duminică, 17 aprilie 2011

[Earthwise] Digest Number 2592[5 Attachments]

Worldwide Pagan Wicca Witch Paganism

Messages In This Digest (25 Messages)

Messages

1a.

Re: Beltane: Its History and Modern Celebration in Wicca in America

Posted by: "Loren" lyonesse@comcast.net   altaitiger

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:05 am (PDT)





From the desk of

Loren

I just wanted to say thank you for all the great information that you are
sending through. I'm spending my day going through emails today and
organizing everything where I want it!

Thank you thank you thank you!

Loren

From: EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Silver Fox
Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2011 7:29 AM
Subject: [Earthwise] Beltane: Its History and Modern Celebration in Wicca in
America

Beltane: Its History and Modern Celebration in Wicca in America

By Rowan Moonstone

The celebration of May 1st, or Beltane as it is known in Wicca Circles, is
one of the most important festivals of our religious year. I will attempt
here to answer some of the most often asked questions about this holiday. An
extensive bibliography follows the article so that the interested reader can
do further research.

1. Where does the festival of Beltane originate?

Beltane, as practiced by modern day Witches and Pagans, has its origins
among the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles,
particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

2. What does the word Beltane mean?

Dr. Proinsias MacCana defines the word as follows:

"... the Irish name for May Day is Beltane, of which the second element,
`tene', is the word for fire, and the first, `bel', probably means `shining
or brilliant'."(1)

The festival was known by other names in other Celtic countries. Beltaine in
Ireland, Bealtunn in Scotland, Shenn do Boaldyn on the Isle of Mann, and
Galan Mae in Wales.(2)

3. What was the significance of this holiday to the ancients?

To the ancient Celts, it symbolized the coming of spring. It was the time of
year when the crops began to sprout, the animals bore their young, and the
people could begin to get out of the houses where they had been cooped up
during the long dark cold winter months. Keep in mind that the people in
those days had no electric lights or heat, and that the Celtic counties are
at a much more northerly latitude than many of us are used to. At that
latitude, spring comes much later, and winter lasts much longer than in most
of the US. The coming of fair weather and longer daylight hours would be
most welcome after a long cold and dark winter.

4. How did the ancient Celts celebrate this festival?

The most ancient way of observing this day is with fire. Beltane, along with
Samhain (Nov. 1), Imbolc (Feb. 1), and Lughnassadh (Aug. 1), was one of the
four great "fire festivals" which marked the turning points of the Celtic
year. The most ancient records tell us that the people would extinguish all
the hearth fires in the country and then relight them from the "need fires"
lit by the druids (who used friction as a means of ignition). In many areas,
the cattle were driven between two great bonfires to protect them from
disease during the coming year. It is my personal belief, although I have no
documentation to back up the assumption, that certain herbs would have been
burnt in the fires, thus producing smoke which would help destroy parasites
which might make cattle and other livestock ill.

5. In what other ways was this festival celebrated?

One of the most beautiful customs associated with this festival was
"bringing in the May." The young people of the villages and towns would go
out into the fields and forests at Midnight on April 30th and gather flowers
with which to bedeck themselves, their families, and their homes. They would
process back into the villages, stopping at each home to leave flowers, and
to receive the best of food and drink that the home had to offer. This
custom is somewhat similar to "trick or treat" at Samhain and was very
significant to the ancients. John Williamson, in his study, The Oak King,
the Holly King, and the Unicorn, writes:

"These revelers were messengers of the renewal of vegetation, and they
assumed the right to punish the niggardly, because avarice (as opposed to
generosity) was dangerous to the community's hope for the abundance of
nature. At an important time like the coming of summer, food, the substance
of life must be ritually circulated generously within the community in order
that the cosmic circuit of life's substance may be kept in motion (trees,
flocks, harvests, etc.)."(3)

These revelers would bless the fields and flocks of those who were generous
and wish ill harvests on those who withheld their bounty.

6. What about maypoles?

The maypole was an adjunct to the festival of bringing in the May. It is a
phallic symbol, and as such represented fertility to the participants in the
festival. In olden days, the revelers who went into the woods would cut a
tree and bring it into town, decking it with flowers and greenery and dance
around it, clockwise (also called deosil, meaning "sun-wise", the direction
of the sun's apparent travel across the face of the Earth) to bring
fertility and good luck. The ribbons which we associate with the maypole
today were a later addition.

7. Why was fertility important?

The people who originated this custom lived in close connection with the
land. If the flocks and fields were fertile, they were able to eat; if there
was famine or drought, they went hungry. It is hard for us today to relate
to this concept, but to the ancients, it was literally a life and death
matter. The Celts were a very close tribal people, and fertility of their
women literally meant continuity of the tribe.

8. How is the maypole connected with fertility?

Many scholars see the maypole as a phallic symbol. In this aspect, it is a
very powerful symbol of the fertility of nature and spring.

9. How did these ancient customs come down to us?

When Christianity came to the British Isles, many of the ancient holy sites
were taken over by the new religion and converted to Christian sites. Many
of the old Gods and Goddesses became Christian saints, and many of the
customs were appropriated. Charles Squire says:

" An ingenious theory was invented after the introduction of Christianity,
with the purpose of allowing such ancient rites to continue with a changed
meaning. The passing of persons and cattle through flame or smoke was
explained as a practice which interposed a magic protection between them and
the powers of evil." (4)

This is precisely what the original festival was intended to do; only the
definition of "evil" had changed. These old customs continued to be
practiced in many areas for centuries.

"In Scotland in 1282, John, the priest in Iverkething, led the young girls
of his parish in a phallic dance of decidedly obscene character during
Easter week. For this, penance was laid upon him, but his punishment was not
severe, and he was allowed to retain his benefice."(5)

10. Were sacrifices practiced during this festival?

Scholars are divided in their opinions of this. There is no surviving
account of sacrifices in the legends and mythology which have come down to
us. As these were originally set down on paper by Christian monks, one would
think that if such a thing had been regularly practiced, the good brothers
would most certainly have recorded it, if for no other reason than to make
the pagans look more depraved. There are, however, some surviving folk
customs which point to a person representing the gloom and ill fortune of
winter being ostracized and forced to jump through the fires. Some scholars
see this as a survival of ancient human sacrificial practices. The notion
that animals were sacrificed during this time doesn't make sense from a
practical standpoint. The animals which had been retained a breeding stock
through the winter would either be lean and hungry from winter feed, or
would be mothers nursing young, which could not be spared.

11. How do modern day pagans observe this day?

Modern day pagan observances of Beltane include the maypole dances, bringing
in the May, and jumping the cauldron for fertility. Many couples wishing to
conceive children will jump the cauldron together at this time. Fertility of
imagination and other varieties of fertility are invoked along with sexual
fertility. In Wiccan and other Pagan circles, this is a joyous day, full of
laughter and good times.

12. What about Walpurgisnacht? Is this the same thing as Beltane?

Walpurgisnacht comes from an Eastern European background, and has little in
common with the Celtic practices. I have not studied the folklore from that
region and do not consider myself qualified to write about it. As the vast
majority of Wiccan traditions today stem from Celtic roots, I have confined
myself to research in those areas.

FOOTNOTES

* MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, The Hamlyn Publishing Group
Limited, London, 1970, p.32.
* Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth and Legend, Poetry and Romance,
Newcastle Publishing Co., Van Nuys, CA, 1975, p.408.
* Williamson, John, The Oak King, the Holly King, and the Unicorn,
Harper & Row, NY, 1986, p.126.
* Squire, p.411.
* Hole, Christina, Witchcraft In England, Rowman & Littlefield,
Totowa, NJ, 1977, p.36.
* BIBLIOGRAPHY
* Bord, Janet & Colin, Earth Rites, Fertility Practices in
Pre-Industrial Britain, Granada, London, 1982.
* Danaher, Kevin, The Year in Ireland, The Mercier Press, Cork, 1972.
* Hole, Christina, Witchcraft in England, Rowman & Littlefield, Totowa
NJ,1977.
* MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, The Hamlyn Publishing Group,
Ltd., London, 1970.
* MacCulloch, J.A. Religion of the Ancient Celts, Folcroft Library
Editions, London, 1977.
* Powell, T.G.E. The Celts, Thames & Hudson, New York, 1980.
* Sharkey, John, Celtic Mysteries, the Ancient Religion, Thames &
Hudson, New York, 1979.
* Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth, Legend, Poetry, and Romance, Newcastle
Publishing Co., Van Nuys, CA, 1975.
* Williamson, John, The Oak King, The Holly King, and the Unicorn,
Harper & Row, New York, 1986.
* Wood-Martin, W.G., Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland, Kennikat
Press, Port Washington, NY, 1902.

Silver Fox

"It is all true, it is not true. The more I tell you, the more I shall lie.
What is story but jesting Pilate's cry. I am not paid to tell you the
truth."
Jane Yolen; The Storyteller

2.

Fw: Hate to Be Loved

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:06 am (PDT)

[Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho included below]

Hate to Be Loved


April 10, 2011
My experience is that most people hate to be loved except when it’s to their liking. Luke warm hate/love is the rotating emotional state of the masses. No firm stance is ever made but for rare moments of peaks and valleys. Love is never complete in filling the being, or is hate in its full consistent rampage. The rotating feelings of love and hate are apparently not enough to rise above the burdening state of negative complacency. Certainly this state is better than one filled with hate, but on the other polarity, insufficient to show the compassion, and love that makes someones world better.

Jesus was purported to have said, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. Most do, however, how to love a neighbor, or
enemy when you are
your own worst enemy? Everyone, and thing, is a reflection of how you feel inside about yourself. The whole existence is you related in many mirrors. No one authentically walks apart from all existence. Remarkably, whether it be a relative, brother, sister, mother, father, friend, ex husband, wife or an ex lover, it’s common to see reflections of lack of self love in connection with  these people ‘once loved’ to one degree or another.

It’s easier to ignore, which is a form of hate, and not love ‘til the death of one parting with no regard for compassion which you once seemed to have for them. Howsoever, you are toward others is how you are toward yourself. Likely it’s lukewarm, and that’s a waste of your life, and capacity to love. Love is a relationship between you and someone else. Hate is a non relationship that is from unawareness of the love inside. A form of self hatred. Self love can never be attained while anyone who
had meaning to you is ignored or by action essentially vilified, or cast out to sea for no connection.

Love has its own karma that always becomes part of you for all future encounters. Unfinished, rejected love has it’s own energy that becomes a barrier to all future connections of love. Only a deep awareness, and in a sense, a repentance will break the chains of ‘dismissal of love’. All spiritual growth depends on love of all, especially those who are or were close. Compassion is to cooperate with the positive expressions of love. Wake up, and make this your judgment day, and love those who you shun before they pass away. The world won’t get any better without you loving yourself, and those you’ve left behind as well as those who’ve not come to your door step yet. Time to quit mimicking love while carrying emotional baggage, and become the ‘divine entity’ that each can be!
rhata

ArhataOsho.com

Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho

1 of 1 File(s)

3a.

Help with Dream Interpretation

Posted by: "Jess Quinn" the_sagebrush_kid@yahoo.com   the_sagebrush_kid

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:06 am (PDT)



Since I have been a wee child one dream I have every so often had has been bugging more and more lately.
 
The dream involves me walking home from various places (work, school shopping and wherever) and on the way home I see african lions loose on the street. Sometime they are escapees, sometimes they are peoples pets. Either way the y end up chasing me. However lately, within the past year, the dream has changed to it not being lions but tigers as well (no, no bears, oh my) The last dream I had the night before that latest earthquake in japan.
 
I know dreams mean different things to different people but this has been going on since I was a little kid, so we are talking some 30 years now. Can anyone help with this? 

Later Days
:D Jess :D
3b.

Help with Dream Interpretation

Posted by: "Jess Quinn" the_sagebrush_kid@yahoo.com   the_sagebrush_kid

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:15 am (PDT)



Since I have been a wee child one dream I have every so often had has been bugging more and more lately.

The dream involves me walking home from various places (work, school shopping and wherever) and on the way home I see african lions loose on the street. Sometime they are escapees, sometimes they are peoples pets. Either way the y end up chasing me. However lately, within the past year, the dream has changed to it not being lions but tigers as well (no, no bears, oh my) The last dream I had the night before that latest earthquake in japan.

I know dreams mean different things to different people but this has been going on since I was a little kid, so we are talking some 30 years now. Can anyone help with this?

4.

Learn to protect the environment with a degree in environmental mana

Posted by: "bradhaddin68" bradhaddin68@yahoo.com   bradhaddin68

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:07 am (PDT)




Learn to protect the environment
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml>

With education in chemistry and biology, environmental engineers
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> delve
deeper into specific community issues
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> than
traditional civil engineers. Environmental management degree holders
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> often
work as specialists in public health
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> , waste
disposal, recycling, and pollution control.

More To Know.......
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml>

Some environmental management experts work for government agencies
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> that
investigate and prosecute companies
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> that
skirt environmental preservation
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml>
regulations. A growing number of graduates actually work
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> for
companies that strive to prevent costly government actions by staging
their own internal audits
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml> .

More To Know.......
<http://www.swisscolap.com/science/environmental_science.shtml>

5a.

Re: On the Attack!

Posted by: "Lavender Tea" luxlennon@gmail.com   shadoewhisperer

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:08 am (PDT)




I wanted to just say I hear you , I think that we focus so much on the past and future we forget about the present. It reminds me of this book called be here now, that I read when I was trying to reshift myself from "cursing myself" in a sense because when we think negatively we are in a sense cursing ourselves. Its about manifesting self love and truly accepting ourselves and being present fully and whole heartedly in the moment and being accounatble for the now :) we can induce change by consciously changing in the moment and such change shifts a ripple affect :) Its beautiful,
In Love and Light and Inspirations
Infinite Blessings
~Lavender
--- In EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com, <holly@...> wrote:
>
> Today I want to speak a little about how we beat ourselves up... why we
> beat ourselves up and how to stop the cycle.
>
>
>
> I would say that the majority of us have done this in one way or
> another... we do something or don't do something and then beat ourselves
> up over it.
>
>
>
> Examples:
>
> I should have said ....
>
> I shouldn't have said....
>
> I should have done this... or that ...I could have done more...
>
> I could have gone farther...
>
> I forgot this .. or forgot that ....
>
> I could have ..
>
> I should have...
>
> Why didn't I...
>
> Why did I....
>
>
>
> blah blah blah ... the possibilities are endless..
>
>
>
> Why do we feel so much guilt for things we did or didn't do?
>
>
>
> Why then do we torture ourselves with it? Going over and over in our
> heads .. arguing with ourselves and convincing ourselves that we are
> less than we should/could be.For some, maybe making ourselves feel bad
> is so familiar that it feels safe to us.. of course we don't "knowingly"
> do this ... but we do it.Feeling bad can be so common to us that when
> there is nothing else to make us feel bad .... we then abuse ourselves
> in one way or another.. sometimes it is by talking ourselves down...
> sometimes it is by making decisions that we know are not good for us...
> and sometimes it is more like a constant arguing with yourself. How do
> we stop this cycle?
>
>
>
> Heck if I know!! I still do it ... for instance:
>
>
>
> This past weekend I fell and hurt my hip and knee ... I've recently
> signed up at the YMCA and am on a mission to rid myself of this excess
> weight I've been carrying around ... so this week I have gone to the gym
> .. I have worked out .. but not full force. My thought is that I don;t
> want to push myself too far and hurt my knee more and then not be able
> to work out at all... but as soon as I tell myself that is the reason
> for not going full force.. I feel guilt .. I know I can do more and so I
> argue with myself over my own answers...lol.. it's madness! I feel bad
> for not doing more ... even though it truly is a possibility that if I
> do push myself to go all the way that I could really strain my knee to
> the point of being out of commission for a while.. so why can't I be
> happy with what I have done.. why beat myself up for what I haven't
> done?
>
>
>
> Getting myself to the gym and doing what I've been doing this week is
> far more than what I was doing so why is that not enough? Why do I feel
> the need to beat myself up over it? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
>
>
>
> I know many of you will relate...
>
>
>
> Over the years, I do feel that I am doing better at not beating myself
> up as I use to.. but it still happens ... I'm guessing the key is to
> become aware that we are doing this and once it begins.. STOP! Let it go
> no further. Pat yourself on the back for noticing and for putting an end
> to the torture to more forward. Once step at a time...
>
>
>
> Many Blessings and healing hugs,
> Raventalker
>
>
> www.ravenmadness.com
>
> LuLu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/raventalker
> Blog: http://raventalker.wordpress.com
> or http://wordsofraven.blogspot.com/
> Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/raventalker
> YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Raventalker777
>
>
> Don't forget you can catch me every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:00pm
> central on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-wolf-and-the-bear
>

6a.

