Fall 2012
The Heartland Spirit Autumn Approaches
Heartland Spiritual Alliance (HSA) is a 501(c)3 not-forprofit corporation dedicated to promoting the appreciation and acceptance of a variety of alternative religions and philosophies. HSA encourages participation in educational programs and activities; most of which deal with the various nature oriented or nature connected religions of the world, the similarities within all religions, and the respectful free exchange of spiritual beliefs. We strive to maintain a well organized, dynamic, and smooth running organization within an atmosphere, which allows people of all religious traditions to coexist peacefully. Heartland Spiritual Alliance Board of Directors and Officers Dana Locke (Chairman) Diana Arganbright Kaleigh Jones-Clark Sarah Geimer Lane Locke John Mitchell President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer
Dusty Silversmith Aislinn Firehawk Kettryn Jones-Clark Michelle Lindeman
Committee Heads Brochures & Workshops Community Fires Fundraising First Aid Gaea Youth I.T. Meals & Ice Merchandising Membership Merchants Newsletter P.R. Recycling & Trash Registration/Comm. Service Sacred Experience Security Speakers & Bands/Housing Site and Sanitation Vehicular Management Work Exchange
Sherree Ross Jessi Hunter Greg Meister Robyn Hope Rachael Kelly John Kramer Bill Price Greg Meister Sherree Ross Aislinn Firehawk Ruairi MacRae Rain Dove Diana Arganbright Danica Young Jason Truman John Silversmith Jr Brenda Warren Dana Locke Karissa Jones Michelle Lindeman
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John Brocka Rachael Kelly
In this Issue
It’s All About the Land . . . . . . 4 by Ed Hubbard
Leaving a Miserable Job with Magical Grace by Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson . . . . . 6
Celebrating Our Spirituality Gardening Faery Style. . . .
. . . .8
by Ruairi Aillse MacRae
Pagan Parenting Spiritual Foundation . . . . . . . . 10 by Glen T. Sarcona
Meet the Staff John Mitchell
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Spirit Circle . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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“It’s All About the Land” – A Review of the 27th Annual Heartland Pagan Festival By Ed Hubbard On Memorial Day Weekend, May 24th-28th, 2012 I had the honor to attend the 27th Annual Heartland Pagan Festival at Camp Gaea located near Kansas City, KS. This festival attracted well over 500 attendees with approximately a third of the attendees being children and teens. The theme was ‘The Dawning of a New Day’ and that permeated the entire festival. Featured speakers included Selena Fox, Christopher Penczak, Kerr Cuhulain, Barbara Criswell, and Nels and Judy Linde. Musical entertainment included Wendy Rule, Murphey’s Midnight Rounders, Flannigan’s Right Hook, Big Bad Gina, Brian Henke, and Sede Ling. If this were not enough, they had a collection of local speakers, merchants and activities that created a full event filled with wonder and joy. First Impressions As it is becoming known, I do not drive, and received a lift from a gentleman named Kelsen from the Kansas City Union Station, who dropped me exactly where I asked. He placed me in the center of things, where the thick of people were, and where I found nice ground to set up my tent. Before I had fully set-up, which is pretty quick, I was welcomed by more than a dozen people, including Michelle of the Heartland Spiritual Alliance. They all wanted to assure that I was comfortable and could find my way around. I was blown away at this generosity towards a virtually unknown stranger. As I watched, it was not just me that received this treatment, but everywhere I could see. This was genuine friendliness. As soon as I set up I went to find my sponsor, Rain Dove, and found her in her camp. She made me feel welcome and her partner, Greg Meister offered me a drink that I cannot repeat the name of here. Almost instantly, the ice was broken and I was welcomed. In this I was to be given access to staff and camp to see how this particular festival operates. In that first conversation I learned about the history of the festival, of Camp Gaea, and of the people who come. The singular concept of the success of this festival was stated by Rain Dove “It’s all about the land. People come here for each other and the land. It is a special space”. feel welcome and her partner, Greg Meister offered me a drink that I cannot repeat the name of here. Almost instantly, the ice was broken and was welcomed. In this I was to be given access to staff and camp to see 4how this particular festival
