The dolmen grove samhain 2015

THE DOLMEN GROVE CHRONICLES SAMHAIN 2015 Native Americans William Staples and Jolene Kegg on the Customs and Traditions Practiced by the Ojibwe Chippewa Tribe

THE CROW DANCE RITUAL Its meaning and the purpose behind it plus the new Crow Dancers Band

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KAyLeigh The New Dolmen Album and Gig Guides

Wicca …Unity or Purity?

– Merlyn

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…Care and Use of your Cauldron – Molly McHenry 2…To Dance is to Live – William Staples and Jolene Kegg / Photographs are property of William Staples and Jolene Kegg - Introduction by Taloch Jameson 3…What is the Crow Dance / Children and the Freedom of the Crow Dance / Crow Dancers the Band – with contributions from Taloch Jameson, Diane Narraaway and Kayleigh Marchant. / Artwork by Sem Vine/photography by Joanna Caswell unless otherwise stated.

4… Book of the Great Queen – The Morrigan and Morpheus Ravenna featuring reviews by John Beckett and Seirian Morriganwitch.

5…The Dolmen/Kayleigh Album Review – Diane Narraway /Artwork by Sem Vine / Kayleigh photographs by Joanna Caswell unless otherwise stated 6….Making Magickal Wands – Bryant Pinnix / Photographs are property of Bryant Pinnix / Alea Dawn 7….Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – Diane Narraway / Artwork and photographs are property of theMuseum of Witchcraft and Magic 8… Dolmen Grove Samhain Rituals – Cornwall Moot – Karen Cooper / Essex Moot – Toni Glitz 9…Wicca Unity or Purity – Merlyn (Children of Artemis) / Artwork is property of Children of Artemis.

10….Totem Animals – The Hedgehog - Cheryl Waldron 11…Godless the New Novel by Rachel Summers 12…The Seelie and Unseelie Court Faeries and Us!! – aaron Dabbah 13…Magik for Life…Bringing the Sunshine – Scott Irvine / Photographs by Scott Irvine 14…The Dolmen’s Pirate Parlay Weekend – Mark Vine / Artwork by Sem Vine 15…Aromatherapy – Sandra Wiseman 16…Samhain and the Magic of Food – Rachel Patterson 17…The Hedgewitch’s Diary and Sowing Chart – Rachael Moss / Photographs by Rachael Moss 18…A Spell to Find other Witches – Molly McHenry 19…Wormwood , A Touch of Bitterness – Andrew Cowling 20…Cernunnos, God of the Celts – Cheryl Waldron / Artwork by Jeroen van Valkenburg.

21…Metaphysical and Healing Properties of Crystal – Selenite – Cheryl Cover Image – Gill MacDonald Photographic artwork on Spriggan Mist gig guide by Aaron Cilia Unless otherwise stated all other images are from the public domain.

Crabchurch 2016 advert Sem Vine .

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

Choosing Your Cauldron Does a cauldron need to have three legs? The short answer is ‘no’. I've been asked this many times before by casters of all levels. While it's said that the three legs do have a symbolic meaning, there is nothing magically important about them otherwise. Their function is to protect whatever surface they sit upon from the damage of the heat within. This can be especially important if you burn papers or other spell items inside your

The cauldron is a valuable tool in witchcraft with many purposes. Sadly, it is not often high on a new practitioner's list of needed tools. Worse yet is that many of the casters who do own one either under-utilize it or allow it to be damaged through improper care. These are simple problems to remedy, as you will see, and the strength of your cauldron's magic will easily grow with a little effort.

This article is aimed properly handling and caring for a cauldron so that it will last for many years. A well-tended cauldron can become an heirloom, so treat it well.

Start by buying the best one you can afford right now. Consider how and when you plan to use it.

If you've never worked with a cauldron before, you will probably need to own one before you know when and if you'll use it with the same regularity as other tools. If this describes you, get the simplest cauldron you can find and wait a few years to buy anything more elaborate.

I have seen cauldrons for sale that state that they are not for food use. Buying one with that warning is something I strongly suggest you avoid. First, it is a pot--and a cooking pot, at that, so it is natural to use it for edible potions. You might have no plans for using it that way at the moment but over time you could forget and give yourself or a client a dangerous dose of lead poisoning. Instead, it's best to start out with a pot that is safe enough for food use, secure enough to hang over a fire, and watertight enough to hold a potion, should you ever choose to use it that way.

cauldron. No matter what kind of pot you use, though, always be aware of fire and heat safety.

Cast iron retains heat extremely well and will remain hot for a long time, so plan ahead by standing it upon a flat slab of stone or a trivet and have a dish towel ready to protect your hands for adjusting it or carrying it by the bail.

Using a flat-bottomed cauldron will not hinder your magic or harm anything you make in it. If it is something that you feel strongly about then by all means, seek only the footed kind. However, I have both a footed and a flat-bottomed cauldron and use them both regularly without seeing a bit of difference.

Does it need to come from a witchcraft shop?

Again, ‘no’. It's an important aspect of the magical community that we give our full support to witchcraft shops and suppliers, but that is not our only resource, in this case. If you see one there at a price you can afford, you should certainly buy it, but there is no need to buy one expensive but ordinary pot when you could have purchased some of the many terrific items that can't be found elsewhere.

Check resources like camping and cooking supply businesses for cast iron pots. Several quality producers exist and their wares come in a variety of sizes and styles. If you identify a brand in a store, look it up on-line to learn more about its origins and any warnings or suggestions for its use. This is especially helpful for buying used items.

Choose your cauldron based on the size you’ll most often need as well as any features that you find important. A huge pot looks nice, but will rarely be used. Even one that is a few cups too

large for you will be a waste; the extra space invites you to use too many ingredients in your potions and fill it too full. My "every day" cauldron holds about 3 cups; my large coven cauldron holds about 9. This is ample room for use in potion making but also for small contained fires, safe candle burning, and empowering magical objects.

Maintaining a Magic Cauldron No matter what you plan to do with your pot, it will need to be seasoned. Seasoning prevents damage like rust and pitting from ruining the iron.

A new cauldron will come pre-seasoned; you will need to do your own right away if you buy a used one. It's also important to re-season regularly (once to twice a year) or more often if it sustains an accident, is scrubbed hard, scratched deeply, or if you regularly burn items inside. You will know when it is time to re-season if the inside of your cauldron looks dull or shows signs of rust.

To season, begin by scrubbing the pot with soap and water inside and out. Rinse well and dry completely. Then rub the entire surface of the cast iron with a thin coat of vegetable shortening. Rub it in until it is shiny but not caked or showing any white patches. Place the cauldron upside down on the rack of a preheated oven set to 200 degrees. If it has a lid, do the same for it and place beside the pot but not touching it. Bake your cauldron for 8 hours, then turn off the heat and let everything cool down with the oven door still closed. Remove the cauldron then and inspect it to be sure your season is smooth and even without any bare spots. It is now ready for use.

Using Your Cauldron Because cast iron is strong and thick, you can use your cauldron for a variety of magical purposes.

It is popular today, especially for apartment dwellers, to use it to substitute for a hearth fire indoors

or a bonfire outdoors. You can use twigs of an appropriate wood and build a regular fire inside the pot or simply add a flammable alcohol and light.

Alcohol is a good option for indoor rituals and spells because it creates no smoke and no smell.

Another use is as a secure container for spell candles to burn upon the altar. The cauldron's association with transformative magic makes it the perfect foundation upon which to arrange items related to your desire. It's also helpful for storing your favorite magical tools, crystals, and talismans to keep them charged with energy.

Pouring water into a cauldron creates an ideal surface upon which to practice scrying in the same way a black mirror or body of water is used. As a method for contacting deities and other guiding spirits, viewing remote places, or gaining insights on the future, the cauldron is useful as a learning divination tool or just as a portable one.

Making potions, of course, is an obvious use.

Whether suspended over a fire or placed on your stovetop, a cauldron is the ideal pot for brewing.

Also note the many kinds of magical cakes, breads, and other sweets that are featured in love and protection magic. Baking them in a cauldron adds even greater magic to these already powerful edible spells.

No matter your practice or your length of years, the cauldron is a highly versatile tool. Using it can enrich your magic, strengthen your spells, and fuel your imagination. If you don't have a cauldron of your own, now might be the time to begin the search for this traditional witch's assistant. If you have a cauldron that is gathering dust upon the shelf, perhaps today you can take it down, give it a wash and a new season, and cook up some magic together.

Molly McHenry

Gill Macdonald Freelance Artist & Tarot Reader Original Artwork for sale.

Copyright retained https://www.facebook.com/Gill-Macdonald-Art-Books -818756938138513/?__mref=message_bubble www.tarotandhealing.co.uk

TO DANCE… We welcome two special friends to this edition of the Dolmen Grove Chronicles, husband and wife Bill Staples and Jolene Kegg. They are Ojibway Indians currently living on the Minnesota Reservation USA. Bill is a traditional and highly respected Tribal Dancer and Jolene a renowned Bead Crafter. Their love for heritage and the philosophies of their people are important and passed down to their children, with their 6 year old son William Bobolink Staples who is named after his great grandfather following the tradition of Bill and has been dancing since he could walk. The similarities that exist between the ancient tribal heritage of Albion and that of the Native Indians in the U.S.A. are not so dissimilar, both our cultures reclaim their ancient heritage in many ways, taking pride and giving importance to the traditions whilst shaping the future. Bill gives a short insight from a philosophers and tribal dancer’s perspective on the ancient magick of the drum and tribal dance.

Taloch

My name is William Staples although my native name is Biizhiikiinz which is a translation Little Calf and I am from the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe Chippewa tribe. Growing up both my father and grandfather taught me many things.

From a young age my father taught me to respect the drum. In Ojibway language the drum is called daa’way’ gun and we are taught to show it the same respect we would show a grandfather because we always have the utmost respect for him. We take care of it as if the drum was a person. And we use the drum alongside our singing during powwows and healings...We sing for healings and also for honouring ceremonies.

I also learned the songs and dances of our tribe, all of which have specific meanings. The songs I sing are mostly vocal sounds rather than words, but when I do use words they are not just empty words. They all have to either tell a story or have a deeper more profound meaning. Most of these lyrical songs were originally used in ceremonies but these days they are used more at powwows. The drum the Ojibways use is a small water drum mainly used in the ceremonies. The Lakota tribe also use the same drum as the Ojibways.

Dancing not only makes me feel good but it also brings happiness to my parents, grandparents and in fact all my family. When I dance, I am out there dancing for the ones who have passed on to the spirit world, for the people who cannot dance anymore as well as for the ones who are sick.

I was taught how to use tobacco as an offering during prayers to show respect for the creator and that the tobacco we offer will become our beds in the spirit world. We also offer tobacco in exchange for the gifts of nature such as the plants and roots we use for both medicine and food. We also use Sweat Lodges for ceremonial healings. It's a way of cleaning out the negative, or seeking answers through prayer. Each time we go in we introduce ourselves to the grandfather and to the sweat lodge. I was told it’s like being reborn. Our bodies are cleansed along with our mind and spirit.

My role within the tribe is to pass on the knowledge taught to me by my father and grandfather to the next generation.

