Dolmen grove chronicles

Dolmen Grove Chronicles IN THIS ISSUE…

The Magick of Poppets - A LOOK AT THEIR USES AND SIGNIFICANCE IN WITCHCRAF

– RITUALS OF THE SUN AND THE SPIRIT SONG WITHIN

The Arte of Sigil Magick – MAKING AND CHARGING A SIGIL

–

OUR NEW KIDS SECTION www.dolmengrove.co.uk

THE DOLMEN GROVE

The Dolmen Grove is a pagan organisation of mixed spiritual paths established in the early 90s by Taloch Jameson, which over the years has grown from one small circle in Weymouth Dorset, to several clans not only across the UK but worldwide.

The Spiritual ethos of the Dolmen Grove has remained the same throughout and is based purely upon the Freedom of the Individual.

It is the collective belief that in an age where technology can often dwarf our humanity, it is important that we take control as individuals and embrace our own spirituality in order to maintain the equilibrium within an ever changing world.

Although the Grove is not a political organisation preferring instead to focus upon the spiritual, this does not prevent either individual members or the Grove as a collective from playing an active part in humanitarian and environmental issues.

There are no hierarchy or titles within the Dolmen Grove as it is our aim to encourage each man and woman to discover their own unique and authentic journey so that their spiritual connection is founded upon that which works for them as an individual rather than a spiritual rule book set for the masses.

The key to our success is the Round Table which is made up of around twenty people from a variety of spiritual paths who uphold the spiritual ethos of the Grove. They not only organise their respective moots but also the festivals and events hosted by the Dolmen Grove.

Our Moots are regular meeting places which are held once a month in several areas. Although these are organised by and largely attended by Grove members, non-members are always welcome to find out more about the Grove and enjoy the company of other free thinking people as well as the activities organised by the Moot.

There is a membership in place that enables those who wish to be part of this ever growing Clan to enjoy reduced ticket prices for Dolmen Grove Events, festivals and where stated ‘member only’ Ceremonies and Courses. Although we host many Ceremonies which are open to the general public, to avoid crowding and to allow our members to celebrate free from pressure we also hold members only ceremonies.‘

ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY UNITED WITHIN THE DOLMEN GROVE’

CONTENTS

1…Diary of the Hedgewitch – Rachael Moss 2…The Arte of Sigils – Linda Cunningham 3…The Dolmen Grove Presents the Enchanted Market – Maxine Cilia 4…From Ordinary Pub to Town Hub – Mark Vine on the Belvedere Inn Weymouth 5…Aromatherapy – Sandra Wiseman 6…Totem Animals…The Stag – Cheryl Waldron 7…The Magick of Poppets…A feature on Poppet magick: - Poppets for Protection – Bryant Pinnix, Poppets ‘Using the Darkness to Bring Forth the Light’ – Helen Bull, Poppets from a Wiccan Perspective - Peggy Kee, Poppets for Love’s Sake – Lou Hotchkiss Knives, Making Poppets for Healing – Sprigganwitch, Poppets and the Importance of Teachers – Dr Louis Martinie.

8…Book Review of The Cross Tarot by Owen Knight – Black Moon Publications 9…A Spring Clean With Sticky Willie – Andrew Cowling 10…Tribal Crow Dancers – Taloch Jameson 11…Voices of the Future…Kids Pages featuring Little Lizzy Witch - Arietta and Eloise Bryant The Eternal Heartbeat – Connach Jameson, Natural Magick – Naomi Syme Photographs and artwork in this issue by Joanna Caswell, Rachael Moss, Maria Light, Aaron Cilia, William Shambrook, Andrew Cowling Dolmen and Dolmen Grove artwork by Sem Vine with photography by Joanna Caswell.

Spriggan Mist artwork by Aaron Cilia and Kate Sawyer Cover photo by DK Photography Isle of Wight Unless otherwise stated all other images are from the public domain.

Further information on the Dolmen Grove can be found at: www.Dolmengrove.co.uk http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheDolmenGrove/110124449082503 All information is accurate at the time of publication and all articles and images are assumed to be the work of those being credited https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine?ref=hl Editor… Diane Narraway email dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk

Diary of the Hedgewitch Spring wandered into the mush and gush of a sodden winter, bewildered, bringing welcome nourishing sunshine and raising the spirits with its otherworldly beauty in the quality of light, expanding the world with hope, piercing the dreary, soggy, limp winter that, here in Dorset, held little wonderment of intricate glistening ice-crystals and frost, gentle winter Sun, or the glorious blankets of fresh white snow, but instead bought rain, more rain, dark clouds, and sploshy wet mud.

The mild winter bought showy daffodils into blossom as early as December, a strange Yule tide happening. Wild daffodils sprinkled the woodland floor from February, their nectar a welcome feast for any emerging bees on warmer days; with an odd dash of blue from a few very early bluebells, and primroses began their climax in the same month. At the time of writing creamy yellow primroses lay splashed all along the banks, thriving in the wetness, an invitation to any passing butterflies, whilst golden celandines gleam from shady places, feeding drowsy flies under pale dangling catkins.

The spring awakening began with sun yellow/gold blossoms, which, this year, emerged before the nodding white snowdrop that usually flowers before all the others, and is rarely pollinated by passing insects due to the harsh cold. The March blooms of white blackthorn and those of wild plum with a heady scent, and delicate pink cherry, have followed the yellow theme, which is followed, in April by the rich blue carpet of bluebells that are an icon of British woodlands. The trees still stand bare and beautiful with their twisting branches, some like writhing serpents uncoiling into the sky, though with buds of closely packed leaves that laid dormant over the winter, swelling, almost at bursting point, teetering on the edge of unfurling.

The insipid winter made the amazement of spring all that greater, as it came with a gasp, a sharp intake of breath that marks the beginning of birth, as the last breath of the

dying ends with an outtake; spring breathes the vivid tunes, the warbling and resonance of the birdsong, and the quick drum beats of woodpeckers that build up the drum roll.

Suddenly, everything is permeated with possibility, and the positivity of renewed creation is birthed from the experiences of the previous year and the bleakness of winter.

Unsteadily, the first germinations of the season begin to unfurl, manifesting one potential probability of an infinite number, as each emerge as individuals. It always continues to amaze me how life unceasingly, unrestrictingly, expresses itself in so many differing variations as it thrusts ever onwards in all realms, and at these moments at the beginnings of bewildering unfurling, free of intention. An innocence unbound by expectation.

The Spring Equinox pivots between the break down and dissolution of the darkness and the rampant expressions of creation in the myriad forms of manifestation and light, the breath is held in this potent moment before the release of light and dazzling coming into being of colour, scent, sound, motion and form as new creations, new evolutions spill into the world, weaving ever new experience and expression, pumping with vibrancy, throbbing with life force, ever ready to create and re-create, in a frenzied dance of crescendo after crescendo, peaking its frolicking in the fertile brazen wantonness under the hot Beltane Sun that heralds the uninhibited recklessness of summer.

Rachael Moss With photography by Rachael Moss

May Sowing Chart Mon

Tue

Weds

Thurs

Fri

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Sun 1

2

3

4

5

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8

14

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21

22

after 5pm 1am 9

7pm

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10pm 16

P 4am

5pm

9pm from 2pm

A 10pm 23

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9pm 26

27 from 12pm

11am 30

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5am

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29 from 3pm

12pm

MEMBERSHIP OF THE DOLMEN GROVE The Dolmen Grove offers a lifetime membership, which simply means a one-off payment of ÂŁ20 for those who wish to embrace and enjoy the freedom, Clanship and the right to practice their own spiritual path within the Grove family.

Full Members of the Grove will enjoy reduced rates for events such as Gatherings like the Beltane Spirit of Rebirth and Tribal Dreams, and to many other events when stated.

A Full member will receive a Membership Card and a unique Membership Number that identifies who they are when wishing to attend Member only Ceremonies and other Dolmen Grove Events.

The Dolmen Grove does not have a hierarchy, as we do not believe that people need titles or labels to follow a spiritual path; instead the spiritual ethos of the Grove is facilitated by a Round Table, a circle of people from all walks of life.

For further information on the Dolmen Grove and becoming a member please send an email to dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk.

Also find us on faceboook - thedolmengrove and thedolmengrovemagazine

February 13th and 14th ...Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 2LN. March 26th…Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring Ball.

April 22nd – April 24th inclusive…Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Camp, Dorset.

July 29th - August 1st inclusive…Tribal Dreams Camp, Dorset.

