Ravens’ Call
THE TASMANIAN PAGAN ALLIANCE, INC. NEWSLETTER
S PR ING /S UMMER 2012
N UMBER 59
Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012
Contents
www.taspainc.com
the Team State Coordinator
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Editorial
4
Eye of Newt
6
Jo’s Crystals - Moonstone
7
Green Practical Magic
8
Feature Article Eamrline’s Feast - Heather Jensen
11
Through a Sylvan Doorway - CD
12
AWC 2012 reports
Secretary
15
TPA Friendly Businesses
16
Imbolc Review
Mandhi Allen
17
Luna Journey
17
Burning Times
18
Traditional or Old Craft Witching, an introduction - By Lee Morgan
21
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
21
Mulled Wine recipe
22
Lughnasadh - Harvest Festival
23
Moot Reports
27
Internet Interest
27
Treasury Report
28
SBA 2012
29
Familiar Friends - Ally
Postal Address PO Box 1127 Launceston TAS 7250
30
What’s On
31
PFB - Otherworld candles
32
The Herb Obsession
Disclaimer: The views contained within the Ravens’ Call newsletter are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or members of the Tasmanian Pagan Alliance, Inc. Likewise, the advertisements are placed in good faith and do not signify endorsement by the editor or members of the Tasmanian Pagan Alliance, Inc.
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SC report
34
Workshop Report - Tricia Szirom
36
Pagan Profiles
38
Yule Ball 2013
Jess Steers taspainc@gmail.com
Regional Coordinator Mel Dolliver melsteers76@yahoo.com
Treasurer Terri Baran thegeekwitch@gmail.com
Moot Convenors
Ravens’ Call
Hobart - Allannah Turner Launceston - Mel Ell North-West - Jo Corvinus
Editor - Mel Dolliver Proof-reader - Jan Walker Graphic Designer - Terri Baran Printer - Mandhi Allen
© Copyright 2012 Tasmanian Pagan Alliance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Back Page - Membership Form
The Pagan Alliance Ethic
Love & Kinship with nature. Reverence for the life force & its ever-renewing cycles of life & death. Each individual is responsible for discovering & developing his/her own true nature in harmony with the greater world, & takes full responsibility for his/her actions. Acceptance of the many-faceted nature of Divinity: Acceptance that divinity exists in many forms, & can be worshipped/respected as male, female, androgynous, or in a form beyond human definition.
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By now we’ve passed the time of Imbolc and the Spring Equinox, I can feel the earth gaining momentum as we hail the Goddess Flora who is arm in arm with the Green man, weaving and winding the dance of love and joy around the May pole. This surely is the most lush season of growth and ever increasing light…
Mel Dolliver - Editor
This edition is #59…so…the next RC out will be…..issue 60!!! *whoop - whoop* Can you believe it? 15 years of Ravens’ Calls. So I have devised a masterful plan of awesome – for this very special anniversary the whole issue will feature our fantastic and spunky pagan men! All the reports, reviews and articles will be man-made ;-) Fellas send me your content… melsteers76@yahoo.com.au
I have found great pleasure discovering bush trails in my local area during this spring time and it’s just amazing watching the Tassie bush landscape move through seasons. I had never been aware of the diversity of colour and wildflowers! This connection to the realm of ‘out doors’ is working beautifully in opposition to hours spent on the computer or traveling in the car, I can feel my energy waxing instead of waning *yay* This issue is brimming to overflowing with pagan events, either reports on festivals, invitations to Sabbat events or opportunities to attend future workshops and festivals Even as you read this I’m probably at a pagan event!!
Due Date for articles - 13th January
The Silver Broomstick Awards BBQ held in Deloraine this year should a hoot, join us in appreciation of PA members who’ve been an awesome help this year – and enjoy the free Barby too :-D Lughnasadh 2013 our annual harvest festival is kicking off on the first weekend of February – details on page 20. Our TAS PA calendar project was just completed, so any lagging orders need to be finalised – I just can’t wait to pin up my 2013 TAS Pagan Alliance calendar for the first time – so exciting!!
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Quinoa
(pronounced Qin-wah or Kin-wah) originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru, where it was successfully domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for human consumption. A similar species of quinoa, were grown and domesticated in North America as part of the Eastern Agricultural Complex before maize agriculture became popular, which has a widespread distribution in the northern hemisphere, produces edible seeds and greens much like quinoa, but in smaller quantities. The nutrient composition is very good compared with common cereals. Quinoa grains contain essential amino acids like lysine and good quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Quinoa has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (14% by mass), yet not as high as most beans and legumes. Nutritional evaluations of quinoa indicate that it is a source of complete protein. Quinoa is also a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. After harvest, the grains need to be processed to remove the coating containing the bitter-tasting saponins. Quinoa grains are in general cooked the same way as rice and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Quinoa leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth, but the commercial availability of quinoa greens is limited. The Incas, who held the crop to be sacred, referred to quinoa as chisaya mama or 'Mother of all Grains', and it was the Inca emperor who would traditionally sow the first seeds of the season using 'golden implements'. During the European conquest of South America, the Spanish colonists scorned quinoa as 'food for Indians', and even actively suppressed its cultivation, due to its status within indigenous non-Christian ceremonies. In fact, the conquistadores forbade quinoa cultivation for a time and the Incas were forced to grow wheat instead. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is being considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for longduration human occupied spaceflights. 2013 has been declared International Year of Quinoa by the United Nations.
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Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf
Quinoa Tabouli
Quick - easy - gluten free - vegan Quinoa casserole recipe
This tabouli recipe is a bit different than the regular tabouli recipe, instead of using split wheat like traditional tabouli, this recipe uses quinoa. It is a grain that is available at most health food stores. It looks and, is said to tastes, better than split wheat. Non vegetarian people enjoy quinoa tabouli, it's a great meal for a hot summer day and another fantastic recipe to add to your cooking arsenal.
Total Prep and Cook Time: 45 Minutes 1 cup quinoa 1 celery stick chopped small ½ red capsicum chopped small ½ cup cooked chickpeas 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 - 3 garlic cloves 1 Tablespoon peeled & minced fresh ginger ½ teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 bay leaf ¼ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ground coriander ¼ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon thyme leaf ½ teaspoon salt 1 ¾ cup water or veg stock Optional: 2 cups chopped spinach or chard OR ¼ cup chopped parsley OR 1/2 cup frozen peas Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Recipe makes 4 servings 2 cups water 1 cup quinoa 1 pinch salt ¼ cup olive oil ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup lemon juice 1 clove garlic 3 chopped tomatoes 1 chopped cucumber 1 bunch chopped chives or 3 spring onions 1 cup chopped parsley
Directions: Soak quinoa 5 minutes, rinse twice, leave to drain. Heat olive oil on medium low heat in a saucepan or sauté pan. Peel and mince garlic and ginger, sauté with mustard seeds for 5 minutes. Chop celery and red capsicum; add to pan and sauté another five minutes. Mix in the bay leaf, turmeric, coriander & cumin. Turn the heat to medium high. Add the quinoa and stir until its dry and starting to pop. Add 1 ¾ cup hot water or veg stock and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in the optional greens, spinach or parsley or peas, and fresh ground pepper. Cover and cook 5 more minutes, then serve. Feeds 4 good serves.
Directions In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature; fluff with a fork. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, lemon juice, garlic, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions and parsley. Stir in cooled quinoa.
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Moonstone
I have always liked the saying ‘when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.’ When I look back over the journey of my life so far I can see that this has definitely been the case, however at the time I have not always appreciated the opportunity and the lessons that were brought with it. The
Later, when I started to explore my psychic abilities
first time Moonstone came into my life was one of these
further, I was drawn to wearing Moonstone as I
times. I had not long moved out of home and in with my
found it gave me the confidence to trust my
boyfriend and we were still in a period of adjustment when
intuition and to then be able to communicate this
he gave me my first Moonstone crystal, in the form of a pendant. The gift was to help me to
“When I am drawn to
‘deal with my mood swings at that time of the
Moonstone I am seeking a
month.’ As luck would have it the beauty of the pendant saved the gift bearer the pain that would normally follow such a statement and I
link to my feminine, creative and intuitive side”.
clearly and truthfully in the world. Its balancing effects enabled me to confidently
use
my
intuition on a day to day basis. As is the way with crystals the more that I
dutifully wore the pendant at the time I was
worked with Moonstone the more I found its
instructed. Perhaps it was the nature of our introduction or the fact that I wasn’t ready to learn this lesson but it took me many years to fully appreciate the gifts that Moonstone had to offer. Each month I would faithfully wear my Moonstone
nurturing feminine energy was what I needed in order to release some of the issues I had about expressing my emotions and creativity along with going willingly with the cycles of my body.
pendant in order to keep harmony in my household and
In the last few years I have come to realise that
not let PMS rule supreme. These were my conscious actions
when I am drawn to Moonstone I am seeking a link
but as is the way with crystals the energy of Moonstone
to my feminine, creative and intuitive side. To me its
subconsciously began to reveal its other gifts to me. As the
milky blue or white surface reflects the Moon and
name suggests its energies are linked very closely with the
all of the mysteries that She contains. I feel
Moon and as I became more aware of my own physical
connected not only to the cycles of the Moon but to
cycles I also became more aware of the cycles of the Moon
the Earth as well, as if the energies of the Moon are
waxing and waning. I started to feel drawn to Moonstone
being grounded in the Earth through the crystal that
coming up to the Full Moon as it seemed to have a
was formed in her depths. Its colouring is
balancing and calming effect on my emotions at that time
mysterious with hints of other colours under the
as well.
surface, like a still pool of water that runs deeper than is first thought. The blue flashes under the surface (officially called chatoyancy) remind me of the inner strength and resolve that is contained within us all, awaiting the time it will be invoked. A time that might feel like great darkness but we are
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Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012 our own Moons containing the light that we need to find
our
way
back
to
our
paths.
