Paganism In New Age

Witchcraft Paganism And Folk Magic

2011-10-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

"Despite my 20 years of self-identification as a Druid, I spent my early years seeking to be a Witch. This was back in the 1960s and 70s when there was no such thing (mostly) as self-initiation, and no non-initiated popular 'Wicca'. In the occult fashions of the period, Witchcraft was understood as a religion, one that taught the practice of magic, and that's what I looked for, and found. You can "read some of my stuff on all that", and on the history of the idea of the witch in a back post here."

"This post is an effort to compose my mind around the relationship between the terms and concepts 'witchcraft', 'Paganism' and 'folk-magic', sparked by discussions on a Traditional Craft list I've been reading. If any of those readers find this controversial, I can only express my respect for the feel and content of the work being done under the Traditional Witchcraft tag, and plead a hardened and skeptical mind..."

I'm confused. Or rather I can't tell whether I'm confused - and that's really confused.

For the past several years I've been reading various books and articles and blogs discussing what is now being called 'Traditional Witchcraft' or 'the traditional Craft'. These books present a form of magical practice, and sometimes of Pagan religion, that claims to represent forms of practice and belief older and more authentically structured than those of the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Crafts, and their popular imitators. Because of my general understanding of the 'occult' scene - i.e. that it is traditional to back-date materials and claim lineage and history that one does not have - I have tended to discount the claims of greater age. Because of some obvious-to-me failures of folklore and scholasticism, and because not a single secret document or old artifact has been revealed by any of these systems, I have tended to discount claims that it represents survival Paganism any more than does post-Gardnerian Wicca. So, in this little discussion I mean to set out my thinking on the topics of the survival of Pagan ways into the early modern period (1.e. 1600-ish and later), and how that relates to the practice of magic and other 'occult' traditions along the way.

Pagan Survival

First, I still consider it entirely unlikely that worship of European Pagan deities consciously continued into modern times from the late Pagan and medieval periods. There are a couple of possible exceptions, such as the Baltic cultures and possibly a trickle of direct survival among Scandinavians. Baltic Paganism was firmly living in 1250 ce, and some Baltic folk customs have certainly continued unbroken. But even they have trouble showing continuity through the late medieval, and many of the ways were 'revived' in the folkish rediscovery times of the late 18th and 19th centuries.

In Western Europe the case is much weaker. Folklore collections of the early modern period do find traces of memory of Pagan images and vocabulary, and literate magical tradition, largely unbroken since the fall of Rome, would flower in the creation of what we call the grimoires in the 1700s and 1800s. In those magical basic-training manuals you can find a few garbled remnants of the ancient Gods, and a great deal of ritual action that is authentically old. However, the possibility of deliberate worship of the classical Gods apart from the seven planets of astrology seems to be undocumented in any way. There are no folkloric or personal records of rites of Pagan worship from early modern times, and those could not have been any more illicit than the manuals of demon-summoning that were extensively copied and distributed. If there were a tradition of Pagan magical and ritual practice that lasted into literate times I'd expect it to have left some remnants.

If we want to measure whether or not some bit of folk culture is "Pagan' or not, we might use several different standards. Most obviously, we can ask whether the material involves the active worship of Gods or spirits identifiable in pre-Christian sources. In almost every case, this brings us a negative answer - early modern magical and folkloric material has very little of that. We can find a few examples in Gaelic and Scandinavian countries, such as the offering to Manannan in Scotland, or other offerings to the sidhe or troll folk. There also might be a little something in the 'fairy evocation' workings of early modern magicians - if we think that King Oberion is some sort of survival. What resemblance later 'fairy faith' customs might have to pre-Christian customs is unknowable at this time, but we might give the benefit of that doubt if we like. However, the literate magical tradition, which was so important in transmitting technique and content over the centuries, seems to preserve nearly nothing of this sort. That does not, of course, prove absence but it does make presence less likely.

What seems clear is that traffic with spirits, uses of 'sympathetic' magic, herbal charms, other natural charms with bones, skins, woods, etc and many other magical and occult practices did persist into modern times. Is this material 'Pagan'? If measured by whether or not such things call upon Pagan deities, then the answer would be no. Barring a very few examples from Scandinavia, we see none of that. If close resemblance to practices and customs that Pagans would have used is our measure, there's some chance for that to be the case. Each of the practices mentioned is clearly described in pre-Christian literate magical sources. On a spiritual level, calling upon land-wights and the dead may be as Pagan in 1890 as in 890, even if all the names have changed. Still, without a conscious intention on the part of the practitioner to call upon spiritual powers other than the Christian pantheon, (including its demons) I'm hesitant to refer to the rites used by 18th and 19th century charmers and cunning folk as Pagan. So, if we don't classify traditional folk-magic as Pagan, shall we classify it as 'witchcraft'?

Witchcraft

The word wicce is first plainly used in context of Pagan religion. Of course we have no Germanic mythic or ritual material written down by Pagans (nor any Celtic). Some of the first references to wicce or wicca we find are from Roman church laws and proclamations. I found:

"If any wicca (witch), wiglaer (wizard), false swearer, morthwyrtha (worshipper of the dead) or any foul contaminated, manifest horcwenan(whore), be anywhere in the land, man shall drive them out."

And:

The word wicca is associated with animistic healing rites in Halitgar's Latin Penitential (c.890 ce) where it is stated that:

"Some men are so blind that they bring their offering to earth-fast stone and also to trees and to wellsprings, as the witches teach, and are unwilling to understand how stupidly they do or how that dead stone or that dumb tree might help them or give forth health when they themselves are never able to stir from their place."

These plainly refer to 'wiccan'(pl) as religious, as well as magical practitioners - there's little functional difference between religion and magic in many traditional cultures.

It does seem likely that a wicce in Anglo-Saxon Britain would have occupied the place later approximated by the cunning man or woman. Cures, uncrossings, finding lost things, far-seeing and fortelling, dealing with problems with local wights and ghosts would have been standard stock in trade. Because of the screen of the monkish authors, we cannot see whether these same people helped householders to make proper sacrifices, or tended forest shrines and temples, or lived as functional 'priests' or 'clergy' in villages. I suspect they did. "As the witches teach" seems to me to suggest a central place in religion as well as magic.

Other Christian descriptions of 'witches' and 'witchcraft' retain this Pagan religious atmosphere. One of the late references to Pagan deity is found in the famous Canon Episcopi (c.875 ce):

"Have you believed or have you shared a superstition to which some wicked women claim to have given themselves, instruments of Satan, fooled by diabolical phantasms? During the night, with Diana, the pagan goddess, in the company of a crowd of other women, they ride the backs of animals, traversing great distances during the silence of the deep night, obeying Diana's orders as their mistress and putting themselves at her service during certain specified nights.... Thus they leave the true faith and fall into pagan error in believing that a god or goddess can exist besides the only God."

So from about the same period as the previous clerical reference we have Church authorities plainly identifying Pagan deity as the source of opposition. Certainly we can hold out for 'witchcraft' of that period to have been Pagan survival, infused with Pagan religion. This leads me to want to define witchcraft as part of Pagan religious phenomena.

So for their first 500 years or so, the church slowly ate away at the Pagan memory, outlawing the practices, destroying the shrines, and teaching the next generations. The next wave of rinsing-away of Pagan content from European folk tradition seems to have been the propagation of the 'satanic witch' by the church. The Pagan gods and spirits, as their ways were forgotten became replaced, in literate narratives and in folk-magic charms, by mythic figures from Christianity. Conjuring that might once have been done under the blessing of the Dead was perhaps transferred to the saints, Gods with the Trinity, etc. Wells and caves were baptised in the new religion. But whatever the church couldn't fit into it's ways - the wild revels, the sacrifices, the dealings with strange wights, divinations,etc, became 'sorcery' and witchcraft, and eventually heresy.

When the witch 'craze' begins, around 1400 the church produces a description of witchcraft that is once again plainly religious. Diana and the nature spirits have been forgotten, and replaced with 'the Devil' and his imps. The delightful Pagan revels of folk memory (and likely ongoing practice, whether with or without Pagan religious content) became the outre Witches Sabbath, reviving classical fears of cannibalism, infanticide and debauch.

The greatest blow to folk memory of Pagan ways in Europe seems to have been the Protestant reform. The destruction of the Roman church's structures and the prohibition of their folk customs was a harsh break in continuity in much of western Europe. The Protestant leaders taught that Catholic rites were little better than witchcraft, and the image of the black-robed wizard and his book and staff owes a great deal to the Protestant memory of the Roman Catholic bishop or priest. In the end folkways often reasserted themselves, but had to be reconstructed, if only from a generation or two of lapse.

Cunning Craft

So, it gets to be 1650 or so, and Europe is blinking and waking up from the stress of the renaissance and reformation, and the birth of science, and the end of church hegemony. We see the birth of the modern wave of occultism, in the Masons and other fraternal orders, the rise of democracy and personal choice in religion, and the synthesis of ritual magic that comes through the grimoires. By this time literacy is more wide-spread; literate magic and folk-magic become closely entwined.

I think that it's in this period that we see begin to see magical practice divorced from the popular religion of its culture. By the late 1700s both religion and rationalism argued against magic, while the popular demand for the arts remained steady. Religion was no longer monolithic or implicit, and citizens began to view themselves as having a choice as to what and whether they worshipped. The cunning man of that time might have his choice of ideas available in folkways and literature.

Here's the thing - I don't see why these secular-ish cunning folk of early modern times are 'witches'. Witch in parlance by that time almost always meant malefice - the cunning folk mastered witches - that is, they defeated them. A witch-master turned aside the malefice of the witches still imagined by the rural people (or actual evil magic, on occasion, I suppose...). Of course the church's definition made witchcraft and magic identical - all 'magic' (as opposed to orthodox spiritual practice, which was 'religion' whether or not it precisely resembled magical techniques) was powered by Satan and his demons, and all magicians had made at least a tacit pact with Satan. So when popular parlance referred to cunningfolk as 'witches' they didn't mean 'wise ones' or 'charmers', they meant 'evil magic-users'.

Looking from the perspective of practitioners I have trouble finding much of pre-Christian survival in the cunningman's bag. Of course some of the basics of magic don't change, but the content of the material has often been thoroughly Christianized. What has never been discovered is a cunningman's work in which the devil is worshipped in a religious fashion, or which calls on Pagan gods or spirits (apart from the very Christianized spirits of the planets...). Just at this moment I cannot recall instruction for any cult of the dead practices, or genius-locus practice, though those could be hidden under works about 'terrestrial demons', etc. Of course both such spirits are employed implicitly in using natural objects, proper waters, woods, etc, but this is pretty heavily disguised or forgotten in early-modern instructions. To the extent that the cunning worker made a 'pact' with some local wight, I suppose that's a Pagan element in survival.

Now, I do think it's fair to say that revival Witchcraft has drawn on the cunningman's sources, while adding a broader list of folklore and mythic sources as a spiritual or religious overlay. Gardner's quartered circle, tool set, and style of circle-casting owes a good deal to the same grimoire sources that cunningfolk would have known. Methods of divination, of spirit arte and of making charms and talismans have migrated into non-Gardnerian forms of revival. However, as far as I can see, this is a case of modern revivals imitating literary sources. I have yet to encounter any evidence for direct inheritance of Pagan content. In cunning craft we find invocations of God and the Saints, the angels and archangels, demons of the sort found in the grimoires occasionally even of the early-modern notion of 'fairies'. Most of these have little or no apparent relation to the ways of a wicce, or of a dreeman, much less of a truly pre-Christian, western European magic-user.

All of this inclines me to make a sharp distinction between the cunning man's art and witchcraft. We have solid vocabulary words that help make sense out of magical practice - folk magic, astrology, conjury, charming, all plainly describe cunning art, while applying the strange term 'witchcraft' to it only seems to imply that cunning arts involved the worship of illicit (whether Pagan or demonological) spirits. While some cunning folk did describe their relation with a familiar, all is presented in a thoroughly Christian mythic setting.

Neopagan Witchcraft

I define all known modern examples of conscious Paganism, including Pagan Witchcraft, as Neopagan. I remain unconvinced that active worship of the Old Gods, or unbroken pre-Christian initiatory lineages, continued in secret circles anywhere in Europe - and least likely in western Europe. Therefore all modern people who consciously worship (i.e. enter into magico-religious relationship with) spirits not from the Christian pantheon are drawing on recent (whether 70 years old or 170 years old, oldest...) reconstructions. Thus, we are Neopagans.

I disapprove of using 'neopagan' to refer to or exclude any specific style of modern Paganism. Hellenic or Saxon reconstructionists are as neopagan as tie-dyed eclectics with hoola-hoops. Neopagan refers to the family of magico-religious movements that first arose in the 20th century (maybe the late 19th...) in which I would include Asatru, Wicca, Traditional Witchcraft (not traditional folk-magic), Thelema, the various ethnic reconstructionisms and no doubt a long list of smaller systems. There's some chance that Baltic religion retains some unbroken lines of practice, but even that is uncertain.

In the same way, I rather think that using 'witchcraft' to refer to folk-magic practices divorced from religious context is needlessly confusing, and mixes very different ideas. Witchcraft has almost always referred to systems connected with religion (apart from anthropological usage, which I haven't dealt with here), and at least the term should be modified by whatever religious system it's worked in. In this sense one can be a 'Christian Witch', even if being a Christian Wiccan is a contradiction in terms (as it would have been in the Old English usage). However, traditional magic-users in cultural intact settings simply don't use the term 'witch' or 'witchcraft' for what they do. When you find someone using that term, it almost always indicates conscious reinvention.

Conclusion (-lessness)

So, there's no real conclusion to this screed...

Those who are attracted to the idea of witchcraft will continue to devise methods to express their self-identification. One of the things I like best about the Trad Craft trend is its interest in using authentic sources to reconstruct what a Pagan cunning practice might be like. For me, as a fairly liberal reconstructionist Pagan, I just don't have an interest in reconstructing the world or worldview of 17th century Europe - it's too latter-period, already too stripped of myth and mystery, with only scraps and tag-ends of the pre-Christian material that pushes my buttons. I don't assume that 17th century folkways retain much of pre-Christian lore, and find archeology and observation of surviving tribal and polytheistc ways to be at least as instructive about what Pagan magic might have looked like as what remained in the last few centuries.

Did this walk through a confused topic make me feel less confused... maybe a little...

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More February Lore

2011-10-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

February was named for the Roman goddess Februa, mother of Mars. As patroness of passion, she was also known as Juno Februa and St. Febronia from febris, the fever of love. Her orgiastic rites were held on February 14th, St.Valentine's Day. In Norse traditions, she is equated with Sjofn.

The Irish called this month Feabhra or an Gearran, the gelding or horse. The horse was used to draw the plough, but Gearran also means 'to cut' and 'Gearran' can be used to describe the 'cutting' Spring winds. To the Anglo-Saxons, this was Solmonath, "sun month," in honor of the gradual return of the light after the darkness of winter. According to Franking and Asatru traditions, this month is Horning, from horn, the turn of the year.

The first full moon of February is called the Quickening Moon. It shares the titles Snow Moon with January and November, Wolf Moon with January and December, and Storm Moon with March and November. February's Moon is also called the Hunger or Hungry Moon, and it has been called the Ice, Wild, Red and Cleansing, or Big Winter Moon.

Aquarius and Pisces share power over February, with Pisces taking over around the 19th of February. Violet is the flower for those born in February. Though jacinth and pearl appear on some lists, amethyst is the jewel for those born in this month and for Pisces, while aquamarine is the stone for Aquarians. Other stones associated with Aquarius are chrysoprase, garnet, labradorite, lapis lazuli, and opal. Albite, aquamarine, chrysoprase, fluorite, green tourmaline, labradorite, moonstone, and opal are linked to Pisces.

Found at: Angelfire.com

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Mars The Marcher

2011-10-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

"You're right to come, Marcher; your days demand their place and the month that bears your stamp is here." ~" March (Martius), the first month of the lunar calendar, was named after Mars and the entire month was dedicated to Him. The festivals reflected a purification and regeneration of the arms and fields, marking a time when farmers had to think of cultivating and protecting their lands. The efficacy of Mars' divine aid was much needed in preparation for the seasonal crop growth and upcoming military campaigns, as wars often began or were renewed in the spring.

March 1st was the lunar calendar's New Year's Day, and may have also been Mars' birthday. The festival of Quinquatrus (named for its length of five consecutive days) commenced on 19 March when the ancilia of the Salii and the weapons of the whole army were purified. On 23 March, the Romans venerated Mars during the Tubilustrium, a cleansing ceremony for the trumpets used in sacred rites and the instruments of the entire army. A subsequent purification rite was performed on 19 October during the Armilustrium, and the Salii, commemorating the return of the legions in the fall, made their final procession through the streets of Rome. It signified the end of the military campaign season when arma (arms) and ancilia were purified and laid to rest for the winter.

HOW DO WE RELATE TO MARS TODAY?

Mars is still the essence of the god from antiquity. He is still the captivating aggressor, the rouser, and the protagonist of destiny; breathtakingly candid in His purpose and deliberate in His bounty. Mars personifies a vigorous energy that carries with it its own reproductive weight, immersed in singular ambition, and seldom outdone. He is the quintessential model of male sexuality; the catalyst for creation Who leaves little doubt that our perpetuation is imminent and our survival inevitable. Yet His artful passion is lucid; a flowing expression steeped in honorific intent and delivered with remarkably unbiased conveyance. The expression of our basic needs remains the one true constant among all living beings. When we peel back the layers of aspirations and ideals, we reach the crux of the human race with uncanny fidelity; the instinctual drives that have served us so well. It is here, at this center that we find Mars, ceaselessly reminding us that no matter how far we venture from this place, the road back is always nearer than we realize.

HOW DO WE HONOR MARS TODAY?

Mars represents the instinctive nature still evident in all species: that of survival and protection. In antiquity, Mars' reigning aspects were interwoven into a society that understood a definable application of pursuit and preservation. The Romans recognized the necessity of this sequence as the occurring truth behind any deliberate progress. These enduring principles are at the very heart of Perpituitas (see Virtues page); qualities attributed to our role as the caretakers of our posterity. In His warrior aspect we associate Mars with iron, but an iron will is of the same caliber. Protection has always been our gift to those we love, and a duty to ourselves. Though we no longer spend our days in the fields, the fruits of our labors still determine the quality of our life.

Pray to Mars when you need to shift into another gear, to bring your purpose from wishful pondering to fruition and culmination. Look to Mars when your spirit needs reawakening and you find yourself lost in the cycle of delay, needing to summon up the courage to act. When the mundane begins to chisel your determination into quiet resignation, let Mars hear your call to arms. His still powerful voice speaks volumes to all who listen. Mars continues to provoke and ignite while craftily providing us with His earthly wisdom; those universal gifts of our own nature which allow us to fully embrace our life's experience and remain secure in our duration.