The first real opportunity to meet anyone was at The Community Dinner, which was excellent, as served by The Blissful Bite. Cheerful open talking and enjoying the day, you can tell that this was a place of friends and family, and an openness that welcomed strangers in that uniquely Pagan ritual of “Coming Home”. Selena Fox and Sign of Rainbow In the center of the Community Dinner, we had a downpour of rain. I was talking with Selena Fox and Dennis Carpenter and the downpour began. Within 15 minutes the storm had passed, and Selena was up out of the chair, and she got everyone looking for rainbows. That struck me as a bit odd, but within minutes, a rainbow was sited just as she predicted. She got everyone in the pavilion looking and watched as a second rainbow manifested before our eyes. We had this beautiful, full double rainbow, just as Rev. Fox wanted, and that set the stage of magic, simple, easy and very majestic. The attendees who witnessed it, including myself, were awed at this wonderful moment. It made real the idea that this might be a special place. Speakers All the speakers performed with great energy and the audiences were engaged. One Speaker that stood out for me was Christopher Penczak. Every time I hear him speak I learn something new about my faith, and that I am impressed by how well he speaks. His words are fresh, his concepts complete, and they ring like a favorite new song on the radio which I just want to hear again and again. His Three Rays of Witchcraft workshop deeply moved his audience and for myself I want to read his “Three Rays of Witchcraft” with an open spirit. Christopher has made me anticipate his new book “The Mighty Dead”. While the speaking circuit is tough, Christopher Penczak is a must see if you can. I did discover a local speaker that should be on the national circuit. Sam Shyrock is an incredibly articulate and empowering speaker, whose workshop “The Healing Touch” was approachable and informative. It covered how chakras, touch and Reiki all work together. Other times I heard him speak, he was knowledgeable and entrancing. So talented speakers are everywhere, and at Heartland Pagan Festival I discovered another person who deserves recognition and recommendation. Continued on page 12 5
“Leaving a Miserable Job with Magical Grace” By Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson
In today’s uncertain economy, there are a million reasons to grit your teeth, dig in your heels and hang on for dear life to any paycheck we can find. But when a job begins to erode your health, wreck havoc with your home life and comes screaming through your dreams at night, it may be time to cut your losses and step out into the great unknown. Such was my lot, after fifteen years of grueling case management for a high needs population, under a browbeating supervisor. For months I wavered. “If only,” I bargained, casting about for transfers to any other sphere. “Surely it will get better,” I consoled myself. It didn’t, so I went to the Gods for objectivity and a plan. Here are the steps for resolving a bad employment situation through meditation and elemental releasing cycles. Enter into the Air phase and acknowledge that you are at a very real crossroads. Create your sacred space in your way. Speak frankly about the benefits and downfalls of your present work. (For me, the perk was being able to pay my bills. The downside was stressing off forty pounds and seeing my blood pressure skyrocket.) Ask your Deities for any confusion to be cleared, and a word of wisdom given so that you can make your own best decision in your own time and in your own way. If you work with candle magic, you might light a yellow taper and say something like: “A glimmer of light I seek from you now, Guidance through the dark somehow. I will heed the vision that you show, Though the truth might be hard to know.” Tiki torches set at the four directions, with which you can work safely as you travel through this process, will serve equally well. I am Nordic tradition. I cleared my mind, asked for guidance, closed my eyes and went into meditation. A short time later in my mind’s eye, a chariot raced up to me and came to a screeching halt! Two tabby cats, large as tigers were in harness. 6
