sâmbătă, 30 aprilie 2011

[which_witch_is_witch] Digest Number 4737

Messages In This Digest (9 Messages)

1.
Friday Finds An Idea!, 4/29/2011, 9:00 am From: which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com
2a.
Camping From: Cher Chirichello
2b.
Re: Camping From: christopher.annon@yahoo.com
3.
Beltane recipes From: Grandfather Oak
4.
Alchemy of Aquaponics From: Living Mandala
5.
Free Intro to Aquaponics Webinar From: Living Mandala
6.
Telling Him where to go... From: grambadger@juno.com
7.
Thursday Night Prayer Circle, 4/29/2011, 8:00 pm From: which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com
8.
Blue Ridge Beltane Festival, 5/13/2011, 12:00 am From: which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com

Messages

1.

Friday Finds An Idea!, 4/29/2011, 9:00 am

Posted by: "which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com" which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com

Fri Apr 29, 2011 5:41 am (PDT)



Reminder from: which_witch_is_witch Yahoo! Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/which_witch_is_witch/cal

Friday Finds An Idea!
Friday April 29, 2011
9:00 am - 10:00 am
(This event repeats every week.)

Notes:
As we know the goal is to live our lives magically in the moment every day in the now and while it would be nice to go and buy all the cool witchy stuff that is out there...their is so much in every day objects that we can use around the home.
So here is what I suggest...Post up an every day object once a week and let the creative juices flow and post up what we would or could possibly use it for magically.
I thought it would be kinda cool and inspiring...whatcha think..

Namaste'
Wendy

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2a.

Camping

Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM   chic0411

Fri Apr 29, 2011 5:54 am (PDT)



I'm going camping for the weekend, anyone that is a Mod Please look after the
groups, Facebook group and page, Ning site, and Yahoo groups. They are find but
just in case things go nuts as the cat is away LOL

Thanks

Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!

Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/New_Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web sites: NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
Cher NJP Link: http://www.facebook.com/chic0411
Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/#!/NJPagans
Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=93725735017
2b.

Re: Camping

Posted by: "christopher.annon@yahoo.com" christopher.annon@yahoo.com   christopher.annon

Fri Apr 29, 2011 5:56 am (PDT)



Have fun!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: Cher Chirichello <CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:54:13
To: Group NJpagans<NJPagans@groups.care2.com>; LifesaWitchandSoamI Group<Lifes_a_WITCH_So_am_I@yahoogroups.com>; Mari Cowley<which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com>; New_Jersey_Pagan_Crossroads Group<New_Jersey_Pagan_Crossroads@yahoogroups.com>; New_Jersey_Pagans Group<New_Jersey_Pagans@yahoogroups.com>; NJPANNOUNCEMENTS Group<NJPAnnouncements@yahoogroups.com>; North_Jersey_Pagans Groups<North_Jersey_Pagans@yahoogroups.com>; Pissed-Off-Pagans Group<pissed-off-pagans@yahoogroups.com>; Anita Anthony<13moons@comcast.net>; <boobookit@aol.com>; Brian Belenchia<briankeithbel@yahoo.com>; Danielle Bonner<bonner9603@verizon.net>; <enigma9363@yahoo.com>; Karen Aistars<facebook@mysticspirit.net>; Licienne Benedetto-Sodano<giggyems@verizon.net>; Lori enigma9363<enigma9363@comcast.net>; Lori Bauersfeld<enigma9363@gmail.com>; Mace Gill<macegill@msn.com>; Marie Santaita<boobookit@optonline.net>; <mysticmuse66@yahoo.com>; Norm Vogel<nvogel1@tampabay.rr.com>; Terry Wagner<twagner66@yahoo.com>; Wendy Conover<riverofsouls@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [which_witch_is_witch] Camping

I'm going camping for the weekend, anyone that is a Mod Please look after the
groups, Facebook group and page, Ning site, and Yahoo groups. They are find but
just in case things go nuts as the cat is away LOL


Thanks


Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!

Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/New_Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web sites: NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
Cher NJP Link: http://www.facebook.com/chic0411
Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/#!/NJPagans
Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=93725735017

3.

Beltane recipes

Posted by: "Grandfather Oak" robert_patti@windstream.net   grandfatheroak_wizard

Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:53 am (PDT)



looking for a great spread for your Beltane feast or picnic? Here are some of my family's favorites for the Sabbat.

