Grey School Newspaper 8

Whispering Grey Matters 1 Summer 2006


SPRING 2006 WGM STAFF

Faculty Advisor & Editor-in-Chief: MoonwriterNEWS DESK:Editor: Jymi X/0Team: Lilyth RoseINTERNATIONAL NEWS:Editor: Helega Austrinorum AfricaeTeam: Aguila, GaiaOPINION DESK:Editor: DeianaeraTeam: Magus, Katalan MoonARTS & CULTURE DESK:Editor: SkyeTeam: Majashea, Hikari the BlackCOPY EDITOR: Wolf LoresightCopy Staff: MagusPUBLISHER: Jymi X/0

SUMMER 2006CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Grey PantherTinwe TercenyaKristalBrookeMorgan FelidaeEothyllDolphinMeranaViolet

Cover illustration by Aguila

Nature photography by Jymi X/0

Additional artwork by Jymi X/0: pp. 14, 21, 23, 27, 32, 34

Darnia Serephina's Faerie Illustrations: pp. 3, 12, 14, 20, 22, 29, 32, 37

Also includes some re-worked Dover Clip Art, and a few things Jymi found online.

TABLE OF CONTENTSAdvisor's Column: Learning from the Fairy .................. 3NEWSGreyschool News .................................................. 4-9Pantheacon Report ................................................ 10Stars and Navigation .............................................. 11Faerie Gardens ...................................................... 12Plane Talk about Faeries ......................................... 13Invocation ............................................................ 14Maggot Therapy .................................................... 15OPINIONWhat is Magick? .................................................... 16Inspiration ............................................................ 19Faery World ...........................................................22Truth Be Told ........................................................ 22INTERNATIONALFaeries of the World ............................................... 19Fairy Called .......................................................... 24ARTS & CULTUREPoem: Light and Dark ............................................ 12 Dragon Spell ........................................................ 13Interview with Jonathan Fesmire ............................. 17Litha and Midsummer ............................................. 21Twilight Zone(s) .................................................... 23Fairy Words .......................................................... 25Campfire Tale (part 3) ............................................ 26The Game Room ................................................... 28The Fairy Kitchen: Recipes ...................................... 29Herbal Spotlight .................................................... 31Food for Thought ................................................... 32Saravati Spell #1 .................................................. 32Game Review: Age of Mythology ............................. 33Book Review: Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide ........... 33Movie Review: Fairy Tale ........................................ 34Saravati Spell #2 .................................................. 34Nature's Apothecary .............................................. 35Fairy Writing Contest ............................................. 36All About Tinkerbelle .............................................. 37

Over hill, over dale,Thorough bush, thorough brier,Over park, over pale,Thorough flood, thorough fire,I do wander everywhere,Swifter than the moon's sphere;And I serve the fairy queen,To dew her orbs upon the green.

-- from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream


Learning from the Fairy By Professor Moonwriter

Fairies…. Small, mystical folk—the “wee ones.” These diminutive beings furnish magick and enchantment to those fortunate enough to become aware of them. The fairies of our folktales are tiny, friendly creatures who glitter and gleam as they fly through the air. But fairies aren’t all sweetness and light. Much like the tricksters of North American Indian traditions, they can be both chaotic and helpful, friendly and even somewhat dangerous. One thing is certain—they command and wield great power, and stand to enrich those mortal lives whose worlds cross with theirs.

What can we learn from the fae folk?

Fairies are of the Earth. They live on and under the ground, stalwartly guardians of subterranean caves, grottoes, and mines, as well as groves of trees and other magickal places. Through them we can study powers of strength, honor, and steadfastness.

Fairies are of the Air. Whether by their gossamer nature or the presence of wings, they come and go like wisps of wind: largely unseen, yet with a vigorous presence. Through them, we contemplate the power of the unseen and the impact of what is spoken and unspoken.

Fairies are of the Fire. Through their magickal powers and influence over both goodness and chaos, they tap into the primordial passions that flow through all creatures, whether magick or mundane. Through them, we call upon the flames of creativity and imagination, flights of the mind.

Fairies are of the Water. Guarding wells, sacred pools, and even the ocean depths, they invoke the nature of water to call upon powers of transformation. Through them, we can understand metamorphosis, growth, and change.

As you travel the Wizarding path, let the powers of faery flow around and through you, enriching your magickal life.


GreySchool NewsBy Professor Moonwriter

Best Wishes for Headmistress Morning GloryAs most of you know, our Headmistress, Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart, is battling myeloma, an aggressive cancer of the bones and bone marrow.

In order that our Headmaster can spend his time with Morning Glory, please avoid emailing him if at all possible!

If you have questions about registration, contact Professor Dragontree or Professor Felidae. If you have questions about classes, contact the class instructor or Professor Barrette. For general questions, or questions about Houses, Lodges, or Prefects, contact a House or Lodge Captain or Professor Moonwriter.

Friends of the Zell-Ravenhearts have set up a Yahoo site so that everyone can access updates about the Headmistress’s condition and leave wishes for her improved health. It is called “Morninggloryhealingupdate.” To subscribe to the site, send email to: [email protected].

New Off-site Site

Bookmark this URL: http://www.dragontreemagick.com/GSW.html.

This is our new off-site message board. Maintained by Professor Dragontree, it’s designed to provide both resources and information. Go here to download copies of the GSW Handbook, Course Catalog, or the latest version of Whispering Grey Matters.

This is also the place to go first in case of emergencies—such as when the school site seems to not be working. If anything serious has happened, a message or bulletin will be posted on this site.Big thanks to Professor Dragontree for his generosity!

Change in Department Name!

Effective immediately, the department previously known as the Department of Metapsychics (Aqua) will now be known as the “Department of Mind Magicks.” Hopefully this will lessen confusion between the terms “metapsychics” and “metaphysics” (the latter is part of the Cosmology department).

For questions, contact Mind Magick’s Dean, Professor Felidae.

“When the first baby laughed for the first time, his laugh broke into a million pieces, and they all went skipping about. That was the beginning of fairies.”

-- J.M. Barrie, The Little White Bird


Kerri Connor (Gold) is the author of The Pocket Spell Creator: Magickal References at Your Fingertips, The Pocket Guide to Rituals: Magickal References at Your Fingertips, and The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Potions and former editor of The Circle of Stones Journal. Kerri is the High Priestess of the Sisterhood of Les Feys D'Avalon, and has been practicing her craft for 18 years. She has been published in several magazines and newsletters including The Blessed Bee, Sage Woman, PanGaia and New Witch. Currently she runs the website The Pagan Review (http://www.thepaganreview.com) on behalf of the Sisterhood. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Kerri holds a B.A. in Communications. She dances under the moon in rural Illinois and loves reading, writing, gardening and the Chicago Bears.

Tinwe Tercenya (Gold) has been involved with the Pagan community for 7 years. She received her BA in Economics from York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1989 and her BED in Secondary education with specialties in English and History from Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 1999. She has been a professional online educator, teaching Advanced Placement Economics and English, for six years and is a volunteer firefighter. She also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Wado Kai karate and has studied numerous other martial arts, including Tai Chi, Pa Gua, Hsing I and Kung Fu. She has a husband and two children and lives in Western New York.

Brighid Delphinos (Blue) is currently a Priestess and Elder in an Eclectic Wiccan Group in California's central valley, where she lives with her husband of 21 years and is the mother of two teenagers, a dog, two cats, and a frog. She is active in the Pagan Pride Project, an ordained minister, a Pranic healer, and 2nd Degree Reiki Practitioner. She is a voracious reader whose interests include comparative religions, medieval history, various healing methods and techniques, and well, just about any other book she can get her hands on. She loves to crochet, do needlework, and write. Mundanely, she is the General Manager for a small architectural concrete manufacturer

Anna Fox (Blue) fell into a deep depression when she was just three years old, which turned out to be due to lengthy philosophical musings regarding death and the meaning of life. When she was five,

it turned out she was able to do some minor psychic healing. She also appeared to remember some past lives… As she got older, she read all she could on world religions and mythologies, psychic phenomena, and the occult, as well as all the mainstream sciences. These interests eventually coalesced into something that subjectively felt like an understanding of the cosmic hologram and consciousness, subjects she has felt compelled to share with others ever since. She’s also a compulsive healer, and is currently operating a holistic clinic for animals (http://www.9livespetclinic.com/) as well as co-running a bioresonance clinic for people (http://www.lifepulseclinic.com.au/).

Jason Miller (Rev. Inominandum; Black) has devoted the last 18 years to studying Witchcraft and Magick in its many forms. He has traveled to New Orleans to study Hoodoo, to Europe to study Witchcraft, and lived in Nepal to study Tantra. Miller is a member of the Chthonic Ouranian Temple, the Ordo Templi Orientis, and the Sangreal Sodality, as well as an initiated Tantrika in the Nyingma and Bon lineages of Tibet. He is a regular contributor to Behutet, a journal of Magick, and the author of Protection and Reversal Magick, a Defense Guide for Witches.

Brenda “KristalBrooke” Virden (Green) is fairly new to Paganism and magick. She has been married for 14 years to Professor Crow Dragontree and they have 2 children, ages 10 and 13. She just finished a Bachelor’s in Psychology and is contemplating a Master’s Degree. Kristalbrooke has sold items on eBay for at least six years, selling everything from silver spoons to quilts, depending on her whim at the time. The Dragontree family has recently been chartered as a SpiralScouts Hearth, located at www.dragontreehearth.com.

Travis “Stormeyes” Watson (Indigo) has been a neo-pagan and a student of magick since 1988 and has been involved with a number of esoteric groups, as well as with Wicca and Druidry. He received his BS in Criminal Justice from Corpus Christi State University in 1986 and became a licensed massage therapist in 2001. He was a Health Educator with the American Heart Association for five years and spent two years tutoring Social Studies and English online. He has a wife, a daughter, and two stepchildren and lives in Western New York.


Winds and Gnomes win the Lodge Cup and the House Hat!

Congratulations to the Gnomes House and Winds Lodge, who snagged the House Hat and Lodge Cup for the equinoctial period between spring and fall.

The Winds came in with solid credit completion and with a list of merits that blew the robes right off the other Lodge teams, while the Gnomes reaped the results of good old hard work in both credits and merits.

These two groups will hold their awards until the fall equinox.

Well done!

DEAN'S LISTAs of June 3, 2006, the following

students are on the Grey School Dean’s List:

Aaran (Stones)Artwizard (Stones)Coldrayne (Flames)

Dark Eagle (Undines)Grey Panther (Flames)

Greycloak (Stones)Hikari the Black (Stones)

Kalla (Stones)LeopardDancer (Flames)

Lilyth Rose (Winds)Majashia (Winds)

Star Crowsdaughter (Stones)

Vi (Winds)Xander (Stones)


Salamanders and Stones take the Earth Day Challenge!By Professor Moonwriter

Once again, the Earth Day Challenge has occupied the imaginations of Grey School students everywhere. This year’s challenge began on April 8 and ended on April 20. During that time, teams worked together to answer 16 regular tasks—one from each GSW department—plus 4 extra credit and 2 spirit tasks.

