May 2013 issue 10

37
JUMPING THE BROOM ~ Modern weddings with an OLD twist MOTHERS DAY Gifts for the Pagan Mom DANCING WITH DRAGONS ~ forging a lifelong friendship FINDING NATURE IN THE CITY ~ Explore nature in your backyard THE WICKERMAN

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Spells, Rituals and News about everyday living for the Pagan, Witch, Wiccan and spiritualist in us all

Transcript of May 2013 issue 10

Page 1: May 2013 issue 10

JUMPING THE

BROOM ~ Modern

weddings with an

OLD twist

MOTHERS DAY Gifts for the

Pagan Mom DANCING WITH

DRAGONS ~ forging

a lifelong friendship

FINDING NATURE IN

THE CITY ~ Explore

nature in your backyard

THE

WICKERMAN

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Harmony Hearth Brooms And

Faancy Hats

For more information and pricing please contact Anne at [email protected]

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Gensha Publishing

Maxine Byers

Lazy Witch

Ingrid Jeffries

CraftyWitch

Patti Wigington

Lady Ti-Eagle

Alena Orrison

Gertrude Moon

Crafty Witch

Maxine Byers

Janie Bass

http://elementalmagick.wetpaint.com/

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DEPARTMENTS

8 MOTHER’S DAY HISTORY

9 GIFTS FOR THE PAGAN MOM

10 DANCING WITH DRAGONS

11 THE ELEMENTAL DRAGONS

13 THE WICKER MAN

14 FINDING NATURE IN THE CITY

16 THE WICCAN ALTER

26 THE FLOWER MOON

27 SPRING FULL MOON RITUAL

17 SUBSTITUTES FOR ESENCIAL OILS

19 TOOLS OF THE WITCH

20 SPRING FLOWER MAGICK

29 THE MAGICK OF WATER

30 JUMPING THE BROOM, A BRIEF HISTORY ~

31 BOSOM WEDDIMGS

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6 FROM THE EDITOR

7 CALENDER OF EVENTS

12 PLANT OF THE MONTH ~ LOTUS

18 THE WHITE TIGER & THE WHITE ~ BUFFALO

22 TAURUS MOON SIGN

23 MAY MOON CALENDAR

24 GEMINI MOON SIGN

25 GEM OF THE MONTH ~ AQUAMARINI

28 GOD/DESS OF THE MONTH

32 CRAFTY WITCH’S BOOK REVIEW

33 BELTANE RITUAL FOR KIDS

32 CRAFTS FOR KIDS PIPECLEANER FARIE FRIENDS

32 MAKE A MINI OR ALTER MAYPOLE

Questions? Comments? Ideas?

If you have something to say, we want to

hear it!

Letters to the editor can be sent to

[email protected]

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I never really bought into the “fake it til you make

it” mentality when it came to happiness. Forcing a

smile when I was grumpy felt like stroking the cat

the wrong way and my reaction often paralleled the

wrath of my dog Burt on a bad day. I didn’t like the

idea of what felt like suppression of my true emotion

in order to achieve an alternate frame of mind,

though I do understand there is a science behind the

concept. In fact, an increasing amount of evidence

from research over the past few decades does show

facial expressions can result in experiencing the

correlating mood (whether positive or negative). But

plastering a grin on my moody mug made me feel

like I was walking in a world of Stepford wives, as

though everyone around me was faking their

happiness, too. From there, the dominoes would

tumble and plain grumpiness would take a turn for

depression.

Unfortunately, good intentions can go bad and what

works for some may not be the ticket for others. I’ve

gotten used to the fact that I tend to fall in that

“others” category, but at least I’m not alone.

Recently I read a tip in Whole Living magazine that

confirmed my inner turmoil over this point. Under

their action plan (tips for healthy change each day)

June 29th simply states, “Stop Faking It.” They go

on to say, “A recent study at Michigan State

University found that faking smiles throughout the

day can lead to bad moods and withdrawal… If you

don’t feel like smiling, don’t.”

Does your fake smile lead to a real smile?

Maybe forced smiling will bring a superficial sort of

happiness or even a sincere happiness for some, but

that doesn’t mean it will erase underlying negative

emotions. I have come to treat my emotions like

symptoms. If you break your leg, you can’t pretend it’s

ok until it is. You would be in immense pain and the

bones would likely heal incorrectly, leaving you with a

lasting chronic condition. Similarly, instead of pulling

up the bed sheets against my inner turmoil, I try to

discover the underlying cause and work to understand

and heal that instead.

Let yourself feel the emotions you are encountering.

Explore them. When I take the time to recognize an

emotion (often through discussion or journaling) rather

than trying to suppress or avoid it, I am able to process

that emotion and possibly even realize its hidden

source. This leads to a more natural transition in letting

go, which means I am one step closer to healing and

feeling sincere happiness.

Have you ever tried to “fake it til you make it” to

happiness? Has it worked for you? Do you have other

alternatives to boosting your mood when you find

yourself in a funk? Write to me and let me know what

works for you.

Until next time…

Bright Blessings

Maxine Byers

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Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation of 1870

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Dragon Magick is the calling upon of Dragons to aid

you and become co-magicians with you. Dragon Magick

can be practiced on its own or along with other

Magickal Traditions. Dragon Magick is not for

everyone. Those who practice Dragon Magick must be

self-disciplined seekers who realize the potential

dangers but dares to communicate with and befriend

this vast astral power of the ages. Dragon magick is a

serious topic and is not to be meddled with, hence

the fact that there are many dangers in this kind of

magick due to the immense power it has. It is for the

Magician who is serious about working with dragons

on a magickal, spiritual, and friend-wise basis.

When a Magician dances with Dragons, as the

practice of Dragon Magick is called, he/she discovers

an intensity of power never before tapped. When

tapped into this intensity it is exhilarating and a

Spiritual high. When you are befriended by Dragons

as co-magicians they can empower your rituals no

matter what tradition you practice far beyond what

you have normally encountered. Their grasp of

ancient knowledge is deep and profound. Their ability

to see through layers of time both present and past

as well as the future is astounding and quite accurate

if they choose to reveal what they see to you. As

protectors during rituals or everyday life there are

no equals. If you are chosen by Dragons under their

tutelage you will have the opportunity of constantly

learning and evolving your knowledge and magickal

ability.

