Axis Mundi
The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
- Heraklietos of Ephesos

From the Editor...

Community Spirit

When I was a child I lived in a street where everyone knew each other. Neighbours would frequently call in for a cuppa and a chat without any announcement and front doors were never locked. I can remember spectacular New Year's Eve gatherings where every one congregated in the street to sing Auld Lang Syne and bashed pots and pans to welcome in the New Year. Everyone supported each other and there was a real sense of community spirit.

In today's society we have all become so insular. We often don't know the people that live in our street. Front doors are constantly locked for security reasons and our daily contact with the outside world is usually through digital images projected from a square box in the lounge room or through communications via the internet.

Today's communities are often cyber communities where our main chats are via forums, face book, pagan space, live space, my space and in reality there is no space or time for actual face to face communication. Its all becomes so impersonal, where blogs often become a sequence of diatribes with lots of lol's and perhaps a couple of smiley faces thrown in for good measure. Keeping in touch becomes a momentary funny poke or perhaps an occasional likeness test.

Recently I attended a Yule gathering with my circle of pagan friends where we each brought some food and drink to share. We all congregated around a log fire under the stars like our ancestors and gave thanks to the Gods for our bounty. We all engaged in real conversations about our daily lives. We laughed and joked around like all good friends do at such occasions and it made me realize how important community is to our wellbeing and how truly blessed we are that we can be apart of each others lives.

If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life; it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth.   -- Mitsugi Saotome

Janine Donnellan


Yule Symbel and Fireside Feast
~ Saturday July 5, 2008

by Jenni Barnett

Was Hael to all you Pagans out there! I trust that this last Yule was memorable and that a great time was had by all. This article is about the inaugural Norse Yule rite that I held at my place on the South Coast of NSW on 5th July. Yes, technically, Yule was on 21st June, but since I had commitments that filled my calendar for the two weeks prior, the 5th was the best day all round.

The lead up to the event was about doing the usual -- inviting the cast of thousands, taking the time out available to tune into the Gods and Deities who I would invoke on this night, shopping for food, cleaning the house and backyard etc.

I was a tad concerned about the weather the day before, as it had begun to rain. You can't have Yule without at least one bonfire -- it just wouldn't be Yule now, would it? The rain settled in, but despite this, I was putting it to the Gods that I would rather it be an outdoor event, it's a better way to honour you all, blah blah blah. It seems that the message reached them, because by the following morning, there was no further sign of rain at all. The bonfire could go ahead! Yay!

Another item on the agenda for Yule happened to be firewood. Fortunately, I live in an area where wood is plentiful from the bush, so my oldest son, a close friend of his and I took the car and loaded the boot up. Two boot loads later, the firewood was brought home in readiness.

I wasn't quite sure how we were going to burn the fire safely -- short of a drum perhaps, and a brazier that Samantha and Trevor kindly lent us. Then my boys came up with a brilliant idea. We had leftover pavers and the kids (along with my daughter) simply laid out the pavers in a large square, where we could lay the wood on top.

I bought a rather large pork that was roasting nicely in the oven at lunchtime -- I ensured that it was cooked right through so nobody felt sick afterwards! The boys tidied up the yard some more, and started laying the bonfire onto the square. There were one or two last minute phone cancellations, and I thought "Oh no, who else won't be able to show?" You know how it is, the last minute jitters.

I wrote up a bardic tale that I was reciting, grabbed a shower and the visitors started to arrive slightly before the ETA, while I was still in the shower. Never fails, does it? No problem, my kids (teenagers who already know who my friends are) simply let them in, the food was offloaded in the kitchen and Yule was about to begin. Sam and Trev set up the brazier around the back yard and eventually we all headed out.

What I'm about to narrate next is not recommended for reasons of safety, especially without close supervision! My son's friend, upon realising that the bonfire had not enough paper to allow for burning, wanted to pour petrol over it. I initially said no, he'd blow the place up. We reached a compromise, I allowed a very small amount on the top of the bonfire, just enough to get started. My son lit the fire with a barbecue lighter, and what happened next was rather bizarre.

I was close to the fire, my son lit it. I heard the noise of petrol igniting, saw a naked blue flame and my life flash before my eyes. It was like being in the centre of the flame. This all happened in the split second of ignition. Everyone present was gobsmacked. It was no small miracle that nobody got hurt. I honestly thought that I would've been singed, if not burned -- but I wasn't. My son should've copped the most, if anybody. There is every possibility that the fire was meant to be lit the way it was, and we were looked after. Frey would've been most impressed. Loki could've been lurking somewhere in the background, having a good old cackle. This would've been right up his alley! My son told me afterwards that he felt something similar happen with him. By comparison, the brazier fire was an anti-climax, but already smouldering nicely.

