December issue 5

Elemental Magick

December 2012 Issue # 5

A good Read Stories & books to celebrate Yule!

BLESSING YOUR HOLIDAY TREE

CHRISTMAS VS YULE YES, YOU CAN CELEBRATE BOTH!

Yule and tarot, looking forward and looking back

Yule incense & yummy recipes for the holiday season History of Christmas

Goddess of the month Building a Yule Alter Holly and Ivy ‘Twas The nighT before Yule

From The Editor Please see our website at www.elementalmagick.wetpaint.com If you would like to contribute to the newsletter or have suggestions, please contact Maxine at byers83854@msn.com OR Janie at Janie_bass@yahoo.com

Articles: From the Editor

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Books

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Yule VS Christmas

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Blessing Yule Tree

5

Yule Altar

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History of Christmas 7 Yule Recipes’

8, 9

Goddess of Month

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Holly & Ivy

11

Twas the night

12

BloodStone

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Dear Gertrude

14, 15

Thoughts

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Yule & the Tarot

17

Pagan Parenting

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Harmony Hearth

19

The Wild Hunt

20, 21

This is by far my favorite time of the year.

The sights, the sounds, the smells, from Samhain to Yule the air is filled with excitement. I am especially excited about this, our 5th issue of Elemental Magick.

What started as a small monthly newsletter to keep me connected to my friends back home has turned into a full time adventure. Each month I am challenged to explore and discover new things, new ways of looking at the mystical world that surrounds us, and bringing this information to you our readers. Thankfully, I don’t have to do this daunting task alone. With the help of LazyWitch who does our monthly God/dess, and the monthly herbs, plants, gems and stones, as well as our wonderful Pagan Parenting contributor, Alena Orrison, my job is made much easier. And let’s not forget that old sage woman Dear Gertrude who is here to answer our questions and help us with our troubles be they big or small.

This month’s Dear Gertrude touches on a very tricky subject; what do we as witches do when we or our family are threatened.

Do we run and hide or do we fight back?

How far and to what extent do we take “Do no harm”? If my child was under attack would I stand aside or go in with guns blazing? Wiccan morality is largely expressed in the Wiccan Rede: 'An it harm none, do what ye will'. While this could be interpreted to mean "do no harm at all," it is usually interpreted as a declaration of the freedom to act, along with the necessity of taking responsibility for what follows from one's actions.

This month I am so very pleased to introduce Ingrid Jeffries as a new contributor to our growing newsletter! Ms. Jeffries is an astrologer, writer, teacher, counselor, and retreat facilitator working in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. She's provided individual, relationship and career counseling for over 20 years. She has studied She h studied and written about, astrology and spiritual traditions as well as tarot, dream and archetype symbolism with many of her articles gaining \ international recocnition. Her love of mythology and legend allow her to identify with the sacred story each of us has to tell. I know you will love her wisdom and insight as much as I do! For info on Ms. Jeffries please visit http://www.northstarastrology.net/index.html

I would also like to encourage all of our readers to send in ideas for future stories.

Is there a subject you would like to explore or learn more about? Perhaps some legend or lore that you wish to pass on to others.

Do you practice Druidism, or study the Kabala and wish to share the message? We would LOVE to hear from you! Elemental is about sharing information, after all, to be a Witch (one of the Wise), is to constantly Look, Listen and LEARN. Share your wisdom with others.

Blessed Yule Maxine Byers

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A Good Read Now that the weather has turned cold and The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson. This is blustery, it is the perfect time to snuggle in a picture book aimed at kids, but perfect for adult readers too. Explains the attitudes with a nice cup of tea and a good book.

Here is a collection of some great Yule time of early cultures towards the longest night of the year, and delves into rituals and books. customs of the Romans, Celts and Native Yule - A Celebration of Light and Warmth Americans (among others). Includes a

by Dorothy Morrison. Celebrates the Cherokee folktale which explains how the history, traditions, and symbols of Yule, seasons were created. offering advice on gifting, feasting, and commemorating the Yuletide season The Shortest Day - Celebrating the Winter around the world.

Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer. From the publisher: Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the When Santa was a Shaman by Tony van effect of shorter days on animals and Renterghem. Looks at the legends and lore people, and how the winter solstice has behind the famous figure of Santa. been celebrated throughout history.

Solstice Evergreen: History, Folklore & Origins of the Christmas Tree by Sheryl Ann Return of the Light - Twelve Tales of the Karas. From the publisher: With depth and Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar detail this book reveals hidden meanings of Edwards. From the publisher: Celebrating evergreen trees throughout human history the solstices - particularly the moment of the sun's return at midwinter, on - for over 5000 years! Throughout the centuries the evergreen has been a potent December 21 - is a nearly universal human cultural symbol of rebirth. Contemporary urge, one that dates back thousands of Christmas Trees are a vestige of the pagan years and has been identified in a wide practice during the winter solstice of variety of cultures. Now The Return of the bringing greenery into the home to Light makes an ideal companion for all who symbolize life in the dead of winter. carry on this tradition, no matter what their faith. Twelve stories honour this moment, Celebrate the Solstice: Honoring the helping to renew our wonder of the miracle Earth's Seasonal Rhythms through Festival of rebirth and the power of transition from and Ceremony by Richard Heinberg. darkness into light Practical suggestions for ecstatic seasonal renewal by celebrating the solstices.

Time of deepest darkness The God is born anew Seedling in the frozen earth Awaiting springtime dew.

The ground, an icy wasteland, Though neighbors hearts are warm We share our goods with everyone So no one comes to harm.

Snow lies on her shoulders Frosted mantle for her hair Winter's Queen is giving birth The Goddess, always there The sun is growing brighter.

It happens every year Promising return of light For sod and oak and deer Stag King, his mighty antlers Rising from a drift Leaps for the hunter's arrow Just as strong and swift He knows his time has ended He is heading to the plain Where joy caresses memory Like softly summer rain

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~ Zaratyst

Yule & Christmas The weather has been bitingly cold for weeks now, the sky is gray with the promise of rain, and storefronts are lit up with Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas Santas, and Christmas wrapping paper. It’s a time of year when people are more charitable and connected with their families. It’s a time that I imagine some Wiccan and Pagan individuals face conflicts around celebrating Yule and attending Christmas celebrations with family.

This has ALWAYS been my favorite time of year—getting together with family I don’t normally see, celebrating the beginning of a new calendar year, all in quick succession. In my rainy, gray Seattle climate, this is the time of year when we’re most likely to get our meager little flurries of snow, which I anxiously anticipate all year round.

December is often a reflective time of year for people because they will be updating family members on the past year and coming up with soon-to-bebroken resolutions. While reflecting on the past year, I also began thinking about the two main holidays I will be participating in this month.

My main focus this holiday season is to separate out Yule from Christmas, and it has definitely been a struggle. What sort of person should I set out to be this December? Will I be a “sensitive” Witch who corrects anyone and everyone who wishes her a “Merry Christmas?” Will I simply laugh it all off as I sit next to my little Christmas tree on December 25th, opening presents and biting the head off of a chocolate Santa? I have yet to come to a comfortable middle ground, sometimes offering up an, “Oh, thank you, but I actually celebrate Yule,” and then five minutes

later mumbling to somebody else, “Yes, merry Christmas to you too.” The thing about Christmas in the United States is that it is almost impossible to avoid.

Since September, I have faced smiling plastic Jesus babies in little mangers, Santa’s “Ho, ho, ho-ing” me a merry greeting upon entrance to Target, and all the other small and large reminders that I celebrate a holiday that most Americans aren’t even vaguely aware of.

My preparations for Yule are mostly complete. I’ve got my little Yule tree and other seasonal decorations, my incense and altar is ready, and I plan on cooking an amazing made-from-scratch meal to celebrate. And as excited as I am, I’m also feeling a little lonely.

Although my family knows that I am Wiccan, they do not quite understand my path and what it means and so I cannot share this holiday with them. I don’t see imagery relating to my Wiccan holiday in places such as storefronts or in the media. I hope that this will change someday. Until then, I need to focus on how much I’ve grown and learned this past year, because although I will be celebrating this holiday alone, I will have the presence of the God and Goddess in my life.

I get into these little ideological arguments with myself—should I buy stockings and stuff them with goodies?

Is it an affront to Wicca to buy Santa wrapping paper? Should I still celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas with the remainder of my family? Should I hold hands with my family in prayer on Christmas day, but just talk with the God and Goddess instead? The rest of the year, being Wiccan was not a source of conflict, but rather comfort. Now that

I am faced with the largest religious holiday in the U.S., it’s hard not to get wound up in collective hysteria of consumerism based upon a religion that has suppressed my own for thousands of years.