Freya in battle gear reached out and grabbed my wrist. “Get in!” she commanded, hauling me into the chariot beside her. I gulped and complied. We sped off, stopping abruptly in front of Odin himself. Freya got out, pulling me with her. “Tell her!” she said to Odin, with that look in her eye. “Tell her now!” The Allfather held a small bird in his hand, hooded and bound. He looked at me, held my gaze. “You are not a sparrow,” he told me firmly. “You can fly!” With that, he removed the bindings around the bird’s legs, took the hood from its head and released it. It flew up into the heavens. “You can fly!” he repeated to me. The following week, I wrote out my resignation letter from work and saved it on my office computer until the proper time to tender it. I gave several months notice, but I had selected my path. In the Fire phase of your departure, light the spark of self-ignition by picking one small manifest act to make your decision tangibly real. This signifies that you have decided to honor and preserve yourself by removing yourself from a toxic environment. As you consider what that private gesture might be, you may wish to light a red candle or the southern torch and say something like: “By my hand and by my will, The course I’ve set shall be fulfilled. My power cleaves the bonds away That I may walk free to a better day! My thanks, and blessed be.” This does not have to be an “in the establishment’s face” kind of aggressive or flagrant act. My own private spark of rebellion was quietly tossing a few of my business cards into the shred bin each day. Bit by bit, I was removing myself from that sphere. In the Water phase of this transition, you will need to “let it roll, like the proverbial water under the bridge.” Nostalgia will set in and you will start to mourn those good co-workers you came to know and whose bit of conversation got you through the day. Wish them well on their own journeys. Continued on pg 18
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Celebrating our Spirituality This section of our newsletter is for your stories about how you express your own spirituality. Many of us share rituals together in public or coven rituals, but those do not reflect what is special to you. This is your chance to share what makes the Pagan path special to you.
Here is my story As a solitary practitioner on a Faery Path, it is hard to describe what makes me Fae. It is more than just a path, it is who I am. I have had a deep affinity with trees and animals since I was a child. I always felt that the trees were talking to me. I felt most at home in the woods. It wasn’t until many years later that I found out about Paganism and the Faery path. Things made sense to me, finally...although, it makes for an interesting life to deal with scattered Faery energy on top of being ADD. I have learned a great deal about the benefits of meditation and love, working within the inner realms of my mind. However, finding a way to get my mind to settle down was a complicated matter, or so I thought. Five years ago, I had the pleasure of having an intuitive drawing done at Heartland. Michelle did a wonderful picture with me surrounded by the animals I care about, and with my grandmother watching over me. She even named her correctly. The images that stood out the most were not the Faeries, but the Plant Devas. Michelle said they were surrounding me. I consider myself a “Tree Fae” so I assumed it is that to which she referred. It turns out that I was wrong, very, totally, completely wrong. The next spring I fell in love with and bought a house with a large beautiful backyard full of cedar trees, mulberries, and honeysuckle. The front yard contained one large sweet gum tree with all the incumbent problems. The massive quantity of leaves and “sputniks” had left the yard beneath the tree a muddy mess. There were a few sad bushes and one rose bush that consisted of two branches. Before Spring was a month old, I knew something had to be done. 8
One day I found, along a curbside, a load of white bricks. I loaded them up with help and carted them home. They formed the outline for what would later be known as Stage One. I started searching for shade loving plants that were also on sale. A garden formed, but so did a passion. That passion continued to grow. The next year the garden expanded because mud was running onto the sidewalk. The garden jumped across the sidewalk to grow veggies in a somewhat sunnier spot. Bushes joined flowers, Forsythia, Lilacs and Weigela, Spirea, Honeysuckle and Hollies. Later, the front of the yard was torn up for waterline repairs. Replant the grass? No way - that’s garden space! As the garden space grew, so did my spiritual experience. It began with the music I listened to. Elvendrums, Alexian, and Wendy Rule vibrated through the garden. I found I could get some of the saddest looking plants and have them thriving before the end of the season. I could feel where each plant should go. I didn’t care about what colors were where, as an artist I mingled the colors to have a vibrant flowering rainbow. I found my garden becoming a living, changing, creative process. Rocks gathered from hillsides lined the edges, created a waterfall and edging for a pond. Water plants fill the pond and spill over around it. Shimmering goldfish work their magick through the water. I looked to garden magazines for ideas, and found the concept of a bottle wall to be intriguing. It started small with mostly green and brown bottles. It