December 2013 issue 17

Elemental Magick December 2013 Issue # 17

CELEBRATING YULE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

By Dorothy Morrison

Harmony Hearth Brooms And Faancy Hats Handmade Besoms Sacred to the Goddess and the God. Represents the Element of Water.

The Broom or Besom is a purifying and protective instrument, used to cleanse the area for magick or to guard a home by laying it across the threshold, under the bed, in windowsills or on doors.

Handmade Witch Hats Time to conjure up a new look for the stylish witch that you are! Let your spirit take flight in one of these handmade magical adornments. Boost your supernatural presence with one of these haute hats.

For more information and pricing please contact Anne at HarmonyHearthBrooms@yahoo.com

Gensha Publishing Maxine Byers Lazy Witch CraftyWitch Dorothy Morrison Lady Abigail Lady Caer Morganna Karen Charboneau-Harrison Gertrude Moon MysticMoonWizard

Eleazar Rex Laurie Brown Sarah Harrison Lady Ti-Eagle Montague Whitsel Alena Orrison Siobhan See Robert McDowell

Crafty Witch Maxine Byers Janie Bass

elementalmagick@hotmail.com

Cover artwork by, http://www.soulscode.com/is-your-christmas-holiday-more-pagan-than-christian/ Contents page artwork,

If you have something to say, we want to hear it!

Letters to the editor can be sent to elementalmagick@hotmail.com

Getting Published in Elemental is a great way to express yourself and keep connected to the Pagan community. We are currently looking for writers on Pagan pop-culture and life-style topics, music, cooking, humor, art, books, and more. We want to hear from YOU! Contact Maxine at elementalmagick@hotmail.com For more information and column description

Merry Christmas and Blessed Yule. What a wonderful time of year. I must admit I am one of those annoying people that starts singing Christmas songs right after Samhain and puts up Christmas lights BEFORE Thanksgiving. I can’t help it, I LOVE the season.

This holiday season I am thankful that once again we have pulled off another issue of Elemental Magick. WOW, I had no idea that publishing a monthly magazine would be so much work! I have to give credit where credit is due, the writers and contributors that month after month come through and make it all possible. Dear ol’ Gertrude Moon with her sage words of wisdom and advice, Laurie Brown who every month without fail shares with us her knowledge and magick from the garden, Eleazar Rex with his unique take on the lessons of life and the universe where would we be without them. Our own dear Lady Ti-Eagle who shares with us her many exciting adventures ever month, Lazy Witch and our Pagan Parenting author Alena Orrison who shares her tips and tricks for raising the Pagan child.

What a blessing it is to have these wonderful writers on our staff.

I am also grateful to the many writers, photographers and artists that month after month give us permission to use their stories, photographs and artwork. As I always knew…. We Pagans are a HECK of a nice bunch of folks!

I want to send out a special thank you to Spokane Pagan Village Commons, the local group that brings us all together with their community calendar and links to local events. Thank you for including us in your web site.

Please remember that if you have a group, event or product that you wish to advertise, we have the BEST rates around. FREE, that’s right, we do not charge for advertising in EM magazine.

We want to hear from YOU, our readers! Many of our writers are ‘newbies’ having never published before, so don’t think YOU can’t do it. Send us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions; we are ALWAYS looking for new directions and topics. What interests YOU? So with that I with you all a stress free holiday.

Remember to BREATH Blessings Maxine Byers Editor at Large

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An Ancient Holiday

http://www.arcadja.com/auctions/en/lynn_ro bert/artist/283601/ The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Saturnalia.

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome.

In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated

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the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

An Outlaw Christmas In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Irving Reinvents Christmas It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule.

Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

A Christmas Carol Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children

httptherealtemple.blogspot.com200812origins-of-christmas-tree.html

during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed.

People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

Christmas Facts Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today's Mardi Gras parties.

From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.

Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.

The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith's 1607 Jamestown settlement.

The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s.

Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was the product of Robert L. May's imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store. http://www.history.com/topics/christmas

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ABOUT YOUR SIGN..

Sagittarians have a positive outlook on life, are full of enterprise, energy, versatility, adventurousness and eagerness to extend experience beyond the physically familiar. They enjoy travelling and exploration, the more so because their minds are constantly open to new dimensions of thought. They are basically ambitious and optimistic, and continue to be so even when their hopes are dashed. Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. They are honorable, honest, trustworthy, truthful, generous and sincere, with a passion for justice. They are usually on the side of the underdog in society they will fight for any cause they believe to be just, and are prepared to be rebellious. They balance loyalty with independence.

Sagittarians are usually modest and are often religious, with a strong sense of morality, though they tend to overemphasize the ethical codes they follow and worship beliefs about God rather than God Himself. This means that, negatively, they regard rigid, unloving, intolerant adherence to ritual and conventional codes as more important than the truths they symbolize or embody.

They sometimes pay lip service to religions and political parties in which they have ceased to believe because the outward forms satisfy them, yet they may not hesitate to switch allegiance in politics or change their system of belief if they see personal advantage to themselves in doing so.

They have both profound and widely ranging minds, equipped with foresight and good judgement, and they can be witty conversationalists. They love to initiate new projects (they make excellent researchers) and have an urge to understand conceptions that are new to them. they think rapidly, are intuitive and often original, but are better at adapting than inventing and are at their best when working with colleagues of other types of character that compliment their own. They are strong-willed and good at organizing, a combination that gives them the ability to bring any project they undertake to a successful conclusion. Their generosity can be balanced by their extreme care at handling their resources.

Sagittarians are sincere and straightforward in love, normally conventional and in control of their sexual natures. Yet if thwarted, they may easily allow their failure to embitter their whole lives or they may revenge themselves upon the opposite sex by becoming cynically promiscuous. They are more apt then the average to make an uncongenial alliance.

If their marriages are successful, they will be faithful spouses and indulgent parents; but their innate restlessness will inspire them to use even the most satisfying mĂŠnage as a base from which to set out on their travels. They need to fell free and are often faced with the choice of allowing their careers to take over their lives at the expense of the love of their spouse and family.

Sagittarian women are the counterparts of their men; even if they have no career to rival their love, they find it difficult to express affection and may run the risk of being thought frigid.

In other personal relationships they are reliable, seldom betraying any trust given to them. They can, however, be impulsively angry and both male and female Sagittarians know how to be outspoken and exactly what expressions will hurt their adversaries most. On the other hand they are magnanimous in forgiving offenses and are responsible when looking after the elderly in the family.

Their gifts fit Sagittarians for a number of widely differing professions. They are natural teachers and philosophers with a talent for expounding the moral principles and laws which seem to explain the universe. This gift enables them to be successful churchmen on the one hand and scientists on the other. The law and politics also suit them, as does public service, social administration, public relations and advertising. Travel and exploration naturally appeal to such restless souls and, if their opportunities are limited, they may find something of travel and change of scene in the armed forces or through working as a travelling salesman. Others may make fine musicians and, in the days before automobiles, they were said to be successful at horse trading and all activities, including sporting ones, concerning horses. This has been translated in modern terms into an interest in cars and aircraft and again with emphasis on the sporting side racing, rallying etc. They are said to make good sports coaches, but their tastes in this direction may lead them into imprudent gambling, though the gambling instinct may be sublimated by carrying it out professionally as a bookmaker.

The vices to which Sagittarians are prone are anger they tend to flare up over trifles; impatience - they want to rush every new project through immediately and demand too much of colleagues who cannot work at the pace they require; and scorn of the inadequacies of others while expecting fulsome recognition of their own efforts. They may in one sense deserve recognition, because in completing a major project they will sacrifice their health and family relationships; in their family's eyes they may merit condemnation.

They can be exacting, domineering and inconsiderate in the work place; and boastful, vulgar and extravagant in their private lives. Their restlessness, if excessive, can jeopardize more than their own stability. some Sagittarians risk becoming playboys, wasting their lives away in frivolous pursuits. Others can develop a moralizing, religious fanaticism or else turn into hypocrites, their inner prudishness disguised by an outward appearance of joviality. Another side of the religiosity which is a danger in Sagittarians is superstition.

December 22 to January 20

Traditional Traits

On the dark side....

Practical and prudent Ambitious and disciplined Patient and careful Humorous and reserved

Pessimistic and fatalistic Miserly and grudging

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About Your Sign..

The sign Capricorn is one of the most stable and (mostly) serious of the zodiacal types. These independent, rocklike characters have many sterling qualities. They are normally confident, strong willed and calm. These hardworking, unemotional, shrewd, practical, responsible, persevering, and cautious to the extreme persons, are capable of persisting for as long as is necessary to accomplish a goal they have set for themselves.

Capricorn are reliable workers in almost any profession they undertake. They are the major finishers of most projects started by the 'pioneering' signs; with firm stick-to-it-ness they quickly become the backbone of any company they work for.

Capricorn make of themselves, resourceful, determined managers; setting high standards for themselves and others.

They strive always for honesty in their criticism of self, they respect discipline from above and demand it from those beneath them. In their methodical, tough, stubborn, unyielding way, they persist against personal hardship, putting their families and/or their work before their own needs and welfare to reach their objectives long after others have given up and fallen by the wayside. In fact when practical ability allied with the drive of ambition are required in employees to make a project succeed, Capricorn are the people to hire. They plan carefully to fulfill their ambitions (which often include becoming wealthy), they are economical without meanness, and able to achieve great results with minimum effort and expense. Because of their organizing ability they are able to work on several projects simultaneously.

They have a great respect for authority but may not, if they reach high rank, be willing to listen to other opinions on things they are directly responsible for. As the ranking authority figure in a given situation they expect their underlings to be as self disciplined as they themselves are, and to perform every task undertaken to the highest standard.

They are, nevertheless, fair as well as demanding. Among their equals they are not always the most pleasant of work fellows for they are reserved and too conservative, valuing tradition more than innovation, however valuable the latter, and they are often humorless. There is also a tendency to pessimism, melancholy and even unhappiness which many Capricorn are unable to keep to themselves, especially if they fail personally. In the extreme this trait can make them a very depressed individual; ecstatic happiness alternating with the most wretched kind of misery which is so subconsciously buried that he or she should seek help if such emotions become frequent. For the above reason, capable Capricorn should spend many hours in meditation, gathering the strength to control such inner emotions.

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The swings in mood are not the only reason some Capricorns deserve the adjective based on their name - capricious. They can be surprisingly and suddenly witty and subtle for the quiet, reserved individuals they seem to be, and they also have a tendency to ruin things by unexpected and utterly irresponsible bouts of flippancy. In certain individuals in whom the characteristic is strong, the temptation to do this has to be resisted with iron self-control. Another unexpected quality in some Capricorn is an interest in the occult which persists in spite of their naturally skeptical turn of mind.

Their intellects are sometimes very subtle. They think profoundly and deeply, throughly exploring all possibilities before deciding on a 'safe' alternative. They have good memories and an insatiable yet methodical desire for knowledge. They are rational, logical and clearheaded, have good concentration, delight in debate in which they can show off their cleverness by luring their adversaries into traps and confounding them with logic.

In their personal relationships they are often ill-at-ease, if not downright unhappy. They are somewhat self-centered but not excessively so, wary and cautious around people they do not know very well, preferring not to meddle with others and in turn not to allow interference with themselves, thus they tend to attract people who do not understand them. Casual acquaintances they will treat with diplomacy, tact and, above all, reticence. They make few good friends but are intensely loyal to those they do make, and they can become bitter, and powerful enemies. They sometimes dislike the opposite sex and test the waters of affection gingerly before judging the temperature right for marriage. Once married, however, they are faithful, though inclined to jealousy. Most Capricorns marry for life.

Their occupations can include most professions that have to do with math or money and they are strongly attracted to music. They can be economists, financiers, bankers, speculators, contractors, managers and real estate brokers.

They excel as bureaucrats, especially where projects demanding long-term planning and working are concerned, and their skill in debate and love of dialectic make them good politicians. They are excellent teachers, especially as principals of educational establishments where they have the authority to manage and organize without too much intimacy with the staff members. If working with their hands, they can become practical scientists, engineers, farmers and builders. The wit and flippancy which is characteristic of certain Capricornians may make some turn to entertainment as a career.

Letters To The Editor

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Celebrating Yule without Losing Your Mind Or Your Life Savings

by Dorothy Morrison

Ah, the Yuletide season! No matter who we are or where we live, it's something we all look forward to. And why not?

When it comes to the Winter Solstice, cultural differences don't matter. Language isn't a barrier. And neither is the fact that the traditions with which we commemorate this festival are as varied as the celebrants themselves. That's because it's a time of light and warmth—the time when the newborn Sun appears again in the sky—a confirmation that the dark, bitter chill that envelopes the Earth will soon give way to longer days and the greening of Spring. And in the dead of Winter, that's a promise we can all appreciate.

Even so, it's more than that. The promise of the newborn Sun brings its light and warmth into our hearts, as well. Common courtesy and good will becomes the norm, rather than the exception. Senseless worries give way to something much more important: A sincere appreciation for our neighbors, friends, and loved ones, and all they do to enrich our lives. We find ourselves smiling at each other, speaking to strangers on the street, and going out of our way to practice random acts of kindness. In short, we all become nicer people, and even if only temporarily, the world seems a much better place to live.

In this day and time, that's definitely something worth celebrating!

As worthy of celebration as the Winter Solstice is, though, doing so often presents its own set of problems in the form of time and money. There are holiday cards to send out, gifts to buy, and our homes to decorate. There are parties to plan, additional trips to the grocery store, and all that holiday baking and cooking to handle. Unless you've got a staff of personal servants and an unlimited bank account, it's enough to make your head spin. And that's certainly no way to spend the season.

So, what do you do? How do you get everything done on time? Or handle all that extra expense without taking out a mortgage-sized bank loan? More to the point, how do you manage to relax, enjoy the season, and actually have some fun?

Contrary to popular belief, the answer is not double-dipping into the eggnog. But it's almost as effortless, and comes in the form of three little words. Simplify. Organize. Delegate.

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At this point, I can almost hear what you're thinking: It starts with "yeah, but" and ends with "nobody else can do this the way I want it done." And believe me, I understand. By the same token, though, Yuletide meals don't have to be twelve-course extravaganzas. Nobody will gasp in horror because every loop of garland on the tree doesn't measure exactly nine inches at its drop. And no one—not one single person in the entire history of Yule—ever died because a Yule card arrived addressed in a childish script or with a printed computer label adorning its envelope.

If you're still not convinced, though, consider this: The whole idea behind any celebration is to celebrate. And you just can't do that if you're so worn out you can't even remember your own name. That said, take a deep breath and regroup. Then get started with some of the tips below. You'll be glad you did!

•Holiday Cards: These little goodies can be terribly expensive, to say nothing of the time involved in signing, addressing, and stamping them. That being the case, start by taking a good, hard look at your greeting card list and decide whether you really need to send all those cards. If not, shave the list to a more appropriate size.

Then set about designing your own cards via the personal computer. (You can even scan in your signature so it prints out with the rest of your message, if you like.) Just print them on heavy card stock (readily available at all office supply stores) and have your children or grandchildren handle the addressing and stamping.

Don't have kid-power at your disposal? Not a problem. Simply type your address list into the computer, print it out on labels, and slap them onto the envelopes with the stamps. One quick dash to the mailbox and you're done.

•Decorating: Since we want our homes to look festive and elegant and reflect our own tastes, this is the one job that most of us have trouble relinquishing to others. However, it's also the one job that usually takes more time than anything else. So, dig out those boxes of holiday decorations and invite the neighborhood kids over for a decorating party. All you'll have to do is supply hot cocoa and cookies—and that will give you plenty of time to supervise.

Worried that it might be more trouble than it's worth? Invite your friends over for a decorating party, instead. Even if you have to serve more food—meat, cheese, and vegetable trays are likely options—you'll get the help you need and it won't take as much supervision. Best of all, the job will be done, and you can breathe a sigh of relief.

•Party Planning: I doubt there's s single person who, caught up in the spirit of the season, hasn't at least dreamed of having a

Yule party. But few of us ever follow through. The reasons are many, but most of them finally boil down to two things: the amount of time it takes to plan such an affair, and the expense involved in making it happen. Sadly enough, the idea is put on the back burner until such won't be a problem.

