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...

Uniting in Thought & Deed

There seems to be a pattern emerging of late with various disasters occurring around the new year/January period. Last year it was the Haiti earthquake, the previous year it was the Victorian Bush Fires and this year the floods in Queensland and in Victoria. This recent disaster seems to be riding the tail of the last lunar eclipse which occurred during the Summer Solstice on December 21st.

Lunar eclipses are points of reference in times of change and the energies can be quite unpredictable and often associated with natural and man-made disasters. The total lunar eclipse on the 21st December 2010 was an extremely powerful trigger. According to various astrological reports this eclipse was conjunct and parallel to the nodal axis and coupled with the longitude conjunction to Pluto, acerbated the flooding particularly as its declination was also overhead Northern Queensland. In addition to the Australian floods there have also been devastating floods happening in other parts of the world, Brazil, Pakistan, Germany and Sri Lanka.

The state of Queensland has been hit by record flooding since Christmas, when tropical cyclone Tasha hit the coast on December 24 2010 near Cairns. Precious lives have now been lost and many people are still missing. This has been reported as the worst flooding in Australian history and a similar scenario is currently happening in Victoria.

It is going to take a while for everyone to fully process what has happened and it will take some considerable time to rebuild the homes and the hearts of the people that these floods have affected. Australians are however, tough and resilient people and I know that they will have the determination to restore their lives and their homes. Let us all now unite in thought and deed and send assistance and healing in whatever form we can, whether that be through donation, energetic healing, reiki or prayer.

Janine Donnellan



QLD Premier's Floods Appeal

Lifeline's Queensland Flood Appeal

Salvo's Floods Appeal

Vinnies NSW (& QLD) Floods Appeal

Australian Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal

RSPCA QLD Flood Crisis Appeal


SOL's Full Moon Circle ~ December 17, 2010
Midsummer/Litha

by Janine Donnellan



Click image to see ritual
It was the last circle for the year and we were celebrating Litha/Midsummer under a Gemini Full Moon. We all gathered in the car park on this warm summer night under the glorious full moon to honour the earth. The sky was clear above us and we connected to the surrounding trees and the cool earth beneath our feet.

On this night fires were lit as the ancients did so long ago. Two fires were set up outside near the doorway, one was a wormwood fire. Each person had to pass through the two fires to purify themselves before entering into sacred space.

As we moved into the ritual room we walked the circle to experience the elements within each quarter starting with Air, Fire, Water and Earth. The wormwood fire, now extinguished, was brought inside to enhance the cleansing process of the ritual, and was so effective that we continued our ritual under a blanket of smoky haze for most of the proceedings. The circle was then cast with a sword and the element within each quarter was activated.

The Litha Goddesses and Gods were then welcomed in. The old Gods then embraced the new Gods and passed the mantle of responsibility to the new Gods with the following words:

"We honour this time of the year at the apex of the waxing year and the start of the waning year. As the year changes the Gods change."

Each person was then given the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with the Gods and to reaffirm their dedication to their own personal Gods. All participants made their dedication with the following statement:

I make this offering to you
To show my allegiance
To show my honour
To show my dedication To You.

After each dedication was said out aloud, it was followed by wild exuberant shouting and drumming. When the last dedication was made we all danced, energetically banging drums and making noise to allow the energy to be raised so that our dedication could be sent to the Gods.

After relaxing and discussing our experiences we then thanked the Gods & the Goddesses for attending our circle and we closed the quarters. We then ended the year with this salutation.

"Today, at Litha, we celebrate the life and love of the Gods and of the Earth and Sun."

The residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded to individuals for healing. The circle was closed and then we all finished the evening with our Litha 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 February 18, 2011. Please contact us for further details if you would like to attend.

