Issue 9 September 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016

L a m m a s

&

M a b o n

T HE P ENDLE C RAFT Star Gazing: The Pleiades

Heathenry:

Issue 9

TPC

A Journey through picturesque Scotland

A Pagan Guide To Being Busy

An Introduction

Carnton Plantation & The Cofederate’s Cemetery

CONTENTS P5

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

P7 AN INTRODUCTION TO HEATHENRY BY LEOHT STEREN

P11 Q&A - BRIAN WILSON MONIQUE REICHERT P15 ONE MAN & HIS MUSINGS BY JOHN AWEN

P19 JOURNEY AROUND PENDLE WITH PENNY ROBINSON P23 STICKS & STONES...BLOOD & BONES -

CARNTON PLANTATION & THE

CONFEDERATE CEMETARY BY MELISSA CONLEY P28

LUGH - LIGHT OF AUTUMN BY DAVID KNIGHT

P29 SPIRITUAL COUNSELLOR BY WINTER ANNE MCKELVIE P31 DREAM JOURNALS & PILLOWS BY MONIQUE REICHERT P33 A PAGAN GUIDE TO BEING BUSY BY JENNY CARTLEDGE P35 POETS CORNER WITH DREW STILES & MARTIN PALLOT P37

SCOTLAND - DAY 2 - FOLLOWING JOHN ROBINSON ON HIS JOURNEY TO IONA

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE

P42 MABON AUTUMN & JOHN BARLEY CORN BY ELEN SENTIER P45 DENIECE CHURCH-MORGAN REVEALED BY AMY LYNN WHITE P49

COMMERATING TAILTU BY ROBIN HERNE

P52

CRYING THE NECK BY ELEN SENTIER

P54

STAR GAZING WITH GRAHAM KEITH TALBOYS

P57

TAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT - HISTORY & INTEREST OF BODY ART WITH JOHN ROBINSON

P65

A DREAM OF AUTUMN WITH MARTIN PALLOT

P69

PADRIX’S KITCHEN WITH PADRIX NICK EVANS

P72

MEET THE WOODLAND BARD WITH DREW STILES

P73

VISITING PICTURESQUE POCONOS MOUNTAINS WITH DAWN RYAN

P79 HAUNTED EUROPE - GHOSTS OF NORWAY

BY SKELICIA

We are accepting submissions for our December issue by no later then November 20th, 2016.

We do hold the right to bank articles for later issues, so please do not worry if you do not see your article in this issue.

Please forward your submission and photos to: tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 4

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR H

ello everyoe, welcome to the Lammas / Mabon /September Issue of The Pendle Craft. Our ninth issue released so far.

As some of you may be aware Aaron has temporarily stepped down as head of the magazine and I have taken over.

Along with some other changes within the staff. We would like to welcome three new members of staff to our team, helping to run our proof-reading department: Abby, Monique (Not to be confused with our Editorial Manager) and Penny.

Monique, our Editorial Manager has stepped up and helped a great deal in the hard times that have happened of late, and I can not thank her enough.

After the fall last November my partner has suffered many health set backs and this has meant that the magazine has had to suffer with no recent releases. The volunteering staff have stuck by us (as 5  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

have you, the readers), in these difficult times and have brought you some wonderful articles.

We have decided on some new changes to start transitioning over this and coming issues ahead. We will be releasing an issue five times throughout the year, bringing you the regular stories and will be expanding on new materials and also new writers, welcoming any new, up-coming or accomplished writers to send in their articles that they wish to be published.

With my partner and I moving out of the Pendle area, our staff asked the question of whether or not the magazine’s named would change. Our initial answer was no, but after lengthy discussions, it was decided that instead of changing the name, we would shorten it. So, now we can proudly announce the birth of TPC - The Alternative Voice.

Now the best bit.

Working hard behind the scenes, Michelle, has been

working to bring us a fully interactive version, as well as a brand new website. So please look out for it.

To keep our images coming (and while holding down a job outside of the magazine), our Editorial Photographer has been also working hard going out and about to bring some wonderful pictures...if anyone needs any photographs for stories or would like to be a face within the magazine, then please message John at the TPC! or Facebook at: https:// www.facebook.com/www.thependlecraft/

Contributors GRAEME KEITH TALBOYS

There may be times in the future when the issue will be delayed, but we will strive to get one out to you in the alotted times.

Aaron sends his best and asks you all to keep reading and looking out for the new changes.

WINTER ANNE MCKELVIE

The Editor, Tasha Clark

Contact Details

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in TPC

by writers are not necessarily those of The Pendle Craft or its staff. All articles and artwork remain the copyright © ® of the author or artist. We here at TPC retain typographical copyright on all adverts typeset by TPC or its staff. All right reserved. No part of this magazine can be reproduced, except for short passages for critisicm or review, without written permission from the publishers.

Submissions: Original articles or artwork please send to:

tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com

We reserve the right to abridge any content and edit for grammar, style, etc. The editor’s decision is final.

We allow all differant styles of work from polythiesm, philosophy, esoteric, folklore, political, religious, events and moots, book reviews, artwork, informative, fiction and non-fiction pieces. But within reason. We also aim to be a platform for writers, be it new and upcoming writers or those who write as a hobby wishing to publish their work in the public forum.Advertising

Enquiries: tpceditors@hotmail.com

JENNY CARTLEDGE

ISSUE DATES 2016 OCTOBER DECEMBER 2017 JANUARY APRIL J U LY OCTOBER DECEMBER tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 6

An Introduction

Heathenry is a modern religion inspired and informed by the cultural religious practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples of northern, western and central Europe. Within this modern (and still emerging) religion, we can find numerous denominations that take various approaches based on varying levels of historical study and modern innovation.

The core of the Heathen worldview is community - the social group within which the Heathen exists. When we look back at the historic Germanic tribes that Heathens draw many of their spiritual and philosophical inspirations from, we see a very strong importance placed on friends and family.

The Eddas and Sagas are littered with tales of the close bonds of both kith and kin.

Everything else about the general Heathen worldview hinged off the concept of community. Our actions are moderated not by guilt, but by shame.

Whereas guilt is internally generated, shame comes from your community. To act in a manner unbefitting of your community is shameful and can have undesirable results up to and including expulsion from your social group. In the historical context, being ostracised from your community could well be fatal as living in the wilder parts of the world was a very dangerous and arduous undertaking. In modern times, the dangers are not quite so real, 7 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

To Heathenr

but social ostracism can still have significant consequence. Conversely, there is worth, which is also given by the community. When someone performs a worthy deed, they are (and should be) well recognised for it. Prestige is gained and respect is garnered.

The act of performing certain rites and celebrating certain festivals is also community based. These are social occasions used, at least in part, as a way for the community to affirm, confirm, and reaffirm social bonds and obligations. Within this, we further find the concept of reciprocity. People give so that they may receive. In this way, each gift reinforces the social bonds and also serves to strengthen the community.

In the ritual sense, community is not just those members of the human community of which the Heathen is a part but includes a wide range of non-human intelligences commonly known as “wights”, as well as greater beings known as gods.

The word “wight” comes from the Old English “wiht” and simply means “being”. They are the unseen (but not always!) beings that exist in the world and can be called upon to act as guardians, aides and tutelary spirits. A well known example of a wight would be the British brownie - a helpful spirit that would live in the home and help with household chores, in exchange for small gifts of

ry

Discover the modern take of an old religion, as Leoht Steren, Thyle of Hvergelmir, brings us a world of community, magick, and ritual.

food (once again showing the reciprocal nature of relationships in the Heathen worldview).

The Heathen gods are the gods of the historic Germanic peoples and are well-known today through the distorted lens of popular media, including Marvel Comic’s “Thor”, and have given the English language many of its weekday names. They are beings of great (but not unlimited) power and it is often the differing perceptions of them that defines the various denominations of Heathenry that we see in the modern day. The gods are divided into two categories or “tribes” - the Aesir and the Vanir. We read, in the Icelandic Eddas, that these two tribes were once at war but made a truce with an exchanging of captives. Most of the stories of the gods concerns the Aesir and their Vanir hostages. Notably, their dealings with the often antagonistic jotnar (commonly called “giants”).

Whilst we do find myths talking about possible post mortem destinations for the soul, Heathenry is more a world accepting religion. That is to say that the Heathen does not fixate upon living in the hope of a reward in the afterlife, as we see in world rejecting religions such as Christianity. Rather, the Heathen lives very much with their focus in this world.

Within Heathenry, there is the concept of Wyrd.

This word is often translated as “fate” but it is not quite fate as people know it. “Fate” carries implications of inevitability, of a certain lack of free will almost. Wyrd, on the other hand, is more about the influence of the past on the present and, thus, the future. As you progress in your life you make choices, actions and inactions. Each one of these influences your future choices and limits your potential actions. Your ultimate fate remains fixed (for all are doomed to die), but you have the power to approach it on your own terms. Wyrd therefore gives the Heathen all the motivation they need to live a good, worthy life without the threat of an unappealing afterlife.

In around the year 1000, Iceland officially converted to Christianity and the Heathen Era of the Germanic cultures came to an end. For almost a thousand years Christianity exerted ever more influence on Europe and much of the old customs, beliefs, and practices were either forgotten or syncretised into Christian traditions. The “old ways” first saw a revival in the second half of the 18th century in the romantic nationalism movement that lasted until the early 20th century. With this came a lot of ahistorical notions (such as the myth of the noble savage) and a certain amount of racist mentality.

With the rise of a certain German workers’ party, the romanticism of Germanic culture experienced tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 8

a rather rapid wane in interest and, so, we did not really experience any serious interest in the old customs of the pre-Christian Germanic cultures until the early 1970s. In 1972, the Icelandic Asatru Fellowship was formed with the express purpose of promoting a revitalised form of Heathenry, with certain American and British organisations in the following years. With these new organisations, we saw different approaches arise and the effective creation of the various denominations of Heathenry that we see today.

Some of these denominations are described as “folkish”, which is to say that they hold the romanticist belief that there is an ethnic component to Heathenry. Put simply, they advocate that Heathenry is about a return to the beliefs of their distant ancestors.

If your ancestors are not of “Germanic stock”, expect many folkish Heathens to encourage you to look to your own ancestry for guidance on a spiritual path. Other denominations are more “universalist”. They hold that there is not racial aspect to Heathenry and that anyone can be called to the religion.

The fundamental difference between the folkish and the universalist Heathens has caused controversy over the years.

rise of the internet we have also seen the rise of online communities that are allowing Heathens to “network” in order to come together with those of like mind.

Whilst numbers are still very low, compared to some other modern religions, Heathens are organising more and more events where they can come together and hold community rites. Oftentimes, a group will have adherents of several denominations who will set aside their differences in order to focus on the larger matters at hand. Some groups and individuals may also maintain links with Pagans and/ or Pagan groups.

One subject so far untouched is that of magical belief and practice. Historically, there is evidence that the Germanic peoples did employ magic and magic users for certain purposes, but that it was not likely something to be undertaken by the everyday person. In modern times we find similar feelings about the efficacy of magic, as well as the notion that it is not for everyone to use. Instead, people are more likely to be inclined to give offerings to either the gods, the wights, or even their ancestors in the hope of attracting their favour in situations where a more than mundane approach may be desirable.

Once we get past the folkish/universalist distraction, we can see that modern Heathenry is largely divided IMAGE: “The Ash Yggdrasil” (1886) by As Heathenry continues to Friedrich Wilhelm Heine by cultural approach. Many grow, groups become more estabheathens focus their religious lished and draw greater numbers, reconstruction on specific allowing more and more projects temporal periods and geographical regions. There to unfold.

One example of is the purchasing are those who look to Anglo-Saxon sources for the or construction of buildingsthis for use as temples or bulk of their inspiration, whilst others look to Icecommunity spaces.

The (folkish) Odinist Fellowlandic or other sources of information. The most ship has already acquired a building in Newark for numerous demographic are those who look at the use as a temple and the Icelandic Asatru whole body of information available (especially the have started constructing a dedicated HofFellowship temmythological tales collected in the Icelandic bodies ple. Who knows what the future will bring?orWyrd of works known as the Poetic and Prose Eddas) goes ever as she shall! and take the bits that have the most appeal.

In the 2011 census for England and Wales, 1,958 individuals self-identified as Heathen and most of these are either part of independent, local Heathen groups or isolated from other Heathens due to location or personal preference. However, with the 9 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

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Q&A Brian Michael Wilson

By Monique Reichert

First tell me a bit about Brian…. What makes you tick, where you are from, who are you?

I was born and raised in Zion, Illinois. I’m just a regular guy who likes learning, laughing, traveling, and experiencing everything I possibly can in this life. I try not to take myself or life too seriously.

One of the few things in this life I take very seriously is my music. Music has always been what has made me tick. When I was younger and at parties with friends I was the one sitting and playing guitar while a party was raging all around me. It has been my main passion for as long as I can remember, whether it was listening to music, playing music, or writing music.

What do you consider your style of music?

It’s hard to categorize some of the music I write.