ASPECTS:

* - He that walks in battle
* - Unconquered Mars
* - Mars the Father
*" Silvanus, Mars "- Mars the Avenger

MAIN FESTIVALS:

* Febuary 27 and March 14 - "- FESTIVAL OF HORSE RACING
* March 1 -" of Mars "- ROMAN NEW YEAR AND BIRTHDAY OF MARS
* March 19 - "- WEAPONS OF THE WHOLE ARMY WERE PURIFIED
* March 23 and May 23 -" - C LEANSING CEREMONY FOR THE TRUMPETS USED IN SACRED RITES AND THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE ENTIRE ARMY
* May 14 -" of Mars "* October 15 - * October 19 - "- COMMEMORATING THE RETURN OF THE LEGIONS IN THE FALL

MONTHS SACRED TO MARS:

* March
* October

OFFERINGS:

* Laurel,
* wine,
* spelt cakes,
* bacon fat,
* meat

COMMON PRAYERS TO MARS IN ANTIQUITY WERE FOR:

* Agricultural fertility,
* prevention of diseases and bad water,
* safety of shepherds and flocks,
* health

Source: Religioromana

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Thanksgiving

2011-09-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

Even though "Thanksgiving" is only celebrated in the United States, this is the perfect time of year for everyone around the world to be thankful for what they've been given.

Sit quietly for a few minutes in complete silence. It's best if you're alone, and you close your eyes. Remove all problems from your thoughts for a moment. Push everything aside.

Then... think about what you DO have:

* Are you breathing? Yes, you are. Be thankful that you've been given LIFE...the biggest miracle of all.

* Do you have loved ones? Be thankful that they are in your life.

* Do you have a roof over your head - even if it's hard to pay for? Be thankful for that... many people don't.

* Are you starving? No? Be thankful that you have food to eat. There are millions starving around the world that would love to have some food from your cupboard.

* Think for a moment how lucky you are to be alive... even if it's not always easy.

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The Yule Story

2011-09-27T03:36:00.000-07:00

Also known as Mithras (for the Persian Sun God), Saturnalia (for the Roman God of sowing and husbandry) and The Great Day of the Cauldron (from Druid Legend). It is the celebration of the return, or rebirth, of the Sun God, the Lord of Life. The celebrations were traditionally performed with the utmost solemnity, yet also with the highest rejoicing, for they resolve the paradox of Death and Rebirth. It represents the redemption of the world from Death and Darkness, as such it is a celebration of hope and joy amidst the gloom of winter.

The word Yule can be traced to the Celtic word `Hioul" which means wheel. This festival is an important point in the turning of the wheel of the year. Wreaths were made to symbolize this wheel, combining solar significance with tree-god significance. In ancient times Celts venerated trees as earthly representatives of the Gods, and it was felt that nothing short of the sacrifice of a mighty tree-god would cause the receding sun to take pity on them and return.

The burning of the Yule log was thought, through sympathetic magick, to increase the brightness and strength of the Sun, and would therefore bring good luck. Passersby would tip their hat or nod in salutation to the log. It is traditional to cut the log from oak or from a slow-burning fruit tree. The fire was lit from a piece of the previous years Yule log, which had been saved for this purpose. It was believed that this piece of the old log was a charm against fire, because it would refuse to burn until it was time to light its successor. A wish was also made while pouring wine over the burning log. It was believed to be bad luck if the log burned out before the 12 days of Yuletide were over. The ashes from the fire were spread in the fields to bring fertility to the next crop.

The Wassail bowl is another favored part of Yule celebrations. A large bowl or pot was filled with wassail, a mixture of cider and spices, and warmed over the Yule fire. The meaning of the word wassail is to be `hale or hearty', and was the reason for the many toasts and salutations made from the bowl. It was also common for a procession to go to the nearest orchard and wassail the trees, thus blessing them and encouraging them to bear a good yield in the coming season. Libations of wassail were also poured over the roots of the trees, and cider drenched cakes were left in the forks of the older trees as an offering to the trees spirit.

Mistletoe is a regeneration symbol, considered to be the Essence of Life due to the resemblance of the juice of the berries to male semen. It was often gathered at this time. Evergreen boughs are also symbols of renewal. Evergreens were decorated to show honor to the tree spirits. The lights on modern trees were the candles of old, and represent the newly born sun god. Trees were not cut down and brought indoors.

The Sacred Seed of Life, having been nurtured by the foster mother Tailltiu, sprang forth from her breast, and was born. As the Wyrrd had foretold, here was the Child of Promise, son of the Gods and of the Earth. This baby was the Sun God, born in the Rule of Darkness, by the magick of the Gods. He was destined to grow in strength and knowledge. It was his task to bring back life and warmth to the land, and to wrest the power from the Lord of Darkness. To appease Cernunnos, who is at the peak of his strength, the people made sacrifices of roasted boar. To distract Callieach, the Wise Ones, or Witches invoked her to teach them of her mysteries. To aid the new-born Sun God the Celts felled a giant oak tree, and burned the log as a sacrifice, that the sun would gain strength from it, and grow.

Despite the powers of Cernunnos and Cailleach, the signs of new life were still upon the land. The sacred seeds which had fallen onto the barren branches of the winter-dead trees had come to life, and thus became the Mistletoe, which could be seen hanging from the oaks in the forests. Upon the land these sacred seeds had grown into the sweet smelling evergreens, and thus they were decreed to be a part of the celebration.

In honor of this magickal birth the people decorated the evergreens with candles and other symbols of life. The Druids told of Hu-Gadarn, the first druid, who had fled from the Atlalntean flood with his family on this day on the Ark, "The Great Cauldron" in which they brought the Essence of Life, and the knowledge of magick into the world. They would also tell tales of the Killing of the Wren, and of the Battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. Throughout the land the people rejoiced, and there was light in the midst of the darkness.

by Lady Galadriel

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Festival Of Pax January 3rd

2011-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

THERE IS NO BETTER KNOWN GODDESS OF PEACE THAN "PAX" (PEACE) A ROMAN GODDESS WHO WAS THE PERSONIFICATION AND SPIRIT OF TRANQUILITY AND PEACE; SHE CORRESPONDS TO THE GREEK GODDESS, "EIRENE." SHE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF "JUPITER, "THE KING OF THE "GODS, " AND "IUSTITIA", THE GODDESS OF JUSTICE. SHE IS DEPICTED AS A RATHER YOUTHFUL LOOKING WOMAN--SOMETIMES SEATED AND SOMETIMES STANDING-- WEARING WHITE ROBES AND A CROWN OF LAUREL; SHE HOLDS A CORNUCOPIA, AND AN OLIVE BRANCH OR STAFF HER HAND. SHE BESTOWS CONTENTMENT AND JOY...AND IS INVOKED DURING BARTERS AND NEGOTIATIONS.

It was UNDER THE RULE OF AUGUSTUS THAT SHE WAS FINALLY RECOGNIZED AS A GODDESS PROPER, AND A MINOR SANCTUARY, THE "TEMPLUM PACIS", WAS BUILT FOR HER, AND THE ROMAN EMPERORS, INCLUDING AUGUSTUS AND VESPASIAN, USED HER IMAGE ON THEIR COINS TO HONOR HER AND TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN THE EMPIRE. A FESTIVAL IN HER HONOR WAS CELEBRATED ON JANUARY 3RD.

ALTHOUGH NOT A VERY RECOGNIZED GODDESS IN ANCIENT DAYS, PAX IS AS SYNONYMOUS WITH PEACE NOW AS SHE WAS BACK IN THE DAYS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. WE SHOULD INVOKE HER TO PRAY FOR PEACE AND TO KEEP OUR NATION FROM WARS. AND, BE SURE TO ASK FOR HER HELP IN SELF-UNDERSTANDING AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE. IN MANY CHURCH SERVICES THE KISS OF PEACE IS GIVEN AND THUS, IN SPIRIT ONLY, THE GODDESS IS INVOKED.

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Buddhist Halloween

2011-09-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Should Buddhists celebrate the ancient Celtic Druid festival of Halloween? What is the con-nection between this pre-Christian Druid festival and Buddhism?Buddhism teaches that the mind is not a physical entity [but an interdependent one between name and form, "nama "and "rupa"]. Consequently physical factors can neither create nor destroy it. The mind exists before conception and [the process continues] after death to be reborn into another [physical or more subtle form].

HALLOWEEN.

The Druids were ancient Celtic priests [and priestesses] who shared the Buddhists' belief in rebirth and the indestructibility of the mind. They regarded the seasons of the year as being a metaphor for the death and rebirth of the human being. Halloween represented the death of the old year and was believed to be the time of year when the veil separating the human and ghost [PRETA] realms was at its thinnest.

Yule (the winter solstice) was the time of conception of the coming year and Imbolc (Candlemas) was the actual birth of the New Year, with the appearance of the first lambs and green shoots. The period between Yule and Candlemas was the gestational period when the new animal and plant life, though growing and stirring, was still hidden in the body of its mother, or in the case of vegetation within the body of Mother Earth.

The significance of Halloween to Buddhists now becomes clear. In the Druid system the period of seven weeks between Halloween and Yule is the gap between death of the old and conception of the new year. This corresponds to the 49 days of the "bardo "[temporary limbo after death in Tibetan Buddhism].

Halloween thus symbolizes the entry of the disembodied consciousness [a continuing process, not an entity] into the intermediate state between leaving one [physical] body and occupying another. In traditional [Tibetan and Mahayana] Buddhist beliefs the "bardo"-consciousness will experience hideous apparitions -- ghosts, demons, and so on.

If the mind reacts with panic then a samsaric rebirth, possibly in unpleasant realms, is inevitable. However, if the "bardo"-being recognizes these apparitions as hallucinations -- projections and reflections of its own negative karma resulting from [unskillful] actions -- then liberation remains possible.

The reasons for the Druidic custom of dressing up as ghosts, demons, and so on may be to symbolize that these scary "bardo" apparitions are in fact nothing other than aspects or appearances of the person's own self. SOURCE

* Buddhist Blog on Halloween
* Tibetan Buddhist Halloween
* Giving of fearlessness -- bringing peace to haunted houses
* Festival of the Hungry Ghosts
* The Halloween Monk
* Halloween Asian Style
* Halloween and World Religions
* Thai Halloween Party May End

by Sean Robsville

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The Roman Festival Of Aestatis

2011-09-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

ON THIS DATE, THE ROMANS CELEBRATED THE FESTIVAL OF "AESTAS"," THE ANCIENT CORN GODDESS OF THE SUMMER TO WHOM THIS TIME WAS SACRED. HER NAME IS ALSO LATIN FOR "SUMMER" OR "SUMMER HEAT. " THIS WAS A CELEBRATION OF THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER AND WAS HELD ANNUALLY ON THIS DATE. SHE IS USUALLY PORTRAYED NAKED AND ADORNED WITH GARLANDS OF GRAIN OR WHEAT SHEAVES IN HER HAIR.

"AESTAS" IS ONE OF THE ROMANS MANY PERSONIFICATIONS OF TIME AND SEASONS. THE MOST OBVIOUS CONNECTION WITH THE SEASON IS CALLED "LACUS AESTATIS" (SUMMER LAKE), NAMED FOR THE ROMAN "GODDESS" OF THE SUMMER," AESTAS. "

TRADITIONALLY, IF RAIN FALLS TODAY IT WILL BE A WET SUMMER.

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Advent Of Isis January 2nd

2011-09-20T02:29:00.000-07:00

FROM THE EARLIEST OF TIMES, "ISIS "PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN MYTH, AND THE FACT THAT SHE WAS ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN GODDESSES IN MEDITERRANEAN CIVILIZATION ACCOUNTS FOR HER INFLUENCE ON NON-EGYPTIAN CULTURES. IN ANCIENT EGYPT, THIS DAY WAS CELEBRATED AS THE "ADVENT OF ISIS," A CEREMONY WHICH HONORS THE GODDESS WHO BROUGHT CIVILIZATION, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY TO ALL OF EGYPT. WORSHIPPERS GATHERED TO CELEBRATE HER RETURN FROM PHOENICIA WITH THE "ARK OF OSIRIS." A SHIP OR BOAT FORMED ONE OF THE SACRED SYMBOLS OF THE GODDESS WHO WAS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GREAT MOTHERTHE MATERNAL OR PROLIFIC PRINCIPLE OF NATURE.

IN ANCIENT EGYPT, "ISIS "AND "OSIRIS" RULED OVER THE LANDS AND JOINED EARTH TO ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANKIND. "OSIRIS "HAD A BROTHER NAMED "SET". THE TWO BROTHERS DWELT AT THE ANCIENT CITY OF" ABYDOS", TOGETHER WITH THEIR WIVES, "ISIS "AND "NEPHTHYS". " OSIRIS", THE GOOD BROTHER, WAS ADORED BY ALL OF THE PEOPLE. "OSIRIS" WAS SUMMONED TO RETURN WHILE VISITING ASIA WITH "ISIS". UNBEKNOWNST TO THE COUPLE, HOWEVER", "THE EVIL" SET", HAD PLOTTED AGAINST "OSIRIS" DURING HIS ABSENCE, AND A HOMECOMING FESTIVAL WAS ARRANGED AS PART OF THE CONSPIRACY. WE ARE TOLD THAT AT THE FESTIVAL, A STRANGE BOX/ARK WAS INTRODUCED. ONE BY ONE, EACH OF THE GUESTS TRIED TO FIT INTO THE BOX. "OSIRIS "WAS LAST AND THE ONLY PARTICIPANT WHO WAS ABLE TO EASE HIMSELF INTO THE BOX. THE CONSPIRATORS SUDDENLY SHUT AND SEALED THE LID ON THE BOX. THE BOX/ARK WAS THEN TOSSED INTO THE NILE RIVER WHERE IT WAS CARRIED NORTHWARDS.

ACCORDING TO THE MYTH, "ISIS" DISCOVERED THAT THE ARK OF THE GOD "OSIRIS "HAD BEEN CAST UP BY THE MEDITERRANEAN IN THE REGION OF THE PHOENICIAN BYBLOS WHERE IT GREW INTO A TREE THAT THE PHARAOH USED IN HIS PALACE. SHE THEN JOURNEYED ACROSS THE SEA TO FIND IT. TO BRING "OSIRIS" BACK TO LIFE, "ISIS "DISGUISED HERSELF AS A NURSE TO THE PHARAOH'S YOUNGEST SON. SHE BURNED AWAY THE BOY'S MORTAL PARTS, INTENDING TO MAKE HIM IMMORTAL, BUT THE QUEEN SNATCHED HIM AWAY. "ISIS "REVELED HERSELF AND DEMANDED THE TIMBER WITH "OSIRIS" AND THEN BROUGHT IT BACK WITH HER TO EGYPT. OFFERINGS WERE MADE ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF THE EGYPTIAN MONTH OF TYBI, ROUGHLY JANUARY 2. A SIMILAR SACRED CHEST WAS ALSO CARRIED IN PROCESSION BY THE PRIESTS OF "ISIS. "

A THEBAN HYMN ABOUT ISIS FROM THE 14TH CENTURY BC SAYS:I"N THE BEGINNING THERE WAS ISIS-HATHOR: OLDEST OF THE OLD. SHE WAS THE GODDESS FROM WHOM ALL BECOMING AROSE. SHE WAS THE GREAT LADY, MISTRESS OF THE TWO LANDS OF EGYPT, MISTRESS OF SHELTER, MISTRESS OF HEAVEN, MISTRESS OF THE HOUSE OF LIFE, MISTRESS OF THE DIVINE WORD. SHE WAS THE UNIQUE. IN ALL HER GREAT AND WONDERFUL WORKS SHE WAS A WISER MAGICIAN AND MORE EXCELLENT THAN ANY GOD."

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Cerealia April 12 19

2011-09-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

"CEREALIAIS" THE CELEBRATION OF THE ROMAN GODDESS, "CERES", THE GODDESS OF GRAIN, CEREAL CROPS, GROWING PLANTS AND THE LOVE A MOTHER HAS FOR HER CHILD. HER NAME IS DERIVED FROM THE INDO-EUROPEAN STEM "KER" WHICH MEANS TO "GROW, CAUSE TO GROW", OR "NOURISH". THE CULT OF "CERES" APPEARS TO PRE-DATE 600 BC WHEN SHE WAS MOST LIKELY SEEN AS AN EARTH MOTHER. "CERES" WAS THE DAUGHTER OF "SATURN" AND "CYBELE," THE WIFE OF "JUPITER", AND THE MOTHER OF" PROSERPINA. "ALLEGORICALLY, "PROSERPINA "MAY REPRESENT THE SEED, AND "CERES", THE FERTILITY OF THE EARTH. THE SEED REMAINS CONCEALED UNDER GROUND IN WINTER, BUT IN SUMMER IT BURSTS ITS CONCEALMENT, AND PRODUCES THE THE STALK AND EAR, EXPOSING ITSELF TO THE FACE OF THE SUN.

IT WAS "CERES "WHO FIRST TAUGHT MEN TO PLOW AND SOW, TO REAP AND HOUSE CORN, AND TO MAKE BREAD. SHE IS USUALLY DEPICTED AS CROWNED WITH A GARLAND OF EARS OF CORN AND BEARING IN ONE HAND, A LIGHTED TORCH, AND IN THE OTHER A BUNCH OF POPPIES WHICH WERE ALSO SACRED TO HER. SHE APPEARS AS A COUNTRYWOMAN MOUNTED ON THE BACK OF AN OX. SHE WAS A PEACEFUL GODDESS, AND HER BENEFICENCE TO MANKIND MADE HER WELL-RESPECTED.

THE ROMANS PAID HER GREAT ADORATION AND CELEBRATED HER DURING THE EIGHT DAY FESTIVAL OF "CEREALIA. " ON THIS OCCASION, THE WANDERINGS OF THE GODDESS IN SEARCH OF HER DAUGHTER WERE REPRESENTED BY WOMEN DRESSED IN WHITE WHO RAN ABOUT ABOUT WITH LIGHTED TORCHES. GAMES WERE CELEBRATED IN THE CIRCUS MAXIMUM, THE SPECTATORS OF WHICH APPEARED IN WHITE ROBES. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, PEOPLE OFFER MILK, HONEY, AND WINE ON THE "CERIALIA", PARTICULARLY ON THE FINAL DAY, AFTER CARRYING THEM THREE TIMES AROUND THE FIELDS.

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Eponalia December 18th

2011-09-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

ON THIS, THE SECOND DAY OF THE "SATURNALIA", THE ANCIENT ROMANS CELEBRATED THE "EPONALIA", A FEAST WHICH WAS DEDICATED TO "EPONA", THE POWERFUL CELTIC MOTHER GODDESS AND PATRONESS OF HORSES, DONKEYS, AND OTHER ANIMALS. HER NAME MEANS "DIVINE MARE". SHE WAS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THE EARTH AND FERTILITY, REBIRTH AND ABUNDANCE. HER CORNUCOPIA AND THE BASKET OF FRUIT SHE CARRIED CARRIED PROVIDE FURTHER SUPPORT FOR HER ROLE AS A FERTILITY GODDESS. SHE IS USUALLY DEPICTED AS A YOUNG GODDESS WITH A HORSE WHICH WAS REVERED IN THE CELTIC WORLD FOR ITS BEAUTY, SPEED, AND BRAVERY.

