Celebrating Litha! Sun Salutation Tarot: e Sun Science Spot: What Is ...

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Issue!

Litha 2016

SpiralScouts International Member Magazine

Celebrating Litha!

Sun Salutation

Tarot: �e Sun

Science Spot: What IsLight?

Crafts, Recipes, and More!

Spiral On! Litha 20162

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Spiral On! Is the semi-quarterly online magazine for members of SpiralScouts International. Spiral On!'s objective is to provide ideas, information, and interaction with the SpiralScout community. To discover more information and ideas for your scouts, youcan �nd us at the following:

3 Acknowledgements

4 Litha Prayer

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6 Sun Salutation

5 Litha Activities

8 Coloring Page

9 Science Spot

11 Recipe

12 Crafty!

13 Tarot: �e Sun

14 Announcements

Litha 2016


SpiralScouts International and Spiral On! Acknowledgments

References

Note From �e Editor �e editor's note is the section in which the editor tells the publications story. When meditating on this, my thoughts kept drifting back to a particular notion. As the sun rises, we are often invoked with the feeling of new beginnings, fresh starts, and rebirth. �ese feelings can strike us through the day as we experience new ideas and experiences, often brought to us by others who grace our lives. �is is the notion that �xed with me. �e vision that the story I want to tell in future publications is...Your Story For upcoming issues, I hope to add your narratives, experiences, and knowl-edge to share with the SpiralScout commu-nity. So please, feel free to email us at [email protected] with your ideas and writing submissions. What you want to share, we want to hear. Speaking of new beginnings, this is my �rst edition as the magazine editor. I hope my style is fresh and agreeable for you all. I am always eager to hear feedback, so please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions, concerns, and comments at the address above. I look forward to hear-ing from you. Have a blessed day! - Robin

Special �anks To:Wendy Dillon for being a proofread genius.Rev. Ron (Liomsa) Latevola for permission to reprint his prayer.

SpiralScouts International is:CEO - Donna ConradVP - Michele ClausenTribal Director - Rick FairchildTreasurer - Alexandra Nierosa-Steinmetz TA - Robin ReesSecretary - Terra JenkinsSpiral On! is:Robin Rees

Images and GraphicsPg. 1- Unknown Author: pixabay.comPg. 2 - Bon�re by Andriana Herbut; freeimages.comPg. 3 - Metal Sun by Jeremy Menking; freeimages.com Pg. 4 - Rays Of Light by Matthew Bowden; freeimages.com Pg. 5 - Designed by freepik.comPg. 6 - Designed by freepik.comPg. 7 - Designed by freepik.comPg. 7 - Sun Salutation Deigned by Robin ReesPg. 7 - Additional Images Designed by freepik.comPg. 8 - Litha Coloring Page Designed by Robin ReesPg. 9 - Pexels Photo CC0 License Provided by pexels.comPg. 11 - Fruit Salad by Robin ReesPg. 12 - Dream Pillow Supplies by Robin ReesPg. 12 - Additional Images Designed by Robin Rees using PL content from depositphotos.com Pg. 13 - �e Sun Tarot Card Rider-Waite PDFU LicensePg. 14 - Additional Images Designed by Robin Rees using PL content from depositphotos.com

Pg. 4A Prayer To �e Sun by Rev. Ron (Liomsa) Latevola examiner.com/article/a-prayer-for-litha-midsummerPg. 6[1] - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya_Namaskara[2] - yogajournal.com/article/practice-section/here-comes-the-sun/[3] - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya[4] - arto�iving.org/us-en/yoga/yoga-bene�ts/sun-salutation-bene�tsPg. 7[1][2] - yogasite.com/sunsalute.htm - arto�iving.org/us-en/yoga/yoga-poses/sun-salutation

Pg. 10Republished in accordance with guidelines. http://www.sciencewa.net.au/aboutus/republishing-guidelinesPg. 13[1] thelostfound.com/tarot/cards/meanings/sun.html[2][3] Connolly, Eileen (1979) Tarot A New Handbook For �e Apprentice. North Hollywood, California: Newcastle Publishing Company Inc.

