March 2010

music of Arkona • eggs • beans • moss • art of Crowskin • book review • advice

Beginnings March 2010 Volume 1• Issue 3 ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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™• March 2010 • Volume I

Contents 4 News from the Edge

5 Dream Weaving Publisher & Editor Speak 6 Keeping the Edge:

Hanging at the Edge of Precipice

On the Cover detail from: “Steampunk Medusa”

by Michelle “Crowskin” Bond Publisher • Eberhardt, Personal Visions Volume 1 • Issue Executive Editor - jess*ca mae 1 January 2010 Proofreading & Copy Editor - Maeve Gregory Our Maiden IssueServices Layout “Cleansing” & 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

8 Plant Vibes

Going Green & Cushy: Growing Moss

11 Wheel of Happenings Events Calendar 12 Eclectic Cooking It Begins with Beans 14 Art & Soul Fantasy Artwork of Crowskin 16 Urban Shaman Drumming Up Energy

Our goal at Pagan Edge is to provide readers a high quality, timely magazine with content relevant to modern pagans’ lifestyle and passions.

18 Handecraft Preparing an Egg for Crafting

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.

21 Life’s Wit The Manor

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 of the content of this Magazine or web site. For additional details please see www.paganedge.com

20 Pagans and Pysanky 22 Our Lady’s Counsel advice from Lady Fae 23 Note This! Music Review on Arkona 24 The Pagan Edge Book Review 26 Scribes’ Tablet Poetry from our readers 27 Fabulous Familiars creature feature 27 PE Classified Volume 1 • Issue 3 March 2010 “Beginnings” Pagan Edge™ is published monthly

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

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News thefromEdge Make Me A Regular! Did you know that you now can get an annual subscription to Pagan Edge? Each copy print just for you and mailed direct. Stop by our website for details!

Feedback From FaceBook: Debbie: “My little kity totally ruined the beautiful roses given to me by my husband and I was totally distraught.

I salvaged what I could, but thought to myself, “What can I do?” Then I opened my new hardcopy edition of Pagan Edge and there is was. A great article by Wendy Beth on cut flowers and how to repurpose them after th...e blooms are wilted. I think that article was put there for me to find at this moment. Thank you Wendy Beth!”

Envisioning Spiritual and Climate Wise Living

Brian: great job you guys! it looks awesome.

Letters to the Editor: from Scott: “The music column is full of diversity and has uncovered some gems of bands that I would not have discovered otherwise. I can’t wait to see what V.L. will write next month.” from Thorin: “Keep up the great work, guys. You cover some stuff like the recipes and ‘Life’s Wit’ articles that I wouldn’t expect in a pagan magazine... however, these columns are becoming my faves and I know I won’t find them anywhere else. Thanks Pagan Edge staff!”

We now have over 200 fans on Facebook & almost that on MySpace! thanks for joining us!

mypersonalvisions.net 4

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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 We Want to Hear It: good, bad, or edgy...

Give Us Feedback! Have something to say? email: letters@paganedge.com

Dream Weaving Starting a new publication in any form is a challenging creative endeavor. Doing it for a focused audience seems to follow a version of the three fold rule. When we at Pagan Edge get together for meetings we are faced with finding and cultivating ad revenue, talent, and most importantly for us a supportive online community of readers like you. To make a publication today means that we have to not only give our readers the best content we can but we also need to have dialog with you as well. Our success depends on how well we adapt to your needs and curiosities. It may be odd to think of community building as a business model but it’s one we have faith in because it is one of the foundations of our shared spiritual culture. I am not talking about the standard brand building that is the meat and potatoes of the corporate world but of creating a living circle between Pagan Edge and you.

It is only through your active feedback, sharing, and contributions can we find new voices, better the ones we have and put it all back out as positive energy and influence on the lifestyles we represent.

So what does Pagan Edge have beyond the Magazine experience? Well we are all about showcasing your talent, wisdom and whimsy. We have forums for you to ask questions, share visions, and make new friends.

We are ready to display your art, poetry, stories, music, events to give you the platform to enrich our communities. We offer shared experiences between Face Book, MySpace, and Twitter so all you have to do is spread your wings without leaving your favorites. We offer live chat from our pages that you can use any time of the day or night to talk to like minds. Pagan Edge is here to be an experience for anyone that is interested and from myself and the rest of the staff we all hope it’s one that you will enjoy and share with others.

Blessing both Light & Dark, Eberhardt

publisher & editor speak

Greetings!

When I look back on the beginnings in my life, I always ask myself, “When and where did such-n-such really begin?” For example: my pagan path seems to have an introduction to me right around my seventeenth year of life but when I examine its origins, it actually began during my childhood and cathecism teachings. My marriage began after courting and that began during my last year of high school, but the friendship and relationship began earlier than that.

I can say my current job began when I decided to leave my employer and start my own company; but it was a series of events that led me to my current work and the dream has been in me for as long as I can remember.

We give a date to these events — an anniversary of sorts — but does that truly indicate where they begin?

Where do they truly begin? I think, they are always there and it is us needing to discover them, needing to acknowledge their existence within us. They have no beginning, just an entrance into our daily lives. Their beginning is actually when we choose it; and when these elements: people, events, revelations enter our lives; they do not begin to exist: we do.

The people, the events, the revelations have always been present in us, “the beginning” is indicated by our own choice to acknowledge their existence and their influences on our lives. At that point, the “light bulb” is turned on; but little often do we recognize it was always there, waiting in the dark.

What potentials lie within each of us, waiting for us to discover? What possibilities has the universe gifted us with that we must each search out and explore?

Happy reading and blessings, ~jess*ca ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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Hanging at the Edge of the Precipice Keeping the Edge

by Mya Om

The theme for the month of March is beginnings. Over the past few weeks I sat down more than once to write about this topic and every time nothing came to mind.

Each time I started to think about beginnings I could not help but think about endings. To me no beginning can come about without the end of something – in the end something has to change and become transformed in order to have a beginning. I was thinking about this last night and I decided that I have a big problem with beginnings. Not because I do not like new things, but because in order to have a beginning, inevitably there must be an ending of some kind. I cannot even call it a love–hate relationship; it is pretty much a hate–hate relationship. When I see change coming I make an about face on my heels and head in the opposite direction. I can honestly tell you, the universe has to drag me kicking and screaming into any life changes.