William Staples

‌IS TO LIVE! My English name is Jolene Kegg although my Ojibwe name is Anungoquay which translates as Starwoman. I am from the Mille Lacs band of the Ojibwe Chippewa tribe and the grand-daughter of Maude Kegg. Maude was my paternal grandmother and she worked at the Min-nesota State Historical Society at Mille Lacs where she helped make a huge display depicting the seasonal life of the Ojibwe peoples which included making most of the crafts that are within the display herself. She also wrote three books and helped with the translation of the Ojibwe language.

When I was growing up I would visit my grandmother and I always remember seeing the dif-ferent craftwork around the house. She lived next door to me so I saw a lot of her craftwork and I picked how to do it myself either through asking her questions or watching her work. I guess her beadwork must have fascinated me the most as, even now that is what I tend to prefer doing.

Hunting has always been a big part of my life and I guess you would say that I participated in the hunting and gathering aspect of our culture. Growing up I would tag along with my father who was always outside either hunting, fishing or gathering wild rice. Often he would net fish and hunt duck and funnily enough these days I don’t eat either; I think I must have eaten too much of it growing up. He would set snares for rabbits in the wintertime and when I was young I remember we had to hunt for deer. I always remember doing it at night we called it shining deer which is poaching. The only time we would go out was when we needed the meat and my mother would take the hide and tan it and use it for craftwork.

Every Spring I have good memories of attending the Maple Camp. Here we would tap the Maple trees for the sap which we collected and boiled down to make Maple syrup, Maple sugar and Maple cakes. I remember that if, while boiling it down, at the right moment you poured it onto ice or snow it would turn into taffy. The wild rice harvest is another food that I remember vividly being gathered as a child. My parents would go out at the break of dawn and then coming home in the evening with 100 of pounds of wild rice. I also recall the process of making it ready to store and cook. We would keep what we needed and sell the rest for other food or clothing or even to pay bills. My father was also a bait dealer and by catching minnows and leeches to sell to resorts he made good money, which enabled us to be comfortable. My mother would make various crafts to sell like beadwork moccasins, birch bark baskets.

Jolene Kegg

WHAT IS THE CROW DANCE? There seems to be an inner voice that at the most unexpected times can call upon us to review life and consider varying aspects of the spiritual.

I’ve heard Psychologist refer to it as the God part of the brain.

Regardless of how you personally perceive these moments or what you think it is we cannot deny its existence.

Personally I think a balanced spirituality helps with life in the physical.

However the mind must continuously seek balance.

“Gaze at the stars but walk on the ground.” - Regardless of what or how deep your spiritual quest be sure to live your life and don’t waste it waiting and may your path be soft and rewarding in this physical world as well as your spiritual.

Taloch

To explain the Crow Dance fully would take some time but I will try and condense it a bit, In many old traditions the Crow is seen as a messenger between the varying realms of existence and very commonly known as the bird attached to the Goddess Morrigan.

Despite its classic caw it’s a very peaceful bird that always seems intent on a mission.

Crow Dancers are like the Crow in many ways for instance they are on a mission, they are also attached to the feminine aspect of creation or Goddess Mother and just like the Crow they too are messengers.

In the tradition and perceptions of the Crow Dance the Crow is a messenger that serves between the Crow dancer and the various spirit realms.

My first mystical and solid connection with the Crow was in the early 90’s during a meditative trance, when I saw images of a Shamanic character dancing in a circle and wearing the sacred antlered headdress. I saw large stones like those at Avebury with a host of black Crows flying above. There were other images and also audio to my trance dream but despite all that I felt, I was merely a recipient of consciousness yet I knew there was a point and purpose to the experience. For many weeks afterwards I found my thoughts revisiting the atmosphere and Images from within the trance.

In fact I did something which is uncommon for me; I shared the experience with a few individuals. Doing this reminded me why I never voiced my findings, however in this case I did, only to be told that my vision was the result of an over active imagination or a moment of insanity.

Funnily enough though, and I would like to be quite clear about it I didn’t find these comments insulting, as such judgment by an individual quite often serves to confirm their lack of knowledge and experience in this unique field of interest and stands only as a warning that if one talks of such fantastic things amongst those who are unable to comprehend them, one shall be discredited as a fool...

So often it is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and leave no doubt!

Your mind is open and free during meditations and as a result of this you are likely to see and even experience a variety of words and images which more often than not can be placed together into a story board, but on this occasion when I came out of the meditation I knew that this story would become something more significant. The problem I had with this was that my understanding of paganism at the time was that it simply wasn’t ready for the Crow Dance, having not yet reached the tribal aspect at least not on mass.

The accepted ritual clothing seemed to be robes accompanied by very set ways and definite ideas, where being part of a group, and of course the right group was of the utmost importance.

In the midst of paganism finding its place in today’s society I wanted to add an ingredient that was not only tribal but incredibly ancient.

I wanted to bring this dancing Shaman of my communion into the physical world. And as the Dolmen Grove started to grow and find its place in the pagan world, I could see it would become an umbrella for all different paths and somewhere the Crow Dance could be brought to life. One of the things that members of the Dolmen Grove often speak of is their unity.

Their sense of being part of a family, a Clan and this of course is Tribal, where peoples paths are uniquely theirs, all are valued equally and their spiritual freedom is respected.

All in all it has taken about 20years since that initial vision of the tribal dancer for its affect to mature, and for me to feel comfortable and ready within the pagan world for the Crow Dance to begin. 2015 would be the birth of the Crow Dance and taught to others as a shamanic technique used to commune with the varying realms of existence.

When I released the album Crow Dance a few years ago it was to pave a way for the Crow Dancers to come to life in 2015 and so far everything is working despite a few obstacles, it’s all on time and the next phase has begun.

I believe that everyone is capable of magick, it is something that is present within all of us.

The ability to shape and manipulate is something which humans do very well and the individuals that work alongside me I feel are open and able to embrace the concept of the Crow Dance; their potential to develop an understanding within the framework make the journey magickal and all are as both student and teacher as they explore and share their message of the Crow Dance.

There are many techniques used throughout the world to commune with spirits and beings from beyond this realm, Crow Dance is just one of these techniques which also has a purpose. The greater purpose of it, like all

things will I imagine be revealed over time but for now it is what is achieved by its popularity and simply by it being available to others.

The most important thing for individuals who choose to work magickally using Crow Dance techniques is that they must be open minded because it is about spiritual freedom. The Crow Dance is a journey of exploration which goes beyond traditional ideas and predetermined concepts.

We have been brought up in a world where we are bombarded by how we should look, think and act; handfuls of individuals decide through the media what we should wear and more tragically How we should Think.....

Working on the fivefold philosophy which is the cornerstone of the Dolmen Grove all human beings are born equal so therefore all human beings have a natural entitlement to equal opportunity. With equal opportunity there is a wisdom which grows from ones deeds in life. No man, woman or child can ever be truly free unless they have freedom of choice and this is something which as a race we have to work on. Freedom, equality, opportunity and wisdom are governed by love; because everything is love.

It is only through the unification of these positive aspects can there be love and if we keep that fivefold philosophy in our thoughts we gain a love of life; understanding that every moment of life is precious. With that set in our minds we have the potential to survive as a species.

Taloch Jameson

https://www.facebook.com/Crow-Dancers1022216127812903/?fref=ts

ChILDREN & THE FREEDOM OF THE CROW DANCE At Tribal Dreams the children performed their interpretation of the Crow Dance ritual. The tribal freedom that is dormant in so many shone out from our children as they danced and drummed with painted faces and feathers in their hair. This was not something religious forced upon them it was just children being themselves, sharing their perspective whilst being free to express their own individuality.

Part of the Crow Dance philosophy is that in order for us to evolve our consciousness into the future we have to understand our past – our roots. Both children and adults can gain knowledge, understanding and wisdom through being allowed to access their tribal nature. Without religious doctrine or dogma everything flows naturally. This freedom provides a safe environment to grow and expand the mind while walking one’s own unique spiritual path.

The children’s ritual was centred on the following poem which was specifically written for them by Diane Narraway A young girl went out hunting For a Feather black as night, So she could perform the crow dance For her tribe that night.

But not one single feather Could she find for her hair.

Though she had hunted, Almost everywhere So she called to the crow Asking for a feather for her head And he said she needed to look, In the land of the dead.

So she travelled to the place Where her ancestors did abide, To find a single feather A feather black as night.

But no matter how hard she looked No feather could she find.

So she fell upon the ground And she began to cry.

Then she heard the sound of beating wings And the crows cry filled the air, Then he laid a feather at her feet As black as night for her hair.

‘Oh crow you are magickal Benevolent and wise And I shall dance a dance for you, Tonight for my tribe.’

And so she danced for the crow, In fact she danced until she died.

Till she became the Morrighan That dances by his side.

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CROW DANCERS - THE BAND Crow Dancers are an expressed image, brought into being by the physical perception of Crow Dance philosophy. The music conjures a ritualistic atmosphere spiritually infused with ancient tribal lore.

Kayleigh, famous for her soulful vocals and Bass playing with The Dolmen, shares another side of her musical talents and dedicates her energies within the Crow Dancers as Lead Vocalist, Flute and Whistles.

The music is purposefully aimed to conjure a magical atmosphere of ritual on stage that will involve the audience and share the peaceful philosophies of the Crow Dance.

The right Music can aid our minds to journey un-inhibited to magical realms even those unchartered, and if a spirit is focused for the right reason the connections will be positive, and as we are influenced by this connection so it is naturally expressed in our everyday life. Love is everything and when we embrace the nature of this earth we also embrace that of the universe and all life.

Kayleigh Marchant The Band’s debut album is set for release in March 2016, and will be performing in the UK at the 2016 ‘3 Wishes Festival’.

Other dates will be announced on the official Crow Dancers web site.

Kayleigh Marchant - Lead Vocalist, Flute and Whistles.

Taloch Jameson -8 String Acoustic, Electric Guitar, Keyboard and Vocals Josh Elliot -Drums, Keyboard, Whistle and Vocals KT Glitz -Bass Guitar, Percussion and Vocals

The Book of the great queen…

The Morrigan and Morpheus ravenna Morpheus Ravenna is a spiritual worker, artist, and writer, residing in the San Francisco Bay area. An initiate of the Anderson Feri tradition of witchcraft, she has studied and practiced devotional polytheism and the magical arts for about twenty years. Her primary spiritual practice is her devotion and dedication to the Morrígan, within the framework of Celtic heroic spirituality. She co-founded the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood, a Pagan devotional priesthood dedicated to the Morrígan, and she authors the Shieldmaiden Blog. Her earlier work at Stone City Pagan Sanctuary helped provide a space for land-based Pagan community in northern California, shown in the 2010 documentary "American Mystic." Morpheus makes her living as a tattoo artist, with a passion for ritual tattoos, folk magic, and tattoo design inspired by historical art and ancient civilizations. She recognizes tattooing as an initiatory art. An accomplished artist, she continues to create devotional artworks in a variety of media including oil and watercolour, ink, metalwork, and more.

She also practices medieval armoured combat in the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Morpheus can be reached through her website at www.bansheearts.com. http://bansheearts.com/blog/

The Book Reviewed

by John Beckett The first part of the book is an exhaustive analysis of the literary and mythological appearances of the Morrígan. I’m a Druid and a Celtophile so I’ve read a lot of these stories. But there are some I haven’t been able to find, and some that I hadn’t even heard of. Each one has a summary that focuses on what it tells us about the Morrígan and the many ways she was understood by the people who told these stories. Then the various Goddesses – or possibly, various names for one Goddess are examined in depth. Perhaps the most helpful chapter is the one titled “One, Three, and Many” which explores the multiple nature of the Morrígan.