ROSES WERE IMPORTANT TO THE DEITY AND THE FLOWER, ITS BUDS, AND GARLANDS WERE OFTEN USED TO SYMBOLIZE THE GODDESS. WHEN THE PEOPLE WISHED TO OFFER FRUIT IN HONOR OF "EPONA", THEY WOULD CHOOSE AN APPLE. MANY TIMES, A BASKET OF FRUITS WERE THOUGHT TO MAKE ONE OF THE BEST OFFERINGS.

WHEN ROMAN CAVALRY OFFICERS LEARNED OF HER, THEY ADOPTED HER AS A PROTECTRESS OF THEIR CAVALRY. THEY PLACED STATUES OF HER IN THEIR STABLES AND HELD AN OFFICIAL ROMAN IN HER HONOR EACH YEAR ON DECEMBER 18TH. SHE IS THE ONLY CELTIC DEITY TO BE ACCORDED THIS HONOR. THE PROBABLE REASON THAT THE ROMANS ADOPTED HER AS THEIR OWN IS THEIR LOVE OF HORSES.

TODAY SHE IS STILL HONORED AND REVERED BY THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE OLD RELIGION AND HONOR HER THROUGH THE USE OF HOUSEHOLD SHRINES, RITUAL OFFERINGS OF APPLES, MILK OR ROSES, AND WITH PRAYERS OR CHANTS.

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Bona Dea Eve May 4th

2011-09-03T01:24:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF HER TEMPLE ON THE AVENTINE. THE RITUAL IS CELEBRATED ONLY BY WOMEN; MEN ARE EXCLUDED.

"BONA DEA", THE GOOD GODDESS, IS THE ROMAN GODDESS OF THE EARTH AND BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS. SHE IS AS OLD AS ROMAN ITSELF. SHE IS THE SYMBOL OF HEALTH AND LIFE, ESSENTIALLY A GODDESS OF THE WOMEN'S MYSTERIES, SYMBOLIZING THEIR FERTILITY, HEALING, AND VIRGINITY. HER WORSHIP WAS SECRET, PERFORMED ONLY BY WOMEN, AND MEN WERE EVEN REQUIRED TO IGNORE HER NAME. THE "VESTAL VIRGINS" CARED FOR HER BECAUSE SHE HAD NO PRIESTESSES OF HER OWN.

IN ANCIENT TIMES, HER FESTIVAL, USUALLY HELD IN THE HOUSE OF THE OFFICIATING COUNSEL OF THE HOUSEHOLD, INCLUDED SELECTED MATRONS AND THE "VESTAL VIRGINS." SPECIAL CEREMONIES WERE ENACTED AT NIGHT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS. THE ROOM WHERE THE CEREMONIES TOOK PLACE WAS DECORATED WITH VINE BRANCHES AND FRESH FLOWERS.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY, ALL STATUES AND PAINTINGS OF MALE DEITIES AND MALE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD WERE COVERED WITH VEILS, AND EVERY CORNER AND LURKING-PLACE WAS CAREFULLY SEARCHED; MALE ANIMALS OF EVERY KIND WERE DRIVEN AWAY. ALL BEING IN READINESS, THE "VESTAL VIRGINS" OFFERED THE CUSTOMARY SACRIFICES. WINE WAS SERVED BUT CALLED MILK AND THE COVERED JAR CONTAINING IT WAS REFERRED TO AS THE HONEY POT.

"BONA DEA! GRACIOUS MOTHER!" Low we worship at thy shrine.

Hear our prayers, oh Bona Dea, Goddess holy and divine!
While we heap upon thy altar, Bread and fruit, and flesh and wine.
Hear us, goddess, lest we die!
Hear us, goddess, lest we die!

"BONA DEA! GRANT US WOMEN"
"ALL OUR HEARTS ARE KEEN TO KNOW."
"Gracious mother! men are cruel,

We lie trampled, crushed and low! Bona Dea, be thou near us,
In our hours of bitter woe!

"HEAR US, GODDESS, LEST WE DIE!"
"HEAR US, GODDESS, LEST WE DIE!"

"--FROM CAESAR, A DRAMATIC STUDY: 1883 "

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Festival Of Kwan Yin April 5th

2011-08-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

ON THIS DAY IN CHINA AND JAPAN, PEOPLE CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF "KWAN YIN", THE BUDDHIST GODDESS OF COMPASSION, HEALING, MERCY, AND FORGIVENESS. SHE EMBODIES ALL THAT IS FEMALE OF THE UNIVERSE. SHE PROTECTS THE INNOCENT, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, CHILDREN AND ANIMALS. HER NAME, "KWAN YIN", IS A CONTRACTION OF KWAN-SHAI-YIN, A PHRASE SIGNIFYING "A BEING WHO HEARS OR PERCEIVES THE CRIES OF MEN. "SHE GIVES COMFORT TO THE DYING AND BRINGS CHILDREN TO WOMEN WHO DESIRE TO HAVE BABIES. IT IS SAID THAT SHE REFUSES TO ENTER HEAVEN UNTIL ALL OF THE SUFFERING IN THE WORLD HAS ENDED.

"KWAN YIN" IS USUALLY DEPICTED AS A TALL, SLENDER YOUNG CHINESE WOMAN, STANDING OR FLOATING ON A LOTUS FLOWER, BAREFOOTED AND BEJEWELED DRESSED IN LONG FLOWING WHITE ROBES. HER HEAD IS VEILED AND SHE CARRIES UPON HER FACE A SOFT GENTLE EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND COMPASSION. IN ONE HAND SHE HOLDS A SMALL VASE WHICH CONTAINS "AMITRA "(THE DEW OF COMPASSION) THAT IS SAID TO HAVE THE POWER TO EXTEND LIFE, TO CURE AND PURIFY BOTH BODY AND MIND WHEN SHE POURS OR SPRINKLES IT OVER HUMANKIND.

MOST CHINESE DEITIES ARE WORSHIPPED IN TEMPLES, BUT SOME, SUCH AS "KWAN YIN", ARE WORSHIPPED IN PEOPLE'S HOMES. THE "FESTIVAL OF KWAN YIN", THE "GREAT MOTHER OF CHINA" IS CELEBRATED ON THIS DAY WITH OFFERINGS OF INCENSE AND VISITS TO HER SHRINES. VIOLET COLORED CANDLES ARE PLACED ON HER ALTAR, ALONG WITH ROLLED UP PETITIONS FOR HEALING AND PROTECTION THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY HER SUPPLICANTS ON PIECES OF RICE PAPER.

"THE VOICE OF PAIN IS WEAK AND THIN"
"AND YET IT NEVER DIES."
"KWAN-YINKWAN-YIN "
"HAS TEARS IN HER EYES."
"BE COMFORTED... BE COMFORTED..."
"BE COMFORTED, MY DEAR..."
"NEVER A HEART TOO DEAD"
"FOR KWAN-YIN TO HEAR."
"A PONY WITH A RAGGED SKIN"
"FALLS BENEATH A LOAD;"
"KWAN-YINKWAN-YIN "
"RUNS DOWN THE ROAD."
"A COMFORTER... A COMFORTER..."
"A COMFORTER SHALL COME..."
"NO PAIN TOO MEAN FOR HER,"
"NO GRIEF TOO DUMB."
"MAN'S DESERTS AND MAN'S SIN"
"SHE SHALL NOT DISCOVER."
"KWAN-YINKWAN-YIN "
"IS THE WORLD'S LOVER."
"AH, THIEF OF PAIN... THOU THIEF OF PAIN..."
"THOU THIEF OF PAIN, COME IN."
"NEVER A CRY IN VAIN,"
"KWAN-YINKWAN-YIN...."

FROM "THE POOR MAN", 1922

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Nordic Paganism

2011-08-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Nordic Paganism is a Reconstructionist form of Paganism. The primary source materials are literary texts written in medieval Iceland in the historical range of 1100 to 1300, in the Germanic-Scandinavian language variously known as Old Norse or Old Icelandic, which is indeed quite similar to modern Icelandic. These texts are believed by modern Nordic Pagans to preserve Pagan beliefs from long before Iceland’s conversion from Norse Paganism to Christianity in the year 1000, an event that will be discussed in a later section. Several categories of texts are important to modern Nordic Pagans. First, there is the collection of largely mythological poems known as the Poetic Edda, with individual Eddic poems providing accounts of the past creation and future destruction of the world, the nature of the Norse universe, and the adventures and misadventures of the various gods, as well as the exploits of certain nondivine heroes and heroines. Further information on the same topics is given in a supplementary text, the Prose Edda, written by the medieval Icelandic scholar and statesman Snorri Sturluson.

The leader of the Norse gods is Odin, the one-eyed god of wisdom, war, magic, and poetry, among other powers and functions. Other prominent Norse deities include Thor, the reliable protector of humankind who brandishes a hammer to smash malevolent giants and other foes; Tyr, god of war and oaths; Frigg, the wise wife of Odin; Baldur, the son of Odin, fated to first be slain by his own brother and then return from death to rule the world; Loki, the sometimes harmful, sometimes helpful god of guile and trickery; AEgir and Ran, god and goddess of the sea; Freyja, the goddess of fertility, love, and war; her twin brother Freyr, also associated with fertility; Njorthur, god of seafaring, fishing, and commerce and father of Freyja and Freyr; and Hel, the goddess of death. Other deities are described in less detail in the Old Norse literature, and other classes of supernatural beings such as Elves and Landspirits, worshipped in both ancient Norse tradition and modern Nordic Paganism.

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More Michaelmas Customs

2011-07-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

BLACKBERRIES:
The one Michaelmas custom that survives to this day is that you should not eat blackberries after the 29th of September. There is a very good reason for this custom, namely that by this time of year blackberries are tasteless and watery.

Other fruits, particularly nuts and rose-hips also have customs associated with Michaelmas. For example, 'Hipping Day' in Yorkshire, or Michaelmas pie in Ireland (Made of apples).

FISHING:

Michaelmas marks the end of the fishing season.

CURFEW:

The start of the curfew for winter night nights. The local church bell sounded each night from Michaelmas until lent. Curfew is derived from the French phrase 'courve feu', which means to cover, or to dowse a fire.

MOP FAIRS (HIRING TIME):

Michaelmas was traditionally time when labourers and servants were hired. As the name suggests, maids would carry mops, but other trades carried the tools of their trades. Thus the squires or the lord's of the manor could tell what skills the prospective employees had, for example, a Shepherds his crook, and a gardener a rake.

RENT:

When tenants came to pay their quarter's rent, they bring a fowl at Midsummer, a dish of fish in Lent, a capon at Christmas, and on Michaelmas Day, a goose.

TREES:

'A Tree planted at Michaelmas, will surely not go amiss'

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The Day Of The Feronia November 15

2011-06-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

"FERONIA" IS AN ANCIENT GODDESS OF THE SPRINGS AND GROVES, A WARRIOR GODDESS AS WELL AS A GODDESS OF THE HARVESTS. SHE WAS WORSHIPPED BY THE SABINES AND THE LATINS. THERE ARE MANY VERSIONS OF THIS GODDESS SO ONE DOESN'T KNOW IF SHE WAS ONLY ONE GODDESS OR SEVERAL IN ANCIENT TIMES. IN FACT, IT APPEARS AS IF THE ANCIENTS WERE AT A LOSS AS TO WHERE TO PLACE HER AMONG THE DEITIES.

SHE IS A FERTILITY GODDESS WHO WAS INVOKED TO SECURE A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST. THE ANCIENTS GIFTED HER WITH THE FIRST FRUITS TO ENSURE A GOOD HARVEST FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

AT YEARLY FESTIVALS, PILGRIMS CAME IN GREAT NUMBERS FROM THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY--MANY TO PERFORM VOWS AND OFFER SACRIFICE. THOSE WHO WERE POSSESSED WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE GODDESS, WALKED WITH NAKED FEET OVER HEAPS OF BURNING COAL AND ASHES, WITHOUT RECEIVING INJURY

Because She was especially kind to the slaves, a protector and friend of the poor. In fact, it was She who brought the Cap of Freedom to all those in bondage or freed from it. On November 15th, a festival was held in Her honor.

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The Panathenaea August 9th To The 15th

2011-05-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

THE ANCIENT ATHENIAN FESTIVAL OF THE "PANATHENAEA" (ALL THE ATHENAS) IS THE OLDEST AND MOST IMPORTANT OF THE ATHENIAN FESTIVALS. THE FESTIVAL WAS HELD ONCE EVERY FOUR YEARS AND WAS ORIGINALLY A RELIGIOUS CELEBRATION HONORING THE GODDESS AS THE SOURCE OF HER PEOPLE'S WISDOM AND THE GIVER OF INTELLECTUAL INSPIRATION, AND ALSO WOMEN WHO, AS PRIESTESSES AND TEACHERS, EMBODY THE GIFTS OF "ATHENA". IT STARTED AS A LOCAL FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF THE GODDESS ATHENA, BUT OVER TIME, THE FESTIVAL GREW TO ENCOMPASS ALL THE ATTIC COMMUNITIES, WHICH WERE THE AREAS SURROUNDING THE CITY.

"ATHENA" WAS THE GREEK GODDESS OF WISDOM; SHE WAS a VIRGIN GODDESS, DEDICATED TO CHASTITY AND CELIBACY. A POWERFUL WAR GODDESS, "ATHENA" WAS USUALLY DEPICTED WITH HER SHIELD OR PROTECTIVE CLOAK, KNOWN AS THE AEGIS. SHE WAS ALSO A PATRON OF CRAFTS, ESPECIALLY POTTERY, WEAVING, AND SHIPBUILDING.

DURING THE FESTIVALS, THERE WERE MUSICAL AND ATHLETIC CONTESTS, ANIMAL SACRIFICES, AND A PROCESSION WHICH INCLUDED PRIESTS LEADING A TRAIN OF ANIMALS THAT WOULD BE SACRIFICED, MAIDENS CARRYING SACRIFICIAL IMPLEMENTS, WARRIORS, OLD MEN WITH OLIVE BRANCHES, AND HORSES. THE FESTIVAL ENDED WITH THE SACRIFICE OF OXEN AND A BANQUET.

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The Festival Of Fornax February 17

2011-05-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

"FORNAX" IS THE ROMAN GODDESS OF BREADMAKING. HER NAME MEANS OVENS. SHE HAD POWER OVER THE OVENS, AND IT WAS SHE WHO MADE SURE THAT A FIRE WOULD NOT SPREAD AND DESTROY THE HOME. THE "FORNACALIA" OR "FEAST OF THE OVENS" IS HELD IN HER HONOR. IN EARLIEST TIMES, EACH FAMILY BROUGHT AN UNBAKED LOAF TO THE COMMON OVEN THAT SERVED THE BAKING NEEDS OF THE SMALL COMMUNITY. AS COMMUNITIES GREW LARGER, SHE WAS HONORED WITH AN OFFERING OF BREAD AND A COMMUNAL FEAST.

SHE WAS INVOKED BY THE FARMERS SO SHE MIGHT RIPEN THE GRAIN AND PREVENT IT FROM BEING BURNT WHILE BAKING IN THE OVEN. SHE HAS SOMETIMES BEEN REGARDED AS IDENTICAL WITH VESTA, BUT AT ALL EVENTS SHE WAS THE GODDESS OF THE FURNACE. SHE WAS THE PATRONESS OF BAKERS.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO CELEBRATE THIS GODDESS, BAKE SOME BREAD ON THIS DAY TO SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. ALSO SCATTER SOME CRUMBS TO THE BIRDS WITH YOUR WISHES FOR HEALTH, PROSPERITY, AND A HAPPY HOME.

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Zywie Friday 19

2011-04-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

IN WESTERN SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY, "ZYWIE" WAS THE GODDESS OF "HEALTH AND HEALING, A GODDESS OF YOUTH." HER NAME MEANS "LIVING, BEING, EXISTING". SHE WAS WORSHIPPED THROUGHOUT WHAT IS NOW POLAND. ALTHOUGH NEVER CONSIDERED A GREAT DEITY, SHE IS INSTEAD A RATHER DIVINE FIGURE WHO SYMBOLIZES THE FEMALE PRINCIPLE OF YOUTHFULNESS, BEAUTY, AND VITALITY. "ZYWIE" IS A LEGACY FROM VERY ANCIENT TIMES. SHE WAS USUALLY DEPICTED AS SEATED AND WEARING AN ORNAMENTAL HEADDRESS...WHICH WAS SUGGESTIVE OF THE SUN'S RAYS. DRESSED IN A FLOWING GOWN, HER SHOULDERS AND CHEST ARE USUALLY BARE.

"ZWYIE" IS ASSOCIATED AS THE SPIRIT OF THE DEAD AND IS ALSO THE GODDESS OF REGENERATION AND REBIRTH; HENCE, SHE IS CONSIDERED TO BE BOTH THE "BRINGER OF DEATH "AND THE "GIVER OF LIFE". IT IS SHE WHO BLESSES THE SICK WITH REGENERATION AND HEALTH. FRIDAY IS HER SACRED DAY. HER TOTEM IS THE CUCKOO. SHE HAD A TEMPLE ON "MOUNT ZYWIEC," AND IT IS HERE THAT THE SLAVS PRAYED FOR HEALTH AND LONG LIFE...

...BUT HER MAIN PLACE OF WORSHIP WAS ON THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF LAKE BLED IN SLOVENIA. THERE IS A LEGEND THAT A TEMPLE FOR HER STOOD ON THIS ISLAND. IT DISAPPEARED DURING BATTLES BETWEEN THE PAGANS AND CHRISTIANS WHO DESTROYED HER TEMPLE AND BUILT IN ITS PLACE A CHURCH.

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The Nemesea August 23rd

2011-03-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

IN ANCIENT GREECE, THE "DAY OF THE NEMESEA," A SOLEMNITY IN MEMORY OF DECEASED PERSONS WAS CELEBRATED ON THIS DATE. THE FESTIVAL HONORED THE GODDESS" NEMESIS", WHO DEFENDED RELICS AND THE MEMORY OF THE DEAD FROM INSULT AND INJURY. HER NAME MAY BE TRANSLATED TO" 'SHE WHO DISTRIBUTES OR DEALS OUT'" OR DIVINE VENGEANCE. "NEMESIS" WAS BOTH FEARED AND REVERED. She was an avenging goddess executing the righteous anger of the gods.

IN GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY, "NEMESIS" WAS THE GODDESS OF RETRIBUTION. SHE IS A PRIMORDIAL DEITY WHO EMERGED FROM "CHAOS", THE PERSONIFICATION OF DIVINE JUSTICE. SHE REPRESENTS THAT POWER WHICH ADJUSTS THE BALANCE OF HUMAN AFFAIRS, BY AWARDING TO EACH INDIVIDUAL THE FATE WHICH HIS ACTIONS DESERVE SHE WAS THE GODDESS OF VENGEANCE, ALWAYS PREPARED TO PUNISH IMPIETY. SHE IS THE FORCE OF KARMA. "NEMESIS "IS USUALLY DEPICTED AS HOLDING A WHIP IN ONE HAND, AND A PAIR OF SCALES IN THE OTHER.