Re: Have You Ever... Depression

Posted by: "Sandra" Inohtarya@aol.com   ladytrea

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:09 am (PDT)






Good post. A good read for those, like myself, get that way once in a while and live with someone who suffers from depression. Thanks ^-^

Quelleme,

-= Lady Trea =-

-----Original Message-----
From: holly <holly@ravenmadness.com>
To: EarthWise <EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com>; MurfreesboroPagans <MurfreesboroPagans@yahoogroups.com>; PaganBookOfShadows <PaganBookOfShadows@yahoogroups.com>; Tennessee_Witches <Tennessee_Witches@yahoogroups.com>; The_New_Pagan_Way <The_New_Pagan_Way@yahoogroups.com>; TNWitchesCircle <TNWitchesCircle@yahoogroups.com>; which_witch_is_witch <which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com>; witchology <witchology@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Mar 30, 2011 9:32 am
Subject: [Earthwise] Have You Ever... Depression

Today’s post is dedicated to all those who have found themselves in
that deep dark hole of depression, loneliness and sorrow. It happens to
all of us at some point in time. Life becomes complicated and messy…
there are days when we just can’t deal with what life brings us or we
just don’t know how to cope. So many reasons that we can find
ourselves in this dark place. Life throws at us so much, sometimes it is
just too hard for us to take on.

I want everyone who finds themselves in this dark place to know that you
are not alone. This happens to us all and the thing I want you to take
with you from this post is that … it is never forever… the pain,
loneliness, sorrow, depression is temporary and you can overcome it…
there will be light again.

Reach out to your friends and family to help you through the difficult
times. With much love and understanding I send to you all great big
healing {{hugs}} and well wishes.

Have you Ever?

Have you ever found yourself so sad you didn’t want to get out of bed

Crazy thoughts run through your mind, like what if I were dead

You begin to wonder if suddenly I were no longer here

Would anyone notice, would anyone even care

Your world seems so dark and sad

You wonder, why does this feel so bad

It feels like there will never again be light

It’s so hard not to give up and continue to fight

You wonder what’s next and how much can I take

Then you think maybe I’ll close my eyes and never wake

But then you realize this is no way for your life to end

So you pull yourself together and cry to a friend

Letting go of the misery and all the pain

A friend shows you that there will be light once again

You are not alone in this fight

There are others who feel the same, crying in the night

So let tomorrow be the beginning, a fresh start

And let go of what burdens your mind and your heart

Nothing good ever comes from wishing you were dead

So snap out of it and get your ass out of bed!

Many Blessings,
Raventalker

www.ravenmadness.com

LuLu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/raventalker
Blog: http://raventalker.wordpress.com
or http://wordsofraven.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/raventalker
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Raventalker777

Don't forget you can catch me every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:00pm
central on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-wolf-and-the-bear

6b.

Re: Have You Ever... Depression

Posted by: "Rose Lieberman" lapis@frontier.com   roselieberman

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:13 am (PDT)



Interesting post about depression. Unfortunately, unless you’re talking about “the blues” and not clinical depression, it’s misleading, although the intention was probably helpful.

Clinical depression is brain chemistry and you just can’t snap out of it. The “blues,” on the other hand, one might be able to snap out of it.

So, for those who suffer from clinical depression, this post, though well intended, is inappropriate.

I don’t mean to offend.

Blessed Be,

Rose
6c.

Re: Have You Ever... Depression

Posted by: "Amanda Baker" celticflumpy@gmail.com   celticflumpy

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:16 am (PDT)



Well said Krystal! Thank you so much for saying this! I too suffer from
medical depression and have for the last 13 years. I blamed myself for
years but... now... I realized a while ago that it's not my fault and just
something that I have to live with. I agree when you say it's no less real
than diabetes. I think this issue is that all people feel depression at
some point. But for some it is a medical issue. For example if I eat a ton
of chocolate I will get a sugar high and crash. However this does not mean
I have diabetes. Depresssion is not something that can be identified in an
objective manner. Because depression is unique to each sufferer there are
only general symptoms. What works for one may not work for another. This
is just another example of how we need to be understanding.

Many blessings,
Lillith

On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 4:06 PM, Krystal Day <day_krystal@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> You've overlooked that depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in
> the brain. To simply tell them to snap out of it, can do more harm then
> good. For those that have medical depression, you are only confirming to
> them that they aren't good enough because they can't "snap out of it".
> Depression is no more real than diabetes and you certainly wouldn't tell
> them to "snap out of it". If any of you want to commit suicide or think you
> want to be dead, call your local crisis line, go to the hospital or find a
> doctor. It's not shameful to feel these feelings. You need help. I know
> because I suffer from depression and have tried to commit suicide and
> thought about wanting to be dead. Reach out for help. Don't carry this
> burden on your own.
>
> Bressed be,
> Krystal Day
>
> --- On Wed, 3/30/11, holly@ravenmadness.com <holly@ravenmadness.com>
> wrote:
>
> > From: holly@ravenmadness.com <holly@ravenmadness.com>
> > Subject: [Earthwise] Have You Ever... Depression
> > To: "EarthWise" <EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com>,
> MurfreesboroPagans@yahoogroups.com, PaganBookOfShadows@yahoogroups.com,
> Tennessee_Witches@yahoogroups.com, The_New_Pagan_Way@yahoogroups.com,
> TNWitchesCircle@yahoogroups.com, which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com,
> witchology@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 1:31 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Today’s post is dedicated to all those who have
>
> > found themselves in
> >
> > that deep dark hole of depression, loneliness and sorrow.
> > It happens to
> >
> > all of us at some point in time. Life becomes complicated
> > and messy…
> >
> > there are days when we just can’t deal with what
>
> > life brings us or we
> >
> > just don’t know how to cope. So many reasons that we
>
> > can find
> >
> > ourselves in this dark place. Life throws at us so much,
> > sometimes it is
> >
> > just too hard for us to take on.
> >
> >
> >
> > I want everyone who finds themselves in this dark place to
> > know that you
> >
> > are not alone. This happens to us all and the thing I want
> > you to take
> >
> > with you from this post is that … it is never
> > forever… the pain,
>
> >
> > loneliness, sorrow, depression is temporary and you can
> > overcome it…
>
> >
> > there will be light again.
> >
> >
> >
> > Reach out to your friends and family to help you through
> > the difficult
> >
> > times. With much love and understanding I send to you all
> > great big
> >
> > healing {{hugs}} and well wishes.
> >
> >
> >
> > Have you Ever?
> >
> >
> >
> > Have you ever found yourself so sad you didn’t want
>
> > to get out of bed
> >
> >
> >
> > Crazy thoughts run through your mind, like what if I were
> > dead
> >
> >
> >
> > You begin to wonder if suddenly I were no longer here
> >
> >
> >
> > Would anyone notice, would anyone even care
> >
> >
> >
> > Your world seems so dark and sad
> >
> >
> >
> > You wonder, why does this feel so bad
> >
> >
> >
> > It feels like there will never again be light
> >
> >
> >
> > It’s so hard not to give up and continue to fight
> >
> >
> >
> > You wonder what’s next and how much can I take
> >
> >
> >
> > Then you think maybe I’ll close my eyes and never
>
> > wake
> >
> >
> >
> > But then you realize this is no way for your life to end
> >
> >
> >
> > So you pull yourself together and cry to a friend
> >
> >
> >
> > Letting go of the misery and all the pain
> >
> >
> >
> > A friend shows you that there will be light once again
> >
> >
> >
> > You are not alone in this fight
> >
> >
> >
> > There are others who feel the same, crying in the night
> >
> >
> >
> > So let tomorrow be the beginning, a fresh start
> >
> >
> >
> > And let go of what burdens your mind and your heart
> >
> >
> >
> > Nothing good ever comes from wishing you were dead
> >
> >
> >
> > So snap out of it and get your ass out of bed!
> >
> >
> >
> > Many Blessings,
> >
> > Raventalker
> >
> >
> >
> > www.ravenmadness.com
> >
> >
> >
> > LuLu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/raventalker
> >
> > Blog: http://raventalker.wordpress.com
> >
> > or http://wordsofraven.blogspot.com/
> >
> >
> > Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/raventalker
> >
> > YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Raventalker777
> >
> >
> >
> > Don't forget you can catch me every Tuesday and
> > Thursday night at 7:00pm
> >
> > central on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-wolf-and-the-bear
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
7.

Mailing Tarot Cards

Posted by: "Jess Quinn" the_sagebrush_kid@yahoo.com   the_sagebrush_kid

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:13 am (PDT)



I had a very interesting encounter this morning and felt I should share this for anyone else that may run into this:

Last week I sold on Ebay a few sets of tarot cards for extra cash. Today I hopped over to the post office to mail them out. two sets were going to Europe. I filled out the paperwork for the shipping and where it states "type of product being mailed" I put "Tarot Cards." When I gave it to the man at the counter he asked me to refill the form out and replace "Tarot cards" with the word "Game." I asked why and this was his explanation.....

He told me that any sort of gambling material, be it cards, poker chips, dice or whatever is illegal to be shipped to europe. I told him that it was not gambling but divination. He said it does not matter, the post systems in europe will see the word "CARDS" and send them back. Further-more, I was told in Italy, they will not even send it back but instead they will destroy them. So even if you write "Divination Cards" on the shipping form, European will either send them back or destroy them. I was utterly shocked that the post master told me this but I am glad he DID tell me this.

Just thought all members here in the USA and Canada knows this if you ever ship tarot cards to friends or family in Europe. Just do not list thsm as cards but instead list them as Toys, games or something of the like.

Jess

8.

Pot & Christianity

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:14 am (PDT)

[Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho included below]

 Pot & Christianity


March 24, 2011
Do we need Christian ‘energizing bunnies’ high on hallucinogenics more than they already are? Most christians have a drink now and then, doesn’t make them any less a Christian unless they abuse it. Seems to me that it’s not a good example for any Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc., to dally in ‘take you out of your mind by artificial means’ stimulants. However, I totally support the right of everyone to responsibly try any drug out of curiosity, but hopefully not as a substitute for clear thinking, loneliness, emotional pain, fears and just laziness to use it as a replacement for natural methods.

The only natural stimulant requiring ‘no thinking’, reading, or talking is ‘breathing’, or using various ‘breath techniques’
to lighten the ‘babbling mind’, and center the self for more healthy living. All outside methods, including ‘marijuana smoking’, are like going to the top of a mountain by helicopter. The journey is the key, life changing, enhancing route, and no stimulant removed from natural breathing is destined to not lose the charge on its batteries. Sex, an example of changing the breathing, is also a means of a natural way of clearing the mind, relaxing, and with deep usage, opens up a deeper love of self, your partner and all of life.

Meditation techniques including yoga, came about in ancient, sexually repressed India, because certain males in higher consciousness needed methods to achieve greater awareness and self love. Like today, sex was rarely available for that use, and deeply misunderstood while mainly used for reproduction purposes.

Pot smokers, or those who frequently resort to use, kill love without really knowing what they are
doing. Pot becomes a ‘mask’ to hide behind, and withdraw from the natural feelings that await a clear, unaltered mind. Any belief in an outside source, other than from within to open the heart and being, is merely a diluted substitute for natural breathing. It’s far more preferable to attitudinize yourself and others to focus on natural breathing means.

 At the moment, the legalization of this plant that produces pot is, after nearly a half century of ‘debates’, reaching a point of becoming, in certain ‘pockets’, legalized both medically and for popular use. Since anyone can grow it, and it’s not going away, it should be legalized, however with heavy regulation for the safety from easy abuse. For most in any religion, minimal ‘curiosity use might’ well just motivate them to have a more open mind and heart. Choose a more open heart and mind. Let’s not ‘criminalize quick-high stimulants’ but educate the users, and use
carefully imposed, sensitive regulations that promote maximum health. Natural consciousness is the new religion.
Arhata

ArhataOsho.com

Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho

1 of 1 File(s)

9a.

Re: UPDATE -- Harvard Hosts Witchhunters - Social Transformation Spe

Posted by: "Sandra" Inohtarya@aol.com   ladytrea

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:15 am (PDT)



The dean then needs to be made aware that what they do reflects against the college. This will not sit still should they be allowed to speak. Thats what I would assume, if Harvard is a elite academy and so forth.. they would want to keep a private reputation or at least protect it. Just my two cents.

-= Lady Trea =-

-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Tate <karentate108@ca.rr.com>
To: Theforbiddensecrets <Theforbiddensecrets@yahoogroups.com>; canadianwitchwomen <canadianwitchwomen@yahoogroups.com>; EarthwiseBOS <EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com>; GreatGoddessCircle <GreatGoddessCircle@yahoogroups.com>; FreePagans <FreePagans@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Mar 30, 2011 8:29 pm
Subject: [Earthwise] UPDATE -- Harvard Hosts Witchhunters - Social Transformation Speakers

uPDATE -- I'm told by a scholar friend the following about this situation:


This event was organized by a student group at Harvard, and was not endorsed by the university. A university cannot prevent student organizations from inviting speakers to campus, even if the views of those speakers do not represent the university's. This is part of academic freedom. Let's remember that Harvard has hosted two important Pagan conferences in recent years: the one on Folklore and Paganism in April 2007, and the symposium on Paganism and European Shamanism in the summer of 2009. In contrast, these events were organized by Harvard faculty and sponsored and endorsed by the university.

Writing to the Dean in protest is not going to do anything for us in this case except make us look uninformed.

From: Oberon Zell




Wow! This is really nasty:

".these four conference speakers are "apostles" in a global evangelical
network whose leaders appear bent on restoring a Pre-Enlightenment worldview
in which believers and society are beset by demons including succubi and
incubi, menaced by the conjoined threats of apostasy and idolatry, and
plagued by "generational curses"--these apostles represent a Christian
supremacist movement whose leaders encourage believers to cleanse the Earth
of infidels and competing belief systems."

And they're after us!

Please pass this on-and write to Harvard! deansoff@hsph.harvard.edu

BB-OZ

From: Ariel Monserrat [mailto:wolvenwood@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 12:50 PM
To: greeneggzine@gmail.com
Subject: Fwd: Can you pass this along?

Hello:

Have you seen this? ---
<http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/28/960974/-Avowed-Witch-Hunters-To-Ho
ld-Harvard-Conference>
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/28/960974/-Avowed-Witch-Hunters-To-Hol
d-Harvard-Conference ---- Please pass this along to everyone who will
contact Harvard and be a voice of reason. In light of the many Pagans we
all know who have spent so much time educating the public about Witches,
Wicca, and all things under the Pagan umbrella, please don't let this
symposium go unchallenged. Speak out against the modern day burning times!

For those of you who will, please write, e-mail, call, or fax the following
letter, or your personalized copy of it to the office of the Dean at Harvard
University.

Office of the Dean

Kresge Building, Room 1005

677 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02115

Phone: 617.432.1025

Fax: 617.277.5320

deansoff@hsph.harvard.edu

Office of the President

or Office of the General Counsel

Dear Sir, Madam

I am appalled at the actions of Harvard in hosting the Social Transformation
speakers on April 1 and 2, 2011. The speakers slated for this conference
have espoused hatred and persecution of gay people and have promoted
religious discrimination and persecution of non-Christians (to the point of
being considered "witch hunters")

While I believe in the right to free speech, this amounts to a religious
group proselytizing for their particular brand of hate and is not in the
interest of either the public or the university. Why not just invite the
Westboro Baptist church too?

I have seriously lowered my opinion of Harvard on the basis of this program
and sincerely hope that you will reconsider. I also hope that you will
consider the legal implications should some unbalanced individuals decide to
attack gay or non-Christian people or organizations as a result of this
symposium.

Sincerely

[object Object]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]












10.

Sisterhood of the Scared Tree

Posted by: "aureliaray@rocketmail.com" aureliaray@rocketmail.com   aureliaray@rocketmail.com

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:15 am (PDT)



We are a non-structured on-line coven/group of learning individuals. We will discuss topics pertaining to all paths based on the old religion. We will learn and grow from one another in a peaceful and serene enviroment. Paricipation a must, only those wanting to learn more about their paths need apply.

About the Tree of Life - in my view - shows how we are all linked together infinately in this world. That we share the same core and though me may move in differents directions we all eventually meet back in the center where knowledge grows.

About myself, I am a Wiccan of 11 years following an electic path of my own design. I am not a teacher. I am a student of life. I open myself to learning about my path and about others that follow their own paths. I am hoping that with this group we can bind together all the experiences and knowledge that we are willing to share into a wonderous learning experience for all.

Things discussed in this group are Wicca, Witchcraft, and other traditions, Tarot and other forms of divination, spell writing and BOS, Herbs and Recipes, Casting Circles and Rituals, Esbats and Sabbats, The Moon Phases,and other topics pretaining to the Old Ways.

If you have something you would like to share, please join us.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sisterhoodofthescaredtree/?yguid=479044401

11a.

Help? Branches of wicca?