August 19th – August 21st inclusive Crow Dancers Camp Dorset September (Mabon) – Local Ceremonies.

October 31st (Samhain) – Local ceremonies and Events.

December – Yule Winter Wonderland Market and Ball. www.dolmengrove.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/The-Dolmen-Grove-110124449082503/?fref=ts

The Arte of SIGILS A sigil is a symbol. The word sigil comes from the Latin sigillum meaning ‘seal’ although it may also be related to the Hebrew segula meaning ‘word, action or item of spiritual effect - a talisman’.

Sigils have been in use for as long as humans have been able to create images and sigil magick likewise.

However, the term Sigil Magick when used in contemporary magick, refers to a particular usage that has become central to the workings of Chaos Magick.

Chaos Magick entered the occult scene with the publication of Peter Carroll`s Liber Null in 1978. This seminal work revitalised and revolutionised magickal practice. Carroll makes clear in the introduction, that ‘Independantly of dusty books and mystification the vital elements of many traditions conspire here to create a living art’. Ray Sherwin`s The Book of Results appeared in the same year. Carroll and Sherwin had created the magickal order the IOT ‘Illuminates of Thanateros’ some time before their publications with Liber Null originally being written as the source book for the IOT. Carroll claimed the IOT as the magickal heirs to the Zos Kia Cultus and the A.A. (Zos Kia Cultus was Osman Spare`s magickal philosophy with A.A. being Aleister Crowley`s magickal order).

Spare is recognised as the Godfather of Chaos magick and it was Spare who developed what is now referred to as sigil magik however, it was Carroll who made sigil magick accessible and it was the occultists of the late 70`s and the 80`s that defined Chaos Magick.

The young gun slingers of Chaos Magick emerged in a post punk era to rip up and challenge the old hierarchies of a scene that they found jaded and overburdened with over complex symbolism, out dated morality and theorising armchair occultists. Chaos Magicians got back to basics and put personal experience at the core of practice with the emphasis on practice. Sigil Magick was their 3 chord wonder and it worked, it was a hit…This was results magick.

Chaos magick says you don’t have to learn loads of difficult stuff before you can experience magick. Sigils are easy, sigils are beginner’s magic and you can do it straight away and it works. Don`t believe me? Go and try for yourself. Magick is about experience.

Just as you can never explain to someone who has never had sex what the experience is. In the same way one has to experience magick for oneself, no amount of reading or listening to talks and lectures will hit the spot.

Based on instructions in Liber Null, is how to make a sigil. I will expand on this basic method later.

1 - Intent, write down a desire.

2 - Create a sigil of your desire.

3 - Charge your sigil.

Part 1. As in all magick intent is mega - important so don`t skimp on this part! First of all whatever it is that you desire, must have a means of manifestation and a means of manifestation in the physical realm or it will manifest in another realm such as in a dream. Magick works! There are lots of myths and fairy tales warning you to be ‘Oh so careful what you wish for’. Think of king Midas. It’s very important how you state your desire. If you state your desire as "I want to win some money" then your magick will work immediately and you will want to win some money. If you write "I want", you will work immediate magick (against yourself) in that you will want!

Part 2. Write out your sentence of desire scoring out all vowels and repeated letters.

I am confident becomes mcnfdt.

Next rearrange these letters to make a glyph.

Here are a few examples:

Part 3. Charging the sigil To charge your sigil you need to enter an altered state of consciousness. I will come back to the theories behind this in a bit but for now just roll with it. There are many ways to achieve this, some take years of perfecting, others come to us naturally and easily while yet others can be bought, swallowed or inhaled and some are definitely acquired tastes. Anything that induces great calm or great excitation including meditation, ethneogenics, pain, dancing, laughter but by far the easiest and most popular is sex either solitary or in company. At the peak of your altered state which in the case of sex is, obviously orgasm, look at your sigil which can, if needed be drawn on yourself or another person.

There are 2 schools of thought on what you do with your sigil after you have charged it. The original thought was that you forget about it, so you burn it, bury it, wash it off or whatever. Originally it was encouraged to get rid of them so they would not remind one of the desire and there are still many Chaotes who hold this belief. However, it is my experience that the making of the sigil can eliminate the consciousness of the desire. The sigil is an image that pictures the desire in an unrecognisable way. So, as with in advertising, where it works extremely well, one can look at the sigil till one is so over familiar with it one almost doesn`t see it anymore. As to which method to use? As with so much of chaos magick the choice is yours, try both methods and use whichever works best for you. You might find one method works best for particular workings and the other is preferable for others. Most importantly forget your desire!

Forgetting your desire is probably the hardest part and the reasoning behind forgetting is that if you don`t, you will, especially as a beginner, work magick unknowingly against yourself. You will do this by doubting and wondering if it will work and wanting rather than willing. If you focus on your desire then your lust of result will work in opposition to your will.

There is a story of a man who goes to his guru and asks "What can I do to attain enlightenment?" his guru answers, "Do everything that you do now only don`t think of monkey" the man walks away thinking ‘that’s easy I never think about monkey and I won`t think about monkey again’ and then he was caught in a loop thinking about monkey! The theory behind using an altered state to charge your sigil is that it needs to be cast into your unconscious where your conscious mind

cannot, once again, work magick against itself.

However, as things have progressed it is no longer believed by all chaos occultists that one has to forget the desire but it is agreed that remembering the desire can only work when one has enough control of the conscious mind to have no lust of result.

Once you have grasped the experience of sigils you will realise that you can play about creatively with step 2. Magick is after all an art. There is no panel in some far off realm checking if you have scored out all the vowels or 2nd letters; it really doesn`t matter how you make a symbol of your desire. It’s limited only by your imagination. It can be a mantra (Carroll did include these in his original instructions), a dance, an event, anything, just don’t let it get boring! Explore, as sigils have moved on loads since those early days. Grant Morrison has developed hyper-sigils using the format of his occult comics.

He recreated himself as a character in his comic and found himself having the experiences he drew into his comics. I have had similar experiences of synchronicity with my own drawings.

I was prompted to write this short introduction to sigils after mentioning them on various occasions to other pagans, who, to my surprise, knew nothing of sigil magick which can be such a handy addition to every witch’s tool kit!

Linda Cunningham

TRADING AT DOLMEN GROVE EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

The Dolmen Grove Presents

The Enchanted Market started 5 years ago in sleepy Bracknell. Baz and Max Cilia from Spriggan Mist and Moot hosts for Dolmen Grove East Berkshire decided that they needed a ‘Pagan’ event in Bracknell and wanted to get a venue where Spriggan Mist could play alongside The Dolmen who come all the way from Weymouth.

After speaking with Taloch Jameson founder member of the Dolmen Grove and lead singer of The Dolmen, they managed to get a venue at Bracknell Football Club which could hold 150 people and during the day would house just 14 stalls and healers to make the event more fun and value for money. Amazingly the evening was sold out. With standing room only everyone danced the night away to the two bands who were supported

by Mad Magdalen. There was no question that this event needed to happen again!

The following year the venue was changed to Pinewood Café and bar in Wokingham This was because the Football club could not commit to dates, however this venue was bigger had a bar and food and a second hall was hired to house the healers and tarot readers. The owners were great and loved every minute. Once again the evening entertainment was by Spriggan Mist and The Dolmen and also the great Love Revolution.

All the stall holders loved the new venue and despite the snow, the event was a massive success The feedback was,“Can we make it two days?

And bigger”

So, after the success at Pinewood Café and Bar and The Pinewood Theatre, the following year yet another space for stalls was hired at the scouts hall. A third hall had even more stalls and live music all day as well as live music in the Pinewood café all day. A bonus to this venue was ‘glamping’ in the Scout hall at a reduced price.

Once again Spriggan Mist and The Dolmen accompanied by Cephalodidge played and rocked the stage.

The feedback was more cosmetic now i.e. we all want to be in the same place, we would like more space for the evening performances and a stage and a better area for speakers and workshops!

The hunt for a new venue was on. After much careful exploration a new venue was found. It had a staged area for the evening bands that could hold up to 350 people. It also had a massive main hall where all the stalls could be plus room for a café and other areas which could be hired for stalls along with a theatre for speakers. The Enchanted Market 2015 was the biggest so far, held at Garth Hill College With over 90 stalls, running over two days , plus an evening event on the Saturday and speakers and workshops both days with catering and a bar. There was also the first after party as

the venue had to shut by 10pm, so Cephalodidge entertained everyone over at the local pub which was packed.

