Yule 2011

Open Ways

Issue 157

PEN WAYS Gateway to the Pagan Communities

Yule 2011 Yule 2011

Open Ways Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities Issue 157—Yule 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.

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.

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.

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.

2

Yule 2011

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

Imbolg 2012 Spring Equinox 2012 Beltane 2012 Summer Solstice 2012 Lughnasadh 2012 Fall Equinox 2012 Samhain 2012 Yule 2012

January 5 February 21 April 3 May 23 July 4 August 23 October 1 November 21

January 19 March 6 April 17 June 6 July 18 September 6 October 14 December 8

Table of Contents 4 - Letter from the Editor 5—Reason for the Season 6- I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess 7 - Hecate: My Journey to Reclaiming My Shadow Self 9 - Lillith Lives 10 - I Am the Goddess Workshop Schedule 11 - Yule Cookie Recipe 12 - Basic Spiritual Path Information 14 - Basic Incense making 101

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

16 - Know Thyself: Practical Divination 18 - Yule Word Search 19 - Yule Crossword 20 - Yule Double Puzzle 21 - Community Photos 22- Ongoing Activities 24- Ongoing Festivals 25- Pagan Community Directory 29- Wiccan Rede 30 - Yule Puzzle Answers

The Nelson’s Mini Yule Tree

Yule 2011

3

Open Ways Letter from the Editor

As we all are looking towards the end of one year and the beginning of a new year the staff of Open Ways would like to wish the entire community a very merry Yule and a very prosperous New Year!

Yule always means family to me. Not just the family we are born into but the one that we gather around us as we move through life. Many wonderful (and not so wonderful) people make their way through our lives and this time of year is always a contemplative one for me. A time to remember those we've known and appreciate those who are with

4

us now. Let those you care about know your thinking of them, you may be their bright spot this year during the holidays.

Yule season is full of magic, much of it focused on rebirth & renewal.

Mother earth has been resting and renewing, father sun is starting his journey back, bringing light & rebirth to all of us.

Use this time of new beginnings as your focus in your magical workings to bring warmth and prosperity into yours and your "family's" lives.

I wish you a warm and happy Yule!

Bright Blessings - Kate

Yule 2011

Open Ways

The Reason for the Season Remember‌.

Open Ways newsletter and Nine Houses of Gaia do not endorse or support ANY site that may be linked or referenced in this newsletter or any articles there in.

Yule 2011

5

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.”

6

Yule 2011

Open Ways Hecate: My Journey to Reclaiming My Shadow Self

By Char

We are all born divine, whole and source energy. It is the influence of our society, parents and the media that help shape our perception of ourselves. From the moment we are born into this world we begin to learn and define who we are. A newborns first instinctive impulse is to make sense of their world and in doing so, make sense of how they fit into this world. Without a set of experiences to form our own beliefs about ourselves and who we perceive we are, we are at the mercy of letting others perceptions and experiences become our standard for definition of self.

The messages that we receive from society, media and our parents, about what is acceptable behavior/emotions to portray determine how fragmented we become. Messages like, don’t cry, don’t get angry, smile (when you don’t feel like it), you are too much or too little, you are too fat or too thin, all get pushed into the shadow recesses of ourselves. We become fragmented and conditioned to showing only those parts of ourselves that are accepted and liked. In pleasing others we stop pleasing ourselves or honoring all parts of ourselves, light and dark.

The journey to my whole self did not begin until I was 33 years old. It began with a cataclysmic event that shattered all sense of self that had been learned and accepted up until that time. All learned and erected beliefs about who I was and who I was in this world came crashing down. I became as a newborn again. Scared and vulnerable, I sought once more to define my world and who I was.

It is this very belief that we are born complete, divine and whole that drew me to my current spiritual path. The concept that we are born complete was such a foreign concept to me. I was taught that you were born a sinner and spent the rest of your life making reparations for being a sinner. Redemption was only possible by way of an outside deity forgiving you for your sins. This somehow did not resonate with me. Upon the rebuilding process I entered, I entertained the idea that perhaps we are divine unto ourselves and as such we are complete divine beings, capable of divine acts.

