Pagan Edge Vol 1 Num 2

crafts • fables • plants • cooking • music • art • books • urban paganism • advice

Love February 2010 Volume 1• Issue 2 ™• February 2010 • Volume I

2

™• February 2010 • Volume I

Contents

4 Dream Weaving Editor Speaks 5 News from the Edge 6 Keeping the Edge:

On the Cover detail from: “Aphrodite, My Love” mixed media assemblage, 57 x 23 x 21cm

by Cheralyn Darcey Publisher • Eberhardt, Personal Visions Executive Editor - jess*ca mae 1 Volume 1 • Issue January 2010 Proofreading & Copy Editor - Maeve Gregory “Cleansing” Our Maiden IssueServices Layout & Design - Refraction Creative Pagan Edge™ is published Website Management - Personalmonthly Visions by Personal Visions, admin@paganedge.com Consultants - Maeve Gregory, Dawn Sherwood, and Faelin Wolf Our goal at Pagan Edge is to provide readers a high quality, timely magazine with content relevant to modern pagans’ lifestyle and passions.

Our publication is a lifestyle magazine so while we may publish spells, rituals, and some magick how-to; we aim to focus on ways that pagans, wiccans, earth-basedspiritualists, and those of like mind can incorporate their values and beliefs into their everyday living.

Pagan Edge Magazine & paganedge.com exist solely to offer information to our readers. The publisher, editor, and the entire personnel of Pagan Edge., Pagan Edge Magazine, Personal Visions, Refraction Design and paganedge.com cannot be held responsible for misuse of any information provided. The views expressed in the articles and ads are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect these of Pagan Edge Magazine.

Product descriptions, recipes & any how-to information: While we, and our affiliates, attempt to provide accurate information in the magazine and on the site, we do not warrant that the content on this Site will be accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. It is your sole responsibility for the use the content of this Magazine or web site. For additional details please see www.paganedge.com

All Acts of Love and Pleasure

8 Wheel of Happenings Events Calendar 9 Plant Vibes Pruning: A Cut Above Tough Love 10 Imagery Love Is... for the Birds 12 Eclectic Cooking Romantic Asparagus 14 Art & Soul Assemblage of Cheralyn Darcey 16 Urban Shaman

Use of Emotions in Energy Work

18 Handecraft What to do with Cut Flowers 20 Life’s Wit The Search for Happiness 21 Spotlight Polyamory 22 Our Lady’s Counsel advice from Lady Fae 23 Note This! Music Review on Cruachan 24 The Pagan Edge Book Review 26 Scribes’ Tablet Poetry from our readers 27 PE Classified Volume 1 • Issue 2 February 2010 “Love” Pagan Edge™ is published monthly

by Personal Visions, admin@paganedge.com ™• February 2010 • Volume I

3

Dream Weaving

editor speak

Greetings!

In the northern hemisphere we are in the coldest months of our calendar but there is something about February that warms us up. Perhaps it is because Valentine’s Day suggests thoughts andactions of love and passion, whether be it of the romantic, friendship, family, or community varieties.

Perhaps it is Imbolc, holiday of the Celtic fire goddess Brighid inspiring us to honor the spark of ceativity inside each of us.

Envisioning Spiritual and Climate Wise Living mypersonalvisions.net 4

™• February 2010 • Volume I

In addition to this month’s columns on books, music, and how-to, in this second issue of Pagan Edge our writers define and redefine our concepts of love and contentment. While challenging us to think and reach outside our traditional paradigms and learning to love ourselves, we are truly able to love one another and our larger communities Happy reading and blessings, ~jess*ca

“Take away love, and our earth is a tomb.”

--Robert Browning “The only true gift is a portion of yourself.”

--Ralph Waldo Emerson “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”

--Helen Keller “Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”

--St. Augustine

News from the Edge Pagan Edge’s first issue was released on a shoe string with little or no advertising budget (for the internet) and yet we achieved we had readers coming from 74 different countries with over 5,000 unique page views with 77% of our traffic being first time viewers.

Our bounce rate is outstanding for a first issue at only 21% of users leaving after a first view, which means we had 79% of our readers stay and review the magazine.

We even sold 9 of our premium print issues which was a last minute decision. I do recommend the print issue as it looks fantastic and is done on high quality paper satin finish paper.

Welcoming Tootie Marie to Pagan Edge’s writing staff.

As a nature enthusiast and “kid at heart” she will be contributing photos and writing our Imagery column.

Feedback From FaceBook: Debbie: “I got my Pagan Edge magazine in the mail today! I’m so excited I just had to tell you! It’s awesome!

I’m gonna keep it in the plastic cuz it’s got my favorite artist featured in it!!”

Sylver Fyre: “The magazine is fanctastic!! Just read the first edition! Bravo to you and the team!”

Pegge: “Checked it out and saw an artist’s work that looked really good: eyesofacrow.com - Am glad you have lots of interesting stuff in your mag. / going to check the site now.”

Comments on MySpace: Titch Styles: “hey there the mag looks great and loving the site being a wiccan n all :) if you’d like photography or a photographer just hit me up xpeacex”

Pagan Edge is available three ways: 1. electronically on the homepage of paganedge.com 2. on our electronic print source, issuu.com 3. hard copy is available from magcloud.com

The Pagan Republic? Pagan Edge magazine and website is for you, about you, and by you. We are always looking for writers, artists, and advertisers to support and contribute to Pagan Edge’s online community forums, FaceBook and MySpace discussions, and the magazine itself. Get some advice from Lady Fae, submit your poetry, turn us on to your favorite pagan artist, send us the stats on your fabulous familiar, take advantage of our FREE classified listings. Pagan Edge is “for the people, by the people” so email your ideas and submissions to chief-editor@paganedge.com.

We Want to Hear It: good, bad, or edgy... Give Us Feedback! Have something to say? email letters@paganedge. ™• February 2010 • Volume I

5

All Acts of Love and Pleasure Keeping the Edge

by Mya Om

The dictionary has twenty eight definitions for the if you are being treated by someone in a way that you word love[1]. Each one is different, and each one would never treat him or her, then that behavior should provides only a small glimpse into the true meaning not continue either. This is something that involves of a very complex emotion. What one person might self examination and soul searching. In my personal think of when the word love comes to mind is very life I treat others as I would expect to be treated. I different from what another person thinks. Yet we all know it sounds like a simple thing, but in practice it use the word love, we love our new shoes, our pets, our gets complicated because we often do things out of children, the Gods, and our mates. These are different habit, without thinking and without weighing the degrees of love, obviously the love we feel for shoes consequences or the effects of our actions. is not the same love we feel for a child. So why call it love? Maybe because it just sounds better to say, “I In 2004 I was privileged to spend three months in love my new shoes,” than it does to say “I have affection Alexandria, Egypt. Aside from being one of the loveliest cities I had ever been to, it is also home to a large Sufi for my new shoes.” The question I have is whether the power of the word loses something in the translation. minority, approximately 15% of the population of the city. Sufism is a unique form of Islamic mysticism. I When I tell someone I love them, do they understand was attracted to Sufism because its cornerstone that this feeling is wholly unique to me? Do they belief is a quest for the meaning of love. understand that the sum total of the word “Your The love that Sufis search for is not one is more than simply the number of its that can be expressed by a pair of letters? I like to think that they do. definition shoes, a pet, a child, or a mate. They of love should be search for an exclusive connection Telling someone I love them, personal.

