From the Editor...

Peeling back the layers

At Sunday's Meditation in the Park, there was this uncanny stillness. Quietness had permeated our little room in the forest and the trees stood motionless around us like silent sentinels, echoing the voice of winter. Even though these trees appeared to be in a state of stillness, in the darkness of the earth, their roots have extended far beneath the earth's crust, winding their way to that dark fertile place, where life is constantly regenerating.

This season of increasing cold and darkness is an excellent time to retreat and reflect upon the self. This is a time to take a long look at yourself; to go all the way inside your skin, inside your mind, inside your heart, inside your emotions, burrowing deep within the dark crevices of your soul to find that fertile place.

If you are authentic with yourself and dive deep into the core of your unconscious mind, you may find this process challenging. But by taking this plunge into the unknown you may discover who you really are at the core of your being.

Although most people fear the unknown, there's no real fear in this darkness. Soul reflection is demanding, and cannot be achieved at a surface level. Such is the work of the soul. Just as the heart has its own reasons, the soul has its own agenda and as we peel back the layers, new fears are unearthed and we are able to release more so we can evolve, heal and become whole.

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. ~ Carl Jung

Janine Donnellan

SOL's Full Moon Circle ~ May 13, 2011
Samhain

by Janine Donnellan

Click image to see ritual

At our Full Moon Circle on Friday 13th we celebrated Samhain and tapped into the energy of the Scorpio Full Moon. The energy of the Scorpio Full Moon offered the chance to let go of all that's happened in the past giving us more power in the present moment. This was indeed a time of transformation where a rare planetary alignment of Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter all added to the power of this magical circle.

The Celtic New Year marked the Sacred to the Divine child, to earth and to the death of the old and birth of the new, it is the winter quarter where vegetation dies and thanks is given to Mother Earth for the abundant gifts that will re-show in the Spring.

On this cold night, the ritual began and by the power of the Dragons the circle was cast. The element of each quarter was called and then we invoked the Morrigan & Cernunnos to join us between the worlds to celebrate the year unfurled.

We then made an offering to the ancestors and the land spirits. Sliced apples were passed around with the words "Here is the apple of life and wisdom. Receive it and eat while remembering those who have died before you".

We called to our beloved dead to pass through the gates and join us in our offering. A meditation was conducted to allow us to connect to our ancestors. After the meditation we all shared our experiences.

We then thanked our ancestors, the Morrigan and Cernunnos and the elements for their guidance and the residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded to individuals for healing. The circle was closed and we all finished the evening with our usual feast.

Your cauldron is a well of death and rebirth,
Hear us now as the yeast year slowly dies, only to be reborn again.
Today the last of the Harvests is complete.
This symbolic harvest is our thought-seeds;
Planted and nurtured throughout this past year.
May the good come to pass and the bad be cast aside.
May we have good health, prosperity and happiness.
Blessed Be

More information regarding this circle and past circles can be found in our Book Of Shadows. Our next Full Moon Circle will be held near Engadine on Friday May 13, 2011. Please contact us for further details if you would like to attend.

Anubis ~ God of the Dead

In cultures all over the world, the spirit of Death has been honoured at Samhain. Anubis is one god who represents death and is known as the Egyptian God of the Dead. He is also the Guardian of Sacred Esoteric Mysteries. Anubis was often depicted as either a black canine with long sharp ears, or as a man with a canine head. In ancient Egypt, dogs and jackals were often seen scavenging around the edges of the desert, near the cemeteries where the dead were buried, and it is thought that the first tombs were constructed to protect the dead from them. It is interesting to note that the black colour of Anubis is not natural to jackals or to the wild dogs of Egypt; there is a possibility that it may refer to the discoloration of a body after death and during mummification.

Anubis's cult is older than that of Osiris, and can be traced to the Sumerian goddess Bau who was also dog-headed. Anubis himself, written in early heiroglyphs as 'An-pu', may be a direct continuation of Bau's father, the Sumerian god AnANUBIS - Other Names: Anpu, Inpu, Ienpw, Imeut (Lord-of-the-Place-of-Embalming).

