From the Editor...
Stop the world I want to get off!
 This month's energy has been absolutely diabolical; the Leo/Aquarius solar and lunar eclipses have certainly come with a real punch this time around. Have you noticed how many friends or colleagues are going through big life changes at the moment? Careers, homes, relationships, health are all on the agenda for transformation.
I certainly have not been spared, over the past few weeks I have been constantly plagued with annoying minor health issues, pinched nerves, cartilage problems and extreme fatigue. I have been feeling totally disconnected and scattered; mentally unable to remember simple everyday things, suffering constantly from brain fog and generally feeling like I am on autopilot.
To make life even more complicated my car got written off in a minor accident just a couple of weeks ago and I had to buy a new car. This energy has certainly curtailed my activities temporarily and you have to wonder what pleasure the universe gets at creating such misery.
Perhaps this period of crises is a signal that we have come to an end of one stage of our life and the beginning of a new one. Winter is dying away, and the fire of the new sun is growing stronger; over the next few weeks we will be moving into Spring and we will be experiencing a new energy, a new hope and a reawakening of the earth.
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." ~ Anne Bradstreet
Janine Donnellan
SOL's Dark Moon Circle
~ Friday August 1, 2008
by Janine Donnellan
SOL's dark moon circle led by Simon Goodey on 1st August was another highly charged and total sensory experience with incense, dancing and chanting. Tapping into the energies of the Total Solar Eclipse which fell on the Imbolc cross-quarter gateway; the potent eclipse aligned perfectly with the cross-quarter, the powerful mid-points between Solstices and Equinoxes.
 This night was an ideal time to connect to the enigmatic Lilith, the Goddess of the Black Moon. With our senses heightened from the wafting aroma of the incense, a combination of frankincense, myrrh, benzoin and sandalwood we joined hands and slowly circled the flaming cauldron chanting...
Mazaba Lilith! (she comes Lilith!)
Zamran Lilith! (she appears Lilith!)
As we moved faster and faster the fire flared in synchronization to our dancing; we moved around and around, building the energy in anticipation of Lilith's arrival and when we no longer had breath left to chant we acknowledged her presence and moved into our seats to prepare ourselves for the meditation.
Accompanied by the sounds of a tribal beat, Simon took us on a journey through a gateway to the Other World and we floated above the sea to Lilith's cave. We were greeted at the entrance of the cave by a huge diamond backed python snake. In the centre of the cave we were shown many mirrors, portals to our illumination. Lilith was waiting there for us naked in her primal essence ready to lead us into the unknown, a journey to the inner self through the mirror of our choice.
At the end of the meditation everyone had an opportunity to share their experiences. Some circle members tapped into a fiery environment. There were many revelations and few interesting sexual encounters. We were amazed and delighted that we had connected so intrinsically to Lilith's powerful energy.
We then thanked the Lilith for her presence and guidance, the circle was closed by taking the athame clockwise with the words -- the circle is open, but remains unbroken. The residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded to individuals for healing.
More information regarding this circle can be found here.
Lilith Meditation - a personal experience...
by Janine Donnellan
I am Lilith, the lascivious angel. Adam's first steed, corrupter of Satan. The shadow of stifled sex and its purest scream. I am the shy maiden of the volcano, the jealous because I am the beautiful whisperer of the wilderness. The first paradise could not stand me. I was pushed out to sow conflict on earth and arrange in beds the matters of my subjects.
My hand is the key to flame and the fierceness of hope
Your bodies are firewood and my hand is the fireplace
My hand is unbridled desire:
With faith
It moves mountains.
~ (From "The Return of Lilith" by Joumana Haddad)
 Goddess or Succubus whatever Lilith is, she is a destroyer of all that is not true in our life. The black aspect of Lilith shows us the mirror which will reveal our true identity. The black Lilith that dwells within us will accept nothing less than our true self. When we acknowledge and express our true self, there is no need to falsify or modify our self in order to be accepted by others.
Lilith is the fire of erotic yearning, the ferocity of our free will; she is our combustible creative urge for self expression. She is our shadow power.
