Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways

Issue 158

PEN WAYS Gateway to the Pagan Communities

Last Apple, First Woodpecker and Apple Buds showing the promise of the coming Spring.

Imbolc / Brigid 2012 Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities Issue 158—Imbolg 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— Kate Assistant Editor– Ali Assistant Editors Assistant– Angel Webmaster / Advertising— Kate Proofreaders— Kate and 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 11183 Portland, OR 97211 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.

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Open Ways 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.

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Open Ways and The Nine Houses of Gaia are not responsible for any content on other sites.

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.

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Imbolc / Brigid 2012

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

Deadline

Available

Spring Equinox 2012

February 21

Beltane 2012

April 3

April 17

Summer Solstice 2012

May 23

June 6

Lughnasadh 2012

July 4

July 18

Fall Equinox 2012

August 23

September 6

Samhain 2012

October 1

October 14

Yule 2012

November 21

December 8

Imbolg 2013

January 5

January 19

March 6

Table of Contents 4 - Letter from the Editor 5- I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess

By Char 6 - Aphrodite

By Blue Capucian 7 - Her Love

By Crystal Foxx 8 - I Am the Goddess Workshop Schedule 9- Magical and Ritual Food

By Blue Capucian 10 - Basic Spiritual Path Information

By Amber Wolf

Submission deadlines are 4 weeks before the Sabbats and publication dates are 2 weeks before the Sabbats.

12- Imbolc Word Search 13- Imbolc Crossword 14- Imbolc Double Puzzle 15 - Community Photos 16— Upcoming Workshops and Classes 17- Ongoing Activities 19- Ongoing Festivals 20- Pagan Community Directory 24– Wraith Kitten Coloring Page 25 - Imbolc Puzzle Answers

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008_01_01_archive.html

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Open Ways Letter from the Editor As we celebrate Imbolc, we are reminded to look to what we have and appreciate what it takes to survive the cold and to look towards the small signs of the coming spring, the promise of the sun in the tree buds and crocuses.

Our weather's been a little unpredictable (as always) and some of the plants are some what confused, much like the rest of us, but we will all pull through to enjoy the bounty of spring once more.

So take time to appreciate what you have, even if it's not as much as you would like, and hold onto the hope of the future that will bring more.

Bright Blessings, Kate

Snowy night a week before Imbolc / Brigid Day. Photo by Blue Capucian 4

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess

By Char In 1999 Lauren Raine created 30 masks of the Goddess for the Spiral Dance Festival in San Francisco. Her project, The Masks Of The Goddess traveled the world, spreading their message of the divine feminine from community to community. Lauren Raine published a book on her journey titled, The Masks Of The Goddess, Sacred Masks & Dance. Many women wore these masks in ritual theater and dance, bringing their message to their community. In 2008 the masks were retired. I believe their retirement was a necessary resting time, to regenerate their energy to bring to the world again. I was drawn to a woman who had 13 of these masks “resting” in her home and care. My proposal to bring 9 masks and their message to our community was welcomed by her with an open heart. She told me that she had felt that the masks were ready to continue their journey and she had been waiting for the right opportunity.

The project, I Am The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess was born! This project is a vessel for these powerful masks to channel their message of the divine feminine to all who need to hear Her message. The world we live in is changing; the need for divine presence is great. It is a time for all to embrace the message of love, acceptance, peace and healing that the Goddess embodies. Each mask has a unique message to give to the world and all who pause to listen. The masks each represent a powerful archetype Goddess that speaks to us through all time.

Join Hecate, Lilith, Pele, Gaia, Artemis, Aphrodite, Kali, Green Tara, and Freya on a journey to the divine feminine through ritual, song, dance, meditation, divination and storytelling.

I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess will be presenting 9 workshops over 9 months. All information on dates and times for workshops can be found on our face book page of the same name and stay tuned for articles, poems and photos with workshop dates and times posted here in Open Ways. The culmination of our journey will end in ritual at Northwest Fall Equinox Festival 2012 sponsored by Nine Houses of Gaia. Where our journey ends …yours begins.

Welcome to “I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess.”

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

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Open Ways

APHRODITE Aphrodite is the Greek Goddess of Love, Desire, Beauty, Fertility, the Sea and Vegetation.