The God Anubis looked after the dead, and was in charge of the important task of mummification and is well known for his role as a psychopomp (one who ushered the souls of the dying from this world into the next). It is believed that due to his association with the process of embalming, he inherited the attributes of the jackal but it may equally have been that of a wild dog.

Anubis was originally the lord of the underworld, however following the rise of the cult of Osiris he was designated to the role of gatekeeper. This role was primarily that of either holding or watching the scales with which the souls of the dead were weighted against the feather of Ma'at. If the soul was as light as the feather, Anubis led the soul to Osiris; otherwise, it was fed to Ammit, a terrifying female demon who was known as "the eater of the dead". In this role, he is sometimes identified with a god known as Wep-wawet ("opener of the ways").

Anubis was also the keeper of poisons and medicines. He provided unguents and rare herbs to help Isis and Nephthys with the embalming of Osiris. Anubis then performed the funeral of Osiris, which would be the model for all funerals to come. As he received the mummy into the tomb, he performed the 'Opening of the Mouth' ceremony. This ceremony was performed at the funeral to restore the senses of the deceased so that they could function with all faculties in the afterlife. The ceremony was done by touching an adze (a tool for opening orifices) to the mouth of a mummy or statue of the deceased; it was believed to restore the senses in preparation for the afterlife.

References:
http://www.linsdomain.com/gods&goddesses/anubis.htm
http://www.egyptartsite.com/anubis.html
http://www.psychopomps.org/psychopomp-guide.html

Death and Dying

I have found the subject of death is sometimes avoided, even in the Pagan community. I believe this is because of our Western society's attitude. In the East dying is considered part of the living process. Many years ago I was talking to a friend who had been to Nepal on a walking holiday and she found it interesting that their guide was not afraid of the precipices over which they were travelling. Being a Buddhist he believed he would return. We've been taught by Christian thought that there is either heaven or hell, and having not been given enough information, we can't be sure if we qualify for heaven. So, our society is afraid of death, hence all the elderly folk with no quality of life. As Pagans we believe in a better place, the 'Summerlands', as in Wicca, and many other places, depending on our traditions. Many of us believe in reincarnation, and so, have the concept of continuation.

During my training and development as a magician I've had spontaneous memories of my past lives, which have been numerous, so I do have the personal belief of reincarnation. I was also given the intuitive knowledge of when I would die, many years ago. When I would mention this to my fellow Pagans, saying that I would choose my own time of death, I would often get told, "You can't do that, as it is against the rules of the universe". Interestingly enough, in the old occult literature it is written that an adept will choose their time of death.

While at a workshop in 1992 that was run by my mentor, I mentioned this fact to her and she said something really beautiful to me. "Life is a gift, Andrea, do we give someone a gift and then tell them what to do with it?" She then went on to tell me that she would be there to greet me when I arrived.

In my training I was taught to build a death meditation, before I die, in which one builds a place to go to immediately after they have died. It is a stopping off point before one goes to their ultimate place. Mine is the temple of Isis as per my past life memories. One builds their own place in the astral. An example is a house from one's memory, then, fill it with the people who you know that have gone before. You can even put your deceased pets in it. Make it as real as possible, visit it often in meditation, making sure you shut the gate/door every time you come back. This is possible because the astral is plastic (flexible), and can be used to build though forms. When you die just go through into your place.

I also have the distant memory of where I go from there. It is a place of complete harmony, as it is very difficult to be in disharmony on the inner levels. I will welcome this with open arms considering the life I've had here.

Accepting that I will die relatively soon, I am now free to live each day as it comes. A bit like people, who have had a near death experiences. It puts an interesting slant on life. I have put my house in order, so to speak, with instructions for my next of kin and my friends, including a last rite ritual thanking the elements for the use of them.

I have also helped very ill people to pass over by giving them 'the licence to depart' rite, as the one thing that is hardest to combat is the human instinct to survive, no matter what.

For reference I recommend Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki's 'New Book of the Dead'.

This article also appears in Crone and Sage.