The Book of the Great Queen

by Morpheus Ravenna published by Concrescent Press, May 2015 trade paperback: $29.99 484 pages Cover art and illustrations are by Valerie Herron of Mystic Media

The second part looks at how and where the Morrígan was worshipped. Individual chapters examine the land and features of the land (including temples – yes, the Celts had them, at least a few), iconography, sacrifice, priesthood, oracles and divination, sorcery, and her worship in relation to warriors and battle.

Each section begins with the relevant history and ends with “Living Practice” – how devotees and priests of the Morrígan are honouring,

The lore of the Morrígan is complicated and ambiguous and it does not fit neatly into a simple dualistic narrative. We have two choices as to how

worshipping, and communing with her today. But a deep, robust Celtic and polytheist practice involves more than the worship of one Goddess, even the Great Queen.

The section “The Sovereignty of Spirits” makes a key point that often gets overlooked in some Pagan traditions: Polytheism, as a religious practice of relationship, can only begin when we recognize and honour the agency and sovereignty

to deal with this lack of clarity and certainty.

We can examine the texts and declare some canon and others heresy. We can create elaborate doctrines to justify our choices. We can use coercion and outright violence to silence those who disagree with us. We can create the One True Way…As followers of other religions have done many times. Or, we can take the lore for what it is – the stories of men and women and the experiences they had in a particular place and

of spiritual beings. Their lives and life force are not ours to command; their homes, landscapes, gateways, contexts, and histories are not there for our pleasure or even for our teaching. They live in the world as we do, existing for their own purposes, pursuing their own destinies, in sovereign relationship to their landscapes and contexts.

time. We can embrace the ambiguity and let it remind us to remain humble about what we do and do not know. We can learn from skilled priests and then develop our own spiritual practices. We can stop worrying about thinking and believing the right things and start doing the right things.

We live in tumultuous times so it is no surprise that the Morrígan is especially active now.

The section on devotion is particularly helpful – 14 pages of things you can do to build a

I have often felt, and have heard others say too, that the Morrígan is a fitting Goddess for our

meaningful spiritual practice. I do most of these, some daily, others periodically and I can attest to their effectiveness. The section on priesthood draws clear differences between the role and commitment of a priest and that of a non-priestly devotee, and it points out that priesthood is a path of service.

times. She holds and teaches the powers and wisdoms we need to be able to face these choices.

She sees those who are born on this battlefield.

She sees what can rise in us to meet the battle, and calls that forth from within us. We need strengths like these. We need the heroic ethos. We need whatever it is that can grant us the courage to be a force for justice and right action.

The book ends with a statement I think is very important as we consider a Pagan and polytheist worldview in contrast to the monotheist worldview that still dominates our culture.

The reading and study of lore can only take you so far, and no further. It is up to you now to take what you may have found of value in this book and bring it to life in your own practice.

The Morrígan is a fitting Goddess for our times, and The Book of the Great Queen is the most complete and thorough guide yet written to learning about her, honouring her, and taking up her great work.

Living With The Morrigan …

A talk by Morpheus Ravenna centred around her book; The Book of the Great Queen hosted by Treadwells Books and reviewed by Seirian Morrighanwitch Living with the Morrigan' was a well-attended, in fact sold out event at Treadwells book shop in London. Morpheus Ravenna spoke about her own path with the Morrigan during a question and answer session hosted by founder of Treadwells Books Christina Oakley Harrington.

The devotion to the Goddess, shown by Morpheus shone through whilst she spoke, as she answered questions about how she incorporated her devotion as part of her life. Amongst other topics she explained how she first encountered the Morrigan whist being within the Anderson Feri tradition. Morpheus pointed out that for someone who had been brought up in a pacifist environment the concept of working with a Goddess who is concerned in part with War and Sovereignty involved a lot of soul searching and prayer. And that she finally reconciled this by deciding that fighting for a cause can also be viewed as devotional service which is an essential part of the Anderson Feri tradition.

The Morrigan directed her to take a pilgrimage to Ireland where she could experience directly the intrinsic connection between the Goddess and the land. The book covers the geography of the land and how it relates back to the ancient verses and tales about the Morrigan. It is very thorough and is definitely a book that can be used for reference as much as entertainment as it is very complex.

It is the culmination of many years of scholarly study which is reflected in the writing and the intense research and referencing. As Christina Oakley Harrington could testified that the original ancient Irish text and language is a painstaking task , however Morpheus explained that although the English translation gives the feel of the texts , to use them in ritual and magickal practice the words themselves form a pattern and much of the power is contained within their order and rhythm.

This magickal dimension is at the core of the devotion to the Morrigan and can be used as chants for daily meditation.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the talk for me was when Morpheus was concluding her talk by saying how the Morrigan is awakening and how many people are hearing her call, all over the

world in, even in areas where the Celtic tradition is virtually unknown. These are not just aspects of the Dark Goddess, which are reflected in different traditions, it is the Morrigan Herself which Morpheus proposes is the result of an increased willingness to fight for the land and its sovereignty. I personally recommend this book for those who have a serious interest and devotion to the Morrigan and who wish to explore her call in a scholarly and in depth manner. It is challenging in its depths and reading through the original verse does take some degree of focus, however it is well worth the energy spent.

And Finally - A word from the Author Morpheus Ravenna

This book is the culmination of my nearly 20 years of study and practice as a dedicant of the Morrígan. My intention for the book is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth look at the Morrígan as we know her through textual, historical, and archaeological sources, her role and cult of worship in ancient Celtic religion, and to provide guidance for the modern devotional practitioner drawing on these traditions. The Book of the Great Queen is published by independent esoteric publishing house Concrescent Press. .http://bansheearts.com/projects/the-book-of-the-greatqueen/

The Dolmen Friday 6th November – Pirates Parley Weekend The Dolmen Pirates Quiz Night The Belvidere Inn,34 High West St,Weymouth DT4 8JH Saturday.7th November - Pirates Parley Weekend The Pirates Keep The Golden Lion,19 St Edmund St,Weymouth DT4 8AR Sunday 8th November - Pirates Parley Weekend Dolmen Accoustic The Belvidere Inn,,34 High W St,Weymouth DT4 8JH Saturday 14th November - Witchfest International, Fairfield Halls,Croydon Sat.21st November - The Hare & Hounds, 104 Sopwell LaneSt Albans AL1 1RL Saturday 5th December – The Dolmen Grove Krampus Night, Community Centre,Mill St,Titchfield,Fareham,Hampshire PO14 4AB Saturday 12th December - Midwinterfair Archeon Netherlands Sunday 13th December - Midwinterfair Archeon Netherlands Friday 1st January - Winter MPS Dortmund,Germany Saturday 2nd January - Winter MPS Dortmund,Germany www.thedolmen.com

Anyone who has ever listened to a Dolmen album or experienced them live in concert can be left with no doubt that Kayleigh Marchant is both an accomplished bass player and singer.

But few of us fully recognise either the extent of her talent or her versatility. She often plays pipes or drums, writes some of the most haunting lyrics and has even taken ‘Eliza’; a Tudor anthem, added her warm captivating vocals and turned it into an iconic tribute to the Goddess.

Moreover she can swap from singing the beautifully spiritual or emotionally seductive to raunchy pirate in a heartbeat. Now for the first time The Dolmen bring us a collection of original tracks sung by Kayleigh Marchant on a debut solo album.

The vast majority of songs will, of course be recognised by Dolmen fans but many of them have been remixed to bring us an album that is, as the title suggests uniquely Kayleigh. On top of which there are couple of previously unreleased tracks that are written and performed solely by her. This album is the whole package that from beginning to end it is beautifully crafted with the same professional quality that we expect from everything Dolmen.

So whether you shed a tear to the hauntingly seductive ‘Hush my Lover’, lose yourself in the enchanting ‘Guide Me’ or can’t help but smile at the cavalier ‘Dead Cats don’t Miaow’ you will be entertained.

Kayleigh is an essential for Dolmen fans everywhere and all those who appreciate quality music at its best. An ethereal triumph and with her renowned seductive and alluring vocals.

From beginning to end Kayleigh Marchant is quite simply enchanting!

Diane Narraway Photo by Florian Mull

www,thedolmen.com

Making Magickal Wands The wand is one of the most important tools on a Witches Altar. We use the wand to direct energy towards a specific intent. Even though the wand is simply an extension of ourselves over time it collects and stores our personal energy. Wands are crafted out of a variety of different kinds of wood according to the Witches specific intention.

Every tree branch that a wand is crafted from will be unique to crafter. The length of the wand is determined according to the length from your elbow to the tip of your middle index finger on your dominate hand. Anything longer would be considered a Blasting Rod and not a wand. Although still used for the exactly same purpose. For a beginner who is just collecting their tools, the best method to finding the right branch for you is taking a nature walk. Let your wand find you. You will be drawn to a specific branch I assure you happens every time, it’s the Universe’s way of saying you are not alone! For now the kind of wood does not matter as much as what the branch means to you.

NOTE*Always make sure your branch is not living and is already dried and cured.

Also make sure the branch you choose is at least an inch in diameter. This will allow room for carving.

Before…

And After

Crafting Your Wand!

The first thing I always do is get a hand saw and cut the branch to the correct length. Remember it’s from your elbow to the tip of your index finger on your dominate hand. Once you have the correct length take a sharp knife (I always use my pocket knife) and remove all the bark off the future wand.

Once it’s nice and clean look at the branch and see how it flows. See the wand as if it is already finished. This will give you a general idea of how you want to shape your wand. Now start carving just like you would whittle on a stick when you were a kid.

Take away all the wood that is not going to be your wand. Once you get the general shape you are looking for it is time to sand your wand. This process always takes the longest but drastically changes the appearance of how the finished product will look.

It’s important to at least sand your wand in two-three stages using different grades of sand paper. I always start with something quite coarse. This will takes a lot of wood away and gives you that final shape. Once I have the shape desired I then work with a medium grade sand paper which allows the splinters and jagged edges to diminish and it begins to have a polished look. This stage is fairly time consuming but well worth it. The next grade I use is the final stage, fine sand paper. This is for polishing your wand before you oil it. Always take your time with sand paper. The more you sand the more beautiful your wand will be.

Oiling Your Wand!

I always use 100% virgin olive oil when oiling all my wands. However grape seed oil and almond oil are also great options. Basically just get a rag, dip it in the oil and rub it into your wand. It will take several days before the wand fully absorbs the oil but just keep oiling it until the wood rejects the oil. That means the wood fibers are full and cannot hold any more oil. Let your wand sit for several days then take a dry cloth and polish it. You will be astonished at the results.

Note* I always activate my wands by adding one drop of blood to the butt of it. This adds your D.N.A. and is like putting your personal signature to all your future Magick performed with the wand!

List of My favorite Wands and their Meanings

Willow- (Water Element) Willow is a magickal and all round wand. It is used for healing, prosperity and anything relating to psychic visions and dreams! All in all awesome wand!

Oak- (Fire Element) Oak is a masculine wood and amazing for protection and casting circles. It is also great for any sun magick. In Nordic Mythology oak was considered Thor’s tree. It was the tallest therefore the most often hit by lightning.

Cedar- (Earth Element) Cedar has been used for thousands of years to construct temples and build religious items. It is an amazing wand for purifying, creating sacred space, cleansing and blessing. A must have for my personal collection!

