From the Editor...
Paradigm Shift
 On an emotional and spiritual level spring connects us to the spirit of birth, renewal, growth, expansion, and all that is creative. It is also a time for the warrior within to emerge ready to take on new challenges and to incorporate disciplinary processes to ensure that we have the focus to pursue our goals and creative projects. It is a time of hope and inspiration, and a time to take ourselves out of the comfort zone and stretch our selves as the new sapling that allows itself to bend in the spring wind.
Over the next few months we will definitely be bending with the wind as this global economic crises bites in. Interestingly the Chinese symbol of crisis can mean "opportunity" in a time of "danger". At the dawning of this spring lets hope that we can utilise and work with this energy to bring about positive changes and new opportunities to the world we live in.
This economic catastrophe has been predicted for sometime and now it has hit the fan we have no other choice but to go with the flow. There is a purpose to this shift and I believe that there will be more major changes coming over the next few years that will challenge and expand our horizons.
What is occurring is a change of emphasis from greed to a more caring humanity based system, well that's what I am hoping for anyway. Perhaps we will see a more balanced distribution of resources. There is no denying that we are all in for a bumpy ride and as a community we should be ready to support each other in these challenging times.
 I decided to consult the tarot to help understand this situation and I have drawn 2 tarot cards from the Glastonbury deck. The first card drawn is the Chariot, and this is where we find ourselves at the moment:
The Chariot indicates positive change. You may not feel like it is at the moment but if you move your energy into a positive outlook it will become so. You are moving into a new and higher dimension in your life and you are being faced with a choice and now is the time to take charge of the opportunities that come to you.
This card also signifies the ability to look deep within yourself, and to be guided by your intuition. There is a need to tie up any loose ends in your life, so that you can move forward freely. The Chariot reminds you that although the body is governed by the mind, both of these are subject to the will and the spirit. There is a plan in place and you just need to trust what spirit has in mind.
 The other card drawn represents the outcome of this current situation, the card drawn is the Maid of Chalices.
The Maid of Chalices represents the ability to give freely of yourself to the earth and to those around you. There is a kind of innocence and purity in this card, and an openness to what feels fresh and new. You can now be receptive to the ideas, energies, and feelings of others, and can rely on your intuition to know who you can or cannot trust.
This is a time of hope, where you can afford to be flexible and open-hearted. This card also signifies a new and tender beginning to a relationship with those around you and to spirit, and the ability to put your trust in another.
No doubt there are going to be important choices to be made and I believe if we focus on bringing in positive changes and on love and community we will get through this time of "opportunity" with flying colours.
"To Save The World we need new ways of thinking, creative ideas, and stepping out of the conventional. We need networking and discussion amongst all levels of society and a bringing together of people from all aspects of society including representatives of Government, Universities, Business and Industry,Medicine and the Military and especially the ordinary person to seek for innovative solutions. We need new science, new understanding of the Universe, of the nature of life and Death and the infinite potential of the Human Mind. We need to be open and have openness of dialogue."
~ Dr Mike Ellis - The New Paradigm - International Journal of Economic Humanism, Medicine & Conscious Evolution
http://www.newparadigmjournal.com
Janine Donnellan
Reference:
THE GLASTONBURY TAROT - Lisa Tenzin-Dolma is an author and illustrator
http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk/tarot
Working with the Seasons ~ Spring
Sunday September 28, 2008
by Janine Donnellan
 When I am preparing for an upcoming workshop I spend a considerable amount of time meditating with the God or Goddess that is being featured on the day so I have an in-depth understanding of their energy and personality. For the Spring workshop the God we were connecting to was Pan. I have worked with Pan on a number of occasions and I have always found his energy somewhat cheeky, sexual and very mischievous.
On this day however, I experienced something so completely unexpected. To say that I was confronted with pandemonium is an understatement. I had rocked up at the venue an hour prior to the start of the workshop to set up, only to find the chain wire gate locked with a padlock which is not normally the case and I had no way of getting into the property. I did have a point of contact and when I phoned I was advised that the lady was away on vacation, at that point panic set in. I spent the next hour making arrangements for an alternative place for the workshop and was waiting for all the participants to arrive when I noticed some girl guides arriving. As luck would have it they were going to a Jamboree and eventually a guide leader fronted up with keys.