My first reaction to change is: it must be a bad thing.

But is this really true – is change a bad thing?

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During the time I was undergoing these changes almost every time I read my own tarot cards, or had a friend read them, I got The Tower, Death, and The Hanged Man. Every time I saw these cards I smothered a curse word that hovered at the tip of my tongue and thought, “now what!”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the tarot divination system, having these three cards appear in a spread means that you are about to come to a life change which is necessary, turbulent, and will leave you shaken at the end. Last week when I read my cards I had the same three cards come up and my first thought was, “Oh, no!” This was followed by some un-lady like language which I will not repeat.

“Do I hang on hoping to pull myself up from the edge and back on to my ledge, or do I let go and allow myself to fall, without knowing if anything will be there to catch me?”

Over the past eighteen months I have endured a series of new beginnings, endings and changes which have upended my life. I live in a new city, I have a new job, I am attending law school, and I am single for the first time since I was nineteen. All of these things were frightening and traumatic to my psyche at the time, but ultimately the one thing I cannot call them is bad – regardless of how tempted I am. As I look back at the last eighteen months, through the lens of hindsight, I can see that the endings I had to endure were necessary and for the most part I am better off for them.

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Losing my job forced me to reevaluate my life and compelled me to make a final decision about continuing my education. Deciding to continue my education forced me to confront the glaring problems in my romantic relationship, which I had been able to ignore up to that point. In moving to a new city I had to decide which parts of my old life were worth keeping and what were not. As a result I left behind relationships that I had outgrown, I disposed of personal belongings that I no longer needed, and I cleaned out a lot of baggage I had been holding on to but which I no longer needed.

After I calmed down and a friend talked me down off my ledge, I started thinking, what is it about change that I hate so much?

My first response is “I am a Virgo.” I like calm, order and stability — change is the antithesis of this. But that is really a cop-out. I do not like change because I have

been trained to view change as a negative thing and stability as a positive thing. In school the instructors program young minds that plans are important, that going to college is important, that getting a good job is important, and that creating a stable life for yourself is important. Our society defines individuals by their relationships – single v. married, employed v. unemployed, educated v. ignorant, Christian v. everything else. We are taught to avoid finding ourselves on the wrong side of the societal value scale.

Every change is seen, not as an opportunity for growth, but rather as a possibility of stepping outside the comfort zone of our place within the scale. If change is looked at in that light, then any time you step out of your own level within the scale you risk a decrease in your own status. Yes I know there is also the possibility of an increase in status, but given that I am not a gambler by nature, I tend to focus on the negative possibility before any sort of positive outcome comes to mind.

This makes change scary and a rational person avoids scary things. So the truth is – I do not hate change – I am afraid of it.

few minutes. Look at the image of the man hanging suspended upside down by his foot. What does that image represent to you?

Now close your eyes and visualize yourself in the same position. You are hanging upside down by your foot.

Feel the rope around your foot, the blood rushing to your head. You start to struggle to get free. Until you remember the serenity on the face of the man in the card. He has made the choice to be in the position. In seeming to let go of control he has proven his mastery over his life. Now do the same, let go. Fall off the edge you have been clinging to and trust that you will learn equally from flying or from falling.

[1] If you do not have a tarot deck go to http://www. learntarot.com/maj12.htm, here you can get card images and meanings to help you in meditating on and learning the tarot.

In confronting this reality I have come to a single realization: I am allowing fear, in the guise of change, to control my life. Now as I hang clutching the edge of the precipice of my old life I am faced with a choice. Do I hang on hoping to pull myself up from the edge and back on to my ledge, or do I let go and allow myself to fall, without knowing if anything will be there to catch me? I know what is on the ledge. It is comfortable and full of lessons that I have already learned. The ledge does not represent a challenge. The ledge does not have the power to break me, to crush me on the rocks below. It is safe. Falling, on the other hand, could kill me. It could break me, and test me in ways that I could not have expected. If in letting go all I see is the fall, then I miss the other possibility – to fly.

As a witch I believe in accountability for choices.

Every ending represents a lesson learned, and every beginning a new lesson to master. If I look at change that way, then by not letting go of the ledge I am selling myself short. I am forcing myself to hold on to a situation that has become stagnant and refusing to learn new lessons.

The Hanged Man meditation: take the Hanged Man out of your tarot deck.[1] Take a few minutes and read your deck’s meaning of the card. Now sit in a place where you are comfortable and will not be disturbed for a ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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GOING

Plant Vibes

GREEN...

AND CUSHY

by Dawn Sherwood

Moss in the Garden

While you are certainly familiar with moss in the wild and have perhaps used various types in earth-based work, have you ever considered it as a garden addition? Ancient entities, mosses can enhance many styles of gardens, but are most typically associated with Japanese, Alpine and Rock Gardens, or Woodland plantings. Just envision a Japanese garden, with wide swaths of lush green moss, and you can feel the sense of calmness and the soothing, meditative energy that a unifying carpet of moss can bring to a garden. In Alpine settings moss is a great backdrop for the miniature plants. In rock gardens it brings a balancing contrast of soft texture and rich color to the bleached, rocky surfaces while showing off its survival skills. And, in a woodland setting, it can take on all of these roles.

So, what does it take to enjoy all of these cushy green benefits in your garden? Not much, really. Moss does well in poor, acidic (5.0 to 6.0 pH) soil, or lazing on rocks and trees. Moisture is essential to maintaining lush, green growth — especially for the first three to five weeks after transplanting — but established mosses will survive periods of drought. And yes, there are species that do well in sun, despite the shade-loving reputation. The most crucial element for a moss’ garden survival is matching its

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original growing conditions. Giving your new green friend the same light and growing medium from whence it came is paramount.

If you choose to purchase, the supplier should be able to tell you what growing conditions their mosses have been cultivated for. Most suppliers of moss for purchase focus on the shade garden or Bonsai market niches, so be sure to clarify if your site is sunny! Personally, I find it easier to get free moss from friends and family who understand my fetish for green things or, even more satisfying, to liberate it from the lawns of moss haters. Again, be sure to observe the growing conditions of the gifted or rescued moss, so you can give it the best-matched home in your own landscape.