The wisdom in these situations may come with time and experience, but for now it seems as though this year is still 80% about Christmas for me, and maybe 20% about Yule because of the simply overwhelming amount of Christmas merchandise in stores and because I must celebrate Christmas with my family. It’s hard to focus on the Sun God being reborn from the Goddess and the hopes I have for the fresh New Year when visions of sugarplums are still dancing through my head.

So far, the solution I have come up with is to devote specific time to communicate with the Goddess and God and think consciously about the true meaning of the season so that I don’t get sucked up in the wrapping paper and mall shopping that seems to dominate mainstream thinking during this season. Yule is about celebrating the natural cycle of the earth. It’s about celebrating the slow return of the sun and rebirth of the God. Sometimes it’s easy to forget, but it is essential for me to keep reminding myself to look past this Christmas vs.

Yule debate and focus on being grateful that I’ve seen another year, and that I have strengthened my bonds to Wicca and learned many wonderful new things about myself. Hopefully I will be able to handle this conflict better in the future, hopefully I hope to have my Pagan friends to celebrate with next Yule. But all things considered, I have to say, life is wonderful. Happy Yule

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Aspects of Yule Time of deepest darkness The God is born anew Seedling in the frozen earth Awaiting springtime dew.

The ground, an icy wasteland, Though neighbors hearts are warm We share our goods with everyone So no one comes to harm.

Snow lies on her shoulders Frosted mantle for her hair Winter's Queen is giving birth The Goddess, always there The sun is growing brighter.

It happens every year Promising return of light For sod and oak and deer Stag King, his mighty antlers Rising from a drift Leaps for the hunter's arrow Just as strong and swift He knows his time has ended He is heading to the plain Where joy caresses memory Like softly summer rain New fawn takes his first step, The buck he will become.

After the time of knowing A new year has begun. by: Zephyr Lioness

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Blessing Your Yule Tree If your family uses a holiday tree at Yule -- and many Pagan families do -- you might want to consider a blessing ritual for the tree, both at the time you cut it down and again before you've decorated it. Although many families use fake holiday trees, a cut one from a tree farm is actually more environmentally friendly, so if you've never considered a live tree, maybe this is a good year to start a new tradition in your house.

Things to Take With You You'll want to have the following items on hand when you go to cut down a tree for Yule: A sharp saw Gloves Rope Some fertilizer sticks and birdseed Selecting Your Tree First of all, make sure you're in a place where you have permission to cut trees. Either find a local Christmas tree farm, or if you're on private property, get the approval of the landowner before you cut anything. Never cut a tree down in a park or forest without permission.

Don't just randomly start hacking away at trees.

Take some time to wander around and find the tree that's right for you. Often, you'll know the right tree when you find it -- it will be just the right height and width, the exact fullness you want, and so forth.

Cutting Down Your Tree If you've found the right tree, take a moment to touch it. Feel its energy flowing from the earth and into you. Recognize that once you've cut it down, it will no longer be a living thing. In many traditions, people find it comforting to ask the tree for permission to make the first cut. In Dorothy Morrison's book Yule, she recommends asking the tree to move its spirit deep into the ground so that it will not feel injury or pain when you cut the trunk.

Use the following blessing before you make the cut: O evergreen, mighty tree, you who are full of life.

I am about to make the cut, and ask your permission.

We will take you into our home and honor you, adorning you with light in this season of the sun.

We ask you, o evergreen, to bless our home with your energy.

As an alternative, if you have children with you and you'd like to make the occasion more fun than somber, try something like this instead:

Evergreen, evergreen, big fat tree!

I ask you now please to come home with me!

We'll cover you with ornaments and lots of pretty lights, and let you shine about our house at Yule, the longest night!

Thank you, tree, thank you tree, for the gift you give today, we'll plant another in your name, when spring comes our way!

Cutting Down Your Tree If you've found the right tree, take a moment to touch it. Feel its energy flowing from the earth and into you. Recognize that once you've cut it down, it will no longer be a living thing. In many traditions, people find it comforting to ask the tree for permission to make the first cut.

In Dorothy Morrison's book Yule, she recommends asking the tree to move its spirit deep into the ground so that it will not feel injury or pain when you cut the trunk.

Make the cut about eight inches above the ground, and cut quickly. Make sure no one is standing on the opposite side when the tree begins to fall. Using the gloves to protect your hands if necessary, tie the rope around the trunk so you can pull it out of the area. Before leaving, push the fertilizer sticks into the soil near the cut trunk. This will promote new growth from the remaining stump. If you can, periodically stop by and add more fertilizer sticks to the newly sprouted branches.

You may wish to also leave some birdseed on the ground as an offering to the wildlife in the area. Some families even use the birdseed to cast a protective circle around the stump where they've cut their tree down. Finally, if you've promised to plant a new tree somewhere in the spring, be sure to keep your word.

Use the following blessing before you make the cut: O evergreen, mighty tree, you who are full of life.

I am about to make the cut, and ask your permission.

We will take you into our home and honor you, adorning you with light in this season of the sun.

We ask you, o evergreen, to bless our home with your energy.

Decorating Your Tree Decorating a Yule tree is a lot of fun, and should be a celebration of family.

Cont. next page

Blessing Your Yule Tree Put on some holiday music, light some incense or scented candles, get a pot of herbal tea brewing, and turn it into a ritual of its own. Before you decorate, you may wish to bless the tree once more.

Have on hand some salt, incense, a candle and water. Bless the tree as follows: By the powers of earth, I bless this tree, that it shall remain sacred, a symbol of life, stable and strong in our home throughout the Yule season.

By the powers of air, I bless this tree, as the cool winter winds blow away the baggage of the old year, and we welcome the brightness of the new into our hearts and home.

By the powers of fire, I bless this tree, as the days have gotten shorter, and the nights grown dark, yet the warmth of the sun is returning, bringing with it life.

By the powers of water, I bless this tree, a gift I give, that it may stay bright and green for us a bit longer, so that we can enjoy the harmony and peace of Yule.

As you say the blessing, sprinkle the salt around the tree in a circle (not on the tree, just around it), smudging with the incense, passing the candle over it, and finally, adding water to the tray at the bottom.

Once you've finished the blessing, decorate your tree and celebrate!

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

How To Decorate a Wiccan Yule Alter As Yule approaches, Pagan people's religious focus goes from death to life.

Yule is a festive celebration of light, the sun, rebirth and nature, and the decorations on your altar should capture that merriment with rich colors, scents, evergreens and lots of lights. Even if you have not collected any Wiccan ritual tools yet, you can still have a beautiful and meaningful Yule altar with objects and decorations that are easy to find at this time of year.

Set up your Yule altar facing north, the direction that aligns with the season of Winter. Drape it with an altar cloth, scarf, sheet or piece of scrap fabric. Set a cauldron, or some other festive bowl or vessel on the center of the altar.

Place a pillar candle into it that is gold, red, yellow or orange--any solar color.

The cauldron, or any such vessel, is a symbol of the Goddess' womb.

The candle is a symbol of the Sun God being reborn at Yule. If you like, make solar symbols on the candle with paint or glitter to make it special and set it apart from the rest. Rub the candle with cinnamon oil. Leave it unlit until your begin your ritual observance, or until sunset on the eve of the solstice.

Place evergreens on the altar. This can be branches cut from a tree or found at a Christmas tree lot, a small potted evergreen, or imitation evergreen garland pinned around the side of the altar in a scalloped design.

Hang a string of Christmas lights above the altar. Hang additional evergreens or ornaments if you wish to make your altar the focal place in the room. Add additional candles and any Wiccan tools that you may have

to your altar, in an arrangement that pleases you. Place a bowl of citrus fruit, which with their bright orange and yellow colors represent the sun.

Other things associated with the season are nuts, pine cones, acorns, holly, bayberry, or mistletoe that can also be scattered on the altar or placed in a pretty bowls. To represent the winter snow, use clear quartz crystals or icicle ornaments. Place symbols of forest animals on the altar, as this is the season for nature's rebirth. Stags are especially meaningful as they are symbols of the Wiccan God. Snow birds, squirrels, and any other furry woodland creatures are also appropriate. Remember that your altar should be meaningful to you, so any other items that represent the season to you will be a nice addition.

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The History of Christmas The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years. Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ child was born. The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, carnivals and carolers who sing while going from house to house, the holiday feasts, and the church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians.

The Mesopotamians believed in many gods, and as their chief god - Marduk.