Sun-Dried Tomato Sandwiches
Absolutely delicious for the Beltane Picnic, and they keep well because they're not smeared with mayonnaise


½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
2 cups of fresh basil leaves, packed into a cup
½ cup fresh parsley leaves, packed into a cup
1/4 cup pine nuts
½ cup Parmasean cheese
Thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes
Crusty rolls

Make a fresh pesto sauce by putting your olive oil, garlic, basil, parsley, pine nuts and parmesan cheese into a blender. Blend until all the ingredients are chopped and incorporated.

Slice your crusty rolls in half. Spread some pesto sauce on each side.

Layer some thinly sliced mozzarella on one side. Spread your sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or whole, on top of the mozzarella. Cover with the other half of bread.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Fresh Herbal Butter

Making your own butter is easy and very tasty. Mix it with some fresh garden or produce store herbs and it makes a wonderful addition to your Beltane table for spreading on bread, topping vegetables or anything else you'd use butter for.

1 pint of whipping cream
Garden herbs (see suggestions below)

Pour the whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to whip the butter. This will take a few minutes. First it will become whipped cream, then butter cream frosting. Continue whipping it and eventually the fat will begin to clump and separate from the liquid. Keep blending until the fat is in one main large clump, which will stick to your mixer.

Drain off the liquid and reserve it- that's fresh buttermilk. It's a tasty drink, or you can reserve it for baking.

Scrape the butter off of the blender blades. Pour some fresh water into the bowl and slosh the butter around. Pour out the water and discard. Pour some more water into the bowl and slosh it around a bit more. Keep doing this until the liquid runs clear.

Squeeze your butter, either by placing it in a cheese cloth, gathering up the cloth and twisting, or just squeeze it in your hands. Discard all the excess liquid. Getting rid of this liquid will help your butter keep longer.
Place your butter into a bowl. Now it's time to add some herbs. Simply mix them in thoroughly while the butter is still soft. This is entirely up to you, add whatever your favorite are. Some of my favorites are:

Lemon Parsley- add 1 tsp lemon juice and one tablespoon of chopped parsley
Garlic butter- add 1 tbsp of minced garlic
Parsley and Chive butter- add 1 tbsp of chopped parsley and 1 tbsp chopped chivess
Scarsborough Fair Butter- 1 tsp each of chopped parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Pesto Butter- 1 tbsp chopped basil and 1 tsp chopped parsley

After mixing in your herbs, you can place your butter in an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator. If you like, you can make butter sticks by placing some on a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll it into the wrap tightly to create a tube, then press it down on the counter to flatten each side to make it rectangular. Cut off the uneven ends, and wrap up the butter stick and place it in the fridge to harden.

For Beltane, I like to scoop some on fresh vegetables, like carrots, broccoli and green beans, blanched or steamed until they are crisp-tender. I also like to set out a basket of crescent rolls with butter to spread.

Beltran's Beltane Picnic Potato Salad
My husband's family's recipe, a seasonal favorite that really plays on the salty/sweet flavors to tantalize your taste buds. This is good stuff, and goes great as a side dish with the sandwiches.

4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 apple, cored, peeled and cubed
½ red onion, chopped
½ cup of chopped or cubed ham
½ cup of green olives, chopped or sliced
Mayonnaise
Salt to taste

Place the potatoes into a medium pot and cover with water. Add a small handful of salt. Set them on the stove to boil. Boil them until they are fork tender. Drain them and place them in the fridge to chill.

When potatoes are chilled, mix them with your cubed apple, chopped onion, and green olives. Mix with mayonnaise- use as little or as much as your tastes prefer. Taste it. Salt and pepper to taste if desired. Keep chilled until serving.

Saffron Rice Pudding
This great Middle-Eastern style recipe produces a beautiful, brightly colored pudding, reminiscent of traditional Beltane dairy dishes. Perfect ending to a perfect meal.

½ cup long-grain rice
6 cups of milk
8 tbsps heavy cream
2 tbsp sweet butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
Cinnamon stick
Pinch of saffron
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Fresh nutmeg
½ cup coconut flakes (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place milk into a large saucepan. Add a pinch of saffron threads, cardamom seeds, and the cinnamon stick. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.

Reduce heat. Add the rice, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove the mixture from heat. Stir in the sugar, nuts, and if desired, the coconut.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, cream and butter until incorporated. Mix it into the rice mixture.

Pour the mixture into a heat-proof glass baking dish. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until it sets and becomes light golden brown.