It was overwhelming how many people came along to the event. The speakers, musicians and entertainers were amazing. There was endless energy and the volunteers helping to set up the venue were also outstanding and even those who stay at the end to clear up. Of course now was born the Quercus Magical Emporium hypermarket!

What could beat The Enchanted Market 2015? Only The Enchanted Market 2016 which was the busiest so far! Who would have thought that Bracknell could be a Pagan capital for two days of the year?

Held over Valentines weekend 13th and 14th Feb 2016 people came from far and wide. Some even from Europe. A friend of Baz and Max Cilia, Jody Stillone Rule acquired The Acoustic Couch a local venue to run charitable events and evening music events and he was quickly roped in. He offered a Friday night pre-party at the Acoustic Couch for ticket holders. A few locals and visitors who had arrived on Friday began to fill the couch that night, whilst Cliff Carr, the Dolmen Grove Bard entertained us all on the stage with his Bardic tunes. It was a great way to start the weekend.

The start of the Enchanted Market 2016 was with Bang to Rites a great pagan drumming group.

They drummed up the energy wearing their bright colours eventually being joined by the Dolmen Grove Drummers and an opening ritual with Taloch. With over 120 stalls and workshops and speakers all day it was going to be busy. The market started at 10am and very quickly familiar faces arrived! The great Children’s entertainer “Chris Moor “entertained the kids on Saturday afternoon (plus a few adults) with his fun filled party entertainment and balloons on whilst brilliant performers and musicians took the stage in the main hall all day Saturday and Sunday.

Folk tales rung out across the floor whilst harps and saxophones played in the healing area in between singing bowls and chants. Laughter yoga sung out from the other corridor. Speakers attended such as David Wells, Rachel Patterson, and Kevin Groves alongside many other amazing speakers and workshops including some Dark Faerie tale origins from Diane Narraway (Chairman of Dolmen Grove). Two traders in particular took the market by storm with MoreMead and Kayleighbird Cake’s being sold out by Saturday afternoon.

Thanks to the catering lead by Polly who stood in at the last minute to provide food for the event there was a range of food including vegan and vegetarian options.

And then the evening performances were just as impressive. Tribal belly dancing with the amazing Jadoo Tribal followed by Spriggan Mist and then the Dolmen. Both bands played the house down to cheers from the Pagan Crowds.

A massive thank you to each and every one of them. There was then an impromptu auction of a special piece of artwork donated by Katie Saunders, Spriggan Mist’s very own artist. The artwork was of Taloch holding up his hands in front of sacred stones. This again raised some laughs and more money!

And then as the day ended Taloch kindly brought the event to a close with some special words.

Then it was over to The Acoustic Couch with a walking bus to see the charismatic Damh the Bard at the after party. What a great combination!

Everyone was able to sit, chat and drink whilst listening to the pagan folk tunes we all know and love well. Although many tired people arrived they were soon up dancing again!

Sunday, Valentine’s Day was another Enchanted Market Day and a chance to experience a talk by

The most enlightening part of The Enchanted Market 2016 was the love. This event was brought to you with an open heart, love kindness and generosity, and special people. Special people who helped, volunteers who gave their skills and talents, those that just come along and spent money and as always with the kindness and clanship of The Dolmen Grove!

So what next? You tell us! email enchantedmarket@sky.com.

If you would like to be part of next year please email the above also!

Maxine Cilia

Taloch Jameson on the unique spiritual path of the Crow Dancers. There was a special treat later with a Tribal tea dance. Belly dancers from all over the country attended and danced together. Watched, enjoyed and cheered by many spectators. A vivid sight of beautiful colours and dance and a great way to bring the event to a close. Then the Dolmen Grove ‘Land Fund’raffle which this year had even more donated prizes from the stall holders.

TRADING AT DOLMEN GROVE BELTANE SPIRITS OF REBIRTH

The Dolmen

FRIDAY, APRIL 8TH & 9th 2016 – The Dolmen Presents …’The Pirates Parlay 8th - Pirate Quiz, Come Test Your Savvy!!

9th - Pirate Show with events all day The Belvedere Inn, Weymouth, UK SATURDAY, APRIL 23rd 2016 - Beltane Gathering Dorset UK SATURDAY, APRIL 30Th 2016 Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Wassenburg,Germany SUNDAY, MAY 1ST 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Wassenburg Germany THURSDAY, MAY 5TH 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Rastede, Germany FRIDAY, MAY 6TH 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Rastede Germany

SATURDAY, MAY 14TH 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Hohenwestedt Germany SUNDAY, MAY 15TH 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Hohenwestedt, Germany SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH 2016 - Rapalje Zomerfolk Festival Groningen,The Netherlands SATURDAY, JUNE 18TH 2016 - 3 Wishes Faery Festival Cornwall, UK SATURDAY, JUNE 25TH 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Basthorst, Germany SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH 2016 - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum Basthorst, Germany

http://thedolmen.com/tour_dates/#sthash.zOyHMlQT.dpuf

FRom Ordinary Pub, To Town Hub

The Belvedere pub in High West Street, Weymouth, was always, it has to be said, a fairly average and unremarkable hostelry. Usually hidden in the shadow of its more famous and more patronised neighbour, The Boot, just along the road, it was a watering hole that never quite seemed to make the grade with most local imbibers. But recently all that has changed dramatically!

Two young people with a vision have now transformed this once stagnant watering hole, breathing exhilarating new life into the Victorian building with a mixture of new ideas and very hard work.

Thomas de Brincat and Vicki Lindley have combined their considerable drive and talents to turn the business from ordinary pub to vibrant old town Hub, with a scintillating mixture of great live music, attracting such big stage luminaries as the internationally renowned Dolmen, performance poetry and even by being a gallery for budding artists to display and sell their work.

Vicki says “We are getting Local artists from schools, colleges, the street, even retired people exhibiting here”. We put their art on our walls and there is great art to be found in this small town.”

She added “When we have our website up and running it will have all the musicians, artists, writers, poets, anyone that has helped or is skilled in any way on there. Links to their websites. A community website, where we all help each other”. “We are also looking for singer song writers to come down and record themselves for free too. All we ask is for a cd to put in our jukebox which will be full of local talent”.

On the subject of food and drink Vicki said “We now serve 'Traditional Dorset Tapas' because …

why not?!! All our food is made fresh, locally sourced and yummy! We are catering for the drinkers too though. We are still a pub not a restaurant. Our aim is to get as many proper ciders and rums and as much locally made alcohol as possible on sale.”

Vicki then went on to explain about the accommodation available. “We have five bedrooms with bunk beds and can house about thirty people. We are an Extreme Sports Hostel.

Surfing’, Para Gliding, and even Fishing.

“We have storage for their equipment, parking is to be discussed! They'll have a large living area and kitchen and they also have the choice of B&B. There are separate Ladies and Gents washrooms that both have 3 toilets, 3 sinks and 3 showers each.”

To sum up, Vicki said, “The aim is for us to be known as the Hub of Weymouth. Somewhere that everyone can come to and feel relaxed, safe and accepted. To give everyone a chance, we’re not going to be greedy it’s a 'you scratch our backs we’ll scratch yours' type of arrangement. We want to invest in the people who love this Town”.

The Belvedere Hub is also the haunt of pirates and English Civil War soldiers, reenactors who, several times a year, commemorate Weymouth's rich history and use the pub as their base. Not to mention being the only pub in town with live Burlesque evenings! So … as you can see, the Belvedere Hub is truly a place for all tastes!

All this combined with a complete interior makeover with a very attractive new ‘driftwood’ effect bar has given the old place the shot in the arm that it so badly craved and, with all of these great innovative uses and ideas, I think it can be said that it has given the town of Weymouth itself a big boost also.

Long may it continue to thrive.

Mark Vine.

photography by Mark Vine

Aromatherapy If you are new to Aromatherapy or have not read previous articles on this then an insight to it is: The oils work by entering the blood stream via the skin, smells evoke memories and the brain registers the scent via the neurological and the endocrine system.

The therapeutic potential of essential oils, like other plant derived remedies, has yet to be fully realized.

Although numerous medical herbs have been utilized since a Aromatherapy is the use of organic essences extracted from aromatic plants for healing and maintenance of vitality.

It may help minor ailments, keep us fit whilst still enabling us to be relaxed and at ease with ourselves. ntiquity, many of which have become of modern drugs (such as Quinine and cocaine) In order to use an essential oil apart from Lavender and Tea Tree they MUST be blended with carrier oil.