I’ve never tried to corner myself into one genre of music. I have been influenced by so many artists from different styles that it’s hard to put a label on some of the songs I write. If I had to, I would say that the majority of my music is alternative rock, 11 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

but I have some songs that are metal, some that are acoustic rock, some that have a blues/rock feel, and I have even experimented with rap/rock. Sometimes when I record I like to go into the session and just write a song as I’m recording it. Build the song from the ground up while I’m recording almost as if I were constructing a building without any blueprints. Of course doing that with a physical structure would probably be a disaster, but with music great things can happen when creating that way. I first come up with the drums, which is the foundation, then I just write and record the rhythm guitars around the drums. Then I bring in my best friend Dave Holcombe, who writes all the bass lines to my songs, and have him fill out the rest of the rhythm section. After that I come up with the melodies and lyrics. It’s really fun sometimes to create music that way. Other influences to not only play music, but to write music, were my parents. My father was a drummer for most of his life playing in various bands, and my mother used to be a freelance writer for Relix magazine in the 80’s, which is a music magazine, and also for our hometown newspaper. My father taught me that a person doesn’t need to be classically trained in

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music to become a good musician, and my mother taught me how to write well, which translated into me writing my own lyrics and melding those with the music I wrote.

What influenced this style?

My musical influences have been evolving ever since I started playing guitar and writing music. I was first influenced by Metallica. They were the band that inspired me to start playing guitar. After I started writing my own songs I became heavily influenced by The Beatles, Alice in Chains, and Days of the New. Later I became influenced by obscure bands such as Acid Bath, Fair to Midland, Low, and Royal Bliss. Overall I can find inspiration in almost any style of music. I always absorb everything I listen to and try to incorporate it in my songs.

How long have you been a musician?

I have been playing guitar for 22 years. I started when I was 15, and then a few years later I started playing drums.

Favorite piece you perform and why?

I would have to say my favorite song to perform is Nothing to Say. I wrote the main guitar riffs when I was about 17, and basically just shelved it for years. Then one day, about 12 years later, I wrote the melodies, lyrics, the rest of the guitar riffs, and arranged it in about 30 minutes. I really like playing that song live because it just rocks. It has a nice break down in the bridge which slows the song down. The bridge changes timing, then builds back up, and has a sudden stop which carries the song right back into the chorus. Overall, the song has a good groove throughout. The melodies and the transitions that the song goes through creates a great atmosphere. The lyrics are simplistic but have a deep meaning.

What do you play / do in the band?

Favorite all time band /singer?

My favorite all time band would have to be The Beatles. I used to scoff at them when my mother and father would play their music when I was a child, but when I started writing music I started to appreciate them a lot more. I guess it’s a tale as old as time. Whatever parents like, the children usually don’t. It must have been a part of my youthful rebellion to hate them when I was younger, but they really were the perfect band in my opinion. The progression of their music was unlike any other band or artist in history.

What musical genre, style or individual has influenced you the most?

The genres and individuals that have influenced my songs have changed throughout the years. I guess I’m on a musical journey that hopefully will never end. First it was Metallica, then Nirvana, and then it was The Beatles. In my late teens I became influenced by classical music, then blues, and then a little bit of jazz. In my twenties I became influenced by bands such as Days of the New, Tool, Acid Bath, and Fair to Midland. Lately I have been heavily influenced by Peter Gabriel, Mumford and Sons, and The Black Keys.

When Brian is alone, what type of music do you like to listen to?

When I’m alone I try to listen to as many different bands or artists I possibly can. I can listen to Mozart one minute and then switch to Pantera the next. It just depends on the mood I’m in.

What type of venues do you play?

We mostly play at local bars. The last show we played was at a good friend of ours memorial. Basically, we will play anywhere anyone will listen to us, whether it be a bar, a party, or just and acoustic set for some friends that we’re hanging out with.

Do you have downloadable versions of your music?

In the band I play guitar and sing. I also write all the songs, but the other guys have freedom to Currently, my music is only downloadable from create their parts for the music which takes the ourstage.com, but I have a few of my recordings songs to a different level that I never thought possi- posted on YouTube. I’ve been recording most of ble. the songs I write with just Dave and myself. I’m 13 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

wanted to get better at engineering sound, producing, mixing and mastering better before I started to record the whole band. We all have recorded one song together recently called Ruined that I need to edit, mix and master. Since I’m starting to get better at the whole process we will soon be recording more songs which will replace the recordings I’ve already made.

on backup vocals, and he switched from guitar to bass. We played together as a trio for a couple of years until Jamison Foy joined the band as our lead guitarist. We’ve all known Jamison for years and eventually convinced him to join the band.

Tell me about the others you perform with; who they are, what they play... How it all came together?

My best friend Dave Holcombe and I have been playing music together since we were about 14.

We found the drummer, Ed Shales, when we were 20 and have been playing with him ever since. For years Dave played guitar and we were on what seemed to be an endless search for a bassist and a singer. Eventually I became the singer with Dave

IMAGES PROVIDED BY BRIAN MICHAEL WILSON

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J

ONE MAN AND HIS MUSINGS

JOHN

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JOHN AWEN: A Quietly Spoken Man Who’s Thoughts Speak LOUD

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FEAR When we are born into this beautiful world, we only have two fears installed in us.

The fear of falling and the fear of loud noises.

As we grow up we are basically fearless and our other fears become engrained upon us through our peers and society as a whole.

Any regrets we may have, or end up with as we walk this sacred life, all stem from being too afraid and frightened to take the chances that we are offered and that come our way.

Fear is the biggest controller of all, you only have to look at the media to realise that, also the internal corruption of religious structures. Both these use fear to control and once you have placed fear upon someone, you then have control over them.

Self-fear is very similar, we restrict and limit ourselves through this.

Afraid to grab opportunities and to take chances, as we don’t want to step out of our so called comfort zone, in case we fail.

There is no failure in life, grab every opportunity that arises and comes your way.

We must never have regrets, its a life wasted.

Shake off the fear factor, step over the boundaries and don’t waste a single second, or opportunity.

Life is simply too short and way too precious.

One life, embrace it and fulfil it.

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LOVE The very word love conjurs up all sorts of emotions, it stirs the soul and upon achieving and truly reaching that point, we become blissfully consumed by it.

One of our strongest and most powerful base instincts and raw emotions instilled in us.

With any aspect, there are different and varying degrees.

As with anything nowadays, the very word love is used way to freely and sadly it then becomes lost as it is used to readily and flippantly.

We can love, but then that does not mean that we are in love.

True love is felt and resonates on all levels, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Physical and metaphysical love is felt to and ultimately, real unadulterated love is felt through different worlds and realms, it is infinite and is sensed in a unique and personal way, that cannot and should not be explained.

If you try to explain it, the point is being missed and all you are achieving is a definement, then its lost altogether and it becomes a like.

Total, raw and unforced love is an enhanced state, which is felt differently by everyone, you cannot contain it and nor should you try to.

If and when you are ravaged and consumed by it, embrace it totally and know you are very and extremely blessed to have been gifted this unique emotion.

en w A n h o J

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JOURNEY AROUND PENDLE WITH PENNY ROBINSON:

DOWNHAM

Main Street

T

ravelling round the base of Pendle Hill will eventually lead to yet another village, that of Downham, which to my mind has to be the prettiest village in the area. This is quite a special village for a few reasons. The first is that there are no signs to say when you are either entering or leaving the village, and nothing to give any clues once there.

Another unusual feature is actually what you don’t see.....none of the houses have either aerials or satellite dishes, making this village popular for film locations - more about that later.

Downham is part of the estate of the Assheton family which dates back to 1558, and has been handed down to the present day 2nd Lord Clitheroe who brought in the stipulation of not allowing any modern day additions to the properties, as mentioned earlier. The previous Lord Clitheroe, Nicholas Assheton was actually the Queen Mothers last treasurer and held the office until her death in 2002. The present day Lord Clitheroe is Ralph John Assheton whose title will then pass on to his son also called Ralph, following the tradition started in 1680.

St Leonards’ Cemetery

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St Leonards’ Church times as traces of foundations were found here during the rebuilding of the church in 1910.

Downham again follows the other tradition of having the pub and church in close proximity. Here however, the church is across the road from the pub, which is just round the corner from the village shop!

The pub is called The Assheton Arms, and has gained quite a reputation for serving food of an excellent quality. The church, St Leonard’s has to have one of the most spectacular views of any church due to its position.

It is found at the top of the steep Main Street overlooking the whole village with Pendle in the background. It is estimated there has been a church on that site since possibly Anglo-Saxon

partially filmed on location here, using the church for some of the scenes. The most popular drama shot here was a period drama As previously mentioned, the from the 1950s called village is totally unspoilt which “Born and Bred” which was is one of the reasons it has filmed between 2002 - 2005, been so popular being used in starring some of our best several historical dramas. One loved actors..James Bolam, fairly famous film “Whistle Michael French and Clive Down the Wind “ starring Swift, to name just a few.

Hayley Mills was filmed all This series really did show around the Pendle area, and the village off in all its glory, actually used children from but the drawback was during Downham school as extras. filming, the whole village was Wuthering Heights was also completely cordoned off which was a real nuisance None of the especially to the walkers houses have exploring the area!

either aerials or satellite dishes, making it a popular film location

For those of a more sedate nature, a popular pastime in Downham is the feeding of the ducks. At the bottom of the hill, at the start of the village is a pretty stream which is now home to quite a few fat ducks. Apparently these ducks have only been in residence since the 1960s, but are now considered as part of the village, so if anyone decides to visit, don’t forget to bring the crusts of bread!!

In conclusion, I would say this village is really worth a visit, that’s if it can be found!

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St Leonards’ Church

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A Downham Cottage

Assheton Arms

All Images By John Robinson Of FrameousFotos.

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STICKS & STONES...

BLOOD & BONES...

CARNTON PLANTATION & THE CONFEDERATE CEMETERY

By Melissa Conley

Lt. Col. Randal McGavock, Mayor Of Nashville Image courtesy of Tennesee State Library.

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IMAGE FOUND ON WIKIPEDIA

A short drive from the neon lights and country twang of Nashville, Tennessee lies the charming, shabby chic town of Franklin. It is here that you will find the haunting and historic Carnton Plantation. Steeped in history, the sticks and stones of this antebellum beauty have a story to whisper to those who visit; a tale of war, love and loss, life and death; how one family carried on through devastating adversity as, what is considered by some to be the bloodiest and most horrific battle of the American Civil War, played out in their own front yard.

Carnton’s story begins in 1826 when patriarch Randal McGavock built the great house. Randal was an influential man in early Tennessee history. He often rubbed elbows with American Presidents and once served as mayor of Nashville. The plantation became well known for producing fine thoroughbred horses, livestock and a multitude of crops. After Randal’s death in 1843, his son John inherited Carnton. In 1848, John his younger cousin Caroline “Carrie” Elizabeth Winder and began a major renovation to the big house and grounds. A two storied portico complete with columns, panels, corbels and scrollwork, was built onto the big house. Popular decorative wallpapers, rugs and decor were installed throughout the mansion’s interior. Cedars and boxwoods were planted along the walkways. The pride and prosperity of Carnton was on full display for all to see.

Though Carnton thrived, the McGavocks were not immune to the cruelties of life and dark whims of fate. The first three children born to John and Carrie died in early childhood. Martha, Mary Elizabeth and John Randal are buried in the small family cemetery on the property. A grieving parent had but to glance out a window to see their resting place day after day. It wasn’t until the birth of their daughter Hattie in 1855 and son Winder in 1857 that their family was complete. One can only imagine the devastation of losing not one, but three children in such a short period of time and the toll it had to have taken on the marriage.

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As a prosperous planter and slave holder in the South, John’s loyalties lay with the Confederacy when the American Civil War erupted in 1861. The McGavock slaves were sent to Louisianna so that they would not be taken by the federal army. As a middle aged man, John was considered too old to enlist but supported the cause by helping supply rebel troops. The grieving Carrie sewed uniforms for their rebel relatives and neighbors. When federals caught wind of the aid provided by the McGavocks, they struck a mighty blow by taking massive amounts of livestock and resources from the farm. One would think the McGavock family had suffered enough devastation and misfortune, however the worst was yet to come.

On the afternoon of November 30, 1864, the McGavocks found themselves helpless witness to the fierce, five-hour Battle of Franklin, where thousands upon thousands of soldiers fought, bled and died in the dark on the grounds of their once genteel home. The big house quickly filled up with the wounded and dying. Then the slave quarters and outbuildings began to fill. Carnton had become a huge field hospital where all hands were needed to staunch wounds, assist surgeons amputating mangled limbs and pray over the dead. Even young Hattie and Winder helped where they could.

Over the hours, the once fine carpets were saturated with blood, soaking the wooden planks beneath them. It is reported that, as Carrie worked tirelessly over the soldiers, the hem of her dress was crusted with the blood of the dead and dying.

By the time the last shot rang out, it is believed over 9,500 soldiers, including four Confederate

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Generals, were wounded, dead, captured by the enemy, or missing.

After the able bodied remnants of the armies left the battlefield and the dust settled, there was an overwhelming number of dead to be buried.

Every effort was made to identify the soldiers and bury them with rough wooden crosses and headboards with their names and service detail written on them. Unfortunately, these crude grave markers weathered poorly and during hard times, were used as firewood. The McGavocks designated two acres of land next to their family plot to serve as a cemetery for the rebel soldiers. The majority of the federal soldiers were removed to nearby Stones River National Cemetery. Residents of Franklin helped raise money to have the remains exhumed and reburied with permanent stone markers in

i

You can find out more about the bloody battle of Franklin by visting either the Carter House or the Carnton Plantation, Nashville, USA, open daily from Monday - Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. To find out more, visit: http://www.boft.org

the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. This was a painstaking process and detailed information on soldiers and their units were logged into a ledger.