All content, unless otherwise noted, is original and is copyright to Spiral On! and SpiralScouts International.


A Prayer to the Sun

The sun is high above usshining down upon the land and sea,making things grow and bloom.

Great and powerful sun,we honor you this dayand thank you for your gifts.

You are the light over the crops,the heat that warms the earth,the hope that springs eternal,the bringer of life.

We welcome you, and we honor you this day,celebrating your light,as we begin our journey once moreinto the darkness.

So Mote It Be!

- Rev. Ron (Liomsa) Latevola


*Always use caution and common sense when engaging in activities that can be harmful. If you have questions, research an activity thoroughly through a reputable source before partaking.

Activity Ideas To Do with Your Circle or Hearth

with

LITHA

ight Up The Night – Host a Bonfire: Litha embodies the fire of the sun so consider a bonfire to celebrate the sabbat. Make an offering to the deities of your tradition to engage the solstice further. Though be sure to adhere to safety rules so no injuries occur.

nvite Family and Friends – Host a BBQ or Picnic: Be it Circle or Hearth, having a celebration with summer foods is always a good idea. Decorate with sun theme colors of yellow, orange, and red. Serve lots of fresh summer vegetables and fruits. Don't forget fun games and activities.

ake To the Garden – Plant Midsummer Vegetables: Engage with nature by planting some midsummer vegetables and herbs. Basil, green onion, carrots, and peas are some of the vegetables to plant. Check your local almanac for specifics to your area. For those who garden by the moon; this midsummer is a favorable planting day.

ike – Explore Nature: Consider a hike in the woods. Or a group photography scavenger hunt. Have each child use a smart phone or digital camera to find and photograph the predetermined list. Nature is enjoyed while not disturbing it.

dvance Your Education – Learn and Grow: Spend some time on personal growth, be it spiritual or worldly. Use this time of year to learn something new about your traditions, develop a new skill, take a class, try a new activity, or read a book. Engage and enjoy expanding your mind and spirit.


SunSalutationSurya Namaskar

The practice of honoring the sun is an ancient one that is found in nearly every culture. In India, through its Hindu population, one such method of worship is through a sequence of yoga movements and asanas called Surya Namaskar, or better known as Sun Salutation.[1] The Sanskrit word 'namaskar' itself is born from the root 'namas', which means "to bow to" or "to adore." [2] Further, Surya is the chief solar deity in Hinduism and generally refers to the Sun in Nepal and India. [3]

Many have found this yogic tradition can easily be applied to their own spiritual practices as a method to honor the sun and its life giving light.

In addition to honoring the sun, the Sun Salutation has many physical benefits when practiced regularly. When performed preferably on an empty stomach, and early in the morning, the benefits include calming and centering the mind, improving circulation of blood throughout the body, maintaining health, and engaging the heart, liver, intestine, stomach, chest, throat, and muscles. This is why it is highly recommended by all yoga experts. [4] Please note it is always advised to check with your physician before beginning an exercise regime.

See the 12 asanas (postures) of Sun Salutation on the following page. Namaste!


The 12 Asanas of Sun Salutation

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PranamasanaThe Prayer PoseBegin by standing with feet about hip width apart, hands either by your sides or in prayer position. Take several deep breaths.

Hasta UttanasanaRaised Arm PoseOn your next inhale, in one sweeping movement, raise your arms up overhead and gently arch back as far as feels comfortable and safe.

PadahastasanaHand To Foot PoseAs you exhale, bend forward, bending the knees if necessary, and bring your hands to rest beside your feet or as close to your feet as possible.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana Lunge PoseInhale and step the right leg back and look up stretching the chest to what feels comfortable.

PhalakasanaPlank PoseExhale and step the lest leg back into plank position. Hold the position and inhale.

Ashtanga NamaskaraKnees, Chest, and Chin PoseGently bring your knees down to the floor and exhale. Take the hips back slightly, slide forward, rest your chest and chin on the floor. Raise your posterior a little bit.

BhujangasanaCobra PoseInhale and stretch forward and up, bending at the waist. Use your arms to list your torso, but only bend back as far as feels comfortable and safe.