Inner Realm of Ynys Witrin
~ Year of Fire and the Pyramid

by Janine Donnellan

Click images to see enlarged photos

SOL's Dark Moon circle, known as the Inner Realm Of Ynys Witrin, is a group of committed seekers who are embarking upon a journey of discovery to know themselves and to experience new realities. Over the past few years we have been working through a 5 year plan of learning and initiation. We have been working with the Dragons of each Element on a Path of Initiation called a Dragon Attunement. This year we have been working with the element of Fire. The Fire Dragon is a symbol of transmutation, energy and mastery, enthusiasm, courage and vitality.

Triangles represent strength and all things and also the triple nature. The downward pointing triangle is a feminine symbol; the upward pointing triangle is a phallic, masculine symbol. With our year of fire we are utilizing the upward-pointing triangle (the symbol of the element Fire) representing the yearning of the manifest to reach or return to the Divine. The triangle is represented in the pyramid. The square pyramid is a solid figure with a base that is a square and has four faces that are triangles meeting at a common point. This shape symbolizes willpower, courage, passion and self-definition. In alchemy the chemical element of sulphur was often associated with fire and its alchemical symbol and its symbol is also an upward-pointing triangle.

SOL's Craft master, Rayvensclaw made a special Square Pyramid for our Dark Moon Circle's Altar. As you can see each side opens up to reveal an element and a direction. The base is a square within a square. The perfect square is the most stable of astrological shapes and represents kinship, it also suggests safety in the status quo, in remaining inside the structure, hugged by the familiar confines, each corner and each side of which is marked by sameness. The square represents the family and the foundations of the organisation of our group.

The Capstone is a stone that caps something off. It holds all the sides, the group together and it represents the crowning achievement; the pinnacle that we are all working towards, together as a unit on our journey of discovery.

Shaman's Tools

A shaman is a healer who helps people to understand and respect the natural and the supernatural world around them and within them. A Shaman is the mediator between the material world and the various astral realms and can walk between these realms at will.

An important aspect of Shamanism is the tools the shaman uses, these tools are physical representations of the tools that the shaman uses during his or her astral journeys. The tools e.g. the drum or the rattle can assist the shaman in entering an altered state of consciousness. Shamanic tools therefore focus and express energy received from Spirit which can be used for healing, diagnosis, cleansing, journeying and divination.

Shamanic Smudging

Shamanic smudging is an ancient tribal tradition which has been used to create harmony and peace. There are many different shamanic smudging ceremonies, and different tribes throughout the planet use a variety of herbs for smudging.

Usually shamanic smudging involves a four directions process, which sends specific kinds of smoke into the four directions to do a specific action, such as cleansing or aiding in divination.

Smudging is essentially a purification rite to help cleanse all negative energies and restore harmony to your body and your environment. Smudging is the burning of a selection of herbs to purify ceremonial tools and ritual space. The vibrations that smudging creates can also cleanse and purify the subtle energies of one's aura.

When cleansing a tool you just pass it through the smoke with your intent to purge all negative energies from the tool. When cleansing a space walk around the whole area with the burning herb with the intent of cleansing the area of any negative vibrations. While you are cleansing the space pay particular attention to corners where negative energy can accumulate.

You can use a smudge stick or selection of herbs. Place the individual herb or mixture of herbs into a shell, or fireproof bowl or dish. When the mixture is lit a fan or feathers are often used to distribute the smoke throughout the area. One should note that particular feathers used in the smudging can bring in the qualities and medicine of the bird of origin.

Herbs that can be incorporated into your special smudging mixture are: Eucalyptus, white sage, lavender, cedar, rosemary, clove, basil, lemon verbena, scented geraniums and myrtle.

Fable Magick

I am just a kid that refuses to grow up I guess, choosing to embrace a world of unlimited creativity and fantasy. And I am here to equip you with your fantasy designs to help you manifest your internal world into your world of form. I feel very blessed to have a role which is very rare in this world - to be able to make people very special items which they are inspired by, and to give creation to their dreams. I give people a rare avenue of creative power in a world permeated by cheap mass produced form. I turned from a successful professional career in sales to undertake this role with solemn commitment. I guess my love affair with swords started like most peoples', through popular fiction. For me it was He Man as a child, and later the Conan movies, and then Braveheart. More recently I've enjoyed the Narnia, and Lord of the Rings film recreations of some of my favourite books. When I realised I could buy a fully functional sword I became engrossed in the study, and it wasn't long before I started spending long hours in the workshop customising and upgrading my pieces.