It should or verbally expressing love for with the divine that excludes something is not enough. Love is express exactly what and transcends all mundane just a word. Four letters arranged This quest for you feel for the people in connections. in a particular order that we use connection is personal. It cannot your life, the gods you be faked, and it is generally to provide a voice for an emotion.

The words mean nothing alone. worship, and even expressed through meditation, It does not matter if I am talking asceticism, and withdrawal from for your favorite family about the divine, a boyfriend, or a life.[3] pair of shoes pair of shoes. My actions say more than a mere word ever could. The dictionary This is where they lost me. I cannot definitions of love run the gamut, from the imagine the ideal of divine love being one tepid to the passionate[2], when I remember that that excludes. Rather, I like to think of it as being one I ask myself, what do I mean when I say “I love you”? that includes. In The Charge of the Goddess, Doreen Then I ask does my behavior reflect that?

Valiente[4] writes in the voice of the Goddess, “Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.” This verse has If my actions and behaviors are not something I would become a cornerstone of Wiccan beliefs. But is it really expect or tolerate from someone who claims to love an ideal that we – that I--live by? me, then I should not continue them. By the same token 6

™• February 2010 • Volume I

Does my heart rejoice? The answer is sometimes, and sometimes not. I am hardly perfect. There have been times where I have stood in ritual and felt absolutely nothing, except the cold, the unpleasant smell of a coven member wearing too much perfume, and boredom. I might as well have not been in circle at all because my contribution was apathy, boredom, and maybe even a modicum of selfishness. I can honestly say that in times like that I probably express more love for my shoes than I express love the Goddess or my circle members. That is not fair. Not to them, not to myself, and not to the Gods I am there to honor.

[1]www.dictionary.com

So how can I talk about an inclusive love, one that lives up to the mandate we have been given by our foremothers and by the Goddess herself when I fall short myself? The answer is you have to try, whether you are alone, with a group of friends, or even with strangers in a public circle, to bring a heart that is ready to rejoice. Bring a heart that takes pleasure in every act, in every breeze, in the smile of a friend – even if she is wearing too much perfume. Bring a heart that is ready to express the love you feel. Remind yourself – as I do now – that people are imperfect and that you love them anyway.

[4]The Charge of the Goddessis reprinted in Starhawk’sthe Spiral Dance, Harper Collins, 1979 or you can find it online: http://www.reclaiming.org/about/ witchfaq/charge.html

[2] In particular I am fond of definitions, 1: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.8. A personification of sexual affection, as Eros or Cupid. & 18. To need or require; benefit greatly from.

[3] For more information on Sufism please see generally: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism, Frager, Robert, Essential Sufism, Harper One, 1999. Schimmel, Anne-Marie,My Soul is a Woman, American University in Cairo Press, 1998

Your definition of love should be personal. It should express exactly what you feel for the people in your life, the gods you worship, and even for your favorite pair of shoes. I look at the words “I love you,” as a promise to treat the person with respect, to go out of my way to help, and to do things with no expectation of reward or reciprocation. If that means that I cried when I retired my favorite boots after three winters of faithful service, then so be it. Most of all, to me it means walking into circle with a smile on my face and opening myself up to the possibilities.

Here is the meditation for the month: take a few minutes, sit down in a place where you will not be disturbed and meditate on the word Love. What does it mean to you, when you say “I love…” When you are done write the definition down in your book of shadows.

Now this is the hard part. Live by that definition. Let your actions reflect what you say you feel. Do this not only in circle, but also in your everyday life. Only then will you truly live up to the charge of the Goddess when she says “Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.”

™• February 2010 • Volume I

7

Wheel of Happenings

Events Calendar

FEBRUARY 2010 12th – 15th Wicca Fest First Church of Ancient Crafts Auckland, New Zealand

6th Psychic Fair Open Mind, Rockford, Michigan omrockford@yahoo.com 12th – 15th NZ Pagan Festival Natures Magick Ltd, Morrinsville, New Zealand 12th – 15th PantheaCon 2010 Ancient Ways, San Jose, California 18th – 21st Hawkfest Nighthawk, Bonita Springs, Florida 18th – 21st Sacred Space Con XX Sacred Space Foundation Timonium, Maryland 18th – 21st Convocation 2010, MEC Troy, Michigan 19th – 21st Wicked Faire V: The Mad Tea Party Jeff Mach, Somerset, New Jersey MARCH 2010 19th – 21st Grand Opening Psychic Fair The Witches Castle, Eagle Lake, Florida 25th-28th The Hanging Man Dark Night of the Soul, Ecumenicon Interfaith Conference, Rockwood Manor http://www.ecumenicon.org/conference/details APRIL 2010 1st – 4th Spring Mysteries Festival XXV Aquarian Tabernacle Church, Nordland, Washington 7th-11th PHOENIXPHYRE GATHERING OF PAGANS Hidden River Resort Maclenny, FL http://phoenixfestivals.com/

APRIL 2010 CONTINUED 16th - 18th Spring Quest Carolina Spirit Quest Camp Millstone, Ellerbe, NC http://www.carolinaspiritquest.org/ 16th – 18th Beltane Fest & Grand Sabbat GreenSong Grove, St. Petersburg, Florida 17th Annual Conference at the Town Hall Pagan Federation Wessex Glastonbury, Somerset, England houseoftheoldways@talktalk.net 22nd – 25th Southeast Regional Pagan Festival Bowdon, Georgia 24th – 25th Circle of Life Expo 2010 The Mystic Cottage, Pensacola, Florida 24th 10am – 10pm Michigan Mayfest Event Wayne County Fairgrounds, Belleville, Michigan www.michiganmayfest.com 28th – 2nd Beltaine Our Haven Sanctuary LLC, French Lick, Indiana 29th – 2nd Beltaine: A Pagan Odyssey Fest, Year12! PantheanTemple- (Oxford, Connecticut) 29th - 2nd Beltane Fla. Pagan Gathering Camp Ocala, FL http://www.flapagan.org/ 30th – 2nd Mountain Mysteries Beltane Festival Mountain Mysteries, Stanardsville, Virginia MAY 2010 6th – 9th Blue Ridge Beltane Blue Ridge Beltane Planning Committee Louisa, Virginia 6th – 9th Beltania Parrish Ranch Berthoud, Colorado http://www.beltanefestival.com/

If your festival is not listed here, please email us at admin@paganedge.com to have your listing added.

8

™• February 2010 • Volume I

PRUNING

Plant Vibes

by Dawn Sherwood

A Cut Above Tough Love

While some may view pruning as too much human interference, it can be an excellent opportunity to assist nature in bringing forth her fullest potential within the limited ecosystems of our home landscapes. Admittedly, it often involves filling our personal need to have a plant stay within a certain size limit to fit the confines and aesthetics of a garden space. This can, however, be done with respect for the plant’s natural growth habit and size – especially if time was taken to consider these two factors when choosing and placing the plants. More importantly, pruning encourages fuller plants – thus more foliage for photosynthesis, more blooms to attract pollinators, more fruits for you and any creatures you share them with. A good clip here and there can also remove diseased areas and help avoid future issues by allowing more air flow through the plant. And, non-diseased trimmings can be easily returned to nature or repurposed in a variety of ways.