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Parila April 21st

2011-03-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

"Pales "was the goddess presiding over cattle and pastures. As a goddess, watched over the herd animals, thus insuring the survival of the tribe. SHE WAS ALSO REVERED AS A PROTECTRESS OF THE SHEPHERDS AND A GIVER OF INCREASE TO THEIR FLOCKS. TO THIS "GODDESS" THEY SACRIFICED MILK AND WAFERS MADE OF MILLET THAT SHE MIGHT MAKE THEIR PASTURES FRUITFUL.

"Pales "was originally a single deity, variously male or female, with the same characteristics. The name is believed by some to be related to the Greek and Latin word "phallus".

HER FESTIVAL, CALLED THE "PARILIA," AN ANCIENT RITE TO PURIFY THE FLOCKS, WAS CELEBRATED ON APRIL 21ST. THE CEREMONY CONSISTED IN BURNING HEAPS OF STRAW AND LEAPING OVER THEM. THE PURIFICATION OF THE FLOCKS WAS MADE WITH THE SMOKE OF ROSEMARY, LAUREL, SULPHUR, AND THE LIKE. IT WAS DURING THE CELEBRATION THAT ROMULUS FIRST BEGAN TO BUILD HIS CITY. SOME CALL THIS FESTIVAL PARILIA "QUASI A PARIENDA, "BECAUSE THE SACRIFICES WERE OFFERED TO THE DIVINITY FOR THE FECUNDITY OF THE FLOCKS.

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A Pagan Theodicy

2011-03-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

"This was a post in a theology discussion on the ADF religion list. I'm actually horning in on a question directed at Cei Serith. How did I do?"

>> I think that every religion has to answer the question of why bad things happen to good people. And if someone asked you this question now - what would you say? Blessings, Briar.

1: Evil must be defined. Classic theology usually divides evil into natural evil and moral evil. Natural evil is stuff that hurts - disease, injury, natural disasters. One might place some kinds of emotional pain in this category - death causes emotional pain, thus death is an evil. Moral evil is in deeds that violate a (divinely) given moral system. Most moral systems attempt to make rules to prevent the pain of natural evil - allowing spouses to sleep with other people violates the pride and security of the mate, thus causes emotional pain, thus is made illicit. Elements of 'fairness' and right dealing enter in moral judgments as well, which may be less directly related to physical or emotional pain. Natural evil happens to all people in all times. It helps to shape notions of moral evil, which are entirely conditional to culture and locality.

2: Then, we must describe what we mean by 'god'. Western monotheism has the problem of explaining how a single all-powerful, all-knowing, administrative being who is described as both loving and just can allow/cause evil to occur. Why would humans not be made with an inherent moral sense? why would the universe be made to contain pain and loss? This difficulty is why evil is a Problem in western theology.

3: The good news is that much of this is No Problem for a polytheistic theology. For a polytheist there is no single being that made the worlds (even if there is a single being out of which the world was made...) no single intelligence, no single will, had the option of making everything work perfectly together. Polytheistic models of 'creation' are another theology post, but we start by saying that the divine is not unified in will or intent. In the same way, we have no notion that 'god is love'. Lovingness is one aspect of many deities, maybe all, in some way, but so is every other kind of quality. For me, I like 'wisdom' as a primary description, but, in a polytheism, we each choose which kinds of gods we work with. We can say that pain exists as a desirable and natural consequence of the ability to feel. It warns us of damage, teaches us how to avoid harm. Perhaps we might teach that wisdom lies in managing one's own emotions in ways to minimize emotional pain, yet emotional pain may be considered a source of spiritual growth. Pain that harms or degrades is an 'evil', in the sense that evil is 'stuff we don't want to happen'. But that happens because humans fail in strength or wisdom (i.e. can't run fast enough or manage to avoid getting caught by the tiger), or by deliberate malice. Most every culture holds that deliberate efforts to cause harm or loss are to be avoided and deterred. This becomes moral evil as the cultures set rules and norms to avoid harm and loss. Many cultures enforce these norms with social methods - humiliation, loss of honor, possible loss of social standing and legal rights connecting to it. Some cultures make a whole judicial system out of it, and even imagine a deity ruling a court of judgment on those who break the rules (and who don't have a good representative...). Pagan cultures have develop this sort of code as well.

There is some notion that a Pagan afterlife may include reward or punishment for deeds, but the afterlife is usually based more on initiation into the correct mysteries than conforming to the right moral codes. Wisdom teaches that it is good to avoid harm and loss, and our own wisdom, guided by that which we inherit, must decide what will be permitted and what condemned. Why do humans deliberately cause harm and loss to others? Most usually it is a matter of conflicting needs and circumstances producing anger and desperation. The hungry person steals bread, the angry person lashes out. Those subject to long-term exploitation or unfairness seethe with resentment. Emotional pain is notable for its ability to persist. Our ability to relive an event or insult in memory allows anger to seethe and grow, and anger eventually wants expression. Moral and legal codes are devised to deter humans from acting on those emotions in ways that cause harm and loss. Some people seem to have defect of mind or character that makes them more willing to cause harm and loss.

To them society's duty is first to educate and retrain, but second to restrain and prevent harm. So, a Neopagan Theodicy:1: That the multiple nature of existence naturally produces occasional conflicts among systems and individuals.2: That these conflicts can produce harm, loss and pain. This is what I mean by "evil". (A Pagan theology need not make 'obedience' a primary virtue - merely disobeying is not itself evil, but only by it's result.)3: That the Gods often teach how to avoid evil, but more directly, the Gods and spirits give wisdom to humans, and humans devise strategies to avoid evil.

4: That moral codes are local and conditional, not themselves given by divine fiat. It is between the society and the individual as to how codes are formed and enforced. Without the conflict between an all-loving all-creator god and the facts of existence, the problem of evil becomes rather simpler

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The Yule Wish Tree

2011-02-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

Often, the items we truly need cannot ride home with us in a bag from the mall during the holiday season countdown. The day before Thanksgiving, take a trip to the tree nursery and find a small, potted evergreen. On your way home, purchase a few yards of red, green, and white ribbon.

During the Thanksgiving supper, introduce the tree to the family and the tribe to the tree. Each member of your clan should tie a ribbon on the tree to represent an intangible blessing they would like for the upcoming Yule season. Wishes could be for peace, enough rest, health, etc. Bless the tree and set it where it will have enough light.

When family and friends visit, explain the purpose of the wish tree to them and give them a ribbon to tie on the tree, too. The tree is for everyone. If you plan to use the tree in ritual, have everyone participating make a small ornament, empowered for strengths like self-esteem, goal planning, security, etc. and hang it on the tree while connecting with the divinity of their choice.

On the first day of February, remove all the ornaments and ribbons. Burn the ribbons and cast the ashes to the winds. Pack the ornaments away. Next year, when you open the box, you can de-magick the ornaments and return them to their owners, or hang them on your big tree in memory of last year's prosperity. Continue to take good care of the tree over the remaining winter months. Don't forget to give it water and plenty of love. In the spring, you can plant the tree outside on your property or on the property of a friend.

(The above "The Yule Wish Tree" by Silver RavenWolf is quoted directly from Llewellyn's 1995 Magical Almanac, page 264, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1994.)

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May 17th The Feast Of Ambarvalia

2011-01-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

IN ROMAN MYTHOLOGY," DEA DIA" IS AN ANCIENT GODDESS OF THE FIELD AND GROWTH. SHE RULED OVER GRAIN AND CEREAL PRODUCTS. HER NAME LITERALLY MEANS THE "DEITY." SHE HAD A SACRED GROVE OF LAUREL AND OAK TREES WHICH WERE LOCATED ALONG THE RIVER TIBER. THE WORSHIP OF THIS GODDESS TOOK PLACE IN A GROVE. SHE WAS REVERED BY THE" ARVAL," A ROMAN PRIESTHOOD OF THE TWELVE "BRETHERN," WHICH WAS ONCE A POWERFUL A POWERFUL BROTHERHOOD THAT PRAYED TO MARS, TO PROTECT CROPS FROM PLAGUE, AND TO THE "DEA DIA", FOR CROP FERTILITY. BY THE LATE "REPUBLIC", THEIR POWERS WERE REDUCED AND MEMBERSHIP WAS DECLINING.

THE PRIESTHOOD HONORED" DEA DIA" AT THE "FEAST OF AMBARVALIA" WHICH IS HELD ON THE 17TH, 18TH, AND 19TH OF MAY. DURING THIS FESTIVAL, SEVERAL OTHER DEITIES WERE ALSO INVOKED INCLUDING THE LARES, AS PROTECTORS OF THE NEWLY SPROUTED CROPS, AND MARS, WHO HAD AGRICULTURAL ATTRIBUTES BEFORE HE BECAME THE GOD OF WAR. HENCE, IT WAS HIS FUNCTION AS PROTECTOR OF THE SEEDS THAT WAS INVOKED HERE.

DURING THESE DAYS, THE PRIESTS BLESSED THE FIELDS AND MADE OFFERINGS TO THE POWERS OF THE "UNDERWORLD". ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL, BEGINNING AT DAWN, THE "BRETHERN" OFFERED INCENSE, FRUITS, AND WINE TO "DEA DIA". IN THE AFTERNOON, ALL GATHERED FOR A BANQUET, FOLLOWED BY THE DISTRIBUTION OF PERFUMES AND CROWNS"." ON THE SECOND DAY, WHICH WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE THREE, SEVERAL SACRIFICES WERE MADE IN HER SACRED GROVE. LATER, THE PRIESTS RETURNED TO THE TEMPLE AND RECITED THE HYMN," FRATRES ARVALES." THIS SIMPLE HYMN IS ALMOST THE ONLY SURVIVAL OF INDIGENOUS LATIN VERSE. THE ENGLISH VERSION IS BY JOHN DUNLOP.

"YE LARES, AID US! MARS, THOU" God of might,
From murrain shield the flocks -the flowers from blight.
For thee, O Mars! a feast shall be prepared,
Salt, and a wether chosen from the herd:
Invite, by turns, each Demigod of spring.
Great Mars, assist us! Triumph! Triumph sing I.

ON THE THIRD DAY, THE "BRETHERN" ANNOINTED HER STATUE, AND THE FESTIVITIES INCLUDED YET ANOTHER OFFERING OF INCENSE AND WINE, AND EARS OF GRAIN WERE OFFERED TO HER.
MEANWHILE, TO INSURE FERTILITY AND DISPERSE EVIL, EACH FARMER LED MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD AND A SACRIFICIAL BEAST IN A PROCESSION AROUND THE BOUNDARIES OF HIS FIELDS.

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Asatru

2011-01-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

Asatru is an Old Norse compound derived from Ass, which refers to the AEsir, (one of the two families of gods in Norse mythology, the other being the Vanir), and tru, literally "troth" or "faith". Thus, Asatru is the "AEsir's faith." The term is the Old Norse/Icelandic translation of Asetro, a neologism coined in the context of 19th century romantic nationalism, used by Edvard Grieg in his 1870 opera Olaf Trygvason. Asatruar, sometimes used as a plural in English, is properly the genitive of Asatru.

Modern Scandinavian forms of the term, Norwegian Asatru, Swedish Asatro, Danish Asetro, were introduced in Neopaganism in Scandinavia in the 1990s.

In Germany, the terms Asatru and Odinism were borrowed from the Anglosphere in the 1990s, with a chapter of Odinic Rite formed in 1995 and the Eldaring as a partner organization of The Troth formed in 2000. Eldaring takes Asatru as a synonym of Germanic neopaganism in general, following usage by The Troth. Other organizations avoid Asatru in favour of Germanisches Heidentum ("Germanic Heathenry"). Eldaring is the only pagan organization at the national level in Germany self-described as Asatru.

The term Vanatru is coined after Asatru, implying a focus on the Vanir (a second tribe of gods in Germanic paganism) rather than the AEsir.

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Feast Of The Moon Cakes

2011-01-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

"ARTEMIS" WAS THE "GODDESS" OF THE HUNT AND THE MOON, AND LIKE HER TWIN BROTHER, APOLLO, SHE HAD A WIDE RANGE OF FUNCTIONS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY. AS A VIRGIN GODDESS, SHE WAS FIERCELY PROTECTIVE OF HER OWN CHASTITY AND THAT OF THE BAND OF MAIDENS WHO RAN BESIDE HER. "ARTEMIS" LOVED ALL OF THE ANIMALS OF THE FOREST, BUT HER FAVORITE WAS THE DEER. ACCORDING TO THE MYTH, WHEN SHE WAS VERY YOUNG, SHE WENT TO HER FATHER, "ZEU"S, AND PLEADED WITH HIM TO ALLOW HER TO LIVE A FREE AND HAPPY LIFE UPON THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS. "ZEUS "GRANTED HER WISH, AND THIS WAS HOW SHE BECAME THE GREAT HUNTRESS GODDESS OF THE FIELDS AND FORESTS.

AS "APOLLO" WAS THE GOD OF THE SUN AND THE BRIGHT DAYLIGHT, SO "ARTEMIS" WAS THE GODDESS OF THE MOON WHO BROUGHT LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS. SHE WORE A CROWN SHAPED LIKE A CRESCENT MOON UPON HER HEAD. SHE LOVED TO HUNT BY MOONLIGHT; AND WHEN THE GREEKS MADE STATUES OF HER, THEY SOMETIMES REPRESENTED HER WITH A TORCH HELD HIGH IN ONE HAND AND A BOW IN THE OTHER. OAK GROVES AND FRESHWATER SPRINGS WERE ESPECIALLY FAVORED BY "ARTEMIS. "

ON THIS DAY IN ANCIENT GREECE, PEOPLE HONORED THE MOON GODDESS, "ARTEMIS," WITH THE FEAST OF THE "MOON CAKES". THE ORIGINAL FESTIVAL APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN ONE OF SYMBOLIC HUMAN SACRIFICE. OFFERINGS OF THESE "MOON CAKES", STUDDED WITH CANDLES, WERE PRESENTED TO THE GODDESS AT THIS FESTIVAL. THIS CUSTOM IS STILL SEEN WITH OUR OWN BIRTHDAY CAKES.

(MOON CAKES ARE PASTRY CRUSTS WRAPPED AROUND A SWEET FILLING)

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Happy Holidays

2011-01-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

"HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL. MAY YOU HAVE A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, MAGIC, AND PEACE. MAY THE GODDESS BLESS YOU AND YOURS ALWAYS."

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The New Age Booklist Part 4

2011-01-01T03:02:00.000-08:00

THE ASHTAR COMMAND - through Tuella
Although these Messages of the coming Earth Changes and Ascension of Planet Earth given by the Ashtar Command in the 1980's through Tuella (Thelma Terrell) have since been long delayed in their outcome, mainly through the strong efforts of the Forces of Darkness to eliminate or postpone the event, the instruction and program contained therein remains largely unchanged and applicable to the now fast approaching times of final cleansing:

ASHTAR COMMAND - PROJECT: WORLD EVACUATION

This book gives us important information about the coming Earth Changes and the following Mass-evacuation procedures up to the Ashtar Command Fleet of Mother Ships in protective orbit around Planet Earth.
For the full book text, click on "Ashtar - Project: World Evacuation"

ASHTAR - A Tribute compiled by Tuella.

This second Ashtar Command Book is a compilation by Tuella of further Messages from Ashtar and The Ashtar Command.There are also many other messages of general interest from various Commanders belonging to the Ashtar Command's "Forces of Light".
For the full book text, click on "Ashtar - A Tribute"

ON EARTH ASSIGNMENT by Tuella. First published 1988 by Guardian Action International, Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is an autobiographical account by Tuella (Thelma Terrell) of her mission on Earth as a Light Messenger for the Ashtar Command and other members of Earth's Spiritual Hierarchy. It contains some very interesting information on our Space Brothers' Earth Mission and operations, as well as her long and varied life in bringing these messages to the world. She also passes on much high wisdom garnered from her many past incarnations on Earth and from her service within the Ashtar Command between Earth incarnations. Interspersed within this account are further important messages channeled from the Spiritual Hierarchy.

A NEW BOOK OF REVELATIONS - Channeled through Tuella - First published in 1990 as "Secrets of the Father's Little Book" by Guardian Action International, Salt Lake City, Utah

This book commences with a communication from "The Throne of God", describing how His son Jehovah, misusing his gift of Free Will, came to Earth to sow confusion and lead its inhabitants down the path of darkness. "Jehovah was able to alter the genetic coding of those on the Earth plane so that they would be unable to return to their greater awareness during the end times." We are also told that Planet Earth has been a place of preparation over many eons for a special role after the Thousand Golden Years of Peace, to become a vehicle for the God-Force to undertake an exploration outside of the boundaries of known Creation and establish new worlds. Earth will take on the role of a Central Sun. Tuella also recounts her mission with a special group of three others in assisting the dispatch elsewhere, under the auspices of The Hierarchy, the Angelic Forces and The Ashtar Command, of hundreds of thousand of "dark souls" coming from the recently closed and cleansed lower Astral worlds. She also assists in the docking at the Etheric level of the great Space Craft, the "New Jerusalem" (the size of the whole Gulf of Mexico) over the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, in preparation for the dawn of the New Age.

DOOMSDAY 1999 A.D. - Charles Berlitz. First published 1981 by Doubleday & Company Inc, 1540 Broadway, NEW YORK, NY 10036.

By the best-selling author of The Bermuda Triangle (over 12 million copies sold), this is a good survey of the Ancient Prophecies of the World's End by 2000 AD. Archaeological evidence is also given of the sinking of the continent of Atlantis at the time of the Great Flood, followed by a detailed description of the remains of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat first discovered by Russian airmen in 1917.

WORLDS IN COLLISION - Immanuel Velikovsky. First published 1950 by Macmillan, New York. Republished by Buccaneer Books Inc, P.O.Box 168, CUTCHOGUE, NY 11935, USA.

Velikovsky's "classic" provides much evidence, based on historical documents, of past physical upheavals to planet Earth such as rains of fire, earthquakes and floods which Velikovsky concludes must have been caused by the close passage of a comet during the time of the Exodus.

EARTH IN UPHEAVAL - Immanuel Velikovsky. First published 1955 by Doubleday, New York. Republished by Buccaneer Books Inc, P.O.Box 168, CUTCHOGUE, NY 11935, USA.

Written five years later, here Velikovsky reinforces the historical approach of Worlds in Collision with a substantial weight of geological evidence supporting violent and sudden changes to Earth's surface in the distant past.

MASS DREAMS OF THE FUTURE by Chet B. Snow, Ph.D. and featuring Future-life Progression by Helen Wambach PhD. First published 1989. 1993 edition published by Deep Forest Press, P.O. Drawer 4, CREST PARK, California 92326. ISBN 1-882530-10-1

Chet Snow, under hypnosis by Helen Wambach, is progressed forward in time and gives some very graphic descriptions of great earthquakes at the end of the century, and the period of the Tribulation which follows. He also quotes short excerpts of other people's hypnotic progression into future lives, covering the years 2100-2300 and beyond.

FUTURE MAP of the UNITED STATES: 1998-2001 by Gordon-Michael Scallion. Published by the Matrix Institute, P.O. Box 336, CHESTERFIELD, NH 03443, USA. Phone (603) 363 4916.