It doesn't have to be that way. Regardless of your circumstances, you can still have that party—if you follow a few simple guidelines. What's more, it can be the gala event of the season. Here's how: ◦Keep the guest list small, and rather than sending out invitations, use the phone to handle the task. Then insist on a call back to confirm attendance. ◦Make it a potluck meal. That way, you'll only have to supply the entrée, and drinks. (To cut expenses, do not supply liquor. Ask your guests to bring their own bottles, instead, if they'd like to partake.) ◦If you want to exchange gifts, keep the price to a five dollar maximum. Then hold a gift swap. Number all the gifts, write the numbers on slips of paper, and put them in a pretty bowl. Then ask each guest to draw a slip and retrieve the appropriate gift. ◦To make it a really special evening, consider an after-dinner caroling expedition. Don't want to sing traditional carols? Not a problem. There's a wide assortment of Pagan-oriented filks readily available on the Internet. Just print them out, don your hats and coats, and get ready to harmonize.

•Yule Meals: I'm always amazed at the tizzies folks work themselves into when it comes to preparing Yuletide meals. But perhaps it's because my mother always handled things the easy way: She simply prepared many of the dishes ahead of time and froze them.

While it's a given that you can't do that with everything on your list—dishes that require mayonnaise, cooked potato, or meringue do not freeze well—almost anything in the holiday baking category fits the bill. Take double-crust pies, for instance.

These can be prepared weeks in advance, wrapped in aluminum foil, and frozen. And when the big day comes? Just pop them into the oven for the prescribed baking time. (For a special treat, bake them during the meal. That way, you'll be able to serve warm pie for dessert.)

The same applies to both cookie and yeast roll dough. It's only a matter of shaping the dough into rectangular rolls and wrapping it well in waxed freezer paper before freezing. When you're ready to bake, just slice the dough into pieces and pop them in the pan. (In the case of roll dough, be sure to allow an additional thirty minutes or so for the rolls to rise before baking.)

Many other items—fresh fruit salads, most soups, casseroles, and cheese, egg, and pasta dishes—can also be successfully prepared early and frozen as well. If you go this early preparation route, however, please remember to allow plenty time for thawing in the refrigerator. It wouldn't do for someone to chip a tooth on a frozen fruit salad—especially not on Yule!

Of course, I realize that nothing is ever as easy as it appears in print. Things seldom go according to plan, and we often find ourselves changing course in mid-stream. Sometimes, we even find ourselves upstream without benefit of paddles. And a good many of us just don't do well with those sorts of changes. For this reason I urge you, no matter what your Yuletide plans involve, to keep it simple. That way, you'll truly be able to enjoy the season. What's more, you'll know that the light, warm, fuzzy feeling starting at your core and spreading through your entire being is exactly what it should be: that wondrously awesome, magical spirit of Yule—and not the early signs of complete and total holiday exhaustion!

This article is a reprint from the Llewellyn Journal and can be found at; http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/artic le/1388 You can find more of Dorothy Morrisons wonderful books, articles and ‘Utterly Wicked’ Items at; http://www.dorothymorrison.com http://www.wickedwitchstudios.com http://www.utterlywicked.com You can also follow her on Facebook at; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dor othy-Morrison/42414023364

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Blessings, blessings one and all!!

I've been considering what help I could be to all of you and what I could pull out of my Cupboards that would assist you during your extra special holidays this year. As many of us celebrate Yule or Christmas, I think I may have come up with a few things that you probably can make from things laying around your home and proudly give as gifts. Because most of the needed items are things you already have, all it will take is a couple of minutes to put them together.

HOT SOCK BACK/HAND WARMERS These are wonderfully easy and so very useful!!

You will need: 1 COTTON SOCK with no holes (needs to be cotton as this will be going into a microwave and many synthetics could melt).

1-3 cups of UNCOOKED WHITE RICE or UNCOOKED DRIED BEANS or LENTILS or UNCOOKED BARLEY. DO NOT MIX rice and beans/lentils and barley! (The filler material should all be the same kind so they heat at the same rate in the microwave). DO NOT USE A BEAN SOUP MIX!! This item will be referred to as filler.

1 COTTON SOCK to be used as a cover for the first. This sock can be the mate to the first OR something a little larger to use as an outer sleeve that can be taken off and washed.

Fill the cotton sock with the Rice, Beans OR Barley. A small sock is good for a cup to cup and a half. The larger the sock - the more filler. Just use one type of filler. DO NOT MIX THEM!!

After filling, sew to open end of the first sock closed.

Sew it through a couple times (by hand or machine) so the filler doesn't leak out.

Now slide the "stuffed" sock into the "cover" sock.

You can DO NOT SEW THIS OPENING. You'll be able to slip the inner sock in and out and wash the outer sock as it needs it.

HEAT the inner sock carefully. Usually only 30 SECONDS at a time. Most commercial "sock" warmers say no more than 90 SECONDS total. Heat retention will depend upon HOW MUCH filler you have in the sock and WHAT type of filler you used. You'll be able to smell beans if they get too hot as your kitchen will smell like burnt beans. Beans DO seem to hold heat longer. Just heat them a little at a time (60 sec, 30 sec, 30 sec, etc.) until they get sufficiently hot. Take your heated sock out of the microwave after each sequence and "mush" it around to mix it and see if it's hot enough for you.

NOTE: The outer sock/cover can be dabbed with a bit of essential oil after the inner sock had been heated. The heat will release the fragrance.

Small sock warmers are good for coat pockets or for those having problems with arthritis in their hands (they are warm and fit into the hands easily to warm then and the

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"squeezing" and manipulation is good exercise for painful hands).

Long socks/Knee socks warmers are great for the small of the back and shoulders (particularly for those of us who do computer work).

Men's work socks (the big bulky ones) are wonderful for backs and under the bed covers to warm the bed. BE CAREFUL that the sock isn't TOO hot when you put in bed so you don't burn any exposed skin.

I LOVE mine and use them every evening and when I'm working on the computer!! I keep a circuit of these little "jewels" running through my microwave when I'm having problems with my joints. Perfect gift for someone who is older or is suffering from injuries, sports pain, etc.

DREAM DOLLS I love these! Easy to make and fun to use.

You will need: A Large Gingerbread Man or Woman Cutter OR the outline pattern of one.

Clean fabric (doesn't need to be new.) This is a great use for clothing items of dearly departed friends or family members or out-grown clothes. Really, almost any washable fabric will do. (I wouldn't use anything sheer or silky but it's your call).

Needle and thread OR Fabric Glue (not white Elmer's as it will come apart in the wash!)

Stuffing (you can use poly fill if you have it OR clean cotton t-shirt material cut into strips. Any washable fabric bits will work but knit material (such as t-shirts) work best because they plump!)

Large Stamp Pad OR Marking Pen Lay out your doll fabric flat and insure you can cut TWO gingerbread patterns out of what you have. You may need to iron the fabric but it usually isn't necessary.

You can use your cutter as a stamper and, with the stamp pad, stamp the pattern of the gingerbread man/woman on the fabric. Or you can just draw around the cutter with your marking pen. You can also use a photo copy as a pattern. Make 2!!

Cut out your two gingerbread figures, place the right sides together and sew, with small stitches around the figure from shoulders, down around the body to the other shoulders.

Leave the neck area and head open so you can turn the doll and stuff it. You might want to sew this around a couple of times.

Yes you could also use fabric glue on it.

Once the glue is TOTALLY DRY or you've double sewn the body, turn the right side of the doll out. Use your marking pen (marker capped so you don't get marks on the doll) to push out the arms and legs. Do this very gently so you don't tear out your stitching or gluing.

Gently stuff your doll with your stuffing material through the neck, pushing the filler into the legs and arms. Stuff it so the figure is firm. Most dream dolls are placed either in or under

pillows to catch the bad dreams of the sleeper. If you are making this for a child, they may want to hold it while sleeping so you may want it a little firmer.

Begin sewing/gluing the round part of the head. Unless you are a very talented seamstress, your stitches will be on the outside of the doll. That's OK!!! At some point you will need to stuff the head with fill and then finish sewing/gluing.

To cover your head stitches, take pieces of your remaining filling material, yarn, or ribbon and sew this around the head. Sew it very, very firmly PARTICULARLY if this doll is for a small child. You could also use the marking pen to draw the hair on around the stitches.

As far as faces, that's up to you. In many cultures, dream dolls do not have faces as they are considered vessels for the bad dreams and thus unknown people. BUT if you want to draw a face on, do so. I would advise against sewing buttons on as a child might stick them in their mouth and choke. Buttons would also be really hard to sleep on.

After bad dreams, gently wash them away in the sink with a little dish/laundry soap and warm water. Squeeze as much water out as possible and then place in a towel and roll it around to get more moisture out. HANG TO DRY!!! (washers and dryers will probably be way too rough for this little "sweetie"!)

NOTE: Dabbing a bit of oil essence on the doll could help sleep. Just a dab of lavender, rose or Mommy's sent can work wonders! For grow-ups, check herbal listings for dream herbs and flower scents.

These are great for any age of Dreamers. Children love them, especially if they smell like Mom or Grandma. Little boys like "herby" smelling ones or those that smell like Dad or Grandpa. What a great gift to give to someone who needs help sleeping.

LEFT-OVER NECKLACE Oh YEAH!!! This one is really great!!! I've seen similar necklaces in shops here in Idaho going for $25 to $75 so you can make a nice, expensive gift for next to nothing.

You Will Need: Odds and ends of old necklaces, mardi gras necklaces (these will need to be snipped at some point to lay in a line), flat lace trim and edging, satin ribbons (up to an inch or so wide), fancy yarns (be sure they are soft to the touch as they will be around the neck area. Eyelash yarn, sequins, or any other fancy yarn will do). These all these should be least 20 inches long, though longer is better.

20-24 Gauge Wire Hot Glue or really dependable glue Clothes pins or heavy clamps A "heavy-ish" neck chain with a good strong closure (like a "lobster clasp" (Optional. You may design your necklace to slip over the head or attached to the chain with glue and wire.)

Trinkets, sparkles, assorted dangles and such (Optional.

You may wish to have a central pendant or not.)

Remember, YOU ARE THE DESIGNER!! Anything goes on this project.

This is a loosely braided necklace. Practice first with just three

simple strands to make the necklace. Clamp/Clothes pin the starting ends together and begin to braid. If this isn't hefty enough or you don't like the combination, unbraid and change or add another strand to each braiding units. Because of the braiding I prefer to use in sets of three items per braiding strand for balance BUT this is your creation so braid away!!! Be sure you put the "fancy" items to the top so they "show" their beauty, using the ribbons, cord, etc., as a backer for laces, fancy chains, rick-rack, etc.

Once you've put together all the strands you like and the "whole" looks balanced and comfortable, decide if you need to add the heavier neck chain to make it long enough to easily wear.

Here comes the tricky part: With the wire, TIGHTLY WRAP each end so the braiding doesn't come apart. After the initial wrapping, carefully glue the necklace ends and wire together, keeping the glue as smooth as possible but put plenty of glue on the ends.

While the glue is wet, place the link end of the chain in the glue.

While the glue is still damp (not wet), tightly wrap pretty ribbon or wire around each end. Be certain to tuck the end of the ribbon wrap under and dab some glue on it so it won't unravel. If you are using wire, dab glue on the end of the wire and tuck it into the braided part of the necklace.

ALLOW THIS TO DRY FOR A FEW DAYS. IF you feel it is necessary, add more glue to insure things don't unravel.

If you choose to add "dangle’s" to your creation, keep them light and in line with what you've created. A beautiful pendant drop (a family piece or something you have) would be nice and personalize this necklace.

All ladies love these and it will be a TRUE ORIGINAL, full of your power and love. What better gift to give!

I hope these three ideas start your juices flowing for inexpensive and quick presents. I know that I'd be very happy with any of them as they each have been hand-created by a loved one and they will always remind me of the love, energy and power that went into them.

Blessed Yule, my Children and Readers!

May the returning light bless you and your family.

Sincerely Gertrude Moon, CC

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Christmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention

of the 1860s. Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe. Discover the origins of Christmas traditions from around the world, like the Yule log, caroling and how Christmas is celebrated "Down Under."

Sweden: 'God Jul!' Most people in Scandinavian countries honor St. Lucia (also known as St. Lucy) each year on December 13. The celebration of St. Lucia Day began in Sweden, but had spread to Denmark and Finland by the mid-19th century.

In these countries, the holiday is considered the beginning of the Christmas season and, as such, is sometimes referred to as "little Yule." Traditionally, the oldest daughter in each family rises early and wakes each of her family members, dressed in a long, white gown with a red sash, and wearing a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles. For the day, she is called "Lussi" or "Lussibruden (Lucy bride)." The family then eats breakfast in a room lighted with candles.

Any shooting or fishing done on St. Lucia Day was done by torchlight, and people brightly illuminated their homes.

At night, men, women, and children would carry torches in a parade. The night would end when everyone threw their torches onto a large pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire. In Finland today, one girl is chosen to serve as the national Lucia and she is honored in a parade in which she is surrounded by torchbearers.

Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day, as her name, which is derived from the Latin word lux, means light.

Her feast day is celebrated near the shortest day of the year, when the sun's light again begins to strengthen.

Lucia lived in Syracuse during the fourth century when persecution of Christians was common. Unfortunately, most of her story has been lost over the years. According to one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by a Diocletian for her Christian beliefs. Others say she may have plucked her own eyes out to protest the poor treatment of Christians. Lucia is the patron saint of the blind.

Finland: 'Hyv채채 Joulua!'

Many Finns visit the sauna on Christmas Eve. Families gather and listen to the national "Peace of Christmas" radio broadcast. It is customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members.

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Norway: 'Gledelig Jul!' Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. The ancient Norse used the Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. "Yule" came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth. Ever wonder why the family fireplace is such a central part of the typical Christmas scene? This tradition dates back to the Norse Yule log. It is probably also responsible for the popularity of logshaped cheese, cakes, and desserts during the holidays.

Germany: 'Froehliche Weihnachten!'

Decorating evergreen trees had always been a part of the German winter solstice tradition. The first "Christmas trees" explicitly decorated and named after the Christian holiday, appeared in Strasbourg, in Alsace in the beginning of the 17th century. After 1750, Christmas trees began showing up in other parts of Germany, and even more so after 1771, when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Strasbourg and promptly included a Christmas tree is his novel, The Suffering of Young Werther. In the 1820s, the first German immigrants decorated Christmas trees in Pennsylvania. After Germany's Prince Albert married Queen Victoria, he introduced the Christmas tree tradition to England. In 1848, the first American newspaper carried a picture of a Christmas tree and the custom spread to nearly every home in just a few years.

Mexico: 'Feliz Navidad!'

In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought a red-and-green plant from Mexico to America. As its coloring seemed perfect for the new holiday, the plants, which were called poinsettias after Poinsett, began appearing in greenhouses as early as 1830. In 1870, New York stores began to sell them at Christmas. By 1900, they were a universal symbol of the holiday.

In Mexico, paper mache sculptures called pinatas are filled with candy and coins and hung from the ceiling.

Children then take turns hitting the pinata until it breaks, sending a shower of treats to the floor. Children race to gather as much of of the loot as they can.

England: 'Merry Christmas!'

An Englishman named John Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations.

At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, a German who immigrated to America in 1850.

Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else in the room, behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society.

Plum pudding is an English dish dating back to the Middle Ages. Suet, flour, sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are "plum," meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake, and topped with cream.

Caroling also began in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money.

In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. In Scandinavia, similar-minded children leave their shoes on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to legends about Saint Nicholas. One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry.

To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left each of the three sisters gifts of gold coins. One went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. Another went into a window and into a pair of stockings left hanging by the fire to dry.

France: 'Joyeux NoĂŤl!'

In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles, which means "the good news" and refers to the gospel.

In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year's harvest.

Italy: 'Buon Natale!'

Italians call Chrismas Il Natale, meaning "the birthday." parties with dancing and the exchanging of gifts.

Central America A manger scene is the primary decoration in most southern European, Central American, and South American nations.

St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity in 1224 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers.

Australia: In Australia, the holiday comes in the middle of summer and it's not unusual for some parts of Australia to hit 100 degrees Farenheit on Christmas day.

During the warm and sunny Australian Christmas season, beach time and outdoor barbecues are common.

Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, exchanging gifts and either a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or barbeques.

In Greece, many people believe in kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, St. Basil's Day. Jamestown, Virginia According to reports by Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. Nog comes from the word grog, which refers to any drink made with rum.

Article taken in part from: http://www.history.com/topics/christmas-traditionsworldwide/page2 photo credit http://www.bainbridgeclass.com/christmasaroundtheworld.htm photo pickel http://azweird.com/travel/5_weird_christmas_traditions_around_th e_world-758.html mexico photo http://tenekmaple.blogspot.com/2011/12/mexican-christmastraditions-las.html

First of all, this is not a "recipe" for clearing a house. It's my experience and it was actually something that I made up as I went along. I'm not talented at writing incantations that rhyme, not great at writing beautiful formal ceremony, even though I admire those that have those abilities. I just wanted to share with you that if you talents don't include those things, all is not lost. You're still able to do amazing magick.

