Open Ways
Issue 176
PEN Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities
Imbolc 2016 Imbolc 2016
Open Ways Open Ways
Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities Issue 176 Imbolc 2015 Open Ways is published online eight times a year, on the Quarters and Cross-Quarters, by The Nine Houses of Gaia, Inc. Circulation 3400+. Newsletter Staff Editor— Angel (Blue Capucian) Webmaster — Angel Advertising— Angel Proofreaders— Kate / Ali E-media—Ali Submissions Articles, letters, poetry, artwork, etc., are solicited from the community. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. Email 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 PO BOX 33182 Portland, OR 97292 E-mail: editor@ninehouses.org openwayseditor@gmail.com World Wide Web: http://ninehouses.org Please do not send the original copy of your work! Manuscripts unaccompanied by a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope will not be returned. All submissions will be accepted at our discretion. Advertising Ads must be camera-ready. Payment must accompany ad. No credit card payments. Deadlines (page 3) apply. E-mailed ads and their payments must be received by the deadlines. No black backgrounds please! Email Editor for more info. Rates & Sizes (W x H) $15 for a business card size (3.5’ x 2”) $30 for quarter-page (3.5” x 4”) $60 for half page (7” x 4.5”) $120 for full page (7” x 9”) Discount for one-year, pre-paid ads. $10.00 for business name and phone number or email address in Directory for 1 year.
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Our 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. Copyright © 2011 All rights remain the property of contributing authors and artists. For reprint information, please contact Open Ways. Inquiries will be forwarded to appropriate parties. Statement of Confidentiality Open Ways honors the right to privacy. Information regarding our contributors or subscribers will not be made available under any circumstance. Our mailing lists and email lists are not for sale or trade. Contributors are encouraged to use pseudonyms. Open Ways and The Nine Houses of Gaia are not responsible for any content on other sites.
Cover Art: By Back page Art: By Chad Fenlon
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Open Ways OPEN WAYS DEADLINES This deadline schedule includes all articles, artwork, announcements, events and advertisements. Send everything to the Portland address for Open Ways on page 2 . Advertising rates are posted on the bottom of page 2.
Open Ways Issue
Submission Deadline January 5 February 21 April 3 May 23 July 4 August 23 October 1 November 21
Brigid Spring Equinox Beltane Summer Solstice Lughnasadh Fall Equinox Samhain Yule
Available By January 19 March 6 April 17 June 6 July 18 September 6 October 14 December 8
Submission deadlines are 4 weeks before the Sabbats and publication dates are 2 weeks before the Sabbats.
Table of Contents Page
Title
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Letter from the Editor
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Call for Submissions Advertising in Open Ways
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North West Fall Equinox
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Title
Festival Information 8
Courage of Conviction
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Ongoing Festivals
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Brigid’s Cross Craft
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Pagan Community Directory
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Imbolc
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Thorne’s Lessons #1
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Pagan Bussiness Directory
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Pagan Serenity Prayer
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Coloring Pages
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North West Fall Equinox Festival Registration Information
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Open Ways Letter from the Editor Imbolc / Brigid the first Sabbat of the new year. The time when we realize the days are getting longer and even though winter still has us firmly in it’s grasp spring is coming. Blessed Be, Angel
It Takes a Village to Raise... a Village Do you have knowledge and spiritual gifts to share with your community? Volunteer to present a workshop at the Northwest Fall Equinox Festival 2014! Please email a description of the workshop you wish to present to nwfef@ninehouses.org. Be sure to include the length of the workshop and any preferred accommodations it might entail.
Do you have BIG MAGICK to share with your community? We are accepting proposals for NWFEF 2015 main ritual! The purpose of NWFEF is to celebrate the harvest. The main theme, ritual, and workshops differ from year to year depending on selection from proposals submitted by community members (you!). Your ritual proposal must have a complete outline; please contact nwfef@ninehouses.org to request "Tips and Tricks", a "rubric" to assist you in composing your proposal. Ritual proposal submission may be emailed to nwfef@ninehouses.org or mailed to PO Box 33182, Portland, OR 97292.
Share the Magick!!!