Yule 2011

7

Open Ways Hecate: My Journey to Reclaiming My Shadow Self (continued) I was a “child” on the path to reconciling and connecting those parts of me that had been fragmented, disillusioned and denied. This journey takes as long as it takes. All who journey to their complete self know that it is a path fraught with painful lessons, experiences and demands. We need to have a “second attention” that holds a certain open space within ourselves for self observation and reflection. Resistance is a natural part of the process, as we strive to hold onto all that we know and are comfortable with knowing. The more we resist and put up barriers to integration of self, the harder the lessons push against those barriers. For me, I resisted my shadow self, the part of me that is dark, and not accepted by society or others. The part that was labeled bad or evil by those outside of me. As a result I had many experiences that brought me to just that place and kept me there.

I saw a video on the internet one evening. The video was several women dancing while wearing Goddess masks. The narrator’s voice spoke to a deep place in my psyche. She spoke words about the divine feminine that awakened a need in me; the need to express a part of me that had been denied expression. I had no definition for this need at the time but knew that the key was to know more about these masks and their journey. The path began to unfold before me.

My journey with Hecate began long before I received the mask created in her likeness. Hecate’s resounding message to me has been one of embracing the shadow self that I fear inside me. She is unfailing in her guidance through the dark parts of our selves. I turn to Her in times of paralyzing fear and She is always there with her lantern shining on the very dark path before me. She has illuminated the parts of me that were in shadow and darkness. As a result I have discovered I am not so frightened of those parts. I have come to a place of acceptance and I embrace those shadow parts as a part of my whole being. The shadows are after all, what give contrast and definition to the light.

I will embody Hecate and care for Her mask for the next 10 months. Our journey together will be shared with my community and all that gather to witness Her truth. My hope is that all who are drawn to reconnect their shadow selves into their whole will hear Hecate’s voice and see Her light illuminating each dark path. Join me and Hecate on our journey to repair our fragmented selves.

Hecate is one of nine Goddess masks in the project; I AM The Goddess, ALLAre The Goddess.

Visit our face book page with the same name or stay tuned to Open Ways for more information on dates and times of workshops in this series.

8

Yule 2011

Open Ways

Lilith Lives

By Innowen If Lilith lived today, She’d ride a motorcycle.

Speeding down the highways As her hair flickers in the wind.

If Lilith lived today, She wouldn’t take crap from anyone.

Defending herself from those Who would take her power for themselves.

If Lilith lived today, She’d go against the social norms.

Striding through life as a true individual Down the sidewalks in every city.

If Lilith lived today, She would sing with integrity.

Being talked about behind her back, Secretly desired by everyone.

Lilith lives, Inside all of us.

Interested in learning more about Lilith and her message for us all? Come to Her workshop in January 2012. Lilith is one of nine Goddess masks in the project I AM The Goddess, ALL Are The Goddess. Visit our face book page with the same name or stay tuned to Open Ways for more information on dates and times of workshops in this series.

Yule 2011

9

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.

Jan. 11th Lilith Feb. 8th Aphrodite Mar. 14th Freya Apr. 11th Gaia May 9th Artemis Jun. TBA Kali Jul. 11th Pele Location: In Other Words Bookstore 14 Killingsworth, Portland, OR Time: 6:30pm The Kali workshop is at another location to accommodate the use of fire in the ritual, stay tuned for more information in future issues.

10

Yule 2011

Open Ways

Coconut Yule Cookies

By Blue Capucian The sharing of food with family and friends has been a part of every culture throughout the history of humanity.

I have found\ it personally beneficial to seek balance during the winter season when the Crone aspect of the Goddess rules.

Here is a Yule cookie recipe that includes ingredients from all four elements in balance while providing a wonderful comfort food.

These moist, slightly crunchy cookies have a slightly sweet, mildly spicy flavor.