is slowly changing over to blue bottles and uniquely shaped bottles. The bottles are gathered via friends and recycling centers. I have been gifted with an Aunt Jemima bottle from Uriah and the celebratory bottle of rum from the 2010 Trash Pirates. Heartland always turns up a few fun pieces. The bottle garden is evolving into a Japanese Zen garden with Buddha statue and hopefully a Kwan Yin soon. I am hoping to create a space where one can sit and relax or meditate, even though its not secluded. My yard is no longer simply a front yard. It is truly sacred space. Yes, all the Earth is sacred, but there is a special quality to the serenity of the space. I have incorporated the elements within the garden using gazing balls, wind chimes, and natural items. One section is a Moon garden inspired by the garden of a friend. It is filled with white flowers, crystals, and Moon emblems. Just writing this has my thoughts flowing about how to include a triple goddess emblem within the garden-white marble chips or more crystals? Only time will tell. 9
Continued on page 17
Pagan Parenting I would like to share with you an article written by the first Pagan I ever met. He went on to be my first teacher . Glen Sarcona wrote for PagaNet News in Virginia until they folded. I would like to have your Parenting Stories. Parenting is never easy, but being a Pagan Parent can be a challenge in this world of non Pagans. Share your incites and experiences.
Spiritual Foundation
by Glen T. Sarcona
One of the things that draws many people to a Pagan lifestyle is the fact that it gives them a sense of empowerment. Through study and meditation you can embark on a journey of self-discovery that lasts a lifetime. Often this journey takes us places we never thought we could go. One of the drawbacks to the pagan path is that we have a lot less leadership than members of other faiths. It can be hard to find honorable people to go to for guidance. In many cases, people find themselves hurt or taken advantage of. Many pagans dream of a trusted mentor or parental figure to lead them through this journey. The reality of our world is that perfect love and perfect trust are not easily found. Pagan parents are in a unique position. As they teach their children about the world they can also share the spiritual lessons they have learned. But many pagans don't believe in teaching craft to their children. One of the things that has always concerned me [is] how controversial this can be. Hearing pagan parents say that they aren't going to force their spiritual beliefs on their children leaves me confused. Think a moment: since humans first started believing in a divine power, they passed their teachings and beliefs on to their children. The elders taught the children. It was a natural way of doing things. Why should we be any different? Some might say that because there are so many spiritual paths out there, that it is up to each person to find their own way. I can 10
Pagan Parenting continued
appreciate the desire to honor your children's individuality, but I believe that if you fail to give your child a basic foundation from which to start determining what they believe, all you will get is a confused kid who thinks that their parents are freaks. Without teaching them about craft they can't have any real understanding why their parents act the way they do. This can lead to confusion at the very least and on the more extreme side, resentment and possibly even fear. At an early age, you can work with your child and teach them what you know. You might be astonished to learn that your children are more readily accepting of things if this knowledge is coming from you. They trust and love you already, and in many ways they will accept what you tell them without question. However, understand that as they grow older they will start to ask more and more questions. Some of them you will answer without pause, others will challenge you to think through your ideas and perhaps help you to grow as well. I am proud to have two wonderful children. Since they were infants, Venus and I have done our best to teach Frances and Christopher all that we could. When questions came up that we were unable to answer, we found out. We made sure to include them in rituals, spell-workings, research, classes and the fun stuff too. Several years ago, when we lived in Virginia, there were two major festivals that we went to religiously. These gatherings were anticipated with great excitement. Our kids always found something to do, either on their own or with other children. Workshops were loads of fun. At night, we would celebrate together around the fire circle. It brought me great joy to see my children dancing and drumming alongside us, smiles lighting up their faces. Eventually though, sleepy eyes could stay open no longer. Inevitable the next morning they complained, "Daddy! Why didn't you wake us up? We missed all the fun!" Along the way, from infancy to now, an astonishing thing happened to my children. They became not only self-aware but also empowered. A Pagan belief system and lifestyle has allowed them to look at the world with a non-for them and those around them. 11