Researching and seeking out, by name, varieties which are specifically suited to sun or shade, will still lead to conflicting information. You may well come across a species presented at your local nursery as a shade lover, but with its twin brother thriving naturally in your neighbor’s very sunny front yard! Dicranum, Leucobryum and Polytrichum are three examples, and all commonly found in the marketplace and in the wild. The key, again, would

be which level of light they were growing in when you adopted them. If you do wish to learn more about specific mosses, I highly recommend Author George Schenk’s Moss Gardening: Including Lichens, Liverworts, and Other Miniatures from Timber Press and a website created by the late Robert Muma, known as the “Moss Man of Toronto” http://worldofmosses.com/index.html Moss may be acquired in a variety of “forms”; with purchased mosses available live — in small chunks or larger sheets, dried for making slurry, or as pre-mixed slurry.

When harvesting moss, from an existing patch, rather than purchasing, it is best to lift some of the soil beneath with it - though there will be no roots to concern you. Purchased or collected patches should be transplanted onto soil that has been compacted, then raked very lightly and watered to the point of being muddy. Simply place the moss patches atop this prepped soil, tamp down well and water generously. Moss slurries, purchased or homemade, can be sprayed over soil or painted onto rocks or statuary. Soil receiving slurry should be prepped the same as for actual patches of moss. (Basic slurry recipe below.) Both planted and slurry types of application will need to be kept moist for 3 to 5 weeks to become well-established.

The ongoing maintenance is simply, to keep the moss cleared of leaves and other debris, and restrain foot traffic.

Some gardeners choose to place fine netting over the moss as this makes for easier removal of leaves than raking or blowing and serves to keep our winged friends from snatching too many bits for their nests. Watering regularly after the moss is established, to prevent dormancy, is a personal choice. Periods of dormancy during drought won’t cause it to die and would be a fairly certain part of its natural life cycle outside of a garden setting.

Moss Slurry This is perfect for spraying over open areas, or to fill in between clumps of existing moss, and of course to paint onto rocks, logs, etcetera.

One half cup moss bits (fresh or dried) One to one and half cups water (lukewarm) One quarter cup buttermilk or beer Place in blender and blend for approximately two minutes, creating a thick slurry. Add additional moss bits if not thick enough. ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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Wheel of Happenings

Events Calendar

MARCH 2010 19th – 21st Grand Opening Psychic Fair The Witches Castle, Eagle Lake, Florida 20th Paganfaire 2010 SisterSpirit Portland - Oregon

13th - 14th 10:00 am Florida Renaissance Festival Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach, FL. See www.ren-fest.com Buy single-day tickets online and save money with promotion code: CUUPS. 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

APRIL CONTINUED 2010 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

7th-11th PHOENIXPHYRE GATHERING OF PAGANS Hidden River Resort Maclenny, FL http://phoenixfestivals.com/

6th – 9th Beltania Parrish Ranch Berthoud, Colorado http://www.beltanefestival.com/

16th - 18th Spring Quest Carolina Spirit Quest Camp Millstone, Ellerbe, NC http://www.carolinaspiritquest.org/

8th – 9th Mich. Pagan Fest Fed. of Circles & Solitaries Belleville, Michigan

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

13th -16th Pagan Unity Festival (PUF) Montgomery Bell State Park, Burns, TN http://www.paganunityfestival.org/ 14th – 16th Steampunk World’s Fair Jeff Mach & a Consortion of Steampunk Promoters Piscataway, New Jersey 15th – 16th Maryland Faerie Festival Chesapeake Pagan Community, Upper Marlboro, Maryland May 27-31 Moondance Memorial Day Weekend Dragon Hills (near Carrollton, GA)

If your festival is not listed here, please email us at admin@paganedge.com to have your listing added. ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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It Begins

with beans

While we’re on the subject of Beginnings, I have to admit that I’m a bit of a late-bloomer when it comes to certain things. At times I can be on the leading edge (or even bleeding edge at my kitchen cutting board) and I try out techniques and products early on. For instance I’m one of only a few of my friends and acquaintances that owns and uses a pressure cooker. No matter how long or loud I sing the praises of it, I’ve never converted anyone to pressure cooking. But one kitchen appliance that I’m behind in adopting is a slow-cooker. In fact, where I had always thought of slow-cooking as the domain of domestic matrons of yesteryear, I’ve now found that even 20-something bachelors are known to be devoted to their Crock-pots in addition to every other age group I’m acquainted with. Who knew?

connection to the soil. Their subtle flavors and mealy texture play off of other ingredients well, especially in spicy dishes, without overwhelming them. And I enjoy seeing them in the glass jars in my cupboard where I keep several varieties on hand at all times. They come in an array of colors... themselves earthy in tone. From the black of the black bean to the pink of pinto beans to the creamy beige of chickpeas to the green of split peas. These are basic varieties, but there are heirloom and lesser know varieties out there to try. When I eat beans and legumes, I often think of their history as one of the Three Sisters (beans, squash, and corn) that were the basis of many native North American diets as well as the modern-day farmers that work the soil and bring beans to our tables.

Thus, I decided to take my first tentative steps into the world of slow-cookers and borrowed one from a friend.

I have been curious for some time whether one would be useful enough in my cooking to earn shelf space in my small kitchen. To do that, it would need to perform for me on at least a weekly basis and do as well or better than other appliances I own.

The methodology for my test was simple... I would pit the slow-cooker against my pressure cooker after prepping navy beans in the same manner.

For my test, I decided on dried beans. Beans are a staple in my diet. I use them in soups, curries, casseroles, and even eat them plain. There is something about the basic earthiness of beans that appeals to me. Not only are the inexpensive sources of protein and full of fiber and nutrients, but for me, they speak of a wholesome 12

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Basics of cooking beans 1. Sort. There is no greater reminder that beans are a product straight from the earth than the occasional small stone or other natural matter than can be mixed in with them. While you are ensuring that any stones are removed, take out any damaged or wrinkled or discolored beans. These beans often don’t cook well.