The workshop eventually got started about a half an hour after the original starting time. Well Pan had certainly set the stage for this interesting day, after all he is the half man, half goat Greek God of the wild, the inspirer of panic. Even when we were connecting to him in meditation later on in the day Pan was still playing his practical jokes. Halfway through the meditation a balloon that the guides had left earlier on burst, causing us to jump in our seats. I could visualize him giving me a wink and laughing away to himself.
Spring is a time when we can let our defences down and display child like behaviour; it is a time when we can let our imagination run away with us; and that is exactly what we did for our first meditation. A piece of music was presented to allow the participants to stretch their imagination. It was amazing that so many people managed to have similar experiences and were able to tap into their childhood memories and fantasies.
Our activity on the day was to make a Talisman to help manifest a particular goal or desire. The talisman was an oil bottle necklace which we filled with sunflower oil, the herb bay, a combination of aromatherapy oils and a sprinkling of ground garnet and some sparkly fairy dust to give the talisman that extra luminescence. Overall everyone had a good day with some interesting and funny experiences to take home with them.
Our next 'Working with the Seasons' Workshop will be on Summer and will be held on Sunday 7th December 2008. If you are interested in attending this final workshop and would like further information please send an email to inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au or contact me on 0408 025 268.
To listen to a sample of the meditation music, click on the link below...
Pan Fairy Land (sample)
4.21 MB mp3 file
Running time 0:04:36
Written, performed and produced by Janine Donnellan
Copyright © 2008 Janine Donnellan
Spring Workshop Meditation, "Imagination"
~ A Personal Experience
by Jenwytch
 At the SOL "Working with the Seasons" Spring workshop, we meditated while listening to music specially composed by Janine for the day. After the meditation we all shared our experiences and it was really quite amazing how the music had evoked similar thoughts and images for so many of us. My meditation also reminded me of a couple of drawings I'd done many years ago, so I thought I'd use them to illustrate my story. They're not necessarily my best drawings, but they suit the occasion. They were drawn purely in the spirit of fun and fantasy and even have a childlike quality to their style, which of course is all in keeping with the Spring season.
During my meditation I found myself as a child again running happily and chasing butterflies across a bright, sun drenched field of long grass and beautiful brightly coloured spring flowers. There was a cool breeze blowing and as it lifted me up into the air I suddenly realized I had fairy wings - double wings like those of a dragonfly. I flew over mountain tops, diving and swooping in the warm sunlight with the sylphs who were darting in and out, all around me, appearing as bright flashes and streaks of silvery light. I flew down into a valley and glided into a dark, cool forest. As I walked through the lush greenery I noticed a couple of butterflies flitting about. I saw images of various happy childhood scenes from my life, before a white rabbit popped out from behind a tree and beckoned to me to follow it. I ran towards the rabbit, but lost sight of it. Suddenly the rabbit appeared in a different place, and again I ran after it. It continued to hide and reappear, leading me deeper and deeper into the forest. Continue reading...
SOL's Full Moon Circle
~ Friday October 10, 2008
by Janine Donnellan
 On the night of our circle we connected to the energy of the Aries Full Moon under the guidance of the Egyptian deity. We called upon them to guard and protect each quarter of our circle, to Amaunet, Goddess of air and winds, to Hathor, Great Lioness with eyes of fire, to Nun, God of the primordial water of chaos and to Kherty, Ram God, Guardian of the royal tomb.
We then called upon our hosts, the Moon God Thoth, he who vibrates between the light and the darkness, rising, descending, changing ever, yet ever the same. Then with raised voices we chanted to the Sun God "Praise be to Ra, exalted power, Ra the bringer of light into this Circle". The Gods omnipotent presence was immediately sensed.
The Aries full moon represented the sign of initiating and generating the fires of life through its ruler ship over the head. On this night our intent was that the Aries energy would give us the courage and initiative needed to find the ~ I AM ~ within.
On the altar stood seven coloured candles each representing the chakras, the Seven Flames of the 'tongues' of the Divine Fire (or the Holy Flame). When occurring in the right sequence of awareness it then triggers the uniting of the Seven and thus achieving the omnipotent accord with all space-time realities.