However due to my disenchantment with the questionable quality of 3rd world made 'production' swords, and with my wife encouraging me to just make my own, I started making swords from scratch in 2007 and I have not looked back. (She's hardly seen me since hehe.) In truth, since embracing my craft I have had so many gifts from the universe to facilitate my journey. And so many fantastic customers who've helped me develop my craft. I've always been handy doing all my own work on my motorcycles and cars, taught by my dad and granddad through childhood.

I really enjoy helping my Pagan clients create their ritual tools as well and I hand-make one-of-a-kind wands, staves, athames, knives and daggers. While I do not practice myself, I have long followed a very spiritual path.

I enjoy Celtic, Classical, New Age and Instrumental music, along with a little Metal. I also spend a bit of time listening to inspirational teachings form Eckhart Tolle and others.

I ride my Motocross Bike as often as I can. I enjoy a Vegetarian Lifestyle. I live on rural land not far from Perth, Western Australia with my beautiful wife, Bec and our fur family. Bec is an Holistic Veterinarian here in Perth. You can check out her natural petcare website here: Cherished Creatures. It's full of great resources and products for supporting your pet naturally.

About My Swords

To help build a picture of me: I am a fellow working from my home workshop, I'm my own boss :). Rather than relying too heavily on machines I do a lot of work by hand and pay very close attention to detail to ensure my pieces are crafted with excellence. Slow and steady making sure the work is done to my best standard. Hours of drawfiling, and hand sanding with a cork block go into each piece. Spray from my angle grinder cements the walls of my grinding & forging shed though I try to keep it pretty orderly. Theres many blunted files and torn up sheets of sandpaper kicking around the floor. I am blessed to have access to my wife's granddads equipment in our 'Machinery Shed'. He is a retired gunsmith and has some cool tools he lets me use. A very sophisticated though very old Milling Machine and Lathe being my favorites.

The swords I make are REAL swords. Fully functional. Built for durability, and to perform as a live sword for performance cutting. They are not toys, wallhangers, or stage props. They are built to perform to their purpose, with excellent heat treatment qualities and excellent blade geometries. All blade steel stock used is brand new 9260 spring steel cut by the length and annealed.

All swords are hand sculpted individual pieces - earning all of my attention. Being handmade they rely on a steady hand, a keen eye, and a feel for how the metal is taking shape. As such they have a smoother, more organic look and feel about them, compared to a machine finished piece. I do spend a long time fussing over trying to get little details just right. I think I am my toughest critic. The pieces are not computer cut, but made with painstaking attention - by a loving human hand.

Each piece has endured many hours at my hands, being crafted into it's final form. Through these hours at my hands I feel the result is true meeting of imagination and the form that lives within the wood and steel. Each piece is a true one off and unlike anything else.

Blades won't come with a mirror polish, but rather a satin finish (approx 400 grit). Historical swords were not mirror finished, and mainly lower end third world forges generally offer their swords in a mirror finish, to suit the wall hanger market. The satin finish is beneficial to maintenance through the sword's active life.

All blades are stock removed via grinders and files, and finally hand sanded and custom fitted with their hilt components.

Pommels and guards are (unless stated) sculpted by hand from solid blocks of mild steel, not cast. Grips will have a European Beech core if they are leather covered. Though I love featuring exotic woods from Australia and around the world too.

All swords have broad full tangs with radiussed shoulders for strength; built to be a fully useable tool. The temper of the tang and shoulder is drawn back with a torch to low 40s hardness, to enhance durability, and becoming softer yet back to the pommel mounting.

I control the heat treatment in a purpose built electric kiln, which I made myself to suit my needs. This provides uniform heat to the whole blade, and precise digital readings and accurate control of the temperature. Heat treatment of blades includes multiple normalisation cycles, quenching in oil to harden, and multiple tempering cycles giving a resilient edge hardness of approximately 52-53Rc. Theres a little vid below showing my testing of some sample pieces of steel, and destruction of a thin knife blade I forged.

Clip: testing of steel samples heat treated in my kiln:

See more Fable Blades videos.