Trees and shrubs are most typically pruned after flowering, so while you don’t want to be whacking at your forsythia, cherry or lilacs right now, it is the perfect time for pruning of summer bloomers. It is of course, always best to research the pruning details specific to each plant, but the following general guidelines apply to the majority of woody plants.

These tips are specific to the pruning of individual shoots or branches and not to shearing - think English hedge which involves the removal of multiple branch tips with each clip or pass of the tool.

Pruning cuts, where full branches are not being removed, should be made about ¼ to ½” above a leaf node or branch axil. This will encourage branching from said node, so be mindful to make your cuts where they will aim growth in a direction that will create a pleasing balance with the rest of the existing and future stems. Additionally, the snip is best made at an angle, with the cut edge facing the interior of the plant so as to be less visible.

The place to start is always with dead, damaged or diseased branches. This should be followed by the removal of any water sprouts (branches

that shoot straight up rather than following the natural branching habit of the plant). After this you’ll want to step back and look for any crossing/rubbing branches and remove them, with thought to not leaving any huge holes.

If there seems to be an overabundance of branches in any particular area these can be removed as well, to facilitate healthy air flow through the interior. Lastly, you may also wish to trim back around the full perimeter of the plant to reduce or maintain its size and encourage lush outer growth to conceal the more open interior.

If a plant has been un-pruned and looking it, for some time, you may need to pace out restorative pruning over several years - not removing more than one third of its growth at a time. Or, depending on the plant and your concern for appearances, you may be able to cut it back to within 3 to 12” off the ground and give it a fresh start.

The most common tools for home pruning: • hand pruners for branches 2/3” diameter or less • loppers – which give long handled leverage to cut thicker and/or tougher branches • and a pruning saw for the largest branches There are of course multiple styles of all of these tools and a bit of research or questioning of fellow gardeners can help in deciding which would be your best fit.

The trimmings from your pruning can be gifted back to nature or put to use in your garden or home. For the choice of least effort, simply use them to create a brush pile to shelter rabbits and other creatures. If adding them to the mulch pile, it is best to shred the trimmings first. You can use sturdier pieces as plant supports, bend a succession of supple ones to create a garden border – overlapping their ends as you tuck them into the soil, or take some inside to dry for ritual craft projects or arranging in vases.

Don’t be afraid to do your shrubs the favor of pruning.

Observe closely, clip thoughtfully, working with care and respect, and you’ll be able to enjoy the “fruits of you labors” on multiple levels.

™• February 2010 • Volume I

LOVE Is..

e h t for

Article & Photos by Tootie Marie Imagery

BIRDS!

An Easy Birding Project

If you love watching wild birds and feeding them, this project is for you! Or if you have been thinking about getting started in this rewarding hobby, this is a great way to begin. Although with me this is more than a hobby, I would call it a passion.

As you can tell, I had two very eager models to demonstrate the effectiveness of this suet feeder — a white-breasted nuthatch and a downy woodpecker.

©2010, Tootie Marie Imagery

Here in west Michigan, this feeder and suet project is great to use from late autumn through spring.

Once the weather starts to heat up, the suet tends to get too soft and melty and doesn’t hold up too well.

You will need to determine in the area where you live when is the best time of the year to feed your birds this great food treat.

Let’s begin by putting together the Log Feeder.

You will need: • One piece of a log, no longer than 15 inches long by 3.5 inches in diameter • One 5/16 inch dowel, at least 32 inches long • Drill • 1.5 inch spade drill bit • 5/16 inch drill bit • small drill bit to drill pilot hole • screw eye • split ring or other fastener 10

™• February 2010 • Volume I

First, find a log you can cut to an approximate 15 inch length that is about 3.5 inches in diameter. You don’t want to go any longer than 15 inches or the feeder will be too heavy. I just went into the woods, found a downed tree, and cut it to size. My previous feeder was made from a branch that had fallen in my own yard. If you take a branch or small tree from the woods, be sure to use downed wood. And remember to thank thetree who is giving you this “gift”. This is always proper etiquette. Don’t use any standing wood, especially live trees. Be creative, it’s a great opportunity to re-use, but don’t use any treated wood. Please be very careful about this, you don’t want to use wood treated with any type of chemical. The chemicals can be absorbed into the birds’ food and then into the birds’ systems.

Once you have the log cut to size, drill the 1.5 inch holes that will hold the suet. This log has 8 of them alternated around the log. I like the look of having the holes unevenly spaced, not having them lined up, but you may drill them however you like. You will want to drill them about 3/4 inches deep. I just mark with a piece of tape on my drill bit where 3/4 inches is and I’m good to go, that way I don’t drill too deep. If your log is made of hard wood it will take a while to drill each hole. Don’t get discouraged, just enjoy it. I actually had to take a break from drilling and finish mine the following day.

After the suet holes are drilled, it’s time to add the perches. You can have a perch for each hole, or just have a few. If you have a perch for each hole, you need to cut eight 4 inch lengths from the 5/16 inch dowel.

That gives you 8 perches. Drill a 5/16 inch hole, 1 inch deep into the log, 2 inches below each suet hole that you want to have a perch. (See photo) Again, I marked 1 inch up with a piece of tape on my 5/16 inch drill bit so I knew where to stop drilling and did not drill too deep. Then just push your perches into the holes. You may need to use a hammer to gently tap in the perches.

The perches will be extending 3 inches out around the

Birds enjoying this wonderful treat:

Photos ©2010, Tootie Marie Imagery

A Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, and Hairy Woodpecker stop by for a snack. log feeder — the perfect length for those little bird feet to rest upon.

jar of store-brand peanut butter and the 5lb bag of storebrand corn meal may cost less per recipe.

The final step is to add the hanger. Make sure the screw eye you are using is heavy duty and long enough to support your log feeder. The first time I made one, the screw eye was a bit on the skimpy side, and it kept unscrewing and coming out. Just drill a small pilot hole (smaller than the screw) in the middle top of the log, and attach the screw eye. You may need to use a pair of pliers to get it tight enough.

1. In a 2 ½ quart bowl, microwave the vegetable shortening for about 45 to 50 seconds.

Then depending on where you are going to hang your feeder, add a fastener. I used a heavy duty split ring because I am hanging mine from a shepherd’s hook.

2. Add the peanut butter and microwave for another 45 to 50 seconds. Stir until mixed.

3. Let sit for about 30 seconds, stir in sunflower chips.

4. Let sit for another 30 to 60 seconds, stir in corn meal.

5. Stir in oats and mix until everything is well blended and uniform.

Suet Recipe (This recipe makes 6 cups) • 1 cup vegetable shortening (no preservatives, no added colors or flavors; just the plain white allvegetable shortening) • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter • 1 cup medium sunflower chips (these have no shells, available at most bird food suppliers) • 2 cups yellow corn meal (be sure to get just corn meal, NOT the corn meal mix) • 1 cup old fashioned all natural oats (in the breakfast food aisle)

6. Then fill the 1.5 inch holes in the log feeder with the suet you made. Hang the feeder and enjoy!

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on these ingredients. Store brands work great and if you buy the larger packages it often costs less. For example, the 80oz

If you make this log feeder and suet project and would like to share stories and/or photos of the results please send your email correspondence to: letters@paganedge.com

This recipe makes enough to fill your feeder 5 to 6 times, and, if your birds are like mine, you will need to fill it every day.

Store the remaining suet mixture in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. If the suet mixture is a bit crumbly right after you take it out of the refrigerator the next time you need to fill your feeder, just leave the suet to sit for a bit at room temperature and it will be easier to handle.