Hickory – (Fire Element) is known for its unique flavor when smoking meat and its density. It is often used in darker magick because it was the wood of choice, used by our ancient ancestors to cook the sacrificial meat offered to the gods during ritual.

All in all it’s a great wand for binding, banishing and hexing!

Maple- (Earth Element) Maple is a hardwood and is very sought after here in the United States for its sweet sap inside. Maple syrup! This wand is great for matters of love or just connected to friendship! One wand even a beginner cannot go wrong with.

*In conclusion wand crafting not only is fun but an awesome way for us Pagans to connect with nature and the elements. By all means there are other ways to make wands I just find that this way works best for me! I hope you have all enjoyed this article and have as much fun making wands as I have.

Blessed Be to all Bryant Pinnix

Two years ago I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to write an article on the Museum of Witchcraft, now two years later the museum has changed hands and I returned to see what changes if any had been made.

On the outside there are some new signs and the Museum of Witchcraft is now the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic which is possibly a more accurate title as folk magic, a significant part of our magical heritage was not necessarily considered witchcraft. There is also a small herb garden outside giving it that ‘Kitchen witch’ feel on arrival.

These changes while improving the outside aren’t overwhelming but inside the changes are more dramatic.

Upon entering the museum the first display is of Cecil Williamson, the founder of the museum, the intention is to provide useful and relevant information on the founder as his name occurs throughout in connection with many of the other displays.

Likewise the ‘Witches’ display cabinet which features a wide range of images and artefacts from Disney to Goya is now an exclusive media portrayal of witches both ancient and modern. This now includes an original Goya etching of the witches.

The persecution section too has become more organised providing a comprehensive portrayal of the persecution of witches throughout history, including the 16th century Daemonologie published by King James alongside instruments of torture including the Scold’s Bridle and Ducking Stool. For those who practice witchcraft today it is as chilling as it is informative, offering an insight into a dark period in our history.

Upstairs the Goddess, Green Man and Satanism/Luciferian sections have also been better organised, with more appropriate backgrounds affording better overall understanding of the artefacts and what they represent.

Probably the most dramatic changes are the removal of a replica of a stone circle to make way for a modern exhibition space allowing for continued variety within the museum. The first of which was an exhibition by artist Joseph A Smith, best known for his illustrations in the book ‘Witches’ by Erica Jong. This was intended to be the first of many and although this one has now ended next year promises to be just as interesting. An exhibition on Halloween which will run from March – November 2016.

Alongside this is another interesting update, having spent years reciting the same charms the Wise Woman in Joan’s Cottage is not only getting a few new spells and charms but some of these will be spoken in the original Cornish language. The new spells and charms were collected by Levannah Morgan and are recited

by Cassandra Latham and featured the West Country accents of Elaine. There will be a CD of the charms (all collected in the 19th century) together with music, plus a mini-booklet, available from the Museum shop next year.

Another and I feel the most significant change is the introduction of ‘Candlelit Evenings’, I say this because even modern witchcraft rituals whether Pagan, Christian or otherwise are nearly always accompanied by candlelight. Light a few candles and the whole atmosphere changes because however impressive as the wise

woman sat at her table reciting spells in old Cornish might be, she will be a whole lot more so by candlelight.

Most if not all of the displays housed within the museum would have at some point have been used by candlelight or flaming torch light making this the best way to visit it.

It had been my original intention to provide a review to Joyce Froome's book on the Pendle witches 'Wicked Enchantments' which is a fabulous insight into the Pendle witch trials and the magic being practiced at the time. However it is not due to be reprinted until next year so in the meantime I asked what books the museum would currently recommend, as these days there is a much larger selection on offer in the Museum shop.

Current recommendation:-'Between the Realms: Cornish Myth & Magic' by Cheryl Straffon (Troy Books).

I would like to add to that list ‘Cornish Tales’ by Eric Quayle and illustrated by Michael Foreman.

Last time I visited I asked Graham, if he could have any piece in the museum what would it be? This time I asked the same question of Co – managers Peter Hewitt and Judith and received a similar, but longer reply from Judith; an original Goddess statue, John Dee’s scrying mirror, original written charms of the ‘Cunning Folk’, the original Gundestrup Cauldron, in fact the list is probably as endless as it has ever been although Peter agreed that if the British Museum wanted to donate Dr John Dee’s scrying mirror he wouldn’t say no!

And when posed the question of what piece in the museum would you most like to own? Judith’s answer remains identical to Graham King with no hesitation whatsoever …Cecil Williamsons scrying mirror! Peter however hastened to point out there are so many great objects, but that he does love the moles feet - worn as a charm against cramp and toothache. Although there is also a recently acquired a beautiful silver figure of Selene (Greek moon goddess) that dates to around 150 AD which will be displayed in a new Goddess display next year.

Like many of today’s witches the museum has held a special place in my heart ever since I first went there in the 70's as a teenager, although the displays these days are very different to back then I was impressed by the changes finding it better organised, aesthetically more pleasing, with plans for the future and a vision of what it can be. The museum doesn’t just appeal to witches because regardless of age or path; magic and witchcraft appeal to all those who are fascinated by its secrets, mystery and even the tragedy, all of which are brought to life at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.

Diane Narraway

For further information on museum visit; http://www.museumofwitchcraft.com https://www.facebook.com/museumofwitchcraft/?fref=photo

Dolmen Grove Cornwall Moot - Samhain Ritual.

Ritual Items: One Black and One White Candle Incense Burner Blowing Horn Opening: The Space is warded with the Hammer Rite. A Blowing Horn is blown three times.

And the Need Fire is lit.

Focus: “At This Time of Year, As the Veil Between our Worlds is at its Thinnest, We can Travel more easily between the Worlds of the Living and of the Dead…

This Fire Light Represents the Living…

This Smoke Represents The Veil… (A veil of smoke is made by walking thrice About the circle with the incense burner) And The Darkness Beyond is The World of the Dead…

This is where we are to be Tonight…”

All: A Processional Rune Chant is performed around the Fire with Drumming.

Invocations: “Hail to our ancestors, both known and unknown, to those of our line going back to the beginning, Alfar and Disir!

Hail to those that guide us and protect us, we thank you for your wisdom and Knowledge” “Hail Odin, God of Knowledge, Wanderer, Raven God, Allfather, You travel the worlds seeking to know more, spiritually sacrificing and sharing, We owe you much for all these things, mighty god of Runes, help us to gain a Deeper level of connection with our ancestors of the past, That we may grow and our knowledge may increase Hail Odin!”

“Hail Hela, Keeper of the dead, half living one, Loki’s daughter, we honour you this night.

Over the resounding bridge we travel, seeress at the eastern gate, Share with us the wisdom of ages, from the realm of deep subconscious, At the roots of all the world’s, in the world of misty darkness, You tend the old and sick, may our ancestors rest in peace, In Hela’s halls, long may they feast Hail Hela!”

Meditation: “As Odin often travelled between the worlds, seeking the wisdom of the dead, we too must seek out the knowledge of our ancestors, for at this time itis more accessible to us than ever!”

(All join hands and close your eyes) “Concentrate on a loved one who has passed………ask them a question………

See them, feel their presence here…….now we travel………”

“Into the darkness descend, To the depths of the worlds we wend Dimly lit shadows unfold, A candlelit cavern behold The goddess Hela doth dwell, Here in this dank misty well Standing before the waters of old, You gaze deep into the abyss of your soul Dark pools ripple with energies untold, Spilling forth as it twists and groans Ethereal tones, rebound off the stones Bowers of gold and silver abound, Crystals glisten, and fates spin around Thru the mists, visions transpire, Muse a while, upon your desire Emerging now into the night, Ancestors shimmer, reborn in our light. “

(Come back to the now, inhale, exhale, come back to the now and open your eyes)

Blessing of the cake and mead to share (offering).

The Rune Bowl is now passed around, each person chooses a Rune.

“Now is the time to give thanks for all that our Ancestors have given, and to honour the wisdom of the dead, may their knowledge continue to enhance our lives Hail! To the ancestors of all!”

(Each person steps forward and places an offering into the fire) “Ancestors honoured, blessed is the ground Our work here is done til’ next samhain comes around May the gods watch over us always Hail and farewell!”

Karen Cooper https://www.facebook.com/groups/460165050682366/?fref=ts

Dolmen Grove Essex Moot Samhain Ritual Samhain is a time to take stock of the past and plan the future; a time also to honour the past while looking forward. A time of loss, love and remembrance mingled with hope.

This year, the Essex Moot will hold a circle to celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us. We will give thanks to our ancestors for the skills they pass down to us, grateful that they prevailed and survived. We remember that we exist as a result of their lives, loves, the sacrifices and choices they made.

The altar will be set up on the day. On it will be placed statues of the Goddess and the God to represent balance, as well as symbolic representations of the elements of life and creation; Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

There will also be Sprigs of Rosemary for remembrance.

We'll start by smudging everyone as they come in the room and as the ceremony begins we burn sage to cleanse the area before inviting our ancestors to join us This will be followed by a drumming circle to raise energies as we chant ‘We Are the Flow’.

All moot members will then be invited to place on the altar photographs of those who have passed or other small objects of significance to represent them. We do this so that the ancestors we wish to honour have a physical representation within the ceremony. Due to the flammable nature of some of these items and the restrictions in place where our ceremony takes place, tea light candles are used within lanterns.

Then we open a circle by linking our energies and visualising the circle. I invite our ancestors to witness our celebrations in their honour and talk about how we exist as a product of thousands of years of love and we are here because of the ability of our ancestors to survive and overcome obstacles.

We give thanks to them for that and because this is a time when the veils are thinnest we will honour the spirit of the crow that walks beside the Morrigan. This shall be done by the following words.

In a cloud of black feathers Crow descended into the World.

Oh Crow, for thou art surely the colour of the Void; the colour of Creation Crow, who gives the gift of Light; of Fire in the Head.

Crow the Trickster, who sits on the shoulder of the the Great Faery Fool, Amandán Már, at the Crossroads to the Underworld.

Carrion Crow, who rejoiced for battle when the Triple Morrigu enchanted a mist to shroud the war ships of the Tuatha de Danann.

Oh Crow, ever faithful companion of The Morrigan but also of Lugh, “Raven of the Sun” Teacher of Arts and Sciences.

Crow, known to the ancients to speed across the Earth as “Thought” and “Mind”; this alone, the Key to his greatest of Mysteries.

Oh Crow, who at the beginning of Time and Time Forever, stands on the rim of Cerridwen’s ceaselessly bubbling Cauldron.

As Death-in-Life. As Life-in-Death. Crow, the Source of Self; the Messenger between the worlds.

“Listen”, says Crow, as his Round Dance weaves the world into being, “Who isn’t dancing is in the dark." Father Crow. All is all. Father Crow, Gentle Crow, Gentle Soul.

We pass around a sprig of rosemary for remembrance around the circle and each take turns to talk about or give thanks to our ancestors.

Then we share food and drink. During the ceremony Frankincense is burned because the ceremony can be emotional for participants and Frankincense is soothing and clarifying. To close the circle there is drumming and singing, depending on how emotional we all are.

At the end of the ceremony we close the circle down and burn cedar in the cauldron to clear the space.

Toni Glitz https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot/?fref=t

Wicca …Unity or PUrity ?