Carrie McGavock became the keeper of the book once the arduous task was completed. She managed the care of the cemetery for decades until her death in 1905, earning herself the nickname, “The Widow of the South”.

After Carnton fell out of the family’s hands, it began to suffer from neglect and became a near ruin. That is the fate of so many fine old homes.

A major effort brought Carnton back to its former glory in the 1990’s and now it serves as a wonderful museum. You can take an excellent guided tour of the main house where the history is palpable. The blood stained floors and Carrie’s cemetery book are among the many treasured artifacts on display. Several outbuildings and a garden have been lovingly restored and are open to exploration. There is also a visitor’s center complete with historical displays and a tasteful gift shop. But to me, the family and Confederate cemeteries were the highlight of the Carnton experience.

graves of the rebel soldiers represented by white markers, stand in proud formation; as if awaiting inspection in the Confederate Cemetery. If you go through the wrought iron gate at the back of the military section, you step into the far less formal family plot. Here, ornate monuments and eloquent epitaphs grace the stones of long lost McGavocks, including John and Carrie’s children. Lush green ivy grows and trails loving fingers over a select few stones. Though I have been blessed to never know such personal tragedy, I understood the heart of Carrie Elizabeth Winder McGavock at that moment, standing with a beating heart among the dead. I could easily picture the horror and surreal of that fateful day. Oh, poor Carrie! A mother’s fear and pain. To have lost so much. To absolutely cherish the children that survived above all else, then see that horror and complete devastation all around them. She likely wanted to spirit them away to a safe haven when no such place existed. Instead, she watched as her babies

Row upon row, of neatly organized, and detailed

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joined the tragic chaos of war time triage. Chubby little fingers and stubby little legs were the makeshift orderlies and unwitting brother in arms to grown-ups that were as lost and frightened as they. I imagine Carrie felt as if death stalked her! But what strength and grace to make it her life’s mission to tend the garden of lost soldier’s.

Maybe she simply wanted to remember those that died on her watch, under her roof. To remember what most would try so desperately to forget. Perhaps she thought of those young men as some poor mother’s lost baby.

Who better to empathize with

a mother’s heartbreak, than a young woman who had buried three of her own? Perhaps it was a way to control an unbearable situation. Heaven knows she did it with grace and dignity. In a sense, perhaps the cemetery saved her.

ALL IMAGES PROVIDED BY MELISSA CONLEY UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

“Maybe she simply wanted to remember those that died on her watch,...”

27 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Lugh- Light of Autumn?

By David Knight

Soon, very soon, August will be upon us. And with it, in the Pagan community the celebrations of Lughnasadh 'Feast of Lugh'.

To understand Lugh we must go back to the Irish myths of the Tuatha De Danaan and their war over the Isle of Destiny with the Fomorians.

To be honest, the Fomorians were there first. The Fomorians were said to be an ugly race who dwelt in the dark; they weren't exactly happy when the 'Children of Danu' came along with their beauty, superior weapons and light. Ah, yes, light to draw the darkness away. War ensued and the Fomorians were driven to dwelling under the sea.

After a time, a truce was called and the two tribes swore to co-exist, there were even marriages made to keep the peace. But eventually, the Fomorians reclaimed the land and the Tuatha De Danaan were more or less enslaved.

Prophecy! There was a prophecy that Balor (leader of the Fomorians and had one huge eye of death) would have a grandchild who would lead the Tuatha to victory. So he imprisoned his daughter, Ethné in a tower. This beautiful flower was seen by one of the Tuatha, Cian, who was on his way to battle. With the help of the Druid, Birog, Cian made it to the top of the tower where the two lovers did as lovers do.

Birog was also there when Balor, finding out there was indeed his grandchild, threw the babe out of the tower. She somehow saved the baby, some say she used magic, some say she caught Lugh at just the right time, either way she took young Lugh to a Fomorian woman who was friends with the Tuatha, her name was Tailtiu.

At the Second Battle of Moytura, Lugh fulfilled his destiny by throwing the spear of light into the huge baleful eye of Balor which went through Balor's skull, killing him and forcing his head to loll back, turning the eye's dread gaze upon the Fomorians, wiping out three quarters of their force..... The survivors surrendered and were banished to the sea.

From one of the remaining Formorian chiefs, Lugh learned the four times of the year when to plant, to sow, to grow and to reap.

Prosperity amongst the Tuatha and the Isle of Destiny came with a price..... Tailtiu had given up her life in exhaustion by clearing the land so it could be cultivated. Lugh declared the first new moon of the harvest as a feast day in honour of his adoptive mother.

This tale contains many elements, darkness and light, a battle of the Sun gods, the sacrificial Goddess; Lugh was the last glorious leader of the Tuatha, until they in turn took to living in the hills once the Milesians came.

Perhaps, if Balor was the dangerous burning Sun, then Lugh could have been the last autumnal Sun before the coming of winter. Either way, it was the Fomorians who knew the Land and it is fitting that the feast of Lughnasadh was in fact a feast of respect for the one who not only mothered Lugh, but prepared her home, her land, for a new age.

Lugh, upon manhood and learning his destiny went to the leader of the Tuatha, Nuada and after beating beating the doorman at a game of Fidchell, he was introduced and welcomed. tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 28

Spiritual Counsellor

By Winter Anne McKelvie

W

hen you invest in a Spiritual Counsellor, you’re investing in your future - quite literally! So of course you want to get the best experience possible. I have below a few suggestions on what to expect when you decide to try a spiritual consulting session. To prepare yourself for the reading, make a list of questions or areas that you want to discuss, and choose a clear focus.

This makes it easier for the spirits to access your energy.

Choose your time and place carefully. A quiet space where you won’t be interrupted is best if you decide to do it by phone. If you choose to visit pick a time that you are not hurried or stressed out. Make sure you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the reading, and avoid getting a appointment during a crisis unless you want to focus on that.

Expect to be surprised! Even when you have planned a focus, sometimes spirit will sense something far more pressing in your mind or in your future. Enter the sitting with an open mind, and you won’t be disappointed!

Take notes. This will enable you to recall the 29 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

information and prepare a course of action to transform your life into what you want! Ask appropriate questions. Don’t pester with nonstop questioning, but if you don’t understand what they are saying or if you need them to slow down so you can catch up on your notes, let them know. When you have everything written down, read them over and then you can ask really good pointed questions!

Settle for a Spiritual Counsellor who isn’t right for you. NO! Trust your gut feelings about a Counsellor, but also use your brain to collect facts so you can make informed decisions. Find out what methods Counsellor use for support (Tarot, astrology, Akashic Records), and choose one you feel good about.

Playing “stump the Counsellor “. Besides wasting your time, the Counsellor will become frustrated and perhaps lose focus on your reading. A good Counsellor wants to help.

Surrender your power after the visit. You have free will, and you can control and change much of what is discussed. The main purpose of a Counsellor is to advise you on what to do and what to avoid in order to have a good future.

Doubting your Counsellor ‘s abilities.

If you feel uneasy with a reading/ visit, try a different Counsellor until you find one with whom you are comfortable.

Think about the Counselling as a whole. Did it echo your life and circumstances? Were most of the future events and suggestions possible in your life? Sometimes a Counsellor will suggest something that seems impossible at the time, such as a marriage or a significant increase in income, but if the rest of the sitting resonates, chances are the Counsellor is spot-on.

Review the list of questions you made before the visit as well as the notes you took during it. Try not to think about new questions, or your focus will change, and your reading will feel unfinished.

Have all your concerns been addressed? Do you have insight into what’s happening around you? If you can formulate a clearer view

of your life and a course of action, your visit was complete.

Consider your feelings about the session. If you felt comfortable during the time and you feel good afterward, then it was a success. Even if the Counsellor told you something you didn’t want to hear, Counsellor readings are supposed to be a healing experience, and you should walk away from it feeling positive.

Now that your concerns about a particular topic have been addressed, what about the rest of your life? Where else could you use some clarity and guidance? If you think of more questions about another area of your life, such as love, career, finances, or personal growth, get book another!

Check Out Winter Anne McKelvie’s Website at: .http:// modernwytch.wixsite.com/tarot.

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Dream Journals & Pillows....

By Monique Reichert

Teen dream journal and pillow projects

neighborhood, we have lots in common and he a lot of fun talking. I saw a lot of blue things today.

Friday May 17 – Dream: I dreamed that I was moving into a little house.

Everything was upside down.

Notes: Today I met a new student in school.

K

eeping a dream diary is fairly easy and can be very helpful in understanding what your subconscious is trying to help you work out; whether it be stress, big decisions, fears or hopes and desires.

Here are a few ideas to get you started……

Have a diary section where you will write down the dreams you have. Remember the specific things and the things that stand out. Be sure to include notes of the day after entering your dream information. Even if it doesn’t make total sense at the time, just

jot it down, however it comes to mind; don’t over think it.

Include a dictionary section where you write the things that stand out which have a specific meaning to you. There are several dream interpretation and dream dictionaries available on line to help give some insight into your dreams meaning.

Example from a diary: Monday May 5 – Dream: I dreamed that I was moving into a very large house. I was attacked by alligators.

Notes: I met a new boy today that moved into our

31 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Since similar things happened in the dream and notes so an entry into the dictionary is made.

Letter M: Moving – when dreaming of moving usually means I will meet someone new.

You can use any type of note pad, a store bought journal or, if your feeling crafty, you could try your hand at making your own altered book, personalized to your likeing.

Next, we will move on to making a dream pillow....

C N Y L

ut two 7 x 7” squares of material of your liking. Be sure to pay special attention to the colors and check in your correspondence journal for the color’s meaning. Place them together with the colored sides not showing. ext, you will need to hand sew around the edges getting all the corners, but still leaving a place open in the top to stuff it later. Now, turn it inside out; making sure that all the corners are out. ou will then need to stuff it with fiber-fill or other stuffing material of your choice and add a few teaspoons of chosen dried herbs to call certain dreams to you. astly, you can either use your sewing machine or simply hand-sew the opening closed.

3

1 4

2

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A Pagan Guide to Being Busy

By Jenny Cartledge sad fact of life is that it tends to get in the way of the things that we want to do. Whether it’s stresses from work, family commitments, health issues or housework; there is always something that needs doing that takes priority, whether we want it to or not. As such, we find less time to do the things we benefit from - relaxation is more likely to be zoning out in front of the TV instead of reading or pursuing hobbies, because it takes much less effort and far less thinking.

One of the things that usually falls by the wayside is spiritual practice. We stop having the time to do the rituals and rites we would like to do. We often forget Esbats and Sabbats or other days we would like to celebrate. Before we know it, months or even years can have passed before we’ve done anything related to our paths.

We try to grasp hold of them, don’t we? We fling ourselves into reading books and attaining some degree of study or ritual planning, setting ourselves up with schedules. Original enthusiasm quickly wanes and we find ourselves looking forward to it less and less; then life gets in the way again and we’re back at square one. It happens to me far more often than I would like to admit.

We don’t take it lightly either. Sometimes we feel that we’re failing ourselves and even the Gods - like a bit of a fraud. Once that feeling takes hold it is really difficult to shake, and it can distance us from our practice more than we were before.

It doesn’t matter if you’re not following some

A

33 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

pagan observance every single day. Spirituality can be part of our daily lives, if we let it. Using small gestures or practices we can reconnect and we can find ourselves back on the familiar tread of our paths, perhaps going a little slower than we were going a couple of years back, but we’re there.

When we’re busy, the first thing that can go is time to ourselves, especially when families come into the equation. Take five minutes, step into the garden and just look to see what is there. Feel the sun on your skin, or watch any birds that might be around.

Touch the plants, put your fingers in the grass and feel the earth. Hug a tree! If it’s night time, take five minutes with the moon, in the garden or even from the window. Offer up a prayer and just bathe in the energies. If the moon isn’t around then stargaze, listen for any night time birds, and appreciate the calm and the stillness.

Spend time outdoors in other ways - go for a walk with the family, walk to work or the shops. Find routes that put you in touch with nature, beside rivers or canals, through parks or tree-lined paths.

While the kids are running through the park, see if you can take a few minutes and try to connect with the spirits of the place. Leave a small offering if you feel comfortable doing so, or feed the birds. Embrace the elements in whatever form they come; the wind, the rain, the sun and the earth. Walk barefoot if conditions allow, and take some time to ground yourself.

Visualisation is an important factor in magic and rituals. If you’re sweeping the floor, visualise sweeping the negative energy away. Put energies

into your cooking to impart health and happiness to your friends and family, use herbs in your meals for protection. You can do magic and rituals in your mind; if you don’t have time to do a full ritual then don’t. Work without the tools and incorporate intent into your meditation. Take as little or as long as you like.

Read, but don’t throw yourselves into a complete world of study. Take it slow - read maybe a chapter if you can, or a couple of pages. Let the knowledge sink in. Think about what you have read.

Read on the bus or train, in the bath or in bed.

Listen to podcasts on your way to work; Druid cast has lots of lovely talks on it that you can listen to while you’re doing other things. Or simply stick on your favourite pagan singer or band. When I’m feeling totally lost, a rousing sing-a-long to Damh the Bard or a quick dance around the kitchen to Omnia can very quickly lift the spirits.