Each year as winter arrived it was believed that Marduk would do battle with the monsters of chaos. To assist Marduk in his struggle the Mesopotamians held a festival for the New Year. This was Zagmuk, the New Year's festival that lasted for 12 days.

The Persians and the Babylonians celebrated a similar festival called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging of places, the slaves would become the masters and the masters were to obey.

Early Europeans believed in evil spirits, witches, ghosts and trolls. As the Winter Solstice approached, with its long cold nights and short days, many people feared the sun would not return. Special rituals and celebrations were held to welcome back the sun. In Scandinavia during the winter months the sun would disappear for many days. After thirty-five days scouts would be sent to the mountain tops to look for the return of the sun. When the first light was seen the scouts would return with the good news.

A great festival would be held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served around a fire burning with the Yule log. Great bonfires would also be lit to celebrate the return of the sun. In some areas people would tie apples to branches of trees to remind themselves that spring and summer would return.

The ancient Greeks held a festival similar to that of the Zagmuk/Sacaea festivals to assist their god Kronos who would battle the god Zeus and his Titans. The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn.

Their festival was called Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January 1st. With cries of "Jo Saturnalia!" the celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the

exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae (lucky fruits). The Romans decked their halls with garlands of laurel and green trees lit with candles.

Nobody really knows Jesus Christ’s birthday. There have been many dates suggested, like January 1st, January 6th, March 25th, and May 20th. Many thought May 20th was the closest because of the mention in the Gospel of Luke of shepherds watching their flocks by night. And since they only did that during the spring, it was concluded that May 20th would have to be the correct date.

What prompted the institution of December 25th as Jesus’ birth date was the Christian priests’ fear that they were losing converts to a rival religion – Mithraism. This religion observed the “Birthday of the Invincible Sun God”, Mithras, and it had been declared the official state religion by Emperor Aurelian in 274 A.D. The Christian priests were losing their foothold in the religious foundation of society, and they had to do something quickly.

So, acting on the basis that Romans loved a good festival, and that their Mithraism celebrations were held in December, the Church officially declared December 25th to be the birth date of Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior. But they had to keep the celebrations meaningful as well, so they marked the day with a mass – Christ’s Mass. You can see where we’re going with this!

Christmas was established by the Christian Church. It was aptly described by a theologian somewhere around the year 320, when he said, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.” And this was followed shortly thereafter, in 337, by the official baptism of Roman Emperor Constantine, and the ensuing unity of the emperorship and the Church. Christianity was declared the official state religion.

“Oh Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum” It’s no surprise that the famous Christmas carol, “Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree” was translated from the German original because it was in Germany that the idea of a Christmas tree was born. It happened back in the early 700s, when St. Boniface, an English monk and

missionary, was preaching a sermon on the December 25th Nativity to some Germanic Druids.

In order to quell the Druids’ idolatry of the oak tree, St. Boniface cut down a huge one. As it came crashing down, it crushed every bush in its path, except for one small fir sapling. Although this was purely a coincidence, St. Boniface cleverly decided to capitalize on it – he declared it a miracle that this one single sapling hadn’t been killed, and concluded, “Let this be called the tree of the Christ Child.”

Christmas plants and flowers There are several plants and flowers associated with Christmas. Probably one of the most well-known customs (and also one of the oldest) is the hanging of mistletoe. That’s been practiced since the 2nd century B.C., when the Druids hung it around their homes as a symbol of hope, peace and harmony.

The ancient Romans used it, too, for decoration during their Mithraism festivities. After the Christian Church’s inception of Nativity on December 25th, in an effort to do away with any idolatrous custom, they forbade the use of mistletoe for any reason and replaced it with holly. The sharp pointy leaves represented the thorns in Jesus’ crown, and the red berries represented his blood.

That’s another tradition that still lives today, with holly wreaths and branches decorating the inside and outside of homes.

Christmas is a time for sharing and caring Most people in the world celebrate Christmas and the holiday remains the most popular of the year – especially for the kids. Even though Christmas has become a celebration of gift-giving, it's important that we look back on all the traditions and remember their relevance to the holiday. We need to remember that is a time for getting together with family and friends, and sharing together the peace and harmony that are a natural part of our lives.

The history of Christmas/Yule is spread among many customs, from many countries. But the underlying tradition always lives on – “Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men”.

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FABULOUS Yule J贸lagrautur - Yule Porridge Recipes WASSAIL Heat a large container of beer, about 3 or 4 pints. Add: 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup mixed spice (cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are also excellent) 2 or 3 small sweet apples, cut up 1 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1 1/4 cup orange juice the juice of 2 lemons Place over a slow flame; then, before it begins to boil, take off the heat and whip up some cream. Let this float on top of the brew like foam.

Put in a suitably large bowl (the more ornate the better)

1/4 l (1/2 pint) water 1 1/2 l (3 pints) milk 150 g (6 oz) rice 1 teaspoon salt 70 g (2 1/2 oz) raisins cinnamon and sugar milk 1 almond When the water comes to a boil, stir in the rice and cook for 10 minutes. Add the milk to the pot and cook over a low heat for 1 hour. Add the raisins in the last 10 minutes. Add salt to taste. Add milk, sugar, and cinnamon to taste. The skinned almond is added and the porridge poured into a bowl. The housewife deals portions out and whoever finds the almond receives a small gift.

MULLED WINE 2 bottles of Red Wine 2 cups port (a sweet Portuguese wine) 2 cups brandy 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup Honey 12 whole cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 录 cup Nutmeg Ginger Combine all the ingredients, except Port & Brandy into a large copper or cast-iron pot (not aluminum). Simmer while stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add Brandy & Port, Pour threw a stocking into a large heat-resistant bowl or back into Decorative bottles.

Yule Incense #1 2 parts Frankincense 2 parts Pine needles or resin 1 part Cedar 1 part Juniper berries

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Yule Incense# 2 3 parts Frankincense 2 parts Sandalwood 2 part Chamomile 1 part Ginger 1/2 part Sage A few drops of Cinnamon oil

Yule Incense # 3 3 parts Pine needles or resin 3 parts Cedar 1 part Bayberry 1 part Cinnamon

Winter Solstice Ritual Potpourri 20 drops musk oil 25 drops pine oil 1 cup oak moss 2 cups dried mistletoe 1 cup dried poinsettia flowers 1 cup dried bayberries 1/2 cup dried rosemary 1/2 cup dried holly leaves and berries 3 crushed pinecones Mix the musk and pine oils with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

Yule Soap 1 cup grated unscented soap 1/4 cup hot water 1 tbsp. apricot oil 1 tbsp. chamomile 1/2 tbsp. rosemary 1/2 tbsp. ginger 6 drops frankincense oil 6 drops myrrh oil 3 drops cinnamon oil Place grated soap in a heat-proof non-metallic container and add the hot water and apricot oil. Leave until it is cool enough to handle, and then mix together with your hands. If the soap is floating on the water, add more soap. Leave to sit for 10 minutes, mixing occasionally, until the soap is soft and mushy. Once the soap, water, and oil are blended completely, add the dry ingredients. Once the mixture is cool, then add the essential oils (essential oils evaporate quickly in heat). Enough essential oils should be added to overcome the original scent of the soap.

Blend thoroughly and then divide the soap mixture into four to six pieces. Squeeze the soaps, removing as much excess water as possible into the shape you desire, and tie in a cheesecloth. Hang in a warm, dry place until the soap is completely hard and dry.

Yule Oil 2 drops Cinnamon oil 2 drops Clove oil 1 drop Mandarin oil 1 drop Pine oil 2 drops Frankincense 2 drops Myrrh oil.

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Goddess of the Month This month I found it completely impossible to select just one special deity to write about as there are so many to choose from so I decided to select some lesser known gods and goddesses from around the world who, in one way or another, are celebrated during Winter Solstice and in December. I hope you enjoy this flying trip around the World and, maybe, select a few to read a little more on. I apologize now if I don't include your favorites or ones you think are important. If you'll send me a note, I'll do my best to include them in next year's listing!! Now, grab a mug of coffee, tea or yummy mulled wine, sit in that favorite chair and let's FLY!!!

Our first stop is the wilds of Scotland, where Cailleach Bheur, also known as Beira, is the Queen of Winter. She is the hag of the Triple Goddess set, and rules the dark days between Samhain and Beltaine.

Also from the British Isles is the Holly King, a figure found in tales and folk lore, very similar to the Green Man. Modern Pagans often reenact the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King who fight for supremacy throughout the year. At the Winter Solstice, the Holly King is finally defeated.

Finally, in lower England we find the Lord of Misrule who, by custom, is appointed to preside over Winter Holiday Festivities and dates back to the time of the Roman occupation. This was the weeklong celebration of Saturnalia (more on this later!).