A few months ago my phone rang and it was my teacher. When I answered, he asked me "have you ever done distance cleansing on a house?" I surprised myself by blurting out "yes", as if this was something I'd done regularly. Actually, I've only done this a couple of times so I was a bit nervous about responding so boldly.

He explained that there had been an altercation in his house while he wasn't there, and it had involved another family member. When he returned, he encountered a dark energy that had remained in the house and he wasn't able to clear it. I told him I'd work on it, wondering at first what I was going to do. There was no forewarning to prepare and this had to be done immediately.

Without ceremony, I asked my guides what tools I needed. I felt that a candle would be sufficient, so when I located one I went out to the back porch. I sat in the West facing East with the candle directly in front of me on the ground. I calmed my mind and breath and soon I was standing in front of his house. Before entering the front door, I traced the appropriate Reiki symbols in the air with my hands, then walked through the front door. I held my hands up in front of me, palms out, and began to send light into the house, clearing doorways, corners, opening cabinet doors and requesting that any dark energies leave the house. I told them that I meant no harm, I just needed them to leave and go into the light. I went from the kitchen to the living room, filling the rooms with light. When I entered the next room I encountered a dark "fog" (for the lack of a better word). Sending no negative energy that would feed it, I sent it love and light without fear, anger or hatred. I simply explained that it had to leave, but with my blessing. I continued through the other

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rooms of the house, opening closet doors, cabinets, sending light under and behind furniture, asking any dark energies to please leave the house. When I was finished inside, I went outside.

Then I was above the house, what seemed like a hundred feet in the air. I put my hands out again, palms toward the house and sent light through the roof of the house. The house began to fill with light and soon, what looked like an illuminated golden gel, starting oozing from the doors and windows. When I was satisfied, I moved back to ground level again, but away from the house. I saw a huge six-point star of golden light take shape above the house. When it was complete it lowered over the house, completely surrounding it. Then another star formed above the house and lowered to just above the highest point of the roof, making a sandwich with the house between both stars. With the stars in place I felt my job was finished and started making my way back to my body.

That was a bit more difficult than I anticipated. I was in a special place and part of me wanted to stay but I knew I needed to come "home". I started to move one finger on one hand, then more fingers, then the same with the other hand. I moved the energy through my body, feeling, returning completely. Feeling I was back, I slowly opened my eyes. That moment, the phone rang and it was my teacher. He thanked me as the house felt so much clearer. I told him I'd do some fine-tuning that night when I went to bed. The next morning he called me and said that the house was clearer than he's ever seen it.

So, if you're gifted with the ability to write beautiful rhyming incantations or incredible ceremony, I admire you. But don't discount what you're capable of if you're not one of those people.

INTENT is a powerful tool. Have faith in your abilities and HAVE FUN! Let's all work together to bring healing, loving light to this beautiful planet that we call home.

Blessings, Lady Ti-Eagle ladyti_eagle@aol.com

How we see each other I know a beautiful woman and I see her quite often. Whenever we come across each other, she always pays me a lot of compliments and even more of these pleasant words I heard from her when our second daughter was born. I have always admired her beauty, her lovely personality and a classy style. Recently, I told her about it, and I was so surprised when it turned out that she sees herself in a completely different way.

Are there many of us like this? It turned out that she thought of me as positively as I did about her, however, none of us felt that way about ourselves. What is it? Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem maybe?

Other people are always better in our opinion, more attractive, and far more successful, have better homes and generally are thousand times greater than us. Does it seem to be a rule somehow….? And a lot of us are stuck in those situations.

In my opinion it doesn’t really make sense. Why, then, compare yourself to anyone and compete with one another. I know it’s easier said than done, but I believe the systematic work on ourselves can change it. By observing our thoughts, we can eliminate those which shouldn’t be on our minds. Let them fly off.

Ladies, let’s look at each other with total acceptance the way we are without any comparisons to anybody else. Desiring to be somebody else leads to nowhere and we certainly only lose our energy. Let’s smile to ourselves in the mirror and to one another.

Welcome to Feminine Creations online boutique Each item of jewellery is hand sewn using the soutache technique, with high quality European materials and threads. All items are handcrafted with care and attention to detail to ensure a high quality product that we are able to sell with pride. We feel the time it takes us to produce our soutache style jewellery is worth the effort. Our existing customers agree, and hopefully you will too. It is no wonder that soutache style jewellery has captivated European shoppers with its unique look, vibrant colours, and light weight.

We hope you will enjoy browsing. There is much to see in our galleries - necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, hair clips - all original and hand-made with designs inspired by soutache creations from Europe.

Light in weight and comfortable to wear, this style of accessories are new to Australia, and very unique. Our clients regularly receive compliments when wearing their pieces.

Designs can be varied to suit specific requests, so do take time to peruse our gallery and online store.

We look forward to your feedback, or to discuss your design requests.

http://www.femininecreations.com/

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Welcome the Light Back into the World

Pagans will soon be celebrating their own winter holiday that stems from ancient rites honoring the birth of light into the world.

Winter solstice, also known as Midwinter, occurs once between December 20th to 23rd each year in the Northern Hemisphere when this part of the earth is at its farthest distance from the sun. It is at this point we begin the trek back to the sun.

This is the time of the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

Rebirth of the Sun Because of this return of sunlight, ancient peoples considered this time the ending of the darkness and coming of the light. From this belief sprang myths surrounding the birth of various sun gods from around the globe. It also brought forth death and rebirth stories in different cultures including the myth of the Egyptian gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus.

Osiris had been killed by his brother Set who wanted his throne. Isis, Queen of Heaven and Osiris's sister and wife, was able to bring him back to life briefly with the use of magic. She then became pregnant by Osiris with

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their child Horus Horus was believed to actually be Osiris reborn or resurrected, thus supporting the death/rebirth theme of the story.

Statues from ancient Egypt of Isis feeding the baby Horus are reminiscent of art depicting Mary and Jesus created centuries later.

Some people believe that the story of Christ's birth has roots in these earlier myths.

Celebrations arose from the belief of the rebirth of the sun god. Festivals took place in Egypt with feasts, fires and decorations to represent the sun. This idea spread to other areas around the globe over the centuries. In fact, many of the traditions we have today such as decorating with evergreens and other plants encouraging the emergence of the sun came from these older festivals.

Not all celebrations honored the male aspect only however. Many sun goddesses were honored, especially those whose sphere of influence was seen as the home and hearth.

Ways to Celebrate Pagans who also practice magic will incorporate the energy of this time of year into their work.

It is an especially effective time to do magic where the focus is to end a old way of living or thinking and begin a new way. This can be as simple as lighting a candle and doing a personal reflection on those habits or ideas that you wish to be brought out of the

darkness and into the light. Even the popular New Year's resolution can be done in a magical way.

Whether you are actively involved in group ritual revolving around the solstice and/or honoring the gods of your tradition or a solitary Pagan making a private offering at your own fireplace, you are part of a long tradition of welcoming the light back into the world.

Gather together with friends and family. In nearly every culture from across the world, the winter solstice is a time to spend with loved ones, whether it is done while feasting, dancing, singing or sitting around a fire. At the longest, darkest time of the year, it is also a time to find those who care about us the most

Give gifts.

The idea of gift-giving is one of the oldest traditions of the winter season, and many cultures used this as a way to signify the gratitude felt for the event that marked the beginning of the end of the winter season. To follow in a German tradition, fill slippers and shoes with small gifts. To follow in the footsteps of Russia, give gifts of small, white, deer-shaped cookies, considered to be good luck. Gifts were also shared between the Greek and Roman people. For many, including the Druids of England, the gifts were given to the needy in a gesture of generosity to start the new year.

Light the Yule log.

The tradition originated with the Germanic and Scandanavian people. Once the Yule log is lit, it signifies the beginning of a feast that will last until the log burns out.

Take a purifying bath.

Ritual bathing is a frequent occurrence in solstice celebrations and the specifics of the baths vary from culture to culture.

Tell stories.

In many cultures, it is customary to tell stories, poems and tales of the previous year and even to listen to fortune-tellers predict what will happen in the upcoming year.

Create a Magical Garland Make the chain links for the number of days you prefer, i.e. days until the solstice. Cut links 2 inches wide x 8-1/2 inches long from standard size pieces of paper. Have each member of the family write a prayer or wish on the links before joining them with dots of glue or paste. Say a short blessing as you tear off each link daily confirming that your wishes are coming true. Burn them in the fireplace or a cauldron if you want to add a more magical touch.

Yule Tree According to Asiya, the Yule tree tradition originated in Germany.

In the original celebrations, the trees were actually decorated outside the homes and gifts were left for the spirits of the land. To hide this practice from the strict church, Yule trees were brought inside the house. Modern pagans can choose to have their trees indoors or outdoors.

Modern Yule trees can be decorated with glitter, ornaments and lights. If you are planning to leave your tree outside, use small outdoor lights and natural ornaments, such as berries and pine cones.

Yule Wreath In the Yule celebration, pagans wish upon and place oaths on wreaths. The wreaths are typically made out of natural materials, such as cedar, spruce, fir of holly springs as well as pine cones, nuts and berries. They are hung as decorations around the house and then traditionally burned on the twelfth night of the celebration,

Ribbons and Garlands In the past, elder heathens, or pagans, decorated their entire homes with boughs of evergreens, holly berries and ivy. Mistletoe hung in doorways with red ribbons is also a traditional Yule decoration. Most greenery items were decorated with brightlycolored ribbons and bows, including red and silver ribbons.

The purpose behind these decorations was to bring nature into the home as a reminder of how humans and the earth are connected.

Lights Just like modern Christmas decorations, Yuletide incorporates a wide variety of lighting items to brighten the dark, winter home.

Place electric lights on your evergreen boughs on mantles, around doorways, on the Yule tree, in front of mirrors and in windows. Burn the traditional Yule log in your fireplace every night from Dec. 21 until Jan. 1. Place candles in safe locations around the home as well. Use natural elements with your candles. For example, use carved out apples as tea light candle holders, or place holly ivy around the base of pillar candles.

By http://www.ehow.com/

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Chesed is Greatness, Magnificence and Divine Love and its energies are more Human than the supernal father of Chockmah, a sphere higher on the Tree which shares energy patterns with Chesed.

Chesed is anabolic and up-building in contradistinction to Geburah which is katabolic and down-breaking.

Magical Image of Chesed: The Crowned and Throned King - this image is extremely important for Chesed is the Law giver, taking the raw forces of Chockmah that have now come through the Mother of Forms, Binah. Chesed is that which emanates the archetypal pattern, building them up as they are readied for manifestation lower in the Tree of Life.

Chesed is the Concretion of the Abstract as we have crossed the Abyss of the Supernals. Binah is more the potential of physical form, Chesed is more concrete as it provides the archetypal patterns, the blue-prints for manifestation,. This is the sphere of planning, the Divine Blueprints.

Chesed is ordered and merciful law as the central sphere of the Pillar of Mercy.

Chesed again has to do with planning and vision, seeing the subtle conditions, the archetypal patterns on which detail can be overlaid.

Understanding Chesed is important when working on the Astral, for when encountering inner plane energies, any image represents a higher function or energy which emanates originally from Chesed.

Chesed is the sphere of the formulation of the archetypal idea; the apprehension by consciousness of an abstract concept which is subsequently brought down the planes or levels of being and concretized.

Scientists believe that the only abstract concepts are those formulated by the human mind, but Qabalists say that the Divine Mind formulated archetypal ideas in order that substance might take form, and that without such archetypal ideas substance was formless and void. Jung talked about the archetypes as being the invisible crystalline structure, the lines of tension which allows formation to occur.

God Name: El (root word for All, Allah) Archangel: Tzadkiel; Meaning Righteous of God, Tzaddik is the Hebrew for Holy Person or Saint, the Archangel of Right Doing, in balance with the Divine Patterns or Laws if you will.

Order of Angels: Chasmalim, Brilliant Ones, again the idea of royal splendour portrayed in their name, they have been called the flames of fusion, welding creation together at its seams.

Mundane Chakra (Planet): Jupiter, the Great Benign One Virtue: Obedience, he or she who rules must be obedient to the Divine Law Vice: Bigotry hypocrisy, gluttony, tyranny, inability to relate to the True Archetypal Divine Patterns. Gluttony being the overemphasis of the energy of Chesed without the Balance of Geburah - too much of a good thing.

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Spiritual Experience: The Vision of Love From the Sepher Yetzirah: "The Fourth Path (Chesed) is called the Cohesive Consciousness" And further that Chesed "Contains all the Holy Powers, and from it emanate all the Spiritual Virtues with the Most exalted essences."

Chesed has been called the sphere of the Archetypes so it contains all the potential powers.

It is important to consider Chesed and Geburah together because together they balance the Tree of Life. Chesed and Geburah are often worked with together because they represent the extremes of either polarity. Together they complement and balance one another very well to encourage manifestation on this physical level of existence. Their balancing aspects are shown by their respective titles: Mercy (Chesed) and Severity (Geburah).

Chesed is the beneficent Father - encouraging, providing guidelines and more opportunities. Geburah limits and enforces those guidelines and brings needed discipline. Chesed is the crowned King who oversees the land and his subjects, giving, expanding and nurturing growth. Geburah, the Warrior in his chariot, provides the enforcement of the laws both spiritual and natural (as in cycles of the seasons) and brings lessons in the need to limit growth. We could see population growth as an example of their roles: Chesed is the potential to be fertile, both in crops and in human reproduction; Geburah sets and enforces the limits of what can be sustained in a healthy manner. If we continue to grow population-wise in a Chesedian way, we will outgrow our resources. Geburah provides natural catyclism, infertility and illness in an effort to slow down this growth so that the earth can be sustained.

Chesed is the first Sephira below the Abyss and brings into being the energies of the Supernal Triad, externalizing the combined potencies of them. It is the first impulse toward structure and is the administrator of the Laws given by Binah. Chesed is Chokmah on a lower arc and Hod on a higher arc. Geburah further limits the energies of the Supernals, allowing them to reach a frequency or density which can be expressed in the material world. Geburah is Binah on a lower arc, Netzach on a higher arc.

El is the Godname of Chesed. This is the root of Allah, Baal and Bel. Allah means The God, Bel and Baal are titles of the heads of tribes who manifest Godhead thru the living chieftain. The Godname of Geburah is Elohim Gibor. We have dissected Elohim before as the Gods and Goddesses. Coupled with Gibor (Strength) we have the Gods and Goddesses acting with strength and severity.

Tzadkiel is the archangel of Chesed and it is the duty of this entity to inform the soul of his/her work during an incarnation, the pitfalls and the pinnacles. Tzadkiel's work is to transform imbalance into balance, wrongs into rights.

Khamael, the archangel of Geburah, transforms (limits) divine energy into energy that can be used in a denser form. S/he dispenses divine justice and karma; s/he destroys in order to refine.

Jupiter, the planet of expansion and opportunity belongs to Chesed. Mars, the planet of discipline, will power and might corresponds to Geburah.

The Vision of Love is that of Chesed - all encompassing, unconditional love. The Vision of Power is Geburah's - right use of power and of the Will.

Geburah is the Sphere of adjustment and assessment; Chesed is the Sphere of creative idealism and potential. One could take the statement of Crowley: Love is the Law; Love under Will and see this as a statement of balancing the forces of these two Sephiroths. The will of God is the love of God. The Law of Love is given in Chesed, Love under Will is the self-discipline to give it rightly in Geburah. Tough love?

Obedience is the virtue of Chesed - this is obedience to one's higher or deeper Self, following one's true path which will naturally follow divine law. Courage is the virtue of Geburah the courage to do what is right, let go of imbalance and the courage to follow one's true will, whether supported by the status quo or not. Hypocrisy ( do as I say, not as I do) and gluttony are the vices of Chesed. As Chesed is the sphere of expansion, wanting everything can lead to greed if over emphasized. Cruelty is the vice of Geburah - power over, rather than power with.

Symbols of rulership belong to Chesed - the wand and sceptre.

As Chesed brings Divine Law into a form that can be utilized mundanely, we associate the cube for manifestation. The sword and scourge belong to Geburah as ways of enforcing these laws - through destruction of what is not working and of enforcing discipline. The Pentacle also belongs to Geburah, showing Spirit overseeing the 4 elements that make up matter.