Your birds will love this and you will love watching them.

™• February 2010 • Volume I

11

R

omantic a s pa r ag u s

In January, while reorganizing my freezer as part of a New Year’s cleansing, I came upon my stash of foods from last summer’s bounty at the local farmer’s market.

The kale I found went into soup where it deepened the flavor of the broth and satisfied a winter craving for greens. But some of the asparagus that I had bought at the height of the season was set aside for a special meal on Valentine’s Day. It was all packed away in little bags...cleaned, trimmed, and measured...ready for an easy to prepare romantic dinner.

I admit to a juvenile giggle on occasion when I think of asparagus as an aphrodisiac. With it’s phallic shape and pungent effect on some people’s urine, it’s not the most glamorous of vegetables, but it does tend to bring our focus on the nether regions of our bodies.

In addition, it’s a powerhouse of anti-oxidants and nutrients, notably vitamin E, which invigorates the production of sex hormones in both male and female, and zinc and vitamin B, both of which are helpful in sustaining energy levels.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to get a lot of flavor out of asparagus is to roast it. Not only does it produce a more intense, sweeter flavor, but it’s sort of a “set it and forget it” low stress cooking method that’s perfect for letting me focus on other aspects of the meal. If meat is the focus of the meal, then roasted asparagus can be

12

™• February 2010 • Volume I

an excellent side dish. As a vegetarian, I often spotlight the asparagus and serve it over whole wheat pasta with roasted pine nuts and occasionally the addition of some slivers of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.

Asparagus can require a little more attention when cleaning and prepping it than other vegetables. It’s typically grown in sandier soils and grains of sand can linger under the scale-like leaves at the tip. Immersing the stalks and tips in a large bowl of water allows any remaining soil to sink to the bottom of the undrained bowl while the asparagus is lifted out (the water great for houseplants and gardens).

Most cooking authorities will instruct us to simply grasp the asparagus at either end and bend it, allowing the woodier portions at the bottom of the stalk to snap off. But I’ve found that with a little effort, more of the sweet nutritious center can be salvaged. It’s the dark green skin of the stalk that can develop that woody or stringy texture that can be so unpleasant to bite into.

Inside that skin, the flesh is as tender and flavorful as the tip. The frugal and environmentally aware parts of me don’t want to waste a bit of it so I always go through a few additional steps.

Once the asparagus has been cleaned, cut or snap off the bottom half inch to inch of the stalk. Use a vegetable

Eclectic Cooking

by Maeve Gregory

Romantic Asparaguwsith

The Recipe

Pasta

1 pound o e (serves 2) sh asparagus, cleaned anfdfrtr 2 cl o ves garlic, min immed ced 2 servings of p 1 ta b lespoon pine n asta uts olive oil, salt & pepper Toss the asparag us with olive oil, sa on a cookie shee lt epper and sp t. Place in a, p40 read out in one 0° oven for 10 layer While the aspar -15 mins. agus roasts, coo k the pasta unti nuts in a small p l dente. Roast an on low hea t until goldal en and fragrant.the pine Drain the pasta an d to ss wit salt and pepper to taste. Tohpawtaitblespoon of olive oil, mince h the asparagus garlic and and pine nduts . Enjoy!

peeler to remove the skin from the lower half of the stalk. The easiest way to do this is to lay it on its side and move the vegetable peeler over it. At this point, the asparagus can be cooked although I often cut it into bite-size pieces for ease of handling and eating.

If you choose to roast it, all that’s left is to toss with olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spread it out in one layer on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes in a 400degree oven. It should be tender to the knife-tip with a golden carmelized bottom, although you can continue on until the asparagus is crispy and browned. It’s up to you and your taste. I prefer a mixture of sizes of asparagus sizes with the thicker stalks taking on a buttery moist texture and more slender stalks developing a more intense flavor and crispiness. If you prefer a more moist tender asparagus, you may want to turn the stalks over while cooking to keep them from developing a darker carmelized layer.

If you plan to use this as a side dish, you can stop here.

As I mentioned before I serve it over pasta but quinoa, couscous, and rice all make for a tasty light meal as well. Roasted pine nuts, walnuts and almonds add a boost of flavor and protein.

I’d love to hear what your ideal romantic meal is.

Share your thoughts at the Pagan Edge Forum at www.PaganEdge.com ™• February 2010 • Volume I

13

Darc y

The Assemblage of

Cheralyn “To Desire Freedom” assemblage nicho 30 c 35 x 7 cm it is made from a beer can, meat hooks and a key hole

e

A rusty fan inside a baroque frame. A tatter-winged figurine balanced atop an empty bottle. A mischievious goddess and suave skeleton romance each other’s and our own interests. An aesthetic collage of various used items; each with multiple pieces, each piece with a story, each story collaborating with the other pieces’ stories to create a bigger, more meaningful message.

While a smashed drink can entangled in fish line and covered in paint may look like a pile of junk to most of us, Cheralyn Darcey sees potential. “I hope when I engage a viewer with my work, they become drawn in to look for what it’s made of. I always have a card with a full list of the materials I’ve used in front of each piece, and I love watching the smiles and spark of recognition when people see these in my work. People are always showing each other what they have found in my sculptures.”

From an Exhibition in Sydney last year “The Goddess of Never Ending Brilliant Ideas” mixed media assemblage 47 x 22 x 21cm

Selection of wall mounted sculptures inspired by nichos

Darcey gathers objects from antique shops, salvage yards, and during walks along the beach. She revives overlooked, everyday objects and gives them renewed purpose, “My hope is that by bringing together broken, discarded, and found objects and creating something beautiful, I invite you to look a little deeper…at everything. And then to look again.”

Darcey grew up in Sydney, Australia among an artsy and creative family, “Art, in various forms, was always something of a constant for me growing up.” Throughout the years she has experimented with painting, sculpture, printmaking, and collage but ultimately “never really gelled with the mediums available” until discovering assemblage art at a county fair while living in San Diego, California, USA. “The Earth Goddess in me adored the concept of taking old and neglected objects and creating art.”

“The Goddess of the Secrets I Keep” from the Lost Goddess Series mixed media assemblage 51 x 23 x 21 cm

14

™• February 2010 • Volume I

Categorizing herself as a “student of Wicca and Pagan Spirituality”, Darcey discovered bringing witchcraft into all practices of her life, including her art practice, influenced and improved her work. “While a work may not look ‘Pagan’ it still certainly began and was influenced by the way I live my life now.” Her pagan base is reflected in the messages and subject matter of her pieces.

“I really thought and still feel that everyone is an artist. My favorite response to those disagree with me is ‘You just haven’t found your medium yet.’”

“My recent work has been strongly centered on the feminine, the Goddess. As I am very passionate in looking after the earth, the overall message I hope I communicate in creating my Assemblage Dolls is one of reusing, recycling, rethinking.” Her first series included “The Goddess of Never Ending Hot Baths” and “The Goddess of Fabulous Shoe Finds”. This issue of Pagan Edge™ features “Aphrodite” on our cover, the first in Darcy’s latest series of “Traditional Goddesses”.

“Bundi Makes Me Gropey” mixed media assemblage 49 x 45 x 28cm Recent Show “Grope” “a chance to get my girls into a little bit of fun.”

