In the Faerie Faith, although this has never been
formalized, a student's progress can
roughly be equated to the 13 lunars and their energies.
The Beginning - Birch
The student learns awareness, sensitivity, and
self-discipline. She learns to work with someone
who has authority over her; i.e., her teacher, the High Priestess. She learns to develop her own
inner authority. She learns to be aware of all around her; of the plants, trees, devas, spirits, etc.,
as well as begin to be aware of the energies of the different lunations. She learns to be sensitive
to these energies. She learns the need for self-discipline, as many things are "dumped" on her all
at once: articles and books to read, trees to study, etc.
Rowan
The student is now at the quickening or aborting
phase. She must decide whether this is the path
for her or not. If so, this is a good time for the adoption ritual, which sets her foot on the path. At
this point she is wide-open to all around her, all influences, etc. This is when she begins to learn
compassion and communication with the help of this openness. Once she is aware of the energies
around her, she must be able to communicate with them. She must be able to communicate also
with her fellow students and with her teacher, and have compassion for them and for all
others.
Ash
The student must now learn patience. She must
realize that she is still at the beginning, and to
expect to know everything all at once is folly. She should be persistent, but patient, both with
herself and with others. She must also be careful in what she says or does to others. This is where
the compassion learned in the previous moon comes into play. For the impatience felt now can
cause her to lash out, to act rashly, or to say more than she should. The waters are indeed
moving, yet the child is still unborn.
Alder
The student will probably calm down a bit now, and
come to appreciate order and rule. She will
have learned that those who have authority over her, such as her teacher, have this out of
necessity, and that it is wielded with love, not with intent of power. She will also come to know
just how much she still doesn't know, and by doing so, gain a large bit of wisdom. This can be a
time of painful changes, both internally and in mundane life. She has been touched by the fire of
the new sun. She is being truly born.
Willow
The student begins to seriously apply herself to her
reading and studies; to exercise her intellect
and her instincts. Not all of what she reads or does will make sense yet, but she will soon find
clarity amidst the confusion. As she progresses along the path, certain things are left behind. She
may come to resent this fact; or she may feel like zooming right along anyway. She is changing
and moving now. She may be ready for the next step: initiation.
Hawthorn
The student is in a time of unlimited potential; if she
was initiated, she may flounder a bit trying
to get her bearings before she takes off on further spiritual ventures. This is a good time to sit
back for a bit, take a fast both spiritually and physically. The student may know she wants to go
on, but she's not sure where yet. Some students at this point take a brief hiatus from their studies,
to let things settle back into place, especially after an initiation. She must test her boundaries, set
her course.
Oak
The student regains her strength of will, and is ready
for whatever the path throws her way. She
has gained from her experiences of the past, and can now put that to use. She has come through
several changes intact, if not unscathed. She may now become aware of a dual nature within
herself, or perhaps a dual existence in the mundane world. How she deals with this will set the
stage for the next phase. She has truly set the path in motion now; her life will continue to
change even if she steps off the path. Now is when she must look within herself for inner
strength and conviction.
Holly
In some ways, this is the culmination of all that has
gone before. If the student has learned
compassion, communication, sensitivity, and awareness, then she has a good foundation for her
growth. If she has not learned these, this may be the time she is forced to by the cosmos. For a
student cannot move beyond a certain level without these basic understandings. She should have
reached a balance within herself, and if she has not, the rest of the path will be very difficult for
her. If all is well, she will really begin to grow now.
Hazel
If the student has passed through the tribulations of
the last two phases, this can be a very
calming time; a time to reflect, to understand. She has completed one part of the journey. This
may be a good time for the second initiation. She may begin to get flashes of insight, a crack in
the cosmic egg. Things will become clear to her that were not before. The mysteries will begin to
be not so mysterious.
Vine
The student has now reached a new level. The
purpose of the second initiation will now be
understood by her. She is the sum of her parts, and more. She has gained more than just book
knowledge, but a true understanding of the mysteries. Any feeling of duality within her may
cease; she will feel complete. To share this new feeling, this exhilaration almost, she may take on
a student of her own. This will help her in her own growth; show her again just how much she
still doesn't know. But this time it's not so frustrating.
Ivy
The student now has a better attunement with nature,
the spirits, the cosmos, and the Goddess.
She does not have to think about being as one with the Otherworld; she just is. It is important
now for the student to remember the lessons of the past. She must maintain self-discipline in
order to keep functioning in the mundane world, and at the same time to maintain her connection
with the Otherworld. She must stay balanced within herself, for this is a shaky time, when her
Low Self can get out of control easily. Above all, she must keep moving.
Reed
As the student anticipates her coming graduation, her
final ceremony which will formally end her
studies under someone else, she may feel worried, even terrified. No doubt she has heard horror
stories of the final initiation. She may also be worried about being out on her own; she may have
doubts about being ready to be turned loose. She knows there will be sacrifices to be made, not
all of which will be pleasant. She should take some time now to look within herself, to assure
herself that she is indeed ready.