From the British Isles we'll travel up to the cold dark Northlands and check out a few Norse deities.

We'll begin with Baldur who is associated with the legend of the mistletoe. His mother, Frigga, honored Baldur and asked all of nature to promise not to harm him. Unfortunately, in her haste, Frigga overlooked the mistletoe plant, so Loki (the resident trickster) took advantage of the opportunity and fooled Baldur's blind twin, Hod, into killing him with a spear made of mistletoe.

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Baldur was later restored to life by Odin.

Fregga then declared that mistletoe must always be regarded as a plant of love, rather than death. The Great and Powerful Odin in some legends has been combined with St. Nicholas to create our modern Santa Clause.

Frau Holle appears in many different forms in Scandinavian mythology and legend. She is associated with both the evergreen plants of the Yule season , and the snowfall, which is said to be Frau Holle shaking out her feathery mattresses.

I don't know about you but I'm ready to move to a warmer climate, so let's travel to Italy and Rome and see what we can find!

Bona Dea was a fertility goddess, worshipped in a secret temple on the Aventine Hill in Rome. Only women were permitted to attend her rites. Her annual festival was held early in December.

Italy also has a deity similar to St. Nicholas and her name is La Befana!

She flies around delivering candy to well-behaved children in early January.

La Befana is depicted as an old woman on a broomstick, wearing a black shawl.

(Hmmmmm, sounds very, very familiar to me!).

Mithras was celebrated as part of a mystery religion in ancient Rome. He was a God of the Sun, who was born around the time of the Winter Solstice (some sources report him as Sol Invictus whose celebration was held on December 25th) and then experienced a resurrection around the Spring Equinox.

(My, my, my!)

This leads us to Saturn and his remarkable celebration of Saturnalia!! (I must admit, I really think I've been to one of these as some point.) Every December, the Romans threw a weeklong celebration of debauchery and fun in honor of their agricultural god, Saturn.

Roles were reversed, and slaves became the masters, at least temporarily. This is where the tradition of the Lord of Misrule originated. It's time to say farewell to those crazy Romans and move on the sunny Greece!

Ahh sunshine and the beautiful blue Adriatic, where we'll met Alcyone, the Kingfisher Goddess, who nests every winter for two weeks, and while she does, the wild seas become calm and peaceful.

Next is our dear deity, Demeter, the Mother of Persephone. You might remember the Demeter is strongly connected to the changing of the seasons and her image is often that of the Dark Mother in Winter. When Persephone was abducted by Hades, Demeter's grief caused the Earth to die for six months, until her daughter returned.

The festival of Brumalia was held in honor of Dionysus every December and Dionysus' favorite beverage was his fermented grape wine. This event proved so popular that the Romans adopted it as their celebration of Bacchus.

While we're here, let's jump down to Egypt and check out Horus, one of the solar deities of the ancient Egyptians. He rose and set every day, and is often associated with Nut, the Sky God. Horus later became connected with another Sun God, Ra. Now to the Pacific and a quick visit Japan where, in feudal times, worshippers celebrated the return of Ameratasu, the Sun Goddess, who slept in a cold, remote cave. When the other gods woke her with a loud celebration, Ameratasu would look out of the cave and see an image of herself in a mirror.

The other gods would convince her to emerge from her seclusion and return sunlight to the universe.

Our last stop is in the American Southwest with the Hopi. Soyal is the Hopi festival of the Winter Solstice, honoring Spider Woman and the Hawk Maiden, celebrating the Sun's victory over Winter's darkness.

There are so many stories about these and other deities and ancient figures to be read and studied, I hope you will take some time during this Season of Yule and enjoy our heritage of Gods and Goddesses.

Blessings, LazyWitch Reference: About.com Paganism/Wicca, Deities of the Winter Solstice, by Patti Wigington

Holly & Ivy In this season of love and family, Holly and Ivy are probably the most commonly thought about and used together in decorating our homes. They are very Celtic in nature and will grow nearly everywhere around the world where people are live. Ivy has become a very common indoor plant and healthy stems of Holly placed in a vase of water or damp florist foam will last for weeks.

What a wonderful way to cheer up the dark days of Midwinter.

IVY Ivy is considered to have feminine energy, perhaps because of its clinging nature, has long been a sacred plant to Bacchus and Dionysus (probably one of the reasons it was banned by Christians in their churches during the holiday seasons). Vast displays of Ivy were used on the plates of food during the Greek festival Brumalia and Roman festival of Saturnalia. Statues and pillars were wound in Ivy as were the bodies of the guests often to the lack of cloth clothing (better for the Roman orgies, I guess)! It was believed that Ivy had the power to ward off drunkenness.

The Celts looked to Ivy for its restorative healing powers, protecting all things wild, hence the image of the Green Man covered in Ivy. It brings love into the home and repels negative energies, bad luck and unwanted guests so planting either variegated or regular green Ivy in front of your home should help protect it against the all the unwanted salesmen and "uglies" that are floating around out in the world.

Ivy's planet association is Saturn and it's elemental is Water. Ivy promotes protection, fidelity and fertility. Burn a yellow candle surrounded by vines of Ivy on a Tuesday to discover who, if anyone, is working negative magick against you. Streaming vines of Ivy used in wedding bouquets bring additional love and protection to the marriage.

Give each guest a vine or two of Ivy to take home to plant and share the good luck!

HOLLY Holly probably became popular because in Midwinter it is one of the few plants that is still lush and green with the addition of its blood red berries! Holly was a sacred plant of the Roman God Saturn, god of agriculture. It was often formed into wreaths which decorated homes, doors and lanes, hence today's tradition of outdoor door greenery. It was also common to receive Holly wreaths from others for seasonal luck and protection.

The Celts and Druids believed the fae lived in Holly bushes and would take a break from the cold weather by coming into one's home and sitting around the hearth during cold, snowy weather. It's still believed that sticking a sprig of Holly on your bedpost will encourage sweet holiday dreams.

Place a sprig of Holly on the top of your Yule Pudding for Good Luck during the next year.

Prickly holly leaves offer protective energy to both people and animals. This herb is also associated with the Arthurian legend of the Green Knight and the Holly King.

For those of you who follow the Norse tradition, Holly is sacred to the Goddess Holle or Holda and the red berries represent drops of her blood.

Should you have Holly growing on your property, you will be guarded from lightning strikes and other evils.

Holly's planetary correspondence is Mars and Saturn. It's elemental is Fire. In the Language of Flowers, it symbolizes foresight, good will and a happy home and marriage, while the red berries represent Yuletide joy and protection. Holly is good for dream magick, luck and love. Plant around the outside of your home for protection.

Use to decorate the interior of your home to aid in the elimination of negative energies. When carried by men, it tends to heighten masculinity.

Holly is also known as Tinne, Bats' Wings (and you thought the Ancients used REAL bats' wings didn't you!), Hulm, Hulver Bush, and Holm Chaste.

Use a combination of Holly and Ivy down the center of your holiday table and bring back a little of the beauty and tradition of the ancient Roman feasts!!

LazyWitch REFERENCES: Extremely Large Herbal Grimoire, www.scribd.com/doc/1289917 Seasons of the Witch: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch, Ellen Dugan About.com Paganism/Wicca, Patti Wigington

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Twas The Night Before Yule Twas the night before Yule, and all through the Coven, The cookies were baked and removed from the oven.

The bayberry candles were lit on the table, The altar was wrapped in a new cloth of sable.

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds, While visions of Yuletime danced in their heads.

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that some presents soon would be there!

With Rocker in his new robe, and I in mine, We were asking our Goddess her blessing divine.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, We sprang from our Circle to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, tripping over my sash, My eyes were a-glamoured with a bright silver flash.

The moon on the breasts of the Goddess and God Drew my eyes to behold the blessed Circle they trod.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But the manifestations of all those we hold Dear.

The physical forms of those whom we pray to, Even Saint Nick, and his miniature sleigh, too!

Jehovah, Mohammet, Shiva, Hera and Thor.

Zeus, Freya, Brahma, and many, many more.

All the Spiritual Entities who'd ever been mentioned.

Even some, like dear Loki, who sowed seeds of dissension.

They greeted each other with smile, warm and sweet.

Then, forming a Circle, they all took a seat.

With multiple Voices all joined as One, The Corners were Called. And, when that was done.

The Chalice was passed from Hand to Hand.

Then, a blanket of silence enfolded the land.

A crystal clear Voice began to hold sway.

Which Deity spoke? I could not say.

But, clearly, I heard all the love in that Voice.

It caused my tired heart to take flight and rejoice.