Remember, nothing ‘magical’ needs to happen in these moments. You may receive no signs, no indications that anyone is listening, no great clap of thunder or sudden beam of sunlight to show that anything of note has happened. That’s okay. We’re not always going to have a spark of divine inspiration. For me, the biggest part of feeling connected is simply a deep sense of being loved; how it feels to you is unique. So explore it, and find out what it is for you.

I would say to try and keep a journal, which I know isn’t always practical. It doesn’t need to be much, just a few words on how you’re feeling. If you can’t write in a book, write a note on your

phone. There are so many apps out there that you can download for journaling or whatever else. It can be great to keep track of ideas that come into your head or moments you want to make a note of.

Even if you can’t go back to it immediately, when you do have some time you’ll have some time you’ll have them to hand.

Be a part of some form of pagan community. If you have no friends nearby with a similar mind-set, go online. Facebook has a whole host of groups to suit any pagan persuasion. There are forums and chatrooms or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Second Life which has some great Pagan communities. You can chat about so many different topics and find people in a similar situation as yourself. We’ve all been there, and we’re all going to be there again.

Alternatively, if you can’t physically do anything because your life is just that busy or it’s suddenly got chaotic, just be mindful. Be mindful of what’s around you; if it’s a Sabbat or full moon, think about it, even if you don’t have time for anything else.

It doesn’t matter what you do, how little or how big. It doesn’t matter if you have five minutes or manage to sneak a whole half hour in somewhere.

In the long run, this is your path. There is no wrong or right way to walk it. If you don’t have time to do any of these things, find something you can manage. Your path isn’t going to go anywhere without you.

So, what are you going to do today?

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Poets’ Corner

Your Bardic Entertainer

By Drew Stiles

I am your Bardic Entertainer And I know my own standing Today I’m Good, soon to be brainer I’ve learned to do my own branding I’m not a long-haired rock musician Or hero or legend with large crowds You’ll find me in small groups, no hissing I’ll enjoy your applause to, which I bowed Could I be out on the street-light entertainer Or an Open-Mic branded style pleaser Looking to enjoy your cheers, I’m no maskerader I’m the Woodland Bard, a simple word teaser Some days I wish I could be a Piano-Man A player of Guitar or Harp, that’s not my leisure Though the play on words is my true plan So now, I do poetry, verse and satyr for your pleasure!

35 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Spring Song

By Martin Pallot

The deosil dance of the waxing year, Brings the seed to birth, As warmth drives out old winter’s fear And melts the heart of earth.

Raise up the lord of all that’s green And give him room to breathe, Let him wake from winter’s dream To bless the budding leaves.

Let the maiden see her love And greet him with a kiss, Let them twine in oaken grove To bring each other bliss.

Let earth and sun and wind and rain Be fertile in their way, As spring reclaims her old domain, And life comes out to play.

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Scotland DAY 2

I awoke reasonably early, and as there was no reason to hang around, I loaded everything into the car and off I went, heading to the north east of the island of Mull. Here I would find the colourful harbour town of Tobermory. Every building is painted a different colour which makes it a spectacular sight.

It was 6am when I arrived and there wasn’t a soul to be seen. I parked in the car park beside the distillery and walked all the way down the prom to the ferry terminal. The only sign of life was of two fishermen on the jetty loading empty plastic trays onto their fishing boat. The water in the harbour was so still which reflected the surrounding buildings like a mirror image.

Legend has it that somewhere in the deep waters of Tobermory bay lies the remains of a Spanish galleon, the name of which no one can say for sure, although some are convinced it is the Florencia, part of the Spanish Armarda dating back to 1588.

Again, according to legend, there is reputed to be around £300,000 of gold bullion in the hold. There have been numerous attempts to locate this galleon, the largest of which took place in 1950 by the duke of Argyllshire. Unfortunately, nothing was found, but the equipment used to try to locate the sunken vessel is still used today. Overlooking the bay is the imposing Western Isles Hotel which was home to the Royal Navy during World War 2, under the com man if Vice-Admiral Sir Gilbert Stephen. He was also known as the terror of Tobermory, according to the biography written by broadcaster Richard Baker who trained under him.

From here I headed down the island past Salen to an old walled graveyard on the left, from where I 37 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

John Robinson continues his journey through picturesque Scotland taking us with him on day two ....... was so lucky to be able to see the Dolphins feeding in the sound of Mull. Again I headed south passing past the ferry terminal at Craignure where I came across Duart castle, which has been used numerous times in film locations, namely Entrapment starring Sean Connery, and When Eight Bells Toll with Anthony Hopkins, and more recently Buffy the vampire slayer!!

Driving along you can see the old ruined road in the valley which has now become a popular camping site as it is no longer used as a road. It has become a popular place to stop as there are some spectacular places along it beside the river, including old unused stone bridges which span this river.

I continued all the way along this road to Pheanport where the ferry to Iona comes in. I parked the car in the car park and walked down to purchase my ticket.

Although the ferry is a car ferry, cars are not allowed on the island. The only vehicles you will see are the post van and delivery vans calling at the shop and pub. It’ doesn’t take long to sail across, perhaps ten minutes. On the way across we pass the isle of Staffa. This is where Fingal’s Cave can be found, made famous by Mendelssohn who was inspired to compose the overture after a visit in 1830.

A short walk up the hill from the ferry takes you the ruins of the nunnery, a foundation of the Augustinian order. From here a walk along the dirt road takes you to Iona Abbey which was the focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland, and marks the foundation of a monastic community in 563 by St Columba.

The abbey still remains a popular site for Christian pilgrimage today. Many early Scottish kings are reputed to be buried in the graveyard, 48 in total, as well as numertpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 38

ous kings from Ireland, Norway and France. More recently the graveyard has a few graves of German sailors from the Second World War, washed up on the shores of the island and presumed to be from a U Boat.

The weather took a turn for the worse as I left the Abbey and by the time I got to where the ferry comes in I was rather wet.

By the time I got back to the car the sun had come out and it was getting nice and warm so I decided to drive up to Calgery bay going up the west of the island past where I spent the previous night. One reason I wanted to stay here was because it was close to a couple of waterfalls I wanted to photograph. My intention was to spend the night at Calgery but when I arrived the place was just full of tents so there was nowhere left for me.

After a short walk along the beach I carried on and arrived back

39  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

in Tobermory where I managed a swift half in the McDonalds arms. I continued down the island and found the perfect place to spend the night - a parking space with enough room for what I needed, and a nice wooden bench right by the sea on the sound of mull. The perfect way to relax after a long day touring around, sitting on the bench with a glass of red watching the ships sailing along the channel.

Time for bed. Day two was over.

ALL IMAGES PROVIDED BY JOHN ROBINSON OF FRAMEOUSFOTOS

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41  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Mabon Autumn and John Barleycorn

By Elen Sentier

This is the second of the three harvest festivals: Lammas, Autumn and Samhain. It’s also the third of the four sun feasts for the Celtic year when the Oak and Holly Kings fight again as they did at Spring but this time it’s the Holly King who wins the battle for the Goddess. Oak and Holly carry the two halves of the year; Oak carries the Summer from Spring through to Autumn while Holly carries the winter from Autumn to Spring.

It’s the time for John Barleycorn. It’s an old song in which the spirit of the barley is named, goes through the transitions it must go through from seed to glass of beer or wee dram. Here are the words we sang when I was growing up: There were three men came out of the West, Their fortunes for to try, And these three men made a solemn vow: John Barleycorn must die.

They've ploughed, they've sown, they've harrowed him in, Threw clods upon his head, And these three men made a solemn vow: John Barleycorn was dead.

They've let him lie for a very long time, Till the rains from heaven did fall, And little Sir John he sprung up his head, And so amazed them all.

They've let him stand till the long midsummer, Till he looked both pale and wan, And little Sir John's grown a long, long beard, And so become a man. They've the hired men with the scythes so sharp, To cut him off down at the knee, Then they've rolled him and tied him around by the waist, Served him most barbarously.

pitchforks, Who pricked him to the heart, And the loader he has served him worse than that, For he's bound him to the cart They've wheeled him around and around of the field, Till they came unto a barn, And there they made a solemn oath, On poor John Barleycorn.

They've hired men with the crab-tree sticks, To cut him skin from bone, And the miller he has served him worse than that, For he's ground him between two stones.

And little Sir John is in the nut-brown bowl, And he's brandy in the glass; And little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl, Proved the strongest man at last.

For the hunter, he can't hunt the deer, Nor so loudly to blow his horn, And the tinker he can't mend kettle nor pot, Without a little Barleycorn.

As I said, the song tells the story of the barley-spirit; who are these three men? This never comes to light in the song as it’s assumed everyone already knows, as indeed they did in many villages sixty-plus years ago; we’ve lost so very much in a short half-century.

Three-ness is such a deep thing in all the old British ways, be they from England, Wales, Scotland, Brittany or over the sea to the Isle of Man and on to Ireland. Everywhere you find three-ness, most markedly seen in the triskele. It’s something you find in many of the old ways all around the world, too.

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World Tree Elen Sentier continues on the theme of Mabon, Autumn and John Barleycorn

UPPERWORLD is at the top in the branches – it’s the world of potential, all that may happen.

MIDDLEWORLD is around the trunk – it’s the world where potential weaves with experience and makes new things and creates change.

LOWERWORLD is at the bottom, in the roots – it’s the world of the Ancestors, the world that holds everything that has ever happened.

The three worlds are known everywhere and expressed in many ways. Due to my family’s connections to Rudolf Steiner, my dad introduced some other ways of working three-ness into our lives.

Biodynamics uses three-ness a lot and in a way which relates to the old tellings of the Battle of the Trees. Many years ago I made my own taleweaving of that story (which I’ll put up as a podcast on my website soon) and the outline is that Gwydion and his brother Amergin, go hunting for the three basic

secrets of agriculture, to give to humans. These three things are silica, calcium and clay which, in the story, are held by the lapwing, the roebuck and the bitch-hound. The brothers have to rescue each creature in order to be gifted with the precious mineral. Dad and the Vicar used to talk about this (amongst many other things) and the Vicar would say it always reminded him of the three Kings in the Bible story. Interestingly, biodynamics uses this analogy too. So we get closer to who these three men might be: the guardians of the three worlds.

The table below gives some idea of correspondences: The three men come from the West and, for us, the West signifies Otherworld. When we go home, go back at death, we go West, to the Isles of the West, the Isles of the dead, to the apple Isle. We follow the Sun down into the Lowerworld to rise up again, in due time, reborn into a new incarnation. The

Upperworld

Potential: all that may be possible

Sun

Silica as a light and fire-bringing element; the second most common element in the Earth’s crust, comprising 25.7% of the Earth’s crust by weight. Oxygen is the most common at 46.6%. Both are fire-keepers.

Lowerworld

Ancestors: everything that ever has been

Earth

Calcium holds a massive amount of nutrients, as well as the concept of structure that all life needs; old gardeners used to use this as bonemeal and some still do.

Middleworld

Manifestation: all that’s happening now

All Life

Clay is the richest soil that holds all nutrients as (although it is hard to work unless you’re willing to make the effort but when worked with correctly) it gives all the food of the earth and enables plants to feed on those elements.

43 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

IMAGE PROVIDED BY ELEN SENTIER

three men come from there. Each holds the essence of one of the worlds and they come to teach and show us the way.

Beer and whisky have been made in Britain for as long as we’ve grown barley. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a member of the grass family, like all our cereal crops. and grows all over the world in temperate climates. It’s been grown for at least 13,000 years throughout Eurasia and is one of the first grains we learned to cultivate. Barley is commonly made into malt through a traditional and ancient method of preparation and, as such, is an excellent source of fermentable material for beer and distilled whisky-type beverages. We’ve also used it in soups, stews and barley bread for all that time. The name 'barley' goes back to the Old English word bære which, in its turn, traces back to a Proto-Indo-European word which is cognate to the Latin word farina 'flour'. The word 'barn' originally meant 'barley-house' and thus shares the same roots.

Therefore, at the second harvest of the Autumn Equinox we would celebrate John Barleycorn in the village. The village school used to get together a mummers’ play of the story which, as children, we would enact for the grown-ups at the Feast. Needless to say, being children, we really got into beating

all hell out of the John Barleycorn image we had made out of straw! Back then, several people in the village were brewers and a couple were distillers so there was always some home-brew to go round, but some folk (dad was one) liked to bring in a few single malts from Scotland. That’s where I got my taste for the “smokies” of Islay!

The Harvest festivals were always fun and our Vicar at the time always joined in too. In fact, everyone in the village would come whether or not they were pagan. We all knew where our food came from and were glad to celebrate it. In those day most food was local as it was long before supermarkets became rampant; you knew who had grown what you ate - be it animal or vegetable - and so had a much closer, deeper and more respectful attitude to food.

The throw-away culture so many live with nowadays, which various top chefs are trying to turn around, just didn’t exist. You didn’t throw things away, not anything, as it could always be reused and usually was, until it fell apart. While things like strawberries in December were not known amongst us, our food was pretty good and interesting to the palate; leftovers really do provide some gorgeous meals!

Let’s sing and celebrate John Barleycorn!