Posted by: "Love" nicolekisses08@yahoo.com   nicolekisses08

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:15 am (PDT)



Merry meet yal,
I believe I am being drawn towards the Wiccan art; i have felt this...this pulling sensation(?)towards the Wicca belief system for a long time. a lot of people i know practice some form of this religion; but worship within different branches(?) (idk if that's the right word to be using)
I guess I was curious to what all different branches(?) of Wicca there were.
For instance:
My friend worships Egyptian gods and goddess (this is what i would call one branch)
one of my other friends worships Greek gods and goddesses (this is what i would call another branch)
and then of course there's my mom whom worships Celtic gods and goddesses (and yet another branch)
all of these people consider themselves wiccan

I was just curious if anyone could come up with a list of all the different "branches" of Wicca.
If you could help; i would really appreciate it.

Thanks:) -blessed be-

11b.

Re: Help? Branches of wicca?

Posted by: "Silver Fox" silverfox_57@hotmail.com   trickster9993

Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:39 am (PDT)




Theses "branches" of Wicca are often refered to as Traditions... of which there are a lot of them. Some will include other Pagan or non Christian religions in a list, of which the one I have on hand shows some of them, but not necessarily Wiccan or Witchcraft.

Traditions
Source: Many numerous places, books and websites

Witches here, witches there,
Witches everywhere.
White witch, Black witch,
Good witch, Wicked witch,
Who can tell the difference?

Contemporary witch, Coven witch,
Traditional witch, Kitchen witch,
Hereditary witch, Heath witch,
Who and what are they?

Gardnerian witch, Eclectic witch,
Alexandrian witch, Solitary witch,
Nordic witch, Celtic witch,
Feri witch, Wicca witch.

But which 'Witch' is which?
(George Knowles)

Tradition means a way of celebrating the God and Goddess by the use of semi-structured guild lines passed down through the years, with various modifications to suit the needs of the group along the way. Listed below are some of the different Traditions/Trads and sects Witches use today.

Alexandrian: Founded in England during the 1960s, Alex Sanders was often referred to as the "King of the Witches." The rituals are said to be modified Gardenarian. Alexandrian Wicca is also considered "Classical Wicca." Alexandrian covens focus strongly upon training in the area of ceremonial magick. For many years Sanders insisted he was a Hereditary Witch, taught by his grandmother, but he eventually confessed to basing his Tradition upon Gardnerian teachings. Today although still similar to Gardnerian in terms of its hierarchical structure, the Alexandrian Tradition tends to be more eclectic and liberal, focusing strongly on ceremonial magick.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandrian_Wicca

Algard Tradition: A Wiccan religious tradition founded by Mary Nesnick, of N.Y. City, in late 70's. Their Book of Shadows includes a combination of Gardnerian and Alexandrian components.

Algard Wicca: A Wiccan tradition that combines both Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca traditions, founded in 1972 by Mary Nesnick, an American who was initiated into both Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions.

Amarapura: Ceylonese Buddhism.

American Tradition: This Wiccan tradition is an offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca, founded by Ed Fitch and several Southern Californian Gardnerians in the late 70's. The tradition includes Gardnerian material and additional material supplied by the founders. This tradition is sometimes known as Mohsian, after two of the founders whose last name was Mohs.

American Celtic Wicca: "The American Order of the Brotherhood of the Wicca" covens stem from Jessica Bell "Lady Sheba", a self styled Witch Queen. The tradition's rites are virtually the same as the Gardnerian, though covens work robed. They follow the same practice of Gardnerians in preferring couples; preferably husband and wife. "Ceremonial magick is the primary work of the American Celtic tradition and it is conceived as being the most powerful and ancient means of psychological and occult therapy by which normal, healthy people can undertake a program of initiation and development."

American Wicca: An offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca, founded by Ed Fitch and several Southern Californian Gardnerians in the late 1970's. The tradition includes Gardnerian material and additional material supplied by the founders. Also known as Mohsian Wicca.

Analogeticists: Those who follow the teachings of Ammonius Saccas, named for their use of analogy and correspondence in the interpretation of myths and symbolic legends.

The Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC): The Aquarian Tabernacle Church was founded on the 01st November 1979 in Index, Washington, by Pete "Pathfinder" Davis and dedicated to providing religious services and support to the larger Wiccan community. On the 12th of November 1988 the ATC gained governmental recognition in the USA, and on the 30th of December 1991 won IRS group exemption as a Wiccan tradition. This means that any congregation that the ATC accepts as a group affiliate automatically receives Church tax-exemption within the US. Since then the ATC has also won recognition as a Church by the government's of Canada and Australia.

The ATC is a positive, life-affirming spirituality; it is a non-dualist, non-racist, non-sexist, non-exclusive, bipolar and ecologically oriented faith dedicated to the preservation of Holy Mother Earth and the revival of the worship of "The Old Gods" in a modern context. ATC members seek to achieve the fullest of human potential by the creation of a peaceful world of love, freedom, health and prosperity for all sentient beings.

http://www.aquatabch.org/

Arcadian Tradition: A Male oriented worship of the Horned God, less sexist than Dianic Wicca, as most Arcadian groups admit women.

Arcadian Wicca: A Wiccan tradition centered around worship of the Horned God. Covens are open to both males and females.

Ár Ndraiocht Fein: Ár Ndraíocht Féin (pronounced - arn ree-ocht fane) in Gaelic means "Our Own Druidism." A Druid Fellowship founded in 1983 by P.E.I (Isaac) Bonewits, former Archdruid of several groves in the Reformed Druids of North America. Ár Ndraíocht Féin is an American based neo-pagan Druid religious fellowship. It has no direct links to the ancient Druids but is a reconstruction of Druidic and Indo-European pagan rituals and religions. It integrates religion with alternate healing arts, ecology-consciousness, psychic development and artistic expression. It is organized in groves, many of them named after trees. They have eight seasonal High Days (celebrated on the same dates as the Sabbats) and they conduct regular study and discussion groups in addition to a wide range of artistic activities.

http://www.adf.org/core/

Asatru: Also known as Odinism. The pagan religion based on that of early Northern Europe, paying homage to the Aerir, These are the Sky Gods, of the Pagan Norse, including Odin, Thor, Balder, Loki and Frigga. The aesir were late comers to Norse religion compared to the deities of the other branch. The Vanir, or Earth Gods. Asatru includes the religious practice of Odinists, who give special reverence to the God Odin. Their love of Norse culture in general, not only the religion, has encouraged the growth of special interest groups dedicated to traditional Norse crafts and skills. See alsoTeutonic Witch.

Asatru Free Assembly: A Norse Pagan tradition founded in 1972 by Stephen McNallen that recognizes both the Aesir and the Vanir.

Association Of Cymry Wiccae: One of the oldest Witchcraft associations in the U.S.
Founded in 1967, it provides member Churches, Covens or Groves with Federal I.R.S. Tax Exempt status. It has included every major Wicca tradition in its membership at one
time or another. It consists of member Witch and Wiccan churches whose traditions derive most of their religious philosophy from Celtic sources.

Australian Wicca: The Craft is alive and well "down under" as it is in virtually every country around the globe, with Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax Wica and other groups there. There is a branch of The Church of the Old Religion in Western Australia. Unfortunately, I don't know much about this tradition.

Avonian Wicca - Tradition initiated by Avon Maser. Primary deities are Mother Earth, Father Sun and Daughter Moon. Based in belief in an ecological pattern of technology to achieve advancement of Human race.

Baltic: The reconstructionist religions of the Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian peoples. Like their neighbors, the Slavs, folklore and custom are important elements in their practices and rituals and the 'Balts' have largely maintained their language, folklore, pagan beliefs and customs throughout the centuries. Nature as a sacred force is emphasized as is harmony both within the individual and in society and the relationship with the gods and ancestors.

Bardic Wicca: A mix of Celtic Wicca and Celtic Druidry.

Basildean: A Gnostic sect founded by Basilides of Alexandria, who claimed to have received his esoteric doctrines from Glaucus, a disciple of the Apostle Peter. The system had three grades: material, intellectual, and spiritual and it possessed two allegorical statues, male and female. The doctrine had many points of resemblance to that of the Ophites and Cabala.

Blue Star Wicca: Founded in 1976 in Norristown, PA by Frank Dufner ("the Wizard") and Tzipora Katz, who later moved to Manhattan, where they trained and initiated a number of people. Early rituals were based on Alexandrian and Greco-Roman Traditions. After Frank and Tzipora's divorce, in the early 1980's, Kenny Klein became high priest, steering the Tradition towards a more traditional British form, discarding Alexandrian and ceremonial rituals and replacing them with British folkloric Craft practices, including the 8 Paths of Power, the 7 Tenets of Faith, and the Drawing Down of the Moon and Sun. Touring the country from 1983-1992 performing music, Kenny and Tzipora continued to teach Blue Star Wicca, initiated many people and founded many covens, at the same time recording and distributing lessons on cassette tapes. Blue Star's rigorous training can take 2-3 years before initiation.

http://www.bluestarwicca.org/

Bon: The native Tibetan religion that was later merged with Buddhism and Tantrism.

British: A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies (the famous Witch husband and wife from England.) They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.

British Traditional (Druidic Witchcraft): Druidic Witchcraft is an eclectic tradition, drawing its beliefs and practices from a variety of sources. These include elements of the Druid religion, as well as Irish, Celtic, and Gardnerian beliefs. Their coven training consists of a degree structure similar to that advocated by other traditions. The International Red Garter is perhaps their most popular Order at this time.

Druidic Witchcraft should not be confused with that of the Druid Religion, which is entirely different. Druids are not witches and do not practice magick, though there are many links and similarities between the two. For instance, the traditional cauldron of the witches is in likeness to the Sacred Cauldron of Inspiration, which is presided over by the Goddess Cerridwen, who is revered by the Bards and Druids.

Other similarities include the four great annual festivals celebrated by the Druids, these mark the four changing seasons; Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn, and are identical to the four great Sabbats celebrated by witches. The Druids also celebrate the lesser Sabbats, the solstices and equinoxes, known to them by their Druidic names as the four Albans; Alban Arthan – the winter solstice, Alban Eilir – the spring equinox, Alban Hefin – the summer solstice, and Alban Elfed – the autumn equinox.

The Druids in common with witches hold to a belief in reincarnation. They are taught that the human soul has to pass through a number of existences while in Abred, the Circle of Necessity, before attaining to Gwynvyd, the Circle of Blessedness. Abred was the condition of earthly existence, but once transcended and its lessons learned, the soul would return to it no more. Three things hold back the soul's progression to achieve Gwynvyd - Pride, Falsehood, and Cruelty.

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usxx&c=trads&id=3293

Buddhism: The religion based on the doctrine of Gautama Buddha that asserts suffering is inseparable from existence and that enlightenment is achieved by the inward extinction of the self and of the senses. Buddhism is the predominant religion of eastern and central Asia, and is represented by many different sects.

Caledonii: Formally known as the Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scots.

Carpocratian: A sect of Gnosticism founded by Carpocrites of Alexandria. Carpocrites claimed that Christ had studied the mysteries at the Temple of Isis in Egypt for six years and had taught these mysteries to his apostles, who in turn, taught Carpocrites. The sect was believed to have lasted for several centuries and used theurgic magick.

Celtic Reconstructionism: A culturally specific and historically based pagan path that attempts to recreate the religion of the ancient Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles. It embodies a strong reverence for nature.

Celtic Shamanism: A shamanic path that is based on the Faery Faith of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and especially of Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany.

Celtic Tradition: 1.) Old Celtic Tradition as practiced by the late Lady Gwynne (or Gwen) Thompson d. 1987. This is a tradition similar to Welsh Traditional but which adopted rituals similar to those of Gardnerian. This Family Tradition derived from Southern Welsh sources and was brought to the U.S. through Nova Scotia. 2.) American Celtic Tradition as practiced by Lady Sheba (Jessie Bell) allegedly derived from Family traditional, Mike Howard of "The Cauldron" in Wales, and Gardnerian sources. 3.) In England, British Celtic covens are called tribes and are led by Elders instead of High Priests and High Priestesses.

Celtic Wicca: The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.

The Celtic tradition is based on an eclectic blend of materials, beliefs and practices taken from the pre-Christian, Celtic and Gaulish peoples of Northern Europe, including Gaul, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. This tradition has obvious close links with the Druids, who of old were the "wise men" and "priests" of the ancient pagan Celts and Gaul's. The Celtic tradition is an earth-based tradition, and has a strong focus on its religious belief's.
Many aspects of Christianity, as adopted by the church, were taken from ancient Celtic beliefs. The "Holy Grail" can be attributed to the pagan's "Cerridwyn's Cauldron", likewise the Celtic pagan goddess "Brigit" became the Christian's "Saint Bride".

http://www.janeraeburn.com/brigantia/intro.htm

Celtic Witan Church: The legally incorporated church and religious organization formed for the study and practice of the goddess-oriented nature-based religion of the ancient Celtic peoples called Wita. This is a fertility religion concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing. The Church honors the Celtic deities with full moon rituals and sabbat festivals. There are many open rituals and training programs.

Ceremonial Magician: Practitioner of High Magic. Well known groups include the Freemasons, The Order of the Golden Dawn, Thelema, and the OTO.

A form of magic that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ceremonial Magic is based upon a blend of doctrines taken from the teachings of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity. Ceremonial Magic can be divided into three forms: Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic. Enochian Magic originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century who developed the Enochian system of Angelic communication with spirits. This involved Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin.

Enochian Magic was revived in the late 1800's by S.L. MacGregor Mathers of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. From his studies Crowley developed his own system of Thelemic Magick, which in turn has been expanded and developed into an Eclectic system of Ceremonial Magic based on a variety of different sources including: Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabalistic doctrines and Chaos Magic etc.

Ceremonial Magic requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal; the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil or neutral. In its highest sense, Ceremonial Magic is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Ceremonial Magic is also known as High Magic, Ritual Magic, Theurgic Magic and Theurgy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_magic

Ceremonial Witchcraft: Followers of this Tradition uses a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favorite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick.

Chaos Magic: In the late 1970's some twenty years after the death of the great "Austin Osman Spare" (1886-1956), a Mr. Carroll and Mr. Sherwin formed the "Illuminates of Thanateros" (IOT), a new tradition that became synonymous with Chaos Magic. Chaos Magic is based primarily on the workings and philosophy of Austin Osman Spare. It would seem to me that Chaos Magic is not exactly Witchcraft. While it incorporates witchcraft, its the cutting edge of "High Magic" and is more into the realm of the Magician than that of the Witch.

To explain Chaos Magic I can do no better than to quote the authors introduction to a book I have recently read, "Understanding Chaos Magic - by Jaq D. Hawkins". I do so in the interest that shared information helps us all, and have adapted the text slightly for use here:

"Chaos Magic is the newest and fastest growing area of hands-on practical magic available to the modern magician. It is an area of study that disposes of the need for religion, or pre-packaged philosophy and superstition in the use of magic. The Chaos Magician seeks to understand the natural laws behind the workings of magic, and the- reasons behind the use of ritual in the performance of a magical working.

Chaos magic leaves the practitioner free to establish his/her own ideas of method, ethics and the appropriate uses of magic. It is magic for a liberated free thinker who is able to go beyond the teachings of any book to the outermost reaches of imagination in the creation of one's own magical world.

It is magic based on the concept of the primal creative force itself, a realm of infinite probability. Creative Chaos is a subject most useful to experienced magicians who can determine for themselves the risk factor in the release of powerful spells that work.
While the actual practice of this form of magic is recommended only for the experienced magician, the subject is of interest to anyone who can understand the way the mind can effect our environment.

Chaos Magic is based on natural laws, many of which are only just beginning to be understood by the scientific community. Stripped of superstition and religious bigotry, it is a realm where fact meets theory, and results are the objective.

This is a magical philosophy that transcends tradition and dogma. It is a journey toward results rather than hierarchical megalomania. It is as useful and effective to the individual as it is for a group, and infinitely adaptable to the needs of the many or the few. Any and all methods are allowed and encouraged, the only requirement is that it works.

Chaos Magic is the cutting edge of modern magic. It is on the minds and lips of magic users of all descriptions and in many parts of the world. As we learn more and more about the nature of magic and reality, we are beginning to realize that behind all forms of magic, are the natural laws of Chaos".

Adapted from the introduction of a book by: Jaq D. Hawkins – "Understanding Chaos Magic", 1996.

In my opinion the book seems to explain Chaos Magic as advocating the premise that "results justify the means" however extreme the method used to achieve those results. I'm not sure I fully agree with this for it's easy to see how such a premise could be used and abused by those would be practitioners inexperienced with the powers and influences of high end magic. It makes no reference too, nor does it differentiate between good or bad, light or dark, white and black magic. Magic itself as most people seem to agree is inanimate; it's the person using it that makes all the difference between white and black and the way that it is used. Should however "how magic is achieved as long as the method works", make any difference?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_magic

Christianity: The doctrine of faith based on the acceptance of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the Son of God (Yahweh/Jehovah) in accordance with the New Testament in the Bible. Christianity encompasses religions including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Mormon and Fundamentalist Christian sects.

