genetic engineering and nano-technology in humans. That’s on a back burner now; I’ve got about 250 pages of that done. It comes rolling out every now and then, but mostly Erwyllian has center stage. There are notes and idea for others – but nothing definite.
4. GWTM: How many years has it been since you have published your first book?
Michael: A Dragon Rises came out in 2004.
5. GWTM: What are the topics of the books, which have been published?
Michael: A Dragon Rises is something of an altered history that takes place some thirty years after the death of Arthur (probably in 511AD). It’s 6th century Britain and the Pagan Celts win out over both the Saxons, and the roman Church. The Lord Druid Erwyllian is the spiritual focus of the story. The commander he trains and sets up to lead is a young man named Teg – the successor to Arthur.
Most of my work has been in space sciences, space defense systems and policy and international law. There was work for the Air force, and a contract with the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. That stuff wasn’t published. I was a ghost-writer at the Space Studies Institute at the Center for Advanced Studies at Princeton in 1978, (AIAA Journal). That got me to the National Space Society in Philadelphia. All that work was writing: newsletters, briefing books and position papers. I was a panelist on the OMNI Foundation Symposium on U.S. Space Policy in 1982. That was published by OMNI Magazine. So it’s been a few years, now.
6. GWTM: When you write your books such as A Dragon Rises do you channel or do a history type of look up?
Michael: Mostly – it’s research and a ton of it. Most of the kings in the book are the historical leaders of the day. Events take place in the book on the same sites as they did when history turned against Celtic Britain, only these are reversed. The book is based on the real events and issues (political and religious) of those times. I made 5 trips to Britain’s West Country and Wales doing research and was a digger at the “Camelot Site” (the fortress at South Cadbury in Somerset) on two trips in 1995 and 96. I visited all but a few of the sites where the story is set, took tons of photos, talked with the locals, researched the leaders, the archaeology at those sites, etc… In the book there is a series of letters written by one of the characters, a Papal Legate. His writing is based on surviving letters from bishops of the 5th and 6th century, (the language used and the issues and all that).
I can’t say that I channel when I write. It doesn’t come from anyone else. There are times when I get lost in my story and everything else goes away – even Cincinnati. The real world, the clear one, is on my screen. People who read those scenes in particular get pretty absorbed by them. I suppose that is the best part of being a writer. Sometimes I’ll look up and realize it’s dawn. I’ve got no idea where the time went – but 40 pages of new copy is there.
7. GWTM: What is your opinion on Pagans being forced to remain in the closet because of their religion?
Michael: Personally, I don’t buy it. I’m a public Pagan and have been for more than 25 years. I’ve had a few people think that they had something to say about it, but then I’m bigger than they are. My mother thinks it’s fine. My father has been in denial for quite a while. Then again – he wants to go to Chalice Well. Friends, family, co-workers, employees, neighbors; they all know I am Pagan. I’m a published Pagan author who does book signings and gives workshops. For me, getting back into the closet is senseless. I wasn’t in one before – I won’t get in one now.
8. GWTM: When was the turning point for you to become Pagan?
Michael: It was sort of a slow transition. I suppose that by the time I was 16, I figured that religious Judaism wasn’t for me. Spiritually, it left me flat. I’m half Russian Jew and half Italian Catholic – so I am an accident of Brooklyn. On the Christian side – well I don’t think I ever bought into it and Christianity (and less so – Catholicism) was never an option. I started reading Kabbalah. My road to Paganism began with pre-monotheistic Judaism. I spent a several years studying Ceremonial Magic and then couple of years with a group from the Golden Dawn in Philadelphia. There was plenty for the head and nothing for the heart and just before getting my seal, I left. I spent some time as a member of ADF and was a Bard of my Grove here in Cincinnati. Now, I’m simply Pagan. I’m a Companion of Chalice Well. Since that is the real-deal both above and below, I expect to remain this way for the rest of my life – and some time after.
9. GWTM: In speaking with you it is evident that you are a staunch environmentalist. As we all should be. What is your opinion on opening the ocean shelf for oil drilling?
Michael: The whole “Drill baby, drill” thing is a sham. The oil corporations want to sit on the land-based reserves they hold leases for (from the federal government) until the prices rise when we’re almost out of oil entirely. The move to drill on the continental shelf is a fast fix to get the pubic to pay for exploiting the resource while sitting on the reserve. We don’t need more oil. We need to learn to stop using it. Off-shore drilling is an attempt to halt those efforts by providing cheaper gas at the pump, while hanging on to the reserves and to keep Americans grinning in their SUV’s.
10. GWTM: Also what is your opinion of opening the national forest for natural resources?
Michael: It’s idiocy and greed. The forests in themselves ARE the natural resource. Now with climate change closing in on us, and the failure in using water as “carbon sinks,” reforestation is now being viewed as the key to not just cleaning the air – but our continuing to live on our planet. This isn’t about money anymore and even profit is only worth so much. Timber is really the resource of choice now for even more items than it was before. It’s renewable. The key is “arbor culture” in massive amounts; not in cutting down the natural forests. Cultured trees produce much more lumber than any forest and it produces an industrial standard that nature cannot – and should not. In the next 2-5 years, we will see some massive planting projects in the western states where dust bowl erosion is already stripping the land bare. We’ll see a lot of planting projects immediately adjacent to highways where the trees can get all of the carbon they can take in, cleaning the air right at the source.
11.GWTM: Do you believe that the new conservatives are a danger to Pagan’s today?
Michael: New Conservatives… If you mean the Neo-cons, then no. I’ve met a couple of them. They couldn’t care less.
I’m not sure that labels like “Liberal” and “Conservative” have much meaning these days. The “Radical Right” is out there, in growing numbers. There is a good chance that more violent elements will gain a greater hold among the stupid. There are a lot of them. Some of them can see Russia. Pagans need to understand that it’s the Christians who say they will turn the other cheek. Not us. I’m not a militant person, but the idea that we can go along, no matter what others do and not fight back is our own brand of stupidity. I don’t need to look back any further than my own Jewish roots to know that is true.
I think we need to take a close look at the “new conservatives,” particularly the Christian ones and see them clearly for what they are. There is movement out there that has some interesting thinking behind it, and it comes from a sound spiritual footing. There are Christians (mostly Methodists) who are saying things like: In order to be a conservative, one must actually ‘conserve’ something. This is God’s creation and our job to conserve the earth and its life in his name. Interesting – yes? We need to be prepared for the bad while NOT turning our noses up at the good. Both are there.
Is there trouble ahead? It can happen. We will need to ready for it. It will separate Pagan from Playgun which is a good thing. 95% of all American Christians are good at being both American AND Christian. The terms aren’t mutually exclusive. Our freedoms are theirs. The crazies aren’t held in check by us. They are held in check by that 95 %. We should remember that.
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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
Reclaiming Darkness in Paganism: A Call to Balance
by John J. Coughlin
On the Internet I use the handle "DarkWyccan" which often brings
mixed reactions among Pagans; some are simply curious what I mean
by "dark", but many others are downright offended. Immediately I am
associated with evil and chastised for fostering the negative
stereotypes of witchcraft. (Actually the "Dark" in the name refers to
my style of dress and penchant for macabre imagery but that's another
story!)