Many people in the pagan community do not refer to their chosen path as a religion, if pressed for a description they might suggest belief system, or simply "path". The reasons for this stem from bad experiences many have had with established religions. The poor reputation mainstream religions have built up over the centuries, with abuse of power, excesses in wealth, and intolerance to anyone who disagreed with their views.

This excessive intolerance extended to what many of us would consider minor differences in emphasis, or slight variations in practice. These disputes within the main world religions themselves have led to persecution, ethnic cleansing, murder, and war, scarring our history with bitter religious disputes that continue to this day. To a Wiccan it is hard to understand the hatred between some denominations of Christianity or Islam; as to us they look remarkably similar. To insiders the minor differences are of key importance, enough to completely overlook the massive similarities.

Understandably Wiccans do not want to associate themselves with this unwanted baggage from these very different systems, even to the extent of avoiding the word "religion" to describe their own beliefs. But purely avoiding the tainted word "religion" does not mean that Wicca could not fall victim to the same problems. Over the past few decades there have been many Witch Wars, fortunately only fought with words, but they were still bitter intense disputes. The Alexandrians suffered the wrath of the established Gardnerian tradition, who firmly believed that they were the only true form of Wicca. If this sounds worryingly similar to disputes in other religions that is because it is. Most of these inter-tradition disputes have been settled and mostly forgotten, with mutual recognition and co-operation between the different traditions.

The new issue within Wicca is the seemingly unstoppable rise in popularity of Solitary Wicca. Since it began in the USA with the publication of Scott Cunningham's book "Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" solitary Wiccans have grown in numbers at an incredible rate, with the book selling more than 400,000 copies worldwide in the process.

Wicca started as a lineage based initiatory mystery religion, effectively meaning that the only way to become Wiccan was to join a coven and be initiated by them. The appearance of the self initiated Solitary Wiccan broke this restriction completely; the only thing you needed was that single paperback book to get started on your Wiccan path. This led to resentment and condemnation from the established Wiccan traditions, which felt this new version, was not actually Wicca at all. Fears of the potential damage to their hard won reputation by untrained and inexperienced new Solitary Wiccans made the situation worse. The reality of the situation now is that solitaries are here to stay and it would be impossible to prevent them calling themselves Wiccan, so it is a futile conflict. While the initial hostile reaction has calmed down, there are still those traditional Wiccans who firmly believe unless you have been initiated into a coven you are not Wiccan.

It should be remembered where we started in this article with minor differences completely obscuring massive similarities, and this is true of the solitary vs. traditional coven system as well. Solitary Wicca is a direct descendent of the beliefs and practices originally created by Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente for their coven based religion. Almost all the ideas from the original have been incorporated into the newer version, with the one notable exception of lineage back to the founders through initiation within a coven. If we have learnt anything from the mistakes of the past, and truly want to avoid the terrible errors made by other religions, we should be more tolerant and inclusive. That would mean an end to any suggestion that a solitary was not a "real" Wiccan, and hopefully more social contact too. The advantage of more tolerance would be much stronger Wiccan unity, encouraging further growth and progress.

We are fortunate that we are not a religion of the book, so we can change if we really want to, even if it is painful on occasions. Embracing positive change makes Wicca more vibrant and much more relevant to today's world, something the religions of the book constantly struggle with. On the other side of the coin and dismissing solitaries as not Wiccan, would set an unhealthy precedent and risk Wicca becoming frozen in time, always looking back to the 1950s, something we should avoid at all costs. Like all pagan paths Wiccans are free thinkers, so carefully consider condemning others, and value unity over purity.

Merlyn from Children of Artemis

www.witchcraft.org/ http://www.facebook.com/childrenofartemis?__mref=message_bubble

TOTEM ANIMALS – THE HEDGEHOG

Photo by Lars Karlsson

The Hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, scuttling over lawns and through hedges searching for food whilst most of us sleep; they prefer the night-time, the darkness brings peace, still and quiet. This is often seen in the people that have a Hedgehog as a totem animal or spirit guide; the people that are nocturnal beings, much preferring the night to day and is linked to the shadows, prophetic dreaming and visions.

As a person, those who the Hedgehog has chosen tend to be gentle, the care-givers, the wise and graceful person that many turn to for advice because of their humility and maturity. These are the people whose presence is always noticeable but in the most subtle of ways, the people whose words are listened to and taken wisely, the beings that love the outdoors and outdoor space or gardens that they can tend to and nurture, often amateur gardeners and horticulturists and highly intuitive in regards to the weather. It is noted that many people who have the Hedgehog as their totem animal are very perceptive in weather forecasting and usually always know when it will rain, even when the current weather gives no indication of it.

The Hedgehog shows us how to do our best to enjoy the life we lead; it is a symbol of fertility and is connected to the Mother Earth and the Goddess and both of their energies; you can call upon the Hedgehog to connect to these energies as and when needed. When we are drawn to the Hedgehog, literally or in pictorial form, it is telling us that now is a good time to retreat and take care of ourselves, to make time to refresh and heal our body, mind and spirit. It can also be making us aware that we should follow our instinctive curiosity, to follow our hopes and dreams.

The Hedgehog has a fantastic defence mechanism, when threatened, it will quickly curl into a small prickly ball, and if this wasn’t enough, the Hedgehog is also resistant to snakes bites and their venom, a perfect defence tactic against predators. Symbolically, curling into a tight ball is seen to mirror the foetal position, further connecting it to the Mother Goddess and fertility and can be seen in the person who knows how to look after themselves, the person that although gentle and humble, is more than capable of building strong barriers to ensure they will not be beaten down or defeated.

Additional Associations Perception Protection Intelligence Tenacity Wisdom Intuition

Cheryl Waldron

Godless...

The new Novel

by Rachel Summers Marked by a madman on a killing spree, a young girl relates the sordid tale of a convent possession from the confines of her room in a mental health institution. Why? She was asked by the Devil. She sets the stage in seventeenth century France, where a priest was burned for witchcraft, namely for causing the possession of the local Ursuline sisters. Was this alleged possession and its treatment so different from the experiences of our narrator at the hands of modern psychiatry? Not in the mind of the patient where the witch hunter and the doctor become one.

Rachel Summers takes a questionable chapter in the history of the Church and turns it upside-down in the hopes that a different angle will reveal a different past. Part Two of the Mission Maligned series, Godless is a tale of the ‘Other’ in confrontation with society. Summers tasted this confrontation first-hand inside the Ivory Tower where she received degrees in History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.

About the Author A Ph.D. shelved in lieu of research inverted, the work of Rachel Summers is what some have called a journey into antinomian mysteriosophy, where socially sanctioned morality is turned on its head in order to shake out just a few drops of enlightenment. Summers holds degrees in History, Comparative Religions, English Literature, and Philosophy, all centered on heresy and magic in the late medieval era. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1517755581?keywords=godless+summers+books&qid=1446133357&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

The Seelie and Unseelie Court Faeries -and Us !!! “unseelie” seem to be from Old English sael (loosely translated as happy) and gesaelig (unhappy), and more commonly interpreted as a monarchical association divided into independent factions of “light” and “dark” faeries.

Image – Daniel Matisse

Faerie is of course a rather broad term, and analogous entities populate history and traditions cross-culturally, but one of the most notable subsets, and the most common in the Western world are those deriving directly from Celtic traditions. Even within the greater conception of Celtic faeries there are distinct sociological differences remarked upon between Insular Celtic (deriving from the British Isles) and the Celtic faeries of Continental Europe, and even pronounced variations between Irish and Scottish understanding of faeries. The bulk of literature on Celtic faeriedom has them regarding humans ambivalently or with an eye towards our entertainment value with occasional considerations given towards our potential labor services. This is to say, the greater part of our understanding of faeries across the centuries has revolved around their role as tricksters, or a parallel and complex civilization with often inscrutable, but rarely malicious motivations.

The origin of the hypothesis that a sharp division exists in faerie society with regards to human relations emerged specifically from Scottish faerielore, which propounded the idea of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. This seems to be an aberration in Celtic faerie lore considering the wide range of complementary appellations applied to faeries from “The Good People” to “The Fair Folk”. The linguistic derivation of the terms “seelie” and

“The seelie court were kind, courteous, and charitable to the aged, the poor, and the afflicted, to whom they gave gifts suited to their necessities…The unseelie court, on the other hand, stole the goods from those who offended them and killed their cattle by elf-shot which was occasionally found on the moors or turns up in the fields now-a-days, but which science ruthlessly asserts to be the arrow-heads of our prehistoric ancestors. They entertained a particular dislike against those who wore clothing of a green colour. To this cause the Highlanders ascribed the death of Viscount Dundee at Killiecrankie. But their most wicked prank of all was the carrying away of handsome unbaptized children from the side of the lying-in mother, substituting their own loathsome and sickly progeny in their stead” (Buchan, 1873, pxviii).

More extreme interpretations of the Unseelie Court attitudes were that no offense need even be given to incur their wrath.

“The ‘wicked witches’ of Fairydom were always ready to inflict skaith or damage upon mankind. They shaved people with loathsome razors, eradicating every vestige of whiskers and beard. When any one, in a fit of temper, commended himself to the Devil, ‘the unseelie court,’ took the speaker at his word; they transported him into the air on a dark cloud, and consumed him to charcoal. .

Image - Wellcome Library,

They abstracted the household goods of those who offended them, destroyed their cattle by small flints, or elf-shot” (Roger, 1869, p235).

Why such a sharp divide in faerie culture regarding the treatment of humanity or why such malign inclinations should exist has never been adequately explained. The heavy influence of Teutonic culture on the Scottish Gaelic traditions has been proposed as the source of the concept, since one of the few related parallels is the Norse/Germanic idea that there are light and dark elves (Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar), but curiously the “dark” inclinations of the Dökkálfar are more closely related to their subterranean nature, rather than a clear conception that they were evil.

“The third kind of inferior Deities which the heathen Northmen worshiped was the Elves (Alfr, a spirit; plur. Alfar). The belief in them rests wholly upon the Asa doctrine, which represents the Elves as the inhabitants of that region of the atmosphere nearest to the Earth's surface, and of the interior of the Earth. The former were called properly, Light-Elves (Ljosalfar), the latter, DarkElves (Dokkalfar); but the two classes were blended together at an early period in the popular faith, and it appears to have been a very general belief that the Earthly Elves were neither black nor evil. It was thought that in their whole nature and appearance they were like men, and that they had their dwellings in mounds. They showed themselves occasionally and were thought to have power to do both good and evil to the people who lived in their vicinity. Therefore men sought to gain their friendship by sacrifices (Alfablot) and by services, whenever the Elves might demand them” (Keyser, 1854, p193-194). .

faeriedom, the reason Unseelie faeries hate humans is still somewhat ambiguous, but it may have discernible roots in the blending of Scottish, Teutonic, and later Goidelic Celt accounts of the origins and final Image – H.R. Millar

disposition of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Ireland The Tuatha Dé Danann (the Tribe of Danu) were considered to be simply another (although gifted with supernatural powers) invading people that were the last in a long string of invaders of the sparsely populated Ireland, culminating in Gaelic invasions from continental Europe that ultimately resulted in the Ireland we see today. The 11th Century A.D. Lebor Gabála Érenn “The Book of the Taking of Ireland” (or more colloquially, “The Book of Invasions”) appeared to have been heavily influenced by earlier Medieval works for much of its source material (both Pagan and Christian) and makes one thing abundantly clear – the Gaels (a Celtic-speaking ethnic group that includes Scots, and whom we typically associate with the modern Irish), were relative latecomers to the Emerald Isle, mythologically preceded by the monstrous Fomorians, Nemedians, Fir Bolg, and Tuatha Dé Danann, the earlier residents of an Ireland that had been occupied since roughly 8000 B.C. In essence, the Fomorians were stomped on by the Nemedians, and subsequently the Nemedians and Fomorians were knocked about by the Fir Bolg (thought to be the last non-Celt invaders of Ireland, and interestingly given the dark/light elf correspondences in Teutonic mythology, have been thought to represent a series of seaborne invasions of Gallo-Germanic tribes).