2. Soak. Place the sorted beans in a pot or bowl and

Eclectic Cooking

by Maeve Gregory

Pasta &Beans 2 cups elbow m

acaroni

2 cups bean drained or 1 s,cacooked and rinsed and dra n beans, ined 1-2 cloves garl ic, minced

The Recipe 1 tablespoo salt and pepnpeolive oil r to taste Optional: grate cheese, chopp d parmesan tomatoes, articed sun-dried mixed vege hoke hearts, roasted pinetanbles, mushrooms, almonds, etc. uts/walnuts/

Cook the elbo w maca ni an ingredients an d drain. Add th d mix. That’s ro e oth it! Simple, filli ng, nutritious.er Enjoy!

cover with 2-3 inches of water. Check the package to see how long is recommended. If you are short on time, you can use a quick soak method: cover the beans in water, bring to a boil for 3 minutes, take off of the heat, and allow to soak for 1 hour before proceeding to the next step.

3. Rinse. Some people maintain that discarding the water the beans have soaked in will alleviate some of the symptoms of eating beans. I don’t notice a difference, but I do rinse them at this step to ensure that any grit or soil that’s made it into the pot is done away with.

4. Cook. Now there are all sorts of tips, tricks and rules out there about what can be added and when to get the best bean. I like to keep things simple and against all advice I season them when I start the cooking process.

I like to emphasize their flavor as much and as early as possible so I add a few pinches of salt and pepper at the beginning and they come out just fine.

After soaking the beans overnight, I placed one pound in the slow-cooker, covered with 2 inches of water, added 1 teaspoon of salt, and set it to low. The total time for the beans to cook was 7 hours. The second pound of beans I placed in the pressure cooker with 1.5 inches of water and seasonings, sealed with the lid, and heated on high. The total cooking time was 20 minutes (5 of those to reach proper pressure).

My verdict: the resulting beans for each process were... the same. I hoped the slow-cooker might be a gentler method and would result in a bean that didn’t split from over-cooking (something I often do with the pressure cooker since it’s difficult to check on the cooking progress), but it still required frequent checking near the end of the process to ensure a properly cooked bean. If I had a slow-cooker in my cupboard, I might use it for this purpose, but there weren’t enough benefits for it to earn a spot on my shelf. It seems that my start into slow-cooking was a false one. I can however see how it would be useful to someone that doesn’t want to monitor a stove for the 2-3 hours to cook beans in the traditional stove-top method or to deal with the inexactness in timing that a pressure cooker can have.

The recipe on this page is one I rely on when I want a quick and simple meal. It might seem too simple at first glance... so few ingredients, no meat or exotic ingredients... but I hope you give it a try. I prefer white beans or chickpeas.

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

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

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CROWSKIN “Anubis” 20” by 24” painting $120 (CAN.)

“Ganesha’s World” 11” by 14” print

“Red Dragoness” 16” by 20” painting $75 (CAN)

“Hathor” 11” by 14” print

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Take a walk down fantasy lane and you will discover characters of mythology, elements of your dreams, deities of the past. Take a walk down fantasy lane: down the alley Red Riding Hood demands attention with fish nets and axe; above, a witch pinup teases you to chase her into the milky way; behind a door ravens and Celtic knots lull you into visual meditation. Take a walk down fantasy lane and you will discover the art of Michelle Bond, also know as “Crowskin”.

Whether examining the color of her digital paintings, the shading and lines of her sketch work, or the subtleties of her photography; the viewer is drawn into Crowskin’s illustrations to find more. For under the sultry pout of the fae or thick coat of the wolf, layers of symbolism, meaning, and stories emerge. A Muchaesque Persephone lays among skulls and balances pomegranates. A violet haired seductress is taunted by figures in the shadow... or maybe they are simply her reflection. Crowskin takes traditional stories and reinterprets them: sometimes to communicate her own twist on the plot; sometimes to adapt the ancients to our modern living ideals. “I hope people see my art, and the way I’ve depicted certain icons and they remember myths and ideas are meant to be personal, not mainstream. I want people to understand the world is filled with many viewpoints and they all have merit. I want people to peer into my world and see my perspective of things, and in that perspective – find a bit of their own self as well.” And we do, as we stare into the gentle eyes of Anubis and witness the freckled grin of the Cheshire Cat. Crowskin works and lives in the small town of Brantford, Ontario, Canada where she grew up. Preferring her drawing to playing, she reminisces, “While other kids were playing tag and acting out what they saw on television, I was hidden away with my sketch pad. I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember – so it became a natural progression to try and turn my love and artwork into a career as an artist.“

“I want people to peer into my world and see my perspective of things, and in that perspective – find a bit of their own self as well.”

Learning by trial and error, her process starts with a simple sketch and then is taken to one of the many mediums she works. “When I’m doing digital paintings, I use many layers of painting overlapping to create large pieces which are bright, colorful and detailed. It usually takes a bit longer, and a bit more work, but the overall look is usually worth the effort.” More traditional pieces are executed on canvas, wood board, or even feathers with inks, acrylics, and watercolor. “Both styles have their own unique properties and finished look. “

Art & Soul

featured artist

“Papa Legba” 8” by 14” painting $45 (CAN.)

Labeling herself an “Urban Shaman”, Crowskin’s pieces are not only influenced by paganism but also supported by it. “Often times my spirituality prompts my pieces and is the muse that pushes me past creative blocks that all artists get sometimes. I find many inspirations at gatherings, with my friends or in the beautiful landscape of mythologies and beliefs which flourish with paganism. My art is shared mostly with the pagan community because it is the pagan community that is the foundation to my art. “

“Sekhmet” 16” by 20” painting

At first glance, it is easy to see why pagans are drawn to her art. Crowskin’s influences? “I love mythology, spirituality and old pagan myths and creatures. So often I find myself drawn to creating pieces which showcase them in the way I see them. Often times my pieces are influenced by my dreams, my beliefs, and by many of the myths and stories that I’ve read and heard from others.“ Crowskin partakes in art shows and Pagan Pride gatherings and has plans to expand her show schedule this summer. “In the last few years, I have been far more serious with my art than ever before. I feel a driving force trying to get my art out there and more available to the public. Currently I have many projects on the way, including Tarot decks and greeting cards.”

So come take a walk down fantasy lane, check out Crowskin’s blog and art at www.EyesOfaCrow.com She also has a Deviant Art gallery online at www.