If you take the time to forge a friendship with

Dragons they can become the best companions you

would ever want. Although this companionship can

seem harsh and demanding it is always in your best

interests. A lifelong dance with Dragons is never

boring for it is a constant exploration of various

types of energies and the uses in which these

energies can be applied. Dancing with Dragons can be

a joyful, daily experience and one that is eagerly

sought after by all participants for the mutual

sharing of energies during ritual as well as in life

helps out both species in their evolution and spiritual

growth. The more that Magicians seek out the

companionship of Dragons, work with them, and earn

their trust the more Dragons will be encouraged to

once again have a closer, positive relationship with

humans in general just like they did in olden times.

There are some schools of

thought that say that Dragon

Magick must be kept strictly as

High or Ceremonial Magick, but

that is not the case. Dragon

magick can and does work within

any magickal system. It can be

practiced as its own Tradition

or in conjunction with another magickal tradition. Dragons can help to empower your rituals no

matter what tradition you practice.

You will find these graceful beings in almost every magical system

throughout the world, where they are usually deified or vilified.

Each system looks at dragons in a different way and helps us to

learn about different facets of their personalities. There are some

who see them only as elemental energies without independent

existence; while others seem them as symbols of that energy and

having no true existence at all. My belief is that Dragons are astral

beings, having form and existence but they do not have the ability

to manifest on the physical plane that we live in. Their bodies are

made of energy, but the will and personalities that we connect with

are very real and independent of us.

Dragons do not only exist when we call upon them. They do not wait,

suspended in time, until we remember to invoke them. Just as we do

not live only in ritual, the dragons that we work with will have other

things to do and their own lives to lead. What may be convenient

for you may not be for them. As astral beings time may flow

differently for them, but they are in no way bound to our wills nor

must they obey our commands. In fact, that is a sure way to drive

them off and possibly suffer backlash from such an action.

Some call any magickal practice with Dragons is to “Dance with

Dragons”, but they can be more than just a dance partner. As

teachers of ancient knowledge their grasp of it is deep and

profound. Their ability to help in divination is astonishing and quite

accurate. As protectors during rituals and everyday life there are

no equals. And if a Dragon chooses to take you under their wings

you will have the opportunity of learning knowledge and evolving

your magickal ability, which few have done.

A lifelong practice with Dragons can form a bonding companionship

with them and they can become the best companions you could ever

have. If it is practiced daily it can be a joyful addition to your life

not to mention the benefit that both species gain in their evolution

and spiritual growth. The more that you seek them out, work with

them, and earn their trust the more Dragons will be encouraged to

once again have a closer, positive relationship with humans in

general like they did in old times.

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Alextrasza- Dragon Goddess of Life

She is a deep red, with jade eyes, and is of enormous

proportions. She creates new life, blesses, and saves lives.

She is the dragon mother.

Khellondros-Dragon God of Storms, Rain,

He is a sapphire blue, with grey eyes. The son of

Alextrasza.

Ysera- Dragon Goddess of Sleep

and Dreams

She is a yellow/green color, quite

large as well. She is also known as

'She of the Dreaming'. She usually

has her eyes closed, but when they

are open, they are every color of

eyes you have ever known and more.

She is very wise and controls dreams, sends them, and

keeps nightmares at bay. She is a powerful magician, with

immense mind power.

Malygos- Dragon God of Magick

He is a beautiful dark blue, with silver eyes. He creates

magick in all worlds, aids in magickal workings, anything to

do w/magick, you can be sure he is a part of. He tends to

keep to himself, and prefers icy climates. Don’t be

intimidated, if your intentions are good, you have nothing to

fear.

Nozdormus- Dragon God of Time

He is a gorgeous golden color, with eyes the color of the sun

itself, so try not to blind yourself looking into them! He

tends to hiss more than the others and rolls his s's more

the most dragons do. He is also

known as 'Lord of Time'. He

controls time itself, the

future, the past and the

present. He is obsessed with

collecting the past and wears an hourglass necklace around his giant neck. He doesn’t like

being bothered at all, so make sure you have a good reason

for doing so.

Deathwing- Dragon God of Death

By far the most terrifying of the dragons, he is the

blackest of blacks, with cold, yellow eyes. If you are ever in

his presence, you will immediately know, for you will feel the

most fear you have ever felt in your life. He is terrifying,

awful, cold and calculating. He has quite a long, evil past, but

since then has stopped being a thorn in dragon kind's side. I

wouldn’t recommend having anything to do with him, unless

it’s an emergency and all other resources have failed. He

takes the lives that are meant to be over with, and takes

them to the other world, where they can be reborn through

Alextrasza.

He creates storms, hurricanes,

tornadoes, etc. He breathes lightning

breathe. He dwells on our world usually

in the spring, summer and fall times. He

smells like thunder. He is very laid back

and has a good sense of humor.

Beryl- Dragon Goddess of Earth and All things Green,

She is a deep emerald green, with yellow eyes. She is

Khellondros's older sister. She makes things grow, plants,

the earth, grass, etc. She leaves our world during the winter

months. She can be cruel when crossed, but tends to be a bit

mysterious.

Frostwing- Dragon Goddess of Winter

She is a diamond white, with clear, ice like eyes. She is also

Deathwing's daughter. She makes the snow, the ice,

everything that has to do with winter. She is not one to be

crossed. She is cruel, savage, and doesn’t have much of a

sense of humor. Do not contact her directly unless

necessary.

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The Lotus

~ by Lazy Witch

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One of the most beautiful flowers and plants of the water world, the Lotus has been used in different forms of magick for thousands of years. Originally found in warmer climates such at Egypt, China and Japan, it has spread across the world and is known as a flower of love and passion. There are even a few species that can be found in our Northwest ponds and small quite lakes. The Lotus is best known for love magick. Anyone who breathes the scent of the Lotus will receive its protection. It also helps in psychic opening and spiritual growth. Sacred to Egyptian gods, Indian gods, Hermes, Oshun, and Osiris. Lotus oil has a high spiritual vibration and is suitable for blessings, anointing’s, meditation and as a dedication oil to your god(s). One who wears Lotus oil is sure of good fortune and much happiness. Going hand in hand with the Lotus is the Lotus Root which can be carried to keep thoughts pleasant and clear. Lotus Root can be uses as a "Fortune Chit" by slicing it on the round. Write "Yes" on one side, flip it over and write "No" on the other. When you need help in making a decision that can be answered with a Yes/No answer, flip your Lotus Root and get your help!! Place the root of a lotus under the tongue, and say the words "SIGN, ARGGIS" toward a locked door and it will miraculously open.