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Open Ways Submissions for Open Ways ! Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities is a newsletter for the community by the community. We NEED your contributions! Guidelines for All Contributors We welcome articles up to 3,000 words of a scholarly, historical, news/event, or how-to–nature; letters; music; poetry; rituals for group or solo-practitioners; personal experience; interviews; artwork; etc. Please honor plurality and diversity. Address issues of interest to pagans, Wiccan’s, polytheists, Buddhists, or nature spiritualists. Where appropriate, include bibliographic references, sidebars, and graphics. Manuscripts will be accepted in any readable form; however we prefer articles via email if possible. Manuscripts and letters selected for publication may be edited for clarity, brevity, accuracy, or editorial consistency. Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish your work returned. Never send your only copy! The editorial staff reserves the right to accept or reject any manuscript or work of art submitted for publication. Contributing Columnists (reoccurring) Column writing offers a lot of flexibility as well as a wide-ranging variety of topics on which to expound. Submit a proposal stating the intention of the column and frequency. Contributors that commit to being a reoccurring contributor to 4 or more issues will be given a complementary business card size advertisement. Contributions may be: • Regular features with the same by-line, title, and/or premise. • Of a subject matter that is by nature practical (how-to), historical, literary, ethical, philosophical, educational, social, moral, political, inspirational, magical, or whatever happens to stoke your bellows. • In a style appropriate for the subject matter, the author’s personal taste, and the editors guidelines of this publication. Book reviews We welcome and encourage your written book reviews. These do not need to be scholarly critiques of the material by someone with a lifetime of experience with the subject matter; often the best, most useful reviews are written by those with whom the readership can identify. The book you are reviewing does not need to be a new release. Readers are interested in your reaction to the book: did you enjoy it? Did it provoke any new ideas or change for you? Was it useful? Artwork Open Ways encourages submissions of all kinds of artwork: Larger pieces for the cover, smaller works for illustration, and even smaller ones to accent and fill in. Please be sure your images are high quality jpeg or tif files with 300dpi. Need help, just ask! Poetry We regularly run poetry in each issue, and plan to continue this as long as we have the poems to do so. Poems should be of reasonable length and on Pagan/Wiccan topics. Ones that reflect your personal thoughts and experiences are preferred. Reporting Open Ways needs your stories of events, speakers, and public festivals in your area to share with our readers. Or maybe you went for a walk in the woods and had an interesting experience. These are stories you would share around the circle.
Send submissions to: editor@ninehouses.org openwayseditor@gmail.com World Wide Web: http://ninehouses.org Please DO NOT send the only copy of your work! All submissions will be accepted and/or edited for content at the discretion of the editorial staff.
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Open Ways Advertising in Open Ways Advertising is a great way to market your business, organization, festival or anything else that you want people to know about. Our rates are extremely affordable and now that we are an online magazine, ads can be full color at no additional charge. Where does Open Ways get seen? www.issuu.com is an incredible “flip page” viewer that is just like paging through a magazine. This site will also have a “library” of archived issues. www.ninehouses.org is our website where we will have both an embedded min-version of the issuu.com reader as well as a pdf document for those with low-technology computers. Individuals can also embed the publication into their own websites, which we encourage. Social Networks: Facebook, Witchvox etc. Email – we will send an email to our entire network with a link to view it. Local Pagan friendly Shops – Posters will be distributed with an announcement of where to find our publication Please follow these guidelines when placing an ad: Please do not use a lot of black background. Payment must accompany ads. Deadlines apply. E-mailed ads and their payments must be received by the deadlines. Copyright and Permissions All rights remain the property of the author or artist. Inquiries for reprint information/permission are forwarded to appropriate parties. Rates and Sizes (per Issue) $15.00 for business card size (3.5"x2") $30.00 for quarter-page (3.5"x4") $60 for half page (7"x4.5") $120.00 for full page (7"x9") 25% Discount for one-year, pre-paid ads. $10 for one year Business Name and Phone Number or email address in our Bussiness Directory
OPEN WAYS DEADLINES This deadline schedule includes all articles, artwork, announcements, events and advertisements.
Open Ways Issue Brigid Spring Equinox Beltane Summer Solstice Lughnasadh Fall Equinox Samhain Yule
Submission Deadline January 5 February 21 April 3 May 23 July 4 August 23 October 1 November 21
Available By January 19 March 6 April 17 June 6 July 18 September 6 October 14 December 8
Submission deadlines are 4 weeks before the Sabbats and publication dates are 2 weeks before the Sabbats.
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Northwest Fall Equinox Festival 2015 The Moon When: September 17-20, 2015 Where: Magnificent Forested Setting Fall Equinox festival celebrating the harvest! Event Details: This festival has been happening for over 20 years and continues to evolve and change. The main purpose is celebrating the harvest time. Cabins available... each sleeps 4-8 people, you must bring your own bedding. There will be a Craft corner for parents and their children as well as the young at heart to participate together creating a festival craft. Families are strongly encouraged to come. There will also be some awesome drum circles going on. Please bring your drums and other musical instruments for some wonderful community building time together. If you are interested in being a vendor email vender@ninehouses.org with a description of what you will be vending so we can list you in our festival packet. Workshop Proposals: Anyone wishing to present free workshops at the upcoming Fall Equinox Festival please email a description of the workshop you wish to present. Please include the length of the workshop. Email proposals to: NWFEF@ninehouses.org.
Ritual Proposals for 2016: The purpose of the NWFEF is to celebrate the harvest. The main theme, Ritual and workshops differ from year to year depending on who is doing the main Ritual. We accept Ritual submissions via email to NWFEF@ninehouses.org or by mail to PO Box 33182 Portland, OR 97292. The Ritual proposal must have a complete outline, if we feel there is not enough to get a clear picture it will be sent back to you with a request for more refining. Registration information and forms coming soon.
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Open Ways THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION By: Chris Lee
Have the courage to face adversity. Have the courage to be your own Hero. Have the courage to do the right thing. Have the courage to face your fear. Have the courage to overcome your fear. Have the courage to go it alone. Have the courage to stand your ground. Have the courage to speak the truth. Have the courage to fight for your rights. Have the courage to continue with no guarantee of success. Have the courage to admit defeat. Have the courage to ask for help. Have the courage to overcome defeat. Have the courage to be a Leader. Have the courage to risk your Life for another person's safety. Have the courage to let other people see the real you. Have the courage to be vulnerable. Have the courage to love. Have the courage to mend a broken Heart. Have the courage to love again. Have the courage to face death.
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Open Ways Brigid’s Cross Craft From: http://funfamilycrafts.com/st-brigids-cross/ Saint Brigid’s cross is traditionally woven on January 31st, in preparation for the Irish spring festival on February 1st. The cross is made of freshly pulled rushes, or straw, and is hung by doors and rafters to protect the house from fire and evil. Make your own St. Brigid’s Cross from a repurposed paper bag. The cross is traditionally made of freshly pulled rushes, or straw, and is hung by doors and rafters to protect the house from fire and evil. Each year, a new one replaces the old. We wove ours out of 1/8" strips cut out of a paper bag. We also used glue and twine.
It's a fairly simple process and both Pea and I found it relaxing. I cut 17 strips per cross
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Keep one strip as is, and the rest get folded in half. Keep your long strip vertically facing you, and wrap one folded strip in the middle, open ends facing the right. Glue to attach. Rotate one turn to the left. Take a folded strip, wrap around strip that is now vertical, with its open ends facing right. Pull the folded strip down to meet the other horizontal strip, glue in place.
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6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you've used up all strips - rotate one turn to left, wrap strip with ends facing right, pull down to meet in the middle, glue in place. Repeat. 7. As the cross gets larger, I found it helpful to run a bead of glue on both sides of folded strips before attaching in the center. 8. Weaving is complete 9. Secure ends together with twine.
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Open Ways Imbolc By Glentpad Though there may be snow upon the ground Feburary 2nd is the beginning of spring. All the flower bulb and seeds are resting up to burst forth between now and May Day. Imbolc means literally “in the belly” (of the mother). All the seeds are in the “belly” of the earth where hidden from our sight they begin to stir for their upcoming emergence. In our modern world this holiday is called Ground Hog Day. Which lore tells us will decide how much longer winter will be depending on whether or not the day is sunny or cloudy. If the day is sunny we will have six more weeks of winter, if the day is cloudy it is supposed to be shorter. In many covens this is the traditional day to make and bless all the candles the coven will use for the year. (hence another name for the day Candlemas). This is a time of spiritual cleansing as we begin the new year looking forward to the new spring that is just around the corner. In Ireland this is a day for honoring Brigid in her guise as the waiting bride for the youthful Sun God who will soon be returning to her. Among her many sacred interests are fertility, metal smithing, ceative inspiration and medicine. She is a healer, protectress and guardian of young children. The traditional foods of Imbolc come from all over the globe, usually the foods are round in nature (representing the turning wheelof the year). Swedish dishes are usually pancakes or waffles made with heavy cream and honey. The French honey cake hints at middle eastern origins. Milk is featured in most Imbolc celebrations- warmed with chocolate and honey added is a wonderful drink for this chilly holiday. Imbolc is a season of hope, filled with new possibilities for the future and the time to look forward to the warmth and plenty of Spring.
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Thorn’s Lessons By Thorn 2. Meditation Basically this is practice of learning to still the mind. When it is performed frequently and diligently, one can become empty of all distractions and hold singular ideas, complex thoughts, even actions as the whole of your universe despite the world around you. This will drastically increase concentration, focus, patience, awareness, and calm. Unlike the other lessons, this need not be mastered in order to continue on to the next lesson, merely practiced regularly. It's mastery will come only with regular diligence to it's practice, and with time. Basic meditation is not merely deep thought, but learning to be aware of one's own self, not as the thoughts being pondered, but as a being performing the act of thinking, which is separate from that being. This act, like the heartbeat, can be controlled. To learn this skill, one should find a comfortable position. A position that is not comfortable enough to induce sleep, but is merely comfortable enough that it will not rapidly cause discomfort or numbness to any body parts, such as sitting in a comfortable chair or position. The simplest way to start meditation is to relax, clear your mind, and focus on a point in space. If it is required that something actually occupy that space, so be it. The space should not be something active or mobile. It shouldn't be something that changes, like a clock or a shadow on the wall that will creep as the sun or moon rises or sets. It should be something that does not change over the period of time you are meditating. Candle flames can be used for this, but only if the candle is of sufficient length and thickness to not burn overly fast, or especially, go out during the exercise. The area should be made quiet, with as few distractions as possible. Distractions are detrimental to one who is a novice at meditation. As to how to meditate; once you have chosen an appropriate area and removed any distractions, a meditative position is chosen as stated above, you simply stop thinking. Stop the running dialogue and the stray wisps of concern for everything and anything that are running about in your head. Simply stop. The previous lesson regarding heartbeat and breathing can be of some assistance in giving the mind something to focus on if necessary. If thoughts begin, or creep in from the edges of the mind, do not chastise yourself, or worry about "doing it wrong" simply stop the thoughts, and continue on with stilling the mind by not thinking. It's normal for the mind to think, to be active. It's primary purpose is to process information being input into the body after all.
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Meditation is the art of learning to separate Self from one's own thoughts. It's not expected that the stillness that occurs in deeper meditations can be reached in a few sessions. It's only expected that the student of meditation practices regularly, at least once a day, for at least ten to fifteen continuous minutes a day, minimum, and as many days of the week as they are able. Increased frequency increases the ease of which one enters into the meditative state. Once the student can maintain the meditative state of mental quiet, they can then begin to bring that state into their normal life, and observe the world around them, and their position in it, from that quiet, still, detached place inside themselves. Thoughts can become clearer, most distractions (internal or external) ignored, actions performed with a keener awareness of the body, due to the lack of surrounding thoughts "cluttering up" the mind. When the student can, for more than fleeting moments and at will, achieve the stillness of the mind, (that is to say that they can hold the stillness, and that it is not just a momentary pause in their thoughts) and hold it for as long as they want, they will have “completed� this lesson. When they can do so during their regular day, outside of sedentary meditation, they will have mastered the skill. It is expected that meditation is regularly practiced beyond this lesson, even once it is completed. Entering a meditative state is not expected to be instantaneous.
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Thorn’s Lessons By Thorn Walking the inner path This summary explains the steps one can take to improve one's connection to the world around them, by teaching them to use their body, their senses, and their energy to interact with the world in a different way, using their full capabilities and awareness to become a greater part of a greater community around them. That Community includes Fey, Elementals, People, Sprits, and others in the world. 1. Breathing, Heartbeat, and Blood flow These exercises work two ways; they teach basic breath control (aka proper breathing), and helps achieve the start of the first perception shift, which is inward, through paying attention to the breath and the beating of your heart. Breath is the beginning of individual life. Until you are born, your mother breathes for you, until you are born, and take that first breath on your own, as your own individual being. Breathing properly is a calming, meditative activity within itself. Proper breaths of air are inhaled through the nose, from the diaphragm, not just the belly. They should be relaxed in their pace, and full. They should occur without tension on the chest at full breath, and not be an attempt to burst one's own chest. Exhaling can be through the nose, but is usually done through the mouth. You should also not attempt to squeeze every last bit of air out of your lungs when exhaling. Paying attention to the air entering your body is a simple but important first step. A heartbeat is also one of the primary signifiers of life. A person can only survive a few minutes without their heart beating. Surviving such a state almost always requires either unusual circumstances (like drowning in freezing water) or timely and knowledgeable aid, such as CPR. It is believed by most people that the heart cannot be manipulated without drugs or external forces, but they have in fact been proven wrong. Activities such as deep meditation, altered states, and specialized training such as biofeedback can allow a diligent practitioner to control their heart's rate and pattern of beating. Teaching such techniques is not the aim of this lesson. The aim of this lesson is to create an awareness of the heart's beating in the chest, and the awareness of the blood being pumped by it, through the entire body. The body actually pulsates and throbs as the blood is forced through it. To relax and pay attention to what one's own body is doing, to go from being unconscious of the body's housekeeping, to becoming aware of it's constant cyclical activity is the aim of this lesson.
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Pagan Serenity Prayer
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Coloring Page
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ONGOING FESTIVALS Northwest Fall Equinox Festival: A celebration of the harvest. Sponsored by The Nine Houses of Gaia. September 13-16th 2012. For more information visit http://www.ninehouses.org. Pagan Picnic: A potluck gathering sponsored by The Nine Houses of Gaia. The third Sunday in July. For more information visit http://www.ninehouses.org. Turning of The Wheel: Turning of the wheel is a festival created to take an earth based approach to celebrating the changing of the seasons while empowering and sustaining our diverse and talented community of artists, healers, organizations, and local businesses. We have woven together sacred ritual with entertainment, joyous celebration, abundance, fun, laughter, and love to create a beautiful family friendly festival that we hope to make a seasonal tradition. Our vision: Weaving community, celebrating the earth, and sharing our gifts. www.turningofthewheel.net Pagan Faire: Now in its 22nd year! It's always in March, on a weekend day close to Spring Equinox, and is an allday merchant faire with entertainment and workshops followed by a Spring Equinox ritual. Open to the whole community, sponsored by SisterSpirit. For more information visit http://www.paganfaire.org.
Spring Mysteries Festival: A recreation of the Eleusinian Mysteries help is April and is presented by Aquarian Tabernacle Church. For more information visit http://www.aquiriantabernaclechurch.org. Spiral Rhythms Festival: Magick and music for Mother Earth sponsored by M.A.G.I.C. Usually held in June. For information visit http://www.spiralrythms.org The Mother Earth Gathering: A “green living” celebration – an earth awareness festival, held in June for information visit http:// www.owow.org Pagan Campout: A campout for Pagans! Held in June. For information visit http://www.pagan campout.com Sunfest: A summer Solstice celebration sponsored by OWOW, held in June. For more information visit http://www.owow.org Summerstar Pagan Gathering: A starwood celebration, held in July. For more information visit http://www.summerstar.org Faerie Worlds Festival: A celebration of music, art and imagination inspired by the realm of Faerie. Held in July/August. For more information visit http://faerieworlds.com Beloved: Open air sacred art and music festival. Held in August. For more information visit http://www.belovedfestival.com The Middle Earth Gathering: A fall Equinox celebration, and earth awareness gathering, held in September. For more information visit http://www.earthgathering.org Hekates Sickle: Walk the paths between the worlds and meet and Goddess and Gods learning the lessons of your ancestors and interacting with the divine. For more information visit http://www.aquiriantabernaclechurch.org Beltane in the Grove hosted by Spiral Grove Coven For more information visit www.spiralgrovebeltaine..org.
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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 11183 Portland, OR 97211 ; or email openwayseditor@gmail.com or editor@ninehouses.org
ADF Druids of Portland
Www.cedarmountaincoven.com.
Our study group meets on the last Friday of every month at Essential Elements Apothecary and up to 8 times a year for Public Ritual. Affiliated with ADF (Ar nDraoicht Fein), adf.org. We are in pursuit of authentic scholarship and modern practices. See our website at pdx-druids.org.
Coven Caer Wy’east
Aquarian Tabernacle Church Serving the PNW since 1979. An interfaith church of Wicca and Earth Religions recognized and accredited worldwide. All are 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 Black Hat Society Get out of the broom closet and knock off the cobwebs from your hat! The witchy gals in Central Oregon have formed a social network for fun, friendship and support. Many traditions are represented and welcomed. Get on our mailing list or upcoming activities. blackhatsociety@yahoo.com Cedar Mountain Coven We are an eclectic Celtic coven, with some Native American influences. We meet for Sabbaths, Esbats, laughter and support throughout the Portland/ Vancouver area. Closed to new members Samhain to Beltane, we do keep a waiting list for anyone interested. Imbolc 2016
A traditional Gardnerian Coven, sponsors a non-oath bound, British Traditional Wiccan Outer Court for seekers of traditional training.. We prefer to work with seekers 30 years or older. New training cycles usually begin each spring. For more info contact Steward Creace 503-622-1381 or Steward _Creace@msn.com.
For more info, or to volunteer, please contact jfallenstar@gmail.com http://www.goddesstempleashland.com/ Hermetic Fellowship
Meets 7:30 pm, 3rd Thursday of every month for talks, sometimes ritual, in the Western Esoteric Tradition. We focus on 8 main Paths: Theurgy & Holy Magic, Qabalah, the Ancient Mysteries, Grail Quest, NeoPaganism & Wicca, Alchemy, Gnosticism, and Rosicrucianism. Please email for location and to introduce your“Coven Call” self. email: isidora.forrest@gmail.com Small Milwaukee-based coven seeking web: www.hermeticfellowship.org new members, age 18-30 willing to meet bi-monthly. Our group is very eclectic and Indigo Lights Circle Online Teen tends to focus on energy work. Teaching Group available. Please email us for an interview A place for uniquely gifted teens to celeat Avery.Nachelle@yahoo.com brate and explore the gifts the :Lord and Lady granted us with. Site address: http:// The Earth Gatherings www.geocities.com/jinksjustjinks/ An eclectic spiritual group with frequent get - together’s to discuss various spiritual Lyceum of Trees paths. Sponsors of The Mother Earth Gathering and The Middle Earth Gathering We are an educational coven located in Portland, Oregon. The group’s humble spark began to glow (June and September), Earth Awareness during Samhain 2000, and caught fire the following Festivals, honoring diversity and creating Yule. Lyceum focuses on classes for people beginbalance between wilderness and civiliza- ning to explore Paganism. Members are encouraged to offer classes and form study groups for deeper tion. 503-503-1415 bladu@hotmail.com www.earthgatherings.org PO Box 19655 explorations of areas of interest. For more information visit Portland, OR 97280. http://www.lyceumoftrees.com/ Oakmist Grove is accepting applications for our Portland training coven.* The Goddess Temple of Ashland is a sanc- Please see our website at tuary for the nurturance of the divine femi- www.oakmistgrove.com for more infornine in all people. Jackson Wellspring, mation. 2253 Highway 99, Ashland, Oregon. Goddess Temple of Ashland
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Open Ways Learn the Craft of the Wise A gathering of heathens, pagans, wiccans, witches, and magickal thinkers in the Portland and Salem areas. This group hosts monthly circles in Portland and Salem, joins in the celebration of the Moon Cycles and the Sabbats, and is a teaching coven. We make it easy for new pagans, providing an open and friendly atmosphere and instruction at the beginning of each gathering. We also offer group classes, private instruction, and an exciting year and a day program. Find us at www.meetup.com/ltcpdx 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 or Email sienna@spiralrhythms.org and Www.spiralrhythms.org/magic for more information. Nine Houses of Gaia (9HOG’S) A non-profit organization incorporated to facilitate networking among pagans in the Pacific Northwest. Sponsors of Open Ways Newsletter as well as Northwest Fall Equinox Festival. The NWFEF celebrates the great harvest, begun at Lammas and ending at Samhain. Contact info for Open Ways editor@ninehouses.org. Officers of Avalon, Inc A non-profit benevolent organization representing Wiccans and other Pagans who work as police officers and other professionals in the emergency services members $15/yr for associate members. Membership dues $25/yr for full Newsletter The Dispatch. Registration forms available at www.officersofavalon.com. PO Box 22 Baraboo, WI 53913-0022. 22
Open Doors Center for Healing Arts We at Open Doors believe that healing is a collaborative process with practitioner, client and source. We believe that each individual has a journey of healing that is unique. Our goal is to provide assistance for realigning, re-connecting and restoring the natural state of vibrational well being. Our Practitioners are experienced in many varieties of healing modalities that help with this process. Visit www.opendoorscenter.com for more information about our energy-work and other events.
PDX Pagan Tribe This tribe is for heathens, pagans and free thinking individuals residing in or around Portland, OR, or other metro areas who want to communicate with other like minded folk. Please no political rants, there are other tribes for that. A person has to sign up with Tribe.net for free in order to join this tribe. The tribe is moderated in order to keep out hate mongers and spammers. Web address - http://tribes.tribe.net/ pdxpagans.Portland
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 they're in PNW. http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/pnwpagans.
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 503235-5774 or oakgrove@teleport.com.
Polyamory Circle A gathering for folks exploring options beyond monogamy. Discussions include Other Worlds of Wonder (OWOW) open relationships, extended families, and A corporation organized to operate exclu- intentional communities. Everyone intersively for charitable purposes, including, ested is welcome to join us. For information but not limited to serving the Pagan com- and location Laury 503-285-4848. munity through sponsoring the Sun Fest festival and purchasing land to be held in Red Cedar Circle (Church of Si. Si. Wiss) trust for the Pagan community. Northwest Coast Medicine Johnny Moses Email address: owoworg@hotmail.com teachings to all. Portland/Vancouver area Website: www.owow.org Address: P.O. Box 68803, Portland, OR meetings. For information and location call 503-245-5660 or rlouis@hctc.com. 97268
PACT A democratic, eclectic teaching/training coven in three parts: A semi-private outer circle - by invitation only, two inner-core circles for PACT initiated. Lessons, degrees, and clergy training by PACT university. For info and a waiting list: email lordansurpact@yahoo.com
Seattle Goddess Group A new site dedicated to worship of the Seattle based deity (As first seen in the “Summer of 2008 art book) “Let your love grow” is her prayer. http:// groups.yahoo.com/groups/seattle.godess/ or SeattleGoddess@yahoogroups.com.
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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.
Our order exists to serve the religious, spiritual and educational needs of its members within the Druidic, Wiccan and Pagan We are a circle of women committed to Community. If you are drawn to a Celtic healing, education ritual and service. (HERS) We celebrate the eight holy days path and aspire to study with the Druids, we of the wheel: Solstices and Equinoxes are welcome you. for all genders and families; Cross quarters Contact us at forestdruids@yahoo.com are for women only. For information: http://www.sophiasancuary.org or http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/SophiaSancuary. SpiralGrove Coven- an eclectic coven focusing
Silver Star Circle
The Ancient and Honorable Order of the Sacred Oaks
Shadowluz
Sophia Sanctuary Women’s Temple
A Celtic Pagan circle meeting for Sabbats, full and new moons, weekly class and more. Located in Battle Ground Additional. info: email slvrstarcircle@yahoo.com.
Sister Spirit Eclectic women's spirituality group founded in 1985. Sister Spirit's purpose is to create a place where women of all spiritual backgrounds and traditions can celebrate women’s spirituality. Through female imagery we celebrate our connections with nature. We come together to explore our own spirits, and learn, grow, and expand to fully realize the divinity within. Website: www.sisterspiritportland.com. Email/Phone: sisterspirit .portland@gmail.com/ 503-7363297. Address Mailing: PO Box 9246 Portland, OR 97207. Physical address: 3430 SE Belmont #102, Portland, OR. (Office, library, and small group space)
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on the Wheel of The Year as a path of Personal Growth. We circle in the Portland area. We host a festival, Beltaine In The Grove, for the Rites of May. Please see our website, www.spiralgrovebeltaine.org or contact Seanachai at seanacahi.moonfyre@gmail.com for more information
A Druidic order in the Arthurian/Celtic tradition, chartering groves meeting established criteria and dedicated to authentic Druidic principles and traditions. For those who aspire to the excellence of Druidry, Inc. in OR and 501(c)3. 503-235-5774 The Sorcerers Guild www.sacred-oak-grove.org. Dedicated to the enhancement of Magickal work within its membership. Public meetup at the Dancing Beans 1615 SE 12th Ave The Saint James Project Portland, OR held monthly. Email theA shamanic Arm of the Red Witch Tradi- binder7@yahoo.com for date and time. For tion. Includes Indigenous Shamanic train- m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n : h t t p : / / ing, pilgrimages and extensive her story/ s o r c e r e r s g u i l d . t r i b e . n e t o r history from the first century CE to the pre- http:www.sorcerersguild.com, or sent. Prerequisite: Reiki 3 and 3 years of http://groups.myspace.com/sorceryguild magickal hands-on experience. Meets at Toad House in McMinnville Oregon. Con- The Well of Diancecht tact info is worldtree1@verizon.net. Provides free sacred energy healing to veterans, active duty military and their families. We also list practitioners offering sliding The Sacred Cascade Grove scale services to serve members, veterans and their families. Info: The Sacred Cascade Grove of The Sacred diancecht@yahoo.com Order of Gnostic Druidism offers a Druidic college in Central Oregon.
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West Hills Covenant of UU Pagans WHCUUPS/ (WICCA) (WHCUUPS ): As a growing, eclectic pagan community, we welcome new members! We meet bimonthly on 2nd and 4th Monday evenings, 6:30-8:00pm during the school year, and 7:30-9:00pm during the summer months), for structured thematic discussions/ activities and socializing. Together we also celebrate all eight Sabbats throughout the year. We also offer a Year and a Day class for aspiring Pagan (esp. Wiccan) Clergy. Contacts for the group are as follows: Rachel Walaskay (Moderator) taramathea@yahoo.com or (503) 935-7795; Mary McGar (Co moderator) daraileen@yahoo.com or (971) 242-1321. Feel free to visit our website and join the group to receive updates and information About upcoming events: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Women coming together to celebrate the Goddess in Her many forms. Weekly meetings: Wings-Retreats (called Forwards) Summer Gathering. Rituals email/ phone: normahp@iglide.net/ 541-4853654. Address, PO Box 5296, Eugene, OR 97405 Women of the Goddess Women of the Goddess is a Pagan community in the Dianic tradition. Our purpose is to mark the eight Sabbats of the year in ritual with like-minded women, to strengthen the Goddess connection within ourselves, to share this connection with others, and to bring wholeness to the world and to our journey in it as the Wheel of the Year turns. Location Seattle, WA. Contacts: janicevc@seanet.com or 206-322-
Witches of Westwi ck Paranormal Society Centered in the beautiful foothills of the Columbia River Gorge. Specializing in Esoteric research and Theology. Dedicated to tribal rites of passage as well as the Major and Minor Pagan Holidays & Festivals. We love to explore the enchanted as well as the chilling. Contact Leanna at devasdelight@yahoo.com or 541-490-5718
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Advertise with Open Ways!
It’s Free!
Visit www.ninehouses.org for details!
Send your information to editor@ninhouses.org Or Openwayseditor@gmail.com
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Pagan Business Directory A G Glass Studio LLC (503) 313-8028 Global Mineral askglobalmineral@gmail.com If The Broom Fits ifthebroomfits@comcast.net Inner Compass Tarot tarot@shadesofmaybe.com
To advertise in our Pagan Business Directory, One year for $10.00, Business name and phone number or website only. Email:
editor@ninehouses.org openwayseditor@gmail.com Or Mail information and payment to:
The Nine Houses of Gaia Open Ways Advertising PO Box 33182 Portland, OR 972
Alice Jordan jordan.alicem@gmail.com Mother Earth’s Gifts and Treasures motherearthsgiftsandtreasures@gmail.com
Tell them you saw their ad in the Open Ways Newsletter!