Eventually, the rite (called a symbel) was performed. I was the Valkyrie/horn bearer, passing the mead around, in honour of Thor for hallowing the circle, the Norns for weaving the well of Wyrd, and for Frey the fertility God. I had no structured ritual as such, adlibbing as I went along, but it was all good. I recited my tale about the death of Baldur, the binding of Loki and Ragnarok -- doom of the Gods. The rite ended and the feasting began.

Everybody brought a plate of delicious food, as is the custom. Janine brought along the most delicious mulled wine I ever tasted -- see last month's Axis Mundi for recipe -- needless to say that didn't last very long! The pork and crackling had cooked very well indeed, along with the baked potatoes. I had compiled a mix of music to play and we were all sitting outside enjoying the warmth of the fire, along with the good companionship that close friends provide. The sky was clear and the stars were out in all their magnificent glory. The one ironic aspect to the evening were the kids being inside (playing Xbox etc) while us oldies were outside.

Eventually, we all sat around the big bonfire, passing around the drinks, enjoying some light-hearted conversation and good natured banter. Not bad for my first Yule rite if I say so myself. It could be an annual event, with perhaps some safer planning in regards to the bonfire, but at least the pavers are a permanent addition.

My thanks to those who attended, sorry to those who couldn't -- I'm sure you were there in spirit. Thanks also to the Gods and ancestors who also attended, for without you, it wouldn't be Yule as we know it to be.

Till I churn out the next article, fare thee well.

Jenni Barnett is a practising Heathen of the Celtic and Norse pantheons. She also studies Astrology through the Sirius School of Astrology.


Runes

by Samantha Springall



"Wounded I hung on a wind-swept gallows
For nine long nights,
Pierced by a spear, pledged to Odhinn,
Offered, myself to myself
The wisest know not from whence spring
The roots of that ancient rood.

They gave me no bread,
They gave me no mead,
I looked down;
with a loud cry
I took up runes;
from that tree I fell."

The history of the runes is unknown. There are many different theories as to how they came about, the most common being that they originated around 100-200AD among the Goths or Germanic tribes. The runes make up an alphabet that, with local variations, was used across most of northern Europe from pre-christian times until the thirteenth century.

According to Norse mythology, Odin hung himself in self sacrifice from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights in order to receive cosmic wisdom. This was granted to him in the form of the runes. The word rune is derived from runa , an ancient Germanic word meaning whisper or mystery.

GEBO

"The word Gebo means gift. It is derived from the same root as the modern English words gift and give. In the old Germanic traditions, the offering of a gift was not necessarily a straightforward affair. The recipient of a gift was always required to make a gift of equivalent value in return - 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'..."

Divinatory Meanings

A gift has or will be offered which could take the form of a windfall or wisdom or an opportunity. It can also refer to forgiveness, compassion, a partnership/union or talent abilities. This rune involves making a pact of some kind which means something needs to be given in exchange. "Nothing comes from nothing".

Tree: Ash/Elm
Animal: Ox
Astrology: Pisces
Colour: Deep Blue
Element: Water

References: The Book of Runes by Francis Melville
http://www.runemaker.com/futhark/gebo.shtml
Picture sourced from: http://www.facade.com/

SOL's Full Moon Circle ~ Friday July 18, 2008

by Janine Donnellan

On the night of the actual full moon in Capricorn, SOL members gathered to connect to the upcoming cosmic shifts which are centred on moving human kind towards their higher aspirations.

Capricorn representing earth and Cancer water; earth mixed with water makes clay. As told in ancient creation myths, the stirring together of elements resulted in the earth and all its creatures. In the same way, by mixing these two elements together in a sacred way, working with the energy of our moon's nodes we can work magic to invoke the spirit of creativity and our true purpose into our lives. With this interplay of the elements we were preparing to leave behind our emotional baggage in preparation for a break through which will open ourselves to the cosmic energies that will move us into the bigger picture of our purpose on Earth and what we are here to achieve from the level of ourselves as a co-creator.

During the ritual each participant worked with the essence of their Moon's nodes. These are points where at the moment of birth the Moon's orbit around the Earth intersects with the Earth's path around the Sun. The North Node, also known as the Dragon's Head, is the ascending point. The South Node, known as the Dragon's Tail, is the descending point. The North Node represents the path ahead and the South Node represents the past, the ritual's intent was to integrate these energies to enables us to expand our consciousness without becoming stuck in old, self-limiting patterns of behaviour.

With the beat of the water drum our circle was cast, and the Priestesses of Avalon were evoked to guard and protect each of the quarters. At this circle we connected to Brigid and Lugh who were to oversee our process of transfiguration, connecting us to the power of divine love and humanity.

During our meditation we met Goddess Brigid at her sacred well and we allowed the healing waters to cleanse us of our negativity. The strength of water has the ability to both destroy and heal. This is indeed very powerful magic which we can harness to bring about positive change within our lives.