Grate some fresh nutmeg over each serving, garnish with more slivered almonds and a dollop of whipped cream.

4.

Alchemy of Aquaponics

Posted by: "Living Mandala" livingmandala@livingmandala.com   livingmandala888

Fri Apr 29, 2011 12:07 pm (PDT)



Dear Friend,

Living Mandala and NorCal Aquaponics are excited to be offerring
trainings for these cutting-edge solutions for food and energy
independence amidst shifting climates and environment stress.

COMMERCIAL AQUAPONICS TRAINING: WITH APPLIED PERMACULTURE DESIGN
PLUS BIOGAS
May 21-22, 2011
Ukiah, California

This training is one of a few Commercial Aquaponics Courses available
in the country.

What makes this training especially unique as it will also include
business coaching as well as permaculture practices focused on closing
loops & creating an even more sustainable, dynamic, & regenerative
system.

And this time we are adding the additional component of Biogas!

Aquaponics combines Aquaculture with Hydroponics creating one of the
most sustainable and productive food systems on the planet.

Biogas is a naturally produced fuel, capable of powering stoves,
lights, refrigerators, and anything that natural gas or propane can
power.

At a time of global climate change, depletion of resources, pollution
of water, huge losses of top soil worldwide, and other threats to the
future of our food supply, there has never been a more important time
to learn about Aquaponics & Biogas.

The green market potential for Aquaponics & Biogas are huge and
growing fast! Get in on the solutionary action early by attending this
course.

More info below.

-The Living Mandala Team

COMMERCIAL AQUAPONICS TRAINING: WITH APPLIED PERMACULTURE DESIGN:
LAUNCHING THRIVING GREEN CAREERS

May 21-22, 2011

Ukiah, California

For More Information Click Here

Aquaponics Facts
Aquaponics uses up to 90% less water than conventional farming does
Aquaponics is energy efficient: It requires up to 1/3 of the energy
other farming systems use.
Aquaponics can have up to 8 to 10 times more vegetable production in
the same amount of time and area than conventional gardens or farms.
Labor can be reduced as much as 40%, while useful byproducts are
created that can be used to farm other crops, trees, soil, water, and
energy.
A permaculture inspired system produces all of the systems needs
(water, energy, fish feed, heat, etc.) on-site
Products of the system include: solar electricity, heat, fish, prawns,
vegetables, aquatic plants, algae, snails, worms, fertilizer, even
methane gas.

Course Description

Aquaponics is one of the most sustainable and productive farming
systems in the world. It combines Aquaculture and Hydroponics to
create a truly self-sufficient closed loop system that uses only a
fraction of the water, labor, energy, etc. that other methods use.
Combining Permaculture Design with Aquaponics creates an even more
sustainable, dynamic, productive & regenerative system. In this
intensive training you will learn some of the most cutting edge
pioneering aquaponics systems and gain a solid foundation from which
to create your own Aquaponics System, Farm & thriving Green Business.

Permaculture & Aquaponics

Permaculture and Aquaponics focuses truly sustainable closed-loop
systems are created that provide all the needs for the system with in
the system itself. Max Meyer's focus is on aquapionics systems that
that produce virtually all of the system's needs (water, energy, fish,
feed, heat, gas, etc.) onsite! Products of the Meyers systems include;
Solar electricity, Solar heated air, Solar heated water, fish, prawns,
vegetables, fruit, aquatic plants, algae, minnows, snails, worms, dry
and liquid fertilizers, even methane gas!

Biogas Digester Workshop

Biogas is a naturally produced fuel, capable of powering stoves,
lights, refrigerators, and anything that natural gas or propane can
power.

In this workshop you will get complete information about how to
understand, successfully make and properly use biogas (Day 1), as well
as how to make simple, effective, low–cost digesters. You will learn a
good deal about the tools and techniques required to build fairly
large as well as smaller digesters (Day 2). Everyone who attends the
first day of class will get a copy of The Complete Biogas Handbook
(which offers a much-praised view of everything concerning biogas).
Those who attend the second day will get a CD with a heap of wonderful
information, including more than 2 megabytes of information about how
to build all kinds of biogas digesters.

For More Info on the Biogas Digester Workshop Click Here.

The first twenty who attend both days will leave with their own small
Biogas Digester!

Instructors:

Max Meyers, David William House, Chris Byrne, and Special Guests

To Register for the PDC Grad Discount Click Here.