Of Earth & Air (503) 693-3600 VC Bath and Body Treats info@VCBathBodyTreats.com Elan Metamorphosis www.metamorphosishealing.net
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Open Ways The Nine Houses of Gaia Presents:
The Thirty first Annual Northwest Fall Equinox Festival September 17-20, 2015
Important Information – Please read! REGISTRATION: Space is limited! Your BEST CHANCE TO ATTEND FESTIVAL is to REGISTER EARLY, by sending a fully paid registration to the address listed. COMPLETED REGISTRATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MONDAY 9/1/14! If we are full when we receive your registration, we will return your check with a letter of apology, hoping to see you next year. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF WE ARE ACTUALLY FULL! PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE RUMORS, as only the registrar will know that information, and even she won’t know the exact status at every moment. If you are accepted, a confirmation email will be sent to the Main Registrant soon after receiving the registration. A detailed Festival Program will be emailed to that same registrant a couple weeks before the Festival. It is recommended that you review the ENTIRE packet, as park rules may change year to year and print at least the festival schedule and bring it with you. CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS/EXCHANGE POLICIES: ANY and ALL CHANGES to your registration must be made through the Registration Goddess! If you need to cancel part or all of your registration, we will issue refunds for cancellations before Wednesday, 9/10/2014. Registrations are NOT exchangeable at the gate! Please contact the registrar about ANY changes or questions immediately, and absolutely no later than midnight Wed., 9/10/14 by email, nwfef@ninehouses.org or mail, PO Box 33182, Portland, OR 97292. WORKSHOPS: Please let us know if you would like to conduct a workshop or mini-ritual by attaching a separate, brief description and appropriate age recommendation with your registration, or emailing nwfef@ninehouses.org . Impromptu workshops are welcome, but advance notice will get you into the Festival Program! VENDORS: Please email your booth name, wares/services offered, etc. to nwfef@ninehouses.org. Be descriptive, as vendors will be listed in the Festival Program! The vending fee is $35 plus an item donated to our raffle. Your raffle item will be collected from you on site. Contact nwfef@ninehouses.org for assistance with registration. Contact vendor@ninehouses.org for questions/concerns regarding onsite matters. VOLUNTEERING: We expect the community to help before, during and after the festival. If you are interested in helping with festival preparations prior to the festival, please contact us via email (nwfef@ninehouses.org) or PO Box. Everyone will be asked on site to contribute at least two hours to help with the many tasks, such as ritual site preparation, clean-up, firewood hauling and especially in the kitchen! When you arrive, we will still be in the process of setting up temples and other activity areas. Please do your part by checking in with coordinators of setup projects to offer your assistance. A community builds a festival. And building it together is part of the experience. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE FOR MORE---------à
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Open Ways CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: There will be rituals, workshops, and other fun activities for children. Parents are asked to help out with these events. Ideas and suggestions are welcomed. There will be no child care service provided. Parents are responsible for making any child care arrangements. LOCATION: Rustic wooded campsite in the mountains, approximately 1½ hours from Portland. (Specific site information available only to registrants). Cabins available (sleep 4-8: be prepared to share). A few wheelchair accessible accommodations available. A limited number of tent-camping spots are available; you must reserve one with the Registration Goddess pre-festival, preferably with your registration. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED! Please do not ask for special exceptions! PARKING: Park Rules state that no RVs are permitted onsite. Vendors (1 vehicle per booth) and vehicles displaying a valid handicapped parking tag have on-site parking available. Please email nwfef@ninehouses.org if you qualify. Parking onsite for regular attendees is limited. Vehicles over capacity are required by the park to be in a designated offsite parking area. If upon arrival you are notified by a staff member that we have reached vehicle capacity, please follow this procedure: After unloading your vehicle, you will need to return to the gate where a shuttle driver will follow you as you drive to the offsite parking area and drive you back to the site. On Sunday, we will shuttle you back to your car so you can return to the site and load your gear. We have been assured that the offsite lot is secure and patrolled. And, as always, we encourage you to carpool to the Festival. ARRIVAL: Check the festival program for the gate opening time on Thurs. evening, do not expect to enter the grounds before then. Cars lining up outside the gate will not be permitted to do so until a certain time as well, please refer to your festival packet for this time and do not show up before then. Your cooperation will ensure a continuing amicable relationship with the park and its staff. The gate will close on time on both Thursday and Friday nights, and remain closed until Sunday. Please plan your arrival accordingly! T-SHIRTS: Our new fundraiser! Please support Open Ways & NWFEF by purchasing a T-shirt to commemorate your festival experience. Pre-order only. $15.00 each, $3 add’l for sizes XL & greater. Pick up your T-shirt order at the gate when you check in. CONTACT US: With any food allergies, special accommodation needs, questions, or concerns at nwfef@ninehouses.org or NWFEF PO Box 33182, Portland, OR 97292. Please allow 1-2 day response time for basic registration questions, 3-5 days for issues requiring consultation with other festival departments.
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Open Ways The Nine Houses of Gaia Open Ways PO Box 33182 Portland, OR 97292 E-mail:
editor@ninehouses.org openwayseditor@gmail.com World Wide Web: http://ninehouses.org
Proceeds from the North West Fall Equinox Festival go to producing Open Ways Thank you for your support! 30
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