Deities of Chesed include Zeus, Jupiter, Athena & all law giving Gods. Deities of Geburah include Kali, the Morrigan, Athena, Ares and all warrior Gods.

CHESED Title: Mercy Image: Crowned, Enthroned King GodName: El Archangel: Tzadkiel Planet: Jupiter Experience: Vision of Love Virtue: Obedience Vice: Hypocrisy, Gluttony Symbols: Wand, Sceptre, Cube Mercy Idealism Expansion Preserver Lawgiver Building Abundance Bringing Together Action Compassion

Love GEBURAH Title: Severity Image: Warrior King GodName: Elohim Gibor Archangel: Khameal Planet: Mars Experience: Vision of Power Virtue: Courage Vice: Cruelty Symbols: Sword, Scourge Justice Realism Contraction Destroyer Warrior Cleaning Economy Breaking Apart Karma Judgment Will Suggestions to understand and experience the energies of Chesed and Geburah: 1.If you find that your self discipline is lax, pick one thing that for the next two weeks you will work to enforce - each time you are tempted to do whatever you've decided to limit, dialogue with yourself about why.

2.If you typically deny yourself pleasurable things, determine what you will give yourself. When you encounter resistance, ask what the resistance is about.

3.Go through a day not judging & giving love to everything you encounter.

4.Practice saying 'no'.

5.Study the Chesed deities and/or the Geburah deities.

6.Read about the 19th Path. This is the path that links and balances Chesed & Geburah. Use the works of Gareth Knight, Robert Wang or Israel Regardie.

By ~ Jeff Harrison and Karen Charboneau-Harrison

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DAATH: KNOWLEDGE  Image: Head with two faces, looking both ways  God Name: YHVH Elohim  Archangels: 4 Cardinals (Raphael, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel)  Planet/Star: Sirius  Virtues: Detachment. Perfection of Justice and the application of the Virtues untainted by personality or ego. Confidence in the Future  Vices: Doubt of the Future. Apathy, Inertia. Cowardice. Pride leading to isolation and disintegration.  Titles: The Invisible Sephira; The Hidden; The Unrevealed  Spiritual Experience: Vision across the Abyss  Symbols: Prism; Cell; Empty Room; Sacred Mountaintop, Grain  Magical Image: The Janus, Heads looking both ways, back toward the Supernals and downward toward personality-earth below.  Order of Angels: Serpents like the Seraphim, but not flaming Considered the conjunction or union of Masculine & Feminine, Daath as actively worked on the Tree is fairly recent. Crowley suggests that it might be considered as a doorway to another dimension, and it can be used in this capacity to investigate the other side of the Tree, the Qliphothic. In placement it sits on top of the Abyss - that which separates the 3 Supernals (Kether, Chokmah and Binah) from the rest of the Tree, separating the World of Archetypes from the World of Form.

Daath is where pure Force unites with pure Form - it is the child of Binah and Chokmah. Daath is the highest point of awareness of the human soul.

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Gareth Knight puts it well -"Before Daath the experience of a soul is devoted to bringing about a fusion of itself with the Spirit - to 'becoming'.

After the powers of Daath are fully operative in a soul there is no further process of becoming for that soul 'is'."

Will Parfitt says: "Chesed could be related to being and Geburah related to doing. Daath as the higher resolving factor which includes both being & doing can be termed becoming." Indeed, above the Abyss all that exists is in a state of Being, below the Abyss all is in a state of Doing according to which Sphere is being invoked. Daath is the synthesizing point. As Daath brings its energies to bridging the Abyss that separates the Supernal Triangle into the Lower Emanations it begins the process of manifestation into Malkuth. Above the Abyss this is definitely the Transcendent and Transpersonal beyond who we know ourselves to be.

Daath is also known as The Invisible Sephira, the Sphere without a number.

Some Qabalists say Daath is not one of the Ten Holy Emanations as the other Sephira are called, but a passageway, a gateway if you will. Others regard it as the 11th Sephira but in a special way the Invisible Sephira. Crowley said that Daath was of a different dimension than the rest of the Spheres.

Daath is also regarded as Malkuth before its full manifestation in physicality. Its place is the original position occupied by Malkuth and it is the Spheres below the Abyss which give the various expressions of energy necessary to its manifestation.

The Image of the Head with two faces, or Janus-head, is appropriate for in Daath we look both forward and backward. We synthesize past, present and future, inner self and outer self, stripping away false knowledge and pride. Sirius as the planet/star

associated with Daath is very interesting in light of the veneration accorded it by the Egyptians, Dahomeys and Apaches as a place where ultimate Wisdom resides.

The virtue of Detachment indicates what is required in spiritual self-assessment as we seek to unify our mundane selves with our magickal or spiritual selves. Doubt as the vice of Daath shows how we subvert the process - by doubting the absolute divinity within us and the reality of Divinity itself.

The Spiritual Experience of the Vision across the Abyss highlights the nature of Daath. We are aware of and can see our way to unification thru its nature. And Daath's titles show that it is the Sphere which contains that spark of individual divinity which seeks to become One again with the whole, much like a seed of light nestled deeply within the darkness of the fertile Earth.

The Symbols of Daath are all metaphorical, for it is mainly a state of awareness devoid of symbols and the ultimate symbol of Daath has been considered by some Qabalists as The Complete Absence of any Symbol.

However, in understanding its energies it can be useful to consider the symbols of the prism, the cell, the empty room, the caduceus and the sacred mountain top to all show aspects of Daath. The prism captures and refracts light and color - all energies are present here. The cell indicates the solitude of the initiate as does the empty room; the caduceus is a symbol of the balancing of opposing forces and the sacred mountain top is indicative of the crags hidden within the clouds where hermits dwell and wisdom is given.

Daath is also seen as the Birth Canal of Spirit, symbolized by the Star. Light as we know it shines from the Star but what lies behind it and before its birth was of a different nature before this birth of being into manifestation. This is the Birth of the Child of Force and Form.

Daath could be called the Highest Point of Awareness for the Human soul as a Soul of itself, for beyond Daath we enter the level of the Supernals. The Soul, having reached this state of consciousness, can remain to assist the planetary Hierarchy or ascend and move from this Dimension. Daath could be called the sphere of Realization and Illumination. This is the Creative Fire which Prometheus stole from heaven, and the Apple which was eaten by Adam and Eve. The Knowledge we receive at Daath demands balanced and equilibriated use.

It is said that to successfully cross the Abyss upon the Edge of the Sword we must keep our attention and consciousness perfectly focused on the White Sun of Kether. Upon contact Daath can lend to us balance, a sense of mission and a sense of destiny giving us sufficient detachment to cut through any obstructions to our aims and goals.

Daath also corresponds to the Throat and has to do with the expression of Spiritual Knowledge. The expression is either clear or distorted depending on how open the Daath center of expression is in the individual.

An interesting note in dealing with Daath as the bridge across the Abyss is the fact that many Qabalists have a certain fear in dealing with Daath. Perhaps this is because activating Daath is very demanding. The vision of Spiritual Truth can decimate the ego-personality's understanding of things. Daath is definitely a view from a different perspective.

Old Qabalists called the Abyss the "Masak Mavdil" meaning place for rejected failures, which was presided over by the Angel named Mesukiel, meaning the ?Veiler? of God. The teaching was that at least three previous Creations had been made prior to this one, and being unsatisfied with them, the Great One swept them away into the Abyss, which became a sort of cosmic waste bin. Very little is said, of course, in Orthodox religion at the possible fallibility of the Creator. This myth would be an admission that God makes mistakes. Also this tells us about a possible Dark Side of the Creator, a part

of the Cosmic Unconscious which we might not wish to deal with ? the adage that you must be careful about that which you seek because you will most probably find it. The Cosmic Sewer doesn't sound like a lot of fun to me, so don't go fishing where you needn't .

This leads us to the concept of the Qliphoth,(Shells or Demons) the reverse side of the Tree, where dwell demons and disease. It is sometimes known as Universe B or the Tunnels of Set, as opposed to the Tunnels of Horus on the Front Side of the Tree. The Vices of the Sephiroth can be linked to the Qliphoth, but the Cosmic Sewer system also works as a view of vice ? becoming embroiled in the dark side of things for subverted ego reasons.

It is best in dealing with Daath to remember human pride, and remain humble in your seeking to a certain extent - to invoke Shakespeare's ?more things dreamt of in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in you? philosophy.

Gareth Knight suggests working with Isis mysteries as a positive and surely enhancing encounter with the Daath energy. Her mysteries also have to do with the star Sirius which is often given as the Mundane Chakra of Daath. Isis ties into the path of the High Priestess who is often depicted as Isis who bridges the Abyss.

Daath is a sphere in the Making, the original place of Malkuth on the Tree.

The Fall spoken of in the Old Testament is not the Fall of Man but the Fall of God to gain Knowledge thru experience. All of our life experience builds the Light of Daath.

Suggestions on experiencing the energies of Daath: 1.Meditate on paths 13 (High Priestess) uniting Tiphareth & Kether and 14 (The Empress) uniting Chokmah & Binah.

2.Meditate on what seems to separate you from your true Self. What aspects of personality are prevalent in this separation?

3.Where and how does ego tend to trip you up? What are your fears and doubts and what are their foundations?

By ~ Jeff Harrison and Karen Charboneau-Harrison

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A Wreath

Ritual Needs Essential oils such as cedar, spruce and pine are symbolic of this sabbat. As are stones like garnet, citrine and blue topaz.

Candles are appreciated as well, of all shapes, scents and sizes. Spell candles would be deemed useful, especially ones intended for prosperity. Incense is another option. Give her cones or sticks of cinnamon and bayberry incense, for example. Place an assortment of these into a basket and cover them with an altar cloth.

The wreath symbolizes the wheel of the year, or the eight sabbats.

Yule is one of these, a lesser or minor sabbat that is naturally occurring. A wreath can be used as decoration, or as a ritual tool, and will make a gift that she will find useful.

Creating one from real evergreen branches is ideal, if possible.

Intertwine some ivy and holly if they are available, and add a bow of red, green or gold. Small representations of the sun or one of the sun gods can also be added, such as wooden suns that are painted yellow. Ra is the ancient Egyptian sun god, though there are others.

Blank Books Purchase a book of shadows, complete with a quill pen and doves' and dragon's blood inks and wrap them for Yule gifts. These books are used to record rituals, spells and correspondences, as well as other important information. They come with blank covers or with designs on the front such as the triple moon or a pentacle.

A journal is another idea. Wrapped with some pens, she will be able to record her feelings about things, her experiences or even write poems.

Plans for the upcoming year can be made within the journal as well. Any type of journal can be used.

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Soaps and More A gift basket filled with organic, homemade or purchased personal care items will also work as a Yule gift.

Especially those that include herbs as ingredients. Fill the basket with assorted soaps, lotions and shampoos.

Choose oatmeal or goats milk products if possible, because they will leave her skin smooth. Consider scents such as cinnamon, lavender and mint.

Add a few other items such as razors, a wash cloth, bath sachets and a few candles for her to light when relaxing in the tub.

Welcome We believe that you are created with sacred worth. We welcome you and seek to serve you in spiritually uplifting and emotionally caring ways.

Dec 1 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation Dec 2 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Dec 3 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Dec 4 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner 06:30 PM Wednesday Night Program Dec 5 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace 07:00 PM Unity Choir Dec 7 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Dec 8 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation Dec 9 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Dec 10 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Dec 11 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner 06:30 PM Wednesday Night Program Dec 12 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Unity Choir Dec 14 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Dec 15 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation 12:30 PM Oneness (Deeksha) Blessing

2900 South Bernard Spokane, Wa (509) 838-6518 Dec 16 08:00 AM Men of Unity Breakfast of Champions 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group Dec 17 09:00 AM Morning Light 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Dec 18 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner 06:30 PM Wednesday Night Program Dec 19 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace 07:00 PM Unity Choir Dec 21 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Dec 22 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation Dec 23 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 07:00 PM Attitudinal Healing Peer Support Group 06:45 PM A Course in Miracles Study Group Dec 25 09:00 AM Morning Light 04:45 PM Weight Watchers 05:45 PM Community Dinner 06:30 PM Wednesday Night Program Dec 26 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class 12:00 PM Al-Anon Serenity Seekers 07:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots 07:00 PM Unity Choir Dec 27 05:30 PM Crosswalk Dec 28 10:00 AM Outrageous Wild Women of Unity 08:00 PM AA New Soil, New Roots Dec 29 09:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service 12:30 PM Guided Meditation Dec 30 09:00 AM Morning Light 10:00 AM Weekday Yoga Class

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History of Hanukkah The events that inspired the Hanukkah holiday took place during a particularly turbulent phase of Jewish history.

Around 200 B.C., Judea—also known as the Land of Israel— came under the control of Antiochus III, the Seleucid king of Syria, who allowed the Jews who lived there to continue practicing their religion. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent: Ancient sources recount that he outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C., his soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and desecrating the city’s holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.

Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, a largescale rebellion broke out against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy. When Matthathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, known as Judah Maccabee (“the Hammer”), took the helm; within two years the Jews had successfully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem, relying largely on guerilla warfare tactics.

Judah called on his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild its altar and light its menorah—the gold candelabrum whose seven branches represented knowledge and creation and were meant to be kept burning every night.

The Hanukkah "Miracle" According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most central texts, Judah Maccabee and the other Jews who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival. (The first Book of the Maccabees tells another version of the story, describing an eight-day celebration that followed the rededication but making no reference to the miracle of the oil.)

Other Interpretations of the Hanukkah Story Some modern historians offer a radically different interpretation of the Hanukkah tale. In their view, Jerusalem under Antiochus IV had erupted into civil war between two camps of Jews: those who had assimilated into the dominant

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culture that surrounded them, adopting Greek and Syrian customs; and those who were determined to impose Jewish laws and traditions, even if by force. The traditionalists won out in the end, with the Hasmonean dynasty—led by Judah Maccabee’s brother and his descendants—wresting control of the Land of Israel from the Seleucids and maintaining an independent Jewish kingdom for more than a century.

Jewish scholars have also suggested that the first Hanukkah may have been a belated celebration of Sukkot, which the Jews had not had the chance to observe during the Maccabean Revolt. One of the Jewish religion’s most important holidays, Sukkot consists of seven days of feasting, prayer and festivities.

Hanukkah Traditions The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah.

On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.

In another allusion to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular in many Jewish households. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. In recent decades, particularly in North America, Hanukkah has exploded into a major commercial phenomenon, largely because it falls near or overlaps with Christmas. From a religious perspective, however, it remains a relatively minor holiday that places no restrictions on working, attending school or other activities.

This article can be found at: http://www.history.com/topics/hanukkah

Mama Em's Bell Book & Candle (also known as Mama Em's World of Magick)

113 Rice St Carson City, NV 89706 (775)790-4488 http://www.mamaemsworld.com/main.sc Welcome to Mama Em's World! I have been a self-practicing Pagan and Witch for 16 years. I do things my own way, and I love to make my own products. I'm here to help bring new and unusual items to everyone, and to provide metaphysical supplies at prices we can all actually afford. If you're looking for something in particular and you can't find it, please contact me with what you need and I'd be happy to get it for you! To stay up to date on new products, contests, and weekly giveaways, like us on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/mamaemsworld and view my Youtube videos here: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0RiNRgad4PjHOjOuXHvApg Follow me on Twitter: @MagickByMamaEm - Check out my blog on all things from advice to personal issues here: www.askmamaem.blogspot.com and last but certainly not least, check me out as one of the admins of this amazing group: www.facebook.com/thepaganmama

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Excerpted from the book: The Complete Kwanzaa Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest. by Dorothy Winbush Riley

Kwanzaa History The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.

The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.

Seven Principles The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created

by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Unity: Umoja (oo–MO–jah) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah) To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee) To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Seven Symbols The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created

by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables) Symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation for Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work. Since the family is the basic social and economic center of every civilization, the celebration bonded family members, reaffirming their commitment and responsibility to each other. In Africa the family may have included several generations of two or more nuclear families, as well as distant relatives. Ancient Africans didn't care how large the family was, but there was only one leader - the oldest male of the strongest group. For this reason, an entire village may have been composed of one family. The family was a limb of a tribe that shared common customs, cultural traditions, and political unity and were supposedly descended from common ancestors. The tribe lived by traditions that provided continuity and identity. Tribal laws often determined the value system, laws, and customs encompassing birth, adolescence, marriage, parenthood, maturity, and death. Through personal sacrifice and hard work, the farmers sowed seeds that brought forth new plant life to feed the people and other animals of the earth. To demonstrate their mazao, celebrants of Kwanzaa place nuts, fruit, and vegetables, representing work, on the mkeka.