This wall-map shows the geographical changes to the United States after the major earthquakes at the end of this century. Matrix Institute publishes a monthly newsletter titled The Earth Changes Report. Their catalog also details other books on the subject.

NEW WORLD ATLAS Vol I: THE AMERICAS / Vol II: THE GREENING MAP / FREEDOM STAR WORLD MAP - The Ascended Masters, channeled by Lori Adaile Toye - published 1991-3 by Seventh Ray Publishing, Box 2511, PAYSON, Arizona 85547, USA. Vol I: ISBN 1-880050-01-3. Vol II: ISBN 1-880050-07-2

Channeled descriptions and maps of the New Earth's geography as it will appear following the Tribulation. Covering the Americas in Vol I, the Pacific and India in Vol II. The Freedom Star World Map (36"x52") covers the new geography of the entire planet, and shows the 51 Vortexes, polar shifts and the rising of the New Lemuria.

THE STARSEED TRANSMISSIONS - Raphael, channeled by Ken Carey. First published 1982 by Uni Sun, Kansas City. Republished by Harper SF, 1160 Battery Street 3rd floor, SAN FRANCISCO CA 94111, USA.

Ken Carey channeled Raphael through non-verbal or neurobiological transmission during December 1978 and January 1979. This has become a very popular book of communications within the New Age community. It gives a good idea of the preparations for the New Age as seen from higher spheres, and a very interesting insight into Earth's future destiny from the year 3011 onwards, after the Thousand Years of The Golden Age have concluded.

VISION - channeled by Ken Carey. First published 1983 by Uni Sun, Kansas City. Republished by Harper SF, 1160 Battery Street 3rd floor, SAN FRANCISCO CA 94111, USA.

This is a very beautiful and clear transmission from The Christ concerning the changes soon coming to Planet Earth, and some further interesting information about Earth's future destiny after the Third Millennium.

THE CRYSTAL STAIR - A Guide to the Ascension - channeled by Eric Klein. First published 1992 by Oughten House Publications of Livermore California. ISBN 1-880666-06-5

In January 1990 Eric Klein was invited by Lord Jesus-Sananda to channel a series of weekly classes to Earth-based Light Volunteers on preparing for the initiation of "Ascension", the process of becoming an Ascended Master. Other speakers include Commander Ashtar, Ascended Master Saint Germain and Archangel Michael.

THE INNER DOOR, Volumes I and II - Channeled Discourses from The Ascended Masters on Self-Mastery and Ascension - channeled by Eric Klein. First published 1993 by Oughten House Publications of Livermore, California. Vol I: ISBN 1-880666-03-0. Vol II: ISBN 1-880666-16-2.

These two books continue the classes on Ascension by the Spiritual Hierarchy begun in The Crystal Stair. Teachings by Lord Sananda, Commander Ashtar, Saint Germain, Hilarion, Mother Mary, Archangel Michael, Serapis Bey, Kuthumi, and El Morya.

A NEW HEAVEN, A NEW EARTH - Building the Foundations of the New Age by SEVEN RAYS - Prolog by Hilarion. First published 1982 by Marcus Books, Box 942 Bradford , Ontario L3Z 2B4, Phone (905) 551-1661,Box 942 Bradford , Ontario L3Z 2B4 Phone (905) 551-1661 chris.rieder@rogers.com - www.hilarionbooks.com chris.rieder@rogers.com - www.hilarionbooks.com

This material was communicated by a group of Masters from the Spiritual Realms associated with the Master Hilarion, and channeled by a Californian. There is some particularly interesting material on the nature and role of government as seen from their level. For example, they consider that the purpose of government "is to maximize the freedom of individuals to move towards their own perfection."

THE PRINCIPLE OF LIBERTY - Michael Sartorius

The Principle of Liberty, that "we should all be free to do whatever we like and to pursue our evolution in our own way as long as we do nothing which harms or infringes the liberty of others", is analyzed fully and thoroughly in this book. A theoretical/historical analysis of politics and constitution covering a thousand years in Britain and the USA, plus the Greek/Roman concept of Natural Law, provide the background for the Principle itself, here further defined on a "scale" of government intervention. The interpretive implications of the Principle are thoroughly examined, together with the necessary supporting constitutional framework. Politics for the New Age yet with much current relevance. Readable, non-technical in style.

Website: The Principle of Liberty

SANAT KUMARA - Training a Planetary Logos. Channeled from Vywamus through Janet McClure. Published by Light Technology Publishing & Printing, P.O.Box 1495, SEDONA, AZ 86336, U.S.A. ISBN 929385-17-9.

This tells the story of how Sanat Kumara became a Planetary Logos, channeled through his higher soul aspect, Vywamus. As part of his training and evolution, Sanat Kumara was required to experience simultaneously, through different aspects of himself, 900,000 lives on physical planets in order to develop "Oneness" with all of other creation before commencing his full training as a Planetary Logos on the planet Venus. In the very earliest days of the creation of Planet Venus many millions of year ago, seven temples were established as a special Cosmic school for those training to become a Planetary Logos. After intensive training under the great Master Adonis, who has been in charge of the School from its inception, Sanat Kumara was appointed Planetary Logos for Earth 18 million years ago.

THE PLEIADIAN WORKBOOK - Awakening Your Divine Ka - Channeled by Amorah Quan Yin - published 1996 by Bear & Company, Inc. of Santa Fe, New Mexico. ISBN 1-879181-31-2.

This work is the result of communications with the Pleiadian Emissaries of Light from the star system of the Pleiades. The Pleiadians have had a long association with Planet Earth. Here they give us an overall view of the great physical and spiritual changes about to happen to Planet Earth, also much very useful guidance on cleansing our chakras and self-healing practices in preparation for our ascension. "Through Amorah Quan Yin, we are taught to open our Ka Channels, which pull energy from our multidimensional, holographic selves into our physical bodies. These galactic healing techniques align us with our divine selves, raise our vibratory rates, and rejuvenate and balance our bodies, while accelerating spiritual evolution and stimulating emotional healing" (Bear & Co.).

PLEIADIAN PERSPECTIVES on HUMAN EVOLUTION - Channeled by Amorah Quan Yin from the Pleiadian Emissaries of Light. First published in 1996 by Bear & Company, Inc. of Santa Fe, New Mexico. ISBN 1-879181-33-9.

This further communication from the Pleiadian Emissaries of Light gives us very detailed and interesting histories of the early evolution of humanity on, firstly, planet Venus, then Mars, Maldek and finally, Earth. Within these pages there is much to be learned about the evolution of human civilization, its various errors and successes, as well as our own chosen paths of ascension.

A PLEIADIAN IN TIME - A Time Traveler. Nina Jenice. First published in 1994 by The Cosmic Family, P.O.Box 218262, COLUMBUS, Ohio 43221-8262, USA. ISBN 0-9643546-0-8

Nina recalls her life on Medina in the Pleiades over seventy thousand years ago and a subsequent visit she undertook at that time to 15 other planets as a research project for a future teaching assignment. We are given fascinating short descriptions of various planets, including Venus, Ashtar, Sirius and Daenkus, the home planet of the dolphins.

Dianne Robbins (LAILEL) has channeled several important books, one on the Cetaceans (whales & dolphins), and two on the Hollow/Inner Earth:

"The Call Goes Out from the CETACEAN NATION"
This book contains telepathic messages from the whales and dolphins, themselves a highly evolved race with great intelligence, whose function on Earth at the present time is to monitor the state of the ocean beds. This information is used by our Space-brothers as part of their own monitoring of Planet Earth's condition prior to the coming changes. The Cetaceans also tell us how difficult life has now become for them in our oceans through constant attack and harassment by fishing and whaling ships.

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Hogmanay Trollolay

2010-11-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

The roots of Hogmanay perhaps reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Norse, as well as incorporating customs from the Gaelic New Year's celebration of Samhain. In Rome, winter solstice evolved into the ancient celebration of Saturnalia, a great winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. The Vikings celebrated Yule, which later contributed to the Twelve Days of Christmas, or the "Daft Days" as they were sometimes called in Scotland. The winter festival went underground with the Protestant Reformation and ensuing years, but re-emerged near the end of the 17th century.

There are many customs, both national and local, associated with Hogmanay. The most widespread national custom is the practice of 'first-footing' which starts immediately after midnight. This involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of symbolic gifts such as salt (less common today), coal, shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a rich fruit cake) intended to bring different kinds of luck to the householder. Food and drink (as the gifts) are then given to the guests. This may go on throughout the early hours of the morning and well into the next day (although modern days see people visiting houses well into January). The first-foot is supposed to set the luck for the rest of the year. Traditionally, tall dark men are preferred as the first-foot.

Each area of Scotland often developed its own particular Hogmanay ritual.

An example of a local Hogmanay custom is the fireball swinging that takes place in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire in north-east Scotland. This involves local people making up 'balls' of chicken wire filled with old news paper, dried sticks, old cotton rags, and other dry flammable material up to a diameter of 60 cm. Each ball has approximately 1 m of wire, chain or nonflammable rope attached. As the Old Town House bell sounds to mark the new year, the balls are set alight and the swingers set off up the High Street from the Mercat Cross to the Cannon and back, swinging their burning ball around their head as they go for as many times as they and their fireball last. At the end of the ceremony any fireballs that are still burning are cast into the harbour. (Here's a video)

Many people enjoy this display, which is more impressive in the dark than it would be during the day. As a result large crowds flock to the town to see it, with 12,000 attending the 2007/2008 event. In recent years, additional attractions have been added to entertain the crowds as they wait for midnight, such as fire poi, a pipe band, street drumming and a firework display after the last fireball is cast into the sea. The festivities are now streamed live over the Internet.

Another example of a pagan fire festival is the burning the clavie which takes place in the town of Burghead in Moray.

In the east coast fishing communities and Dundee, first-footers used to carry a decorated herring while in Falkland in Fife, local men would go in torchlight procession to the top of the Lomond Hills as midnight approached. Bakers in St Andrews would bake special cakes for their Hogmanay celebration (known as 'Cake Day') and distribute them to local children.

In Glasgow and the central areas of Scotland, the tradition is to hold Hogmanay parties involving singing, dancing, the eating of steak pie or stew, storytelling and consumption of copious amounts of alcohol, which usually extend into the daylight hours of January 1.

Institutions also had their own traditions. For example, amongst the Scottish regiments, the officers had to wait on the men at special dinners while at the bells, the Old Year is piped out of barrack gates. The sentry then challenges the new escort outside the gates: 'Who goes there?' The answer is 'The New Year, all's well.'

An old custom in the Highlands, which has survived to a small extent and seen some degree of revival, is to celebrate Hogmanay with the saining (Scots for 'protecting, blessing') of the household and livestock. This is done early on New Year's morning with copious, choking clouds of smoke from burning juniper branches, and by drinking and then sprinkling 'magic water' from 'a dead and living ford' around the house ('a dead and living ford' refers to a river ford which is routinely crossed by both the living and the dead). After the sprinkling of the water in every room, on the beds and all the inhabitants, the house is sealed up tight and the burning juniper carried through the house and byre.

The smoke is allowed to thoroughly fumigate the buildings until it causes sneezing and coughing among the inhabitants. Then all the doors and windows are flung open to let in the cold, fresh air of the new year. The woman of the house then administers 'a restorative' from the whisky bottle, and the household sits down to their New Year breakfast.

The above info is from Wikipedia, and from the Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World 3 Vols. we have this small tidbit on Hogmanay:

The last day of the year is called in Scotland, Hogmanay. On this day the children in small towns perambulate among the neighbors of the better class, crying at their doors, "Hogmanay!" or sometimes the following rhyme:

Hogmanay, trollolay,
Gie's of your white bread
and none of your gray!

In obedience to which call, they are served each with an oaten cake.

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Pagan Calendar Of Days For 2011

2010-10-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick and extensive listing of pagan, wiccan, roman, magical, and other holidays for November 2010 through December 2011. The dates of the new and full moons are also listed. As you can see there is a reason to celebrate just about any day of the year. Some of the more obscure holidays have short explanations. As we post about the various festival days and celebrations, links will be updated, so be sure to bookmark this post.

Note: some of the holidays are different depending on which side of the equator you are on.

NOVEMBER 2010

* 6: New moon
* 11: Veteran's Day
* 16: Night of Hekate
* 21: Full moon - Mourning Moon
* 25: Thanksgiving day (United States)
* 30: Festival of Hecate Trivia (The night of the crossroads.)

DECEMBER 2010

* 5: New moon
* 17: Beginning of Saturnalia
* 20 - 21: Full Lunar Eclipse
* 21: Full moon - Big Winter Moon
* 21: Winter Solstice or Yule
* 21: Litha (Southern Hemisphere)
* 25: Christmas Day
* 25: Feast of Frau Holle, Germanic goddess
* 31: Festival of Hogmanay

JANUARY 2011

* 2: Advent of Isis
* 3: Festival of Pax the Roman goddess of peace.
* 4: New moon
* 5: Festival of Lares Compitales - Roman guardian deities of crossroads.
* 5: Twelfth Night
* 6: Festival of Kore
* 7: Feast of Sekhmet, the Egyptian New Year's Day.
* 7: Epiphany
* 7: Distaff Day
* 8: Midwives' Day
* 9: The Agonium, festival of Janus, the Roman god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings.
* 10: Plough Monday
* 11 and 15: The Carmentalia, festival of Carmenta, the Roman goddess of childbirth
* 16: Festival of Concordia, the Roman goddess of harmonious relations
* 17: Good Luck Day, the festival of Felicitas, the Roman goddess of good luck
* 19: Full moon - Wolf Moon
* 24: Feriae Sementivae - blessing the seeds
* 25: Up Helly Aa - Scottish Viking celebration
* 25: St Paul\'s Day
* 30 - Feb. 2: Roman celebration of Februalia
* 31: Disfest/Disablot

FEBRUARY 2011

* 1: Festival of Brigit, the Celtic goddess of healing, fertility, and patroness of smiths.
* 2: Imbolc - the Celtic festival marking the period of lactation of the ewes.
* 2: Lammas or Lughnasadh (Southern Hemisphere)
* 2: Candlemas
* 3: New Moon
* 3: Setsubun, celebration - Japan
* 4: Disting - The Charming of the Plow
* 5 thru 17: Fornacalia - The Day of the Ovens
* 12: Festival of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt
* 13-21: The Parentalis - festival to honor the spirits of the ancestors.
* 14: Valentine\'s Day
* 15: Lupercalia - the festival of Lupercus, the Roman god of flocks and fertility.
* 17: Festival of Quirinus, god of war, storms and thunder.
* 18: Full moon -- Quickening Moon
* 21: Feralia - an ancient Roman Day of the Dead
* 22: Caristia - Roman holiday of family reunions
* 23: Festival of Terminus, the Roman god of boundaries and border markers.
* 24: Flight of the King - Regifugium
* 28: The epic poem, Kalevala, is celebrated by the Finns with parades and readings from the poem.

MARCH 2011

* 1: Matronalia, the Festival of Women
* 1: New Year's Day in the old Roman calendar.
* 1: Saint David\'s Day
* 2: Holy Wells Day, the day of Ceadda, the Celtic goddess of healing springs and holy wells.
* 4: New moon
* 8: Pancake Day
* 9: Ash Wednesday
* 12: Marduk\'s Feast Day
* 14: Feriae Marti - Festival of Mars
* 16 - 17 : Bacchanalia - The festival of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine
* 17: Liberalia, the festival of Liber and Libera, a Roman fertility god and goddess
* 17: St Patrick\'s Day
* 19 - 23: The Mivervalia and Quinquatria, main festivals of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war, wisdom arts and trades.
* 19: Full moon Crow Moon
* 19: Ides of March
* 19: Festival of Anna Perenna, the Roman goddess of the circle of the year.
* 20: Ostara - Vernal Equinox
* 20: Festival of Isis
* 20: Mabon (Southern Hemisphere)
* 21: Festival of Salii
* 22: Hilaria
* 30: The Festival of Salus, the Roman goddess of public safety and welfare.
* 31: Festival of Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon.

APRIL 2011

* 1: April Fool's Day / Loki's Day
* 1: The Veneralia, the festival of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
* 3: New moon
* 5: Lady Luck Day, the festival Fortuna, the goddess of good fortune
* 6: National Tartan Day
* 8: Hana-Matsuri, the festival of Shaka, the Silent Sage from Japanese Buddhism.
* 9: The Lumeria, the festival in honor of the Lemures, the spirits of dead family members who wander the earth on these three spring nights.
* 12 - 19: Ludi Cereales
* 15: Fordicia, the festival of Tellus, the Roman earth goddess
* 16: The feast day of St. Bernadette.
* 18: Full moon -- Wind Moon
* 19: Festival of Ceres, a Roman corn goddess.
* 21: Palilia (Parilia), the festival of Pales, the Roman goddess of sheperds and flocks. This is also the legendary founding date of Rome.
* 22: Earth Day
* 22: Good Friday
* 23: St George's Day
* 24: Easter Sunday
* 25: The Robigalia, the festival of Robigus, a Roman corn god.
* 28 - May 1 The Floralia, the festival of Flora, Roman goddess of fruitfulness and flowers.
* 30: May Day Eve - Walpurgisnacht
* 30: Beltine, on this Caileach Beara, a Celtic goddess, turns to stone. She is reborn on October 31, Samhain.

MAY 2011

* 1: Beltane - Mayday
* 1: The day of Saint Walburga (8th century AD).
* 1: Festival of Belenus, the Celtic god of fire and the sun.
* 1: Samhain (Southern Hemisphere)
* 1: Bona Dea
* 3: New moon
* 5: Cinco de Mayo
* 8: The festival of Mens, the Roman goddess of mind and consciousness.
* 9: Mother's Day
* 9, 11, 13: Roman festival - Feast of the Lemures
* 15: Festival of Mercury, the Roman god of merchants and travellers.
* 17: Full moon -- Hare\'s Moon
* 21: Vediovis Day
* 25: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - Gypsy festival and pilgrimage
* 26: Memorial Day - Einherjar Day
* 27: Frigga Blot

JUNE 2011

* 1: New moon
* 1; The festival of Carna, the Roman goddess of bodily organs.
* 3: The festival of Bellona the Roman goddess of war.
* 9: Festival of Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth.
* 15: Full moon -- Honey Moon
* 11: Festival of Mater Matuta, old Italian goddess of the dawn.
* 11: Lunar eclipse - total
* 20: Father\'s Day
* 21: Summer Solstice - Litha
* 21: Yule (Southern Hemisphere)
* 23: Day of Bad Omens
* 24: The festival of Fata, the Roman goddesses of fate and chance.
* 24: Saint John's Day.