More recently I have noticed that when I wear Moonstone to bed I find that I have more lucid dreams that I am able to remember in the morning. Some are rather bizarre but others have allowed me to reflect on a problem or situation in my life by showing me a different way of looking at it. I have done a lot of travelling in the last few months and one of the stones that has come with me every time is my Moonstone. I found its calming and balancing energies kept me safe by providing a clear path to my intuition at all times. Moonstone has also been described as the stone of new beginnings. When I look back on our journey together I can see that Moonstone has indeed played
Moonstone
its part in awakening an understanding in me of my intuitive self and how I am linked to the cycles of the Moon and the Earth.
A plastic milk bottle can evolve into so much more! For those who are always looking for clever ways to re-use everyday items. Shared by Lynda Whatley-Wood from her Facebook page. 7
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FEATURE ARTICLE arriving in the early morning in the hope she would not be seen and hiding amongst the trees. But now her muscles were tiring. She arched her back, spread As her wings shifted ever so slightly, the great beast her wings out as far as they would reach and gave turned, heading for the sun. Ermaline looked down her whole body a little wriggle in an attempt to get on the people miles below and wondered that the blood flowing again. something so small and insignificant could be so tasty. Damn shame they fight back, she thought, Finally there was movement. The people began to wincing at the fresh scar on her side that had emerge from their dwellings, bringing food to the blistered from the heat of their torches. It was a bad large table that had been set up earlier in the day. burn, and not for the first time did she wonder why Ermaline watched from her hiding place, licking her she was not fire proof outside as well as in. But it lips as the mingled scent of raw human and cooked would heal, and she would be back, these humans beast wafted up to her nose. She crouched low, were too good to resist. watching and waiting as the group grew larger, and when she could wait no longer sprung herself *** forward, head tilted, mouth open, her great jaws It was a month before Ermaline had the chance to closing on... return to the village. The wound they had inflicted Nothing. on her was worse than she had realised flying back to her rocky home. It had been days before she had Ermaline opened her eyes to find the people still the energy and strength to hunt again, and then it running, only just out of her reach. She lurched was only that which she could reach from the shore, forward again, tried to spread out her wings for snapping the odd sea bird out of the air or diving extra propulsion but something had caught them. her great head into the waters to scoop up fish and She tried again, now aware of the sound of otters and seaweed. But now she was well enough something whistling through the air and then there to fly again. Though still tender, the scar was was an extra weight on her back, pulling her down. healing, at least well enough so far as Ermaline was Ropes covered her face and Ermaline twisted and concerned. But her diet of sea food and land animals writhed, trying to lose whatever it was that was bored her and she longed for that tasty little snack; hampering her movement. She twisted again, the loving the twiggy crunch their bones made as she net getting tighter around her, and suddenly there chewed, with just enough meat on them to give it a was a sharp searing pain in her side – her scar, mellow, subtle flavour. She was addicted. barely healed was torn open again. Ermaline roared. She twisted, trying to see what caused such pain Normally Ermaline did not bother with night time and in doing so tripped and fell, landing with a hunting, not for these creatures who hid themselves crash on the human’s just lit bonfire. The spear away in their little wooden caves as soon as the sun poking out of her flesh was forced deeper as the disappeared. But today was the equinox, when day freshly lit embers burned her skin and Ermaline sent and night were equal, and she had watched them another roar echoing through the valley, but the long enough to know that tonight there would be a sheer size of her body smothered the flames festival, the entire village gathered together around preventing further damage. a huge bonfire. She found herself salivating at the thought – mouthful after mouthful of crunchy A cheer arose in the crowd; the great beast had been deliciousness. caught. People rushed forward, pitchforks at the ready, when suddenly she rolled, her tail swishing She had been sitting on this rock since dawn, around and knocking half a dozen men to the
Ermaline’s Feast
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FEATURE ARTICLE ground. She shook her head, a great roar emanating from deep within as she struggled against the ropes. She belched a great flame from her mouth, instantly killing two men, and severely singeing a third. Everyone backed away. None could get near her now – she was too wild.
taller than he. She watched patiently. These humans, they treat all other creatures as though they are inferior. Yet she could communicate with all the creatures of the land and sea, and he, insignificant being that he was, could not. She blinked once, twice. He took it as a sign she was not able to fight back and moved a few steps closer.
“We should wait till she’s tired out from fighting so much,” one man said. Ermaline swung her head “Not long now hey.” He stepped forward into around and the people ran in all directions as something sticky and glanced down to see the large another flame burst from her mouth. pool of blood that had been seeping from Ermaline’s wound. “Guess your death won’t be as pain free as “Those bonds won’t hold her till then,” another it could’ve been. That’s karma for you – kill us, and shouted, pointing to the dragons head. The net had we’ll kill you.” already burnt through around her mouth, and as she wriggled her head the ropes under her chin fell Ermaline snorted, and the man jumped back away. nervously. Silly little man she thought. I only kill for food, unlike you. It’s your fault anyway for being so tasty. “We’ve got to do something.” She snorted again, laughing at the absurdity of her Another net was fetched, and thrown over the thought. Her laugh turned to a whimper at the pain dragon’s head. A small group distracted her, that shot through her body. daringly dancing in and out of reach of her flames as The whimper he recognised. “You stop fighting, let men on Ermaline’s opposite side weighed the net us get close, and we might make it a quick death for down with rocks, before changing positions. It was you hey, nice and easy. Good long sword between too late when Ermaline realised what was the eyes, you won’t know what’s happened.” happening. The gash in her side was tearing open even further with every movement she made, and Except you silly man, I will. She thought. Gods forbid now the weight of the rocks made the net heavy that I should return to earth as one of you folk. I’d really over her, hampering movement even more. With the rather be a cockroach. last of her strength she stood, muscles straining, He nodded, apparently satisfied with his own then let out one last terrifying roar, leaving the account of things. villagers scurrying for cover, and collapsed again “She’s still breathing fairly well,” he called to the onto the earth. others gathered in the distance. “If we try now, I Ermaline’s strength was gone. Still she had done reckon she’ll fight back. Best wait another day.” enough damage for the villagers to be wary of her “Alright. We’ll post some lookouts tonight; the rest movements. They stayed away, watching her from a of us can grab a decent night’s sleep. We’ll put her safe distance. out of her misery tomorrow.” It took two days before anyone approached. “And have fun doing it!” The jibe was followed by a Ermaline was rested, but hungry. She heard the man deafening roar, as Ermaline tried to convey that she coming and opened one large cavernous eye to understood. The men scurried away, the two left to watch him. guard her returning to their spot by a freshly lit fire. In the distance she made out a group of curious “Not dead then hey dragon,” he said, stopping with children, eager to see a dragon up close, yet terrified enough distance for an easy escape should it be to get too near. One of the men caught sight of them, necessary. He looked at her one open eye, easily
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FEATURE ARTICLE and she watched as the children turned and walked back to the village, clearly upset at the instructions they had been given. Ermaline closed her eyes, willing sleep. She hoped the next few hours would pass quickly. It took time, but finally she drifted off. She dreamed of the villagers rushing her with pitchforks, of the axe that had carved the deep valley in her side, of her last taste of human flesh, too good to resist. It was all worth it, she thought. Nothing worthwhile comes for free. Suddenly she felt a scratch on her back. It has started, she thought, waiting, but instead of cold metal tearing through her skin, Ermaline felt the weight of the nets lifted, and then she too was being carried. She opened an eye to see a shadow cover the ground, the two guard men running in terror. She did not need to look up; she knew if she did she would see a creature even greater than she. One whose wing span could easily cover her, and had on many occasions. Ermaline felt an overwhelming relief as the massive talons enveloped her, carrying her up and away to safety. “I have told you to keep away from the humans, Ermaline. Just because they are small does not mean they are weak. You must not underestimate them.” Ermaline nodded. “I’ll stay away from the village,” she promised her mother reluctantly, sad at the thought that she would never again enjoy the taste of human flesh. She glanced down and spotted a distant shepherds hut, and began to wonder. She had promised to stay away from the village, not the entire human race. Perhaps she did not have to go without after all. *** *Ermaline’s Feast received an honorary mention in Five Stop Story’s April Competition and was published in June on their website: www.fivestopstory.com/read/story.php?storyId=2539
"Heather Jensen has been an avid reader and writer since before she can remember (says her mother), though it has only been in the last twelve months that she has taken her writing seriously. Ermaline’s Feast was published in June, and since then Heather has published a further seven stories, with four more awaiting publication later in the year. She prefers to write fantasy, though she does dabble in other genres as the mood takes her. Heather lives with her partner and children in rural Tasmania."
NEXT ISSUE #60 Summer/Autumn
Due Date for articles 13th December 10
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Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012
Spiral Dance New Double Album!!
Our favourite Australian Pagan folk-rock band Spiral Dance have a treat for our ears and tunes sure to get us jigging on the dance floor! ‘Though a Sylvan Doorway’ moves into the realm of the Goddess and the Green Man, sings songs of the Horned One and will dance into the greenwood at Midsummer. Haunting tunes of long passed ancestors fade into the deep melody of the spirit of trees and the legend of Odin’s Wild Hunt. So far the ‘Spirit of Albion’ (track 3 CD 1) and ‘Feet of Clay’ (track 5 CD2) take turns playing in our head!
