CoG NPIO Reports

Turner Family Support Team at Bowdon Elementary School.

2011-12-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

Several members of the Turner Family Support Task Force accompanied Stephanie Turner to the December 12, 2011 meeting with school officials.

(Pictured from left to right:)

* Rev. Charissa Iskiwitch, High Priestess, Coordinator of North Georgia Solitaries & Pagan Assistance Fund & Lead Chaplain for Church of the Spiral Tree Pagan Prison Ministry.

* Stephanie Turner, Mother of the Turner children;

* Rev. Ginger Wages (Hawk), National First Officer, Covenant of the Goddess.

* Lisa Palmer, Attorney working with the Lady Liberty League.

* Rev. Michelle Boshears, Major, US Army retired (Dawnwalker), Circle Sanctuary Minister & Military Circles Coordinator, Lady Liberty League Advocate, and Distinctive Faith Group Leader of the Fort Gordon Open Circle at U.S. Army Fort Gordon Garrison.

Other members of the Turner Family Support Task Force who joined the meeting in spirit:

* Lady Miraselena, Public Information Officer, Dogwood Local Council, Covenant of the Goddess.

* Lady Arsinoe Meri Ma'at, First Officer, of the Dogwood Local Council, Covenant of the Goddess.

* Rev. Selena Fox, Senior Minister, Circle Sanctuary, and Executive Director, Lady Liberty League.

NOTE: This situation has been resolved as of Dec 13 2011. The wrap-up essay, entitled "A Week in Bowdon Georgia," is posted on several sites including PNC-Atlanta and Miraselena's Blog. For more information on the case, go to the Turner Support Fan Page.

EMLC's Turning the Tide Festival

2011-12-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

Everglades Moon LC, which covers all of the Sunshine State of Florida, recently held its annual Turning the Tide weekend festival, which this year celebrated it's 5th year (or as we like to call it, it's PENTACULOUS year!). It was a weekend of ritual, singing, workshops, drumming, and building community. This year also featured a performance by the band Witch's Mark! If you were unable to come and celebrate with us, why not take a look at the outstanding coverage by the Pagan Newswire Collective?

A Recap of the First Day of the Festival: http://florida.pagannewswirecollective.com/2011/12/02/pentaculous-5th-annual-turning-the-tide-festival-begins/
A Recap of the Second Day of the Festival (including main ritual!): http://florida.pagannewswirecollective.com/2011/12/04/pentaculous-2nd-post/

Should your travels in 2012 find you in our state at the beginning of December, we'd be honored to have the pleasure of your company at next year's Turning the Tide! The EMLC site, located at http://www.emlc.net/, always has the latest news of our LC, including meetings and upcoming festivals. You can also follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/evergladesmoon

-Alpandia
Everglades Moon LC - Publications Officer

Turner Family Support

2011-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

From the PIO of Dogwood Local Council

Turner Family Support
Statement from NGS, CoG, DLC, LLL, Circle Sanctuary:

"After concerns spread about some problems with accommodating Pagan students needs at Bowdon Elementary School (BES), there was an overwhelming show of community support for the Turner family of Carroll County in western Georgia, USA. Many local Pagans and associated organizations reached out to assist the Turners by providing emotional support and offering practical advice. The Turners have been deeply touched by this out-pouring of spirit and wish to express their sincerest gratitude.

In addition, a Task Force of local and national Pagan organizations have come together to help resolve issues between the Turners and BES. The Task Force also hopes to provide the school with Pagan accommodation information and materials with the hopes of avoiding misunderstandings and other problems in the future. Represented in this group are the North Georgia Solitaries (NGS), both the local and national chapters of the Covenant of the Goddess, Circle Sanctuary and Lady Liberty League.

Currently, Carroll County Schools, led by the assistant superintendent, has expressed an active interest in resolving the current tensions and is planning to meet with Ms. Turner. The family and the Task Force are requesting that those with concerns about their situation do not directly contact the school or its employees. It is important that everyone involved have the maximum space needed to focus on resolving this conflict in a positive way. However, all concerned individuals are welcome to show their support for the Turners through the Turner Family Support Facebook fan page or through the simple use of prayers and energy toward a peaceful resolution and healing."

The Turner Family Support Facebook fan page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Turner-Family-Support/190477514377248
More information:
http://pncatlantabureau.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/turner-family-discrimination-update/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wildhunt/2011/12/update-on-georgia-school-harassment-case.html

NCLC reception for The American Academy of Religions in San Francisco CA

2011-11-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Evening November 19, in San Francisco, the Northern California Local Council of the Covenant of the Goddess held a reception for the Members of the American Academy of Religions. This event, (the conference not the reception) drew ten thousand participants, and last Saturday evening it felt as though most of them passed through the suite on the 43rd floor of the Hilton which had a sweeping and breathtaking view of the city. The Hilton was one of the five dedicated hotels for the AAR. The event was, to say the least, successful if we are to judge by the comments on Sunday.

Lise Dyckman, from the California Institute of Integral Studies wrote:

“Based on how many people we managed to fit into Puck’s room last night, and how noisy lively those conversations were, and also on the comments I heard at sessions today (Sunday), it was a very successful event last night…”

More than just successful, this event might even be termed historic for the number of local Pagan and Heathen groups gathered for a specific purpose. Eventually over 30 different groups, organizations, and distinguished Elders were physically represented as examples of the Bay Area’s diverse Pagan and Heathen spirituality available to our community. They came together for the specific purpose of meeting and reaching out to scholars, Interfaith leaders, and Peace makers outside of our community. Reverend Patrick McCollum had this to say from the AAR’s view point:

“I want to thank everyone involved in putting together the Pagan reception. It was awesome. As an ongoing Program Chair with the AAR and as a participant in many AARreceptions over the last sixteen years, ours was right up there with some of the best. It was professional, classy, and most importantly… it was full of meaningful dialogue“.

As you glance down the list of attendees which follows, you will see a large number of non-pagan folks, many of whom are highly placed in such organizations as the Hindu American Foundation, and the Tony Blair Foundation. There were many Interfaith friends there as well. Among them Bud Heckman, Director for External Relations at the Coexist Foundation, brought two people with him, one of whom was from out of country. He told us at an interfaith Breakfast this morning that the reception was the highlight of her experience in San Francisco even though they had visited so many of our unique sights. For her it was a rare experience to stand in a room and realize that the people surrounding her were very different in practice than she was and she had, for the first time, the experience of feeling like a religious minority. Then she circulated, was greeted warmly and with enthusiasm, and began to realize that maybe folks in the room were not so different.

Elderflower Women’s Festival Coordinator Edye Cheeseman writes:

“Thanks to all the hard work of getting together theAARreception, and Thank you for inviting me. What a wonderful evening full of conversation, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.”

In fact that was our closing question to everyone in the room. “Did you meet someone new tonight?” The one thing that is certain is that if we plan this event again, it will be red wine and Scotch as the beverages of the day!

Next year’s AAR will be held in Chicago and NCLC would challenge CoG’s Mid-West Local Council to host a pagan reception there as a specific part of that event.

Follows Don Frew’s list of attendees.

AFRO-DIASPORIC groups:
American Magic Umbanda House – Mama Maeva, Mae do Santo
Oshun Iya Oshogbo – Andrea Johnson

CEREMONIAL MAGIC groups:
Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn – Frater Sam Webster, m.div
TempleSophia – Nathan Bjorge

DRUID groups:
Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids – SusaMorgan Black (Druid), Michael Black

HEATHEN groups:
The Troth – Diana L. Paxson, Elder

PAGAN groups:
Adocentyn Research Library – Rowan Fairgrove
Cherry Hill Seminary – Wendy Griffin, Academic Dean Christine Hoff Kraemer, Department Chair, Theology & Religious History,William Blumberg, Chair, Board of DirectorsAline (Macha) O’Brien, Board of Directors
Church of All Worlds - Jim J. Emert

Elderflower Women’s Festival – Edye Cheeseman

Fellowship ofIsis – Priestess M. Francesca Gentille

Fellowship of the Spiral Path – Rev. Debra Cardoza, President

Feraferia – Jo Carson

Fire Family Tradition – Tao Starbow

Holy Order of the Epicene – IrRev. joi wolfwomyn

Pagan Alliance – JoHanna White, President Arlynne Camire
Pagan Newswire Collective, SF Bay Area – Greg Harder
PantheaCon / TheurgiCon /Ancient Ways – Glenn Turner
Patrick McCollum Foundation – Rev. Patrick McCollum, Barbara McGraw
Radical Faeries – Chuck Hohman
Romuva – Prudence Priest
Solar Cross – T. Thorn Coyle
Spark Collective – DeborahHamouris
StoneCity Pagan Sanctuary – Winter, Director

WICCAN groups:
Come As You Are Coven - Lady Kahin Yeshe Rabbit
Covenant of the Goddess (NCLC) – Elder Don Frew, CoG National Interfaith Representative
Daughters of the Goddess – Leilani Birely, High Priestess & Kahuna
Eko, Eko: Gardnerians of the Bay Area – Polly Moller (Lady Argante)
NewWiccanChurch - GaryMattingly, California Branch Magus New Reformed Orthodox Order o/t Golden Dawn (NROOGD) – Kurt Piersol
Reclaiming – M. Macha NightMare, CoG National Interfaith Representative

AAR hosts:
Robert Puckett, Kitty, Lori

Just a sampling of the AAR guests who signed the guest book:
Helen A. Berger
Sasha Caitow
Chas S. Clifton
Rev. Judith Fleenor
Lee Gilmore
Amy Hale
Graham Harvey
Bud Heckman
Leigh Ann Hildebrand
Ian Jamison
Sabina Magliocco
Jason Mankey
Mihir Meghani
Pamela Morgan
Jason Pitzl-Waters
Katerina Ragousi
Caroline Tully
Steve Wehmeyer

NCLC COG Reception Committee & hospitality team:
Anith
Crystal Blanton (NCLC co-First Officer)
Lise Dyckman
Deborah Bender Frankel
M. Macha NightMare (CoG National Interfaith Representative)
Anna Korn
Glenn Turner

Rachael Watcher (NCLC co-First Officer & CoG National Interfaith Representative and Nationa Public Information Officer.

2011-11-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Segment that has been airing regularly on AIBTV.COM, is now available ON DEMAND at http://www.aibtv.com/vod/index.htm

Go to the page. Scan down the list of shows and click on the one called AIBMetro: October 2011. The 3-4 minute segment runs about halfway through the 30 min. program. It stars National First Officer, Ginger Wages and, DLC member and initiate, Jesslyn Kelly.

You can also hear the radio interview with Ginger and Lord Cheiron, Correspondence Officer at DLC, at Blog Talk Radio. The show is called Open Hearts Open Minds. It aired live on Oct 31st and is hosted by a local Atlanta Interfaith broadcaster, Scott Lindquist and his wife, Rev. Sydney Lindquist. The show can be found in the ON DEMAND list at the bottom of his radio show page. (click on the link above)

Dogwood Local Council Members Interviewed on Local TV

2011-10-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

In late September, two Dogwood Local Council members were interviewed for a local interfaith broadcasting station. The current first officer, Hawk, and Grove of Phoenix Rising initiate, Cliodhna, sat down with local broadcaster, Audrey Galex, for a personal look at Wicca and Paganism today.

Audrey's program, AIB Metro, is a 30 minute news program that highlights a variety of local Atlanta happenings. The show airs on AIB TV which can be seen both on local cable stations and over the internet.

To view the program:

AIB TV is broadcast over the internet via live-streaming on http://www.aibtv.com/. Click on WATCH NOW (from the top menu) and, then, selecting AIBTV.NET from the drop down menu. Or go directly to http://www.aibtv.net/

For all local viewers, you can also see the program on the following stations:

ch. 5 on Comcast
ch 22 on charter cable
ch 6 on AT&T Uverse

Remember, the internet link above takes you to a live stream which shows just like it would on the TV. You have to watch the program at the time it airs via that link above. The times are as follows (EST):

10a Tuesdays
6:30p Thursdays
12pm on Fridays
7:30p Saturdays

The show will be shown through live-streaming until after the 1st of November. At that point, the program may move into the on-demand format where we can watch it whenever we want. Until that point, you must tune-in at the designated times.

The next airing is tomorrow at 7:30pm est. The next weekday airing will be Tuesday at 10am and so forth.

Blessings

Lady Miraselena

PIO, Dogwood Local Council

Kudos to Georgia Pagans

2011-10-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Witch and author, Melanie Marquis, wrote a wonderful blog post about her time in Georgia during Pagan Pride weekend. During which, she visted Atlanta Pagan Pride and noted the dynamic spirit and community that has grown in Atlanta and the state of Georgia overall.

Buried in the long list of positive comments, she did note that the Dogwood Local Council's "Blessed Be" bumpers stickers were one of her favorites.

Here's the entire article: Blessed Be Y'all Atlanta Pagan Pride

News and Notes from Dogwood Local Council

2011-10-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here is some DLC news for the upcoming week and beyond:

Events:

DLC Annual Meeting, Sun Oct 16th at 12:30pm at the House of Oak Springs. More information.
DLC Leadership Institute Sun Oct 16th at 10am at the House of Oak Springs. "Through Magickal Eyes" Presented by Lady Magdalena, Eibhlean and Hawk. More Information.
Athens Pagan Pride Day Oct 22nd hosted by Athens Area Pagans Inc.
North Georgia Solitaries Samhain Registration has begun. More Information.

Notes:

North Georgia Solitaries and Pagan Assistance Fund are collecting Toys of Tots this holiday season. More Information.
GBG "Year and Day Calendar" available for purchase for $15.00. More information
Ancient Wisdom Rising will be held in Atlanta in November of 2012.
A Web-based reality Show called "The Young Witches of Salem" is gaining in popularity. Check this out and come to your own conclusions on its worth.
Interfaith Interviews via TV and Radio. We are still waiting on the programming date for the TV interview. However, on Oct 31st at 8am, there will be a live broadcast with Lord Cheiron and Hawk. More information to come.

Atlanta and Augusta Pagan Pride Recap:

Augusta: Hawk and Eibhlean were the DLC team in Augusta. The festival atmosphere included music, crafts and lots of joy. Young witchlings ran around joyously as people arrived in the morning and stayed to play all day. Noteworthy events included: Spiral Rhythm, A Persephone Mystery Play and Fire Spinners.
Atlanta: In Atlanta, the DLC table was maintained by a group of people, organized by Lady Arsinoe and Lady Miraselena. It was held partially inside and partially outside. People came and went all day to shop, listen to music and enjoy the community. Noteworthy events included performances by Emerald Rose and Celia, (Note: Celia's link is a sample of her singing one of her most popular songs. One that causes many people to cry. This video was not filmed at APPD.) Here is a recap blog post by Lady Charissa of North Georgia Solitaries.

Blog Postings and Other Notes:

Musings from :"Hawk Eyes." Our First Officer - Hawk.
Lady Emrys will be attending a special Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Training for Cancer Clinicians. She was 1 of 40 peple chosen across the nation to attend this workshop in New York City. It is being conducted by leaders in the field and will provide clinicians with skills to help cancer patients and survivors combat the psychological impact cancer diagnoses can bring, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence.
On a personal note, I want to thank everyone that brought table supplies and decor, setup and "personed" the table at Atlanta Pagan Pride. I was very thrilled to see the DLC support from members outside of the dutiful officers. I originally was going to name everybody but, due to the sheer number of people, I won't do that for fear of leaving someone out. Those of you who did make a contribution of stuff or time were greatly appreciated. Your energy was very welcome and Dogwood Local Council is a better organization because of you. Thank You and Blessings!

Samhain Blessings to all! May you end the year with a bang and bag of candy!

More news from Dogwood Local Council

2011-09-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some more items of interest from Dogwood Local Council...

Here are two DLC members Savannah Pagan Pride Memories

Lord Cheiron's Blog
Lady Charissa's Bits and Pieces

Political News Stories
There is no proof LGBT people exist
Pro-Life Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does (DLC member)
Finding Salvation in Bay Minette (DLC member)

Events
Atlanta Pagan Pride Oct 1st
Augusta Pagan Pride Oct 1st
Carly Gibson at the Red Light Cafe. Tickets are $7. Carly's set starts at 7 on Oct 1

Notes & Reminders
•Interfaith Radio Broadcaster (live) with DLC-CoG members on Oct 24th and Oct 31st. (further details to be announced)
•Athens Pagan Pride Oct 22nd
•Annual DLC Meeting Sun. Oct 16th at The House of Oak Springs
•Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters Interview DLC-CoG members. Air date: TBA

Southern Pagans speak Out against Bay Minette’s R.O.C. Program

2011-09-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

At the height of Pagan Pride “season” during which we publically celebrate our faith, Dogwood Local Council, an affiliate of Covenant of the Goddess, has learned of a disturbing new program right in our backyard. In the town of Bay Minette, Alabama, a small city of 8,000 residents just north of Mobile, the Police Department is sponsoring a new program that offers an alternative to jail. The program, which came out of a public community-wide meeting held at the Abundant Life Church, is called Operation Restore Our Community or R.O.C. It allows non-violent, first-time offenders to choose jail or a year of attending Church services.