Ingredient:

Element:

Planet:

2 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour 1 Cup Butter, softened 2/3 Cup Honey 1/2 tsp Almond Extract 1/4 tsp Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Nutmeg 1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1/2 tsp Baking Soda 1/8 tsp Salt

Earth Earth Air Air Fire Fire Water Water

Venus Moon Sun Mercury Sun Jupiter Moon Venus

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add baking soda and salt to the flour and mix well. In another bowl cream together the softened butter and honey. Add the almond, cinnamon, nutmeg and coconut; mix thoroughly. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well with each addition.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoon full onto a ungreased cookie sheet about 2 “ apart, flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 10-15 min until golden and done in the center. Cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

Frequently while cooking ritual food I will realize that I am thinking or speaking ritual words or phrases or singing. I like to keep a notepad nearby when I am cooking so I can write these things down. For me it is a wonderful spiritual experience and I then make a decorated recipe on my computer including what “came” to me while making it and add it to my personal Book of Shadows. It can be good to read back over these recipes and see if deity is speaking to you thru your cooking.2

Yule 2011

11

Open Ways

Basic Spiritual Path Information

By Amber Wolf

YULE (December 21) By: Amberwolf

Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is a time of the Goddess of the Cold Darkness and the birth of the Divine Child, the reborn Sun God. It is a time of renewal and rebirth during winter, and the turning of the Earth. A time when the waxing Sun overcomes the waning Sun. In some traditions, this is symbolized by the struggle between the Oak King and the Holly King.

The Holly King represents the Death aspect of the God at this time of year; and the Oak King, represents the opposite aspect of Rebirth (these roles are reversed at Midsummer). This can be likened to the Divine Child's birth. These two trees were highly sacred. The Oak King (God of the Waxing Year) kills the Holly King (God of the Waning Year) at Yule (the Winter Solstice). The Oak King then reigns supreme until Litha (the Summer Solstice) when the two battle again, this time with the Holly King victorious. Examples of the Holly King's image can be seen in our modern Santa Claus. He dons a sprig of holly in his hat, wears red clothing, and drives a team of eight (total number of Solar Sabbats) reindeer, an animal sacred to the Celtic Gods (deer). Mistletoe and holly came into modern Christmas celebrations through the memorializing of this battle. The holly with berries is hung in honor of the Holly King and mistletoe in honor of the Oak King. Although the Holly King and Oak King are mortal enemies at the two Solstices - Yule and Litha - it should be remembered that they are actually two sides of one whole, and neither would exist without the other.

Continued on page 13.

12

Yule 2011

Open Ways

Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider. Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun. The boughs were symbolic of immortality (evergreens were sacred to the Celts because they did not "die" thereby representing the eternal aspect of the Divine). The wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life.

Holly and ivy not only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes, in hopes Nature Sprites would come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune to visit the residents. Mistletoe was also hung as decoration.

It represented the seed of the Divine, and at Midwinter, the Druids would travel deep into the forest to harvest it.

The ceremonial Yule log was the highlight of the Solstice festival. Traditionally, the log must either have been harvested from the householder's land, or given as a gift also, there is the use of a piece of the May Pole (which many of us use); it must never have been bought;. Once brought into the house it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before set ablaze by a piece of last years log, (held onto for just this purpose). The log would burn throughout the night.

Ash is the traditional wood of the Yule log. It is the sacred world tree of the Teutons, known as Yggdrasil. An herb of the Sun, Ash brings light into the hearth at the Solstice.

Herbs of Yule: Bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense, holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar.

Foods of Yule: Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).

Incense of Yule: Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.

Colors of Yule: Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.

Stones of Yule: Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds.

Activities of Yule: Caroling with friends and family Wassailing the trees Decorate a Yule Log with ribbons, fir, yew, ivy, birch and holly.

Burning the Yule log Decorating the Yule tree Hang little bells on the Yule Tree to call the spirits and fairies Exchanging of presents Kissing under the mistletoe Ring bells to greet the Solstice Morning A different type of Yule log and perhaps one more suitable for modern practitioners would be the type that is used as a base to hold three candles. String popcorn and cranberries and hang them on an outdoor tree for the Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright. birds.

Donate food and clothing to others.

Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season), green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great Gather up the Yule greens after Twelfth Night and save.

Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rose- At Imbolc, burn the greens to banish winter and usher in spring.

Glue the caps onto acorns and attach red string to hang on the Yule Tree. buds, cloves, and dust with flour.

Various other names for this Sabbat: Winter Solstice, Solstice Night, The longest night of the year, Midwinter, Cuidle, Winter Rite, Mothers Night, Yuletide (the Teutonic version, lasts from December 20th through December 31st.), Alban Arthan (Caledonii Tradition, or the Druids, unlike all the others, is not considered a fire festival), Feill Fionnain (Pecti-Wita Tradition, which falls on December 22nd).