Aphrodite is married to the Greek God of Fire Hephaestus the metal smith of the Gods. Aphrodite is also married to Ares the Greek God of War, she has many lovers both God and Human. Hephaestus was overjoyed at being married to the goddess of beauty and forged her beautiful jewelry, including the cestus, a girdle that makes her even more irresistible to men. Aphrodite feels no pain at her perceived deceit as she flourishes with the knowledge that she can have anyone and everyone love and admire her. Aphrodite was born an adult, nubile and infinitely desireable. Aphrodite is associated with, and often depicted with, the sea, dolphins, doves, swans, sparrows, pomegranets, sceptres, apples, myrtle, rose trees, lime trees, clams, scallop shells, and pearls.

One aspect of the cult of Aphrodite was ritual prostitution. To have intercourse with her priestesses is considered a way to worship Aphrodite. By Blue Capucian

Hephaestus 6

Ares

Adonis

Poseidon Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways

Her Love

By CrystalFoxx Through out time men have built Monuments in tribute to the goddess Beautiful things uplifting the human soul Mine will likely be a passing flickering spark That drifts out of the fire of life into the night sky.

My altar is set, My temple is built The drums throb with the pulse of the community The ritual flows between us We lay our tribute out to her Our souls bare mingling with her in the night.

Love and Sexuality a fog in the air The breathless passion of the hunt The penetrated lust and desire The ghost of her haunts me In sparkling eyes she pulls me Losing myself I fall in Drifting across beautiful Green-fields Touched by sunlight in an afternoon blush That ocean of green crashing into my jagged reality I long to set sail on these seas Trying to capture the beauty of the ocean In the small vessel that is me.

Breathing in the fragrant scent of her ocean The world washes away Lost and adrift on the currents Of passionate bliss Ritual ends My ragged reality wraps its arms around me Intoxicated by her Imbolc / Brigid 2012

My heart and soul long for more A specter moving through me Obsessed I covet her She is everywhere A young woman’s giggle Lines of a mother’s smile Flowing motions of the dancer Soft seductive curves I hunger for them Must be mine The piper’s song flows on ephemeral winds They are drawn in My sails down I am adrift in the torrents Of jealous envy Something dark At the edge of my mind Pettiness seeps in the cracks Ignored, pillars of jealous Fire burns through All the hidden places Until only an empty Charred shell remains Her ocean rushes in Slamming against my jagged charred-shore Washing away the loose bits Cleaning polishing the small stones of me Into beautiful gems On Rocky jagged shores of self Fires burn like Gatsby’s orgasmic green-light Beacons to wayward souls adrift in the dark cold sea of life Her siren’s song is whispered on the wind Tempting the brave to throw themselves adrift in her seas.

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Open Ways I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess Workshop Schedule

I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess will be presenting 9 workshops over 9 months.

Feb. 8th Aphrodite Mar. 14th Freya Apr. 11th Gaia May 9th Artemis Jun. TBA Kali Jul. 11th Pele Location: In Other Words Bookstore 14 Killingworth, Portland, OR Time: 6:30pm Except the Kali workshop which the location it is still to be determined.

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Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways

Magical and Ritual Food Imbolc / Brigid Apple Custard

By Blue Capucian Imbolc is the season of awakening life, the promise of the coming Spring. The sheep and other dairy animals are pregnant or birthing and there is ample fresh milk, butter and cheese to see families thru until the first spring crops.

Brigid is the Goddess of Metalworkers, Healers and Bards ( the heat of fire and forge; healing and creative thoughts).

To honor both this recipe uses dairy and fiery spices.

Ingredients

Planet

Element

4 Eggs 3 Cups Milk ½ Cup Sugar ½ tsp. Butmeg ½ tsp. Cinnamon ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract ¼ tsp. Almond Extract Pinch of Salt 2 Large Apples

Earth Earth Moon Water Venus Water Jupiter Fire Sun Fire Venus Water Mercury Air Earth Earth Venus Water

Energy Grounding, Prosperity and Fertility.

Healing, Purification and Compassion.

Reconciliation, Peace and Pleasure.