At this time, the DLC board is pleased to see a very public national out-cry. And, we fully support the current actions taken by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Freedom of Religion Foundation. Both have directly contacted the Bay Minette Police demanding that the program be eliminated due to its unconstitutionality and violation of the First Amendment. Due to their intervention and the accompanying media pressure, the ROC program, originally slated to begin September 26, has been delayed until October 11th. At this time, the City is having the program fully reviewed by local Courts for legality issues.

The Dogwood Local Council board will be watching the outcome of the October 11th court ruling. We will seek clarification on the language used in the final ruling to ascertain whether or not Pagan criminals are afforded an equivalent alternative to jail time as local Christian offenders. If the Courts do, in fact, allow the program to begin, we will ask the Bay Minette Police, on behalf of the pagans of Bay Minette and North Baldwin County, to clarify how a Pagan offender can be included in this progressive program. In other words, can a Pagan Church (Temple, Grove, Coven) supervise the rehabilitation of such a non-violent criminal? Furthermore, this question can be applied to any non-Christian violator because currently the Program’s wording is limited to Christian language.

We support progressive programs that offer second chances and rehabilitation. We understand the need for a reduced jail costs and over-crowding. We know that small towns in our region derive much of their community from Christian-based Church life. However, most importantly, we also support the secular law of this country which, states:

"Alabama State Constitution (1901): Article Three, Religious freedom. –“…. that no preference shall be given by law to any religious sect, society, denomination, or mode of worship…"

Therefore, we cannot support a program in our backyard, or anywhere in our country, that does not afford everyone, no matter of religious faith, to participate in full. Just as we all deserve a second-chance at the proverbial “good life,” we all deserve the opportunity to do so on our own spiritual path or none at all.

Bay Minette, we are watching.

Around our Local Councils

2011-09-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dogwood Local Council
9/11: 13 Magickal Days of Rememberence - http://dogwooddlcorg.ipage.com/?q=node/23

We have opened up our submission call to all members of the CoG family.

Please send your memorials, memories, prayers, words of wisdom ... to pio@dogwoodlc.org When submitting, please include your LC (if applicable) and group (if applicable) so we can identify you.

The page will remain up for 13 days; officially beginning on Aug 30th and ending on September 11th. The page is public and viewable by anyone that visits our site. Please use discretion with any names. We also strongly encourage everyone to link to the page and share it with your friends and family. We hope to build strength in memory and prayer through this forum.

Unfortunately, we cannot open this up to the entire Pagan Community due to logistical limitations. However, we certainly want to encourage this type of work outside of the boundaries of CoG. If you have any non-CoG Pagan/Witch friends who would like to submit, we will consider doing so. Please contact me.

Blessings to all,

Lady Miraselena

PIO, Dogwood Local Council
Covenant of the Goddess

Everglades Moon Local Council
Turning the Tide 2011
http://www.emlc.net/joomla/index.php

Turning the Tide, 2011 celebrates our 5th YEAR of this great South Florida gathering of Witches and Wiccans! Hosted once more by Everglades Moon Local Council, we shall be celebrating a "Pentaculous" 5th year December 2-4, 2011. We will again feature workshops, rituals, drumming, the wreath/centerpiece contest, a pot luck feast and cabin space (limited availability) with supplemental tenting space. Turning the Tide is held at a small campground in Northern Miami-Date County.

We are so excited that this year's festivities will also feature a special performance by the band, Witch's Mark! Head over to their webpage to get a taste of what's in store!

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this aspect of our event, we will once again feature a wreath/centerpiece contest which all attendees are invited to enter. These also help decorate our Main Hall. Once more, the creative witches of The Temple of the Sacred Mist are already hard at work on the prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! For more informationa bout the Wreath/Centerpiece Contest, check out the Official Wreath/Centerpiece Information Page.

Workshops with some of the best local talent are planned, as well as Iron Witch, the magickal raffle, and Pagan Caroling in the Great Hall! A full listing of the weekend's events will be posted soon.

Northern California Local Council

A Fistful Of Dollars: The Story of a Kiva.org Loan from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

NCLC made four $25 loans today using $100 of Kiva credit that other borrowers had repaid:

http://www.kiva.org/lend/327071

VirginiaSanta Cruz, Bolivia Retail Party Supplies

Sra. Virginia was born in Santa Cruz and is married to Sr. Ángel. Sheis 58 years old and operates a business that involves making and providing decorations for social events such as weddings, birthday and

piñata parties, and other occasions. Virginia has been in business for several years. She has four children who are already grown and independent.

The loan will be used to buy fabric for decorating tables and chairs. She is very happy with the support that has been provided because it will help her improve her earnings.

http://www.kiva.org/lend/329130

Ya Alimamy KanuFreetown Central, Sierra Leone Food Food Market

This is 56-year-old Ya Alimamy. She is married and has 3 children aged 25, 28 and 20 years. In 2008, Ya Alimamy established her biscuits, provisions, drinks, and bread business. She began her business because

she never went to school and her parents chose that she would become a business woman to help her support her family.

http://www.kiva.org/lend/326904

DjatugbéAgoe, Togo Retail General Store

Djatugbé, 43, is married to a forwarding agent and is raising three children. She has been working selling groceries and charcoal since 2005. She sells out of her home. She buys her goods at the Grand Market in Lomé. Djatugbé has requested her second loan from WAGES in order to buy grocery products and charcoal.

http://www.kiva.org/lend/329208

Fudia ContehFreetown Central, Sierra Leone Food Restaurant

This is 40 year-old Fudia. She is single, and has 1 child, aged 14. She has 1 additional dependent, who lives with her because she helps to support her for schooling. In 2008, Fudia established her restaurant when she saw that many businesses nearby had employees who were leaving the area to buy food or drink. Working 6 days a week and 6 hours a day, she earns about Le 1,100,000 every month from this business.

She would like a loan in the amount of Le 4,500,000 to renovate her restaurant, buy more chairs for her customers, drinks and some food items. She hopes that this loan will enable her to increase her monthly profits by approximately Le 400,000. In the future, Fudia plans to expand the restaurant and educate her child to university level. She thanks you for your support.

Rowan

Chamisa Local Council

http://www.chamisa.org/

Magic Mountian Mabon - http://www.chamisa.org/MMM2011/MMM11reg.pdf

Sponsored by the Chamisa Local Council of the Covenant of the Goddess

September 15, 16, 17, & 18, 2011

In the Manzano Mountains East of Albuquerque

Texas Fire Update

2011-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

I heard from Sharon, and from Tom Davis, LOLC's PIO by e-mail this morning. They are all well in the city of Austin, but the fires are still burning in several surrounding areas.

In Bastrop, to the southeast of Austin, virtually an entire state park built by the WPA during the Great Depression was wiped out. In Leander, to the northwest of Austin, there was a fire that may have been the result of arson. Thousands of acres have been destroyed by fire in the areas surrounding Austin.

Sharon asked for energy to help shift the dome of high pressure that has stalled over Texas for the last few months, and for rain.

If you are interested, you can read more in the online version of the Austin American-Statesman, the local newspaper, at http://www.statesman.com/.

Tim Larson
Northern Dawn Local Council

More info:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/07/texas-wildfires-spread-rapid_n_951952.html

Los Alamos Fire and Chamisa Local Council update

2011-06-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on the fire from Azrael - First Officer of the Chamisa Local Council

"Dear COGkin,

Thank you for your calls and e-mails of support and offers of shelter from the Las Conchas fire.

Ardantane is 20 miles upwind of the fire, so we're not even getting much smoke, and are safe unless the wind does a seasonally uncharacteristic about-face.

Peter Dybing is on-site, providing med help for firefighters, and we hope he can visit Ardantane when his duties are done and before he gets sent somewhere else.

Our Lady of the Woods has been heavily impacted. All of the members who live in Los Alamos have evacuated to safe havens with friends, family, or covenmates. The covenstead is in White Rock, which has not yet received evacuation orders, so our HPS and HP are staying put for the time being.

What we could use from all of you is rain energy. At Ardantane's Sunfest last week, we listened to a simulated thuderstorm and then chanted,
"Bring the rain,
Bring the Rain,
Bring the gentle, female rain,"
for about ten minutes. Thirty-six hours later (it takes time for rainclouds to build from nothing), we got a half an hour of gentle, female rain, at a time of the year when that is unheard-of. Magick works

So I've been letting that chant be my "can't get it out of my head" chant ever since, directing the rain toward the fire. And yesterday Rowan said they heard two great thunderclaps in White Rock and had a little actual rain! Magick works, folks, so please, chant the chant and direct the rain to northern New Mexico for us, and to the other wildfires burning in the Southwest. We've just got a plea from someone on the Navajo reservation asking for help from the Wallow fire, which is still burning and threatening them."

If anything else changes, I'll let you know. Otherwise, we'll see you at Merry Meet in Dallas!

In Service to the Lady and the Lord
BB Azrael
First Officer, Chamisa Local Council"

More Los Alamos fire news links - 9:00 a.m.
http://www.lamonitor.com/content/las-conchas-wildfire-3-contained
http://www.lamonitor.com/content/los-alamos-monitor-06282011
http://youtu.be/7AO0wkHwO4E
http://abcnews.go.com/US/los-alamos-fire-epa-testing-radiation/story?id=13953953
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wildfires/2011-06-28-los-alamos-wildfire_n.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/epas-flying-laboratory-dispatched-to-monitor-air-as-wildfire-burns-near-nm-nuclear-lab/2011/06/29/AGS7ujqH_story.html
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s2177786.shtml?cat=504&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=kob4
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/06/28/MN6U1K3R8S.DTL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ligk20MNlGU&feature=player_embedded#at=23
http://www.koat.com/r/28393656/detail.html
Links for 6:00 p.m.
http://www.lamonitor.com/content/fire-update-930-pm
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2179081.shtml?cat=500
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/06/29/eveningnews/main20075567.shtml
http://www.irishweatheronline.com/features-2/world-from-space/the-world-from-space-las-conchas-fire-new-mexico/22061.html/comment-page-1
http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2011/06/29/abqnewsseeker/shelters-housing-evacuated-animals-need-supplies.html
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/06/fire-crews-burn-barrier-to-protect-los-alamos-lab/1
Links for 7/2/2011 - 10:00 a.m.
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s2182810.shtml
http://www.lamonitor.com/content/reverse-911-calls-will-determine-when-residents-can-return
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/02/us/02wildfire.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/las-conchas-fire-near-los-alamos-largest-in-new-mexico-history/2011/07/01/AGcNXptH_blog.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/07/01/new.mexico.los.alamos/

Los Alamos fire near the Ardantane Learning Center

2011-06-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

We just got off the phone with long time CoG member and supporter - Azrael from Ardentane in New Mexico. The fire that is threatening the National Laboratory and the city of Los Alamos is now burning about 20 miles away from the Ardentane campus near Jemez Springs. For now the wind is blowing in a direction away from Ardentane and toward Los Alamos. Earlier today they had some smoke drift by, but so far they are not in immediate danger.

Ardentane

Here are some messages from the Ardantane website: http://ardantane.org/blog/blog.php?id=9216422879125380177

"By now, many of you have heard that a huge wildfire is raging in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. (Our campus is located about six miles south of Jemez Springs).

At this point, the Las Conchas Fire is moving away from Ardantane, and toward Los Alamos. Very bad news for Los Alamos, which was hit hard in the Cerro Grande Fire in 2000. The fire is now at 60,000 acres (which I believe is the largest in NM state history) and 0% contained.

There is significant smoke at Ardantane, and if it gets worse we might have to evacuate resident staff and visitors. But so far there is no immediate danger to the campus.

If conditions change, we will provide an update here. Thanks to the many people who have offered shelter in the homes, in case of evacuation.

If you would like to help, please work magick for rain here, and for the safety of firefighters and all those in the fire's path."

"Greetings All,

In our prayers and magickal workings let us remember those who are threatened by the Wallow Fire in Arizona, as well as the Las Conchas Fire in New Mexico. Please read the letter below, and take action.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777
Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Beloved Sisters and Brothers,

This prayer request came to me today from a soul sister. I am inspired to
add "all living beings, including the beloved green beings", to the prayer
request.

In Gratitude,
Deni

Wallow Fire ~ Special Request from our Native Brothers and Sisters

Sent from a "Navajo sister" to all of us.

The Wallow Fire in Arizona, the largest in Arizona history, is still only
half contained. The fire has destroyed everything in its path, over a half
million acres so far. Not only are our tribal lands at stake (White Mountain
& San Carlos Apaches, possibly Zuni, and some Navajo areas), but our
non-native friends also need our help.

All the choppers, manpower, planes, and bulldozers are not enough. They need
our help.

We are one Nation as Natives and our traditional prayers to the Creator as
Natives can be very powerful, especially when we all connect our minds,
hearts and our prayers across the miles and pray.

Please join us in a tribal prayer to help the firefighters and all involved.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing right now, please stop for a few
minutes and raise your hands to the Creator to ask for help:

"I pray so the winds stop and the rains start (without lightning please). I
pray for the safety of all humans, birds and animals. I ask for heavenly
walls to protect our land and animals from fire".

If your spiritual preference is not traditional, pray with us in however way
you talk to the Creator.

If all of you can forward this message across the Nations, we can reach many
thru phone and internet. Please start forwarding ASAP to reach as many as we
can.

Thank you,

Dorothea Stevens,
San Carlos Apache Nation"

Our National First Officer - Peter Dybing has been dispatched to this fire by the US Forest Service and FEMA. He should be reaching the affected area just about now. We all wish him and the staff and students of Ardantane our best in this perilous time.

More news on the fire near Ardantane:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/28/los-alamos-fire-new-mexico_n_885835.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/29/us-wildfires-losalamos-idUSTRE75R12820110629

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0628/New-Mexico-fires-threaten-Los-Alamos-nuclear-weapons-lab-again

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20075074-264/watching-a-wildfire-hit-home-from-5000-miles-away/

http://abcnews.go.com/US/mexico-wildfire-forces-los-alamos-lab-close-residents/story?id=13947824

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13937781

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N326DbnaNvA&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dMN3k_f5kU&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwhG1xOIkEE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXwYP8T7p-Q&feature=player_embedded#at=19

Find out how you can help the Las Conchas fire responders and evacuees
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2176544.shtml?cat=504
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/local/food-donations-needed-for-evacuees

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/los-alamos-nuclear-lab-to-remain-closed-as-new-mexico-wildfire-nears/2011/06/28/AGzySNpH_blog.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_OShnOZ70

http://blogs.krqe.com/2011/06/28/hot-windy-a-few-storms-fire-conditions-worsen/

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/fires/main/usa/20110627-new-mexico.html

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/weather/wildfires/los-alamos-evacuation-resources

http://blogs.krqe.com/category/wildfires/

Dogwood Local Council drops GoDaddy’s hosting services

2011-05-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Here is news from the Dogwood Local Council of CoG

Atlanta – The Dogwood Local Council (DLC), a southern affiliate of Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), has formally decided to discontinue the use of GoDaddy’s hosting services after the release of CEO, Bob Parsons’ hunting video. In March of 2011, Parsons released a video depicting himself and others shooting a “troublesome” elephant. As he explained to reporters, these elephants, “trash fields and destroy crops” leaving villagers to starve. According to Parsons, the hunting is a welcomed activity which brings both food and safety. (As reported by The Los Angeles Times)

“We understand that Parsons’ acts were within the legal limits of Zimbabwe’s laws. And he may believe that he is doing good. However, the ends do not always justify the means. After careful consideration, we, as Witches and members of humanity, have decided to protest these killings,” states Hawk, First Officer of Dogwood Local Council and High Priestess of GryphonSong Clan.

In the hunting video, Parsons comments on the well-documented fact that there has been a noticeable increase in elephant attacks. However, as noted by Dogwood’s members, Parsons fails to identify the reason for this elephant problem: humanity’s own aggression toward the elephants. In a 2006 New York Times Magazine article, entitled, “Elephant Crack-Up?” written by Charles Seibert, this proverbial Catch 22 is well illustrated. Seibert writes, “The great paradox about this particular moment in our history with elephants is that saving them will require finally getting past ourselves; it will demand the ultimate act of deep, interspecies empathy.” (As published by The New York Times Magazine, October 2006)

In their discussions over the GoDaddy Video, Dogwood Local Council’s members repeatedly expressed the need for a genuine and reciprocal balance between humanity and animal cultures as expressed by Seibert. The teachings of Wicca and Witchcraft do not place humanity over the natural world but within it. According to the Pagan world view, humanity is as much a part of nature as the elephants.

“While we do not want to see humans starving as a result of these roving elephants, we cannot condone the progressive annihilation of a species simply because they are in our way. And the African Elephant is still on the WWF endangered species list,” adds Hawk.

Moreover, Dogwood members echoed the concerns of others that Parsons’ video was merely a publicity stunt for GoDaddy services. Questions have been raised by various media outlets as to whether the hunting event was, in actuality, a selfless attempt to come to the aid of a starving village. After all, GoDaddy is known for its somewhat risqué advertising and marketing campaigns.