Church & School Of Wicca: The Church and School of Wicca was founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970's, initially as a correspondence School for presenting courses in their own blend magic, sometimes called Celtic Wicca. Much of their course material was later published in their book: The Witches Bible (1972). Originally the book had no mention of the Goddess and contained some extremely disturbing practices relating to the initiation of the "Wicca Child" (i.e. children as young as ten years old), which dismayed many who would otherwise have been drawn to the tradition. While the latter was modified to include mention of the Goddess when the book was re-issued as "The Good Witch's Bible" in (1976), the other business is still cause for contention within the general Wiccan community today.

Seeking legal recognition for the School as a Church and a tax-exempt non-profit organization, on the 31st August 1972 the IRS issued the Church of Wicca with a "Letter of Determination" making it the first legally recognised Wicca Church in America. It also helped to redefine witchcraft in America as a bona-fide religion entitled to all the same benefits and representation as all other religions.

Over time the Frost's continued to develop the School of Wicca and now offer correspondence courses on such subjects as: Astrology, Celtic Witchcraft, Psychic Development, Tantric Yoga, Healing and Herbs among others, these they continually update to include new trends and wisdom. Through the School they have published America's longest lasting Wiccan periodical called "Survival", which today is edited by their daughter Bronwyn. In 1996, Gavin and Yvonne moved to their present location in Hinton, West Virginia.

http://www.wicca.org/

Church Of All Worlds: A Neo-Pagan religion founded in 1962 and incorporated March 4, 1968 that is inspired by science fiction as mythology. It is dedicated to the celebration of Life, maximizing the potential of mankind, and achieving the balance between individual freedom, personal responsibility, and collective harmony in Nature.

Church Of The Eternal Source: A Neo-Pagan religion founded by Don Harrison in 1970 and based on a reconstruction of the Mysteries of ancient Egypt and the worship of the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses.

Church Of Satan: The controversial form of Satanism founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, which split into several factions in 1975. Practitioners follow the Satanic Bible (written by LaVey) as scripture. The Church of Satan does not recognize the existence of
Satan as an entity but uses the name as a symbol of the material world and the carnal nature of man. The Church of Satan renounce sacrifice and crime as conducive to meeting their spiritual goals.

Church Of Seven Arrows: A Universal Life Church congregation with a shamanic component that was founded in 1975. See also: Shamanism.

Church Of Y Tylwyth Teg: Their stated purpose is "to seek that which is of the most worth in the world to exalt the dignity of every person, the human side of our daily activities and the maximum service to humanity to aid humanities, search in the Great Spirit´s Universe for identity, for development and for happiness to re link humanity with itself and nature." It is, as its name suggests, a Keltic/Welsh tradition and was originally organized by Bill Wheeler, in Washington D.C in 1967, as "The Gentle People." It teaches the balance of nature, folklore, mythology and the mysteries and was incorporated as a non profit (religious) organization, in the state of Georgia, in 1977. The Church has an "Outer Circle" of students, who may learn through correspondence, together with its inner core.

Circle Sanctuary: Circle as a craft tradition was founded in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan, and differs from many other traditions of Wicca in that it blends both old and new forms of Pagan spirituality and folkways with cross-cultural Shamanism and transpersonal psychology. In 1978 Circle was incorporated as a non-profit spiritual centre and was given recognition as a legal Wiccan Church by state and federal governments. Also in 1978 Circle published a newsletter called "Circle Network News", which by 1998 had expanded into a quarterly magazine format and is one of the oldest Pagan journals to remain in continuous print. Today its headquarters are centred at Circle Sanctuary, a 200-acre Nature reserve and organic herb farm in the rolling hills of Mount Horeb near Madison, Wisconsin.

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/

Council Of American Witches: An alliance of American Wiccans from different traditions that was active in 1973-74 in an effort to define the principles of Wicca. Carl Weschcke, a Wiccan priest and president of Llewellyn Publications, spearheaded the effort. The group drafted "The Principles of Wiccan Belief" which many Witches endorse and which was later incorporated into one or more editions of the handbook for
chaplains in the United States Army.

Covenant Of The Goddess Wicca (COG): The Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) is an internationally recognized Wiccan church with an organization of Wiccan clergy, covens and solitaries. The COG was founded in 1975 at Coeden Brith, a wildness sanctuary owned by Alison Harlow and situated on Greenfield Ranch near Ukiah in California. Organized into a cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, solitary practitioners, elders and associates, members of the COG have joined together to win recognition for the Craft as a legitimate and legally recognized religion. Incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in California, COG has grown to be an international organization with members throughout the United States, Canada and Overseas.

Decisions of the COG are made at the annual Grand Council meeting or in local "Chapters" that cover major Cities, States or other countries. Coven's can apply for membership to the COG if they have a cohesive, self-perpetuating group that has been meeting for six months or more. Groups and covens are expected to follow a code of ethics as defined by the COG, in that a coven must have three or more members studying for the priesthood, one of whom is an Elder; and the focus of the group's ritual and theology is the worship of the Goddess and the Old Gods (or the Goddess alone).

Politically the COG is proactive and have social and professional networking for Education, Legal Assistance, Information and Referrals. They advocate and support Clergy and Elder's, and perform and give out Handfasting Certificates. The COG Interfaith Network provides representatives for Paganism at World Religious Conferences, and their Children's services includes the Boy Scouts Of America Paganism merit badge and the "Hart & Crescent Award". Each year the COG sponsors and holds a National Festival on Labour Day weekend, alternating the festivals sites between the East coast, Midwest and West coast area's of the United States.

http://www.cog.org/

Coven Of The Forest, Far And Forever: This is newer denomination and therefore not found as widely spread as some of the others listed. It was formed by a Priest and Priestess with collective experiences in Dianic, hereditary Spanish, Egyptian and Gardnerian Wicca plus Qabbalism. There is good balance between the male and female aspects. The group "sees the Goddess and God figures as living representatives of even more fundamental, living forces which manifest on a variety of levels. "Their stated purpose is "is to make ourselves more fit as vehicles for these forces, by invoking them to, in turn, balance and develop our own natures and grow closer to the universe. "The worship is skyclad and without the use of drugs. Esbats are held at each moon and there is emphasis on the Book of Shadows being personally handwritten.

Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS): The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a liberal religious denomination formed in 1961 by a merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. By the mid-19th century the Unitarians and Universalists held to a similar but separate set of principles, each with a strong emphasis on congregational independence and humanitarian concerns.
During the early half of the 1900's, each began to promote closer cooperation and in 1953 the Council of Liberal Churches was formed bringing together their publishing and educational programs. After a plebiscite in 1959 showed that members in both groups were in favor of complete union, separate denominational meetings ratified a common charter in 1960 and the merger was completed the following year.

The UUA has no official statement of faith and does not require its Ministers or members to subscribe to any particular religion, indeed congregations may include many widely different beliefs and practices. Their headquarters are located in Boston, from where they coordinate Ministers' Associations, Women's Federations, Service Committees and Religious Education throughout 23 administrative districts across the U.S.A. and Canada. There are currently some 950 UU Churches with about 172,000 members in the U.S.A., and about 48 Churches and some 6200 members in Canada. The organization holds an annual General Assembly and is associated with the International Association for Liberal Christianity and Religious Freedom.

The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an independent affiliate of the UUA, and was chartered by them as a liturgical and theological community in 1987, making it the first Pagan organization to be formally accepted into a "mainstream" religion. Membership of CUUPS is open to all UU members and those in sympathy with UU beliefs, purposes and principles. One of the beliefs of the UUA is: "The spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred Circle of Life and instructs us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature".

http://www.cuups.org/content2/index.php

The Craft: Traditional Witchcraft, These people practice the Craft and its Arts.(Masons also refer to Masonry as "The Craft" and is the actual origin of this term.)

Cyber Wicca: Cyber Wicca is less of a tradition of witchcraft in the practical sense of the craft, and more about networking and disseminating information. The Internet is the ultra-modern age of Wicca, and more and more people are turning to it in their quest to practice The Old Religion. It is the ideal medium for the solitary or eclectic practitioner, to learn from and communicate with others in the craft. It is also ideal for those people unable to meet with and practice with others, and indeed for those who for various reasons need to remain anonymous.

There are now many groups on the Internet that take part in live play and group rituals. This is accomplished through synchronized live imagery and the typed word. When you think about it, magick holds no boundaries, a person practicing in England using the same tools, method and intent, synchronized with a person in America, should and now do work together in common magical goals.

Many teaching covens operate on the net, offering no end of courses in varying aspects of the craft. These range from courses on Healing, the use of Herbs & Spices, Stones & Gems, courses on Divination including the use of Tarot cards and Crystal Ball scrying. Some even offer degree courses for certain traditions, and the list goes on.

I would caution readers here, for many people charge for the privilege of learning, nothing wrong in that, but some do so unscrupulously. It's worth finding out who they are, what they are, and how qualified they are, before paying them anything. Bare in mind what the "Wiccan Rede" tells
us:
"When ye have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend, nor be counted as his friend".

There are on the Internet many Chat rooms, News groups and E-mail discussion groups that can be joined where many Wiccans and other like-minded individuals meet, talk and exchange information freely. These are well worth investigating. My own internet E-mail discussion group can be found at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Email_Witches

Deboran Witchdom: "The Deboran branch is eclectic. They make little ritual use of nudity. They work with balanced polarities (Goddess/God; positive/negative). What they are aiming for is a reconstruction of the Craft as it would be if the Burning Times had never happened as if Wiccedom had continued without interference to this day. They use research, logical deduction and divination in this quest. "Sabbats are open to guests but Esbats are closed. They do not have First, Second and Third degrees as such, but "apprentices, 'sealed and sworn' Witches and Elders. They view the Craft as a priesthood with a ministry and their principle job, as Witches, is to help others find pathways to religious experience and to their own power." The Deboran tradition was founded by Claudia haldane.

Dianic: First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe," this term appears to include a mixture of various traditions. However, their prime focus in recent years is on the Goddess. Dianic groups often allow only women members and may concentrate only on Goddess energy. Specifically, they work with the image of Goddess as maiden, mother, and crone, known as the Triple Goddess resulting in pegging them as the "feminist" movement of the Craft.

Dianic Feminist Wicce: A tradition started by Ann Forfreedom that is both religious and practices magick. It includes both female and male practitioners "Its not lesbian oriented and not separatist" states Ann, solo practitioners, mixed covens and all female covens. "Dianic Feminist Wicce encourages female leadership, insists that a Priestess must be present for a Circle ritual to be held and involves its practitioners in feminist and humanist issues." Groups work either skyclad or robed.

Dianic Wicca: Dianic Wicca is a relatively new phenomenon in relation to traditional witchcraft, though the goddess Diana has been revered since ancient times. Zsuzsanna Budapest of California founded the tradition in the United States during the 1970's, and in the early 70's was arrested and tried for her belief's.

Dianic Wicca is a feminist religion, for women only. They honour the deities in their feminine aspects only, and never invoke the God or other male aspects into their rituals or sacred spaces. This practice has caused many conflicts and heated discussions amongst its members. Aside from this exclusion of men, they follow the same ritual paths and beliefs as other Wiccan traditions.

Many Dianic members are politically active in the feminist movement, striving to lift the oppression of female rights, and to bring about the equality of the sexes into all walks of life. This is not a requirement of the tradition; its left to the individual to make her own stand and practice her own beliefs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianic_Wicca

Dionysian: Lunar or Nature orientated, they concentrate on the emotional aspects and liberating of the psyche, to enable the "group Mind.(Named for Dionysus the Greek God of wine and Ecstasy)

Discordianism (Erisian): *The Discordian or Erisian movement is described as a 'Non- Prophet Irreligious Disorganization and has claimed 'The Erisian revelation is not a complicated put-on disguised as a new religion, but a new religion disguised as a complicated put-on. " It all started with the *'Principia Discordia, or How I Found the Goddess and What I Did to Her When I Found Her'*, a collection of articles and ideas compiled by Greg Hill (Malaclypse the Young-er). The central theme is 'Chaos is every bit as important as Order' as illustrated in the story of The curse of Greyface, a story found in Star Hawk's the Spiral Dance.

*Humor is central to Discordianism, but Discordianism should not be dismissed as a joke. Profound experiences frequently accompany the practice or Erisinaism. It is a perceptual game, one which demonstrates that the absurd is just as valid as the mundane and chaos is just as valid as order. It frees the practitioner from the order games (that most have forgotten are games) to play games with order or games with chaos, or both. The effects of Discordianism upon an individual can be far reaching and amazingly liberating.

Draconic: A definition are those witches who work with dragon energies and allies in their magick practice and rituals.

Druidiactos (also Druidiaxtos): The Celtic religious movement returning to the traditional pre-Christian values, customs and faith of the Celtic people.

Druidry: The Druids were originally a priest caste in Celtic society, according to visiting omans, Modern Druidry apparently took form in the eighteenth century under the guidance of the antiquarian Reved William Stukeley. Druids celebrated the solar solstices and equinoxes with outdoor ritual in ceremonial robes. Music, poetry and oratory are highly valued in Druidry. Imagery used in Druidic rituals includes elements drawn from Celtic and Arthurian legends. Modern Druidry has many parallels with Wicca.

Dynion Mywn: The American branch of Dynion Mwyn, a Welsh tradition named for the faery folk. It emphasizes historical lineage, religious equality, and Welsh mythology and lore. The American branch is called Y Tylwyth Teg.

Earth Religion: This reveres the Earth, and nature as the manifestation of the Devine, opposes the wanton exploitation of the Earths natural resources

Eclectic Wicca: An eclectic Wiccan as the term implies doesn't follow any strict traditional guidelines in their practice of the craft. Eclectic Wicca includes a broad range of groups and individuals who have based their philosophies, rituals and practices on a wide and varied number of sources, and practice only those beliefs that suit them best. They often mix traditions and practices together in order to find that which most suits their own circumstances, lifestyles and religious belief's, practicing whatever magic they consider obtains best results. This is mostly of modern origin for previously Wiccan traditions had more restricting boundaries.

Eclectic Wicca emphasizes spontaneity and therefore plays down the importance of such concepts as Initiations, Oaths, Tradition and Lineage. Critics claim that the majority of Eclectic practitioners take the position that Wicca is a completely modern religion created by Gerald Gardner, and that the beliefs and practices of Wicca are completely individualistic, therefore nobody can define "Wicca" for others. Many traditional Wiccans object to these groups using the name Wicca, and believe their practice should simply be called Eclectic Witchcraft.

http://www.cuew.org/

Enochian Magick: The ultimate goal of the Enochian Magician is to become a living embodiment of spiritual knowledge and power. Enochian Magick works by employing techniques which strengthen the will and give control over the mind, allowing a magician to bring about personal changes as well as changes for others.

Faery Faith: A pagan religion based on animism, the belief that everything in this and the Otherworlds is alive and the faery folklore.

Faery Wicca: An Irish tradition centered on green witchcraft, shamanism and faery magick.

Family Tradition Witchcraft: A Tradition passed down within the family in an unbroken line and hence by hereditary descent. Many Family Tradition Witches do not consider their traditions Wiccan; some use the term Wicca to describe their family traditions because the beliefs and practices fit more or less closely with Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca. Also known as Hereditary Witchcraft.

Feri Tradition: The Feri Tradition, (also known as the Faery or Faerie tradition) was founded by Victor and Cora Anderson in the mid-late 1950's, when they were inspired to form their own tradition after reading a book by Gerald B. Gardner "Witchcraft Today". Anderson based the tradition on fairy folklore and beliefs and was universally recognized as the Grand Master of the Feri Tradition. In 1959, Anderson initiated Gwydion Pendderwen, and together they were responsible for writing most of the tradition's rituals, later adding Alexandrian and Celtic influences.

An old African priestess initiated Victor Anderson into Witchcraft in 1926, they practiced a form of Witchcraft with Huna and African influences that was primarily Dahomean-Haitian. Anderson was one of the last genuine Kahuna. Some of these earlier influences he incorporated into the new Feri tradition. After visiting an Alex Sanders coven in England, Pendderwen incorporated material from the Alexandrian Book of Shadows. Today the tradition has evolved and contains of a mixture of Green Wicca, Celtic and Druidic practices as well as modern Witchcraft.

The Feri Tradition honors the Goddess and Her son, brother and lover (The Divine Twins) as the primary creative forces in the universe. The Gods are seen as real spirit beings like ourselves, and not merely aspects of our psyche. The tradition is an ecstatic tradition, rather than a fertility tradition with emphasis on polytheism, practical magic, self-development and theurgy.
Strong emphasis is also placed on sensual experience and awareness, including sexual mysticism, which is not limited to heterosexual expression. This is a mystery tradition of power, mystery, danger, ecstasy, and direct communication with divinity. Most initiates are in the arts and incorporate their own poetry, music and invocations into rituals. The Tradition is gender-equal, and all sexual orientations seem able to find a niche. According to Francesca De Grandis, founder of the 3rd Road branch: "Faerie power is not about a liturgy but about one's body: a Fey shaman's blood and bones are made of stars and Faerie dust. A legitimate branch of Faerie is about a personal vision that is the Fey Folks' gift to a shaman".