I walked with Lilith at our Dark Moon circle. During the meditation I entered the realm of the Volcano through the looking glass. With the sounds of an erotic tribal beat I walked the treacherous path to the summit of the volcano. I was embraced by women that had trod that path before me; women that faced the unacceptable, women that stepped beyond the boundaries to become their ultimate selves. I danced with Isis, with Cleopatra and weaved through the lines of the famous and the infamous.
I stood at the apex of the Volcano, Isis & Lilith standing on either side of me. Lilith crowned me with a circlet of violet flame. I stood at the precipice looking into the pit of fire and with the count of five, the number for freedom and expansion; I dived into the fiery molten pit.
The lava was strangely cold and as I penetrated its depths blackened layers of my fears and redundant identities were released into the fiery sludge. I thought that there would be nothing left of me but Lilith reached in and extracted me from the pit. Like the serpent that sheds its skin, I emerged anew, fresh, pink and naked. I joined the ranks of women dancing to the tribal beat; I became one with the sisterhood and each one gave me a gift in honour of my renewal.
Lilith instructed me that it was time to move beyond my fear, to push forward on my quest regardless of the obstacles. I moved back into the physical realm with hope renewed and with a determination to achieve my goals. I will no longer be afraid to be who I am; I will dance to the beat of my own drum.
I am a portrait of my own manifestation
I am an expression of my creative truth.
SOL's Full Moon Circle
~ Friday August 15, 2008
by Janine Donnellan
 The Legend of Tiamat and Apsu
According to Babylonian mythology, before the world was created there was nothing but a waste of chaotic waters ruled by Apsu and Tiamat. Tiamat was the dragon goddess of salt waters. No pictures exist of Her but she is said to be a fierce dragoness, the personification of the untame, the primeval forces of the universe. Her consort Apsu, was said to be the god of the fresh sweet water. Both represent the idea of chaos that precedes form and order, which are the foundation of upon which civilization rests. As time passed Gods were created in the hope of bringing order to this chaos. One of the Gods, Ea, slayed Apsu, thus making Tiamat mad at the Gods. Tiamat waged war against her offspring but was unsuccessful in stifling their efforts until Marduk was born.
Marduk was the strongest and the wisest of the gods and was elected to deal with Tiamat once and for all. Upon summoning the powers of all of the other Gods, Marduk went to war with Tiamat. Marduk caught her in his net and when she opened her mouth to breath fire at him, he let loose the four winds which filled her up rendering her defenceless. Marduk then speared her with a lightning bolt, split her in two and raised half of her body to create the sky and with the other half created the earth. Her waters came forth to form the clouds and the Tigris and Euphrates was made from her tears.
www.theserenedragon.net/Tales/babylon-tiamat.htm
www.gatewaystobabylon.com/gods/ladies/ladytiamat.html
The energy of the Aquarius Lunar Eclipse had been building for quite a few weeks; it was apparent that this eclipse was going to be particularly powerful as I had been receiving strange down loads of information, all geared for this full moon ritual. Visions of octahedrons, dragon's gates and the Draco constellation seemed to penetrate my dreams and a connection to the Babylonian Dragon Goddess, Tiamat was established.
On the Friday night of the full moon we conducted a Dragon ritual. With the energy of an amethyst crystal wand and with the power of the Dragons the circle was cast. Once we were between worlds we visualized the circle within a large golden octahedron, a double pyramid reflecting 'as above so below' which symbolised oneness and enlightenment and which resonated to the higher vibration of 8 and the symbol of infinity.
The dragons of the four directions were evoked to guard and protect the circle and our Babylonian hosts Tiamat and Apsu were summoned. We then placed our awareness deep within the earth, and in a chaotic manner we walked the circle backwards and forwards like the swirling motion of a washing machine drawing the power of the dragons to the centre of our ritual. At the climax of the cone of power we moved within the centre and used the power of our voices in a dissonance of sound.
Through meditation we connected to the chaotic world of emanation and to the cosmic matrix, where we opened ourselves to our highest insights. We then centred out thoughts on the development of the group, the development of SOL and we all became channellers of divine information. After the meditation we passed a quartz healing stone around the circle, both taking and giving energy as the crystal was passed from person to person. Each participant was then anointed with pink aura soma which was to bring in caring for oneself, and act as the instigator and protector of our ability to care - both universal and unconditional.