Once the meditation was completed each participant had some earth placed in the palm of their left hand, honouring the earth element of Capricorn. With the music of 'Across the Universe' playing each participant then contemplated on their life purpose. Water was then sprinkled into the right hand, honouring the water element in Cancer. Thinking of the flow of emotion, the blessings of nurture and compassion the two were mixed together and the magic was enacted.

Across The Universe


Cupping the two palms together in a gesture of prayer, thanks was given to Brigid. Hands were then rinsed with the remaining water, and allowing the energy to flow into the bowl; once everyone had released their energy into the water a procession followed to the open parkland where our energy was poured back into the earth, for healing of the earth.

We then thanked our ancient hosts and the Priestesses of Avalon for their presence and guidance, and the circle was closed, the residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded to individuals for healing.

More information regarding this circle and past circles can be found in our Book Of Shadows. Our next Full Moon Circle will be a lunar eclipse and will be on Friday 15th August, please contact us for further details if you would like to attend.

References:
Pythia Peay http://www.mooncircles.com/fullmoon_pythia.htm
http://www.astrolog.com.au/pages/dragonshead.htm

Brigid ~ Mother of All Things

by Janine Donnellan

Bride's Well
I am She
that is the natural
mother of all things,
mistress and governess
of all the elements,
the initial progeny of worlds,
chief of the powers divine,
Queen of all that are in the otherworld,
the principal of them
that dwell above,
manifested alone
and under one form
of all the Gods and Goddesses.

           ~ Lucius Apuleius

Wells, springs and water in general were important to the Celts. Water was seen as boundaries or gateways to the otherworld and were all places to communicate with deity. Since the water came from the otherworld deep from within the earth it was especially blessed. At certain special places offerings have been made to wells and springs from time immemorial by those in search of healing or favours from the water gods or goddesses.

In pagan Ireland, the wells were visited at special times of the year: Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasa and Samhain. These were all special turning-points of the Celtic year when the gates of the Otherworld were opened. This is especially true for Samhain, where the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest point, and often visions of the good people were seen in sacred places.

Throughout the centuries people visited the wells for their qualities of healing and divination. The well was viewed as a shrine dedicated to the miraculous emergence of living water, in all cultures a symbol of generation, purification, and the matrix of life itself.

At Imbolc, Brigid gives us the promise of spring, and of new life returning to the Earth. Because of this, she is also referred to as 'Brighid of the Green Mantle'. She is also known as goddess of healing and has many sacred wells, including the one at Kildare in Ireland, not far from where her fire temple used to be located. She is the Mother of Inspiration, Healing, Poetry and Smith craft. Known as a powerful Fire Goddess, Brigid is also a Water Goddess. She presides over fertility and childbirth as well as all forms of creation. She has countless sacred wells dedicated in her name, devoted to granting wishes and healing.

One legend which connects Brigid with water, tells how a crystal drop from the mantle of Brigid touched the earth and became a deep and clear lake. This was said to be a lake from Tir-Na-Moe 'Land of the Living Heart' and there was healing in it for all weariness and battle wounds.

References:
http://www.druidry.org/obod/deities/brigid.html
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/7080/wellstext.html
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/alandmks/holywells.html
http://www.adf.org/articles/gods-and-spirits/celtic/brigid.html

SOL's Upcoming Dark Moon Circle
~ Friday August 1, 2008

by Janine Donnellan

SOL's dark moon circle on 1st August will be a Total Solar Eclipse on the Imbolc cross-quarter gateway. Rarely does an eclipse align so perfectly with a cross-quarter, the powerful mid-points between Solstices and Equinoxes.

Both the Solar & Lunar Eclipses in August are affected by the Leo-Aquarius moon nodes, encouraging each of us to embody and express the Divine more fully, in service to humanity and the needs of the collective.

On this Dark Moon Simon Goodey will be conducting our ritual and will be connecting with Lilith. Lilith is also known as the "dark moon or black moon" and, as such, represents our "dark" or hidden emotional selves.

On this particular night the Black Moon square Ascendant (orb: 4°05'). This aspect to the Black Moon is a factor of depth, and as such it one of the main influences on this night of the eclipse. The symbolism is one of great independence of mind, originality, and creativity. There is a profound dislike for the limitations imposed by patriarchal establishment, and for situations which are perceived as limiting personal freedom. The Black Moon also brings a taste for perfection and absolute. On the higher mode, this aspect indicates psychic abilities, and the capacity to perceive the hidden side of things.

Due to the importance of this eclipse our Dark Moon will be an open circle. If you are coming to our Dark Moon then the following article on Lilith should be referred to prior to coming on the night. Colours are Black / Yellow / Purple. It will be a total sensory experience with incense, dancing and chanting.