Initially small and secretive, many of the fundamentals of the tradition have now reached a larger audience, mainly through the writings of Starhawk, one of the tradition's most famous initiate. Some secret branches of the tradition remain, but while only a few hundred initiates can trace their lineage directly back to Victor Anderson; many thousands are estimated to practice neo-Feri Traditions.

Frost's Wicca (Wicca Celtic): Welsh, founders are Gavin and Yvonne Frost, early 1970's. The Church and School of Wicca, apprentices gained through a twelve-lesson correspondence with self-initiation.

Gaia Wicca: An earth Wicca tradition blending Native American and European Wiccan Traditions. Founded by Kisma K. Stepanich in 1985.

Gardnerian Wicca: After the repeal of England's last antiquated witchcraft laws in 1951, there began a resurgence of interest in the old religion, and witchcraft in particular. This was the first denomination of the Craft to make itself known publicly in the 1950s, in England. Because of that, many people mistakenly think that it is the only "true" Wicca. Gerald Brosseau Gardner, who later that year became director of the newly opened "Museum of Magic and Witchcraft" in Castletown, Isle of Man, spearheaded this resurgence. Gardner started to establish covens, using the basic ideas and rituals he had written about in his fictional book "High Magic's Aid", published in 1949.

In 1953 Gardner initiated into his coven Doreen Valiente. It was Doreen who helped Gardner reshape the structure of his covens, by re-writing and embellishing his "Book of Shadows", thus establishing a new tradition and calling it Gardnerian Wicca. Both Gardner and Doreen were greatly influenced by the teachings of Charles Godfrey Leland, and in time the tradition took on elements of Italian Witchcraft. The famous "Charge of the Goddess" written by Doreen, was clearly inspired by his work.

Other aspects of the tradition influenced by Leland's view of Italian Witchcraft are, The full moon gatherings, The worship of the goddess and god consort, The cakes and wine rituals and celebrations, and Ritual nudity.

Today the tradition is mainly coven based, and follows an extremely traditional path with a hierarchical grade structure unsuitable for solitary practice. The Gardnerian covens of today still adhere to the old time values of secrecy, and new initiates are pledged to take oaths upon initiation. There are also a large number of groups who call themselves "Gardnerian" even though their Books of Shadows bear little resemblance to Gardner´s original.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardnerian_Wicca

Georgian Tradition: The Georgian Tradition of Wicca was founded in California in 1971 by George "Pat" Patterson and two women called Zanoni Silverknife and Lady Tanith. In 1972 the Universal Life Church chartered the Georgians as The Church of Wicca of Bakersfield, then later in 1980 it was reorganised and re-chartered as The Georgian Church.

The Georgian tradition is an eclectic mix of Gardnerian, Alexandrian and British Traditional practices in that it is an initiatory line and oath-bound. Many of the rituals are similar to those published in various books such as the Farrar's Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' Way, as well as the privately distributed version of what was later published as Ed Fitch's Grimoire of the Shadows. The Georgians are God - Goddess oriented and both religious and magical, they also celebrate the eight Sabbats and encouraged members to learn from all available sources. George Patterson (the tradition's founder) always said 'If it works use it, if it doesn't, don't'. The newsletter was always full of contributions from people of many traditions.

http://www.georgianwicca.com/

Goddess worshipping / Goddess spirituality: Pagan religions in which the feminine aspect is dominant. Not Wiccan.

Golden Dawn: An occult Order founded in London in 1887 by three Rosicrucians, which became a major influence in Western ritual magic. Its rituals (partly written by the poet W.B. Yeats, who was a prominent member) are basically Cabalistic, with elements of the Chaldean Oracles, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and Blake's Prophetic Books. They were later published in full, under the title "The Golden Dawn" by Israel Regardie.

Hecatine Tradition: A Scottish tradition of Witchcraft that preserves the unique festivals of the Caledonii. Also known as Caledonii Tradition.

Hechiceria: A Mexican Indian magickal tradition that reveres the pre-Columbian divinities. Practitioners are most often male and are called Hechiceros, Nuguals, or Bruho Naturaleza.

Hedge Witchcraft: A non-initiated solitary practice of Witchcraft that focuses on the traditional European, especially British Isles, role of Witch as healer, midwife and seer for a community. Highly intuitive, Hedge Witchcraft emphasizes the practical role of
magick in daily living over the religious doctrine and it is acceptable for Hedge Witches to be self taught and eclectic in the spiritual aspects of their faith.

Hellenismos: Hellenic or Greek Reconstructionists (Hellenists, Hellenes, Hellenism) are generally polytheists who worship and revere the ancient Greek Olympian gods. It is primarily a 'votive' religion where 'offerings' or gifts to the Gods are an important element of ritual practice. Hellenismos has a highly developed ethical system based upon moderation, hospitality and reciprocity, place great value on scholarship and specifically on the use of classical texts.

Henotheism: A religion that acknowledges the existence of many gods but chooses to revere, worship or acknowledge only one. They are often confused with, or assumed to be, monotheistic (believing in one god). Judaism and Christianity are examples of Henotheistic religions.

Hereditary Witch: This refers to those people that can trace Craft practice back on their family tree in an unbroken family tradition passed down through the generations by their ancestors from the ancient Pagan Mysteries, and were taught the secrets of the Craft by a living relative (my mother's grandmother's sister's cousin was a Witch, doesn't count). Many Hereditary Witches do not consider their traditions Wiccan, and some admit that they only use the term Wicca because of what they had read about Gardnerian beliefs and practices, which seemed to fit more or less closely with their own beliefs and practices. Hereditary traditions are also often referred to as FamTrad, or Family Traditionalists I.e. A Tradition that has passed down within the family and hence by hereditary descent.

Hermetic Magick: A style or system of Magick that achieves results through mental concentration and other inner processes, without the use of ritual tools and trappings.

Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn: A Ceremonial Magick Order founded in 1888 by Dr. William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddle MacGregor Mathers and Dr. W.R. Woodman based on a manuscript said to be an old German occult order. Aleister Crowley is the most well known member in occult circles, but membership also included W.B. Yeats and A.E. Waite. During its height the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn possessed the greatest known repository of Western magickal knowledge. Three magickal systems were taught: the Key of Solomon; Abra-Melin magick; and Enchonian magick. Materials were also incorporated from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, William Blake's Prophetic Books and the Chaldean Oracles. Some of the texts included Christian elements and members circulated various Catholic and Anglican writings and sermons. Instruction was given in astral travel, scrying, alchemy, geomancy, the tarot and astrology.

http://www.hermeticgoldendawn.org/index.shtml

Hinduism: The main religious and social system in India. Hinduism has various sects with the commonality of the belief in reincarnation, polytheism and an ordained caste system as its social base.

Hoodoo: An American magickal system drawn from African magickal practice, Native American botanical healing knowledge and European folklore. It is often confused with Voodoo and it's practitioners are called Hoodoo, Hoodoo Doctors, Hoodoo Men/Women, Conjure Men/Women Conjurers, Root Doctors or Root Workers.

Huna: 1.) the traditional Pagan religion of Hawaii 2.) a magico-religious system invented by Max Freedom Long, who is attempting to recreate what he thought the original Huna must have been like. Most who consider themselves to be practicing Huna are practicing the later. Huna teaches that there are three selves: lower, middle and higher that may be
integrated by directing Mana properly. Practitioners are called Kahuna.

Islamism: The monotheistic religious doctrine as revealed by the Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah. There are many sects of Islam and believers are called Muslims.

Jainism: (Sanskrit, jainas: "saint") A major religion originating in India that has some similarity to Buddhism. Jainism does not recognize the authority of the Veda and its philosophy includes belief in the eternity of matter, the periodicity of the universe, the immortality of human's and animal's minds. It stresses non-violence and Jains are particularly known for avoiding harming any living thing.

Jamaican Voodoo: The polytheistic religion and magickal system of West African origin found in the Caribbean, South America and North America today. It recognizes that there are a multitude of gods and ghosts who each have their own myths, rites, offerings, taboos, and magical forces. Obeah is a healer god, who can also be invoked to bring illness and other calamities to one's own enemy. Also known as Obea, Obeah, Obi, Oby, Jamaican Voodoo.

Kabala, Kabbala: A body of occult philosophy, doctrines, and magickal and mystical lore derived from certain Jewish rabbinical texts, probably originating in early Chaldean and other Mesopotamian cultures, possibly including ancient Egypt. Also known as Cabala, Cabbala, Qabala, Qabbalah.

Kemetism: A modern religion based upon the ancient Egyptian family of gods/goddesses and the concepts of Ma'at (all) and Netjer (the divine force). While many gods and goddesses are revered or acknowledged, the Kemetic religion is not polytheistic in the same sense that many other Pagan or Heathen religions are. In many sects of Kemetism, the concept is better described as a 'monolatry' or one god manifesting as many distinct personalities and divinities. Rituals and offerings are often elaborate and great value is placed upon both ancient texts and modern archeological discoveries and research.

Kingstone Tradition: A conservative American form of British Traditional Wicca. It has existed in California since the 1960's. and was founded by a student of Gerald Gardner.

Kitchen Witch: The traditional British Witch, a Kitchen Witch is a person that practices from home by hearth and concentrates on the practical side of religion, magick, earth mysteries and the elements. Normally he or she is a solitary practitioner and does not belong to a coven or particular tradition, relying instead on self-study, personal discernment, and intuition. In many ways the Kitchen Witch is akin to the old village Witch who lived a solitary life but was called upon for spells and healing potions by the local folk.

The Kitchen Witch commonly works with a familiar spirit, and incorporates the use of herbs, trance, and shamanic techniques such as drumming to induce altered states of consciousness. It's a more convenient form of practice for those who have limited space and resources like today's suburban and busy professional city witches. Their focus is on practicality, the use of magick in the home and in the workplace with convenient rituals that include readily available ingredients available at short notice, and on a tight budget.
The Kitchen Witch is usually very involved with working for the ecology of the planet, and tries to use only natural objects and materials for ritual and magical purposes.

The Left Hand Path: Black Magic. Generally looked down at and discouraged. Not reccommended though it's not going to stop any one seeking a quick easy path to power to follow this.

Macumba: The Brazilian form of Vodoun and Santería. Macumba is not in itself a religion but the umbrella for the two principal forms of African spirit worship in Brazil: Candomblé and Umbanda. Macumba is sometimes used to refer to harmful magick, but that is more properly called Quimbanda. Macumba is also called Spiritism

Maidenhill Wicca: A "traditional" Wiccan group established in 1979 and having strong ties with The Coven of Rhiannon in Manchester, England. "Their main focus is the worship of the great Goddess and her Consort, the Horned God Their coven does not limit worship to one particular cultural/ethnic 'tradition'. Rather, a thorough training in basic Gardnerian wica is taught and members are urged, after mastering these basics, to find that particular myth, cycle or path consistent with their beliefs."

Minoan Brotherhood and Minoan Sisterhood Tradition: The Minoan Brotherhood, a Gay Men's tradition of Witchcraft was established in New York by the late Lord Gwydion (Eddie Buczynski), a classical scholar, a Gardnerian Elder and a founder of the New York Welsh tradition in the mid 1970's. At about the same time, Carol Bulzone (Lady Miw) of the Enchantments Occult shop in New York and Lady Rhea of the Magickal Realms Occult shop in the Bronx established the Minoan Sisterhood, a similar but Gay Woman's tradition of Witchcraft. The Minoan tradition consists of three branches, the Minoan Brotherhood (gay men) the Minoan Sisterhood (gay women) and the Cult of the Double Axe/Cult of Rhea (gay men and women).

The initial mother coven of the tradition, of the Minoan Brotherhood was called Knossos Grove, and was founded by Eddie Buczynski in New York in 1975, from where it quickly spread across North America. The Minoan Sisterhood branch founded later by Lady Miw for women was based on the same initial research and teaching of Eddie Buczynski and his work with Cretan god forms and mythology. While the sisterhood branch grew quickly from its beginnings, it remained largely confined to the New York area of North America. The Cult of the Double Axe/Cult of Rhea brings the other two branches together on mutual ground, but to be a member of the Cult of the Double Axe/Cult of Rhea, one needs to be a properly initiated member of either of the other two branches, the Cult having no initiations or elevations of its own.

The Minoan Brotherhood and Sisterhood branches remain exclusively for Gay men and women to explore traditional ritual Witchcraft, rituals that foster a similar, though Gay, sexual mysticism and sense of personal empowerment, as do other traditional traditions of Wicca and Witchcraft. As the founder Eddie Buczynski was a Gardnerian initiate, the Minoan rituals are roughly Gardnerian, with changes to accommodate a different core mythology and ritual custom. Imagery and deities are those of Ancient Crete and Mycenae, but their working tools and uses are virtually identical to those of British traditional Wicca.

http://www.minoan-brotherhood.org/

Mithraism: The Persian religion centered on the reverence of Mithra, god of Light. It emphasized the conflict between good and evil and the reward of virtue or punishment of wickedness in the afterlife. It was the principal rival of Christianity in the first three centuries CE and is believed to be the foundation of the concept of hell and Satan in Christianity.

Mohsian Wicca: An offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca, founded by Ed Fitch and several Southern Californian Gardnerians in the late 1970's. The tradition includes Gardnerian material and additional material supplied by the founders. Also known as American Wicca.

New Fairy Tradition: Wiccan practice derived from the books and/or the teachings of Starhawk.

New Generation Of Witches: People who are reviving the interest and renewal of the craft. Both Witch, Wiccan and Pagan and Others of the same faith as we go into the new Millenium. New Ager's, Mystics, Neo's, Agnostic's and More would fall into this term.

New Reformed, Orthodox Order Of The Golden Dawn (NROOGD): A Wiccan tradition founded in 1967 by Aidan Kelly and others. The ritual material is all original poetry, but the basic approach and ritual style was heavily influenced by Gardnerian Wicca. Most of the covens in this family are avowedly Neo-Pagan, but at least one adopted very British Tradition attitudes and went underground for a few years. The tradition has nothing whatsoever to do with The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

New Wiccan Church: An association of British Traditional Wiccan Covens.British Traditional" in this case refers to Gardnerian Wicca and very closely related traditions, e.g., Kingstone, Silver Crescent, Taran, Alexandrian, and similar branches of the craft.

Nordic Paganism: Nordic Paganism includes those traditions that worship the Norse pantheon of deities and stress conservative values of honour, honesty, courage and duty to one's family, kith and kin. In the 1970's a number of Norse Pagan groups sprang into existence almost simultaneously and independently of one another in America, England and Iceland. Many adherents to Norse Paganism are attracted by the emphasis on blood ties and genetics, the warrior ethic and Norse symbology. Norse Pagans recognize both branches of the Norse pantheon, the Aesir (e.g. Odin, Thor, Tiu and Balder) and the Vanir (e.g. Njord, Frey, and Freya).

Norse festivals centre on the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, and holidays such as Ragnar's Day. Heavier emphasis is placed on skill mastery and shamanism than on magick and meditation. There are a few extreme right-wing Norse Pagan groups who believe they have founded a religion upon the Aryan race; and while some do include neo-Nazis, most Norse Pagans consider these people a fringe element not connected to their religion. Norse traditions are also known as Teutonic traditions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_paganism

Northern Way: A non initiatory tradition that works robed. "They try to emulate as authentic and traditional re creation as possible of old Norse garb Their God-names are Old Norse, not Teutonic.They do cast a Circle, they do not 'call Quarters' Their tradition is Norse the group, however, is not hereditary in that members need to be of any particular family or ethnic group."The Northern Way was founded in 1980 and incorporated in 1982, in Chicago. Its religion is sometimes called Asatru. They observe the four Solar Fire Festivals as well as those indigenous to the Norse religion.

Nova Wicca: An eclectic group founded by two Gardnerians.They work robed at Esbats and skyclad at initiations. The Gardnerian deityt names are used, though "working pairs may use others if they wish" Nova has a degree system, which is very finely tuned, and an in-depth training, some classes being open to newcomers. Grand Sabbats are also open to interested persons, at the coven´s discretion. Nova classifies it self as "a Mixed Traditonal, Teaching/Training Coven"

Obea, Obeah, Obioby: The polytheistic religion and magickal system of West African origin found in the Caribbean, South America and North America today. It recognizes that there are a multitude of gods and ghosts who each have their own myths, rites, offerings, taboos, and magical forces. Obeah is a healer god, who can also be invoked to bring illness and other calamities to one's own enemy. Also known as Obi, Oby, Jamaican Voodoo.

Odinism: A form of Norse Paganism that recognizes only the Aesir, the Sky Gods, including Odin, Frigga, Thor, Loki, Balder and others. Odinism does not acknowledge the Vanir, the Gods concerned with earth, agriculture, fertility and the cycle of death and rebirth.