Elder
A time of transition. The student prepares to go
through with her Fifth Solar, the final initiation
ceremony. She will become a High Priestess in her own right. She may have a giddy feeling, and
may still feel a bit unsure. But the terror and anticipation of the last phase has passed. She has
overcome her fear, and will go through the ritual and come out on the other side. This is a good
time for her to be around her friends and other students on the path, regardless of their current
position.
The Day Apart
After the Fifth Solar, the now-High Priestess should
take some time to herself and reconnect with
the Earth. This is a time to commune with the Goddess, to get a glimmer of what the future
holds. She has shed her skin, and been born again. She has passed into the tomb, and come out of
the womb.
RITUAL FOR GORT
MOON, 3866 MT
by Coll
Ed. Note: This powerful ritual was performed at EarthDance II,
September 1995, in Georgia, by
Church of Rhiannon. Though written for a large group, it could be adapted for a smaller
circle.
(Participants are admitted to circle in the
accustomed fashion. Each participant is
challenged, anointed, and smudged. A covener will make sure that each participant is led around
the circle deosil until the circle is full.)
(Spirits are called: Druid and Priestess will go to
each quarter. Thegn will sound a horn at
each quarter after the ho chant.)
Druid speaks: "I call to you Pagans all. Listen to me! Now is the night of the
Gort Moon
which signifies the continuing harvest. The time of darkness approaches. Throughout the time of
light, our Goddess has nurtured us. Soon will be her time of rest. Threefold is her face. It is meet
that we honor all her forms. Let us close our eyes and listen to her voice."
Druid speaks: "Beloved Maiden, Earth Goddess Child Rhiannon, speak to
us!"
Maiden
speaks: "Green sap rising to greet the
Spring. Elvin Queen am I. Every bird
sings my name. To call the Green Man. That I may bloom with him at the year's prime. That I
may blind him in his hour of joy."
Druid speaks: "Blessed Mother, Epona, giver of all life, speak to
us!"
Mother
speaks: "Eating the living germs of
grasses. Eating the ova of large birds. The
fleshy sweetness packed around the sperm of swaying trees. The muscles of flanks and thighs of
soft voiced cows. The bounce in the lamb's leap. The swish in the ox's tail. Eating roots grown
swoll inside the soil. Drawing on life of living clustered points of light spun out of space. Hidden
in the grape. Eating each other's seed. Eating, ah...each other. Kissing the lover in the mouth of
bread: Lip to lip."
Druid speaks: "Dreaded Death Crone, let us heed your warning."
Crone speaks: "Things are inexorable, and you cannot escape the Karma of my
continuum. I am angry at your escalating assaults. You denude me. Turn my nurture into aridity.
You plunder. You excavate... You are trying to paralyze me--to turn me into a broken toy, its
mechanism spilling out its guts, kept functional only through the heroic and Faustian tricks of
your technology. You drive me underground, where I am still myself and move according to my
will and nature. Down there I have no use for you. I revert to who I was at the beginning. Down
there I am a demon who destroys in an instant what it took me millions of years to build. I shove
the continents around. Smash India into Tibet. Crash Africa up Italy's boot. Play scrabble with
the North American West. Spin Europe like a top. Lift the seas to the peaks. I play and you
die...without sentimentality. Alive or dead, it's all the same to me. But you pump me full of
poisons. You force feed me substances I cannot tolerate. I try to absorb, to burn, to cleanse, but
more comes. Always more. My bowels hurt. I am ill. I want to vomit! My intestines burst! My
stomach lining cracks! Enough! Enough!"
(Pause)
(Druid explains the power raising part of the ritual.
Power raised is to draw each
participant within--to look at their own behavior towards the Earth Mother. All hold hands and
slowly spin the circle during the drumming. When the drumming stops they should meditate for
a couple of minutes and then ground by touching the Earth. Flute will bring us out of
meditation.)
Drumming begins:
Thegn speaks (during
drumming): "The stroke Ka is the
sound of Earth. It is the bones
of our body. All that we are comes from the Earth. All that we are will return to the Earth.
Anything we put into the Earth, we are literally putting into our own bodies, and into the bodies
of our children, and their children, and their children, and their children...
"The stroke Dum is the purifying, cleansing,
life-inducing sound of water, whose purity
all life depends upon. It is the blood of our bodies.
"The stroke Tak is the sound of fire. It is the sound
of radiant heat and light. It is the
energy of our bodies. It is the sound of transformation by destruction.
"The stroke Cha is the sound of air. Without air,
there would be no life. It is the breath of
our bodies.
"It is the Earth of all Earth! It is the Water of all
Water! It is the Fire of all Fire! It is the
Air of all Air!"
(Drumming stops and meditation begins.
Flute brings all out of meditation.)
(Priestess offers prayers of thanksgiving to the Earth
Mother and to the spirits in
attendance.)
(Spirits are released!)