The Book Corner

Welcome to The Book corner! You will find in this section book reviews, new books coming out, interviews with authors and even information about authors signing or talking about their books. If you would like to suggest a book to be reviewed, or even if you want to give us your own review or give us information, please let us know!

We will focus on books about Paganism, Witchcraft, Magic, Shamanism, Paranormal Investigations, Earth-based Spirituality, and may also include books on mindfulness, eco-living and others we find interesting. Obviously reviews are based on personal opinion; they are not set on stone and are not meant to be the "ultimate guide". Also please keep in mind I am not a Journalist and do not intend to be one, I am simply a proud Pagan "nerd" who loves her books!

Witch: A Personal Journey ~ by Fiona Horne

I love this book! Well some of it anyway. My favourite part of the book is the introduction (Spelling it Out), as she talks about her own history as a Witch, her views on what Wicca is and how she lives it. I could relate to what brought her to this Path, the discrepancy between a Catholic education and trying to find something else, deeper within your own soul, the way it changed her life, the curiosity.

I found the chapters Spell boundaries: Casting Circles and making your own sacred space, Wheel of the Year: the Eight Sabbats and Having your Wicca'd Way! Tips for easier and more effective Witchcraft, to be the most helpful and informative in the book. Ly Warren and her books have obviously been an important part of Fiona Horne's Witchy life so the interview is quite interesting to read as it is written with passion and love.

With the other chapters, well, I got really bored with the chapter on re-incarnation; first she talks about two personal experiences with regression and reincarnation, only to say that she does not believe in them. And then there is the chapter on hexing, which really I wish was not part of the book. But then again, Witch is a very personal book and I do believe is very brave to be so honest about your views regarding the topics covered in the book. Overall I enjoyed reading the book (especially as I said the first part), if felt like I could hear Fiona Horne's voice through it, or like I could take a peak into her history and view of the world, and for that I feel thankful and honoured.

OTHER BOOKS BY FIONA HORNE

Witch: A Magickal Year (Random House Australia, ISBN 0-09-184000-7, 1 October 1999)
Life's a Witch: A Handbook for Teen Witches (Random House Australia, ISBN 1-74051-022-4, November 2000)
Witch: A Magickal Journey: A Hip Guide to Modern Witchcraft (Thorsons, hardback ISBN 0-00-710399-9, 1 January 2001; paperback new edition ISBN 0-00-712132-6, April 2002) (Northern Hemisphere edition of Witch: A Personal Journey and Witch: A Magickal Year)
7 Days to a Magickal New You (Thorsons, hardback ISBN 0-00-712346-9, October 2001)
Magickal Sex: A Witches' Guide to Beds, Knobs, and Broomsticks (Thorsons, ISBN 0-00-714133-5, September 2002)
Witchin': A Handbook for Teen Witches (Thorsons, paperback ISBN 0-00-713695-1, school/library binding ISBN 0-613-89284-4, February 2003) (Northern Hemisphere edition of Life's a Witch)
The Coven: Making Magick Together(Random House, Australia, 2005)
Pop! Goes the Witch: The Disinformation Guide to 21st Century Witchcraft (Editor) (Disinformation, paperback ISBN 0-9729529-5-0, 15 July 2004) - Edited and some sections written by Fiona Horne
Bewitch a Man: How to Find Him and Keep Him Under Your Spell (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, hardback ISBN 1416914749, 26 September 2006)
L.A. Witch: Fiona Horne's Guide to Coven Magick (Llewellyn Publications, paperback ISBN 0738710342, 1 April 2007)

Herbes ~ Bay & Juniper

Some time ago BAY and JUNIPER were written about, but only briefly. So I've decided to write about them both this month to give you a little more information about them.

Crystals ~ Black Sapphire

Winter approaches, but if we go by what the weather has been like in the last few weeks I believe winter is already here! Humans and nature alike tend to hibernate. Nature slows down, goes within and rests. Now is the time to contemplate life, the past, present and future. Winter is a time of reflection.