Buriti Fruit Carrier Oil The Buriti Tree, (Mauritia flexuosa.) Also known as the Moriche Palm.is a large palm tree that grows in swamp regions of South America. Natives refer to it as the ‘Life Tree’. The tree bears a sweet fruit from December to April which has a brown, scaly exterior and yellow pulp.

This oil possesses the remarkable ability to nourish, moisturise, repair the epidermis and improve the elasticity of maturing skin. It also helps with skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis as well as helping to replenish mature aging skin. Its shelf life is 12- 14 months It naturally contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D and is a potent Antioxidant.

Image - P.S.Senna

The oil is Cold Pressed from the Fruit and is Reddish orange in colour. The pulp is extremely rich in essential fatty acids and carotenoids, including beta-carotene.

Buriti Fruit Oil is considered to be one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, with levels exceeding that of carrot seed oil. Brazilian natives treat the Buriti tree as sacred because it contains the nutrients and support needed to sustain life.

Natives use the oil to protect the skin as well as to treat a variety of skin conditions including burns and sunburn as it reduces the redness and offers protection from harmful U.V. rays. It is also beneficial in the treatment of dry brittle and damaged hair.

Reflexology (including Maternity Reflexology) Indian Head Massage Aromatherapy Seated Acupressure Therapy Reiki Thermo Auricular Therapy Sound Healing / Sonar Expansion Healing Magnified Healing Rahanni Celestial Healing Psychic Healing Metamorphic Technique Also Pamper and Tarot Parties-for further information www.thetarottable

www.therapies4you.com Email:sandra@therapies4you.com Tel:01702 523951 Mob:07804 13858

DNA damage, cell mutation and death, and cancerous tumour growths.

(Dr Axe food and medicine)

Helichrysum Essential oil Helichrysum (Helichrysum Angustifolium) is made by steam distillation of the flowers of the plant. It's pricy which is probably why it's not one of the more common essential oils. image -Julio Reis

It’s a strong aromatic herb and grows up to 0.6metres with a lot of stems. Woody at the base, it has brightly coloured flowers that look like daisies which become dry as the plant matures. It is Native to the Mediterranean and is cultivated in France, Spain, Italy and Yugoslavia.

There are lots of Clinical studies about this oil as it has special compounds called acetophenones, phloroglucinols and terpenoids and appear to demonstrate antifungal actions against Candida growth. Also helps soothe the digestive tract, battle inflammation within the gut lining, boost immunity, and speed up the process of recovering from the Candida. It is a natural cancer protector as it contains special flavonoid antioxidant compounds that inhibit oxidative stress and cancer growth.

Usually this oil is used to support the cardiovascular system, and is good to treat respiratory conditions easing phlegm and whooping cough, blocked sinuses. It is a good idea to have a massage when blended with a carrier oil for aching muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints, and most especially, the skin. It also assists with colds fevers and bacterial infections.

For the Nervous system it helps with depression and stress related conditions even feelings of hopelessness. This oil can assist a person to address inner strength that might be buried. It is said to have anti-aging properties and helps scars.

For people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis it can be beneficial to blend this oil with a Carrier oil and frankincense essential oil as it supports the neurological system and can help ward off or alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Rub two drops of each oil on the body three times a day for three weeks, then take one week off and repeat that cycle It blends well with so many oils such as citrus, chamomile, Clary sage, Rose, Lavender or Geranium (Julia Lawless The Encyclopaedia of essential oils)

Sandra Wiseman www.therapiesyou.com

In addition, studies found the extract to be effective at protecting against radiation-induced

Safety Precautions Not to be taken orally and must be blended with a carrier oil but it is one of the more gentle oils, making it a safer oil for most people to use.

THE NEW ALBUM FROM https://www.facebook.com/theboardingcrew/?fref=ts

Totem Animals The Deer Stag ~ Buck ~ Doe ~ Hind ~ Hart Animal totems are guides or souls that walk through life with us; guiding, teaching and protecting us. They show to us and share with us their qualities so that we may learn from them and work alongside them; and in doing so we may use their qualities as spiritual tools along our own personal path. For some of us, one or more animal totems will remain with us throughout our lives. For others the animal totems will frequently change, depending on the challenges we face through life.

Totems usually appear to us during a meditative state or in the form of a dream. Some people find that they frequently see their animal totem, perhaps a certain bird that visits your garden daily. The deer that crosses your path whilst walking through woodland. The butterflies that seem attracted to you or spiders in your home.

Deer are noble and proud creatures, often appropriately associated with royalty and leaders. The Anglo Saxons held the stag in reverence, a creature who to them symbolically was the personification of fertility and strength; this traditional belief is thought to have stemmed from the ancient Germanic cultures. In classical times the stag was of great importance to a group of peoples living on the north-eastern hemisphere of Europe known as the Scythians. In England the stag is associated with the legend of Herne the Hunter; an antlered man who resides in Windsor Great Park and has and will appear at times of nationwide crisis. There is world-wide recognition of the stag having associations with the European and Celtic God, Cernunnos and the female hind being connected with the Roman Diana and the Greek Artemis. According to Cornish and Welsh legends, the stag or deer is a magickal creature who walks through all realms and in old Irish tales there are many stories of humans transforming into deer.

In the tale of Culhwch and Olwen from the Mabinogion, it names the stag as being one of the oldest creatures to walk the earth, along with the salmon, the eagle, the blackbird and the owl; the five animals that are dominant to British folklore tradition.

Throughout history, folklore and legend there are images and depictions of shamans dressed in antlers and deer skins, this is believed symbolically to represent wild and majestic power, high status, fertility, the protection of tribes and in the Celtic tradition it is symbolic in the pursuit of chthonic wisdom.

Culhwch at Ysbadadden’s Court – E. Wallcousins As a totem animal, the stag can teach us to be gentle, kind and patient. They are the sacred carriers of peace and do so with grace and integrity showing us how to stay in tune with nature. The stag is swift and attentive with a keen sense of observation; these well-developed wits including their heightened hearing often reflect

in us, clairaudient capabilities permitting those who can relate to the stag the ability to hear unspoken things and to see through hectic and confused situations and illusions with absolute clarity. A devoted father, the stag’s number one priority is to create his young and protect his herd. Those who have a stag as a totem animal are often seen as nurturing and loving fatherly figures; proud leaders with a strong intuition, a great sense of honour and an abundance of wisdom.

When we look at the antlers of a stag we can easily see why they are comparable to the branches of trees and as they are annually shed we can appreciate the symbolism that connects them to rebirth and fertility. This especially true of the Celtic God Cernunnos, the god of fertility and plenty, the Lord of the beasts, who is almost always depicted with the antlers of a stag. There are known images that have been used to symbolize Cernunnos in a non-human form, as a stag itself and for time immemorial, people have worn the skin and antlers of the stag to ceremonially identify with it.

In some Native American tribes, it is said that deer, because of the forks in their antlers signify a forked or dual nature and that a white-tailed deer will be a helper to you, whilst a dark-tailed deer is a sign of danger. The Pawnee believe that the deer is a guide that leads to the light of the Sun and the Panche insist that human souls pass into the bodies of deer after death and in doing so the deer becomes so highly revered that the consumption of its flesh is strictly forbidden

Deer painted drum from AAA Native Art Gallery

In the ‘Druid Animal Oracle’ Phillip & Stepanie Carr-Gomm the stag is described as “beautiful, graceful creatures, but stags are also majestic, by virtue of their magnificent antlers” this portrayal of them being ‘majestic’ is one that repeats itself throughout history. We see Richard II having a stag as his heraldic symbol, and in the story of Gawain and the White Hart, Gawain freely and eagerly trailed a Hart into the forest. The chase ended with the realisation of Gawain’s own unpleasant short comings. But by following the hart, willingly and facing his darker nature, he was able to confront his anger and learn to control it; thus

making him one of the best and most esteemed Knights of the Round table. A white hart is seen as a messenger from the Otherworld and often is associated with the Wild Hunt and Samhain when the veil between our world and the Otherworld is at its thinnest. Alban Elfed, the Autumn Equinox coincides with the stag rutting season in September.

Name

Meaning

Origin

Arasse Ajalan

Stag Stag/Strength

Elven Biblical

Damh Dain, Dvalin, Duneyr, Durathor Dyani

Stag Stag Deer

Irish Norse Irish/Gaelic

Hart/Heort

Stag

Old English

Hartley Hirsh/Hiruz

From the deer pasture Stag

English Old High German druidry.org

The Norse god Yngvi was thought to be a stag god who taught to his worshipper’s high ideas and aspirations along with the confidence to embark on new beginnings.

Totem animals can appear to us whilst we dream and when they do we need to take note of the symbolism they show to us. When a deer or stag appears in our dreams it represents great gentleness and quite often a connection to the outside, especially woodlands, forests and chthonic energies (earth energies). A walking stag stands at the gateway between imaginings and awakening and symbolises a journey, a luring or calling to new explorations.

For a male to dream of a stag would signify a connection to his masculinity; to dream of a hind would suggest a journey into the unknown, a prospect to gain new understanding. For a female to dream of either a stag or hind would signify a connection to their femininity and their primal instincts.

The stag as a totem animal shows us a spiritual awakening within ourselves, it teaches us to love ourselves and others completely and unconditionally and to deal with challenges with vitality and with a different perspective. The spirit of the stag provides us with protection as cleverly illustrated to us by J.K. Rowling in her magickal fantasy world of Harry Potter, she uses a stag or doe to provide protection in the form of a patronus; and why this may be fantasy written fiction, the stag being a protective spirit is an age old tradition. Those with a stag or deer as a totem

animal tend to be overly cautious, alert and in addition they take their time to trust new individuals, situations and surroundings so we can understand the stag’s symbolism in the use of protection and defence. Those people understand gratitude, they are the romantic and positive givers in life, they have physical and mental grace and vast imaginations.

If we give time to notice our totem animals then we will discover them, for they speak to us in ways that we wouldn’t normally notice in our hectic everyday lives. Unless we look for them, unless we listen for them, their subtle messages and communications will go unnoticed. So make time to discover your totem animal. Take the time to connect and commune with them, and when you do embrace their teachings and knowledge.

Cheryl Waldron

The Magick of Poppets Poppet Magick is a form of fetishism where a man-made-article is used to represent someone or something physical that is to be used magically.

The word poppet is and older word for puppet and are made from a variety of different materials. Ranging from the very simplistic to the beautifully crafted, Poppets are a form of sympathetic or folk magick.

They are used in many cultures and like so many things are often feared through lack of understanding.

The most common of the myths surrounding poppets come from the Hollywood portrayal of Voodoo dolls, used to kill or maim another person symbolised by the doll.

It is the intention of the following feature that some of these myths are laid to rest and to provide an overview of Poppets and their uses in magick today. As always we seek to both entertain and enlighten through the knowledge and experiences of those who have or still do practice this type magick.

Poppets for protection A poppet is something we make magickly to assist us in our everyday lives. It is a symbol better known as a talisman. Poppets are so very powerful because there has been so much energy and personal DNA added to the magick. It’s more or less like signing a contract or adding your personal approval to the magick that is taking place. Because so many people have been given the wrong information about poppets, largely from Hollywood and and other media sensationalism, many believe they are only used for Hexing purposes.

Poppets are in fact used for many, many different magickal purposes. Healing, Protection, Binding, Love, Banishing and yes Hexing.

This article focuses on making a poppet for self-protection, for which you will need…

Two pieces of cloth cut out into the shape of a person which usually looks like a ginger bread man when it’s done and is ideally around 5 inches tall and about 3 inches wide.

Needle and thread.

Red candle and holder Candle snuffer Matches or lighter Sage, frankincense, myrh or holy water for creating sacred space Olive oil (for anointing red candle) Rosemary fresh or dried for protection and purification Basil fresh or dried for protection Cinnamon for protection Sea salt for protection A small binding or lock of your hair. This only needs to be a few strands.

A slither of your nail clippings. Again this only requires a small amount A small amount of your spit or a small drop of your blood either on a small piece of paper or it can just be added to the poppet later.

Lots of fresh pine needles. Get plenty because this will be used as stuffing to fill out your poppet And a quiet place that has a table where you can work.

I always create sacred space before we perform any magickal workings this will be no exception. To make your workplace sacred. Either by burning the sage or myrrh or sprinkling the holy water begin at the North and work clockwise around the room while chanting the following incantation: “Out with the negative never to return, in with the positive with no concerns SO MOTE IT BE!”

Make sure you complete a full circle so that you end up in the place in which you started.

We also cast protection with any magickal workings.

For this you will need the following items; the red candle, candle holder, olive oil and sea salt. Begin by taking a small amount of sea salt and sprinkling it clockwise around the room starting at the northern point. Save some sea salt for your poppet as this will only take a small amount.

Next take your red candle and hold it in your left hand. With your right thumb nail scratch a lightning bolt in the top of the candle. Visualize a white light coming from above and into the top of your head and out your thumb nail.

You will feel a spark of energy a bit like static electricity. This blesses your candle and makes it ready for use.

Take out your olive oil and starting from the top anoint the candle top to bottom all the way around the candle. It only takes a small amount of oil. I would like you to think and feel protected as you anoint the candle. This is part of the empowerment stage and it’s important to concentrate on protection at this point.

Once you have your candle anointed the next step is to empower your candle through visualization.

Hold your candle in both hands and visualize yourself feeling safe and secure. Feel yourself becoming one with the candle. Go even deeper into thought as though you can see yourself entering the candle as if there is a land within it.

Place the candle in its candle holder and light it.

Gaze into the flame as you once again focus your thoughts on being inside the mysterious land that lies within the candle. You can feel the heat at this point so you look around and see you are surrounded by fire. You can hear drumming in the distance and see fire spirits dancing around the fire to the beat of the drums until you too are joining in with the dance and you feel secure and protected. Maintain your focus on the dance until you become the poppet. At this point you are ready.to begin constructing the poppet.

Place your candle in the center of the table!

Take out the two pieces of cloth you have brought with you. For the ones of you that have not

already sewed your cloth to the top of the head feel free to do so now. Leave a hole large enough in the top so that you can add all of your ingredients.

Add about a teaspoon of rosemary as you chant the following: “As I add rosemary for purification may I be blessed from this incantation” SO MOTE IT BE! Then add about a teaspoon of Basil as you chant the following: “As I add Basil to this poppet spell, it becomes my protection in this cloth shell” SO MOTE IT BE! Add about two tablespoons of cinnamon as you chant the following: “In with the cinnamon all spicy and hot, the best herb for protection by a long shot” SO MOTE IT BE! Add about a tea spoon of sea salt as you chant the following: “As I add sea salt that comes from the earth, the protector of all in which the ocean gave birth” SO MOTE IT BE! At this point DNA needs to be added this provides the poppet with your ‘intent.’ The nail clippings and hair are added as you chant the following: “As I add my DNA, My intent will never go astray” SO MOTE IT BE! Then the signature, this is the drop of blood or spit. This action signs the contract. As you add the blood or spit chant the following: “Now it’s time to give consent as I sign this contract with my intent” SO MOTE IT BE! Add the pine needles. They represent eternal life and in this instance will represent eternal protection. Stuff the rest of the poppet full with pine needles as you chant the following: “Now it’s time to add the pine which represents eternal life, I have made this poppet to protect me, thank you salamanders SO MOTE IT BE” Sew the rest of the poppet together and breathe into the mouth of the poppet so as to give it life.

You can place it on your altar, above your bed or even carry it around with you. I always keep mine on my altar.

Bryant Pinnix

‘Poppets - Using the darkness to bring forth the light’ Poppet magick has been used for several millennia and involves the creation of a ‘doll’ or ‘poppet’ to represent the person for which the magick is intended. Often thought of in a negative light due to media portrayal of the use of Voodoo dolls, this form of sympathetic magick can be a powerful way in which energies can be directed and is especially potent when used for healing purposes.

I first used poppet magick in conjunction with a binding spell. It was essential that the binding was successful so I felt that the use of a poppet would aid this. People I cared about were getting hurt and I had to do something to try and stop this person from causing any more harm. As binding spells generally affect the freewill of the intended, they should only ever be used as a last resort, and with the right intentions. Some would say that a binding is use of dark magick but I prefer to see it as using the darkness to bring forth the light. For this reason I had to make sure that my intentions and energies were focussed 100% on this person.

I made my doll over a period of a few weeks.

Whenever I came into contact with the person I would take careful note of what he most often would wear, and if at all possible obtain something from his person. I successfully managed to collect some of his hair and by shear fluke I got hold of a small piece if his shirt after he caught it on an old nail in the pub garden! Using these I created a little image of him. I made him out of similar cloth to what he would normally wear and I stitched the small amount of his hair onto the doll’s head.