The Tuatha Dé Danann are associated with the remnants of the Nemedians that survived the Fir Bolg, although many scholars, viewing the entire proto-history through a Christian filter (since monks have a lot of free time, and they were the one’s busy writing all this down) suggested that the Tuatha Dé Danann were simply the last vestiges of the main deities of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland.

Image John Henry Fuseli

While the classification scheme seems to have been preserved in its transposition to Scottish

The Tuatha Dé Danann essentially formed the basis for much of the Celtic faerie mythology, but their history is decidedly unpleasant, and in the

culmination of the taking of Ireland by Goidelic Celts invading from Northern Spain and Portugal, we may find the source of Unseelie Court resentment towards humans. In the First Battle of Magh Tuireadh, the Tuatha Dé Danann are said to have defeated the Fir Bolg, followed by the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh, where they are said to have similarly bested the remaining Fomorians.

Having established supremacy in Ireland, the Tuatha Dé Danann were then forced to face the invading Milesians (the Goidelic Celts). The Milesians (who we can presume to represent the humans that inherited Ireland and became the modern Irish in this grand epic) defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann, forcing them to accept an unfair division of Ireland, the Milesians allotting the surface to themselves, and driving the Tuatha Dé Danann underground. It seems rather likely that this would breed resentment, or even homicidal misanthropy for those faeries that might already be disinclined towards humanity.

We tend to regard monstrosity as it relates to mankind as an irrational act, puzzling over why our good looks and charm have not won over those things that go bump in the night. Perhaps it is our designation of such otherworldy critters itself that reeks of offense. After all, as observed by Laini Taylor, “It is a condition of monsters that they do not perceive themselves as such. The dragon, you know, hunkered in the village devouring maidens, heard the townsfolk cry ‘Monster!’ and looked behind him.” Reflect on this as the children choose their monster masks for Halloween (which if I were a monster, I would regard as rather rude), and consider that one need simply scratch the surface of folklore to determine that the goblins, trolls, ogres, and Unseelie faeries that inhabit the margins of our universe may justifiably have a bone to pick with us.

Aaron Dabbah References Buchan, Patrick. Legends of the North: The Guidman Oʹ Inglismill And The Fairy Bride. Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1873 .

Keyser, Rudolph, 1803-1864. The Religion of the Northmen. New York: C.B. Norton, 1854.

Rogers, Charles, 1825-1890. Scotland, Social And Domestic: Memorials of Life And Manners In North Britain. London: Printed for the Grampian Club, 1869.

Image - Harry George Theaker

Magik for Life‌Bringing the Sunshine The potential for magik is everywhere; it is inside us and outside of us. Magik is the transformation of one energy into another. Energy is an invisible vibration that influences the human mind from which matter is created and formed.

With a little imagination and a smidgen of contemplation we can enhance that power and use it for our own bidding. Magik is the act of calling on the forces from Above and Below. From Above we discover the energy from the planets and stars and Below is the realm of Mother Earth herself.

To marry the two forces we create an inner energy of intent as a temple for the reaction to take place.

To attract the two forces Intent is first formed inside us; any condition can be transformed with the right intent. Whatever the wish it is important to visualize the outcome that will become the foundation of your own inner energy awakening. It is the intent (noun – any purpose or intention); the most important part of the magik.

My intent right now is to change the weather. To transform the rain into sunshine. I imagine the Sun in all his glory, bathing nature in light and warmth. Everything on Earth bows down to the Sun; the Son of the Cosmic Mind.

The intent begins to vibrate in the upper stomach, around where the solar plexus is born out of passion and instinct. It infuses itself with imaginations of cloudless blue skies emblazoned with the radiance of our life giving star.

While the intent is forming it is time to call on the forces of above (the heavens) and below (the earth) to assist and witness the magic I wish to achieve. The heavens is the spiritual realm of the gods and nurturing realm of the goddesses who listen to human prayers, spells and wishes, and if properly acknowledged, they are only too happy to help out.

I find the goddess most helpful in my quest for expanding my view of the spirit world. Sometimes the triple moon goddess of the Celtic world, sometimes Lakshmi simply because she always seems to respond to my requests. Mostly it is just the goddess; an un-named live giving, caring feminine aspect.

I see the spiritual realm as a Patriarchal world where the gods work on the creation of new universes, while the goddesses nurture and maintain them; running the affairs of humanity.

The gods went to work while the goddess stays nearby to nurture nature (which includes humanity). The Goddess will hear your request without judgement and pass it on to a god to perform the transformation. The goddess cannot directly interfere with change; she can only influence a god to create an opening in the material world for things to change.

Planetary influences including the Sun, invisible colours of light are drawn down by the call of the intent patiently growing inside as the vibration increases. The goddess and cosmic spirits have heard your call. They are with you. They are you!

Being of the Earth it is only natural that for anything to happen here, she has to accept it to be able to put into position the circumstances to allow the change to take place. It is in her time that the event will play out so it is only polite to invite her energy to the party.

The Mother Goddess arrives in the form of the four directions and elements. The elemental spirits which include animals and mythical creatures love a good party and only too happy to represent the Goddess on Earth.

When everything is in place and the intent is ready it welcomes both energies from above and below to join it and share themselves to become a single vibrating mass of energy in the solar plexus.

Sometimes a wand is used or athame (ceremonial knife) is preferred to focus the magic energy from within to without; the important thing is to believe the power of the intent as it rises up through your body. Experience the radiance as it passes up through the heart to the shoulders and up through the raised arms and released towards the spirit realm where all the events that occur on Earth are first played out.

Once the magik has been expelled and passed on to the goddess to carry back to the Upper world it is necessary to ground yourself by simply feeling the earth with a bare hand. Any excess energy not used is released and given to Gaia (mother earth) who in turn returns any energy that was lost by you during the ritual. All the deities and spirits that helped are thanked and sent back to their own realms.

Shortly after I finish writing this, the grey clouds parted to allow the Sun and blue sky to look down over Portland. It only lasted for a short while before the grey clouds encroached and it began to rain again. It was just as the weather forecast had predicted for the day.

Scott Irvine

All photography in this article is by Irvine images

The

DOLMEN'S PIRATE PARLAY WEEKEND 6TH - 8TH NOVEMBER 2015.

The Dolmen's 'Parlay' is designed to be an end of season get-together for members of the Pirate reenacting brethren and their wenches. A wind down, or wind up, depending on how much grog gets sunk, after a long season's battling. One reenactment crew is even sailing in from MALTA for the event!

Set in the old Dorset seaport of Weymouth, itself no stranger to the 'activities' of those 'gentlemen of the sea' and their enterprising 'cousins', the smugglers, those attending will be in a veritable Piratical wonderland of the very best Pirate music (no less than three gigs by top UK & European Pirate band, The Dolmen) one of which will be the Infamous Pirates' Keep', at the Golden Lion on Saturday 7th November!

The night before, Friday 6th November will welcome the crews to the Weymouth Old Town Hall whereupon, they will take a short trip just down the road to Weymouth's newest and refurbished music venue The Belvedere where a night of piratical shenanigans awaits including the Dolmen

Pirate Savvy Quiz Night.

Midday on Saturday will be taken up with a series of duels, the reasons for which were spawned the night before as the grog took hold and the parlay got strained! Lots will be drawn to see who fights who... in the 'High Noon 'Ave Some'!

Pirates will fight it out, one on one, until a Pirate King is crowned. This will be followed by the Pirates Parade which will leave the Belvedere at around 2pm and snake its way through the town, led by the Dolmen Drummers.

The evening will be the pinnacle of the weekend with The Pirates' Keep, a gathering of the pirate family and others, where stirring true tales are told of long ago. Tales of the Golden Age of Piracy, in between some awesome Pirate songs from The Dolmen. The second half of the evening up until 1am will be a full on Dolmen gig, playfully known as 'The Riot Set'!

Sunday 8th November will see any survivors dragging their abused carcasses once more along the road to the Belvedere for a Survivors' Jam Session, 'The Pirates Preserve' where anyone can get up and sing a song and The Dolmen will once again be the masters of ceremony. The Landlord has also promised a pig roast, so at least the crew will go away with something more than just rum and ales inside them.

The Dolmen…Where Music & History Merge ... and Magick is Born!

Mark Vine

Aromatherapy If you are new to Aromatherapy or have not read previous articles on this then an insight to it is: 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.

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 antiquity, 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.

Argan Carrier Oil Latin name Argania spinosa Argan Carrier Oil is also known as liquid gold or miracle oil and is extracted using the cold pressed method.

The oil is derived from the seeds or fruit of the Argan tree which grows naturally in Morocco. It is the rarest and most expensive oil in the world, so much so that UNESCO has put it on the endangered list. It is rich in anti-oxidants and has been used for years in anti-ageing products. It has a shelf life of 12- 18 months with a dark to golden colour and the odour is sweet.

As well as powerful anti-oxidants Because of its Vitamin E content, it also contains Omega 3 and Omega 9 and is said to be better than olive oil in as much as it also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, proteins and minerals and helps cool the skin in windy and dry conditions. Argan is also considered to help prevent wrinkles as it rehydrates the skin providing a lipid layer that assists in restoring saggy skin which is lacking vitality. It is very good for the hair especially frizzy or dry hair and its other benefits include reducing joint pain including that caused by rheumatism, stabilises blood sugar levels and stimulates the nervous system and helps to improve brain functions. This oil is really good to use with Essential oils and if you use Fennel it would help restore and improve dull, oily, and mature skin.

. Fennel Essential Oil Latin name Foeniculum vulgare Fennel is a biennial or perennial herb which grows up to 2 metres high with feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers. There are two types of fennel, bitter which his not used as an essential oil or sweet which is slightly taller and originates in Malta having been introduced by Monks. It is now grown in France Greece and Italy. It is extracted by steam distillation form crushed seeds and is a colourless to pale yellow liquid., with a strong liquorice flavour and blends well with lavender, rose geranium and sandalwood ( Julia Lawless- the Encyclopaedia of Essential oils).

As mentioned previously, it helps heal bruises and improve dull, oily and mature complexions. This is a valuable oil for digestive support and helps with hormonal balancing as well as Premenstrual Tension which can lead to eating junk food and ultimately upset stomachs.It can also be beneficial if you suffer from colic, anorexia, constipation, flatulence, hiccoughs, nausea or obesity. It can also assist in helping rheumatism, oedema, insufficient milk in nursing mothers and menopausal problems.

Emotionally it helps people who struggle with selfdoubt, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, accountability, or stubbornness, and help them live in alignment with their values and integrity.

SAFETY DATA Sweet fennel oil is powerful and shouldn't be used in large doses, as it may have a narcotic effect. It should be avoided altogether in pregnancy, breast feeding mothers, unless you have not got enough milk, people with oestrogen linked cancers, endometriosis and cases of epilepsy.