Image: "Midsummer Eve" by Edward Robert Hughes, 1908
from http://www.artmagick.com/pictures/picture.aspx?id=5440&name=midsummer-eve


SOL's end-of-year Social
~ Saturday December 18, 2010

Each year SOL holds an end-of-year dinner, inviting circle members, friends and family along for an evening of fun and friendship. Once again we had a picnic/bbq on the foreshores of the Woronora River. Click on the image below to see a collection of "happy snaps" taken on the night.

SOL End Of Year Social


SOL's New Year's Eve BBQ & Ritual
~ December 31, 2010

by Jenwytch

Members of SOL plus other close friends and family gathered together at Stanwell Park for a very enjoyable BBQ picnic on New Year's Eve, which was followed by our ritual on the beach, where we had a bonfire near the water's edge. As the moon on this night was in the waning phase, very close to the dark moon, it was appropriate to do a cleansing ritual in preparation for the new year. Some of us got our feet wet at the water's edge as the ocean waves felt so very cleansing and refreshing and were symbolic of washing away all the 'dirt' from the old year. We wrote on pieces of paper all that we wanted to discard from our lives in 2010, then burned the papers in the bonfire. We welcomed the new year with a toast to the gods and goddesses and restated our affirmations we had spoken at the last SOL full moon circle, 2 weeks earlier, and enjoyed playing with sparklers then watching the displays of fireworks at midnight provided by the many other people camped on the beach for the evening. With fireworks going off in a number of locations nearby and numerous bonfires dotted around the beach it was a very magical evening.

SOL New Year's Eve BBQ & Ritual


What is happening in 2011?

We begin 2011 by looking for more input from our readers. Let us know what is going on in your part of the community so we can advertise your events on our website and in Axis Mundi.

We invite you to also send an email to the editor letting us know about something you especially liked or didn't like about our articles. We appreciate readers' ideas. If you see something that you think might be an interesting topic, just give us a call, or drop us a line.

Proposed Spheres Of Light Workshops & Events

Full Moon Circles - 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. Our first circle for the year will be on Friday 18th February 2011.

TIME: arrive at 7:45pm for an 8:00pm start
WHAT TO BRING: a plate of food and/or drink (non-alcoholic) to share at supper afterwards.
WHAT TO WEAR: neat casual attire - cloaks/robes/ritual clothes may also be worn if desired.
COST PER CIRCLE: $10 per person to help cover hall rental and other ancillary costs.

If you would like to attend a circle please contact us at inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au for further details, and check our Events Forum for up-to-date notifications regarding our circles.(Please Note: you must be over 18 years of age to attend.)

Meditations in the Park - Meditate in the beautiful surrounds of The Royal National Park. - Our meditations will be conducted every third Sunday of the month at 9.00am.

SOuL Searchers will also be organizing some interesting paranormal tours during the year. Upcoming tours and dates will be published on the website and in the Axis Mundi.

Proposed Workshops - Venues & dates will be advertised regularly in the Axis Mundi, Face Book and on our Website.

  • Spell Casting Workshop
  • Space Clearing Workshop
  • Egyptian Gods & Goddess Workshop - Series of eight two hour workshops
  • Samhain Weekend Retreat
  • Drum Making Workshop
  • Beltaine Weekend Retreat


The Horned God in Summer

by Craig PhoenixWolf

Warm summer breezes stir the trees. The light dances with the shadows as the green leaves move and old branches creak. Animals stir slowly in the heat as though reluctant to move as the Summer sun beats down on the canopy above. High over head a lone eagle cries as it drifts on the warm currents. Scurrying paws move around the base of the great trees. Deep in the ancient and timeless forest they move. Deeper than man has ever trod. Here is the Summerland. Here are the places were magick rules. Here there is a clearing. Water flows by as it cascades over rocks that have been polished by countless seasons. A constant flow of life through the forest. Man has not touched this place. His pollution has not reached here. In this domain another rules. One who is immortal. One who has been born and died many times. Animals do not fear this place. They are safe here for this is the home of their protector. This is the home of The Horned God.