We all chanted Om while each candle was lit. Om represents both the unmanifest and manifest aspects of God, and encompasses all potentialities and possibilities. Seven circle members each lit a candle and spoke what each candle represented...
- Red candle - The flame in the heart of each atom.
- Orange candle - The flame in the seeds of the vegetable kingdom.
- Yellow candle - The flame in the animal kingdom.
- Green candle - The flame in the heart of every man.
- Blue candle - The flame in the heart of the Hierarchy-Christ.
- Indigo candle -The flame in Shamballa-Sanat Kumara.
- Violet candle - The greater flame, the planetary source of Life.
Next we were taken on a meditation to the labyrinth RA-UM which was created by the Enochian Masters (Illumined Beings). It is likened to an omni-universe made from "cosmic string" with a black hole at its centre. This Labyrinth is brought into etheric/physical in a holocrystalline form which is a matrix set into the ethers and anchored to earth. This matrix is filled with dot sequences of RA-UM energy points to form a labyrinth grid work. Looking down through the labyrinth from top to bottom, one would perceive the spiral. Attempting to move from one level of this dimensional grid to the next would reveal the actual labyrinth pathways.
We were going to be accompanied by music but on the night the music failed and so we journeyed to the centre of the labyrinth in silence. We were placed inside an obsidian shield/sphere, and at this point I was told to chant Om 33 times which symbolizes the principle of guidance. When expressed to the fullest, the 33 lacks all personal ambition, and instead focuses its considerable abilities toward the spiritual uplifting of mankind.
The labyrinth then resonated and the obsidian shield/sphere began to become luminescent, as it glowed from the infusion of greater to lesser. We became the Greater, merging with the Heart-Mind of free-flow existence. In this state of Oneness we can free our self from karmic bonding by stating soul desired requirements which is best suited to our Spirit Journey in this lifetime.
At the conclusion of the meditation we all shared our experiences and then the circle was closed and the residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded to individuals for healing. We all finished the evening with our usual feast.
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, November 7. Please contact us for further details if you would like to attend.
Reference:
http://www.spiritmythos.org/TM/ra-um.html
The AWC 2008
The Impressions of a First Timer
by Craig Stevenson
The Australian Wiccan Conference is a gathering of pagans from many traditions who come together to share knowledge and to join in celebration of Ostara, and the Spring Equinox. (September 19 to 21). This year's conference was organized by the members of the The Pagan Awareness Network Inc Qld, and supported by Pagan Alliance Qld. This annual event is held in a different location every year and had lecturers, performers and draws from many of the pagan traditions people who travel to share in the bonds of kinship and the unity of the experience. I had never attended such an event and was looking forward to it for months. As a Solitary Witch it was going to be a chance to learn and see how others practice their craft.
I was not prepared though for it to be so much more. Continue reading...
Aromatherapy
from Amethyst
Frankincense Essential Oil
 Indications
Mind & spirit: Frankincense slows down breathing and produces feelings of calm. This tends to bring about an elevating and soothing effect of the mind. Ideally used for meditation, it has been discovered that burning frankincense produces a psycho-active substance, trahydrocannobinole, which expands consciousness. Its comforting and refreshing action is helpful for anxious and obsessional states linked to the past.
Body: Like most other oils extracted from resins, frankincense is effective for respiratory catarrhal discharge and respiratory congestion. Used in inhalations, it may be helpful for asthma sufferers, as it eases shortness of breath and increases the amplitude of the breath. Its astringent properties may relieve uterine haemorrhages as well as heavy periods and generally acts as a tonic to the uterus.
Skin & hair: Its cytophylactic properties make it an ideal oil for mature, wrinkled skin in need of a lift. Its astringent properties may also help balance oily skin conditions.
Botanical name: Boswellia carteri.
Family: Burseraceae.
Synonyms: Olibanum.
Place of Origin: The tree originates from the Middle East.
Description: A small shrub with abundant pinnate leaves and white or pale pink flowers. There are 3 grades of resin.