(Benediction sung.)
Druid speaks: "This circle has ended...go in peace."
- by David Sparenberg
If you receive the basket
handed you by the angel
called Dawn,
you will become a beam
of the upward sun.
If you enter this cornucopia
of creation's multitude,
divested of your ego's edges,
you will emerge
as apple or as orange.
Why not, with the taster's mouth,
be of the tasted fruit?
As the eagle flies,
so is the heart for flying.
The soul
for living its dreams.
Why not, with the hunter's talon,
be of the hunted quarry?
And within the pathetic network
of all living beings,
be as one
with the spider's threads?
by Michael
Devizes
I unexpectedly got the call from "The Management"
on CELestial 9000--my spiritual
internet server--to go to Sweden last year. Reluctantly, because Sweden is such an expensive
country, but having learned the hard way that it's worse if you resist, I spent two weeks out there
and was guided to the remote inner lakes and directed by said "Management" to make direct
contact with colonies of trolls (is that the right collective noun--or should that read a
'troop'?).
Polite but pretty forceful lot are trolls. I'd heard
about their abruptness but never actually
encountered it at first hand. Anyway, to cut a long story short these guys insisted on not only me
taking them back to England but they further demanded to being escorted a further 250 miles on
to deepest Cornwall (very western tip of UK) where I was to escort them their long-lost cousins;
the famed Cornish piskies.
As you can imagine there were a number of
problems to resolve, not the least of which
was that I just did not have enough cash on my credit card to charter an aircraft. So we overcame
this when they were loaned some very old but featherlight full length invisibility cloaks by their
cousins in Helsinki.
NEVER AGAIN! Forget whatever you've read.
These guys played me up somethin'
rotten. You should know, by the way, that my work requires me to be teetotal, it proving very
droll indeed when a medium mixes his spirits, but I distinctly recall putting only one pack of
200 cigarettes in my duty free plastic bag at Copenhagen airport.
When I got home and opened my cases there were
FOUR packs --an amount way over
UK customs taxfree import quota. There were also a handful of what looked like tiny dead birch
branches. I've yet to work out and dread to think what these might be, but I'm hoping they'll
prove to be some kind of faerie wands. The alternative option, trollshit, is too awful to
contemplate!
OK, so we get back home to Wiltshire--the most
unpopulated county in England where
there are more pigs (4-legs) than folk and more sheep than pigs--and then we get MORE
demands. They told me they were all off on some kind of faerie walkabout-cum-safari to make
contact with the locals, so I agreed to go take them to likely places. We kind of did the circuit
and then in one place they came face to face with the local elementals. The sight of two terrified
local faerie folk, more than acutely embarrassed at being caught in working dress and being
confronted by this band of bearded vikings, was potentially disastrous. But I played the stupid
mortal and overcame their shame by appearing real dumb and appealing for their help in greeting
these overseas visitors in the proper manner.
That turned out to be even dumber than I had
realized. 'Cos this meant that the local
Wessex chapter of the Faerie Council had to be contacted and THEN we discovered that this
council didn't meet up before the next lunation which was then two weeks hence, so I ended up
having to reschedule (oops, sorry, that should read 'reskedule' for you colonial types) our
proposed journey to Cornwall for yet another two weeks. And let me tell you, having 30 or so
unexpected house guests for a month can be rather tiresome. (My old aunt used to say "Guests
and fish both go off after 3 days" --and boy was she ever right!)
In the end I got them there without losing any and
this was no mean feat, such is their
curiosity, and as a result was permitted to be guest of honour (oops, sorry; that should read
'honor') where I sat on the grassy bank of this remote B&B place I know on the edge of an
ancient standing stone circle for a while whilst they greeted.
Boy, did they greet. EVERYONE, I mean everyone
had to shake hands with everyone
else and give their names, each one of which was four minutes long so, as you can imagine, I
soon got VERY bored indeed with their very formal welcoming ceremonies that went on for
hours; exchanges of gifts (which they banned me from 'seeing' by the way, which I think was
jolly rotten of them, seeing as how I had been such a conscientious courier), all of which was
followed by their insistence of tracing lineage back over hundreds of years since they had last
had contact.
Agreed, these family branches had not seen each
other for ages, although they had--and
do-- keep in touch by what I can only describe as a kind of bird song mail. It seemed to go on
forever and in the end I jus' discreetly withdrew an' left them to it. In truth there was so much
celebrating going on I didn't have the heart to ask who was going to pick up the tab for my air
fare to Sweden. (Well really, it's all very well fulfilling these urgent faxes from the spiritual
internet, but no one even THINKS to ask you about your expenses. I mean, try telling that tale to
your friendly neighbourhood H&R Block just before the IRS comes to call!
If you are interested AND you are truly ready then
You can meet them too. I know where
in Land's End--close by the sunken mystical city of Lyonesse you will find both them and other
faerie folk.