EyesOfaCrow.deviantart.com

“King of Jackals” 11” by 14” print

Wooden Journals • 9” by 12” • $50 (CAN.) each ™• March 2010 • Volume I

15

the Urban Shaman

by Michelle “Crowskin” Bond

Drumming Up Energy Rebirth of the Sacred Heartbeat Listening to the pounding of drums, feeling the intensity and the passion of the rhythm, watching drummers perform with full power and thrashing beats is an amazing experience. More so when bundled next to a raging campfire, watching them dance and play thunderously in the moonlight. Or even a powerful drumming group, performing to a crowd of dancing pagans.

The energy rises, it explodes and envelopes you. I am not one for dancing, but I can feel the rhythm pump through me, stirring the desire to flow with it. I sway and I can’t help it. I bob my head trancelike with the heartbeat of it. And a part so wants me to get lost in that beat. Of course, I do happen to restrain myself - barely, but that energy is such a powerful thing. Used properly, a drumming circle is a magnificent tool for ritual and healing. It can create new beginnings and a deep spiritual rebirth at our very cores. It is a primal energy that even in our modern lives we need to accept and take pride in.

There is power in the music. Not just in the sound of the pounding beats, but even in the taste of the vibrations.

We feel it, we vibrate with it, we dance. We’ve done so for hundreds of years. I’m sure even our cave brethren got their groove on to mourn, to celebrate, or just to be alive.

When we work within the Shamanic journey sometimes we use the energy in the beat of a drum to call us back, and send us out. It’s that energy we follow that gives us strength and guidance. And it’s also a deep energy that we can use to help heal our inner selves. To accept things that are hard to swallow and to release pains and stresses which have been building up. This concept isn’t lost on the modern generation. Ever wonder why the music is pumped up so high at a rave or a wild house party? It’s not only to annoy the neighbors but also the subconscious desire for that energy. We want to feel the bass shake us. We need to feel the music like it’s surrounding us. Through our very spirit we want to have that energy rush through us. We want to live the beat as it tears through our eardrums and makes us move like we’re possessed.

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Given the right beat, you can dance yourself into a trance so deep that even the world falls away. And with that there is a deep drumming rebirth in our very core which shakes off our old burdens and reawakens a sacred healing. If you’ve ever seen a traditional drum circle and heard the drummers sing, you know just how healing the experience is. Both for the drummers and those listening.

All this being said, it amazes me sometimes just how much we forget how powerful it can be. It seems our society at times uses and abuses that which at one time we held as a sacred rite.

We listen to songs about hate and money - with no real meaning. Songs created only by starving musical artists feeding into major publicity pushes and labels, and lacking any story telling at all. We invade our subconscious with such screeching and harsh melodies that it leaves ears hurting and people barely recalling what the song even sounded like. We crank it up so loud blasting anyone nearby with loud lyrics no one even cares about. And we burn out our hearing with earphones and constant noise being pumped in that we aren’t even paying attention to.

Its become noise and background static. We listen because it’s ‘popular’ and ‘cool.’ We are so accustomed to music being used to sell things that the constant musical pollution has made the whole experience somehow less magickal. And as such, most people never really feel it anymore.

But luckily it is in our natures to reconnect. We can use the urban music landscape to bring back the power of the drums and the healing sacred heartbeat. We can use that energy to help rid ourselves of baggage and bring in new energy, rebirth and growth. All we need to do is learn to pay attention.

Never listen to music that doesn’t move you. It’s a waste of your energy. You should always remember that deep down a part of you will always want to groove, release, and

dance. Don’t stifle that part of you. When you lose that part of you that wishes to just break loose and sing head long with the vibrations in the music, then you’ve become far too desensitized to the power and magick weaved in through the audio euphoria. If that happens to be the case, you’re missing out on a lot.

You should never listen to songs you don’t agree with.

It will mess with your head. Remember that music is our modern day version of the bardic circle. Stories told with music are not something we’ve lost over the ages, but something we’ve built on. Every song tells a story to varying degrees, even ones that have absolutely no lyrics. Subconsciously, we pick up on these stories even if our conscious mind turns it out into just the beat of the tones. So choose stories that mean something to you, to reflect positive release and growth.

Most importantly, you don’t need to be strapped into the wilderness with a fire and a circle of drummers to bring you back to the sacred heartbeat of audio euphoria. The city is alive with musical heartbeats. Just stop and breathe. Turn on a song and close your eyes.

For once, stop thinking of everything else rattling in your head. Feel the energy drumming up. Feel the part of you that knows the music. Slowly reawaken yourself to it being alive, and that you as well are so very alive. Then, when you least expect it, you will feel parts of you become reborn again.

Reconnect with that ancient magick. Attune yourself into feeling what music you pump through those ears of yours. Groove and know you aren’t so different from your ancestors: you just have better sound quality on your headphones. You flow, you groove. You channel everything in and out of yourself for a moment. With the right song, it can be a release. A silent companion.

A declaration of soul. Remember: we are seekers and we are workers. We are guardians and we are healers.

All positions need change, revival, renewal, and most of all they need to learn acceptance. Accept who you are, accept your flaws and your strengths. Let yourself go and let your sacred heartbeat ring out.

Modern day music helps reflect that. You only need to learn to listen with your heart. If you can dream it, it can be a reality. If you feel it, it can be alive.

Sometimes rebirth is only the next song on your mp3 player away.

Crank it up and groove.

©2010, Michelle Crowskin Bond ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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Egg

Prepare an for Crafting Supplies: • Raw egg • Hole poking device, such as a pin, needle, or small nail • Air forcing device such as a straw, bulb syringe, or can of air • Vessel to catch contents

Steps: 1. Wash egg. If you are intending to cook and consume the egg’s contents, all supplies need to be cleaned.

2. Poke a small hole in one end of the egg using a twisting, drilling motion.

Choose which end to make the smaller hole in based on what project you will be using it for. You can use a Dremel tool or small drill but I would not recommend it as the pressure from the weight of the tool increases the chance of breakage. I use the egg poker that is attached to the measuring cup that came with the Cuisinart® egg cooker.

3. Poke a larger hole in the other end. Make a smaller hole first, then enlarge it with a larger poking device such as a finishing nail. The larger the hole, the easier to remove the contents of the egg.