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What a lovely weekend! Arriving at the ferry and seeing so many friendly faces gathered at the cafe - some familiar, some new - instantly gave me a great feeling of joy. I attended three fantastic workshops - the beautiful and deep Lucy Cavendish, an athame class with Ian Hamilton chock full of fascinating info, and the always interesting and knowledgeable Doug Ezzy. The ritual felt energised and exciting, with everyone being divided into the four elements to play our part. Being still relatively new to ritual myself, it was a treat to participate.
And the Morris dancers, the fire sword, and
more‌Of course a major highlight of the weekend was Spiral Dance. What a talented bunch, such a pleasure to dance to!! The bush setting of the island was very special.
Having trails to take a
momentary breather and connect with nature was a delight. But with all that gorgeous sparkling water around, the desire to pop in a kayak was very high :) Having the opportunity over the weekend to meet so many new people and continue conversations with those I already know...I'm feeling fortunate, very blessed.
I look forward to the years ahead, deepening friendships!
For me, that's the main reason I finally worked up the courage to get over my remnant shyness and join the Pagan community for the first time at AWC 2011, to make new friends of like mind. The AWC seems to be such a perfect venue for this. Can't wait for NT 2013!
Report by Alaina Nowak
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When I first saw Gede I wondered just what kind of person he was. He was wearing a blue dress – his witches robe and looked rather young and – dare I say – naïve and effeminate. I did not expect to see much of him at the conference, but I was curious. On Saturday I chose to go to the workshop about working and teaching in cyberspace. And, there he was. He started by introducing himself as an ecstatic witch who practices with aspects of the Fey and the Reclaiming traditions. This was getting interesting because I know little about either tradition. I have experienced ritual with Starhawk, a leader in the Reclaiming Tradition. She had explained little and taken a very effective ritual to finish her address in Hobart some years ago. I had also read a little on the Reclaiming website.
Gede co-lead the Fire Group in the Main Ritual
Gede talked about the programs he uses on the net, i.e. Skype, without the camera on, and email. He emphasized the need to make a connection with the person he is teaching, and mentioned the issue of personalities matching and being able to work together. He likes to meet the person face to face at least once each year. He said that the voice is the connection, so much is conveyed by speech, hence the use of skype. Gede talked for a time then proceeded to demonstrate what he was talking bout by leading a ritual. By this time I had concluded that he really knew what he was talking about and I was impressed. I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation and felt I had gained from it. On Sunday morning I decided to go to Gede’s ritual. The reclaiming tradition emphasizes healing the earth and this ritual was dedicated to that, rather than self healing. Gede taught us two chants. We created the circle, and then we proceeded to power raising. This was achieved by holding hands, chanting, and dancing (running) around the circle. The energy that Gede puts into ritual became obvious, with the speeding up of the dance, and his increase in volume and intensity. This so contrasted with the more sedate ritual often practiced by many wiccans. Gede’s contribution deepened my knowledge of the craft and led me to feeling deeply centred and at peace when I was on the train traveling from the conference. Report by Richard
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This year's AWC was a great weekend, and it was so nice to spend the time chatting to people, attending workshops, and generally
relaxing
-
especially
after
last
year!
The location was beautiful, and the weather was amazing, and it was great to attend with so many Tasmanians - I think we had 9 in total!
As always there were many highlights for the weekend, and although many moments were amazing dancing to Spiral Dance, seeing a python up close, meeting authors such as Roxanne Bodsworth and Gede Parma, the absolute highlight for me would be attending Lucy Cavendish's workshop. You never really know what famous pagans are going to be like, and I was really excited to find Lucy to be a likeable, down to earth, smart lady. Her workshop was called ‘Modern Primitives’, and she spoke about tribal people - about our ancestors, looking after ourselves, and becoming aware of your history and how that affects the people we are today, and most importantly, our magical practices.
Lucy's thoughts and ideas were practical, relevant, and very much in line with my own path and thoughts, and it was an absolute pleasure to hear her speak and discuss her ideas. Even a month on, I'm still thinking about that workshop and putting into place some of the ideas discussed in the circle. If you ever have the opportunity to meet Lucy in the real, I really recommend that you do.
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Report by Jess
TPA Friendly Businesses Purchasing supplies, gifts or even a present for yourself is best done with our TPA Friendly Businesses! Not only are you supporting those who support us, but you’re also ensuring these great pagan friendly businesses can continue to offer great goods and services to the community. If you would like your ad to be displayed on this page, please contact Jess: taspainc@gmail.com
Pagan Marriage Celebrant Jan Walker Weddings, Handfastings, Vow Renewals, Commitments, Namings, Wiccanings Phone: 03 6266 3685 Mobile: 0400 006 828 Email: janwalker@skymesh.com.au www.wix.com/janwalker/janwalkercmc
Kindred Drums Mike & Cheryl Maddock Each drum is made slowly by hand, with a lot of love and attention to detail and each has its own sound and resonance so that it becomes part of its owner.
Phone: Email: Web:
Creators of quality hand poured candles made from 100% organic beeswax sourced locally right here in the Meander Valley, Tasmania. Custom orders welcome! www.facebook.com/OtherworldCandles Email: OtherworldCandles@live.com.au
(03) 6265 9405 cherylandmike@bigpond.com www.wix.com/mikemaddock/ kindred-drums
Stay tuned for more businesses on the way, including:
Dragon’s Realm (Burnie) Seppenfelts (Deloraine) Babylon Bookshop (Hobart)
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Imbolc Review Imbolc is a time of year I love. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of Spring.
We are
mid-way between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and there are already snowdrops in the garden, glistening white amidst the dreary greyness, a reminder of the warmer months, and a signal of Spring as it stirs in the earth, awakening new energies. As the warming rays of the sun are starting to thaw the frozen earth, and new life is popping up everywhere, we had another great TPA event for Imbolc this year at the Carnacoo Scout Camp at Paper Beach.
After all had arrived and organised
themselves, we had a wonderful Imbolc ritual outside under an awesome starry sky with a wonderfully warm and glowing bonfire, led by Jo who had a communal healing well dedicated to the Goddess Brigid, that we all brought some water from our own areas to add to. We even had a cute little native animal, I think it may have been a potoroo, join us during the ritual (who decided that a candle was quite tasty and ate a fair bit of it!) Then we all had a wonderful feast of all kinds of goodies to indulge ourselves in. Then it was time for the movies. Mel put together an excellent variety of interactive, game playing, prize winning snippets from pagan movies. Great prizes were donated by some wonderful people, and lots of popcorn and drinks. Unfortunately I don’t watch much TV so I only managed to win 3 chockies for the whole night! The kids were a lot quicker than most of us adults – even with ones they shouldn’t have watched anyway!!! I may not have won any prizes but I do have lots more to watch – ones I haven’t seen and some I hadn’t even heard of. After a short and positive AGM on Sunday morning it was time to pack up and go back to the normal routine. I had a wonderful weekend in another beautiful spot in Tassie that I haven’t visited before and it was great to catch up with people and meet some new ones.
So looking forward to the next event.
Blessings Jan
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We feel powerful tides ebb and flow in our emotions, our bodies, depending on the phases of the moon. We feel her push us and then tighten the pull. The energy of the moon is a personal journey...
With Leanne
How do we say “Moon” in other languages?
Fairy Moon Song Have you ever wished to be the very one you are Have you ever tried to ski a moon beam to a star And have you dipped your fingers In the rainbows pot of gold Or seen the sun at daybreak and watched a dream unfold For I have heard the raindrops laugh and whisper – ‘how are you’ And every day’s a moonlit day when sharing it with you.
Spanish – Luna French – Lune German – Mond Chinese – Yue Japanese – Tsuki Korean – Dac Arabic – Kamar Portuguese – Lua Czech – Mesic Dutch – Maan Hawaiian – Mahina Hungarian – Hold Turkish – Ay Serbian – Mesec
The Burning Times I love a roaring fire in the winter time and my first task on arriving home is to cut sticks for the fire and then to light it. I am not a person who reads newspapers but I still seem to collect a pile of them to use as fire starters. One day recently I was setting my fire for the night and scrunching up random newspaper pages to put under the sticks, when a picture caught my attention. I un-scrunched the piece of paper and looking carefully at the picture I realised that I had nearly burnt a picture and article about Cindy Watkins and the opening of her new gallery space in Deloraine. How bad that would have been, a witch burning a witch in this day and age! Sorry Cindy. From Jo 17
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Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012 way of defining the path sometimes known as ‘Trad
Traditional or Old Craft Witching – an introduction
Craft’ – one that doesn’t simply rely on ‘it’s not Wicca’ to explain itself.