Mkeka: Place Mat The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for us to

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stand on and build our lives because today stands on our yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka. In 1965, James Baldwin wrote: "For history is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the facts that we carry it within us, are consciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations." During Kwanzaa, we study, recall, and reflect on our history and the role we are to play as a legacy to the future. Ancient societies made mats from straw, the dried seams of grains, sowed and reaped collectively. The weavers took the stalks and created household baskets and mats. Today, we buy mkeka that are made from Kente cloth, African mud cloth, and other textiles from various areas of the African continent. The mishumaa saba, the vibunzi, the mazao, the zawadi, the kikombe cha umoja, and the kinara are placed directly on the mkeka.

Vibunzi: Ear of Corn The stalk of corn represents fertility and symbolizes that through the reproduction of children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life. One ear is called vibunzi, and two or more ears are called mihindi. Each ear symbolizes a child in the family, and thus one ear is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no children in the home, two ears are still set on the mkeka because each person is responsible for the children of the community. During Kwanzaa, we take the love and nurturance that was heaped on us as children and selflessly return it to all children, especially the helpless, homeless, loveless ones in our community. Thus, the Nigerian proverb "It takes a whole village to raise a child" is realized in this symbol (vibunzi), since raising a child in Africa was a community affair, involving the tribal village, as well as the family. Good habits of respect for self and others, discipline, positive thinking, expectations, compassion, empathy, charity, and self-direction are learned in childhood from parents, from peers, and from experiences. Children are essential to Kwanzaa, for they are the future, the seed bearers that will carry cultural values and practices into the next generation. For this reason, children were cared for communally and individually within a tribal village. The biological family was ultimately responsible for raising its own children, but every person in the village was responsible for the safety and welfare of all the children.

Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles Candles are ceremonial objects with two primary purposes: to re-create symbolically the sun's power and to provide light. The celebration of fire through candle burning is not limited to one particular group or country; it occurs everywhere. Mishumaa saba are the seven candles: three red, three green, and one black. The back candle symbolizes Umoja (unity), the basis of success, and is lit on December 26. The three green candles, representing Nia, Ujima, and Imani, are placed to the right of the Umoja candle, while the three red candles, representing Kujichagulia, Ujamaa, and Kuumba, are placed to the left of it.

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During Kwanzaa, on candle, representing one principle, is lit each day. Then the other candles are relit to give off more light and vision. The number of candles burning also indicate the principle that is being celebrated. The illuminating fire of the candles is a basic element of the universe, and every celebration and festival includes fire in some form. Fire's mystique, like the sun, is irresistible and can destroy or create with its mesmerizing, frightening, mystifying power.

Mishumaa saba's symbolic colors are from the red, black, and green flag (bendara) created by Marcus Garvey. The colors also represent African gods. Red is the color of Shango, the Yoruba god of fire, thunder, and lightning, who lives in the clouds and sends down his thunderbolt whenever he is angry or offended.

It also represents the struggle for self-determination and freedom by people of color. Black is the people, the earth, the source of life, representing hope, creativity, and faith and denoting messages and the opening and closing of doors. Green represents the earth that sustains our lives and provides hope, divination, employment, and the fruits of the harvest.

Kinara: The Candleholder The kinara is the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents the original stalk from which we came: our ancestry. The kinara can be shape - straight lines, semicircles, or spirals - as long as the seven candles are separate and distinct, like a candelabra.

Kinaras are made from all kinds of materials, and many celebrants create their own from fallen branches, wood, or other natural materials. The kinara symbolizes the ancestors, who were once earth bound; understand the problems of human life; and are willing to protect their progeny from danger, evil, and mistakes. In African festivals the ancestors are remembered and honored. The mishumaa saba are placed in the kinara.

Kikombe Cha Umoja: The Unity Cup The kikombe cha umoja is a special cup that is used to perform the libation (tambiko) ritual during the Karamu feast on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. In many African societies libation are poured for the living dead whose souls stay with the earth they tilled. The Ibo of Nigeria believe that to drink the last portion of a libation is to invite the wrath of the spirits and the ancestors; consequently, the last part of the libation belongs to the ancestors. During the Karamu feast, the kikombe cha umoja is passed to family member and guests, who drink from it to promote unity. Then, the eldest person present pours the libation (tambiko), usually water, juice, or wine, in the direction of the four winds - north, south, east, and west - to honor the ancestors. The eldest asks the gods and ancestors to share in the festivities and, in return, to bless all the people who are not at the gathering. After asking for this blessing, the elder pours the libation on the ground and the group says "Amen." Large Kwanzaa gatherings may operate just as communion services in most churches, for which it is common for celebrants to have individual cups and to drink the libation together as a sign of unity. Several families may have a cup that is specifically for the ancestors, and everyone else has his or her own. The last few ounces of the libation are poured into the cup of the host or hostess, who sips it and then hands it to the oldest person in the group, who asks for the blessing.

By Alena Orrison

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulecooking/r/Wassail.htm

Butterfinger Bars One of my mom’s friends passed this recipe on to me when she was teaching us how to make truffles last year. It’s a great way to use up leftover candy corns from Halloween! I haven’t made these myself yet, but she gave me one to try. I can honestly say I’m hooked!

Directions: Melt the candy 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until melted, stirring between each time. Add peanut butter and microwave an additional 30 seconds if it is stiff.

Spread in buttered square dish. Cool completely and cut into bars. Dip in melted milk chocolate, place on parchment paper and cool.

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Winter Solstice: A Witch's Yule Story It seems that this year the Yuletide season hit the stores even faster than last year. We seem to expect that rush from commerce, to make a buck.

While we are out buying our Thanksgiving turkey, we expect to hear, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.” But this year I noticed, while I was picking up candy for the trick-or-treaters, that Bing Crosby was already playing over the stores’ intercom systems. Then, driving home that evening, I noticed one of the homes in my neighborhood already had up holiday lights, to include a fully decorated tree in the window.

I just don’t think the ancients had any idea that the day we honor the returning of the sun was going to be turned into such a money-making occasion. I am personally proud of the fact that our Pagan traditions and celebrations are in no way responsible for this one.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love the holiday of Yule and the celebration of the Winter Solstice. I decorate, put up a tree, and prepare a delicious Yule feast.

We exchange gifts and even sing Yuletide songs. And while it may seem odd to most, I am normally undecorated and have everything packed away by the 25th.

But, I didn’t always have the freedom to celebrate as I desired. I celebrated the Winter Solstice and Yule within the disguised decorations of Christmas. Perhaps all this misplaced jubilation is one of the reasons for the ‘holiday blues’ so many have during this time of year.

The confusion I dealt with surrounding the Winter holidays was my own. I knew the truth, but I learned as a child that speaking of it was not acceptable. You could talk about Christmas, Santa, gifts, and eating, but

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not the truth. Even today, our Pagan children are not allowed the freedoms of their holiday beliefs.

Yet, once I allowed myself the freedom to rejoice within the Solstice Rites and Yule, I found the inspiration to enjoy it all, even when I am sitting with family members, who have no idea what I believe, on the 25th of December.

Winter Solstice and Yule, which I learned meant, ‘Feast of the Wheel,’ was a celebration of the ancients. Solstice celebrations were not concepts practiced only by the ancient Europeans; these traditions and customs of honoring and welcoming the sun can be found throughout history, being celebrated by people on every continent. I learned that in this rite of Winter, we welcomed not only the coming of a new year, but the excitement and preparation of the rebirth of life. It was a time of readying and a time to reflect; a time to help others and honor those who had passed into the veil.

One of my favorite parts of this holiday is the tradition of the Yule Log. This Yule Log is a Witch’s Yule Log and is, perhaps, done a bit differently than others of which you have heard. A Witch’s Yule Log is used to call the spirits of your loved ones that have passed.

I can see my Great Grandmother’s house as clearly as if I was there today. It was made of wood; grayed by time and age. There were great stones which made the fireplace wall and flat ones stacked at the corners of the house that held it up from the ground. In the Winter, the back porch was filled with wood waiting for the fire.

The windows give a warming, luminous glow from the candles placed in them for the holiday. And in my eyes, as a child, that was what love and peace must surely have looked like.

In December, it was fiercely cold, even in the house. You had to wait until the fires were rekindled and had time to warm each room. I didn’t always look forward to getting out of my cozy soft bed. It was warm and I liked being in a little nest of my own. I would sink deep into the down mattress, bundled tightly in my Great Grandmother’s handmade quilts; each quilt made from tiny pieces of the past, filled with stories of people and lives long passed from this world. But, I only needed to be called once, quickly grabbing my clothes and running into the kitchen where it was warm. I would stand behind the stove where the pipe came out of the wall and there I would dress, being cautious not to touch any part of the red hot stove.

I remember how I looked over and, on the kitchen table, saw a small box wrapped in green and red cloth and tied with brown cord. I was so excited and wanted to find out what might be in the box. My Great Grandmother sat down at the table with her cup of coffee and told me that I could open it. I shook it; it felt light.

Then, as if I was performing some great act of discovery, I opened the box to find a big chuck of shiny, gray charcoal.

I looked at my Great Grandmother with a curious eye, wondering what secrets this small black stone might possible hold. Smiling back at me, she said, “This is a key, a key to a doorway of those we love, but no longer see.”

That evening at sunset, Yule Eve, my Great Grandmother asked me to help her bring in the big log we had picked for the Yule fire. She stirred the coals in the fireplace, then put the small piece of charcoal from the green and red box onto the coals.

Soon, the small piece of coal began to glimmer again with new life. Then we carefully placed the new Yule Log into the fireplace. The shadows within the room danced from the light of the fire as it grew within the hearth. I lay on the floor looking into the fire, my chin in my hands, as my Great Grandmother begin to explain about this key of Yule. As she told me the stories of family that had passed, and of those she loved, I could sense the room fill with the spirits of those of whom she spoke. I began to see them as she did and to share in the memories of those all about me.

The Yule Log is burned to open the doorway between the veils. The small piece of charcoal is the key to the thinning of the veils. It allows the years past, and today, to join, that the spirits of our loved ones who have crossed over may join us during this holiday season. As long as the Yule Log burns, the spirits of those you love may cross, but only until it burns out.

While the Yule Log burns, you may talk, see, and visit with all those you love that have passed on to other planes. It is a time to share the stories of family and those you loved. It is a time to share traditions and honor those who have given us our history. This is not a scary thing, but something we look forward to each year, in love and joy.

Before the Yule Log burns to its end, you must take a piece and save it for the next year. (Of course, you must make sure it is completely out, a cold coal. I know this is silly to say, but if I don’t, someone will get burned.) Save the bit of charcoal until the next year, preferably in a red or green cloth.

The burning of the Yule Log and sharing the past is also a part of the magick used to assure the turning of the Wheel of Life or bringing on of the seasons. We are joined with our past as we look forward to our future. Maybe this is where the saying, "May the Spirit of the Season be with you always,� truly comes from.

May your holiday be filled with the magick that really makes up the season. Have a shining Solstice, happy Yule, and blessed New Year.

By Lady Abigail High Priestess Ravensgrove Coven

Copyright: Copyright Š 012212000

Yule Prayer Song Mother Earth I offer to you this song For I am earth and to the Earth, I belong Mother Earth help me grow as you need me to Mother Earth show me what I am here to do 'Cause I am growing, I am changing on this darkest day I am growing, I am changing in my darkest place I am growing, I am changing on this darkest day I am growing, I am changing in my darkest place Blessed Be!

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During the chilly winter months, the season begins with the Long Nights Moon in mid-December, also known as the Cold Moon.

If you'd like to celebrate with a ritual specific to winter it's not hard. This rite is written for a group of four people or more, but you can easily adapt it for a solitary practitioner.

Here's How: While it may be too cold to hold this ritual outside, it's also possible to keep a group warm with a good fire, at least for a while. Don't feel bad, though, if you have to hold the rite inside. Ask each member of the group to bring an item to place on the altar -- something that represents the season.

Decorate the altar with these goodies. Some ideas would be:  A basket of pinecones, fir boughs, mistletoe or holly  Cranberries and nuts  Bright suns and stars  Cinnamon  Ribbons in seasonal colors You'll want to include quarter candles, as well as a cup of wassail or other seasonal drink. If you're including Cakes and Ale as part of your celebration, place your cakes on the altar as well.

The person in the north quarter lights their green candle, holds it to the sky, and says: We call upon the powers of Earth, and welcome you to this circle.

You hold the seeds within you, warm and deep, waiting for the return of daylight.

Keep the roots of life sacred within your womb, until it is time for growth to begin once more.

The person to the east lights the yellow candle, raises it to the sky, and says: We call upon the powers of Air, and welcome you to this circle.

The whirling winds of winter bring snow and cold to our hearths and homes.

They also bring with them change, opportunity, and renewal as they blow.

Moving to the south, light the red candle and hold it to the sky, saying: We call upon the powers of Fire, and welcome you to this circle.

May you keep us safe, and warm our homes, the spirit of the sun.

Finally, light the blue candle to the west, and hold it to the sky, saying: We call upon the powers of Water, and welcome you to this circle.

Snow and ice, sleet and rain, wash away that which we no longer need.

Have everyone in the circle join hands and say: We gather tonight to rejoice by the light of the moon.

We celebrate the season of darkness, knowing that the next turn of the Wheel will bring light.

We use this time of darkness for thought, introspection, and growth.

As the moon above, so the earth below.

Go around the circle, passing the wassail. As each person takes a sip, they should share one change they plan to make in the coming months. Now is a good time to make plans for future, with the coming change of seasons -- what goals have you set for yourself? How will you make them manifest?

Take a moment to reflect on darkness of the season, and know that without it, there can be no light. When everyone is ready, either move on to your next ceremony -- Cakes and Ale, Drawing Down the Moon, healing rites, etc. -- or end the ritual.

By Sarah Harrison

http://www.meetup.com/ashevillepagans/

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ALTAR                 

A bowl of salt Cup of water holly mistletoe Yule Log (or wreath that holds alteast 3 tall candles) Yule Cake Chalice of wine or juice Rosemary or Frankincense incense 4 corner candles 1 tall Gold God candle 1 tall Silver Goddess candle Bloodstone or Carnelian gemstones 1 tall white candle (for Maiden) 1 tall red candle (for Mother) 1 tall black candle (for Crone) Athame and/or Wand Cauldron or incense burner

Cast circle and call the corners. Light the incense then begin to invoke the Goddess & God. INVOCATION OF THE GOD: (DO NOT LIGHT THE GOLD CANDLE) "I now do call upon the eternal God in the ancient way, as Lord of the Sun. Who, in this season, will be reborn as the Oak King.

Send thy spirit forth so that I, your humble child, may feel your light within me.

As it is willed, so mote it be!"

INVOCATION OF THE GODDESS: (While lighting the SILVER candle) "I now do call upon the eternal Goddess in the ancient way, as Young Mother, great womb from whom all life flows.

Send thy spirit forth so that I, your humble child, may feel your life within me.

As it is willed, so mote it be!"

"Blessed Lady Goddess, mother of the newborn King, I thank you for the bounty of your Earthly body - my home.

Blessed be this season of Yule and the newborn God. Blessed be the Lord!"

(Place the holly on the altar in a place of honor) "Tonight Goddess and God are reunited, Tonight life and light begin anew, The Lord and Lady are again one!"

Light the tall WHITE candle while saying: "Blessed be the Maiden, innocent and fresh!"

Light the tall RED candle while saying: "Blessed be the Mother, fertile and loving!"

Light the tall BLACK candle while saying: "Blessed be the Crone, powerful and wise!"

Then light the tall GOLD GOD candle while saying: "Blessed be the Father, the Lord God and King!"

Take the bowl of salt and pour it into the cup of water. Then take your fingertips and anoint your feet (Maiden), belly (Mother) and head (Crone) for this is the Blessing of the Triple Goddess.

When finished, take the Yule cake and break a piece off to sacrifice to the Goddess. Then hold it upward while saying: "This bit of life-giving grain of your Earth I give back to you now in humble thanksgiving.

You are in and of this cake, Young Mother.

Allow me to use it to fill myself with your boundless presence."

Break off another piece of the Yule cake and eat it. Place the rest of the cake back on the altar to give back to the Earth later.

Then take the Chalice of wine or juice and hold it upward while saying: "Blessed Lady, I thank you for your gift of the newborn King.