Lotus seeds and pods are used as antidotes to love spells, and any part of the lotus carried or worn ensures blessings by the Gods of good luck. REFERENCES The Extremely Large Herbal Grimoire, on Search Engine Squibd Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

The Lotus-Flower

All the heights of the high shores gleam

Red and gold at the sunset hour:

There comes the spell of a magic dream,

And the Harbor seems a lotus-flower;

A blue flower tinted at dawn with gold,

A broad flower blazing with light at noon,

A flower forever with charms to hold

His heart, who sees it by sun or moon.

Its beauty burns like a ceaseless fire,

And tower looks over the top of tower;

For all mute things it would seem, aspire

To catch a glimpse of the lotus-flower.

Men meet its beauty with furrowed face,

And straight the furrows are smoothed away;

They buy and sell in the market-place,

And languor leadens their blood all day.

At night they look on the flower, and lo!

The City passes with all its cares:

They dream no more in its azure glow,

Of gold and silver and stocks and shares.

The Lotus dreams 'neath the dreaming skies,

Its beauty touching with spell divine

The grey old town, till the old town lies

Like one half-drunk with a magic wine.

Star-loved, it breathes at the midnight hour

A sense of peace from its velvet mouth.

Though flowers be fair -- is there any flower

Like this blue flower of the radiant South?

Sun-loved and lit by the moon it yields

A challenge-glory or glow serene,

And men bethink them of jewelled shields,

A turquoise lighting a ground of green.

Fond lovers pacing beside it see

Not death and darkness, but life and light,

And dream no dream of the witchery

The Lotus sheds on the silent night.

Pale watchers weary of watching stars

That fall, and fall, and forever fall,

Tear-worn and troubled with many scars,

They seek the Lotus and end life's thrall.

The spirit spelled by the Lotus swoons,

Its beauty summons the artist mood;

And thus, perchance, in a thousand moons

Its spell shall work in our waiting blood.

Then souls shall shine with an old-time grace,

And sense be wrapped in a golden trance,

And art be crowned in the market-place

With Love and Beauty and fair Romance.

By Roderic Quinn

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The Wicker Man

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Finding Nature in the City ~ by Kelly Brenner

Perhaps you live in the city, or you’re visiting for a

conference, family or vacation. We’re all nature

fiends here and we need our nature fix. Even those

who are not self-declared nature fiends need their

nature fix, they just aren’t aware of it. Worry not;

it’s not as hard as you might think to find nature in

the city.

How to find it

First of all, you have to change the way you think.

Sure, bears and deer and mountain birds are great,

but you’re not likely to find them in the city center.

Although, sometimes you can be in for a treat when a

Snowy Owl takes out a gull in the middle of a busy

neighborhood, or if you’re lucky enough to live in a

city like Seattle where Orca whales are regularly

spotted. For the most part however, you’ll have to

assume you won’t see these kinds of wildlife. Instead

there are two ways to alter your typical thinking.

The first step is to think very small. Think like an ant!

Insects are most often overlooked, but they can be

abundant in the city. Crawling around on your hands

and knees along 5th avenue might get you some

strange looks, but you won’t be the only one to have

done it. Butterflies, beautiful bees and flies, beetles,

dragonflies and so much more can be found in even

the most urban of places. You will be surprised at

what you find. So bring your hand lens, field guide to

insects and macro lens and watch where you step.

The second step is to open your mind to the common

species. Crows are everywhere it’s true, but you may

gain some incredible insight and learn a lot if you stop

and watch and study them. If you have a doubt about

the incredible draw of common species, read the

fantastic (and one of my very favorites) book Crow

Planet. There is so much to learn about species that

we pass over without a second glance when we’re out

in ‘nature’ looking for more interesting species. Even

now, scientists are learning new things about common

species. Who knows, perhaps you’ll observe something

nobody has ever noticed before.

Where to find it

When you think about finding nature in the city, the

first thing that jumps into your mind is most likely

parks. While that is the most obvious answer, there

are many other places to find nature in the city. Here

is an example of a few.

Small Parks: While the bigger parks get all the news

and attention, even the tiny neighborhood parks can

hold a great deal of excitement. For example in my

neighborhood, is a small wetland park which I’d never

even heard of until I moved here. The bigger parks in

the city are well known to have owls, but I found one

in my park which I saw on a daily basis for over a

month. Just because they don’t get the press doesn’t

mean they can’t harbor interesting wildlife.

Traffic Circles: Visit these

locations with caution as you

don’t want to get run over while

looking for nature. Many cities

have volunteer homeowners

maintain their local traffic

circles. Some of them can be

spectacular and I’ve found some here in Seattle which are simply buzzing with bees,

flies and butterflies. In Vancouver, B.C. there is a

program run by the city which allows people to adopt a

traffic circle or street curb.

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Community Gardens: If you’re lucky to be in a city

with community gardens (Seattle has over 44 acres)

you’re bound to find some good wildlife.

Cemeteries: One area of green space which is never

paved over is cemeteries and many older ones have

beautiful, mature trees which provide habitat for many

Among the gardens I’ve

visited, one is known as a

butterfly hotspot, another

keeps tracks of all their bird

species. With the flowers

growing and such a diversity

of plants, you’ll find a wide

variety of insects and birds.

Vacant Lots: Whether it’s a lot with weeds so tall

you can’t see the other side, or an old parking lot

with plants starting to poke through the cracks in

the pavement, these are a refuge for all manner of

wildlife and plants.

Green Roofs: Many cities such

as Portland, Chicago and

Seattle have added a

tremendous amount of green

roofs in recent years. While

many are private, there are

many more which have

observation decks or are

accessible to the public. Many of these roofs are finding a surprising amount of

wildlife on them. Green walls are starting to catch

up in popularity and can also be places for birds to

nest and other wildlife to shelter.

Bridges: This may seems like a strange one for the

list, but bridges are well known to many as excellent

places to find wildlife. Many Peregrine falcons can be

found nesting on bridges and bats roosting in Austin

create a huge tourist draw as they leave each night

to go out in search of insects.

many species. They are also a

quiet, peaceful place in a city

where you can get away from

people and noise.

Golf Courses: Fancy hitting the links while you get

your nature fix? Many golf courses attract an

abundance of wildlife. When you slice your ball off into

the pond, you can check out the frogs and dragonflies

while you make your drop. Just be sure not to get too

absorbed in the wildlife you forget to watch out for

other bad golfer’s balls flying at your head. I never

said watching city wildlife was safe!