JULY 2011

* 1: New moon
* 3 thru Aug 11: Dog Days of Summer
* 4: Independence Day
* 5: Poplifugia
* 7: Nonae Caprotinae ("the nones of the wild fig"), the second festival of Juno, the chief Roman goddess.
* 9: Day of Un the Wise Person
* 15: Full moon - Buck Moon
* 18: Day of Bad Omens
* 19: Lucaria
* 22: Feast of Mary Magdalene
* 23: Neptunalia - the festival of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
* 25: Furinalia
* 30: New moon

AUGUST 2011

* 1: Lammas or Lughnasadh
* 1: Festival of Lug, the Celtic hero god.
* 1: Imbolc (Southern Hemisphere)
* 9: Festival of Sol Indigis, the Roman sun god.
* 13: The Vertumnalia, the festival of Vertumnus, the Roman god of seasons, gardens and orchards.
* 13: Day of Hecate
* 13: Full Moon -- Corn Moon
* 15: Festival of Torches - Nemoralia
* 17: The Portunalia, the festival of Portunes, the Roman god of gates, doors and harbours. At this festival, people would throw keys into the fire in order to bless them.
* 19: The Vinalia, the festival of Jupiter, the chief Roman god.
* 21: Festival of Consus, the Roman god of good council.
* 23: Freyfaxi
* 23: The Volcanalia, the festival of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire.
* 25: The Opiconsivia, the harvest festival of Ops, the Roman goddess of harvest.
* 27: Volternalia
* 29: New Moon

SEPTEMBER 2011

* 1: Septimontium
* 5: Labor Day
* 12: Full Moon --Harvest Moon
* Chinese Moon Festival -The Festival of Chang O, on the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox, the Chinese people pay homage to the moon goddess Chang O. Some Chinese celebrate this day as the moon's birthday.
* 19: The Fast of Thoth, this day-long fast honors the Egyptian god of wisdom and magic.
* 21: International Day of Peace
* 21: The feast of the Divine Life, this ancient Egyptian feast honored the great goddess in her three-fold aspect as mother (creator), daughter (renewer), and dark mother (the absolute).
* 23: Fall Equinox or Mabon
* 23: Michaelmas
* 23: Ostara (Southern Hemisphere)
* 27: New Moon

OCTOBER 2011

* 1: Festival of Fides, the Roman goddess of good faith, honesty and oaths.
* 3: The festival of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry, also known as Bacchus to the Romans.
* 4: Feast of Ceres
* 6: Day of Bad Omens
* 9: The festival of Felicitas, the Roman goddess of good luck and joy.
* 11: Winter Nights - Sacred to Freya
* 11: The Meditrinalia, the festival of Meditrina, the Roman goddess of healing.
* 12: Full moon -- Blood Moon
* 12: The festival of Fortuna Redux, the Roman goddess of successful journeys and safe returns from those journeys.
* 13: The festival of Fontus, the Roman god of springs.
* 19: The Armilustrium, the second festival of Mars, the Roman god of war. On this day, military arms were ritually purified and put in storage for winter.
* 26: New Moon
* 31: Halloween
* Oct 31 - Nov 1 Samhain, the Celtic festival marking the beginning of the winter and the Celtic New Year. Also the rebirth of Caileach Beara, the Celtic goddess who turned to stone on May 1 (Beltane).

NOVEMBER 2010

* 1: Samhain
* 1: Beltane (Southern Hemisphere)
* 2: Festival of Woden
* 5: Bonfire Night
* 10: Full moon -- Mourning Moon
* 11: Veteran's Day - Hero's Day
* 11: Lunantishees Day - Celtic Faery Day
* 11: Martinmas
* 13: Epulum Jovis
* 15: Feronia Festival
* 16: Night of Hekate
* 24: Brumalia
* 24: The feast of Baba Yaga. On the full moon of November, the supreme crone goddess of old Russia is honored with a feast day. Once honored as an important old goddess, she is now often portrayed as a wicked old witch.
* 24: Thanksgiving day (United States)
* 25: New Moon
* 27: Feast of Ullr
* 30: Festival of Hecate Trivia (The night of the crossroads.)

DECEMBER 2011

* 1: The festival of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Poseidon is also the god of rebirth.
* 4: Bona Dea, a Roman fertility goddess
* 5: Faunalia
* 9;: The festival of Ops, the Roman goddess of harvest.
* 10: Full moon - Long Nights Moon - total Lunar Eclipse
* 11: Agonalia
* 13: The Sementivae, the second festival of Tellus, the Roman earth goddess.
* 15: The second festival of Consus, the Roman god of good council.
* 17: Beginning of Saturnalia - festival of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture. The most popular Roman festival, for on this day the roles of master and slave were reverted.
* 18: Eponalia
* 20: Mother Night
* 21: Winter Solstice.
* 21: Divalia - Angeronalia, festival of Angerona, the Roman goddess of secrecy.
* 22: Winter Solstice or Yule
* 22: Litha (Southern Hemisphere)
* 23: The Larentalia (Larentinalia), festival of Acca Larentia the Roman goddess who gave the early Romans their land.
* 24: New Moon
* 25: Christmas Day
* 25: The birthday of Mithra, the Persian god of light and wisdom.
* 25: Festival of the Invincible Sun God
* 25: Feast of Frau Halle, Germanic goddess
* 26: Boxing Day
* 31: Festival of Hogmanay

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Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

2010-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Book: Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions by The Troth

Our gods belong to two "tribes", the Aesir and the Vanir. Our myths speak of a time when the Aesir and Vanir were at war, but made a truce and exchanged members. This myth may be based in part on Historical battles between human tribes who later formed an alliance; at the same time, it reflects the ways in which our gods work together. Perhaps the best-known of the Aesir is Odin.

He is the god of many things: inspiration, ecstasy, poetry, healing, the runes, and death. Frigga, whom we see as Odin’s wife, protects homes and families. Thor is the storm-god who defends the world of humans. The lightning is his weapon, the Hammer; the rain that he brings makes the fields fruitful. Tyr is the upholder of right order and justice, both among humans and in the universe. Heimdall is the watchman of the gods, and also the progenitor and teacher of the human race.

The Vanir are sometimes called "fertility gods", but they are far more than that; they are the gods of all the things in this world that we are meant to enjoy, whether good harvests, sexual love, or riches. Frey is invoked for peace and plenty; he and Odin were also the founders and protectors of many dynasties of Heathen kings. His sister Freya rules over magic, sexuality, and riches, but is also a battle goddess—she takes half of those slain in battle to be with her. Their father Njordh watches over the sea, ships, sailors, and trade.

The Jotnar or "giants" are a third group of Powerful beings. Many of our myths tell of fights between the gods and the giants. However, the Jotnar are not "evil" as the word is usually understood. On one level, some of the Jotnar represent the impersonal forces of nature: not malicious, but sometimes destructive, and not especially heedful of human concerns. Yet others of them are depicted as wise and helpful. In fact, some giants have been adopted among the gods, and nearly all our gods have giants in their ancestry.

Download The Troth's eBook: Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

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The Troth - Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

Feast Of Befana Jamuary 5th

2010-10-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

"BEFANA" IS AN ITALIAN CRONE GODDESS, THE "LADY OF THE TWELFTH NIGHT". SHE IS COURSE, TOOTHLESS, AND UNKEMPT AND IS DEPICTED AS AN OLD WOMAN WHO IS AS UGLY AS SHE IS KIND. ON EPIPHANY EVE, SHE FILLS CHILDREN'S STOCKINGS JUST AS SANTA CLAUS DOES ELSEWHERE. IT IS MOST LIKELY THAT "BEFANA" PRE-DATES CHRISTIANITY AND AT ONE TIME MAY HAVE BEEN A GODDESS OF ANCESTRAL SPIRITS, FORESTS AND THE PASSAGE OF TIME. THE BROOM IS SYMBOLIC OF HER CONNECTION TO PLANTS, AS SHE IS CONNECTED TO THE WOODLAND GODDESSES, AND SOME IDENTIFY HER WITH "HECATE", THE GODDESS OF THE CROSSROADS. IT IS BELIEVED THAT "BEFANA" DERIVES FROM A GODDESS OF FATE AND RENEWAL, A FERTILITY FIGURE OF THE GERMANIC-SPEAKING TRIBES WHO PROTECTED THE HOME, HEARTH, MOTHERHOOD.

IN POPULAR FOLKLORE, BEFANA VISITS ALL THE CHILDREN OF ITALY ON THE EVE OF JANUARY 6 AND LEAVES PRESENTS OF NUTS, FRUIT, AND CANDY AND IT THEY HAVE BEEN BAD, COAL IS LEFT IN THE CHILDREN'S STOCKINGS...WHICH WERE HANG BY THE HEARTH, SYMBOLIC OF THE ANCIENT PRACTICE OF LEAVING OFFERINGS FOR THE "GODDESS OF FATE." IT HAS ALSO BEEN SAID THAT "BEFANA" IS RELATED TO THE MYSTERIOUS RITES OF THE CELTIC PEOPLES WHO ONCE INHABITED A PART OF THE ALPS AND SET WICKER PUPPETS ON FIRE IN HONOR OF ANCIENT GODS. BEFANA WAS THE WOMAN MAGICIAN, PRIESTESS OF THE ANCIENT CELTIC CULTURE WHO KNEW THE SECRETS OF NATURE.

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May Day Or Walpurgis

2010-10-03T19:25:00.005-07:00

May Day or Walpurgis: Mayflies and buttercups are gathered. If farmland is not yet turned for the planting, Walburgs are made and set up. A Walburg is a scarecrow with a spade in its hand and seems to be a representation of a land-wight. A May-pole is set up, and woven with bright ribbons. Men and women alternately take up an end of a ribbon and dance around the pole. Young women are chased by young men. If they are caught they are scourged with birch twigs, as this will make them fertile. Birch is placed everywhere as decoration, and this is a festival of the birch goddess. Her procession, described above, takes place. Dancing and revelry occurs, and games. A bonfire is lit. A May-queen and May-king are chose, an bedecked with flowers and greenery so that they are almost completely hidden by it. The Sigrblot (victory blessing) was held, asking Odin's aid in upcoming struggles.

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Green Runa

2010-10-03T19:25:00.003-07:00

Book: Green Runa by Edred Thorsson

This is an anthology of shorter works written by Edred Thorsson for various Asatraodinist and Rune-Gild publications from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Many of these essays have become classics, and include the first introduction of the Odinist world to the ritual known as the symbel. Contains material previously unavailable to the general public on matters of runelore and Germanic religion. Includes a short biography of Edred by James A. Chisholm.

From the late 1970s to the early 1980s Edred Thorsson produced a significant volume of material which was produced in rather obscure Asatru or Odinist journals such as The Runestone in the USA and The Raven Banner in England. Additionally, Edred's own then fledgling Rune-Gild published a number of shorter works. All of these would have ended up virtually "lost" if they had not been collected and edited for presentation in this volume.

Also includes a biography of Edred Thorsson by James Chisholm.

Buy Edred Thorsson's book: Green Runa

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Heathenry

2010-10-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

Heathen (Old English h?den, Old Norse heidinn) was coined as a translation of Latin paganus, in the Christian sense of "non-Abrahamic faith".

In the Sagas, the terms heidni and kristni (Heathenry and Christianity) are used as polar terms to describe the older and newer faiths. Historically, the term was influenced by the Gothic term *haili, appearing as hai?no in Ulfilas' bible for translating gune Hellenis, "Greek (i.e. gentile) woman" of Mark 7:26, probably with an original meaning "dwelling on the heath", but it was also suggested that it was chosen because of its similarity to Greek ethne "gentile" or even that it is not related to "heath" at all, but rather a loan from Armenian hethanos, itself loaned from Greek ethnos.

The Miercinga Rice Theod and several other groups, narrow the sense of the word to Germanic Neopaganism in particular, and prefer it over Neopagan as a self-designation.

Heathenry is used for strictly polytheistic reconstructionist approaches, as opposed to syncretic, occult or mysticist approaches. While some practitioners use the term Heathenry as an equivalent to Paganism, others use it much more specifically. It is used by those who are re-creating the old religion and world view from the literary and archaeological sources. They describe themselves as "Heathen" in part to distinguish themselves from other pagans whose rituals come from more modern sources.

Heathenry is now the most widespread term for Germanic Paganism in the UK and is promoted by UK groups such as Heathens For Progress.

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Anthony Arndt - Asatru The Northern Way
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Aleister Crowley - Alice An Adultery

Race And Religion Creating A Group Identity

2010-10-03T01:34:00.005-07:00

Religion plays a large part in many white supremacist movements. Not just because it seems to be an easy scapegoat and, especially in the United States, an easy way to claim discriminatory speech is protected. Social movements generally contain elements that challenge the way a dominant system works, and so new sub-cultures are created as an answer to the prevailing system. This is also a result of peoples’ tendency to seek identity within a group setting—religion offers an easy way to do that. Dobratz writes, “Although religion may be viewed as an individual matter, it is mainly a shared experience that links one human being to others; bond and tradition are major concepts associated with religion…they [religions] can also be used to foster collective identity in various social movements.” Odinism is not at all unique in its use of religion to inspire ethnic conflict. This is a tactic we often see used against Judaism, the idea that the Jews are somehow “different.”

In 2001, a Professor of religious History at the University of Stockholm minced no words when asked about neo-paganism, and more specifically Odinism, in white supremacy. He asserted that, in the 1990’s, neo-paganism had overtaken Christian Identity movements in white supremacy. In The Role of Religion in the Collective Identity of the White Racialist Movement, Odinism is specifically named as one of the three religious affiliations that has been most influential in influencing and developing the white nationalist/racialist movement. This article makes a separation between racial Odinism and other neo-pagan religions. While most other neo-pagan groups tend to see their religion as somehow “universal” in scope and would normally be classified as quite liberal, Odinists, “do not believe in universal religions…unlike most other neopagans, support neotribalism, emphasize racial purity.” It is important to note that the lack of belief in a universal religion is something generally attributed only to Folkish Odinists. There is much Universalist literature suggesting belief in the idea that the Old Norse gods are simply different iterations, or even only different names, of the same pagan gods worshiped worldwide.

It has been suggested that, “religion, broadly conceived, offers the most promising path toward realization of the white nationalist dream” (Dobratz). As a broad category, religion is very helpful in recruiting for new movements. It works to provide a common history and group identity, something very attractive to potential recruits. While they may privately compete among themselves, the number of different religions that have parts in the white supremacist/white nationalist movement actually serves to attract more members than if it were homogenous. Dobratz writes, “The different religious views provide alternatives from which people can choose.”

Lately, however, Odinism seems to have become the go-to religion of white supremacists who are disillusioned with Christianity. As churches have become both more liberal and more accepting of changing societal norms (such as homosexuality or women clergy), more and more interest in Odinism and other “ancestral religions” has popped up. Frank DeSilva, a member of the Silent Brotherhood, argues that a break from Christianity in favor of Odinism is occurring within white supremacy. “Religion is for the race-culture that created it. In consequence to this, the movement is becoming increasingly non-Christian.” He goes on to cite the fact that religions are become more integrated or “non-white” as a main reason for this shift. The idea of Christianity as a Jewish plot is also gaining popularity. In a rare case of reasoning that is (somewhat) logical, one reason for white supremacists reject Christian movements is explained—

“I’m an Odinist, and I really wish that all this Christian Identity stuff would just like fade away…me and a lot of my friends just think that it’s the stupidest thing around—Christian Identity. I mean, I believe Christianity is Jewish. I mean, in nature, Jesus Christ was Jewish—it comes from the Middle East—it’s a Middle Eastern religion. I don’t think it’s for us as a racial movement—why should we take a Jewish religion if we’re so anti-Semitic?”

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Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
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Seidr Magic

2010-10-03T01:34:00.003-07:00

Book: Seidr Magic by Ed Richardson

Of all the reconstructed systems of archaic magickal practice, Seidr seems to be one of the most misunderstood. This is partly because of its sinister reputation, and partly because of sexist notions that only women ever practised divination. All too often Seidr is mistaken for the craft of the Volva, where in reality (if such a notion is useful) the Volvas were only part of a far wider practice. In order to make sense of the collection of beliefs and practices which make up Seidr, some definitions shall be considered, followed by a look at some of the practices involved and their implications. This whole essay shall illustrate examples found in the myths of Northern Europe.

Seidr literally means 'seething' or 'boiling' and has much in common with shamanism and other forms of primitive magick. Indeed it is highly likely that Seidr is an adaptation of shamanic practices to suit the culture and times, when primitive society evolved discovering religion, agriculture and metallurgy. However, Seidr is not a religious practice; it is a magickal practice which is where some of its sinister reputation originates. Jan Fries explains that the Seidr magickians would sell their craft, which makes them something akin to occult mercenaries. Its use is always pragmatic and is reflected as such in the myths. The myths play a vital role in understanding Northern magick as they show how the Aesir, Vanir, Giants and Humanity used magick to deal with problems, hinting at techniques that may be useful today.

Download Ed Richardson's eBook: Seidr Magic

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Aleister Crowley - Magick
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Ed Richardson - Seidr Magic

Pan Celtism And What It Means For Us

2010-10-03T01:34:00.001-07:00

In the past decade or two, there has been an amazing spread of Celtic identity throughout the world. Celtic festivals are common all over Western Europe, North America, Australia, etc. We now have the Celtic League, the International Celtic Congress, and a major international Celtic festival (which was held in Valle d'Aosta in 2009). The question is: where do we fit into this Pan-Celtic milieu?

We would have to fit in somewhere, as much of the spirituality and even the Celtic knotwork is tied to Padania. "Cisalpine Gaul," of course, was the name given to Padania by the Romans, which means in Latin: "Gaul south of the Alps." The Trophy of Augustus was the Roman trophy to the conquest of the Celto-Ligurian tribes.

One interesting commonality of the Celtic peoples throughout history is their struggle against encroaching Teutonic and Roman armies. In the movie 'Braveheart', Celtic Scots are depicted defending their homeland against basically Anglo-Saxon/Norman English. The Roman Julius Caesar conquered Celtic Gaul. These are just two of the more well-known examples. Many compare the Roman invasion of Cisalpine Gaul to the invasion of the English against the Scots.

Unlike many other European cultures, Padania doesn't have the definitive "one ancient culture" that it can draw most of it's inspiration from. Lega Nord chose the Celts. The Etruscans were too tied into Roman (Italian) identity, and the Langobards were invaders from somewhere else. At least some of this was based on political reasoning. We do not have the answer to this equation yet.

Actually, Cisalpine Gaul was demographically "Celto-Ligurian," as we have covered before. That is, a mix of both proto-Alpine and Celtic tribes. The Trophy of Augustus lists both Alpine and Celtic tribes.
Another factor is the spiritual component to all of this. The worship of the horned god Cernunnos has been co-opted by the Wiccan faith, along with other traditions from many cultures, into a universalist religion. Some social engineers of Wicca have long touted their religion as a leftist movement to contrast with the perceived right wing Christian movement. That is something we have to look harder at in the future. This worship of Cernunnos is heavily linked to the Cisalpine Gauls, but also widespread in ancient Gaul, and even Scandinavia.

The Pan-Celtic identity is such a good fit, as we are not really southern or northern European, and not Eastern European. Quite frankly, the region of Padania is/was historically located at the crossroads of Roman/Mediterranean (south), Germanic/Norse (north), Celtic/Gaulic (west) and Slavic (east) worlds. In viewing the greater scope of things, in both ancient and modern concepts, we're more Western European. Like the French, we're basically Romanized Gauls.