Prosperity, Courage and Health Success, Energy and Protection Happiness, Pleasure and Friendship.

Strengthening, Communication, Wisdom.

Grounding and Prosperity.

Longevity and Reconciliation.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1,) Combine all ingredients except Apples in a mixing bowl. Mix until well blended.

2,) Peel, core and dice the apples into approximately ½” chunks.

3.) Pour half of the custard mixture into ramekin or custard cups. Scatter some of the apple on top of the custard, pour the rest of the custard into the cups and scatter the rest of the diced apples on top gently pressing into the top of the custard.

4.) Place the cups in a 2” deep baking dish and fill the baking dish with hot water about ¾” deep.

Bake the Custard for 1 hour. Serve hot or warm.

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

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Open Ways

Basic Spiritual Path Information

By Amber Wolf For Imbolc A Scottish Gaelic proverb about the day: Thig an nathair as an toll Là donn Brìde, Ged robh trì troighean dhen t-sneachd Air leac an làir.

“The serpent will come from the hole On the brown Day of Bride, Though there should be three feet of snow On the flat surface of the ground."

Found on Wikipedia

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Imbolc (February 2nd) Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids. The festival of the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. Bride (also Brigid or Bridget), is the traditional Goddess associated with this Sabbat. The bride who is waiting for the return of her groom the sun God, who will court her until their wedding at Beltane. We know Imbolc as a celebration of the return of the sun or "the return of the light from the dark of winter". It is also associated with the slow return of spring (in this case early spring), when new life is formed. Many animals that are nearing the end of their gestation begin nesting at this time. They are preparing nests, dens and the like to create a safe warm place to have their babies when spring arrives in earnest. This associates Brighid with home/hearth..

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Open Ways (continued from pg 10) Brighid is the keeper of the sacred flame, the guardian of home and hearth. To honor her, purification and cleaning are a wonderful way to get ready for the coming of Spring. In addition to fire, she is a goddess connected to inspiration and creativity

Symbolism of Imbolc:

Purity, Growth and Renewal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.

Herbs of Imbolc:

The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is placed by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the rebirth of the Sun. This is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "timely" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have often given birth to the first offspring of the year. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.

Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is poured over it.

Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.

Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Foods of Imbolc:

Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppy seed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

Incense of Imbolc:

Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.

Colors of Imbolc:

White, Pink, Red, Yellow, Light Green, Brown.

Stones of Imbolc:

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Activities of Imbolc:

Candle Lighting Stone Gatherings Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring Making of Brideo'gas (corn dollies) and Bride's Beds Making Priapic (Phallic) Wands Decorating Ploughs Feasting and Bon Fires may be lit.

Various other names for this Greater Sabbat:

Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolc (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time. Lupercalia of Roman origin.

Dragon in Pencil by Blue Capucian Imbolc / Brigid 2012

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Open Ways IMBOLC / BRIGID WORD SEARCH C

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Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways

IMBOLC / BRIGID CROSSWORD

Across

Down

2. A MULLED ALCOHOLIC DRINK.

1. GODDESS OF POETRY, HEALING AND METAL

5. ONE OF THE FIRST SPRING FLOWERS.

SMITHING.

6. SMALL FIRE REPRESENTATIVE.

3. THE ACT OF CLEANSING.

7. SHAPER OF METAL.

4. FESTIVAL OF HEARTH AND HOME.

8. WEATHER PREDICTOR.

5. TO COMMIT YOURSELF TO.

11. INTRODUCTORY RITUAL.

9. FEMALE PARENT.

12. TO MAKE CLEAN.

10. LIGHT, HEAT AND FLAME OF SOMETHING

13. THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE. 15. COMPOSITIONS IN VERSE OR RHYME.

BURNING.

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

13. RESTORING TO HEALTH. 14. KEEPER OF POETRY AND ODES.

Answer on page 25

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Open Ways IMBOLC DOUBLE PUZZLE

Unscramble each of the clue words.

Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.

Answer on page 25

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Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways COMMUBITY

PHOTOGRAPHS The first woodpecker of 2012 enjoying some rotten apple from last years last apple fall with a bit of pre-Imbolc snow.

Photo by Blue Capucian.

Pre-Spring Holly Tree.