The pink aura soma harmonises group energies and influences those processes positively, lending itself well to community endeavours. This essence aids in attracting love into the aura and radiating love back out to others. As it opens the heart, it protects one from vulnerability, thus releasing the fear of being hurt. This blessing conferred a sense of renewed purity and vitality and allowed deep communion with the spiritual essence of unconditional love on the divine level.
We then thanked our ancient hosts and the dragons for their presence; the residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded on for healing. The circle was closed and then we all finished the evening with our supper and a reading from the Glastonbury tarot.
More information regarding this circle and past circles can be found in our Book Of Shadows. Our next Full Moon Circle will be held in Bulli on Saturday 13 September to celebrate Ostara. Please contact us for further details if you would like to attend.
by Jenwytch
 Imbolc (pronounced "IM-bulc" or "EM-bowlk" meaning "in the belly") is a cross-quarter day midway between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). The name is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewe's milk". Although we celebrate the day on February 1st (Northern Hemisphere) or August 1st (Southern Hemisphere), in the past the date varied from community to community. Traditionally the date of the festival was associated with the onset of lactation of ewes, soon to give birth to the spring lambs. This could vary by as much as two weeks before or after the start of February.
Imbolc's name is in recognition of the reawakening of the earth - new beginnings, things yet to be born, and the associated events of spring-time; the earth bristling with new life waiting to bud, herd animals' wonderfully swollen bellies about to bring forth the years offspring, who are to be nurtured with the milk of life, chickens and geese beginning to lay their first eggs. It is the time in the natural calendar of the year in which we banish the winter and rejoice the coming of spring. It is a time for planting seeds and to recognize one's duty to nurture inner seeds of growth as well as the physical seeds of the earth. It is the time to consider personal goals and dreams, and to embrace inspiration. It is common to bless and burn candles of inspiration at Imbolc rituals.
Imbolc is the Sabbat which honors the Goddess as the waiting bride of the returning sun God. Before the Nordic influence, it was also the Sabbat in which the Celts saw the sun as being born anew. The importance of Imbolc to the ancient inhabitants of Ireland can be seen at a number of Megalithic and Neolithic sites, such as at the Loughcrew burial mounds and the Mound of the Hostages in Tara, Ireland. Here, the inner chamber of the passage tombs are perfectly aligned with the rising sun of both Imbolc and Samhain. Similar to the phenomena seen at Newgrange, the rising Imbolc sun shines down the long passageway and illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb. In Ireland it was, and still is, a special day to honor the Goddess Brid in her guise of bride. The modern Irish know this as St. Briget's Day, St. Briget being a vaguely disguised and Christianized version of the Pagan Goddess.
Since Brigid represents the light half of the year, and the power that will bring people from the dark season of winter into spring, her presence is very important at this time of year. Celts would often dress grain dollies, representations made from dried sheaves from the previous harvest, as brides, and set them in a place of honor within their homes. They were usually placed in cradles called Bride's Beds, and nuts, symbols of male fertility, were tossed in with them.
On the night of Imbolc, bonfires would light up the hills as a welcome to the return of heat and fire. During the day, chandlers would be praised. Traditionally, especially in Europe, Imbolc would be spent making candles for the year, as candles made at this time were considered to be lucky. Other customs included the lighting of candles in every window of the house and keeping a perpetual candle on the alter of Brid. Interestingly, up until 1220 BCE St Bridgid's Shrine at Kildare had a constantly tended fire, which was cared for by the priestesses of the Goddess, the care of which was taken over by virgin nuns after Christianity. It is the tradition of the lighting of candles that was partly the inspiration for the Christian celebration of Candlemas. The significance of fire and the burning of candles (other than Brigid being the Goddess of fire ...go here for more about Brigid) is that Imbolc is a celebration of light. Winter is dying away, and the fire of the sun grows stronger. In times past, people would jump bonfires at Imbolc to be cured of their winter colds and aliments. The candles and fire are all symbolically adding their energies to the waxing sun, bringing forth the joy of spring with the waxing sun.