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Troth Aor - Odinism What Is It The Odinic Rite
Gordon Ireland - Faq On Wicca And Witchcraft And More
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps

Neo Druidism In Britain

2010-10-02T19:25:00.005-07:00

The origins of the modern Druid Revival lie in speculation about the historical druids in Early Modern 17th century Britain. William Blake, the artist and poet, was among those who used the image of bards and druids symbolically in his poetry. In Blake’s mythos, bards are cast as the noble and admirable advocates for imagination (“Divine Imagination” as Blake characterized it). Druids, on the other hand, were used most often by Blake in a negative way to symbolize priesthoods of Literalism without imagination. In this poetical symbolism, Blake was inspired by current theories of certain scholars of his day which speculated that the British druids were in fact a remnant of the antediluvian religion of Noah and Adam in the Biblical mythos. Some saw them as the martyred exponents of the true religion taught by God in the Garden of Eden, as distinct from Christian religion as it later developed, which was seen by Nonconformists such as Blake to be corrupt. The theory that ancient druids were the true inheritors of the ancient Patriarchal religion was a move intended to make “True Religion” something British rather than foreign. Such a theory turned on its head the previous view of churchmen that druids had been bloodthirsty pagan priests who worshiped “devils” and were quite rightly stamped out by the superior culture of the Romans.

A more positive view of the druids, portraying them as wise old men arose with the northern European Romantic movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth century. One of the key proponents of the idea that the bards preserved a purer and more universal religion that transcended sectarianism was the Welsh Iolo Morganwg. His writings, though now acknowledged to be partly his own invention claimed to be based on manuscript sources and oral traditions in Wales. His work led to the establishment of the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards and influenced the forms of the Welsh National Eisteddfod, celebrations of British culture as distinct from that of the conquering English. The romantic positive figure of the druid and the bard became powerful images within the Welsh and Irish nationalist movements.

In 1964, George’s son Robert MacGregor Reid, then chief of the The Druid Order, died, and Dr Thomas Maughan was elected as his successor. Following a differing amongst some senior members, Ross Nichols founded the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, fully recognizing those three grades in a way that is not formalised in The Druid Order. The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids now represents the largest body of organized Druidry in the world, with over ten thousand members.

Recent decades have seen an explosion of druidic orders and groups in Britain, including the Loyal Arthurian Warband (founded and led by British activist Arthur Uther Pendragon, self-declared reincarnation of King Arthur), the British Druid Order, the Secular Order of Druids, the Glastonbury Order of Druids and so on, with the Council of British Druid Orders set up in 1989 to enable meetings and discussions between different Orders to take place. In February 2003, The Druid Network was launched; its aim is to be a source of information and inspiration about the modern druid tradition, its practice and its history.

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Odinism And Asatru

2010-10-02T19:25:00.003-07:00

Book: Odinism And Asatru by Anonymous

The Asatru movement began in the 1970's, as a revival of Germanic paganism. Begun in Iceland on the Summer Solstice of 1972, the Islenska Asatruarfelagid was founded recognized as an official religion the following year. Shortly afterwards, the Asatru Free Assembly was formed in the United States, although they later became the Asatru Folk Assembly. An offshoot group, the Asatru Alliance, founded by Valgard Murray, holds an annual gathering called "Althing", and has done so for over twenty-five years.

The Asatru are divided into Kindreds, which are local worship groups. These are sometimes called a garth, stead, or skeppslag. kindreds may or may not be affiliated with a national organization and are composed of families, individuals, or hearths. Members of a Kindred may be related by blood or marriage.

A Kindred is usually led by a Godar, a priest and chieftain who is the "speaker for the gods".

Download Anonymous's eBook: Odinism And Asatru

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The Odinist Anthology Selection From The Runestone

2010-10-02T19:25:00.001-07:00

Book: The Odinist Anthology Selection From The Runestone by Asatru Free Assembly

This anthology represents some of the contents of THE Runestone over a span of more than ten Years, from issue number two almost to the Present. During this decade-long his tory of publication, THE RUNESTONE and the organization which 1 t represents underwent a mu1 t i tude of changes, becoming more so~histicated, broader in perspective, and more polished in Presentation with the Passage of time, Hopefully the reader will be able to trace this evolution.

This collections designed to Provide the Person new to Odinisml, or Asatru, with something beyond the single leaflets which may have been his or her introduction to the religion. It is by vo means comprehensive, but it will give the student of Asatru a wealth of information which will make it easier to Proceed on to other sources of greater depth and comlexity. In this respect It fills a gap which has long been an irritant to new asatruarar.

The Articles have been edited for gramnotical and typogra~hical errors, and in some cases they have been "tightened upn by deletion of irrelevancies, but the flavor of the original has been kept - blemishes and all. Our beginnings were humle, to say the least, and the first funbling atteists to Present our world-view seem a little pitiable from today's standpoint, But every venture has to begin somewhere, and we have come a long, long way from those early attemts to put thoughts to Paper, This slim volume is presented in the firm belief that gut- Jgurney has barely begun, and that THE RUNESTONE and the Asatru Free Assembly will attain heights which today cannot even be seen because of the clouds which obscure the summit of acconlishment.

I would like to thank the Authors of these selections for their support, along with Prudence, Maddy, and Ariel. I t couldn't have been done without them. (Stephen A. McNallen
Denaic California)

Download Asatru Free Assembly's eBook: The Odinist Anthology Selection From The Runestone

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Asatru Free Assembly - The Odinist Anthology Selection From The Runestone

Wicca The Complete Craft

2010-10-02T16:53:00.005-07:00

Book: Wicca The Complete Craft by Dj Conway

It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive or well-written resource for students of Wicca than Wicca: The Complete Craft. D.J. Conway, whose earlier books include Moon Magick and The Celtic Dragon Tarot, speaks about the Wicca religion with seasoned authority, making this one of the best guidebooks on the market. She begins with an overview of Wicca, explaining its historical roots and dispelling common assumptions. For example, the practice of magic is not the focus of Wiccan religion, just a sideline, she notes. Conway also possesses a strong voice of integrity. Unlike some fad-feeding authors, she discourages teens from becoming involved in wiccan magic without the explicit approval of their parents. In fact, even advises teens to avoid the practice of magic altogether, since "the vast majority of teenagers lack the life experience or emotional maturity to deal correctly with the ethics involved with magic." This sort of ethical vigilance is carried throughout the book. Conway offers over 500 pages worth of lessons and rituals, including the making of a witch (expect to study at least a year and a day), developing psychic abilities, protection and self-defense, puberty rites, breaking spells, astral projection, magical herbs, and ritual tools. This is the book for beginners, and is certainly a respectable resource for more mature witches.

While this book certainly is not "the definitive" wiccan book (as if there was such a thing), it certainly offers a wealth of information about this ancient religion. This book was mentioned to me as a great place to learn more about "the Craft," in fact the person who first told me about it called it a "Wiccan textbook." While someone not new to Wicca may find this book covers a lot of material mentioned elsewhere, someone new to this as I am will find this book fascinating.

What I liked about this book was that it provides a very nice overall reference to Wicca, which as someone new to this religion is something very important to me. There is a tremendous amount of information in this book, in fact at times it was almost overwhelming. Among areas covered are examples of rituals for various Sabats, handfasting, and Drawing Down the Moon and Sun, herbs, essential oils, candles, words and terms used in Wicca, pantheons of Gods and Goddesses of different cultures, nature spirits, and so on. Reading through this book gave me a sense that the information contained within it can be a source of "great power" if used correctly.

Popular pagan author D. J. Conway introduces readers to the religion of Wicca, or witchcraft, and dispels many common misconceptions about it. Conway offers a comprehensive overview of Wiccan philosophy and tenets and provides a useful primer for practicing Wicca as a spiritual guide. Wicca is an ancient nature religion that teaches respect for others as well as responsibility for one's actions. Conway emphasizes that it is not associated with cults, devil worship, or animal sacrifice. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life and recognize a dual deity, both a goddess and a god. Included are chapters on sacred space, ritual tools, holy days, meditations and visualizations, spells and the art of spell casting, as well as terms used in Wicca.

As I said before, this may not be "the one true Wiccan book," and those with some knowledge may already know most of what in here, but still I found it to be an excellent guide to Wicca.

Buy Dj Conway's book: Wicca The Complete Craft

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Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

2010-10-02T16:53:00.003-07:00

Book: Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media by Lisa Dinsmore

The aim of this dissertation was to examine representations of Paganism by comparing recent fictional representations of Pagans and Wiccans against a "real life" model of Pagan and Wiccan practices and beliefs. A literature review focused on forming a model of Paganism, and looked at previous works which considered the representation of Paganism in fictional media. A crude form of content analysis was used to select an appropriate text for analysis. A semiotic analysis, ideological consideration, and a syntagmatic analysis of the narrative were all applied to the text, an episode called “Family” from the television series “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.” This gave an in-depth model of a fictional text featuring Witchcraft.

Paganism with particular reference to witchcraft was portrayed positively in the text. It was discovered that the practice of magic had connotations of both power - particularly female autonomy -; and of sexuality -particularly homosexuality. Further analyses of a wide range of texts would need to be compared to the reallife model devised to give a more complete picture of the connotations behind the representations of Pagans, Wiccans and Witches.

This dissertations aims to look at representations of Paganism and in particular wicca and witchcraft in modern fictional mass media. Semiotic analysis in particular and other media theories will be used to look at the representations and the portrayals compared to a model of current Pagan practices and beliefs – the "realist" perspective versus the "real".

Download Lisa Dinsmore's eBook: Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

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Lisa Dinsmore - Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

2010-10-02T16:53:00.001-07:00

Book: Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide by The Troth

The Troth is one of several international organizations that promote the ancient religion of the Northlands, known as Asatru, Heathenry, and by other names. We are incorporated as a non-profit religious corporation in the state of Texas, and are recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt religious organization.

The Troth publishes a quarterly magazine, Idunna, along with other writings on Heathen belief and practice. We serve as a networking organization for individuals and kindreds, and we try to assist our members to form local groups to practice our religion and make it more widely available. Once a year, the Troth sponsors a major gathering at which members and interested folks conduct workshops and ceremonies, and discuss and demonstrate their many skills and practices. The Troth also conducts a certification program for clergy, incorporating training in lore, theology, ritual, and counseling.

The Troth believes that the Gods call whom they will—regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation. To hear their call is a joy, an honor, and also a duty. If you hear that call, and you are willing to live by our values and honor our Gods, then we invite you to take your place among friends and kin, and bring new honor and strength to our ancient Heathen faith.

Download The Troth's eBook: Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

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Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism

2010-09-30T19:36:00.005-07:00

Book: Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism by Robert Leo Odom

With most of the Christian world honoring Sunday as their day of worship, the question of its origin becomes important.

Over the past hundred years much has been written about the use of the week among ancient pagan peoples. However, little has been done to compile such historical material into an easily accessible book for the general public.

Robert Leo Odom for years has conducted special research on the Sabbath-Sunday question. In "Sunday in Roman Paganism," he leads readers through the pages of history showing the rise of the planetary week and its "day of the Sun" in the heathenism of the Roman world during the early centuries of the Christian era.

This book is not a capsulated history of Sunday as a church festival, but rather the history of the planetary week as it was known and used in the pagan world, and to show whether or not its "day of the Sun" was then regarded by pagans as being sacred to their Sun-god.

Robert Leo Odom is author of The Certainty of Life After Death, Sunday in Roman Paganism, The Lord's Day on a Round World, and What Do The Astrologers Know?

Download Robert Leo Odom's eBook: Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism

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Robert Leo Odom - Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism

Power Of Kundalini

2010-09-30T19:36:00.003-07:00

Power of Kundalini flows through the seven major Chakras moving up and down the spine and that “according to Hindu tradition the Kundalini raises from the root-chakra up through the spinal channel, called sushumna, and it is believed to activate each chakra it goes through” and “in raising Kundalini, spiritual powers (siddhis) are also believed to arise, but many spiritual traditions see these phenomena as obstacles on the path, and encourages their students not to get hung up with them”.

According to most experts, the power of the Kundalini force can take many years to completely unfold and is often likened to the opening of the great and beautiful flower of the soul. Great caution is advised by almost every resource in awakening the Kundalini within as it houses immense power and spiritual abilities. Most of which the untrained lay person is not equipped to handle.

The Kundalini is historically known by the Hindus as the serpent coiled at the base of the spine. The symbol of the Caduceus symbol has been said to be an ancient representation of Kundalini physiology. When this serpent is awakened and begins to move up the spine through the Chakras this is known as “Pranic Awakening”, Prana being the energy of life and all living things which sustains existence. This energy then begins to move through the living body and spirit and ultimately to be made manifest in magick and miraculous power.

There are of course many stories of unleashing the Kundalini force by some sort of accident or major life event such as a near death experience. There are a long list of complications or symptoms associated to this experience such as emotional instability, psychological imbalance, various strange or unexplained physical sensations and muscular spasms, oddities in hyperactivity or sleep pattern as well as sexual drives. Most of those who go through this accidental awakening also find they have a profoundly deeper understanding of themselves, their universe and may even grasp concepts that were far beyond their previous skill or knowledge base.

Kundalini is believed to be activated best by a natural and specific, in not simplistic, process. And I quote “This happening of Kundalini awakening and ultimate union with a higher consciousness are described by a Sanskrit word ‘Sahaja’. This means literally ‘born with,’ spontaneous or effortless. The implication is that the entire mechanism is inborn — part of human anatomy — and is activated in a spontaneous and natural way without undue or extreme efforts.”

Most people who subscribe to the belief in Kundalini power follow a Hindu path or are at least trying to unlock this power via the disciplines of Yoga or Tantric Magick. All of these concepts can be simple to grasp but take time to fully actuate or digest. I do not suggest that you can understand the mysteries of the power of Kundalini quickly but I do believe that we all have this seed within ready to blossom in each of us.

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New Age Music

2010-09-30T19:36:00.001-07:00

For everyone out there simply looking to relax or those of you who wish to enter a deep state of meditation...
New Age Music is a must. I myself use it for meditation, Relaxation and for my ritual magick work.
There are many New Age Music Artists out there but I have my favorites.
Along with this I also enjoy Classical Music from long ago.

Here are my favorite New Age Musical Artists.

Frank Danna

This is my favorite Cd that I use to meditate with and to use in my Ritual work.
Truly an Awesome Cd that will get you into the mood of your rituals or a serious Deep state of conciseness.
Listen to the sample track on the Cd page.... you will love it. This is my #1 pick of all.

Deva Primal

She has many Cds to choose from.
Her music is excellent for meditation or just relaxation.
Her music is based on Krishna sounds and methodical rhythms, but Premal's voice is one that resonates into the soul.
It will seduce your Body mind and soul.
The music she produces, makes me feel good and energetic afterwards.
She is my #2 pick.
Listen to some of the sample tracks!

Steven Halpern

He has so many Cds to choose from.
He has been in my collection for years.
I remember many times I would drive around and listen to his music and end up 50 miles away.
This music will send you into space.

There are so many other Artist out there. But you will have to find the ones you like the best.

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Tale Of Modern Pagan Sorcery Excerpt

2010-09-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

These are the opening paragraphs of what I'm tentatively calling "Lady of the House" a tale of modern Pagan sorcery.

Part 1a: Otherworld

The hills were old around the basins of the great rivers. Scoured low and round by time, they still showed boulder cliffs and steep rills of falling water among the green coat worn by the stones. The spirit of that place was old as well, peaceful now, as a rule, content to dwell in vertical spaces where mortal life had little reach. Mortals might tend the forests and hunt the beasts, might cut through mountains to make their roads, but within the forms of the soil and the green, in the winds that the sun drove between the mountains, in the dew of the bright moon there lived the spirits. Wild essences of the world, sometimes interested in mortals, often indifferent, they went their way while mortal folks went theirs. In past times mortals and the spirits had spoken, the wise among them, and the brave, finding ways to get the attention of the un-material intelligences. Then mortals had worked together with the spirits, and each kept their place in the Dance of Worlds.

In more recent times this commerce had largely ended. Mortals had turned their eyes and hearts from the inner essences of things. In truth the spirits cared little, though those who had kept the Old Ways before became confused, or dismayed, and some even became angry. In a country filled with mines and boats and the work of hammers it is never wise to anger the spirits. The spirits toyed with mortals or ignored them, and mortals praised their 'God' for good luck or complained of bad.

But in places of power, where the voice of the spirits might be stronger, and in certain families, or in ways taught from teacher to student, the commerce with the spirits continued. There in the hills by the big river there were a few places where humans came together, and by their skill made themselves seen and heard by the spirits. Most especially there was the Fortress of the Seer. It was the only mortal place in the region that had a name among the spirits, and there the mortals had the longest history of traffic with them since the Old People disappeared.

Now an idea was spreading among the spirits, as it does, that new mortals were returning to the Seer's Rath. The bloodline of the Seer was known to the spirits, and even far at the edge of their places they watched that lineage. Even far away they had been present at the sacrifices, made offerings even as young children, and so they were known to the spirits. Now those children were returning to the Vale and the Fortress, and the spirits were interested.

A wild, strong spirit of air and night chose to find them and follow them as they came near the river. His eyes would be the eyes of the clan, and the Queen would know what he knew. As he drew near to the children in their car, he took on a more material form, wings and sharp eye as he swept around and before them as they went.

Before them lay the darkness upon Dun Faithe.

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Ostara Ritual Celebrating

2010-09-29T19:25:00.005-07:00

Ostara: ritual celebrating the coming of spring, and thus also the beginning of planting. Dates this was celebrated on varied, but tended to fall around the vernal equinox. Eggs are painted with bright colors, and hidden, and hunts are conducted for them. (Eggs are a symbol of new life, and fertility. Rabbits are a symbol of this day too, for the same reason.) Other games are sometimes played with the eggs too, such as racing with them balanced on a spoon, or rolling them downhill. Eggs are ritually thrown high into the air too, and as high as the eggs fly, that is how high the crops shall grow. A procession, led by an ass, begins festivities which include a game called "Osterball". Dancing is an important part of the celebrations. Ostara bonfires are also lit. No flesh is eaten by mariners this day, to ensure safety from storms.

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The Religion Of The Teutons

2010-09-29T19:25:00.003-07:00

Book: The Religion Of The Teutons by Chantepie De La Saussaye

THE present volume may be allowed to plead its own cause its plan and scope are explained in the Introduction. It is for critics to decide how far the author has succeeded in his task, and wherein he has failed. It is the hope of the author that his book may at all events prove useful in conveying some definite information on controverted points, the more so as the excellent work of F. B. Gummere on Germanic Origins, which is the only English work of a general character, covers for the greater part a different field.

I wish to express my gratitude to several scholars who have had considerable share in the production of this book. Without the repeated and earnest solicitation and the encouragement received from Professor Morris Jastrow, Jr., of the University of Pennsylvania, this book would not have been written. Its appearance in English is due to Professor B. J. Vos of the Johns Hopkins University, who, in view of his own deep interest in the subject, was especially qualified to undertake the translation. The first eleven chapters also published in Dutch have been carefully revised by Professor B. Symons of the University of Groningen, who has read the proof sheets with the keen eye of the specialist, and whose numerous suggestions have frequently proved of value in controlling and correcting my own views.