Indeed the word "dark", like "witch" has long been used in
association with the concept of evil in modern Western Society. As
Pagans we know that a witch is not necessarily evil. We have worked
hard to reclaim the word "witch", if only so that we can personally
break free of our own social conditioning that a witch is synonymous
with "evil". In seeking to reclaim the word "witch" we have often
distanced ourselves from other such loaded words that carry the
public's projection of evil. The easiest way to accomplish this
distancing was to focus on imagery associated with goodness, such
as "light".
However, there is an inherent problem with this. How pagans see the
duality of light/dark is not the same as is traditional in modern
Western society, which has been heavily influenced by Christian
thought over the last several centuries. The Western world view is
based on dualism where duality is broken down into two very separate
and distinct irreducible parts. These parts are independent of each
other and can be either complimentary or in conflict. In the case of
traditional Western thought, the symbolism of light and dark is
deeply rooted in the Christian ethical dualism symbolized as the
battle of good (light) vs. evil (dark). Paganism on the other hand
has adopted a world view based on monism, where duality is more often
perceived as aspects of an encompassing whole. Dualities such as
light/dark thus exist as polarities - two opposite yet complementing
aspects of a whole. The yin-yang, which shows each "side" as part of
a greater whole, each containing an aspect of its opposite within it,
is a familiar symbol of polarity.
This polarity of light/dark in Pagan thought is no longer the same as
the dualism of good/evil, but rather associated with such
complimenting principles as creative/destructive, external/internal,
attracting/repelling, clarity/mystery, active/passive, solid/flowing,
static/dynamic, masculine/feminine, and order/chaos, to name a few.
The moralistic connotations that were opposed upon the light/dark
dualism by traditional Western thought simply do not apply under the
monastic approach. (Don't confuse "monism" and "monastic"
with "monotheism", that is another issue completely.)
Being raised in a society based on dualism we have a natural habit to
want to break things down into components, even when we have chosen
to take on a spirituality based on monism. Thus, as we Pagans (often
coming from a Judeo-Christian background) began to use the dualistic
imagery of light (good) from Western thought in association with the
word "witch" to reclaim it from the negative association of darkness
(evil) we unconsciously altered the polarity of light/dark in Pagan
thought to fit this imagery. Duality in a monism is not the same as
duality in a dualism.
Additionally, as Paganism became more mainstream in the 1980's and
90's, less attention was a given to formal study and practice, and
sadly many authors over emphasized the concept of "insta-witchcraft"
as 101-style books flooded the market. Covens and even traditions
were formed by novices and yet attempted to take on students. This
had (and is still having) drastic results when mixed with New Age
influences that strip away the cultural context of various beliefs
and negative associations, to provide a more palatable, trendy form,
which is geared for the masses. Paganism has become overrun with
beginners lacking direction and clarity. Although I am a strong
proponent for the validity of solitary practice, the sudden shift in
majority from coven-centric to solitary practice has not come without
a cost.
Normally, when one begins to study and practice a Pagan religion,
there is a shift in his or her world view of dualism in spirituality
to monism. This shift is an internal process - an initiation - and
happens to both the solitary and coven member alike. The external
self-dedication or initiation ritual uses imagery to help catalyze
this internal initiation; alone such rituals are but empty forms and
useless. One of the reasons coven novitiates must wait a year and a
day before a formal initiation is to allow the novitiate time to
experience the mysteries of the Craft; a personal understanding of
Pagan symbolism in the proper context. Of course this same process
can happen to a dedicated solitary with discipline and motivation. A
shift in world view can only occur through practice and experience.
One must work under the principles of the new world view before
it "clicks" and becomes a part of us, and this takes time and effort,
two things many unguided novices (or unqualified teachers) fail to
see.
This is much akin to culture shock. When we cannot relate to a
foreign culture, its practices that do not compliment our own culture
may seem strange or even barbaric. If, however, we were to live
within the context of that culture we would eventually start to see
those practices within the proper context and perhaps appreciate (or
at least better understand) the local practices that we once scoffed
at. What has been happening in the Pagan community more and more is
an influx of people taking its symbolism and mysteries out of the
context of monism and translating them to fit their own context based
in dualism. Light and dark become opposed and polarities are thrown
out of balance as anything associated with darkness is disowned.
Popular Pagan religions such as Wicca become "fluffy" loosing their
depth. Such Pagans are not receptive to challenges to their
comfortable niche in their spirituality. Here they find release from
the overburdening aspects of their former Judeo-Christian religions
while finding the security and encouragement of the more flexible
Pagan paths. The flexibility can be taken to the extreme of assuming
that anything we no not like can simply be discarded without concern.
Unless this imbalance is corrected, the true mysteries that Paganism
offers are lost. Pagan traditions are becoming empty shells of what
they once were and the sense of community is becoming shattered
by "witch wars" and silly politics. Before we can salvage our beliefs
we must first reclaim "darkness" and encourage this reclamation from
within. The road ahead will not be an easy one, but with effort those
serious about the Craft can slowly pull itself out of the pit of
ignorance and again embrace the true teachings and mysteries that
Paganism offers.
To end on a positive note, I have noticed many new books beginning to
emphasize practice and steer away from the cookie cutter books that
follow the same template of generic information with filler spells,
rituals, and catchy graphics. Many new books since the end of the
1990's have begun to concentrate on the principles and meaning behind
the practice and to rely on sound research and personal experience.
Sadly there will always be unscrupulous authors and publishers who
will continue be motivated by profit alone, but it is comforting to
know that some established authors have begun to appreciate their
responsibility and not underestimate their influence - for better or
worse - on the Craft.
John J. Coughlin is Editor-in-Chief of the NYC Pagan Resource guide
and author of the book Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark
Paganism and Magick. Visit http://www.waningmoon.com for more
information or contact the author at darkwyccan (at) waningmoon.com.
Ø
To: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com, WhisperingWitches@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [13Witches] Synchronicity: The Magical Factor
SYNCHRONICITY: THE? MAGICAL FACTOR
by Kathy Sanborn
Coined by Carl Gustave Jung,? "synchronicity" is a term that refers to how
events occur in our lives in a? meaningful, and not coincidental, fashion. There
are no accidents in life -? whatever happens, happens for a reason. That is
not to say that we always know? what the reasons are behind each and every
event that happens in our lives - we? do not, but our Higher Selves are aware of
the "big picture," or greater plan? for us.
Sometimes we will have a glimmer of recognition when a part of? our life's
plan starts to unfold. For example, in my own life, when I was in? college on
the first day of a new semester, in walked a student who struck me as? "special"
in some way. I just KNEW that she would become important in my life,? but I
was not sure exactly how this would all unfold. Sure enough, she was the? one
who eventually introduced me to the man who would become the producer of my?
first music project, which forever changed my life in a most
important way.? Was this all just a coincidence? No, because the universe
doesn't work in a? coincidental manner, but in a synchronistic one.
By knowing that the? universe works in a meaningful fashion, you are able to
watch for signs that may? arise to guide you through any challenge or question
that you may have.? Sometimes by simply driving along, with a question on
your mind, you will hear? something on the radio, or see a certain bumper
sticker that gives you the? answer to your question. There are always signs in front
of you, given by the? universe, to let you know what you need to do next, if
you are aware enough to? watch for them. Sometimes an
animal will appear as a sign to guide you, such? as a bird that just
"happens" to be flying near you, perhaps showing you that? everything's going
to be okay. When I was riding to the hospital to deliver my? first child, I
was in pretty hard labor, and my mind was racing with worried? thoughts that I
wouldn't make it in time! Just then, a Stevie Wonder song came? on the radio
(I will never forget this), and he was singing, "Don't you worry? 'bout a
thing." I realized at that point that everything was going to be fine -? and it
was!