Lilith

by Khephera - article contributed to Axis Mundi by Simon Goodey

The Mythos: Lilith's Defiance

Now Lilith was the first wife of Adam, well before the creation of Eve. She had been created along with him to be his helper, as the Torah states "Male and Female He created them."

However, Lilith was not so suited as a companion for Adam. There was little on which they could agree. In his attempt to mate with Lilith, Adam demanded missionary position. However, Lilith refused. "We were created equal, and thus we shall make love in equal positions."

Adam replied that he, being the Image of the Elohim, would not stoop to such a level as to be equal to Lilith, who was simply one of the many beasts of the field. She was created as his helper, and that is how she would remain.

Lilith, however, was far more than Adam had imagined. She went straight away to Yahweh, and used her prowess of seduction upon Him. Yahweh, known for his soft heart toward women, was finally lulled into revealing His sacred Name unto her. Thereupon Lilith pronounced the Divine Name, and flew away from the Garden and Adam forever.

She took residence within a cave upon the shores of the Red Sea, where to this day she finds Her shelter Within. She accepted the demons of the world as her lovers, and spawned many thousands of demon children in only a short time. It is thus that the world became populated with demons, and how Lilith came to be called the Mother of Demons--wife of Asmodeus, the King of Demons. In this aspect, she was called the Younger Lilith.

Adam, meanwhile, found that he regretted wishing Lilith away. He went to Yahweh and stated his case for the return of Lilith. Yahweh agreed that a creature of Eden should not so easily depart that realm, and dispatched three Enforcer Angels to retrieve her.

These three, Senoy, Sansenoy, and Semangeloph, soon found Lilith within her cave, and demanded her return unto Adam by order of Yahweh. If she refused, they informed her, they would slay one hundred of her demon children each day until she decided to return.

Lilith exclaimed that even this fate was better than returning to Eden and submission to Adam. As the Enforcers carried out their threat, Lilith also made a terrible proclamation. In return for the pain delivered upon her, she would slay the children of Adam. She swore to attack children, and even their mothers, during child-birth. She also swore that all newborns were in danger of her wrath--baby girls for twenty days after birth, and boys for eight. Not only this, but she vowed also to attack men in their sleep. She would steal their semen to give birth to more demon children, which would replace those slain each day.

However, even Lilith was not without feeling. She also made one other promise: wherever she saw displayed the names of the three Angels who opposed her, no one in that place would be in danger from her actions.

The Lilith of Today

Adam literally translates as "Mankind." He is all of us--male and female, young and old. He is, basically, civilization. Adam is the Image of the Divine; he, and all physical things, are the final result of Divine Manifestation. On the Qabalistic Tree of Life, Adam is Malkuth (Kingdom), the physical world. In Qabalistic psychology, Malkuth refers to the conscious mind. Thus, Adam is our consciousness. He is our egos, our waking selves. Adam is everything about us that imposes "proper behavior" within society.

Lilith, created along with him, is the Shadow Self. She is our subconscious, that part of us that is most animal like, defiant, uncivilized, passionate, and basically natural. She is sex. She is everything that our (screwed-up) society frowns upon; a society that has been taught for thousands of years to suppress everything within us that is most natural and enjoyable. She is just as described by the Religious interpretation--she is Babylon.

Eve is also our subconscious. However, she is that small part of our inner-selves that our conscious-selves have gotten full control over. She has no free-will of her own--being wholly a part of Adam. She is that part of ourselves that, as a civilized people, we will show to others. Eve is what has been programmed into us as "acceptable." She is the polar opposite of Lilith. She and Lilith together form the whole of the inner self.

(Let me point out that this interpretation of Adam and Eve/Lilith as the conscious and subconscious is a rather old one. The Lovers Card of the Tarot uses this symbolism, with the addition of an Angel who represents the Higher Self.)

Samael is the Archangel of Gevurah (Severity) upon the Tree of Life. He is the embodiment of Divine Severity. He is the Prince of the Seraphim--those Fiery Serpents who, at one point, Yahweh sent to punish the Israelites (see the Exodus). Samael is hardship.

Lilith's demon spawn are our own personal demons. They are neurosis and harmful criminal behavior. They are the imbalances in the mind that can lead to our destruction.

And these are the characters of the Lilith Mythos. The above interpretations of them must be held in mind at all times through the following. If so, certain aspects of the Myth begin to make a certain kind of modern sense.

For instance, Adam's insistence that he mate with Lilith in the missionary position becomes the civilized mind's attempt to reign in and suppress the animal within--to be superior to it. Lilith's flight from Eden, and to the Cave, is the banishment of our natural animal instincts to the dark recesses of our minds. Even when Adam wishes She would come back, it is too late and the damage has been done.