By Lee Morgan
When
the
term
‘Traditional
Witchcraft’
first
appeared in the pagan community there was a lot of ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ has to be one of the most misunderstood terms in the pagan world. Some people think it means any form of witchcraft that follows ‘a tradition’ that you have to be initiated into. Other people get it confused with Traditional Wicca, which basically refers to the Gardnerian and Alexandrian paths. For this reason a lot of people like to say ‘Old Craft’ instead – though this itself can open dispute with those who believe Wicca to equally well represent an ‘old’ form of witchcraft!
talk about who had it, what it was, and whose was ‘authentic’. Most people who used the term at the time would have told you that unless you had an initiation from one of a small number of authentic lines (most of them in Britain) then you had little right to be interested in it, let alone involved in Traditional Craft. In fact don’t even bother being curious, it’s not for you, just go away! Over the past fifteen years this unfriendly approach has softened somewhat, at least in some quarters,
So in this article I’m going to try and cut through some of this confusion and hopefully find a positive
probably due to the increased availability of scholarship on the topic. Trial records from historical witchcraft cases have been unloaded to the internet, an increasing number of academics are tackling
the
business
of
bringing
together
information from all different countries and trying to make sense of how our ancestors practiced the Craft. There has even been a very honest and profound attempt to separate out what testimonies could be seen as useful and which ones were contaminated through the use of torture – rather than a blanket assumption that all the witchcraft trial records are useless because everyone was tortured into confessing. In fact, it has only really been over the past ten years that scholars have started to compare material in the The Stang: A stang is often erected as the central point of an outdoor ritual in Traditional Craft, it represents both the Witch-father and the World Tree. Here is a link on the use of the stang: http://afwcraft.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/ witches-stang.html
trial records with folklore and see that even if the accused was making the story up to satisfy their captors, they were often still drawing on the folklore they knew about witchcraft in that era. In
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this way even a faked confession can be a treasure trove of information about beliefs and practices of the era. These days there are a lot of different ‘points of entry’ into Traditional Witchcraft, or Old Craft. There are still some Threads that believe initiation via a reputable line is the only way to go. Yet in reality most of the major writers on the topic, including Andrew Chumbley whose work is one of the leading influences on the movement, suggest mysteriously that if a person is meant for that style of Craft it will find them in some way. But before we talk about how to pursue an interest in the topic, let us look more closely at what this term has come to mean.
Magic at a working hearth.
Here are two definitions of ‘traditional witchcraft’ from two leading figures in the practice.
‘mysticism.’ This is quite important because most Traditional Crafters will admit to a mixture of
Michael Howard, editor of The Cauldron and ‘cunning folk’ practices and ‘grimoire material’ in author of many books on the Old Craft defines it as: their traditions, and are often more inclined to ‘any non-Gardnerian, non-Alexandrian, non-Wiccan or describe their path as a form of mysticism rather pre-modern form of the Craft, especially if it has been than ‘a religion’. Though the term ‘devotional’ is inspired by historical forms of witchcraft and folk magic.’ used to suggest that ‘devotions’ to deity may form a This is in fact quite close to my own definition, but does
part of that mysticism.
still rely heavily on ‘non-Wiccan’. To cover all I would like to add to these definitions that Old perspectives I will add that of Daniel Schulke, the Craft is by its nature ecstatic. Some people will use successor of Andrew Chumbley and Magister of Cultus the term ‘shamanic witchcraft’, but as witchcraft itself is the remains of European shamanism
Sabbati, another well-known writer in the field: ‘[Traditional Witchcraft] refers to a coterie of initiatory lineages of ritual magic, spellcraft and devotional
So as you can see from Schulke’s definition he believes that you have to possess an initiatory lineage. He also points out that Traditional Craft is craft’,
something is ‘ecstatic’ is to say it focuses on the cultivation of trance states, either through dance,
mysticism.’
‘spell
anyway, so this is a little bit of a double up. To say
‘ritual
magic’,
and
a
form
of
drumming or other more ritualistic practices. The witch leaves their body to visit the Sabbat, being where we derive the concept of the witches’ flight. And I think within this is emphasis on trance and ecstasy is the core nature of Old Craft.
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Wicca is a religion and provides a setting for world and applying them in practice through community
worship
along
pagan
lines, seeking a vision in a guided format. I will cover
acknowledgment of the seasons, and also practices informative material on what we know about the and teaches magic. There is certainly also some witchcraft of old, and look at some leading theories, ‘folkloric material’ within Gardnerian Wiccan, the as well as explore a range of trance techniques to extent of which is very open to dispute on both find out if you have a Familiar spirit or attract one sides.
to you. We will then learn traditional methods for
Whilst some Traditional covens may also provide some of the same things mentioned above the heart of their magical practice is often undertaken in
making offerings to such spirits, walk through some on the day and discuss the Familiar/Witch working relationship.
‘flight’, and seeks to bring people up to the door of If anyone would be interested in being at such an deep shifts in consciousness. Only some people event some time in February 2013 please contact me want to or are capable of safely going all the way to let me know. I will create an events page on with such techniques, others may only want to dip Facebook very shortly that will have far more their toe. Methods for achieving very deep altered information. Any other questions or queries about states of consciousness are often the main focus of Traditional Witchcraft are also welcomed, the vast ‘training’. Some
Old
majority of us don’t bite. Please contact me at: Craft
traditions
utilise
Christian
ensorsmasks@yahoo.com.au
symbolism in ‘heretical’ ways, some may not even You can also access my Tradition’s website at: identify themselves as fully ‘pagan’, many do not http://andereanwitchcraft.yolasite.com/ interact with the wider neo-pagan community, nor see themselves as part of it. And yet more still are secretive and difficult to contact!
- Lee Morgan – author of A Deed Without a Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft, available January the 23rd, 2013 by Moon Books
With the aim of making Old Craft a little more visible and sharing some of the ‘outer court’ non oath-bound material with the wider community my coven and I are planning on running some workshops in the Hobart area. You do not have to be interested in seeking initiation into Traditional Craft to participate; you may simply wish to come along to enrich your current methods or path or out of curiousity. All persuasions are welcome. The initial workshop will focus on making contact with the ‘spiritual stream’ of Old Craft, we will do this by studying the motifs of witchcraft in the old
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Light between the horns of a goat or ram another important Old Craft symbol.
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Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012
Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two. Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres Found by Jess for Beltane
Mulled Wine Black Nettle Cottage is sharing their newest seasonal Mulled Wine recipe… ‘A delicious warming healthful brew, keep the flu at bay’ Spring Tonic Dried ginger slice/crystalized ginger piece 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom pods 1 crushed nutmeg 2 teaspoons dried sultanas 2 heaped tablespoons brown sugar Suggested garnish float: small slice ginger *Place all ingredients onto a small square of muslin and tie with cotton thread How to easily make Mulled Wine You will need, 1 small saucepan 1 clean empty bottle 1 mulled wine bundle 1 (litre) bottle (or equivalent) of red wine/juice Add ¼ of the red wine into the small saucepan, pop in the mulled bundle, then place onto a medium/low heat. Slowly heat the wine along with the mulled bundle – watching carefully the whole time – until your mixture is very hot but not boiled, this is a very important step. If the wine is allowed to boil the alcohol content will evaporate! If you have time, let the brew sit for half an hour in the saucepan (lid on). Then simply squeeze, remove and discard the mulled bundle and pour your mulled wine concentrate into the clean bottle. Top up with the remaining red wine or juice, give a gentle shake. 21
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Lughnasadh Harvest Festival February 1st – 2nd – 3rd 2013 This whole weekend event will be held on the Northwest coast at a bush retreat in the Forth Valley, some improvements have been made to insure this weekend runs smoothly and the most enjoyable experience possible – SO this events food will be catered for, the entry fee will be greater but the food will be awesome, wholesome, fresh, suiting most dietary requirements and the best part – all you need to pack in the esky - is your own drinks! A variety of fantastic workshops will be running during Friday night and throughout Saturday, and as dusk settles Saturday evening, join us for a magical harvest ritual and feast. Share with us your musical, acting or poetry/storytelling ability for a ‘Bardic Interlude’ session around the camp fire Saturday night. A market and trading table is scheduled for Sunday morning before departure at noon. Further details will appear in the following RC and moots.
There are four ‘Passes’ to choose from, depending on your needs: “Lugh’s Pass” = $60 ($30 catering) Friday and Saturday night’s accommodation/workshops and a whole weekend of catered meals
“Grain Mother’s Pass” = $35 ($15 catering) Saturday night accommodation/workshops and Saturday’s feast meal and Sunday hot breakfast
“John Barley Pass” = $30 2 night’s accommodation/workshops. BYO food – no access to kitchen facilities
“Corn Dolly Pass” = $20 1 night accommodation/workshops. BYO food – no access to kitchen facilities **Please pre-pay your catering needs – before January 20th, via our website or moot convenors. 22
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Tasmanian Pagan Alliance, Inc.
MOOTS Southern Moots When: First Thursday of every month Where: New Sydney Hotel - 87 Bathurst St Time: 6:30pm onwards Contact: Allannah - taspalliance@hotmail.com
Energy is the part of yourself that you cannot articulate rationally. E.g. If you have a paranoia/fear/anxiety, if you don't work with it, it will shape you. Jung calls that part of yourself, your Shadow-Self. Ritual is a way of engaging with that part of yourself, the shadow is the part of ourselves that make us feel uncomfortable. "...because we feel uncomfortable with something, we tend to call it bad... when in actual fact it may not be bad, just difficult."-Doug
August Hobart Moot Jung and the Shadow Self - Discussion group by Doug Ezzy: Doug gave a great discussion about Jung and his theory of the Shadow Self a few months ago It was interesting, and complicated, and you should have been there because I'm trying to type up the notes, but they don't make as much sense as Doug did. The discussion was on how Doug understands the shadow self and what it means. Paganism has a fundamentally different 'moral anthology' to monotheistic religions. "Paganism: e.g. Bad shit happens to you if you're in Thor's way."- Doug What's good for one person isn't necessarily good for another. Shadow Self: 1) Freudian move: Bunch of emotions that aren't logical. Rational thought won't get you where you need to go. There's an unconscious route you need to take. Jung: You need to work this thing out, not talk about it. Thinking about something to solve a problem, but there are some parts of yourself that you can't intellectually use to solve a problem. Rational - pass Irrational - fail A rational - cannot measure against the test of rationality (I have no idea what that last part meant!) Rationality of emotions, for example, you want to buy a house, and you're looking through one that is for sale, and your mind says, "Yes!" But your heart is saying, "No!" There may be a really good reason for listening to your heart. Feelings that tell you something true about the world, sometimes feeling something but it will never be verbal. There is an intuitive level of our hearts that we need to listen to and ritual allows us to engage with that. In ritual, we're doing, working with the symbolic. "Ritual and so on are like gateways to the parts of our self that we can't articulate." -Doug
If you are scared of something, try to symbolize it and engage with it in a relationship. E.g. Samhain ritual, when we talk about the beloved dead, it makes us sad. Doug sometimes uses Rune Poems for this. "Open yourself to the shadow but don't let it overwhelm you." "...face the fear then... away, don't supress it." - Doug, on dealing with the shadow. Tim: "Fear adds more to something than may actually be there, for example, public speaking." "The secret is in the way that you breathe. Breathe a ball around you, your present self, and it provides a protective space." advised Doug. 1) Think about your shadow. 2) What are those paths that you fear? 3) In ritual, try to engage them in conversation. 4) To be present with them is a hard thing to do. E.g. Anxiety, depression etc. will come back, but you'll go past it. Ernest mentioned a fire ritual he took part in once. There was a preparation ritual which prepared the mind and made them feel it was possible, so they were relaxed when they walked across the coals and they didn't feel hot or burnt. Energy: Jung considers shadow powerful = if you can integrate it, you can do amazing things. Morgan: Fear saps energy out of you so if you de-energize it you get that energy to use on other things. September Hobart Moot There were some new faces at the moot this month, and nineteen attendees in total. Jess told us about Imbolc, what an amazing ritual they had by the sound of it! This moot's topic was Karl talking about his Pagan book club. Most people brought a book or several to share with the group. Karl is starting a monthly book club, primarily for each
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person to bring a book along and help others with areas they do not already know. He wants to, "...help each other learn." Karl's books were one about the Futhark runes. It had four variations of each rune for the Eldar Futhark rune set and how to pronounce them. The book encompasses a lot of info and I'm sure if you ask he'll tell you the name. His second book was 'Spirit of the Witch by Raven Grimassi (2003), because according to Karl, "It's just a good book ok." His last book was 'Sabbat by Edain McCoy and he shared it because it is good for references when planning a Sabbat, and it has a lot of tasty information on the Sabbats in various cultures. Cheryl shared her book 'Shamanic Wisdom keepers: Shamanism in the Modern World' By Timothy Freke. It looks at Shamans globally, covering practices from all over the world, including an Australian Aboriginal Elder! There are practices for you at the end of each chapter, including West African, Celtic, Australian and more.
70’s which is a bit of a thought experiment looking at the nature of magical theory. Ally shared 'Earth Divination Earth Magic: A Practical Guide to Geomancy'. Geomancy, Ali explains, is, "...sort of like Tarot, but drawing as you go." Ally also shared a funny book, which is very old , called 'Witches' Potions and Spells. It was published in 1971, I suspect by someone who has never met a witch, and it is a tad disturbing ;-) Next on Ally’s list was 'Bird Sense', which looks at how birds see through each of their sense. She suggested that it would be good if you were interested in shape-shifting as a bird, to see accurately. After all the book discussions, Torin, the Celtic harpist, played us some lovely music on his small harp. It was a lovely end to a lively evening. If you missed him, it's ok! He's playing at our Yule Ball on June 22nd next year *wink wink*
Sabian suggested Scott Cunningham's book 'Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner'. He chose this because it is a great beginner book, looking at a natural, green approach and written in a simplistic language. Also, its written by a guy, which, at a time when there was an emphasis on women's power in the early 80’s. Sabian found it was a nice, fresh change to read. As the title suggests, it is for Solitaries, rather than assuming the reader will be in a coven. Next on Sabian's 'Must Mead' list was 'Coven-Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More' by Amber K. It is a great tome for beginners, and Google agrees, "The ultimate coven handbook, Coven Craft was written by a well-known and respected Wiccan High Priestess, who guides you through the workings of covens from Altars to Zoning. Over the course of twenty-seven chapters and forty-two appendices, Amber K shares with you her vast coven know-how, with plenty of veteran insights and straight-up advice..." Last but not least, Sabian recommended Janet and Stewart Farrar's book, 'The Witch's Bible'. It is full of tasty, wellwritten, helpful information. Morgan contributed several books, starting with Dion Fortune's book 'The Mystical Kabbalah'. A very interesting and comprehensive book about, that's right, the Kabbalah. Next on the list was 'The Egyptian Hermes', by Garth Fowden. The book demonstrates that Hermes was the first person to have this particular set of teachings. Last but not least, because it is a huge and very interesting text, 'MONVMENTS OF EGYPT: The Napoleonic Edition'. It contains intricately copied drawings of Egyptian temples etc Tim shared 'The Chicken Kabbalah of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford' by Lon Milo Duquette. Chapters in this book include 'The Ten Command-Rants', 'The Divine Pecking Order' and many, many more, with more serious names, and information on how the Kabbalah interacts with Tarot and so on. Secondly, Tim shared with us 'SSOTBME', a book from the
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October Hobart Moot At the October moot we were lucky enough to have Matt, out Astrology extraordinaire, present to us on Astrology. It was very interesting, and cleared up a lot of confusion some of us had. Matt is planning to write a summary for the RC soon though, so I won't provide a spoiler. I will say, however, that we all enjoyed it and Matt's presentation style is very enjoyable and easy to understand. After Matt's presentation, we just chilled-out and Sabian, Jess and I brainstormed about Yule Ball 2013.
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We've booked Spiral Dance, but it is going to take a lot of fundraising. We're also having Torin back down to Tassie to play for us. The Ball will be Masquerade themed and will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at Tolosa Street Hall in Glenorchy. We will have a registration process this time, including shiny tickets. Volunteers are, as always, very welcome, even if it’s as simple as helping sweep up after the ball - everything helps! **See Av’s article on page 12 and 13 for further info.
tools and/or thoughts to the moot. We circled the room, introducing our thoughts about divination, with talk of tarot, pendulums, oracles, scrying, and so on and so forth. Some people use it for discovering the past, some for the future, and some for unearthing subconscious inner knowledge. It was wonderful to have so much enthusiasm and participation amongst the group!
In the coming months there are many good topics in store, with some presentations to take place as well. If any Next year, in addition to the Ball, there will be a Yule members are interested in doing a brief presentation, or Festival: a market from 11am-4pm and workshops during that time. Sabian has already volunteered to run a workshop on reading Tarot without a book. What interesting workshop can YOU run? Expressions of interest for a market stall can be sent to me over Facebook (Avril Holderness-Roddam) or via e-mail: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com. Stalls will cost $10 per space and must be at least 50% thematic (Pagan/Yule/New -Age etc), the remaining 50% can be whatever you wish to sell. Groovy, all caught up ;-) Blessings, Av
Launceston Moots When: Last Tuesday of every month (except Dec) Take a gander at Cindy’s doodle! Where: Alchemy Bar, 90 George St Launceston Time: 7:00pm onwards just have a topic they wish the group to discuss, please Contact: Mel Ell - northmoots@gmail.com contact myself at the moot email. New July Launceston Moot
and
curious
newcomers
always
welcome!
August/September Launceston Moot
We are still having a wonderful time at our Launceston We had a great turn out for this month’s moot of Moots. approximately 20 people. I was unfortunately unable to make the August Moot this Everyone had a lovely evening with dinner where we year. caught up with each other, and discussed the successes of I heard from attendees that it was a great discussion about the June Yule Ball. methods, strategies, and ideas around "Raising Pagan It was great to hear about Terri's progress in her baby-bun Children". baking! Following dinner we discussed the upcoming Imbolc movie We had a great turn out for the September moot of approximately 15 people. night preparations and plans. Zahira shared all the info for her upcoming Belly Dance Everyone had a good time, and with the newly updated and expanded Alchemy menu dinner was highly enjoyable. Bazaar at St Ailbe's Hall. We welcomed a new addition to our regular membership Brett, and everyone made him feel right at home! Following the regular meeting we held our moot raffle! Winner of the raffle prize was our very own Mel Dolliver For the first time attendees got to see the upcoming Pagan who won a copy of Scott Cunningham's Divination for Alliance Calendar sample (Where every month is Beginners. February!) This prize was based on the theme for the evening, Everyone was so impressed the piles up the pre-orders Divination! there and then! Attendees were invited to bring their favourite divination
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We talked about Zahira's upcoming Living Goddess worlds are thin – like the tops of hills, caves and water Workshops, next one in October 28th. sources. Many places in the local area were considered sacred by attendees including Fossil Bluff and many water Cindy's annual WickerMan event is also to be held on sources in the local area. October 31st, rain or shine. October Burnie Moot Heather and Kynan then told us about their adventures and antics at the Australian Wiccan Conference 2012! Lime cheesecake proved to be a big hit on the menu this It sounds like they had a blast! month along with Mel’s engaging retelling of her adventures at the Australian Wiccan Conference in Following the regular meeting we held the moot raffle! September. Starting with pictures of travelling to the Winner of the raffle prize was our very own Claire who won Sydney venue via a scenic river cruise, under lots of bridges, a Tasmanian hand crafted bowl made from local wood. Mel described for us her experiences at different workshops, catching up with old friends and making new Looking forward to October, where we have Tasmanian ones and the weekend’s entertainment which included Pagan Alliance's own Jo who will tell us all about her pagan Morris dancers and Spiral Dance. Mel ended with a show discoveries during her recent trip to the United Kingdom. and tell of some of the purchases she made at the market on More great presentations and topics to come in the future. the Sunday and a gift for each of us of a blessed sunflower If any members are interested in doing a brief presentation, seed that were given out at the ritual. or just have a topic they wish the group to discuss, please contact myself at the moot email. BB Jo Newcomers are always welcome!