The reason that synchronicity works is that we, as humans,? are a part of the
universe, and a part of nature - there is no separation? between a human
being and, for example, a tree, in reality. We are all made of? the same "stuff"
- and being intimately connected as we are to everything else,? be it a rock or
an elephant, we are able to tap into the guidance and wisdom? that is
available to us by simply keeping our eyes and ears open. Some people? receive
their guidance by overhearing conversations of strangers while standing? in a
supermarket check-out line! There is no limit to what we can learn from the?
synchronistic signs of the universe.
Meeting special people in your life,? and finding your dream job are
examples of synchronicity in action. Do you? really believe that your life's
partner comes to you by accident, by a strange? coincidence? Knowing that the
universe works with meaningful events, instead of? accidental ones, can help
you to realize that each special person who comes? along, comes into your life
for a reason - sometimes with a lesson to teach you,? and sometimes to
bring you profound love.
One very interesting byproduct, if you will, of being on the? spiritual path
is that your synchronistic experiences will increase, quite? remarkably so.
You will think of someone, and she will call you on the phone or? you will run
into her soon after. Circumstances that you are trying to develop? in your
life, such as certain goals or desires, will be aided by "coincidental"? events,
very much like magic. That is because, when you are in tune with your? inner
self, you are in tune with the universe, and the
universe is indeed a? very meaningful and magical place.
Kathy Sanborn is a singer, songwriter,? and keyboard player who has been
writing and singing most of her life. In 1996,? Kathy's fondest wish came true:
her debut CD, Critical Mass, was completed, and? received national attention on
some of the smooth-jazz radio stations. Kathy? believes her life purpose is to
blend her spiritual insights with her music, to? help the world as it
undergoes the major shift already underway. A lifelong? interest in the
metaphysical has led Kathy to believe spirituality is the most? important aspect of a
person's life, and that daily meditation is the key to? opening the door to the
God/Goddess within - your Higher Self. Kathy's faith and? spiritual values
permeate every aspect of her life and work. "There is no such? thing as a
coincidence," Kathy says, "The universe works in perfect ways, so all? we need
is to have faith that things happen for the best."
Blessed? Be,
Lady Nightshayde
Ø
If you have an opinion on any Pagan subject Please e-mail us at greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
SPELL OF THE MONTH
Found by Cyrena,
Weird Notions and Curious Potions
Posted by: "v wheeler" feydamsel@yahoo.com feydamsel
Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:38 pm (PDT)
From Gerina Dunwich's Book "Magick Potions"
Here is the abbreviated intro for the chapter: This chapter which is the result of many months of researching old grimoires, ancient herbals and books on folklore and will show some of the strangest potions ever to be brewed in a Witch's cauldron! Some of these potions can be viewed as humorous, while others are just amazingly outrageous, clearly reflecting the unusual superstitious beliefs, fears and magickal practices of an earlier time. The potions in this chapter are by no means intended for actual use by Witches today. Rather, they are included here strictly for heir historic, as well as entertaining, value.
Scrying Salve
A strange scrying salve recipe published a long time ago in a medieval grimoire of natural magick called for the gall of a male cat and the fat of a white hen. These two ingredients would be mixed together and then used to anoint the eyes of the scryer prior to crystal gazing or whatever method of divination her or she employed. According to the grimoire, after the greasy (and most likely unpleasant-smelling ) concoction was applied to the eyes, is supposedly gave the user to "see what others cannot see." Of course, applying anything to the eyes is definately not recommended for scrying or any other purpose apart from the obvious that it may harm the eyes or cause blindness, but that an eye salve is necessary in divining. The reason being that visions and sensations are created by the scryer's own clairvoyant mind and not due to any external applications.
Invisibility Potion
In ancient times it was believed by many that invisibility could be attained if a magician recited the correct incantation and/or drunk a potion brewed from the proper magickal ingredients. Throughout the Middle Ages, many invisibility potions were devised. Some were quite complicated to prepare and use, and some were rather simple. The following is one example of the latter. In a bottle or small cauldron pour some wine. Add a handful of seeds from the poppy plant, cover with a lid and allow the seeds to soak in the wine for two weeks. Then drink some of the wine each day for five consecutive days. It is of the utmost importance that you fast during this five-day period, and afterward you shall gain the power to make your physical body invisible at will.
However, should you experience any fear or doubt at any time during the preparation of the invisibility potion, the changes are good that it will not work. (Apparently certain negative vibrations cause it to lose its effectiveness. ) Please note: There is no potion to reverse the effects of this spell or in other words, allow you to regain your visibility. Whether the invisibility wears off on its own accord or after a period of time, is permanent, or can be controlled by the magician's will is not known. Unless you wish to remain invisible forever, perhaps you shouldn't try this potion, no matter how far-fetched it may seem!
Riches for Witches
It was once believed in many parts of the world that the plant known as the fumitory possessed the supernatural ability to attract money to those who knew how to use its secret powers. According to occult folklore, if a Witch desired riches, all she/he had to do was prepare a magickal infusion of fumitory when the moon was a the beginning of its waxing phase and then rub some of it onto her shoes once a week! (there is no mention of what fumitory plant is though)
Alchemists Potion
According to the book 'Rosarium Philosophorum' or Rosary of the Philosophers, the most influential of all alchemical texts ever written, there is directions for the preparation of a potion called the 'Vinum Nostrum' or Our Wine. This curious concoction calls for the following three ingredients: virgin's milk, fountain's vinegar and water of life. According to the book's author, "The chosen one who drinks of this water will soon experience his rebirth."
Henbane Love Potion
Modern Witches no longer work magically with henbane due to its poisonous attributes, however, in the days of old it was reputed that Witches (especially those of male gender) often used certain parts of the henbane as magickal ingredients in love-stimulating potions. But in order for the henbane to work properly, the Witch was required to gather it in the nude at sunrise while balancing on one foot. Why the henbane had to be gathered in this curious fashion is a mystery. Warning! Henbane is poisonous and should not be handled without gloves or ingested and the smoke produced by the burning plant creates toxic fumes that should not be inhaled!
Moonwort Horseshoe Potion
To cause a horse to lose its shoes, prepare an infusion from the fern known as moonwort and sprinkle it on the trail where the horse will tread. When the animal steps on it, according to old occult folklore, one or more of its shoes will fall off. This strange and unexplained power of the moonwort (which appropriately has the folklore name of "unshoehorse" ) supposedly has the same effect upon the shoes of humans as well.
Marijuana Magick
Marijuana, which was not made an illegal drug until the 1930s, was at one time considered by Witches to be a potent herb of love magick (this may be one reason to explain why 'love-ins' were such a popular pastime among marijuana smoking hippies in the 1960s!)
On Midsummer - a very magickal time of the year for all herbs - the seeds and leaves of the marijuana would be brewed into a magickal tea potion and drunk, not only to inspire feelings of love, but to induce divinatory visions and dreams regarding one's future mate.
Wahoo Hex-Breaking Potion
If a hex has been cast against you or your family, make an infusion from the bark of the plant known as the wahoo (Euonymus atropurpuracea) then let it cool. Dip the fingertip of your right index finger into the infusion and then use it to trace the symbol of a cross on your forehead and/or those of the family members afflicted by the hex. As this is done, shout the work "Wahoo!" seven times. According to occult tradition, the hex will be instantly broken. Warning! Do not drink the wahoo! infusion, wahoo is regarded as a poisonous plant.