There are many more places to find nature in the city

and more and more urban designers are starting to

include habitat in their plans. If you’d like to find out

more about incorporating habitat into urban

landscapes, visit my blog, The Metropolitan Field

Guide.

Kelly Brenner writes The Metropolitan Field Guide, a blog for ideas, thoughts and resources for the design of urban wildlife habitat. She earned a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Oregon. Kelly has studied and watched wildlife from a very young age in the great Pacific Northwest and from that has nurtured her passion for creating, discovering and encouraging habitat development in the urban environment. In addition to the blog, The Metropolitan Field Guide can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr. For fun, she enjoys traveling and taking photographs which can be found online at Kelly Brenner Photography.

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Why Is A Wicca Altar Important?

Any altar is a symbolic

manifestation of your innermost

self. It is an expression of your

heart's longing and your soul's

potential. It is also a focal point

for your devotion . . . A spiritual

practice arena for devotion to

the Divine.

Temples Within And Without

We each have a Temple in our

inner hearts. And any spiritual

process is about entering and

worshiping there. But it's not

easy to access something so

abstract. So, like your symbols

and tools and Gods and

Goddesses, you create something

that comes through the gate of

your senses. Something you can

see and smell and touch. Even

hear and taste, if possible. The

more senses you engage, and the

more you balance your sense

perceptions, the more you can

access the spiritual levels that

you seek. In this context, altars

are not some esoteric mystery,

but the most natural expression

of what has value to you.

Natural Altars

So, in the broadest terms, an

altar is any collection of items

that are personally meaningful.

Almost everyone has one . . . That

collection of photographs on the

bedside table. The mementoes

that gather on the mantle place.

These are altars to your loves and

your life. When you want to make

an altar dedicated to your

spiritual life, you simply focus a

little more. You put only items

that uplift your spirit and remind

you of your ideals. That's all any

spiritual altar is - Wiccan or

Your Private Relationship With

The Goddess

You will want to give your Wicca

altar the respect it deserves.

Especially once you've

experienced the Power that your

altar can move, in your life. Only

those to whom you could safely

entrust your most tender

feelings should see this . . . if

anyone. Even then, think about it

carefully. There is no reason why

you should share this altar at all.

Your spiritual life is between you

and the Divine. Your Wicca altar

is the outward manifestation of

this relationship. It can be kept

completely confidential.

Sometimes the most sacred

things need to be kept silent

about. Your relationship with the

Divine is the deepest of

relationships. Just as you are

unlikely to let people watch while

you and your beloved are making

love (or so I assume ), keep your

most personal altar truly sacred.

All your other altars can be as

open as you (and they) like.

It's Simple

A Wicca altar doesn't have to be

complicated or costly. You don't

really need anything other than

what you have on hand, or can

easily find for free. You don't

even need a specially designed

altar table. Many people set up

altars in convenient places, like

an end table, a dresser, a mantle,

even on top of the TV! For a

private altar, a hutch with closing

doors, or a bedside table can

work well. And don't forget your

outdoor spaces - perfect for

Wicca altars!

otherwise . . .

A symbol to help you remember . .

• Who you really are,

• Where you really come from, and

• Where you are choosing to go!

Your Altar Nourishes Your Soul

Once you make your first conscious

altar, and discover how beautiful

and nourishing it can be, you may

find yourself wanting to make

altars everywhere.

Go for it! How could you possibly go

wrong, bringing the blessings of the

Divine wherever you are. Your

office, your car, your bedroom, . . .

all are perfect places for an altar.

. . . Because every altar becomes a

home for what you enshrine there.

When you create an altar to the

Divine, She lives there. (So behave

accordingly!)

You’re Inner Temple

You'll probably want to keep at

least one altar private. Put it in a

personal part of your house, or

somewhere you can discretely close

a door and keep it from sight. This

can be your innermost Temple's

altar . . . the Heart of your witchy

heart. This is where you can put

your most personal and meaningful

items.

The Power Of Keeping Silent

This privacy isn't about hiding. It's

the Fourth Power of the Witch:

holding silence. When something is

very sacred, it's not easy to talk

about it. The words don't exist, for

one thing. Even more, the respect

for Soul and Spirit isn't common in

our culture. So to expose your

innermost Temple to idle curiosity,

disdain, or ill intent is to open your

Heart to violation and disperse the

Power gathered by your altar. 16

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Wicca Altar cont….

• Old stumps,

• Hollows or nooks in trees,

• On top of stones,

• Beside creeks,

• Small caves . . .

Anyplace you aren't likely to step or sit on it, you can

set up a little altar.

Tending Your Wicca Altar

Tending an altar is a wonderful spiritual practice that

anyone can do. It's very forgiving, as spiritual practices

go. Which makes it perfect for those of us who are not

yet particularly disciplined?

The Magick in a Wicca Altar

The benefits of tending your altar are not all in the

spiritual realm. Your daily life will reflect what's

happening on your altar. In other words, when you make

changes on your altar, you will alter your life.

If you feel stuck at work, for instance, alter things in

the spiritual realm. Clean your altar thoroughly. Put on a.

fresh altar cloth in a bright color. Decorate it with some

new Wiccan stuff. And then watch your life

transform. This magickal benefit creates motivation

to keep your altar devotion up. The Care and Feeding

of Your Altar has more on these topics.

Summary

Some people will try to tell you that you absolutely

must have this or that on your Wicca altar. If so,

smile politely, say thank you, and walk away.

It's your altar. And it's your spiritual Path. There

are no rules for what kind of Wiccan stuff you put

there, except the Silver Rule - do what works for

you.

Be creative. When making a Wicca altar, let your

heart speak. Let your inner magickal child express

the wonder and delight in the world that you once

had.

This is your pure divine self-expressing itself.

And that's what spiritual practice is all about.

With Bright Blessings,

SOME SUBSTITUTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS ~ by Lazy Witch

Some of you may have a very large collection of

Essential Oils in your Magic Cupboard while

others, like myself, have very few, using these

oils primarily for anointing candles or just a dot

on my forehead before doing ritual or ceremony.

I do my best to keep my stock limited so they are

fresh and full of energy.

In an effort to help our readers to know what can

be substituted for some of the more frequently

used oils, here's a short list you might wish to

keep handy.