Photo by Blue Capucian.

Brides Bed Photo by Blue Capucian

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Open Ways

Upcoming Workshops and Classes I Am The Goddess Workshops - A $5 donation is appreciated but no one turned away for lack of funds.

Feb. 8th Aphrodite, Mar. 14th Freya, Apr. 11th Gaia, May 9th Artemis, Jun. TBA Kali, Jul. 11th Pele.

Presented at In Other Words Bookstore, 14 Killingworth, Portland, OR. Workshops begin at 6:30 pm.

———————————————————————————————————————-

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Imbolc / Brigid 2012

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 My Space.

Full moon Celebration — Held on the day of the full moon each month at 6:00pm. Come meet with your community and friends, bang some drums and hang out! Free Free Free and Fun Fun Fun! Held at Essential Elements Apothecary 3135 SE Hawthorne Portland, OR 97214.For more info www.hawthorneapothecary.com.

Open Full & Dark Moon Rituals Hosted monthly at Celestial Awakenings in Vancouver, WA by The House of the Eternal Circle; a local, eclectic, loving, teaching coven. Please check www.eternalcirclecoven.org or www.celestial-awakenings.com for dates and times. Suggested $10 donation. Or contact brian@eternalcirclecoven.org

SATURDAYS 1st Saturday Movie Bight Featuring a movie or documentary which cultivates spiritual growth.. Held at Crystal Temple 7275 Richmond Ave. Portland, OR. For info call 503-249-0303 or by web at crystaltemple.org.

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

OR 97214. Please RSVP via http:/ W w w . m e e t u p . c o m / EssentialElementsHerbalists/ this allows us Bon-denominational Sunday Service Integrate light into your being. Come to to make sure we have plenty of room for receive blessings and an uplifting spiritual all. reading to empower and enlighten your soul. After the service has ended there is a TUESDAYS guided meditation to bring prosperity into your life. Held at Crystal Temple 7275 Fairy Seership Richmond Ave. For info call 503-249- Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month 0303 or by web at crystaltemple.org. from 7-9pm. Held with House of Brigh and Orion Foxwood. Bring a potluck dish to share and a donation if able. Held at 1st Sunday Sare-apy.

Always the first Sunday (no Sare-apy in 7036 SE Brooklyn St. Portland, OR. For August). Join us each first Sunday of the more information: orionfoxwood.com or month. Activities include silent meditation, faerylover@orionfoxwood.com. discussion of healing techniques, individual and group healing sessions and introduc- Open Reiki and Healing Circle tion to healing arts practitioners. Everyone Circle held on the 1rst Tuesday of the is welcome, this is a wonderful opportunity month from 9-11am. Held at the Celtic for healing– receiving and giving, and for Circle 3717 NW 25th St. Redmond, OR. making new alliances. Held at Hands of For info call 541-504-4627 or by email Freedom Healing 8725 NE Broadway, pepsi@bendcable.com.

Portland OR 97220 from 1-4pm. Donations appreciated.

Guided Meditation 1rst Tuesday at 7pm. Come and journey with us. Each months theme will be different. 1235 Commerce in Longview, WA Witches Tea Held the last Sunday of every month at 360-562-1900 or www.werseekers.com. noon. Held at Essential Elements Apothecary and hosted by Raven Greywolf.

WEDBESDAYS There will be a different activity/craft each month to enhance your witchy knowledge Witches Meet up and provide a place for community and A social event held on the 4th Tuesday of friends to meet. Usually free but some- every month. At 7PM. We have no set times a small donation is asked for. 3135 agenda or format, just talk and have fun.

SE Hawthorne Portland, OR 97214. info at Held at the Guiding Tree 4831 SE Division Street Portland, OR. For more info www.hawthorneapothecary.com. http://www.pagan.meetup.com.

A social event held on the 1rst Wed. of Herbalism Meet Held the first, second and third Sundays of every month at 7PM. We have no set the month. Learn and discuss the ancient agenda or format, just talk and have fun. art of Herbalism in an actual apothecary. We are a friendly, non-cliquish bunch who Being held at Held at Essential Elements have been meeting for over five years.