“Was this a true act of humanitarianism or was this an outrageous promotional stunt for GoDaddy? If it was purely an act of goodwill, was it really necessary to release the video and, more poignantly, the photos of villagers wearing “GoDaddy” hats? Does Bob Parsons always carry around a few hundred logo caps on those yearly trips to save people from marauding elephants?” questions Lady Miraselena, Public Information Officer of Dogwood Local Council.

The Witches of Dogwood Local Council will now join others in moving its website from GoDaddy’s hosting services and no longer use the company as its domain registrar. Dogwood strongly urges all concerned individuals to follow suit. Currently, the Council is in the final stages of deciding which new hosting service would best fit their needs. They are hopeful to find one that derives some of its power from green energy sources; thereby, making two strong statements and taking two steps forward on behalf of the Planet, nature and their Goddess - Gaia.

For more information about Dogwood Local Council,please visit http://www.dogwoodlc.org/ or follow @dogwoodlc on Twitter.

For more information about Covenant of the Goddess, please visit http://www.cog.org/ or follow them on Facebook: /pages/Covenant-of-the-Goddess.

Catherine Star - CoG's Interfaith Rep. in Canada

2011-04-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a message from Catherine Star who is one of CoG's National/International Interfaith representatives:

"It has been a while since I let people know what I was doing in regards to Interfaith work. Here are three highlights:

1. I was asked to continue as the Coordinator for the Campus Chaplains Association at the University of Toronto for the 2011/2012 school year. This will be my fourth year in this position. I was pleasantly surprised this year when there was no discussion at all and was acclaimed in unanimously by the group of 20 chaplains who were able to attend the meeting. Currently, we have over 30 chaplains representing various religious, spiritual, and ethical backgrounds -- including our first Humanist chaplains. Here is a link to our website (which I noticed needs updating as we are missing a couple people and my name is misspelled!): http://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Campus-Chaplains-Association.htm.

I will start working on the annual report of the CCA and make it available to CoG once it is completed. It will list all the things the CCA has done over the past school year.

2. I will do a talk on representing Pagan traditions in interfaith settings at the Mystic Roots conference in London, Ontario this weekend.

3. I have been asked to co-moderate a discussion on spirituality and ecology at the People's Assembly on Climate Justice. Here is a link to the event: http://torontopeoplesassembly.wordpress.com/.

Anyway, I am happy to share these events and look forward to participating in more. If you have any questions about the work I have been doing here in Toronto, please let me know!"

Blessings,
Catherine

Florida's Lady Pantera Makes a Difference

2011-04-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here is an important message that appears on Peter Dybing's blog - Pagan in Paradise.

"There are many Pagans in the world making a difference. Most are somewhat uncomfortable in sharing in a public forum what they are doing. For some, this reaction is simply a reflection of their belief that what they are doing is not remarkable. Yet as a community we need these examples of Pagans who walk their talk and manifest positive change in the world.

One such person is Lady Pantera, long time Florida Pagan community participant and former member of Everglades Moon Local Council of Covenant of the Goddess. For the past three years she has donated her time, talents and expertise as a cardiac nurse in support of children in need of open-heart surgery in Kingston Jamaica." (Cont.)

Here is a link to Cardiac Kids Foundation of Florida. This is the organization for which she volunteers her time and skills.

Live Oak Local Council of Texas Fundraiser for Cherry Hill Seminary

2011-03-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

"On February 26, the Live Oak Local Council of Texas joined The Council of the Magickal Arts, Earth Spirit Alliance, North Austin Pagan Meetup, Yew Grove Pagan Interfaith, and others to sponsor "A Sacred Feast: A cook-off and potluck fundraiser for Cherry Hill Seminary." The event was organized by Live Oak member Ellen Friedman and held in the yard at The VORTEX, a theater in Austin owned by Bonnie Cullum of Tejas Web, the Austin Reclaiming community.

Blessing the Feast
The event had 28 volunteers on the day of the event and a total of 97 attendees. They had an amazing 22 sponsors, and 43 auction items were donated.

Sensory Awareness
The cook-off winners were:
Best of the Beast: Holy Ghost Mole, Jim C.
Blessed Bacon: Homemade Maple Bacon, Mark S.
Culinary Comfort: Dill Bread Dip, Lauren G.
Divine Desserts: Cuatro Leches Cake, Meredith C.
Gifts from the Garden: Rice, Corn & Lentil Salad, Sherry S.
Global Gourmet: Seafood-Mexican Chowder, Sirce D.
Light My Fire: Roo's Red Hot Ribs, Roo H.
Overall Best: Cuatro Leches Cake, Meredith C.

The feast brought in a total of $1,659: $979 from the auction, $280 from admissions, $350 from cash donations from sponsors, and a surprising $50 from 2 cook-off winners who generously re-gifted their winnings. After expenses (table & chair rental, cook-off cash prizes, refreshments, and printing), the event raised over $1,100 for Cherry Hill."

Altar

Tom Davis pio@liveoakcog.org

Dogwood Local Council Goes Digital

2011-03-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Dogwood Local Council, the Atlanta-based Covenant of the Goddess affiliate, gives the green-light to digital-media magick.

Atlanta-The Dogwood Local Council (DLC), a southern affiliate of the national organization Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), launched a new, interactive website – marking the beginning of its digital-media initiative. With this modern approach to communication and outreach, the small organization is hoping to expand its membership base, facilitate communication with current supporters and build bridges with other CoG local councils.

“As a religion, our followers value ancient practices and natural processes. ‘Going digital’ seems contrary to our world view. However, this is not the case when one considers that digital communication eliminates our excessive use of paper and speeds up our work processes allowing us to spend more time on our traditional hobbies,“ notes Hawk, First Officer of Dogwood Local Council and High Priestess of GryphonSong Clan.

The Dogwood Local Council became interested in revamping its digital media footprint after Grand Council 2010, the Covenant of the Goddess’ yearly national meeting. Within the Pagan community, there has been a major push for organizations to recognize the benefits of digital communication and social media. For years, there have been countless websites that profess some type of connection to Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca, Druidism and other related practices. However, most of these sites were and are currently managed by individuals or commercial entities.

Pagan leaders and organizations, such as the Covenant of the Goddess and her affiliates, are now finally beginning to follow suit. CoG, as the center point for the greater Pagan community in the United States, recently updated its own website and launched a successful Facebook account. If organizations like CoG and DLC don’t maintain an outspoken digital voice, they risk being left behind and forgotten.

“Not only do we have to ‘go digital’ for ourselves; we have to go digital to communicate with the younger generations of seekers and Pagans. These newer folks are unfamiliar with communicating via the post-office or even the analog telephone. Everything is texting, email, Facebook and Twitter. To be a positive point of support for them, we have to operate in that world,” remarks Lady Miraselena, Public Information Officer for DLC.

The Dogwood Local Council began its own digital initiative with the launch of a brand-new website containing two distinct areas: a public front with a private, members-only arena. Sporting a new look, the public pages still provide detailed information about DLC and CoG. In addition, there is a link to the new DLC Twitter account for use by those Pagans who prefer the social media venues.Completely new for 2011 is the private section where DLC members can monitor Council activities, such as: meetings, events and local news. Furthermore, members can request a personal login ID for use in community-style moderated forums.

With the ever changing and flexible nature of the digital world, the DLC website will remain a ‘work in progress’ for quite some time as the Council adapts and integrates the technology into their current processes. In the next few months, DLC is planning to launch a public blog and begin an area-wide membership drive via email. Yet, with all of these pending changes, the Council’s board is highly optimistic about its prospects for the future. For these Southern witches, the future of the Old Ways is now resting on a path paved with pixels.

For more information about Dogwood Local Council,please visit http://www.dogwoodlc.org/ or follow @dogwoodlc on Twitter.

CoG Members on TV in New Mexico

2011-03-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Crisis in Japan and our Pagan response

2011-03-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

Pagan Japan Relief -Peter Dybing

Official Japanese NHK WORLD TV live on USTREAM.
NHK WORLD TV is an English language 24-hour news and information channel.

From Peter Dybing - our National First Officer
Tuesday, March 15, 2011Pagan Japan Relief Success 3/15/2011

"WOW! What a day for the Pagan Japan Relief project benefiting Doctors Without Borders. As you all know by now we have been setting the goal of raising $2,000.00 per day working towards our overall goal of $30,000.00. On both Sunday and Monday the community met this goal. As of this writing the project raised more than $4,100.00 on Tuesday.

Pagans from all over the country have donated and stepped forward to endorse the project. We received donations from individuals as well as organizations. To all those who stepped forward THANK YOU. We still have been unable to generate significant numbers of small donations. It continues to be the goal of this project to engage the entire Pagan community in a unified effort. If you are concerned that you do not have the funds to donate consider just a few dollars. Each of us can only do so much in these tough economic times. What is important is participation not the donation amount.

For those of you wanting to be informed as to what Doctors Without Borders is up to in Japan see the following link:

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=509

On Wednesday look for the publication of statements from well known Pagans about this effort. And remember to share the link to the site to donate as widely as you can:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Pagan-Community/doctors-without-borders

With deep gratitude for the efforts of the entire community,"

Wednesday, March 16, 2011Selena Fox Joins Pagan Japan Effort!

"In a recent press release I was pleased to announce the support of several Pagan Leaders who are supporting our community Pagan Japan Relief Project. These individuals have given their time, beautiful words and efforts to this cause. My deep gratitude to them.

What many do not know is there is another key player in this successful campaign to unite the Pagan Community. Over the last couple of days I have been in constant communication With Selena Fox who has provided dozens of ideas, resources, and paths to success for this project. Selena is a key player in making this effort a success and we would not have accomplished what we have without her efforts.

So here is a Very Special Thank You for dropping everything and spending all of your time on this project.
Selena, by your example, we can observe the change we would like to see."

Peter Dybing
Pagan Japan Relief
Facilitator

So far the Pagan Japan Relief Project has raised over $15,000 in just four days.
Please contribute!
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Pagan-Community/doctors-without-borders

Starhawk
"– HI friends, if some of you are wondering how to help the folks in Japan who have lost so much in this ongoing tragedy, here’s an effort set up by the Pagan community to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders. I strongly support this effort: Doctors Without Borders does great work worldwide, and I think it’s a positive and important step for us as a community to coordinate our efforts to help. Thanks! Starhawk"

Patrick McCollum, Patrick McCollum Foundation
“Let’s pull together as a community. Peter Dybing has experience and has researched to make sure your money will be used to help the people. I fully support this project and hope many of you will join me as well.”

T. Thorn Coyle: Know Thyself
"Because we value diversity, Pagans tend to scatter into our separate groups and our variant forms of religious expression. And yet, for many of us, there is a common sense of what joins us: we value the sacred in the everyday. We value the sacred in ourselves, in the land, the sea, the sun, the sky.

Magick is manifestation. Because we value diversity, let us help our varied biosphere and acknowledge the ways in which we are the same: let us come together to help Japan. Solar Cross Temple has contributed to the Pagan Giving Fund. Will you?"

Anna Rowe - President WitchSchool International
"The members of Witchschool, staff, students and I wish to express our sympathies to all the peoples of Japan and affected areas that have lost their homes their property and their lives in the recent earthquakes, tsunamis and the now dangerous problems with the nuclear reactors.

We are also aware of the 118 students of Witchschool Japan and their families and wish to express our concerns and to send prayers for their safety and welfare.We are passing on your fundraising effort to all our students and members"

M Macha Nightmare
"In the wake of the devastation that Japan has suffered and continues to suffer, my friend Peter Dybing, who as a first responder himself knows a thing or ten about disaster relief, has initiated Pagan Japan Relief project to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders. We Pagans — you and me and our friends and colleagues — can make a statement while making a difference. Please contribute what you can at Pagan Community FirstGiving."

Star Foster Patheos.com
"I think the fundraising effort to support Doctors Without Borders response to the disaster in Japan is not only a great way to help our fellow human beings, but also a shining example of what we can accomplish together. Being able to point to this as something Pagans can accomplish together will serve as a point of pride and inspiration for a long time."

Jason at The Wildhunt
“This is a hugely positive cooperative effort, one that we can all take pride in. So continue to spread the word,”

Morgana Coordinator for Pagan Federation International
“Shocked and amazed at the force and suddenness of the tsunami raging over North-East Japan – Pagans round the world are rallying to support “Doctors without Borders” in their efforts to help the injured and bereaved in the disaster-stricken areas.” (Regular donor to “Artsen Zonder Grenzen” in the Netherlands)"

Ivo Dominguez Jr
“One belief that many Pagans hold in common is that we are all connected by the web of life. Please support the caregivers that are helping to mend the rip in the web in Japan. Their healing is our healing.”
Blessings, Ivo"

Holli S. Emore, Cherry Hill Seminary
"For many years I have worked with all sorts of clients to help them raise the funds needed to carry out their good work. If anything can mitigate the sorrow I feel over the tragedy in Japan, it is the joy of seeing our Pagan community step up to the challenge of giving at such a critical time. The truth is that charitable giving is a transformative act, a very concrete way of moving energy. I applaud Peter for using his position as CoG First Officer to rally us to this common cause. My husband and I have both given to Doctors Without Borders through the Pagan giving link, and we have also contributed to the American Red Cross where my husband is a national reservist. Most of us cannot go to Japan to help search, rescue, or rebuild. But through our financial gifts – of any and every size – we can be part of the work. I say to all of us – be transformed by your giving and give tranformatively."

Katrina Messenger Reflections Mystery School
"This is an incredible response to such devastation and loss. Pagans have always donated to relief efforts, volunteered to assist victims of disaster and help create policies that save lives and protect the environment. This campaign however allows us to pool our efforts and express our support to the people of Japan as a community."

CoG - NCLC Suite at PantheaCon

2011-02-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

PantheaCon Suite Report for 2011

I would like to thank you for your donation toward the NROOGD, New Wiccan Church, and Covenant of the Goddess suite.

I am happy to say that we once again broke even, actually we were three cents to the good, this year.

Because of heavy obligations on my part, I rented the room on Thursday evening in order to set it up in preparation for the convention without people wandering in looking for food while doing so. I actually remembered everything so the place was fully decorated and stocked. If you have any ideas for future suite decorations please contact me. We broke down the room on Monday morning early and I don’t think anyone was inconvenienced much by its closure.

During the time that it was open we hosted three receptions, two programs, two classes, and one ritual.

All of these were very successful, at least according to the people putting on the programing. Whew!!

I soooo deeply wish that, the P Con staff would include suite programing in the mainstream programing guide. Please begin to think today about programs you would like to see or present at the suite next year. If we can get them into the program in any form we may begin to develop a rep for programing and perhaps folks will begin to look for us.

I must take this time to say a very special thanks to the few people who repeatedly took the time to come by the suite, baby sit, clean up, and help (they actually did all of the work) set up for the three receptions held each of the three days. THANK YOU!!!! You know who you are. May the Goddess bless you and keep you near. Your work has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated and it is primarily due to your donation of service to community that this suite was successful this year.

The well attended NCLC Meeting and Reception

On Friday evening the Covenant of the Goddess held a meet-and-greet that was very well attended by both local members and national members and Officers. There were at least thirty people present during our meeting and more wandered in as it progressed. We did set up a virtual connection but I did not see anyone check in. We will continue to work on this in future. The meeting was designed to allow those members with busy schedules and far away locations to make their minimal attendance, but we had the added benefit of having such people of note as Ed Fitch, a founding father show up and share history. We ran a lovely slide show of CoG members past and present, living and passed beyond, interspersed with nature scenes. Developed by Anna Korn and Greg Harder, it was a delight and well received but people agreed that they really wanted captions so that the younger people could understand what and who they were looking at. Many elders in the larger community stopped in to see old faces and reminisce, a great idea over all. Lets work on expanding this for next year.

On Saturday at noon there was a discussion of “Where are Paganism and, in particular Wicca, going in the future.” It was very well attended also by both scholars and curious newbies and the conversation took some interesting and very unexpected turns.

On Saturday evening we hosted the PNC, (Pagan Newswire Collective) and Jason was delighted at the turnout, which in his estimation topped fifty, and space in general, donating two hundred dollars to the suite. We were amused at the number of star struck youngsters who were amazed and in awe at such stellar attendees as Starhawk, Selena, and Glenn; all of whom stop by regularly during the Con to rest and chat with old friends.

Ed Fitch was a regular in the suite this year and between the one hour that Greg and I recorded of his memories and stories and the NROOGD history panel much history was captured for future members and scholars.

On Sunday more programing and the “Nekked Necktie” ritual which drew about thirty participants, both members and friends willing to "get down" with us (wink wink, nudge nudge see ritual title if you are still in the dark), and was a great time for all involved. Gods only know what those crazy folks will come up with next year, but folks are beginning to eagerly look forward to this "real" time together in mirth and reverence. Good job guys.

Hot on its heels we hosted another reception for all who were interested in interfaith practice and theory with more than forty attendees. We shared stories and answered questions about how such meetings are accomplished. During the conversations we (hopefully) cleared up some misconceptions about interfaith work and laid some good foundations for future workers.