Old Religion: Italian Witchcraft, founded in the mid-14th century with the teachings of Aradia, the Holy Strega, and based upon the pre-Estruscian Italian belief system. The Old Religion is a worship of the "Source of All Things", through the personification of the Goddess and God. Also known as Strega, Stregheria, and La Vecchia Religione.

Pagans: Paganism is not a single religion, but an umbrella term for all those religions other than the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. A Pagan is a person who follows one of those "other" faiths. Many Witches, Wiccans, Reconstructionists, and other Neo-Pagans simply identify themselves as "Pagan" or "Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. This can make it sound like "Paganism" is a religion instead of a collection of religions. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement, as Pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive religions while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques which are generally added as an extra layer on top of whatever religion one normally follows. Note: The word 'Pagan" itself comes from the Latin paganu(m), for "someone who is not from the city, rather from the country." In Late Latin, this turned into pagensis, "one who is from the country," and this ultimately became the French pays and the Spanish País, both meaning "nation."-(From Etymologically Speaking at www.westegg.com/etymology/)

Pagan Federation: Founded in 1971 and formerly called the Pagan Front, Pagan Federation is a London-based organization that seeks to provide contact between the
Craft of the Wise and "genuine seekers of the Old Ways", and to promote harmony among the various European Pagan religions. It works with institutions, governmental bodies and the public to present accurate information on Pagan religious views and rights.

http://www.paganfed.org/

Pagan, Occult, Witchcraft Special Interest Group Of Mensa: A special interest group (SIG) of Mensa, the organization for persons scoring in the top two percentile on IQ testing. Only Mensa members can be full members of the SIG but non-Mensans may join as associate members. Their newsletter, Pagana, is considered to be one of the best Pagan journals.

Pagan Way: An organization started as a movement responding to the high demand for applicants to covens in the 1970's. Pagan Way provided an alternative to the traditional intensive screening programs, and year-and-a-day probationary periods with an open, nature-oriented system that emphasized celebration of nature over magick. Although the Pagan Way organization fell apart in the 1980's, the rituals survived. Some covens run Pagan Way groups as training circles for interested persons and potential initiates. Those who aren't initiated into the coven can remain in the Pagan Way group indefinitely, become solitaries, or form their own Pagan Way group.

Pecti-Wita: A Scottish Solitary tradition passed on by Aidan Breac, who personally teaches students in his home at Castle Carnonacae, in Scotland. The tradition is attuned to the solar and lunar changes, with a balance between the God and the Goddess. Meditation and divination play a large part in the tradition and it also teaches several variations on solitary working of magick.

http://www.brenna.co.uk/ScotLife.html

Pictish Witchcraft: Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature; animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary from of the Craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion.

Power Doctoring: In the Ozarks region of the United States, power doctors are backwoods healers who use charms, amulets, incantations and magick to cure illness. They cannot charge a fee, but may accept gifts and offerings. Power doctors must learn their Craft from a person of the opposite sex who is not a blood relative. They may in turn teach two or three others the Craft, but that they would lose their abilities should they teach more.

Pow-Wow: Indigenous to South Central Pennsylvania. This is a system, not a religion, based on 400 year old Elite German magick. Pow-Wow has deteriorated to a great degree into simple faith healing. Although Pow-Wow finds its roots in German Witchcraft, few practicing Pow-Wows today in Pennsylvania follow the Craft or even know the nature of its true birth.

Protean Family: A Wiccan tradition based on Gardnerian Wicca that are the lineal descendants of Proteus Coven in New York City. The High Priestess of Proteus, Judy Harrow, founded the coven in the Gardnerian practice during the early 1980's. In late
1985, after a series of internal conflicts over some of the changes of practice instituted by Harrow, a body of Gardnerian Elders indicated a desire to disassociate with Proteus and her descendants. In the early 1990's, Harrow declared the Protean Family to be a "self-aware subgroup" of the Gardnerian line.

Qabala, Qabbalah: A body of occult philosophy, doctrines, and magickal and mystical lore derived from certain Jewish rabbinical texts, probably originating in early Chaldean and other Mesopotamian cultures, possibly including ancient Egypt. Also known as Cabala, Cabbala, Kabala.

Quimbanda: Harmful magick in the Macumba Tradition; a Brazilian form of Vodoun and Santería. Macumba is not in itself a religion but the umbrella for the two principal forms of African spirit worship in Brazil: Candomblé and Umbanda. Macumba is sometimes used to refer to harmful magick, but that is more properly called Quimbanda.

Religo Romana: The Religio Romana is the pre-Christian religion of Rome. The modern religion attempts to reconstruct the ancient faith of Rome and its gods, goddesses and temple rituals as closely as possible. Every attempt is made to rely on actual historical and archaeological evidence and much emphasis is placed upon the original classical texts, writers and language.

Right-Hand Path: A term used to identify some traditions where Magick is never used for destructive purposes.

Ritual Magick: Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ritual Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity and currently is divided into three forms : Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic. Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin. This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ritual Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc.. Ritual Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, Ritual Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self.

Rootwork: An American magickal system drawn from African magickal practice, Native American botanical healing knowledge and European folklore. It is often confused with Voodoo and it's practitioners are called Hoodoo, Hoodoo Doctors, Hoodoo Men/Women, Conjure Men/Women Conjurers, Root Doctors or Root Workers. Also known as Hoodoo.

Sacred Wheel Wicca: An eclectic neo-Pagan path based on Celtic beliefs, that focuses on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a part of their teachings. They state that they are a Wiccan religion dedicated to the health of Mother Earth, and to all her children in whatever forms they may take.

Santeria: (Spanish, santo: "saint") A religion centering on the worship of the ancient African Gods who have been assimilated as Catholic saints. Similar in practice to Voudon, all worshippers of Santería could be called Santeros but the term Santeros usually refers to the priests or priestesses. The highest order of priest is a babalawo, who has the power to heal the sick, punish the unjust and to divine the future through the Table of Ifá. Also known as Umbanda.

Satanic Witch: One cannot be a satanic Witch because Witches do not believe in Satan. This had to be mentioned here, because, there are some people out there that label themselves as such and the two together is impossible if you know anything about the Wiccan religion. The people that call themselves Satanic Witches are NOT real Witches at all!

Satanism: The worship of the Christian concept of the Anti-Christ. It is not a Pagan religion although some Satanists refer to themselves as witches or Witches.

Scotican Wicca: A Wiccan tradition founded by Striix that is a mix of Wicca, Peti-Wita, Kitchen Witchery, and Ceremonial Magic.

Seax-Wica: Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. Although of Saxon basis, it was authored by Raymond himself without breaking his original Gardnerian oath. Raymond Buckland's contribution to the Craft is a significant one. Not only did he develop a Tradition that is more than acceptable to many individuals, he also has written a large volume of textbooks on different magickal aspects and practices of the Craft, thereby enhancing many lives in a positive direction.

Shamanism: Shamanism is a religion that blends Witchcraft with the magical beliefs of African and Native American tribal societies. Rituals and practices are designed to connect individuals to the divine through contact with the spirit world. Through communication with the spirits, the Shaman can work acts of healing, divination, and magic - revealing by way of vision, poetry, and myth the deeper reaches of the human spirit.

http://www.shamanism.org/

Slavic: The Slavic peoples are not a "race", but are related through culture and area. These regional groups include the Russians, Polish, Czechs, Ukrainians, Byelorussia's, Serbo-Croatians, Macedonians, Slovenians, Bulgarians, Kashubians and Slovakians. In reconstructing Slavic religions, adherents place much store on Slav folk tales and stories. Dualism is an important concept in Slavic religion, but differs from the 'good' and 'evil' dichotomy of post-Christian thought. Here dualism is understood to be a system of complimenting opposites such as darkness and light, winter and summer, female and male, cold and hot. The God-brothers Bialybog "white-god" and Czarnebog "black-god" who rule the light half and dark half of the year respectively, are further illustrations of this polarity. Nature spirits also play an important role in Slavic beliefs.

Solitary Witch: One who practices alone, regardless of Tradition, denomination, or sect. Solitaries come in various forms. Some were at one time initiated into a coven and eventually chose to extricate themselves from that environment and continue practicing a particular Tradition or sect by themselves. A solitary can also be an individual who has no desire to practice with or learn from a coven structure, but still may adhere to a specific Tradition or sect through the teachings of another. And finally, a solitary Witch can be a person who has decided to tough it out on their own, learning from books, networking, and fellow Witches of different Traditions. These people have the ability to pick themselves up and brush themselves off, and live to try again. More and more individuals are selecting the solitary path rather than that of group interaction. Another name for a solitary Witch is "Natural Witch." You may hear this word from time to time as well.

Spiritism: The Brazilian form of Vodoun and Santería Spiritism is not in itself a religion but the umbrella for the two principal forms of African spirit worship in Brazil: Candomblé and Umbanda. Spiritism is sometimes used to refer to harmful magick, but that is more properly called Quimbanda. Spiritism is also called Macumba.

Standing Stones Tradition: The Wiccan tradition founded by Scott Cunningham for solitary practitioners.

Star Kindler Witches: Traditional Witches who trace there line of initiarory descent from both Gerald Gardner and from Alex and Maxine Sanders, through a line of Starkindler High Priests and High Priestess, according to the StarKindler Book Of Shadows, and who practice the Starkindler tradition of Wicca.

Strega: (Stregheria, La Vecchia Religione, "The Old Religion") Strega is the Italian word for a witch, a practitioner of the Italian-American traditions of witchcraft called Stregheria. Stregheria is the Italian word for the religion of Witches, and Sregoneria the magickal practice of Witches. Italian Witchcraft is one of the oldest forms of European Witchcraft that can be documented through historical and literary references, and is perhaps second only to Greek Witchcraft, which was first mentioned by Homer and Hesiod (circa - eighth century B.C.). Some of the earliest historical references to Italian Witches date from around 30 B.C., in the writings of the Roman poet Horace.

Although his depiction of Witches is less than kind, Horace ascribes to them the power to draw down the moon from the sky. He also notes that they worshiped Diana and Proserpina in secret ceremonies at night, and speaks of a Witches book of incantations called the "Libros Carminum", the Book of Charms. Other writers of this era such as Ovid and Lucan also note the worship of Hecate, Proserpina, and Diana by Italian Witches.

Italian Witchcraft differs from region to region. Those traditions originating in the north tend to be rooted in the ancient Erruscan religion. Those in central Italy often contain a mixture of medieval magick with Italic Paganism, while those in southern Italy retain the more rural forms of Witchcraft. Sicilian Witchcraft is probably one of the least altered forms of original Witchcraft due to its relatively insular nature as an island.

One of the most influential writers on Italian Witchcraft was Charles G. Leland, his book "Aradia: Gospel of the Witches" is one of the most influential works to affect and influence modern day Wicca and Witchcraft. Both Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente were greatly influenced by his teachings and in time the Gardnerian tradition took on many elements of Italian Witchcraft. The famous "Charge of the Goddess" written by Doreen was clearly inspired by his work. Other aspects include: The full moon gatherings, worship of the goddess and god consort, cakes and wine after rituals and celebrations, and Ritual nudity.

One of the early proponents of Italian witchcraft in America was Dr. Leo Louis Martello, who on the 26th of September 1951 was initiated into his cousin's secret Sicilian coven. His initiation involved a blood-letting oath never to reveal the secrets of the coven, its members or any of their secret teachings. Later together with Lori Bruno another hereditary witch, they founded the Trinacrian Rose one of the first Italian-American covens in the United States.

http://www.stregheria.com/

Sufism: The Islamic magickal system.

The Sylvan Tradition: The Sylvan tradition began in the 1970's in Northern California and incorporates some of the working practices of the Feri Wicca tradition formed by Victor and Cora Anderson. This tradition is a magic working earth-based tradition that considers Witchcraft not as a religion with rules and doctrines, but as a Craft tradition and way of life. It celebrates diverse viewpoints and believes in no set dogma, but has a working approach that meets its member's needs.

The tradition teaches that the earth is sacred in itself, and as such its members generally do not exorcise or banish negative energy from an area before raising a Circle, nor do they feel a need to guard it. Most of the traditions members believe that no dark or negative energy can coexist in the circle with the elements, Goddess, God and fey, whom they invite into the circle as the ritual begins. Similarly because the elements can be found in all directions, they do not link the elements to directions. Likewise, as they believe the elements are already present, they do not invoke them during ritual but rather call them to join the circle and aid its members. During ritual they work with the fey, including the elementals and devas, in part because everything is asked to aid the magick.
The tradition is named Sylvan meaning "of the forest", to honour the connection to all seen and unseen forest things including trees, which the tradition considers the most balanced beings in nature. The forest is also the home of the fey (the middle agents between members and Nature) who help all stay in harmony with Nature. Part of the tradition is consideration for the earth.

Though some Sylvan rites are repeated, most are created by members in honor of a particular sabbat or esbat, or to achieve a particular magical goal. During ritual, and in contrast with many traditional Wiccan rituals, the High Priestess or Priest cuts the circle widdershins to acknowledge existing chaos and to take the circle out of mundane time and space transporting it and its participants into magical space.

http://www.sylvangrove.com/

Teutonic Tradition: A pagan tradition that worships the Norse pantheon of deities and stresses conservative values of honor, honesty, courage and duty to one's family, kin and friends. In the 1970's a number of Norse Pagan groups sprang into existence almost simultaneously and independently of one another, in America, England an Iceland. Many
adherents to Norse Paganism are attracted by the emphasis on blood ties and genetics, the warrior ethic and the Norse symbology. Norse Pagans recognize both branches of the Norse pantheon, the Aesir and the Vanir. A branch called Odinism worship only the Aesir. Festivals center on the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, and Norse holidays such as Ragnar's Day. Heavier emphasis is placed on skill mastery and shamanism than on magick and meditation. There are a few extreme right-wing Norse Pagan groups who believe they have founded a religion upon the Aryan race; and while some do include neo-Nazis, most Norse Pagans consider these people a fringe element not connected to their religion. Also known as Nordic Tradition or Norse Paganism.

Teutonic Witch: From ancient time the Teutons have been recognized as a group of people who speak the Germanic group of languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition. See also Asatru. Bear in mind the Teutonic Witch is different from Asatru in that the Teutonic Witch has all the ceremonial trappings of Wicca that puts the Norse Gods in place of Celtic.

Traditional Wicca: A modern religion of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven (group) based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wicca is considered a 'mystery' religion, one that requires initiation by the coven and has a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. Traditional Wiccan covens have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is shared only with initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement, have taken a voluntary sabbatical or do not have access to a Traditional coven in their area.

Vecchia Religione (La): Italian Witchcraft, founded in the mid -14th century with the teachings of Aradia, the Holy Strega, and based upon the pre-Etruscan Italian belief system. La Vecchia Religione is a worship of the "Source of All Things", through the personification of the Goddess and God. Also known as The Old Religion, Strega and Stregheria.

Vodoun, Voodoo, Voudou, Voudoun: (Fon, vodu: "spirit") Like Santería, Vodoun is a blending the worship of traditional Catholic saints, Christ and the Gods (loas) of Africa, for example, a Vodoun practitioner could beg for intercession from St. Patrick and really
be calling on their serpent God, Danbhalah-Wedo. Vodoun worshippers believe that the work of the loas appears in every facet of daily life and that pleasing the loas will gain the faithful health, wealth, and spiritual contentment. The loas speak to their devotees through spirit possession but only for a short time during ceremonies and manifest to protect, punish, confer skills and talents, prophesy, cure illness, exorcise spirits, give counsel, assist in rituals and take sacrificial offerings. The priest (houngan) or priestess (mambo) acts as an intermediary to summon the loa and help the loa to depart when his or her business is finished. Magick, for both good and evil, is an integral part of Vodoun.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/voodoo.htm

Warrior Tradition: This is a practice of Wicca that strives to acknowledge the Warrior Archetype and makes it an active part of their magiks and rituals.

Welsh Cymri Wicca: A Wiccan Tradition based on Y Tylwyth Teg, a Welsh-based tradition named for the faery folk of that land, which maintains deeply Celtic roots and very humanistic philosophy. Students of both these paths are asked to place heavy emphasis on the study of Welsh myth, folklore, and faery lore.

Welsh Tradition: 1.) Y Tylwyth Teg, the American branch of Dynion Mwyn, brought to the U.S. by Rhuddlwm Gawr in 1966. Derived from the Tribe of Dynion Mwyn in North Wales. What distinguishes the Tradition of Y Tylwyth Teg from other traditions of Witchcraft or Wicca in general, is the emphasis on a historical linage (alleged to have been passed down from Prince Llewellyn) since 1282; a focus on religious equality (either High Priest or High Priestess may initiate or lead a coven (or grove); and the passing down of handwritten copies of books of power, which include: The Owl (a Book of Shadows), and thirteen books containing magickal philosophy, myths, legends, history, and rituals. These books were named after the Original Mythological Thirteen Treasures of Ancient Britain. The tradition includes a body of lore and ritual associated with the Welsh Mabinogion and Welsh Triads. 2.) The New York Welsh Tradition. This tradition was originally founded by Ed Buczynski with the help of Herman Slater. It is derived from The Celtic Tradition as taught by the late Gwen Thompson. 3.) A Tradition of Witchcraft derived from the teachings of the ancient Welsh Bards and practiced by Keith Morgan of Wales. 4.) A Southern Wales tradition called "Nementon", which was brought to the U.S. by the late Gwydion Penderwen, who founded the tradition in the 60's and 70's in California, and is being carried on by his initiates.