Characteristics: A warm, woody, sweet balsamic, spicy fragrance with a hint of lemon.
Part of Plant used: Resin
Method of extraction: Steam distillation
History: Frankincense has been used since ancient times in religious ceremonies and is still used today. It was very highly valued by many early cultures.
Chemical constituents: A typical chemical composition of frankincense is reported as follows: a-pinene (4.6%), camphene (1.1%), octanol (8.0%), linalool (2.5%), octyl acetate (52.0%), bornyl acetate (1.0%), incensole (2.4%), incensyl acetate (3.4%).
Blends well with: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, neroli, orange, patchouli, pine, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang-ylang.
Properties: Antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic. uterine, vulnerary.
Source:
The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia
Illustration from http://www.avena.co.uk/products.asp?subcat=1&maincat=3
Herbs ~ Calendula (Pot Marigold)
by Janine
Latin Name: Calendula officinalis
Parts Used: Flower petals
Cultivation: Calendula prefers full sun, it is a hardy annual, and reseeds readily, so plant it where you want lots of it.
Culinary Uses: The flowers are edible. Use them as garnishes, in salads; or grind and use as a yellow colouring.
 Magickal Properties: Known as "summer's bride", the yellow Calendula embodies the Sun's fire and life sustaining virtue. Pick in full sun. Added to bathwater it helps with the respect and admiration of everyone you meet. Marigold is believed to be useful for prophetic dreams, marriage spells, love, protection, respect, and psychic powers, and to be of benefit when legal matters arise. For protection, hang garlands of Calendula over entry doors to prevent evil from entering. Scatter petals under the bed for prophetic dreams and for protection while sleeping. Calendula is also an excellent herb to use with Myrrh for the construction of a charm bag to bring warmth and happiness into your life.
Medicinal Properties: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, emmenagogue, tonic, vulnerary. Use tinctures of calendula flower to treat amenorrhea, cramps, toothache, fever, flu, and stomach-aches. Apply calendula ointment to sores, cuts, bruises, burns, and rashes. Taken internally it helps treat gastric and duodenal ulcers; and helps relieve gall bladder problems and indigestion.
Note: There is a big difference between marigold (Tagetes spp.) and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) or calendula. Most entries referring to the magickal or medicinal uses of marigolds are actually referring to calendula. Check the Latin names before using any recipes.
References:
http://www.alchemy-works.com/herb_marigold.html
http://www.digitaltapestries.com/winterhome/wh_02_herbs_a-f.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~Elspeth_Stormdancer/Herbs/Herblist/Herbs-C.html
Drugs and Shamanism
~ Diary of a (former) Pothead
by Brynhild
 For some strange reason, drugs and Shamanism have been two rather important topics of late that I have spent some considerable time in discussion about. It is for this reason that I am compelled to write about it from a perspective that I am only just starting to get a deeper understanding of.
First of all, though, I will explain what I know - and I do know - about Pot. Otherwise known as Cannabis, Marijuana, Hemp, Hashish, Gunja, Wacky Weed etc, Pot has been grown and smoked for many millennia. Pot is a mind altering substance, and I would go further to call it a hallucinogen. Its uses have been many and varied, but the earliest known use was by the American Indians - in particular those who partook in and practised Shamanism. The Shamans would've used Pot to aid them in entering that altered state of consciousness which allowed them to walk between our world and the other worlds, mainly to commune with souls of the dead, speak to their guides and totems, as well as retrieving fragmented pieces of a soul for the living. These Shamans are also known as Psychopomps or Death Walkers. Their lives were in total devotion of their craft, to help those among their community who needed their specific type of help, along with teaching the new students who would continue their work after they have passed from this world. Continue reading...
Sacredness
by Janine Donnellan
 For several years now I have been engaged in shamanic path workings. However, when living in an urban environment difficulty can arise when trying to find sufficient time to connect to nature especially when you have a fulltime position in the city and a chaotic lifestyle.
My allocated time for connecting to nature is during my daily train trips to work. This is a time where I observe nature for those hidden signs. In ancient times Shamans would observe and read the movement of the clouds and the rivers, the behaviour of the animals, the birds and they would listen to the whispers of the wind to know what dangers were forth coming in their immediate environment.