In the chapters devoted to mythology my obligations are less direct. I have, however, gratefully made use of the material collected in the latest and best works, and more especially of the excellent sketch of Mogk in Paul's Grundriss der germanischen Philologie. The general reader may, however, be assured that I have never accepted data without verification, and the scholar will observe that my conclusions frequently differ from those embodied in recent publications. It is my hope, also, that the historical method adopted in the work, and the endeavor to maintain a sharp distinction between what we actually know and what we do not know, may be esteemed advantages which will in a measure redeem other possible imperfections. (P. D. Chantepie de la Saussaye)

Download Chantepie De La Saussaye's eBook: The Religion Of The Teutons

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Ways Of The Asatru

2010-09-29T19:25:00.001-07:00

Book: Ways Of The Asatru by Michael Smith

There are two issues which I would like to bring to the reader's attention concerning this book. The first would be that this book should not, by any means, be considered an absolute authority on Asatru. The reader is encouraged to read other books, do research, and explore their own hearts to find their own religious and spiritual truths. The main reason for that would be because of the second issue I have to briefly make note of.

The second would be that regardless of all, Asatru is chiefly a religion of the individuals' spiritual path. Although there is a strong sense of community that is encouraged, it is up to the individual to find what rings true to them for their own spiritual health. Asatru itself is a religion of fairly broad guidelines. It is up to the individual to decide where within those broad guidelines they lay in what they believe.

So please, dear reader, I will be bold in giving you a set of "rules" for those who decide to research or become Asatru. Rule # 1 is: Be your own scholar. Asatru is a religion with homework. This extends to not just contemporary writers but, to authors in the fields of linguistics, history, archeology, and other scholarly fields of study. All can help you in your spiritual quest. Rule # 2 is: Always get different perspectives. This is a religion that has its roots in the past, but is (and must be!) evolved within modern context. And it must and will evolve as the future unfolds.

This book has been screaming to come out of my head for quite some time. Folks over the years have asked me, "Why don't you write a book or something?" My response was usually a humorous, "Don't you think I drive enough Asatru folks nuts already?" Then I started thinking about it more seriously as my 12th anniversary of becoming Asatru came closer, and figured it was time to unleash my brain upon the masses. I only hope it helps some folks on their travels. As I know, just writing it has helped my own. Also, the fact that every time there’s a good beginner book out, it goes out-of-print. This way, by self-publishing, it won’t go out-of-print.

Lastly, I'd like to thank the folks who kept pushing me to do it and whom I've found their friendships and debates helpful. I'd like to thank all of Raven Kindred North, Vingolf Fellowship, Medoburg Kindred, Tim McKinney (co-founder of Athelingulf Fellowship), and the countless individual Asatru folks who I've harassed, infuriated, and got into huge debates with over countless thoughts, theories, and beliefs. Without challenge, the mind never evolves and grows.

But most of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife, Catheryn, my precious daughter, Freyjadis, and my strong son, Tiarnan, for being my highest inspirations. - With Honor, Michael J. Smith

Download Michael Smith's eBook: Ways Of The Asatru

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Magic And Wyrd

2010-09-28T19:24:00.005-07:00

Book: Magic And Wyrd by Anonymous

Wyrd is the underlying fabric in the Northern/Germanic cosmology. The laws of Wyrd supercede the will of the Gods, of men and all creatures. Wyrd provides the basic structure for the Nine Worlds, and manifests itself in Yggdrasil and the Well of Urdr.

One can compare Wyrd to a song, there are many differnt ways to sing it but the basic tune remains the same. Wyrd is also frequently seen as weaving, different threads coming together on a framework to make a pattern.

Magic is one of the ways we interact with Wyrd. "Knowing" magic (in Manny Olds' words) or "predictive" magic (Groa's) is about becoming aware of the patterns in Wyrd and the disposal of individual strands in the tapestry. Spae-work and Rune-work are two of the techniques which can be used for this.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Magic And Wyrd

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Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

2010-09-28T19:24:00.003-07:00

Book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick by John Coughlin

So often darkness is associated with evil. Since the term evil has no place in a nature-based religion, we Pagans are forced to look beyond such stereotypes.

But what then is "darkness"? Why are so many of us drawn to themes associated with darkness such as death, mystery, wisdom, magic, and the night? These themes and symbols are empowering to many of us because they tap into the deepest reaches of our unconscious.

The goal of this book, which is a culmination of over 16 years of study and practice, is to not only share with you the author's views on Dark paganism and spirituality, but to encourage you - if not challenge you - to personalize your own belief system.

While the first part explores the aspects and spirituality of darkness, the second part of this book discusses the nature and practice of magic by exploring the underlying principles at work.

In Out of The Shadows, author John J. Coughlin trys to rebuild the balance 'Light Paganism' has created. He gives an easy and understandable description of what the Darkness and 'Dark Paganism' actually are. Though the focus of this book is 'Dark Paganism', the author in no way tries to deny or degrade Light Paganism. In fact, Coughlin actually describes it's benefits and necessities in modern paganism.

In his explanation of the Darkness, Coughlin gives information on "dark siders" including the Gothic and Vampiric Sub-Culture. He gives a clear and understandable explanation of "The Shadow" in sychological terms, as well as symbols, images, and archetypes associated with darkness. I found the section on dark deities to be especially interesting, where Coughlin offers information on specific deities from various pantheons including Celtic,Egyptian, Greek, and Hindu.

Part Two is an explanation of the nature and structure of magick. This section explains how and why magick works as well as it's limitations and psychological factors. Coughlin takes you through each step of the spellcasting process by describing what and how to conduct ritual. This section also contains information on psychic abilities, chaos magick, and sex magick.

Out of The Shadows is really two books in one. It is and exploration of Dark Paganism, but it is also a guide to magick. Because so many books are focused on Light Paganism, this text is truly ground breaking. This book does an excellent job of providing the seeker with the proper tools to explore yourself. It's goal is to suggest, if not test, you to personalize your belief system. You will learn the truth about the Darkness and Dark Paganism. It was an excellent read and I'd highly recommend it to all Pagans.

Buy John Coughlin's book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

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Tree Cults In Northern Magic

2010-09-28T19:24:00.001-07:00

Book: Tree Cults In Northern Magic by Tommie Eriksson

From the earliest times, trees have been the focus of religious life for many peoples around the world. As the largest plant on earth, the tree has been a major source of stimulation to the mythic imagination. Trees have been invested in all cultures with a dignity unique to their own nature, and tree cults, in which a single tree or a grove of trees is worshipped, have flourished at different times almost everywhere. Even today there are sacred woods in India and Japan, just as there were in pre-Christian Europe. An elaborate mythology of trees exists across a broad range of ancient cultures.

According to the Roman Authors Lucan and Pomponius Mela, the Celts of Gaul worshipped in groves of trees, a practice which Tacitus and Dio Cassius say was also found among the Celts in Britain. The Romans used the Celtic word nemeton for these sacred groves. A sacred oak grove in Galatia (Asia Minor), for example, was called Drunemeton (Strabo, Geographica, XII, 5, 1). The word was also incorporated into many of the names of towns and forts, such as Vernemeton near Leicester in England.

The names of certain Celtic tribes in Gaul reflect the veneration of trees, such as Euburones (the Yew tribe), and the Lemovices (the people of the elm). A tree trunk or a whole tree was frequently included among the votive offerings placed in ritual pits or shafts dug into the ground. Others shafts had a wooden pole placed at the bottom. The Celts believed trees to be sources of sacred wisdom, and the hazel in particular was associated with wisdom by the Druids.

Download Tommie Eriksson's eBook: Tree Cults In Northern Magic

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Honoring The Soul Of The Harvest

2010-09-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Spirit of the Grain - In many cultures around the world, staple crops such as corn and rice are believed to embody a spiritual essence.

In European cultures, a corn doll was often used to represent the spirit of the harvested crops. However, Europe didn't have a monopoly on this at all. In South American countries, some tribes took the largest portion of the crops -- typically maize -- and dressed it in clothing as an effigy.

In Peru, people honored different spirits of the crops. The Maize Mother was the zara mama, the spirit of quinoa was known as quinoa mama, and everything from the cocoa tree to the lowly potato had a life essence.

In North America, the native tribes grew corn, or maize, as a staple part of their diet. Some groups have stories of rebirth and regeneration, and a few have folktales that parallel the story of Demeter and Persephone. In the southwestern part of the United States, Native Americans still perform a ceremonial dance that honors the harvesting of the maize every fall.

It's not uncommon to find spiritual connections to agriculture. The Malay people of Indonesia believe that rice plants -- again, a staple crop -- possess a soul or life force just as humans do. Harvesting is even done in a way that is seen as "painless" to the rice plants, so that it will not suffer. In some parts of the Malay Peninsula, there is a big ceremony at the beginning of each harvest, in which a complex ritual is performed that identifies the mother of the rice soul in the selected sheaf.

Folklorist Sir James Frazer makes mention in The Golden Bough of the global phenomenon of the honoring of the spirit of the grain. He says that the mere fact that underdeveloped, primitive cultures honor a "corn mother" archetype indicates that this has been going on for thousands of years. In other words, because these cultures are "unspoiled" by modern society, their worship of such an embodiment of the grain is probably very close to the original ritual and ceremony.

by Patti Wigington

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Groa List Of Recommended Heathen Reading

2010-09-27T19:25:00.005-07:00

Book: Groa List Of Recommended Heathen Reading by Ann Groa Sheffield

This list contains only books that I have personally read and found to be of value in some way. Since I haven't read everything, this inevitably means that some excellent books have been omitted. My personal opinions and tastes are evident throughout; they are no
more and no less than that.

Mostly, I have listed only books that I believe to be in print, or at least easily obtainable. If you find that a work listed here has gone out-of-print or become hard to find, or if you find errors in ISBN’s or other key data, please let me know. -Ann Groa Sheffield

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The Younger Edda Also Called Snorre Edda Or The Prose Edda

2010-09-27T19:25:00.003-07:00

Book: The Younger Edda Also Called Snorre Edda Or The Prose Edda by Rasmus Anderson

SNORRE'S EDDA, OR THE PROSE EDDA. AN ENGLISH VERSION OF THE FOREWARD; THE FOOLING OF GYLFE, THE AFTERWORD; BRAGE'S TALK, THE AFTERWORD TO BRAGE'S TALK, AND THE IMPORTANT PASSAGES IN THE POETICAL DICTION (SKALDSKAPARMAL) WITH AN INTRODUCTION, NOTES, VOCABULARY, AND INDEX.

All the poems quoted in the Younger Edda have in this edition been traced back to their sources in the Elder Edda and elsewhere. Where the notes seem to the reader insufficient, we must refer him to our Norse Mythology, where he will, we trust, find much of the additional information he may desire. Well aware that our work has many imperfections, and begging our readers to deal generously with our shortcomings, we send the book out into the world with the hope that it may aid some young son or daughter of Odin to find his way to the fountains of Urd and Mimir and to Idun's rejuvenating apples. The son must not squander, but husband wisely, what his father has accumulated. The race must cherish and hold fast and add to the thought that the past has bequeathed to it. Thus does it grow greater and richer with each new generation. The past is the mirror that reflects the future. (R. B. ANDERSON)

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Neo Druids In Ireland

2010-09-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

In Ireland, neo-druids staged public gatherings for the Midsummer Solstice on the Hill of Tara, intermittently from 1996 to 2005. Currently, a number of Irish neo-druids are working with the various Save Tara Heritage campaigns to preserve the Tara-Skryne Valley from the potential environmental impact if the M3 motorway that is planned for the area goes through. The proposed construction would place a large, 38 acre, eight-lane motorway interchange within a mile (1.6 km) of the Hill, making it clearly visible from one of Ireland’s most sacred and historic sites, and irreparably damaging important archaeological evidence of Celtic and pre-Celtic history.

A number of small orders and groves exist in Ireland, with varying practices and beliefs; most of these have come into existence in the 1990s or later. Druidism in Ireland is still relatively young, is still in the process of establishing links between groves and orders, and so a stable neo-druidic community does not yet exist.

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The Anglo Saxon Sagas

2010-09-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Book: The Anglo Saxon Sagas by Daniel Haigh

Daniel Henry Haigh (7 August 1819 — 10 May 1879) was a noted Victorian scholar of Anglo-Saxon history and literature, as well as a runologist and numismatist.

Although Haigh did not have any formal academic training, he dedicated himself to the study of Anglo-Saxon history and literature, and wrote two influential works on Anglo-Saxon history, The Anglo-Saxon Sagas and The Conquest of Britain by the Saxons, both published in 1861. He also wrote several monographs on Anglo-Saxon Numismatics, and a number of studies of Anglo-Saxon runic inscriptions. However, his transcriptions and interpretations of runic monuments have been criticized by Raymond Page as "often erratic, showing an eagerness to find runes where none exist". He also studied Egyptian hieroglyphs and Assyrian Cuneiform inscriptions, contributing several articles to Zeitschrift fur Agyptische Sprache und Alterthumskunde.

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Poetic Edda Edda Saeundar Hinns Froda

2010-09-26T19:24:00.005-07:00

Book: Poetic Edda Edda Saeundar Hinns Froda by Benjamin Thorpe

Saemund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda, was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50 years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.

The youth of Saemund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland, in the year 1076. Saemund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, Saemund's predilection for the sagas and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or innocuous and defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to generation.

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Revival Of Paganism In Modern Iceland

2010-09-26T19:24:00.003-07:00

Another revival, this time based on folklore and historical research rather than on mysticist speculation, took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In Iceland, Asatruarfelagid, led by farmer Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson, was recognized as a religious organization by the Icelandic government in 1973. In USA, around the same period, Else Christensen began publishing "The Odinist" newsletter and Stephen McNallen began publishing a newsletter titled The Runestone. McNallen formed an organization called the Asatru Free Assembly, which was later renamed the Asatru Folk Assembly (AFA) . The AFA fractured in 1987-88, resulting in the creation of the Asatru Alliance, headed by Valgard Murray, publisher of the "Vor Tru" newsletter. Around the same time, the Ring of Troth (now simply The Troth) was founded by other former members of the AFA.

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The New Flesh Palladium

2010-09-26T19:24:00.001-07:00

Book: The New Flesh Palladium by Robert North

Enter the realm of the New Flesh Palladium freely and of your own will. The author of this book, Robert North, is perhaps best known to the general public as the erudite translator and editor of the once obscure occult classic Sexual Magic by Paschal Beverly Randolph (1990). But there is a deeper side to the story. The author ... takes us on a dramatic adventure in the history of sexual magic.

The author of this work, Robert North,is perhaps best known to the general public as the erudite translator and editor of the once obscure occult classic SEXUAL MAGIC by P.B. Randolph. Now, in the form of a historical treatment of sexual magic, North introduces the world to the ideas of the New Flesh Palladium. the author takes us on a journey from the Heaven and Hell of Emanuel Swedenborg, through the realms of Mesmer and the Marquis de Sade, and into the worlds of aleister crowley and Wilhelm Reich. In the course of this journey we discover the philosophy of the New Flesh---a dramatic adventure in the history of sexual magic.

Buy Robert North's book: The New Flesh Palladium

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Henge Of Keltria

2010-09-26T19:11:00.005-07:00

Initially an offshoot of Ar nDraiocht Fein, the Henge of Keltria is a non-profit Church and the largest Celtic-focused Druid organization in the United States. They focus upon practices based upon honoring their ancestors, revering the spirits of nature, and worshipping the Gods and Goddesses in their unique manner. They are an initiatory mystery tradition. They have members and adherents throughout the United States and Canada.

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Magic Runes

2010-09-26T19:11:00.003-07:00

Book: Magic Runes by Samael Aun Weor

I have been trying to share with you the importance of bringing the Runes and the gods/goddesses of the North into the 21st Century. No longer should we run around in the woods with our axes and swords, drinking mead (unless we want to for FUN), asking the gods/goddesses to help us. Asking the runes to help us. If we had the power to invoke Odin, Thor or TYR into our blot or our rituals. What would we do with them?

Runes and Odin and the gods/goddesses of the North belong in the 21st Century, in the Age of Aquarius, the Age of the Internet and Quantum Physics. No longer can we pray to them to do it for us. We must ask the gods and the runes how to do it and give us the energies to do it with. It is erroneous to keep the Runes shackled to the Viking Age. All the literature we have about the magic of runes is shadowed in parables, paradoxes and enigmas. The Laws of Quantum Physics broke through the mystery of the magic of runes symbols. Runes were never meant for divination. Runes were never meant to be used as an alphabet.

Runes are Universal Creative Energies. Magical rune symbols are just that. Magical rune symbols that connect us to the runic energy of the Quantum Ocean (Mind of God).

Download Samael Aun Weor's eBook: Magic Runes

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Witchcraft

And:

Cunning Craft

Neopagan Witchcraft

More February Lore

Found at: Angelfire.com

Mars The Marcher

ASPECTS:

MAIN FESTIVALS:

MONTHS SACRED TO MARS: * March * October OFFERINGS:

COMMON PRAYERS TO MARS IN ANTIQUITY WERE FOR:

Source: Religioromana

Thanksgiving

Then... think about what you DO have:

The Yule Story

by Lady Galadriel

Festival Of Pax January 3rd

Buddhist Halloween

by Sean Robsville

The Roman Festival Of Aestatis

TRADITIONALLY, IF RAIN FALLS TODAY IT WILL BE A WET SUMMER.

Advent Of Isis January 2nd

Cerealia April 12 19

Eponalia December 18th

Bona Dea Eve May 4th

Festival Of Kwan Yin April 5th

FROM "THE POOR MAN", 1922

Nordic Paganism

More Michaelmas Customs

BLACKBERRIES:

FISHING:

CURFEW:

MOP FAIRS (HIRING TIME):

RENT:

TREES:

The Day Of The Feronia November 15

The Panathenaea August 9th To The 15th

The Festival Of Fornax February 17

Zywie Friday 19

The Nemesea August 23rd

Parila April 21st

A Pagan Theodicy

The Yule Wish Tree

May 17th The Feast Of Ambarvalia

Asatru

Feast Of The Moon Cakes

Happy Holidays

The New Age Booklist Part 4

THE ASHTAR COMMAND - through Tuella

THE PRINCIPLE OF LIBERTY - Michael Sartorius

Hogmanay Trollolay

Pagan Calendar Of Days For 2011

NOVEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

JANUARY 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

MARCH 2011

APRIL 2011

MAY 2011

JUNE 2011

JULY 2011

AUGUST 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011

OCTOBER 2011

NOVEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2011

Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

Book: Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions by The Troth

Feast Of Befana Jamuary 5th

May Day Or Walpurgis

Green Runa

Book: Green Runa by Edred Thorsson

Heathenry

Race And Religion Creating A Group Identity

Seidr Magic

Book: Seidr Magic by Ed Richardson

Pan Celtism And What It Means For Us

MONTHS SACRED TO MARS:

* March
* October

OFFERINGS: