Brigid 2009

Issue 136

Open Ways

Free!

PEn Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities

Brigid 2009 Brigid 2009

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Open Ways Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities Issue 134—Fall Equinox Open Ways is published eight times a year, on the Quarters and Cross-Quarters, by The Nine Houses of Gaia, Inc. Circulation 3400+.

Newsletter Staff Editor — Becca Nichols Distribution Team — Ellie, Rob, Dennis Webmaster: — Paul of Edgewood Submissions Articles, letters, poetry, artwork, etc., are solicited from the community. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. E-mail or send self-addressed stamped envelope for Writers’ Guidelines. Type-written (single-sided) or word processed manuscripts are welcome, electronic submissions via e-mail preferred. Send submissions to:

Open Ways Editor NEW ADDRESS PO BOX 6283 Vancouver, WA 98668 E-mail: editor@9houses.org World Wide Web: http://www.9houses.org/OpenWays/ Please do not send the only copy of your work! Manuscripts unaccompanied by a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope will not be returned. All submissions will be accepted at our discretion.

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No credit card payments. Deadlines (page 3) apply. E-mailed ads and their payments must be received by the deadlines. No black backgrounds or jpg’s please! Email Editor for more info.

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Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities Open Ways is printed on recycled newsprint, using soy -based ink. Please help to save our forests — recycle!

The Nine Houses of Gaia, Inc. P.O .Box 14415 Portland, OR 97293-0415

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Mission Statement The Nine Houses of Gaia is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1992 to sponsor the Northwest Fall Equinox Festival and publish Open Ways.

Open Ways serves as an introduction to and an anchor for pagan communities in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest; a forum for the exchange of scholarly, practical, or experiential information, knowledge, and wisdom; a tool for instruction and communication; a “journal” of events, announcements, ideas, poetry, prose, illustration — anything of benefit or interest to pagans, wiccans, or other nature spiritualists.

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Brigid 2009

Open Ways Table of Contents 3 - Poem (untitled) by Wendy D.

Moon above you stars above you green as heart chakra pulsing, pushing

4 - Ritual celebrations and events 5 - Ongoing events

moss on you lichen on you brown as the mother

6 - Notes from the editor

by Becca 7 - Advice from the Priesthood

by Siennna

ferns under you soil under you sky to earth connecting

9 - Blue Moons by Ken Arthur 10 - 12 - A Lasting Home No Winter Winds Can Breach

by Rev. Lynn Stanley

by Wendy D. (untitled)

14 - Meet Laxmi, Goddess of prosperity by Sienna 15 - 17 - Unwaiverable Faith

by Joe Montoya OPEN WAYS DEADLINES This deadline schedule includes all articles, artwork, announcements, events and Advertisements. Send everything to the Vancouver address for Open Ways on page 2 . Advertising rates are posted on the bottom of page 2.

Open Ways Issue

Deadline

Available

Spring Equinox 2009 Beltane 2009 Summer Solstice 2009 Lughnasadh 2009 Fall Equinox 2009 Samhain 2009 Yule 2009 Brigid 2010

Jan. 25 Mar. 13 April 25 June 13 July 25 August 25 Oct. 25 Dec. 13

March 1 April 10 June 1 July 10 Sept. 1 Oct. 10 Dec. 1 Jan. 10

Brigid 2009

17 - My Witch by G. Taylor 18 - Blatant religious discrimination by Fishing Cat 19- Fire Walkers

by Amy K. 20 - Imbolc in the Forest

by Serena Cerridwen Danu 21– 23 - Pagan Community Directory

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Open Ways FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RITUAL CELEBRATIONS!!!

All events on this page are FREE. Event hosts may accept a small donation.

Donations are optional and very much appreciated.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

To have your Events listed here, please make sure they fit these criteria: 1) It is offered at no charge.

2) It is within our geographical area, generally, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, Northern California, Nevada, Southern BC and Alberta.

Ritual celebrations WOMEN’S IMBOLIC RITUAL “Finding the Goddess within” February 1st 2009, starting at 6pm. Being held at the Sellwood Masonic Lodge 7126 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland. Ritual and potluck feast. All women and children welcome. Call SisterSpirit for more info 503-736-3297. $5+ donation greatly appreciated.

Announcements and events Wednesday Jan. 14th - Women's Healing Circle, 7pm: Tonight we will focus on the Chinese new year and Goddesses of the Chinese pantheon to aid us in our healing. All women welcome. Held at the SisterSpirit office, 3430 SE Belmont #102.

Call 503-736-3297 for info. $5 + donations greatly appreciated.

Essential Elements at 503-231-2831 or Thuri at 503-956-7258 as well as by email for more info at tcalafia@gmail.com. $5 + donations greatly appreciated.

Tuesday February 10th - Inner Journeys, 7pm: A journal writing circle for women. Bring your journal or start a new one. Topic: Goal setting. Start the new year Wednesday Jan. 15th - Dream Conver- off with a personal plan. All women welsations, 7pm: Come share your dreams come. Held at the SisterSpirit office, 3430 and insights with other women! All SE Belmont #102. Call 503-736-3297 for OPEN FULL MOON RITUAL women welcome. Held at the SisterSpirit info. $5 + donations greatly appreciated.

February 7 2009, Starting at 7pm with office, 3430 SE Belmont #102. Call 503drumming afterword until 9pm. Held 736-3297 for info. $5 + donations greatly Wednesday February 11th - Women's at Essential Elements Herbal Apotheappreciated.

Healing Circle, 7pm: Tonight we will cary, 3135 SE Hawthorne blvd. in Portfocus on the Chinese new year and Godland.

Wednesday Jan. 21st - Magickal Study desses of the Chinese pantheon to aid us in All full moon rituals are free but donations Group, 7:30pm: Topic: Crone Goddesses our healing. All women welcome. Held at are gladly appreciated to help offset costs. and Magicks. All women welcome. Held the SisterSpirit office, 3430 SE Belmont For more information call Essential Eleat the SisterSpirit office, 3430 SE Belmont #102. Call 503-736-3297 for info. $5 + ments at 503-231-2831 or Thuri at 503#102. Call 503-736-3297 for info. $5 + donations greatly appreciated.

956-7258 as well as email tcaladonations greatly appreciated. fia@gmail.com.

Sunday February 22nd - Witches Tea Thursday Jan. 22nd - Women’s Writ- and (Anti - Valentines Party) 2 - 4 pm: ers Group, 7pm: Topic: Story vs. Plot. All Come and enjoy some tea with other‘s!

PUBLIC IMBOLIC RITUAL women welcome. Held at the SisterSpirit Held at Essential Elements 3135 SE HawPresented by Blue Moon Church Feb- office, 3430 SE Belmont #102. Call 503- thorne Blvd. Portland, OR. Call Essential ruary 1st 2009, starting at 5pm. Held at 736-3297 or email patmac31@juno.com Elements at 503-231-2831 or Thuri at 503108th ave SE Kent, WA. for info. $5 + donations greatly appreciated. 956-7258 as well as by email for more info This is a potluck event open to all. Crafts at tcalafia@gmail.com. $5 + donations and activities start at 5pm, orientation begreatly appreciated.

Sunday Jan. 25th - Witches Tea (and gins at 5:30pm with circle cast at 5:55pm. Bad Poetry Contest) 2 - 4pm: Come Email tim.h@q.com for directions or call enjoy some tea and bad poetry while help253-886-7797. ing to raise $ for local Pagan organizations.

Held at Essential Elements 3135 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR. Call → Page 4

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Open Ways ONGOING ACTIVITIES 8 Times a year, each Sabbath — Mystic Art Gathering & Information Circle (MAGIC) holds a public ritual and ceremony for the Solstices, Equinoxes, and cross-quarters in between. Typically in Vancouver or North Portland. These gatherings are free to the public, although a donation can will be passed. Families with kids are welcome. Held on the closest Saturday to the actual Sabbath, 7pm. Locations announced in advance if possible.

Call 360-693-7349 or see our listing in the community directory under MAGIC as well as on MySpace.

Non-denominational Sunday service Integrate light into your being. Come to receive blessings and an uplifting spiritual Reading to empower and enlighten your soul. held at Crystal Temple 7275 Richmond Ave. For info call 503-249-0303 or by web at crystaltemple.org.

1st Sunday Sare-apy.

Always the first Sunday (no Sare-apy in August). Join us each first Sunday of the month. Activities include silent meditation, discussion of healing techniques, individual and group healing sessions and introduction to healing arts practitioners. Everyone is welcome, this is a wonderful opportunity Full moon rituals - open On the Saturday night closest to the full for healing– receiving and giving, and for moon, starting at 7pm with drumming making new alliances. Held at Hands of afterword until 9pm. OFMs are held at Freedom Healing 8725 NE Broadway, Essential Elements Herbal Apothecary, Portland OR 97220 from 1-4pm. Dona3135 SE Hawthorne blvd. in Portland. For tions appreciated. upcoming dates look in the free ritual celebrations and announcements. All full TUESDAYS moon rituals are free but donations are Open Reiki and healing circle gladly appreciated to help offset costs. For Circle held on the 1rst Tuesday of the more information call Essential Elements month from 9-11am. Held at the Celtic at 503-231-2831 or Thuri at 503-956-7258 Circle 3717 NW 25th St. Redmond, OR. as well as email tcalafia@gmail.com.

For info call 541-504-4627 or by email pepsi@bendcable.com.

SUNDAYS Witches afternoon teas Witches meetup Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon A social event held on the 4th Tuesday of from 2-4pm, Thuri Calafia and Camella every month. At 7PM. We have no set Cook sponsor theme based parties deagenda or format, just talk and have fun. signed to build community through raising Held at the Guiding Tree 4831 SE Divimoney for various local Pagan organizasion Street. For more info http:// tions and charities, on a donation only ba- www.pagan.meetup.com. sis. All teas offer free refreshments and reading by volunteers. Each month is a different theme, either seasonal or whimsiWEDNESDAYS cal. Look in the free Ritual celebrations and Witches Meetup announcements for coming dates. For A social event held on the 1rst Wed. of more information call Essential Elements every month at 7PM. We have no set at 503-231-2831 or Thuri at 503-956-7258 agenda or format, just talk and have fun. as well as by email tcalafia@gmail.com for We are a friendly, non-cliquish bunch who coming dates. have been meeting for over five years.

Brigid 2009

Held at the Irishtown Pub, 11600 NE Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver WA. Monthly Pagan Meetup A social event held on the 2nd Wed of every month at 7PM. We just get together to talk and have fun. Held at Old Town Pizza (between 2nd and 3rd on NW Davis). For more info go to http:// www.paganmeetup.com.

Reiki Share Circle Every 1rst and 3rd Wednesdays at Sellwood Spirit Feathers, 7704 SE 13th. For info call 503-230-0249. All are welcome!

Tarot night Every 1rst Wednesday. Bring your cards, practice readings, become more familiar with your card and discuss Tarot with other readers. Held at Crystal Temple, 7525 N Richmond. For info cal 503-249-0303 or on the web at info@crystaltemple.org.

Reiki Circle Every 2nd Wednesday come and receive healing and develop your skills in a sacred temple surrounded by light beings. Held at Crystal Temple, 7275 N Richmond. For info 503-249-0303 or on the web at info@crystaltemple.org.

Drum circle Every 3rd Wednesday. Lets explore rhythms and escape reality in a sacred temple. Bring an instrument if you have one, if not we can share. not we can share. Held at Crystal Temple 7275 N Richmond. For more info 503-249-0303 or info@crystaltemple.org.

THURSDAYS Open Meditation Held every Thursday and Sunday from 12 -2 pm. Open meditation at Crystal Temple Continued on next page Page 5

Open Ways 7275 N Richmond. For info 503-249-0303 or info@crystaltemple.org.

Morris Dancing Every Thursday join Renegade Rose Morris Dancers, a group of Portland men and women who perform ancient English folk dances on May Day and other community events. We‘ll teach you dances. For info call Lev at 971-570-3388 or on the web at www.renegadeerose.org.

SATURDAYS Salamander Reiki circle Intense monthly 3 hour reiki circle, meeting each last Saturday of the month. Free attunements and training. Must RSVP one week in advance. Contact info: Mark Dragonfly Freemon 503313-6490 or dragonfly5555@verison.net, http://tribes.tribe.net/ toadlovers.

Notes from the editor There is a couple of housekeeping issues that need to be dealt with.

First off, the following address is to be used for all Open Ways business: PO Box 6283 Vancouver, WA 98668. This would be subscriptions, ads, ad payments, as well as submissions. We have been receiving a lot of mail at our Portland, OR PO Box which has resulted in a lot of confusion as well as a lack of response from us. So, please send ALL correspondence having to do with Open Ways to the Vancouver PO Box please.

Secondly, if you see a star on the address label of your Open Ways this means that your subscription is expired. Keep your eyes out for that. As a part of your festival entrance you do get a 1 year subscription for free, but one year only.

And lastly, please let us know if you have moved.

You can write us at the above PO Box as well as email us at editor@9houses.org. Putting in a forward with the post office usually works but not always. We have been receiving a large number of papers returned to us due to people moving. We are charged $2 each time this happens, and as you can imagine this adds up fast. So, if you are not receiving your Open Ways this may be why.

Thank you all for your support of Open Ways. We really appreciate it!

Your humble editor Becca

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Brigid 2009

Open Ways Advice from the Priesthood

By Sienna

Visualize your workspace as a sealed environment, where the only energy allowed in or out is your own (and maybe your supervisor….). Then see that boundary as being made of rock-hard clear This column is intended to be a format for the general Pagan popu- quartz or even diamond, which will deflect co-worker energy. Put as lation to ask anonymous questions regarding anything to do with the much of your own energy into it as you can spare. This should keep pagan lifestyle, from spiritual Earth worship to living in our modern- co-workers at a distance. day society. Questions are answered from the philosophical standpoint of “Harm none, Do as Ye Will.” If you have questions for us, What's the difference between New Age Magick and Traditional Wicca? please write to Sienna@spiralrhythms.org, or send a letter to the editor of this paper. All questions shall remain anonymous.

About two decimal points behind the dollar sign. No, seriously, the biggest difference is in the vocabulary. The mechanics are so similar Dear Readers: they are truly the same thing under different banners.

Last year I wrote a column that was full of short questions and answers. I called this "the Quickies," and apparently many of you liked that format. I've discussed that column with people more than any other in my writing history. So, back by popular demand…another round of "Quickies!."

Is Magick real? I mean, does it really work?

That’s like asking "does Yoga really work?" or "do diets really work?". Magick is a way of looking at things, a change in habits and perspectives and beliefs. It works just as well as any other healthy change in perspectives, and (here's the important part) you only get out of it what you put into it.

How do I pick a magickal name?

I see a lot of Celtic Wiccans playing African drums, and using Native American symbology. What's with the mixing of cultures? Isn't that a bit insulting to the cultures?

We live under the tenet of Harm none, do what thou Will. We feel we are honoring, not insulting these cultures. Things like runes, drums, feathers, masks, singing bowls, and sage work well together, and they work well enough to be adapted by others. Technology engineers don't pass up innovations simply because they come from another country, and magickal workers shouldn't either.

How can I keep my relatives from taking my children to Christian churches?

Why wouldn't you want them to? Don't limit their education. Let them go….and then discuss it with them afterward, so that they get a good perspective on it and don't internalize any Christian guilt. However, it is cultural conditioning they will need later in life. The minority always needs to know what the majority thinks.

There are two ways to get a magickal name; one comes from other people around you, the other comes from deep inside you. If your inner voice has not given you a name yet, ask the people around you, especially those you consider 'elders.' Or, if you're feeling lucky, What's the difference between a coven and a grove? close your eyes and point to any phrase in any magickal book you like. One of these methods will work.

About 70 miles, the distance between Wales and Ireland. Covens are associated with Wicca, while Groves are associated with Druidry.

What do I do if I anger a God or Goddess?