But.... shall you have the required respect and
patience? Aye, there's the rub.
by Marilyn Windle
Prior articles in this series have dealt with
meditative techniques which allow you to slow
your brain wave frequency down to a level where your right brain (or practical side) relinquishes
control, and your left brain (the more intuitive side) takes over. Using this lower brain frequency,
or the alpha brain wave pattern, you can learn to feel the energy fields around all matter. While
this can be handy with inorganic materials (I have used this technique to diagnose problems with
my car), you'll probably use it more with plants and animals.
The first exercise is a refresher on attaining the
meditative state. If you have missed prior
articles in this series, you can order back issues of The Hazel Nut from the
publisher.
Exercise One
Assume a comfortable position and close your eyes.
(If you are new to meditating, don't
try this lying down as you may fall asleep.) Become aware of your breath for a few moments.
Don't try to control your breath, just feel the air filling your lungs, expanding your chest and
abdomen, then flowing out. Now picture yourself in an elevator in a 10 story building, the kind
of elevator with the numbered lights over the door. Feel the elevator begin to descend, and watch
the light move from the top floor downward, feeling yourself going down, down, down. When
you reach the bottom floor, the elevator doors open and you step out into a supremely relaxing
place. For me, this is the beach. (If you prefer a different image of relaxation, feel free. Just try to
include as many of your senses as possible.) Your towel is already laid out for you, and the sand
is very warm but not hot under your feet as you make your way to it. As you lie back and close
your eyes, you can feel the warmth of the sun being absorbed by your body. You can hear the sea
gulls calling somewhere far above as the surf breathes in and out.
Relax with this image for a few moments. You can
smell the combination of salt and
sand, maybe even coconut. Listen to the surf and find your breath falling into the rhythm,
breathing in as the waves pull out, breathing out as they come rustling back. Feel the warmth of
the sun and a slight breeze blowing gently across your body. It's a perfect day at the beach. You
don't feel hot, just relaxed, with the warmth of the sun flowing into you.
To end the exercise, simply get up and walk back
into the elevator. Leave your towel so
it'll be there for you the next time you come. Allow the doors to close, then watch the lights
move and feel yourself moving up, becoming more and more aware of your surroundings until
you reach the top and open your eyes.
Once you can reach this meditative level without
falling asleep, practice maintaining this
relaxed state with your eyes open.
Exercise Two
You know from physics class that all matter has
energy, and that nothing is really solid at
the molecular level. This constantly moving energy can be felt by anyone who practices the
technique. Although everything on earth has this energy surrounding it, it is easier to pick this
energy up from living beings, which are also emanating life energy, then from inanimate objects,
such as a plastic ruler.
For this exercise, you'll need a healthy plant. (If you
don't have any plants in your home,
why don't you? Most of us exist in artificial environments, and are forced to breath processed air
in our homes, offices and schools. Plants filter the air we breath. They are also living, breathing
beings which help to connect us with the earth and its energy. Besides, healthy plants make you
feel good about yourself.) Make sure the plant is healthy and thriving, not yellowing and
drooping from over- or under-watering. If you don't have enough light in your home to support
plants, find a bush or flower or tree outside that you can work with without attracting attention.
(If your home is that low in natural light energy, consider moving or at least adding full-spectrum
lights. If a plant can't live where you do, what effect do you think that environment is having on
you?)
Find a comfortable position and use the meditation
techniques we've practiced to slow
yourself down. With your eyes closed, visualize yourself in your current position with a light
glowing all around you. It may take a few tries to "see" yourself enveloped by this light. You
might see this as surrounding your body uniformly as a soft glow. On the other hand, you may
see the light as more active, arcing out from your head or from your out-stretched hand. You may
see the light as white or having a color. What you are visualizing is your aura, the field of energy
which can be seen or felt around all living things. (This topic was covered in the last article.)
Now direct your attention to the plant, and move
your hands so that they surround the
plant but don't touch it, stretching your fingers slightly if necessary. If the plant is small, and
your fingers would touch, then hold your hands straight and parallel, one on each side. Visualize
the light emanating from the plant. It may be extended uniformly all over, so that it outlines the
plant perfectly, or there may be areas where it extends out (like from your head or hand) and
areas where it hugs a stem or leaf. After observing the light for a moment, mentally ask
permission from the plant to feel the light. If you don't feel welcome, just observe the light and
try this experiment with another plant. If you feel it would be all right, move your hands closer
together and touch the light. What does it feel like? Some people describe this as feeling like
crackling, static electricity. Others feel a warm vibration. It doesn't matter how it feels to you,
just practice feeling this energy. Before ending the exercise, send an image of perfect health to
the plant and thank it for allowing you to touch its aura.
Always ask permission and give thanks when
working with living creatures, whether
plants or animals. Everything on this planet is on its own path of spiritual development, and you
don't have the right to impose your desires and actions on other life without its
agreement.