Symbolism of Yule: Rebirth of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect, Planning for the Future.

Decorations of Yule: Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, Christmas cactus, Yule tree.

Yule 2011

Cold spider web by Amber Wolf 13

Open Ways

Basic Incense Making 101 So you want to make some incense, do you? Well it’s not really to difficult to do. The following information can help you start this simple and fun hobby. Incense has several uses and can be made in several ways. I hope this basic tutorial will help and start you on your way.

First, a little knowledge goes a long ways. This basic tutorial will explain how to make loose incense. Loose incense can be burned in lots of ways: Charcoal tabs, Open hot coals, Sprinkled onto an open fire or just about anything that can heat something up to at least the smoldering state. When loose incense is made it should be kept in an airtight container such as a canning jar or something similar.

Second, incense is made with a 40%, 30%, 30% ratio component mixture. These percentages should be measured with a measuring device (often referred to as a “Part”). It is recommended you use the same measuring device each and every time for your incense. This will help in keeping your portions consistent and ALWAYS remember to write your recipes down. Trust me! Nothing is more annoying than trying to remember how much of this or that you used to repeat an awesome creation.

Third, research what you intend to use. This is a must!!! There are things in this great big wonderful world that do NOT react well with the human physical form.

Now for what you have been waiting for (drum roll here); as I mentioned before the ratio for incense components is 40%, 30%, 30%. This is mixture combined of five “Types” of ingredients: Resin(s), Wood(s), Herb(s), Essential Oil(s) and Fixative (s).

Resin (Solidified Tree Sap) is your base and accounts for the 40% of your incense make up. Resin burns hot and long. The best way to test resin is to burn a tiny bit on a charcoal tab. The resin will account for a strong portion of how the incense will smell while it’s burning. Resin comes in many forms. The darker the resin is the less the water content it has.

This is important if your herbs have high water content too. You do want your incense to burn don’t you? When grinding resin use a mortar and pestle or something similar. Do NOT use an electric coffee grinder or anything with a motor that will heat up. Trust me, you will kill it. Resin will gum it up to an unusable state in a matter of seconds.

Wood is matter for your incense and accounts for 30% of your incense make up. To decide if it is wood, use the following guide. Is it Bark? Stems? Plank? Does it SNAP like a twig when it breaks? Seeds? All of these things are considered wood. Wood is your theme in your incense. Except for very hard woods most can be pulverized to powder form using a mortar and pestle or even an electric coffee grinder. When measuring wood, it is best to measure it in powdered form.

Herb is your remaining 30% makeup. Herbs are the number one reason to research before you use. To identify herbs use the following guide. Is it Leaf? Berries? Flowers? All of these are considered to be Herbs. Herbs are what you want your incense to represent. Be it Intent, Journey, Cleansing or Calming. Most can be pulverized to powder form using a mortar and pestle or even an electric coffee grinder. When measuring herbs, it is best to measure it in powdered form.

Essential Oil(s) are added primarily to boost scents. Use 1-5 drops only. A little goes a long ways and since it is a wet ingredient you don’t want your incense to turn out unburnable. Only use if needed.

Fixatives are used to seal and stabilize the scent, preservation, amp up the potency and lock in the prime element (Fire).

Continued on page 15 14

Yule 2011

Open Ways Basic Incense Making 101(continued) Orris Root (powdered form, also known as the root of: Iris Germania, Iris florentina, and Iris pallida) is great for scent stabilizing, sealing and generally making the scent of the incense last longer. It doesn’t take much about ¼ a teaspoon per batch.

Make sure it’s well blended with all ingredients.

Rock Salt (NOT SEA SALT) is used as a preservative. It only takes a dusting. About 1/16th of a teaspoon (powdered) is needed. Make sure it’s well blended with all ingredients.

Rosemary will amp up (enhance) any incense. Be careful if Rosemary is one of your main herb ingredients. To much Rosemary and all you will smell is Rosemary. Using it to amp up the other scents is almost like magik. A little goes a long ways, ¼ a teaspoon (powdered) blended well will really bring things together. PLEASE NOTE Rosemary is not a required ingredient. Many types of incense do just great without it. But, if you just can’t seem to get your scent to be strong enough, then try a little Rosemary.