Birds in particular were considered the messengers of the Gods. They would guide the Shamans to the upper worlds and take the souls of the dead to the Summerland. They would also become the counsellors to warriors and sages.
I have had my own personal experiences with birds in their role of messenger. Many years ago I noticed the daily gathering of ravens around a Mosque which was on my way to work. It was interesting observing their behaviour over the months but I was totally oblivious to their message. In mythology ravens are often portends of death. Over the course of the year disharmony amongst some close friends materialised and eventually things came to a head and the relationships were terminated. At that point the ravens disappeared from the Mosque and to this day have not returned.
Over the recent winter months I have discovered a small colony of Ibises that feed off the foreshores of the Cooks River. They are nesting in a couple of palm trees in a small parcel of RTA land between Tempe and Sydenham stations.
These ibises are the Australian White Ibis (Sacred Ibis) Threskiornis molucca (T.aethiopica) and are often seen in wetlands. They are a large 66-76 cm, stocky birds with a long dark down-curved bill. Head and neck are black and the iris of the eye is dark brown. The body is white although often stained light brown.
Egyptians revered many gods and symbolised them with animal attributes as a result the animals were worshipped as divinities. Among them was THOTH, with the Ibis head, he was renown for his writing and wisdom and as a keeper of sacred knowledge.
Ibises were held sacred during those times because the Egyptians believed they had secret knowledge as they some how showed up shortly before the annual floods thus allowing them to be ready for the increase in water. Interestingly, the ibis-headed god, Thoth, was a scribe, whose pen repeatedly dipped in ink in a similar manner that the long beaks of the ibises dipped into the mud. Egyptians also saw a mysterious connection between the sickle-bills of the ibises and the crescent moon thus why Thoth is known as a Moon God.
The totem meaning of the Ibis is sacredness, if you look at the survival instincts of the Ibis is should also be noted for its ability to adapt. Over time these wild creatures have overcome and successfully adapted to the increase in man made changes to their habitats.
The other day while sitting at my desk contemplating the message of the Ibises, I had an epiphany regarding the concept of sacredness. Sacredness is much more than holy texts, a sanctified building, and a circle of stones, a tree, a location or a ritual. As you are no doubt aware Sacredness exists in all matter and is a reflection of the handiwork of the Divine; It is therefore important to note that Sacredness is a state of mind and it is where we allow our spiritual connection to the Divine to occur. Sacredness can be individual and unique to each of us; but essentially Sacredness is about being in the now by adapting our stale outdated concepts and belief structures and by opening our awareness to the ever shifting movement of nature and the cosmos. The most important aspect about Sacredness is to allow it to Be an ongoing integral and developing part of our every day existence, forever moving and changing with the rhythmic cycles of life.
Man becomes aware of the Sacred because it manifests itself, shows itself, as something wholly different from the Profane ... In his encounters with the Sacred, man experiences a reality that does not belong to our world yet is encountered in and through objects or events that are part of the world.
~ Mircea Eliade
References:
www.greatdreams.com
www.christopherhansard.com/tag/happiness
www.birdsinbackyards.net/surveys/ibis.cfm
Dragon Poetry
by Amethyst
After the SOL ritual at Bulli (see previous Axis Mundi) I realized that there was something in the west, so I went outside to see what it was. I connected with a giant goanna that was sitting on top of the mountains, going all the way back into the Blue Mountains. He was Australian Dragon energy and I felt him strongly in his desert weather aspect. As he was a known factor, I new that I could turn my back on him and so I began calling in the Dragons. I spoke of him first, then on my left I called the Dragon of the North in his fire/passion aspect. Looking towards the sea, I then called the Dragon of the East in his water/strong tide aspect. Next I called the Dragon of the South in the air/strong winds aspect and then suddenly I knew that there were three other Dragons about. Above me was the Dragon of the Past, within me was the Dragon of the Present and below me was the Dragon of the Future. Being connected to all seven dragons' energies at once was like being connected to an alternating current source; very powerful. The next day this poem basically wrote itself.