In the end, the Phoenixes (Salamanders House) won the youth division with a total of 41 points. Led by team captain Nefabit, the Phoenixes completed 13 regular tasks, 2 spirit tasks, and 3 extra credit tasks.

“I’m stunned, actually,” said Phoenix team member Hedwig. “I thought that the Gnomes would win because they had more people than us. But we worked really hard to outrun them and there we are!”

The Phoenixes prepared an answer document full of graphics, and showed not only excellence in their work, but a great sense of humor as well. In the end, they accomplished their win with only two team members.

As for the adult division, that honor goes to the Stone Avalanche (Stones Lodge), who earned 59 points to successfully defend their 2005 title. Led by captain Luna Silverstone, the 8-member Stone Avalanche completed 14 regular tasks, 2 spirit tasks, and 4 extra credit tasks.

“This challenge is wonderful,” said Luna Silverstone. “I do believe it to be the most prestigious award within the school, because it is what we are about.”

The Stone Avalanche created a stunning answer document in the form of a pdf file, featuring images of their work and photographs of team members in action. The four other participating teams also made wonderful showings in the Challenge. Hats off to the Root Children (Gnomes), De Salvateras (Flames), Crescent Waves (Waters), and Team Cyclone (Winds).

All six teams deserve special commendation for surmounting the challenges imposed by our school site issues. The fact that all six teams pushed on and finished the challenge, overcoming many communication problems, is another testimony to the excellence of our student body.

The team responses will be used in a new GSW Earth Day class. Merits will also be awarded to each House and Lodge that fielded a team.

Congratulations to all for a job very well done!And keep your eyes out for the third annual Earth Day Challenge, coming in March 2007!


Dragontree Assumes Finance Position

Professor Crow Dragontree, Dean of Lore and Head of the Winds Lodge, has taken on the newly created position of Financial Officer.

Dragontree’s new responsibilities include overseeing fund-raising and student financial aid. An umbrella of student grants and scholarships will eventually take shape under his wizardly eye.

Dragontree will also assist the Headmaster with processing admission and advancement fees.

If you have questions about any of the above, or if you would like to contribute to our scholarship funds, contact Professor Dragontree [email protected].

New Classes!

Thanks to the recent site problems, we haven’t uploaded as many new classes as usual since the last newspaper was published in March 2006. But there have been a few:

Year 1:Green Magick 101 (Nature Studies)

Year 2: Introduction to Hermetics (Ceremonial Magick) Year 3: Stress Management (Healing)Technomagick 301: Explorations in Cyberspace

(Alchemy)Bodywork 301 (Healing)

Year 4: Identifying Psychic Attack (Dark Arts)

Current Prefects and CaptainsCaptains:

Lodge Captain: Aaran, a Second Year majoring in Alchemy ([email protected]) Lodge Vice-Captain: Kalla, a Fifth Year majoring in Lore ([email protected])House Captain: Dark Eagle, a Third Year majoring in Dark Arts ([email protected])

House Prefects:

Gnomes: Violet Frost Wolf Salamanders: Roen Sylphs: Aurora Vampira Undines: Morgan Starwater Lodge Prefects:

Flames: Firesnake Stones: Cashew Waters: Darkman Winds: Niveus Dragonheart

Are you interested in becoming a Prefect? The first thing you need to do is let your House or Lodge head know. The second thing is to complete all four required First Year classes—this is becoming a prerequisite for Prefect-dom.

If you have questions about being a Prefect, contact one of the Captains (see above for emails).


Attention, All Who Have a “Wizardschl” Email AddressBy Professor Morgan Felidae

We wish to cancel our account with the oh-so-less-than-pleasurable ReadyHosting—this cancellation includes the Wizardschl mailboxes.

If you wish to retain your Wizardschl mailbox, please let me know ([email protected]) by June 30th, otherwise I will assume you are no longer actively checking this box and delete it.

If you wish to change to the newer greyschool.com address, also let me know.

If you need to do a transition of letting people know over time, I can change your box to greyschool.com at a later date.

If you wish to change your username, let me know. Be sure to let met me know what password you wish to use.

You have the option of either having an actual mailbox (Webmail) that can be accessed via any internet connection, or I can set it as just a forward, so that all mail sent to you@wizardschl/greyschool.com redirects automatically to another mailbox you may have.

If you have any messages stored in your current Wizardschl.com mailbox at ReadyHosting, you must clear them all out. I will be cancelling the account at the end of June, at which point anything left will be deleted.

Fundraising in the Grey SchoolBy KristalBrooke

Grey School fundraising has been working feverishly to get the eBay venue up and running. We are proud to say that we have raised over $100 on auction donations during the month of May! Many thanks to all that contributed. We are also excited to be able to offer a GSW CD complete with all those hard-to-download files and many extras! Please contact [email protected] for more information on the CD's or how to donate items for auction!


Grey School of Wizardry at PantheaConBy Majashia

On Friday, February 17th, at 7pm, our esteemed Headmaster, Headmistress, and faculty members Estara, Morgan, and Onyx gave a presentation about GSW at PantheaCon. The mp3 files (3 parts) are available at: http://www.dragontreemagick.com/GSW0206_sec1.mp3http://www.dragontreemagick.com/GSW0206_sec2.mp3http://www.dragontreemagick.com/GSW0206_sec3.mp3

The faculty introduced themselves and the Headmaster described GSW as an outgrowth of the Grimoire of the Apprentice Wizard, which has sold over 60,000 copies. The publisher, New Page Books, is anticipating the release of a hard-bound leather copy, an unprecedented move, and publication of a series of GSW textbooks.

The Companion book is presented as a practicum workbook, based on the Grimoire, written by many of the GSW faculty, with over 30 contributors. A study group from Hawaii talked about making a spiral-bound version of the Grimoire, and gathering more than 100 Grimoire students in a local fellowship.

The Headmaster explained that although online schools of witchcraft exist, there was a void in opportunity to study Wizardry online. The study of Wizardry is rooted in story and history that goes back thousands of years and spans many cultures. Wizardry is not a religion: it is open to all religions and belief systems, and to both sexes. Wizardry is related to the transformation of human culture and society into its potential, in which the branches have their reach within and across human boundaries.

While GSW was originally geared for children and teens, it has received great interest from adults, and has become a place to bridge generations and nations. GSW faculty members have been interviewed for newspapers in many countries such as Serbia, Turkey, South Africa, and Australia.

The sorting staff “Occulus”, with eyes on both sides, was passed around the audience. Morning Glory Ravenheart found the staff, decorated it with beadwork, and wrote the sorting poetry.

GSW currently offers over 160 classes over 7 year levels; majors and minors are coming together in many departments. Standard criteria for passing grades have been established, and essays are graded in accordance with the California Academic Standards. After the completion of the 7-year program, an apprentice is awarded a certificate as a Journeyman in Wizardry, and can continue in the [soon to be developed] Journeyman, Master’s, and Adept programs. For adults that do not want to go through a formal program, GSW will soon open its doors to those interested in taking particular classes.

Professor Felidae is working toward obtaining WAASC accreditation for GSW as a supplementary educational institution. GSW has an application pending to become a 510(c3) non-profit institution. The GSW website will undergo a facelift with the “Phoenix” upgrade later this year. GSW is continually expanding its materials, its courses, and its faculty.

Nothing can be truer than fairy wisdom. It is as true as sunbeams. -- Douglas William Jerrold


The Stars and Navigationby Grey Panther

A constellation is an imaginary picture that is constructed out of a grouping or configuration of stars. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, they are “any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations [of stars]”.

The entire night sky and the movements of stars and constellations were mapped by our ancient astrologers. They broke the sky into segments, created pictures in these segments, put order on the night sky, and thus could easily locate any star. (For example, if I can find the Big Dipper, then I know where the North Star is, and I know the time of night, because the Big Dipper changes locations as the night progresses.) Each of the constellations has a recognizable number of named stars that consistently show up in the same positions to form the constellations. The pictures that are attributed to the constellations (such as the figure of Orion) are pure creations of the imagination, because the stars that occur in certain points of the picture only "suggest" a picture or provide an outline of the picture.

Once you locate one or two of the stars in a constellation, the other stars suddenly "pop" into place and the sky looks more "familiar" or recognizable. Constellations are generally the picture of an animal or a human hero, and many are related to mythical history. Orion and Andromeda come to mind as mythical figures. Other constellations are part of our zodiac figures, including Pisces (the fishes) or Gemini (the twins). Most constellations have a mythical story attached to them.

Some believe that farmers first noticed the constellations in the sky as a way to know when to plant. By watching where certain constellations appeared in the sky, the farmers could tell what time of year it was and whether it was the appropriate season for planting their crops. Some believe that our mythology was created at the same time, or in unison with, the recognition and naming of these constellations. The mythical stories made it easier to remember the constellations in the sky. Others claim that the myths did not exist

before the 4th century BC or the time of Homer, and therefore, they were later creations of our cultures. Famous astrologers such as Ptolemy spent great amounts of time cataloging and writing about the constellations, and it would seem that their importance grew as the field of astrology and astronomy grew.

I would suggest that since we are looking at the "world of the gods" when we look at the night sky, at least from the ancient frame of mind (if I can be so bold as to conjecture about their frame of mind), the constellations and myths probably fed each other, meaning that mythological stories were created and told to explain as well as remember the constellations, and the myths of the constellations helped to spawn further myths. For one thing, one never needed to have a written record of the night sky in order to keep the information handy, because each night when the sky was clear, the "blackboard of the sky" reappears and is always available to the student or the storyteller! Thus, as we sit around the campfire, we can look up at the blackboard sky, see the constellations, and retell the stories that are so dear to our hearts.

My resources (listed below) mention that the constellations have changed over time. At one time, certain stars might have appeared in more than one constellation, but in 1929, the International Astronomical Union created official constellation boundaries that provide us with our 88 official constellations today, and each star is now only represented in one specific constellation. These official constellations are a compilation that has been drawn from many different cultures.

Finally, constellations are critically important for navigation, because they repeatedly appear in the sky in very regular positions. By using the constellations as reference points, navigators could move across large bodies of water where they had no land reference points. This was the way that the early explorers were able to navigate across the oceans, know where they are, and stay on course. Navigators "steer by the stars," so to speak. They were also important to astronomers and astrologers because they gave us a way to create calendars and keep track of time.

Bell, C. (n.d.). The Mythology of the Constellations. Retrieved March 22, 2006 from http://www.comfychair.org/~cmbell/myth/myth.html.

Dolan, C. (n.d.) The Constellations and their Stars. Retrieved March 15, 2006 from http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/extra/constellations.html.

Dibon-Smith, R. (2001). The Constellations. Retrieved March 22, 2006 from http://www.dibonsmith.com/constel.htm.

http://www.dibonsmith.com/constel.htm


Fairy Gardens by Lilyth Rose

Fairy gardens are wonderful things to make, and there are many different ways to do them. You can create an outdoor garden which has plants that attract the fae, indoor or outdoor miniature garden planters, or artificial faerie gardens that would attract the fae by their colors and arrangement. I'm a big believer in sympathetic magic, so doing a lot of artificial fairy gardens around the house appeals to me. I've even thought of making a needlework garden to hang on the wall.