Apothecary 3135 SE Hawthorne Portland, SUBDAYS

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Open Ways

Ongoing Activities (continued)

Reiki Circle Every 2nd Wednesday come and receive healing and develop your Held at the Irishtown Pub, 11600 NE Mill Plain Blvd. Vancou- skills in a sacred temple surrounded by light beings. Held at Crystal ver WA. Temple, 7525 N Richmond Portland, OR. For info 503-249-0303 or on the web at info@crystaltemple.org.

Monthly Pagan Meet up A social event held on the 2nd Wed of every month at 7PM. We Drum circle just get together to talk and have fun. Held at Old Town Pizza Every 3rd Wednesday at 7pm. Lets explore rhythms and escape (between 2nd and 3rd on NW Davis) Portland, OR. For more reality in a sacred temple. A joyous monthly, multi-cultural spiritual info go to http://www.paganmeetup.com. experience. Using sacred phrases drawn from the worlds many religious traditions, with live music and simple devotional movement. Bring an instrument if you have one, if not we can share.

Reiki Share Circle Held at Crystal Temple 7525 N Richmond Portland, OR. For Every 1rst and 3rd Wednesdays at Sellwood Spirit Feathers, m o r e info info@crystaltemple.org.

7704 SE 13th Portland, OR. For info call 503-230-0249. All are welcome!

Healers Circle Second Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Practice , meet or visit Tarot night with others who are interested in Spiritual healing. 7525 N RichEvery 1rst Wednesday. Bring your cards, practice readings, be- mond Ave. in Portland, OR. For more info call 503-249-0303. $5 come more familiar with your card and discuss Tarot with other Donation. â˜ş readers. Held at Crystal Temple, 7525 N Richmond Portland, OR. For info cal 503-249-0303 or on the web at info@crystaltemple.org.

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Open Ways

ONGOING FESTIVALS

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 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 Northwest Fall Equinox Festival: A celebration of the harvest. Sponsored by The Nine Houses of Gaia. Held in September. For more information visit http://www.ninehouses.org 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

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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.

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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/ The Hermetic Fellowship

Exploring Western Esoteric Tradition: Ancient Mysteries, Wicca/NeoPaganism, Qabalah, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy, Gnosticism, Theurgy and Grail Quest.

Meets monthly, 3rd Thursday. Informal presentations, open discussion, rituals and workshops occasionally. 1st semester of 2010, special focus on Rosicrucianism.

“Coven Call” For more info call 503-255-7910 or by ( p r e f e r r e d ) Small Milwaukee-based coven seeking w e b new members, age 18-30 willing to meet www.hemeticfellowship.org, miforbi-monthly. Our group is very eclectic and rest@hermeticfellowship.org. tends to focus on energy work. Teaching available. Please email us for an interview Indigo Lights Circle Online Teen Group at Avery.Nachelle@yahoo.com A place for uniquely gifted teens to celebrate and explore the gifts the :Lord and An eclectic spiritual group with frequent Lady granted us with. Site address: http:// get - together’s to discuss various spiritual www.geocities.com/jinksjustjinks/ paths. Sponsors of The Mother Earth Gathering and The Middle Earth Gathering Lyceum of Trees (June and September), Earth Awareness Festivals, honoring diversity and creating We are an educational coven located in Portland, Oregon. The group’s humble spark began to glow balance between wilderness and civiliza- during Samhain 2000, and caught fire the following tion. 503-503-1415 bladu@hotmail.com Yule. Lyceum focuses on classes for people beginwww.earthgatherings.org PO Box 19655 ning to explore Paganism. Members are encouraged to offer classes and form study groups for deeper Portland, OR 97280.

The Earth Gatherings

explorations of areas of interest.

Goddess Temple of Ashland

For more information visit http://www.lyceumoftrees.com/

The Goddess Temple of Ashland is a sanctuary for the nurturance of the divine feminine in all people. Jackson Wellspring, 2253 Highway 99, Ashland, Oregon.

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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.

Bine 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.

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

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.

Other Worlds of Wonder (OWOW) A corporation organized to operate exclusively for charitable purposes, including, but not limited to serving the Pagan community through sponsoring the Sun Fest festival and purchasing land to be held in trust for the Pagan community.