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Seven Dragons
by Amethyst
Dragons of Fire, bright with flame
Dragons of Water, never tame
Dragons of Earth, stable and strong
Dragons of Air, blowing hard and long
Dragons of the Past, wise and knowing
Dragons of the Present, get up and going
Dragons of the Future, beckoning on
These are the Dragons to whom magick belongs.
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Dragon tapestry - "Strength" - designed and crafted by Amethyst.
Looking at Trees...
by Rayvensclaw
 As Beltane approaches maybe we can look at trees. There are many sayings in folklore concerning trees, some of which contain little nuggets of wisdom.
Never burn Alder (the old gal) is good advice because it crackles and spits at you.
The Oak draws the stroke, or ash the flash. This saying comes from the fact that these trees are likely to be the tallest in the forest and more likely to be struck by lightning.
Crawl under the Hawthorn is probably sound, as the height and spread of Hawthorns are restricted to woodland settings and therefore less susceptible to lightning strikes.
Some trees have specific planetary, elemental and divine associations.
The Oak: Green Man, Jack-in-the-Green, Robin Hood and Cernunnos. It is linked to the Fire sign.
The Willow: Has strong lunar and water connections and is sacred to the Hag aspect of the triple Goddess. It is associated with Magic, dreams, and psychic powers. Wands are made from its wood.
The Ash: Has Earth and Air associations; Ash is popular for Athame handles. It is considered to be a powerful protection and a conduit for two-way energy.
The Hawthorn: Has connections with the Fairy world, guarding the gateway to the Otherworld. The blossoms mark the beginning of Beltane (Europe). People put branches in their house for protection, this was then said that it brought bad luck to discourage pagan practices.
Should you ever wish to cut a wand from a living tree, be sure to ask permission, and thank it afterwards.
Reference:
"The Wicca Bible" by Ann-Marie Gallagher
Beltane
by Jenwytch
 Beltane is a cross-quarter day, marking the midpoint in the Sun's progress between the spring equinox and summer solstice and traditionally marked the arrival of summer in ancient times. It is celebrated in the northern hemisphere on May 1 and in the southern hemisphere on November 1. Since the Celtic year was based on both lunar and solar cycles, it is possible that the holiday was celebrated on the full moon nearest the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It is the last of the three spring fertility festivals, the others being Imbolc and Ostara and it is the second principal Celtic festival (the other being Samhain).
Beltane translated means "fire of Bel" or "bright fire" - the "bale-fire". (English - bale; Anglo-Saxon bael; Lithuanian baltas (white)). Bel (Bel, Bile, Beli, Belinus, Belenos) is known as the bright and shinning one, a Celtic Sun God. Bel is the father, protector, and the husband of the Mother Goddess.
Early Gaelic sources from around the 10th century state that the druids of the community would create a need-fire on top of a hill on this day and drive the village's cattle through the fires to purify them and bring luck. The Bel fire is a sacred fire with healing and purifying powers which further celebrate the return of life, fruitfulness to the earth and the burning away of winter. The ashes of the Beltane fires were smudged on faces and scattered in the fields. Household fires would be extinguished and re-lit with fresh fire from the Bel Fires. In Scotland, boughs of juniper were sometimes thrown on the fires to add an additional element of purification and blessing to the smoke. People would also pass between the two fires to purify themselves.
Like the festival of Samhain, Beltane was also a time when the Otherworld was seen as particularly close at hand. Beltane, and its counterpart Samhain, divide the year into its two primary seasons, winter (Dark Part) and summer (Light Part). As Samhain is about honoring Death, Beltane is about honoring Life. It is the time when the sun is fully released from his bondage of winter and able to rule over summer and life once again. Beltane, like Samhain, is a time of "no time" when the veils between the two worlds are at their thinnest. No time is when the two worlds intermingle and unite and the magic abounds!
Beltane marks the passage into the growing season, the immediate rousing of the earth from her gently awakening slumber, a time when the pleasures of the earth and self are fully awakened. It signals a time when the bounty of the earth will once again be had and is a time when flowers bloom, trees are green and life has again returned from the barren landscape of winter, to the hope of bountiful harvests, not too far away, and the lighthearted bliss that only summer can bring.