“It’s all about the Land”
continued from pg 5
An Education in Mead Mead is the honey based drink that is becoming increasingly popular in the Pagan community. I have had some, not very much. It has not been something I am engaged with until this festival. Here they have a brewing culture that is deep, local, and open. Scott, Neil, and many others shared their wares, and for them this is a serious hobby. Some are International award winners. Overall I tried 37 bottles from 11 different producers. This included traditional, Lotus, Maple Syrup, Orange, and Ginger flavorings. My favorite was by Neil and that was Vanilla Mead. It was an unexpected education, and one I most thoroughly enjoyed. The Power of Ownership
Camp Gaea is a not-for-profit retreat of 168 acres, operated by Earth Rising, Inc. They work closely with Heartland Spirit Alliance, and other groups as well, to host many events. While this campground began in 1992, they are about to witness a rare event, a near miracle in our community. The land [has been] completely paid off [in] September. Earth Rising, Inc. and all of the allied groups have clear title to this wonderful property and this will pass into their hands and care for generations to come. When compared to Pagan Spirit Gathering, Starwood, and similar events which have a nomadic feel of a temporary village of family and friends, Heartland Pagan Festival feels like an ancient gathering field in which generations of tribes return too. In this Heartland Pagan Festival has a family feel that speaks of traditions being born, from somewhere in our most primitive spirits, that offers a promise to extend far into the future. It is the closest I have ever felt of being with my people, of feeling that I am part of a nation of like minded souls. It was a powerful and moving epiphany that left me hungering to return
Vision Quest As Saturday night came, the evening brought with it a ritual that was fun and enlightening. On part of the land known as Blood Trail the Sacred Experience Committee had arranged a wonderful ritual. Called Vision Quest it was made up of 12
Archetypes, sequestered along a path, challenging and creating a spiritual environment for one and all. I will not disclose the actual events of the Quest but will say this: it had a strong effect and opened up my thoughts to greater powers. It was superbly done, smooth, and the ritual performers where serious and dedicated individuals. If you attend the Heartland Pagan Festival and if they do this Quest again, it is a real must do. Security is a Matter of Trust At Heartland Pagan Festival, Security is one of those things that you do not see; it is a truly invisible hand. The Head of Security is Dusty, a powerfully built man, who is (in my experience) the most mild-mannered security officer I have ever witnessed. Easy going, friendly with a comment, and never prideful or arrogant, a style I rarely see in people who are in charge of security. Yet don’t let this fool you into thinking that he doesn’t care, not paying attention, or allow for tomfoolery. When problems occur, he is like a cobra: fast, accurate, and ends all conflicts before anyone realizes there was even a problem. Dusty and his team are instrumental in creating a safe environment, with such subtle finesse it was a hidden pleasure to witness personally. It is this commitment to quality that deepens the profound sense of trust in the land of Camp Gaea, and the management team of Heartland. Trash Pirates vs. Fire Horde A truly fun and enjoyable group was the Trash Pirates. Young adults who, while dressed as pirates, sail in a black four wheeled ship. As they beat the rhythms of the landlocked sea, they called for the trash and recyclables. This fun loving group does seriously hard work, with a song and a joy that honors our mother Gaia. The Fire Horde on the other hand, is a serious group of young adults. They create the nightly bonfire, which is wellbuilt and beautiful to behold, and to the Fire Horde this means care and safety are the order of the day. They are meticulous, detail oriented, and patient, and the results when that fire is lit shows every bit of that. Both groups are important to the overall enjoyment of the festival. Continued on page 16 “It’s all about the land” cont. from page 13 13
Meet the Staff This section is a chance for everyone to get a chance to know our board members and staff.