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DENIECE

CHURCH-MORGAN

REVEALED

GREY WITCH & ETSY ENTREPRENEUR TELLS US ABOUT HER SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Could you please share a bit with our readers about yourself and your practice?

“My name is Deniece, my witch name is Mooncaster. I have 3 beautiful grown daughters and five beautiful grandchildren. I am what is known as a Gray Witch. We are very rare. I was born a witch and I always knew I was different but I didn’t know why. I always just “knew” things. Many years later I realized I was an Empath, which means I feel others emotions very intensely. I’m a seer, I do readings for those who have something negative or evil that is harming them. after years of buying everything I need, which was becoming very expensive, so I became an Alchemist. I do counseling as well.

Mostly women will call when they are scared and alone and just need someone to hear them and so I make myself available to anyone who needs me even if it’s in the middle of the night. I stay very busy yes but I love what I do. It’s very rewarding.”

What would you say was the defining moment in your life when you realized that your path was that of a witch?

“I’ve been asked many times when I knew I was a witch. There wasn’t one single moment where I suddenly knew I was a witch. It was a process. I spent my life battling a rare mental disorder and I was not capable of understanding what the abilities I have meant. As my mind cleared my magick became stronger and I learned to strengthening my gifts. I began studying Herbs and collecting them I didn’t know what I was going to do with them but I kept studying and the began studying crystals again not knowing why I just felt compelled to. Then 45 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

when we moved to the woodlands I got well with the help of my doctors help and very hard work of my own. As my mind cleared my powers became more powerful. I suppose that was about the time I realized that this felt like second nature.”

What inspires you to continue along your path?

“I continue because I feel there is a need for my services. I get calls from many people about how they a learn so I decided to teach the basics. for example, I’ll be teaching the 8 tools used by witches. what they are for, their meanings and their uses.

I will teach how to cast and close a circle. I will teach simple safe spells for them to get a feel for it without being able to harm anyone I feel there is a need for this because I’m approached everyday by someone who wants to learn.”

What sorts of experiences or interactions give you the greatest satisfaction since you have embraced the lifestyle of a witch?

“When I am approached by someone because they need my services as a witch I feel honored but I also feel a great deal of responsibility. They are trusting me to help them. I take that very seriously.

“I will teach simple safe spells for them to get a feel for it without being able to harm anyone will teach simple safe spells for them to get a feel for it without being able to harm anyone...”

Deniece Allows Us Into Her Inner Temple And Takes Us Through A Simple Ritual. tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 46

Sometimes they will call me back and tell me that my spell or my clearing has helped that is the greatest compliment I could receive. All of my customers are very important to me.”

Have you encountered anything negative or frightening and would you share a little with our readers about the experience and how you resolved it?

“I have encountered some extremely negative things and I have had the negativity or evil influences wreak havoc on me from time to time but it is necessary sometimes to get it away from the innocent one who is being hurt. I know how to dispose of it. But I don’t scare easily so. I’ve had objects thrown at me and I have had actual physical combat with entities. My first real evil encounter was a couple of years ago. A young woman was introduced to me because her ex-boyfriend would not leave her alone. I discovered that he was in a secret society which practices some very sinister rituals. I watched this poor woman collapse to the floor right in front of me. She was so violently ill that ii was afraid she was going to die. I put protection around her but he was very good and soon figure out she was with a witch more powerful than him and he tried to come at me through a thunderstorm. he didn’t realize that I draw power from storms. when I was done he never bothered her again and the young woman is doing wonderful.”

Could you share a bit with us about your community activities such as your ETSY store and Twitter interactions?

“I have a shop on Etsy and I make everything on it by hand. everything is blessed and consecrated for the witch who is using it www.etsy.com/shop/ mooncasters1. I also have had great success with Twitter. I send tips and shortcuts for anyone to use.

I also have a listing on Twitter where people can contact me for psychic readings and counseling. I also get spell work from that listing. I have had the privilege of working with people all over the world and as of today I have nearly 1000 followers. That’s very humbling for me.”

I know of many witches who have unusual ‘visitors’ or other ‘supernatural phenomenon’ occur. Some of them just accept it as part of the package, some welcome it and yet others are frightened, does this happen to you and would you share a bit about your experience(s)?

I have had dealings with ghosts and cursed objects.

It just comes with the territory.

What advice would you give for beginners on a Pagan path?

“For beginners my best advice is to stop thinking it’s like television. Witchcraft is not a game and it is not something you do on the weekends. It is a way of life. You must study it. If you aren’t willing to learn then you aren’t going to get very far and the damage you can cause on the way can be irreparable.”

What advice would you offer to experienced witches?

“My advice to experience witches is take just one fledgling and teach them the proper things from someone who knows. Pass your wisdom on to the next generation.”

How do you incorporate your practice into your everyday life, especially when life gets hectic?

“I live my life as a witch every day. I work at my altar every day or I’m drying herbs or making potions. Just about everything I do is involved in witchcraft.”

IMAGES PROVIDED BY DENIECE CHURCH-MORGAN

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49  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Commemorating Tailtiu

By Robin Herne In Irish mythology the goddess Tailtiu is queen of the Fir Bolg, an ancient race of magical people who had once possessed all of Ireland but who lost the great battle of Mag Tuiredh against the Tuatha De Danaan. Once the war was over the victors consigned the vanquished to one fifth of Ireland, giving them what was at the time the least appetising region – namely Connaught (or Connachta, as it was once known).

Back in those days Connaught was an inhospitable region of dense forests, swamps and rocky land.

For years the Fir Bolg struggled to survive in this wilderness. Despite the awfulness of the land and the paucity of food to be found there, the Tuatha engaged in the traditional pan-Celtic practice of fostering their children out to tribes they wanted to establish peace with. It may well be imagined that the peace was a tenuous one, and that additional measures were needed to ensure both sides kept to their pledges. One of the Tuatha children known to have been raised by the Fir Bolg was the infant Lugh who went on to be famed for his many skills.

He was raised by Tailtiu and, as was undoubtedly the case with a great many fostered children, the two developed an intimate bond. To him Tailtiu would be his muime, an affectionate title.

Many years later the queen strove to transform the land for her people but cutting down the densest forests and making them ready for agriculture. In the process she exhausted herself and, once the land was ready, collapsed dead – her life sacrificed in order to feed her people. There is a recurrent theme in Irish (as in so many other) mythologies of powerful characters shaping the very landscape by their actions. When Lugh heard of the tragedy he organised a great week-long funeral, with the customary games put on for royalty. This became the very first Lughnasadh. Whilst for many the traditions of the day have merged with those of the Anglo-Saxon Lammas, some pagans keep to the original theme. Horse racing became a significant feature of Lughnasadh, a sport which Lugh is cred-

ited with introducing to humanity.

Whilst the details as to exactly how the ancient Pagan Irish celebrated this day are rather sketchy, we can take the central themes and run with them.

Perhaps the most obvious overlapping themes are the exhaustion experienced by the Land as it yields up its harvest and then falls into its winter death, and the sacrifices made by countless generations of women on behalf of their loved ones.

Historically in Britain, and still in many parts of the world, vast numbers of women died in childbirth.

The great majority of those who survived to raise one or more children dwelt in grinding poverty – it is only in the most recent times that “trickle-down economics” has even pretended to work and a growing number of people have had more food than they could eat and the luxury of knowing they could keep a roof over their heads. The vast majority of men were worked to death in back-breaking manual labour, but most women had to combine lives of poorly paid drudgery with looking after kids, elderly relatives and the like.

Reflecting on the lives of known generations of mothers, grandmothers, aunts etc. not only values those ancestors but can help place our own lives in context. Once even a single generation has attained a benefit (comparative wealth, legal rights etc.) it is easy for them to forget the struggle needed to attain it, or what life was like for so many people living without it. What is taken glibly can be ripped away easily. We might use this time to reflect on the metaphorical harvests we have reaped from the hard labours of those who went before us, and to think of what we will be leaving to our descendants. I this vein it becomes a good time to take stock of the position of women in society, and what needs changing next. Will our daughter, granddaughters, and nieces etc. be growing up in brutal worlds that will exhaust their bodies and break their spirits before they have gone through more than a handful of decades, or will they have tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 50

whatever opportunities and freedoms we can strive to leave them?

As a festival that marks the prelude to the grain harvest, it is also worth thinking about how hard the agricultural life is and how many people struggle for decent food. Especially so in those parts of the world that lack all the high-tech farming machinery we enjoy in the UK. It’s a common practice in churches to collect food for the poor, and something worth emulating –

whether it’s a basket of food to a struggling neighbour, donations to a food bank, a dinner invite for someone finding it hard to make ends meet, or tins to an animal shelter.

This short poem below, written in trëochair metre, is intended to be read in ritual by a woman ~ speaking as Tailtiu herself. Bua is one of the wives of Lugh, often considered to be one of the names of the Cailleach, goddess of winter. It appears in my poetry book Bard Song, published by Moon Books.

Taitiu’s Tale Not womb-borne

My deathbed

But breastfed to burgeoning

Desire ~ mother’s funeral

Strength on my milk, now careworn

Fair: all in peace and well fed.

Songs enshrine Crushed, hollowed From helping my Fir Bolg Kin through hard labour hallowed.

Loving laments undying Whilst my feast is held divine.

Come nearer King’s consort Calloused, soft life sacrificed To salvage my sweet Connaught.

Light of the east, Lamhfada, Forget not my love.

Dearer

Than womb-borne Wild woodland Cleared clovered paradise, Kine and crops praise my axe-hand.

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You are to me, Bua’s man, Strength of my heart, now outworn.

Image by Siawase under CC2.0 generic license

TRADITIONAL CRAFT

CRYING THE NECK

By Elen Sentier

At one time “Crying the Neck” was common through all of Devon and we still did it in the 1950s in the village. I grew up with corn dollies hanging near to or over the main hearth in whatever house we lived in. The corn dolly, also known as the “neck”, was made of corn stems in the form of the goddess with a narrow waist, spreading hips and a long swan’s neck. The day after the celebrations it would be hung up in the farm kitchen where it stayed until ‘Plough Monday’.

The corn dolly, which is the Neck, carries the essence of the Harvest goddess from the time of the corn cutting, Lammas, over the winter until Plough Monday, the first Monday after 12th Night. The corn dolly waits like the caterpillar in the chrysalis where she returns back into its component energy to be reborn on Plough Monday.

raise their hats above their heads at the same time as the elder raises “the neck” on high. They do this three times, going down to the ground and up to the sun. Then their chant changes to “wee yen! wee yen!” three times, as they throw up their arms and hats.

They then would all burst into joyous laughter, flinging their hats up again and capering about, kissing the women and girls. In the furore one man gets hold of the “neck” and runs as hard as he can for the farm-house where the lady of the house stands at the door holding a pail of water. If the man manages to get by her and into the house by any way other than the door where she stands he may kiss her. Otherwise she throws the water over him so he’s well soused!

There was always rivalry between the farms as to who would finish first and who last. Once the last The ritual began before the reaping when the oldest field on each farm was done the harvestmen would man went round to pick a bundle of all the best go to the highest point on the farm and sing out … stems and ears he could find, he then plaited them into the corn dolly, the neck. Then, when the fields We-ha-neck! we-ha-neck! are finished the pitcher of cider goes round and we Well aplowed! Well asowed! all, reapers and binders, women and children, stand We’ve reaped! And we’ve a-mowed in a circle round the elder who holds the neck, the Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! corn dolly, up in the air. Then he stoops and holds Well-a-cut – well abound! it down to the earth. All the men take off their hats Well-a-zot upon the ground! and stoop with him, holding their hats down to the We-ha-neck! We-ha-neck! ground and then they begin a deep chant of “the Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! neck! the neck!”. Slowly they rise upright again and tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 52

The Charming of the Hare Imagine sitting on a hillside some fifty-odd years ago as the smell of fresh-cut straw fills the air and everyone is gathered on the hilltop singing. Rows of corn stooks glimmer in the sunset through the fields, we children run and dance and play through them. Then comes a call across the fields. Stillness, nobody moves. The elder woman comes into the field holding something to her breast. She puts it down on the ground and it sits still... it’s a hare. She strokes it three times then says the word and immediately the enchantment is gone, the hare leaps and runs through the stooks and across the field. It is the goddess, in her hare totem, blessing us and the harvest.

Then someone would fire a shotgun and the cider would go round again in toasts to the goddess, even we children were allowed some. This is very similar to the shotgun, cider-soaked toast and mulled cider that we have at Wassail on 12th Night each year and our elders told us the two were connected – which makes sense! Wassail is about asking the apple orchards for a good harvest, Crying the Neck is about thanking the goddess for the harvest.

After we’d done with these rites there’d be the harvest-home feast which included dancing and sing-

53 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

ing. We all got together in the village hall for this and later danced in the carpark to the music of the local folk group and the Morris side. The Neck, the goddess’ corn dolly, took pride of place hanging over the head of the table where the eldest person in the village sat. There was always lots of cider and beer, and home brewed wines made from hedgerow wildflowers and, again, we children always got some. It went on well into the small hours and our vicar would come and join in too.

Mordiford in Herefordshire, near, where I live now …

This village is on an ancient ford of the River Lugg and is now crossed by the oldest surviving bridge in Herefordshire, dating in part to c. 1352. And we have a dragon here! He lives up above the ford in Haugh Wood comes down to drink at the confluence of the Wye and Lugg near the village. A heartshaped corn dolly is named after the village.