Cross-Pollinator Affiliate Program

We invite you to help us spread the word about this important course
and green business opportunity; and in turn, we will help to support
your work in the world by offering 10% commissions on referrals (or
credit towards a future course) for each person who signs up and pays
for a class through your customized affiliate link. To participate,
click the link below.

CLICK HERE - Commercial Aquaponics Course
$10% per referral

For questions & more information about the Cross-Pollinator Affiliate
Ambassador Program email:
affiliates@livingmandala.com

Thank you for helping to strengthen our network and further empower
regenerative educational initiatives on the planet.

More Information

e-mail: aquaponics@livingmandala.com
phone: (707) 634-1461
website: www.LivingMandala.com
5.

Free Intro to Aquaponics Webinar

Posted by: "Living Mandala" livingmandala@livingmandala.com   livingmandala888

Fri Apr 29, 2011 12:26 pm (PDT)



FREE Intro to Aquaponics Webinar
Date: Fri, April 29
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Join Max Meyers in this Introductory Webinar on Aquaponics with
Applied Permaculture
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/175298494
Space is limited.

Description

Aquaponics is one of the most sustainable and productive farming
systems in the world. It combines Aquaculture and Hydroponics to
create a truly self-sufficient closed loop system that uses only a
fraction of the water, labor, energy, etc. that other methods use,
while producing up to 10 times as much food!!

The webinar will introduce foundational concepts that will be expanded
upon at the training such as:
+ System design and construction
+ Business models
+ Case studies
+ Guidelines and more.

This hour-long intro will provide a sneak peak into the Upcoming 5-
day: Commercial Aquaponics Training with Applied Permaculture Design &
Biogas Max is leading in Ukiah, CA May 16-20.

For more information on the Commercial Aquaponics Training with
Applied Permaculture Design Click Here.

Permaculture & Aquaponics

Max Meyers brings over a decade of practicing and teaching
Permaculture into his teachings on Aquaponics. This approach ensures
that truly sustainable closed loop systems are created, as the design
embeds each of the system's needs (water, energy, fish, feed, heat,
gas, etc.) to be generated on site.

Products of a permaculture designed aquaponics systems can include:
solar electricity, solar heated air, solar heated water, fish, prawns,
vegetables, fruit, aquatic plants, algae, minnows, snails, worms, dry
and liquid fertilizers, even methane gas!

Join Max and others interested in this powerful farming method for
this FREE webinar, and visit the following link to read more about
this amazing approach to food generation, green business and
sustainable design:

Title: FREE Intro to Aquaponics Webinar with Max Meyers
Date: Friday, April 29, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM PDT
Registration: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/175298494

Living Mandala
Organizing Education, Events & Initiatives for Personal & Planetary
Transformation
www.LivingMandala.com
Find Living Mandala on Facebook!

350 Home & Garden Challenge
Grow Food, Save Water, Conserve Energy, Build Community
Register Your Action Today!
Join 350 Home & Garden Challenge on Facebook!

6.

Telling Him where to go...

Posted by: "grambadger@juno.com" grambadger@juno.com   ingram_jd

Fri Apr 29, 2011 3:59 pm (PDT)



It seems the Honorable Mr. Obama wishes to be a commencement speaker, and they have given us a choice and a means of expressing our wishes as to where he might speak.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/commencement#vote-top
Obviously, I have to take a moment to recommend Science Park High, in Newark.
Have your plugins turned on and a farely fast connection to use the interface Use the "next" button at the bottom to skip to the page for Science Park.

Cheers! ><><

__________________________________________________________
Penny Stock Jumping 3000%
Sign up to the #1 voted penny stock newsletter for free today!
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7.

Thursday Night Prayer Circle, 4/29/2011, 8:00 pm

Posted by: "which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com" which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com

Fri Apr 29, 2011 4:43 pm (PDT)



Reminder from: which_witch_is_witch Yahoo! Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/which_witch_is_witch/cal

Thursday Night Prayer Circle
Friday April 29, 2011
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(This event repeats every week.)
Location: Sending Protection, Strength, Healing, Prayers to Everyone Mentioned Tonight!

Notes:
I'm lighting this candle tonight for anyone who needs Prayers, healing , guidence, help or love. If anyone has anything they would like to post, can be a simple prayer or anything they need to talk about your more then welcome! Your in my prayers!