4. Break yoke. Use a long needle or pin inserted into the larger hole to stir up the yoke.

5. Remove contents of egg by forcing air through the small hole over a bowl or vessel to catch the contents. The contents will come out the end with the large hole and land in the bowl. Air can be forced through the hole by placing your mouth over the hole and exhaling. If you are worried about bacteria from the uncooked egg, use a straw, bulb syringe, or canned air.

6. Rinse egg. Fill hollowed shell with water via the larger hole and repeat the same action as step 5 for removing the contents. Repeat this a few times until water is clear.

7. Dry shell. Either microwave the shell for 20 to 30 seconds or bake on a low temp, 250 to 300 degrees, for 10 to 15 minutes. The shell can also be air dried for a few days. Microwaving or baking the shell is preferred because it will also kill some of the bacteria from the raw egg contents. Cooking the shell may also make it a little stronger.

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8. Store. Use the egg container to store hollowed out eggs until you are ready to use them.

Handecraft

a how-to by Wendy Beth

Hollowed out egg shells can be used for many different crafting needs including a candle mold, Cascarones (Mexican confetti eggs), and Pysanky (Ukranian Easter eggs). They can be filled with things, painted, covered with polymer clay, and much more. One reason for eggs being used in celebrations at the Vernal Equinox is that chickens cannot lay eggs without at least twelve hours of day light. During the Equinoxes, there is 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark. So the Vernal Equinox is the first day chickens can naturally (without the use of artificial light) lay eggs with the last day being the Autumnal Equinox.

Project Using Your Egg Shell: A Candle Mold Supplies: • Hollowed out egg shell with larger hole in the top, smaller end of egg • Wax such as paraffin or bees wax • Double Boiler or an old pot and a cleaned out large soup can • Wick or natural fiber, thin string soaked in wax and dried.

• Mold seal, poster putty or a bit of gummy eraser can be substituted.

• Spoon or stick for stirring • Pot holders Optional: • Wax color chips or crayon pieces to add color • Essential oils for scent • Herbs for scent • Trinkets, such as a necklace charm or small crystal for making a ‘treasure’ candle.

• Candle paints Steps: 1. Melt wax using the double boiler or fill the old pot part way with water and set the large soup can containing the wax in the water. Melt slowly as wax can catch on fire if it gets too hot. The water should be kept at a very low boil.

the end around a toothpick, straight pin, or needle and rest it on the opening. Seal the bottom hole with mold sealer, poster putty, or a bit of gummy eraser. Then place egg shell back in the carton.

3. Once the wax has melted some stir in any color chip, crayons, essential oils, or herbs. If herbs are being used let them fuse with the wax for a few minutes. The heat will activate the herbs’ scents and allow the fragrance to permeate the wax.

4. Pour the wax into the hollowed egg shell. The carton will hold the egg while pouring. If trinkets are to be added only fill part way, then let it cool a little.

Add the trinkets and finish filling. If there is more than one trinket, they can be layered at different levels by letting the wax cool in between the layers.

5. Once the end has been filled, let it cool completely.

I usually let mine cool overnight.

6. After the wax has cooled, crack and remove the shell. Remove any sealing wax and clip any excess wick left on the bottom.

7. Use the candle as is or decorate with candle paints.

2. While the wax is melting prepare the shell. The top hole needs to be large enough to pour the melted wax into and insert any trinkets. If the hole needs to be enlarged do so carefully. If you are making your own wick, wait for the wax to melt a little and dip the thin string into the melted wax and remove once it is saturated. Lay wicking out straight to dry. Insert the wick in the smaller end at the bottom up through the larger hole at the top. Leave an extra inch at the top. If the wick does not stand up straight on its own wrap ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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Pysanky and the Pagans Pysanky (plural of pysanka) are raw eggs decorated in Ukranian tradition. It is believed the magickal symbolism of eggs may date back to prehistory, as Neolithic graves have been discovered with hollowed and inscribed eggs in them. In the Ukraine, however, the oldest pysanka found dates to arournd 700 B.C. Pysanky were (and still are by some) utilized for fertility, prosperity, and good health. Their intended purpose determined which symbols were inscribed upon them.

With the Christianizing of Europe and the popularizing of Easter, pysanky became better known as “Easter eggs” and is one of the sources of our modern Easter egg practices.

Traditionally, pysanky are whole and raw eggs. Many people now hollow the egg before decorating it in the pysanky manner. (See Handecraft article on previous page) The intricately woven designs of symbols are created by layering dyes and wax onto the surface of the egg. Before chemical dyes, all colors were created from common natural sources, but now “Pysanky Craft Kits” contain all colors including hot pink and turquoise. (These colors can be found naturally but are not common.)

Creating pysanky is a great way to bring Paganism into our modern day Easter traditions. By practicing this egg folk art, one can better remember the symbolism of the season and find our Pagan ties in this Christian holiday. Some circles and families decorate pysanky closer to the Vernal Equinox and choose to call them “Ostara eggs”. Whenever you decide to take on the challenge of this beautiful art, you’ll be sure to have a hand-crafted item to be kept through the years and admired by friends and family, be they Pagan or Christian.

For more information on history, dyes, and symbols, refer to Dan & Pauline Campanelli’s Ancient Ways and Wheel of the Year.

Egg kits are available from www.allthingsukrainian.com/ Tips and trivia at www.learnpysanky.com 20

™• March 2010 • Volume I

TheManor He looked up at the massive old brick house. Easily five stories tall, it was an amazing structure that outclassed all the other houses on the block. Considering that this section of town was built more than 100 years ago, the fact that this house stood out said quite a lot about the original owners. Lumber barons no doubt, he thought to himself, and looked at the house again in wonder, noting the street it was on shared the same name as the original owner. This was to be his new home now, his first time living alone. No roommate, no deception or fighting, only freedom and independence. Freedom and Independence, the thought passed through his mind like a breath of sweet spring air.

He couldn’t have found a better place to start a new life, smiling to himself as he saw the doors of opportunity swing wide. This house had much potential for personal growth and an opportunity to find out what kind of person he truly was. He now had his own sizable space with a bay window, a huge pocket door separating the large sitting room from the bedroom and an old glass block wall in the bathroom. How cool was that!

His space was just a small portion of what the house, appropriately entitled The Manor, had to offer. Upon entering the house one had to climb 12 steps, to a large covered porch complete with grill, table and chairs.