This water of your Earth I give back to you now in humble thanksgiving.

You are in and of this ale, Young Mother.

Allow me to use it to fill myself with your boundless presence.

Blessed be the Lady!"

Take a drink from the chalice of wine or juice and then place it back on the altar.

"Farewell old year, farewell Holly King."

Then remove the holly from the altar and replace it with the mistletoe, symbol of the Oak King, while saying: "Blessed be the God, King of the waxing year!

I pray you will guide your children safely through to the season of warmth and light."

Sit for a moment, reflecting upon the Goddess and God and the meaning of the season. When finished close the ritual and open the circle.

"I am a child of deity, I am part of the creative life force which moves the universe, I am part of all that is; Though we are apart, we are ever together – For we are all one in the spirit of our Goddess and our God. Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again - Blessed be!"

(Thank the Goddess and God and the elements - remembering to give back to the Earth afterwards.)

BY Lady Caer Morganna http://thewiccalife.blogspot.com/2010/11/solitary-yule-ritual.html

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By Robert McDowell •

Long Night Moon The Cold Moon of December was sometimes also referred to as the Long Night Moon by some Native American tribes. During December, the winter nights are at their longest and darkest, giving the Cold Moon its other common name. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun. Cold Moon Name Variation The full moon name for December often used by Christian settlers is the Moon before Yule. Another name for December’s full moon is also known as Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Winter Moon, and Wolf Moon. This is the time of the Dark Lord, with the Oak being his symbol. It is the time of rebirth. The zodiac association is Sagittarius.

DECEMBER: Cold Moon: Also known as: Aerra Geola (Month Before Yule), Wintermonat (Winter Month), Heilagmanoth (Holy Month), Big Winter Moon, Moon of Popping Trees Nature Spirits: Snow faeries, storm faeries, winter tree faeries Herbs: Holly, English ivy, fir, mistletoe Colors: Blood red, white and black Flowers: Holly, poinsettia, Christmas cactus Scents: Violet, patchouli, rose geranium, frankincense, myrrh, lilac Stones: Serpentine, jacinth, peridot Trees: Pine, fir, holly Animals: Mouse, deer, horse, bear Birds: Rook, robin, snowy owl Deities: Hathor, Hecate, Neith, Athene, Minerva, Ix Chel, Osiris, Norns, Fates Power Flow: to endure, die, be reborn; Earth tides turning.

Darkness. Personal alchemy. Spiritual paths. Reach out to friends and family, the lonely and needy.

On December 28th, the Full Cold Moon arrives. Is it a challenging Moon for you, a possibly treacherous time of the year? It is for me. With my Irish background, I’ve always been a leaner when it comes to brooding. I’m a history buff, so I am also frequently looking backward to understand here and now.

Couple all of this with my current progressed 12th house Moon, and I could be a marshmallow of exposed nerve endings, a bucket of woeful tears.

I was born with several 12th house planets. My 12th house Sun wants so much to be loved and admired and approved of, and he is oh so insecure about it! It has taken me decades to learn not to curl up in a little snuffling ball until the

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internal weather warms up, but it has only been in the last few years that I have begun to make progress. That’s when I started truly listening to my beloved, a Divine Feminine powerhouse who brilliantly understands all phases and nuances of the Moon.

This Moon mistress has taught me to embrace all situations and conditions as opportunities for healthy change, as opportunities to receive and create inspiration and love.

This process can work in such small, precious and effective ways. In a recent email, I told her that I was lifted up and renewed whenever she said — at the end of an email, Skype session or phone conversation — that she loves me. She remembered this. And without fanfare, without announcements, without demands for getting credit for having heard me, she simply remembered to say or write love you.

Imagine how much warmth that adds in this chilly season! It’s like turning up the pilot light inside. I see her and feel her with ever greater intensity, and all my feelings and thoughts are compassionate and loving. It spills over, too. I smile at others more. I am more at ease. I’ve allowed my 12th house Sun a voice, and that voice led to a greater sense of security and acceptance.

That’s what this Full Moon is all about. Deep in your burrow, open your heart. Speak the words of your insecurities and fears or write them down. Sit with them. Walk with them.

Then try dancing with them. Go ahead, in your own room, when no one’s looking!

Here is a poem of mine that emerged from such a process. May it inspire you to name your own blessings in this cold month that houses such passionate, healing fires just waiting to warm the world.

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Dear Gertrude

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Ten Great Books to Read at Yule Yule - A Celebration of Light and Warmth Yule - A Celebration of Light and Warmth by Dorothy Morrison.

Celebrates the history, traditions, and symbols of Yule, offering advice on gifting, feasting, and commemorating the Yuletide season around the world.

When Santa was a Shaman When Santa was a Shaman by Tony van Renterghem.

Looks at the legends and lore behind the famous figure of Santa.

Solstice Evergreen: History, Folklore & Origins of the Christmas Tree Solstice Evergreen: History, Folklore & Origins of the Christmas Tree by Sheryl Ann Karas.

From the publisher: Few of us know the origins and spiritual significance of the annual ritual they perform. With depth and detail this revised and expanded second edition of reveals even more hidden meanings of evergreen trees throughout human history - for over 5000 years! Throughout the centuries the evergreen has been a potent cultural symbol of rebirth. Contemporary Christmas Trees are a vestige of the pagan practice during the winter solstice of bringing greenery into the home to symbolize life in the dead of winter.

The Fires of Yule The fires of Yule, By Montague Whitsel The Fires of Yule provides a template and a pattern for entering deeply into the Winter Solstice Season, experiencing it in poetic and transformative ways through a contemporary calendar called “The Thirteen Dayes of Yule.�

Celebrate the Solstice Celebrate the Solstice: Honoring the Earth's Seasonal Rhythms through Festival and Ceremony by Richard Heinberg. Practical suggestions for ecstatic seasonal renewal by celebrating the solstices.

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The Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson. This is a picture book aimed at kids, but perfect for adult readers too. Explains the attitudes of early cultures towards the longest night of the year, and delves into rituals and customs of the Romans, Celts and Native Americans (among others). Includes a Cherokee folktale which explains how the seasons were created.

The Shortest Day - Celebrating the Winter Solstice

The Shortest Day - Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer. From the publisher: Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history.

Return of the Light - Twelve Tales of the Winter Solstice Return of the Light - Twelve Tales of the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards.

From the publisher: Celebrating the solstices - particularly the moment of the sun's return at midwinter, on December 21 - is a nearly universal human urge, one that dates back thousands of years and has been identified in a wide variety of cultures. Now The Return of the Light makes an ideal companion for all who carry on this tradition, no matter what their faith. Twelve stories - from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia - honour this moment, helping to renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.

The Winter Solstice: Sacred Traditions of Christmas

The Winter Solstice: Sacred Traditions of Christmas by John and Caitlin Matthews. From the publisher: The cure for Christmas burn-out! Folklore, recipes, stories, games, songs, and other resources for celebrating the Winter Solstice as a joyous, lifeaffirming spiritual festival.

A Solstice Tree for Jenny A Solstice Tree for Jenny by Karen Shragg and Heidi Schwabacher. A little girl feels left out because her friends all have Christmas trees. She and her nonreligious parents decide to celebrate the solstice with a tree that reflects the tradition of the solstice.

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Joy in the Yule: A Meditation

By Montague Whitsel “We are ever-turning in the gyre of the year. The sabbats are the moments in time when we become most conscious of this; at them, we may stop to reflect on all our motion and movement in the dolmen of silence & solitude before dancing off again_ in ever new directions, retrying old patterns and finding new ones—transforming ourselves into whatever we wish to become.”

- Hildegard Whittier Every season has associated with it certain themes, emotions, stories and rituals that, when brewed together, make manifest its spiritual ‘gist.’ The sabbats, as spokes and touchstones of the natural seasons, are symbolic distillations of their particular stations on the Wheel of the Year. Round we go, in the spiral of the seasons, passing from sabbat to sabbat, marking and distilling runes of Earth & Spirit.

Winter Solstice is the fulcrum of the earthen year. It is the end of one solar year and the beginning of another. It is the longest night bracketed by the two shortest days. As such, it speaks eloquently of death & birth; the two primordial limit-experiences of human existence. In mythic language, Old Sun dies at dusk on the 21st of December, and then New Sun is born at dawn on the 22nd of December. This language reflects the experience we have of diminishment of light, followed by the resurgence—revival—return of light. Our movement toward Winter Solstice may be thought of as a ‘descent;’ our movement beyond the longest night may be thought of as an ‘ascent.’

“The Wheel is ever-turning.

Round and round we go, dancing through its arcs.”

As Yule approaches, those of us living in the temperate

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latitudes leave the harvest season behind and begin our ‘descent’ into the ‘darkest’ season of the year. As mystics of Earth & Spirit, we welcome this darkness; it is simply an artifact of the way the Earth is oriented in relation to the Sun. It is a naturalistic phenomenon and therefore ethically neutral—we can interpret it as we will. Thinking of it in lifeaffirming ways, darkness can be seen as symbolic of the Womb and of the nemeton often called the Cave of the Heart—which are connected respectively to birth and rebirth. We revel in darkness – Carpe Noctem! – and yet, in the darkness, we anticipate the revival of the light.

There is often a sense of joy associated with this ‘descent.’

This joy stems in part from our mythic understanding that a birth is about to transpire; the birth of New Sun and, by analogy or extension—our own potential rebirth. Birth is a joyful time; in the round of the year the birth-tide of Winter Solstice follows upon death (harvest—diminishment of light—longest night) and thus intimates our own continuation after death. Birth—Life—Death— Rebirth; on and on as the Wheel of the Year turns. As we move into the Yule, we relish the darkness while being aware that the days will soon start growing longer again. The season of death & rebirth will pass, beyond which

further adventures in Earth & Spirit await us. This anticipatory awareness inspires joy in the mortal heart.

Of all of the seasons of the earthen year, I find the Yule to be the one most suffused with joy.

Joy is the ‘gist’ of Yule; its touchstone and emotional rune.

Joy is different from happiness.

This is a distinction our superficial culture has all but forgotten.

Happiness depends upon immediate circumstances; it is fleeting—it comes and goes as our situation and the conditions in which we find ourselves change.

Joy is a deeper emotion; it is a spiritual state connected to our communion with Earth & Spirit.

You can be joyful even if you are not ‘happy’ at the moment. Joy is linked to our love of life; our affirmation of existence. You can be joyful and happy at the same time, but you can also experience and be sustained by joy when your life becomes a mess or even when there is tragedy and death around you. When you nurture joy, you tap into one of those source-springs of vivaciousness and persistence that buoys us up when more transient emotions fail us.

“Joyful_ Joyful_ Old Sun is Dying; but a New Sun shall soon be born!”

Joy is not giddiness or simple boisterous expression.

It is often a quiet, sustaining feeling of gentle uplift that flows from being deeply in-touch with the round of the seasons; therein being continually resourced in contemplative communion with Nature. Joy is not dependent upon happiness; nor is it a denial of loss, suffering, brokenness or tragedy. Yet joy may persist, even when you are saddened or frustrated, because it tends toward hope, and hope is often all that sustains us when things fall apart.

I have found that the annual descent into the darkening days of Yule can be a pathway to joy and therefore to self-regenerating hope, but only if I am devoted to its symbolic logic and follow the metaphors of death & rebirth to their climax and dénouement in the dawn of the New Sun on the morning after Winter’s Solstice.

As an earthen mystic, I find that joy flows from authentic communions with each particular season through which I am passing. Joy also flows from the devout practice of primary spiritual disciplines: meditation, silence & solitude, pathing, pilgrimage, devout study, sojourning, imaginative praxis, mythic and mystical dancing, and communion with ancestors. As these disciplines are basic part of an earthen mystical praxis, joy may emerge at any confluence of devotion, experience and the leylines of fate the whole year round.

Yet joy seems to be more on offer in the Yuletide, perhaps because the entire season revolves around the symbolism of birth and the possibility of rebirth “If we die with the Old Sun, we may be reborn with the New.” As we pass through the darkest night, we ourselves may pass from ‘death’ to ‘rebirth’ once again, in a small or perhaps more significant way.

Each year during December, I engage in traditional rituals, stories and imagery associated with Yule. I do this by way of icons, music and narrative.

I attune myself to the season through meditation, dance and imaginative storytelling. I decorate my place of dwelling, using the icons that allude to the ‘rebirth’ of light that is coming in the days ahead. I employ seasonal music as the soundtrack of the season. I read, tell and retell mythic stories that evince the theme of new birth at Winter Solstice. All of this facilitates joy. You must nurture joy, as it cannot be ‘willed’ into existence.

I have long practiced a pattern of Thirteen Dayes (13 – 25 December); a calendar that helps me to find and define my path each year. The calendar opens on 6 December, when I playfully observe “The Feast of Nicholas and his Elves.” Each of the Thirteen Dayes then has rituals, stories, symbols and activities associated with it that invite me into the mystery of the Yule and help me to center and go deep into the season, resulting – so I hope each year – in the revivification of that ‘sustaining joy’ that ‘knows no bounds’ and engenders perseverance in the midst of life.

Joy usually emerges gradually through the course of the Yule.

Some years it manifests earlier than it does in others, yet I can think of no year in which devout

pathing through the Thirteen Dayes did not lead to at least some small resourcement in joy.

I have the sense that one underlying purpose for all of the symbolic, ritual and narrative work that people do during December is to get to a point – a ‘precipice’ or ‘trailhead’ – where the joy associated with birth & rebirth can begin to become manifest in us.

As kids, we often got to this ‘point’ spontaneously—just the mention of “Yule” or “Christmas” was enough to set our hearts afire with joy! Now, as adults, it may come less spontaneously, but come it will—if we prepare our hearts for it through meditation, dance, ritual, seasonal myths, and so on.

Whether we are aware of it or not; whether we even celebrate it or not_ the Winter Solstice still comes (the Grinch can’t stop it!)—and that subtle, buoyant feeling that is joy may not easily be suppressed once it manifests in our hearts (i.e., our deep center). For those who center themselves in the mythic and symbolic meaning of the Winter Solstice Season, all of the frenetic and frantic activity that usually holds them prisoner in its sway may well fall away. _And then, on the first morning after Winter Solstice, we can all rise and exclaim: “Joyful, Joyful, we dance and adore you_ bright New Sun!”

ENDNOTES Hildegard is a character living in my fictional world of Ross County, PA. She lives on Deer Hill with the rest of her extended family, and is a practicing witch.

This calendar is laid out and explained in my book, The Fires of Yule (2nd edition, AuthorHouse, 2013). The book is ‘attributed’ to Cornelius Whitsel (no relation of mine that I know [lol]); a Pagan and practitioner of the “Keltelven Traditions.” He is also a fictional character from Ross County, PA.

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From the Love of a Grandma

By Alena Orrison My mom can be the most creative and giving person I know. When she wants to. And I guess last year she wanted to because she made our family the COOLEST and BEST advent calendar ever!

Since we are a religiously mixed family, we celebrate both Yule and Christmas. My super cool mom knows this so the advent calendar was pretty generic, and amazing. And did I mention it was cool?

Grandma made tiny felt stockings and strung them on some yarn for a garland. She used glitter glue to number each stocking. Inside, she placed a piece of paper for that day’s activity. Grandma also made a little booklet with all the activities and instructions, and what I needed to get. Then, to top it all off, she purchased most of what we would need for each activity and placed the items in ziplock bags with their numbers on them. The whole thing went into a decorated box. It was difficult to keep the kids from peeking into the box or stockings! We had a ton of fun together and it kept them busy during the dark hours after school but before bed. This year, we will be using it again. And we will use it next year and the year after that. Are you amazed yet? Grandma’s are the best!

To make your own Stocking Advent, you can purchase tiny stockings from the Dollar Store, or use the weekend after Thanksgiving to make them with your children. You just need some red, green and white felt, some glitter glue or permanent markers (for numbering the stockings), and craft glue. Ribbon or rickrack to decorate cuff of stocking is optional.

So here is the whole thing for you to use and enjoy with your family!

Notes In the Stockings: 1.

Write letters to Santa and mail to North Pole. Grown-ups too!

2.

Learn a new Christmas song 3.

Make a new Christmas ornament. This may take a few days.

4.

Drink hot spiced cider while talking about favorite family times 5.

Write a note saying something good about every other family member and give it to them. (We put them in each other’s stockings and read them on Christmas morning) 6.

Make paper snowflakes to hang in windows or on the tree.

7.

Play a board game together.

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Decorate the Christmas Tree. If already done, go for a walk together.