The community I moved from had horrible witch wars. Is the Portland/Salem Apologize. Quickly. In ritual. Even if you don't "believe" or area the same way? "worship" that God or Goddess, the act of apologizing does wonders for your psychic energy.

For the most part, this community has remained witch-war free for the 15 years or so. Something about camping in the rain makes Why do my kids/dogs/cats mess with my altar constantly? us a bit more tolerant I think. Either that, or we know we're all too damp to burn like regular witches…

Altars are full of intense energy, which is very attractive. Everyone is drawn to it, but adults control their impulses better than kids or dogs. And cats just don't care.

How can I protect my energy from a co-worker?

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Open Ways

Caer Wy’east Outer Court A British Traditional Wiccan Training Circle offers our Annual

“A-Year-and-A-Day Seekers Training” May 8th, 2009 – May 14th, 2010 What‘s British Traditional Wicca (BTW) you ask?

BTW is an American term that denotes Wiccan Traditions that base their practices on the covens found in the New Forest region of Great Britain, verses Eclectic Wicca and other Neo-Pagan Traditions. The most commonly known BTW Traditions include: Gardnerian, Alexanderian, CalGard, Protean, Kingstone, Silver Crescent, Daoine Coire, Majestic, Mohsian, and related traditions.

Our training format is interactive and experiential, covering such topics as: The History of Traditional Wicca, Mystery Traditions & Initiations, the Wiccan Goddess & God, the Sabbaths & Esbats, the Witch‘s Tools, Circle Construction (creating sacred space), Magick & Ethics (The Wiccan Rede), various forms of Divination, Herbology, basic Energy Raising and Spell Craft techniques, Elemental pathworkings and more…

Our Outer Court meets on select Fridays from 8:00 – 11:00p.m…sometimes later.

As per custom, we levy no fees to teach the Craft… This training will provide Seekers of BTW, or those exploring various spiritual paths, a well-rounded introduction and beginning foundation in BTW. Seekers desirous of initiation into a particular Tradition will be offered assistance in linking with groups known to us. If this type of offering interests you, kindly remit a “Letter of Introduction” describing: your interests and experience with Wicca; your goals for pursuing this type of training; and your contact information c/o:

Steward_Creace@msn.com (preferred) or

Steward Creace 12732 S.E. Stark Street Portland, OR 97233 I am always happy to discuss our Outer Court and Inner Court training and circling opportunities. I may be reached at the above e-mail, or you may ring me at 503.622.1381.

Blessed Be,

Steward Creace, Gardnerian High Priest & Elder

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Open Ways Blue Moons

By Ken Arthur There are three major definitions of a blue moon: 1. The first is two full moons in the same month.

2. The second is two full moons in the same sign of the zodiac.

quitting experiences I had ever had before! There is definitely great power available during Blue Moons!

Modern and ancient definitions of Blue Moons differ but the most likely ‗real‘ and powerful Blue Moon is the third of four moons in a season. There are normally three full moons in a season—say from Spring Equinox to Mid-Summer. However, occasionally there are four full moons in a season. When this happens, the third of those four is likely the original ancient interpretation of a Blue Moon.

3. The third is the fourth moon in a season.

However, technically speaking, there is a problem with the first definition above. This problem has to do with the difference in what constitutes a month. The old Pagan Calendar had 13 months of 28 days plus one extra day each year. (This is where we get the ―year and a day‖ concept). However, the modern Gregorian Calendar has months with various numbers of days. So, the question then is, do we count two full moons in a month per the old Pagan Calendar, or use the current Gregorian Calendar?

Magically speaking, the ebb and flow of spell-power peaks at crossover points—like the equinoxes, cross-quarter days, etc. and/ or at unusual occurrences/times—like eclipses, certain moon phases, and that includes Blue Moons—whatever their definition—all of them are important crossover points.

Bibliography: Astronomy Magazine, December 1990 Planetarian, December, 1993 Griffith Observer, July 1996 Sky & Telescope Magazine, May 1999 About me: I am Environmental Engineer and the member of a Coven in Milwaukie, Oregon

AN EXAMPLE OF BLUE MOON POWER: I tried to quit smoking for many years—and failed miserably. I went to the American Cancer meetings, joined the 7-day Adventist program, and used the special filters to decrease the amount of nicotine going into my lungs, I also tried to go cold turkey several times—but nothing worked. (Nicotine gum was not a market factor at that time). During these trial periods, my craving for tobacco was so overwhelming that I came to realize that I was thoroughly ―hooked‖. Finally, I gave up and accepted the fact that I would never be able to stop and that, as the saying went: ―They would have to pry my last cigarette out of my cold dead hand.‖ Then came a time when a newly assembled coven performed a freedom ritual for me. This was done during a blue moon over 11 years ago. In the beginning, nothing happened. However, two weeks later, the magic manifested and I threw my cigarettes away—including several full packs left the carton. For the next 5 days, I had a just a few minor cravings that were easily overcome.

Moreover, by the sixth day, I had forgotten I had ever smoked!

The end-result was miraculous and totally unlike the disastrous

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Open Ways Scotland. Badgers have become very households could prepare accordingly, by getting ready for an A Lasting Home No Winter Winds Can Breach early planting season or rationing stores of food and livestock feed for a late spring. Long winters and short summers make

by Rev. Lynn Stanley for hunger this year and next, and losses for man and beast ―So Merlin sent you to me,‖ said the badger, ―To finish off your alike, so tensions would be running high. Any way to detereducation. Well, I can only teach you two things, to dig, and to mine when the weather will break is worthy of a ritual; and this love your home. These are the true end of philosophy.‖ T.H. is where the animals come in.

White, The Sword in the Stone When German settlers came to Pennsylvania, they brought the This winter has been hard; if not in weather, certainly in circum- custom of predicting the start of spring weather from the activstance. The brief insular fantasy of the holidays has burst, leav- ity of burrowing mammals. In Germany they had looked to badgers for answers, but in the new land they turned to the ing us feeling like figures in a broken snow globe after all the glitter and snow has run out with the water, and the grim reality more common groundhog. In actuality, they were predicting of the recession rushes back to us. As the wheel turns to Febru- future weather based on present weather, but where is the fun in that? Where is the suspense in knowing that if it is sunny today, ary, we come to Imbolc, a festival with themes of cleansing, it will be snowing in March? Better to drag the family out to healing, and renewal. For some of us, this is the first year in watch, in close proximity, the mammal described as ―the which we will personally explore the healing potential of Imworld‘s meanest animal‖; a creature with the claws of a wolverbolc; for all of us, cleansing and renewal are needed to wash ine and a relentless bite thanks to a dislocation proof jaw. Famaway the economic and social pain of the previous year and ily fun has really lost that Medieval edge. In Badger Day, just prepare us to move forward. Yet we need more than a fresh start; we need wisdom on how to adapt to the new life we face like in modern American Groundhog Day, the badger is as a society. We have wandered so far from a life lived within watched coming out of his hole. If it is sunny, he retreats into his burrow to continue his winter sleep, like the groundhog who our means, a lifestyle based on reality rather than status symbols, how are we to find our way back? The answer is simple, sees the shadow. ―The Badger peeps out of his hole on Candleof course: we will look to the one enduring source of wisdom, mas Day, and, if he finds snow, walks abroad; but if he sees the sun shining, he draws back into his hole.‖ One can only wonthe tutor appointed by the gods, to nature. Tracing the animal lore of Imbolc leads us to an animal that can help us refocus on der how often badgers came (willingly) out of their holes on the things that endure. The badger is a tenacious animal, found Candlemas Day, as badgers are in fact nocturnal. While badgers were the prognosticating animal of choice in Germany, peoaround the globe from Europe and the British Isles to the Paple in other parts of Europe may have observed bears, and cific Northwest, and it was once emblematic of crossing the scholar Rhys Carpenter thinks that the ancient European Bear threshold from winter to spring.

Cult may have been the root of the Badger or Groundhog Day Waiting for the start of spring weather is a time of high anxiety tradition (Yoder, p. 54). Since etymological evidence indicates that the legacy of the Bear Cult endured in the British Isles, it is in agrarian societies. Since the onset of spring‘s light and warmth determines the earliest planting date, and therefore how possible that bears were the weather augurs of early Britain.