Garnet (or similar fire element based equivalent) is to contain the key element incense represents. After the incense is made, placing a Garnet in the mix and storing it will help keep the element of fire alive. Now, not everyone cares about this last part but for those of you who do…

Below is a simple Yule Incense recipe I make every once in a while. For this recipe a “Part” is referenced as a ½ a teaspoon: Ingredients: Resin: 2 Parts Dragons Blood 2 Parts Benzoin (often called Styrax Resin) Wood: 1 Part Vanilla Bean (when dried, vanilla beans have the consistency of wood) 1 Part Birch Wood 1 Part Apple Wood Herb: 1 Part Juniper Berry 1 Part Peppermint Leaf ½ Part All Spice ½ Part White Sage Leaf Fixative: ½ Part Orris Root 1/16th teaspoon Rock Salt 1 small Garnet or Ruby Combine Resins using Mortar and Pestle Combine Wood, Herbs, Orris Root and Rock Salt using Mortar and Pestle or small electric Coffee Grinder.

Combine all ingredients: Using either a Mortar and Pestle or a large bowl (*note* some resins can stain so take care in what kind of bowl you decide to mix all your ingredients).

After all is mixed place mixture in an airtight container.

In this recipe I did not use essential oil, it’s not always needed Viola! You have made incense, ENJOY!

By The Wizz Yule 2011

15

Open Ways

Know Thyself Practical Divination

By Jadzia and Jay DeForest

By memorizing a little bit about each Tarot card you will always have a prompt for the card meaning when doing readings for yourself or others.

The drawback to the “studied” approach is that some students get stuck in what they have memorized for the card interpretations. For example, in every reading the student may always say that the meaning of the Four of Cups is “boredom”. When in fact, the card’s interpretation changes depending on the question of the reading, where it is positioned, and many other factors. There are too many possible ways to look at the Four of Cups to memorize them all.

For some students the “intuitive” approach is easiest because they are very in touch with their intuition, feel confident reading the symbolism, or have difficulty with memorization. For others the “studied” method is much simpler and gives a sense of accomplishment with each card memorized.

But the “studied” approach does not build self-confidence or develop intuition and the “intuitive” method overlooks the fundamentals. This is why a mix of these two methods will give a student the most benefit when learning to read Tarot cards. Read books, a variety of books, on different theories and practices of Tarot. By reading you can find card themes and keywords that are easy to remember because they fit with what you see in the imagery of each of the cards. Learn your basics: what Tarot is, what the cards mean, the system of Tarot, Tarot history, myths, etc. But don’t stop there. Once you have a firm grasp on the fundamentals make the Tarot personal by coming up with your own interpretations of each card. You may find that the Five of Swords has one meaning for you in a certain deck and a different emphasis in another deck.

Once you have the basics down, the best way to learn the Tarot is to give readings. To build self-confidence, do readings for friends and family without looking up the card’s meanings in a book. Interpret each card by what you see in the imagery, how the card makes you feel, and what you have already learned about the card. Once finished with the reading looking up the cards in a book will confirm your interpretations. Remember, there is no real “wrong” meaning for a card, unless it is out of context with the question.

Read books, attend classes, study, learn your basics, exercise your intuition, come up with your own interpretations, give readings, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient and knowledgeable Tarot card reader.

Approaches to Learning the Tarot There are a few different approaches to learning the Tarot. The first is what I call the “intuitive” approach, another is the “studied” approach and the last is a mix of these two. As a student of Tarot you will find that one of the first two ways of learning will come naturally for you and the other may be difficult.

Or, you may be one of the few that can easily blend the “intuitive” and “studied” methods.

The “intuitive” approach to learning to read Tarot cards is done by using your intuition, feelings, and personal insights into what each card means. A student who is learning the Tarot with this method may go through the deck and write down their interpretation of the cards based on the images and symbolism in each card. An “intuitive” approach to learning Tarot consists of asking yourself questions such as: “What does this card mean to me?” and “How does this card make me feel?” Many students who learn Tarot through the “intuitive” method never read Tarot books or take classes.