Sandra Wiseman Therapies 4 You 07804 138585 www.therapies4you.com

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 Boot Public House Park Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2LU -Third Tuesday of every month, 8:00pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/150234135114242/?fref=ts Dorset, Poole - The Kings Head6 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1BD - Third Tuesday 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 pages

Samhain and the Magic of Food This has got to be I would think, quite possibly the most celebrated pagan holiday. I love this time of the year, autumn is my favourite with the crisp fresh air first thing in the morning and the colour of the autumn trees. It is the end of summer and the third and final harvest of the year, a time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and a time to celebrate the lives of those that have passed and to remember and honour our ancestors. Oh … and eat lots of sweets. Samhain is a good time to look back over the past year and let go of that which did not serve you and look forward to the year ahead.

It is also an excellent time to work with your divination skills.

Aside from all the Samhain goodies that will give us all a sugar overdose, foods for this season make me think of big hearty casseroles, home baked bread and stick to your rib puddings.

Autumn is a fabulous time of the year to go out for a walk and although there isn’t a huge amount to be found in the hedgerows at this time of the year you might be lucky enough to bag yourself nettles, sorrel, cow parsley, horseradish, crab apples, juniper berries, rosehips, sloes, chestnuts, walnuts and wild mushrooms.

Veggies that are in season in October/November are artichokes, aubergines, beetroot, borlotti beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chicory, courgettes, cucumber, endive, fennel, French beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, chillies, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, radish, runner beans, spinach, swede, sweetcorn, tomatoes, turnips and watercress.

October/November seasonal fruits are: Apples, blackberries, black currants, damsons, greengages, grapes, medlars, melons, peaches, nectarines, pears, quince, raspberries and rhubarb.

Vampire’s Blood (OK…blackberry cordial) A yummy sweet syrup with spices and optional alcohol. Delicious cold with water over ice or made with hot water for a warming drink but it can also be poured over ice cream or steamed pudding.

500g/17 ½ oz blackberries 500g/17 ½ oz sugar 2-3 tablespoons water Optional – 6 tablespoons brandy You will need a large jar or heat proof jug, pop the blackberries and the water into it. Pour half the sugar on top of the fruit. Stand the jar in a saucepan of hot water, bring to the boil and simmer for 1 ½ hours (keep an eye on the water level, don’t let it boil out). Then strain the contents of the jar into a large saucepan squishing all the fruit through a sieve. Add in the rest of the sugar and bring the mixture back to the boil, stirring all the time. Once the sugar has dissolved keep stirring and boiling for a further five minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. You may have to skim a little from the top of the mixture. You can now add in 6 tablespoons of brandy if you wish, giving it a good stir. Pour into clean jars and put lids on.

Magic of the ingredients: Blackberries – protection, healing, money Sugar – love and to make life sweet Water – emotions, release, purification

Chapatis Now these might not be the most obvious choice for Samhain but they are brilliant if you are having a party to celebrate as they can be made ahead and reheated or even frozen and reheated just before you need them and they work brilliantly with a great big pot of homemade curry, chilli or even savoury dips. They are also ridiculously easy to make. I use atta flour which you can get from Asian supermarkets but wholemeal flour works just as well.

175g/ 6 oz atta or wholemeal flour plus extra for dusting Good pinch of salt

110ml/4 fl oz water 1 teaspoon vegetable oil Sift the flour and the salt into a large bowl. Add the water gradually (you might not need it all) and mix to a soft dough then knead in the teaspoon of vegetable oil.

Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth. I do this process in the food mixer with a dough hook fitted. Place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel, leave to rest for about 20 minutes.

Take small pieces of the dough (walnut size) one at a time and roll them out on a floured surface, try and roll them as thin as you can.

Heat a non stick frying pan – I have found that I don’t need to use any oil as the non stick coating does the job but you may want to add a tiny amount.

Cooking each chapati one at a time, place it in the hot pan over a medium heat for probably not even a minute – you will need to watch these as they cook fast! The chapatti will start to bubble, turn it over and cook on the other side for a further 30 seconds.

You can keep them warm by wrapping them in a tea towel whilst you cook the rest of the batch.

Magic of the ingredients: Flour – prosperity, stability Water – emotions, release, purification Salt – purification, protection, cleansing Source: A Kitchen Witch’s World of Magical Food by Rachel Patterson

Monday 2nd November - talk at the Dolmen Grove, Fareham Tuesday 3rd November - Coffee, cake & Magic, Portsmouth 10.30am - 12.30am Saturday 14th November - Magical Food talk at Witchfest Full details on the website: www.rachelpatterson.co.uk www.kitchenwitchhearth.net Books can be purchased via my website or at most online retailers (Amazon, Book Depository etc)

The Hedgewitch’s Diary Crows with their harsh cries herald in the colder months, and the autumn winds bring a chill and animation to the waving branches, ripping the orange-brown leaves from the stricken trees, sending them spinning in furious flurries to the earth. Fat juicy spiders hang in their silken webs or stroll purposefully across the floors of our homes searching for mates, the swallows have flown and bats now hang in hibernation. The low angle of the diminishing Sun casts a rich deep vibrant orange glow like burning embers, the eternal fire of passion; and the smell of wood smoke floats in wavering drifts as we are drawn to the comfort of home where the hearth is the heart in these few months to come.

Morning mists drape fluttering veils, shrouding the land in mysteriousness as the brazen voluptuousness of summer dampens into obscurity. Yet, some flowers in my garden still bloom, clinging to the skirts of summer, providing sweet nectar for the hungry insects that will need their sustenance to survive the winter, but most blossoms have formed their seed, accomplishing their life-cycles, and withered to leave the garden slightly dishelleved in the autumnal wetness..

Fungi spurt from the decaying dampness, brown and bruised apples lay splattered and crushed in putrefaction under their bountiful trees, and that glorious scent of rot, the musky earthiness of this time of year draws us in, seducing us in a longing for the roots of the past that lie in the dark secrets of the Earth. This scent of transformation is a reminder that everything is in motion, and all life is change. And it is that sense of change that we feel greatest in the beginning of the autumn as the lord of the dance that penetrated the summer in

passionate glee and spilled his impregnating seed in his triumphant dance of fertility, wears the mask of death as he droops into the little death, the petit mort, the greatest change and the greatest life is in death as the end of fervour gestates the seed of the future that carry the roots of the past.

For ruminant creatures autumn is the rutting season, and where all seems to be withering into death, the rampant stags bear their magnificent velvet antlers, the stench of hot musk oozing from every pore, to begin their urgent frenzy in the wild untamed dance of fertility; sex and death two faces of the same countenance.

And at the thinning of the veil at samhain, that liminal moment is reached where life and death c onjoin in a thrashing of clashing antlers in the mists of dusk.

We gather in and ruminate upon the harvests of our accomplishments and failures that were borne throughout the summer as well as the ravishing physical bounty that sprawls on ground, tree and hedge, sparkling like jewels. Glistening blackberries have filled many bellies, crimson haws and gleaming purple sloes splash the hedgerows, and scarlet rowan berries hang heavily bending branches, it’s been a bountiful year for the graceful rowan, and fat gleaming conkers emerge from their spiny cases, all shine in the heavy dew, as the feast is laid on the banqueting table of our lives.

The seed that is formed from the summer’s fling bears the entire universe in all its potency, passing on and on and on its memories. All things come and go, civilisations grow, climax, and crumble, thoughts, days, moments, individual lives, eras and epochs, and from the blood of the their remains spring new wonders that in turn die, spilling their seed, scattering their remains, as the continuity of life eternally spirals onwards, not attached to flimsy impermanence of form. Such is the dance and rhythm that in its motion brings together in heady desire that which has been rendered apart so that its love will seek the union that will ignite creation afresh, and perhaps dance beyond the tune of nature’s rhythms.

The harvests that allow our continued survival upon this beautiful and terrible, battered and bruised, Earth, glint as precious treasure in the rays of the Sun, their lifecycles reaching accomplishment as the seeds ripen within, and I again wonder at life’s marvellous processes as I gather up the seed from the plant that I collected as a seed the previous year, and its parent the year before that…

Rachael Moss

NOVEMBER SOWING CHART 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

3pm x all day

8

9

10

11

12

13

A 10pm 14

12pm 2pm

3pm 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

x all day 28

29

30

P 8pm

8pm

3pm

Key to Astrological Symbols Capricorn

Cancer

Dark Moon

A P

Aquarius

Leo

1st quarter

Apogee Perigee North (ascending) node

Pisces

Virgo

Full Moon

South (descending) node

Aries

Libra

3rd quarter

Taurus

Scorpio

Highest Moon

Gemini

Sagittarius

Lowest Moon

Element Symbols Earth Air Fire

x

Crops to Sow in November Root/Earth Onions Garlic

Flower/Air

Leaf/Water Overwintering salads

No sowing

Water

Fruit/Fire Broad beans

12pm

Spriggan Mist Sunday 1st November 2015 Rose and Crown, Sandhurst - Ghostly Tales Tour 2015 Saturday 7th November 2015 The Boot, Bracknell - Ghostly Tales Tour 2015 Saturday 14th November 2015 Witchfest International 2015 Fairfield Halls,Croydon Saturday 5th December 2015 The Dolmen Grove Krampus Night Titchfield Hampshire Saturday 9th January 2016 Spriggan Mist's wassail in Bracknell venue tbc Saturday 30th January 2016 The Snug, Weymouth www.sprigganmist.co.uk

A spell to Find Other Witches On the night of the full moon, pour out a small bottle of pure vanilla extract and reserve.

Stuff the empty bottle with chopped fresh catnip leaves. then cap and shake well while focusing upon your goal.

Refill the bottle with the extract, Allow the bottle to stand until the

new moon comes, then complete the spell

Pour out the infused extract into a shallow bowl.

Soak in it a square of indigo fabric.

out the excess and flatten the cloth upon your workspace. catnip from the bottle.

Atop this lay a lodestone.

activate it.

Wring

Place in its center an inch of the

Sprinkle the stone with magnetic sand to

Write upon a slip of paper the words:

Striga mihi revelare

Fold the paper and place it on top of the lodestone.

Hold your hands over and around the

objects, index fingers and thumbs touching in a triangle shape.

Speak these words over your

hands as you focus:

Like moths rushing to the flame, Witches, fly to me now!

We are comrades with one aim.

Witches, fly to me now!

Show me your faces and your names.

Witches, fly to me now!

So mote it be!

Gather up the edges of the fabric and tie it securely into a bundle with an amber colored ribbon.

Carry this bag where it will be seen by others and you will soon discover all the magical folk around you.

Molly McHenry

Wormwood: a Touch of Bitterness

Whilst elder and apple are herbs well known for their association with Samhain, there are other plants with a role to play. One of them is Wormwood (Artemesia absinthum), a favourite herb of mine, perhaps because it grows vigorously around where I live.

Its role at Samhain is one of protection which was achieved by throwing it onto the fire: it would certainly create a distinctive aroma. More generally it can be used to release anger and negativity in a peaceful manner and can be used in group magick to stop war or inhibit the enemy. As a visionary herb it can be used in prophecy and divination and is associated with the lover’s card in the Tarot.

Linked to the Goddesses Diana and Artemis, its name is a combination of the two.

Wormwood is a wonderful example of the Doctrine of Signatures, a very old concept which says that something about a plant (taste, smell, flower colour, shape, habitat, leaf markings etc.) tell us what the plant can be used for.