Essential Oil Substitute

Bergamot = Grapefruit

Chamomile = Lavender

Clary Sage = Equal Parts of Sage and Nutmeg

Grapefruit = Lemon

Jasmine = Ylang Ylang

Lemongrass = Lemon

Mandarin = Orange

Patchouli = Vetiver

Rose = Rose Geranium

Sandalwood = Equal Parts of Benzoin and

Cedarwood

Spearmint = Peppermint

Tea Tree = Equal parts of Lavender and White

Camphor

These substitutions will only slightly affect the

fragrance of a blend, and will often drastically

reduce the cost. You can use this table as a

guideline for experimenting with other aromatic

recipes, sometimes you can even get away with

double substitutions (i.e., using Lemon for

Grapefruit for Bergamont) without significantly

affecting the fragrance.

Source: From the New Jersey Pagans Notes on Facebook, Thursday, 21 March 2013, crediting The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. 17

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Correspondences: Spring Flower Magic

As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually

bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow

have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often

connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring

is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around

you, and consider the different magical applications they

might have.

• Crocus: This flower is one of the first you'll see in the

spring, and it's often associated with newly blooming love.

The crocus is also known to enhance visions and bring

about intuitive dreams.

• Daffodil: The bright petals of the daffodil are

typically found in shades of white, yellow or even pale

orange. This flower is associated with love and fertility --

place fresh ones in your home to bring about abundance.

Wear this flower close to your heart to draw love and

luck.

• Dandelion: The leaf of the dandelion is used for

healing, purification, and ritual cleansing. To bring positive

change about, plant dandelions in the northwest corner of

your property. The bright yellow flowers can be used in

divination, or placed in a sachet to draw good energy your

way.

• Echinacea: Also called purple coneflower, this garden

mainstay adds a little bit of magical "oomph" to charms

and sachets. Use it for prosperity related workings. Burn

the dried flowers in incense, and use on your altar during

ritual as an offering to deities.

• Goldenseal: This sunny yellow flower is often found

growing in the wild, alongside roads and in fields. Use it in

money spells, or for business dealings. Work it into

charms connected to matters of financial gain or legal

issues.

• Hibiscus: This lusty flower incites passion -- use it to

attract love or lust, or for prophetic dreams about your

lover. Burn in incense, or carry in a sachet to bring love

your way.

• Hyacinth: This flower was named for Hyakinthos, a

Greek divine hero who was beloved by Apollo, so it's

sometimes considered the patron herb of homosexual

men. Hyacinth is also known to promote peaceful sleep,

and guards against nightmares. Carry in an amulet to help

heal a broken heart or to ease grief when a loved one

dies.

• Lily: The Easter lily or Tiger lily is associated with all

• Lily: The Easter lily or Tiger lily is associated

with all kinds of Spring connections -- fertility,

rebirth, renewal and abundance.

• Narcissus: Named for another Greek figure, the

Narcissus helps promote polarity and harmony. Its

calming vibrations bring about tranquility and inner

peace.

• Tulip: The tulip appears in many different colors

and varieties, but is typically connected to

prosperity. You can use the different colored

variations in color magic -- use a dark strain such

as Queen of the Night for full moon rituals, or

bright red flowers for love magic.

• Violet: In Roman myth, the first violet sprung

from the spilled blood of the god Attis, who killed

himself for Cybele, the mother goddess. However,

today the violet is associated with tranquility and

peace. The leaf offers protection from evil, and

can be sewn into a pillow or sachet for a new baby.

Carry the petals with you to bring about luck and

enhance nighttime magic.

Important: Remember that some plants can be

toxic to pets. Before you plant or pick any of

these, be sure to check to make sure it won't be

harmful to your furry companions. A great resource

to check is on the ASPCA website at Toxic & Non-

Toxic Plants.

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

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22

Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is all about reward .

Unlike the Aries love of the game, Taurus loves the rewards of

the game. Think physical pleasures and material goods, for

those born under this sign revel in delicious excess. They are

also a tactile lot, enjoying a tender, even sensual, touch. Taurus

adores comfort and likes being surrounded by pleasing,

soothing things. Along these lines, they also favor a good meal

and a fine wine. The good life in all its guises, whether it's the

arts or art of their own making (yes, these folks are artistic as

well), is heaven on Earth to the Taurus-born.

It's the Bull that serves as the Taurus's mascot, and along with

that comes the expectation that these folks are bull-headed and

stubborn. Yes, they are. Hey, this sign has a Fixed Quality

attached to it after all, so expect that things will occasionally

grind to a halt. That said, Taurus does not start out with the

intention of getting stuck. They simply want to get things done,

and it's that steady, dogged persistence that winds up being

viewed as stubbornness. Bulls are actually among the most

practical and reliable members of the zodiac, and they are

happy to plod along, as it were, in pursuit of their goals. The

good news for Bulls is that once they get to the finish line,

they'll swaddle themselves in material goods. A self-indulgent

beast? Perhaps, but if you toiled as laboriously as these folks

do, you'd need some goodies, too.

Taurus is ruled by Venus, a lovely goddess who didn't deny

herself many things. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus was

the Goddess of Love, Beauty and Pleasure, and Taurus has

pretty much taken up where she left off. Bulls are fond of all

things pretty, whether it's in their home, at a museum or on the

stage. Life as one sweet pas de deux is how the Taurus-born

like it. To onlookers, this may look like so much materialism

and blessed excess, but Bulls really aren't interested in living

without beauty in their lives. Beauty to the Bull also comes in

the way of a happy home life, one that includes a partner and a

stable relationship.

Taurus values harmony in their personal lives, so they'll work

hard on keeping their mate happy. The Bull's penchant for

sensual pleasures, of course, can only help things along!

Bulls can also be the sappiest of sentimentalists. Will all this

overweening attention to their mate turn a Bull into a

possessive mess? Probably not, although these folks do have to

manage their tendency to latch on a bit tight. At the end of the

day, however, Taurus’s are true romantics and loyal to the core.

The Element associated with Taurus is Earth. No pie-in-the-sky

for these practical folks, since they'd much rather be on terra

firma.

Bulls tend toward conservatism, and this is often seen in their

day-to-day behavior. No far-out schemes (that's Air) or

shrieking ultimatums (more like Fire) here. Taurus much

prefers to take each day slowly and steadily and work toward

their ultimate goal. Along these lines, those born under this

sign are happy to stick with their projects until they have

reached a successful conclusion. They are also extremely

patient and dependable along the way. Does that sound earthy

enough? The only kink in this well-oiled chain is the heckler

in the gallery that tries to upbraid the Bull. These folks may

not have a hair-trigger temper, but it's short enough. Bulls in a

hissy fit can get pretty argumentative, but eventually they'll

calm down and come back to center, since these folks would

much rather be Zen. The Earth in this sign does tend to act as a

balancing mechanism so that things never get truly out of

hand. For every one person who considers the Bull a pain,

there are two who will say 'No way!' and happily take the

Taurus' gentle charms any day.