"Our Children, it seems, have missed the whole point."

"We now join together, their hearts to anoint."

"Pour all of Our love O'er their hearts of stone."

"Let them see that together they're never alone!"

"Show them it matters not which of Us that they choose."

"Their sad hate and mistrust cause each of Us to lose!"

As I stood there transfixed, I could suddenly see If we all stand as one, what a world this could be!

Put ALL of our differences well behind us.

Let the love of the Gods enfold and remind us.

We ARE all the same, though varied our skins.

We all dream the same dreams, we all sin the same sins.

With a look of enlightenment etched on my face, I beheld all the Gods in Their glory and grace!

They all bowed Their heads then said" So mote it be!"

They all smiled at each Other bestowing winks on me.

One by One they disappeared from my sight.

Just the Goddess and God were left in the light.

As slowly They twinkled, fading by degree,

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"Happy Yuletide to all!

Blessed be times three!" ~Written by Mary, a.k.a. Wandering Poet

BloodStone ~ Gem of the Month A most unusual name for a stone, stemming from the belief by early Christians that the green stone (Jasper) found at the bottom of Christ's cross absorbed the drops of blood as it fell to the ground, so the drops of red.

Bloodstone is also sometimes called "Heliotrope" not to be confused with the Heliotrope flowering plant that sets forth its sweet aromas on a summer’s evening.

There seems to be two stones known as Bloodstone. In this article, we will be looking at the medium to dark green Chalcedony Quartz Jasper stone with spots, speckles and bands of red to orange (iron oxide). It is also sometimes found with yellow or red jasper mixed with in the green. Bloodstone is found in India, Brazil, China, Australia and the U.S. In ancient times it was carved by craftsmen, particularly in Christian areas into crosses, scenes of the crucifixion and the martyrs. Over the years Bloodstone has also been carved into jewels for setting into necklaces, rings and brooches. It was a favorite stone for cape brooches in the mid-ages for purposes you will read below.

Placed on the thigh, Bloodstone will ease the pain of childbirth and prevent hemorrhaging. Worn on the arm by the pregnant woman, Bloodstone will prevent miscarriage.

Worn on the arm by a warrior, it will help any wounds received during battle to stop bleeding quickly. It may also be worn on the breast to keep warriors feeling courageous and strong and to keep their moral high, even after grievous causalities. It is said to reduce irritability, aggressiveness and impatience. It was worn by Greek and Roman athletes and soldiers to gain endurance during activities, battles and to secure favor of the Gods. Bloodstone is used in spells to draw money or increase wealth, calm fears and anger and ensure victory in legal matters. It's also used to produce "invisibility" or "cloaking" when in a place or involved in a situation where one does not wish to attract attention to oneself. Use to foster creativity, development of talent, idealism and good fortune.

Magickal lore states that when Bloodstone's energy is depleted the red spots will turn white and the stone should be returned to the earth.

Associated with the First Charka, Bloodstone finds strength Mars, the warrior's planet, its element is Fire. It's the birthstone of March and is often found under the Zodiacal signs of Aries, Pisces, Libra and Scorpio.

Bloodstone appears to be a good stone to have around and if you, like me, try to the number of stones we use to a minimum, this might be a really good one to have around and use!

LazyWitch

Bloodstone is used to increase circulation of the energy through the body and release blockages. It is said to increase immunity and to clean the blood and to halt excess bleeding often by placing the stone onto the wound.

REFERENCES: Emily Gems, "crystal-cure" Gemstone Properties, http://www.witchscauldron.net/ Hub Pages, http://www.hubpages.com/ Sacred Mist Shoppe, http://www.sacredmists.com/ Shimmering’s Jewelry, http://www.shimmerings.com/ Perception 9, http://www.perception9.com/ The Witchipedia, www.witchipedia.com/mineral:bloodstone

Dates to remember

Dec 12th - Daytime Gathering in Rathdrum. 11:30am - 2:30pm we’ll continue discussing and build a Yule Spell AND discuss our Yule Gathering. Please bring a festive nibble to share!

Dec 18th - Yule Evening Gathering in Spirit Lake. 5:30pm - 8pm. Bring your unwrapped magickal gift of no more that $15 (less is just fine) and a festive food to share! No Guests Please!!! We will be celebrating Yule with Ritual so you may wish to dress for the occasion! THIS IS AN EARLIER DATE THAN USUAL!! PLEASE NOTE THIS DATE!!

Dec 21st - YULE - We hope you have a wonderful celebration and a very HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!

DEC 26th - NO GATHERING!!

Dec 31st - Have a very Happy New Year! Stay Safe!

13

Dear Gertrude NOTE: DEAR READERS, The following letter was sent to me from a lady who is in much need of assistance. She has already worked several spells that have had short term effect and has had assistance from others in an attempt to stop the problems she and her family have been experiencing. I always recommend that, whenever possible, use the least amount of magick to stop or deflect a bad situation deliberately brought on by another, particularly if the other person is a known Witch. Sometimes it is necessary to "turn it up a notch" or two or to build a blazing fire under someone to get them to cease and desist! I will be going way beyond the Wiccan Rede here. Harm has been done to this family. We will be going for broke. So if you don't now wish to read further STOP HERE, we understand!

Thank you, Gertrude Dear Gertrude, HELP!!! I have been trying for over a year to get rid of this HORRIBLE woman from my familys life. I am convinced she is a witch and not a nice one! She has bewitched my Dad and is ruining our family. My dad no longer visits any of his old friends and seems distant, even drugged at times. What can I do to get her out of my life and his?

Signed; Hiding in the Hills Dear "Hiding in the Hills", I am so very sorry to read you are coming under attack from an individual(s) wishing you "evil" or "casting evil spells" upon you. You seem to know who this individual(s) are so you can pin-point where your energy is to go. All too often this information is unknown to the receiver (you) so anything one would do would be less effective. I do feel it is important to know for sure, or at least as sure as one can possibly be who is actually causing problems, casting spells or placing hexes on you BEFORE you begin taking any action at all.

I am aware that you have already worked at deflecting and stopping this individual’s magick that is being directed toward you.

Please, please be aware that whatever you do may well take a while to implement as the Goddess will work toward your ends in her own sweet time. Also know that whatever you plan and project may well come back to you, often many times over. Magick is a form of Physics and the main law of Physics is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Some call this Karma, some say that

14

everything that goes around comes around.

So if you are willing to take the chance that something will likely come back to you on this, let's move forward.

I would recommend that you read this spells through several times for total understanding BEFORE starting to work these them. I would suggest doing the first one, Witch's Bottles/Jars, and allowing at least one if not two Moons for the spell to work. If, after the completion of the second month, nothing is happening, then move on to the second spell.

I suggestion you sit down with a wonderful stick or two of your favorite incense and a nice Goddess candle and matches along with a note pad and writing implement. You need to be relaxed and open when you talk to the Goddess about such matters.

Cast a Circle of Protection, light the candle and incense and ask the Goddess to come for a little heart to heart talk. If you don't have a Circle Call, here is a short one you may use: "Around the Circle, the Circle Round.

Gathered by an outside Band.

The Sky above, the Earth below.

As I will it, it is so.

So Mote It Be!" Now chant the following three times to call the Goddess into your Circle: "Goddess, come talk with me.

Goddess, come guide me.

Goddess, come help me."

You have probably already talked to Her about this matter BUT have you REALLY DISCUSSED all the problems you and your family have been experiencing because of it.

As you talk WITH the Great Mother and explain all the problems this person(s) has caused (be sure to use the individual(s) name, write what you tell Her down. You don't have to write a novel here, be precise with just enough information so you will understand what you've written later. This is where you will set your intent for the action of your spell which is so very, very important. Ask the Goddess for Her assistance in your future actions on this matter. It is important to get the Goddess on your side so state your case well. During your discussion with the Goddess it is VITALLY important to LISTEN FOR HER VOICE! The Goddess will talk to you and lead you in this action. She will help you write the spells, develop the charms and chants and design any hexes you may choose to use. Write down Her words to you. Draw the pictures/designs She puts into your mind. It will probably sound like your voice or that of your mother, aunt or

possibly someone else but WRITE IT DOWN because this is information you will need later! When you are done with your talk with the Goddess, sit quietly for a few moments.

Relax your personal energies. Thank the Goddess for Her assistance at this time and ask that She continues to guide you through your magick.

Now release the Goddess for this present time by saying: "Goddess, I thank you for your assistance.

Goddess, I ask that you continue to guide me.

Goddess, please be with me as I preform the actions I must do to protect my family and myself.