In general we spent quite a bit of time in good conversation and the explanation of our organizations to many who came in curious about all those flying acronyms. So many of our folks and other elders came in and sat down exhausted from the hustle and bustle of the Con, glad to be in a quiet space to rest and chat. The suite has admirably fulfilled its function for all three of our organizations and seems to be a good fit for us, especially with the large cross over in membership.

The suite costs this year included removal of the bed in the far room, and the addition of chairs, and tables for added space for meetings, panels and general conversation. It also included internet costs which were not as well used as they could have been. Can anyone in any of our groups create a Wi-fi space for next year?

The suite cost for the 4 days $970

The food and beverage c cost a total of $679.59

For a total cost of $1649.97

Each group donated or will donate, $450 for a total of $1350.00

We received in suite donations this year (up from last year) $100.00

We received from PNC $200.00

For a total of

$1650.00

Thank you again for your organization's donation toward this event. We hope that you will join us again next year.

Sincerely,

R Watcher,
Suite Manager

Prison Pentacle Project - Live Oak Local Council

2011-01-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

Back in August, prison chaplain James Rioux, from North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, contacted COG via the main website to request where he might find “all-white, plastic pentacles” for the Wiccan inmates of his institution, and the request was then sent out, via the AIR list, to all of us. Inspired by the Goddess, the Prison Pentacle Project began. When our First Officer read the message to us during our council meeting, I just couldn’t stand the idea of fellow Wiccans being denied the right to wear the pentacle. Even more, the thought of a white plastic pentacle was ridiculous! Like a child’s toy? That just didn’t seem right. I felt that we ought to be able to do something about it, and give them something to wear that they would be proud of.

First, I contacted James and told him of my idea for a pentacle. He told me to go ahead and make a prototype and send it to him for review. The prototype was made of a white plastic café curtain ring covered with a white, satiny cloth, and then stitched with a silver metallic thread for the border. The star was done with silver metallic elastic cord. Then I sent it to James, and it was accepted by the Bristol County Sherriff’s Office for use by its Wiccan inmates. When I asked why it had to be all white, James told me that the main reason was to clearly identify it as Wiccan, and not a gang item. Thank the Gods they allowed the silver threads! The prototype is shown on our website, liveoakcog.org. Live Oak Local Council is setting this up online so all of us can utilize it as a resource. I created the design, with the assistance of fellow council member, Sharon Starrett, who also helped to source the materials. I listed all of the items needed to make these pentacles, along with the instructions, for our website. Josh Wechsler took the picture, and Tom Davis, our PIO, set up the web information for all thisThis is only the first of many prototypes possible. With my fellow council members in the Live Oak Local Council, we are looking at how many different kinds of pentacles we can come up with that are not made out of metal. So far, we are looking at a woodburned slice of oak branch, a clay or Sculpie model, and a needlepoint pentacle. As we develop each new type, we will add a new page to the online Pagan Pentacle Project section of our Live Oak Local Council website. Each one will have a sample picture and instructions for how to duplicate them, as well as credit for those who created and photographed them.

As James had told me, each institution has its own criteria for what is acceptable and what is not, but we can offer some examples and allow them to choose. Our goal is to keep the cost down, to allow us to donate them for free How many more incarcerated Wiccans are out there, unable to wear their metal pentacles? There are many prisons in which such a service could make a huge difference for a Wiccan. Make a list of your local prisons and contact the Chaplain for each to see if there are Wiccans there who might need pentacles, and what the criteria would be for an acceptable pentacle. Explain that you would like to donate the pentacles at no cost to the inmates. In this particular case, they wanted white plastic to make it very visible, obviously Wiccan and not gang-related, and it had to be non-metal, hence the plastic. Some prisons, as here in Texas, allow inmates to buy metal pentacles in their commissary for a cost of $25. With limited spending money that is a cost that many inmates cannot afford. Our pentacles can fill that need.

If you would like to add your own ideas to this project, develop a sample, take a picture of it, write down the instructions, and materials and send them to us. We will include your design in the Pagan Pentacle Project, with credit to the people who developed it and the council that you represent.

We can help all inmates who desire to have a pentacle to wear. This is our chance to make a wonderful difference in their lives by letting them know we’re thinking about them and we want to help. If you have the desire to help fellow Wiccans in prison, please visit Live Oak Local Council’s website, liveoakcog.org, for more information and the email link. We can also be reached by Googling “PrisonPentacleProject.org.”

In Service to the Goddess,

Lady Cliodhna (Rev. Susan Harr)

Live Oak Local Council, COG

Austin, Texas

Arnold Kameda - writer - CoG member

2011-01-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

Arnold Kameda, a National Solitary member of the Covenant of the Goddess and a witch for a little over 20 years just had another article published and encourages everyone to write. Conscious Awareness Magazine, currently an e-zine considering the move to hard copy distribution, accepted an article from Arnold called “The Man on the Hill”.

Writing is not just something that you pick up and say ok today I’m going to become a writer, It is a lifelong passion. To become a good writer you have to write and write and keep on writing. Whether or not you are published is secondary to the fact that you are writing.

Now residing in Southern California in Orange County, Arnold used to write for Awakenings in a monthly column titled “My Wiccan Way”. He has given numerous writing workshops, the most recent workshop at Merry Meet two years ago titled, “Quantum Physics and Magical Theory”.

When asked how to get started he replied that he feels it relatively easy, especially if you target e-zines and Pagan specific magazines. “In every magazine there is a section explaining the submission process and the type of information they are looking for. So you should be prepared to tailor your work to suit. You should also be familiar with the material they like to publish” and I would add to that the style of writing that they prefer. “The nice thing about Pagan and Wiccan magazines is that they are a lot more approachable. The down side is that it may be difficult to develop a following if a magazine or e-zine is not stable. You are not going to get a lot of exposure but on the other hand they are relatively unknown so willing to give new writers a chance.”

The material for the article that he submitted is based on the philosophy of his current group, “Stella Maris”, (the Greek equivalent of Isis). “The philosophy is primarily Alexandrian and an eclectic mix of Greek and Celtic deities. We try to allow individuals to express themselves and their personal spirituality without stifling creativity.”

I would add that if you are interested in writing, there are numerous adult classes on various types of writing from fiction, to technical writing available from Community Colleges, and many physical and online groups that support and encourage budding writers. Learn how to write a query letter, and be prepared to accept rejection. Eventually someone will find an article you wrote to be just the one they have been searching for. My last piece of advice is to keep a morgue of all of your works, accepted or not, and have friends who are not afraid to tell you the truth be your reviewers. You can learn a lot about the differences in what you think you wrote and what a reader will get out of it.

Another article is in the works. Go to the link below to read Arnold’s article. http://www.consciousawarenessmagazine.com/index_files/Page307.htm

The visit of Alejandrino Quispe

2011-01-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

Well It’s January first and I am still trying to catch up with all of the obligations that the end of the year has most graciously placed at my feet. Peter sets such a fine example of correspondence that I felt that I had better follow suite or be trumped.

My “end of year” started in October. With the visit of Alejandrino Quispe ( an indigenous gentleman from Peru with whom Don and I had been working through the United Religions Initiative). Due to take place in November, We made the discovery that nothing had been done to assure his travel visa was approved. We began the rather arduous task of trying to alert the American Embassy in Lima Peru to look for him and put him on the fast track and get hold of him and get him into Lima to get his visa. With less than a week before his departure date we finally received word that did indeed have his visa in hand. As there was quite a bit of funding tied up in this process it was a huge relief to be assured that he would make his flight.

He arrived in good health at San Francisco International Airport with Don, Anna Korn, and myself to greet him. We took him to Saul’s, a Jewish soul food restaurant for his first taste of foreign food, and then home and to bed. The next three weeks was a constant mix and motion of sight-seeing and work.

The evening before his arrival we had been invited to dinner with Gede Parma, a young Australian pagan and writer whom we had met at the Parliament. He was on a book signing tour for his latest book, By Land, Sky and Sea. Over dinner I said that he could not leave the area without seeing our beautiful Sequoia Sempervirens. He said he only had the following day and we decided then and there to take him and Alejandrino to the Redwoods that following morning.

Greg took them to a huge hollowed out tree (about ten feet around) that he knew of some ways off the path and Gede did a ritual for all. Though Alejandrino did not understand the words, (I could not walk that distance and so he had no translator, though Don does a fair to middlin job in my absence) he said that he truly felt that the gods had answered them. Needless to say neither of them had ever seen such trees and were profoundly moved by the experience.

Though technically Don and I sponsored him privately, our mutual membership in the United Religions Initiative and the work that Don and I have been doing with the South American Region, was the focus of a great deal of our time together. We traveled to the San Francisco Hub of the organization one day to meet with all of the folks there and have lunch.

Then Don took us to the Interfaith Chapel to show him around and we drove out to the Marin Headlands where he could get a sense of the topography of the land and sea.

I took every opportunity to show him how the indigenous peoples of the region lived and Don bought him a really nice fold out of many of the animals native to this area which he referred to constantly during his stay. We talked a lot about the native plants of the region and their uses and I showed him the acorns, grinding stones and process used to make the staple of the native diet here in California, acorn mush. He was amazed to see a Sparrow Hawk on display in one of the nature museums and told us that it is a very sacred bird to his people and practically extinct in his land. The curator was nice enough to let us handle the stuffed model and Alejandrino had his picture taken with the bird.

Of all this the things that impressed him most were the areas that have been set aside as natural parks, the endless vistas of pine and mixed hardwood forest viewed from the crest of the Sierras, and the care that we give to setting aside natural places for posterity. There are no forests in the Andes and few trees anywhere. Every square inch that can be cultivated or used for grazing is.

During this time we bought him a small video camera for his work in recording the remaining rituals of his people and encouraged him to use it. I worked with him extensively on expanding his use of the computer with Google, Google Earth, and Wikipedia. He could not believe what can be learned from just “Googling” a bit of information. Not long after that he brought me the computer with something he had found on You Tube and wanted me to watch it.

It seems there is a village in the Peruvian Andes with a rather unique custom. No one in the village is allowed to fight at any time during the year. It seems that two guys trashed a church once and the local priest set up this custom in order to prevent it from ever happening again. On Christmas day the entire village goes to the bull ring, the police act as referees, and anyone with a gripe against anyone else may call them out one at a time, at that time. Men and women both do this and it seems that at least 80% of the arguments for both men and women are over who got the lover. It has now become the standing joke between Don, Anna, Greg and me. “Why no I’m not angry, I will see you at Christmas.”

Alejandrino was our guest speaker at the “People of the Earth” conference held this year on November 20th at the Interfaith Chapel of the Presidio, in San Francisco. I did the set up and food prep and service and Don handled the programing, and hosting. Greg taped his talk but, unfortunately Alejandrino took both the CD and chip with him in error leaving us no copy.

During this time the Chair of the Global council of the URI asked Alejandrino to write a report on his experience with the Indigenous Global Initiative, an organization that the URI was trying to establish starting with the South American Indigenous to eventually include indigenous people from all over the world. It would have taken any one of us a couple of hours to do so but it took three days of solid hard work for Alejandrino to write that report. The trouble is that he simply did not understand what information was required or how to present it in a corporate, professional manner. He kept trying to start by giving an entire history of each person’s actions from the beginning of the organization’s founding and working his way slowly up to the current situation and the status of the membership (the traditional indigenous method of explanation). We had to examine each part and slowly work “our” way toward what was important information that affected the future of the group and what was unnecessary to any decision that the Chair might wish to consider. Then we began to examine his recommendations. Heavy sigh. We finished it just in time to turn it in and have a telephone conference with the First Chair before he left for home. During this entire time he was hard at work studying English at least two hours in the morning and evening.

He left on November 25th at three in the morning. I dropped Don off at his house, got home, went to bed and slept for 24 hours straight waking up with a bad chest cold. Better now.

In putting all of the footage that he shot onto CDs I was astounded to discover that 4 of the five segments he shot were from the back seat of my car giving a running dialogue on the fact that there were five lanes to the road one way, all the cars were relatively new, none of them smoked, they are remained discreetly separated no matter how fast or slow they were going, a woman, a woman, was driving, and look, she was going 100 kilometers per hour. He had never seen such roads. Even the fast roads are one way each way in most of Peru. He had also never in his life seen a woman driver.

Other things that absolutely amazed him were that I had a machine that only made popcorn, a machine with a window in it that washed my clothes, (he pulled up a chair and watched the entire process; it was a front loader.) He discovered that I had a can crusher early on and carefully recycled every soda can in the house the moment it came empty.

We had a long talk about recycling and I took him to the local recycling center. He now wants to start one down in his home town. He loved to go shopping and missed no opportunity to go into Safeway. He had me take his picture in every isle. Once we stopped on the way home to pick up a couple of things and Greg went in and left us in the car. Alejandrino hopped out and went in after him. Later Greg told me that all he needed to feel like an overseer was a floppy hat and cane. He is so much taller than Alejandrino and Alejandrino absolutely insisted on carrying everything. Greg said he all but fought him for control of the basket but gave up and Alejandrino followed him around the store carrying the basket, then insisted on carrying all the bags out to the car. Greg couldn’t wait to get out of there.

I learned many things while he was here. I discovered just how large is the gap between the modern corporate world that we are used to doing business in and his indigenous, one village one family, world. Communication is incredibly difficult. Even face to face communication where one can pull him back into the topic at hand is a challenge. At times I had to ask a question two or three times in two or three different ways in order to get him to address it directly without a major preamble. E mail communication is all but impossibly frustrating. He has no internet and the likelihood that he soon will have is slim. When he does it will be the most jury rigged set up you can possibly imagine with friends stringing the line from whatever they can find for some distance. Even the connection will be made by “a friend who knows how to do these things” rather than the supplier. This is of course if they can raise the funds for the cable. He has no understanding of how the system works and did not understand that any computer can be connected. He thought that the entire system had to be hard wired to a single computer.

Without even this system he is forced to come into town at a cost of two Solis each way, (an equivalent of about $4 for us) and deal with a computer that cost only one Solis per hour but that is so slow you will spend the entire hour just downloading your email. This means that I hear from him with little frequency. When he is tending his crops or doing the government work he is sometimes paid to do I may not hear from him for months literally. Once he focuses on a topic he does not respond to anything else in the email. I have asked him for his physical address three times and each time I get a totally different response to something we were working on when he left and no address.

Still I continue to move, I think, forward. Our next plan is to get him a set of by-laws that they can use to model a set for their organization. CoG’s are the best suited but that means translating them into Spanish. OMG!!! As if they were not complicated enough in English.

The last words that he left both Don and me with were that there is a ritual in December that is as ancient as his people and very secret as they do not want the Government or the Church to know about it. He wants us all to attend this ritual next December. It is a several mile hike into the mountains from the last point at which you can drive a car. “But don’t worry,” he says to me “I will get you a horse to ride”.

Rachael Watcher - NPIO

A Pagan Testament

2010-11-30T21:50:00.000-08:00

Looks like it might be a good reference book

"Pagans often claim that their spiritual inspiration comes not from a written scripture but from personal experience and original creativity. Yet there are many written works which also constitute its testament. Some of them are thousands of years old, such as the Descent of Ishtar, and the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. Others are more recent, such as the Charge of the Goddess.

A Pagan Testament collects these original works together, along with the poetry and prose that inspired the founders of the modern Pagan movement. It also includes the largest collection of circle songs and wisdom teachings ever publised. These form the Pagan equivalent of the Biblical Psalms and Provebrs. They were collected by the author in a survey of Pagan folklore, from almost 2,000 people in twelve countries around the world. They show that Paganism is continually expanding and developing. Finally, the book includes an original and valuable philosophical commentary and interpretation."

From Indian Country TV

2010-11-20T20:32:00.001-08:00

Watch live streaming video from indiancountrytv at livestream.com

The Wheel or the Year - Samhain

2010-11-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Samhain is the beginning of the New Year (and winter) in many rural areas of Europe. To Witches and Pagans it is one of the great Cross Quarter Days of the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year. To the ancient Celtic peoples the actual time of transition, from sundown on Samhain to sundown the following day, is a "thin place" - a place "between-the-worlds" where deep insights could pass more easily to those who are open to them. In addition to inspiration, through the portals could also pass beings of wisdom, fun, and perhaps some danger requiring cauton on the part of mortals when confronting them.

Here are various links to information on this important Sabbat.