When bears became scarce or extinct in other parts of Europe, much time crops will have to mature before harvest time, it is natural that early traditions would focus on divining how soon the tradition was transferred to the badger; smaller, yet similar in winter will relinquish its grip. Spring will also bring fresh graz- appearance. ing for livestock, which by late winter would have seriously depleted the store of hay. Proverbs from Candlemas, as Imbolc It is interesting that Badgers never became associated with Candlemas in England, where they have lived for over 250,000 was known in Christian Europe, reflect the pastoral focus of years. There are so many badgers in Britain, that an estimated augury in February. ―If Candlemas Day be dry and fair, then half o the winter‘s to come and mair. If Candlemas Day be wet 50,000 are killed by cars every year, without taking a serious toll on the population. Between 250,000 and 310,000 badgers and foul, then half o the winter‘s gain at Yule.‖ A farmer are believed to live in England, in small groups of 2-12 animals. should, on Candlemas Day, have half his corn and half his hay.‖ These sayings show that it was important to know how They are distributed unevenly throughout the island, with the much longer the winter weather would hold so that farmers and highest density in the Southwest, and a small population in Page 10

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Open Ways Scotland. Badgers have become very popular with nature enthusiasts, and there are numerous badger groups dedicated to badger watching, education, and habitat conservation. This modern popularity is perhaps due less to their charm of their waddling gate and those lovely white stripes, and owes more to the badger‘s prominent place in English literature. There may be a dearth of badgers in ancient myths, but they appear as animals of wisdom in two famous stories from the early twentieth century. Significantly, these stories are classics of children‘s literature; so many people have been read these tales, and read them to their own children, that the characters have become part of our modern mythic experience. The badgers in these stories share personality traits, establishing a mythic personification of the animal with which we can relate.

The Badger‘s story reminds us that we can adapt to any circumstance; that we can turn useful knowledge into tools to help us get he most out of our situation. This year, February finds us entrenched in a recession that has taken over one million jobs and doubled the number of homeless. This is a winter in which no early spring can bring relief; it is foretold that the worst is yet to come. Yet even when divination is to no avail, we still find a source of relevant seasonal wisdom in badgers. This year we need strength to weather the adversity facing us, and fortitude to reshape our lives in a sustainable pattern. We need to learn how to live in a way that will endure, and how to find contentment in what remains within our shortened grasp. If we look to the behavior, habits, and folk wisdom of badgers, we find the qualities we need to take on ourselves.

Kenneth Graham creates the most beloved Badger of all in The Wind in the Willows, the respected neighbor, friend, and advisor of Ratty, Mole, and Mr. Toad. A formidable but generous old man, Badger makes his solitary home in the Wild Wood the neighborhood of his disreputable cousins, the weasels and stoats. Badger is a patriarch of the animals in the book, providing a refuge for Mole and Ratty when they are caught in the Wild Wood after dark; feeding hungry young hedgehogs; taking charge of the effort to rehabilitate the reckless Mr. Toad. He is the oldest of the characters, and acts as their leader, protector, and advisor. In T. H. White‘s The Sword in the Stone, we meet another wise badger, this time as a friend of Merlin and a teacher of young Arthur. Merlin sends Arthur to the badger for his final lesson before the boy will become king; and Merlin brings the aged and broken Arthur back to the badger‘s sett to remedy gaps in his education. In the young Wart‘s last transformation, he takes the form of a badger and journeys to the true badger‘s sett. There the learned badger reads his dissertation about each of the animals choosing the tools to augment their bodies when the world was young. The badger chooses strong legs and claws for digging, sharp teeth and a powerful jaw for biting and holding fast. Man alone chooses nothing to strengthen his form; no fur, claws, or fangs, but remains naked, like a fetus throughout life. The man does not choose any tools, because he can not foresee what he will encounter in life, and does not want to limit himself before hand. As a reward for this foresight, God gives man the ability to make and use any tool he will need. In this scene we have a badger telling a story of origin, conveying knowledge of mythological significance.

Through this story, the Badger tells the future king: you are adaptable, you can meet the challenge of any situation.

Badgers are best known for their strength and tenacity. Built for digging power rather than speed, their stocky, muscular body sits atop short but very strong legs with long claws for digging. The musculature of a badger is more developed around the front of the body as befits a tunneling animal, with a burly neck and chest and longer, stronger front legs. In the Pacific Northwest we have a subspecies of the American badger (Taxidea taxus), Taxidea taxus Jeffersoni. Adult badgers of this sub-species have a weight of around 15 pounds for the females, and closer to twenty pounds for the males, with a length of twenty four to thirty inches. The badger is omnivorous, and normally restricts its carnivorous consumption to worms and grubs, small burrowing mammals such as mice and voles, and ground nesting birds. They can use their immensely powerful front legs to pry open hedgehogs, but usually do not take any larger prey. However, when threatened, badgers are ferocious fighters, and will not hesitate to defend their cubs and their home, called a sett from large predators. Long, sharp claws turn from powerful tools to vicious weapons. The badger‘s jaw is securely jointed into its cranium, which enables it to bite and hold struggling prey or enemies without dislocating its jaw.

Unfortunately, the badger‘s fighting ability made it a target for hunters and blood sport enthusiasts. Yet even with centuries of hunting, badger baiting, habitat destruction, and culling to prevent the possible spread of disease to livestock, badger populations are still thriving.

Brigid 2009

Badgers are a symbol of strength in the Scottish Highlands, where badger teeth were once worn as buttons on ceremonial dress, and the sporran, or purse worn at the front of the kilt, was sometimes made of the head of a badger. These customs may have been a symbolic emblem of the wearer‘s strength, or a Page 11

Open Ways way of taking on the strength of the badger. The tradition of wearing badger could also have been a display of clan strength.

European badgers live in family based social groups, called clans, which may consist of up to twelve badgers and cubs.

Generally one dominant pair of badgers, usually the parents, leads the social group comprised of their subordinate offspring.

Badgers pass their setts down through successive generations, and the excavations will be enlarged as the clan expands.

Clans are territorial, and will defend territories as large as 100 to 400 acres that contain their sett and several foraging sites. The boundaries are well defined by scent marking, and all badgers, especially males, will act fiercely in defense of their territory.

Badger clans are enduring, with some sets believed to have been in use for centuries. By wearing badger fetishes, Highlanders could have been acknowledging the similarities of character and habit between themselves and badgers, or symbolically drawing on the animal‘s strength and defensive nature to protect their own clan. It is likely that the Scottish knew of the progenitive power of badgers, not only to reproduce but to found an enduring line and a lasting family seat. A traditional gift to Highland grooms is a tie pin made of a badger‘s penis bone, as a way of blessing the union with fertility.

This winter, our needs have become simpler. Most of us have lost the desire for bigger, better, more; we want only a secure home and enough to provide the necessities for our family.

Ambition is not a quality to cultivate now, but rather steadfastness; we do not look to move, but to burrow deeper in and make a lasting home we can maintain. For many people, living the humbler lifestyle of what we can afford, rather than the extravagance we can finance, is disappointing. Yet here we can look to badgers for wisdom. The sett is a humble place, and from above ground it doesn‘t look like much. Yet its many tunnels lead to clean, well ventilated chambers. There are separate rooms for nurseries, pantries, and sleeping, and bedding material is frequently changed. Entrances on multiple levels ensure airflow and ventilation through the tunnels, as well as providing multiple escape roots. A large established sett may have a main sett, used by the breeding pair, with tunnels leading to annex setts for the subordinate badgers. The badger‘s sett is the embodiment of what is solid, real, and sustainable; not a dream of unsupportable wealth, but a firm foundation on which to build generations of a family. As Badger remarks in The Wind in the Willows, the badger‘s sett is a haven of security and comfort; ―There‘s no security, or peace and tranquility, except underground. And then, if your ideas get larger and you wanted to expand-why a dig and a scrape and there you are! If Page 12

you feel your house is too big, you stop up a hole or two, and there you are again! No, up and out of doors is good enough to roam about and get one‘s living in; but underground to come back to at last-that‘s my idea of home!‖ The badger can help us return to a traditional concept of home as shelter, not equity, and regain our appreciation for the life of lasting tradition.