Adho Mukha SvanasanaDownward-Facing Dog PoseExhale and push back up, listing from the hips and the tail bone up, chest down-wards into an 'inverted V' (/\) posture.

Ashwa SanchalanasanaLunge PoseInhale and step the right foot forward and look up stretching the chest to what feels comfortable.

PadahastasanaExhale, bring the lest foot forward and step into hand to foot position. Remember, bend the knees if necessary, and bring your hands to rest beside your feet or as close to your feet as possible.

Hasta UttanasanaRaised Arm PoseInhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended, raise your arms up overhead and gently arch back as far as feels comfortable and safe.

PranamasanaThe Prayer PoseExhale, as you straighten the body, then bring the arms down and hands up into prayer position. Repeat the sequence, stepping with the lest leg. [1][2]


What Is

Light?


Science Spot - What Is Light?Written By Cris Burne - ScienceNetwork WA

www.sciencewa.net.au/topics/energy/item/3750-explainer-what-is-light

Light waves longer than visible red are lower in energy and classified as infra-red (heat), microwaves or radio waves. Light waves shorter than visible violet are more energetic and called ultraviolet, X-rays or gamma rays.

It’s A Wave, It’s A Particle

Just to really complicate things, light is not an ordinary wave. “When it’s travelling, light acts as a wave, but when it hits something and gives over energy, it acts as a particle,” Dr. Davies says. These packages or particles of light-called photons—have no mass, but their energy and momentum help explain why light is able to act with a force when it collides with other particles.

Putting Light To Work

We can bend, reflect, gather and observe light. Called photonics, the science of light has helped us develop mobile phones (radio waves), speed cameras (microwaves), remote controls (infra-red), sterilizing lamps (ultraviolet), X-rays, PET scans (gamma rays) and more. Dr. Davies says he is excited for what the future will reveal as we continue to expand our understanding of and uses for light. “For astronomy, light is the most impor-tant thing we have, it’s our only real window into the universe,” he says.

Is Light? a) the sunlight penetrating our atmosphere, b) the flare from a birthday candle, c) radio waves from the distant universe, or d) the microwaves you use to heat dinner? The answer is: all of the above.

Take an electric field vibrating up-and-down, link it to a magnetic field vibrating left-and-right, and you have electromagnetic energy, otherwise known as light. All light waves travel at the same speed, rippling through space at 300,000 kilometres per second, but light with different wavelengths—measured as the length of one up-and-down cycle—has different energies. Most light waves, University of Western Australia astronomer Dr. Luke Davies says, are shorter or longer than our eyes are able to see. “We’ve successfully evolved to see the type of light that’s most useful on Earth,” he says.“We can only see a really tiny fraction of light.”

On The Electromagnetic Spectrum

To see just how much light we are miss-ing, we can map light onto a scale called the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, moving from super-short wavelengths at one end through to mega-long wavelengths at the other. Visible light—the light that makes up a rainbow—forms just a tiny blip; the shortest visible light waves are violet and blue, stretch-ing through to red, the longest wavelength we’re able to see.


Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy Fruit Salad with MarshmallowsServes 4*

Ingredients- 1 heaping cup of peeled and chopped apples (125g)**- 1 cup of pre-packaged mandarin oranges – drained (175g)- 1 cup of canned pineapple chunks – drained (200g)- 1 cup of strawberries, stems removed, quartered and cut (150g)- 1 heaping cup of bananas, cut medium thick (150g)- 1 cup of mini marshmallows (50g)

You can also add what other fruits you wish. Some popular additions are grapes, kiwi, pears, blueberries, and maraschino cherries. Simply keep it to a general 1:1 ratio. Other popular non-fruit additions are nuts and unsweetened shredded coconut. Have fun and enjoy!

DirectionsChop up fruit and combine all ingredients in large bowl. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least a half-hour. Serve and enjoy!

Per Serving* - Calories: 155, Fat: 0.3g, Carbs: 39g, Protein: 1.1g

*Information provided is based on recipe as written. Serving size and nutritional information can change with additional ingredients and brands.**To keep the apples from browning, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chopped apples and stir to coat.Always use protocol food preparation standards to ensure food safety.


‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ Inspired Crast

What You Will Need: 1 – Measuring and Cutting Tools

2 – Fabric of Your Choice3 – For a Non-Sew Alternative, Try a Muslin Bag

4 – Thread5 – Needle or Sewing Machine (Not Pictured)

6 - Funnel7 – Dried Herbs of Your Choice From Your Trusted Source

8 – Pillow Stuffing (Optional) (Not Pictured)

To make our pillow, let's start with creating a blend of dried herbs. You can use the guide below to help you decide what dried herbs to use. Additionally you can visit an online resources or read an herbal book to help you create your desired blend. Once done, place your herbal blend in an airtight container and set aside. For the pillow, first select a piece of fabric. Wash and dry the fabric. Next cut the fabric into to equal shapes. Squares are the easiest, but you can cut whatever you want; cloud shapes, animal shapes, star shapes for example. Next with the right side of the fabric together, stitch along the edges, leaving an unsewn place along one area. Once completed, turn the pillow right side out through the unsewn opening, and using the funnel, fill it with your stuffing (optional) and your herbal blend. Complete the pillow by sewing the open area closed. Congratulations! You are done! Place your dream pillow under, inside, or next to your sleeping pillows to enjoy sweet smells and sweet dreams.

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Anise: To help with nightmare prevention.Basil: To help with nightmare prevention.Catnip: Relaxing and helps bring deep sleep.Chamomile: Calming, relaxing, and said to keep stressful dreams away.Hops: Relaxing and brings peacefulness.Lavender: Soothing, relaxing, and eases tension.Lemon Balm: Relieves stress, anxious, and nervous feelings.Lemon Verbena: Uplisting and brings 'lightness' to dreams.

Lemongrass: Invokes light exotic feelings. Marjoram: Calms restlessness and nervousness. Promotes comforting dreams. Mugwort: To activate dreams and help recall dreams. Use sparingly as can be overly stimulating.Peppermint: Enhances clarity and vividness in dreams.Rose Petals: Brings warmth and love to dreams.Rosemary: Calming and helps recall dreams.Sage: For insight in dream and peace of mind. Thyme: Induces sleep and promotes peaceful dreams.

�e tarot has a rich history that can �nd its inspiration from ancient times. However it is perhaps the Major Arcana and its cards that are the most widely recognized for their esoteric and divi-nation nature. In the Major Arcana, each card shows a picto-gram along with corre-sponding title that represents the meaning of the card. While many

interpretations can be found throughout books and the internet, there is a general consensus on the meaning. Here is a concise interpretation provided by the Lost and Found. �e sun shines down on a naked child riding a horse. �e child wears a feather and a wreath like the Fool. His nudity shows that he has nothing to hide. �e four sun�owers behind the child symbol-ize the four elements, which now turn toward him instead of the sun for their ultimate development. �e child holds a red banner representing the con-quest of life in his hand; the left hand which sym-bolizes the subconscious. �e meaning of this is that this conquest is a skill that is now natural for the child and he can perform it without conscious thought. �is card is about new beginnings. �e sun will shine for you and everything will seem to fall into place. You will possess youthful energy and clarity of mind. [1] Yet, �e Sun's symbolism and signi�cance does not end there.

In Eileen Connolly's book "Tarot A New Handbook For �e Apprentice" (1979), she describes the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana as... A story – the story of life – with 22 chapters. To fully understand the story, you must become involved in and study each chapter thoroughly, not only for itself but also for its relationship to the chapters that precede and follow it. Each card is a separate chapter in the story. (p. 50) [2] From this we can derive the cards impor-tance, not just as an individual entity, but as part of the whole. Connolly recommends to form a deeper understanding to the cards, meditating on the story of each card to attain the spiritual understand of the card and its symbols. Here is a meditative prayer from Con-nolly's (1979) book to help enhance your under-standing of �e Sun. �e Sun – After the soul has undergone the trials of faith, the bonds that tie it to the earthly plane are severed, and man can know true libera-tion and attainment. �e knowledge of the true nature of his being and the part he is playing in the Universal Plan brings him the glorious reward of union with the God within himself. (p.54) [3]

�e Sun from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck


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