In the clearing He appears. Tall and strong is He, a powerful looking man but he is more than man for crowning his head are the horns akin to the great deer. He is armed with weapons but while he carries a sword on his hip, it has not been drawn in anger. His tall oak shaft spear now a staff of power that he uses to walk through the lands. His bow and arrows not used to hunt but to protect.

Bright eyes look about the clearing with the alertness of a man skilled in the hunt. Bright and wise they cast over the domain of the world and those who live in it. A jovial face, bearded with thick bushy brown hair, smiling as he sets down his weapons and sits beside the water.

It is the Summer and The Horned God is home.

As we approach the coming Lammas and the first harvest and celebrate making offering to the Goddess from the harvest, it is important to remember too that the Summer is the season of The Horned God.

As a nation of sun worshipers, Australians all enjoy the gifts of Summer. Though I appreciate the gift of air conditioning on those hot summer nights. Mind you so far this season I have not needed the air conditioner, in fact right now a cold breeze is coming in the window, the sky is grey and there is a misty rain in the air. None the less, it is Summer and The Horned God watches over us.

Working with The Horned God

I find for me the simplest working I can do invoking the power of The Horned God is to go stand outside in the morning sun. I face the sun, eyes closed and my arms out stretched. My palms open, turned so they too face the sun and I allow the energy from the sun to warm me in its powerful embrace. As I do, I call on The Horned God to lend me His strength and guide me. As I stand there I can feel the energy building up and then flowing through me, washing away negative energies to be cleansed in the earth. I stand there drawing in the power of The Horned God and recharge with His positive energy.

The Horned God is often seen as Pan, god of shepherds and flocks, of mountain wilds, hunting and rustic music, as well as the companion of the nymphs. Another working I use is music. I play my Native American Flute. I love taking it and going out into nature, sometimes it is the local city park, sometimes the river bank. Often it is the evening as the sun sets on this part of the world. There I will sit and start to play and sometimes sense the nymphs dancing in the trees nearby. As my notes float through to the sky, I am connecting to The Horned God and honoring Him.

Now not everyone can play an instrument. Ask me to read sheet music and I may as well be trying to read a text in another language. What I believe is that if you just open yourself up to The Horned God and sing, beat a drum or play any instrument you can play then you are sharing the gift of music with Him. For me the Native American Flute allows me to play from the heart; and isn't that where worshipping the Gods should come from, the heart?

Some people have asked why I work with The Horned God so much. I am not neglecting The Goddess. I celebrate them both. On my altar there are representations of both The Goddess and The Horned God. I call to both in prayer and ritual.

For me Paganism is about balance. Light and Dark. Life and Death. Male and Female. So many books on Wicca and modern Paganism seem to focus on The Goddess and where The Horned God is mentioned He is a supporting character there to serve a function such as giving The Goddess the gift of new life growing within Her.

Summer is the season of The Horned God. It is when we feel his power most strongly. The land is alive. The days warm and long, well traditionally anyway. The Horned God is always present in our lives.

Soon his power will wain. He will age and die as the season turns. The warm summer will give way to the fall and the Autumn. The Goddess will carry Him within to be re-born anew.

In this Summer season, go out into the world. A new year has come and we look at it with new eyes. Look to The Horned God and The Goddess to guide the way. Seek out the gifts they give you and give thanks.

Herne Who Hears

By Ivo Dominguez, Jr.

Herne Who Hears All Living Things - Hear Our Call To You!
Herne Whose Name All Nature Sings - Hear Our Call To You!
Moon Stag, Horned One, Green Man, God;
Draw Near, Come Here, Be Here, Now!