Darcey began exhibiting two years ago in group shows in galleries on the Northside and Inner City area of Sydney and is planning on her first solo within the year. When a show is complete, pieces are posted for sale on her websites: www. cheralyndarcey.com and www.cheralyn.typepad.com

“I was a 15 year old runaway. You imagine a dire situation and I was in it for years. I went back to school as an adult, gained a trade qualification, and even now am working towards a degree. I have a beautiful family and a very happy life. Very different from the materials I started with.

“There really is potential in everything, sometimes you just have to look a little closer or in a different way. I like to hope that my sculptures create a doorway for people to see that.“

featured artist

“Absinthe Friends” An Absinthe Fairy 42 x 25 x 21 cm

While Darcey is earning a degree and pursuing her art full time, her generosity abounds as she donates many pieces to fundraisers and charities. For example, the only way to purchase any doll in the “Dream Angels” series is to support a cause of the artist’s choice. Her most recent “Angel of Beautiful Beginnings” assemblage doll was auctioned for Tour de Cure to help find a cure for cancer.

“My hope is that through my work people will not only think twice about recycling and other uses for unwanted or broken items but they will see the potential in everything. I’ve lived through many adversities and pulled through. Seeing the potential for change or improvement in anything has always pulled me through.

I never give up. Sometimes I’m beaten but I’m not out.

Art & Soul

“Miss Freshwater Beach” from the Found Beauty Queens Series 49 x 24 x 20cm To raise awareness of the the things that ended up in our waterways and on our beaches.

Assemblage Surfboard created for a Sydney festival and fundraiser: 30 selected Sydney artists are given a surfboard to ‘paint’ and the board is auctioned for charity after being displayed during the “Festival of Surfing”

™• February 2010 • Volume I

15

Emotions in Energy Work

The Use of

In our modern world February is highly associated with Love and Romance. Store displays showcase cute couples kissing, cuddly animals and giant effigies to cupid. Being an energy worker in this urban landscape, it’s hard to not take notice of all this. It is prompting me to discuss a very important issue of energy work--the heart.

As energy workers and pagans we are beings who feel strong emotions and act on such both consciously and subconsciously. Even if we don’t call ourselves empathic, most emotions carry a certain significant energy that can affect us is in a lot of different ways.

Emotions are very much a force of nature. They can be a tool to understand the world around us more closely. Their uses range from a fuel for will and intent to a hindrance when they get in the way. Controlling these emotions (which are normal and healthy for us) can sometimes be a high wire act.

We are often stuck in a rocky balance. When we stop trying to control our emotions the effects can be disastrous on many levels. By letting our emotions have free reign we are only bound to repeat emotional outbursts again and again. On the other hand, disregarding our emotions and supressing them is just as dangerous as working blindfolded.

Emotions sometimes are the cause of our greatest follies.

They push us into actions we wouldn’t do with a calm head, and they can make us blind to the facts around us. But at the same time they give us an amazing look inside who we are as a person and who we are in relation to the worlds around us. Without our emotions we also lack a lot of our humanity. How can we open ourselves up to energies, new worlds and magick and expect those experiences to mean anything if we don’t allow the senses to feel and understand it? A heart is essential — without it you can’t function. On any level that remains true.

Empathy isn’t just a talent that some people share. It’s also a basic human trait. We’re hard-wired to survive in a societal 16

™• February 2010 • Volume I

the Urban Shaman

by Michelle “Crowskin” Bond

setting by being able to tell when people are angry, upset, sick, happy, or lonely. Often times we learn to overlook this — but you can certainly learn to adapt and build on this ability.

If you’re a more visual person, start associating certain emotions with colors as well. If you’re more of a listener, then associate it with sounds. Start being more aware of what is around you externally and you will find emotions can be very useful to your work. In a sense it’s a lot like working with Auras. You learn to associate certain signs and signals into what emotions are moving under the surface of a person. Go to the mall or somewhere public and watch the people around you. You’ll understand quickly key signs and energies are flowing around you and telling you a deeply complex story.

For internal work, take the time to still yourself and, instead of just “shutting off ” when you feel depressed or upset, explore it. Our body lets us feel pain when there’s a problem. Emotions let us feel upset or emotional pain when there’s a problem as well. Often times when we don’t acknowledge our awareness of it, it lingers. So feel it out and get to know the emotions more intimately. See just how much you individually are affected by surrounding energies and external emotions. Now that you know what to look for, there are certain steps you can take to achieve a bit more balance in your emotional life.

If someone is causing an emotional black cloud around your head, identify it. Learn to adapt your ways of dealing with this person or finding more people who make you feel better about yourself to be around. Start learning who you are as an emotional person and then make sure those around you are only benefiting from that emotional sanity. Sometimes it’s not easy to take a step back and look over situations like this. Remember anything that can heal can hurt as well. This applies to emotions just as much as it does anything else. People who are emotionally bad for you can eventually cause your own moods to drop drastically.

Because of this, I can not stress how important shielding is.

Both to hobby energy workers and to those who are fully ceremonial. Without it you might as well be the only one in a nudist camp without sun screen--not a pretty picture is it?

So what works best when you’re stuck in a situation where emotions are running high? There are a few suggestions I have for helping cope with emotional thunderstorms using shielding and simple energy tricks to calm a situation down.

Shielding can help center and ground you when dealing with highly emotional people. Again: shielding is important. Keep in mind emotions are intent, and intent is a form of energy. Sometimes all that needs to be done is simply to make sure you are safeguarding yourself and not taking other peoples’ emotions into yourself. Remember to breathe and separate yourself from their emotions. A simple visualization of a mirror shield, to reflect others’ emotions away from you, can sometimes be beneficial.

Cleansing the areas you work in, as well as your living space, can be beneficial as well. Sometimes a good house cleansing can tame a household that has a lot of arguments and disagreements. It can also help settle lingering doubts

and troubles with bickering. A quick urban smudge can be done with lighting a bit of incense of your choice, or a bit of sage, and using a feather or a hand to sweep the smoke around your space. Make sure to pay attention to all entrances and exits from the room. As well as special attention to all windows.

Learning to express or vent emotions properly and with healthy methods is also a very good way to help keep them balanced. Take up a hobby to really let yourself go a little if you have a lot of pent up frustration: write when you’re upset; lose yourself in a video game or a piece of artwork; take up kick boxing if you need to really unleash some nasty emotions. Just so do safely and make sure that when you vent — you also let g of those emotions.

We are emotional creatures. At a soul level these emotions help refine and make us who we are. By choosing to work with these powerful forces with respect and understanding you are helping to ensure not only your own personal growth but developing skills that will allow your practices to grow in unimaginable ways as well.

It’s when you stop feeling that you should get out of the business.

™• February 2010 • Volume I

17

What to do with

Cut Flowers?

Cut flowers are a traditional gift for many occasions.

Though I appreciate the sentiment, I feel guilty receiving them knowing they are expensive and will die in a week or two. Rather than throwing them away once their blooms start to wither, I find ways to preserve them and their sentiment for a while longer by drying them and repurposing them. Dried flowers can be used for many things such as potpourri, an accent in a bath or perfume oil bottle, or a dried floral arrangement. Some flowers, such as roses, can also be used in tea blends. Flowers that dry well, such as roses, carnations, and babies breath, are best suited for dried floral arrangements. Other flowers with thin petals such as daisies, orchids, lilies, and irises that do not dry well are better suited for oils or tea blends.