Seeing as how Bulls are generally strong and well-built, it's no

surprise that these folks enjoy testing their strength on the field

of play. Expect to find a Bull engaged in a spirited game of

hoops or mountain climbing. Hiking is also a favorite pastime,

since it keeps Taurus close to their beloved earth. Indoor

adventures are also favored by Bulls, which is why the opera

or ballet is right up a Taurus's alley. When it comes to love,

the Taurus-born are devoted, romantic and somewhat

possessive. Their sensual nature has a way of erasing any

mistakes! Since Taurus rules the neck and throat, Bulls would

be wise to keep a silky scarf at hand, ideally in a warm (and

soothing) earth tone.

The great strength of Taurus is in their stability, loyalty and

dogged determination. Bulls want to get the job done, and they

will. What better way to get the riches they so fervently crave?

Page 23: May 2013 issue 10

The Bull

April 21 to May 21

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Gemini May 21 - June 21

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, and those born under this

sign will be quick to tell you all about it. That's because they

love to talk! It's not just idle chatter with these folks, either. The

driving force behind a Gemini's conversation is their mind. The

Gemini-born are intellectually inclined, forever probing people

and places in search of information. The more information a

Gemini collects, the better. Sharing that information later on

with those they love is also a lot of fun, for Gemini’s are

supremely interested in developing their relationships.

Dalliances with these folks are always enjoyable, since

Gemini’s are bright, quick-witted and the proverbial life of the

party. Even though their intellectual minds can rationalize

forever and a day, Gemini’s also have a surplus of imagination

waiting to be tapped. Can a Gemini be boring? Never!

Since Gemini’s are a mix of the yin and the yang, they are

represented perfectly by the Twins. The Gemini-born can easily

see both sides of an issue, a wonderfully practical quality. Less

practical is the fact that you're not sure which Twin will show

up half the time. Gemini’s may not know who's showing up

either, which can prompt others to consider them fickle and

restless.

They can be wishy-washy, too, changing their mood on a

simple whim. It's this characteristic which readily suggests the

Mutable Quality assigned to this sign. Mutable folks are flexible

and go with the flow. Further, the Twins are adaptable and

dexterous and can tackle many things at once. It's a good thing,

too, when you consider their myriad interests. The downside of

such a curious mind, however, can be a lack of follow-through.

How much can any one person do, anyway?

Ruled by Mercury, Gemini’s exhibit a delicious brand of

mercurial energy. They are quick-thinking, quick-witted and

fast on their feet, much like the messenger god of Roman

mythology that rules their sign. Gemini’s are both curious and

clever, which is why they are such a hit at cocktail parties.

Although they talk a great game, they also love to listen and

learn. With any kind of luck, the Twins will find themselves in

interesting company, because if they don't, they are likely to get

bored and start fidgeting. Any social setting is a good one for a

Gemini, however, since these folks are charming, congenial and

love to share themselves with their friends. While their

effusiveness may be misconstrued as scheming by some,

Gemini’s generally have their hearts in the right place. It's that

ample energy which can also paint them as scatterbrained and

unfocused, but behind all that zipping around, the Twins are

busily filing all that good data away.

The element associated with Gemini is Air. Air signs are the

thinking person's signs, and the Twins don't disappoint.

Those born under this sign prize intellect and consider it the

key to all things. At work, they are the clearest of thinkers,

looking at a project from all (well, at least two) sides and

putting forth some logical and well-thought-out ideas. This

quality makes Gemini’s an asset to any team, and while these

folks are not inclined to take the lead, they are a most

valuable component. It's also the Gemini's literary bent that

allows them to offer a useful perspective on most any

situation. The Twins also enjoy bringing their objective

reasoning and big-picture ability into their personal

relationships. While some may perceive all this logical

thought as cold and unemotional, it's simply how these folks

tick. They want to connect, they just do it their own way.

Luckily for Gemini’s (and their pals), their lightness of spirit

and youthful exuberance help them to appear forever young.

In keeping with that skip in their step, Gemini’s enjoy short

road trips -- and their agile minds and nimble hands ensure

that they could change a tire (if needed) in no time flat. Is all

of this Twin-energy more than any one person can handle?

Ah, maybe that's why they are two.

When it comes to sports, Gemini’s would seem a natural for

doubles tennis -- and they are. They love the camaraderie of

games and play, which is why they excel at team events.

Whether it's volleyball or a game of charades, Gemini’s are

always ready to play. A book club would certainly stimulate

their literary minds. In the game of love, Gemini’s are

playful, flirtatious and endless fun. Physically speaking,

Gemini rules the nervous system, which is why Twins should

practice yoga or deep breathing techniques. Layering

themselves in soft yellows and blues will also calm their

mood.

The great strength of the Gemini-born is in their ability to

communicate effectively and to think clearly.

Adventures of the mind are what the Twins are all about.

They also love to share themselves with their friends, and

they make for charming companions.

Gemini traits, both good and bad:

Gemini Positive Traits

Very versatile and can adapt to anything

Talkative and quick-witted

Smart and polite

Energetic

Gemini Negative Traits

Prone to nervousness and tense

inconsistent &Superficial

Inquisitive & Cunning

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The GOD/DESSES of WATER

By Lazy Witch

Egyptian Sobek - God of the Nile River

Nephthys - Goddess of the rivers

Fijian Daucian - God of seafaring

Dakuwaqa - the Shark God who

directs the seafarer to his

destination

Finnish Ahti - God of the depths and fish

Vellamo - The wife of Ahti and

Goddess of the sea, lakes and

storms

Greek (there are many, many

gods and goddesses the Greeks

used for the waters. These are

just a very few!)

Amphitrite - Sea Goddess and

consort of Poseidon

Poseidon - King of the sea and

lord of the sea gods; also god of

rivers, storms, flood and drought,

earthquakes and horses. His

Roman equivalent is Neptune.

Haitian Agwe - A loa who rules over the

sea, fish and aquatic plants, and

the patron loa of fishermen and

sailors

Clermeil - A loa who made rivers

flood their banks

In preparing for this month's

column, I came across more

Water Gods and Goddesses

than I could shake a stick at.

Since most of us practice a

combination of Magick from

around the world, I've decided

to give you three or four or so

from different paths. I hope

you will find one or two that will

suit you in your workings.