Quinoa, the food of (some) of my ancestors

Quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wa' or 'kin-wah') is native to the upper Andes of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. The botanical name is Chenopodium quinoa and it is commonly known as Goosefoot. Like other members of the Amaranthaceae (Amaranth) family the seeds are harvested as a pseudocereal - true cereals being grasses. It grows on free-draining soil in high altitudes of up to 4000 metres. Quinoa has been cultivated for at least 6000 years in the Andes where it was sacred to the Incas. Other members of the family have been cultivated commercially in North America and Europe and can be cultivated in Australia (although some are considered weeds).

Quinoa means "mother grain" in the Inca language. This crop was a staple food of the Inca people and remains an important food crop for their descendants, the Quechua and Aymara peoples who live in rural regions. It was forbidden by the Spanish conquistadors due to the grain being sacred and used in Rituals and Ceremonies.

The most surprising feature of quinoa is its high protein content of 12-18% which is higher than meat. The proteins quinoa produces are a well-balanced mix that is superior to any other grain. It's also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. It has a low glycaemic index (GI), is gluten free and high in dietary fibre. With all of these great features it is unsurprising that the Incas called it the 'mother of all grain' and that NASA is considering it as a potential crop for manned space flights in the future.

Storage and tips

Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place for several months, or in the fridge for longer life. To cook, rinse quinoa, then bring one part quinoa & two parts water (or stock for more flavour) to the boil. Simmer, covered for 15 mins. When cooked, the quinoa looks pearly with a 'saturn ring'. Remove from heat & stand for 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a fork.

For a nuttier taste, roast the dry quinoa in a dry frying pan over lower heat for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, before cooking as above.

Quinoa will approximately triple in size when cooked. You can use quinoa as a substitute for grains like cous cous.

QUINOA, CHORIZO AND AVOCADO SALAD

Ingredients:

1 cup (180 g) quinoa
2 cups (500 ml) tomato juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium firm avocado
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 medium red capsicum, halved and finely diced
1 medium red onion, finely diced
1 1/3 cups (250g) drained and rinsed canned kidney beans
150g chorizo, in one piece

Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 clove garlic, crushed
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation method:

1. Place quinoa, tomato juice and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Cover pan and cook 10 to 15 minutes over low heat. Turn off heat, let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover pan and let cool, occasionally loosening grains with a fork
2. Dice avocado, place in a bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discolouration. Place on a large serving plate with capsicum, onion and kidney beans.
3. To make vinaigrette, whisk oil, vinegar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ground cumin and garlic in a bowl. Add salt, pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice to taste.
4. Pour vinaigrette over salad and stir in. Chill salad, covered, 1 hour.
5. Peel chorizo and slice thinly. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and fry sausage on both sides until light golden. Drain and add to salad. Serve at once.

REFERENCES:
http://thoughtfulfoods.org.au/ingredientoftheweek/quinoa
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/quinoa.html
http://lasa.international.pitt.edu/members/congress-papers/lasa2009/files/KolataAlanL.pdf

"Hail Sophia" is back on YouTube!

Back in 2004 Janine had an empowering and life changing experience with the Goddess Sophia whose unconditional love and sense of humanity inspired Janine to compose a song, called "Hail Sophia". It has been quite a while since "Hail Sophia" has been on YouTube, but finally it is back with a revised and improved version of the musical arrangement and a brand new video clip created by Jenwytch to go with it.

The Goddess Sophia is sometimes known as the 'Mother of All' or more commonly known as 'Wisdom'. Sophia represents the wisdom that we find inside ourselves. She is the alchemical process; she is the spark that ignites the eternal flame that awakens your soul. (See the song lyrics and read more about Goddess Sophia at Hail Sophia - Goddess of the Feminine)

Poetry and Artwork by Katie Anderson

Katie Anderson is a poet and artist living in the Saint Louis area. Her work has appeared in The Faerie Nation Magazine, Litmag, and the Global Goddess Oracle. She currently holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in History from the University of Missouri - Saint Louis. She is deeply passionate about the study of mythology and the afterlife. She experiments with free verse, epic and narrative poetry.