General Information
Samhain - Wikipedia
All Hallow's Eve by Mike Nichols
The Celtic Cross Quarter Day of Samhain
The Celtic Year - Samhain
Samhain: the Eve of All Hallow
Samhain Lore
Celebrating Hallowmas
The Fantasy and Folklore of All Hallows
Samhain Ritual by Akasha
Samhain Ritual by Wren Walker
Guided Meditation for Samhain
The Polish Autumnal Remembrance of Deceased Progenitors
International Halloween Customs
History of the Jack O'Lantern
Day of the Dead
Ancestral Altars & Rituals

YouTube
Samhain live in Edinburgh, Scotland
OAXACA: Dia de los Muertos
LO SAMHAIN - CAPODANNO CELTICO

Music
Loreena Mckennitt - All Souls Night HD
Samhain Night
Samhain Veil
Samhain Eve
Steeleye Span - Samain
All Hallows' Eve - Inkubus Sukkubus
Lisa thiel - Samhain Song
Magica- Samhain

Pagan street poet & composer - 'Moondog'

2010-10-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia:
"Moondog was the pseudonym of Louis Thomas Hardin (May 26, 1916 – September 8, 1999), a blind American composer, musician, poet, and inventor of several musical instruments. Moondog removed himself from society through his decision to make his home on the streets of New York for approximately twenty of the thirty years he spent in the city. He could be found on the streets of New York wearing clothes he had created based on his own interpretation of the Norse god Thor. Because of his unconventional outfits, he was known for much of his life as "The Viking of 6th Avenue"

More Moondog
Moondog - Invocation
MOONDOG, MOONDOG MONOLOGUE
Moondog - Elf Dance
Moondog - Trees Against the Sky
Moondog Music
Spirit of Moondog in Concert
Moondog - Lament I, "Bird's Lament"
moondog

Witches Wit Beer controversy

2010-10-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

A message from CYNTHIA ELLER. Associate Professor, Philosophy and Religion. Montclair State University,

Clint Eastwood's - 'Hereafter'

2010-10-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Reclaiming Spiral Dance Ritual -San Francisco CA

2010-10-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mohawk leader Jake Swamp has died

2010-10-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Jake Swamp was a Chief and an ambassador of the Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) confederacy for more than 30 years. He recently attended the Parliament of the World's Religions where he worked with CoG's National Interfaith Representative - Rachael Watcher on indigenous issues. He will be sorely missed.

From Indian Country Today:

"AKWESASNE MOHAWK NATION TERRITORY – Jake Swamp, the great Mohawk spiritual teacher, has died.

Swamp, a member of the Wolf Clan whose Mohawk name “Tekaronhianeken” means “where two skies come together,” passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Oct. 15 at Massena Memorial Hospital in Massena, N.Y. He was 68." ...(Cont.)...

From The Parliament of the World's Religions Blog:

"...Swamp served as Mohawk Nation diplomat in many instances. He addressed the Fourth Russell Tribunal in the Netherlands, was a delegate to the United Nations, met with leaders of foreign nations and advised representatives from the US Congress and Canadian Parliament. He worked closely with Dr. Greg Schaaf to have the US Senate pass a resolution acknowledging the influence of the Haudenosaunee on the US Constitution and thereby initiated a revolution in the understanding of American history. He was a delegate to two sessions of the World Parliament of Religions where he was affectionately called “el jeffe”." ...(Cont.)...

Some seasonal artwork from the hand of your NPIO

2010-10-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Autumn Garden Impressions

Fall forest impressions

Fall Reds

Fall on the Feather River

Autumn Medley

Butte County Autumn Impressions

Autumn in Beldon Town

CoG members write and edit new book

2010-10-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bridging the Gap: Working Within the Dynamics of Pagan Groups and Society, from Immanion Press - is written by Crystal Blanton a CoG member and local Second Officer for the Northern California Local Council. The book was also edited by Michelle Mueller who is CoG's National Youth Interfaith Representative.

"Crystal Blanton is a trained and experienced Registered Addictions Specialist in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, which enhances her understanding of spiritual balance and how behavior and perceptions affect our everyday lives. As a mother of four, grandmother of three and a married wife of fourteen years, Blanton has experienced the ups and downs of family life and grown spirituality as a result. Professionally she has specialized in addiction studies and has experience in counseling, addiction, mental illness, developmental disabilities and criminal justice. Blanton found herself having to deal with the same issues within her own family unit and has used the heartache from these experiences to enhance her understanding of spiritual balance and professional understanding...

"Bridging the Gap: Working Within the Dynamics of Pagan Groups and Society will look at filling the common gaps in our community by using techniques as tools to assess, understand, and work with the changing dynamic of any group or coven. While maintaining a professional polish, the book uses humor, common scenarios, exercises, and resources to examine the commonalities between techniques used in the counseling profession; giving the reader concrete, professional solutions to coping with common problems."

Here is what Michelle rightly pointed out about my previous post, and all I can say is - whoops - I was not paying close enough attention when I put this out the first time.

"Greg,

Thank you so much for the post about Crystal's book and for finding the photo! That original news entry was written for Cherry Hill Seminary, so for that audience it was appropriate to frame me in the headline as I am Cherry Hill Seminary faculty.

Crystal is a COG member and the author, so for COG reports, it's important that Crystal receives the credit. Could you post another entry putting Crystal at the center? I would really appreciate it, and I'm sure so would she. Something like...

"COG member Crystal Blanton published her first book Bridging the Gap: Working Within the Dynamics of Pagan Groups and Society and is a featured author on the website of Immanion Press. The book was edited by another COG member Michelle Mueller.

Read about Crystal and the book here: http://www.immanion-press.com/info/person.asp?id=89"

Thank you.

Michelle"

CoG's First Officer Elect has a new Blog

2010-10-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Peter Dybing has a new blog that already has quite a few posts on it. So check out what he has to say to the world.

Pagan In Paradise
   From misery to Hope in Haiti
   A collection of daily thoughts
   Islamophobia A Threat to the Pagan Community
   Directionally Challenged Pagans
   Islam and 911
   Militant Pagan
   Young Lives

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - October 2 , 1869 - January 30,1948

2010-10-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mohandas K.Gandhi's birthday. If we Pagans had Saints, he would most assuredly qualify. He was the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement. Gandhi developed satyagraha which is defined as resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience. It was a practice and philosophy firmly rooted in ahimsa, or total nonviolence. His ideas and personal example gained India its independence from British colonialism Gandhi's work inspired Martin Luther King and movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Here is more information on this great Pagan leader's life and work:
THE COMPLETE SITE ON MAHATMA GANDHI
Mahatma Gandhi's One Spot Information
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - Wikipedia
Gandhi Jayanti: Mahatma's Quotes, Sms, Wallpapers

Druid Religion officially recognised in England and Wales

2010-09-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here is an anouncement from the stonehenge-druids

"...Happily The Druid Network persevered with their application and today announced that they have achieved Charitable Status under the objects of religion. Druidry now has equal status with other accepted religions in all areas including the workplace. A huge and historic step forwards and a cause for great celebration.

For the first time since AD54, and our repression under Roman occupation, we are recognised and free from persecution.

For my efforts in helping to make this day a possibility I’m today feeling very proud.

I cannot praise the Druid Network highly enough for persisting with this struggle for around 10 years, despite many setbacks and delays along the way. Theirs has been a huge effort of patience and endurance for the benefit of all Druids and they fully deserve the honourable place in the history of the Druids they have earned for themselves."

Coverage as well at The Wild Hunt.

Radio interview with Linda Slack of CoG's Texas Local Council

2010-09-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Kevin Foresman of Raw Soul Radio Live on the Enlumnia Radio Network from Dallas, Texas interviewed Linda Slack of CoG's Texas Local Council

"Join me as I talk with Linda Slack about The United Earth Assembly (UEA), one of the oldest pagan seminars in the United States, and The Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), a non-profit 501c3 international religious organization founded in 1975 to increase cooperation among Witches and to secure for Witches and covens the legal protection enjoyed by members of other religions. CoG is one of the largest and oldest Wiccan religious organizations whose members generally agree on the Wiccan ethical code known as the Wiccan Rede, “An it harm none, do as ye will,” which honors the freedom of each individual to do what they believe is right, but also recognizes the profound responsibility that none may be harmed by one’s actions."

It takes time to load but you can here that interview here.

A reply to Christian bashing in our community

2010-09-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Keeping with an interfaith theme I noticed over at the Magic of the Ordinary blog, author - Peregrin has an interesting and thought provoking response to what she perceives as Christian bashing in the pages of a recent Green Egg article by Frank J Ranelli on page 38.

"...I suggest Mr Ranelli and those carried along with his invective read some works by Thomas Merton, Matthew Fox, Richard Rohr, John Shelby Spong and Marcus Borg to name just a few. Or just go to the Living the Questions channel on YouTube.

Neo-pagans are very good in wanting (and occasionally demanding) non believers and journalists to go beyond the stereotyped and cultural view of our spiritual forms. We do not want to be seen in pointy hats casting curses or in graveyards raising the dead. We expect outside observers to be open to hearing the ‘truth’ about our traditions, to go deeper than the outer forms and common misconceptions. However, we do not seem to do the same justice to Christianity." ...(Cont.)...

Interfaith leaders respond to Shamanism question

2010-09-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Religious writer - Stephanie Murphy of the Canadian paper - The Ottawa Citizen asked the following question to a number of religious and non-religious "experts."

"What do you make of ancient indigenous systems of wisdom, such as aboriginal and Celtic shamans?"

Their answers were quite thought provoking. Here is one of many examples from RAY INNEN PARCHELO - a novice Tendai priest and founder of the Red Maple Sangha, the first lay Buddhist community in Eastern Ontario:

"The greatest dangers I see for those seeking spiritual direction from ancient wisdom are three.

First, there is a tendency of novices to mix-and-match, borrowing an idea here and there, to assemble something that they cling to or present as “ancient wisdom,” but which has little authenticity. Sadly too, there is no shortage of charlatans who do so and present themselves as “master” for some combination of self-aggrandizement and exploitative marketing.

The second is to propose that ancient wisdom is superior to modern wisdom, simply by virtue of its age. As someone wrote, “If wisdom always comes with a grey beard, every goat would be Plato.”

Third, many people disconnect teaching from practice and action, leaving themselves with a collection of pithy sayings with little practical context, little expert direction and no sustaining ritual support." ...(Cont.)...

Listen to ancient Babylonian online

2010-09-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting archaeological article:

"Almost 2,000 years after its last native speakers disappeared, the sound of Ancient Babylonian makes a comeback in an online audio archive. The recordings include excerpts from some of the earliest known works of world literature, dating back to the first years of the second millennium BC.

Prompted by the enquiries of curious colleagues and friends, Dr. Martin Worthington, an expert in Babylonian and Assyrian grammar from the University of Cambridge, has begun to record readings of Babylonian poems, myths and other texts in the original tongue." ...(Cont.)...

CoG First Officer on ABC News

2010-09-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Our First Officer - Silvia Web was quoted extensively in this ABC News report:

"It leads me to believe she's making it up completely out of whole cloth with poor information," said Sylvia T. Webb, the first officer of the Covenant of the Goddess, a national non-profit organization.

Comments like O'Donnell's, she said, are "bizarre" and contribute to misinformation about the religion....
Webb scoffed at O'Donnell's claims.

"It's very hard to worship something you do not believe in and Satan is a Christian concept," she said. "Wiccans don't have Satanic altars." ...(Cont.)...

Autumn Equimox - Mabon - Lore, Music and Ritual

2010-09-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Mabon blessings to everyone

Web Pages
Mabon by Akasha
Autumn Equinox
Mabon - About.com
Mabon
Mabon
Mabon Lore
Harvest Hone - Mike Nichols
Ancient Greek & Roman Fall Festivals
British Kitchen - Harvest Festival
The Elders Speak about Autumn
Autumn Greetings Customs & Lore

Video
Mabon
An ode to the Autumn Equinox
Lisa Thiel - Mabon
Mabon - Omnia
Mabon
Impressions of Autumn
MabonMabon Tribute
The Mabon - Damh the Bard
Mabon Ritual
PaGaian Mabon 2009

Patrick McCollum Interview on anti-Pagan discrimination

2010-09-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Patrick McCollum has just now received the Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism at the Hindu American Foundation's annual Reception in Washington D.C..

CoG Members working for community around the country

2010-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week for many CoG members. I will begin with the Texas Local Council's sponsorship of an upcoming Autumn Equinox Celebration. Also in Texas Raw Soul Radio with Kevin Foresman had a segment with "Linda Slack of The Covenant of The Goddess to discuss Wicca and the upcoming United Earth Assembly"..

The Calafia Local Council was active with a booth at Pagan Pride San Diego 2010.

Chamisa Local Council is busy getting ready for the Magic Mountain Mabon Festival on September 16, 17, 18, & 19,

Rachael Watcher just announced at our Interfaith Blog: "we have begun a series of dialogues called "The Witch and the Preacher's Kid". Each month we will be having a half hour dialogue loosely based on a particular topic. This month we kicked off our program with the topic of Evil and what it looks like from a Christian and from a Wiccan perspective. This program does not suppose to speak for every Christian nor every Pagan but really is only a dialogue between two friends who have found deep kinship despite our different religions."

Peter Dybing, our NFO elect was busy with a 911 Ritual for Tolerance and Remembrance. He performed this ritual publicly in the Virgin Islands where he lives, and received positive local news coverage.

Margot Adler our CoG member and NPR reporter filed this report this week - 9/11 Anniversary Marked By Anger, Controversy.

I am sure that many of our members are busy doing good work for the community, but you need to let your NPIO know so I can get the word out.

Brave Heart Women’s Society

2010-09-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

Brave Heart Women's Society from The Kitchen Sisters on Vimeo.

“I was part of the first group who went through this Isnati coming-of-age ceremony 13 years ago,” Brook recalls. Brook’s mother, Faith Spotted Eagle, is one of the women who re-established the Brave Hearts. With American and European contact many such societies and ceremonies have been lost over the last 100 years. In 1994, Faith and the Brave Hearts interviewed grandmas from three states about what they remembered of the Isnati coming of age ceremony.

“In the old days,” Faith Spotted Eagle says, “as soon as a girl had her first moon, her menses, she would immediately be isolated from the rest of the camp and begin a four-day ceremony where she was taught by other women. So we symbolically set up one camp a year and have the girls come in for four days.”

More information at:
Brave Heart Women’s Society
NPR - Four Days, Nights: A Girls' Coming-Of-Age Ceremony
Audio interview with girls and women from Brave Heart...
Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria

Sámi singer and activist Mari Boine speaks

2010-09-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Norwegian and Sámi singer Mari Boine speaks about her personal experiences with the religious ban of joik. Joik is traditional Saami chanting, for entertaiment, joy, meditation, mental linking, description, memory, sagas, extasy, for magic and as calls for the spirits, also of the Highest."

More Mari Boine:
Mari Boine - Vuolgge mu mielde Bassivárrái
Mari Boine video
Mari Boine - It Sat Duolmma Mu
Mari Boine - Elle (Live)
Mari Boine - Elle
Mari Boine - Gulan Du
Mari Boine - Uldda Nieida
Mari Boine - Guovssahasaid ajagattis
Mari Boine - Goaskinviellja / Eagle Brother
Mari Boine - Idjadiegas (In the hand of the Night
Mari Boine - I Come From the Other Side

M. Macha NightMare quoted in South African Pagan publication

2010-09-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

M. Macha NightMare from Northern California Local Council of CoG and Cherry Hill Seminary was featured in an article in the South African Pagan publication - Penton. She is quoted extensively in the article by Damon Leff - Witches on Witchcraft.

"Like most Witches of my vintage, I searched for years for a spirituality that made sense to me before I found the Craft. I encountered Witchcraft at the meeting point of three paths in my life, at the sacred trivia of the goddess Hekate. The first path was Second Wave Feminism; [5] in Craft I had my first experience of a feminine image of the divine. Secondly, my concerns for the environment (before I’d ever heard the word “ecology”) were accorded a theological foundation in Craft. Third was an acknowledgment and respect for intuitive ways of knowing. These concerns, spiced with the flavors of mythology and folklore, seeking knowledge of my personal ancestral heritage, and engaging constructively in society to help make a better world, continue to inform my theology and praxis." ...(Cont.)...

Former CoG NPIO testifies in federal court about prison ministry

2010-08-31T23:51:00.000-07:00

Our former NPIO for 2008 - Lisa Cowley Morgenstern - went to testify in federal court last week in Sacramento, CA. about her work as a prison volunteer chaplain. As I have reported before this case concerns a lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections that was filed by inmates and Wiccan prison chaplain - Parrick McCollum Here is an excerpt from Lisa'a report on her testimony titled: My trip to Sacramento to Testify in a Federal Court about Wiccan Prison Ministry

"...I wrote the DAG about a couple of days before the court date for the Evidentiary hearing to ask how I should formally accept the subpoena, and to ask for a witness fee and correct my address. They had put an extra number in my street address. I got a phone call on Friday, I think, telling me that the primary on the case was back after being on vacation and that he didn’t think I needed to come all the way up to Sacramento. So he was going to “release me” from my subpoena. He said, “Since the other side has already approved the unsigned declaration…” and I said, “But I didn’t sign it because it was inaccurate…” and was interrupted by “Well I can’t imagine what is inaccurate about it, and… we just don’t need you to come up, OK?” So, hmm. I called the other side and said that it looked like I didn’t have to go; but they asked me if I would come anyway, and that they’d ask for me with the judge. I had already made plans to visit a friend in Sacramento and bring another friend to help me drive, so I figured I would just go and see what happened. I felt that it was weird for me to be released from a federal subpoena over the telephone, and was worried something bad would happen if I didn’t show up, since I never got anything in writing confirming the telephone call.