We like to send prayers out tonight for:
granddaughter Morganna (coolseawatersz)Brain Bleed, talking,
walking, head & neck muscles back to normal, poss. leaving
rehab soon, Lt arm still not moving much please more prayers!
Karen Starns (night_raven_5465) Brain Tumor
Mona (mo58_2001) Fibromyalgia & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Prayers also to Mona's daugher in law Lisa Bragg passed away after terrible accident 02/25/10
Rev. Felicity Lavelle (Breast Cancer)
Sharon (fotograffa2001) Fibromyalgia & Arthritis
Regina Rosian (emeraldharley2003 friend)cancer
Oberon (Colan CA, Hernia n Mesh surg)

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8.

Blue Ridge Beltane Festival, 5/13/2011, 12:00 am

Posted by: "which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com" which_witch_is_witch@yahoogroups.com

Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:05 pm (PDT)



Reminder from: which_witch_is_witch Yahoo! Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/which_witch_is_witch/cal

Blue Ridge Beltane Festival
Friday May 13, 2011
12:00 am - 12:00 pm
(The next reminder for this event will be sent in 5 days, 23 hours, 54 minutes.)
Location: Greenville, VA
Phone: 434-760-2792

Notes:
Visit us at www.blueridgebeltane.org

This is a great three day long festival. Starts On Friday May 13, 2011 and continues through Sunday May 15, 2011. You should come, lots to do, experience and love.....

Jenn

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[Earthwise] Digest Number 2604

Messages In This Digest (4 Messages)

Messages

1a.

Scott Cunningham's Magickal Beltane Spell Garden

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

Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:54 am (PDT)




Scott Cunningham's Magickal Beltane Spell Garden
© 1987 by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington

1. Decide what your magical intent is for this spell. On a piece of paper, draw the symbol (see below) and estimate how many bulbs you will need to create it. Allow each bulb a space about two inches in diameter. Simple symbols are easiest to create. Use a symbol that has personal meaning to you, or one of these used by Scott: Heart or two crescents, rounded portions touching, for love. One or more groups of three forming an upward-pointing triangle for peace in the household. Dollar sign for money and prosperity. Spiral for healing and regeneration. Left-facing crescent moon for psychic awareness.

2. Select a dish about 1 1/2" to 2" deep, broad enough for however many bulbs you need to create the symbol of your magical need.

3. Gather together enough small pebbles, crushed stone, small crystals, or, if sufficient natural materials aren't available, glass marbles to fill the dish. You can include a favorite crystal or other talisman stone, but the majority should be small stones so that the bulb roots can be held firmly in place.

4. Purchase as many Paper white bulbs as you need to outline your magickal symbol. These are round, chestnut colored bulbs about two inches in diameter and will usually be designed ready for planting.(They may have been chilled at the nursery to promote early blooming).

5. Place the pebbles and other materials you have gathered into the bottom of the dish.

6. Using a deosil (clockwise or sun wise) motion, press and turn the bulbs into the bed of pebbles until they are firmly embedded, with most of the bulb covered by the stones. Arrange the bulbs in the outline of your magical symbol.

7. Bless a vessel of purified water, visualizing your magickal intent flowing into the water.

8. Gently add the water to the dish. say a few words related to your magickal need, such as "As this heart of flowers blooms, let me receive love's boon" or "Green grow the leaves, brightly bloom the flowers, grant to me lots and lots of dollars." Add more blessed and charged water every few days as the bulbs absorb it. (The roots should ALWAYS be kept moist)

9. Enjoy the Paperwhite blossoms. Inhale their subtle fragrance as away of making their springtime magic a part of you spirit. As theybloom, your magickal desire will be manifested.

10. After the flowers bloom, remove the bulbs from the dish garden and trim off the leaves and faded florets. (Scott Cunningham, whose garden was often limited to the cement porch outside his second-story apartment, would carefully bag the bulbs, store them in a cool, dark place, and replant them the following year for use in another spell.)

May all your Beltanes be filled with flowers!

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.

Solitary Beltane Ritual

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

Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:54 am (PDT)




Solitary Beltane Ritual
Source: Ash

Equipment:

• A bonfire
• Rose essential oil
• Vanilla essential oil
• Colored ribbons
• 4 Red candles
• A wreath of flowers

1. Perform this ritual outside before a roaring bonfire if possible, but even just a small outdoor fire will do. Set up a small altar with the four candles placed at north, south, east, and west.

2. Set up an oil burner for the essential oil, and place a few drops of both rose and vanilla oil in the top of the oil burner.