Each time I added something to the doll I would focus my intentions into the doll. Each time I would have a new reason for wanting to perform such a powerful spell, more and more people were getting hurt each and every week. Once the doll was made I took it out to the woodland at the back of my home, and by the light of the full moon I bound him in heavy black cord. I bound him to a branch of the biggest tree in the copse. By the new moon he was gone… I don’t know where and I don’t know what made him leave town but still to this day no one knows.

Helen Bull

Image Malcom Lidbury

Poppets from a Wiccan Perspective Poppets are have been used throughout history and in all cultures as an aid to good and evil spell craft. They have been produced in many different ways but are similar in their representation as a symbolic copy of a certain person or entity. They can be made in many different ways from a variety of materials but traditionally Wiccan Poppets are sown from fabric or knitted, however I have seen Poppets made from many materials including flowers, twigs clay and even carved from a candle.

It is possible to buy simple manufactured Poppets which are usually made from cotton, stuffed with barley straw. They will have a small opening, usually in the armpit area, that enables you to insert items to individualise the Poppet and assist your spell. I personally prefer to make my own which enables me to begin the spell from the moment I start to cut the fabric. I am then able to cast my spell into every stitch and knot involved.

For every one of us the journey is different, therefore, every Poppet will be as individual as the person who made it. If you are using a manufactured Poppet make sure that you pay close attention to the details that you add. Small coins, beads, crystals or herbs are just a few of the items that can be inserted to strengthen the power of your Poppet. Hair and nail clippings can attach it to an individual, which I find particularly useful when using the Poppet for healing. Embroidered or drawn features, hair and clothing all add to the power and individual nature of the Poppet. Again this is entirely up to you and will depend on your own personal taste and desires.

What you do with your finished Poppet is again an individual choice. I personality like to put mine in a place where it is unlikely to be disturbed and have, on occasions, buried them.

As with all things Wiccan the intention is what really matters and it can’t be stressed enough that following the Wiccan Rede is essential. Know that any harm that is caused by your spell will be returned to you threefold. However, all the love, blessings and healing that you send will also be returned.

And ye harm none do what you will Blessed Be

Peggy Kee

.There are so many ways that Poppets can be used and again it will always depend on your individual need. Attracting love, healing, protection, fertility and simply to bring comfort are but a few. A green Poppet containing a coin and basil leaves concealed over a front porch is believed to attract wealth and keep poverty away from a home.

While you are making or personalising a Poppet concentrate on your aim and push all other thought from your mind. Gradually the Poppet will become infused with its intended purpose and you will instinctively know when it is complete.

Image by Victorrrmz

Poppets for Love’s Sake So ‌you are a scrawny, socially awkward, geeky teenager, the kind who never gets noticed at parties. But you are in Love. So in love, in fact, that you can't sleep, can't eat, and that you talk to yourself all day long like you've gone slightly batty. All you seem to do is pull the petals off daisies whilst day-dreaming about the object of your infatuation. You know that there are plenty of sassier and sexier girls out there, girls way more likely to attract the eye of an eligible young man than you are. But you have one secret weapon, in your dereliction: whilst your friends were busy doing each other's hair and socialising, you were keeping busy in the library, honing your budding occultist skills.

You know about spell craft. You've read about poppets, how they can be made and baptised so as to serve an intent. You know they've been used to create sexual attraction between people for centuries. You think you have found the solution to all your troubles. Well, think again. Poppet magic totally works. Trouble is, when it comes to love spells, you are not just influencing one person but two. You are manipulating someone without their consent (roll eyes) and (warning! WARNING! WARNING!) Even with a very clear statement of intent, you may find out that you will be getting much more than you had bargained for

I'll tell you the story of a girl who used poppets in a love spell once. Please note that any resemblance with persons living or dead is, by the way, purely coincidental.

The women were all blonde, petite and criminally naive, just like she had been at 14. They shared her interests in animation, video games and exotic travels.

The girl was 14 and love-sick to the point of devastation. She'd never been in love before.

Desperate to alleviate her longing, she feverishly crafted two poppets as part of a three-hour long ritual, tied them together with red ribbon in a moment of effused ecstasy, and waited.

Every single one of girls bore an uncanny resemblance with her, down to the trademark look of miniskirts and knee-high socks. The boy wasn't cured. All he wanted was a one-night reunion with his lost teenage love. It was at if the clocks of his life had stopped when she had dumped him all these years ago. Although the poppets had been ritually buried for a long time in an attempt to break the enchantment, the girl realised that, whilst the burial she'd enacted had freed her from the grip of her own spell, it had not worked so well with him. All this, after all, had happened behind his back, without his knowledge or consent. She quietly cursed at her retrospective, shocking carelessness. The girl left that night feeling disturbed, remorseful and sheepish. She swore she would not use poppets for selfish reasons ever again.

Barely a month later, she got her Lothario. Theirs was an intoxicating puppy-love affair which lasted about three years, after which she left home, went to University, met other Lotharios and decided she'd had enough of her first love. He didn't take it too well. In fact, he totally collapsed. He lost a lot of weight. For months after that he wandered like a forlorn dog, not knowing what to do with himself anymore.

Our wannabe witch, in her youthful selfishness, couldn't care less of course. She brushed away all nagging feelings of guilt and continued partying as if nothing had happened. It was only twenty years later, when they met for a chance dinner, that he showed her pictures of all the ladies he'd been involved with since and her jaw dropped.

It would be a few more years before she finally correctly identified the mystery caller who would leave heavy-breathing, silent messages on her answer phone at two in the morning.

I am sure I don't need to give you a lecture

. Lou Hotchkiss Knives

Making Poppets for Healing This is a method of making Poppets/dolls for healing. But, the same process could be used for making poppets for any purpose. A word of warning with making poppets, it combines so many types of magic which therefore makes its strength very strong!

There is always a duty of care to ensure that the poppet is looked after and disposed of properly.

The first thing to know is why you are making a poppet. It is essential that your intent is set from the start. Some traditionalists would say that all magic has to be completed in a circle cast for the purpose, however I work in my own space and therefore it is magic to me.

However the intent is essential from the start for a number of reasons. Whilst making your poppet you will choose appropriate materials and colours and crystals and herbs that will aid and assist in your intention. A secondly your thoughts need to be maintained and focused whilst making the poppet.

There are so many different books and internet sites to read about relevant colours for specific intents as well as crystals and symbols. I could never cover that is this short article. However I have choosen a pink bag for healing matter of the heart and some simply healing herbs, such as basil, caraway seeds, lavender and camomile.

If your thoughts wander and you are not focused not only will your magic be weaker but you may inadvertently put some intention into the poppet that you did not wish. It is sometime good to focus with a meditation prior to commence of making a poppet.

I have taken a number of photographs of the poppet I have demonstrated for this article to show you a basic way to make a poppet.

I start with a number pipe cleaners as they are easy and safe to use. But you can interchange this with florist wire if you wish.

The pipe cleaners form the basis of the shape of the poppet and will assist when

binding the poppet to its human shape.

It is best to start binding the poppet with thick wool or twine as takes shapes quicker and needs less wool initially.

Twine is a really good substance to use as it is bio degradable and also neutral in colour. I have used a fairly thick grade wool.

As I began to build up the shape I knew that this was healing of the heart so I decided that in the stomach and chest cavity of the doll I would place a healing pouch full of the relevant herbs to help in this. Of course if you needed to help any other part of the body your focus can be to put crystals herbs or items in the relevant part of the doll to aid your magic.

Once I have put the herbs in the belly I then continue to bind the poppet until a basic body shape is formed. It is the intention that is most important, so in fact the doll can be left in this state and does not really need much more work. However I like to make the doll resemble the person in some way by adding clothing or hair or items that belong to the person to assist in the magical process. This also helps with essential mind focusing of the intent for that particular person.

On this doll I have added a bag that can be filled with symbols, crystals or any other items to assist with the healing process, but quite simply the dolls can be added to until the magic is complete or they can be completed at once and placed on a healing altar.

The chi energy of the maker should of course be used to charge the doll and the energy of a Reiki practioner is very strong and a further enhancement to the magic.

The only way to get rid of a poppet once it is used is to bury it and thank the universe, the god and goddess. At this time you should also ask for all ties and binds to the poppet to be released as you would not want someone finding it and then damaging it etc.

I once again stress that this magic is strong which is why I would only use it for healing or assisting with fertility.

Blessed Be

Sprigganwitch.