John Mitchell John is a newer member of H.S.A. He has hosted the talent show during festival for many years. When asked how he felt about being on the board he said he was very flattered that someone thought he could be trusted to do the job. He decided that he was able to do the job and took it on. He would like to see us work together harmoniously to provide the service that HSA is known for: providing to the Pagan community the Heartland Pagan Festival which is thought of as our identity. The Heartland Spirit would like to welcome John and thank him for his efforts!
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Spirit Circle Spirit Circle is a monthly educational gathering facilitated by the Heartland Spiritual Alliance Sacred Experiences Committee. They strive to bring together respected presenters of various backgrounds and belief systems to help share knowledge within the community.
Future Dates, check website for topics October 18 November
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December
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January
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HSA Membership If you are 18+ and would like to become a member of HSA and help promote the practice of, and tolerance towards, alternative spiritual paths, please visit our website at www.kchsa.org to submit a membership application.
Editor’s Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in The Heartland Spirit are strictly those of the authors of each individual article and do not necessarily represent the positions of The Heartland Spiritual Alliance’s Board of Directors, its Officers, or Membership.
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So in accepting ownership and it’s all about the land, there is the fact that children have been raised here, and now those children are having children. It has become very generational and, as I have stated, the feeling of being a people permeates the camp. So one thing that drove it home was two twelve year old boys discussing their future at the festival. As I eavesdropped, the taller boy asked the shorter boy “Which do you want to be, a Trash Pirate or Fire Horde?” and what ensued was not just an answer but an in depth discussion of some twenty minutes about the merits and drawbacks to each. For me this said everything about this festival, this camp and this group when two young men were actively discussing how they were going to be part of this hard working community for jobs they would not be eligible for years to come. That struck me as a commitment that really transcends our mutual faith, and speaks to the tribal nature of Camp Gaea. In Closing, Waffles, Friends and Next Year! There is so much more that I can talk about including Morning Waffle Breakfast with the staff, and Loretta’s pursuit of the perfect waffle. Meeting the Lushes and being accepted into their camp, and sharing in their secrets. Meeting so many that shared with me “It’s all about the Land.” They say mysteries are those things that happen to you that no words, no matter how many, can ever explain. Heartland Pagan Festival is one of those mysteries, and while I can share this review, I cannot truly convey how cool it all was. At the end of day, you simply have to experience it for yourself. In closing, the experience I had at Heartland Pagan Festival hosted by Heartland Spirit Alliance, at Camp Gaea run by Earth Rising, Inc. truly showed me that a new dawn is beginning, and they have a very special place. If you are looking for a new festival or want to add one to your calendar, this is the one I recommend. Next year, Janet Farrar and Gavin Bones will be the special guests of honor, and if the Lord and Lady allows, I will be seeing you there, at Heartland Pagan Festival next Memorial Day Weekend.
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“Gardening Faery style”
cont. from page 9
I carried this feeling over into the backyard, creating a sacred ritual space. It is in the shape of a Faery star. I collected the rocks and the elemental emblems that represent each section. One section contains the plants and the next the emblems. It is a place to gather in ritual or to walk as a meditation. It fills me with a contented sense of fulfillment. I truly am a Goddess within this space. Creatively, other artists have always inspired me, but in creating these living spaces, I find most of what happens there comes directly from inside me. I walk the gardens, talking to the plants and animals, and changes or additions come to me. Never before have I been so guided by an inner voice as I have been in this time period. I may have heard the voices before, but left them unheeded due to circumstance or simply not understanding what I was hearing. I have felt the pain from mistreated plants and trees, but never knew that I had it within me to heal them. I had never understood that I could be the vessel for my religion. In the past religion revolved around the church. Not the church teachings but the building itself. If the building felt “right” to me I was content at first. Finally, though I became discontented with what was being taught and how I was treated. Within the congregation I felt separated from the whole. I was always on the outside, overlooked as unimportant. I left that behind me when I started working with the plants. I have healed them and in kind they have healed me. Within the boundaries of my gardens, I am whole. I am a spiritual being.