Harvest Twilight

"Falling Leaves" (Click to enlarge)

Smoke, I bid thee
to the winds
to the heavens
wafting gracefully
as these offerings to spirits and ancestors, all
Liquid splashing down to the earth
libations for the presence of aerial and earthly gods
as witness
to this late harvest rite.
As the dawning of the blood and amber draw near
moving away from the sun
the earth, in her darkening embrace
Shall we light our fires
to remind us of the eternal flame
that burns long and bright.
Autumn's days are an awakening
for hers is the hour of twilight
the shadowed borealis
that lies between space and form
Shine for us this night
as we draw forth - with soul food
to honor the twilight of the universe
the time, in-between the shadows
the shallowing of the veil draws near.

"Snow Maid" (Click to enlarge)

Scrying the Soul

Dark moments of solitude
plunge my soul
into vacant reflections
when these keys
unlock unseen mysteries
melting my being
into the radiant pools of an obsidian chasm
deconstructing identity
long enough to see myself

An act long overdue.

Katie Anderson is a self taught illustrator. She attended courses on illustration, basic design and sculpture at Central Florida Community College and the University of Missouri - Saint Louis. Her illustrations address themes of fantasy, science fiction, and mythology. Katie Anderson attended the Florida Community College Press Association conference in 2000, where she was awarded third place for cover design. She was also awarded second place at CFCC's Art on Campus competition in 2002. While attending the University of Missouri, she gained two years of experience in graphic design for web and print, assisted with over 30 exhibition installations, and curated three exhibits at Gallery 210. She also dabbles in jewelry design and digital art. She is currently living in Saint Louis, Missouri.

See more of Katie's art on her website at Studio Rosalva: Original creations by Katie Anderson.

Her poetry website is Nox Canto: An Anthology of Poetry by Katie Anderson.

Back to Axis Mundi home page

Issue 39 - AUTUMN/WINTER, MAY 2011, ISSN 1839-4396

SPHERES OF LIGHT (SOL)
ABN 46 385 794 818
We are based in Australia, in the Sydney-Illawarra area of NSW.
More about us...

For general inquiries...
Phone Janine on 0408 025 268 inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au

In addition to our regular Full Moon Circles we also run workshops and classes which are highly interactive and experiential, focusing on participation and engagement of participants. If you want to keep abreast of SOL's circles, gatherings, workshops and activities please click on the banner below to check out our Events Calendar.

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SOuL Searchers is Spheres of Light's paranormal investigations subgroup. One of the many things you will find unique about the SOuL Searchers team, unlike the majority of other paranormal investigators, is that we undertake our investigations from a shamanic perspective.

New Article...

• Sleep Paralysis

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Crone and Sage is a website that is dedicated to our pagan elders who want to share their knowledge and wisdom, magic and life experiences in the form of articles, poetry, recipes, artwork and music. We would like this website to become a special place where readers of all ages can sit a spell and learn about our elder's talents and knowledge. It would be truly wonderful if this knowledge could be shared with the many generations within our community, just like the ancients have done over the centuries.

New Articles...

• Death & Dying
• The Hag

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The Spheres Of Light Holistic Centre has within its members practitioners who can provide Spiritual Healing in a variety of natural healing modalities. Each modality is designed to heal all levels of the body; the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Working with ancient universal energies, healing works to restore balance, bring inner harmony and peace, to re-energise the body, to stimulate the body's own immune system and so aid recovery, as well as inducing deep relaxation. Healing is excellent for relieving modern day stresses and providing support during difficult times in your life.

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If you want to know about current topics check out the forum pages. This is a place where you can discuss ideas and catch up on general news. So if you want to participate please become a member as we would love to hear from you.

• General Forum
• Weekly Tarot
• Paranormal Investigations

... plus much, much more!

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The National Pagan Directory is a Spheres Of Light initiative to help Australian Pagans connect with each other in their local area. It is a FREE listing & provides links to information about covens, groups, classes, workshops, retreats & other special Pagan events, plus Aussie Pagan businesses & services. If you would like your coven, group, regular meet-up to be listed in the NPD please send us your details. To list your one-off or special events please use our Australian Pagan Events forums. We also invite Celebrants in the Pagan community to promote their services in the NPD. For further information & contact details click on the banner above.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING
AT SOL?