So Mote It Be!" Relax yourself; remember the feeling of your intention. You must have this intention in strength when you begin your magick. It's now time for you to release your Circle.

"My Circle is open but unbroken.

May the Love and the Strength of the Goddess Be forever with me.

So Mote It Be!" Now the rest of your spells, chants, etc., you will need to come up with yourself as YOUR WORDS are YOUR STRENGTH AND POWER! I will give you some ideas on things to do but the final determination of what to say will be in your hands and the GUIDANCE of the Goddess. Most of your spell has already been written during your discussion with the Goddess. You will want to write down EXACTLY WHAT you want your spell to do, its action and outcome!! This is VERY IMPORTANT and you need to be VERY EXACTING WITH YOUR WORDS. This spell does not need to be long and it doesn't need to rhyme! It's nice if it does but it isn't necessary. You do need to really feel these words. Leave absolutely no room for misunderstanding as for the action you want to happen. If you are afraid of what you are asking to happen, then DO NOT WRITE IT, DO NOT ASK IT! You must be true to your intent, understand totally what you are asking and realize that it is very possible that some, if not all of what you ask MAY come back to visit you. In doing magick of this kind, I always ask the Goddess and Universe use the Magick I provide in this matter in the wisest of ways. Be sure to use the individual's name your magick to project it toward that individual and only that individual.

WITCH'S BOTTLES/JARS - Purpose: To promote a specific action or reaction toward an individual or individuals. Use small bottles (baby food jars or glass spice bottles) are good or you could use something as large as a mayo

Continued next page

Dear Gertrude, cont. or pickle jars. These bottles and jars must be full of "STUFF" to act properly. These can be buried on the four corners of individual's property OR house; placed hidden under the individual's porches and/or inside and outside the individual's house. If there is any way you can place one of these, hidden, in the person's car that will aid in the magick BUT depending upon the action you request, it could cause an accident so be advised that innocent victims may be harmed. Be certain you have placed these bottles/jars where they WILL NOT BE FOUND! In these bottles and jars you will want to place anything and everything that is hurtful and nasty, just remember you will want very tight fitting lids as you WILL NOT WANT THIS TO LEAK. You'll understand why in a moment!

Items for Witch Bottles/Jars: Rose bush thorns; Hawthorne thorns; cactus needles; pins and needles; tacks; horseshoe nails; nails; hair and/or nail clippings of the individual; very hot red pepper flakes; wood splinters; very hot sauce; garlic cloves and small or chopped onions; Foxglove; Ivy vine with root nubs; Rowan wood; Willow wood; Pine needles; Slippery Elm; Patchouli; sharp knives; razor blades; Dirt from the individual's property; YOUR urine; Your feces or that of a dog. If the Goddess gave you any designs during your discussion, draw these on the tops of the bottles/jars or on the sides. Keep these simple but as close as you can to what the Goddess gave you.

I know this sounds really disgusting, particularly the very last part but the two last items are very, very important. You do not need to use ALL of these items except for the last to but the more you use the better and then fill the bottles up with your urine the last thing. Plan to put all this together when you are alone and will not be disturbed. Set everything you will need upon your work surface. Make sure you have everything as you will not want to leave your Circle once you've cast it. REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR SPELL WITH YOU INTO THE CIRCLE! Now, Cast your Circle. You can use the one above if you'd like. Call upon the Goddess to be with you as you make your bottles and jars. As you fill these bottles, repeat your spell over and over and over again until all your bottles and jars are completed. Once all the objects you are using are in your bottles/jars, pour in your urine to the top. You'll probably need a day or two's catch depending on how many bottles/jars you are making. The morning's first catch is the most potent and bares the most power. Cap the bottle/jar very tightly and drip hot wax all the way around the space between the lid and the jar, very, very thick so it will not leak!! Release your Circle and store these items until the next Full Moon. Set these bottles out under the next FULL MOON, repeat your spell over them and ask the Goddess to bless them.

Now, it's time to hide them in and around the

individual(s) home(s). If you can get inside the house to hide one or two, BE SURE they are where they will not ever be found!! If you can dig holes in the ground at the four corners of the property or the house, put one in each hole. Hide them under the steps leading up to the house, both front and back and any other entrances there may be. Place under all porches and if you can, place in the crawl space under the house. Spells like this are good for chasing an individual out of the house, causing sickness, causing instabilities in relationships, etc. Placed in a car, it could cause constant car problems or even an accident (remember if you place it in a car, other individuals not involved with this situation may also suffer so be careful).

The spell is done. It takes a while for this type of spell to work; usually a month or two for it to start so relax and let your magick and the Goddess do their work. If after three months nothing is happening move on to the next spell.

BINDING SPELL - For this you will need something that will act as the figure of the individual: a clothes pin preferable an old style one with the knob top; a stick about as thick around and as long as your finger; a wooden tongue depressor (you can usually get these at a craft shop); or anything else that can be used as a "figure". You will also need, if possible, some items from the individual you are working the magick on. This could be a piece of cloth or hair from a hair brush or a knitted glove. Again write your spell as I have described above. Make this a totally different spell from the Witch's Jar spell as this is a totally different action.

AGAIN focus all your power and intent on the action you desire in your spell. Be sure to say EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN. Most binding spells have a time limit places upon them so if you are wishing to stop the spell as of a certain date or upon a certain action by the individual, place this in your spell. If you are wishing for it to continue indefinitely, then this must be said in the spell.

Bring together your "figure" item, something with which to draw hair, eyes, mouth and any other distinguishing features upon your figure.

You will also need the objects you've collected belonging to the individual and yarn, string, wire, twinge or heavy thread. If one of the items you've collected is a knitted glove, you will not need the yarn or string. Unravel the glove and use it when it becomes time.

Don't forget your spell and a candle with matches.

Cast your circle and light your candle.

Continue saying your spell over and over until you are done making the figure. Draw the face and specific marks on the figure. It's okay if it

doesn't look like the individual but try. If you have hair from the individual, wrap the hair around the head, dripping wax on it to hold it on.

If you have fabric, wrap it around the figure and seal it on with hot wax. Whatever else, except for the yarn/string/etc., place it on the figure and hold it on with the wax.

Now take your yarn, string or whatever and wind it from top to bottom of the figure, (if the individual has been speaking against you, wrap the yarn or whatever around the mouth area as well); around and around and around until it is all up and down the figure, with as much honest feeling and intent say: "With this yarn (or whatever) I bind you!

You will never again harm me or mine!

You are powerless against me!

I have power over you.

You will leave me and my family alone forever!

You will never attempt to hurt me or harm those I love ever again!

(If you are wanting this person to leave completely say that here. Also if there is anything else you wish this person to not do or say, put that in here.).

You will stop your torment of me and mine until (give time or forever, whichever is applicable).

I ask of the Goddess to support me in this request to stop the suffering (person's name) has brought upon my family and myself.

So Mote It Be!" Drip melted wax over the binding material so it will not unwind. Cover it totally and completely.

Release your Circle. Place this figure into a container until the next FULL MOON and place it in the Moon light, asking the Goddess for her further assistance.

If you are wanting this individual to go far away, then take it to a river and say your spell again and toss it into the current. The faster the water is moving and the further into the middle of the current you can get it, the further away the figure will travel. Turn your back on it and walk away.

The spell is done!

If you are wishing to destroy the individual totally and completely, build an outside fire, say your spell and toss the figure into the fire. I MUST REMIND YOU THIS IS A VERY EXTREME ACTION SO BE CAREFUL AND BE READY FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN TO YOU! KEEP IN MIND - What you put out there may well come back so be very careful.

I hope this helps you. Talk long with the Goddess on this.

Many Blessings Gertrude Moon

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Thoughts of the Holiday Season As we approach the season of Yule, I find myself entering a state of both celebration and reflection. When we entered the New Year, which commenced with Samhain and began our life travels anew, I found myself filled with an anticipation and excitement of that which is yet to unfold.

But before I look too far ahead, I muse on that which went before. The highs and the lows of the preceding year, that are now all but fading memories.

For each experience is a contribution to our spiritual growth, whether it had a positive or negative impact. I personally feel that spiritual knowledge is a gift and that the more knowledge that one attains that the greater the gift becomes. And there is no greater gift then that of a life experience that has had some effect on our lives.

As the wheel of the year slowly turned, there were at times life experiences that seemed insurmountable, but we found a way over. There were life experiences that caused so much grief, that we cried a river of tears, but we found a way across. And of course there were life experiences that had us laughing so deeply that we could barely catch a breath, but we found a way to breathe. And so though the past year has been bittersweet, there is still much to rejoice about within the coming Yuletide season.