St Helen’s Moots When and Where: to be decided Contact— Jess taspainc@gmail.com for further info
Blessings Mel Ell
North-West Moots When: 2nd Thursday of every month Where: Burnie RSL, 36 Alexander St Start Time: 6:00pm Contact: Jo on 0437 366 711 or jo.corvinus@yahoo.com.au
St Helen’s Moots
August Burnie Moot After a general catch up over dinner and desert, we retired to the board room to view pictures of a crop circle near Silbury Hill, which I visited on my recent trip to the United Kingdom. The board room provided us with a big screen to view the photos on and a work space for the badge machine. Attendees did a great job creating small badges to be used for tokens at the Imbolc ritual and movie night. September Burnie Moot
Our moots are very low key so don’t really know if they’re worth reporting! Six of us met at a Deb’s place on the 9th Sept. We talked about lots of things (food, mostly, from memory) and our Goddess of the month was Epona, the Celtic horse goddess. We also met for a BBQ at the Equinox where a good time was had by all. This month we are meeting at 12 noon on 14th October when our Goddess under discussion will be Sirona. We’re having lunch to celebrate Jen’s birthday and the venue is yet to be decided as the birthday girl is being indecisive! There’s the possibility of a picnic at the Winifred Curtis reserve as the wildflowers are putting on a wonderful display we’d all like to check out but it’s a brave Witch that would count on Tassie weather to be kind, so a back up plan will have to be hatched.
This moot saw the return of a couple of attendees who hadn’t been to the moots for awhile along with an interesting discussion on Sacred Sites. The question that was posed was ‘What makes a site sacred?’ This proved to Cheers Leanne be different for everyone, however some common criteria for a site to be sacred included; a place of natural beauty, a place of historic significance containing either an old building or evidence of history like fossils or where something significant has happened in general history or the personal history of each person, a place where an individual felt peaceful, a place where the veils between
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Internet Interest Sacred Sites Delivered to Your Door... Well, not quite... I was introduced to a fantastic website recently called Postcrossing.com You provide a little blurb about yourself and your postal address, plus a list of the types of postcards you'd like to receive. Next you click 'Send a Postcard' and you'll be provided with a code, an address and the profile of the person you'll be sending a post card to. You send five postcards before you start to receive them, and you end up receiving a postcard for every one you send. Well, my profile (Fencing-Music-Food) requests castles, fantasy, sacred sites or beautiful landscapes. Last week I received my first sacred site! It wasn't a well-known stone circle, but a single, phallic stone, with a bush wrapping itself around it. The writing on the post card told me it was called 'The Gods' Stone', from an island near Madagascar. It was a simple but beautiful photo, and it made my day arriving home from work to find the post card waiting for me.
for that $1.60, you not only brighten someone else's day, but in return you receive a postcard to brighten yours. One 'Postcrosser' even sent me three postcards, some Chinese coins and stamps in an envelope as a thank-you for the postcard of a Tasmanian Devil I sent him. As much as seeing the pictures, I love hearing about the lives of others from around the world, including Russia, Belarun, Taiwan, China, The Netherlands, Ukraine, France and Brazil.
Other postcards I have received include landscapes, castles and even a Japanese fox in front of a special Happy Postcrossing! mountain. It costs $1.60 to buy a pre-paid ~Av International postcard at an Australia Post store, and
$ $ $ $
Treasurer’s reporT – October 2012 For the quarter July to September, the following was recorded: Opening Balance of Account at 01/07/12 Incoming Membership Renewals Donations Fundraising Calendar Sales Miscellaneous Outgoing Website Stationery Imbolc Event Annual Return
$455.00 5.00 360.00 50.00 0.34
870.34
$19.00 59.10 250.00 57.60
385.70
Closing Balance of Account at 30/09/12
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$517.69
$1,002.33
$ $ $ $
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& BBQ 2012 Date: Sunday 16th December Time: 10:00am onward Venue: Rotary Park Hut, Deloraine Land Mark: Look for purple ribbons Cost: Free for members - $5 for non members Entertainment: Holly Lord vs Oak Lord BBQ starts: 12:00pm Award Ceremony Starts: 1:00-1:30pm
How the Oak king and the Holly King ride the wheel of the year... The Holly King The God of the waning year can also be called ‘The Summer Crowned King’ as he begins his reign at the height of the suns strength at Litha and rules over the light decreasing half of the year. He voyages the dark waters of the unconscious mind – of sleep and dreams, visions and the journey to the realm of spirits. He guards the threshold that divides the unconscious from the conscious, the gates of night and day, the gates of the underworld. The waning God teaches responsibility, sacrifice and grief. While he is ever-dying, he is also ever-reborn and living in the moment of his transformation. The Oak King The God of the waxing year can also be called ‘The Winter Born King’ as he is crowned at Yule and reigns over the light increasing half of the year. His is the triumph of the returning light. He is the seed of creation and the nurturing, healing force of the physical body. His is the wild spirit of the quickening landscape, the embodiment of the growing season. The waxing God’s dance is one of celebration, unity and growing conscious awareness. While he walks ever towards the light the young God’s quest has been one of wisdom, virility and worthiness. The 2012 PA members choice categories are:
The Silver Broomstick Award - For the TAS Pagan Alliance member who has gone above and beyond for their pagan community during the year. The Green Man Award - for the fella that keeps the beer flowing and the fire going! The Mother, Maiden and Crone Award - For the most inspiring pagan woman – who’s strength, vitality and humour are magical Up and Comin’ Young’n – for the newest & youngest contributing member Wooden Spoon – for the biggest pagan dork!
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Roar prefers to sit on my head, where he can see everything and pretend he's the King. Typical boy! Skut is heading into old age (cockatiels typically live between 15-20 years) and Roar doesn't mind a bit, happily proclaiming his love for her and hissing at me if I'm in the way. So while they don't help me with any magick I do (which is once a year...!), I feel complete and happy when I'm around them. They are my kids, my best friends, wouldn't have them any other way.
Skut and Ally Feathered
Familiars...with
Ally
and
I
Meet my cockatiels, Skut and Roar. Skut is a 14-year-old female, and Roar is a 9-year-old boy. Skut is a pearl-pied, Spirit Animals – Understanding messages a mixture of grey and white, and her name comes from from your spirit guide - Dr S. Farmer one of my favourite Tintin characters. Roar is short for Aurora, because he was a pale creamy colour when I got him. But, he is a boy, and Aurora didn't quite...fit. So “When an animal or a symbol of that animal shows itself Aurora became Roar. Much more fitting, as being male he to you in an unusual way or repeatedly (more than three has to voice his opinion about everything! times in a short amount of time) it is most definitely trying to communicate a message from the spirit world to Skut's the mischievous one, who once flew off and was found two days later outside the local pub. She can lift you. An example of repetitive symbolic representation the cage door above her head and slip out, and loves would be when you have a vivid and colourful dream trying to eat whatever I'm eating. Even if it's about a bear, go to the market the next day meat, she'll want to try a bit. She hisses at are overhear people taking about bears and me if I make a popping sound, which makes then that evening you happen to flick on the me laugh, and is always keen to bob her telly to a documentary about bears. An head for a thorough scratch. experience like this counts as much as three Roar is more stolid. He doesn't like being literal sightings. As much of the population petted, but he does love sitting in the crook of humans live in urban areas, it is unlikely of my arm and being blown on, and he gives we would meet a grizzly bear in our day to little kisses in return. He's not as greedy as day journey, however representations are Skut, and likes to remind her of his valid encounters. “ Dr S Farmer masculinity by stretching his wings out and whistling to her. Messages from Parrots I did try doing some magick with them once Be discerning about when to speak and – but they were oblivious to my chants and power raising. Skut even tried to hop off my shoulder and when to stay are silent and steer clear of gossip. It would sit on my knee, which didn't work very well. Meditation be the best time to study the effects of colour and light. is hopeless, as they are the only things I can focus on. But Be alert to any ideas that pop into your head, as these I can still achieve that sense of love and harmony by may give you some ideas for growth or a new direction obliging to Skut's come-on-I-want-a-head-scratch! squawks. She has this habit of looking all cute, fluffing up and for yourself. yawning while a tiny pleading cheep escapes from her It’s time to revisit and renew something you’ve always beak. It's very hard to ignore. dreamed of doing, as now is the perfect time to act upon it.
Roar
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Living Goddess workshops
Learn about an ancient Goddess and explore practical ways to incorporate her qualities into your daily life. Jo and Zahira will be your hostesses.
Silver Broomstick Awards BBQ Sun 16th December— see page 26
………………………..
Nov Sat 17th - Paper Beach
Dec - BBQ/picnic Port Sorrel January 18-20 Paper Beach Contact:
Lughnasadh 2013
zahira1au@yahoo.com.au
Harvest Festival
Living Goddess: facebook
February—
…………………………….
Frid1st – Sat 2nd – Sun 3rd see page 20
Workshop opportunity: with Lee Morgan ‘The Old Craft—Witchcraft’ February 2013 see page 16 …………………………………………………..