Sources:
http://brighterblessings.co.uk/articles/imbolc.htm
http://www.celticmagick.com/holidays/imbolc-celtic-history.htm
http://files.meetup.com/166611/Imbolc%20Traditions%20and%20History.pdf
"The Everything Paganism Book" by Selene Silverwind, 2004.
http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Holidays/imbolc.html
Pagan Poetry
"Dark to Light"
by Maria
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Shortest day, longest night
Winter has set upon the earth
In its full delight
It stills, mind body and soul
Its goal, its will
To review aspects of old
Time to go within
Allowing you to clear away, any debris
Set yourself free
Bring in health, let it be felt
Make your oath
A time of new growth
From the stillness of the night
We are reborn
Dark to light
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Herbs ~ Bay Leaf
by Janine
 Bay Leaf is a wonderful all-purpose herb. Bay is a Sun herb and is connected to divination. Inhaling the scent of these burning leaves is said to help increase psychic ability. You can stuff dream pillows with bay to help encourage divinatory dreams. You can make a good oil for dressing candles or blessing musical instruments by crumpling or grinding the herb and infusing them in Sun-warmed oil (sunflower would be a nice Sun oil to use--add a couple drops of vitamin E to help preserve it). When worn as an amulet Bay leaves are protective of the home and person. During the waxing moon, wishes can be written on the leaves, which are then burned on the Full Moon to empower the wish. In the Celtic Wheel of the Year, this herb is associated with Imbolc, celebration of midwinter. In the zodiac, it is connected to Leo.
Source:
http://www.alchemy-works.com/herb_bay.html
Stonehenge
by Amethyst & Rayvensclaw
Short History Lesson
Built as a temple, first a simple ditch and bank within which a circle of upright timber posts was built about 5,000 years ago. By about 2,500 BC the wood was rotting away and the first of the stones started to arrive; huge Sarsen stones from North Wiltshire (30Km away), the largest of which weighing over 40 tonnes; smaller blue stones from Wales (240Km away) weighing up to 5 tonnes, these stones were believed to have been floated and then dragged through what they call The Avenue to the Stonehenge site. The stones were carved on site to fit into each other and also to be slotted on top of (similar to woodworking today).
Orientation
Outside of Stonehenge there is a Heel Stone standing upright, only one remains today, there was a second. It marks the entrance path, The Avenue, to the circle. Just in from the Heel Stone lying flat, is the Slaughter Stone, called because when wet it turns red (overactive Victorian imagination). The iron in the stone reacts with water turning it a rust red colour. This stone was originally upright. Lichens (mould) found at Stonehenge usually grow on exposed coastlines, there presence remains a mystery.
The alignment runs north-east to south-east. Around June 21st the Sun rises behind the Heel Stone shining into the heart of Stonehenge and the setting sun drops down between two upright columns. It was thought that the Druids built Stonehenge, this is incorrect. The Druids did not emerge until more than a thousand years after Stonehenge was abandoned.
Our Visit
Our first contact with Stonehenge was in the afternoon, it was raining and we had booked entry to the circle at night (normal tours are not allowed in), so we called in to check to see that it was going ahead. They said it was and they also let us in to do the usual visitors tour with audio. We went through a tunnel under the road and up a ramp, passing a mural of how Stonehenge was believed to have looked, all of a sudden Stonehenge is in front of you, about 50 metres away. The energy and feelings were very strong, we were looking at a site so old but still there. The other tourists didn't exist and the car noises vanished. All you could see was the huge stones with black birds circling them. It wasn't raining anymore.
We walked around the circle, looking at the mounds, Heel stone, Slaughter stone and ditch. That night we came back and into the circle we went. We touched and looked and touched and looked some more. We felt special that we could actually be here. We saw the sun go down through the circle and the sun's rays descend over and through the stones. There were about a dozen other people there plus 2 security guards, but their effect was minimal (there was one person divining in the centre). When we finally left (because we were told to) that special feeling stayed with us.