According to Connie Krochmal in her article "Herbal Landscaping" (Suite101.com: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/landscaping_herbs/109234), plants essential to a fairy garden include thyme, foxglove, saffron, rosemary and roses. One should also have St. John's Wort somewhere close by to break fairy spells. According to Connie, fairies both sleep in the bell-shaped flowers of foxgloves and wear them as gloves. The fae also like to use saffron for dyeing cloth and flavoring cakes. Potions used to enable a person to see fairies were once made of such ingredients as wild thyme, calendula flowers, and buds of the hazelnut.

Beverly Turner from M&M Nursery in Orange, California has become renowned for her fairy garden designs. She uses tiny fences, rock paths, and miniature plants to bring them to life. People come from all over California to buy her fairy garden creations. Theresa Mieseler from Herb Companion.com adds the following plants that are favored in fae gardens: chives, dwarf curry, germander, Lady's mantle, lavender, marjoram, Mexican oregano, rosemary, sage, creeping savory, scented geranium, society garlic, and thyme.

For the gardening-challenged, miniature fairy gardens made from artificial plants are an excellent choice. Use the right colors and plant mixtures, and the wee folk should still be attracted to them. First find an attractive container, or paint a terracotta pot. Use moss and ivy in your planter, along with tiny colorful flowers. Mix in sparkly items like gemstones, painted rocks, crystals, and perhaps figurines of animals or fairy folk. The idea for a fairy garden is to make it look playful, enchanted, and fun; a place where the wee folk would love to visit and hang out.

Light and Dark by Katalan

Light and DarkIt's the way of KingsForming bondsBetween the Rings

Following throughIt comes to passFor Light and DarkCan never last

For through these yearsAnd bringing peaceLight and DarkWill finally cease

For those wise fewThey see the wayFor Light and DarkIs very grey


Plane Talk about Fairies by Jymi X/0

Fairies are often said to be natives of the Astral Plane. What, exactly, is the Astral Plane? As magically-oriented folks, we're always talking about it – but what do we mean by the term? How do the fairies get to our Earthly plane to visit us, especially since some of us have so much trouble with traveling (at least consciously) from our realm to theirs to return the visit?

Let's think about the word “plane” first. In Geometry, we know, a plane defines a two dimensional area: it has length and width (which may be infinite), but no depth. But when we talk about reality, a “plane” is defined by a certain frequency of energy. Everything is made of energy, and as the electromagnetic spectrum shows us, all energy is vibrating at a certain frequency. That which falls within a specific range of frequencies comprises one plane. Since all individuals have their own unique frequencies, every spirit could be said to be its very own plane of reality – but spirits with energy of similar frequencies can co-exist together and interact with each other in what's called consensual reality on one “plane-ette”.

This consensual reality is known as the “Prime Material Plane”: the particular frequency that serves as the physical ground-state for our energy during this lifetime (though any plane would be considered the “Prime Material Plane” to a native thereof).

The Astral Plane is a very different concept. It's usually thought of as either a ghostly projection of this plane or a version of super-reality based on this one. Actually, the Astral Plane exists between all planes of reality as a kind of a non-dimensional buffer zone. It's a reflection of the traveler's current Prime, shimmering in the space between that plane and the next. (Contrast this with the Ethereal Plane, which is comprised of the potential energy of that-which-might-be: it's where possibilities, however impossible, are already realities. Most dreams and creative ideas are ethereal in nature.)

But let's get back to fairies. There are a lot of differing beliefs about fairies, which makes objective research difficult. Generally speaking, fairies are assumed to be members of one or many races of non-human sentient beings...and right after that is where the dissimilarities of beliefs begin. The word “fairy”, in fact, seems to be a catch-all term to define any number of magical non-human people. As I understand it, most fairies don't even like to be called 'fairies' -- a fact that could be explained by each Fey/Sylvan species' wish to not be lumped in with every other non-human group.

Fairies (if they'll kindly pardon my rudeness in continuing to use that term merely for the sake of

convenience) are probably visitors from many different planes of existence. They must travel through the Astral buffer to get here. Perhaps part of our consciousness must travel through it in order to observe them. Maybe we meet in the middle. Then again, they could be projections of the spirits of our earthly plants and/or animals, taking on forms to which we humans can more easily relate...or else...or maybe...or...or...hmm.

What are those little flashing lights behind my computer? They're so pretty...

Dragon Inspiration SpellBy Aguila

,Dragons of the Earth and Sea

, .Bring me inspiration please

,Dragons of the Wind and Flame

, !Listen as I call your name

From hidden coves and woodland ,groves

!Gather insights ages old

From burning sands and wind swept , peaks

!Alight my heart with what I seek

, , ,Untold stories legends myths

Whisper to me without risks

From thrones of Kings and halls of ,mice

From childhood dreams and caves of .ice

,With pen and parchment I declare

!My goals fulfilled with greatest care


All About Invocation By Tinwe Tercenya

Invocation is a very complex type of magic, not so much because it is any more difficult than other types, but rather because there are a wide variety of ways that it is used in the various magickal traditions.

An invocation, according to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is "the act or process of petitioning for help or support", often in the form of a "prayer of entreaty". This dictionary also offers a second pertinent definition: a "formula for conjuring: incantation". Zell-Ravenheart, in his "Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard", concurs with the first definition and furthers the second when he writes that an invocation is "to speak from within" (152), or, in other words, to draw the Spirit into the invokers own body. Invocation is differentiated from evocation in the "Grimoire", in that evocation is defined as "to speak from without" (152), or to draw the Spirit to a location other than the invokers body.

According to the Wikipedia article on invocation, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invocation) the “speaking from without” and “speaking from within” distinction can be found in many Shamanistic religions. In other magickal traditions, invocation is distinguished from evocation in that the former is a polite request for a spirit's presence, while the latter is compelling the spirit to appear. However, depending on the tradition, invocation can be anything from a request to a bargain to a command to a threat.

An invocation that fits the first definition, that of a supplication or prayer, usually calls on a god or goddess, either for the purpose of worship or for the purpose of a specific request, such as healing or protection. This is frequently done in the form of a standard prayer, such as the “Hail Mary” in Roman Catholicism, but a supplication can also be done in the words of the petitioner. In some traditions, it is believed that the god(s) or goddess(es) will provide aid because they are loving guardians, or even loving fathers/mothers. In other traditions, it is more of a bargaining with the Spirits invoked. For instance, in an Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) ritual, the participants offer sacrifices to the god(s) and

goddess(es) invoked during the ritual in return for favors. The sacrifice and resulting favor are seen as an exchange of gifts. Others see this as something of a business deal -- they are trading an offering or promise in exchange for a favor from the god or goddess.

Invocations of the second variety, as an act of conjuring, can call on any spirit being, such as gods, goddesses, faerie etc. Again, some traditions will

politely request the being to be present. Other traditions will command the invoked Spirit to appear and then will threaten it with some sort of consequence if the favor is not granted. This is often the case with the invoking of demons.

Personally, I tend to prefer the polite request variety of invocation, since I feel it is more ethical. It is one of those “golden rule” things for me. I would not want to be compelled to be present and, therefore, I do not wish to compel spirit beings to be present.

About this spring of ancient fame say true, The dapper elves their moonlight sports renew; Their pigmy king and little fairy queen In circling dances gamboll'd on the green, With tuneful sprites a merry concert made, And airy music warbled through the shade. -- Alexander Pope


Try Explaining This to the HMO Agent(or “My Doctor Gave Me Worms!”)

by Jymi X/0

Ok, Blue Wizards – your home healing techniques range from ancient to new-age cutting-edge, and your remedy kit is well-stocked with chamomile (for colds and allergies), spearmint (for tummy-aches), and a quartz crystal for...well, just about everything. But what do you do when a patient comes to you with a festering open wound?

Quick! Grab the maggots!WHAT? EWWWWWW! MAGGOTS?

You may well recoil from the thought – funny thing: most people do – but it turns out that blow-fly maggots are an efficient and cost-effective way to clean dead cells out of a wound and hasten the healing process. This “maggot debridement therapy” even leaves the wound clean: the maggots act as disinfectant agents, too, eating the bacteria as well as the dead cells.

This all seems so counterintuitive. Maggots are baby flies, and everyone knows that flies carry all kinds of germs. But despite their high grossness factor, maggots are efficient healers. They eat only the dead cells, leaving the live tissues alone. Though you certainly don't want the filthy, grown-up blowflies crawling on you, maggots (the flies' larval form) are relatively clean.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration agrees. Maggots – and their equally archaic medical cousins, leeches – have enjoyed official approval as “medical devices” in the States since 2004. In addition, whipworms are being studied as a

treatment for certain disorders of the bowels and intestines.

We've all heard stories about the horrors of the widespread medieval medical practice of “bloodletting”. Illnesses were often thought to be caused by excessive blood or old blood that had become stagnant. One method of dealing with this was to place leeches on the patient and allow them to suck out several pints of blood. A patient had to go to a specialist to have this done – usually the town barber. Understandably, this only served to make a lot of people even sicker.

Sometimes, though, a loss of blood is a good thing, such as when a patient develops severe swelling or a blood clot. Simple solution? Stick a leech on 'em. The benefit of leeching is twofold – the leeches remove the excess blood, while excreting several helpful solutions in their saliva, including proteins and a mild numbing agent.

Healers had the idea of enlisting maggots when they noticed that injured soldiers found on the battlefields with maggots crawling in their wounds tended to heal better and faster than those who hadn't been infested.

Luckily, patients don't have to lie outside with their injuries exposed, waiting for flies to come along and lay eggs. Doctors and hospitals can order maggots and leeches from special suppliers. The animals are bred specifically for medical use, and are sterilized before they touch anyone. (That's right, kids -- that means that you should not try this at home!) The patients' reactions range anywhere from curious enthusiasm to repugnance and a total refusal to have anything to do with it.

SOURCES:

Rubin, Rita. “Maggots and Leeches: Good Medicine.” USA Today. 7 July 2004. May 12 2006.

<http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-07-07-leeches-maggots_x.htm>

Ther, Kan. “Maggots and Leeches: Old Medicine is New.”Live Science.com. 19 April 2005. 12 May 2006.

<http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/050419_maggots.html>

Maggot Therapy Project. Ed. Sherman, Ronald A., M.D. 2005. University of California, Irvine. 12 May, 2006.

<http://www.ucihs.uci.edu/com/pathology/sherman/home_pg.htm>

http://www.ucihs.uci.edu/com/pathology/sherman/home_pg.htm


What is Magick? By Dolphin Written as part of the “Staff and Scroll” class

To me, magick means that there’s more to the way the universe works than science can observe. It means that personal power isn’t just a metaphor for feeling good, but a phrase that means that an individual can change his life through his intentions.

I also believe that there are people who use magick but are unaware of it. People who are very successful in business, such as Donald Trump and Bill Gates, have surely tapped into some tremendous prosperity magick. People who recover from life threatening illnesses because they so want to live are surely tapping into their powers of magickal healing.