Getting to know what each card means to you is a necessary part of fully understanding and appreciating the significance of the Tarot. This is an especially good approach if you are reading the Tarot for yourself as a daily practice or for spiritual development. However, when it comes to reading for others this way of learning to read Tarot may be incomplete. When finding your own interpretations of the cards you are projecting your life experience and circumstances onto each Tarot card. That’s why this method is good for spiritual and personal development but is lacking when reading Tarot for other people. When reading for others the reader needs to be objective and not apply personal situations to their client’s reading.

The second way to learn Tarot is to read, practice, and memorize meanings. This is what I call the “studied” approach. There are many books on Tarot for the beginner, intermediate and more advanced student. There are even Tarot decks that make it easier to memorize what each cards means. The “studied” method is a really good place to start. You can learn the basic, generally accepted meanings of each card with this approach.

Continued on page 17.

16

Yule 2011

Open Ways

Christmas Wreath at the local Biscuits CafĂŠ by Blue Capucian Jadzia and Jay DeForest are the creators of the Living Magick Learning Cards flashcard decks. Jadzia DeForest is a professional Tarot reader and instructor in Portland, OR, you can find more information on her website: www.TarotByJadzia.com.

Jay DeForest reads Runes, is available for spiritual counseling and clergy services. See his website for more information at: www.JayDeForest.com.

Sleeping West Indian Lilac by Amber Wolf

Yule 2011

17

Open Ways

Yule Word Search W S E L C I C I T V D N Y G E

G I I S F B C M S A O W O E S

BLANKET COOKIES FRIENDS HOLLY KING LUNAR ECLIPSE PRESENTS SNOWBALL STOCKINGS WINTER SOLSTICE

18

L T N E T A L S S O E G R S P

F L A T N O S A M N N C N T I

G S A D E E C D N I O O A N L

T N L B I R L K P K W W M E C

E E I K W O S E I W E Y E S E

S N O K C O E O O N L T N E R

M O O L Y L N M L L G O T R A

CANDLES CRONE FULL COLD MOON ICICLES MISTLETOE SLEEPING SNOWMAN TINSEL YULE

C R L R S L A S O S W S S P N

D U A F C N L H C M T E X Y U

F R I E N D S O A I E I W U L

C A U L D R O N H R P C C L G

L O N G N I G H T M O O N E Y

E O T E L T S I M T I N S E L

CAULDRON FEAST HOLLY LONG NIGHT MOON ORNAMENTS SNOW SNOWWOMAN TREE

Yule 2011

Open Ways

YULE CROSSWORD

YULE CROSSWORD

Across 1. WISE WOMAN 4. WHAT THE CRONE STIRS 6. WHAT YOU BRING IN THE HOUSE AND DECORATE 8. WHAT THE EARTH IS DOING NOW 9. WHAT YOU KISS UNDER Down 1. LIGHT THE DARKNESS 2. LOTS OF HOLIDAY FOOD 3. PIECE OF THE MAY POLE 5. WHAT YOU PUT ON THE TREE 7. LONGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

Answer on page 31

Yule 2011

19

Open Ways YULE 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 31

20

Yule 2011

Open Ways COMMUGITY

PHOTOGRAPHS

Blue Capucian’s Hecate Yule Altar 2011 by Blue Capucian

House Altar of Amber Wolf and The Wizz 2011 by Amber Wolf Yule 2011

21

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 Gight 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.

22

OR 97214. Please RSVP via http:/ W w w . m e e t u p . c o m / EssentialElementsHerbalists/ this allows us Gon-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.

WEDGESDAYS 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, SUGDAYS

Yule 2011

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.

Yule 2011

23

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

24

Yule 2011

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.

Yule 2011

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.

25

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.

Gine 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.

26

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 GW 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.

Yule 2011

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

Yule 2011

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

27

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

Want to join the Open Ways Community Directory?

Advertise with Open Ways!

It’s Free!

Visit www.ninehouses.org for details!

Send your information to editor@ninhouses.org Or Openwayseditor@gmail.com

28

Yule 2011

Open Ways

Wiccan Rede graphic from: http://www.trueghosttales.com/wicca.php Yule 2011

29

Open Ways

30

Yule 2011

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

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

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

Yule 2011

31