Aztec Tlaloc - God of thunder, rain

and earthquakes.

Chalchiuhtlicue - Goddess of

water, lakes, rivers, seas,

streams, horizontal waters,

storms, and baptism.

Ainu Pepun Kamui - God of the sea

Canaanite Yam - God of rivers and the sea

Celtic Boann (Irish) - Goddess of the

River Boyne

Lir (Irish) - God of the sea

Chinese Gong Gong - Water God

responsible for the great

floods, together with Xiang Yao

Mazu - Water Goddess and

protector of sailors

Hawaiian Kanaloa - God of the Ocean

Namaka - Sea Goddess

Roman Fontus - God of wells and

springs

Neptune - King of the sea

Salacia - Neptune's queen

These are only a very few of

the Gods, Goddesses and spirits

of the sea and water. For a

more expanded listing go to

Wikipedia at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lis

t_of_water_deities

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The Magick of Water

Water is flowing. It is emotional, it is psychic. Water is cleansing, cooling, and calming. Water is the element of the subconscious mind, of intuition, and of the astral plane. The elementals of Water are the Undines, and they control to a great degree the movement and flow of streams, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Undines may be found in any place water exists, in a droplet of water, and in oceans. Water is Feminine, Its direction is West, Its symbol is the Chalice, Its color is Blue. Autumn is its season, and its time is Twilight. Water Magick may be used in calming a hurt, Easing the flow of a situation, Aiding in emotional distress.

The elemental energy in water spells is used for

magick involving love, friendship, mystery, psychic

abilities, healing, dreams and sleep. You'll want to

add some water elements for any magick that has to

do with your emotions or the astral world beyond.

So if you're looking to cast a water spell, here are

some of the things you could use:

Stones like moonstone, aquamarine, jade or

malachite

Altar tools like a chalice or cup

Oils and herbs such as valerian, jasmine or

gardenia

Though drinking is a common part of water magick,

ritual baths are another great way to bring in some

water energy to your spells.

Peaceful Dreams Spell This spell can help promote a more restful sleep and pleasant dreams. An ideal magickal option if you're under stress and can't sleep. This is what you need: • 1 tsp coarse salt • 1/2 oz rosemary • 1 oz rose petals • 1 oz valerian • 3 pieces of moonstone • Glass bowl Before bed, fill the bowl with water then add the salt and herbs. Stir it around gently, and repeat the following:

Bring me quiet Bring me peace

Ease my dreams Nightmares cease

Drop the 3 moonstones into the bowl, and place it near your bed. Go to sleep and let the bowl absorb any negative dreams.

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By Jaclyn Geller

There is an ongoing debate as to the exact origins of

“Jumping the Broom”. Dating back to slave days,

jumping the broom together has been part of

weddings for couples who want to honor that

tradition. It also has roots in the Celtic culture and

including but not limited to Welsh, Celtics, Druids, and

Gypsies and some aboriginal or shamanistic cultures.

During the early days of the American south, when

slavery was still a legal institution, slaves were not

legally allowed to marry one another. Instead, a

ceremony was held where the couple would jump over

a broom in front of witnesses, either together or

separately. No one is really sure where the tradition

originated.

Once African-Americans were legally allowed to

marry in the United States, the tradition of

broom-jumping virtually disappeared -- after all, it

was no longer needed. However, there has been a

resurgence in popularity, due in no small part to

the miniseries Roots.

Danita Rountree Green,

author of Broom Jumping:

A Celebration of Love

suggests the practice

came from Ghana: where

bridal brooms were waved

above the heads of

newlyweds and their

parents, but she also says

there's no hard proof of

the custom existing there. Some believe this “Jumping the Broom” ritual

was originated by the Asian culture: where the placing

of sticks on the ground represents the couple's new

home; having the duo leap over the bundle. The late

scholar and folklorist Alan Dundes makes the

argument that the tradition of jumping a broom

originated among England's Rom, or gypsy, population.

Dundes also points out that the broom is highly

symbolic, saying, "the symbolic significance of the

ritual to be the 'stepping over' as a metaphor for

sexual intercourse. If a woman's jumping over a

broomstick produces a child, one could reasonably

assume that the broomstick has phallic properties*."

There are several

historical book

references, pictures,

illustrations and

historical artifacts

proving of its existence.

The earliest

documented reference

given to the phrase “Jumping the Broom” is in the 1774 Oxford

English Dictionary, a quote from the Westminster

Magazine: "He had no inclination for a Broomstick-

marriage" and in the late 1700’s a song was

published in The Times of 1789, mocking this

tradition; a lyric referring to the rumored

concealed marriage between the Prince Regent

and Mrs. FitzHerbert; “Their way to

consummation was by hopping o’er a broom, sir.”

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Jumping the Broom: Besom Weddings

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

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Crafty Witch’s Book Review

Witchcraft for the Hearth and Home

Author Deanna Anderson recently released Magick for the Kitchen Witch, a guide for those of us who see

the hearth as the center of the home. The tradition

of kitchen witchery has its roots in early folk magic

and folklore itself, and has lived on in the modern

Neopagan movement. Anderson's book, the first in a

proposed series, takes a look at how we can

incorporate magical living into our homes, our hearths,

and our daily lives with the kitchen witch philosophy.

Each chapter looks at a different aspect of the

kitchen witch methodology. In a section on Food

Magick, Anderson tackles one my of my personal

favorites -- the idea of incorporating magical energy

into cooking. She suggests magical ingredients for pie

fillings, sigils to be inscribed on crusts, herbal broths

and teas, and more. Another chapter looks at simple

healing magic, such as homemade lip balms and health

charms. Unlike many authors who simply say, "Use

these herbs to feel better!", Anderson is savvy

enough to include a disclaimer that medical advice

regarding illnesses should be sought out from a

licensed practitioner.

The always-adaptable witch bottle gets a chapter of

its own, and Anderson offers some great ideas on how

to fill one based upon your needs. She provides

recipes for a variety of bottles -- one to protect the

home, another for peace and quiet, still another to be

given as a wedding gift.

Chapter 11 covers Divination and Scrying, and it's one

of the best sections of all. She looks at techniques

found in folklore and traditional hill magic, such as the

uses of acorns, stones, or even needles as divinatory

tools. I'd have liked to see her go into more details

about some of these, and hope that at some point she

writes a book focusing solely on divination, because

each of the topics in this section could

easily have an entire chapter of its own.

In fact, if I had one complaint about this

book, it would be that because Anderson

tries to cover so much great material, a

few of the chapters leave me wanting

more. I wouldn't have minded seeing some

of the ideas fleshed out in more detail.