We All Come From the Horned God

Adapted, original by Leonard D. Rosenburg

We all come from the Horned God
And to Him we shall return
Like a spark of flame
Rising to the Heavens



The Magus

by Janine Donnellan

The Magus is generally viewed as the possessor of occult secrets, a master of esoteric wisdom, who makes use of this knowledge for his or her own good and supposedly for that of human kind. For the most part, these occult secrets appear in the form of magic requiring the participation of demons or spirits. The term "Magus" or "Magi" seems to have several meanings including wise men, magicians, and magians. The Magus is the singular for Magi. Well known Magi are Merlin, Faust and Simon Magus.

The earliest writings concerning the magi are from those of Herodotus (Greek historian, 485-425 BC). He cites them as one of the five social classes of the Medes. The Medes were the Magi or "Enchanters" of Old; they were people of Indo-Iranian (Aryan) origin who inhabited the western and north-western portion of present-day Iran. The Magi were a hereditary caste of priests of the Zurvanism religion that evolved out of Zoroastrianism. The name Magi implies a link with the Sumerians, who called their language Emegir, over time becoming simplified to Magi.

The Magi are distinguished in both Egypt and Chaldaea. In Egypt they were said to possess secret learning and wisdom. Also in Egypt and Chaldaea they were the sole seers and interpreters of sacred things in the past and future. They were also considered a sort of sacred scribes among the Jews, skilled in divination and the interpretation of certain scripture passages for hidden meanings.

Magi are strange creatures of knowledge, they are the alchemists, and their source of power comes from study, comprehension, preparation and application. The Magus tends to eschew the spiritual and to trust in what can be seen, felt and held - however esoteric. They are sometimes confused with shamans who are concerned with the spiritual and get strength from that source.

People who are considered to be Magi are generally learned and in touch with the science of nature and the cycles of the cosmos. In today's society the Magus would no doubt be applying the basic principles of quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory in their magical work. One wonders with the right knowledge and determination if anyone can become a Magus, whether this ability to enact magick is innate in all people, or whether it is given to only a certain few. It is believed however that this power comes from the diviner's mastery of him or herself, through self-control, and the mastery of the mystical arts. Once such control is attained then the person gains a greater understanding of the laws of the universe and can utilise this new power to gain a better relationship/partnership with the natural environment.

References:
http://www.themystica.org/mystica/articles/m/magus.html
http://www.taroscopes.com/miscellanous-pages/medes.html
http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/eng/lfletcher/tempest/papers/CKing.htm
http://www.grandmagus.com/site/uploads/115.jpg
http://theviewfromcullingworth.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-mages-differ-from-shaman.html


The Book Corner

by Adriana

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

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

The Mists of Avalon

This time I thought I would write about one of my favourite novels, THE MISTS OF AVALON!!

Paperback: 912 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (May 12, 1987)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345350499
ISBN-13: 978-0345350497

The Mists of Avalon is a 1982 novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley, in which she relates the Legend of King Arthur from the perspective of the women in his life, narrated in first person by Lady Morgaine (or Morgan Le Fay). It´s quite a long book so you really get into the story, I actually felt very nostalgic when coming close to the end.

"Ms. Bradley follows Morgaine from childhood to Priestess in her home on the Isle of Avalon, the centre of Druidism and Goddess worship since the Roman occupation forced the religion underground, where it remained long after the Roman departure. Mists surround this mystical isle, protecting it and its inhabitants from all who do not have the psychic powers to penetrate the barrier. Morgaine has dedicated her life to preserving her ancient religion and tries to defend it against the growing numbers of her countrymen and the Camelot royalty who exchange the old ways for Christianity. She is also a very powerful person and struggles against the stereotypes which expect her to adhere to more traditional 'feminine,' (dependent), behaviour and roles." From A Novel Take On A Classic Tale - Superb!!, By Jana L. Perskie.