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Make a popcorn treat (snowman) 10. Read a favorite holiday story out loud together 11. Bake a batch of cookies; take some to a friend or neighbor.

12. Make reindeer food to put out Christmas Eve. 13. Eat oranges and read “Christmas Oranges” together.

14. Check out library books to read over the holidays.

15. Make a treat for the birds and hang out.

16. Give your pets an extra holiday treat.

17. Watch a favorite holiday movie and munch popcorn.

18. Take a ride or walk to look at lights.

19. Drink hot cocoa with marshmallows. Dunk buttered toast in it.

20. Turn off all the lights except for Christmas ones, sit quietly and listen to 30 minutes of Christmas music.

Enjoy the peace.

21. Make a Christmas tree centerpiece or light up the night.

22. Bake and enjoy apple pretzels together.

23. Take a break and relax!

24. Set a treat out for Santa and the reindeer food you made.

25. Track Santa on Norad.

26. Give each other hugs and wish each other a Merry Christmas.

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What’s in the Box: 1. Paper, envelopes, and Santa’s address 2. A CD of Christmas songs to choose from 3. Puzzle pieces, craft glue, paint, brushes, glitter, ribbons, instructions 4. Spiced cider packets 5. Sheets to write notes on 6. Templates to copy, instructions, example, and ribbon for hanging 7. A board game 8. Decorate tree/ go for a walk (new gloves & Hat) 9. Instructions, unpopped popcorn, corn syrup, marshmallow cream, M&M’s 10 10.

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A book to choose a story from M&M cookies in a jar with recipe 3 sets of ingredient packets, poem, and recipe.

“Cutie” oranges and “Christmas Oranges” story.

Library Card 1 apple, 2 oranges, small star cookie cutter, fine twine, bird seed, instructions Bones for the dogs, treats for the cats, and recipes 2 packs microwave popcorn and a movie Walk to look at Christmas lights Hot cocoa mix, marshmallows Christmas music CD Sugar cones, white icing, small candies, toothpicks, foil, votive candles, 20 gage wire Aunt Annie’s Apple Cinnamon Pretzel kit Blanket for napping “The Night Before Christmas” book.

Merry Christmas!

What You Will Need to Add: Pens or pencils, stamps Voices Paper to protect table surface, time Cups, spoons, hot water, memories Pens or pencils Scissors Table and chairs A Christmas tree and ornaments, or warm clothing.

Sugar, butter, vanilla. If making balls, nothing else. If making snowmen, see picture. Pan for popping corn, large baking pan or roasting pan, oven. Large saucepan, spoon, hot pads, plastic wrap. **All the photos in this article were 10. A cozy place to sit together taken by the the author.** 10. Mixing bowl, spoon, baking sheets, butter, egg, vanilla 11. Sandwich style bags or plastic containers with lids 12. A cozy place and some napkins 13. A car, a library card, and some time 14. Peanut butter, a spoon, an awl or other way to make a hole, a table knife.

15. Fresh vegetable or fruit treat for other critters (we have a lizard and a guinea pig) 16. A DVD player with TV, comfy places to sit, a popcorn bowl 17. Warm clothes and a flashlight or a warm car and some gas 18. Cups, spoons, hot water, bread, butter and a toaster 19. 30 minutes and some good Christmas music, comfy places to relax 20. Food coloring (green), table knife, any other desired edible decorations. Canning jars, hangers, a garland if you want it, wire cutters, long matches.

21. Non-stick cooking spray and 4 Tbsp butter 22.

23. Reindeer food made previously, a treat for Santa, a computer to track his flight.

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If you have any questions regarding this, or any of the Pagan Parenting projects you see in Elemental Magick Magazine Please contact me, Alena Orrison via e-mail at: crystalariadne@gmail.com

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Yew

~ By Laurie Brown

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Yew are an ideal winter holiday decoration from a magickal and symbolic point of view, but keep in mind their poisonous attributes and make sure they are completely out of reach of children or pets. Accidental ingestion would not make for a happy holiday.

Good Yule to All!

A Yule Story For Children BY MysticMoonWizard Have you ever wondered why there's so much singing at Christmas? This is the story of the very first song. It's a true story just as all stories are, if you believe in them This story begins a long long time ago when Earth and Sun made the first beings. -- the very first plants and animals and people.

It was springtime and the Sun shone warm and bright from His high perch above, and Earth, proud mother that She was, held and fed Her newborns and relished them with tenderness and love.

It was a time of joy, it was a time of great delight.

The Moon waxed and waned time and again in the night sky, and the children of the Earth grew well and strong through Summertime. They played and danced and Earth and Sun watched over them.

Then Autumn came, and the Earth began to sleep much longer every day. She grew tired and pale.

She could no longer feed Her children and had no strength to make new life. High above the Sun grew more distant and took longer to return each morning. The nights grew longer and cold winds blew where none had blown before.

And then, one day, Earth went to sleep and never did wake up. She wrapped Herself in a blanket of snow and rested Her tired head on pillows of dried leaves and She did not wake up. Her children could do nothing to rouse Her from her slumber. They prodded Her, they called Her, but She would not awaken.

In the sky, the Sun was nowhere to be seen and the children of the Earth felt fear and also felt despair. This was the longest night that they had ever known.

"What shall become of us" they pondered. "Earth Mother sleeps, and Father Sun is oh so far away that we can barely see Him in the sky. He is much too far to hear our call. What shall we do?"

So they brought their questions and their fears to the Moon, the sister of the Sun, for they knew not where else to turn. She closed Her eyes and took a slow deep breath and looked within Herself and awoke thoughts that had never been awakened until then.

She opened Her soft eyes and said "When hope is lost, the best way to get it back is with a song.

Climb you the tallest trees, the biggest hills and the mountains and yule a song to reach the Sun.

Now 'yule' is a word from one of the worlds oldest tongues. It is related to words like 'yell' or 'yodel' and it means 'to call out in song'.

But the first beings had never heard a song so once again they sought the Moon's advice. "How shall we yule?" they asked. "How shall we sing a song?"

"Take the best of what you have," she said, "the best of what you are. Take what you love; take what you cherish most. Take your joys, your dreams, your fondest hopes and weave them all together in a sound."

And so they did. They climbed atop the tallest trees, the mountains and the hills. They stood in all the places that would bring them closest to the Sun. They shut their eyes and thought and felt the best of thoughts and feelings and dreamt the finest dreams. And as they did their voices rang out and made a bridge of song across the sky to reach the distant Sun. He heard, and turned, and smiled, and wrapped Himself in all His light and warmth and sped to where the yuling voices called. As He drew near the sleeping Earth did stir and dreamed a dream of Spring. And so the wheel of life made its first turn, and hope and joy prevailed. And ever since, that time of year has been called Yule in honour of the song.

But the first song did not end. It had such power, such allure that the first beings kept singing it throughout, and then the second beings born of the Earth took up the song, as did the third and so it ever since has gone, through years and years until this very day.

At times the song is very soft and scarcely can be heard above the din and clatter of our lives, but when Yule comes it rises and swells in memory of that night when the Sun heard, and light and life returned.

And so do we upon (this) that longest night gather with those we love and who love us and stand upon the body of slumbering Earth and light the log with last years and lift our voices soaring to the Sun and join the song that first was sung so very long ago.

We sing our thanks to those who went before and sing our fondest wish to those who come after.

We bask in the returning light of re-awakened hope and welcome YULE.

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Jumping Chasms: Accepting the Divine II

By Eleazar Rex

And life continues in amazing fashion! I’m sitting here again contemplating where I am going in life. I know where I want to go and oddly enough that seems to be the same directions the Goddess is leading me. I’ve long known that I needed to shift the world’s perception of myself, I’m a rough and tumble, hard knocks person and it shows. Not that I’m ugly or not, but I am harsh and often unyielding.

In the last several months, I have been challenged with nurturing the gentler side of myself, the side that feels compassion and mercy. To embrace the softer quiet side that knows love without judgment to temper the severe and merciless side of self. I am not cruel, I never have been, yet I do not hesitate to burn bridges and such. I will never be a soft and cuddly individual. I do not believe that life is all love and happiness yet the challenges to temper hurt and anger with understanding and reason are there and they are demanding.

I have found myself leaping these gulfs, jumping the chasms that are being strewn in my path, not just to avoid falling in, but because I truly want to see what lies across the void. I asked for this in truth. To be presented with the challenges that would help me overcome my barriers and blocks. The God and Goddess have risen to the task and left me at times swearing at myself and swearing at them in the most eloquent ways imaginable. The Gods answered so fully, that within a few months I had to ask for a break. A series of events left me breathless, reeling, full of fury and joy but barely able to keep my footing.

Despite it all I consider the cost worth every tear, every drop of blood and every ache and pain. It is not the soft and easy road that causes growth or wisdom to take root, it is the hard things, the scary things, and the yawning chasm in the darkness that en-liven us, strengthen us and empower us. I’ve been reclaiming you see, things that I have locked away and buried. Little skills and talents that used to terrify me with their strength and so I locked them away and hid them from self.

Along the way I have found something else. An indomitable will to love, not blindly, but clearly and with hope.

I do not hold to “harm none” but to the reality of “harm as little as you can, and with clear understanding” because there is nothing we do, nothing we can charge or spell or cast that does not take from something else – yet working with love and understanding of the choice, the cost and intent are what keeps our souls clean and clear.

When this started earlier this year, I was prepared to withdraw from society again. I do well in isolation, shielded and immune to drama and interaction, yet I was tired of living in such fashion. So in my wisdom I threw down the gauntlet and smacked the Gods a few times and asked “which way do you want me to go”! I don’t regret it. Not one bit. They delightedly pummeled me in return and presented yawning gulf after yawning gulf to leap across. Eyes closed arms flailing and hoping I didn’t land too hard. The challenge is not in confronting those things that challenge us; the challenge is in leaping head first into the void to embrace the transformation. The act of Jumping the Chasm that lies before us, trusting that the God and Goddess have something for us to learn, something we need to confront and embrace within ourselves is the challenge and as magickal and spiritual people, something that we should all seek from time to time.

For me, the ‘rewards’ have been nothing short of amazing. I am still coming to embrace them and to facilitate them. I have reconnected with many of the things I locked away. I look at the subtle shifts that have taken place in myself. The healing scars that I have carried, my interactions with the world, the global community and gods be damned, where oh where did I leave that empathy at? There it is! I walk into places now and people light up and smile when I do so.

There were always places that happened, but now it is all the time, everywhere. There is more to do, more challenges to face both in the temporal world and the spiritual one. I intend to keep leaping, perhaps a tad slower in the present, but leap I will.

The Gods are alive and Magick is Afoot . . . .

Eleazar Rex

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SPOKANE PAGAN VILLAGE COMMONS http://www.spokanepagans.com/index.html

December 7, 2013 - Squirrelly Productions - Coffee Social and Group Discussion Each month, a topic is discussed. This month: TBD Location & Time: Reboot Cafe, 501 South Thor, Spokane 11;00 a.m.

December 7, 2013 - Inland Empire Pagan Guild - Community Turkey Feast All you can eat for $3.

Location and Time: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 West Fort George Wright Drive. 12:00 p.m. Map

December 7, 2103 - Spokane Stitch and Witch - December Meeting We will be meeting directly after the Guild community meeting and Turkey feed. So grab your knit/spin/crochet/embroidery/small crafty project and come join us.

Location & Time: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 West Fort George Wright Drive. 2:00 p.m.

December 9, 2013 - Kindred Spirits of the Northwest - December Meeting This will be a planning meeting.

Location & Time: Village Kitchen Restaurant 911 Alberni Hwy, Priest River, ID

December 11, 2013 - Spokane Pagan Meetup Monthly Meetup Location and Time: Riverpark Square, Kress Gallery 808 West Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 6:00 p.m.

December 12, 2013 - Metaphysical Research Society - December Christmas and Winter Solstice Party.$5 fee, first meeting is free. $25/year Location and Time: Center for Spiritual Living, 33rd & Regal, Spokane, WA (map)

December 14, 2013 - Spokane Witches Meetup - Monthly Meeting Location and Time: Riverpark Square, Kress Gallery 808 West Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 12:00 p.m.

Decenber 14, 2013 - Inland Empire Pagan Guild - Yule CelebrationDetails to follow.

Location and Time: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 West Fort George Wright Drive. 3:00 p.m.

December 16, 2013 - Inland Empire Pagan Guild - Oak Full Moon Celebration- Details to follow.

Location and Time: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 West Fort George Wright Drive. 6:30 p.m.

December 28, 2013 - Squirrelly Productions - Dream Dabbling with Shade Grown Coffee Come in and have a latte and discuss and interpret dreams!

Location & Time: Reboot Cafe, 501 South Thor, Spokane 11:00 a.m.

Metaphysical Research Society 2nd Thursday of month, 7:30 pm Center for Spiritual Living, 33rd & Regal, Spokane, WA PO Box 4061, Spokane WA 99220 PUBLIC INVITED. 509-838-8155 Membership $25 per year, first visit FREE Or $5.00 each meeting

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Mummering Mummering is a Christmas time house-visiting tradition and is still practiced in Newfoundland and Labrador. On June 25, 1861 an "Act to make further provisions for the prevention of Nuisances" was introduced in response to the death of Issac Mercer in Bay Roberts, NL. Mercer had been murdered by a group of masked mummers on December 28, 1860. The Bill made it illegal to wear a disguise in public without permission of the local magistrate. Mummering in rural communities continued despite the passage of the Bill, although the practice did die out in larger towns and cities.

Also known as mumming or janneying, it typically involves a group of friends or family who dress in disguise and visit homes within their community or neighbouring communities during the twelve days of Christmas. If the mummers are welcomed into a house, they often do a variety of informal performances that may include dance, music, jokes, or recitations. The hosts must guess the mummers’ identities before offering them food or drink. They may poke and prod the mummers or ask them questions. To make this a challenge for the hosts, the mummers may stuff their costumes, cross-dress, or speak while inhaling (ingressive speech).[1] Once the mummers have been identified, they remove their disguises, spend some social time with the hosts, and then travel as a group to the next home.

An old Christmas custom from England and Ireland, mummering in a version of its modern form can be traced back in Newfoundland into the 19th century. Although it is unclear precisely when this tradition was brought to Newfoundland by the English and Irish, the earliest record dates back to 1819.[2] The tradition varied, and continues to vary, from community to community. Some formal aspects of the tradition, such as the mummers play have largely died out, with the informal house-visiting remaining the predominant form.

In the 1980s, mummering experienced a revival, thanks to the locally popular musical duo Simani, who wrote and recorded "The Mummer's Song" in 1982. One researcher has noted that, "in common with many other folk revivals, the resurgence of Christmas mumming in Newfoundland is largely based on a selective and idealised conceptualisation of the custom. As part of this revival, one particular form of mumming - the informal house-visit described above - has come to represent the custom in Newfoundland as a whole, while other forms that were equally prominent in the island’s cultural history have received comparatively little attention."

In 2009, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador's Intangible Cultural Heritage office established what would become an annual Mummers Festival, culminating in a Mummers Parade in St. John's. The success of the festival has influenced, in part, another revitalization and increase of interest in the tradition in the province.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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TURKEY TACO CHIP SOUP

By Lazy Witch

HEARTY WINTER SOUP Here's a quickly recipe for a good, hearty winter soup. Hubby loves it and he's very picky about his food! You can pretty much start with your favorite meat and vegetable or just vegetable soup or follow my recipe below: (The amounts of what you use is strictly up to you. If you are making just a small, single amount for one meal, add less. For a football party or New Year's Eve, add more!)

Left-over Turkey (carcass, leg and thigh bones and gristle, etc. The more meat the better for me but it's your choice. Cook down in water to make a broth. Pick out bones.) Then add all the little bits and pieces all "gooey" with fat and jellied broth. Don't waste any of this!!! (You can also use other types of meat (beef, pork, chicken), just use the appropriate broth).

Chicken Broth (optional if there isn't much turkey broth. You can also use left over turkey gravy or packaged turkey gravy mix) 2-3 Ramen Chicken Broth packets (optional if you don't have canned or packaged broth) Frozen mixed vegetable (I hate cleaning veggies and frozen bagged ones work a treat!)

A cup or two of water (judge this amount of water by how much "other" items you add) Spicy V8 or Tomato Juice Canned Tomatoes (the spicy Mexican blend is perfect) Red pepper flakes (those used to sprinkle on pizza are just fine) Chopped Onion Crushed or powdered Garlic Any other items you like in your vegetable soups Thaw any frozen items and mix ALL the above ingredients into a large soup pot, crock pot or other cooker.