Exercise Three
For this exercise, you'll need to have several objects
to practice on that you can probably
find in your house and backyard. Gather together two or three common rocks, dead leaves or
branches gathered from the ground (don't pull off a tree), a clay flower pot, something made of
metal (like a ruler, a stapler or pair of scissors) and something made of plastic (like a ruler, a
cassette tape box or a cup). Try to get "pure" objects that don't contain more than one element.
For example, a tape dispenser may be made of plastic, but it might have a metal serrated strip for
tearing the tape.
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Quiet your mind. Feel yourself relaxing
and becoming aware at a different level. Keep your eyes closed. Visualize your aura glowing.
Visualize the objects in front of you as also glowing with energy. Can you see the difference in
your aura and the light emanating from the objects?
Once you can "see" yourself as surrounded with this
glow, and visualize your gathered
objects as also glowing, reach out and cup your hands over one of the rocks. Keep visualizing the
energy field from the rock and more your hands until you are touching the light. How does it
feel? How is it different from the plant? Is the light you see the same color as what the plant gave
off?
Cup your hands over each of the objects in turn, and
feel the differences in the energy
given off by each of them. You may notice a difference in the energy pattern. The energy pattern
of a plastic cup is flat and even, while you may feel ripples from the energy coming from the
rock. You'll have to practice this with different objects and learn what the different energy fields
feel like to you. A friend of mine can feel the difference in the energy given off by different
colors, and can tell you what color something is blindfolded.
Try another plant and notice how different it feels
from a plastic cup or stainless steel nail
file. How does the dead leaf feel in contrast?
Exercise Four
Finally, try this again, with a tree. Choose an older
tree for this exercise, not a small
sapling. Feel the energy emanating from the bark as you move your hands toward it, but not
touching it. (Ask permission first, of course.) As you do this with different trees, you'll see that
they all feel slightly different, like different personalities.
Before sending an image of perfect health and
thanks, quiet your mind for a few moments
and open up to receive from the tree. Just as I was able to assist my puppy with housebreaking by
sending mental images of where, when and the desired result, trees can communicate using
images with you, as well. They aren't intrusive, though, so you'll have to open your mind and
allow this to happen. Though I have been aware of and able to feel the energy fields around trees
for over 20 years, a friend showed me how to communicate with them just last year. It had never
occurred to me to open up to receive what they would say to me.
Opening yourself up to communication with other
life is an incredible experience. While
you may soon tire of feeling inanimate energy, there is always something new and exciting to
learn from (and give to) the other life forms on this planet. Open yourself up to the energy
flowing around you. You will wonder how you have lived so long without noticing it
before.
FESTIVAL
MEMORIES...
MOONDANCE '96
by Linda Kerr
Moondance was held this year at a different site for
the first time: FDR State Park in
Georgia. We were afraid that the festival wouldn't have the same 'feel,' but also felt that it was
worth it, since the site wouldn't be nearly as much work as the old one for a 7-months pregnant
organizer! And yes, it was much easier to run the festival at a site with cabins, a full kitchen,
electricity, and running water. This year also saw the addition of one more day to Moondance, so
it ran Thursday-Monday, which was just incredible (but we still didn't want to
leave!).
The classes were excellent, including one on
Abortion Ritual, which was heavily attended
by both men and women. Friday night Shelley held an Odinist ritual, then we had the Scottish
dance marathon. Our proud but tired winners, after over 2 hours, were Mark and Marie, who each
won a t-shirt, and in 2nd place were Fiel and Olivia.
Saturday night was one big party, starting with the
potluck feast (imagine over 75
dishes!), and music by Lord Senthor. A small group of us left briefly to go see a "Native
American Campfire" in the park by an Ojibwa Indian. This was a wonderful side trip, and after
his talk, we invited him and his lady to come join us in our festivities, which they did. Upon
arriving back at the festival, the drumming and dancing were in full swing--we were even able to
build a fire in a central location with an energy which gave us much the same feel as Roxanna
had in years previous. Our Ojibwa friends got there in time to see lots of naked bodies dancing
and slithering around the fire in time to the drums. They weren't our only visitors, however; the
park ranger heard our drums and came down to check us out. Rather than being upset at the
possible violations, he actually wanted to come party with us!
Sunday, needless to say, was much mellower. The
night ended with a Faerie Faith ritual
on the Willow and Hawthorn moons, and then a bit more drumming around the fire. On Monday,
we all had to pack up and go home...waah! The festival was a great success (about 100 people),
which managed to exude its own special energy in spite of a totally different site. See ya'll there
next year!
FESTIVAL
MEMORIES...
STONE'S RISING 196
by Dana Ston
The opening circle of Stone's Rising 1996 was held
at 4 pm Pagan Standard Time on
Thursday, May 16. At that time there were over 200 gathered and our numbers continued to grow
until we nearly doubled in size.