"The Mists of Avalon is a story of another time and place. It's the legendary saga of King Arthur and his companions at Camelot, their battles, love, and devotion, told this time from the perspective of the women involved. Viviane is 'The Lady of the Lake,' the magical priestess of the Isle of Avalon, a special mist-shrouded place which becomes more difficult to reach as people turn away from its nature- and Goddess-oriented religion. Viviane's quest is to find a king who will be loyal to Avalon as well as to Christianity. This king will be Arthur. Gwenhwyfar, Arthur's Queen, is an overly pious, fearful woman who successfully sways her husband into betraying his allegiance to Avalon. Set against her is Morgaine of the Fairies, Arthur's sister, love, and enemy - and the most powerfully believable person in the book - who manipulates the characters like threads in a tapestry to achieve her tragic and heroic goals. The Mists of Avalon becomes a legend seen through new eyes, with details, majestic language, and haunting foreshadowing that hold the reader through its more than 800 pages." From 500 Great Books by Women; review by Gloria Bauermeister

Behind the story however you read about the conflict to save Celtic culture and religion from Catholicism. It's a conflict that sadly still exists today; maybe that's why it felt so current when I read it, and why I felt so nostalgic...

References:
Wikipedia.com
Amazon.com
www.witchvox.com


Shaman's Tools

by Janine Donnellan

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

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

The Silver Branch

Music is strongly linked to ritual all over the world, and it provides us with the means of communicating a wide variety of emotions which is sometimes difficult to verbalise. Music can be expressed simply in ritual whether it is through the instinctive movements of clapping or stomping our feet or the banging of a drum. The first musical implements used in rituals at the beginning of human evolution were probably sticks used on other sticks or bones or stones.


(Click to enlarge ~ Silver Branches made by Amethyst & Rayvensclaw)

The Silver Branch is also known as a bell branch or apple branch and is a percussion instrument that works in a similar manner to the shamanic rattle and the drum. "Craebh ciuil" is Irish Gaelic for musical branch. In the Irish Druid tradition, the Silver Bough is cut from a magical Apple tree, where silver apple shaped bells played a mystical tune, which could lull people into a trance state. Druids could make contact with the Otherworld during a trance enhanced by this silver apple bough. Traditionally a silver tree branch contained silver or golden apples that sounded like bells attached to it. Sometimes three, six or nine apples hung from the silver branch.

Making Your Silver Branch

Apple, hawthorn and oak were most commonly used for the making of a Silver Branch, but any tree you feel a strong connection to will do. If you are removing a branch from a tree make sure to thank the tree before taking the branch. If you don't want to use a branch you can use a length of dowel instead.

After stripping the branch and sanding it, you can then paint your branch silver or you may prefer to wrap it with silver thread or ribbon.

You can then add bells tied on to the branch with ribbon or wire; choose a multiple of three, as three is a very sacred number in Celtic mythology. Jingle bells and horse bells are most common, but any type of bell is good. Silver, gold, copper or bronze bells are traditional. The bells should have a pleasing sound that is clear in tone so try out different bells to find a sound that feels right for you.

You can attach the bells close to the branch or allow them to dangle. Add any carvings, painted symbols, feathers and other decorations that appeal to you. You may want to add your magickal name in ogham or runes on the handle.

References:
http://wolfdancer.tripod.com/index23.html
http://walkingthehedge.net
https://sites.google.com/site/lookingforthegoodinit/ogham/10-q-quert-apple


Herbs ~ Acacia

by Amethyst


Ever felt like Spirit is leading you up the garden path, nicely of course, but leading you all the same. I have been pondering whether to research Egyptian herbs but just hadn't got around to it, when I started researching the herbe for January Axis Mundi. Low and behold a herbe used by the Egyptians found me!



Crystals ~ Serpentine: What's in a Name?

by Maria

Serpentine colours range from green, yellowish, brown and often covered with spots. It has a greasy to silky lustre and is sensitive to acids. At times serpentine has been sold as jade due to the varied trade names.

Serpentine is classified under the element of fire. Fire relates to ambition, achievement, inspiration, all creative and artistic ventures, but it is also potent in destroying what is no longer needed.