The door to The Manor was a huge oak door, easily 9 feet tall, which opened into a beautiful lobby area. The lobby was complete with oak trim and stained glass windows, padded benches ran the length of 2 walls and

Life’s Wit

by Brian St. Clair

an old couch, still comfy,was in a nook by yet another bay window. It even had a fireplace with a classy tile front and 5 foot mantle.

He truly was in awe over the place, who wouldn’t be?

Because it was so big, the house had 4 floors with apartments, he had to remind himself that this place was a single family dwelling over 100 years ago and had been converted to over 20 units since then. In his mind the true potential of The Manor wasn’t its wonderful architecture or its glorious embellishments, but the simple fact that it had enough space for 24 neighbors. 24 different spaces that would comfort 24 unique souls. He saw the house and immediately felt a warm, drawing energy, as if being wrapped in a warm hug. He felt at peace, even knowing that he had no idea what the future would bring. It didn’t matter, this was a new beginning and that was what mattered. He truly looked forward to what would be and who would be. He felt a bit naive as he thought about various possibilities but wanted to be open all the same.

As he sat on the steps enjoying the early evening air and soaking in his new surroundings, a neighbor he had not met came out of the house. She was tall, with short dark hair, warm welcoming eyes and her face was easily the face kissed by angels, simply stunning he thought. She sat down next to him on the steps, smiled and said “Hi, I’m Anny, would you like a beer?”

He replied “yes” of course. ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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

Dear Lady Fae, I have known for about 5 years now that I am a Wiccan and lacking knowing anyone like me, I have been practicing as a solitary. Recently I have started meeting more people who coincide with my beliefs and I have been able to express myself more openly and freely. I met “a friend-of-a-friend” who actually categorizes himself as pagan and Wiccan too! I am so excited but do not know how to reach out to this person. He apparently has a circle who he meets with regularly to celebrate the sabbat rituals but he seems very guarded and secretive when I try to ask him more questions about it. I need a circle like that (a coven) to practice with! But I do not know him very well and I don’t know his coven at all! What do I do to gain his trust and find my way into either his circle or a similar coven? ~Seeking Social Solitary

Dear Social Solitary, I am so glad that you are meeting more open-minded and accepting people that you feel more comfortable with! It is especially exciting when we meet someone who has our same beliefs, as you say this gentleman does. I know I frequently experience such a surge of relief when someone is accepting of me after I share my spirituality with them. Sometimes that excitement and relief causes me to ask them a lot of questions and want to spend more time with them so we can get to know each other better. I wonder if that happened with you and this gentleman? I also wonder how long you’ve known him? I suspect that he may feel a bit guarded if you are asking about his circle/coven since you both don’t know each other well. Also, keep in mind that circles and covens sometimes have very

specific rules about who can join—which is actually a very wise thing. Circles/covens are very intimate and very connected—you want people with you who share your commitment and beliefs, people you trust and can count on. I would suggest, and I know this may be hard, considering your enthusiasm and passion about connecting with someone like you and having a circle to call your own, that you give it some more time. Time will allow you to get to know this gentleman better— and he may offer an invitation to a ritual when he also feels he can trust you. In the meantime, ask him out for coffee and talk about resources in the area. There may be other circles/covens or at least open rituals that you can attend! Good luck, my dear!

Many blessings, ~ Lady Fae

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

™• March 2010 • Volume I

Music Review

Note This!

Arkona:

And Still the Metal Spirit Rides

Hailing from Moscow, a long growing gem continues to make an impact on the metal scene. Arkona, of Napalm Records, prepares for a very busy year of touring and creative work. The group has no intention of being stopped by anything; which is how they got where they are today. There was a point where things weren’t always busy for them.

Arkona was founded in 2002 by Masha Arhipova and Alexander Korolyov; originally under the name of Hyperborea. Unfortunately they didn’t stay together long due to a loss of interest among the members. Masha, on the other hand, didn’t see this disbanding as reason for her to stop creating music. With the help of the members of Nargathrond, she continued writing and recording.

In no time at all, Nargathrond became the new and improved Arkona. After releasing an album in 2004, the band made an important decision that certainly helped to carry them a long way: do away with synthesized instruments and stick to the true ethnic sounds of their home. This resulted in two happenings that only benefitted them in the best ways possible. One effect of their decision was that they began working with famous folk musician Vladimir Cherepovsky. He was a guest on their album as the ethnic instrumentalist. The other event that took place was one of growth. By dismissing synthesizers from their music, a more authentic sound was achieved; allowing them to extend their reach to death metal, black metal, epic metal, and ballad rock. With their new style of writing, Arkona was ready to go places.

In March of 2008, Arkona played the Ragnar ok ¨ V Festival.

There, they became known and popular to over five thousand people worldwide. Returning to Moscow after the festival, they were presented with a deal to sign with Napalm Records. They kicked off their start with the record

by V.L.

label by doing a 30-day tour that ended with the Brutal Assault Festival. Famous Belgian artist Kris Vorwimp has designed their album covers and books for their last two albums. Because of Masha’s burning spirit, Arkona is here today.

The bands current line-up is as follows: Masha “Scream” Arhipova (vocals), Sergej “Lazar” (guitars), Ruslan “Kniaz” (bass), Vlad “Artist” (drums, keyboards), Vladimir “Volk” (ethnic instrumentation).

The members of the group mesh in a way that current bands don’t. The music is very well written, extremely driven by passion and hard work. They go from face melting metal to lulling ballads to the celebratory epic metal that many listeners love. Arkona doesn’t miss a beat with their lyrics either. True, it’s in Russian; but when you find out the translation, you can’t help but feel uplifted.

Unfortunately, because they haven’t been to America yet, it is very difficult to find their lyrics on the internet in either English or Russian. There are some fellow listeners who have taken the time to post the translated lyrics with the songs on YouTube.

Arkona has upcoming performances in Europe at Paganfest 2010 and Ragnar ok ¨ Festival 7. The official Arkona website is http://arkona-russia.com.

There is an option in the upper left hand corner to make the site’s language Russian or English. You can also find Arkona on MySpace and Facebook. Honestly, there aren’t really any other groups that sound like Arkona; though Dragonforce comes close. Give Arkona a listen; they’ll bring out the Viking in you.