After more travelling through England we made our way back there the day before returning home. We didn't pay to go in, but looked through the fence (it wasn't necessary to go in as the feeling stayed with us). We then went exploring in the next field to see the Curses Burrows (burial mounds). There are hundreds of burial mounds clustered around the surrounding hills. Much to our surprise we found these mounds were fenced off, with locked gates. No, that didn't stop us! After gaining entry we went to the top of each Burrow and looked around at the fields and Stonehenge. We then gathered various stones from the Burrows (we didn't take any from Stonehenge because it didn't feel right to do so), we then made our way back to the car park and had an ice-cream.
Footnote
There is a proposal to do away with the main road nearby (sinking it underground) and to close the side road (access to car park). Access then would be back up the main road to a new and larger facility, with transportation to Stonehenge itself by a road-train.
Photographs by Amethyst & Rayvensclaw
Neutralising Geopathic Stress
by Janine Donnellan
Geopathic Stress is the name given to natural or man made energies emanating from the earth which are detrimental to human health. In simpler terms this is negative vibrations rising up through the earth causing electromagnetic fields which can come from subterranean running water, mineral concentrations, fault lines, caverns etc.
Electro Magnetic Field Emissions
EMF emissions, electromagnetic field emissions from electronic equipment like computers and mobile phones, wi-fi, blue tooth are further adding stress to the environment and our wellbeing. EMF emissions are blamed for an increase in many types of cancer. Mobile phone masts, substations, pylons add further to the burden on our health emitting dangerous levels of E.M.F if one is living or working within 500 metres.
Geopathic stress is a vastly underestimated threat to our emotional and physical health and interpersonal relationships. It has been on the increase in recent years and should be checked for by anyone suffering health or relationship problems of some kind.
Some of the signs of geopathic stress include:
- the presence of ants, termites, bees, wasps or beetles
- favourite sleeping places for cats
- trees with twisted boughs and cancerous growths
- trees with limbs growing at unusual angles
- fruit trees that bloom but do not bear fruit
- cracked, crumbling, damp walls in buildings
- places where plants or grass do not grow well
- beds where young children refuse to sleep normally
How can geopathic stress affect you?
Geopathic stress has been associated with health problems such as:
- low immunity
- cancer
- brain tumours
- leukemia
- arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Down's syndrome
- miscarriage, cot death
Geopathic stress also contributes to unpleasant symptoms that affect behaviour, well-being and happiness such as:
- sleep problems
- disharmony, conflict, irritability
- depression
- migraine headaches
- confusion
Dowsing for Geopathic stress - how does it work?
 Most people readily associate dowsing with finding water! However you can use dowsing rods and pendulums for so much more including negative grid lines, health, medicine, allergies, chakra balancing, archaeology, alchemy, finding hidden artifacts and minerals, spirits etc.
Dowsing is a skill that anyone can learn. Before you practice you do need to discover what the movement of the pendulum or dowsing rod means. The first step is determining what your responses mean. Your responses may vary from another person's but that is fine - what works for you is all that counts! See Dowsing with L-Rods and Dowsing for the Paranormal for more information.
To start dowsing for Geopathic stress lines draw a plan of your house. State firmly in your mind that you are looking for Geopathic stress lines; then systematically walk through each room of your house marking on the plan where the dowsing rods cross or the pendulum swings to the Yes position.
How do you treat geopathic stress?
The most effective way of dealing with geopathic stress is to move one's bed. Once the geopathic stress lines have been identified, the simple measure of moving out of the area of geopathic stress often solves the problem. The further the bed can be moved the more likely it is that one gets out of the stressed area. For some it is impossible to move their bed and in this case other methods need to be tried. These are worth doing anyway, even if it is possible to move one's bed, as a back up.
It is possible to block off geopathic stress by means of a layer of cork placed under the bed. A layer of cork tiles or bath mats, available from DIY and furniture stores can be used. It is also possible to obtain large sheets of cork from specialist suppliers.
The scientific reason for this to work appears to depend on an observed association between geological fault lines and oak trees (which produce cork). The oak tree seems to have evolved its own defence against geopathic stress which is present in cork.