January Tarot Reading

by Janine Donnellan

Strength

Now that we are at the beginning of a new year, we have an opportunity to see what the energetic overview is for 2011. The card selected for this reading is the Strength card which signifies triumph over the challenges that we may face throughout the year. The Strength Card represents the power of our inner strength.

In the Connolly deck, we have the image of a woman sitting next to a lion in deep contemplation. The lion represents determination, courage and power. The woman is the seeker; she has no fear of the lion which in turn appeases the lion's urges with gentleness and patience. She represents higher consciousness, which is more powerful than our animal instincts. She sits on a solid brick wall which implies that she is totally supported on strong foundations through her determination and self-discipline.

Courage is an important aspect of this card, it takes a great deal of courage to look within and create change within our self. We are also put on notice not to give up so easily when situations become difficult especially when one could be so close to the finish line.

The Strength Card is also associated with the number eight. 8 is the eternity symbol and deals with balance, time, and the ongoing recycling of energy. Eight also represents power, judgment, renewal and accomplishment.

Tarot card is from the Connolly Deck.



Lughnasadh or Lammas

The following information (contributed by Jenwytch) is from www.akashawitchcraft.net (website no longer available).

Lammas is the traditional time of Harvest, and preparation for the coming winter months, celebrated on the 2nd of February in the Southern hemisphere, and on the 2nd of August in the Northern hemisphere.

Lammas is awareness of the approach of winter, and thanksgiving for the year's harvest. The name Lammas derives from the Old English Hlaf-Mass, which means "bread feast".

Lammas is traditionally the festival where the first loaf of bread from the harvest is broken and shared in the name of the Goddess. All crops associated with bread are sacred to this time, in particular barley. The drinks of the season are beer, ale, cider, and all things brewed.

In Australia, Lammas is an ideal Sabbat to spend down the beach on hot summer evenings, sipping cool drinks and honouring Mother-Sea by appreciating and respecting her cooling waves. Lammas is a harvest not only of crops, but of all that we have sown through the year, and so it is a good time to wander the beaches with a garbage bag, cleaning up the mess that thoughtless people have left behind, and doing our best to restore Mother-Sea to her natural glory.

Unfortunately, part of the harvest at this time is also the sad and distressing harvest that animal charities face when inundated with unwanted animals that had been Christmas presents just a few weeks earlier. Lammas is a good time to emphasize the importance of all Her creatures by supporting animal charities with donations of time and/or money. In this way, we can help ease the lives of unwanted animals and, when necessary, help with their passing into the next world where they will hopefully find true love and companionship according to their kind.

Lammas is the celebration of harvest, and ties in with Lughnassadh, the Celtic festival in honor of the Sun God, which is held on the 7th of February in the Southern hemisphere, and the 7th of August in the North. Tradition tells that the Sun King gives his energy to the crops to ensure life while the Mother prepares to transform into her aspect as the Crone.

Lammas is the time to teach and to share the fruits of our achievements. The baking of bread, the gathering of seed for the next year's sowing, and the making of corn dolls are all traditional at Lammas. The altar is decorated with loaves of freshly baked bread, corn dolls and wreaths, and the fruits and vegetables of the harvest. Lammas is a time to share, be thankful for our blessings, and be joyful for the blessings that are to come.

Lammas is also known as Cornucopia (Italy/Latin) and Thingtide (Teutonic).



Witchy Crafts

Lammas Incense

A wonderful Harvest festival incense. Don't let the remainder of the beer go to waste!

2 parts Frankincense
1 part Heather
1 part Apple Blossoms
1 part wholemeal flour
few drops Ambergris oil
few drops beer

From www.akashawitchcraft.net (website no longer available)




Kitchen Witchery

Mini Pavlovas

(Makes 26)

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
300ml thickened cream, whipped
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 punnet (125g) fresh strawberries, hulled
2 passionfruit, pulped

Method

1. Preheat oven to 150 deg.C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Place egg whites into a clean bowl. Beat with electric beaters until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar, beating well between each addition. Beat until mixture is thick and glossy this will take at least 5 minutes.