Fast forward to Wednesday morning at 10am the day of the hearing. I had spent time on the phone the night before with Patrick McCollum correcting the unsigned declaration because I learned they had submitted it into evidence. That way, I figured, even if the judge didn’t want to hear from me, I had something to give them. At first the DAGs didn’t want to submit it, as the declaration I did without them was much more thorough, but the judge asked for it, so it happened. It turns out this evidentiary hearing was actually just to hear what I had to say as the volunteer Wiccan Chaplain for that inmate and the yard where he is housed. It was a bigger deal than I thought." ...(Cont.)...

Gus diZerega refers to CoG on his Patheos blog post

2010-08-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Gus diZerega usually posts on Beliefnet, but he recently posted over at Patheos with a piece titled - Paganism and the Role of Interfaith Dialogue. In it he refers to the work of Don Frew - our National Interfaith Representative:

"...Pagan involvement in interfaith dialogue has deep roots. Covenant of the Goddess has been engaged in interfaith work for thirty-five years. Pagan Don Frew began dialogues with Christian Brooks Alexander twenty-five years ago, leading an honest and deeply committed Evangelical to present accurate information to the wider Christian community while becoming widely respected for his honesty and integrity among many in the Pagan community." ...(Cont)...

New York Times reports on reincarnation

2010-08-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article from The New York Times titled - Remembrances of Lives Past:

"...According to data released last year by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, a quarter of Americans now believe in reincarnation. (Women are more likely to believe than men; Democrats more likely than Republicans.) Julia Roberts recently told Elle magazine that though she was raised Christian, she had become “very Hindu.” ...(Cont.)...

TheurgiCon 2010

2010-08-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

The first annual TheurgiCon 2010 was held on Saturday August 28, in Berkeley California. It was sponsored by Glenn Turner, long time veteran Convention organizer and former National First Officer of CoG. I was a one day symposium with the goal of covering everything you ever wanted to know about Theurgy.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., five speakers were arranged in such order as to present basic historical information first, with each speaker building upon the work of his or her predecessor. Each succeeding speaker moving forward in time, followed the thread of theurgy as it developed from its most ancient roots to its present day practice in such organizations as The Open Source Golden Dawn and British Traditional Wica.

First up was Tony Mierzwicki the author of Graeco-Egyptian Magick: Everyday Empowerment. Tony has completed three degrees at the University of Sydney - MA, BE and BSc. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Cherry Hill Seminary. The title of his presentation was - An overview of Hermeticism

Next came Brandy Williams who is a former CoG National First Officer. The title of her presentation was Chaldean Oracles in the Western Mystery Tradition. Brandy "has been a teacher in the magical communities for 30 years. Her books include Practical Magic for Beginners and Ecstatic Ritual: Practical Sex Magic. Her new book, The Woman Magician, will be published by Llewellyn in fall 2011. http://www.brandywilliams.org."

Nest we had Don Frew who is also one of CoG's National Interfaith Representatives. His presentation was titled - Neo-Platonism & Wicca Today. In addition to his work with CoG Don "is an Elder in both the NROOGD & Gardnerian Craft traditions, and is HP of Coven Trismegiston in Berkeley CA. He has been investigating the origins of modern Wicca for over 15 years and has traveled the ancient world in search of the texts & artifacts that illuminate our past."

After lunch the afternoon began with the presentation - The Nexus of Mystic and Magus - by Diana Young:
"Metaphysician, priestess, ritualist, and wordsmith in prose and poetry, Diana has been living a Magical Life for forty years. Having headlined in North Beach nightclubs and studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in the late 1960’s, she joined the group around British metaphysician, Grace Hooper Pettipher in 1972, succeeding, with her colleague, to the leadership of that circle after her mentor’s passing. Subsequently Diana co-founded the Victor B. Neuberg Memorial Drama Society"

The final presentation was Theurgy in Our Community - by Sam Webster:
"Sam Webster, M. Div., Mage, has taught magick publicly since 1984. He graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in 1993. He is an Adept of the Golden Dawn and a co-founder of the Chthonic-Ouranian Templar order, as well as an initiate of Wiccan, Buddhist, Hindu and Masonic traditions. His work has been published in a number of journals such as Green Egg, Reclaiming Quarterly, Mezlim, and Gnosis, and most recently in his book "Tantric Thelema" (www.Concrescent.net). He founded the Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn in 2001 (www.OSOGD.org), and serves the Pagan community principally as a priest of Hermes."

As Rachael Watcher said in her report for The Wild Hunt and the Pagan Newswire Collective:

"The day of academic pursuit was followed by equally deep and thoughtful conversations in the Hospitality suite accompanied by wine and food. I wandered about seeking impressions of the day from participants. Gus diZerega, author and teacher commented, “I think it was a great presentation. It far exceeded my hopes. The quality of the presentations was wonderful, the variety of perspectives fascinating …” Barbara Cormack, head of the Open Source Golden Dawn, “I came because I feel that my tradition is one of the modern flowerings and an inheritor of theugric practice. I was curious to see what the speakers would do with that topic and I wasn’t disappointed…” Nathan Bjorge, presenter at PantheaCon on Neo Platonic practice “I think that this was a wonderful opportunity for different traditions to come together and explore this history, this context for our modern pagan traditions…” Everyone agreed that it was a great success, worth the money and stated that they looked forward to next year’s presentations with interest as well as curiosity as to how, as a concept, this symposium would develop.

Glenn Turner promises a published presentation of the papers presented, and I look forward to that. I’m also delighted that this is only an annual event. It will take me that long to digest what transpired here today."

Hurricane Earl threatens home of Peter Dybing

2010-08-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hurricane "Earl" is threatening the home of Peter Dybing - our CoG First Officer Elect, in the American Virgin Islands. The good news is that he is professionally trained and prepared for such disasters if they strike. For those of us into weather working let us hold a thought to steer this hurricane away from his small island. Here is information from the Weather Underground:

Peter Dybing - "Isalamophobia: A Threat to the Pagan Community"

2010-08-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Over at the Pagan + Politics section of the Pagan Newswire Collective there is a statement from our First Officer elect - Peter Dybing:

Islamophobia: A Threat to the Pagan Community

"From rural Wisconsin to lower Manhattan Americans are mobilizing in opposition to the location of Islamic places of worship in their communities. With images of September 11th etched in it’s collective subconscious, our nation is once again traversing the slippery slope that leads to religious persecution, fear and outright bigotry.

Islam has become the convenient target of defamation, hate, suspicion and direct verbal attacks. Americans in ever growing numbers freely tell anti Islamic jokes in public places. If these attacks were aimed at another faith, minority or ethnic group there would surly be a substantial backlash.

So why should the Neo Pagan community become involved in defending the rights of a belief system that holds views so foreign to our earth based community?

Islam, an incredibly diverse group of faiths, is faced with being branded as intolerant and violent due to the actions of radical fringe groups. We in the Pagan community have experienced attempts to paint us all with the same brush when individuals who claim to be Pagan commit violent acts. Recent events in New Mexico and Australia make this clear.

To stand by and allow these forms of attack encourages those who believe that our country should not be tolerant of a diversity of beliefs. If we do not stand in support of inclusion and respect we risk our own fight for Pagan rights through our lack of action.

There are many well-meaning people who have expressed concern with the placement of the Mosque in New York City. There are others, however, who have taken this opportunity to spread fear, hate, and bigotry. They must be confronted

All threats to religious rights and tolerance are a threat to our community, our nation and our ability to openly worship the divine as we please.

It is not easy to come to the defense of a belief system so different than ours. Nor was it easy for Christian, Jewish and Islamic leaders to support the inclusion of Pagans in the interfaith movement. Yet, these leaders did it because it was the right thing to do. Now comes our opportunity to stand for what we believe.

Pagan Brothers and Sisters, join me in communicating to the Islamic community our support for their right to worship openly, when they want to and where they want to. Confront those who oppose tolerance, Make our collective intent known.

In Service to the Goddess,
- Peter Dybing"

More on this issue
Pagan media
Pagans and Park51
The Mosque, the Mirror, this Moment…
Why The New York Mosque Debate matters to Pagans
We All Must Speak Out to Counter Anti-Muslim Prejudice
The Face of Savagery
First They Came for the Muslims...
Mosques of the Illuminati
Islamophobia and an American Heathen
Mainstream media
Looking at Islamic Center Debate, World Sees U.S.
Proposed Muslim Center Draws Opposing Protests
Was the Attack on a Muslim NYC Cabbie a Sign That the Mosque Debate Is Getting Out of Hand?
Mosque attack in California refers to Ground Zero
N.Y. governor, archbishop call for peaceful dialogue on mosque
Mosque Project Near NYC's Ground Zero Tests U.S. Freedoms, Bloomberg Says

"The Future of Paganism"

2010-08-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Over at the Patheos religious portal they are producing a month long series on the future of religion. For the week beginning August 23rd. the Pagan Portal of patheos is featuring "The Future of Paganism." Here is what they have to say"

"A reincarnation of ancient faiths, Paganism in the twenty-first century faces unique questions. In its diversity, is there unity? Which particular expressions of faith in the old gods will survive into the decades to come, and which might die out? How will Pagans becoming increasingly influential in modern American society? Patheos probes these questions and more in its Future of Religion series.

Contributors include: Margot Adler, Helen Berger, T. Thorn Coyle, Raven Digitalis, Ivo Dominguez, Jr., Kenaz Filan, Ellen Evert Hopman, K.C. Hulsman, Cristopher Knowles, Galina Krasskova, Eryn Rowan Laurie, P. Sufenas Virius Lupus, Mya Om, M. Horatius Picinus, Sarah Pike, and K.W." ...(Cont.)...

Some folk music and environmental art

2010-08-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Alasdair Roberts - River Rhine

More Alasdair Roberts

Alasdair Roberts 'Lady & The Blacksmith'

Alasdair Roberts - You Muses assist

ALASDAIR ROBERTS LONG LANKIN

ALASDAIR ROBERTS NED LUDDS RANT

Alasdair Roberts, Riddle Me This

More Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy - Wikipedia

Artist/Naturalist Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy Digital Catalogue

What is Art? What is an Artist? Photograph by Andy Goldsworthy
Rivers and Tides. Art of Andy Goldsworthy

Fertility goddess attracts thousands to Lake in Siberia

2010-08-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting story from RT in Russia:

"Childless couples are flocking to a place near Lake Baikal in Siberia considered to be sacred because, after a visit, many who had been declared infertile have been able to have children.

They believe in the powers of a stone goddess of wisdom who is a patron for mothers

Many seek her wisdom, but she never utters a word. Hundreds come to be blessed with children, but she does not work in any clinic. She is the goddess Yanzhima, and it is not just the local Buryat people who are drawn." ...(Cont.)...

The Most Isolated Man in the Brazilian Amazon

2010-08-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

There are almost no places where indigenous uncontacted people still live undisturbed by outside and modern people and their influences. One of these places may be a few areas of the Amazon rain forest. This is the story reported in Slate Magazine about the Brazilian Government's new and developing way dealing with these endangered and hidden indigenous people. The article by Monte Reel is titled: The Most Isolated Man on the Planet

"The most isolated man on the planet will spend tonight inside a leafy palm-thatch hut in the Brazilian Amazon. As always, insects will darn the air. Spider monkeys will patrol the treetops. Wild pigs will root in the undergrowth. And the man will remain a quietly anonymous fixture of the landscape, camouflaged to the point of near invisibility." ...(Cont.)...

Pagan Memorial Service in New York for Alexei Kondratiev

2010-08-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Memorial Service for Alexei Kondratiev
Sunday · August 22 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location Gay & Lesbian Community Center
208 W 13th St., Manhattan, NY

From Wikipedia
"Alexei Kondratiev (1949-2010) was an author, linguist, and teacher of Celtic languages, Celtic folklore and Celtic culture. He taught the Irish language and Celtic history at the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan, New York from 1985 until his death on May 29, 2010. Nine editions of his book, The Apple Branch, were published in English and Spanish between 1998 and 2004. At various times, he taught all six of the "Living" Celtic languages." ...(Cont.)...

From Circle Network and the Pagan Newswire Collective
"A Pagan ceremony to remember and celebrate the life of Alexei Kondratiev. This is an open circle, people of all faiths welcome! Circle will be facilitated by members of Mnemosynides Coven, Proteus Coven and of course Alexei's life partner, Black Lotus.

We will be creating sacred space, so please do not be late! There will be a time for personal remembrances for as many as time allows. Donations to cover cost of space greatly appreciated.

Any overflow will be donated to BirdLife International (formerly the International Society for Protection of Birds). http://www.birdlife.org/index.html
Please contact Lisa Bodo violetlava@hotmail.com with any questions or for further info.
Hope to see you there!

Blessed Be!

More on and by Alexei Kondratiev
The Wild Hunt - Alexei Kondratiev 1949 – 2010
Remembering Alexei Kondratiev
Alexei Kondratiev - Facebook
The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual
Celtic Rituals: An Authentic Guide to Ancient Celtic Spirituality
Samhain: Season of Death and Renewal - Alexei Kondratiev
NATIVE TONGUES by Alexei Kondratiev
What Defines The Term 'Celtic' by Alexei Kondratiev
Lugus: The Many-Gifted Lord - Alexei Kondratiev

Julia Butterfly Hill on "Disconnection"

2010-08-18T22:45:00.001-07:00

More on Julia Butterfly Hill

Wikipedia - Julia Butterfly Hill

Julia Butterfly Hill’s Weblog

Julia Butterfly Hill - Facebook

The legacy of Luna

Videos
Adventures In Treesitting
There are no Accidents
Julia Butterfly Hill "Pro"
Julia Butterfly Hill "Service"
Julia Butterfly Dateline
The Ballad of Julia Butterfly
Find Your Tree - Julia Butterfly

Margot Adler reports on "Percy Jackson" summer camps

2010-08-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Here is another story by our very own CoG member and NPR reporter - Margot Adler, titled 'Percy Jackson' Summer Camp Thrives In Brooklyn

"With 15 million copies sold, Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians children's book series has become ubiquitous in 'tween households.

Now, a summertime trend is taking the popularity of Riordan's series to a new level. From Texas to Georgia to New York, independent bookstores have been running day camps for children based on the adventures of protagonist Percy Jackson — a kid with dyslexia and ADHD who discovers he is really the son of the sea god Poseidon, and dangerous monsters are after him." ...(Cont.)...

All about "Nixes"

2010-08-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Over at the Pagan Pages site I found an interesting article about "Nixes' in the post by Kathryn Cranston titled Faeries, Elves, and Other Kin:

"Nixies are shape-changing fresh water spirits originating in Germanic myths and legends. The term nixie (or neck) is English in origin, while nix, nyx and nixe are the German equivalents. Nixies usually shape shift into human form, both male and female, but some can change into dragons (wyrms), horses, fish, or snakes. Nixies can be benevolent, malicious or merely harmless." ...(Cont.)...

More on Nixes
Nixi - Wikipedia
German Folklore: The Nixies

Guardians of an Incan Mystery

2010-08-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

The small town of Rapaz high in the Andes of Peru seems to be guarding an important 500 year old ancient Incan mystery. as reported by Simon Romero of The New York Times

"Archaeologists say the Incas, brought down by the Spanish conquest, used khipus — strands of woolen cords made from the hair of animals like llamas or alpacas — as an alternative to writing. The practice may have allowed them to share information from what is now southern Colombia to northern Chile.

Few of the world’s so-called lost writings have proved as daunting to decipher as khipus, scholars say, with chroniclers from the outset of colonial rule bewildered by their inability to crack the code. Researchers at Harvard have been using databases and mathematical models in recent efforts to understand the khipu (pronounced KEE-poo), which means knot in Quechua, the Inca language still spoken by millions in the Andes." ...(Cont.)...

More:
String, and Knot, Theory of Inca Writing

CoG Grand Council

2010-08-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

This last weekend - August 12th - 15th - Covenant of the Goddess held its Grand Council and Merry Meet in Indianapolis, Indiana. This gathering was sponsored by our Midwest Local Council.

Among the highlights of the meeting was the discovery that the Covenant has been running a deficit budget for about the last four years. We also have been loosing significant amounts of money in the management of various Grand Councils over the years. An immediate adjustment to our budget was called for, and after some consternation and debate the Council came to consensus on the need to raise next years tithes to an additional $20 for covens, $10 for solitaries, and $5 for all credentials. There have been increasing costs, and we have not adjusted our tithes to reflect this in the past ten years.

Peter Dybing - 2011 CoG First Officer

Our Grand Council also elected a new board of directors. Our First Officer will be Peter Dybing who has gained notoriety for his hands on work and activism in the disasters in Haiti and the Gulf oil spill. Our new Second Officers are Linda Slack and Barbara Doyle (Thorn). They will be planning the 2011 Grand Council in Dallas, Texas. Our new Public Information Officer will be Rachel Watcher from NCLC. Our Pursewardern will remain Zenah from Touchstone L.C. Publications will be Jack Prewitt from Touchstone.
Membership will be Gail Grimes from Midwest L.C., and Correspondence- Eibhlean P. from Dogwood L.C.