Yule is a feisty, twelve-day period of celebration, a time during which, feasting is a common activity. But while we feast on food to sustain the physical self, it is also a time to feast on the experiences of the year past in order to sustain knowledge for the journey ahead. Yule is a time of reflection, then acceptance and then of moving on.

Upon the longest night of the year, our God is re-born from the slumbers of death. He brings with him the sacred light by way of the Sun. And from this moment forth the fertility of the land is once again restored.

And so too is the fertility of fresh thoughts and new goals introduced into our hearts and souls. Our spirits cherish this moment of his birth for it is a time to shed the chains of the experiences past and to surge forth with a renewed purpose in our lives.

The birth of our Sun God is an affirmation that life goes on and that the door to spiritual growth stands wide open.

Yule is a time to celebrate both the joys and the sorrows we have experienced up to this point. For both aspects, that of light and that of dark have strived to offer us knowledge of life that we can use to build upon as we travel forth.

The rebirth of the Sun God, who brings so much joy to the heart of our Goddess, is a sign that even within the darkness one can always find a ray of light. The nights become shorter and the days become longer as life begins to stir within the grasp of the Winter Solstice in anticipation of the coming of Spring.

It is a time to realize that no matter how tough or insurmountable a barrier may seem, we have been given the gift of our life experiences as a tool to achieve our spiritual goals.

We should take heed and allow these moments of love to define our actions and our mind set as we venture forth into the approaching segments of the wheel of life.

To let such an experience to wither away with the passing of Yule is to cast such a special gift asunder. And so with that I wish each of you a very joyous Yule. ~ CraftyWitch

VALHALL SOAP COMPANY

To be a Witch Blessing the all, the part, and the one.

By drawing the moon, and calling the sun.

With essential oils that serve to aid.

Witching tools that are best handmade.

By invoking the spirits that divine your request.

Using herbs and flowers previously blessed.

The strength of a tree, The purity of water.

The heart of a flame, the light of your alter.

By focusing your thoughts and cleansing your mind.

Crystals and stones, your spell to bind.

Contemplate your request with deep meditation.

Mix well alchemist, using visualization.

Summon the tarot, the bones, the runes.

Chant in rhyme and simple tunes.

Do not spell for un-earned riches.

It is not the way of Pagan witches.

Spell for need and not for fun.

Do what ye will... But harm ye none.

If your spell is just and your conscience is free.

And this is your will, So mote it be.

Author Unknown

16

Yule and the Tarot: The year in Review I love this time of year. Maybe it is because at heart, I love the cold or because I am somewhat nocturnal when left to my own devices, but as the days grow shorter and winter becomes more apparent, I am happy. I love walking (or if it’s in the single digits, driving) around my neighborhood looking at the festive lights. Decorating for the holiday season is also a source of fun and joy.

Yule is a time that many people become introspective, as they analyze the year past. While we, as Pagans, celebrate the new year at Samhain, most of us were raised with the notion of New Year’s day being the true start of a new year – something that mainstream society also supports with articles and television shows that are basically reviews the highs and lows of the past year. It is hard to buck a lifetime of calendars starting January 1st. This year in review mentality, plus the cold cause many of us to search inward as we think about the past year.

Introspection is a double-edged sword – examining life can help us grow, but over analyzing our past year can lead to displeasure.

This tendency to review the previous year makes Yule and New Year’s a great time to perform tarot readings for the upcoming year. As we review our successes and failures from the previous year, we plan for our upcoming year to be better in all ways. We seek guidance and reassurance that this upcoming year will bring us better times. For years, I’ve gifted many of my friends with a 12-month overview for Yule. The 12-month overview is just what it sounds like.

Drawing 12 cards, one depicting each month. The best approach to this kind of reading is to find a comfortable place to sit. Candles often help us. Much like batteries power devices, candles help power our magical mind. Incense helps me get into a good mindset for readings, but that is purely a personal choice as incense can also be an allergen.

I like to think of the person I am reading for while I shuffle the cards, letting my energy and thoughts flow from me into the cards. Getting a good mental picture of the person you are reading for, especially if they are not there, helps focus your mind and energy on the work at hand.

When laying out the cards, choose the cards one by one, shuffling and thinking

of each month as individual pockets of time. For example, if you are doing a 12month overview for Jane, shuffle the cards for a while thinking of Jane’s upcoming year, then think of January in Jane’s life.

While thinking of this, shuffle the deck and pull out a card. Then, think of February in Jane’s life while shuffling the cards again.

When you feel that the cards are humming with February energy, pull out another card. Continue this process for the rest of the months in the calendar. As with most things in life, the thought and energy you put into the reading are important – you will get out of it what you put in to the reading. These kinds of readings require pen and paper – especially if it is a gift. I like to use a notebook to record personal readings as well as readings for friends and clients. Keeping good records of tarot readings helps the reader learn and grow, and it also helps the client know where they have come from and where they are going. In year overviews, keeping records becomes a fun exercise as you traverse the year, because you can go back to the reading time and again.

Another aspect of keeping a record of this reading involves planning for the next year. After all, once we’ve seen where we’ve been we can then decide where we are going. As friends and clients review their year, a record of the past year’s 12 month tarot reading will mean a great deal. As people think about what they have learned and how they have grown over the year, they can go over the reading they were given and see how their year played out in relation to the cards.

This can be an especially fun exercise between reader and client, as together, they explore the year with the knowledge of hindsight. Many times, tarot readings help us prepare for the future, but they can also help us understand the past. While dwelling in the past is not desirable, reviewing the past year with the aid of a 12-month spread can really help us to learn from our mistakes as well as triumphs.

Tarot, by its very nature, speaks to many of life’s lessons and it also helps us see ourselves through the lens of human nature. While our life experiences are unique and personal, it is also comforting to discover that others have felt the same and gone through many of the same

experiences. When clients have had a particularly trying year, discovering that they are not alone in their experience helps greatly. After all, we are all connected to each through human experience and this connection helps us to feel like we are part of a larger and greater family – the family of humanity.

For the gift aspect, I take great pains to write detailed descriptions of the cards and what they represent for the month in question. As I am a bit of nerd, I also like to play with different fonts so that the reading looks nice on the page. Top this off with special paper, whether you choose parchment paper or paper in a client’s favorite color is up to you.

After printing off the reading, I roll the paper into a scroll and tie with a pretty ribbon. This makes for an attractive and useful gift, one that only costs time, energy, thought, and some paper and ink.

In this economy, having a truly thoughtful and worthwhile gift that costs less than $5 in paper and ink can really be a blessing.

I hope you have a Blessed Yule full of joy!

Rev. Jennifer Bull

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Pagan Parenting by

Alena Orrison

Have A Merry Yule!

This issue, instead of going into a long article about how to celebrate Yule with your family, I've decided to just give you some fun activities and recipes you can do with your children.

Easy, inexpensive and fun, these activities won't take up a lot of time but will create memories to last through the years. And you might even make your own Yule traditions.

Backyard Solstice Feast (Taken from Moonbeams Dec. 2007 issue) There are many people who don’t live in an area where they can meet with a group to celebrate the Winter Solstice. There are also many Pagan festivities that aren’t available to kids. As an alternative have your own feast with nature. You can do this by turning your backyard into a Solstice Feast using the ideas presented below. While you enjoy your dinner sitting inside be sure to peak out the window and share your energy with natures best view, complete with wildlife.

Garland String some popped popcorn. Use colored popcorn for a more festive look.

Ornaments Cut apples into pieces showing the pentagram then dry them in the oven on low heat. Attach to the trees with thin twine.

Wrapping Wrap tree tops and other items around the yard with raffia. For an added touch you can tie them into loosely tied bows.

Icicles Gather small twigs from the ground and wrap them with twine.

Coat in peanut butter and roll in wild bird seed. Hang from the trees using the twine you wrapped over the twigs.

Draping String Carefully string different kinds of unsalted nuts. Drape the strung nuts over trees or wrap them around tree trunks of tall trees.

Fruit Rings String a variety of dried fruits on strings. For added decoration add fresh cranberries in a pattern. Make them in the shape of circles.

Winter Solstice Luminaries Celebrate the birth of the sun by placing Winter Solstice Luminaries outside of your home! Also a great way to recycle!

Supplies: empty tin cans with one end cut out nail, hammer, candle, sand or kitty litter 1) Remove labels and wash tin cans.

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2) Fill the cans with water and put them in the freezer overnight, or until the water is frozen. This prevents the can from caving in when you use the nails and hammer to decorate it.

3) When it's frozen, use a hammer and a nail to puncture holes in the cans in the pattern of a sun or star.

4) Paint the outside of the can for a more festive look.