With a lingering presence of April showers in the
air and moistened earth beneath our feet
we began with Elspeth introducing some of our instructors for the workshops. The radical
difference at this year's festival was the presence of Hawkwind, a Native American settlement,
bridging the gap in the Pagan community and extending a blessing upon us. As the stone was
lifted our tribe grew united with our descendants who will gaze in wonder at the work, the party,
and the act of belief in the next generation. It will serve as a source for reassurance from their
ancestors, us.
Most of us had traveled about 10 hours to attend the
ceremony. It's difficult to write up
the gathering as a whole. At every turn someone was experiencing a personal truth, a deeper
level of the workshop or ritual.
The roll of guests reads like a Pagan Who's
Who--Pete and Wendy Pathfinder, Laurie
Cabot, Robin Wood and Mike Short, the Church of Iron Oak, and Nicki Scully. It was enough to
make you say "Something's happening here!"
Time is a precious thing to all of us. Attending
Stone's Rising, well, if it's a waste, then it
was a wasting in good company. Please come and join us again at Stone's Rising III. Let's
Rock!
FESTIVAL
MEMORIES...
RITES OF SPRING XVIII
by Vanessa Blue Heron
I've just returned from Rites of Spring XVIII, my
first. Honey, let me tell you, they were
anything but gentle, and I mean that in a good way. Beginning May 22 and concluding May 27,
1996, the Rites emanated a genteel encompassing energy refined through the years. This
gathering draws one inward towards a community, a village in which acceptance matches the
openness of individuals within the festival.
From the Tantra intensive followed by ritual (which
was short--if it were finishing today
it would still be too short) to the panerotic workshop, a theme of reconnection with our human
brothers and sisters prevailed. A discussion of current and future issues facing all pagans was led
by Oberon of CAW, Jacque Omi of Iron Oak, Andreas with the Glenshire witches, and Ellen
Evert Hopman (AKA Willow). The panel was bombarded with tough issues from selling toilet
paper (as a means of self support) to what to do about Satanists. Daily affinity groups explored
everything from Sacred Circle Dance to drumming to sweat lodge. It was intense.
Believe it or not, there were hot showers, flush
toilets, and good food. Lodging ranged
from tents to cabins to a lodge. Oh, baby, this place in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of
Massachusetts has ruined me for all others.
No review could be without mention of the talent
present. Magnus, the magician, brought
tears of joy as 9 year old Brian was initiated into the art of illusion before a crowd of over 300.
Late Nite at Rites had a coffee house flavor that our present generation needs to experience. In
many ways I was transported to 1966 with its spirit of changing the world into a better
place.
Before I wax nostalgic, be warned, at times the
black flies were merciless, and in the open
tenting area be prepared for the sounds of a growing community (most notably babies crying).
Also spring in Massachusetts can be unpredictable and difficult to pack for. This Southern girl
did not have enough warm clothes (thanks to Elspeth I didn't freeze).
My eyes filled with tears at the main ritual. The
Glenshire witches know how to create a
unique experience, which loses something in the writing, however apt. I know it will influence
me throughout this year.
As gatherings go, Rites is a classic, one with more
feelings than definition. It must be
lived to be appreciated.
A tear forms in my eye now as I close. My home, the real world with my real family,
seems far, far away. From one classic to another...
"Oh well, tomorrow is another day."
by Sherlock
ACROSS
2 Aganippe's spring flowed from Mt.
.
4 Ngetal.
5 Not the purple man but the
.
8 The guy who ran naked covered with mud through
the middle of a Women's Mysteries class.
10 The four great Arch Angles are Michael, Gabriel,
Uriel, and .
12 is a candle.
DOWN
1 The sacred grove is an eco-
.
3 Hecate's messenger.
6 Alternate spelling of magical to denote it from stage
magic.
7 Uath.
9 A common antiviral essential oil beginning with
N.
11 Benjamin was the
son.
The solutions to this crossword puzzle can be found
in the Beltane 1996 (Issue #20) of
The Hazel Nut. I took the questions from last issue's articles, so you'll have to read
them to
answer this crossword. Oh, and don't throw away this issue; its articles contain the answers to the
next puzzle. Have fun!!!
Answers to last issue's Ankh-Word Puzzle
Across: 2 Sparkle, 6 Cruithneari, 9 Sleeping, 10 Ilmatar
Down: 1 Alder, 2 Sashrahar, 3 Universe, 4 Mint, 5 Iris, 7 Energy, 8
Olympiad
Dear Linda:
Nice to meet you!!! I have a true story I would like
to share with you in the hopes you
can direct me to the right place for more information. I am new to this internet stuff...and I do
hope to meet a lot of new people who would be interested in this story. Well, here it
goes.