Wicca: Wicca is a religion of veneration of Nature and the worship of Divinity as containing both feminine and masculine aspects. It is founded upon the spiritual roots of pre-Christian European beliefs and practices. When Wicca first came to public attention in the early 1950s through the efforts of Gerald Gardner, it was portrayed as the remnant of an ancient European fertility cult. Practitioners referred to Wicca as the Old Religion. It was also known as the Craft of the Wise. On the surface modern Wicca appears to be a folklore and folk magick system. On the inner initiate level Wicca contains pre-Christian European Mystery Teachings. It is the single largest tradition within Paganism, which is earth-centered, celebrates the eight Pagan holidays, envisions Deity as both male and female (which it calls the God and the Goddess), practices magick, and believes in an afterlife known as the Summerland. The Wiccan ethical system is stated in the Rede and the Rule of Threes. The Rede contains the ethical instruction to "harm none and do what you will." The Rule of Threes states that whatever you send out from yourself will come back threefold.

Witchcraft and Witches: A practitioner of a nature-based/revering or folk belief system, art or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "Old Religion" which has its roots in Pagan pre-monotheistic folkways and beliefs and which usually follows the agricultural seasonal cycles. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin. Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions that trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations. Some Witches consider Witchcraft to be a religion while others simply practice witchcraft as a magical art.

Witches League Of Public Awareness (WLPA): An international organization founded in 1986 by Laurie Cabot and Christine Dumas to protest the filming of John Updike's novel, The Witches of Eastwick, a gross misrepresentation of the Craft. The WLPA works to end prejudice and bigotry against Witches and Witchcraft. It does not handle individual discrimination cases.

Witta: An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid. It is very similar to the Scottish Pecti-Wita which is evolved from Pictish, rather than Irish, tradition. Also known as Wita.

Wizardry: (Middle English, wis, "wise") Most often associated with the magickal systems of High Magick including alchemy, the Hermetic wisdom, and the doctrines of Agrippa, Dee, Paracelsus and other Neoplatonic philosophers. In archaic use, a wizardry
was synonomous with magick of any kind.

Y Tylwyth Teg: The American branch of Dynion Mwyn, a Welsh tradition named for the faery folk. It emphasizes historical lineage, religious equality, and Welsh mythology and lore.

Zen Buddhism: (Japanese, zen: "meditation") Japanese Buddhism which is differentiated from other Buddhist sects by its strong emphasis on the concept that all things are one.

Zoroastrianism: The religion of the Persians before their conversion to Islam. According to tradition, it was founded by Zoroaster in the 6th or 7th century BCE. Its principles, contained in the Zend-Avesta, include belief in an afterlife and the continuous struggle of the universal spirit of good, Ormazd, with the universal spirit of evil, Ahriman.

Silver Fox

"It is all true, it is not true. The more I tell you, the more I shall lie. What is story but jesting Pilate's cry. I am not paid to tell you the truth."
Jane Yolen; The Storyteller

> To: EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com
> From: nicolekisses08@yahoo.com
> Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 03:23:00 +0000
> Subject: [Earthwise] Help? Branches of wicca?
>
> Merry meet yal,
> I believe I am being drawn towards the Wiccan art; i have felt this...this pulling sensation(?)towards the Wicca belief system for a long time. a lot of people i know practice some form of this religion; but worship within different branches(?) (idk if that's the right word to be using)
> I guess I was curious to what all different branches(?) of Wicca there were.
> For instance:
> My friend worships Egyptian gods and goddess (this is what i would call one branch)
> one of my other friends worships Greek gods and goddesses (this is what i would call another branch)
> and then of course there's my mom whom worships Celtic gods and goddesses (and yet another branch)
> all of these people consider themselves wiccan
>
> I was just curious if anyone could come up with a list of all the different "branches" of Wicca.
> If you could help; i would really appreciate it.
>
> Thanks:) -blessed be-
12.

The Baby Pandas After The Earthquake

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:15 am (PDT)



I guess these bears are more docile than other types?

Subject:
The baby Pandas After The Earthquake

These are some of the cutest
pictures I have ever seen of "critters".
 

















 







































 Pandas
After The
Earthquake

 

The
earthquake was
right in the
area where
giant pandas
live. 

Most pandas in
this area were
rescued;
particular
attention was
given to the
babies; all
the pandas
were scared.
The photos
were taken
right after
earthquake and
during rescue
effort care.
All the pandas
were released
back into the
wild and it
was noted that
all of the
bears stayed
together. 

People
rescuing
pandas 

Giving them
milk- 

After meal 

Look at these
babies! 

Staying here
maybe
safer... 

Here is safe! 

I don't want a
shot!

You scared me! 

These pictures
are too cute
to not share















 




























 




 








 

 













--
----------------------------------------------------------
   ~ ~
   (oIo)
(  -----  )
Monkeys Should Rule
with poetic Monkey non-sense/sense!
Love is given freely,

with no expectation of anything in return.
Never Hunger!  :)

13.

War - Mind vs Heart

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:45 am (PDT)

[Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho included below]

War - Mind vs
Heart


March 25, 2011
The mind needs the heart, as the heart needs the mind - be friends. When they are not in sync, or friends, disturbance or war is likely. Both the heart and mind need nourishment. In today’s world it seems most hearts and minds are running on ‘empty’ as it is. Anyone not keeping up on what’s happening in the world, is contributing to the chaos through silence. Anyone not tuning into their heart, is going to create disturbances in their lives. Make a change beyond the boulder blocking either.

Mind creates the practical, science, or on the other end ‘evil’, particularly when out of balance. The heart creates bliss, love, truth, freedom, compassion for all things ‘spiritual’, or godly. The mind is a tinkerer all the way to a
‘manipulator’. Much of the planet feels ‘valueless’ or meaningless as they have become controlled by the reactive mind, rather than the ‘responsive mind’ that is a balance of heart and mind. Life is fulfilled through ‘longings’ and not the ambitions of the mind. Trust the heart, but check out the mind with inner feelings for truths.

Longings need your attention as they are beyond the mind, and in the sixth, intuitive sense when it is in balance with feelings. ‘To know’ can be of the mind that isn’t in awareness. ‘To know’ is often really ‘believing’ which means, ‘you don’t know’. With awareness the mind can be a friend to the heart in all choices. The heart can be a fool or foolish, and convince while overpowering the mind to make faulty decisions. Trust comes best in an excellent balance and friendship of the heart and mind. Listen to the heart, and listen to the aware, open mind that sees all sides necessary
to let the heart pour into openness.

The ‘bridge’ between the heart and mind are feelings. The ‘bridge’ is not a place to spend ones time on, it is just a passage that needs to be a link between heart and mind. No one can really ‘live’ logically even though many seem to do so. A few months ago, a long time friend passed away in his ’60’s, as a man who avoided love, and lived in a purely logical world, always with his eye on every penny. With his millions, he even avoided health insurance to save money! My silent mind was aghast thinking how that wouldn’t work after his soon to be early death.

Logic is the way of the mind while ‘love’ is the way of the heart. However, unrecognized by all but a few, the clear heart is very logical when in love with the mind reciprocally! Open mind, open hearts, open doors!
 rhata

ArhataOsho.com

Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho

1 of 1 File(s)

14a.

Re: The Candle

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:46 am (PDT)



Nice!

 

There is a candle glowing inside me

Dare to open your eyes and take a peek

Come on, see what you can see

Is it strong or is it weak

Sometimes I feel it wavering in the night

But still, I am lit from within by its light

Flickering away deep in my soul

This light tho aged, never grows old

Swaying in the breeze

Its flame never does seize

Though at times it seems to douse

The light is always there

Ready to roar like a lion or hide like the mouse

It burns steady, deep inside my soul

I’m sharing it with you now, so you’ll also know

This burning flame starts in my heart

But fills my whole being, my every part

Always there, ready to roar

Filling me with the ability to soar

Now its up to me from here on out

To hold that light in or let it shine, let it shout!

There is a candle inside me, glowing ever so bright

Do you dare take a peek

A quick glance at its light?

There is a candle inside me….

Burning bright every day and every night!

Come on take a look and you will see

That’s my light, I share it with thee.

Many Blessings,

Raventalker

www.ravenmadness.com

LuLu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/raventalker

Blog: http://raventalker.wordpress.com

or http://wordsofraven.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/raventalker

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Raventalker777

Don't forget you can catch me every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:00pm

central on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-wolf-and-the-bear

15.

Blessings on this Equinox and Full Moon

Posted by: "Ramona" botanicals@soulopen.com   naturalself52

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:47 am (PDT)



Just dropped by to say hello, Merry Meet to everyone.
I'm feeling a bit lonely and thought I'd reach out.

I'm not a practitioner as such, but then again, what is the definition of one? Instead of a label, I'd rather say what I know and what I feel.

I feel a close attachment to Goddess, and She has blessed me with so much, including a special wand that I found last week under a huge Gum Tree. I was reading the posts on wands and remembered that I still have that on the porch. What am I to do with it? Maybe some meditation will bring suggestions to mind. I have no clue as how to go about outfitting or dressing it up.

The purpose of my writing here, though, is related to something else that is preoccupying me and even, disturbing me. I would appreciate any suggestions or offerings anyone can give.

I feel I am too caught up in the mundane world, having fallen into a trap of trying or forcing to "make things happen" and it's wearing me down emotionally as well as mentally. I don't feel I am in touch with my spiritual connection, as all I seem to be concentrating on is this particular project, which I don't want to write too much detail about. Suffice it to say that it's more about trying to make it work financially than about doing something I love.

Can anyone share a ritual on how to get unstuck from such a position?

Has anyone else had this experience, and if so, what did you do to get out?

Any help will be much appreciated. THANKS!

16.

Organic Love

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:49 am (PDT)

[Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho included below]

Organic Love


April 11,2011
Love without all the toxins, and impediments during the growing years is likely to insure a love certified by god, so to speak. Junk food, and ‘junk psychological ingredients’ create essentially, junk love, or love in ‘name only’. Love isn’t just a present from the Divine given out in full bloom to just anyone. The universe is more fair than we might think, in that we get out of life what’s been put into it, even if that is not guaranteed. A ‘semblance’ of love is a love that soon goes down the toilet with only memories of yesteryear, and meaningless words of ‘fake assurance’ that love’s still there.

People are willing to accept mediocrity if they have not experienced differently be it
from food, to life style choices, and to a quality of love. The key is to always look to upgrade or improve upon what has been, but first it has to be recognized. Infinite people do what they call falling in love not realizing that they are really falling out of the euphoria of love into the same state into which they were before the ‘magic’ hit them. To love, and be loved only works to the extent of what it should be, and proportional to that which you  love yourself inside.

Finding love in all the wrong places is the ‘quick sand’ of love that’s built on shaky foundations. There is no prince or princess for all but the rare, but a chameleon that converts to a frog. Trying to love a frog, or being a princess with this ‘shape shifter’ is just a way to show you what you lack in awareness. Outer beauty, or handsomeness quickly disappears as the real persona overwhelms it. So called ‘great sex’ is often with selfish people
merging with each other’s shallow selfishness, and destined to change.

When love calls your name, it’s time to come out, let go, and submit to what may be life’s ‘one shot opportunity’. The earth is filled with the graves of those who missed authentic love, but instead suffered in unfulfilling routine. Love is like a rocket shot into space, usually only to fall where it came from, and sometimes not for the better. Love in its entirety, and full thrust moves into the stars, and into an orbit that perpetually stays there. A love that ‘roman candles’ into what was before is just a glimpse. Keep moving up through all obstacles into the love beyond love as it’s known...why not??
 rhata

ArhataOsho.com

Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho

1 of 1 File(s)

17.

Tahuti Lodge • OTO • New York City  Calendar of Events •

Posted by: "Tahuti Lodge" tahuti_lodge@yahoo.com   tahuti_lodge

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:49 am (PDT)



Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Tahuti Lodge • OTO • New York City

Calendar of Events • April 2011 ev

Website: http://tahutilodge.org Inquires: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org
Mail / Correspondence: Tahuti Lodge, O.T.O.; P.O. Box 1535
Old Chelsea Station , P.O. Box 1535. New York, NY 11111-1535

Sunday, April 3rd

Public Celebration of the Gnostic Mass

3:00 PM

Please join us at our beautiful Temple and experience the Power &
Beauty of our Central Ritual,
Liber XV, Aleister Crowley's Gnostic Mass.

Suggested Donation: $10

To RSVP and receive directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

***********************

Wednesday, April 6th

Magic in Theory and Practice Study Group

Open Event: 7:45 PM

Chapter XIII: Of the Banishings: and of the Purifications

Join us as we study this important textbook on Magick and it's practice.
We suggest that you read the chapter beforehand so we can get a lively
discussion going.

If you do not have a copy of your own, you may download it here:
http://hermetic.com/crowley/book-4/chap13.html

You may also download the entirety of Liber ABA here:
http://hermetic.com/crowley/book-4/

To RSVP and receive directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodg.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Friday, April 8th

The Holy Days

The First Day of the Writing of the Book of the Law

Nuit

Open Event: 8:00 PM

Doors open at 7:30 PM

We invite everyone to join with us as we celebrate the reception of
the Book of the Law,
The Law of Light, Life, Love and Liberty!

A Feast will follow! We encourage one and all to bring, cheese, bread,
champagne, Strawberries, desserts, salads, hummus or any light supper
food to the feast.

To RSVP and obtain directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Saturday, April 9th

The Holy Days

The Second Day of the Writing of the Book of the Law

Hadit

Open Event: 7:00 PM

Doors open at 6:30 PM

We invite everyone to join with us as we celebrate the reception of
the Book of the Law,
The Law of Light, Life, Love and Liberty!

A Feast will follow! We encourage one and all to bring, salad, hummus, cheese,
hearty dishes of Meat and Potatoes, vegetarian dishes, comfort food,
etc., to the feast!

To RSVP and obtain directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Sunday, April 10th

The Holy Days

The Third Day of the Writing of the Book of the Law

Ra-Hoor-Khuit

Open Event: 4:00 PM

Doors open at 3:30 PM

We invite everyone to join with us as we celebrate the reception of
the Book of the Law,
The Law of Light, Life, Love and Liberty!

A Feast will follow! We encourage one and all to bring
Wine, beer, spicy hot foods, your favorite ethnic cuisine, cheeses,
hummus, etc., to the feast!

To RSVP and obtain directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Saturday, April 16th

Tarot Study Group

Open Event: 4:30 PM

The Devil, ATU XIII

Please feel free to bring your favorite Tarot deck and Tarot Texts to the Group.
We have lively group discussions and in-depth study of the Tarot
symbols, so come and join us!

To RSVP and receive directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Monday, April 18th

Full Moon Ritual

Open Event: 7:30 PM.

A Full Moon for Self Empowerment

To RSVP and obtain directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Saturday, April 23rd

Public Celebration of the Gnostic Mass

2:00 PM

Please join us for the beauty and power of Aleister Crowley's Gnostic
Mass, Liber XV

To be performed in our Temple in Sunnyside, Queens, NYC

SPECIAL!!!

Joining us will be a special guest Mass team from ABRAHADABRA Oasis in Maine

Followed by a Pot Luck supper and Meet and Greet with our Maine brethren.
We encourage you to bring your favorite cuisine to share with the Brethren.

To RSVP and obtain directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

Saturday, April 30th

Thelemic Middle Pillar

Open Event: 4:30 PM

Are you stressed out, feeling your energy scattered, then come join us
as we attune our energy centers along the Middle Pillar.

To RSVP or obtain directions to the Lodge: tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Suggested Donation: $10

***********************

COMING IN MAY

Sunday, May 8th, 2011 ev

Open Event

12:30 - 4:30

Lon Milo DuQuette returns to Tahuti Lodge with a workshop on the

GOETIA

Black Magick or Western Shamanism?

A Magical Workshop presented by Lon Milo DuQuette

Evoking a spirit into a magick triangle or black mirror is easier than
you might think.
Once mastered, it is a skill that can serve as one of the most
powerful and useful
weapons in a Magician's arsenal. But why on earth would a sane 21st
century adult
wish or need to evoke the aid of "evil spirits?" The answer might surprise you.

Join author and magician, Lon Milo DuQuette, for an in-depth look at the theory
and practical applications of the `Black Art' of Solomonic Magick.

Bring a notebook, an open mind….and a little courage.
Who knows? At the end of this workshop you just might want to call up
one of those
little devils for yourself.