I really like “probability enhancement” as a definition for magick. I wonder if anyone working in “quality control” ever considered what they do a sort of magick? In any case, I do have my idea about how magick works. It’s probably close to how many people think of it, but still, it’s what I’ve come to understand over the years. Magick is programming energy and sending it into the universe, to tweak the

connections between all things in a way that brings about your will. The energy can be personal, Gaian, universal, or even spiritual. The words and correspondences the Wizard uses when programming this energy program the power to go out into the universe and start making subtle—or large—changes to tip probability into the Wizard’s favor. (When I cast a spell, I always specify that it is to do no harm, giving the magick ethical restraints.)

I absolutely believe that magick is real. When I first started learning about Wicca around seventeen years ago, I had my doubts. Spiritually I came to realize that Wicca was the right path for me, but it took some time, and a few successful spells and magickal meditations, to realize that magick does indeed work. It took longer for me to understand that magick doesn’t break the laws of science. Fitting the two together was a bit of a mental challenge, but now I have a deeper understanding of both.

If magick is real, then it’s real, period! Not believing in it won’t cause it to be false. That kind of doubt may certainly affect the success of a spell, but it doesn’t mean the magickal process isn’t happening. If I cast a spell to bring me one hundred dollars so I can get a loved one a birthday present when I’m almost broke, and I get the money from an unexpected source, then the magick worked. Someone else would call it coincidence or think I’m a fool, but the fact is, it still happened. The “problem” with magick is that it can’t be measured and proven in a laboratory. It falls out of the bounds of what science can test for. That doesn’t make it false.

As stated, it is like the tree in the forest question. Is a sound what is perceived by an ear, or is it sound waves? A tree falling in the forest with no one—not even an animal—to hear it still makes the same sound waves as if a person were nearby. A spell still sends out a Wizard’s intention whether someone else believes it or not. This also brings me back to people who are very successful in various aspects of their lives. I do believe that, though surely he doesn’t believe in magick, Donald Trump is using magick as he continues to make lots of money.

There’s a book called “Think and Grow Rich” which describes visualization techniques for making a fortune. Already being a magickal person when I read this book, I was only surprised that a Mundane had figured out these principles and put them so elegantly. In short, magick works for everyone.


Interview with Grey School Staff Artist

Jonathan FesmireBy Eothyll

Q. Hello Jonathan Fesmire. First off, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview. For those of you that don't know, Jonathan (aka Dolphin) is the Grey School's new staff artist. So first off Jonathan, how did this come to be? How did you first get involved with the Grey School of Wizardry and then come to be staff artist?

A. I saw "Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard" in a book store and bought it. Then, I mentioned to my friend Elizabeth Barrette that I had found this great new book. I found out that she was the new Dean of Studies at a school based on the book, and she thought I should see about being on faculty as well! I was accepted as a Divination teacher (because of my experience with the Tarot), but I realized that I was too busy to teach classes. Later, I was asked to be staff artist, and accepted. Although I'm not teaching at the school just yet, I love just being a part of it.

Q. That's great, thank you! What kind of work do you do as staff artist? Are there any specific projects you're working on right now?A. My first GSW artwork was designing CG versions of the house and lodge shields. Then, I published journal books with those shields. One of my current projects is creating a new image for each department page. I've done a new one for Nature Studies so far. Oh, and I'm working with MoonWriter on a patch for the upcoming Oregon Conclave.

Q. I've seen some of your work and it's amazing! What got you into art and what keeps you there? What inspires you to keep creating?

A. I've always loved fantasy art, but my drawing isn't as good as I'd like it to be. I downloaded the demo version of Poser 4 in 2002, and quickly realized that I could create fantasy images that were up to my standards. I could illustrate my characters and explore new ideas. So, I got the full version, started building up my library of models, and have been doing it every sense. The more I do

CG art, the better I get. As far as what keeps me there... it's fun! I enjoy it so much. There's never a lack of subject matter, either. I've always had a drive to create, and now I have two outlets for it: writing, and art.

Q. Speaking of writing, I also hear that you're a published writer. I'm currently reading your novel "Tamshi's Imp" and, so far, it's great! What got you into tha,t and what have been your experiences with writing so far?

A. I've been writing for most of my life! I remember making up stories when I was a kid, illustrating them, and then having a teacher or one of my parents write in the story. I started writing in earnest in middle school. My stories weren't very good, but I had to start somewhere! By my senior year of high school, I was writing quite a lot. I took a creative writing class, for which I wrote a number of short stories, a novelette, and a novella. I also co-edited the school's literary magazine that year. I wrote one novel in college, which saw online publication later. It was all right, but not something I'd even want to see published in book form. Still, it was great practice. After college, mostly during my years of working in the dot coms, I wrote a bunch of short stories, plus my novels, "Children of Rhatlan," and "Tamshi's Imp." I had some success with getting my short stories published. I even sold one story to "Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine." I had some difficulties with small publishers and agents between 1999 and 2004. I won't go into details here, but I decided to go the way of John Grisham and other great writers who have taken their careers into their own hands, and self published my books.

Q. I'm glad to see your work published, and I'm sure you'll do great. Self publishing is becoming a wonderful way for writers to reach a broader range of readers. Now, can you explain more about one of your projects in particular-I'm sure that staff and student alike would love to hear more about your tarot project.

A. Absolutely! I don't want to give too much away, though!

Q. How about a teaser then?

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A. The deck reflects the way I see the world, as a fantasy author, artist, and Wiccan. The religious angle isn't over the top at all, but since its part of me, it's present. It's more of a spiritual feel, and nothing dogmatic, of course. Actually, I think it's a deck that would go over well with Grey School students and faculty! I'm getting a proposal together to send to publishers now. So far, I have eight cards done: one pip and one court card from each suit. I'm going to do two or three major arcana cards, then send off the proposal. I'm hoping that the unique vision, the quality of the art, my Tarot experience, and perhaps the fact that I'm the Grey School staff artist will all help to get it published! For writers with an entrepreneurial spirit, self publishing works great for books these days, but self publishing a deck of cards is expensive. Besides, there are several fine Tarot deck publishers out there.

Q. I can't wait to see the finished product! I wish you the best of luck in getting them published.

A. Oh, for anyone who would like to check out the first Tarot deck I designed, you can see thumbnails on my Web site. Also, if you have a registered copy of the "Orphalese Tarot" program, you can download the deck to use within it. It's called the "Taibril Tarot," and ties in with my novels.

Q. Now, finally, what got you into magick? What types of magick do you practice? What has your experience been thus far in the world of magick? And lastly, do you have anything you'd like to add for any aspiring apprentices, artists and writers out there?A. I don't want to offend any of our non-Pagan students, so remember that this is about my personal thoughts and convictions. I came to Wicca before magick (though they are closely related). Basically, I became disillusioned with Christianity for two major reasons. The first was the idea that anyone who is a non-Christian is doomed to "Hell." I

couldn't buy that. The second was the belief that so many harmless things were "evil." Divination, intimacy between consenting (but not married) partners, even other religions. I became Agnostic for years, believing in a higher power, but having no real idea what that power might be like. Then, while I was working in a book store, I came across Scott Cunningham's "The Truth about Witchcraft Today." I read that and thought, "This sounds right!" I didn't stick with it at the time, but now I knew about Wicca, and my mind started contemplating it. I even cast a couple of small spells that worked. A few years later, I re-read the book and knew that it was the right path for me. After studying for much more than a year and a day, I did a self initiation, as outlined by Raymond Buckland. So, now I'm Wiccan. Initiation is magickal, to say the least. I've felt like a different person, like the Gods have been watching over me, since that ritual. I tend to do a lot of mini-spells: visualizing a free parking space in a busy lot, for instance. My bigger spells have worked well, too.

Q. And lastly, do you have anything you'd like to add for any aspiring apprentices, artists, and writers out there?

A. I think just the normal stuff! Study hard. For writing, read a lot, read eclectically, and write every day. For art, see what other artists are doing, observe the world around you, and practice in whatever medium you want to get good in. Take joy in your creativity! Writing and doing art for a living is fantastic, but they should also be their own reward.

Q. Well, thank you again, Jonathan. It's been great talking to you and thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. I wish you the best in all of your endeavors and look forward to reading your books, seeing your artwork, and hopefully getting a copy of your tarot cards when they're out.

A. You're welcome!


Inspiration By Aguila

How difficult it is for us sometimes, to fulfill our dreams. How very painful, too. Yet, this is all part of growth in everything we do.

Have you ever noticed how the Goddess guides us? Like nature, sometimes it’s a gentle nudge; a soft, quiet, breeze. Those are often overlooked because, if we are not really paying attention, we might miss them altogether. Those are the ones our fears find most easy to squelch…That faint impulse to take a chance on a dream we’ve long kept hidden from our own view.

There is also the type of inspiration that rushes forward, like that seventh wave in the ocean…huge, full, and overturning us with its force. I find the Goddess generally sends me this type, when I refuse to listen to the whispers of my muse.

Inspiration is a many sided die, perhaps more like one of those gaming counters with words inscribed instead of numbers. Each word represents an impulse, like faith, hope, trust, continue, explore, play, give in, listen, or believe, and it’s up to us whether we act on these subtle insights or not. True, there is no guarantee of success, not really; and yet we discover that once we begin to take that leap of faith and try our best, the Universe answers our call.

Sometimes the results are better than we hoped for, while other times we discover, much to our dismay, that we still have much growth and fine tuning to do before we reach our desired outcome. But the most important aspect I have discovered is that it is in the doing that we truly learn. It is in the surrender of our own notions and expectations that we come into our One-ness with Creation. It is in this faith, trust, and surrender to the energy in the spell, in the words, in the art, in the musical notes, in the movement of the dance, in the dream’s dream, that true inspiration is finally set free, and illumination is birthed.

Expectation is just another word for limitation; perhaps that’s why I hate titles so. It seems just another way to control, another way to rob our spirits of the liberation needed in order to explore. It is only when we let go of everything but the moment that Divine Connection is made. Divine Connection is our true teacher and muse. And one more thing….The more we heed and respect our tools, the more they inspire and share their Knowing-ness and Divine Connection with us.

Faeries of the WorldHelega De Grey – International Editor

Those wonderful, mysterious creatures living hidden amongst us. Dwelling with Mother Earth since who-can-truly-say when. All cultures and religions have their own stories of them. What are they and where do they really come from? Do they still exist? Is it possible to make contact with them?

Faeries are mostly known as tiny creatures with wings. They love to dance and enjoy music and sweet things. They are also known for being mischievous at times, and are believed to have magickal powers. There are all kinds of faeries, and every single one has their own personality.

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In some traditions of France, the British Isles, and Germany, it was believed that the Pagan gods/goddesses, and even tribal ancestors, became Faeries. It’s said that they lived in the Pagan burial mounds and barrow graves which were believed to be the entrances to the Pagan paradise. When we go

back to the 17th Century, we’ll find some history about shrines kept by ‘a thousand old women’. It’s said they taught the rites of Venus to young maidens, instructing them in faery feats like shape-shifting and raising storms. Fatuae pr fatidicae “seeresses” and bonnen filles “Good girls” were names they were known by.

Most faeries travel in groups rather than alone, and these faeries are called Trouping Faeries. They are the most commonly known of all faeries. Faeries that travel alone seem to be a bit mean-spirited, though not all of them are. These faeries are called the Solitary Faeries. Some travel in large bands and are called The Raid. They travel playing music and riding their horses. It’s said that all holidays are a great time to make contact with them.