Poppets and the Importance of Teachers I remember that Patrick, a fellow magician, cried when he saw the doll. She has been in a small side Temple situated next to the main Temple area for about three months now and had grown ever more hideous with the passing days. Her hair seemed to weave itself into knots framing her visibly sunken cheeks. A blackish mold had taken root on her body and clothing. All this was unpleasant to see but the shock came with the eyes. They radiated a malevolence that was active and searching and hungry.

I knew that something must be done. My spells could no longer contain what I had birthed. While in her presence my carriage was self-assured and the words I spoke to her had power but I could sense the metallic taste of fear growing in my throat. How had it come to this? The doll was to act as a wrathful guardian of the larger Temple and, as usual, one step at a time I was led into excess by a curiosity that could only be sated by dancing on the edge of disaster.

The doll rested in a child’s coffin. Quite old and exquisitely made, it had a glass plate through which the face could viewed. The interior carried darkish stains deposited by past occupants. It was a gift from Charlotte, my mother. Charlotte wanted to be a dancer, her first husband was a drummer, a junkie on the steam boats that plied the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. She would sit on the bank and listen as the boat passed belching hot smoke and even hotter ragtime music.

It was through Charlotte that as a child I was introduced to beat culture and a thrown-ness toward the unusual. The coffin was a beautiful and apt gift. I have no memory of where the doll came from, as with most magickal items it seemed to simply show up when needed. With glee and ceremony the two were joined and came to abide in the small Temple.

I was beginning to lose balance in this perilous dance. A stronger, surer hand was needed. I had a teacher. By teacher I mean someone I looked up too. A friend more accomplished in the mystical arts. Thomas Howerton Owen Knight was, and is,

a force of nature. We played in a band together. I was one of the drummers and Owen played a tuned saw and recited his poetry. He would dye himself blue for performances. The dye was traditional and took days to weeks to wear off.

We had a gig in a park in the afternoon in the full light of summer. I took heart from the light of the day and found the courage to take the coffin with me to our concert. After our performance I asked Owen if he would take the large bundle with him.

To my relief, he readily agreed.

At a band practice a few days later I asked him about my ‘gift.’ He replied, “Oh, It’s in my living room. Much better to watch than a Television.”

That was about 50 years ago. Today Owen has a new publication out through Black Moon Publishing The Cross Tarot and I have, in certain respects, followed in his footsteps. The subsequent pictures include a poppet given to me by a group of voodoos who found her a bit much to deal with. She was quite happy when I gave her the snake to hold. She is shy but enjoyed having the pictures taken. She stands with one of the Barons.

I now know that when I create familiars or open doorways for a spirits passage I have taken on a responsibility. These beings have a level of sentience and as such can learn and grow. They are, in a very true sense, my children. They deserve honor and respect and most importantly firm instruction along with caring attention. As we know, there is much that they can give and much that they can do for us in return.

Dr. Louie Martinié

Image Cheryl Waldron

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Quotes from the Cross Tarot: Along the Path, the questor would find animals, minerals and plants; along with spiritual forces to which they relate. Deities are to be met within animals, minerals and plants. Especially, the Plant Kingdom gives a way the deities might be communicated with, as many of the deities, at times, take plant forms. As Jacob Grimm has said, the history of European Spirituality would; in many ways, resemble the history of trees.

Small bits of herb might cause a great event to take place. A bit of herb might be hidden in the room of a subject to cause that person to fall in love. Media used herbs to stop the flow of rivers and to check the flight of stars…

The Cross Tarot is truly a compendium of Western Druidic lore and wisdom. This Tarot is an encyclopedic rendering of western occult knowledge rivaling such works as Crowley’s 777.

It is a return to the old ways, a guidepost leading the reader into the realms of the old knowledge. It is, in written and picture form, the lore of the story teller and as such the beating heart of the Western Traditions. Owen’s practice weaves over fifty years and as a Tibetan monk can recite volumes of sacred teachings from memory, so also can Owen.

This tarot is about Balance, not judgement of good or evil. Judgement against comes when a situation is out of balance. This tarot can be used to point to an imbalance and bring the state of affairs into equilibrium.

The Cross Tarot is of necessity polytheistic (Aquarian). No single monotheistic (Piscean) good or evil force can provide the dynamism necessary for balance. The entire field of spiritual forces (Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Forces, et cetera) are necessary to maintain the system of balances.

As shown in the wisdom of this Tarot, Learning and Life are eternal properties of matter.

The wheels of cause and effect tie the trees, even to the smallest of herbs, with the great turnings of the starry heavens. Subtle connections between an herb and a distant star can throw the balance of an event toward one direction or another. It is said, “Every herb knows her loving star.”

Accompanying Tarot Deck available from http://lefthandpress.com/

A Spring Clean with Sticky Willie Cleavers (Galium aparine), sometimes known as Goosegrass or Sticky Willie is a common plant with a reputation as a spring tonic.

In days gone by the appearance of fresh green edible plants such as Cleavers, Dandelion and Stinging Nettle in early spring was of utmost importance for people who had survived winter mainly on preserved foods, often lacking in nutritional value. As well as offering plentiful supplies of vitamins and minerals these plants also have medicinal properties too.

The names Cleavers and Sticky Willie refer to its ability to stick to things, aparine is from the Greek aparo meaning to seize. Galium is from the Greek gale meaning milk as the plant has the ability to curdle milk. Goosegrass stems from the belief that the plant is a favourite of geese.

A plant that many regard as a nuisance (weed) or others pass by without noticing, Cleavers offers us far more than its appearance would suggest.

It is associated with the process of renewal at spring time due to its actions as a cleansing tonic, refreshing and revitalising the body when the aerial parts are either drunk as an infusion or eaten as a vegetable. In the 17th Century Nicholas Culpeper recommended it as a spring tonic ‘…to cleanse the blood and strengthen the liver, thereby to keep the body in health, and fitting it for that change of season that is coming.’

Its cleansing properties reflect its actions as a lymphatic tonic and a diuretic (promoting the flow of urine).

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels throughout the body which conveys fluid (lymph) which has leaked into the tissues from the blood capillaries back to the blood circulation.

The system contains collections of nodes (often referred to as glands) behind the ear, in the armpit and in the groin which act as filters to prevent foreign particles entering the bloodstream. They also produce lymphocytes (white blood cells) which are part of the immune system that fights infection.

As a lymphatic tonic Cleavers is used by herbalists for any problem involving the lymph system. This includes congestion in the system i.e. fluid build-up (lymphoedema), swollen glands, dropsy (heart failure) in fact anywhere there is a build-up of fluid in the tissues, and conditions which may be associated with stasis or congestion in the lymphatic system such as psoriasis, eczema and other skin problems.

Its diuretic action is of course a part of how the plant cleanses the lymphatic system but is also of value in its own right, so it can be used to treat problems in the urinary system such as cystitis and irritable bladder. It also has a reputation for dissolving bladder stones.

It is reputed to promote restful sleep (although I have never used it as such) and an infusion used as a wash will soothe sunburnt skin; the wash is also supposed to fade freckles if used regularly.

It is an old remedy for aiding weight loss; Culpeper wrote that ‘….taken in broth, to keep them lean and lank that are apt to grow fat.’ I suspect this action is attributable to its ability as a diuretic to increase fluid loss from the body; this is not a healthy or effective way to try to control weight.

In days gone by Culpeper and other herbalists used the juice to stop bleeding, for earache and mixed with wine as a remedy for adder bites in order to protect the heart from the venom.

It has a reputation as being anti-tumour. This may be due to its action on the lymph system as a clean, well-functioning lymph system is seen as a crucial part of a strategy for treating someone with cancer.

The Methodist preacher John Wesley wrote a pamphlet containing many folk remedies that people could use to treat themselves. He distributed this as a self-help guide for people who could not afford doctors’ fees when he travelled the country preaching. Interestingly he recommended Cleavers as effective for dispersing hard swellings. Whether he meant tumours or swollen glands is not clear.

So, as spring and Ostara approach, it is worth considering a spring cleanse using the gifts Mother Nature offers us; renewing and refreshing ourselves. The process of gathering the herbs helps to connect us with the world around us and their consumption cleanses our inner selves.

NB If you have any doubts about what you are treating or how to do it, then I recommend you ask your local herbalist. .

Andrew Cowling BSc(Hons),Dip.Phyt,D.Hyp,RCST,MNFSH,FNI MH. Herbalist, Craniosacral Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Healer.