Yoder, Don. Groundhog Day, Stackpole Books 2003 To learn more about badgers and conservation efforts, visit these sites: Badger Land UK ‗The Definitive Guide to Badgers in the UK‖ Teacher packs, folklore, animal facts and photos. www.badgerland.co.uk/main.html The Virtual badger Sett Facts on all the subspecies of badger, plus facts, pictures, and maps,. www.badgers.org/ Animal Diversity Web Excellent scientific guides to animals, including badgers, from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/ Meles_meles.html Badgers in Fiction: T.H. White, The Sword in the Stone, 1938 William Collins and Sons Kenneth Graham, The Wind in the Willows, 1908 Methuen Lynn Stanley is harper, healer and mother of three. She lives with her family in Portland, Oregon, and has odd close encounters with all the animals she writes about for this column.

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Open Ways

Brigid 2009

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Open Ways Meet Laxmi, the Goddess of Prosperity

By Sienna Abundance. Prosperity. Success. Beauty. Luxury. Fertility. Fortune. Power. Wealth. These are the things that people aim for. Laxmi, sometimes spelled Lakshmi, is the Hindu Goddess that grants these boons. The root of her name, Lak-sya, means "purpose" or "goal" or "aim."

Her name is synonymous with gaining your projected What "OM" means to the spiritual plane, Shri means to goals. the physical plane. Since OM is all of the energy that has created the Universe, Shri is all of the material things that Sometimes she is called Mahalaxmi. The prefix "maha" go into the creation of the Universe. Hence, Laxmi is all means "great," so Mahalaxmi is The Great Laxmi. As about that which is manifesting in the physical here and the Hindu pantheon is rife with Deities for many different now. purposes, only a few are bestowed the title "Maha-" Near the same time that we celebrate Fall Equinox here, Her sacred title is Shri, which looks like this when it's the Hindus celebrate Laxmi in a festival of lights called written in Sanskrit: "Diwali." Diwali is a 5 day event that includes a dark night of sacrifice to Laxmi, followed by a day where everything is lit up. People use this festival to cleanse themselves of unwanted habits and built-up frustrations, and Laxmi converts that energy into prosperity and abundance for all who have sacrificed their negativity.

Shri is written atop official documents, to bless whatever business is transpiring.

Look for more about Laxmi and Diwali in the coming issues of Open Ways.

Shri can be considered the balancing side of the more commonly seen 'OM.'

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Brigid 2009

Open Ways Unwaiverable Faith

by Joe Montoya "Spirit is the foundation of my life," says author/ ceremonialist Maria Naakai Ts'ilsoose Yraceburu (Quero Apache). "I want to unite the people and the earth in a way that brings heart sensation. I want them to experience a multidimensional understanding that will stay with them, not fade into doubt the next day."

Maria is descended from thirteen generations of Holy Ones on her father's side, individuals who charted cyclic times for earth renewal. "The hearts of the people are linked to the spirit of the land, and ceremonies will always keep the connection alive."

Yraceburu says messages in rituals are a conscious choice, a way of sharing the wisdom of earth. "I believe we can change the world through honoring rituals. Everyone right now needs healing, earth ceremony has something for everyone. Love is the force of life given to us in the sacred rite of connection. Belief and responsible choice put the wisdom to work in reality, it helps the atmosphere of universal love grow."

In these whirlwind times, Yraceburu's focus remains on the teachings she received from her grandfather. "We have a responsibility to the future," she says. "We have to demonstrate the power of earth life and claim our responsibilities as humans. We must express our gifts, and I love watching people discover their talents. We've conducted Earth Renewal Camps for over 35 years. It's great watching evolution unfold." With her life partner, Lynda Yraceburu, a traditional Gypsy healer and Earth Spirit photographer, Maria established a traditionally structured spiritual community called EarthWisdom. "The focus is earth renewal and the human spirit," she states. "We're fulfilling prophecy and stepping into actualized potential."

Despite the power of her teachings, her work has had its critics. She has been called a fraud by "guardians of the traditional way" who condemn mixed bloods sharing wisdom as instructed by their respective elders. However, the recognition she has received for her path actually spans the philosophical dispute, coming from the elders of Cherokee, Inca, Chumash, Wiyot and Hopi, as well as the traditional elders of her own Apache Snake Clan. She has simultaneously walked in two worlds while establishing a traditional lifestyle in contemporary time. Her alternative camps of earth teachings that she transforms with the eclectic array of cyclic Brigid 2009

time - The Magic of Earth Women, Spiral Dancing Family Reunion, Courageous Crossing, Rainbow Bridging Elder's Gathering, among others - have become experiences of boundless exploration for participants. "My favorite gathering is always the one just completed," she states. "You can't beat the faces full of wonder. It's a wave of love that carries you to the next moment of celebration."0 As a Snake Clan member of the Quero Apache from the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, Maria was given her adult name Naakai Ts'ilsoose (Returning Star) at age 50 after being struck by lightning. Her grandfather Juan, was a clan priest and healer. He provided direction and inspiration. "I assisted him with almost everything he'd let me help with, starting with tending to injured and orphaned animals, gathering medicinal herbs, dreaming and curing ceremonies," Yraceburu recalls. "Now I'm teaching Earth Renewal as he, and other Elders, have instructed me to do." The proceed the Earth Renewal Camps gather benefit various Earth Wisdom Community Service Projects such as Youth Assistance and Mentoring, Elders Support Program, Sacred Sites Preservation, and the Taanaashkaada Retreat Project. "That's the beauty of it all," she says, "a turnaround... the cycle from which we all benefit."

A drug addict in the 70s and again in the 80s, Yraceburu experienced the soul sickness she had once helped her grandfather assist others with. She turned her life around by returning to her Path of Beauty. "I hear from friends now that I probably was always following the way, but had lost sight of my connection," she reflects. "Now, they tell me I was always teaching and living these ways... I just stepped out of time! I didn't sync up with the reality I knew to be Esonknhsendehi... Changing Mother earth. I had experienced the sadness of a mother who has lost her child, I found the purpose I live now in those days."

Almost two decades later, she has written four books, appeared on numerous radios shows and at universities including the 2006 Global Medicine Project, UCSB and the Anthropology of Medicine for UCSD from 2000-2006.

Combining her massive extended family with her traditional knowledge and dedication, Yraceburu Earth Wisdom originated in 1972 as the Native American Students Alliance. Acting in community as a mediator, a long standing dispute between the college and local tribe was resolved and the support of local elders began, while presenting educational programs facilitated by these and other elders of the Ohlone, Cherokee, Lakota, Apache and Nez Perce traditions. NASA forged ahead with the Page 15

Open Ways (Continued from page 15 )

detached sensibilities into creative earth waters. The Isaiah Effect author Gregg Braden pointed out, "It's in a establishment of Native American Studies Programs. "We language that is ancient yet familiar, Maria Yraceburu had passion back then," claims the grandmother of three. weaves the timeless traditions of her ancestors into meaningful lessons of our lives." Yraceburu's far reaching effect NASA evolved in 1974 into the Minority Students grew in 2004 with the release of her second book, Prayers Alliance... "we were becoming more inclusive... recogniz& Meditations of the Quero Apache (Bear & Co.) The idea ing the Power of One." This quickly moved into Yracebegan with the Child's Count Lessons again. "Legends" buru beginning to teach. The lessons were simple, the had been the first "teaching stone," presenting a life phiChild's Count, the very foundational lessons on life percep- losophy through storytelling methods. The second tion. They were popular and have evolved into what has "teaching stone" helped nontraditional minds to undercome to be known as ecopsychology. "It's funny," she stand the concept of earth connection and empowerment laughs. "It's an illness fix for the art of life. Can we even through a prayer and meditation ritual called begin to comprehend that?!" In 2001, Yraceburu Earthdoohwaa'gon'ch'aada... entering the silence.