Covenant of the Goddess combined Boards of Directors 2010 & 2011

Now, here is a report from our new PIO for the 2011 service year - Rachael Watcher:

"The Covenant of the Goddess Grand Council meeting this year was very up-beat and forward thinking. While the usual number of “issues” and by-laws adjustments was addressed we also had a Key note speaker at our dinner on Saturday evening, Jason Pitzel-Waters, author of the Wild Hunt Blog and Founder of the Pagan Newswire Collective, which was a first time event. A committee formed to investigate new means of electronic inclusion for all members of the Covenant who wish to attend our meetings.

We discovered that many of our Local Councils are doing amazing work. After listening to this year’s Local Council Reports, it is clear that our Local Councils has not lost either energy or vision. Many have matured into outreach community work such as food drives during Pagan celebrations and in a private poll, I discovered that a combined effort gathered probably over two tons of food this year for local food banks by various Local Councils. Much other strong work was also reported.

Interfaith participation yielded sharing of some very practical fund raising ideas that may prove fruitful in the future. Among these, a specialized state auto license plate that can return revenue as these plates are purchased. More and more Local Councils are also participating in Interfaith in their areas.

On the other side of the happy coin is the fact that we have discovered that there is a real disconnect between what the Local Councils are doing and what the National Public Information Officer is getting in the way of shared information for dissemination. Our growth has remained static while costs are increasing yearly. Our Key note speaker pointed out that we are not using the electronic media to reach out to younger generations who do most of their social networking electronically. He gave some vital statistics that indicate that we will need to have a face book page, and redesigned web page with active and constantly up dated information available on the front page of the site. Our web weaver will start on that soon.

Jason’s talk has had a profound impact on the direction of the current and incoming Public Information Officers. While Greg’s (our current PIO) vision was to educate Covenant members about the current state of pagan affairs outside of our organization, part of his effort was focused on the establishment of the PIO blog as a well read and useful tool for information dissemination. He will continue to assist the incoming PIO (Rachael Watcher), and together we will begin the process of doing more to educate readers as to the activities and constitution of our members and Local Councils. To this end it is our plan to be in close contact with all Local PIOs and all National Solitaries at large who wish to participate. We will be posting a monthly update of all planned activities as well as featuring one of our Local Councils, or members who are doing outstanding work. Greg will continue to report on other news items of interest, but we wish to make this blog an informative source of information for both our members and those outside of CoG.

It was pointed out that we cannot sustain the financial drain to our accounts through increased stipends to Grand Council each year and that the budget really has not been balanced for the last few years causing a real shortfall and heavy losses. The budget for stipends was cut, the cost of membership raised, and there was serious talk over drinks and evening visits among some about the possible necessity of curtailing additional activities outside of Grand Council until such time as we could regain our financial footing.

We agreed that we must find new ways to include our current members without such heavy tolls on stipends, and that Local Councils must step up and begin the process of serious fund raising to help. Aside from electronic attendance, some suggested the possibility of just renting meeting space and leaving all delegates to arrange their own transportation, room and board. Its time to think outside the box, get creative. Many of us cannot even consider camping anymore and most of the camping sites for groups that also offer meeting space are priced right out of the question.

This year's meeting was great; Excellent and plentiful food, great service and spacious accommodations; not to mention the wonderful beds. Everything ran without a hitch and the rituals were meaningful and compact. The Warrior’s ritual left no dry eye in the house and was both deeply moving and incredibly well prepared."

(North Army Altar at Warrior's Ritual)

Memorials for former CoG member - Isaac Bonewits

2010-08-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

Philip Emmons Isaac Bonewits, October 1, 1949 – August 12, 2010

Pagan theologian, author, Druid leader, and bard - Isaac Bonewits passed away on the morning of August 12, after fighting a rare form of colon cancer.

Among the memorials to be held in the next few days are - Isaac's family memorial and remembrance on August 21st at the First Unitarian Society of Rockland County (FUSRC) in Pomona, NY.

Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) is also holding a memorial service for Isaac on August 19th at the Summerland Festival near Yellow Springs, OH

Issac was a valued member of Covenant of the Goddess beginning in 1981 as a member of Coven Firestar from the Northern California Local Council. His membership lasted until 1983 when he moved to the East Coast with his then wife, Sally Eaton.

Here are some statements about Issac from his many friends and family:

From the official obituary from Isaac’s family:

"Philip Emmons Isaac Bonewits, founder and Archdruid Emeritus of of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, one of North America’s leading experts on ancient and modern Druidism, Witchcraft, magic and the occult, and the rapidly growing Earth Religions movement, died today after a short struggle with cancer.

Mr. Bonewits first came into the public eye when he graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Magic and Thaumaturgy (1970). During his tenure there, Mr. Bonewits worked with many renowned professors including Nobel Prize Laureate Owen Chamberlain. The work he did for that degree became his first book, Real Magic: An Introductory Treatise on the Basic Principles of Yellow Magic (1971)." ...(Cont.)...

From CoG member - Margot Adler, a National Public Radio reporter. Here is her report on Issac for NPR's "All Things Considered":

"...Bonewits was an expert on ancient and modern Druidism as well as an author, lecturer and songwriter.

He also had a sardonic wit. Bonewits' first book, Real Magic: An Introductory Treatise on the Basic Principles of Yellow Magic, included his diploma from the University of California, Berkeley on the back cover. It read: "A major in magic," and his diploma was signed as all Berkeley diplomas were in 1970 by Gov. Ronald Reagan." ...(Cont.)...

From Ian Corrigan of the Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF):

"...Isaac was a man of ideas, especially as concerned practical spiritual and magical art and religion. At heart Isaac was a Pagan – a lover of nature in all its forms, including human nature, he loved the Old Gods and the Old Ways. He was not only a freethinker and an experimental occultist, but was always concerned to bring back the worship of the Gods in modern times. This troubled him through his interaction with the various RDNAs, which included many secularists and universalists. Isaac's determination led him to produce several variations on his idea of Neopagan Druidism, and when his ideas finally met the emergent Pagan festival culture they found fertile ground at last in Ar nDraiocht Fein." ...(Cont.)...

From Cherry Hill Seminary:

"...Isaac’s passion for learning and scholarship was an inspiration to many of us. His willingness to challenge, explore, question and learn leave a legacy which is an example for all of us in the years to come.

We extend to his loved ones a heartfelt wish for healing and peace." ...(Cont.)...

From Deborah Lipp:

"Isaac sits with the Shining Ones and eats from Dagda’s Cauldron. The mortal world is a poorer place without him.

There will never be another Isaac. Those of us who knew him well could easily think of him as just Isaac: Character, goofball, ladies man, punster, life of the party, pain in the neck, singer, priest, friend and ex-husband (in my case). But Isaac was so much more than that." ...(Cont.)...

There are many others.

From Isaac Bonewits:

Web page - Neopagan Net
Books by Isaac and Phaedra Bonewits
CD's and Tapes by Isaac Bonewits
Welcome to Isaac Bonewits' Graphic Designs!

Some of Isaac's many articles:
The Advanced Bonewits’ Cult Danger Evaluation Frame
“Anti-Christianity” and Who-Hates-Who?
The Aquarian Manifesto
Defining Paganism: Paleo-, Meso-, and Neo-
Classifying Witchcrafts
The Impact of Scientism on Competing Faiths
My Satanic Adventure
Spells for Democracy
Adopt an Elder!
The Real Origins of Halloween
Indo-European Caste Systems and Cosmologies
Irish and Other Celtic Pagan Songs

Can science explain the soul?

2010-08-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting and detailed article from Stuart Hameroff and Deepak Chopra in the San Francisco Chronicle titled - Can science explain the soul?

"...The notion that consciousness involves something more than electrochemical processes in brain neurons, that quantum processes connect us to a deeper reality, may have profound implications. For example, quantum entanglement between individuals could account for a range of so-called paranormal effects such as telepathy, and (because quantum physics allows what appears to be backward time effects) premonitions, or precognition — information from the future. What about the soul?

Clinical studies of patients who survive cardiac arrest have revealed consistent reports of so-called near death experiences (NDEs), white light, being in a tunnel, serene calm, life review and in some cases out-of-body experiences (OOBs). Many people report similar phenomena unrelated to cardiac arrest, e.g. associated with meditation, psychological trauma, drugs, or straightforward life events. A Gallup poll estimated 10 million Americans have reported subjective phenomena consistent in some way with NDEs and/or OOBs." ...(Cont.)...

A linguistic mystery surrounding symbol-inscribed stones in Scotland

2010-08-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

I found this interisting archaeological article from the BBC:

"The stones are believed to have been carved by members of an ancient people known as the Picts, who thrived in what is now Scotland from the 4th to the 9th Centuries.

These symbols, researchers say, are probably "words" rather than images.

But their conclusions have raised criticism from some linguists." ...(Cont.)...

Contemporary Paganism, CoG, & the same sex marriage controversy

2010-08-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday August 4th. California District Court judge Vaughn R. Walker issued a ruling overturning California’s Proposition 8, which prohibited same-sex marriages within the state.

You can read a transcript of the full decision here

Here is a good summary of religious reaction from the Faith & Reason Blog:

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regrets today's decision. California voters have twice been given the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage in their state and both times have determined that marriage should be recognized as only between a man and a woman. We agree. Marriage between a man and woman is the bedrock of society...

..Rev. Barry Lynn head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State cheered the downfall of the referendum, which he says was a push by lavishly funded political front groups representing Catholic bishops, the LDS Church (Mormons) and fundamentalist Protestant churches to impose their doctrine on civil law marriage. In a statement Lynn said:

A growing number of American denominations and faith groups perform same-sex marriages. Why should the state refuse to recognize those ceremonies while approving of ceremonies by other clergy? A decent respect for church-state separation means the government should not play favorites when it comes to religion." ...(Cont.)...

I have collected some responses to the ruling and related comments from folks in the greater Pagan community. Let me begin with Starhawk - who was one of the founders of Covenant of the Goddess - from her Washington Post Blog post - Sexuality and Paganism:

"Pagans have a multiplicity of opinions on almost any subject, but if there's one thing we probably all agree upon, it's sex. Sex, in Pagan "theology", is a Good Thing, a gift of the Goddess, a way we connect deeply and intimately with one another and with the great creative forces of life. Sexuality is sacred. "All acts of love and pleasure are my rituals," says the Charge of the Goddess, one of our most beloved liturgies."...

We welcome gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, and transgender folks and all the shades and variations in between, for that diversity enriches our community, challenges us to come to deeper and more complex understandings of our Gods and our images of the sacred, and makes life much more interesting!"

T. Thorn Coyle a prominent pagan teacher and blogger had this to say in her post - Should We So Desire:

"...Theology aside for one moment, I’d like to get practical: if we are to have nation states, we are to have citizens. If we are to have citizens, we must give each of those citizens rights equal to all other citizens. If that includes marriage, so be it. The right to marry must be had by all. However, as a person who is queer in many ways, I would just as soon see the US government not provide marriages at all. We can have community celebrations of love and friendship and partnership in many forms and fora, whether we are Pagan, Hindu, Christian, or Atheist." ...(Cont.)...

Michael York, a respected Pagan writer and scholar, posted this in his letter to The Wild Hunt:

"As a pleased, same-sex married pagan, I can applaud Judge Walker's decision as well. Of course, there will be appeals, etc., and the story has yet a long way to play out. After my partner and I had done a civil union in my hometown of New Jersey (my best friend from childhood who was then the town mayor being the officiator), my lawyer said that it "counts for nothing." Even, he added, if we were to marry in Massachusetts or Connecticut, it would count for nothing - neither the Federal government nor most states would recognise it. But, he added, "if you were to marry in the Netherlands, I would be willing to go to court on your behalf." The reason, he explained, is that the two countries have reciprocal marriage recognition. And so, that is what we did - married in Amsterdam. It has not come to the test yet - and may be unlikely that it will ever come to that, but every step is a step along the way. Freedom has to be the highest pagan goal and virtue.To advance that sacred cause of liberty, we often need to chip away at whatever obstacles there are. At some point, we will get there."

Caliban - a prominent poster on British Traditional Wiccan lists - made this point in a recent letter to The Wild Hunt Blog:

"... it is not very long ago that attitudes which condemned homosexuality were commonplace in modern paganism, and our elders had to find their way to a more compassionate and inclusive understanding. Consider this bit from the "Laws of the Craft" penned by Gerald Gardner (this numbered version is that published by Lady Sheba):

153. It hath been found that practicing the Art doth cause a fondness between aspirant and tutor, and it is the cause of better results if this be so.

154. But if for any reason this be undesirable, it can easily be avoided by both persons from the outset firmly resolving in their minds that if any such ensure, it shall be that of brother and sister, or parent and child.

155. And it is for this reason that a man may be taught by a woman and a woman by a man and that woman and woman and man and man should never attempt these practices together.

156. And may all the Curses of the Mighty Ones be on any who make such an attempt.

SO BE IT ARDANE.

Nor are such attitudes by any means extinct in Wicca, or in Pagan circles generally, although I do believe that they are far less so than in mainstream faiths, and that those who do remain morally opposed to homosexuality know that their opinion is an unpopular one. Traces of this thinking do, however, linger." ...(Cont.)...

How about some poetry - spoken word

2010-08-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

More -
Seattle Poetry Slam - Lauren Zuniga "energy"
Instructions For A Body" Marty McConnell
Patricia Smith performs "Medusa"
"Grim Fairy Tale" Jamie Kennedy
"Southern Heritage" Jason Carney
W B Yeats "The Lake Isle of Innisfree "
Loreena McKennitt - Stolen Child
Matthew Macfadyen reads the poem 'When you are old'
Sylvia Plath reads November Graveyard
Ted Hughes reads from "Crow"
Anne Sexton Reads "Her Kind"
Lunch Poems: Lawrence Ferlinghetti
If You Forget Me (Pablo Neruda read by Madonna)
The Raven: Read by Christopher Walken
Leonard Cohen - Because Of
Leonard Cohen - Suzanne
Joy Harjo Reading in the 2008 Dodge Poetry Festival
"Her Story" Natalie Stewart

Pagan Bookworm review of Secret Commonwelth

2010-08-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Over at the Pagan Bookworm Blog we have an interesting review of the book- The Secret Commonwealth: An Essay on the Nature and Actions of the Subterranean (and for the Most Part) Invisible People, Heretofore Going Under the Name of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies by Robert Kirk.

"The fairies covered in Robert Kirk’s manuscript are not the tiny winged garden pixies of romance and poetry, but spirits of the dead and sometimes fearsome land spirits that were propitiated to stay on their good side. If you wish to learn rural folks’ true beliefs in fairies from the early modern period, you will definitely find them in this work." ...(Cont.)...

Costa Rican authorities call for regulation of Witchcraft - "Brujeria"

2010-08-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a story about scam artists in Costa Rica from Insidecostarica.com:

"It is unknown exactly how many fall victim to scams and cons by "brujeria" (witchcraft) in Costa Rica, only that in San José alone at least 10 criminal complaints are filed each year....

Scanning the pages of the local newspapers in Costa Rica one can find all types of ads, from increasing sexual potency, to recovering a lost love to winning the lottery.

Costa Ricans are bombarded with these types of ads for a quick solution to their problems. And that is where many fall easy victims to scam artists.

It is not unusual for a "brujo/bruja" to ask for a picture of a loved one for, in exchange for cold hard cash, magic can bring back that lost love." ...(Cont.)...

A Kaua‘i kumu hula dances to defend Wailua

2010-08-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Native Hawaiians are challenging development projects in Wailua which is is one of the "two most important places on Kauai and one of the most sacred places in Hawaii." Here is their story as reported by Joan Conrow of the Honolulu Weekley:

“Each of the heiau has a specific function, protocol and ceremony, and they were all strategically chosen by kuhikuhi puu one, which means one who points to the sand dunes. They were master architects who chose where sacred sites and temples are constructed, and it all has to do with alignment with the different cosmic movements in the heavens.

“Wailua is on the eastern end of an east-west corridor, directly opposite the Waimea district. Wailua is a portal. The sun, moon, stars, all rise here, and the heiau all correlated with that. This kind of understanding is global. Native peoples everywhere understand the importance of pulling in that mana, that energy, from the heavens...” ...(Cont.)...

“When I look at the development in Wailua, when I see the greed, the carelessness, the irreverence for nature and other life forms, it saddens me, because humanity will suffer as a result,” said Kekua, her eyes brimming with tears. “I always pule for a shift in consciousness, that people will be reconnected somehow. We need to be fully conscious of the decisions that we make, because the power of this land will hold us accountable.”

Arthor - Anne Rice - "I quit being a Christian"

2010-08-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Just recently best selling author - Anne Rice announced that she is quiting Christianity. This is what she had to say on her facebook page

"As I said below, I quit being a Christian. I’m out. In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In the name of …Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen."