What damage is this? Lilith spawned thousands of demon children. These demons are born within the locked away and forgotten parts of our minds. Even though we attempt, as the Angelic Enforcers, to hunt down and slay as many of them as we can, the tide is too great to be turned; we have suppressed that which can not be suppressed. Lilith, in Her darkness, has grown the Owl Talons. By nature a beautiful creature--as our natural selves are in fact beautiful--Lilith now has the means and motive to rip us to tiny shreds. She attacks us while we sleep; and with our semen--the facts of our very daily lives--she spawns more and more demons. Before she is finished, she will slither her way back into our minds--as the Serpent in the Garden. Our conscious selves will not even see it coming; while we are occupied with our day to day foolishness, Lilith will be sweet-talking Eve into taking the fatal bite. She will attack us below the surface, in that part of ourselves we have long-since thought conquered. One moment we suddenly find ourselves with break-downs, outbursts, causing harm to others, and social and personal ruin. We have experienced the Fall from Grace.

This also applies on a social level, not simply within the mind of the individual. When viewing the myth from the wider angle, we see where Samael comes into play. What happens when the things that are natural and beautiful are suddenly labeled as wrong? They then begin to attract the dregs of society. Once there were Goddess Temples, and Priestesses adept at Sex Magick. Now, we have prostitution, strip-clubs, and brothels which are seed-beds of abuse, harmful drugs, and disease. The people who frequent these places are usually dirty and immature people with little to no social value. Individuality and Self expression is now gang activity, and social outcasts. Children who display this individuality spend their time in the principal's office or the in the corner. They are labeled as bad kids, and so bad kids they believe they are.

This is where the Rabbinical view of Lilith comes into play. The sleazy clubs, the gangs, the criminal behavior are all very seductive on the outside. The glamorous people are the Rebels who break laws and harm people. Bonnie and Clyde, Billy the Kid, Al Capone--these are our heroes. Yet, if we allow Lilith to seduce us with Her beauty, she will finally show us the ugliness that lies under her dressing. That is, when she rips into us with her Talons. The gangster is shot in a drive-by, and thus ends his glory. The prostitute has her throat cut, or dies of an overdose. And the man who frequents the brothel dies of AIDS, or perhaps as a lonely old man because a real relationship was ever beyond him.

This is the Marriage of Lilith to Samael. He is Lilith's Talons. He is the hairy male lower half of her body. These things which are so beautiful and natural actually BECOME dirty and harmful. This, in turn, fuels the view that these things are harmful in and of themselves. Society literally eats itself from the inside out--and this is the Marriage of Lilith to God. As in the Qabalistic interpretation, the flow of Divinity has been tainted; Samael/Lilith is in control, and what is good has twisted into evil. Lilith should be our ally, and yet we are pitted in combat against her. If Adam can not be forced to accept his Lilith, then Lilith will destroy him. But, those in control in society maintain that control through the suppression of Lilith--our defiance and freewill--and they would sooner see us destroyed than to lose that control.

And here enters yet another character in the Mythos: Cain. It is little known that Cain was born--not of Adam and Eve--but of Eve and the Serpent during the Temptation. Thus, Cain is actually the child of the interaction between Eve and Lilith/Samael. The clashing of the acceptable and non-acceptable. In short, Cain--full of hate, jealousy, and anger which finally explodes into murder--is the very corrupt society thus far described. His brother Abel, who was born of Adam and Eve, is the world that we wish could exist. Abel is a hope that will forever be slain by Cain.

Thank the Gods that it is not really quite as bad as all of that. There are respectable brothels and strip-clubs. There are those who display self-expression in childhood who, somehow through all of the abuse, still grow up to become respected artists of all kinds. There are those who understand the sacredness of sex. In short, there are those few who have refused to allow Samael to be wed to Lilith. Instead, they have invited Lilith to return to the Garden--promising Her that She can play mistress just as much as he plays master. They have attempted to join Lilith and Eve together, and to return them both to their rightful place within Adam. They strive to become Adam Kadmon--that Supernal Man(kind) who is greater even than the Angels.

Of course, few, if any, of us have attained that success. However, perhaps there is hope. Perhaps there will even return a day when a couple could make love on the street and no one bat an eye. Perhaps a day when a person could be individual and even a little rebellious without turning to crime to do so. Of course, no Utopia will ever exist in full. However, just as the Medieval Qabalist strove to unite God and His Shekinah, so too should we strive to unite Eve and Lilith, and both of them with Adam within ourselves. Only then will we have the power to rebuild the inner Temple, and aid the Shekinah's return to Adonai. Only then does Abel have a chance at survival.

This is my view of Lilith. She is the Mother of the Night, and all the dark beauty that lies within it. Lilith is the Hidden Mysteries which society would rather I not know. Lilith is my Mother, and I am one of Her demons--who wishes to take part in the dismantling of Adam's misguided way of thinking and acting. I am Adam, and I have rejected my foolish concepts of superiority over Lilith.