Saphira's Pagan Patchwork
Autumn Equinox 2013
Radio Program - Huon FM
Camping Event
Friday - Weekly 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
St Helens—Bay of Fires—East Coast
Fri 22nd– Sat 23rd-Sun 24th March
http://www.huonfm.com/resources/ProgramGuides/
Further info see #60 Ravens’ Call
HuonFMProgramguideSep2012.pdf
To submit your event, contact Mel on melsteers76@yahoo.com The above events are submitted by our readers and are placed in good faith. They do not necessarily signify endorsement by the editor or members of the Tasmanian Pagan Alliance, Inc.
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www.facebook.com/OtherworldCandles, http://www.etsy.com/shop/OtherworldCandles OtherworldCandles@live.com.au
TPA members receive a 20% discount on the regular retail price.
At Otherworld Candles we create quality beeswax candles, using locally sourced Tasmanian Beeswax. Our candles are individually hand poured and have a delicious honey fragrance – on a warm day, the candle will scent the room even when it is not burning! Beeswax is ideal for candles: it has a higher melt point than other waxes which means it lasts longer than other candles, and is a natural air purifier. As a by-product of honey beeswax is a sustainable product and has been used to make candles for generations. Beeswax is a bit like chocolate – if it’s left too long it will bloom, which is that white frosty sort of look. If you like the look – great! Otherwise just give your candle a gentle wipe with a soft cloth and your candle will be good as new! To get the best out of your beeswax candle it’s important to keep your candle away from drafts. When you burn pillar candles (such as our Fern Pillar, and Crystal Cylinder candles), each time you light it allow it to burn until there is a wax pool covering the top of your candle. This will help to prevent tunnelling (where the flame burns the down the centre leaving wax ‘walls’). All our candles are available in a variety of colours, and we are more than happy to take custom orders! Wholesale prices also available. To see more of our candles visit www.facebook.com/OtherworldCandles, or visit our Etsy store, at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OtherworldCandles. OR email us at OtherworldCandles@live.com.au
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Balm of Gilead
Maintenance: Keep cutting back after flowering to encourage new growth and better shape, prevent long leggy growth. Cut to ground level at the end of autumn.
“Cedronella canariensis” Balm of Gilead is native to the Canary Islands, although suited to warm climates this hardy herb grows well in Tasmania when kept in a sheltered site, against a rock or brick wall to maintain a temperature above 1 degree Celsius. The beauty of Balm of Gilead is not found in the blossoms or general appearance – but with its distinctive aroma, releasing a sweet and strong very perfumed almost eucalyptus fragrance. Choose a place in your herb bed with care; Balm of Gilead will grow 1m wide and 2m tall at maximum. Summer blooms grow in clusters of mauve cone shaped petals upon long stalks, followed by black seed heads. Leaves are dull, deeply veined, long threelobed serrated edged holding a pale to medium green tone.
Harvesting: Pick leaves to use and dry just before the plant flowers, at this time the leaves contain the highest amount of essential oils. To save seeds, pick flower heads when petals have dropped. Smudge sticks: Use stalks, leaves and flowers in smudge stick making, harvest during the early afternoon when morning dew has evaporated. Pack the Balm of Gilead tightly and leave to dry for 10 days (out of sunlight) before burning.
The original Balm of Gilead ‘commiphora Opobalsamum’ is a small tree residing on both sides of the red sea. This is the variety which many mystical associations have gathered, Balm – Balsam is derived from the Hebrew word bot smin ‘chief of oils’ and balsamum means “a Site: Plant this herb in a warm sunny north facing sweet smell’ and Opo-balsamum states ‘juice that position with well-drained soil. Lots of compost will flows’ . The tree was first brought to Rome by the promote many flower heads that attract bees into your generals of Vespasian, some stories say it was taken garden. from Arabia to Judea by the Queen of Sheba as a gift to Solomon. There being cultivated for its juice, particularly on Mount Gilead, it acquired its popular name. Gilead is a common name for several plants belonging to different taxonomic families. The American balm of Gilead is a species of poplar (Populus candicans) of the family Salicaceae (willow family) which has large balsamic and fragrant buds. The poplar is closely related to, and sometimes considered a variety of, the balsam poplar (P. tacamahaca), which has also been called balm of Gilead and tacamahac. The name balm of Gilead has also been used for the balsam fir. The historic Old World balm of Gilead, or Mecca balsam, is a small evergreen tree (Commiphora gileadensis, also once called C. opobalsamum) of the family Burseraceae (incense-tree family) native to Africa and Asia, it is also referred to in the Bible in Jer. 8.22. The Ishmaelites from Gilead were bearing balm when they bought Joseph from his brothers.
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www.taspainc.com Medicinal Use: Left buds are considered to be a stimulant and tonic, antiseptic and expectorant. When used internally Balm of Gilead is used to treat bronchitis, coughs and laryngitis used externality to relive arthritic pain cuts and bruises when made into a cream or ointment. The buds contain the aspirin substance, salicin, which is useful for minor aches and pains. The leaves of Balm of Gilead can be rubbed directly onto the skin and used as a mosquito repellent – always test on a small amount of skin (wait for 30 min) to check for sensitivity before a more thorough coverage. Magical Use: Ritually used in the form of oil, traditionally for anointing candles, also makes a wonderful addition to loose incense and smudge-sticks. Sacred to the fire element and the planet Jupiter, Balm of
Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012 Gilead is high in masculine energy so to super charge any magical activity or spell work requiring a potent masculine aspect - second only to the sacred oak is this handy herb. Powers of—inspiration, sex magic, knowledge, strength, virility, protection, and wisdom. Known as an aphrodisiac, a nice bunch of Balm of Gilead by the bed will smell divine and possibly stir your lovers interest! Hot tip—combine Balm of Gilead with hawthorn and parsley (picked by feminine hand) woven into a head garland for a Beltane jig around the may pole, not only will you be walking bowlegged the following day (bonus) but, most likely adding to the family in nine months time!
I absolutely love this time of year! Fresh mornings on the walk to work are a joy, and the evenings grow longer thanks to daylight savings. The smell of BBQing is in the air, and I’m finding a host of new flowers and plants springing up in my garden thanks to the previous owner. The Australian Wiccan Conference, as with any large and fun pagan event, has given me a great boost in creative energy and enthusiasm, which is lucky because we’ve got so much happening! Pre orders for the Calendar have now closed, although there’s still time to order a copy if you want one. The first batch will be available very soon, and it’s looking amazing – I hope you all love our new creation! Jan is hosting a great Beltane event in the South, and I’m looking forward to dusting off the tent! It’s going to be a great night of feasting, dancing and spending time by the fire. The wheel will turn in a blink of an eye with The Silver Broomstick Awards just around the corner. We’ve given this event a bit of a revamp, so I hope you can join us in lovely green Deloraine for a great day by the river. Bring the kids! Plans are also well underway for Lughnasadh – we’ve been talking about this event for months already so I hope you’ve got it in your calendar – in fact it is on our calendar so you can’t miss it! In other news, the website is currently undergoing a revamp as well (we’re Spring cleaning like mad this year) – I can’t wait to show you all the result. Terri is an amazing web mistress goddess for sure! Also, I’m really excited that next edition is going to be our 60th Raven’s Call. SIXTY!!!! Can you believe it?! Mel’s got something amazing in store – ladies, put up your heels and grab a mead or three, because the men are doing all the work this time around! I can’t wait for our masculine edition; it’s going to be spunky indeed! As always, a huge thank you to each and every one of you for supporting us with your memberships, attendance at moots and events, and contributing content to the Raven’s Call. The pagan community in this State is just amazing – you all rock!! Brightest Blessings Jess 33
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Winter-Weekend-Workshop
“Tricia Szirom” REPORT Sitting in the dining room of the local scout camp Back in the dining room there is one long table in on a very chilly Sunday morning with the sound of the centre, which has been decorated with moss sing bowls in the next room as the group does a and holly from the surrounding grounds. On meditation; I think back over the past twenty four either side are long tables ladened with a mix of hours of friendship and community. We have been pre-loved clothes and books, handcrafted candles here since Friday night – fifteen women who love and herb pillows books and oracles cards and the Goddess – finding new ways to express that other tools of the craft. A lot a bartering and love. We have danced, meditated, shared ritual ba rg ai n i n g
o ccu rs
on
the
w ee k e n d.
space, talked and shared our knowledge and experience in the creation of a new and vibrant On the Saturday we think about the need for community.
connection to the land and knowing of our own place so that we can create a wheel of the year
Zahira Atkins and Jo Corvinus have been running and rituals which speak to our own experience monthly Living Goddess workshops here in rather than that of the northern hemisphere. The
Northern Tasmania for six months and this afternoon is given to messages from the ancient weekend brought a larger group together for a Goddesses through images, tarot and stories; a full weekend event. [with Tricia Szirom—author of wonderful sharing.
Goddesses in the Sothern Hemisphere from Gaia’s The ritual on Saturday evening brought a Garden]
commitment by a small group to create dedicated Goddess space, perhaps ever a Goddess temple,
Friday night commenced with a practical session here in northern Tasmania. What an amazing on divination and prayer beads where everyone development and such a visionary group. made a pendulum and/or a strand of Goddess
prayer beads which were then dedicated to the One of the women shared a prayer that she wrote Goddess through visualization. Some even took when she was sixteen (she is now 51 years old)
their beads to the ocean and dipped them in the and has said every night since then not realizing that she was connecting the Gaia Goddess and salty water for purification. Earth Mother.