Cook slowly for a couple hours, if possible.

While this is cooking prepare the following: Grated cheddar cheese (I really like sharp cheddar in this) Finely chipped onion Taco Chips or Old Taco Shells heated to really crispy in either the oven or microwave.

Salsa or Hot Sauce (Optional whichever you prefer on your Tacos) Sliced Jalapeno Peppers (I prefer the pickled kind in the cans or jars but you could use fresh, if you are really brave!)

When you are ready to serve up, crumble a few taco chips into your soup bowl/cup and put in a little shredded cheese.

Add soup to cup, a little onion (if you like), a few more chips and cheese and you've got it!! Top with a sliced piece of Jalapeno Pepper.

This soup freezes beautifully and is just as good or better the second time around. You can add to it to extend it for more mouths, too.

Enjoy and Stay warm! This soup will help!!!

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“Grandfather can you tell us a story?” the children asked in unison as they ran up to the old man reclining peacefully by the fire. The old man sat up straighter in the chair, took a puff from his pipe and asked with a grin, “What story should I tell? What story do you want to know? You there,” he said pointing to one of the children, the smallest, “you haven’t had a turn to ask for a story in quite a while. So you pick, tell me what you want to hear.” In a small voice, the child said “Grandfather can you tell me of the story of the first Yule? I always liked that one the best.” With a clearing of his throat and another puff on his pipe, the Grandfather started to spin the tale of the first Yule. “We all know that Yule is at the end of December. When the night and the day are equal to each other. But the story really starts much earlier. In fact over a month earlier. For you remember that in August the Harvest Lord laid down his sword of power and went away to Summerland to rest. Well the Goddess missed her husband so much that she began to grow old just with the grief alone and that is why we have Winter. The time when the Earth grows barren and cold. “Well the Goddess because of her sadness after a time, left us also and went on a journey to Summerland to try and find him. Now she doesn’t die now, she only goes on a vision quest. But she is gone so long that at Samhain her body passes on and when she is found frozen in the forest two weeks later a wake is held for her in the Holly King’s drinking hall. “It took over a week for all the faeries and other mourners to come.For they came from all corners of Creation.

But there was one unexpected guest, an old woman. She was so old that she almost looked like a walking skeleton. So of course everyone there was mean to her out of fright and disgust. “Yet when she greeted the Holly King, calling him her Son, everyone realized with much fright that this was the Goddess returned to them. The very Goddess whose death, they were there to mourn. “So angry was she, that she was treated so poorly, the Goddess passed a prophecy to the Holly King. That she had within her the Oak King, soon to be reborn. And for rebuking her the Holly King would pass to Summerland upon the birth of that child. “Now this scared the Holly King that he decided to lock the old Crone away in the top room of the tallest tower in all the world. Then he walled up the doors and all but one of the windows so that she is trapped within the room at the top of this tower. The window he left open so that he could have the birds fly food to her. . “Now he did this hoping that he could escape the doom that was foretold to him. But the Crone knew that the birth of her child was her only hope of escape.

The Crone then wove magick and took the light and warmth from the Sun, and passed it to her son. So that in just four weeks, she gave birth to the Oak King. Who ever after was also given the name of the Sun King. For he was born fully grown and glowing with a golden light so bright that it caused the dying of the Sun to be reversed. “Those four weeks of magick are why we light the candles for the four weeks before Yule. One candle for the first week and two for the second and so on until we have four candles lit on the night of Yule. This represents the growing light inside her as outside the Sun grew weaker. “But the birth was hard on the old Crone, so hard that she slipped into a sleep very near to Death. So the Sun King in his anger thinking that his mother was dead, flew out the lone window as a large golden eagle. All across the Earth he hunted the Holly King, Lord of the Wintertime. Finally cornering him at the shores of a great ocean.

“And when he found him he threw his magickal spear at him and destroyed him. The spear hit the Holly King so hard that his body just vanished. But don’t worry, for the Holly King simply reappeared in Summerland. When he got there he found the Crone in one of her other aspects, the Young Maiden. “She spoke to him of prophecy and the Wheel of the Year. She spoke of the new cycle that had been made in the last year. That the events of the last year would repeat themselves forever and ever. “And although the Holly King had passed away now, he now knew that he would return just past the height of Summer to take the Sun King’s place again. This is why the Holly King, as Santa Claus, brings us gifts every year to make up for the Winter that he brings with him. But he only brings presents to good little boys and girls because he wants us to learn to not be mean like he was to the Crone on that first night that he met her so long ago. “Now back to the Sun King, when he returned to the Crone he saw that she wasn’t really dead but only asleep. So he went out and found a large log, the first Yule Log, cut from the largest Oak he could find. In hopes that this would revive the Goddess.

And for their lifegiving properties he decorated her room with evergreens. Even bringing in a tree and decorating it with his light. “But all this magick did was to make her youthful again, so that now she was a beautiful youthful Maiden. Yet she still slept a deep sleep almost near death. “So you see my grandchildren there are good reasons why we do the things that we do at Yule.

They served a purpose long ago and it is good to recognize and honor that. “ “But Grandfather,” spoke up the eldest, “What happened next? I know the Goddess didn’t stay asleep forever.

Please tell us more.” Shaking his head, the old man said, “Lunch is overdue and I’m hungry so let us go to eat and then I will tell you all another tale. I will tell you of what happened next to the Goddess and to the Sun King. I will tell you the story of the first Imbolc.” – See more at: http://www.thepaganhousehold.com/pagan_family/family_crafting/childrensstory-for-yule/#sthash.pOcFAlzS.dpuf

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Faces of the Golden Queen Frau Holle is an ancient figure. The name Hludana is found in five Latin inscriptions: three from the lower Rhine, one from Münstereifel and one from Beetgum, Frisia all dating from 197 AD- 235 AD. Many attempts have been made to interpret this name.

The most steadfast connections are with Frau Holle and Hulda on one hand, and the Old Norse Hloðyn, a byname for the Earth, Thor’s mother, on the other. She is also frequently equated with Nerthus, who also rides in a wagon, and Odin's wife, Frigg, from her alternate names Frau Guaden [Wodan], Frau Goden, and Frau Frekke as well as her position as mistress of the Wild Hunt. The similarity of meaning and etymology between German "Holl(d)a" and Old English "Hella," as well as both being described as leading the dead, could point to a link between them.

Frau Holda is matron of all of women's domestic chores, but none so much as spinning, an activity with strong magical connotations and links to the other world. Spinning traditionally was a woman's task, and one of the few from which they could earn money. Holda first taught the craft of making linen from flax. She governs the cultivation as well as the spinning of flax, and in many respects is similar to the Norse goddess Frigg who governed the spinning of wool and was also close to women.

Holda seems to personify the weather that transforms the land, for when it snows, it is said that Holda is shaking out her feather pillows; fog is smoke from her fire, and thunder is heard when she reels her flax. Holda traditionally appears in either of two forms: that of a snaggle-toothed, crooked-nosed old woman, or a shining youthful maiden clothed in white. As the maiden in white, her garments resemble the gleaming white of a fresh mantle of snow. She is often crowned with candles or carrying a lantern.

While Holda is generally described as unmarried, and has no children of her own, she is the protectress of children, the kind spirit who would rock a child's cradle when its nurse fell asleep. She is said to own a sacred pool, through which the souls of newborn children enter the world.

In many old descriptions, Bertha had one large foot, sometimes called a goose foot or swan foot. Grimm thought the strange foot symbolizes she may be a higher being who could shapeshift to animal form. He noticed Bertha with a strange foot exist in many languages (German "Berhte mit dem fuoze", French "Berthe au grand pied", Latin "Berhta cum magno pede"): "It is apparently a swan-maiden's foot, which as a mark of her higher nature she cannot lay aside...and at the same time the spinning-woman's splayfoot that worked the treadle".

Bertha is reportedly angered if on her feast day, the traditional meal of fish and gruel is forgotten, and will slit people's bellies open and stuff them with straw if they eat something else that night.

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In The Real Personages of Mother Goose, Katherine Elwes Thomas submits that the image and name "Mother Goose", or "Mère l'Oye", may be based upon ancient legends of the wife of King Robert II of France, Berthe la fileuse ("Bertha the Spinner") or Berthe pied d'oie ("Goose-Foot Bertha" ), called in the Midi the Reine Pedauque who, according to Thomas, is often referred in French legends as spinning incredible tales that enraptured children.

In popular legends and fairy-tales distributed extensively throughout Hesse and Thuringia Frau Holle (also Holde, Hulda, Hulle, and Holl) is manifested as a superior being with a helpful disposition who is never cross unless she discovers disorder in household affairs. The legend of Frau Holle is found as far as the Voigtland, past the Rhön mountains in northern Franconia, in the Wetterau up to the Westerwald and from Thuringia to the frontier of Lower Saxony. She is also called Frau Bercht, Frau Percht, and Striga Holda, among other names.

According to Jacob Grimm (1835), Perchta was spoken of in Old High German in the 10th century as Frau Berchta and thought to be a white-robed female spirit. She was known as a goddess who oversaw spinning and weaving, like myths of Holda in Continental German regions. He believes she was the feminine equivalent of Berchtold, and she was sometimes the leader of the Wild Hunt.

In German legend, Holda held her court within the Hörselberg, and from this mountain would issue the Wild Hunt, with her at its head. The faithful Eckhart was said to sit at the base of the mountain warning travellers to return whence they came; he also rode ahead of the Wild Hunt warning people to seek shelter from the coming storm. While Holda in northern Germany is described as leading a procession of the dead, her close counterpart in southern Germany, Perchta, is described as being surrounded by the souls of unborn children, or children who died before they were baptised. This points to Holda's dual role as protectress of souls both entering and leaving this world.

In the folklore of Bavaria and Austria, Perchta was said to roam the countryside at midwinter, and to enter homes between the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (especially on the Twelfth Night). She would know whether the children and young servants of the household had behaved well and worked hard all year. If they had, they might find a small silver coin next day, in a shoe or pail. If they had not, she would slit their bellies open, remove stomach and guts, and stuff the hole with straw and pebbles. She was particularly concerned to see that girls had spun the whole of their allotted portion of flax or wool during the year.

The word Perchten is plural for Perchta, and this has become the name of her entourage, as well as the name of animal masks worn in parades and festivals in the mountainous regions of Austria. In the 16th century, the Perchten took two forms: Some are beautiful and bright, known as the Schönperchten ("beautiful Perchten"). These bring luck and wealth to the people. The other form is the Schiachperchten ("ugly Perchten") who have fangs, tusks and horse tails which are used to drive out demons and ghosts. Men dressed as the ugly Perchten during the 16th century and went from house to house driving out bad spirits.

Witch with Distaff by Holbein Holda's connection to the spirit world through the magic of spinning and weaving has associated her with witchcraft in Catholic German folklore. She was considered to ride with witches on distaffs (the wooden tool on which spinners tie their raw fiber before spinning it out) which closely resemble the brooms that witches are thought to ride.

Likewise, Holda was often identified with Diana in old church documents. As early as the beginning of the eleventh century she appears to have been known as the leader of women and female nocturnal spirits, which "in common parlance are called Hulden from Holda". These women would leave their houses in spirit, going "out through closed doors in the silence of the night, leaving their sleeping husbands behind". They would travel vast distances through the sky, to great feasts, or to battles amongst the clouds.

As a holdover from the old heathen religion, she appears to have been demonized by the new faith. Christian religious texts denounce her worship. It is said of Frau Holle that she flies through the air with witches in her train. The ninth century Canon Episcopi censors women who claim to have ridden with a “crowd of demons.” Burchard's later recension of the same text expands on this in a section titled De arte magica: As a holdover from the old heathen religion, she appears to have been demonized by the new faith. Christian religious texts denounce her worship. It is said of Frau Holle that she flies through the air with witches in her train. The ninth century Canon Episcopi censors women who claim to have ridden with a “crowd of demons.” Burchard's later recension of the same text expands on this in a section titled De arte magica: Later canonical and church documents make her synonymous with Diana, Herodias, Bertha, Richella and Abundia. Historian Carlo Ginzburg has identified remarkably similar beliefs existing

throughout Europe for over a thousand years, whereby men and women were thought to leave their bodies in spirit and follow a goddess variously called Holda, Diana, Herodias, Signora Oriente, Richella, Arada and Perchta. He also identifies strong morphological similarities with the earlier goddesses Hecate/Artemis, Artio, the Matres of Engyon, the Matronae and Epona, as well as figures from fairy-tales, such as Cinderella.

A Thesaurus pauperum of 1468 from Tegernsee states: “Diana who is commonly known as Fraw Percht is in the habit of wandering through the night with a host of women.” A 16th century fable recorded by Erasmus Alberus speaks of “an army of women” with sickles in hand sent by Frau Hulda. Thomas Reinesius in the 17th century speaks of Werra of the Voigtland and her “crowd of maenads.” And in 1630, a man was convicted at a witch trial in Hesse for having ridden in the Wild Hunt of Frau Holle. She is clearly identified as a goddess of the old religion. In 1494, Stephanus Lanzkrana in Die Hymelstrass, admonishes those who believe in “frawn percht, frawn hold, herodyasis or dyana, the heathen goddess.” Martin of Amberg says that meat and drink are left standing for her, indicating a sacrifice.

Holda figures in some pre-Christian Alpine traditions that have survived to modern times. During the Christmas period in the alpine regions of Germany, Austria and northern Switzerland, wild masked processions are still held in a number of towns, impersonating Holda, Perchta or related beings, and the wild hunt. Vivid visual descriptions of her may allude to a popular costumed portrayal, perhaps as part of a seasonal festival or holiday drama. In 1522, in The Exposition of the Epistles at Basel, Martin Luther writes: Here cometh up Dame Hulde with the snout, to wit, nature, and goeth about to gainstay her God and give him the lie, hangeth her old ragfair about her, the straw-harness; then falls to work and scrapes it featly on her fiddle.

A Huldra According to Oberlin, Luther compares Nature rebelling against God to the heathenish Hulda “with the frightful nose.”

Martin of Amberg calls her Percht mit der eisen nasen, “with the iron nose.” Vintler calls her Frau Percht with the long nose and a MHG manuscript refers to her as Berchten mit der langen nas. She is known as Trempe, the trampling one, and Stempe, the stamping one. She and her train are expected to make a racket.

In Scandinavian folklore, the Huldra (in Norwegian culture, derived from a root meaning "covered" or "secret"), or the skogsrå or skogsfru/skovfrue (meaning "Lady (read, counterpart of a Lord) of the forest") or Tallemaja (pine tree Mary) in Swedish culture, is a seductive forest creature. The huldra is a stunningly beautiful, sometimes naked woman with long hair; though from behind she is hollow like an old tree trunk, and has an animal's tail. In Norway, she has a cow's tail, and in Sweden she may have that of a cow or a fox. Further in the north of Sweden, the tail can be entirely omitted in favor of her hollow or bark-covered back.

See more at: http://afwcraft.blogspot.com/2012/03/faces-of-goldenqueen.html

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December 2013 Quick Reference Full Moon: December 17th

New Moon: December 2nd

Sabbat or Esbat: Winter Solstice (Yule) on December 21st Meanings: light out of darkness, rebirth, transformation Symbols/Decorations: evergreens, holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lights, candles, Yule log, Yule tree, spinning wheels, wreaths, bells, mother & child images Plants/Herbs: blessed thistle, evergreen, moss, oak, sage, bay, bayberry, cedar, pine, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, cinnamon, rosemary, yarrow, cloves, Christmas cactus Incense and Oils: bayberry, cedar, ginger, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, nutmeg, wintergreen, saffron Colors: gold, green, silver, red, white, black Stones: cat’s eye, ruby, diamond, garnet, bloodstone, serpentine, jacinth, peridot Food/Beverages: nuts, apples, pears, pork, oranges, roasted turkey, hibiscus tea, dried fruit, mulled wine, cookies, eggnog, fruitcake Animals/Mythical Beasts: goat, reindeer, squirrels, elves, phoenix, wren, robin, snowy owl, mouse, horse, bear Activities: gift-exchange, strengthen family & friendships, burn Yule log, kindle the need fire.

Spell/Ritual Work: personal renewal, peace & harmony, Festival of Light, meditation, celebrate birth of Sun Child Deities: Isis, Frey, Athene, Minerva, the Fates Horus, Holly King, Demeter, Diana, Apollo, Ra, Cerridwen, Dionysus, Frigga, Odin, Saturn, Mithras, La Befana