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“Leaving a Miserable Job with Magickal Grace” continued from page 7 Odds are that there will come a time they also leave, promote or transfer. As you embrace Water’s energy, prepare to let go. Don’t take as much personally, for you are leaving. You may wish to light a blue Water candle or the western torch and address the Gods who have carried you this far with words like: “Carried on the stream of life, I relinquish toil and strife. Heal me waters, cleanse my heart As from familiar shores I part. My thanks, and blessed be.” My own water phase reminded me that some water is gentle as rain while other water pounds down and wields great destruction. I sought to affirm the good souls I’d met with extra moments of closeness, listening and sincere praise. I refused to sign my name on any of the supervisor’s imagined reprimands or be undone by caseload audits and vague expressions of disappointment. The Earth phase awaits you at the end of the obstacle course. Weary, but resolute, not knowing what comes next, you will feel such relief that your crucifying job ordeal is over. Update your resignation letter, taking the high road if all possible, and give thanks for whatever you’ve learned. You must first bless a thing before you can release it. Hand it in and let the jaws drop and chips fall. Be open to unexpected gratitude for your efforts from unlikely sources. Savor your roses and acknowledge your “lasts”, as you wrap up this sojourn in your life. Light your green candle or northern torch and breathe deeply. You might say something like:
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“The way was hard, the road was long Yet through your wisdom I stood strong. My feet are planted on the earth, I know who I am and what I’m worth! My thanks and blessed be.”
Though the thank yous that came my way were odd, they were sincere and unforgettable. One care provider beckoned me into her pantry and pressed a bottle of chocolate wine into my hands. “For every kindness you’ve given us, we celebrate you,” she explained. On another day, I sat on a bench in a shady yard, meeting with the elderly parent of a disabled client. A wheelbarrow of various stones for future landscaping sat nearby. I’ve been a rockhound since childhood and the old man caught me staring. He grinned. “If you like rocks so much, maybe you ought to go pick you one.” No further coaxing was required. I plucked up a softball sized chunk of red jasper, placed it in my garden and will always remember that moment.
Now comes the resting phase, the fallow field. Recover yourself, take whatever time you can to regroup. Remember that you are not your job, but rather a whole lot more. Someone who deserves you will come along; rise halfway to meet them and embrace that new employment opportunity with a ready heart and spirit that’s refreshed. Not only can you fly, but you can soar! Blessed be!
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Pagan Parenting
continued from page 11
traditional perspective. Their differing attitudes and beliefs have been the source of a lot of growth and exploration Years ago, Christopher had an elementary school teacher who had decided to start a Show and Tell day. Christopher was not interested in bringing in any of the mainstream toys that he had. The first week he brought in a stone-cast gargoyle. He had a collection and that one in particular was his favorite. He took the time to tell the other first graders all about gargoyles and their history. A note from his teacher soon followed. She was requesting that Christopher bring in something more traditional next time. Well he forgot to bring in the Ninja Turtle Action Figure he had decided upon, so that following Monday he improvised. Rather then say that he forgot to bring something when called upon, Christopher marched up to the front of the class, reached into the collar of his shirt and said, "Well, I have these pendants that I wear..." After only two weeks, Show & Tell was canceled for the rest of the school year. By feeling comfortable about his lifestyle and beliefs, Christopher was empowered and therefore able to share these things with his friends. He still expresses himself like this today.