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

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The Pagan Edge

Book Review A Book of Pagan Prayer

by Ceisiwr Serith, 2002 ISBN: 1578632552

“Pagans have prayers?” I could think of incantations, chants, poems, and other phrases, but I couldn’t think of a prayer, at least not anything like Christian prayers. I was intrigued. And I thought, “Wouldn’t the readers of Pagan Edge want to know about pagan prayers too?”

Ceisiwr Smith begins the book by discussing prayer— what it is, why we should do it, how to do it, how to prepare for prayer, and finally, how to compose your own prayers. Just as I thought, Smith confirms that pagans don’t have many prayers, at least not written down. She strove to remedy that by creating this book.

I enjoyed this first section of the book primarily for its definitions and instructions. I liked learning about prayers and offerings and why they are important.

Smith also encourages preparation for pray and I think this is something we are all familiar with. She discusses cleansing and safe spaces, making prayer a smaller form of ritual, making it sacred. That is a lovely idea, in my opinion. Perhaps my favorite part was when Smith discusses the ways we pray—she includes music, dance, and motion in addition to posture and words.

The prayer section is the majority of the book. The prayers were written by Smith herself. She talks of how she tried to create prayers that could be general to any tradition within paganism, but she also wrote prayers to specific traditions and deities. What results is a lovely mix of prayers for nearly any occasion! She separates the prayers into chapter groups for a particular purpose.

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For example, prayers for different times of the year or different times of the month, thanksgiving prayers, and petitionary prayers—and those are certainly not the only categories.

The only thing that I dislike about the prayer section is the chapter on prayers for different times of the year. I would have liked to see prayers for the sabbats.

Smith only splits the prayers up by season and talks of specific events in each season—like hunting in the fall, gardening in the spring, the beach in the summer, and early and late winter.

Here is a prayer I chose from the book for spring, to give you a little taste.

Blessed be Eostre, springtime queen, blessed in all the signs of warmth’s return, blessed in the scent of thawing Earth, her own true incense rising up in her praise.

Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye

by Victoria Laurie, 2004 ISBN: 0451213637

I think psychics are cool and I have a great respect for them, but I think they are portrayed incorrectly in fiction and the media way too often. So, I was delighted to stumble upon Victoria Laurie! Laurie is a psychic herself and I think that gives her in edge in writing her mysteries. She truly understands the complications, frustrations, and ethical issues that arise as a psychic and presents them in a clear and practical way as her character, Abby, encounters them.

This first book in the Psychic Eye Mysteries introduces

by Faelin Wolf Abby. As I mentioned above, she’s an excellent main character—a strong independent woman with her own psychic consultation business. One of Abby’s clients is found dead and Abby becomes involved in the investigation and of course, involved with the head detective, Dutch. Romance too!

In addition to being a good mystery story, I like that this book also explored some of the issues that I would imagine someone who is psychic would encounter. For example, Abby blames herself for not having “seen” her client’s death and throughout the book, she struggles to resolve that guilt. Also, Dutch does not believe that Abby is psychic and I think Laurie portrays Abby’s struggles in the face of his skepticism well.

One minor dislike—the books are set in Royal Oak, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. For you Michiganders, beware. There are some small inaccuracies that threw me off on occasion, but not enough to stop reading or enjoying the books!

Get to reading this great series--you’ve got seven books, so far, to read! That’s sure to keep you busy until the snow melts and the warmth returns!

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 ___________________________ 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 ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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Scribes’ Tablet

Poetry from Our Readers

Magic

A Druid’s Song

I ask myself in the dead of night What is this magic what is this might Is it the curse of an old wizened maid With a twisted wand from Hazel made Or is it a potion from some secret blend To alter another or their life just to end Then maybe it’s a spell or dire incantation That weaves a web with no protection Perhaps at some level this may, with strain Effect a change, but then again It isn’t what I would call magic

I am the servant at the temple door I am the Raven, I am the claw

Magic for me is the first ray of dawn It’s a clump of daffodils in a country lawn A childs first breath or a stormy sea These hold so much more magic for me A spiders web hung with dew The tiniest egg that to human grew But far away more magical than this Was the moment our lips first touched in a kiss Then my heart beat so fast I was happy to die And my soul sang a song as it learned how to fly And thats what I would call magic

I am the one who calls out your name I am the Druid, guardian of the flame

Shaun William Hayes

Shaun William Hayes

I am a priest from far Atlantis I am the wisdom of the Praying Mantis I am the teller of the magical lore I am the Shaman on the sunset shore I am the Merlin serving his queen I am the healer of the terrible dream

I am the circle around the great lake I am the wanderer who stands at the gate

Shaun Hayes lives close to the New Forest in southern England. He has been a practising druid and member of OBOD for over ten years. He is a poet, ritualist, co-leader of the Sylvan Grove (an OBOD grove that meets in the New Forest to celebrate the eight fold year) and has experience in hosting workshops on ritual and meditation. He spent ten years as a spiritualist in his mid twenties to mid thirties training as a healer. Interests include the western mystery traditions, Kabbala, Arthurian legends and riding his motorcycle.

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“Claudia” the Turtle Name: Claudia. My name was Clyde but then they figured out I was a girl.

Nickname: Baby Girl Breed: Painted Turtle Favorite Book: ‘Thirteen Moons on a Turtle’s Back’ by Joseph Bruchac

Fabulous Familiars

Birthdate: I’m not sure. I was rescued from a drain grate at a mechanic shop about three years or so ago. I was the size of a quarter. Now I am the size of a pancake.

Favorite Movie: Waterworld

Guilty Pleasures: digging in the rocks, annoying the pleco, and letting the pleco clean my shell.

I pretend to hate her but I love it when she cleans my shell.

Sports played: Swimming and fishing

Ambitions: Become a mob boss.

What I enjoy about living the pagan lifestyle: I enjoy the appreciation for nature. Although my turtle mommy would not approve, I also enjoy indulging in the blood rights of ritually sacrificing goldfish

Favorite Resting Spot: My wooden dry dock for basking and inside the sunken bell for under water napping.

Favorite TV show: Warehouse 13 Favorite song: “Smoke On the Water” by Deep Purple

Jobs before being explorer/nomad

a

familar:

Submit your Fabulous Familiar’s photos & stats to chief-editor@paganedge.com

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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 ™• March 2010 • Volume I

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™• March 2010 • Volume I