In 1989 My father and I went on a fly-in fishing trip
in a very remote area of Ontario,
Canada. After fishing for a couple hours... I had an urge to go out by myself into the woods. I
went hiking a few miles and found an old Indian campground. I found a tall staff nearby to help
with the sore feet. The staff was notched at the top (why, I do not know.) As I was walking
along, I suddenly realized it was starting to get dark. Believe me when I tell you that it is not a
good idea to be in the woods in Canada after dark. Especially when there are no humans around
for 100 miles or more. Anyways, I turned and started back. It was at that time I realized I was
lost. I was starting to get real frightened. I sat down with the staff on a large boulder to think
about how to get back. After a few minutes I saw some movement in the woods to my right. I
turned and at that time a VERY large white wolf with red eyes walked up to me and sat right
between my legs. As I looked at him I was not afraid. As we made eye contact I had a feeling of
relief for some reason. He stood up and walked about 3 yards in a certain direction and sat down,
turned around and looked back at me. He took a few more steps and sat down again and looked
at me. I had a feeling he wanted me to follow him. I was following right behind him and after a
few miles, he led me to where I started. He sat on the ground in front of me and cocked his head
in a way that I sort of understood. I thought he was saying to me, "you're out of the woods and
safe now." I then bowed my head and thanked him for his help. I heard a sound off in the
distance...I turned to look and saw nothing. I turned back around to the wolf and he was gone.
You may not believe this story but I hope you
do....It is VERY true. I had a silver ring
custom made for me after this experience. I placed rubies for eyes to make it look like him. I also
have an alter for the wolf. I also kept the staff from the campground. I feel it may have had
something to do with the experience as well. I was told recently that the white wolf does not exist
and is a myth. Is this true? and how was a myth able to help me? I was Catholic at the time. and
never dwelled into other beliefs. I am now a nature lover and nature is my church. I guess. I am a
Pagan...and a proud one too!!! I hope you can help me...I just needed to tell people of this
experience. I feel I owe it to the wolf to do so. Wolves are so prosecuted, hunted to almost
extinction....I feel he helped me to not only help me, but to help him and his kind. Let me know
what you think.
Blessed Be
Jon Wolf Tamer
4433 University Ave.
#104
Columbia Heights, MN
55421
wolfie@minn.net.com
Linda Kerr (Editor, Layout, Manager,
Publisher, Web Page) is a High Priestess of the Faerie
Faith, a member of Church of All Worlds, and an ordained minister through the Universal Life
Church. In addition to putting out The Hazel Nut and holding down a full-time job, she
also
organizes and runs a festival every May called Moondance; this was its 6th year. Other things
competing for her time are Buckskinning (pre-1840's historical reenactment), teaching and
competing in Scottish Highland Dance, and river canoeing. Write to her c/o The Hazel
Nut, or
email to: <kerr@forestry.auburn.edu>.
James (Jay) Lynch (Advertising Manager)
has been a pagan for 6 years. He has always enjoyed
studying parapsychology and other unexplained subjects, including Big Foot, UFO's, ancient
civilizations, etc. Other interests include computers, camping, and bowling. He is currently
working as a locksmith in Auburn, Alabama. Write to him c/o The Hazel Nut, or email
to:
<drgnwolf@aub.mindspring.com>.
Lark (Poetry Editor) has been a solitary
pagan for many years. She spent a decadent youth on
the road as a rock-and-roll singer, and is still a professional photographer and musician. She is
pursuing a Master's degree in Archival Sciences, and enjoys Civil War reenacting with her
daughter. Write to her c/o The Hazel Nut.
Imré K. Rainey (Staff Writer and
Web Consultant) was the original editor of The Hazel Nut
when it started back in May 1993. He's been a pagan for six years, and is now an initiate of the
Faerie Faith with a group of his own. He is also an ordained minister, a 3rd degree Reiki Master,
and a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and is studying chiropractic medicine at Life
Chiropractic College in Marietta, GA. Write to him c/o The Hazel Nut, or email to:
talbot@mindspring.com.
Stormy (Staff Writer and Artist) is a solitary
practitioner who studies Norse mythology and
Runes, and co-organizes a festival called EarthDance, held in Georgia. She's also interested in
astrology, astronomy, UFO's, and anything on psychic studies and the paranormal. Write to her
c/o The Hazel Nut, or email to:
<thomphc@auducadm.duc.auburn.edu>.
Avalon (Carole Backman) is a musician and
a research associate who once lived in a commune.
She collects quartz crystals and tarot cards, studies Arthurian legend, archetypal theory and is
taking classes in computer science. She has recently started a home business in Aromatherapy
called Avalon Aromatics. Write to her at: 1329 Hickory Lane, Auburn, AL 35830, or
email to:
<cbackman@ag.auburn.edu>.
Susan Baxter is a 47 year old crone living
on the brink of a ridge in the southern Indiana hills.
Having flirted with paganism most of her life she embraced it whole-heartedly 10 years ago.
Celtic, Druid and fairie are her studies of choice, and art and gardening are the things that keep
her sane. She is mother of a grown daughter and wife for 27 years. She works in a friend's
woodcraft shop a few days a week painting items that are sent all over the world as gifts and
collectibles. Write to her at: Starwood, 9736 N. Hassetown Rd., Morgantown, IN
46160.