18

™• February 2010 • Volume I

My friend had a box of flowers from her wedding that were not properly dried. Ideally, the flowers would have been hung up to dry to prevent the rose heads from drooping and mold from forming. Considering the type of flowers and condition, a hanging floral ball with a foam ball as a base seemed the best option.

Any foam shape can be used. Craft supply stores carry many varieties. If you are not sure that you have enough flowers to cover the foam shape, the spaces can be filled in with moss from the floral section of the craft store either before by covering the structure with the moss first or after by filling in the spaces. I did not have any moss on hand for this project and had many different types of fuller flowers to fill in the spaces.

Supply List:

Optional Supplies:

• Dried flowers • Foam Shape • Glue Gun • Many Glue Sticks • Scissors

• Ribbon • Straight pins • Moss

Handecraft

a how-to by Wendy Beth

Steps: 1. After selecting the dried flowers and inspecting them for mold, glue the larger base flowers to the foam shape one at a time.

2. Let the glue cool before turning the shape to glue more.

3. If a hanger is being used, this should be done before adding the filler flowers. The hanger (ie ribbon see photo) is added after the base flowers but before the filler flowers. Since the moss is added either first or used in place a filler flowers, it would depend on how you are using the moss if it is added before or after.

The hanger can be attached with glue or straight pins or both. It needs to be attached before adding the filler flowers because the filler flowers cover it.

4. Once the hanger is added use the smaller filler flowers or moss to fill in any gaps.

Uses: Once you are done, the floral ball can be used for aroma therapy, in spells, or a decorative object.

Selecting Flowers

Glue Base Flowers

Let Glue Cool, Turn & Leave a Space for the Attach Hanger Glue More Hanger Ribbon Ribbon With Glue or Straight Pins ™• February 2010 • Volume I

19

Life’s Wit

by Brian St. Clair

TheSearch For Happiness Where in the world is Happiness? I thought I heard her laughing at the school, but they said she hasn’t been here today. I could have sworn I heard a giggle from one of the rooms, but I don’t see her. I see Jealousy, Anger and Apathy and I would rather not talk with them. Oh great, here comes Vanity, since Happiness isn’t here it is time to go.

Maybe she is in the office, she likes to hang out where the money is. I can hear Discontent speaking in hushed tones to Bitterness. I see an Armani clad Greed flirting with the ever sexy Lust and her counterpart and close friend Unfaithful, but Happiness is no where in sight.

I ask Greed if he has seen her. He says, “I don’t know Happiness. Sorry”.

I bet she is at the club, she does like to dance. I asked the door man if Happiness is here tonight. He says he doesn’t know, but the place is packed so maybe. I slowly let my eyes adjust to the gloom and am approached by Loneliness and Desperation. Desperation offers to buy me a drink, but I graciously decline and explain that I am looking for Happiness. They both shake their head and say they haven’t seen Happiness in a very long time but when I find her tell her to stop in for a drink, they miss her.

Where is she? Could it be that she went to church?

I will stop by and see if she has been there recently.

She used to like church with the warm friendly people and the organ driven choral music. As I enter the auditorium I don’t see Happiness but I do see many very familiar faces: Hypocrisy, Fear, Hidden Agenda and even Control Freak. It seems that Mr. Brimstone and The Boogie Man are in a heated discussion about revelations again. Greed and Lust came together, I wonder where Unfaithful is? I see Lies, Deception and Untruth are sitting in the front row as usual. Oh good, I Am Better Than You just walked in, let me ask her if she knows where Happiness is. “Excuse me, but could you......” Well that was rude. Happiness definitely isn’t here, and I cant imagine she will be any time soon.

20

™• February 2010 • Volume I

Well I don’t know where she is, but I’m tired and its getting late, so I’m going home. The crock pot is steaming with chicken and dumplings, fresh sweet corn is ready to boil and the homemade apple pie is in the window, cool now from the oven this morning.

I just picked up a new novel that I have been wanting for quite some time, and after dinner I plan on curling up next to an open fire with a glass of fine bourbon and Concrete Blonde seeping from the speakers. Just the thought of the evening ahead makes me want to run!

I arrive at home and can smell the contents of the kitchen wafting through the early evening air, causing my mouth to water. I hear thumping sounds as the fruit laden apple tree releases some of its treasure, the same treasure used to make the pie this morning. The view of the June sunset as the sun begins to dip behind the distant rise is breathtaking. It is good to be home, although I am a little sad that I was not able to locate Happiness today. I was going to invite her for dinner and ask that she bring some ice cream to go with her wonderful conversation skills. I put my key in the lock and open the door not only to find Happiness waiting for me, but with her are her two closest friends, Love and Contentment.

Spotlight

P Rethinking O L Y A M O R Y the Relationship Paradigm Pagans the world over, whether they be “old” or “neo”, have spent a great deal of thought and spiritual energy in backing out of the monotheistic culture that has dominated Western thinking for the last couple of millennia. This movement to rediscover and honor the pantheons of the older Goddesses and Gods has in many ways opened doors to living closer to nature and the earth’s seasonal variations, and to placing the responsibility for our planet’s upkeep back in human hands instead of those of a detached and nonresponsive God. However, this has left us in many cases firmly in the grip of other cultural influences that are also rooted in monotheism and, worse yet, the politics of religious dogma. One of the biggest of these influences is the definition of moral human relationships. If you have been raised in a Western influenced culture then it is highly likely that you have been taught from the moment you where born that people can have one type of romantic loving relationship, monogamy. This influence has been subtle in so many ways because of the fact that part of the “dream” of western culture is for every child to have a mommy and daddy nuclear family and without it chaos is always the outcome. Even among many pagans that I have met over the years there is this sense that our core families have to be things of isolation and autonomy. In some parts of the USA it is considered rude and an infringement on personal rights to even comment on how someone runs their family. Yet how can all of these cultural pillars be correct when we are faced with high rates of divorce, single parenthood, “cheating”, and abusive relationships?

So given that most who will read this article have taken steps to rebel or distinguish themselves from the monotheistic masses, is it not time to consider going deeper in that transformation and consider responsible non-monogamy or polyamory? Instead of trying to define polyamory, which is much like trying to define paganism, lets look at what it is not. Polyamorous relationships are not based in swinging, cheating, orgies, partner swapping or other sexual activity that does not include relationships or is primarily defined in a negative monogamous light. Great! But where does that leave us? Well it leaves us with several key

concepts that have to be explored on an individual basis just like our faith paths. First, it is possible to love more than one person at a time without guilt or harm. Second, open transparent communication is the standard by which everyone involved must operate.

For example, if 3 people are involved in a mutual relationship of some kind, then it’s the duty of each person to be honest and open with their thoughts.

Finally, it is the duty of all involved to share emotional accountability within the bounds of the relationship.

These things are very easy to write down but like the Rede it may take years of caring, failure, lessons learned, and the accumulated wisdom all these bring to discover a successful relationship structure.

When we talk about loving someone or loving multiple people, we are talking about opening a whole new world that most of us are not used to navigating in. Just like any neophyte of a Pagan path some aspect or other of having two boyfriends or husbands, or occasional significant others it will take patience and understanding to get to stable happy places. We can not all be the High Priestess or Priest on the first day. Unlike some of the other sexual practices mentioned above it is not all about the rush to the finish but about learning how to have the freedom to enjoy all that our lives offer and when it is good to say yes and just as importantly when to say no. After all we are talking about interpersonal dynamics and putting a neat label on it does not exempt anyone from the consequences of their actions.