Omens of the Witch's Brew (miscellaneous tidbits)
If a Witch's brew continues to boil after it has been removed from the fire, it is said to be a sign that the Witch will live to be a ripe old age! This omen originated in Europe in the Middle Ages.
A quarrel with a friend or family member is portended if a Witch's brew should accidentally be spilled on the carpet. However, it is said to be a sign of good luck to accidentally spill some upon yourself.
It is bad luck to brew philtres (love potions) wen the moon is in a waning phase or during the time know as the dark of the moon. The ideal time is during a waxing moon, especially on Valentine's day.
If two Witches stir the same brew, they will be stirring up strife, according to an old superstitious belief from England. If they both drink it from the same cup, it will bring them bad luck unless they are married or handfasted to each other.
It is said to be extremely unlucky for any Witch to heat his or her own brews and potions in a teakettle or cauldron belonging to another. (To avoid this, a good rule of thumb is to always use your own magickal tools.)
If a lady and a gentleman pour out a cup of brew from the same pot, this is an omen that a child will be born to them. If two women pour, one of them will give birth to a red-haired set of twins within the year.
It is an invitation to poverty and misfortune should you throw away herbs that are leftover from potions and brews. For good fortune to smile upon you, always dispose of used herbs by casting them into a fire.
A stranger will soon be arriving on your doorstep if you accidentally leave the lid of the tea kettle or cauldron off while preparing a magickal brew. This superstitious belief hails from Victorian-era England.
It is said to be unlucky to stir a Witch's brew in a counter-clockwise direction. To do so creates bad vibrations and attracts negative influences. Always stir in a clockwise direction.
If your left eye itches while you are brewing a potion, this is an omen that sorrow shall soon find it's way into your life. An itching of your right eye indicates precisely the opposite. How and where these originated is a mystery
IF YOU HAVE A SPELL YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH E-MAIL IT TO THE greenwoodtreemonthly@yahoo.com
Old World names for herbs
Part 1
This was on the http://www.maxpages.com/eclecticwicca2/Old_Herb_Names site. I have always been interest in what real names were for some of the herbs unsed in spells of old
Tongue of Dog?
Blood of Goose?
Do you really think witches cut of tongues of dogs? Or take blood from geese? Ummm...NO!
They were just pseudonym names for the herbs to keep them secret.
Here are some old time names for herbs:
A Bone of an Ibis: Buckthorn
Adders Tongue: Dogstooth Violet
A Titan's Blood: Wild Lettuce
A Lion's Hairs: Tongue of a Turnip [i.e., the leaves of the taproot]
A Man's Bile: Turnip Sap
A Pig's Tail: Leopard's Bane
A Hawk's Heart: Heart of Wormwood
An Eagle: Wild Garlic
Ass's Foot or Bull's Foot: Coltsfoot
Blood: Elder sap or another tree sap
Blood of Hephaistos: Wormwood
Burning Bush: White Dittany
Bread and Cheese Tree: Hawthorne
Blood from a Head: Lupine
Bird's Eye: Germander Speedwell
Blood of Ares: Purslane
Blood of a Goose: A Mulberry Tree's Milk
Bloodwort: Yarrow
Blood of Hestia: Camomile
Blood of an Eye: Tamarisk Gall
Blood from a Shoulder: Bear's Breach
Bat's Wings: Holly
Black Sampson: Echinacea
Bull's Blood or Seed of Horus: Horehound
Bear's Foot: Lady's Mantle
Calf's Snout: Snapdragon
Cat's Foot: Canada Snake Root and/or Ground Ivy
Candelmas Maiden: Snowdrop.
Capon's Tail: Valerian.
Christ's Ladder: Centaury
Cheeses: Marsh Mallow
Chocolate Flower: Wild Geranium
Christ's Eye: Vervain Sage
Clear-eye: Clary Sage
Click: Goosegrass
Cucumber Tree: Magnolia
Clot: Great Mullein
Corpse Plant: Indian Pipe.
Crowdy Kit: Figwort
Cuddy's Lungs: Great Mullein
Crow Foot: Cranesbill
Cuckoo's Bread: Common Plantain
Clear Eye: Clary Sage
Crow's Foot: Wild Geranium
Devils Dung: Asafoetida
Dragon's Blood: Calamus
Dog's Mouth: Snap Dragon
Daphne: Laurel/Bay
Devil's Plaything: Yarrow
Dove's Foot: Wild Geranium
Dew of the Sea: Rosemary
Dragon Wort: Bistort
Earth Smoke: Fumitory
Eye of Christ: Germander Speedwell
Elf's Wort: Elecampane
Enchanter's Plant: Vervain
Englishman's Foot: Common Plantain
Erba Santa Maria: Spearmint
Everlasting Friendship: Goosegrass
Eye of the Day: Common Daisy
Eye of the Star: Horehound
Eye Root: Goldenseal
Eyes: Aster, Daisy, Eyebright
Frog's Foot: Bulbous Buttercup
From the Loins: Camomile
Fat from a Head: Spurge
Fairy Smoke: Indian Pipe
Felon Herb: Mugwort
From the Belly: Earth-apple
From the Foot: Houseleek
Five Fingers: Cinquefoil
Fox's Clote: Burdock
Graveyard Dust: Mullein
Goat's Foot: Ash Weed
God's Hair: Hart's Tongue Fern
Golden Star: Avens
Gosling Wing: Goosegrass
Graveyard Dust: Mullein
Great Ox-eye: Ox-eye Daisy
Hairs of a Hamadryas Baboon: Dill Seed
Hair of Venus: Maidenhair Fern
Hag's Taper: Great Mullein
Hagthorn: Hawthorn
Hare's Beard: Great Mullein
Herb of Grace: Vervain
Hind's Tongue: Hart's Tongue Fern
Holy Herb: Yerba Santa
Holy Rope: Hemp Agrimony
Hook and Arn: Yerba Santa
Horse Tongue: Hart's Tongue Fern
Horse Hoof: Coltsfoot
Hundred Eyes: Periwinkle
Part 4
Is Lucifer Jesus
JEFF MEYER
Yes I can tell you've have spent some serious time on this, and alot of what your saying makes sense ( something many preachers failed to do for me, I've looked at and visited several different denominations) an you wanna know the kicker, I've learned more from a Pagan ( the so called bad guy , they teach you to stay away from) than my own preachers. I don't blame them they are only relaying what they were taught.... what I do blame them for is why didn't they question a few things, did they d=not think this question would arise. or maybe they were just taught to avoid the questions of this sort.
Michael
*inspired but a little less inspired than other texts."*
Hah! Sounds downright Rabbinical to me :-)
Massoretes.. . Wow. There's a word I have seen in 30 years. Hey, they
were just doing a little clean-up of the Hebrew text...
I wish more Christians understood the Council of Nicea and what
Constantine was doing there. There is this great case to be made that
the only Biblical text he cared about was "give unto Caesar." He made
his point and left, only kept getting drawn back by Bishops who
wouldn't stop arguing - or leave. Constantine finally got rid of the
whole bunch of them by ending the feasts. With their food cut-off,
they finally got out of dodge. The creed was nice, but Constantine
didn't really care about that.
Heh.... Wonk. That's a pretty good word!