Needless to say there have been editorials and reactions from a number of quarters. Here is the concluding paragraph of a very poignant essay by Michael Rowe at the Huffington Post:

"...Whatever backlash Anne Rice might eventually receive from her Christian readers, or from the Evangelical establishment itself, the undeniable fact is that the decision of this sensitive, passionate, and devout woman to leave Christianity is one that Christ himself would likely understand, even applaud, even as He would likely weep at the holocaust of hatred, bigotry, and collateral carnage that has devolved from the grimy, shopworn religion to which His glorious name has been affixed."

Over at the LA Times Tim Rutten had this to say:

"Only sleepwalkers and fanatics slide through life without reconsidering their values and philosophical outlook. Still, I never expected to be challenged quite so fundamentally by a writer of vampire stories and bisexual erotica.

Enter Anne Rice, the 68-year-old author of bestselling novels about the sexy undead and, pseudonymously, of various sadomasochistic-inflected tales. Since returning to her girlhood Catholicism more than a decade ago, she's also written a string of devotional volumes and "a spiritual confession" that might best be characterized as rhapsodic. ...(Cont.)...

Over at The Washington Post Arun Gandhi had this to say:

"Can you leave Christianity and keep Christ? Can you be spiritual without being religious?

According to my grandfather, M. K. Gandhi, religion and spiritualism are distinctly apart -- that is, it is possible to practice one without believing in the other. Religion, as it is commonly understood, is the practice of a set of rituals based on the interpretation made by human beings. Since we humans are imperfect, our interpretation too is imperfect. On the other hand Spiritualism, according to him, is achieved when one comes to one's own understanding of the Power that we call God. When we truly accept all religions as simply different roads to the same destination and respect them all equally." ...(Cont.)...

Here is a link to an NPR - All Thighs Considered interview with Anne Rice on the subject.

I believe that many of us in the greater Pagan community can very much sympathise with many of her feelings and perspectives on these matters.

The Sun is waking up - Aurora alert

2010-08-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

I found this interesting note at - Physorg.com

"NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory snapped this X-ray photo of the Sun early in the morning of Sunday, August 1. The dark arc near the top right edge of the image is a filament of plasma blasting off the surface -- part of the coronal mass ejection. The bright region is an unassociated solar flare. "

"Sky viewers might get to enjoy some spectacular Northern Lights, or aurorae, tomorrow. After a long slumber, the Sun is waking up. Early Sunday morning, the Sun's surface erupted and blasted tons of plasma (ionized atoms) into interplanetary space. That plasma is headed our way, and when it arrives, it could create a spectacular light show." ...(Cont.)...

The Sabbat of Lughnasadh or Lammas

2010-08-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

Many of us around the world have been celebrating Lughnasadh or Lammas this last weekend.

Here is a good summary of the holiday from Wiccapedia:

"Lughnasadh marked the beginning of the harvest season, the Harvest of Grain (Bread), the ripening of first fruits (usually berries), and was traditionally a time of community gatherings, market festivals, horse races and reunions with distant family and friends. Among the Irish it was a favored time for handfastings — trial marriages that would generally last a year and a day, with the option of ending the contract before the new year, or later formalizing it as a more permanent marriage

In Celtic mythology, the Lughnasadh festival is said to have been begun by the god Lugh, as a funeral feast and games commemorating his foster-mother, Tailtiu, who died of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Ireland for agriculture. The first location of the Áenach Tailteann gathering was at Telltown, located between Navan and Kells. Historically, the Áenach Tailteann was a time for contests of strength and skill, and a favored time for contracting marriages and winter lodgings. A peace was declared at the festival, and religious celebrations were also held. The festival survived as the Taillten Fair, and was revived for a period in the twentieth centry as the Telltown Games" ...(Cont.)...

In Los Angeles, CA they had a number of celebrations as reported by Joanne Elliott of Examiner.com

"...Lammas or loaf mass day is the festival of the wheat harvest. Although most modern day Pagans are not growing wheat, they celebrate the cross-quarter holiday (a holiday between the solar holidays) by giving thanks for what they’ve grown in their lives, or by releasing something they no longer want. It’s also a time of bounty and a great time for doing prosperity rituals and spells.

In the Goddess Temple of Orange County ritual in Costa Mesa, the women celebrated each other. A Vanatru Lammas ritual celebrating the Vanir God Ing-Frey was held at El Toro Park in Lake Forest. Celebrants thanked the God and partook of a symbolic Lammas loaf. In Rancho Palos Verdes, the Iseum of Isis Paedusis began with ritual petitions to the Morrigan – Celtic goddess of reaping – regarding the letting go of something and then followed up with a prosperity ritual. Other events were held by Sage Onyxdragon, Circle of Aradia, and by Pan Pipes Magickal Marketplace." ...(Cont.)...

Terry Smith a local Pagan in Pineville, Louisiana had this to say in his local paper:

"...Lammas harvest feasts include: tomatoes, peaches (cobbler), corn (popcorn), potatoes (hash browns), cabbage (sauerkraut or cole slaw), onions (h.b.), grains (feast breads, cornbread sticks, sourdough, or homemade brat buns), berries (especially blackberry pies in honor of the harvest), cider and barley soup.

We Americans celebrate the goddess Ceres with our "morning crunchies" or bran muffins." ...(Cont.)...

More on Lughnasadh or Lammas:
Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh - Overview by Christina
Lammas, Lughnasadh -Myth*ing Links
LUGHNASADH - Kathleen Dupree
LAMMAS The First Harvest by Mike Nichols
Irish Fire Festivals: Lughnasadh
Lugh, Samildánach - "Many-Gifted One"
LAMMAS: LET THE HARVEST BEGIN - Weather Doctor
Celebrating Lammas -Waverly Fitzgerald
The Harvest of the Grain
Lammas Ritual
The Celtic Cross-Quarter Day of Lughnasad
Lughnasadh Recipes
"LAMMAS WHOLE GRAIN RITUAL BREAD"
Celebration of the First Harvest Solitary Ritual
Music
Inkubus Sukkubus Corn King
the wicker man - corn rigs
LAMMAS TIDE...TRADITIONAL - JOHN KIRKPATRICK
WW-Lammastide
Lammas
Lughnasadh

Shakespeare’s Prospero a real magician?

2010-08-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

I just found this interesting Shakespearean conspiracy theory as reported by Neil Reynolds in The Globe and Mail:

"The secret knowledge is all right there in The Tempest, Shakespeare’s story of a marooned magician who conjures a shipwreck to confront and confound his antagonists...

Here (maybe) is the astonishing truth: Shakespeare’s Prospero was a 16th-century nobleman, pagan in practice, who conjured a series of storms at sea to take the life of Scotland’s King James VI – who (as England’s King James I) sat in the audience for the premiere of The Tempest in 1611. The historical sorcerer: Francis Stewart, fifth Earl of Bothwell, Lord High Admiral of Scotland and cousin of the king." ...(Cont.)...

Sliabh na Caillighe - The Mountain of Witches

2010-08-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting story about some of the goings on at the Le Chéile Art & Music festival in Oldcastle, Co Meath, Ireland; as reported by Michael Harding from the Irish Times:

"The speaker was introduced, and the talk commenced. He focused particularly on Sliabh na Caillighe, or The Mountain of Witches, where, according to legend, thousands of years ago, a woman was made leap from hill to hill with an apron of stones. She tried hard, but failed. The stones always fell from her apron, and finally she broke her neck and is buried on the slopes of that place now known as Sliabh na Caillighe.

The story is perhaps a folk memory of how matriarchal power was broken by the early Christians, but the narrative also implies that her power is still hidden in the same hills. Until the last century, the hill was still covered with quartz stones, brought from Wicklow, possibly by sea and then up the river Boyne, and records suggest that the light of a full moon on the white stones was utterly magnificent. When stone crushers were invented, the quartz began to be stripped off the hills for use in graveyards." ...(Cont.)...

CoG Rep. - Rachael Watcher elected to NAIN Board of Directors

2010-07-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

The North American Interfaith Network held its annual meeting in Salt Lake City over this last weekend. Here is a report on the event from The Salt Lake Tribune:

Pictured from left, Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Executive Committee and Chair of the Interfaith Committee, Pastor Dean Jackson of the Rock Canyon Church, Imam Muhammed Mehtar of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake and Gayla Sorenson, J.D., Senior Fellow, The International Center for the Study of Law and Religion.

"Religious awareness and sensitivity are the missing ingredients in American diplomacy, professional peacemaker Douglas Johnston told interfaith leaders gathered in Salt Lake City Monday.

Johnston, president and founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy in Washington, D.C., freely quotes the Quran, refers to Islamic history and praises the goodness and accomplishments of Muslims in his work in Sudan, Kashmir, the Middle East and even this country to engage Muslims and others in conflict resolution." ...(Cont.)...

More info. on 2010 NAIN Connect -
What Happened at NAIN CONNECT This Year?!

Our CoG National Interfaith Representative - Rachael Watcher attended that meeting, and was elected to a four year term on the NAIN Board of Directors. This is important news for Wiccans and Pagans everywhere. Once again we are represented on the board of one of the oldest and most well respected interfaith organizations in North America. This election of Rachael demonstrates that CoG's collective support for interfaith is reaping rewards of respect and inclusion for the entire Pagan community.

at The Parliament of the World's Religions in Australia

Photo from Earth Spirit Voices

Apocalypse 2012 sponsored by the "History Channel"

2010-07-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article about the hype surrounding the year 2012 from Mark Sumner at the Daily Kos

"...So why does everyone think such a prediction exists? Well, there are writers like Jenkins, stirring up a mishmash of personal ideas, drug dreams, and ludicrous interpretations of ancient texts. There are also all those web sites (all too easily found in a Google search) ready to sell you guides to either the spiritual enlightenment that will come with the dawning of this new age, or protection from cosmic rays / solar flares / asteroid impacts. There are directors like Roland Emmerich whose last fresh idea died a decade back leaving him with 2012 as just another excuse to blow things up on film. There are also some Christian ministries (the oh-so-reasonable John Hagee's among them) that have latched onto 2012 as another way to bolster their market for books sold based on End Times paranoia.

However, in this case there's a bigger reason why this silly idea has taken on a life of its own. It's called the History Channel." ...(Cont.)...

Pagan Godspell - "To Make Sacred the Summer Night"

2010-07-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

As we approach the upcoming Sabbat of Lammas or Lughnasadh, I found this interesting reflection from the Pagan Godspell blog:

"The hills are heavy with sweetness, and the sky blushes weekly with steel gray clouds that shatter in the night. Roasted sweet corn is the hallmark of the season here, delicious even as its industrial cousins, bred not for delight but for fattening feedlot cattle for inhumane slaughter or producing industrial “food” products, rustle bright with fireflies and despair at dusk. Lammas is nigh.

And as my thoughts turn to the mysteries of bread and feast, community and play and work, they turn also to ponderings on the nature of sacrifice. Lammas is, after all, in addition to all those wonderful other things, a feast of sacrifice. The grain is cut and threshed – John Barleycorn must die to feed the people. We pause in our playing and in the glory of the first harvest to think heavy thoughts about the fall of the Beloved*, to wonder at the sacrament of death and service, of what we might also give in our eternal exchange with the Mama, the Powers and the Spirits. On what we make sacred in our actions and our words." ...(Cont.)...

Traffic - John Barleycorn
John Renbourn Group - John Barleycorn

"John Barleycorn" - Steeleye Span

John Barleycorn - Fairport Convention
Oysterband - John Barleycorn
Jethro Tull- John Barleycorn
The Young Tradition - John Barleycorn
The Imagined Village - John Barleycorn - Wychwood 2008
The Wild Oats: John Barleycorn
John Barleycorn - OBOD Lughnasadh camp 2008

Some High Summer reflections

2010-07-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

My Summer photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Va. woman objects to 'fortune teller' label

2010-07-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here is another story of an individual coming up against local fortune telling regulations as reported in The Washington Post

"A Chesterfield County, Va., woman claims county officials have violated her religious rights by defining her as a fortune teller rather than a spiritual counselor.

A hearing in Patricia Moore-King's lawsuit is set for Thursday in federal court in Richmond.

King claims she has been unable to obtain a business license because of the more stringent standards the county imposes on fortune tellers. For example, only fortune tellers are required get the police chief's permission to operate after submitting five references." ...(Cont.)...

Pagan theology: Paganism and "Faith"

2010-07-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Over at the Pagan Pages site there is an interesting post by Porphyry on the question of "faith" in the Pagan community:

"...This, of course, is not easy, and we are constantly bombarded by things that cause us to question our faith, or lose it entirely [3]. For us (as opposed to Christians) it is the thrill of constantly re-finding our Gods and Goddesses in the natural world that sustains our faith and makes it continuous. Once committed to the faith of a Pagan it becomes much more difficult to lose faith as the Gods and the Goddesses are right here with us, immanent in the natural world." ...(Cont.)...

America's shortage of scientific jobs.

2010-07-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

We have been told there is a shortage of well trained scientists here in America. That may not be the case. The shortage seems to be in good scientific jobs and careers as reported at the Miller-McCune site:

"...America’s schools, it turns out, consistently produce large numbers of world-class science and math students, according to studies by Harold Salzman of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University and his co-author, B. Lindsay Lowell, director of policy studies for the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University. But the incentives that once reliably delivered many of those high scorers into scientific and technical careers have gone seriously awry.

If the nation truly wants its ablest students to become scientists, Salzman says, it must undertake reforms — but not of the schools. Instead, it must reconstruct a career structure that will once again provide young Americans the reasonable hope that spending their youth preparing to do science will provide a satisfactory career.

“It’s not an education story, it’s a labor market story,” Salzman says." ...(Cont.)...

Amazon Natives loosing control of ancestral lands

2010-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here is an informative article about the troubles that indigenous people are having in the Eastern Amazon part of Peru as reported by Indian Country Today:

Credit: Photo by David Dudenhoefer

"...Margarita Benavides, sub-director of the Peruvian nonprofit Instituto del Bien Comun, which helps Native communities solicit title for their land, said Puerto Azul’s case is emblematic of a regional problem. Somewhere between 250 and 300 Native communities in the Peruvian Amazon lack titles for their land, and most of them face pressures from colonists, loggers, miners, or oil companies. In fact, the problem is so common that there is another Puerto Azul, a Harakmbut village in southeast Peru, that has waited 15 years for resolution of its title request.

Benavides explained that even Native communities with titles lack full control of their ancestral resources, because most of them depend on forested areas outside their territories for fruit, medicinal plants, building materials and hunting grounds, but the government has leased most of that land to loggers and oil companies. She said this situation led thousands of Amazonian Natives to join a 10-week regional protest last year organized by the Interethnic Development Association of the Peruvian Rainforest (AIDESEP) to demand the repeal of nine legislative decrees that threatened Native land rights. That protest culminated in a police crackdown in Bagua province that left nearly 200 protesters injured and 34 dead." ...(Cont.)...

New Book - Sybil Leek: Out of the Shadows

2010-07-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Over at the Orlando Sentinel's religious blog there is an artcle about a new book coming out about the famous Witch - Sybil Leek. The title is Sybil Leek: Out of the Shadows by Christne Jones. From the book publisher's web site we have this discription:

"This is a unique book. It covers the life of Sybil Leek as experienced and shared by the author, Christine Jones, who was Sybil’s friend, student, and finally in the last months of her life, her nurse. Alongside a look at the life of this remarkable woman, the good and the bad, we find details of Sybil’s teachings on archangels, spellcrafting and herblore. The book also contains many rare and never before seen photos of Sybil and the people she connected with."

More on Sybil Leek
Wikipedia
Sybil Leek (1923-1983)
BBC - SYBIL LEEK - THE SOUTH'S WHITE WITCH
Amazon.com: Diary of a Witch Sybil Leek: Books
Witchcraft - Famous Witches - Sybil Leek
Sybil Leek: LibraryThing

The Non-Ferrous Metal Myth

2010-07-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting post over at The Witch of Forest Grove blog about the use of non-ferrous metals in plant collecting:

"We’ve all heard it: “You can’t use any tool with iron in it to harvest plants. The blade has to be stone, bone, gold, silver or bronze – anything but iron and steel.” We’ve all heard the know-it-alls spouting this proverb, but where did it come from and what is the reasoning behind it?

This modern myth originates from two separate, possibly second or third hand, accounts from Pliny the Elder (a Roman author and army commander) of Gallic Druids harvesting plants." ...(Cont.)...

Rogue preachers use 'witch' scares to abuse children

2010-07-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a disturbing story from the U.K. as reported in The Independent:

"Children are being branded as witches in churches in the UK, with many suffering abuse from supposed exorcisms in which they are physically restrained and screamed at. But those are the lucky ones...

Last year her organisation dealt with at least 10 cases of children in Britain accused of being witches or possessed by evil spirits, including two children with "challenging behaviour" who were beaten by parents who believed they were possessed. In another case a disabled child was burnt with an iron in an attempt to get rid of the evil spirit blamed for the condition.

A 10-month undercover investigation into what takes place behind closed doors in some African churches has exposed pastors who exploit the religious beliefs of their congregations and then seek large sums of money in return for "deliverance" ...(Cont.)...