Email address: owoworg@hotmail.com Website: www.owow.org Address: P.O. Box 68803, Portland, OR 97268 Pacific BW 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.

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

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 Polyamory Circle A gathering for folks exploring options beyond monogamy. Discussions include open relationships, extended families, and intentional communities. Everyone interested is welcome to join us. For information and location Laury 503-285-4848.

Red Cedar Circle (Church of Si. Si. Wiss) Northwest Coast Medicine Johnny Moses teachings to all. Portland/Vancouver area meetings. For information and location call 503-245-5660 or rlouis@hctc.com.

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.

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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Open Ways Address Mailing: PO Box 9246 Portland, OR 97207. Physical address: 3430 SE Eclectic coven that emphasizes increasing Belmont #102, Portland, OR. (Office, lithe power of the individual through brary, and small group space) strength of our Gestalt, focusing on diversity in beliefs and the practice of Magick Sophia Sanctuary Women’s Temple Members range from Portland to Hood .

River and Mt. Hood. Please send letter of We are a circle of women committed to intent to HPS Belle Evergreen at healing, education ritual and service. belleevergreen@yahoo.com.

(HERS) We celebrate the eight holy days of the wheel: Solstices and Equinoxes are Silver Birch Grove, Order of the Sacred for all genders and families; Cross quarters Oaks are for women only. For information: http://www.sophiasancuary.org or http:// If the bardic arts call to you, and your love groups.yahoo.com/group/SophiaSancuary. of the Goddess and God speaks to you through Celtic and Arthurian-based my- The Ancient and Honorable Order of thology and lore, come walk our Pagan the Sacred Oaks path with us as we renew our grove. Now in Vancouver, WA. Contact silver- A Druidic order in the Arthurian/Celtic birchgrove@hotmail.com or 503-235- tradition, chartering groves meeting estab5774 or 360-936-1035. lished criteria and dedicated to authentic Druidic principles and traditions. For those Silver Star Circle who aspire to the excellence of Druidry, Inc. in OR and 501(c)3. 503-235-5774 A Celtic Pagan circle meeting for Sabbats, www.sacred-oak-grove.org. full and new moons, weekly class and more. Located in Battle Ground Additional. info: email slvrstarcir- The Saint James Project cle@yahoo.com.

A shamanic Arm of the Red Witch TradiSister Spirit tion. Includes Indigenous Shamanic training, pilgrimages and extensive her story/ Eclectic women's spirituality group history from the first century CE to the prefounded in 1985. Sister Spirit's purpose is sent. Prerequisite: Reiki 3 and 3 years of to create a place where women of all spiri- magickal hands-on experience. Meets at tual backgrounds and traditions can cele- Toad House in McMinnville Oregon. Conbrate women’s spirituality. Through fe- tact info is worldtree1@verizon.net. male imagery we celebrate our connections with nature. We come together to explore our own spirits, and learn, grow, The Sacred Cascade Grove and expand to fully realize the divinity within. Website: www.sisterspiritportland.com.

Email/Phone: sister- The Sacred Cascade Grove of The Sacred spirit .portland@gmail.com/ 503-736- Order of Gnostic Druidism offers a Druidic 3297 college in Central Oregon.

Shadowluz

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Our order exists to serve the religious, spiritual and educational needs of its members within the Druidic, Wiccan and Pagan Community. If you are drawn to a Celtic path and aspire to study with the Druids, we welcome you.

Contact us at forestdruids@yahoo.com

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 or http:www.sorcerersguild.com, or http://groups.myspace.com/sorceryguild The Well of Diancecht Provides free sacred energy healing to veterans, active duty military and their families.

We also list practitioners offering sliding scale services to serve members, veterans and their families. Info: diancecht@yahoo.com

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Open Ways 2436.

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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Open Ways

Picture by: Zira 24

Imbolc / Brigid 2012

Open Ways IMBOLC / BRIGID PUZZLE ABSWERS

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Open Ways The Nine Houses of Gaia Open Ways PO Box 11183 Portland, OR 97211 E-mail:

editor@ninehouses.org openwayseditor@gmail.com World Wide Web: http://ninehouses.org

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

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Imbolc / Brigid 2012