Michael
It may be sad that you're reading all this on a Pagan list - but it
isn't all that odd. At the risk of repeating myself, I truly do feel
that Pagan's are under a greater obligation than others to understand
both their chosen faith, and the faiths they don't hold with. The key
word is 'chosen.' With very few exceptions, no one is born into a
Pagan household. There are many more now - but among those who are
adults now, I think I've met two or the course of the last 25 years.
Many (including me) had family members who were "that way," a
grandmother who healed people, an aunt who looked into tea cups and
all that, but born and raised to walk a Pagan Path? Hardly.
Most Christians get born into Christian families, go to church,
Sunday school, all the rest. We don't have that. For the most part,
they don't make the kind of choices we do and certainly not the same
sort!
Several years ago, on another list, I came into contact with someone
known as "Randy the Religion Raider." He was one of those characters
who would show up on a Pagan list and scream that we were all going
to Hell and then leave - only this time, he hung around a while. Over
the course of a few days, I asked how he would feel if I visited his
list. He said I was welcome and a discussion with his pastor and the
elders of their Baptist Church developed. The Pastor was very
concerned that his parishioners didn't know scripture as I did and in
an off-list e-mail, I was invited to not come back. He thought that
was a more Christian gesture than just canceling me out ;-) They
really didn't like the part about Christians not knowing if there was
a Hell or not until the Council of Toledo in 430AD. Got downright
upset about that....
-MC
Michael
On the same sort of topic...
About 6 or 8 years ago, I was watching a program on cable (it may
have been History) on an amazing discussion between Christian
Theologians at SMU (Southern Methodist University) about The Book of
Revelations, who was this guy John of Patmos anyway and why did
Jerome choose to put his book in the Bible. They had some interesting
things to say:
John of Patmos was by every definition - a madman. They thought that
part of his violent problem was due to Ergot poisoning (the mold that
grows on Rye seed). He was banished to his cave - where he was fed
more rye bread, by the Christian inhabitants of Patmos, a Christian
place at the time. They felt he was off his rocker and had become
dangerous.
John's writings reached Jerome along with tons of other material. At
the time, Revelations and the indictments found there aren't really
seen as the end of the world sort of stuff. The whole numerology
thing, name of the beast and all of that stuff referred to Nero in
John's time, and frankly in Jerome's too. Jerome is writing a
political sort of Bible in many, many ways. One of the huge points he
is making is that while Constantine is the Roman Emperor - he's no
Nero. That may be one of the bigger reasons why Revelations was
included.
So the folks at SMU asked a devastating question: What would
Christianity have become had Revelations been left out of the
Christian Bible?
One of their better answers was that the Sermon on the Mount would
certainly have risen to be seen as the single greatest defining
statement of Christian faith (it is certainly the finest).
So what might the history of the last 20 centuries have looked like?
There's a question...
-MC
that is so sad, but only enforces my position on knowing all the facts. I think you may have put a scare in to the preacher for him to cancel like that. and the fact that he didn't do it in person is
JEFF MEYER
even sadder. we all have the right to know all the facts no matter what the source. maybe he was afraid you would turn some of his flock....lol. but frankly the ones that lost out were the people who would have learned from the experience. I think their are many Christians such as I, but for their own reasons decide not to search for the answers
Michael Manor
Here's a bit of John-related material to consider. In the ancient world, it took some time for news to reach the outer edges of the Empire. Someone exiled to Patmos would, by very definition, be out of touch. His references to the various heads of state indicate that he expected Nero to return from a self-inflicted but not fatal wound. He would come with the backing of Parthian satraps. When this failed, he expected certain things of the Nero-like Emperor (Domitian).
John wrote in a style of literature that has been entirely mis-interpreted by Protestants called Apocalyptic. The period of this literary style ranged from about one hundred years before Christ's traditional birth to one hundred years after. It was designed to exhort Jews (and early Christians) to be strong in the faith and stand up spiritually to their adversaries, first the Hellenistic rulers of the Middle East and later the Romans. A numbering system was developed in which messages could be laid between the lines. Hence Nero (NRO) was listed by the number 666. Thus "the beast" was originally a reference to Nero and later Domitian, because, you see, if you read extra biblical literature of the period, there was a couple guys going around passing themselves off as Nero after his suicide. When the truth came to light (and all of John's prognostications about Nero fell apart) he merely changed horses (or emperors) midstream.
The Beast, being Domitian, was assassinated in ninety-six and with his passing, all the stories about the beast failed. But when has that stopped a determined group resting the welfare of their future upon failed promises, second returns, and other such apocalyptic stuff?
Hard to believe, but I was making the same case fifteen years ago and some of our "experts" in the local community poo pooed the idea because it didn't jive with their concept of the bible. Well...hmmm. ..
What most folks don't realize is that the various streams of the past that come to us as history do not unfold in entirely linear fashion, especially the farther into the past that you go. Thera (modern Santorini and almost certainly the inspiration for Atlantis stories) also, because of dim memories passed down through generations, gave rise to the story of the pillars of fire and smoke that wound up in the Exodus account. From all indications, the eruption sent up such a plume of smoke and fire that it could easily be seen for days from the northern coast of Africa including Egypt. And it created such a massive tsunami, that it was later remembered in myth (somewhat anachronistically, but what wasn't?) as the Bull that rose from the sea.
The hated Hyksos of the 15th, 16th and 17th dynasties in Egypt, who came down out of Canaan brought many things with them and picked up a few things on their ways back home. One of their kings was Mowersere Iaqob El (or Har). The name is shorthand for various gods worshiped by the king including Re, Ia and either El or Har. To read the Exodus accounts, the Jews worshiped one god, Yahweh, when in fact the Hyksos (the Canaanites who actually made it into Egypt) were polytheistic. As discussed earlier, Ia (Yom) almost certainly evolved into Yahweh-Elohim, but here as worshiped by this king (pharaohs came later) he is but one of many gods honored.
In the 18th dynasty, monotheism makes its first appearance in verifiable history with Ikhanaten, whose grandparents included a chamberlain of Hyksos descent named Yuyu (spellings vary). You can see his mummy in the museum in Cairo. Turns out Yuyu translates Joseph. Ring any bells? Of course, in later generations the names and theologies were changed for sake of convenience and expedience, but at least we know the rest of the story.
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
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Other Names: Poke Salad, American Pokeweed,
Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry,
Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours,
Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo,
Yyamilin
Habitat: Pokeweed is a common perennial native plant,
found in Northern and Central N. America from the New
England States to Minnesota and south to Florida and
Texas, naturalized in Britain and other countries.
Growing in damp rich soils in clearings, woodland
margins and roadsides.
Cultivation: Pokeweed is an easily grown plant,
succeeding in most soils and full sun or partial
shade. The stout erect stalk is tall, growing to 10
feet or more, smooth and branching, turning deep red
or purple as the berries ripen and the plant matures.
The root is conical, large and fleshy, covered with a
thin brown bark. Leaves are about 5 inches long and 2
to 3 inches wide, simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate,
and smooth. The flowers, which appear from July to
September, are long-stalked clusters and each has 5
whitish petals with green centers. The fruit is a rich
deep purple round berry, containing a rich crimson
juice. Gather young edible shoots in spring, the roots
in fall, slice and dry for later use, and berries as
they ripen.
Properties: Pokeweed is edible (cooked) and medicinal.