Lilith has Her dark side, of course. If I let Her rule over me, then She would drain my vitality as the Succubus that She is. She would rule me to the point of being little more than a thoughtless animal, useless to myself or anyone else. Instead, I accept Lilith in equality. Just as the Wiccan God is to the Goddess, I am both Her son and Her lover.

Sources:
Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lilith_(John_Collier_painting).jpg
Text from http://www.lilitu.com/lilith/khephframes.html
LILITH by Khephera (kheph777@aol.com)
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Ley Lines and Geopathic Stress

by Janine Donnellan

There has been some important practical research done over the years regarding the Earth's energy meridians, known as 'Ley-lines', (English) 'Fairy Paths', (Irish) 'Dragon Paths', (Chinese) and 'Song Lines', (Australian Aborigine.) The first research into 'Ley lines' in modern times was attempted by Alfred Watkins, who first coined the term "Ley" in 1921.

Our present understanding is that they are "conduits" of infinite energy marked by particular sites or landmarks which are linked together in a straight line - these alignments originally based on what our distant ancestors had intuitively perceived due to their innate spiritual connection to nature and the universe.

Most cultures throughout the world have similar traditions and words to describe these geometrical lines that run across landscapes. Many of these lines and intersecting lines are extremely powerful energy zones, often creating vortexes of energy (dimensional spiraling energies). These ley lines, mark the "ley of the land", or describe cosmic roadways that ancient people would have travelled upon. These lines are the earth's energy or meridian system and Vortexes are essentially the earth's acupuncture points. Vortexes often are used as sacred spaces for meetings and ceremonies.

Rows of sacred trees, mystical standing stones, would often be found along these powerful energy routes. In Britain megaliths and ley-lines, are often found to be prime ley-markers, and are found to be intersections of several ley-lines (i.e. Stonehenge, and Avebury). One of the largest Leys in England, the so-called St. Michaels Ley, is aligned along the path of the midsummer sunrise and is considered astronomical. This line passes through several megalithic sites before it reaches Glastonbury, (artificially shaped to follow the direction of the ley), and then the Avebury/Silbury complex, both significant English landscape features.

Stonehenge, whilst not being a part of the St. Michael's ley, is connected through geometry, and also forms the crossing point of several prominent ley-lines - both astronomical and non-astronomical. These ancient sites all have magical mystical qualities that have attracted pilgrims for hundreds of years.

However ley lines can also have a negative side. When the energy from a ley line passes through decaying matter such as a city dump, a polluted river or a graveyard it picks up the negative influences it encounters. The energy becomes what geomancers call a 'black stream'. Similarly, energy coming beneath the earth may encounter underground water streams, geological fissures and fault lines that interfere with the earth energy. This too can cause a 'black stream' of earth energy.

Due to these powerful energies there are locations in which it is not desirable to build. Despite the auspiciousness of earth lines and underground water, it is not uncommon for them to become sick or weakened, the most important of which involve human transgressions upon the land. These can be caused by wars, desecrations of burial grounds, disrespectful real estate development, heavy industry, mining, power lines, etc. Someone living or sleeping in these areas may become ill or emotionally disturbed by these influences.

Illnesses claimed to be caused by these forces include never feeling relaxed after a night's sleep, aching muscles and joints, emotional over-sensitivity hyperactivity and aggression. They also claim it causes a weakness of the immune system, which could lead to an inability to absorb nutrients properly and making one susceptible headaches, depression or stress. A person who is adversely affected by these negative energies is suffering from 'Geopathic Stress' and of course, Geopathic Stress may be the source of unwanted paranormal activity.

It is believed that the vortices created from these lines of energy create a gateway between the physical and spirit realms allowing entities to move freely between the worlds. These entities can present in a myriad of different manifestations including discarnate soul parts, earth spirits, elementals, etc. It has been documented during paranormal investigations that astral beings need energy to manifest and consequently they tap into whatever energy is available to them. Spirits can 'feed' on this energy to become stronger. If we work on the basis of 'like attracts like' black streams of disruptive energy would no doubt attract the more destructive elements of the astral world e.g. poltergeist and demonic activity.

Clearings in such dwellings can become quite complicated as portals to these vortices need to be closed. There is usually a natural sequence by which one should proceed. It is strongly recommended that novices do not attempt clearings of this nature. In circumstances where negative spirit activity is encountered, this situation needs to be dealt with first before applying corrective measures to the Geopathic stress anomalies.

References:
http://www.kimfraser.com/articles_EMF_EMR.htm
http://www.seedsforchangewellness.com/ArticleSUspendYourDisbelief.html
http://www.ancient-wisdom.co.uk/leylines.htm
http://www.alexstark.com/articles/sacred%20architecture2.htm


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Issue 5 - WINTER, JULY 2008
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

New Articles




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 check out our Events Calendar.