Special Event: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Click here for more information: http://www.goetia.tahutilodge.org

Location: 440 Studios

440 Lafayette St., 4th Floor, Room 4G

Manhattan, NYC 10003

********************

Monday, May 9th, 2011 ev

Open Event

8:00 –10:00 PM

Tahuti Lodge is pleased to present:

LIVE IN NEW YORK

LON MILO DUQUETTE's MONDAY NIGHT MAGICK CLASS!

Lon's Monday Magick Class is now in its 25th year!

Tonight's Theme: Enochian Magic

Open to magicians of all levels who can behave themselves for two hours.

This Event will take place at our dedicated Temple To RSVP for this
event and receive directions,
please email tahutilodge@tahutilodge.org

Donation: Non-Members: $20 at the door, $10 Dues current members of Tahuti Lodge

*******************

18.

Lost in Supermarket

Posted by: "Arhata Osho" arhatafreespeech@yahoo.com   arhatafreespeech

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:52 am (PDT)

[Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho included below]

Lost in Supermarket


March 22, 2011
Walking around in a supermarket pushing a shopping cart, not being able to make up your mind for what you want is like most people ‘in life’. Worse yet, is not recognizing the highest quality of food even if you knew. Most look for outer quality and packaging. Nothing could be more misleading concerning ‘healthy quality’. If you don’t know what you’re looking for and who you are, is synonymous with going to a supermarket, rolling the empty cart through the aisles disoriented. Worse yet would be an American pushing the cart down aisles in a Chinese supermarket!

Life gives back what you look for in yourself in all aspects. If you live in positive consistency, life reflects that back.  On the
other hand, in
relationships, those who look for love from another, rarely get what their instincts want to find. Two people’ not knowing who they are beneath their outer veneer, are entering a ‘dark, hopeless tunnel of love’ that feels good until they lose each other in the darkness of not knowing either themselves or the other, (who also doesn’t know themselves).

Today there are ‘mega supermarkets’ where if two people going in together don’t have a cell phone connection,  they will find themselves lost from each other. So it is in this active life, where if you don’t tune in to feeling a consistent love with yourself, it’s impossible to find it in another even if you are eyeball to eyeball. Take time to softly look into a strangers eyes and you will likely see a shallow, mood changing, self critical person incapable of opening their heart with no expectation in return.

Going into a supermarket, it’s easy to find 100’s of
attractive things, particularly on an empty stomach. The ‘non discerning’ have many opportunities, but usually of low quality, resulting ‘soon to be’ unhappiness and dissatisfaction. People find a partner that reflects where they are inside themselves, and if by chance you find someone who you don’t measure up to in communication, compassion and general awareness, unless you are growing and communicative of that, it’s back to the ‘lost dark tunnel’ where love finds itself lost. The light at the end of that dark tunnel is likely another train wreck coming. Become totally aware of who you are consistently, and then only accept that same, hopefully, high level of quality in all aspects of love and life. Keep a balance, focus on loving yourself, and being aware of how you’re ‘showing up’.

rhata

ArhataOsho.com

Attachment(s) from Arhata Osho

1 of 1 File(s)

19a.

Re: St. Patricks Day - Wear A Snake

Posted by: "annitta" annittabrvo@yahoo.com   annittabrvo

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:53 am (PDT)



Im wearing my snake!!

--- In EarthwiseBOS@yahoogroups.com, Silver Fox <silverfox_57@...> wrote:
>
>
> St. Patricks Day - Wear A Snake
> Source: SeekingWolf
>
> A day that St.Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland. Well, the snakes were the Pagans. And they weren't just chased out. They were executed; Men, women and children. So, I've started a tradition with my coven and other friends.
>
> On St. Patricks Day , all Pagans should wear something with a snake on it. A t-shirt, necklace, ring, etc.... This is our way of saying that the "snakes" are still here and that we are here to stay.
>
> The Snake is a symbol of wisdom and free will. Which is why the church wants to get rid of all Pagans. We believe in free will and responsibility for our own actions. So, I am reaching out to all my pagan friends to join me in this new tradition and to pass it on to all other pagans you know. If we can get at least 1,000 people wearing a snake this year, it would be a definite great start.
>
> Please Pass this on. Thank You and Blessed Be. And May the Goddess Kiss Your Brow and Bring Light into Your Darkness.
>
> Silver Fox
>
> "It is all true, it is not true. The more I tell you, the more I shall lie. What is story but jesting Pilate's cry. I am not paid to tell you the truth."
> Jane Yolen; The Storyteller
>

20.

Being Chased In Dreams

Posted by: "Silver Fox" silverfox_57@hotmail.com   trickster9993

Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:41 am (PDT)




Being Chased In Dreams
Fleeing from people, animals, monsters
By Cortney Litwin

Recurring dreams of being chased can be annoyingly persistent. They can happen on a regular basis, often with different scenarios and pursuers, until you get the message. So what are these dreams trying to tell you?

Facing Your Fears

Being chased can evoke tremendous fear. Whether you're fleeing from a person, animal, monster or -- perhaps the scariest -- something threatening but unseen, there's a sense of helpless in the face of something you can't control. So the first thing to ask yourself is, what's chasing me? What's going on in my life that I'm afraid of? What am I trying to avoid/hide from? The fear might be connected to a person who makes you feel threatened or victimized. Or perhaps it's their expectations that are hounding you. The pursuer might be a situation you're having trouble facing, even if it's something from your distant past. Even more likely, it's a persistent emotional issue, such as anger, hatred, inadequacy or powerlessness that needs to be resolved.

Inner Conflict Revealed

Outwitting killers while rescuing cats is the goal of Kim in Chatsworth, California:
Night after night, I dream I'm being chased. Sometimes it's one person trying to kill me, but usually it's a group of people. I always outwit them, but it's close. In one of the dreams, while I'm running, I am surrounded by cats; two of them are my cats, the rest are wild. I am trying to find mine and bring them home while running and trying to escape from being killed. Why am I dreaming I'm being chased night after night? There's a sense of multitasking gone awry in this dream. Too many demands (groups of people chasing her), too little time. Kim indicated she's a Virgo, the sign of the hardworking perfectionist, which suggests she's taking on too much and then criticizing herself if she does a less than perfect job. It's her perfectionism that's chasing her. Kim's pet cats symbolize her responsible, nurturing side, while the wildcats represent the part of her that wants to be free. If she can reconcile the two opposing aspects of her nature, the dreams of being chased will likely cease.

Chased by the Dead

Bridget in Keithville, Louisiana shares this startling dream:

My grandmother died a week after my birthday in 2003. I was with her while she was in the hospital and took her last breath. I even did her hair and make-up for her funeral. About a month or less afterward, I had a dream about her. She was still at the funeral home and I was there to do her make-up. She got up from the table and chased me around the room. I woke up very scared. I was also depressed because I had loved her so much. Can you explain what the dream was supposed to mean? It left me very confused. I think Bridget's grandmother is very much alive in the afterlife, and to emphasize the fact, she got up and chased her astonished granddaughter around the room! The dream is also urging Bridget not to run from her grief; she can't make it go away by covering it up (make-up).

Dangerous Waters

It's a scene from 'Jaws' for Samantha in Hollywood, California:

I have had dreams of being chased by huge sharks -- almost the size of whales. They try snapping at me in smaller wading pools, always chasing and hunting me, and I hide under them. It's always one beast per dream, but many dreams. I wake up frightened. These recurring dreams may reveal a fear of emotional expression. Water dreams are excellent gauges of your emotional health. Calm, clear water indicates a harmonious inner life. Dangerous creatures lurking in the water, however, reveal an issue the dreamer needs to face. It's interesting that Samantha hides under the shark when it comes after her. It's as if she's safe under its radar, which may point to her feeling unsafe when revealing her feelings to others. (More likely, it's one particular feeling, since she's pursued by a single shark.) What this feeling is, and why she's fearful of expressing it, are questions Samantha's dreams can help answer.

Rising Above it All

Meredith in Los Angeles, California attempts to escape by flying:

I dream I'm being chased and trying to get away by flying. Someone I can't see or name is chasing me -- a nefarious sort. I'm flapping and trying to gain momentum and soar, but I start sinking. I flap harder and flap faster and run faster, but I am sinking and there's nothing I can do about it. I am also afraid of heights at the same time; if I get too high, I freak out. When I'm too tired to fly, I try to hide. But often they find me, so I just keep running and running. I'm exhausted when I wake up from these tiring dreams. Meredith's method of dealing with challenging situations is to rise above them. This can be effective in certain circumstances, like staying out of office politics or an argument between two friends. However, it can be exhausting when she attempts to fly too high (repeatedly stuffs her feelings). Finding a balance between silence and self-expression will keep her emotionally grounded, while enabling her to soar above the muck when she needs to.

A Friend in Disguise

What may surprise you about chasing dreams is that your pursuer has a positive intention for you. By hunting you down night after night, it's actually trying to help you resolve a problem that is hindering your personal growth. Think of your pursuer as a messenger from your higher consciousness, which always has your soul's best interests in mind.

Silver Fox

"It is all true, it is not true. The more I tell you, the more I shall lie. What is story but jesting Pilate's cry. I am not paid to tell you the truth."
Jane Yolen; The Storyteller

21.

Dreams - What Are They Trying To Tell Us?

Posted by: "Silver Fox" silverfox_57@hotmail.com   trickster9993

Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:49 am (PDT)




Dreams - What Are They Trying To Tell Us?
This article was written by Maria Shaw

What is your subconscious trying to tell you? Well, one good way to find out is through your dreams. When we sleep, our subconscious doesn't need to battle with our conscious mind. Our emotional side is not challenged by our logic, so it's easy for our subconscious to break through barriers. But it isn't always easy to understand what it is trying to tell us. The subconscious relays messages in the form of dream symbols, or sometimes even bizarre dreams in which we are participants or observers. Think of a dream as a private movie screening of a film in which you play the leading role, or perhaps just sit in the front row of the theater.

Dreaming is one of the best ways for the subconscious mind to get your attention. Many people get psychic impressions from their dreams. Others may only dream when being forewarned about a situation. Some people think they never dream. They do, but probably can't remember. In some dreams, our friends and family members may make an appearance. Even loved ones who have passed on can show up from time to time to say hello.

Prophetic and recurring dreams

There are two distinctly different types of psychic dreams: prophetic and recurring.

Prophetic dreams are those that give us a glimpse into the future. These dreams you will want to keep record of and attempt to interpret.

My friend Mona had a dream that I was in Italy and being followed by a handsome, young Italian man. She told me she dreamed of me going into a store while this man was watching me. She didn't feel good about this guy, and described him as creepy. Her details were pretty vivid: I was all alone, it was during the day, and I was definitely in Italy.

Weeks later, my friend Julie asked me to go to Italy with her on a business trip. I was very excited and had completely forgotten about Mona's dream. While Julie was busy with her meetings all day in Milan, I was sightseeing by myself. I went into a huge department store to shop and that's where I noticed this older Italian man staring at me. I felt uncomfortable and went into another department. He followed. I casually walked into another department to see if I could lose him. He was right behind me. Then I got on the escalator and went downstairs. He made his way to the escalator, too. Off I went into another department. He was there! I made a bee-line for the front door of the store, pushed my way through a crowd of people, got on the subway and lost him. My friend's dream was pretty accurate. But her description of this "stalker" was off. He wasn't handsome at all!

This is a good example of a prophetic dream. If someone dreams about you, ask them for details. It may be nothing. Perhaps it's something silly, but it could be important.

Recurring dreams are ones you have repeatedly. The same theme or series of events is always played out in this type of dream. If you experience a recurring dream, there's probably a psychological or emotional reason for it. Your subconscious mind is telling you that there is an issue, fear, or worry you need to examine within yourself.

Other types of dreams

Here are a few other dream categories:

Precognitive dreams: These are psychic dreams that can foretell the future. Make special note if you have a dream that feels precognitive. Even if the details are a little off, they may be close enough to alert you to upcoming events.

Warning dreams: These dreams alert us to possible danger or problems ahead. These dreams help us by giving us prior knowledge so we can be prepared or a crisis our even stop it from happening.

My friend Char had a warning dream that scared her. She dreamed of a school that had yellow police tape all around it — the kind you see at crime scenes. She said it worried her because it was very real, and she was shaken when she awoke from the dream. She described small children running out of the building and dozens of police cars circling the school. She was frustrated because she didn't know exactly where the school was. She felt helpless without more information. She wanted to be able to warn someone, but didn't know who. About two days later and twenty miles from where Char lives, a first grader shot another classmate. The little girl died. The tragedy made national news headlines. The events that occurred later had been revealed first in Char's warning dream. It could be considered a prophetic dream, too.

Factual dreams: We have lots of these! They don't last long, and we're more apt to get bits and pieces of information than tangible knowledge. However, they can be very helpful. For example, you could dream of being interviewed for a new position or of talking with a friend about something that is actually happening in your life.

Inspiration dreams: If you are going through a personal crisis, perhaps having a difficult time at work or worrying about something, an inspiration dream offers a solution. It can give you insight to handle a situation. These dreams leave you with good feelings when you wake up.

Visitation dreams: Sometimes, deceased loved ones want to visit us, and the best way for them to connect with us is through our dreams. When we're asleep, our subconscious is open to receiving messages from the other side. But how do you know if you are just dreaming of a departed family member or experiencing an actual visitation?

A dream is something you'll remember when you first wake up. It fades over a few hours and eventually you'll have little or no memory of it. A visitation is an actual visit from the soul or spirit of someone. It seems like a dream, but you will remember it vividly. It stays with you all day, or sometimes for weeks and months afterwards...maybe even forever. During holidays and around anniversaries and birthdays, loved ones seem to make more visitations. It's as if they want to share these special days with you. If you have lost someone dear, know that you can still connect with them. Ask them to come to you in a dream. Many times, deceased family and friends come to us when we're involved in a major crisis to offer support and guidance.

Dream Journals

Many people are keeping dream journals these days. A dream journal doesn't have to be anything expensive or even fancy. A spiral notebook will work. Keep the journal next to your bed along with a pen. If you don't have time to write when you wake up, keep a tape recorder handy so when you wake up you can record what you remember.

Date the journal and write everything down that you can recall. Write it in sequence, or in bits and pieces – whatever is easiest. Colors, numbers, faces, places, people, discussions, times, and seasons of the year are all meaningful. Specific details are important. Throughout the day, if you think of anything else, write that information down too. No information is insignificant, though some bits may turn out to be more important than others.

Dreams are made up of many elements. There's always a main theme in every dream. Pick the one thing that stands out in your mind as being the most important, and analyze that first. I tell my clients that they are the very best interpreters of their own dreams.

Ask yourself first: What does the dream mean to you? Then look up meanings for individual symbols in a dream interpretation book, if you have one. If your dream is full of detail, this means it is very important. If you only remember fragments and it fades quickly, it's probably not as important. It may not have much meaning unless it is linked to another dream you've had in the past.


http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/706



Silver Fox

"It is all true, it is not true. The more I tell you, the more I shall lie. What is story but jesting Pilate's cry. I am not paid to tell you the truth."
Jane Yolen; The Storyteller

Recent Activity
Visit Your Group
Give Back

Yahoo! for Good

Get inspired

by a good cause.

Y! Toolbar

Get it Free!

easy 1-click access

to your groups.

Yahoo! Groups

Start a group

in 3 easy steps.

Connect with others.

Need to Reply?

Click one of the "Reply" links to respond to a specific message in the Daily Digest.

Create New Topic | Visit Your Group on the Web
___________________________________________________________________________

ø¤º°`  Earthwise   ø¤º°`
   <:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::]]======0
  The Worldwide Spirit of Paganism  
      in Australia,  America & Worldwide!
  Take a Look at Our Huge EBay Store
  For all your Magickal & Ritual Supplies
  http://stores.ebay.com.au/Astarte-Earthwise
___________________________________________________________________________

This Earthwise Book of Shadows group holds the expectation
that a tolerant, mature and respectful dialogue be strived
for in our communications with each other. Members are
encouraged to challenge anyone not adhering to these
principles and to notify the list owner Astarte if you are
offended by a posting, write to me at
earthwise@bigpond.com
Thank you.
___________________________________________________________________________

Earthwise is a world wide group.
We are based in Western Sydney, NSW. Australia.
Located in the valley before the beautiful Blue Mountains were
we hold sacred rituals, workshops, social events and outings,
for more information see our calendar of events at Witches Meetup
http://witches.meetup.com/1293/
___________________________________________________________________________

Astarte also works full time as a Psychic Counsellor, Medium,
Clairvoyant, Healer and Teacher.
If she can be of assistance to you, please see her home page at
www.earthwise.net.au
___________________________________________________________________________

ARE YOU CREATIVE?
Astarte is always sourcing new suppliers of quality pagan
related items, to purchase wholesale or even put on consignment,
she willing to purchase worldwide items for the Earthwise Store.
If you have something of interest please contact Astarte
earthwise@bigpond.com
___________________________________________________________________________

Niciun comentariu:

Trimiteți un comentariu