5) Put a candle inside the luminary, making sure to keep it away from flammable objects and placing it on a heat-proof surface.

Yule Moon Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1 ¼ cup sugar 2 tsp. Grated lemon peel ¼ tsp. Salt 1 1/3 cup flour 1 ½ cup grated almonds (blanched) 1 tsp. Vanilla Icing: 2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar 1 tsp. Vanilla 2 ½ Tbsp. water Preparation: Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add grated lemon peel, salt, flour, grated almonds, and 1 tsp.

Vanilla; mix thoroughly. Place dough in bowl. Cover and chill thoroughly. When the dough is well chilled; or the next day, roll out dough to 1/8” thickness and cut with moon/crescent cookie cutter. Place 1/2” apart on un-greased cookie sheet.

Bake in preheated 375° oven for 8-10 minutes.

Icing: While cookies bake, combine confectioner's sugar, vanilla and water. Spread over the tops of cookies while still warm, but not too hot as icing will melt. Thin with additional drops of water if glaze is too thick. Allow cookies to cool.

Yield: 10 dozen cookies

Harmony Hearth Brooms And

Faancy Hats

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.

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.

For more information and pricing please contact Anne at

littlesisterwa@yahoo.com

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Yule, the Winter Solstice & the Wild Hunt

"The point of power is always in the present moment." Louise Hay

In the north when biting winter winds blow and bare branches rattle like bones, it was thought wise to remain inside at night, especially during the twelve days of Yule.

During this gloomy time when the Sun appears to stand still, it was believed that to keep the yule log burning would persuade the Sun to move again and make the days grow longer. The first day of Yule always occurs on the Winter Solstice, and is the beginning of our coldest season. To many European tribes these first twelve days of winter were when the spectral 'Wild Hunt' was most likely to race across the night sky. Ancient customs mark this as the time of the opening of the Underworld's gates, when measures of protection were required for everyone, but especially for the young and the sick. Mistletoe has long been considered a magical plant for its medicinal as well as spiritual properties. To the Celts it was highly esteemed because it grew on the sacred Oaks, offering one protection and enhancing fertility.

In the Germanic tradition it is the Nordic god Odin, also known as Wotan, who leads the Wild Hunt on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, followed by the Valkyries and the ghosts of dead heroes riding their horses with black hounds baying at their feet and hunting horns blowing.

If an unlucky traveler happened to be caught outside at this time he/she would be judged on their purity of heart, ability to respect others' perhaps disturbing views (symbolized by Odin and the Hunt), their courage and sense of humor. If he/she passed judgment, they could go home with their shoes full of gold or be given food and drink, but if they were not so lucky they were doomed to a frightening nocturnal journey that may claim their life.

Children used to leave their boots or socks out by the hearth on Solstice Eve, filled with hay and sugar for Sleipnir; in return, Odin/Wotan would leave them a gift. In Christian

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times the figure of Saint Nicholas was superimposed upon Odin, and the kindly, gift-bearing Santa Claus/Father Christmas escorted by reindeer was born.

This solstice is the birth of the winter season and as such astrologers use these cardinal points of the year for forecasting, with this solstice carrying many dynamic energies already being felt. The security orientated Capricorn Sun is in union with expansive Jupiter and thoughtful Mercury, while Mars, the planet that energizes us, faces them from across the zodiac in domestically oriented Cancer. This certainly provides impetus to stabilize the housing industry, while on a personal level we will want to put energy into family and household well-being. The creation of a Yule Log, using the following directions and representing that with which you choose to light your consciousness, is a wonderful way to set the tone for the coming year.

If you would like to know how these energies are specifically influencing your life in the year ahead you can contact me at: IngridJeffries@NorthStarAstrology. net.

The Yule Log Many customs have survived from Pre-Christian times that lend themselves well to our holiday rituals. Among them is the everpopular Yule Log. Traditionally, it has been of oak, ash or beech, ritually cut (often at Dawn) and ceremonially carried into the house.

The head of the family, with much ceremony, festively lit the log.

Toasts were made with wine, cider or brandy, and since they were drunk in the early morning hours, gave participants a jolly head start to festivities. A lesser-known tradition is that of the Yule Clog, a knobby block of wood that was burnt in the kitchen hearth.

Household servants were entitled to imbibe with their meals for as long as the Clog was kept burning. In many parts of Scandinavia, the object burnt was a fat wax candle, instead of a log. The candle was lit at Dawn and must burn until Midnight, or be considered an ill omen.

Yule Log Magic The Yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that the European pagans would set ablaze at the time of winter solstice.

These bonfires symbolized the return of the Sun. The Yule log can be made of any wood. Each releases its own kind of magic.  Aspen: invokes understanding of the grand design.  Birch: signifies new beginnings.  Holly: inspires visions and reveals past lives.  Oak: brings healing, strength, and wisdom.  Pine: signifies prosperity and growth.  Willow: invokes the Goddess to achieve desires.

On the night of Yule, carve a symbol of your hopes for the coming year into the log or on a candle to be placed on the log in its decorated state or write them on a piece of paper that you also add as a decoration. You can decorate the log with greenery, flowers, ribbons and herbs for beauty and magical intent. Some choices might be:  Basil-prosperity and harmony  Carnations-protection, courage, strength, healing, increases magical power, vitality  Cedar-wealth, protection, purification, healing, promotes spirituality  Holly-dreams, protection  Juniper-Exorcism, protection, healing, love  Mistletoe-a catalyst, fertility, health, success, protection, banishing evil  Pine-healing, wealth, protection, purification, exorcism, fertility, wealth  Rosemary-health, love, protection, exorcism, purification, increase intellectual powers, peace, blessing, consecration, very powerful for cleansing and purifying  Roses-love, courage, luck, health, protection, beauty Continued next page

Yule, the Winter Solstice & the Wild Hunt, conT‌..

Rather than making your own candles, to save time use store bought candles and decorate by carving symbols, coloring with crayons or paint, pressing flowers and herbs onto the candle with wax or glue or paste pictures onto it. Before decorating with greenery, flowers or pictures, dip your candle into hot water just long enough to soften the wax. Place dry materials on the candle in a pleasing pattern, and gently press into the wax. Then do a quick dip into liquid wax to seal it all together.

To scent your log: Explore fragrances by using incense, herbs and resins sealed into the wax; you could use the above process or make the candles with the herbs and resins included in the hot liquid (experiment before you commit yourself to a big project... if the herb pieces are too large, they'll act like wicks and create a bonfire, and resins sometimes spit when hot). You could also add pure essential oils to

the outside of the finished candle or the log's greenery or ribbons or to the liquid wax as the candle burns. I like to do the last one-especially if you get unscented candles-try it in a bunch of little tea lights.

For magical work: Bind your spells or prayers with cotton thread wrapped and knotted around a candle. The usual way is to knot the intention (think of a specific prayer or plea as you tie each knot) so that with each one burned, the energy is freed to do its work; this is especially useful for healing and protection work. Choose appropriate colors for both candle and thread.

Remember that whatever you create has a life force to it.

Fire orientated creations are prone to seizing upon flammable objects and creatures within their reach. They should never be left unattended unless in a totally secure environment (like a fireplace or an empty bathtub for overnight). Be safe.

By ~ Ingrid Jeffries http://www.northstarastrology.net/

The Evergreen Tree Green has been associated with the Yule season for many years, by many different cultures. This is a bit of a paradox, because typically, green is seen as a color of spring and new growth by people who live in areas that experience seasonal changes. However, the winter season has its own share of greenery.

There's a wonderful legend of the winter solstice, about why evergreen trees remain green when everything else has died. The story goes that the sun decided to take a break from warming the earth, and so he went on a bit of a hiatus.

Before he left, he told all the trees and plants not to worry, because he'd be back soon, when he felt rejuvenated. After the sun had been gone a while, the earth began to get chilly, and many of the trees wailed and moaned in fear that the sun would never return, crying that he had abandoned the earth. Some of them got so upset that they dropped their leaves on the ground. However, far up in the hills, above the snow line, the fir and the pine and the holly could see that the sun was indeed still out there, although he was far away.

They tried to reassure the other trees, who mostly just cried a lot and dropped more leaves. Eventually, the sun began to make his way back and the earth grew warmer. When he finally returned, he looked around and saw all the bare trees.

The sun was disappointed at the lack of faith that the trees had shown, and reminded them that he had kept his promise to return. As a reward for believing in him, the sun told the fir, the pine and the holly that they would be permitted to keep their green needles and leaves all year long. However, all the other trees still shed their leaves each fall, as a reminder to them that the sun will be back again after the solstice.

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