If you take anything away from this season of Imbolc, Lupercalia, or St. Valentine’s Day, it should be that February is about purification, health, fertility, and seeing the world anew, which certainly includes how you view relationships. Don’t be locked down by cultural stereotypes but in the same breath don’t be irresponsible and intentionally hurt others.

For additional in-depth and quality information, higher quality too, please checks out the Polyamory Weekly Podcast, alt.polyamory, Expansive Loving, The Polyamory Society, Polyamory. com forums, and Loving More Magazine. ™• February 2010 • Volume I

21

Our Lady’s Counsel Advice from Lady Fae’s Wisdom Circle

Dear Lady Fae, I have always got along well with my high priestess until I started bringing my fiancé to our rituals. It seems that our HP is flirting with my fiancé and coming on to him during our social time before and after our ritual gatherings. I have talked to him about my frustration and concern but he does not think she is acting inappropriately. I want to talk to her about how she is making me uncomfortable but do not want to harm my place in our coven or my coven family.

Suggestions? ~Concerned Covener

Dear CC, Oh, dear, this is a tough situation! I am always one for honesty—my initial response is to talk to your HP and let her know that you’re feeling uncomfortable! But I also understand not wanting to lose your place or risk upsetting anyone in your coven family!

Well, I do think that you need to go to the source.

Approach your HP and ask to speak with her privately, maybe over a cup of coffee, away from the rest of the coven. State the situation as you see it and let her know how it makes you feel. Here comes the counselor in me—use I statements, for example “I feel very uncomfortable and hurt when you flirt with my fiancé.” UsingYou statements, “You’re flirting with my fiancé and it sucks!”, can be very blaming and cause someone to be defensive and therefore not hear what you’re saying. Then, I would see what she says. Perhaps she doesn’t realize she’s being flirty. Perhaps she does realize but thinks it’s harmless and not bothering anyone. But we won’t know that until you approach her. Once you have a response from her, you can then act accordingly.

Second, I would speak again with your fiancé about the issue. Flirting is a two way street, yes? If he was not encouraging in some manner, I suspect that she might not continue. Again, express to him using I statements how the situation makes you feel. Try working together to come up with ways to try to discourage the flirting.

Despite whether he feels her behavior is inappropriate, it makes you feel uncomfortable in a place where you should not feel so.

Third, be open if others in your coven approach you about the situation. Be honest and present your side-gain with those I statements! Do not blame or discredit your HP. Also, it is probably unwise to consult with others in your coven before or after you talk to your HP. This is a matter that should stay between those involved. I would be afraid that by asking others what they think, this may start rumors or gossip that could affect relationships within the coven.

Those are my thoughts. I hope that at least something I suggested will be useful. Good luck, and please, keep us updated!

Many blessings, ~ Lady Fae

Need some counsel from Lady Fae’s Wisdom Circle? email your questions to advice@paganedge.com 22

™• February 2010 • Volume I

Music Review

Note This!

Cruachan: Old Celtic Tradition with a Metal Kiss Raised out of Dublin, Ireland from the ashes of Minas Tirith rose Cruachan--a band of bards who have no goal other than to tell the tales of the Celts. The group was formed in 1992 by Keith Fay. Since that time, the band has gone through many changes and trials, but still they come out on top. The musical genre that Cruachan fits into is a fine mixture of modern rock, metal, and traditional Irish backed by their use of traditional instruments. Some of these include the tin whistle, Irish flute, bodhran, Uillean pipes (a cousin of the bag pipes, but a bellow is squeezed between the elbow and torso to provide air for the instrument), harp, and bouzouki (a chiefly Greek stringed instrument adopted by the Scottish and Irish).

In 1995, Cruachan released its debut album, Tuatha na Gael, under the nurturing hands of Nazguls Eyrie Productions. After doing so, the band went on an extensive tour around Europe then took a brief hiatus.

They returned to the studio in 1999 with Hammerheart Records backing them. Their discography consists of seven items, one of them being a boxset: Tuatha na Gael (1995, rereleased in 2001 and 2004) The Middle Kingdom (2000, rereleased in 2004) Ride On (2001) Folk-Lore (2002, rereleased in 2004) A Celtic Trilogy (2002) [boxset of Tuatha na Gael, The Middle Kingdom, and Folk-Lore] Pagan (2004) The Morrigan’s Call (2006) The roster of countries that they have visited includes Belgium, Germany, Russia, Spain, and the Czech Republic. They’ve played a plethora of music fests including Italy’s Brintaal Celtic Festival, Portugal’s

by V.L.

Lagoa Burning Live Festival, and Vikedal Roots Music Festival in Norway. Many fans are still waiting for the day that they pay a visit to the states.

The songs arising from the heart of Cruachan hold the traditional Irish sound very dear but don’t fear bringing into today’s world with heavy guitars and steadfast drums. Nothing sounds out of place, despite the syncopation and instrumentation. Their music isn’t all heavy with all of the softer and mellower songs depicting the mood of reminiscence, love, and pride.

These musical warriors strive to give voice to their history and successfully do so. The live shows are not a disappointment. With just as much effort on stage as in the studio, the band gives the audience something to go home with: the love of Ireland encased within their hearts. The members even wear accurate historic Celtic dress, the Irish war banners are included (if the venue permits). Not a single moment of Cruachan’s show goes by where the dedication and passion are unseen.

Speaking of the band, the current line-up is: Keith Fay, John (Fay) O’Fathaigh, John Clohessy, Joe Farrell, and John Ryan Will. On all of their albums up until now, Karen Gilligan worked with Cruachan as the lead vocalist. She left in early in 2009 for personal reasons and remained on good terms with the band. The group has no intention of replacing her – ever. This does not mean that they will discontinue playing. Working alongside AFM Records, they are now working on their next album, Folkodia. A few artists who sound similar to Cruachan are Waylander, Folkearth, and Tuatha De Danaan. For more info on Cruachan, you can find them on MySpace and facebook. Their official website is www.cruachan.cjb.net.

The music of Cruachan and our monthly featured artists can be heard on: www.myspace.com/paganedgemagazine ™• February 2010 • Volume I

23

The Pagan Edge

Book Review The Paganism Reader Chas S. Clifton & Graham Harvey (Eds.) ISBN: 0415303532

I was browsing in the library one day when I spotted The Paganism Reader on a shelf. I was surprised to see it there because I live in a pretty small town in which Catholicism is the norm. I guess I was also surprised because I had never heard of the book. So, of course I borrowed it!

This book is fascinating! Not only does it include excerpts from non fiction books, but includes passages from fiction books as well. It covers a wide range of beliefs, spiritualities, and traditions classified under “paganism.” For example, there are passages describing shamanism, Goddess spirituality, Wicca, Druids, Gardnerian traditions, Stoicism, Greco-Roman Paganism, and Heathens, to name a few. Not sure what any of those mean? Check out the book!

Another great thing about the book is that for each excerpt it provides, the editors list references and resources to learn more about the subject or explore deeper. There is even a small chapter at the end of the book highlighting various books for further reading and providing a list of references not included within the chapters.

These works cover a wide range of time periods, from classical texts like the Homeric Hymns to more recent writings such as The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. The topics are historical accounts of various peoples but are also theoretical and religious works, like those from Gardner and Crowley. I like this because it provides such a wide sampling.