STAR GAZING

By Graham Keith Talboys

One of the areas of learning for which ancestral Druids were renowned was astronomy. Although this was probably a blend of scientific observation, stare lore, and an astrology now largely lost to us, it is possible to ascertain from the records that survive, that Druids had a sophisticated understanding of what could be seen in the night sky.

The winter months limit the work we can do outside, but one of the things we can do, if we get the chance, is study the sky. Those of us who live in built up areas have the problems of light and air pollution to contend with, but it is still possible to make naked eye observations of the stars. If nothing else, a familiarity with the main constellations and their connection with Celtic lore is a fun way to expand our understanding of the world about us.

One of the main problems we will encounter (apart from cloudy skies and pouring rain), is that much of ancient astronomical knowledge has been lost to us or superseded by astrological and astronomical systems introduced from the Arab world.

And even where Celtic names have persisted, they cannot always be considered reliable. Many have passed through the distorting lens of the imagination of Iolo Morgannwg and are therefore tainted with the possibility of having been his invention. A number of Welsh star and constellation names are connected with Arthur. This means that the Arthurian mythos is either a great deal older than we thought or that the names were changed following the fifth century. Much modern writing on the subject seems to repeat other modern writing on the subject without ever quoting sources. And where sources are quoted, they are often from unreliable translations. To begin with we must content ourselves with getting to know the night sky.

modern astronomers as M45, The Pleiades are also known as the Seven (and sometimes Nine) Sisters.

In Irish they are known as An Meanmnach (which literally means ‘spirited’ or ‘lively’, but which also has connections with spirit and strength). The Welsh name is problematic. It is often given as Twr Tewdws and then translated as ‘Theodosius’ Group’. That the Britons would want to name a star cluster after a Roman Emperor who was instrumental in a brutal suppression of native uprisings is stretching credibility. It is more likely that Tewdws is a compound with the Tew element meaning ‘numerous’. It is also possible that Twr should be Tŵr (meaning ‘tower’ or ‘stronghold’).

My own modern preference is for the ‘Nine Sisters’ which suggests the sisterhood of Avalon led by Morgan.

Be all that as it may, The Pleiades are an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Taurus dominated by hot blue stars and surrounded by reflection nebulosity (a vast cloud of interstellar dust through which they are currently passing). It is among the nearest to the Earth of all open clusters, probably the best known and certainly the most striking to the naked eye. That said, they are not always easy to see and you need a clear sky to pick them out.

To find The Pleiades, first find Orion, one of the most striking of constellations. This is rising in the eastern sky. Above Orion is Taurus, with the bright star Aldeberan at its centre.

A good place to start is with The Pleiades, seen only in the winter half of the year. Known to tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 54

Sitting on the Bull’s shoulder, above Aldebaran (the orange star toward the bottom of the picture below) are The Pleiades (the fuzzy blue cloud higher up to the right).

ure hunters and some archaeologists persist in asserting it is a fake (despite crystallography suggesting it is genuine).

If you want to study the night sky on a regular basis, an advanced (although easy to use) sky map can be found at: http://www.astroviewer.com/interactive-night-sky-map.html For those without access to the Internet, or who wish to have something handy to use whilst standing in the middle of a dark field, there is always the Stellarscope This is a compact, handheld, and easy-to-use guide to the stars and constellations in the shape of a mini-telescope. You can view the night sky for any date and time in either the Northern or Southern hemispheres by simply setting the time and date dials on the scope. Point it towards a light source, and you will see the stars and constellations as they would appear in the sky on that night.

To the Bronze Age people of Europe, such as the Celts (and probably considerably earlier), the Pleiades were associated with funerals and the ancestors.

At that time, the cluster first appeared at the time of Samhain, and remained visible throughout the winter half of the year. This would also strengthen the association with Morgan.

As a result of precession over the centuries, the Pleiades no longer mark Samhain, but the association has persisted, and accounts for the significance of the Pleiades astrologically.

A bronze disk, provisionally dated at 1600 BC, from Nebra, Germany, is one of the oldest known representations of the cosmos. The Pleiades can be seen top right. There is a deal of controversy over the disk as it was looted from a site by treas55 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

It comes with computer-drawn star maps, four latitude adaptors which allow for viewing throughout the world, and complete instructions. It also includes a pocket keychain light for use as an alternative light source. The unit is only 6½ inches long, and is the most compact portable way to learn about the night sky.

It is expensive, selling at approximately £20.00, but an invaluable aid if you want to learn about the night sky.

Happy stargazing – and remember to wrap up warm.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY GRAEME K TALBOYS

JOHN AWEN Acclaimed Author has released two books: The Summer Solstice & Summerlands, Pagan Death & Rebirth Purchase your copy today at Amazon or any good bookshop.

Published by: Green Magic publishing.

Look out for Johns next book, Baby Naming Day. OUT MID-OCTOBER!

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TAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT! DANIELLE WALL, 25, BURNLEY, SHOWS US HER TATOOS, AS SHE SPEAKS CANDIDLY TO OUR PHOTOGRAPHER, JOHN ROBINSON.

JOHN ROBINSON KICKS OFF OUR NEW FEATURE: “HISTORY & INTEREST OF BODY ART”

57 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

I: Can you introduce yourself, so what’s your name?

D: It’s Danielle Wall. Twenty-five from Burnley.

I: You have quite a lot of tattoos on your body which I have seen most of them and they do look really spectacular. How old were you when you had your first one? What was it?

D: Fifteen. Stars going up my stomach with a pink line behind it.

I: What made you decide to have tattoos?

D: My brother had them, my brother had a tattoo.

I: Your brother had one, so you just wanted to copy form, did you?

D: Yes. I: So at that point, you’d no ultimate goal as to any end result? No idea where it was going to end up?

D: No, just a pretty little star tattoo.

I: You’re very much into bodybuilding as well, aren’t you? You go to the gym a lot.

D: Yes, twice a day.

I: What are you looking for there? Are you looking for an outcome at the end of that? Is that why the tattoos…?

D: Maybe one day try and compete, see how far I can getTattoos actually go against you in bodybuilding. It’s because they cover up muscle definition and stop any kind of form. Most bodybuilders use a thick concealer, make-up type thing to cover them.

I: Well, I’m gobsmacked. I didn’t know that. After you’d got the stars coming up your stomach, what else did you have?

D: I then had stars across my back with a tribal.

I: So are stars being a main theme?

D: They were; they’re mainly covered now.

I: You’ve got some on your feet still, haven’t you?

D: Yes, they need to go.

That hurt, so yes. It may take a while for that one.

I: Very good. You work in the beauty business as well, don’t you? yes.

D: Yes, I sell hair extensions, body jewellery, body piercing,

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I: Is that where you had your piercings done?

D: A few. The cheek piercings I had done in Southport because our shop refuses to do them because of the problems and the pain.

I: How long have you had those?

D: Five years.

I: When did you have your cheek piercings?

Were they the first ones you had?

D: No, my belly was my first one at 13. I’ve got two, top and bottom. Then it was my tongue, then it was my lip but I took it out, and then I had my cheeks done and then my lip again. Then my ears last, earlobes last. The ears, they hurt the most.

Well, the cheeks and the earlobes.

I: Well that was my next question, which was the most painful, and why?

D: Cheek piercings. Yes, thick, dense muscle and a needle straight through it.

I: Oh! We’re just having a pause because I’m cringing! Would you have it done again? Was their any problems with that one?

D: No, too many problems. A lot. Every six months, if that, I’ll have an infection in them.

Where the bar becomes very, very tight, very painful, swells, leaks. Oh it leaks barbeque sauce, I found out on a date in the Chinese. It were fantastic!

I: Tastes of barbeque sauce, does it?

millilitre.

D: Yes, and the bloke was like, ‘You’ve got something dripping down your face.’ I was like, ‘Oh fuck.’ That was the barbeque sauce, yes. Big hole, one point six millimetres.

I: So if you take those out now, will they heal up?

I: Have you ever thought about taking them out and letting them heal? Is that a possibility then, do you think?

D: Yes, but I’ll have big scars.

I: Would you? So really it’s a surgery job to lose the scar.

D: I can have dermal fillers, which will push the dent out and then I’d have to wear thick foundation.

I: Right, to cover it?

D: Yes, and dermal fillers, I get them for £100 a 59 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

D: Yes. Oh yes, eventually.

I: But at the moment you’re happy with them?

D: Yes, I’d miss chewing them.

I: They look quite good, yes. What about the tongue one then, was that not painful?

D: No, that was the least painful one. Very, very numbed. You use a solution, it’s like bananas. It tastes like banana, it soaks in.

I: What about the lip?

D: I had that done in DW car park off my old boss.

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sleeve which consists of skulls, lilies, waves, guns, a clock for my dog with the time she died, and a butterfly.

I: The sleeve is quite spectacular.

Very hygienic.

I: Well yes, it wasn’t the old one you see on the films with the apple and the needle, was it?

D: Oh no, they were all sterilised but it was in the middle of DW car park.

I: So just talk us through what you’ve actually got now.

D: I’ve got stars along my foot, I’ve then got a piece down my side which consists of roses, lilies, ‘I did it my way,’ by Frank Sinatra over a microphone, for my grandad who passed away last year. Then on my other side, I have a death moth which covers, ‘You only know you love her when you let her go,’ which was for my ex.

D: It is.

I: The moth I photographed being done the other week…

D: Very good job off…

I: He’s excellent, isn’t he?

D: …John, off Curt John, yes.

I: He really is. What’s the name of the shop?

D: Iron Hotel in Haslingden.

I: What’s he called?

D: He’s called Curt John.

I: Yes, we’ll give him a mention because I’ll be going to see him about doing a follow-up on what he does.

I: Well I photographed that being done, didn’t I?

D: I’ll definitely be going back there.

D: Yes, that’s now gone. Then I have a scrawl across my back with a cat, playing cards, dice, diamonds, which is my cover up of my tribal stars. I’ve got stars down the back of my neck, I have a, ‘J’ behind my ear from being drunk in Magaluf for someone who I don’t even know who it is, and I have my full

I: He seemed a really nice bloke.

D: He is a very nice - he knows his work, he’s very good. He covered it.

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I: He’s what I would call an artist. It’s more of an art form with him, isn’t it? the drawings on the walls are tremendous.

D: Yes, his drawings are exceedingly good. And he’s extremely good at portraits, definitely.

I: This moth is the first one of quite a few down the leg, isn’t it?

D: Yes, my whole entire leg will be covered at some point after my knee surgery.

I: What we’d like to do is do a follow-up as you’re doing that and then come back when you’ve got the full leg done and we’ve got the photos to show it being built into what the final thing is, but the thing that’s holding you back you just mentioned: knee surgery.

D: Yes. A nice seven-year waiting for this, but yes.

I: You’ve been waiting seven years? What surgery, what are they actually doing?

D: Yes, I got wrongly diagnosed by the NHS. They have to reshape my knee joint, trim the meniscus, and they have to try and either drain the cyst or remove the cyst.

I: And this is because they’ve wrongly diagnosed it in the first place?

D: Yes, and I left it. I thought it was ligament damage which is a bigger operation.

I: So you’ve carried on training?

D: Yes, which hasn’t done it any damage. It was the fighting that eventually did it, getting pulled and dragged around eventually and about 20, 30 times of it buckling formed the cyst.

I: I can’t believe you’ve been fighting.

D: Me? Never, such a good child.

I: I can’t believe you lost, anyway!

D: I didn’t lose!

I: Oh that’s okay.

D: No one lost, the knee just eventually gave up.

I: So you go to the gym, which gym do you go to?

D: I train at several different gyms. I train at Pioneer in Bacup which is a fitness one which I spend a lot of my time doing my cardio. I then go to the Muscle Factory at night which is in Stoneyholme and I go over to Darwen to Elite Fitness, which my friend owns. I’m a member of many gyms.

I: Would you say your life revolves a lot around the gym, at the moment?

D: Yes, and food.

I: And nights out?

D: No, I don’t go… More food.

I have to eat at certain times, so I have to…

I: So are you bulking up?

D: At the minute, I’m just maintaining.

I: I’ve seen the pictures of you where your muscles - your muscles are becoming really defined, aren’t they?

D: Yes, that’s trying to lean off a bit but also not going too lean when my carbohydrates are very low. I’m still on quite a lot of carbs.

I: Well hopefully very soon we’ll be doing some photos of all the tattoos and everything which will go along with the story and show what we’ve actually been talking about.

D: Yes. I: Which is your favourite one, anyway? The grandad one or is it the dog one, the clock?

D: Oh I don’t know. I do like my clock but I do like my, ‘I did it my way.’

I: Well I’ve seen the clock but I didn’t realise that the time on the clock was significant for…

D: Yes, for the time Spot died.

I: Spot was a Dalmatian, just in case you’re wondering. Poor Spot, and of course you’ve got your two dogs now?

D: Yes, Albie and Toby and that even being in my tattoo. Albie after my grandad which is Albert.

I: And what’s Albie? And what’s Toby?

D: Albie’s another Dalmatian.

Toby is a staff, a very big staff.

I: Soft though, soft as muck.

D: Our gorgeous little boy.

I: So a lot of walking then?

D: Trying to walk, most limping.

They tend to exercise themselves more in the garden because it’s quite large.