Not too long ago, I had the odd responsibility of taking my daughter in for her first tattoo. Some parents might cringe, but she had been dedicated to this particular pattern for over two years and had shown quite a bit of responsibility about it. She explained her reasons to us and they seemed pretty sound and valid in our eyes. She researched the local tattoo studios and found one she wanted to check out in person. Venus and I went with her. The artist listened to what Frances wanted and explained what the process would be. I was impressed with his professionalism and experience. Later on he told us how unusual it was that Frances brought her parents with her. I told him that she was of legal age so there was little I could do but support 20
her, observe and offer my opinions. From the wide-eyed look on his face, I think we surprised him. The next day, Frances got her tattoo. The image is a triple goddess with tiny starbursts at the tips of each crescent. It is about the size of a business card and sits in the small of her back. How does this tie in, you wonder? Simple. Frances is so firm and committed in her beliefs that she is willing to physically mark her body to show the world what she believes. She told me that she feels that her tattoo makes a statement to the world about who and what she is. Empowerment: passing on a healthy pagan lifestyle will give our children a strong foundation. It's not about having "Super-Hero" abilities. It is about knowing who you are and what you are capable of. Then again, maybe that qualifies as "Super". Peace Be With You __________________________________________________________
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Newsletter SUBMISSIONS All contributions should be submitted electronically to the Newsletter Committee at newsletter@kchsa.org. Please submit your contribution along with your article's title, your "pen"name, pictures or public domain graphics, and a four to five sentence by-line introducing yourself and/or your business/trade/organization. The Heartland Spiritual Alliance reserves the right to accept or reject all submissions at its discretion for any reason. All copyrights remains the property of the submitter. As a nonpaying newsletter, we ask for reprint rights only. We will not grant permission for a third party to reprint your content without your permission. All submissions are accepted and published on the representation that the submitter is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter. The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold Heartland Spiritual Alliance and its agents harmless from any and all liability, demands, or damages arising out of the submission. Such indemnity includes the provision of a defense to any actions or claims and the payment of costs and attorneys fees in connection therewith.
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Newsletter GUIDELINES Choose a theme, announce it in the first paragraph, and use it throughout your article. It is important to be clear, precise, succinct, and organized.. Re-read your article and look for ways to make it more focused and easier to read.
Use subheadings to help break up longer articles into specific topic areas.
If presenting yourself as an expert on a subject, make sure you list your credentials in your by-line. Acknowledge your sources.
If submitting a controversial article, back it up with facts. Anticipate the other's viewpoint and address it with respect. Avoid name-calling. Try to provide solutions to problems rather than just complain.
Other tips: Shorter sentences are better than longer ones. Front load your point in the first paragraph. Simplify when possible. Use and follow an outline. Don’t overuse a word. Have someone else read it. Write from the heart!
Use your imagination and have fun
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Have a business or service you’d like to advertise in Heartland Spirit and the HPF Brochure?
Send an email with a .jpg or .gi of the finished artwork to newsletter@kchsa.org with your name, phone number, the number of issues in which you’d like to advertise AND
Mail your check with a memo of ‘NEWSLETTER AD’ to HSA, P.O. Box 270198, KCMO, 64127
The Heartland Spirit / HPF Brochure Advertising Rates: Single Issue Business card size per newsletter issue /$5.00 ½ page size ad per newsletter issue /$10.00 Full page size ad per newsletter issue /$15.00 Yearly Issues (July to June) Business card size ad in 8 newsletter issues /$30.00 ½ page size ad in 8 newsletter issues /$70.00
Heartland Spiritual Alliance P.O. Box 270198 Kansas City, MO 64127
the Web! We’re on .org www.kchsa
Phone: 816-813-8167 E-mail: info@kchsa.org
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HEARTLAND PAGAN FESTIVAL May 24 - May 28, 2012 Gaea Retreat Center McLouth, KS http://www.kchsa.org
Under the Dragon Moon The 28th Anniversary of One of the Largest Pagan Festivals in the United States Rituals 路 Vision Quest 路 Bonfires Distinguished Speakers 路 Concerts Workshops 路 Mystical Merchants
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