24

™• February 2010 • Volume I

Perhaps my favorites, though, were the excerpts from the fiction works. I think I am truly a fiction girl at heart. I enjoyed reading (again) a bit from The Mists of Avalon and from A Stranger in a Strange Land, but my favorite was the passage fromThe Wind in the Willows

by Kenneth Grahame. This small bit described Mole and Rat’s discovery of the missing child, Portly, at the feet of Pan. The description of Pan is truly beautiful. I suggest you check it out.

I’ll leave you with a quote from the book, relating to our theme for the month: Love. From Aleister Crowley’s The Book of the Law, “Take your fill and will of love as ye will, when, where and with whom ye will!”

As an aside from the book reviews, if anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them! I’m always looking for good books to read and especially share with you all. Happy reading!

Fables: Legends in Exile

Bill Willingham & Lan Medina ISBN: 1563899426 Did you love fairy tales when you were younger? Do you still love them now? I can’t remember reading very many fairy tales, but I am definitely familiar with them! Who didn’t see Disney movies like “Cinderella” or “Beauty and the Beast”? The stories always appealed to me, of course, because of the magick! And now that I’m older, I like to read fairy tales for adults—like the real Brothers Grimm tales.

Well, I’ve got something not quite so grim, but definitely interesting and entertaining for you! What if

by Faelin Wolf all those people and creatures in fairy tales were real?

What if they lived among us “Mundanes” or normal people with no magic? Bill Willingham and his amazing artists and writers have created just such a world in their Fables comics. Lucky for us all, they are available in graphic novel form, starting with Legends in Exile and continuing through 12 volumes with one spin-off series. And don’t forget to pick up new issues at your local comic book store!

The series looks at the lives of Fables that we know and love as they live in Fabletown, located in New York City, and on the Farm, for those non-human Fables, located in upstate New York. All has not been well in the Fables’ home worlds for some time because the Adversary is on a mission to conquer and rule all the home worlds. The Fables in Fabletown escaped from their home worlds, fleeing the Adversary and his armies, and have set up a new community which seems to be flourishing. However, the Adversary has discovered the Fables living in our Mundane world and is trying to find ways to conquer them or bring them back to the home worlds.

Legends in Exile starts us off by introducing Fabletown, the Farm, and some of our main cast of characters, including Jack, Rose Red, Bigby Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf ), Snow White, and Prince Charming. Jack has reported a crime and Bigby is in charge of the investigation. In the end, all is not what it seems—of course!

Check out the new adventures of your old favorites in this great series!

As an aside from the book reviews, if anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them! I’m always looking for good books to read and especially share with you all. Happy reading!

Email suggestions to: advice@paganedge.com

Join Our FaceBook Group! facebook.com/group. php?gid=171943069882 ___________________________ Befriend Us on MySpace! myspace.com/ paganedgemagazine ___________________________ Get In Our Vampire Freaks Cult! vampirefreaks.com/cult/ PaganEdgeMagazine ___________________________ Follow Our Tweets! twitter.com/paganedge ___________________________ And Most Importantly... become a Member on Our Website to Get the Latest News and Share Your Stories & Art! paganedge.com ™• February 2010 • Volume I

25

Scribes’ Tablet

Poetry from Our Readers

Water Meets Air

by Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert “I am of the Water,” he said.

He raised his shiny head above the water-line and his nostrils flared open to scent the busy wind.

“I am of the Air,” she said.

She swirled down on a draft inclined a wing toward him and inhaled his salty tang; she hovered beyond his reach.

“I am the Water!” He proclaimed, “But I burn who cannot burn; I fly who cannot breathe the air for long, I thirst to be joined with you.”

“I am the Air!” She responded in kind.

“But I soar aimlessly; my keen eyes never settling on my desire; my dreams for you floating helplessly away.”

She landed next to him on a seaweed-strewn rock.

“I’ve been told to marry my kind,” he explained. “I’ve been admonished ‘Keep your thoughts here--in our liquid realm--where you are sustained, where you are nourished and kept safe.’ ”

Eye found eye; fin to wing they touched.

He wondered at the wind through her soft, strong feathers; She admired the sturdy grace of him.

“When,” she whispered hoarsely, “can Air and Water dare to join?”

Her eyes sparkled with salty tears.

He disdainfully shot a blast of water in the air.

“In future times,” he answered tightly, “our kin shall finally see... that Water and Air are but two poles on one continuum-that the poles are not fixed, and the continuum but a circle.”

She eyed his magnificent scales, marveled at his streamlined shape and ached to touch his sleek body.

She buzzed her wings in agreed displeasure.

“I’ve been told to marry my kind,” she responded. “I’ve been scolded ‘Keep your future in sight! Your destiny lies in the sky, among the clouds with your kin, where you are cherished, where you are safe.’ ” She cawed her resentment to the heavens.

He drank her in with his eyes, those lovely curves; graceful wings-to lose himself in her embrace...

He slapped at a wave in frustration.

26

™• February 2010 • Volume I

“In future times,” she echoed, picking up his thoughts, “our kin shall know the truth — that Air and Water are but two elements among many, and there is strength and wisdom in combining the best of all.”

In the darkening sky above, lightening snaked across the orange clouds; and the ancient rock stood in silent witness.

A book lover, scifi fan, and Mom--Suzanne writes short stories, pagan-themed poetry, and gives voice to creatures both real and imagined. Her poetry has been published in newWitch and The Tor Stone, and she is currently writing her first novel. She reads and writes in Massachusetts, where she also works in a Research/ Technical Assistance capacity at a non-profit. Follow her at http:// suzannereynoldsalpert.blogspot.com/

PE Classified

Submit your ad to chief-editor@paganedge.com

For the Pagan on the Go! Spells, Custom Stained Glass and Glass Candles, Kits, Incense, Stones, Herbs, Etching for your garden or home: Oils, Tools, Jewelry, Hand-made Soap: fragmentsglass.com FireStormsMagickalMarket.com Artwork: originals & prints by the Graphic Design: logo creation, busi- artist Crowskin: journals, ritual tools, ness identity, brochures, flyers, call- card readings, totem portraits: Eyeing cards: js@refractiondesign.com sofaCrow.com

America is changing it’s way of doing business! Your own business: no inventory, no deliveries, no employees or employers: d.bolles@comcast. net

Makeup Services: Special Occasion, Online Blog & Community Forum: Costume, Photography, Film, & Les- Envisioning Spiritual and Climate Classified Ads are issued firstsons: spataroh@yahoo.com Wise Living: mypersonalvisions.net come-first-serve, placed according to relativity to the Pagan lifestyle, Make money while saving money Find something special for your and limited to available space. with Fortune High Tech Marketing! Valentine or yourself! Jewelry & Ac- Ads must be 20 words or less and Contact Scott at tracehiker@hot- cessories at wendybethcreations. include an email contact. Submit to mail.com etsy.com chief-editor@paganedge.com ™• February 2010 • Volume I

27

Advertise in Web and Magazine Exposure!

Promote Your Business! & Support Pagan Edge!

Variety of space & pricing options perfect for your needs!

Both Magazine and Website prime space for one low price!

FREE Graphic Design Included by our staff!

Pagan Edge exists for the benefit of our readers; your advertising dollars help us to lower subscription costs.

Our website has more info on pricing and special packages! or contact admin@paganedge.com BONUS! Mention where you found us and get up to 40% off most listed rates!

™• February 2010 • Volume I