I: Yes, well that’s the good thing. Two dogs, they play, don’t they. Tire each other out? which is handy with the knee.

D: Yes. They clean each other as well. It’s very handy, and also if I get too bad I can just get a sledge and tie them to it and mush. tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 62

63  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

I: Funnily enough, I do know where the sledge place is for that, they have huskies there.

D: Don’t need the husky, I just need the sledge!

I: Have you thought about a bike? Have you seen the sledges with the wheels on?

D: No, I’ve got a car. I don’t need a sledge with…

I: No, I mean dog pulling the sledge. Well, because there’s no snow, is there?

D: They don’t need wheels; they’d be able to pull it without wheels. They’d be able to drag it.

I: Thankyou Danielle for the lovely interview and for allowing the readers into your life just a little bit.

IMAGES BY JOHN ROBINSON OF FRAMEOUSFOTOS.

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A DREAM OF

BY MARTIN PALLOT Part 1 There is this ageless, age old moment when the beat of summer’s heart changes to a softer but still insistent tempo and autumn’s heart begins to beat within the land.

The golden days that come at the seasons turning and bring the fruiting of the land, the fields of rippling gold, the wealth of bough and bush that marks the last outpouring of earth’s bounty and which precedes the gradual darkening of days when the ochre glow of life is blown out of the trees to gutter on the ground.

That time when geese go calling home across a greylag evening sky and there comes the silent scythe of a white wing that cuts across the corn, as the Owl haunts the summer lands of mouse and wren that now must fall to make the harvest home; while the man of straw who stood alone against the ravaging Crow may take his rest upon a stack of hay and know his job’s well done.

So the days go by in the baking of the bread and 65 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

the brewing of the beer and we are come once more to the slow waning of the year with both light and life drifting down to a glorious sunset.

When nature wears her robes of autumn fire and masks the thin and fragile contours of her face with a gold and russet mask; and works a sympathetic magic full of light and glory by which the trees give thanks to the sun for the sweetness of the year that’s passed. But, before long, the leaves will begin to haunt the autumn sky as they spiral slowly down to earth with whispers of regret, as if they might wish to unwind time; but which, in their dying, make a protecting cover for the waiting seed and nourishment for the springtime questing shoot.

Those early mornings when the worlds waking breath lies gently in the folds of the land, while the chill air gives the dawn a smoky look and the Crows hang like black kites in the mist that now begins to wrap the world in the edges of winters sleep; when bird and beast begin to take their refuge and respite from the coming snow and ice and the summer is laid to rest within a kist of amber rememberance.

For the suns strength is fading now and the soil is sown with early morning frost that seals the spring under the ground; this is the time when life must break if it refuses to bend, to sink a while beneath the fragile host of snowflakes; to wait until the sunwise spiral of the seasons turns again. While deep within the green heart of the woods there is a dream, a vision of trees waiting the call to wakefulness, waiting until that moment when the sun begins his long walk towards midsummer and calls to the sleeping seed in the deep dark goodness of the ground to spite the ice and bring its blessing to the waking world once more.

As the sunwise spiraling dance of days Waxes and wanes with the year, There falls a time when the lord of the fields Must lay down his life again,

And the world is left to grieve a while In darkness and in dearth.

May he find new strength in the Mothers womb And peace in her embrace, Until time turns and he stands once more Beside his maiden love, May her sun lit smile as they pace the dance Make his old heart sing, And his shining brow bring life and love To the rise and blossom of Spring.

As his head goes down before the scythe His spirit goes down to the Earth, tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com  66 

A DREAM OF AUTUMN Cont.

PART 2 The world is full of dank and umbered tones, The yellow shreds of autumns last decay, All nature’s beauty, rotted to the bone, The world is full of dank and umbered tones; While spring lies shivering beneath some stone, In grief of ice and fear of darkest day; The world is full of dank and umbered tones, The yellow shreds of autumns last decay.

Across the squalled and wind swept woods the sun is fleeting.

The frail cob web skeletons of leaves, that once haunted the autumn trees like amber bright ancient sunsets, rise up on the chill and bitter winds to whirl their whispers of rememberance and as the days pass, their tattered remnants, that still lie upon the earth, come to resemble the maps of some unknown and ethereal country whose every stream and track is picked out in the first frail frostings carried by an easting breeze; an intricate tracing of silver skin that sighs away beneath a warming breath, leaving a tear drop to trickle across these frail remains, as if in mourning for the fact that they have lost this last disguise of beauty and now must face the winter’s dark and die. Never knowing that such bare bones as these are full of wonder.

The Crows seem to carouse in the chill air, looking like black raggedy clothes cast off by the trees, while their calling sounds like the creaking open of some long frozen doorway.

The eye of the Oak glares out at the Holly as their time of rivalry spirals round once more.

Stark is the sight of the land as winters’ grip now begins to take a hold; the earth becomes iron hard as the joy of seasons passed away go down to dust beneath the gasping grasp of cold.

The flame of autumn fades and flickers as natures hearth dies down to the colours of the earth and we are coming to the ember months of winter, when the spark of spring is but a dim glow in the roots of things.

The ground has a gaunt look, it is woven in a web of frost fret the colour of frozen moonbeams and the blades of grass glimmer; shimmering in a sheath of ice.

67 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

The dusk holds a certain smokiness; and the fields, floating in the mist of early evening, swirl up the silent slope to where the crepuscular shadows of trees stand like silhouetted sentinels. While on the fields’ edge, ancient hedgerows wander hunched and white headed; fulfilling their duties as the countrysides trusted old retainers.

Water wears an ice shield, a crystal scintillation of the memory of movement, lying caught in a creaking clamp of cold; an insubstantial and untrustworthy footbridge that leads across the face of some reflected, otherworldly winter, towards a distant dream of spring.

The western sunken sun, that seems shrouded in a dream of cloud, shines like a sliver of memory from below the hill.

While in the east, there rises an iron-black, crackling sky, which slowly softens to a sable phosphorescence as the shimmering samite moon and her sisterhood of stars, wake to watchfulness above the autumnal Earth.

The world seems suspended in a drift of snow and sleeps away the sun starved winter wait; trees stand wet and weary in the north born wind, stretching out their grieving boughs towards their fallen leaves; drearily waiting for the spring; and it seems that all of life is but a shudder shadow of its former self.

Yet still the life and its beauty, persists.

Birds gather to share the bounty of the bird table and to bring their colour and voices to lift the sullen season, while in the sheltering holly the Robin sings his song of the hollow hills; Fox tracks lightly dance across the frosty ground and chicken bones mark where he ate his breakfast take away.

The mist trails tinsellate the bare branches that shine in the low sun and the snowflakes whisper secrets as they fall.

While in his guise of the winter king, the ever green man still shows his face within the woods and listens for the heart of mother earth that barely beats; but does.

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PADRIX’S Lammas is the time of year when we are starting to reap the benefits of our labour, whether it is the vegetables and fruits that we grow in our own gardens or the abundance of produce that is available to us. However, this in itself got me thinking, not everyone has the time or the space to grow some of their own produce but maybe they would like to produce an element of a recipe that in many instances becomes not only the ‘star’ of the dish but also rewards them with that feeling of ‘I made that’. With this idea in mind I began to look for inspiration for an ingredient that can be made easily at home with little or no fuss, and which is versatile enough to warrant the effort that goes into making it. It was then I remembered the look of excitement on the faces of my children the first time that I showed them how to make butter. This ingredient is very rewarding and simple to make and once it is made can be used in any number of sweet and savoury recipes, children always seem to be fascinated in how cream turns into something they know and have eaten on many occasions without them even realising how it is produced!

Butter Preparation Time: 15 minutes – 1 hour (Depending on the method of churning used).

Ingredients: 500ml Double (Heavy) Cream Sea Salt* (Optional) Put the cream into a clean bowl, using an electric whisk beat the cream until it thickens, continue whisking (this is counter intuitive to everyone who cooks, but stay with it!) and after about 15 minutes you will see the cream begins to turn yellow with a look similar to scrambled eggs you will also ‘hear’ a sloshing sound, this is the butter fats and buttermilk separating. If you want to let your

69 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

children experience ‘the good old days’ put 3 or 4 tablespoons of the cream into a screw topped jar and shake vigorously (the jar not the children!) after about an hour you will get the same result of butter fat and butter milk separation.

Drain and keep the liquid from the butter, this is buttermilk and can be used in other recipes. Rinse and knead the butter using cold clean water until the water runs clear and all of the buttermilk has been removed, leaving any buttermilk in will turn the butter rancid when it is stored. You can use 2 wooden spatulas soaked in water to shape and knead the butter. Either store the butter in a tub with an airtight lid or tightly wrap in greaseproof paper and refrigerate. *To make salted butter: add 2% of the butter weight in sea salt and knead into the butter after the final rinsing stage.

KITCHEN All Butter Madaleines Preparation Time: Approx 30 Minutes. Cooking Time: 8 – 10 Minutes.

Ingredients: 2 Eggs 100g (4oz) Caster sugar 100g (4oz) Plain flour + a little for dusting 1 Lemon, juice and zest ¾ tsp Baking Powder 100g (4oz) Butter, melted and slightly cooled + extra for greasing Brush a Madeleine tray with a little melted butter and dust with flour (if a Madeleine tin is unavailable, use shallow patty tins). Whisk the eggs and sugar until light and frothy, gently whisk in the remaining ingredients and let stand for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, Gas Mark 6. Put spoonfuls of the mixture into the prepared tins and bake for 8 – 10 minutes until golden. Remove from the tins and leave on a wire rack to cool. These are delicious eaten warm served with tea or coffee. At this point in the recipe I would normally say how well they keep, however because these delicate little melt in the mouth cakes are so ‘moreish’ they do not last long, so I have absolutely no idea on how long you could keep them!

Rich Buttermilk Scones Preparation Time: 20 Minutes. Cooking Time: Approx 10 Minutes.

Ingredients: 225g (8oz) Self Raising Flour Pinch of Salt 50g (2oz) Butter cubed 25g (1oz) Caster Sugar 50g (2oz) Currants or Sultanas 1 Medium egg beaten with enough buttermilk to make 150ml (1/4 pint) of liquid A little milk to brush the scones Preheat the oven to 220°C, 425°F, Gas Mark 7.

Grease a baking tray. A scone should be soft and slightly spongy, for best results handle very lightly.

Mix flour and salt, rub in the cubed butter, stir in the fruit and sugar. Add the egg and buttermilk mixture and mix, gently knead on a lightly floured surface, roll to a thickness of between approx 10 - 15 mm (1/2 inch), using a 50cm (2 inch) biscuit cutter cut rounds, re-roll trimmings and repeat. Put onto the baking tray, brush with milk and bake in the hot oven for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack, serve with butter, jam and a little whipped cream.

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Easy Butter Chicken This is a very quick and easy variation of the classic mild Indian curry dish, this version eliminates the marinade process.

Preparation Time: Approx 30 Minutes. Cooking Time: Approx 30 Minutes.

Ingredients: 500g (1lb) Chicken breast or thighs cut into cubes A little oil for frying 1 Onion chopped 1 Clove of Garlic crushed ½ tsp Ground Cumin ½ tsp Ground Coriander 1 tsp Garam Masala ½ tsp Chilli Flakes 1 tsp Paprika A little water 1 or 2 Tins of Chopped Tomatoes depending on how much sauce you like 100g (4oz) Butter cubed Salt for seasoning Heat the oil on a gentle heat, add the onion and garlic. When they are translucent add the chicken, cook thoroughly until no pink remains, mix the spices with a little water (this stops them burning when they hit the hot pan) add the spices and coat the chicken, add the tomatoes and stir, heat until the sauce begins to bubble, reduce heat, stir in the butter, season to taste. Serve with rice or Naan bread.

71 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Meet The Woodland bard: Drew Stiles About Drew Stiles Drew Stiles has been writing Verses and Poetry since 2009 and has been on the Bard’s Path which is part of Druidry since Samhuinn 2010, when he added a Bard’s view of writing to his list of Poetry and Verse and in a pre-modern approach to being a Bard includes some Satyr verse which can be viewed via his like page on Facebook called “The Woodland Bard”

Drew is originally from Bristol in the South West of England, near to Glastonbury, Wells, Stanton Drew and Avebury stone circles, and has kept connections with a number of his friends as well as having family connections there.

For a while Drew spent time in a Grove based in Wales for a year and a day, and at Beltinae 2015 moved from Bristol to South Yorkshire and since then has become involved with the Sheffield Goddess Temple as one of the Mellisa’s of the temple space allowing the temple to be open Monday to Saturday.

The Goddess Temple in Sheffield has just celebrated it’s 1 year Anniversary at Imbolc 2016.

Drew is lead by AWEN the Druid’s inspiration which is a part of the connection with Nature and Mother Earth, allowing the connection with the Ancestors, Trees, Animals and all people to be part of his inspiration for his writing, which allows him to write both with a Pagan view of Poetry and Verse as well as with the Satyr’s view of the need to find the funny things in some of modern life’s situations..

Though Drew will aways try and be “policitically correct” in his writings sometimes the need to write about a Politician’s desire to do the right thing and how that never seems to happen allows Drew to draw from that and to work on occasional pieces that can give joy and delight to “the people” who gave the politican’s their power and place.