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 Section in Website

  • Weather Station - A collection of "gadgets" and links showing current and forecast weather and geothermic conditions to help with planning future paranormal investigations.



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.




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.
... plus much, much more!



On our Networking page you will find many links to other Australian Pagan groups and organisations, as well as Australian Pagan (and pagan-friendly) Businesses & Services. If you would like to have a link to your group or business on the SOL website please email jenwytch@spheresoflight.com.au This service is provided free of charge. If possible a reciprocal link to SOL would be much appreciated.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

SOuL Searchers Meet Up
Sunday July 27, 2008 at Engadine (map)

If you are interested in the paranormal and would like to become a team member of SOuL Searchers, we will be holding our first general meetup on Sunday July 27 at 1.30pm at the Engadine Hotel in the Bistro, Station Street Engadine. At this meeting we will be assigning roles to the various members and also planning our investigations and strategies for the next 6 months. Please contact us if you are planning to come to this meeting.

SOL Dark Moon Circle
Friday August 1, 2008

Due to the importance of the eclipse on this night our Dark Moon will be an open circle. If you are coming to our Dark Moon please read the article on Lilith in this edition of Axis Mundi prior to coming on the night. Colours are Black / Yellow / Purple. It will be a total sensory experience with incense, dancing and chanting. Contact us for further details.

SOL Full Moon Circle
Friday August 15, 2008

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...

Working with the Seasons
Spring - September 28, 2008
Sutherland, Sydney

Each season interfaces with the next one, each season brings a new discovery, a new journey. Spring signals the beginning of the season of rebirth, the resurrection of nature. Having left the arms of his mother, the God ventures into the fields and woodlands of the rejuvenated world and is ready to take his place as Lord of the forest. Winter is truly over and the world has recreated itself in the image of life. Likewise, the Goddess recreates herself in her Maiden form and she explores the natural world that she has given birth to.

With the budding of plants, the land is filled with fertility and becomes a time for the stirrings of the heart and a time to spring board new adventures.

At the Spring equinox the days and nights are once again of approximately equal length. Throughout history this has been held as a time of celebrating new life, the resurrection of nature from the dead, and has typically featured fertility rites and merrymaking.

Come on a journey of discovery into the magic of spring and learn how to use its energy to enhance your own magic and spiritual work. Connect with the Goat God Pan, who represents the force of life. Pan is god of the forest and of shepherds, and was said to grant new life on earth every spring.

Spheres Of Light (a subcommittee of PAN Inc.) will be presenting a series of 4 workshops each representing a season.
Where: Sutherland (southern Sydney)
When:
Sunday March 2, 2008 - Autumn
(See Autumn photos here)
Sunday June 1, 2008 - Winter
(See Winter photos here)
Sunday September 28, 2008 - Spring
Sunday December 7, 2008 - Summer
Time: 10:00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $50 per workshop

Bookings are currently being taken, numbers are limited. If you are interested in attending any of the remaining workshops and would like further information please contact Janine ...
phone: 0408 025 268
inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au
(Please Note: you must be over 18 years of age to attend any SOL gatherings, events, classes & workshops.)

PAN Inc


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
Aug 17, 2008 at Seven Hills, Sydney (map)


Date: Sunday August 17, 2008 at 8:30pm

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 here, and Full Moon FAQ here or for other details, email Jo

The following PAN Full Moon Public Circle will be held on Monday 15th September, 2008.


Australian Wiccan Conference
September 19 - 21, 2008
Gold Coast Hinterland


The Australian Wiccan Conference 2008 will be held in Queensland for the first time in its 25 year history. The theme for the 2008 conference is "Pagans Rising - Community Creating Community" and we have some great workshops, lectures and discussions based around this theme planned, culminating in the Spring Equinox ritual. Registrations are now open, please download the form from the AWC website...

When: 19th - 21st of September 2008
Where: Gold Coast Hinterland. (More information will be provided when you register)
Cost:
Standard $180
PAN/PA member $160
Presenters $160
Concession $160 (Pensioner / Student / Child 4-15)
Accommodation: Bunk style rooms housing 8 - 12. Camping available for those that wish to camp.
Meals: The 2008 AWC will be fully catered from dinner Friday night till lunch time Sunday.
Alcohol: Will be available for purchase in the bar after dinner.
Who: The 2008 AWC is being presented by The Pagan Awareness Network inc Qld, supported by Pagan Alliance Qld.
  • Registrations close August 15th, 2008

G.A.I.A Conference
October 10 - 12, 2008
Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Qld

The Goddess Association In Australia (G.A.I.A.) is delighted to announce the 2008 Australian Goddess Conference honouring Goddess Gaia and the celebration of the wisdom and magic that is Earth Alchemy.