62 Grove Road Portland DT5 1DB. Tel. 01305 860611.

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Its fairly reasonable to say that face & body painting is considered a personal spiritual tool within the tribal communities of the world, within ceremony and ritual tradition individuals as well as combined gatherings have used it to express their purpose. Using simple methodology to tune into subtle frequencies that may enhance the consciousness in the same way as something as common as listening to music can alter ones perspective, so the little things we do by way of ritual can alter and enhance the conscious mind in order to explore inner depths and even reach out beyond the confines of our everyday perspective.

The Sun Ritual Colour is every bit as important to humans as sound and by exploring the energies and the emotions that may be promoted by particular colours we base our own particular rituals to that which suits us as individuals.

In celebration of life and to promote a positive start to the day, a simple ritual to the sun can be enjoyable as well as invigorating. In my own personal greeting of the day I tend to go out to the apple tree in my garden and position myself to look to the east. I tie a bright yellow band around my head and allow my breathing to settle into a calm meditative rhythm. This will only take a moment or two before reaching a relaxed mood that allows my consciousness to embrace the purpose of the ritual.

It’s within the silent moments of this preparation that what I term as a spiritual key is used to open the door to the super consciousness; the realm in which we as humans experience the most sacred aspects of our spirituality.

Spirit Song Within ritual I often use a drum for rhythm and sing what is usually described as a spirit song or dream chant, which may differ according to place and time and of course my emotions. The spirit song can be a few words repeated or even a simple hummed melody, there are no rules as

to what it will be or should be other than it is made personal to you as part of your communion and relationship with the spirit realms. Yellow, Red, Orange and White face paint designed as you desire will represent the energies that you wish to surf upon when performing your ritual. The most important thing to remember is what is written above is only intended as a guideline, based purely upon my own ritual procedures and each individual will have their own unique way.

I would also like to point out that this whole ritual procedure can be adjusted to suit varying time scales for instance, if I have the time to spare I may take anything from 15 minutes to an hour to enjoy and explore this ritual, which can also be enhanced by elaborate or simple decoration of the face, or arms and hands. It is about doing whatever is preferable to the individual.

The main thing is that you find a way in which it works for you and by removing the rights or wrongs from such a ritual you are free to develop individually and become able to embrace and explore one’s own authenticity.

When this ritual is enjoyed by the tribe/clan as a larger ceremony it still maintains the same individualism but the combined drumming and rhythmic chants help to generate an atmosphere that is spiritually uniting. Because the chants may differ per individual, it is found that a singular strong chant may take precedence, one which others will be happy to join in with. Quite often one person will be allocated beforehand to lead the chanting and the rest of the tribe will echo. For a spiritual gathering to explore itself as a collective there can be no spiritual hierarchy within such rituals we are all equal.

Taloch Jameson https://www.facebook.com/Gathering-of-CrowDancers-1022216127812903/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/crowdancers/?fref=t https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUvMAwreCD E

https://www.reverbnation.com/crowdancers

DOLMEN GROVE MOOTS All Dolmen Grove Moots hold regular meetings where people can find out more about Dolmen Grove membership, ethos and upcoming events including camps, workshops and talks.

Hampshire, Fareham, – The Heathfield Arms 116 Blackbrook Road, Fareham po15 5bz - First Monday of every month, 7:30pm onwards. https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/?fref=ts Essex - Scout Hut, Cromwell Road, Grays, RM17 5HT Weekends https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot/?fref=ts Dorset, Weymouth – Old Town Hall High West Street DT4 8JH Weymouth, Dorset - Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/435089566582005/?fref=ts Dorset, Portland - The George Inn 133 Reforne, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2AP Last Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/148075512033935/?fref=ts Cornwall, St Austell - Polgooth Inn Ricketts Lane, Polgooth, St.Austell, PL26 7DA - First Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/460165050682366/?fref=ts Berkshire, Bracknell - The Acoustic couch 11 Market St, Bracknell, RG12 1JG -Third Tuesday of every month, 8:00pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/150234135114242/?fref=ts Dorset, East Dorset Travelling Moot – Various locations in East Dorset - first Thursday of every month 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/285539554914086/?fref=ts Berkshire, Newbury - Last Thursday of every month, 7.30pm onwards See Facebook group for venue details https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts All Dolmen Grove moots are advertised regularly on www.dolmengrove.co.uk with up-to-date information on individual moot Facebook page

This page is where the pagans, heathens, witches, druids, occultists and shamen of tomorrow can share their experiences and beliefs, as they continue to develop their own unique spirituality.

LITTLE LIZZIY WITCH This poem is written by Arietta and Eloise Bryant and is inspired by the "rituals" Eloise used to hold with her toys when she was younger (She is now 13 ).

Little Lizzy Witch Little Lizzy Witch Is eight years old She is very, very brave And very, very bold She lives in a cottage By a forest lush and green With her Mama, and her Papa And her Spider, Inkie-P Inkie likes to snooze In the rafters of the house Or to ride on Lizzy’s hat Or to chase the old grey mouse And Lizzy has adventures With her friends from near and far There’s Octopus, and Tiger There’s Owl and also Hare And on each and every full moon When the Witches gather around Lizzy celebrates the Esbat With her toys upon the ground Now, Tiger, he’s the fire Eyes aglow and stripes like flames Lizzy sits him in the south When it’s ritual time again

Octopus is from the ocean She gets comfy in the West With her tentacles so long She likes the Water best Hare is in the North Where the Earth is grounding her Standing firm, she is rooted Magick crackles in her fur Owl is in the East With the wind beneath his wings He hoots into the night-time Air Whilst the witches chant and sing So Lizzy casts a Circle, She walks Three Times around And as she does she sprinkles Salted Water on the Ground And when the Circle’s cast She sits with her stuffed friends And she thinks of all the ones she loves Bright Blessings to them she sends So if you see the Full Moon Lighting up the dark, dark sky Then why not do what Lizzy does And have a Magickal Time!

Arietta and Eoise Bryant

THE ETERNAL HEARTBEAT My Name is Connach Evan Artur Caswell Jameson and I am 9 years old.

All of my life I have drummed and it is the one thing I love the most!

I have been going to Stonehenge now every year of my life, {Even in my Mums tummy lol} I drum alongside my father Taloch and The Dolmen Drummers. It is exciting inside the stones but sometimes gets a little claustrophobic lol!!!!

One of my favourite memories was watching the sun rise between the stones with my Mum and Dad. A pagan life for me has allowed me many new friends from all over the country and every year we meet up at camps and have loads of fun. We have all grown up together. Climbing trees, playing football and drum workshops are cool.

This year I am looking forward to CrowDancers. A new band which I will be drumming in. Drumming is my world and comes from my heart.

If you get a chance check out my youtube channel Connach Jameson.

Photograph by Joanna Caswell

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsw76nIA7DYihQx2fQFUbeg

NATURAL MAGICK My name is Naomi Syme but everyone calls me the ‘Short faerie’.

I love to do rituals I am pagan and believe in the spirit of gods and goddesses and that their spirit lives in everyone. When I do rituals I feel calm and relaxed. I feel at home in a circle.

My first ritual was at the Dolmen Grove Tribal Dreams camp based on the voice of the wind. It celebrated the dance of creation. Since then I’ve done a few rituals, usually with Connach Jameson playing the drums and raising energy. I also do rituals at Stonehenge.

I like to dance in rituals for the gods and goddesses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1MXV7aTtU Photograph by Joanna Caswell https://www.facebook.com/lovejoantiquesfurniturerestoration?fref=ts

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Reiki master/teacher, Card readings,Pendulum readings Craft wares.

All available online (except reiki).

E-mail: - kerenzaj75@gmail.com Phone/What’s App: - 07920196395 Skype: - Kerenza.Jinks Website: - .http://kerenzaj.wix.com/kerenza-jinks Etsy-:https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KerenzasCrafts

As seen at Ostara Fare (Cornwall) and Beltane Spirit of Rebirth

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Further information on Dolmen Grove can be found www.dolmengrove.co.uk Dolmen Grove Facebook links Portland Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/14807551203393 East Dorset Travelling Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/556080981209172/?fref=ts Weymouth Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/43508956658200 Berkshire/Bracknell Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/15023413511424 Cornwall Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/46016505068236 Essex Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot Hampshire Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/ Berkshire/Newbury Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts Dolmen Grove Chronicles https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine Dolmen Grove www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082 Email Diane Narraway (chairman Dolmen Grove/Editor Dolmen Grove Chronicles) dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk

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