In today’s day and age, it’s not as easy to make contact with them as it was in the past. It’s believed that Faeries – also known as ‘the little people’- have a vast distrust of the human race. They dislike urban settings. They are more likely to be found in untouched natural environment. They are also seasonal beings and dislike noise. The one thing that most religions and cultures agree upon is that Faeries like offerings, especially offerings of milk and honey. Reading a book to them is a good way of making contact.

Some signs of Faerie approach and presence may be a sudden unexplained trembling/whispering of leaves, or unexplained chills and goose flesh. Ever felt as if an insect was walking through your hair just to find there was none? …well, that, too, may have been a faerie.

They are magickal creatures full of enjoyment for life. Isn’t that, itself, something we humans can learn from them?

Source:http://www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/faeries.htmlThe Lost Books of Merlyn – Douglas MonroeEnchantment of the Faerie Realm – Ted Andrews

I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?

~John Lennon


Litha and Midsummerby Hikari

The festival of Midsummer, or Litha, occurs on the day of the Summer

Solstice (on June 21st, this year), the day when the sun reaches its highest apex, at the Tropic of Cancer. Though it is considered, in modern times, to be the beginning of summer, it was actually considered to be the exact middle of the Celtic summer, falling between Beltane and Lugnasadh. The meaning of this day is found in its symbolism. Since this is the longest day of the year and the sun will be in the sky for its longest time, it is considered a day where light triumphs over darkness.

Midsummer was known to the ancient Germanic peoples and to modern Wiccans as Litha. During Litha, according to Wiccans, the goddess is said to be pregnant, the child representing the bounty of a coming harvest, and the god, symbolized as the sun, is said to be at the height of his powers. The meaning of the word, “Litha,” is debated to be of many different origins, none of which can be substantially proven. It is one of the “quarter days,” or Lesser Sabbats.

As Christianity expanded, adopted, and synthesized pagan holidays as its own, Litha became St. John the Baptist’s day, the ascetic prophet of, and cousin to, Jesus Christ. Due to the slippage of

calendar days in relation to the actual movement and timing of the heavens, however, St. John the Baptist’s day is

celebrated on the 24th, and Litha, defined by solstice rather than convention, occurs on the same day as Midsummer’s.

Even though Midsummer’s Day is celebrated in different ways by a wide variety of peoples, some of the traditions have barely survived into modern times. Additionally, various neo-pagan groups tend to celebrate in diverse ways.

Take, for example, the traditional food of Litha. According to Gordon Ireland, in his article “Litha, the Summer Solstice,”: “Litha's foods vary, depending upon the author and tradition you adhere to. Cunningham suggests fruits, Buckland, cakes and ale, and Starhawk, bread and drink. However, given that this is a day to celebrate the sun, foods should be of yellow (gold), orange, or reds.”(http://realmagick.com/articles/45/2145.html)

The celebration of this holiday, as with any restructured pagan holiday, is left in the hands of the celebrant to read the correspondences and adapt his or her own path to them.

Sources:

http://realmagick.com/articles/45/2145.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litha#Lithahttp://www.homestead.com/englishheathenism/heathencalendar.htmlhttp://www.hallsofavalon.com/Litha.htm


TheFaerieWorld

By Magus

I found my study of the faerie world exciting. It's one of the multiverses that we, as Wizards, live in. One of the most fascinating things I found is that, even though our world is parallel to theirs, they also live in and depend on our world for part of their existence. I become awed when I see the wonders of nature and know that the “wee folk,” as they are called, are responsible for maintaining its shapes, colors, aromas, and rate of growth. I feel that the faerie world is worth getting to know because it is responsible for so many things that bring us pleasure.

It's true that we think of faeries as being tiny, but they can be smaller than an ant or as big as you or I. Another reason I think the faerie world is exciting: sometimes they make our homes their homes. Yes, there are house faeries and they share our daily lives. So why can't you see them? You can if you're not an adult and you don't have iron in the immediate area. Iron can cause them to perish. There are different ways of entering the faerie world, so pay close attention to your studies. Just keep in mind that there are rules that must be followed when entering this world. Obey them and you will have as much fun learning as I did.

I think the faerie world is wondrous because it truly is a mystical, magickal wonderland and its inhabitants are as varied as our own. Imagine a world, like our own, without the modern technologies such as cars and planes, and with beautiful plains, meadows, forests, seas, rivers, mountains, and valleys, and you will be thinking of the faerie world. This world is like the astral: it is not without its dangers, but once you learn the laws and rules it's really quite safe and fun. If my opinion of this world has sparked your curiosity, then pursue it, and you will find the journey worth your pursuit. And you can form an opinion of your own.

Truth Be Told By Katalan Moon

The very word, fairy, truly sparks a million different ideas and feelings in one single moment when mentioned. I doubt any other word, other than perhaps Jesus, could have the same bragging rights as fairy.

Fairies are everywhere. You find their influences in movies, cartoons, and old tales about magical creatures, especially those with a dragon being slain by some sort of knight.

I always thought of fairies as being a source of truth. To see or feel a fairy was to find your own personal truth. For what are we, really, without a sense of who we are and what we stand for?

Magical creatures are like the story books they come from. They contain knowledge from long, long ago. They sit and they wait for someone with the skill to find them and learn from them.

There was a movie made in the 90’s about two little girls who told people they saw fairies because they knew it made people happy to believe. They even took pictures that they set up. And in the end, when they had been found out to have lied about seeing them, they still had hope that they were real.

Fairies inspire hope just as much as they inspire truth, innocence, beauty, and a slue of other feelings. You see and feel what you want to see and feel. Nothing could ever change your perceptions of your own personal reality.

So I end you with this witch’s thought. Think about where you are right now. Yes, there is fairy there, too. And something beautiful awaits you.


The Twilight Zone(s)by Jymi X/0

In April, I found myself on the Flames' Lodge Earth Day Challenge team. Since I'll be majoring in Black magic, the “Dark Arts” task fell to me:

(a) “...determine the time of each of the three twilights” (Astronomical, Nautical and Civil) “in your home area...observe the change between [them]...”(b) “Find an example of a plant or animal that becomes activated by each stage of twilight.”

Sunset is a busy time for me, so I waited until the last possible day, then stayed up to observe the sunrise instead. Here's a sample from my observation log:

4:30 am: • Dark. • Factory across the street making noise.• A few crickets and frogs; one early-bird

calling.• Insane commuters. • All the stars I see at night are still visible.

5:01 am:• The wind direction changed within just a few

minutes – coming more from the north now. (And in through my window! Brrr.)• Feels more like “morning” than half an hour

ago did.• A few more bird sounds. I love birds! They

make mornings so cheerful.

5:12 am: ASTRONOMICAL TWILIGHT BEGINS

5:15 am:• The factory is making a different noise!• Seems a little lighter. • Must stay awake. Reading Timothy Leary's The

Game of Life by flashlight. It's not helping. 5:22 am:• Buses running now. Observation: the Transit

System is clearly one of the creatures activated by the Astronomical Twilight period.

5:30 am:• Now I can see my breath. In my own room.• More birds calling. Frogs and crickets probably

all frozen to death.• Sky is lighter – definitely blue around the

edges.• Dr. Leary's “Twelve Futant Castes of Post-

Terrestrial Evolution” makes even less sense than it did yesterday afternoon!

5:39 am:• Sleep deprivation has never been much of a

problem for me. I can make it another hour.• My neighbor's porch light is really the Eye of

Sauron.

5:51 am: NAUTICAL TWILIGHT BEGINS

5:52 am:• Cars have legs!• An exceptionally enthusiastic bird just woke up.• Eastern sky a much lighter blue. Matches my

fingers.6:05 am:• There is enough light to make out the shapes

of the kids' beachballs lying in the neighbor's yard.

• I think hypothermia is setting in. 6:14 am:• The world looks kind of cyan-grey. Like the

aliens.• Someone shut that bird up.

6:17 am:• What was that noise? The factory?...or the

mother-ship! Maybe it's Dr. Leary coming back. Well, he's got some explaining to do.

6:22 am: • Polaris very faint; Cassiopeia gone. • Eastern horizon a bright periwinkle.• If I can find that bird, I bet I can hit it with my

crossbow.• I will not fall asleep. I will not fall asleep. I will

not fall asleep...6:23 am:• I am falling asleep.

6:27 am: CIVIL TWILIGHT BEGINS

6:31 am:• Polaris gone. • I can make out three different shades of green

in the trees around my house, and seven different shades of blue in my lips, if I hold this mirror just right. Cryogenics never felt so good!

• Light seems to be coming faster. • Dr. Leary's “Twelve Futant Castes of Post-

Terrestrial Evolution” makes perfect sense.6:35 am:• I am the eggman, I am the walrus, coo-coo-

coo-joo, I can't feel my legs.

6:57 am: SUNRISE!

7:01 am:• Can't sleep. Too bright.


Fairy Called By Vivian Hadding © (AKA Aguila)

I remember the alluring pull most hidden places have had on my soul. From deserted beaches in Cuba to deep haunting woods in Ohio, they have all whispered my name. In New Orleans I heard ancient Oaks rustled their dark leaves, like tiny percussion instruments tapping out songs of inward journeys. I’d catch a glimpse of fairies swinging from gnarled limbs. Dressed in silvery nets of Spanish Moss, they’d smile with bits of bright cardinal feathers tucked about their hair.

When I walked the wind swept beaches in Puerto Rico, tall mysterious Pines embraced me with their grace and love. I’ll never forget my fey encounters, the haunting voice of the sea, or thought piercing whistle of the wind. I’ll always welcome the slow, slumbering speech of stones steeped in oracular wisdom, the joyful gifts of streams, and the magnetic clarity and focus of fire. I will ever recall the enchantment of realms as near to us as our own homes, with animals who’s wisdom and grace far exceed our own. Nature spirits illuminate our awareness, like Divine inward breaths that radiate and heal our lives, our loved ones, and our planet. They remind us to coexist and embrace the impulse to venture forth with open hearts and minds. They are the true guardians of our world, our first and last teachers. They are masters of persistence, hope, and change.

Wild, lonely, places are ever calling us, like fine silvery threads spun on spider silk. It’s a song so faintly whispered only few ever hear, and fewer still answer the call to explore places filled with the presence of otherworldly beings. Fairy called is a deep, abiding inclination to accept and respect the wild creative places in your soul. It’s the sound of waves crashing and humming with eternal knowing. It’s dolphins dancing and reminding you how to play. It’s dragons watching over you, guarding and guiding your way. It’s the stillness of mornings, afternoons, and evenings when you stop and give thanks for all nature has held out for you to embrace. Fairy called is as much your response as your responsibility. It’s about faith in things hoped for, yet not quite seen…

Shape shifters and dreams merge in and out of our mundane vision. Fairy called is about seeing the beauty and worth in all beings. It’s an answer to an ancient brother and sisterhood with all life.

Princess Edane... heard a voice singing on a May Eve like this,and followed half awake and half asleep, until she came into the

Land of Faery, where nobody gets old and godly and grave,where nobody gets old and crafty and wise,

where nobody gets old and bitter of tongue. ~William Butler Yeats, "The Land of Heart's Desire," 1894


Fairy WordsFairy Words

Compiled by Professor Moonwriter

From the Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition.