2. Spoon heaped teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto baking trays. Flatten meringue into a disc. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp. Cool completely in the oven with the door ajar.

3. Top meringue with cream, and decorate with fruit. Serve immediately.



Back to Axis Mundi home page

Issue 35 - SUMMER, JANUARY 2011
ISSN 1839-4396

Spheres Of Light
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


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




SOuL Searchers
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.
Lotus Health & Wellbeing Centre, Wollongong NSW

SPACE CLEARING WORKSHOP

Saturday 12th February 2011

This is a 2 hour workshop to learn how to conduct a space clearing in your home or place of business.

Sometimes a house or office can feel uncomfortable, and there is no real reason to explain your uneasy feeling. Other times, it's easy: someone has been there that was negative, ill or died. There may be instances when you moved into a space and just felt like someone else was there, or the space just didn't feel right.

At this workshop you will learn the basic techniques to conduct a space clearing on your home or business. You will learn how to clear negative or stagnant energetic 'imprints' built up over the years from the accumulation of day to day living and from previous occupants. You will also learn how to remove unwanted entities that may be attached to your home.

Janine Donnellan from Spheres of Light & SOuL Searchers will be the facilitator of this workshop.


Where: Lotus Health & Wellbeing Centre - 246 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
When: Saturday 12th February 2011
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Cost: $45 includes notes
Bookings: 02 4226 4740 or
email info@lotuswellbeing.com.au


Click image above to see the Lotus website.



SOL Holistic Centre
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.


Forum
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!


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

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

SOL Full Moon Circle
February 18, 2011

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

SOL Meditation in the Royal National Park
Sunday February 20, 2011


Click here for more information...
Come join us for meditation in the beautiful surrounds of The Royal National Park. Our meditations will be conducted every third Sunday of the month, although we will be taking a break over the Xmas - New Year period. Please email inquiries@spheresoflight.com.au for times and meet up details.

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


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 & in the National Pagan Directory.

PAN Full Moon Public Circle
Thursday January 20 & Friday February 18, 2011 at Seven Hills, Sydney (map)


Date: Thursday January 20, 2011 at 8:30pm
then Friday February 18, 2011 at 8:30pm

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

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

Spell Casting Workshop
Sunday 6th February 2011
at Miranda (Sydney)

Embrace

Click to see Embrace on Facebook

This is a 2 1/2 hour workshop to explore the workings of spells and magick. You will be taught the basic techniques for casting a spell, plus you will have an opportunity to participate in a hands-on session where you will be guided to perform a spell on your own.

Spell casting is a technique that assists individuals to magically enhance their spiritual and material lives through empowerment and motivation. Janine Donnellan from Spheres of Light, will be the facilitator of this workshop where you will be given the basic instructions to help you manifest your own desires.

Where: "Embrace" - Shop 1015 Westfield Miranda (Level 1 opp. Rubyniks Cafe & escalators)
When: 5:00pm - 7:30pm Sunday 6 February
Cost: $60 includes refreshments, notes and a coloured candle & crystal of your choice.
Bookings: Phone (02) 9531 0009

Pagan Community Weekend
(PCW) 2011
19-20 February at Roseville, (Sydney NSW)

Pagan Community Weekend 2011
Click here for information...



Space Clearing Workshop at EMBRACE, Miranda Westfield



FIRST HARVEST
WORDSEARCH

by Amethyst

Click on the wordsearch image to download and print the First Harvest Wordsearch (pdf).



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



**SUBMISSION DEADLINE**
14th of each month

Publication Date approx. 20th/21st

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

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





Keep up to date with SOL's activities via Facebook...





"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.

HTML Validator      CSS Validator      Get Firefox      Spam Poison