The chapter on witch ladders and knot

magic seemed all too short, as did the one

on the use of candles as a magical tool. I

know Anderson has a creative flair, and

I'd like to see more, so I'm hoping that

she's indeed able to produce an entire

series of useful books for folks

interested in kitchen witchcraft.

On the whole, I'd highly recommend

Magick for the Kitchen Witch, not just to

beginners but to more experienced

practitioners as well. It's a good general

overview of kitchen witchery and folk

magic techniques, and hopefully we'll see

a lot more in the future from Deanna

Anderson.

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Beltane Ritual for

KIDS

By Alena Orrison

You will need: • Fresh flowers, dandelions, daffodils, any spring flower that grows in your area (make sure that you have enough for each child to end up with a small bouquet, as they will be wrapping them in the ritual) • Ribbons of every color that ties in with spring

1. Arrange the flowers on the altar to look pretty. You can have the kiddos do this. Make sure that your ribbon is cut long enough to go around a few flowers though.

2. Have the boys in your group pick up half of the flowers and present them to the girls (if there aren’t enough boys and girls mixed in your gathering, just have everyone take half of their flowers and give them to the person next to them). As the flowers are given, have the boys (or everyone) say,

(if your group is all doing the same thing, just have everyone hold up their flowers and speak to the Goddess as opposed to speaking to each other) 3. Have the girls in the group take half of their ribbons and present them to the boys (again, if there aren’t enough, just pass half of the ribbon to the person next to them). As the ribbons are given, have the girls (or everyone) say,

(again, if your group is all doing the same thing, just have them hold up the ribbons and speak to the God)

4. Have each child hold their bouquets of flowers, and their ribbons and have them begin wrapping the stalks of flowers with the ribbon. As they begin to wrap, read this story:

After the story and everyone has wrapped their flowers with ribbon, place the bundles of flowers either on the altar or in areas the children can sense faeries and/or the Goddess. Then celebrate with small cakes or cookies and juice.

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Crafts for

KIDS

By Alena Orrison

Pipecleaner Faeries Friends Here is a fun project to do with children of all ages. I made one before crafting with the kiddos to see how much help they would need. I found that hot glue worked much better than crafting or school glue, so obviously the children would need help with that. The rest wasn’t too hard. I found the directions I followed in Family Fun Magazine. What you'll need: o Silklike artificial flowers o Scissors o Red and pink markers o Fine-tip black marker o Drilled 16 mm round wooden bead o Pipe cleaner for the body o Wire cutters o Embroidery floss (about 4 feet) o Hot Glue Gun o Pipe cleaner, feathers or butterfly wings for the

wings

Creative Tips: To choose a flower skirt, hold the bloom upside down and envision it on a fairy before you buy it. Add a dried flower wand or a tiny crown for special midnight parties.

How to make it: Separate the flower from the stem. If it

doesn't pull off, use scissors. Select as many layers of petals as you like for the fairy's skirt.

Use the markers to draw a face on the

wooden bead. Be sure the hole is at the top of the head.

Fold the body pipe cleaner into thirds and

use wire cutters to snip off a third.

For the hair, wind the embroidery floss around your fingers to form a mini skein.

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Bend the longer piece of pipe cleaner in half and tuck the floss in the fold. Thread both pipe cleaner ends through the bead head.

Make sure the head is tight against the floss, then snip the floss loops. Use a glue stick to keep the hair in place on the sides and back of the head.

Thread the legs through the petal skirt. Slide the skirt up under the arms and twist the legs to keep it in place.

Fold in the tips of the legs and arms to hide the sharp ends and to form hands and feet.

Pipe cleaner wings: Wrap the wings pipe cleaner around the fairy's waist and twist it tightly in back. Shape the ends into wings, then trim any extra. Or feather or butterfly wings: Choose 2 small feathers (or cut a large feather in half across its spine), or butterfly wings (some fake flowers have these embellishments) and attach them with glue.

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Page 36: May 2013 issue 10

By Alena Orrison

Here is another fun project for everyone. You can use the time creating the mini Maypoles to give some background information on Beltane and the customs. Since Beltane is a celebration of marriage between the Goddess and God, and often has heavy sexual undertones, use your best judgment when discussing this Sabbat with your children. Take into consideration their age, maturity level, and curiosity. This project also uses hot glue so children will need some help. It’s best to pre-prep the pots and poles if possible, especially if working with younger children who have shorter attention spans. I don’t have step-by-step photos for this project, so if you have any questions, just give me a shout at [email protected] What you’ll need: o 2” terra cotta planter with base - one for each person o 18” long wooden dowel, 5/8” diameter (able to fit through

the hole in the bottom of the pot) - one for each person o Paint, glitter, markers, etc. to decorate the Maypole o Small fake flowers o Ribbons various colors cut to 18-22” in length, depending on

how long you want them, 7-10 for each person o Hot glue gun

How to make it: Place hot glue along the rim of the pot, turn it upside down and put it on the base. Place the dowel in the hole and use hot glue around it to secure the dowel. Decorate the base and pole as desired using paint, glitter, sequins, markers - anything goes! If you want flowers around the base, now is the time to add them.

Decorate the base and pole as desired using paint, glitter, sequins, markers - anything goes! If you want flowers around the base, now is the time to add them.

Hot glue the ribbons to the top of the pole, rotating them so they hang all around the pole. If desired, decorate the top of the pole with more flowers.

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Wiccan Rede

Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must,

in perfect love and perfect trust.

Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.

Form the circle thrice about, to keep unwanted spirits out.

To bind ye spell every time, let ye spell be spake in rhyme.

Soft of eye, light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, singing out ye Witches’ Rune.

Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out ye Baneful Rune.

When the Lady’s moon is new, kiss your hand to her times two.

When the moon rides at her peak, then ye heart’s desire seek.

Heed the North wind’s mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.

When the wind blows from the West, departed souls may have no rest.

When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in ye cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.

Elder be ye Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.

When the wheel begins to turn, soon ye Beltaine fire’ll burn.

When the wheel hath turned to Yule, light the log the Horned One rules.

Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady blessed be.

Where the rippling waters flow, cast a stone and truth ye’ll know.

When ye have and hold a need, harken not to other's greed.

With a fool no season spend, nor be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind ye threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is anow, wear the blue star upon thy brow.

True in love ye must ever be, lest thy love be false to thee.

In these eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,

‘An ye harm none, do what ye will.