A. NOUNS1. The land or home of the fays; fairy-land. 2. A collective term for the fays or inhabitants of fairyland; fairy-folk. 3. Enchantment, magic; a magic contrivance; an illusion, a

dream.

4a. One of a class of supernatural beings of diminutive size, in popular belief supposed to possess magical powers and to have great influence for good or evil over the affairs of man.

4b. Fairy of the mine: a goblin supposed to inhabit mines. (The designation is used by Milton; later writers use it as the equivalent of the German kobold or gnome.)

4c. Fairy of the sea: a Nereid.

5. One possessing more than human power; an enchantress. B. ADJECTIVES1. Of or pertaining to fairies; of the nature of fairies; enchanted, illusory, fictitious.2. Resembling a fairy, fairy-like; delicate, finely formed or woven.

C. ATTRIBUTES and COMBINED FORMS1. General relations:

a. simple attributes, as fairy-arrow, -book, etc.; also various local names for the Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), fairy-bell, -cap, -fingers, -glove, -thimble, -weed;

b. appositive, as fairy-folk, -godmother;

c. instrumental and originative, as fairy-born, -haunted, -penciled adjs.;

d. parasynthetic and similative, as fairy-featured, -fine, -formed, -like adjs.

2. Special Combinations:

Fairies-arrow (elf shot), fairies' (fairy) bath, fairy-beads, fairy-bell or fairy bells (a kind of musical instrument), fairy-bird, fairy (fairies') butter, fairy cake (a small individual sponge cake, usu. iced and decorated), fairy-cheeses, , fairy-circle (fairy ring), fairy-dance (a circle of fairies dancing; hence fairy-circled), fairy-court (the court of some fairy king or queen) fairy-cucumber, fairy-cups, fairy-cycle (a small-wheeled low bicycle for children), fairy-dance, fairy-eggs, fairy-fingermarks, fairy-flax, fairy-fly (a minute insect which deposits its eggs in the eggs of other insects), fairy godmother (a fairy who acts as godmother or protector to a mortal child; a benefactress, fairy-godmother v. trans., -godmotherly; also fairy godfather); fairy-grass, , fairy-green,, fairy-groat, fairies'-hair, fairy-hammer, fairy-hillock, fairies-horse, fairy lamp (a lamp containing a candle), fairy light (a small colored light used in illuminations and often hung among trees; a kind of nightlight; v. of ‘Very light’; hence fairy-lighted), fairy-loaf, fairy-martin (Australian name for Hirundo ariel), fairy-money (money given by fairies, said to crumble away rapidly), fairy moss (tiny, free-floating, aquatic ferns of the genus Azolla), fairy-mushroom (a toadstool), fairy-nips, fairy-pavements (cubes used in Roman pavements), fairy penguin (the little or little blue penguin, Eudyptula minor, found on the southern coasts of Australasia), fairy-pipe (an old kind of tobacco-pipe, frequently dug up in Great Britain), fairy prince (a prince of the fairies; an idealized person, the ideal husband-to-be), fairy prion (Pachyptila turtur, of Australasian and subantarctic coasts, with bluish bill and feet), fairy-purse, fairy queen (queen of the fairies; the player who takes the part of the fairy queen in a pantomime), fairy-rade (the expedition of the fairies to the place where they hold their annual banquet), fairy rose (Rosa chinensis), fairy-shrimp (a British fresh-water crustacean), fairy-sparks, fairy-stone (a fossil sea-urchin or echinite; a flint arrow-head), fairies'-table (various fungi), fairy treasure, -wealth, fairy-money, fairy tern (Austral. and N.Z., a small black-crowned tern, Sterna nereis; a tropical white tern, Anous (Gygis) albus), fairy-walk, and fairy dust (a magical dust imagined to be used by fairies; (hence) a (hypothetical) thing considered special or extremely effective, or to have special powers; magic).


A Campfire Tale By Merana

(This is part III, the last part of a continuing tale; parts I and II can be found in the Yule 2005 and Spring 2006 newspapers.)

The Druidess is perched on a comfortable low branch of an old oak, her favorite tree, and the children are sitting around her and waiting with bated breath. The stories of a druid were always the most popular of all, and even a few adults with tasks in their hands gathered nearby. One woman shucked wool while a man sat sharpening his sword.

“Tell us another tale, Grandmother!”

“Please?”

“It’s another hour before dinner, honored one,” Gavin dutifully points out.

“Very well. In honor of the feast, I will tell you the tale of the Fenians. This band of patriots did so much for our lands that it is said that if their tales are ever forgotten, if a bard should pass even one day with telling their story, then these brave warriors will come back from the grave.”

“That’d be cool.”

“Can we see that, grandmother?”

“Rrrreeeaaaallllly, Gavin? You want to see a putrid, grey, and rotting corpse coming to steal your breath and take your eyes for its own? I think that might be a bit much for the trouble you usually get into, but I could make sure I administer your next punishment. I’ll speak to your mother. Though she might be upset with having a blind child…” The old woman’s eyes look off into the distance. Her forehead crinkles as if deep in thought.

“No, no… that’s okay, grandmother… I didn’t mean it. I don’t want it coming after ME. I just thought it’d be neat to see it come after someone else.” His friends glare at him and push him over. A small tussle ensues.

“Enough.” The children right themselves, and the adults grin.

“The Fenians were a band of warriors who formed a standing force. They were paid by the High King of Tara, but they were sworn of old to the defense of the land. This independence was both their strength and their downfall.”

“For decades, this courageous troupe of soldiers

roamed the countryside at the command of the High King. They defended the countryside against bandits and invaders. Like many heroes, they gained big heads and started expecting special treatment. Eventually their pride and crimes against the people were their doom.

“This disgrace started when Finn’s father Cumhal banished Goll. Goll, also called Cad, was the head of a powerful clan – the Morns. Goll went into exile for a time, but upon his return he killed Cumhal in revenge. He scattered Cumhal’s tribe, the Baoisgne, to the four corners of the world, and took over the Fenians.

“However, as the fates will do, Goll’s wheel turned. Cumhal’s son, Finn, was rescued and brought up in secret. Finn had ‘wonderful adventures…upon perilous seas and in faery lands forlorn with wild best, giants, witches, and wizards, and Tuatha De Danaan themselves.’ [Sorry, I couldn’t say it better; I love that line] Finn even won the granddaughter of Dagda himself for his wife.

“This great warrior eventually faced a challenge and won a boon from the High King. This boon was, of course, the leadership of the Fenians, his lawful inheritance. After that, the Tuatha and Fenians became fast friends. Fenians had complete freedom to come and go in Sidhe, and the Tuatha sent many warriors, including Dagda’s grandson, to fight alongside the Fenians. In the Battle of Ventry, the Tuatha and Fenians together repelled the invasion of Daire Donn, the High King of the World, and saved Ireland.

“The decree of the High King did not sit well with Goll. It created schism that eventually split the Fenians. Once the Fenians took issue with the High King, the Morn sided with the High King rather than their own group. This became the ruin of the Fenians, for in the battle of Gavra the Fenians were almost decimated soon after killing Cairbre, the High King of Ireland himself.

“However, Ossian, son of Finn, escaped into the Tir Na Nog, the land of the faery. In this paradise he enjoyed eternal youth for three hundred years. Eventually, Ossian grew homesick and longed to see his homeland again. He was placed on a special horse and warned not to let his feet touch the earth. In a wry twist of fate, his saddle broke, and Ossian fell down, becoming a blind old man. St Patrick found him and rescued him. We hear of


many of the tales of the Fenians through Ossian, as St. Patrick and Ossian tried to convert each other to their way of life.”……..“Children, I have told much about our myths and legends, but what if I told you that you already knew these tales by another name?

“King Arthur and his tales have traveled ‘round the globe, and are credited as being solely British in origin. While the creator of the modern myth is certainly a Brit, the seeds of these stories are our own. I have already mentioned how Arthur himself resembles Gwydion. Arthur’s sister Gwyar is none other than Arianrhod; her children Dylan and Lleu closely mimic Gwalchmai (Sir Gwaine) and Medrawt (Mordred). The famous ruler and magician Math or, some say, Myrrdinn becomes Merlin.

“Arthur’s wife Guinevere can be seen in Gmenhwyvar. Guinevere is kidnapped by Sir Meliagraunce; Gmenhwyvar is kidnapped by a man called Melwas. King Brandegore is Ban of Gower; Sir Brandiles is Bran of Gwales. March is King Mark; Gwalchave is Sir Galahad; Kai is Sir Kay. So you see, children, there is nothing new under this sun. Nature recycles everything for her use, as you must learn to do.

“I am sure you know of the tales of the Holy Grail. This sacred vessel of Christ is believed to have magickal healing properties of both wounds and sickness. It can only be seen by the pure of heart, those without sin. What other vessels do you know of that can cure sickness?”

“The cauldron of the Diancecht?” pipes up a dark-eyed youngling.

“Good, Maeve. Who can use this cauldron?”

“Only the brave.”

“Very good… What other cauldrons have I spoke of?”

“Doesn’t Brigit have a cauldron?” a small boy asks, biting his lip.

“Yes, Timothy, it is called the Cauldron of Inspiration and Science. In Cerridwen’s cauldron, she brewed an elixir of prophecy. The Dagda had a cauldron of plenty. Even Arawn, the king of Annwn, had a cauldron. Taliesin describes it as being encrusted around the rim with pearls, and further states that nine mystical maidens warmed this cauldron with only their breath. These cauldrons would not function for the weak, or the cowardly, or the dishonest. Sound familiar?”

“So the cauldron is the grail?” inquires Gavin, with his head tilted awry.

“Well, it certainly inspired the new legend, don’t you think?” The crowd pauses to consider her words. After awhile the silence becomes palpable. No one is sure what to do or say next. The druid simply waits and smiles.

“Teacher, earlier you said that every hero in the tales of Arthur had a local origin. Who was Lancelot?”

“You ARE a clever girl, aren’t you, Maeve?” Maeve's dark curls bounce as she squirms with pleasure at this compliment. “Lancelot is apparently the exception to the rule. The Irish and Welsh versions of the tale make no mention of a lover, or betrayal on the part of Gmenhwyvar. Whether this is the Brit’s way of including their flawed version of women as Guinevere, or simply a lost portion of the legend, we don’t know.” Merana takes another deep breath and sighs. She adjusts her position and grimaces with pain.

“Now off to your mothers – help them set up for dinner – do not get in their way. Remember your promise. These old bones need to rest; I will be most upset if I have to get up to chastise you.”

The boys run off to the fields. “The old bat, she’ll never know.”

“She does tell a good story though.” Just as they pass over the edge of the encampment a loud “CRACK!” is heard. Gavin, Michael and Timothy freeze. A tree falls and blocks their path. The boys look at each other in fright. “D-D-Do you think?”

“I dunno -- I think we’d better go help our mums, just in case.” They turn around and proudly walk to the central fire, as if it was all their idea, and proceed to help set the tables and distribute drink.

A soft voice can be heard cackling in the background.