3. Light the candles and say:

"This Beltane I celebrate the Spring, new life, new growth, and the fertility of nature."

Take the colored ribbons and tie them together at the top, before plaiting them together. As you do so, meditate upon the spring, new life, and new growth.

4. Place the plaited ribbons inside the wreath of flowers. Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the bonfire, and smell the scent of the essential oils. Breathe deeply and slowly and meditate upon the season and what it means to you.

5. End the ceremony by extinguishing the candles. Enjoy the bonfire until it begins to die away.

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

3a.

Story Of Beltaine

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

Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:55 am (PDT)




Story Of Beltaine
Source Unknown

The young Lord was out roaming the Earth, playing and frolicking in the woods, when he turned and faced the Lady. When the two saw each other, they instantly fell in love. So, they decided to marry.

They planned a great wedding feast. All the people across the land prepared for the wedding with much joy and anticipation.

When the wedding day came, the people brought thousands and thousands of flowers. They decorated each other and their homes with the flowers. They decorated trees with brightly colored ribbons, and they gave each other baskets of flowers and ribbons in celebration of the Sacred Marriage. They were filled with joy, and danced around may poles and rode in hobby-horse races.

The Lord and Lady were pleased with the gifts from the people. They added to their happiness on that sacred day. The Lord and Lady celebrated with the sacred kiss, and the whole Earth was filled with joy and hope of what might be.


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

4.

Pagan Fertility Rituals And Rites

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

Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:05 am (PDT)




Pagan Fertility Rituals And Rites
Apr 8, 2010 Steve Rogerson

Pagan fertility rites can be used for humans, cattle or crops and range from dancing round the maypole to blessing cattle as they go out into the field.

There are many fertility rites and rituals practised by Pagans and these mostly fall into three groups – those aimed at boosting human fertility, rituals for animal fertility and those aimed at increasing the amount produced by crops. Dancing is common in many such rituals, among the most famous being various Morris dances and dancing around the maypole.

Maypole Dancing

Dancing around the maypole is meant to be a ritual to welcome in the spring and bring good luck to farmers. Its origins are probably Germanic. The UK parliament banned maypole dancing in 1664 but it was restored later by King Charles II. Long ribbons are attached to the pole and each person grabs hold of a ribbon and dances round the pole in different directions to create a pattern. In most countries, maypole dancing takes place on or around the 1st of May but in Sweden it is also part of the midsummer celebrations.

Morris Dancing

Wassailing dances performed by Morris dancers are again meant to boost the fertility of crops. Elements of the dance also have other Pagan intentions such as clashing sticks to represent the battle between good and evil and ringing bells to scare away evil spirits. Wassailing also predates Christmas carols when people would go door-to-door singing. It some parts of England, it refers to cider drinking to the health of the apple trees.

Human Fertility

There are many goddesses associated with fertility and it was common to place statues or carvings of a goddess near to a couple's bed. The statues could also be placed on the family altar with suitable offerings made. The Fertility Moon web site goes into more details about the different goddesses.

Beltane

Beltane literally means the fires of Bel, a Celtic god. The Beltane festival held in the spring often involves a bonfire and courting couples gathering blossoms. As well as human and crop fertility, the fire and smoke were also meant to increase the fertility of cattle, which were brought to the fire.

Pomlazka

Pomlazka is still practiced in the Czech Republic on Easter Monday and involves men and boys spanking local women and girls with birch or willow branches until they give them decorated eggs. The whipping is meant to preserve the woman's health and beauty for the coming year. These days, for men at least, the egg is normally replaced with a strong alcoholic drink. A version of this in Scandinavia has children dressed as witches going door to door asking for chocolate eggs while waving decorated willow branches.

Finnish Cattle Ritual

In some parts of Finland, it used to be the tradition that when the cows were first let out onto the new pastures in spring, a woman would stand over the barn door with her legs apart so the cows would be blessed by her lady parts and thus be more fertile.

Sources

All the information in this article is generally available from multiple sources both in print and on the web. Thank you to Snowgrouse for helpful suggestions. The Fertility Moon site mentioned can be found here.

For more information on the Pagan origins of Christian festivals, see this article.

Read more at Suite101: Pagan Fertility Rituals and Rites http://pagan-wiccan-practice.suite101.com/article.cfm/pagan-fertility-rituals-and-rites#ixzz0kZLSGIne


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

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