All the work that is shared with Pendle Craft and via his facebook public page is under © as the owner and authour of the works and hopes that folks will enjoy what he shares in the wider field of publication. tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 72

Overlook: By Xtremeyanksfan22 at en.wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

Visiting Picturesque

Poconos Mountains

“Here you can find numerous waterfalls and rivers to explore...”

By Dawn Ryan

W

elcome to Northeast Pennsylvania, a haven for reviving one’s soul. A sanctuary away from the hectic cities. Historically known for it’s rugged beauty, that keeps the tourists coming back for adventure and solace year after year. Quaint historic towns that keep growing, and where the mountains and trees can be seen as far as the eye can see.

Long,winding roads stretching for endless miles and miles.

Here you can find numerous waterfalls and rivers to explore.

The most famous river here is, The Lackawaxen river, a 31.3 mile tributary of the Delaware river. It is a fast moving river in some sections, but you can go to another point and it is the opposite, so gentle you can go

swimming or fly fishing. It is here I spent many hot summer days with my family and friends, swimming and meandering in its depths.

In the town of Lackawaxen, Pa a few hundred feet from the river, you will see the home of the famous western author, Zane Grey, where you could take a tour of his bygone era. Fitting, since Mr. Grey was a fishing enthusiast, that he chose the perfect spot to build his home, right on the banks of the river.

Nowadays, most people come here to enjoy the outdoors and the river. Most tourists go tubing down the river. They get big air filled tubes and float gently down the river currents, while waving and laughing to

73 The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

the bystanders on the shore as they pass by, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Others choose to go canoing down the river, paddling and snapping away with their digital cameras of the exceptional views of the surrounding mountains. To look at these surroundings, one would think they were transported to Germany, there being so many pine trees. If you decide to leave the river, you can go drive to the Roebling Bridge, the oldest bridge in the United States, that goes directly over the Lackawaxen River, and which is suspended by wires to New York.

Other activities this area is known for is hiking and camping. Pennsylvania has many state parks throughout the area where you can go experience this outdoor life. Numerous trails dot

the region, along with designated camping areas for the brave people who wish to sleep with the wild life. Also, for the nature enthusiast there are thousands of trees, plants,and wild vegetation of different varieties all over the landscape. So don’t forget your camera.

Another important part of this region is the natural inhabitants of this wondrous land, the wildlife. In one day you can see multitudes of different kinds wildlife, from Bald Eagles soaring high on the winds above our heads, to the deer grazing on the side of the roads, while smaller animals like rabbits,turkeys, squirrels go about their daily routines, deep in the forest. If you're lucky enough, you will see one of many of the huge black bears, which are famously known throughout the area.

A well known attraction of historic proportions is fifteen minutes from my home, in the quaint borough of Hawley, Pa. To get there, you have to Drive up route 6, the more scenic way you will travel miles and miles of forest. My son’s girlfriend said it reminded her of the movie, Twilight, ​She was right, it does.

Pinemere Camp: By Pinemere Camp [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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By Carlos Pacheco from Toronto, Canada (Great Wolf Lodge) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

the water, to see the dazzling display of reds and blues, white. Along with every other color imaginable, explode in the pitch black darkness of the night after dusk falls, celebrating the of birth of the United States.

When you finally enter the town you will see this huge grassy mound, but what it really is, is a huge dike. As you come abreast of it, you will finally see the famous Wallenpaupack Lake, one of the third biggest lakes in the Pocono region. A man­made freshwater lake built in 1926, by the local electric company for generating power. This is what attracts people from all over to the Pocono mountains, it truly is one of the most beautiful lakes to be seen.

After summer is over, my favorite season comes and then the magic happens. Fall slowly creeps in as the air turns crisp and colder, once vibrant green leaves start to disappear, resulting in a parasol of multitude of colors, bright reds, gold, and oranges, bursting forth with glorious pride. The summer residents lock up their cabins, pack up their boats, put them in dry docks and they leave. The towns reverts back to its normal and quieter rhythm, with a

It is such a popular recreational spot, that people from all over come here during the summer months. They come to boat, swim and go canoeing.

You can go rent a boat easily and go fishing for any number of fish, like trout, bass, and northern pike. Another company offers boat tours of this 15 mile lake that covers two counties.

During the July fourth celebrations, the town puts on a huge extravaganza of fireworks displays directly over the lake. People converge to the lake shore, blankets and coolers, preparing to barbeque hot dogs and hamburgers, while picking out the perfect spot to watch the fireworks. The boaters go out in their boats to watch from 75  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Bushkill Falls: By Jason on Flickr https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/2.0/

much slower pace. Children go back to school, friends meet up again after the business of summer, catching up on of their lives.. We gather together and finally breath, happy to be with each other.

Occasionally, we still get some tourists on the weekends here for the picturesque tree colors, but they don't stay long, always heading back to their hectic life in the cities.

During the winter months, when the lake freezes over you can go skating, play ice hockey, go ice fishing or even take the polar plunge, a quick dip in the below freezing lake. A new attraction is playing ice golf on the lake, which is becoming widely popular. Around the of end October, the first of many snowflakes begin to fall. Knowing that not far behind winter is fast approaching. This doesn't stop the town of Hawley, during one weekend in December, they have a Christmas faire to celebrate its Victorian era, aptly named,​Winterfest. This event has been

celebrated for almost 17 years. For that weekend only the townspeople come together and celebrate the birth of Hawley, which started in the late 18th century. Horse drawn carriages go up and down the main street, people dressed up in the period style of the day, carolers stroll the sidewalks singing, shops open their doors so you can smell and taste their wares, private residents decorate their homes in the Victorian christmas style of a bygone era.

Finally then does the town quiet down with the approach of christmas and the New Year.Knowing that the town leaders are making plans for the new year,getting ready to do it all again for the next summer season.

Another aspect of getting popular, our town is getting nationally recognized on the television. Fast becoming a place to go to,Wallenpaupack lake is getting it’s share of mentions.

It was referred to on a primetime show called, T ​ he Office.

As recent as last fall while watching a show called, “​ Monica The tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 76

has worn you down and you are feeling numb, I urge you to then pack your bags and come here, the nature of this welcoming environment will heal that which ails you.

Hawley: By Jillcarletti (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bysa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Medium�, I realized she must have come here during her summer vacation and filmed an episode. The star of the show was doing all the things as mentioned above, including getting ice cream at the local ice stand. The Pocono Mountains is a beautiful area with much history and new history being made for hundreds of people daily.

To recount everything it offers would take way too much time.

Though from personal experience I will say this, living here has a way of slowly reaching into your soul and making you realize that living an authentic life away from the big cities is worth it. Everyday I get to experience everything and more that the Poconos offers. I made a decision twelve years ago to leave New York and come live here and I would not go back. So if life in the big cities

By Vishwin60 (Own work) [Public domain, GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/ copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bysa/3.0/), FAL or CC SA 1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/sa/1.0/)], via 77  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016 Wikimedia Commons

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HAUNTED EUROPE Ghosts in Norway The Monk in Nidarosdomen Nidarosdomen is a cathedral in Norway, it's located in Trondheim. It's the most central church in Norway because it's the burial church of Olav the Holy.

Olav the Holy died the 29th of July in 1030, so the church is pretty old. The church has been exposed to several big fires and restorations. The church was built over long periods and as it stands now it's a reconsecrated issue of the third church being built on the place. An old nickname for the church was "Cor Norvegiae" which means "Norway’s heart." Even though the church was closely connected to Olav the Holy it was still devoted to the Holy Trinity. The church hosts the most popular ghost in all of Norway, the monk in Nidarosdomen. Unofficially he's the national ghost of Norway.

The stories and sightings about him started around the 1920's. Many people have witnessed seeing him, sensing him and heard him. In 1924 he was seen during a religious service by the priest's wife.

He was described wearing a monk cloak and a tonsure, with a beautiful face and glowing eyes. He was seen with a bloody strip on his neck, so maybe that's the reason for his death. The monk has been observed several times and have gotten quite a lot of publicity in the media during the years. In 1966 a philosophy magister and a couple of his students 79  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

by Skelecia

reported having heard shuffling steps and chanting which they described being a choir song from 1208, Perotinus, Notre Dame. The chanting have been heard quite often during the years, and one witness said that he could hear someone sing one evening, the voice was dark and monotonic. When he went to see who was singing there was no one to be seen, so he figured it could've been a ghost and never went back there that late in the evening again. Several other people who had seen the ghost were interviewed and the monk became a celebrity even in foreign countries, even a German weekly magazine made a photo-montage that showed the monk in the church. The philosophy magister however were banned from entering the church in the nightly hours by the dean. Some years later a couple of guys wanted to include the monk in their TV-series, but the management of the church had gotten quite enough and refused them. A newspaper wrote that the church shouldn't have to accept that the church became a famous haunted house with a ghost appearing during the most inappropriate times, even religious services.

Experts did their best to debunk the stories surrounding the monk and the church, but it obviously failed as the stories of the monk still lives on to this day. There have been books written about the monk as well. The author Frid Ingulstad wrote a Roman about the origins of the monk called "The monk" and it was published in 1991.

Nes Church Ruins Nes church ruins are located in Nes in Akershus and it's a popular gathering place for weddings, worship, concerts and other culture activities. The church was built on a sacrificial site from the pre-Christian era. The church burnt down in 1854 after a lightning stroke and was not rebuilt due to dangers of landslides, but the ruins remains. There are signs outside the ruins warning about paranormal activity. There are many stories and myths, apparently a priest hung himself in the church and a newly wed couple supposedly drowned in a nearby river. One of the reasons there are proof of spirits roaming the place is electricity

flunking out, several people have experienced the electronics of their cars freaking out, lights blink, central locks won't unlock and flashlights stop working as well. Unknown forces are said to push you to the ground and you might feel as you're threading in water when you're not.

Floating lights can be seen and there are many strange sounds there during night-time. None of this stops people from venturing there to experience the ghosts and energies though.

Nes Church Ruins, By Tommy Gildseth (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com  80 

Anne Pedersdotter Anne Pedersdotter was burnt as a witch in Bergen in 1590. She's one of the more well known women who was judged as a witch and executed by burning. She was accused of having killed her husband's uncle so that her husband could become a bishop. Her husband saved her from the trouble with a letter from the Danish king.

After her husband's death she became bitter and enclosed after the accusations. The rumours went on even though she was freed from the charges, and she answered them with curses and yelling. Things escalated quickly and she had to go to court again the 23rd of March, but she was ill and her husband's son went instead. The letter was irrelevant and she was to be put in jail.

During the trial she was accused of having killed 5-6 persons, including a little child, by throwing illness over them and she had supposedly killed a pear tree as well. Her maid came with the worst accusations, and probably the craziest of them all as well, claiming the woman had used her as

Hotel Union Ă˜ye This Hotel, located near Norangsfjorden in Møre and Romsdal, is the home of a lady ghost. The history of the hotel dates back to 112 years ago.

The story surrounding the ghost is one of forbidden love. One summer a count named Philip von Moltke from Germany fell in love with Linda, the maid. They decided to share a room when he visited, so they both moved into room number 7, the blue room. They met for several years and he gave her a brooch as an engagement gift while he kept a pearl ring. The only problem, however, was that the count was already married in an arranged marriage and a divorce was impossible to get for him at that time, coming from a wealthy family. He'd bring shame over his name and reputation by marrying a maid as well. Philip ended up jumping from a boat

81  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

her riding horse when leaving to attend her witch conventions. Why use a broom if you can use a lady? She was accused of having planned nature catastrophes, fires and other devilry towards the city. An angel had intervened to prevent it, but Anne had been witnessed hanging out with demons. She had defended herself though, by saying "many children dies in the city, I haven't killed them all," whether she was playing on the fear of the people by this statement or not remains unknown. She was pleading her innocence on the way to her place of death though and she was burnt the 7th of April 1590. Shame was brought over her family who raised the matter again in the court, but the verdict stayed. After this witchhunts became bigger in Norway, especially in the north. A monumental stone was raised in 2002 with a list of the names of the offers in Norway.

It's said her presence still lingers where she was burnt.

out of despair on the way to Norway after being threatened with being banned from the country, not knowing what to do next. The next summer the emperor gave Linda a letter with Philip's ring. She's heartbroken and deadly depressed. Linda drowned herself in a river wearing a wedding dress and a flower garland on her head and the ring and brooch she had been given by the count. People have heard Linda's crying sounds coming from the blue room several times. Footsteps, doors slamming, windows opening and closing and pictures being moved happens frequently. Linda also tends to become jealous when married people sleep in the blue room. If you ever decide to spend the night there, you will be given a bowl with garlic and a silver spoon to keep in your room to keep the ghost out. If you want her to visit you just leave the bowl outside of the door. Maybe you will meet the lady who wanders the hotel, looking for her lost love.

Hotel Union, Oye, Norway

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Sneak Peek E R U AT

FE

Author, John Awen, exclusive reveal with TPC 83  The Pendle Craft - Alternative Voice - September 2016

Into Next Issue Witches Cottage: Home & Garden Of The Everyday Witch

NEW

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WORD WHEEL How many words of 3-letters or more can you find?

Hidden in the wheel below is an eight letter word, can you find it?

10-Words = Okay 15-Words - Not Bad 25-Words - Brainiac 30-Words or more - Genius

O

G L

W I

L D

O

SUDOKU

The Pendle Craft copyright

September 2016