Head gamesSee if you can figure it out! Answers will be on the last page of the paper. Good Luck!

1. The housekeeper was distraught after she found Fred and Ginger lying dead on the floor. There was some broken glass near their bodies, and the carpet was damp. Who killed Fred and Ginger?

2. A man charged through the crowd, ripped open a lady’s blouse, punched her in the chest and carried her away with him. No one in the crowd, however, including two police officers, tried to stop him. Why? The man was unarmed and wasn’t a particularly imposing figure physically.

3. A woman recently engaged the services of a private detective. She was being blackmailed by someone who lived in her apartment building or on her block. She had received a number of scrawled notes; the most recent was pushed under her door that morning. The detective looked at the note for awhile, then asked the woman for a pencil. Five minutes later he went to apprehend the blackmailer. How did he know who did it?

4. Two detectives were injured in a shootout in New York. One was the others son, but the other was not the other ones father. Can you explain this?

5. A police woman stood and watched as a man tried to pick the lock and enter her house. When he could not pick the lock, he then broke the window and gained access that way. The police woman did not report the incident. Why not?

6. Arthur and Barry were born on the same day, same month, same year, and in the same room. They have the same mom and dad and their appearance is identical, but they are not twins. What is the simplest explanation for this?

7. Bobby either always lies or always tells the truth. Regardless of which, there is one statement Bobby can never make. What is it?

8. How many times does the letter F appear in the following sentence?

“The Fantasy Factory is the result of scientific investigationcombined with the fruits of long experience.”

Answers on page 36


Kitchen Hearth by Skye

Here are some recipes you can do to get you in the midsummer’s mood -- be sure to leave some for the fairies!

Fairy Ring Mushroom Pasta Sauce1 Cup dried or fresh mushrooms1 ½ Cups peeled and diced tomato (use 1 can peeled and diced tomato, unless you have fresh tomato)½ Tsp Lavender¼ Cup chopped Italian parsley1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 Tbsp butter¼ Tsp hot sauce (optional)Salt and pepper to taste….

Heat butter and olive oil in sauté pan. Add mushrooms and lavender; cook slowly for 15 minutes, then add tomato and parsley; cook 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Cook pasta, boil and add sauce over spaghetti.

Noodles in Fairy Butter4 Hardboiled egg yolks½ Cup sweet butter, softened½ Cup sugar1 Tsp thyme (dry or fresh)1 Tsp sweet basil2 Tbsp orange flower water1lb noodles, cooked1 orange, sliced

Beat the egg yolks, sugar, butter, thyme, basil and orange water in a small bowl until smooth. Mix enough of the butter with hot noodles to coat them with golden yellow color; garnish with orange slices.

* When it is possible, use fresh herbs rather than dried herbs.

** This recipe is from England- 1700’s. The notes indicate ‘this is a sweet side dish which, with its bright color and scent, inspires thought of spring frolic, abundant buttercups and pranks by the fey. People of the middle ages loved sweetened or spice butter, especially honey or sage butter.

Stuffed Mushrooms2 Tbsp butter2 Tbsp diced green peppers¼ Cup chopped mushrooms stems2 Tbsp chopped onions¾ Cup bread crumbs2 Tbsp cooked bacon –crumbled¼ Tsp thymeSalt and pepper1/2 lb large mushrooms-stems removed12 slices of small cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Melt 1 Tbsp butter on low heat; sauté mushrooms, green peppers and onions until tender. Mix bread crumbs, bacon, thyme, and salt and pepper. Spoon mix into mushroom caps; put on cookie sheet. Melt the rest of the butter and drizzle on caps. Top with cheese and cook for 15 minutes.

Fried Faery Honeycakes½ Cup sweet white wine2 Tbsp sugar1 egg1 Cup honey2/3 Cup flour1/8 Tsp nutmeg1/8 Tsp cinnamonOil for frying1/8 Tsp salt

Beat the wine and egg in a medium bowl. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt and sugar in a small bowl. Stir in the egg mixture. Let stand 30 minutes. Combine the honey and nutmeg in a small bowl. Heat ½ inch of the oil in a frying pan until hot, but not smoking. Drop the batter into the oil 1 tablespoon at a time; fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dip into the honey.

Yield: 1 ½ Dozen


Wildflower Pound Cake1 Cup butter 1 ½ Cups flour1 Tsp vanilla5 eggs, separated1 ½ Cups powdered sugar1 Tsp baking powder1 Cup edible flowers

Cream butter, sift flour, and gradually add to butter. Beat egg yolks until thick and yellow in a separate bowl. Gradually add sugar to egg yolks, then combine mixes. Beat egg whites until stiff, then add to mix. Sift baking powder over mix, gently fold in flowers. Bake for 1 hour on 350, garnish with flowers that are leftover.

Rose Petal Sorbet2 Cups milk3 Cups water20 rose petals, washed12 oz sugar1 Cup lemon juice2 Tbsp rose petal waterGrenadine (optional)Crystallized rose petals (optional)

In a saucepot bring the milk and water to a boil; add rose petals. Let infuse for about 10 minutes; strain the liquid and add the sugar. Allow a few minutes to dissolve; add the lemon juice and rose petal water. Chill and put in the ice machine. To serve, place 2 scoops of sorbet in martini glass; drizzle over the top a little grenadine and garnish with crystallized rose petals (if desired).

Fairy Tale Punch1 Banana, diced1 Cup diced apples1 Cup peaches1 Cup strawberries3 Cups fruit juice (your choice)

Place ingredients in blender, mix. Serve or chill. 1 hour to make slush.

Fairy Drink2 Cups fresh strawberries2 Cups vanilla ice cream2 Cups sparkling water1 Cup diced pineapple

Blend until smooth in blender. Serve in chilled glasses.

Serves 4

Fairy Nectar1 ½ Cups milk1/8 Tsp vanilla extract1 Tsp honeyA sprinkle of cinnamonA slice of lemon

Warm milk, don’t boil. Pour in mug, stir in honey and vanilla. Squeeze a few drops of lemon into the mix, sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Summer Solstice Spritzer2 Cups sugar1 Cup water2 Cups tea infusion (or herbal tea of choice)2 Cups raspberry juice3 Cups orange juice2 Cups pineapple juice1 Cup maraschino cherriesIce water1 Qt pale ginger alelime juice ice cubes (1 cup of fresh lime juice + 3 cups of water frozen as ice cubes)

Cook sugar and water together for 5 minutes. Cool. Add tea infusion, raspberry, orange, and pineapple juices together in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add water to equal 6 quarts. Chill. When serving, add ginger ale and cherries. Pour over lime ice cubes.

“Fairies are not a fantasy but a connection to reality.” --Brian Froud


Herbal SpotlightBy Skye

I would like to introduce you to the Fennel Plant. Fennel is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean area and has been used by cooks for centuries. The ancient Chinese, Indians, and Egyptians used fennel as a condiment, while the Italians and Romans cooked it as a vegetable. Even the ancient Assyrian doctors used fennel in drugs.

The strong flavor derived from either fennel seed or ground fennel is similar to many flavors, such as anise, licorice and dill. It is best used in a combination with strong-flavored fish, as it helps to disguise the “fishy” flavor. Fennel is also excellent in breads, sweets, pastry, stews, and pickles. In parallel to the theme of this paper, fennel is a favorite among the fairies.

The Latin name for fennel is Foeniculum Vulgare, and there are several species of fennel. It was first introduced in folk medicine by Pastor Sebastian Kneipp, who was known as the “water doctor”. He introduced a hot infusion of crushed fennel seeds to cure stubborn cases of coughing, whooping cough, asthma, and lung problems. Today, fennel is used to relieve cases of gastrointestinal complaints, digestive problems, flatulence, and even to treat bad appetites and bad breath. After a meal, try chewing on a few seeds to help digestion and sweeten your breath. It also has a mild diuretic and cleansing action on the kidneys and even promotes the flow of breast milk.

Magickal uses for fennel include protection, healing, and purification. One belief is that if you place fennel in your left shoe, it prevents wood ticks from biting your legs. Another belief is if you hang fennel on windows and from doorways it will ward off the evil spirits, and this also is the case if you carry it on your person. To grow fennel in your home helps you have protection from evil or harmful things.

Physically, fennel looks a lot like dill, but fennel is a lot more course and taller than dill. The seeds are what are used in remedies, although the roots and leaves have value also. I think the most common place you would find fennel is in sweet sausage. It is commonly used in the mixture. I have found a great recipe that can be cooked inside or on the grill. You may be able to tailor the recipe to you cooking needs, but it is a great recipe for the upcoming summer months.

FENNEL GRILLED FISH

8 ounces of fresh fennel (heads, stems, and leaves)1 ½ to 2 pounds of whole red snapper, or any other fish of your choice½ teaspoon of finely shredded lemon peel2 teaspoons of lemon juice1 clove of garlic, mincedcooking oil

Snip heads off fennel, measure 2 tablespoons. Save the stem portions to use on the grill. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Score both sides of the fish, then sprinkle fish cavity with salt and pepper. Combine the 2 tablespoons of fennel with lemon peel, lemon juice, and garlic, spreading onto both sides of fish cavity. Brush outside of fish with oil. Place in a wire basket. Lay about half of the remaining fennel on a cooking grill over the coals. Place grill basket on top, grill fish for about 10 minutes. Remove charred fennel, then place the remaining fennel over grill top. Turn fish. Grill 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Remove charred fennel from fish. Makes 4 to 6 servings.


Food For Thought By Skye

I found this on the internet when someone emailed it to me. It is just something that is good to always keep in mind.

A woman repeated a bit of gossip about a neighbor. Within a few days, the whole community knew the story. The person it concerned was deeply hurt and offended. Later, the woman responsible for spreading the rumor learned it was completely untrue. She was very sorry and went to a wise old sage to find out what she could do to repair the damage. “Go to the marketplace,” he said, “and purchase a chicken. Have it killed, then, on your way home, pluck its feathers and drop them one by one on the road.” Although the woman was surprised at this advice, she did what she was told. The next day, the wise man said, “Now go and collect all those feathers you dropped and bring them back to me.” The woman followed the same road, but to her dismay, the wind had blown the feathers far away. She searched for hours and finally returned to the sage with just three feathers in her hand. “You see,” said the sage, “It is easy to drop them but it is impossible to get them back. So is the way with gossip. It doesn’t take much to spread a rumor, but once you do, you can never completely undo the wrong.”-unknown.

If you have some food for thought you would like to share, or even some riddles or brain teasers, send it to me at [email protected]. Make sure you type WGM in the subject line so I know it is important.

Saravati Inspiration Spell AguilaBy Amethyst and Tiger’s Eye,Oh Saravati, hear my cry!By Rudilate and Amber glow,Oh ancient dragons, I do call.By flame and wind and oceans deep,By moss and oak roots under feet,I ask your aid with this request,My senses sharp, my skills attest,My talents fine, they quickly grow,And bring me peace, much mirth, and gold!


GAMES: Age of Mythology: The Titans ExpansionBy Gaia

For those of you who have encountered Microsoft’s previous efforts in the “Ages” series, I hear that this game may be somewhat of a disappointment to you. For me, who has had no contact with the others, I found it to be FANTASTIC!