The Maypole is an important element to Beltane festivities, it is a tall pole decorated with long brightly colored ribbons, leaves, flowers and wreaths. Young maidens and lads each hold the end of a ribbon, and dance revolving around the base of the pole, interweaving the ribbons. The Maypole dance as an important aspect of encouraging the return of fertility to the earth. The pole itself is not only phallic in symbolism but also is the connector of the three worlds. Dancing the Maypole during Beltane is a magical experience as it is a conduit of energy, connecting all three worlds at a time when these gateways are more easily penetrable. As people gaily dance around and around the pole holding the brightly colored ribbons, the energy it raises is sent down into the earth's womb, bringing about Her full awakening and fruitfulness.
The central color of Beltane is green. Green is the color of growth, abundance, plentiful harvest, abundant crops, fertility, and luck. White is another color that is customary, white brings the energies of cleansing, peace, spirituality, and the power to dispel negativity. Another color is red who brings along the qualities of energy, strength, sex, vibrancy, quickening, health, consummation and retention. Sun energy, life force and happiness are brought to Beltane by the color yellow. Blues and purples (Sagittarius energies: expansion, Good Fortune, magic, spiritual power, Success), and pinks (Venus energies). Beltane is rich in vibrant color, lighting the eyes and cheering the Spirit as we leave the dreariness of winter behind.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=2765
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Issue 8 - SPRING, OCTOBER 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
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.
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?
SOL Full Moon Circle
Friday November 7, 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
Summer - December 7, 2008
Sutherland, Sydney
By consciously tuning into the seasons, we can connect deeply to the cycle of life, and learn to work and flow with the energies
of nature. When we open ourselves to the natural order of life everything comes of itself in the appointed time with the least
resistance. Each season brings with it a spiritual insight that adds news dimensions to our journey.
Summer is a time of brightness and warmth. The power of the sun at Midsummer is at its most potent, and the earth is fertile with the
bounty of growing life. The Goddess manifests as Mother Earth and God as Sun King. The Summer Solstice is a time to reflect on the
growth of the season. This is the time to experience our passions and the force within, to be conscious of how we use them and the
gifts they can bring and experience our own true power.
Come on a journey of discovery into the magic of summer and learn how to use its energy to enhance your own magic and spiritual work.
Connect with the God Helios the "all seeing" who sheds light upon all situations.
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
(See Spring photos here)
Sunday December 14, 2008 - Summer
Time: 10:00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $50 per workshop
Bookings are currently being taken, numbers are limited. The closing date for bookings for the Summer Workshop is Friday 5th
December, 2008. If you are interested in attending the Summer workshop and would like further information please contact
Janine ...
phone: 0408 025 268
inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au
SOL's Beltane Weekend
Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2008
Western Sydney
Join us for a weekend of connecting to our tribal past through the making of the shaman's mask, storytelling, drumming,
meditation and bush walking. More info...
(Please Note: you must be over 18 years of age to attend any SOL gatherings, events, classes & workshops.)
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
Nov 13, 2008 at Seven Hills, Sydney (map)
Date: Thursday November 13, 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 Saturday December 13, 2008.
Casting the Witches Circle Workshop
A choice of two venues: Blackcats & Broomsticks in Campbelltown, and Paddington in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney. The
workshops run over 4 consecutive weekly sessions.
Venue 1:
Paddington, Nuit's Veil Covenstead
Contact m.0416 339 706
Time: 7pm - 11pm
Date: October, Fridays 10, 17, 24, 31
Fee: $150 and includes a comprehensive workbook.
Venue 2:
Blackcats & Broomsticks
Shop 3b, 263 Queen St, Campbelltown
Shop Tel. 02 4620 6892,
or m.0416 339 706
Time: 3pm - 9pm
Date: November, Saturdays 1, 8, 15, 22
Fee: $150 and includes a comprehensive workbook.
The sessions are structured to provide a combination of the theoretical and practical application of working in a Witch's Circle. The
goal of the workshop is to provide the experience and methods of the magickal practices which are regularly employed in our Coven
circle. Each workshop session builds on the Circle work we accomplish and forms a foundation for your ongoing journey exploring
Wicca. More information....