It has a long history of use by Native Americans and
in alternative medicine. The young shoots are boiled
in two changes of water and taste similar to
asparagus, berries are cooked and the resulting liquid
used to color canned fruits and vegetables. The root
is alterative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, cathartic,
expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative. It is
used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other
complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh,
bronchitis and diseases related to a compromised
immune system it has potential as an anti-AIDS drug.
Some of the chemical constituents in the plant are
triterpenoid saponins, lectins, antiviral proteins and
many phytolaccagenic acids, which are not completely
understood.
New research has revealed that a possible CURE for
Childhood Leukemia called (B43-PAP) is found in the
common Pokeweed. Anti-B43-pokeweed antiviral protein,
B43-PAP, PAP is a pokeweed toxin. The B43 carries the
weapon—the PAP—to the leukemia cells. It has been
touted as a smart weapon. In one study 15 out of 18
children who had participated had attained remission.
The following is part of a repot from Parker Hughes
Institute: The two parts of this drug are the B43
antibody (or anti-CD19) and the pokeweed antiviral
protein (PAP) immunotoxin, a natural product in the
pokeweed plant. B43 is designed to recognize specific
B-cell leukemia cells just as natural antibodies
attack and recognize germs. When the antibody finds a
leukemia cell, it attaches and B43 delivers the other
part of the drug, PAP. Inside the cell, PAP is
released by the antibody and inactivates the ribosomes
that make the proteins the cell needs to survive. With
the cell unable to produce proteins, the specific
leukemia cell is killed. More than 100 patients have
been treated with B43-PAP and shown only minimal side
effects.
Caution is advised, as the whole plant, but especially
the berries, is poisonous raw, causing vomiting and
diarrhea.
A beautiful red ink and a dye are obtained from the
fruit. The rootstock is rich in saponins and can be
used as a soap substitute.
Folklore: Some Native American tribes used Pokeweed as
a Witchcraft Medicine, believing that it's ability to
totally purge the body by causing drastic diarrhea and
vomiting would also expel bad spirits. Fruit was made
into a red dye used in painting horses and various
articles of adornment.
© 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
Re: HOW DOES DOWSING WORK?
Posted by: "Donovan Walker" pasturepuk2003@yahoo.com pasturepuk2003
Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:03 am (PDT)
My mothers family were extraordinary Dowsers I can remember seeing one of my uncles dowse water with just a pair of pliers. I hired a water witch to dowse our well (successfully) I tried his rods & got the same results. I have dowsed water lines & electrical lines before digging with a couple of welding rods. It can be kinda fun, but its had to accept the first time you do it even if you know its real & not faked because your doing it yourself. Thanks for this article!
--- On Sun, 4/12/09, Sierra Sky
From: Sierra Sky Subject: SpiritualOccultist HOW DOES DOWSING WORK?
To: SpiritualOccultist@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2009, 4:32 PM
WHAT IS DOWSING?
The definition of dowsing has changed over the years from a narrow perspective to a wider one. Here are a few definitions.
The use of rods or pendulums to find minerals or water
The use of apparent paranormal senses or extrasensory perceptions to make discoveries
The search for under ground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod
HOW DOES DOWSING WORK?
Dowsing involves asking a series of 'yes' or 'no' questions
The tool then responds to these question with a movement
The dowser will know the answer by the type of movement the tool makes
For example; if the rods dowsing swing outward or cross each other the answer is 'yes'. If the rods dowsing don't move at all then the answer is 'no'.
It is through a series of questions from the dowser and responses by the tool that the dowser gets closer to target and eventually finds what he/she is looking for.
DOWSING HISTORY
Dowsing has been going on for thousands of years
Cave paintings dated back 8 thousand years ago appear to show a forked stick
Other ancient pictures of dowsing have been found in Egyptian and Chinese artwork
Dowsing was used by European miners in the 15th century
Dowsing became known by authority in particular the church as the work of the devil over time and therefore disappeared from public view
Peasants in particular needed dowsing to find their water source and so it was done secretly
This is perhaps why the Y shaped stick was used commonly because it could be broken from a bush and destroyed after use
Today It is a skill used by authority but is not necessarily valued by them for example; police use dowsers to find where murder victims are located but this is not something they always openly discuss.
DOWSING TOOLS
Rods- A tool with two L shaped rods commonly made out of metal. They are held parallel to the ground with the short end of the rod in each hand. The rods dowsing will cross when the target is near.
Pendulum- A tool with a device hanging from a string commonly made out of crystal or metal. It may swing or move back and forth when the target is near
Fork stick- A tool commonly made from a Y shaped stick or fresh tree branch. This is the most traditional tool and is also held parallel to the ground. The stick moves up or down when it is near target.
There is no limit to the tools you can use or the materials the tools are made from. Some people are able to dowse with plastic or parts of their bodies. It is about finding what works for you.
TYPES OF DOWSING
Map dowsing is achieved without physically being at a site. It requires a dowsing map which could be any map of the location you are searching within. A pendulum or rod could be used. The pendulum is held over the map and will indicated when asked to show the target area by swinging or moving back and forth.
On sight dowsing is when the dowser is physically present at the location where he/she is searching.
CAN I LEARN DOWSING?
Yes you can learn to dowse. We all have this ability.
Like other ESP abilities such as clairvoyance or telepathy it is necessary to find inner silence to be able to access this ability
HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR DOWSING
Fundamental Things You Will Need to do in Order to Dowse Accurately
Find your 'yes' and 'No'
Concentrate
Ask the right questions
Practice
We will work with the Rods dowsing through out these exercises but once the principles or techniques are learned you can apply these to other tools
Getting the Feel of the Rods Activity
Hold one rod in each hand parallel to the ground
Feel them as an extension of your body
Find a comfortable grip slightly firm but not so tight that they could never move
They may begin to swing all over the place without you physically causing it (this is good)
Now walk with them and concentrate on keeping them still
They may feel more comfortable with the extension of the rod above your hand or below. Time will tell as you work through the other exercises.
Now allow them to move at their own will
Continue allowing them to move and consciously making them stop until it happens instantly
Finding Your 'Yes' and 'No'
With complete concentration
Ask the rods dowsing "Show me my 'yes'"
Pay attention to how the rods move
This is the movement that shows you the answer is 'yes'
Ask the rods dowsing "show me my 'no'"
Pay attention to how the rods move
This is the movement or none movement that shows you the answer is 'no'
The most common 'yes' is movement and the most common 'no' is none movement
To test the responses ask a question that you know the answer to
Example- "Am I wearing red shoes?"
This may need to be done a few times until you can trust the response of your rod
Keep in mind that your degree of concentration will affect the results
Also keep in mind that your responses for 'yes' and 'no' may change
It is a good idea to ask the rod to show you your 'yes' and 'no' at the beginning of each dowsing session to check this
Development Exercise
Lay a piece of rope, garden hose or string in a line in front of you
Hold the rods parallel to each other and the ground
Close your eyes
Stand back from the line
Focus on the rope
Become the rope
Ask "Where is the rope?" as you walk forward
Stop if your rods dowsing show you a 'yes'
Notice where you are
If you were focused your rods dowsing should have crossed or given you a 'yes'
Formulating Questions
It is important that your question be able to be answered by a 'yes' or 'no'
The rods dowsing can not reason
Be specific as possible
If you are dowsing treasure and ask "Show me the treasure" you could be shown a tin can. Your rubbish may be someone else's treasure. What do you define as treasure? If you are money dowsing a more appropriate question would be "Is this where the money is?"