It is a game of civilizations, of history, and of myths and legends; a game to consume many hours of your life as you work through the campaigns. Build mighty cities, ravage the entire area or be environmentally conscious and just take the resources you need. Fight with and against Soldiers, Mythological creatures, and legendary heroes; build the Trojan Horse and infiltrate Troy, and summon Titans to defeat your opponent.

Either play the campaign levels, or create your own mix of Goddess or God and terrain types to battle it out for supremacy.

Read the Help Screens to learn about Greek, Egyptian and Norse war-craft, history, and myths; as well as animals, plants, and structures.

An excellent epic game that offers four difficulty levels, ranging from “easy” (and it is) to “titan” (which is almost impossible!). Single or multi-player, the age recommendation is 13 yrs +.

BOOKS:Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around Youby Violet

Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide To The Fantastical World Around You is an amazing field guide to the world of faeries. It was “accurately restored and described by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.” The book has a lovely strip of red material which can be used as a bookmark.

Whether you believe in the existence of the fey or not, this book is a great read. It includes amazingly

drawn, on scale pictures, many side notes on the creatures, some small sketches, and intriguing facts referring to research and myths. This book contains journal entries, newspaper articles, and much, much more.

This book includes so much information for so many magickal creatures. This beautifully put together work of art is a great read for anyone and everyone of all ages.

As you read the Field Guide, you learn a little more about Arthur Spiderwick and his life before the events told in the Spiderwick Series. The Field Guide turned out to be very helpful for the Earth Day Challenge. Did you know that a well-known elven king was named Oberon? Or that the queen elf has more power and authority than the king elf?

This book doesn’t help you with learning by book-work alone. This book gives you tips on protection and equipment which you might want to use in case you decide to go hunting for faeries yourself. For example, I would go looking in more natural areas where there is no iron. This is because iron is like poison to a faerie. Don’t go looking for a faerie while you are wearing a bunch of metal accessories.

It’s a pretty big book, so there is no way I can cram much more than a small fraction of the information held within into this review. As I read through the book, I made a sincere and solemn vow to use this information wisely. Even though I have not talked to most of you, I trust you all. As wizards-in-training, and for the staff, who are wizards themselves, I must share with you this vow which is found at the beginning of the book:

“This book provides insight and information about the life, habits, and habitats of the denizens [residents] of the Invisible World. The authors wish to confirm that in opening this book, you agree that you will be responsible for the knowledge contained within and will use is wisely.” –T.D. & H.B

We don’t want anyone accidentally skipping over this page, do we?


MOVIES: Fairy Taleby Violet

Fairy Tale: A True Story is an inspiring movie featuring two young cousins: Elsie Wright, 12, and Frances Grifiths, 8. Joseph Wright is Elsie's brother who died of pneumonia. Joseph was the first to encounter the faeries and a master of building masterpieces of anything, from a house of leaves and twigs to a crown purely of keys.

Frances's father is a soldier out fighting World War I in France. He promised to send Elsie a perfume from France. Because of his job as a soldier, Frances temporarily lived in Africa and then went to live with her cousin, Elsie, while her father was at war.

Elsie's mother is depressed by the death of her son and is desperate to find proof of angels and faeries. At first, she does not believe because she can not see them. She is hurt when Frances tells her that she has seen fairies because she does not believe her.

Frances, to help her aunt, took her uncle's camera and took picture of the fairies. After the mother found them, tears of joy in her eyes, she passed them on. The pictures where tested and found to be genuine. As they passed from a theologist to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Harry Houdini, every photograph passed every test. These two girls began an uproar of belief in fairies.

In this movie, hearts of the characters and the viewers are touched as faith is renewed and created. Fairy Tale: A True Story is a great experience and a great movie for any believer, skeptic and/ or movie-goer. Not only does this movie teach lessons of the heart and life, but those of fairies themselves, too. It briefly speaks of Glamour, or fairy magick, for example. This tear-wrenching and heart warming experience is a highly recommended, must see for everyone and anyone. You won’t be disappointed.

Saravati Inspiration Spell Two -- AguilaBy moon’s first glance and stars so bright,

By morning’s early, pink sunlight,Strengthen my work, my stories, art.Success is mine; these gifts impart.

I ask it once, I ask it twice,By Saravati I ask it thrice!

The spell is sealed by love and rhyme,And, as I will, these gifts be mine!

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, or even touched. They must be felt. --Anonymous


Nature’s Apothecary By Skye

It is very rarely, if at all, that we are able to take time out of our busy schedule to indulge ourselves and got to a spa, or even get a manicure/pedicure. The recipes in this section will give even five minutes of pampering to that well-deserved person. These recipes and this section cater to those who cannot afford the spa or who just don’t have 2 hours to spare to pamper themselves. These recipes help recreate that “Spa” setting and help you feel like a million bucks. They also are the latest, hottest trends to come out of Hollywood, with a cheaper, at home version!

WHITE RUSSIAN DEEP CONDITIONERmakes hair silky, smooth, and shiny.

¼ cup of cooled coffee1 tsp sugar½ cup milkplastic cling wrap and a towel.

Combine ingredients and apply to freshly washed hair, then wrap hair with plastic wrap and cover with towel to retain heat. Wait 15-20 minutes, rinse well.

LEMON DROP MARTINI FACIAL SCRUB(gives skin radiant glow)

1 tsp lemon juice1 tsp sugar

Mix sugar with lemon juice to make paste then use fingers to massage over skin.

HOT BUTTERED MANICURE (makes hands super soft)

1 tbs brown sugar 1 cup milk or creamsprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamonbowl and hand towel

Fill small bowl with milk and cinnamon, soak hands 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse well.Mix in brown sugar and nutmeg, with just enough water to make paste; scrub, and pat dry.


Writing Contest!By Professor Moonwriter

In honor of this newspaper’s theme, “Fairies,” I am pleased to announce a Grey School creative writing contest!

The contest is open to all Grey School students.

Your task? Read the beginning of the story (below), then write a piece that picks up where I left off and finishes the story. Your writing should be no more than 1000 words, and done in MS Word.

Submit your entry as a Word attachment to Professor Moonwriter ([email protected]) by September 1, 2006. Include your magickal name and House or Lodge name.

There will be a first, second, and third place winner for House entries and a first, second, and third place winner for Lodge entries. Results will be announced in the fall edition of Whispering Grey Matters. Those who place will earn merits for their House or Lodge.

(Note: all entries become the property of the Grey School and may be used in future classes, publications, etc.)

Happy writing!

* * * * *Answers to Head Games

1. The cat killed Fred and Ginger. The cat knocked over the goldfish bowl, causing their death.

2. The lady suffered a heart attack and her heart stopped. The man was a doctor, the punch to the chest restarted her heart, and he was carrying her to his car to bring her to the hospital, where she made a full recovery.

3. The detective noticed an impression on the latest note. He slightly, lightly rubbed pencil over the note to reveal an impression of a written letter with the culprit’s signature.

4. She was his mother.

5. The ‘housebreaker’ was her husband, and they had locked their keys inside.

6. They are part of triplets, and the third brother is Charlie.

7. “I always lie.”

8. “F” appears 6 times. “Of” appears 2 times, and most people look for the “PH” sound.

A Surprise!

Later, when Kate thought about it, she couldn't remember exactly what had awakened her. She only knew that her mother radar had gone off, and feeling a need to check on Hannah, she bumped down the dark hallway, pulling her robe on as she walked. Standing outside her daughter’s room, she paused for a moment, hearing… voices. Hannah's voice, and . . . another one. An unfamiliar voice, soft and high-pitched. The radio perhaps? Or one of Hannah's CDs? As she turned the doorknob, she heard the little girl’s excited giggle.

Opening the door into the darkened room, Kate saw Hannah kneeling in the center of her bed, looking toward the window, and talking with some animation to . . . who?

Kate looked toward the window—a second floor window—and couldn't see anything except the curtains blowing in the lazy summer night's breeze, and maybe a glint of moonlight or starlight or maybe streetlight flashing on the windowsill. These thoughts flashed through in the second or two that it took her hand to reach for and flip on the overhead light.

Then there was a soft squealing sound, and Hannah looked toward her, blinking against the bright light, and saying, "Mommy! Look! Look!" Hannah beamed toward the windowsill and Kate looked there, and saw . . . Well, she hated to admit what she saw, because it instantly defied reality as she knew it. For there, on the sill, stood a wee being, a feminine-looking human-like creature about half the height of a Barbie doll, clad in a wisp of blue and with long silver-white hair flowing about her shoulders. The being was still, gossamer wings unfolded behind her and pulsing with a luminous glow as they shed bits of sparkling, glittery dust.

"Mommy, look! It's a fairy! " The little girl bounced up and down on her knees as she spoke.


Tinkerbelle's ArticleBy Skye

I felt this Midsummer’s edition wouldn’t be complete without an article about one of the world’s most popular and loved pixies in the world -- Miss Tinkerbelle.

It is said in Sir J.M Barrie’s well-known book Peter Pan that fairies were created “When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about and that was the beginning of fairies.”Sir Barrie, in fact, created Tinkerbelle in his book. For all those who have read the novel, you’ll know Tinkerbelle as the fairy who was jealous of Wendy or any other female Peter Pan paid attention to (mermaids, Tiger Lily, etc.) She glows the brightest for Peter Pan, has a singing voice like a tinker bell, and just a sprinkle of her fairy dust can make you fly.

So the big question is, where did the famous Tinkerbelle we know come from? The Disney version was brought to life by Disney animator Marc Davis, who created a curvaceous little pixie who was actually Margaret Kelly, a young actress who won the audition for the live-action reference. There were rumors that Tinkerbelle was modeled after Marilyn Monroe, but that is all they were, seeing that Miss Monroe was only playing bit parts as she wasn’t a big celebrity when the movie was being worked on. When the movie came out, it was around the time Marilyn was becoming famous, so it was automatically assumed she was Disney’s inspiration.

Miss Bell has been in several movies and shows since her first movie, Peter Pan in 1953. There are several different versions of Tinkerbelle, from a beam of light on stage productions, to a live-action version in the movie Hook, played by Julia Roberts. You can also see her in the video game Kingdom Hearts, where she has a small role, and in the movie Mickey’s Magical Christmas, where she has a major role. And who can forget her opening the firework show in the summer nights?

Who can say they didn’t clap their hands when Peter told us to do so, so Tink wouldn’t die? You might never admit it, but we (and the fairies) know the truth. I, however, am proud to clap my hands and say loudly, Yes, I do believe in fairies!

Faeries, come take me out of this dull world,For I would ride with you upon the wind,

Run on the top of the dishevelled tide,And dance upon the mountains like a flame.

William Butler Yeats, ~The Land of Heart s Desire, 1894" ' "


It may be Midsummer, but some of usare always ready for Samhain!

“Jack-O-Melon” by Jymi X/0

The Samhain issue of Whispering Grey Mattersis lurking in the approaching Autumn breeze!

Whispering Grey Matters is published by and forthe students and staff of the

Grey School of Wizardry.If you'd like to submit your art or writing,

or are interested in joining the newspaper staff,please contact Professor Moonwriter for more information.

Grey School Newspaper 8

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Transcript of Grey School Newspaper 8