Wisdom officially became a 501 (c) 3 spiritual community "I had my dark times," she says. "I've probably and life really began to change. In August of that year, the walked every place of shadow a human could go, but then Shooting Snake Way Earth Renewal Camp was attended I heard my grandpa explaining about fear... like the hand

by De Se Mana (Hopi). "When she came as a messenshadows on the wall when we were kids... the closer to the ger, I was very moved. I cried, knowing that these Wise wall you are, the smaller the shadow." She has been the Ones worked continuously on behalf of all of us so that life subject of three film projects recently. In 2004, she apwould continue." Her initiation as a diiyin... Holy One... be- peared on Bridging Heaven and Earth television show. "It gan within five days. The third momentous shifted ocwas kind of surrealistic," she says, laughing. "They were all curred in 2002, with the release of Legends and Prophevery nice, but I can't comprehend the lifestyle." Seven Sacies of the Quero Apache (Bear & Co.)... "fairytales for cred Fires of the Star Nation People filmed by Rod Bearadults that awaken the truth within." This attributed to cloud Berry in 2005, accelerated included teachings of the "listening well" to her relations. The stories took our ( Continued on page 17 )

Midnight Coven A teaching coven Seeking young women Who are interested in studying witchcraft For information contact: Victoria Ana. Lightfoot, M.A. 503.645.1676 midnightcoven@live.com

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Brigid 2009

Open Ways My Witch

by G. Taylor On a street in Bend there is a florist display where a ceramic pumpkin stands.

On one side is written ―The Witch is in‖ The other side ―The Witch is out‖.

My Witch is never in or never out.

My Witch is around and about.

My Witch never steps alone.

Where my Witch goes, the Goddess roams.

Dark and fair, stylish and smart, She wears no dismal shroud of the dreary night.

The styles of the past or the present accentuates her flair, with hat or dresses but no magic cloak she casts a spell on ordinary folk.

Bubble, trouble and other old stuff has no part in my Witches life.

Laughter and joy is her magic potion that needs no blackened pot.

My witch enchants those she meets.

And those who know her are enthralled.

Her spirit is glad and no malice troubles her soul, if Macbeth would have passes her way, he‘d never have been by the dagger possessed.

Her sweetness and life would have turned his soul around, to more important matters than stealing Duncan‘s crown.

When my witch comes my way I always have fun.

When she goes away I always hope she comes back to stay.

I never know if I‘ll see her again.

But her passing this way leaves a glow to light my days.

( continued from page 16 ) Circle, which laid the structure of the Hero's Journey we each travel through.

I had my dark times," she says. "I've probably walked every place of shadow a human could go, but then I heard my grandpa explaining about fear... like the hand shadows on the wall when we were kids... the closer to the wall you are, the smaller the shadow." She has been the subject of three film projects recently. In 2004, she appeared on Bridging Heaven and Earth television show. "It was kind of surrealistic," she says, laughing. "They were all very nice, but I can't comprehend the lifestyle." Seven Sacred Fires of the Star Nation People filmed by Rod Bearcloud Berry in 2005, accelerated included teachings of the Circle, which laid the structure of the Hero's Journey we each travel through.

Amid the accelerated community events, conferences and camps, she continues to be guided and motivated by age old love for this planet she calls "Esonknhsendehi...

Changing Mother." Yraceburu's open nature, delivered in her joyous way, exudes a unique authenticity. It's little wonder Native and non are beginning to awaken to her Words of Power. Her teachings speak of earth, generations of connection to the land, and the evolution of humanity. There is great treasure being presented. She ends our time with a pause, "I'm just doing what the elders said I would be doing. I share like they did with me. It's up to you to choose what to do with it."

Joe Montoya is a Native American Church roadman and Apache Snake Clan Priest.

More can be found out about Maria Yraceburu and her work through Yraceburu EarthWisdom at http:// www.yraceburu.org and look for Maria's latest book release Words of Power at the Store while you're there!

The Witch is in …… never out

Brigid 2009

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Open Ways Blatant Religious Discrimination crushed underfoot for no reason other than knives in Ritual, on the Altar, etc. It is a a blatant ignorance by the powers that be of religious symbol and tool. Would the in Oregon A personal opinion by Fishing Cat I am a Wiccan, and practice as openly as I dare in this benighted age. At this moment, I am on post - prison supervision, and one of the conditions of said supervision is a no - weapons clause. As some of you readers may be aware there is at least one ( or two, or three, depending on which wiccan, pagan, or heathen you ask ) blade in the Wiccan altar kit. Every tool serves a purpose, and cannot easily be replaced. However, I have been told by my PPO that ―You‘re not allowed to have knives for religious purposes.‖ This is a clear and blatant violation of my 1st Amendment rights, as I am severely crippled in my practice by this outdated law.

As to what I have been I can do about it, my only option is to write to the Oregon Supreme Court. My charges had nothing to do with weapons. I have never raised a gun or knife in anger. My rights are being

what my spiritual practice requires. I am encouraging all readers who see this to write to the Supreme Court, to their congressman/representative, and to the governor of Oregon, and tell these people that Wicca is not a crime.

Note from the Editor: I chose to print this article for multiple reasons. I hope to hear from readers their opinions on this topic.

Following I am going to play devils advocate and bring up as many ideas as I can surrounding this, in hopes of hearing more on the subject.

same apply to other more well known and accepted religions?

Is it blatant discrimination against someone due to their religious preference or, is it a natural consequence to breaking the law?

I look forward to more opinions on this subject. My opinion is this: a knife is a sacred tool. It is a religious piece, therefore I would think it is protected. Good luck Fishing Cat! Becca Editor

First off, I would have never known about this law if not for this email from Fishing Cat. Secondly, this is a topic many people feel passionately about. Wicca is now a recognized religion which was a long process.

This religion, as many of us knows uses SisterSpirit Presents

PaganFaire XIX Spring 2009

“ Wisdom Reclaimed: Alexandria’s Light Returns” World Forestry Center March 28th, 2009 10 am to 5 pm Ritual at 7 pm

Everyone is welcome!

There will be Craft Artists, Workshops, a Food Vendor, The Michelle’s Heart Drawing, and Performers.

For information call the SisterSpirit Office 503.-736.-3297 or Contact Jen at coordinator@paganfaire.net For information about the ritual, contact : Pat patmac31@juno.com For information about performing at PaganFaireXIX, Contact Jamie at hiddenviking@yahoo.com See you this Spring!!!

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Brigid 2009

Open Ways Fire Walkers

By Amy K. I want to share with you my impressions of a very spiritual night I was recently privileged to enjoy. It was a night of great fear and great courage. With the guidance of a certified fire walking instructor, Raven Woman, (Don‘t try this at home) I walked the fire to bless my unborn daughter and to ask for the strength to face the awe-inspiring task of motherhood. I saw and felt things on this night that changed me in a way I cant even express.

Together we built the fire, thanking each piece of wood for giving it‘s life that we might have this fire. And together we talked about fear and how to utilize it. We talked about focus , desire, and intent.

as it passes through them to heal the wounded earth below. All will carry a piece of that energy with them as they leave here tonight.

The time has come for these 35 people, many of whom have never met, and who may have very little, if anything in common come together in a bond so deep it will profoundly alter each and every one of them.

The fire has died down some now and approximately three feet of coals are raked out to form a red hot path to healing. People begin rubbing their hands together very fast to get their ―NUM‖ up. ( ―NUM‖ is a word for personal energy or endorphins. ) Then they raise their hands up to the sky in a silent appeal, then they bow to touch the earth.

The singing is louder now as people form a line around the coals. And then everyone holds their breath as the first perBut, I think this experience was symbolic of all of our son takes his first step onto the coals. He walks barefoot across lives. Each of us in our own lives has a personal fire to walk. It the coals. He comes out on the other side unhurt, but not unmight be a fear or a pain, our own personal chain that binds us. touched, for he has done that which man has declared impossible. He has walked the fire unburned and no man can harm And we all reach a place where we must choose rather to walk that three feet of fire or spend the rest of our lives running. him now. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, the fire has been kind tonight and it is a good night to walk.