The rods dowsing make no judgment. They tell the truth.
Formulate one after the other so you can narrow it down i.e. Is there water in this paddock? Is it within 100 square meters of me? Is it within 50 square meters of me?
Then you would want to know if the water is drinkable, if its below the surface etc.
These types of questions allow for accurate results
Meditation is recommended for the development of concentration which is necessary when dowsing
(Affiliate for mediation CD)
You will know that you are dowsing when you come to a conclusion that your logical mind would not have given
From money dowsing, dowsing treasure to dowsing water there is no limit to what you could search for. Enjoy discovering.
Dowsing Books have been written by many experienced dowsers who have found their unique way to harness the powerful energetic vibrancies of rod dowsing to find anything from water, treasure to energy vortexes accessed for planetary healing
Immerse yourself in one of two books that you are drawn too and they will open up the dowsing world to you - prepare to be amazed.
http://www.extrasen sory-perceptions -guide.com/ rods-dowsing. Html
Elements & Magick
Tarot is a system of guidance as well as divination that people can use to process dilemmas pertaining to career, family or relationships. Tarot readers are experts who can interpret the meaning of the cards picked by the inquirers and guide them towards a possible and probable solution. Tarot card readers are well acquainted with the meanings of the cards and Tarot spreads that are used while performing a tarot reading.
Tarot readers can be approached to gain a better perspective of the situation that the inquirers may find themselves in. They put forward their queries in front of the Tarot card reader one at a time. For each question, the reader asks the inquirer to pick up a few cards, which the reader lays face down in a pattern, known as the Tarot spread. There are hundreds of tarot spreads that the reader can choose from, including self-created ones. The cards are then placed in the same sequence as they were on the designated positions. The Tarot card reader now turns the cards over and interprets the overall picture presented by the combination of cards picked, their positions on the spreads and the numbers depicted in each of the cards.
People approach professional tarot card readers to inquire about various aspects of their lives. The main responsibility of a tarot card reader is to offer insights to people who have to seek answers for their seemingly overwhelming problems. Tarot shows possibilities and projections and offers advice, and does not conform to any writing on the wall.
It is advisable for people to ask specific questions to the Tarot card readers as loosely formed questions usually fetch vague responses. It is not necessary for people to approach a professional tarot card reader every time. They can buy any popular deck that appeals to them and can do a reading for them. People can also go on line and get free as well as professional reading through various websites.
The Major Arcana represents an evolution from the very first steps one takes in a spiritual odyssey, a voyage or journey, and on through the final completion when one is absorbed back into the original Godhead Source. Each step, each cycle in the Major Arcana is as a completed phase of moving beyond everything previously experienced. The Major Arcana cards represent a great amount of power structures bonded and locked together, and these are the power cards. Any layout consisting of 4 or more Major Arcana cards has a considerable amount of power. Layouts having 6 to 8 Major Arcana cards have special significance and power. Major Arcana cards rule over the Minor Arcana. Each card serves as a resonator, a tuning device, that connects energy patterns of the mind and psyche with other Creative Force Energy vibrations in the layout and throughout the Cosmos.
Minor Arcana cards consist of 4 suits of cards numbered 1 through 10, plus 4 court cards per suit. Each of these do represent an evolution. Cards 1 through 5 deal with evolution in terms of concise realities, and deal with the first part of the evolution. The later part of the evolution, numbers 6 through 10, represents lots of distortion, difficulty and confusion.
The Minor Arcana does have its difficulties and problems. It was reconstructed in a fashion that did not represent the original form of Egyptian structure. As a result, certain meanings of the Minor Arcana are not as valid as others from a mundane standpoint of reference, but the Creative Forces Vibrations resonate with the Thoth Tarot card Matrix's to offset this non-representation of the original Egyptian structure.
Although there are only 1 or 2 cards in the Major Arcana that can frighten people, there is much in the Minor Arcana of a frightening nature. Nothing in the Court Cards can frighten people. Frightening aspects of the Minor Arcana have caused it to be misused as a fear motivating, manipulative and mind control tool, and did, to a certain degree, influence the structuring for these cards. If you wish to do readings with these cards, realize you are fully responsible for what you tell your clients. Exercise great care, concern and understanding when you read the minor Arcana. These are the most misread cards in the deck, are very important, and need as much of your time as other cards in the deck. Each card is very significant, and when you find this significance, communicate the nature of the energies and forces involved in the most appropriate, constructive creative manner. This is not always possible, and sometimes difficult, but most important that it be done.
The tarot reading should be a helpful and beneficial experience. Accentuating the positive and minimizing the negative aspects of the reading, in order to provide information to help your client better fulfill their life purposes makes for a good, healthy reading.
The Major Arcana represents an evolution from the very first steps one takes in a spiritual odyssey, a voyage or journey, and on through the final completion when one is absorbed back into the original Godhead Source. Each step, each cycle in the Major Arcana is as a completed phase of moving beyond everything previously experienced. The Major Arcana cards represent a great amount of power structures bonded and locked together, and these are the power cards. Any layout consisting of 4 or more Major Arcana cards has a considerable amount of power. Layouts having 6 to 8 Major Arcana cards have special significance and power. Major Arcana cards rule over the Minor Arcana. Each card serves as a resonator, a tuning device, that connects energy patterns of the mind and psyche with other Creative Force Energy vibrations in the layout and throughout the Cosmos.
Minor Arcana cards consist of 4 suits of cards numbered 1 through 10, plus 4 court cards per suit. Each of these do represent an evolution. Cards 1 through 5 deal with evolution in terms of concise realities, and deal with the first part of the evolution. The later part of the evolution, numbers 6 through 10, represents lots of distortion, difficulty and confusion.
The Minor Arcana does have its difficulties and problems. It was reconstructed in a fashion that did not represent the original form of Egyptian structure. As a result, certain meanings of the Minor Arcana are not as valid as others from a mundane standpoint of reference, but the Creative Forces Vibrations resonate with the Thoth Tarot card Matrix's to offset this non-representation of the original Egyptian structure.
Although there are only 1 or 2 cards in the Major Arcana that can frighten people, there is much in the Minor Arcana of a frightening nature. Nothing in the Court Cards can frighten people. Frightening aspects of the Minor Arcana have caused it to be misused as a fear motivating, manipulative and mind control tool, and did, to a certain degree, influence the structuring for these cards. If you wish to do readings with these cards, realize you are fully responsible for what you tell your clients. Exercise great care, concern and understanding when you read the minor Arcana. These are the most misread cards in the deck, are very important, and need as much of your time as other cards in the deck. Each card is very significant, and when you find this significance, communicate the nature of the energies and forces involved in the most appropriate, constructive creative manner. This is not always possible, and sometimes difficult, but most important that it be done.
The tarot reading should be a helpful and beneficial experience. Accentuating the positive and minimizing the negative aspects of the reading, in order to provide information to help your client better fulfill their life purposes makes for a good, healthy reading.
The Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.) Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire: red; air: yellow... The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and
colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later on in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual.
Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called 'correspondences' . Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Correspondence Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid.
The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements.
Element Suit Quarter Archangel
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Pentacles
Cups
Swords
Wands
North
West
South
East
Uriel
Gabriel
Michael
Raphael
Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.