How can geopathic stress be neutralised?
A variety of methods can be used to harmonise geopathic stress, including crystals and mechanical devices. Rose quartz and silicon carbide crystals are considered to be very effective in counteracting the harmful effects of radiation, so they are often placed in geopathically stressed areas of houses. There are also devices such as RadiTech Neutraliser or Bailey Stressbuster, which can remove the effects of geopathic stress.
Another simple solution that can be tried is the placement of an energetic grid over the affected area. This is a green energetic grid that is programmed to absorb all negativity and is refreshed on a six monthly basis. Please note that it may take up to six weeks for the effects of geopathic stress to clear.
It is important to realise that environments are like our physical bodies -- they are energy systems, have levels of consciousness ranging from the physical to the spiritual, have energy flows around, through, and within them, and can be in a state of balance or imbalance. The grid lines that run through an environment are like the meridians of our bodies, and like our own bodies, environments are alive and continuously impacted by the energy qualities that come into it from outside sources. Sometimes these factors vary over time, and, like our own bodies, can be in balance one day, and out of balance the next. Like ourselves, environments require some constant source of beneficial energy to maintain health and well-being. Opening of windows to allow for cross flow ventilation, smudging and energetic clearing of the home is recommended on a regular basis.
Sources:
http://www.geopathic-stress.info/index_files/geostress3.htm
http://www.geopathic-stress.info/index_files/geostress.htm
http://www.creatinghealthyspaces.com/geopathic.html
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Issue 6 - WINTER, AUGUST 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 Articles
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 and
Ostara Gathering at Bulli
Saturday September 13, 2008
This month, instead of our usual Friday Full Moon Circle at Engadine, Spheres Of Light will be holding an Ostara Gathering at the Bulli Community Hall (NSW, Australia) on Saturday 13th September. Our gatherings are Open Circles, meaning that all Pagans are welcome to come along any time and experience a full moon or sabbat circle with us. If you would like to attend this Ostara gathering please contact us and also see here for further details.
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. The closing date for bookings for the Spring Workshop is Friday 19th
September, 2008. 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
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
Sept 15, 2008 at Seven Hills, Sydney (map)
Date: Monday September 15, 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 Wednesday October 15, 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
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 Jenwytch
Traditional foods for Imbolc are from dairy products and spiced with onion, leek, garlic, shallot, and/or olives. Appropriate
meat dishes may contain poultry, pork, or lamb. The wine may be spiced and the food may contain raisins. Bread puddings and creamy
soups are typical.
Imbolc Feast Lamb Stew
INGREDIENTS:
2- 1/2 lb. lamb neck chops (with fat left on)
1 tbs. lamb fat
4 medium onions
1 tbs. butter/margarine
4 medium carrots
2 1/2 cups water
4 medium potatoes
1 tbs. parsley, chopped
1 tsp. each salt & pepper
1 tbs. chives, chopped
PREPARATION:
Shred some of the excess fat and cook it down in a large pot or Dutch-oven. Peel the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Cut the onions
and carrots into quarters, and put all the vegetables aside. Cut the meat into 8 pieces, and trim away the rest of the excess fat.
The bones need not be removed. Place the meat in the hot fat and brown. Repeat with the onions and carrots. Add water, salt, and
pepper carefully. Put whole potatoes on top. Cover pot and simmer gently until meat is cooked, approx. 2 hours. Remove from heat.
Pour off the cooking liquid into a separate saucepan, allow cooling for a few minutes, skimming off grease, and reheating. Add
butter, chives, and parsley to the reheated liquid in the saucepan. Pour heated liquid back over the stew. Serve hot. Makes 4-6
servings.
Bailey's Irish Cream
Truffles
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
1 Tablespoon Butter
12 oz semisweet chocolate pieces
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
PREPARATION:
Melt chocolate pieces, Bailey's and heavy cream together over very low heat. Whisk in yolks, one at a time, mixture will thicken.
Whisk in butter. Refrigerate several hours, or overnight until firm. Make small balls with a teaspoon. Roll in powdered sugar or
cocoa.
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