What have you chosen?

Soon everyone walks the fire, most people walk several times. Every so often fresh coals are raked out. Some peoOctober 30th, the full moon rises high over their heads, ple yell out their desire as they walk, others just yell. But, all who walk tonight are changed. They are one with the fire, the ―a raven moon‖, she says. She is called Raven Women to sky, the earth, and each other. honor her Iroquis blood. She leads them as they rattle, dance, and drum. They rattle to invoke energy from Grandfather in They are fire walkers. They defy the boundaries of the sky; they dance to bring out their own energy, and they societal insecurities, they are not in a trance, on the contrary drum to honor the energy of Mother earth. 1-2-3-4, ba ba ba BOOM, drum like this she says, for this is the heartbeat of our they are more awake then they have ever been. They laugh, Mother earth. In the midst of all of this Singing Water, an ap- and dance and sing …. prenticed medicine woman leads them in song …. ―Spiraling into the center, the center of the shield.

I am the weaver, I am the woven one. ―Spiraling into the center, the center of the shield.

I am the dreamer, I am the dream. ― I am the weaver, I am the woven one.

I am the dreamer, I am the dream.‖ Here is my experience……

Soon it will be time to rake out the coals and each person concentrates on what they desire from the fire. Some came for physical healing, some to heal the wounds of childhood abuse, some came for courage or strength or just to refuel, one couple comes to purify themselves for their marriage. All will receive a special gift tonight. All will feel the energy of the sky Brigid 2009

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Open Ways IMBOLC IN THE FOREST

By Serena Cerridwen Danu, Bard Red Cedar Grove The forest is peaceful. Icicles hang from cliffs, sparkling as sunlight glints off daggered edges. Ice beads cling to roots and rocks as streams trickle down hillsides, encasing fingertips of twigs as they dance at water's edge. A thin blanket of fresh snow hides any signs of spring that might be waking early. Footprints in snow: dogs both large and small, some deer. Vines and bushes that will burst with color a few months hence hold their buds of life close lest the cold damage their beauty. All is brown, all is seemingly lifeless. A pond, mostly frozen over, shows no sign of life. Fish and frogs are hiding amidst grasses below. A small stick, tossed by the child within me, skitters across a glassy surface.

Northwest Fall Equinox Festival 2009 Come and celebrate with your community at this years NWFEF 2009. This year will be a truly unique experience with workshops, meditations and rituals sure to fit everyone's needs and desires.

The focus of the weekend will be on mindfulness, cleansing and love.

Look for the dates soon!

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Winter's sun glows between trees; it sets later now, as days grow longer. Yet it seems that spring is a long time away. A song comes to mind, I start singing as I walk: "I went to the forest, signs of spring for to seek; the ground was hid by sight by a thin coat of white, and spring won't be coming out this week, la de de." I continued: "The buds were wrapped up tight as they clung to the vine, they said 'we're doing fine, but it's not yet our time. We won't be coming out 'til the sun begins to shine, it's simply not our time,' la de de."

Then I sang some more: "The pond was frozen over like a big plate of glass, the fishes and the frogs were underneath the logs, and hiding in the grasses, la-de-de." Then I finished: "I went to the forest, signs of spring for to seek; I know the sun will come, and then we'll have some fun, and spring will be coming out, indeed, yes indeed."

Later, as I was driving home, I passed a field of new spring lambs romping about, as white as the snow of the forest. Imbolc, "ewe's milk", the time of the early lambing in the ancient Celtic lands. With new lambs came that most sacred fluid, the milk, which was vital to the survival of the Celtic people.

Brigid 2009

Open Ways Pagan Community Directory Listing various kinds of resources for the Pagan Community, including circles (both open and closed), church groups, meeting places, study groups, and event organizers. Please, no retail outlets. A listing here does not necessarily mean a specific group can or will help you. To be included in this directory, please send information (limit 50 words which includes name and contact information) to Open Ways, PO Box 6283 Vancouver, WA 98668; or email editor@9houses.org.

12 Steps Pagan Style I am a clean Pagan offering support to assist those on the clean path in Wicca and Paganism. I have 17 years of recovery. I am willing to give assistance, support and counsel to those who are concerned with these issues. midnight_crow@hotmail.com or http://spiralrhythms.org/p12.

welcome at Open Circles near Seattle at NM & FM. Info and schedule : 360-793 -1945, classes : 425-821-7246, Pagan Youth Group: Spiral Scouts International. 360-793-9427. www.spiralscouts.org

The Earth Gatherings An eclectic spiritual group with frequent get - togethers to discuss various spiritual paths. Sponsors of The Mother Earth Gathering and The Middle Earth Gathering (June and September), Earth Awareness Festivals, honoring diversity and creating balance between wilderness and civilizaBrotherhood of the Wooden Chalice We are a group of eclectic Wiccans housed tion. 503-503-1415 bladu@hotmail.com in Oregon State Penitentiary. We gather Www.earthgatherings.org PO Box Announcement Board & Community once per moon for study, ritual, and mutual 19655 Portland, OR 97280.

Directory The Web support. We have a priest but could use ―Because folks don't have time to check volunteers and donations.

Golden Apple every website or subject line for current We are a Druid grove populated with seekkhabir.taylor@verizon.net events. Come see what your missing.‖ ers and teachers of knowledge. We hold Post: Rituals, classes, workshops ….. open Druidic rituals at various holidays Cedar Mountain Coven http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/TheWe are an eclectic Celtic coven, with some during the year. Please feel free to visit our Web Native American influences. We meet for site at www.goldenapplegrove.com or Sabbaths, Esbats, laughter and support email goldenapple@gmail.com. AffiliThe altar of Epona and Herne Healing throughout the Portland/Vancouver area. ated with ADF www.adf.org as a proMinistry ATC Closed to new members Samhain to Bel- togrove.

Our vision is to create a well trained, com- tane, we do keep a waiting list for anyone passionate Priesthood to serve the Pagan interested. cedarmountain@gmail.com The Hermetic Fellowship Community. We have an online commu- Www.cedarmountaincoven.com.

Exploring Western Esoteric Tradition: nity, monthly distance healing and prayer Ancient Mysteries, Wicca/NeoPaganism, request list, and provide free healing to vets Coven Caer Wy’east Kabala, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy, Gnostiand their families. For more info altarA traditional Gardnerian Coven, sponsors a cism, Theurgy and Grail Quest. Meets epona-herne@yahoo.com. non-oath bound, British Traditional Wic- monthly, 3rd Thursday. Informal presentacan Outer Court for seekers of traditional tions, open discussion, rituals and workThe Ancient and Honorable Order of training.. We prefer to work with seekers shops occasionally. For more info call the Sacred Oaks 30 years or older. New training cycles usu- 503-255-7910 or by web (preferred) A Druidic order in the Arthurian/Celtic ally begin each spring. usually begin each miforrest@hermaticfellowship.org. tradition, chartering groves meeting estab- spring. For more info contact Steward lished criteria and dedicated to authentic Creace 503-622-1381 or stewIndigo Lights Circle online teen group Druidic principles and traditions. For those ard_creace@msm.com.

A place for uniquely gifted teens to celewho aspire to the excellence of Druidry, brate and explore the gifts the :Lord and Inc. in OR and 501(c)3. 503-235-5774 Lady granted us with. Site address: Crystal Cove Coven www.sacred-oak-grove.org.

We are an eclectic coven dedicated to help- www.geocities.com/jinksjustjinks/ ing those in need. We hold open circles Aquarian Tabernacle Church periodically. We are a very positive coven, Serving the PNW since 1979. An interfaith a family. For more info contact Jeffery at church of Wicca and Earth Religions rec- scooby82@jeffandaustin.com or Austin ognized and accredited worldwide. All at nexcrawler@hotmail.com.

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Open Ways M.A.G.I.C. A Vancouver/Portland based group that holds four gatherings a year, teaches classes in metaphysics, and provides ordaining of clergy, and sponsors the Spiral Rhythms Festival. Call 360-693-7349 Email sienna@spiralrhythms.org and Www.spiralrhythms.org/magic for more information.

festival, Sunfest. Contact info as follows: 14308 SE River Rd. Milwaukie, OR 97267. http://www.owow.org or email owoworg@gmail.com.