ELEMENTALS
The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main categories:
Earth Water Fire Air
Gnome
Dwarfs
Elves
Brownies
Hobgoblins
Leprechauns
Undine
Nymphs
Tritons
Mermaids
Mermen
Sirens
Harpies
Salamander
Jin
Genies
Sylph
Faries
Angles
Elementals are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities -- especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is called an 'artificial elemental'.
To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe. However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is 'familiar' (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat.
YIN YANG
Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown:
Yin Yang
Water
Contraction
Cold
Feminine
Moon
Negative
Passive
Ebb
Wane
Fire
Expansion
Hot
Masculine
Sun
Positive
Active
Flow
Wax
The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs.
SIMPLE MAGICK
Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. It is a variation of affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier lesson...To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success.
Copyright © 1988 Phil Hansford. This article is licensed for free non-commercial distribution only. Coding and format by Herne of The Celtic Connection, http://www.wicca. com If this document is used in its current format, credit and a link for the effort and work involved is appreciated.
http://www.wicca. com/celtic/ elements/ elements. htm
Blessings
Sierra Sky
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For those we need to say Thanks
From Lone Wolf
John and Lori Simon and Cheryl Zippay for being there and able to talk without judgement.
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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
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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
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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..
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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
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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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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 scheduled http://www.ourhaven.info
· Beltane April 29 - May 3, 2009
· Heartland Poly Conference - CANCELLED
· The Fire June 5 - 7, 2009
· Babalon Rising June 11 - 14, 2009
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 Divination Question of the Month
Will the double taxation of Tobacco throughout the country be repealed?
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/May
Full Moon Names
From the web site
http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/moonnames.htm
Colonial American
May June
Milk Moon Rose Moon
Chinese
Dragon Moon Lotus Moon
American Indian (Cherokee)
Planting Moon Green Corn Moon
American Indian (Choctaw)
Panther Moon Windy Moon
American Indian (Dakotah Sioux)
Moon when leaves are green moon to Plant Moon when June berries are
Ripe
Celtic
Bright Moon Moon of horses
English Medieval
Hare Moon Dyan Moon
Neo Pagan
Grass Moon Planting Moon
How to make Black Salt
Black Salt: How to Make it
Posted by: "v wheeler" Black Salt: How to Make it
Are you wondering how to make black salt, an ingredient sometimes included in hoodoo workings. It does occasionally pop up in Wiccan ritual as well. While there are a few places on line that sell it, it's not hard to make your own. Black salt is traditionally used to drive away evil, and can be sprinkled in the footsteps of a person who is annoying you to make them go away.
Black Salt is used in banishing, binding rituals or to quiet bothersome neighbors. Magically used to remove negative energies from items, or places. Often used to remove hexes and other harmful or negative energies. Cleanse your magical implements in a bath of black salt and water... and then wash in a bath of sea salt to purify the item and allow in only positive energies. Black salt can be used in protection workings. Sprinkling along window sills and thresholds. Put in a protection mojo bag.
A PERFECT ingredient for filling 'Binding Poppets' for a powerful outcome. Place a black candle in a pile of black salt for Samhain Remembrance rituals, sprinkle Ouiji Boards with Black Salt before use.
A few websites recommend adding a dye or food coloring to the salt. However, as someone who cooks pretty regularly, I know exactly what happens when you add liquid to salt. Best case scenario, it gets clumpy, and worst case, it dissolves. So you'll want to use something dry to color it instead. Here's my basic recipe for black salt:
2 parts sea salt (which is the same as kosher salt)
1 part scrapings from a cast iron skillet or pot OR
1 part fine ash from your fire pit OR
1 part finely ground black pepper
Depending on the density of your coloring ingredient, you may need to adjust the portions a little, but that's the basic method of making it. If you have a well-seasoned cast iron pot, you should be able to get a good amount of black scrapings out of the bottom of it -- if it seems too oily, use the ash or pepper instead.
http://paganwiccan. about.com/ b/2008/04/ 02/black- salt-how- to-make-your- own.htm
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Recipes
By Cyrena
Crispy Peanut Butter Bars
This recipe is a great to use up some of those chocolate bunnies. Just remember, using a different kind of chocolate will give it a different flavor. This is also a great way to use those handfuls of leftover cereal that are always at the bottom of the bag.
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 cup shortening (solid)
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
Topping:
1 cup (6 oz.) chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cup corn flakes, crushed
Combine first 8 ingredients. Batter will be thick. Pat into an ungreased 15x10x1 inch pan. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes until set. Cool. While that is cooling mix chocolate chips and peanut butter. Stir in corn flakes and gently spread on crust.
This recipe compliments of Living On A Dime. Get more of the recipes you can actually use:
Living On A Dime
Crock Pot Meat Loaf
This is an easy, yet delicious meatloaf, and you can make it without turning on the oven. Put it in the crock pot in the morning, run errands all day and your main course is ready when you get home. The topping makes this meatloaf a real treat.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 envelope McCormick meatloaf seasoning mix
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 small green pepper, chopped fine
1 lb. lean ground beef
28 small saltine squares, crushed
Topping:
8 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
Directions:
Spray a crock pot with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine the egg, tomato sauce and seasoning mix. Stir in the onion and green pepper.
Using your hands, add the ground beef, then the crackers. Shape into a ball, place in the crock pot, then flatten the ball into a patty, leaving about 1/4 inch of free space all around.
Stir together the topping ingredients and spread on top of the meatloaf.
Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
Servings: 4
Time: 10 Minutes Preparation Time
7 Hours Cooking Time
Source: This is my own recipe.
By Amuck from Fairview Heights, IL
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82755841.tip.html
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Pagan Holidays
From the web site http://www.paganspath.com/magik/sabbats.htm
Midsummer - {Summer Solstice} Around June 20th
· American and Celtic traditions ~ Midsummer festival
· Caledonii traditions ~ Alban Hefin
· Pecti-Wita traditions ~ Feill-Sheathain
Also known as 'Midsummer Night's Eve', it is the longest day of the year. The Midsummer festival celebrates the kingly aspect of the God. It is a festival of passion and glory, a time to merge and commune with nature, sprites and fairies. In the Celtic traditions it is also a celebration of the Mother Goddess who is seen heavy with child, ready to deliver the fruits of the season so to speak.
Colors of red and maize yellow and gold are excellent decorations representing the Sun God, the masculine aspects of the season. Sunflowers and sunflower seeds are also excellent examples (provided you've planted them in early spring). Or replace the early spring wreath on your door with a new summer decoration of red feathers for for sexuality and yellow feathers for prosperity, intertwined or braided with ivy. Alter candles should be of gold and red.
Money tree plans can be added to your mantle decorations for monetary wealth, (providing you once again have had an early planting season).
Poet’s Corner
From http://paganpoetry.tripod.com/magickseeker/silent.html
BROOM RIDE
Ride with me across the moon,
Silver streak upon my broom,
Over the earth so dark below,
Until the sun decides to show,
Laughing now in our glee,
Just you, my broom, and me.
LONG NIGHT
Another long night,
Searching, nothing in sight,
Feeling so all alone,
Isolated, on my own,
Sick of wondering,
Tired of calling,
Out your name,
Never the same,
Without you here,
The one I held dear,
Scared to try again,
Of falling again,
Of Being turned away,
Back to this wretched place,
Of being let down once more,
But I don't want this anymore,
So, off I go again,
Never knowing when,
But charging toward the day,
When I will find my way,
Back.
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.
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