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Ode to Gaia I answer to the Earth For She and I are one Her knowledge is within me She is who I will become Her longing in my heart Her fire in my veins I will be Her resurrection When she dies within the flames I can feel Her power stirring As our spirits mix and blend We are racing for the start And running from the end I am a child of dreaming times New age that must begin I am the gate that opens To let forever in.
This is the first time that Beth has been in a Goddess gathering and she described it as ‘coming home’. Sunday morning we worked on the concept of abundance with remarkable insight and new learning. This is a fantastic group of women, which is growing every month and finding support from each other in their spiritual quest. If you live in Tasmania and would like to connect to other Goddess women contact Zahira: 0418139826 or Jo: 0437366711 R ep o rt p ro vi d ed Kew East, Melbourne
Beth Stewart
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by
‘ G ai a ’ s
G ar den ’
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How did you find your way onto the Pagan path? I think I was always a pagan at heart but was brought up as a Christian. I was always wandering off into the bush – with the faeries and other mythological creatures and from a very early age I read heaps of fantasy books, especially ones about dragons. I left the church when I was about 14 because I was feeling very disenchanted with it all and I wanted nothing to do with any religion for a long time. I was then busy with kids and work but when I had time I was learning about astrology, tarot cards and meditation and stuff, then every book I picked up seemed to be about paganism and I was being drawn back to it again and again. Wicca resonated with how I was living anyway – a love of and connection to nature so I guess it found me, and I’m very happy that it did!
Mathew at the October Hobart moot and he got me looking further into it. The first Pagan book you were given or purchased? Dawn Hill – “Reaching for the Other Side” was given to me by a medical scientist I worked with and I then read all of Dawns books. The first book on Wicca was “True Magick” by Amber K and that got me started on looking more into Wicca. If you could meet a famous Pagan person (author, singer or other) who would it be? Why? I like what I’ve read of Raven Grimassi and I think he would be very interesting to talk to. I’ve already met my favourite Australian singers – Wendy and Spiral Dance. It would also be nice to meet the band Inkubus Sukkubus as I love their music.
Favourite Sabbat? Why? Hard to choose between Yule and Beltane. My birthday is 23 June so Yule is a double celebration for me, but I think Beltane would win – I love Favourite Ravens’ Call article? this time of year with nature starting to bloom and grow, and the maypole I like them all, it’s hard to choose a favourite one, but I do enjoy reading is so much fun. “Profiling Tassie Pagans” and “Familiar Friends” as well as “The Herb Obsession”. Which moot do you most regularly attend? Hobart If you had a spare weekend to do any activity you wanted, what would you do? Favourite ritual tool? Why? I’m lucky enough to have lots of spare weekends these days - If it’s winter I think it would be my Athame. It just feels so good to hold and the energy and cold, I like to curl up in front of the fire with a good book. I do enjoy a is really strong. I do like my wand too as I made it myself from my 5 star resort, being waited on all weekend :-) favourite wood, black-heart sassafras. Skyclad, robed or casual? What would be your advice to someone new to paganism? Too cold for skyclad here most of the time J but I do like to wear robes Don’t take everything that you read or hear at face value. If someone for sabbats as they help me to get into the right mood, but am happy to claims that Paganism requires you to do things against your morals/ go casual too. I don’t think it’s all that important how you are dressed – ethics, don’t do it. Always check your sources, and double check any or not! assertions your source makes, especially historical facts. There is a lot of bad information out there, and it’s easy to be misled. And meditate a How would you liked to be remembered? lot J Caring; Honest and real and not afraid of being herself; Always tried to see the best in everyone. Cared deeply about the environment, people What is the best thing about being a Pagan? and animals; Appreciated the simple things in life; Lived and learnt as All the great people I’ve met, and it has helped me to be a better person – much as she could ;-) I think! Thanx so much Jan for sharing your thoughts, with our 13 pagan profile Do you have a recent pagan interest/activity? Or an event or questions - ED workshop attended? Spending a lot of time on astrology lately. We had a wonderful talk by
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What kind of spiritual path do you follow? What is your favourite movie? I follow the path of the Goddess and also the path of being true of who I I’m not sure what my favourite movie—I have tonnes, but some are; am. Harry Potter, Bridge to Teribithia also Narnia and heaps more! Do you have a favourite gem stone or crystal? Who is the biggest influence in your life at the moment? Yes I love Moss agate because it clears the throat , also aventurine My parents, they are my biggest influence and roll models, because they because it has a lovely colour and makes me feel happy! are caring, loving and are always there when I need them. What was your most recent spiritual activity? What is your favourite time of year? Once a month my Mother and I go to the Living Goddess workshops that Summer time. I love swimming and jetty jumping, also it is lovely to go to Jo and Zahira put on and we learn about a different Goddess every time, I parks and beaches and just sit there! learn a lot and it’s so much fun. How do you spend your weekends? Do you think a spiritual path is important for kids and teenagers? I have ballet class on Saturday, then I go home and help Mum and Dad, or Probably more for teenagers, because they understand what they are I might visit friends houses or for a skate also some weekends we go for doing more than kids do and have more of a understanding of what path family drives and other fun stuff like that :-) they are taking—but its always your choice. What’s your favourite colour? Do you have a favourite Goddess? Blue, green and purple! Artemis—because she is a warrior, a real fighter, also she looks after They are colours that make me happy and they look good on me. animals. She is really kind. When was the last time you had the best day? My life is always fun! But the last time I had the best day of all time was when I was on holidays at Coffs Harbour with my family. We all just sat by the pool and just chilled out. Do you have a favourite spiritual book? Lots! Example: Legends of the Guardians the Owls of Gahool. Tell us what you would love to do when you’re an adult… When I grow up I would like to be an architect. I love to draw and design and I love building stuff too! Thanx Shannon for letting us interview you with the 13 pagan profile questions - ED
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Yule Ball 2013 ?? “What?” you may ask. We aren’t even up to the That got your attention. Spiral Dance have agreed Summer Solstice yet! You’re as bad as the stores to come down for Yule Ball 2013, on June 22nd. who’re already selling Christmas goodies!” They’ll play their wonderful music and we’ll eat, And I guess you’re right. But for awesome things to drink and dance to our hearts’ content. We’ll also happen it takes lots of planning, preparation and have Torin, the lovely Celtic harpist, doing his also, I can be a slack bugger so we’d best start early! thing, and I suspect he’ll get us singing and dancing too. First of all, the details: I’m picturing a yummy hot dinner followed by moreish desserts. Washed down with delicious mulled wine and to complete the night we’ll dance like the crazy party pagans we know we are. This time we’ll have some lovely Yule incense burning to WHEN: 6pm-11pm enhance the atmosphere, and the best bit about the WHERE: Tolosa Street Hall, 146 Tolosa Street, hall is complete privacy from passers-by. Glenorchy. WHO: Open to the public, and the more the I’m toying with the idea of making it part of a Yule merrier, but as far as advertising, we’ll be targeting Festival: 11am-4pm for stalls selling predominantly the pagan, new age, folk and medieval awesome items and several workshops, including a mask-making one for those who don’t know where communities. to start. Yule is cold and I want everyone to forget, for one day and night, about the cold tiles when they go to the loo at night, and the dark mornings as they trudge to the bus. WHAT: The 2013 Yule Ball’s theme will be MASQUARADE! Break out those robes and dresses, make yourself an epic mask, and come and dance the night away.
SPIRAL DANCE!
TORIN THE CELTIC HARPIST! MULLED WINE! ROASTS! WINTER DESSERTS!
For 2013, the venue will be in the Northern suburbs. I use the hall for fencing club and it’s gorgeous; Newly renovated, nice hard flooring, heaters, a state of the art kitchen and nice clean loos. There isn’t a bar though, so unfortunately you may need to BYO ;-)
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However. It isn’t cheap flying six musicians plus a sound guy down to Tassie and providing them with all they’ll need for their trip. Luckily the band is comprised of lovely people who are willing to do some extra gigs while they’re down here to help cover some of the costs and so on. Your magical mission, should you choose to accept it: Fundraising! Jess and I put our heads together at the October Pub Moot in Hobart and she had some great ideas for fundraising. One of which was to have a stall at the Cygnet Folk Festival (January 11th-13th, 2013). Ways you can help: Donate items that we can either raffle or sell at the stall. Volunteer to help out at the stall for a couple of hours on one or multiple days. Suggest a venue who would love to have Spiral Dance for a gig or two. Spread the word to friends and rellies about the Ball and our epic reason for fundraising.
Ravens’ Call - Spring/Summer 2012
Several helpers to serve the food to everyone.
Prize contributions – we also need prizes for the Ball, so if you own a business, or know of one, please don’t be too shy to contribute a product or service as a prize.
Setting up is always made easier when several people help, so a couple of hyperactive people to help decorate and move tables etc would be fantastic!
I think I’ve covered everything. In conclusion, the Yule Ball will be awesome next year but it will take some awesome people to pull it off. I promise it will all be worth it once we have full bellies and we’re dancing to Spiral Dance! Blessings, Av
Now, for the Ball itself, there is quite a lot to organise too and volunteers would be greatly appreciated:
awesome for our vegetarian and vegan dudes and dudettes. Several helpers in the kitchen to prepare the food on the night.
I need volunteers to cook a dish or two each, and they will be reimbursed for ingredients; The idea is to cater as nicely as possible without hiring someone who’ll charge a lot of money for sub-par food. I’m thinking stews, pies, crumble, stewed fruit and maybe a couple of roast chickens, plus any talented vegan chef is welcome to cook something
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