The smell and taste of Wormwood convey strength and power; to me the message is ‘I am powerful, I can harm you, so treat me with care and respect.’ The grey green foliage stands out from surrounding vegetation saying ‘look at me.’

The message from this ancient concept is borne out by what the plant does and what we can use it for. Part of the story is in the name; it is a remedy for intestinal worms and parasites. Any herb which can do that is potentially harmful on a wider scale and Wormwood is potentially toxic if not used wisely.

In similar vein an infusion can be used as a wash to treat head lice and bunches of the herb placed in wardrobes and drawers will keep away moths. I know someone who sprays herself with an infusion to keep away midges and other biting insects, although it is not recommended as a perfume! The same action supports its use as an old strewing herb.

Wormwood is one the most bitter herbs that herbalists use. Bitterness in a plant acts on the bitter taste buds on the tongue to stimulate and invigorate the whole digestive process. This property is much valued by herbalists and can be used anywhere there is sluggishness or congestion in the digestive system. This includes lack of appetite, nausea, poor liver function, low secretion of digestive juices, and constipation.

It is an old remedy for depression which is interesting as depression and poor digestive function often go together. There is increasing recognition of the concept and functions of the ‘gut brain;’ the vast network of nerves supplying the gut. Invigorating this part of the nervous system by stimulating digestive function with bitters such as Wormwood -increases production of the neurotransmitter serotonin; maybe this is the connection between its use as a digestive remedy and an antidepressant.

This connection may also explain its use in helping people withdraw from benzodiazepines such as Valium.

Wormwood is also known as a constituent of alcoholic beverages. It was one of the herbs used to flavour ale until the use of hops in this country became widespread in the 16th Century. Famously it was a constituent of the liqueur Absinthe which is known to be toxic in excess to the point where it is now banned in many countries.

So a good example of a beautiful herb which offers us much as well as teaching us to respect its power and strength and use it wisely.

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.

Wheel of the year

February 13th and 14th ...Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 2LN. March 28th …Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring Ball.

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

August 26th - 28th inclusive…Tribal Dreams Camp, Dorset.

September (Mabon) – Local Ceremonies.

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

December 5th – Yule Market and Krampus Night.

www.dolmengrove.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/The-Dolmen-Grove-110124449082503/?fref=ts

Cernunnos…

God of the Celts Cernunnos, most probably the most recog-

lion, each of these animals symbolise a great

nised and talked about deity in the modern

power and strength, but in Cernunnos him-

Pagan world, he appears in far more books,

self, it also symbolises an affinity for nature, a

magazines, publications and in ceremonial

true symbol of Chthonic wisdom and trans-

rites than any other male horned deity. A

formation.

Celtic god and I use the term ‘Celtic’ loosely, because to many people the word ‘Celtic’ conjures up images of an ancient race of people and to others it is a way of life; to many more it is nothing more than a modern phrase for an ancient race of people. My definition is neither here nor there, I use the term ‘Celtic’ as reference to an ancient race of Western European people.

Cernunnos first appears in France and his followers and popularity quickly spread across Europe and inscriptions and carvings that have been discovered corroborate this. There are many variations in the spelling and pronunciation of his name; Cernunnos, Cernonos, Cernhunaz, Keraunos yet they all have the same meaning, as mentioned before, but the main reason for the name varia-

The name Cernunnos,

tions would undoubtedly be

which is believed to have

due to the Celtic traditions

European origins, translates

being oral and not written.

to ‘Horned One’ and when

When the Romans and

we look at other ancient languages transla-

Monks wrote and recorded the so called ‘bar-

tion of the word ‘horn’ or ‘horned one’, we

baric’ people, it would have been from

can see why:

memory and word of mouth, so it naturally

Latin – Cornu,

follows that variations would be inevitable.

Welsh – Carn, Gallic – Cernon,

The most famous image of Cernunnos and

Germanic – Hurnaz

the one that springs to most minds (even if

The Cernunnos we recognise today and picture in our heads, is a deity that sits cross-legged, wearing a sleeveless tunic and has stag antlers on his head. He wears a beaded necklace and in one hand he holds a silver warrior’s neck torc and in the other a ram horned serpent. He is associated and often depicted with the images of a stag, a wolf, a boar and a

they are unsure of its origin) is the image of him depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron.

The cauldron, discovered in Denmark is believed to be dated to between the 4th and 1st century BCE; it is a solid silver cauldron with depictions of many ancient deities, battles and rites. Cernunnos sits on the cauldron cross-legged and holds a warrior’s torc and serpent in his hands, surrounding him are a

stag, a boar, a lion and a wolf; wild, strong,

a wealth connection and wealth does go hand

primordial creatures, creatures of power,

in hand with virility and fertility.

strength and wisdom.

Because of his horns and often, erect phallus,

As a horned deity, Cernunnos has played a significant role in the development of a Celtic civilisation right up to modern times, he has stood the test of time and has stayed with his followers or at the very least, his followers have stayed with him.

depictions of Cernunnos are and have been through time mistaken and misinterprete4d as that of Satan; the Christian church used this historically, to their advantage and ruled that any worship of a horned god, like Cernunnos was in fact Devil worship something that is still recognised today.

In Cernunnos we see virility, fertility and wisdom symbolised by his stag antlers, they do, without much use of the imagination, mirror the branches of trees, connecting him to the Earth and forests in particular.

His horns demonstrate to us his enduring power, his animalistic form is camouflaged

In modern times, Cernunnos is a deity recognised by and is popular with many Neo-Pagans, Wiccans, Witches and followers of the Old Ways. He is associated with good fortune, abundance, fertility, masculine energy and animals, the rutting stag in particular.

perfectly. He is fleet of foot, silent; he is the

He is an ancient poetic warrior, the God of

spirit of the depth of the nature of human and

Death and Rebirth and a guardian of the Un-

animals across the forests and wild moors.

derworld.

Cernunnos is often seen as the bestower of

Cheryl Waldron

wealth, we see him frequently see him depicted sat next to coins, which would indicate

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 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

Metaphysical and Healing Properties of Crystals Selenite/Gypsum The Angelic stone of Mediums and Spiritualists “The Bringer of Light” Source: Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia & U.S.A Astrological Signs: Pisces and Cancer Element: Water Chakras: Crown Chakra, higher Crown Chakra & 3rd Eye Deities: Selene, Angels, Spirit Guides & Ancient Beings Colours: Blue, brown, green, orange & pure white

Selenite is a crystal of fine and gentle vibrations, a powerful stone that connects to the spiritual, higher guidance and angelic consciousness vibrations that are being experienced on Earth in modern times; its ethereal qualities give clarity of mind and allows for expansion of ones awareness of ourselves and of our surroundings. It cuts through unconscious expectations and promotes the relinking between the self and the mystik self that dwells within us.

Selenite is one of the very few crystals that is both strong and powerful enough to clear and cleanse any negative energies accumulated in Quartz crystals and is a stone that instils deep peace, Selenite is excellent for spiritual and meditation work, it provides divine light that exists at the crossing point between spirit and matter while directly linking to the light body, anchoring it to the Earth’s vibrations, enhancing the vibrations and energies of the person holding it.

It is popular for creating protective grids in homes (the four corners of your home), workplaces and temples since it creates a safe, peaceful place of quiet and does not allow outside influences to penetrate in; often larger pieces of Selenite will be used for this purpose, generating a peaceful atmosphere and especially when being used in Feng Shui as the Selenite transmutes and negative ‘sha’ energy.

Selenite is exceptional for scrying, accessing both past and future lives, so is a very popular tool with mediums, clairvoyants and tarot readers and is often used by healers both angelic and spiritual (in wand form) to prevent mind influence and to assist in detaching unwanted entities.

Selenite provides us with the ability to access a conscious understanding at a subconscious level allowing for the clearing of mental confusion and permitting us to see the ‘deeper picture’, this is because Selenite is a strong stabiliser and disperser of erratic emotions and negative energies.

Selenite reminds us of our soul’s purpose and the lessons we have learnt in the past and helps us to identify future issues and teachings and apply our knowledge and gained experience to any future situations. It helps us to discharge ourselves from a history of abuse, emotional distress and negative feelings, thoughts and assumptions; it provides us with the energy, insight, judgement and flexibility to strengthen our decisions and the will-power to keep to them.

“A stone of both majesty and mystique, it has been likened to the streams of flowing waters which flow from rocks to nourish that which they touch” (Psalms 78:16-105:41)

Green Selenite

White

Selenite is water soluble so do not wash or cleanse in water, using incense is a preferred option. If allowed to become completely dehydrated of all moisture, Selenite will become Angelite (Anhydrite) and if rehydrated again, it is possible to change back to Selenite……….very much a subject for the Alchemists among us.

The word Selenite is a Greek word which means the Moon, and is popularly used in ceremonial and ritual activities as it provides the flexibility and connectedness needed to work with the ever changing cycles of the Moon.

Magickally Selenite is used to increase the procurement of materialistic pursuits and reconciliation of relationships and ensuring fidelity often through forms of divination, it attracts spiritual energies to craft a safe and sacred space for ritual use and purifies one’s self and space.

In healing Selenite’s use is prevalent with Holistic Therapists and Holistic Midwives to help ease the process of labour and birth and is especially good in easing back pain during labour in addition it is excellent for breast feeding mums to use, usually popped in the side of a bra to help produce milk.

Used in many medicine and healing circles as the central structure it is used to smooth the energy flow within. Selenite can be used to realign the spinal column, provide flexibility within the muscular system and eradicates any energy 

Metaphysical Properties Psychic development

Further information on Dolmen Grove can be  Accessing the subconscious found www.dolmengrove.co.uk 

Greater insight

Dolmen links  Grove Past-life Facebook memory recall  Visualisation Portland Moot

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1480755120 3393  Channelling 

Angelic & spirit world contact



Meditation (especially Moon meditations)



Connects spiritual & physical bodies

Selenite Orange Selenite blockages throughout the body. It is believed that Selenite prevents, overcomes and facilitates the regeneration of the cellular structure and the protective membranes that surround the cells in body structures such as the skeletal system. It is used frequently to ease calcium deficiencies, to alleviate wrinkles and age spots, to help with light sensitivity especially S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and to help treat epilepsy. There are claims that its use is effective in the fight against cancer and the elimination of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours. *Selenite can be used holistically alongside conventional medical practices and can enhance treatments, but always consult your doctor first and NEVER change any treatment you are receiving medically without previously consulting your GP or Consultant* Orange and Brown Selenite: Associated with the Naval Chakra, angelic energies and aids in Earth healing.

Blue Selenite: Associated with the Throat Chakra and 3rd Eye Chakra, helps to shut off the mind during meditation.

Green Selenite: Associated with the Heart Chakra and helps you to work to the highest good.

It allows you to feel good about yourself and is good for aging skin and skin and cell regeneration.

Desert Rose Selenite: Dissolves addictive ideas or behaviours. Has strong Earth energies and strengthens affirmations.

Cheryl Waldron 

Healing Properties Mental clarity



Concentration



Increases sensitivity



Flexibility



Decision making



Calming



Soothes nerves



Improves libido



Balances all body systems

Further information on Dolmen Grove can be found www.dolmengrove.co.uk Dolmen Grove Facebook links Portland Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/14807551203393 Poole Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/28553955491408 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

COMING SOON

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