SOL Full Moon Circle
June 17, 2011

Spheres Of Light holds regular Full Moon Circles near Engadine (Southern Sydney, Australia) on the Friday before each Full Moon. These Full Moon gatherings are Open Circles, meaning that all Pagans are welcome to come along any time and experience a Full Moon circle with us. Details here...

SOL Meditation in the Royal National Park
Sunday June 19, 2011

Click here for more information...

Come join us for meditation in the beautiful surrounds of The Royal National Park. Our meditations will be conducted every third Sunday of the month. Please email inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au for times and meet up details.

(Please Note: you must be over 18 years of age to attend any SOL gatherings, events, classes & workshops.)

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OTHER PAGAN AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

Please email us the details of any pagan or community events, classes, workshops or regular meetings that you'd like to see promoted here in this free listing.

PAN Full Moon Public Circle
Thursday June 16, 2011 at Seven Hills, Sydney (map)

Date: Thursday June 16, 2011 at 8:30pm
PAN Inc. full moon ritual. PAN runs a public full moon ritual each month at Rotaract Hill, Seven Hills. Anyone is welcome to attend - the purpose of the ritual is to provide members of the pagan community an opportunity to celebrate the full moon together & network with friends, it is also a public ritual where those new to paganism can attend to learn more and meet like-minded others, and the rituals also help inform the general public about what pagans do and dispel misguided myths about paganism and witchcraft.

The circle is held on the top of Rotaract Hill on Terminus Road Seven Hills NSW, just next to the train station. Getting there is easy. If you take the train, the hill is less than five minutes walk (and easily visible from the station). If you drive, there is plenty of parking available both at the base of the hill and across Terminus Road. Full Moon info and contact details here.

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Workshops at Miranda (Embrace) & Wollongong (Lotus) NSW

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Links to Pagan groups, businesses, celebrants & more can be found on our National Pagan Directory. Click on the banner below...

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KITCHEN WITCHERY

Yule Moon Cookies

1 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cup grated almonds (blanched)
1 tsp. vanilla

Icing:
2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 Tbsp. water

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add grated lemon peel, salt, flour, grated almonds, and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix thoroughly. Place dough in bowl. Cover and chill thoroughly. When the dough is well chilled; or the next day, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness and cut with moon/crescent cookie cutter. Place 1/2" apart on un-greased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 180° oven for 8-10 minutes.

Icing: While cookies bake, combine confectioner's sugar, vanilla and water. Spread over the tops of cookies while still warm, but not too hot, as icing will melt. Thin with additional drops of water if glaze is too thick. Allow cookies to cool.

From:
www.angelfire.com/wa3/angelline/
yule_recipes.htm#mooncookies

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WITCHY CRAFTS

Anubis Incense

- used for divination and working with spirits

1 part Frankincense
1 part Mugwort
1 part Sandalwood
3 drops Lotus or Patchouli essential oil

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MAY TAROT READING

by Janine Donnellan

Six of Swords ~ Perception

The season has changed and it is a good time for some serious reflection. The time has come for you to fully open your eyes and see what is really in front of you. You have been so absorbed with your own problems that you have lost true perspective of the situation. The Six of Swords indicates that you should start striving to express realisations and truths which come from deep within yourself. The old way of life is now being left behind and situations may not have worked out the way you planned so you need to investigate other, more liberating, possibilities.

This card is reminding you to look within yourself, and understand what your true aims and goals are; for once you have to stop deluding yourself. You have the freedom to move forward, just remember to leave your unwanted baggage where it belongs in the past.

Tarot card is from Glastonbury Tarot by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

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Would you like to help sponsor our free eMagazine and advertise your pagan-friendly business in Axis Mundi? Click on the banner above for more details.

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**SUBMISSION DEADLINE**
14th of each month

Publication Date approx. 20th/21st

Submissions to this eMagazine are open to all pagans and pagan organisations; let us showcase your work. Submit your articles, poetry, book reviews, essays and opinions, hints and tips, information pieces and artwork. All contributors whose work is included in our eMagazine receive full credit, and are linked to their website if desired.

Submitting your work for consideration is easy. Just send an inquiry or the completed work to us. We give every submission careful consideration.
More info here...

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