Pacific NW Pagans Yahoo Group An online community for Pagans in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska and British Columbia. When posting announcements for events in this group, please be sure Nine Houses of Gaia (9HOG’S) A non-profit organization incorporated to they're in PNW. http:// facilitate networking among pagans in the groups.yahoo.com/group/pnwpagans.

Pacific Northwest. Sponsors of Open Ways Newsletter as well as Northwest PACT Fall Equinox Festival. The NWFEF cele- A democratic, eclectic teaching/training brates the great harvest, begun at Lammus coven in three parts: A semi-private outer and ending at Samhain. Contact info for circle - by invitation only, two inner-core Open Ways http://www.9houses.org/ circles for PACT initiated. Lessons, deopenways.Contact info for NWFEF grees, and clergy training by PACT university. For info and a waiting list: email — www.9houses.org/9houses/NWFEF/ ansur@pacifier.com or lordansurintro.html. pact@gmail.com.

North American Council of Witches A non-profit organization. Primary goal is PDX Pagan Tribe protection under the First Amendment of This tribe is for heathens, pagans and free the US Constitution; secondary, lobbying thinking individuals residing in or around for common power, strength in numbers. Portland, OR, or other metro areas who Request membership and general inforwant to communicate with other like mation at NACW@hotmail.com or call minded folk. Please no political rants, there are other tribes for that. A person has to 503-228-2192. sign up with Tribe.net for free in order to join this tribe. The tribe is moderated in Officers of Avalon, Inc A non-profit benevolent organization order to keep out hate mongers and spamrepresenting Wiccans and other Pagans mers. Web address - http:// who work as police officers and other tribes.tribe.net/pdxpagans.Portland professionals in the emergency services.

Membership dues $25/yr for full memPolyamory Circle bers. $15/yr for associate members.

A gathering for folks exploring options Newsletter The Dispatch. Registration beyond monogamy. Discussions include forms available at open relationships, extended families, and intentional communities. Everyone interwww.officersofavalon.com. PO Box ested is welcome to join us. For informa22 Baraboo, WI 53913-0022. tion and location Laury 503-285-4848.

Other Worlds of Wonder (OWOW) We have gathered around a central pur- Red Cedar Circle pose, the purchase of land for the local (Church of Si. Si. Wiss) Pagan community. We honor all positive Northwest Coast Medicine Johnny Moses traditions, and celebrate diversity at our Page 22

teachings to all. Portland/Vancouver area meetings. For information and location call 503-245-5660 or rlouis@hctc.com.

Red Cedar Grove The Vancouver grove is accepting new members. We are a Celtic group that enjoys fun, spirituality and fellowship as we move through the wheel of the year. We have many years of experience between our five founding members and meet twice a month for ritual and tutorial. Come and grow with us under the Spirit filled Red Cedar. For information contact Serena at serena@aberle.net or Macha at 360-9363833 or connieco222@comcast.net.

Sacred Oak Grove A Druid Grove in the Arthurian/CelticWiccan tradition. For those seeking a true Druidic path of knowledge, truth, justice, spiritual fellowship, and community service.

Esbats, Sabbaths and tutorials. Members commit to both group and individual studies for spiritual growth. Now offering an outer circle. For information call 503-2355774 or oakgrove@teleport.com.

The Saint James Project A Shamanic Arm of the Red Witch Tradition. Includes Indigenous Shamanic training, pilgrimages and extensive herstory/ history from the first century CE to the present. Prerequisite: Reiki 3 and 3 years magickal hands-on experience. Meets at Toad House in McMinnville Oregon.

76y0Contact info worldtree1@verizon.net.

Shadowluz Eclectic coven that emphasizes increasing the power of the individual through strength of our Gestalt, focusing on diversity in beliefs and the practice of Magick. Members range from Portland to Hood River and Mt. Hood. Please send letter of intent to HPS Belle Evergreen at belleevergreen@yahoo.com.

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Open Ways Sliver Birch Grove A Druid Grove in the Celtic/ArthurianWiccan tradition. For those seeking a true Druid path of knowledge, truth, justice, spiritual fellowship , Esbats, Sabbaths, and tutorials. Members commit to both group and individual studies for spiritual growth.

Contact info: 503-235-5774 bethairgead@hotmail.com.

http:www.sorcerersguild.com, or http://groups.myspace.com/ sorceryguild.

The Sorcerers Guild Dedicated to the enhancement of Magickal work within its membership. Public meetup at the Dancing Beans 1615 SE 12th Ave Portland, OR held monthly. Email thebinder7@yahoo.com for date and time. For more information: http:// sorcerersguild.tribe.net

Women of the Goddess Women of the Goddess is a Pagan community in the Dianic tradition. Membership is open to women over 18 years old of good intent who sincerely subscribe to our purpose. Location Seattle, WA. Contacts: janicevc@seanet.com or 206-322-2436.

World Tree Prayer Network Prayer and emergency energy work at no fee; serving the internet since1994. Post your own requests. Have permission of the energy recipient first; then, include full Spellbound teen online group An online community for teen Pagans and name, age, basic location including city, Wiccans. Our goal is to offer personal state and country along with basic probpages, forums, articles, links, and other lem. PRAY FOR PEACE! ways of interacting with teens who have http://tribes.tribe.net/ similar interests in Paganism and Wicca. worldtreeprayernetwork Site address: http:// Silver Star Circle A Celtic Pagan circle meeting for Sabbats, spellboundtpn.ning.com.

The Well of Diancecht full and new moons, weekly class and Provides free sacred energy healing to vetmore. Located in Battle Ground. Info: erans, active duty military and their famiToad House and Peace Garden email slvrstarcircle@yahoo.com.

Peace Garden open from dawn to dusk for lies. We also list practitioners offering slidquiet prayer and meditation. 20‘ lavender ing scale services to service members, vetpeace pole, erected in 2002, PEACE writ- erans and their families. We welcome the SisterSpirit Women's spirituality organization honor- ten in thirteen languages. Hard working military community and healing providers ing the Divine Feminine and celebrating garden volunteers always needed. Hard to join us online at well of dithe Goddess in all Her forms. Featuring on working garden volunteers always needed. ancecht@yahoo.com or contact Rev. -going classes, circles, workshops and one Write for information. Location: McMinn- Lynn Stanley at altar epona -herne monthly ritual. Presenters of the annual ville OR. Www.toadhouse@yahoo.com PaganFaire. Contact information as folpeacegarden.org. http://tribes.tribe.net/ lows: PO Box 9246 Portland, OR toadlovers. Director: Silver Red Crow 97207. 503-736-3297. worldtree1@verizon.net. www.paganfaire.com. sisterspirit.portland@gmail.com.

Women In Conscious Creative Action Do you have a community www.teleport.com/sisterspirit (WICCA) group? You to could list it here A women‘s church dedicated to the Godfor FREE and reach out to more dess in Her many forms. Groups, newsletSophia Sanctuary Women’s Temple people and help develop an even We are a circle of women committed to ter, retreats, rituals and classes. Contact stronger Pagan community! healing, education ritual and service. info: PO Box 5296 Eugene OR 97405 (HERS) We celebrate the eight holy days www.wiccawomen.org, 541-485-3654 Email the listing to me at PO Box of the wheel: Solstices and Equinoxes are Email: normahp@iglide.net.

6283 Vancouver WA 98668. for all genders and families; Cross quarters are for womyn only. For information: Women of African Ceremony http://www.sophiasancuary.org or We are women who honor the earth and our African heritage through ceremony http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ and ritual. We meet monthly. Location is SophiaSancuary.

Portland, OR. 503-238-1151

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Open Ways The Nine Houses of Gaia Open Ways PO Box 14415 Portland, OR 97293-0415 Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID VANCOUVER WA PERMIT NO. 86

Proceeds from the Northwest Fall Equinox Festival go to producing Open Ways Thank you for your support!

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