Coll is Druid of Church of Rhiannon (COR)
in middle Georgia, which follows the Beth-Luis-Fearn tree calendar system. He teaches middle
school, is a licensed minister, and has been in the
Craft for many years. He is also a regular attendee at Moondance and Fallfling. Write to him at:
COR, P.O. Box 260, Lizella, GA 31052.
Michael Devizes is a Spiritualist Medium in
England. He has lectured across the globe on all
matters mystical for some 25 years, and is the author of some 24 books. Write to him c/o
The
Hazel Nut, or email to: <Oaks.Millennium@ukonline.co.uk>.
Ing is Chief Bard of Church of Rhiannon
(COR) in middle Georgia, which follows the Beth-Luis-Fearn tree calendar system. He was one
of COR's co-founders back in 1983, when it was
called Coven of Rhiannon. Write to him at: Rt. 4, Box 31, Blakely, GA 31723.
Adrian Loaghrian, now 44 yrs of age, was
initiated into a hereditary Rosicrucian tradition at
age 13. He's into studying other religions of the world, including Christianity, Judaism, etc., and
has 12 years service in a public Wiccan coven. He previously studied ceremonial magic and
finally formed this particular tradition in 1990, based on ancient and modern Irish folklore and
Irish-Scottish folklore and literature. Write to him c/o The Hazel Nut, or email to:
<OssianG@aol.com>.
Nion (Don Mikovitz) is 47, has been
married 23 years to a devout Christian, and has 2 kids, 18
and 21. He works as a Registered Pulmonary Function Technician at the local community
hospital. Nion was brought up as Catholic, but has always been pagan at heart. A member of the
Church of Rhiannon (COR) since June 1994, he has the official capacity of the "Green Man."
He's also a 1st degree Gardnarian witch since May 1995. Write to him c/o The Hazel
Nut.
Sherlock, otherwise known as Sherry
Holmes, lives and works in Auburn, Alabama, where she
also studies Wildlife Biology. She is a beginner student of the Faerie Faith, and runs a Samhain
festival called FallFling. Write to her at: 1037 Mayberry St., Waverly, AL 36879, or email to:
<holmesr@mail.auburn.edu>.
Sean P. Snakenberg is a freelance artist
living in Columbus, Georgia. Write to him at: 1919
35th St., Apt. 2D, Columbus, GA, 31904.
David Sparenberg teaches classes and
workshops in mythology and writing, shamanism and
tribal spiritualities. His literary work has been published in over 80 periodicals and he is
currently seeking a book publisher for a collection of short stories and visualization exercises,
entitled Verbal Alchemy. Write to him at: 1713 14th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122, (206)
323-2115.
Erik van Lennep is a co-founder of the
international Rainforest Action Network in San
Francisco, and founding director of the New England Tropical Forest Project and the Arctic to
Amazonia Alliance (an organization comprised of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples). He
has served as a consultant to Senator Leahy's 1989 Global Warming Legislation, and has advised
The Nature Conservancy on Ring Mountain. He took part in the First Intercontinental Congress
of Indian Peoples in July, 1990, in Quito, Ecuador, and co-produced the film "Columbus Didn't
Discover Us." Write to him at: The Arctic to Amazonia Alliance, PO Box 73, Stafford, VT
05072. 802-765-4337, or email to: <Arc2Amaz@ConnRiver.net>.
Marilyn Windle is a professional writer,
with her first book being published this fall. She started
studying the occult when she was 13 years old, beginning with Edgar Cayce, and has been a
practicing psychic for 23 years. Write to her c/o The Hazel Nut.
BUBBLES FROM THE
CAULDRON
BOOK REVIEWS, ETC.
Spellbound by Helen Glisic. Angus
& Robertson Publications, Australia. Softcover.
- Reviewed by Baxter
This is a beautiful little treasury of spells, blessings,
and ceremony. The language is
gentle and simple to understand for people of any level of experience. Ms. Glisic posts the
precautions, the basic laws of universal magickal working, the moon signs, colors and such,
while introducing simple spells and ceremonies for special times and everyday.
Visually this small book is very special. The satiny
cover is violet and gold, while the
pages are midnight blue and gold with photographic images that help set the tone for each
spell.
She uses flowers, herbs, oils, glass bottles, fabric
and lace, candles, crystals, shells, paper,
string, twigs, feathers, mirrors, symbols, and your emotions to help you bring about positive
changes in your life.
If you are gentle of spirit this is sure to be the kind
of magic for you--enjoy.
Music Review: Elemental by Loreena
McKennitt. Quinlan Rd. Limited, available through
Firebird catalog.
- Reviewed by Baxter
This Canadian songbird deals a hand of Celtic
music that is stunning. Her clear, bell-like
voice cuts right to the soul. The lyrics are printed inside the tape covers, and it purely enhances
my enjoyment of the songs. There are two selections by guests, and both are wonderful. My
favorite selection is "Stolen Child" about a child convinced to run away with the
fairies.