The conference will begin with an Open Day on Friday 10th October, with educational talks relating to Goddess, her history and spirituality, and the Goddess market stalls. We will also have the pleasure of hearing some inspiring musical offerings! A community ritual for both women and men will follow on the Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:30 pm. Our sacred woman's Journey then stretches over the two days of Saturday and Sunday, the 11th & 12th October, with a truly magical array of group ritual, keynote speakers, workshops and market stalls to delight your deep heart and deepen your connection to our sacred Earth.

It is both our task and our joy to reinvigorate the waters of the Rivers which connect us...

Earth Alchemy is the shamanic initiation of the rising Earth Serpent... uncovered in the secrets of the cave and around the labyrinth. This magic of the Great She is a part of every woman, reclaimed in order that she may return to her life- and heal.

Come home to Her beauty, dear women...

Be nourished, honour your connection to this land and our Great Mother, spinner of the web of life, love and enchantment.

More information...

Sydney Beltaine Gathering
October 17 - 19, 2008
Waterfall, NSW


www.beltaine08.com
An adults only (18yrs+) weekend gathering to celebrate Beltaine. $140pp inc GST - includes all accommodation, catering and workshops & rituals. Please have a look at the website for more info. The site will also be updated with a few photos over the next week or so. And keep an eye on the blog section for regular updates.

~ Advertisement ~




KITCHEN WITCHERY

Recipes submitted by Foxy.
Hello! I thought I would submit some recipes that use seasonal produce to help us all get back in touch with the seasons!

Pumpkin Soup

This is my favourite recipe for making pumpkin soup and I have many requests for it from many people.

Prep time ~ 30 mins
total cooking time ~ 50 minutes
serves 6-8
suitable for freezing!

INGREDIENTS:
approx 800 g to 1 kg of pumpkin diced (I have used jap pumpkin, Qld blue, and butternut, they all work and just add different tastes and textures!)
30g butter (this can be substituted for oil.)
3-4 large potatoes, diced (once again I don't peel these just give them a really good scrub)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped (I just wash mine and don't peel them too much goodness just under the skin!)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
a teasppon soft brown sugar
3 cups of chicken stock
salt and ground black pepper
1/2 cup of cream


PREPARATION:
1. Heat the butter in a large heavy based pan, add the pumpkin, onion, carrot and potatoe, cover and cook for 10 mins or so, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the cumin, nutmeg and sugar and cook a further 5 mins.
3. Add the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and then simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasonally.
4. Puree the soup, in batches, and then return to a clean pan, season with salt and pepper and then stir in cream. Gently reheat without boiling. (I often don't add the cream and it doesn't make that much difference to the taste!)

Serve with warm buttery crusty bread! (or a gluten free alternative!)

Parmesan Swede Chips

Prep time ~ 15 mins
Cooking time ~ 40/45 minutes
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:
600g swede, peeled and cut in 2 cm thick chips
3 egg whites
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup plain flour
1 cup shredded parmesan


PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 200 degress Celcius (180 if you have fan forced). Line two baking trays with baking paper or silicone sheet.
2. Steam chips over boiling water in a covered saucepan for 20 mins or until just tender when pierced. Cool for 5 minutes.
3. Beat egg whites with garlic in a bowl. Place flour and parmesan in seperate shallow bowls. Working in small batches, dip chips into flour, then egg whites, then roll in cheese, pressing gently to coat. Place in a single layer on prepared trays. Bake for 10 minutes; turn chips over. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until tender and golden. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

These work well with grilled beef or pork. You can add a pinch of spice to the egg whites, such as chilli powder, curry power or cumin.

Enjoy!
Foxy



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SUBMISSIONS

Submissions to this newsletter 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 newsletter 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.

The newsletter will be sent out on approx. 20/21st of each month and the closing date for submissions will be 14th of each month. More info here...

"SPHERES OF LIGHT" & "AXIS MUNDI" ARE BASED IN AUSTRALIA. ALL EVENTS HOSTED BY SOL ARE HELD IN THE SYDNEY-ILLAWARRA AREA OF NSW.
Spheres Of Light is proud to be an official Affiliate Subcommittee of the Pagan Awareness Network Australia Inc.
For more information regarding PAN Inc, please visit their website: www.paganawareness.net.au

Unauthorised use of the Spheres Of Light logo is prohibited. Logo Copyright © 2006-2012 Spheres Of Light. All rights reserved.
Website designed, built & maintained by Jenwytch. Original Axis Mundi Magazine design, layout & production by Jenwytch (March 2008 to May 2011).
PDF version of Axis Mundi Magazine design, layout & production by Janine Donnellan (from June 2011 onwards) & uploaded to Issuu PDF Reader by Jenwytch.

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