Australian College of Mediumship
Unlock Your Psychic Potential
This 1 day workshop program is for those keen to develop their psychic abilities and gain some understanding of how to
communicate energetically.
Saturday 15th November, 2008
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost: $120 per person
More details & contact information here.
Foundations of Mediumship
Building on from UYPP, this second 1 day workshop is an introduction to Mediumship. Where we extend your psychic abilities and
open the door to communicating with the Spirit world in an evidential way.
(Unlock your Psychic Potential is a prerequisite for attending this program).
Saturday 29th November, 2008
Time: 10am to 4pm
Materials: Booklet + Spirit Guide Journey CD included.
Cost: $140 per person
More details & contact information here.
~ Advertisement ~
INTERNATIONAL
PAGAN AND
COMMUNITY EVENTS
North GA. Samhain Festival October 23-25, 2009
Sponsored & Hosted by:
The Northeast Georgia Pagans
Location: Northeast GA, near Helen
We would like to invite each of you to our 1st ever Samhain Festival for a magickal good time! Camping under the stars
23rd, 24th breaking camp by 1pm on the 25th. This Festival will have many great vendors offering a variety of quality merchandise, tarot readers, workshops, entertainment, astrology, healers, a Samhain Ritual, and so much more! Northeast Georgia's biggest Pagan festival ever! Don't miss out on the biggest event of the year. The event is an all day affair from 9am each day until midnight with a full schedule of events for the entire day! A spectacular event for the entire family! All this sounds wonderful ...doesn't it? To make it happen I need your help. The North Georgia Pagans are in the planning stages of next years Samhain Festival. We are seeking all which are interested in becoming a vendor, healers, speaking, teaching, holding workshops, readers and musical performers ...and more. For more information please contact me, Grandfather Oak.
KITCHEN WITCHERY
As the weather warms, so too do our spirits, and when the first of the spring produce hits the stores it is a reminder that summer is on its way. Spring is often a busy time for many of us, with exams, end-of-year functions, and the organisation required for Christmas and the holidays to contend with. Preserving is understandably not high on a prioirty list. It is the best time to make strawberry jam, so if this is one of your favourites or if you fancy having a few jars on hand as Christmas gifts, dust off that preserving pan. There's nothing quite like homemade strawberry jam for straight-out good taste.
Easy Strawberry Jam
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 kg strawberries
5 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons tartaric acid
METHOD:
Hull strawberries. Place strawberries and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil and boil hard for 8 minutes. Lightly mash the strawberries with a potato masher. Add tartaric acid and boil for 5 minutes. Cool slightly before pouring into hot, clean, dry jars. cover when cold.
Image, intro text and recipe submitted by Jenwytch, from "Australian Quick'n'Easy Jams, Pickles, Mustards, Vinegars, Preserves & More" by Robyn Martin, Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Ltd.
Fried Honey Cakes
These cakes are not unlike those made on the night before Beltane by women around the turn of the century. These cakes were left
in the garden to please Faery visitors.
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup sweet white wine
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1 cup honey
2/3 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Oil for frying
1/8 teaspoon salt
METHOD:
Beat the wine & egg in a medium bowl. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt & sugar in a small bowl. Stir into the egg mixture. Let
stand 30 minutes. Combine the honey & nutmeg in a small bowl. Heat 1/2-inch of the oil in a frying pan until hot, but not smoking.
Drop the batter into the oil 1 tablespoon at a time; fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dip into the honey. Yield: 1
1/2 Dozen.
(Submitted by Amethyst. Recipe originally from "Wisteria's Faery Recipes" - website no longer
exists.)
Beltane Marigold Custard
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups milk
1 cup unsprayed marigold petals
1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 to 2 inch piece vanilla bean
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. rose water
Whipped cream
METHOD:
Using a clean mortar and pestle reserved for cooking purposes, pound marigold petals. Or, crush with a spoon. Mix the salt sugar and spices together. Scald milk with the marigolds and the vanilla bean. Remove the vanilla bean and add the egg yolks and dry ingredients. Cook on low heat. When the mixture coats a spoon, add rose water and cool. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh marigold petals.
(Submitted by Amethyst. Recipe from Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott
Cunningham)
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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.
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