By Gregory Michael Brewer (AutTumn) and Sherry Gilles
Hello Maria and welcome to your interview for EKO. You have recently become the LC of Chicago Pagan Pride for 2010. Could you please tell us how this came to be and what brought you to Chicago Pagan Pride to begin with?
I attended a Pagan Pride event in 2008 as a reader. I had a great time and met lots of wonderful people. The energy was incredible and the fellowship was great. In all it was a great day. A few months after the event, I received an email regarding Pagan Pride day 2009 and I volunteered. I had a really great time at the previous event and wanted to get to know more people in the pagan community and be able to help out.
I have lots of experience with organizing events and fundraisers from previous jobs. I helped with a lot of promoting and fundraising. I organized a raffle and helped find vendors and many other things. Paulette asked me to become Co LC shortly before the event. I was very honored and accepted.
Paulette decided to retire and she asked me to step up as the New Local Coordinator.
The Chicago Pagan Pride event was founded and run for many years by a Lady known to so many as Lady Paulette. During the decade of Chicago Pagan Pride the event began to draw a larger crowd each year. Could you please tell us a bit about your future plans for the event such as keeping and holding some of the previous CPP traditions and some of the coming changes?
I think that Lady Paulette did an outstanding job with Chicago Pagan Pride. Last year was the first time we received media coverage. There are quite a few traditions which make this such a wonderful event. First and foremost are the people who make this such a successful event. One of the most important projects we do is raise donations for various charities each year. Other than some fine tuning to this year’s event we plan on keeping things pretty much the same.
We will be changing the Live Auction to a Silent Auction, in order to give more people a chance to bid on items.
In addition to the current charity work which we do, I would like to see us more actively involved with some pagan based charity organizations. Many people within the pagan community need help too.
I am sure that many people in our reading audience are interested in knowing a bit more about you. In your own words, who is Maria? Please tell us about your Pagan and magickal background.
I grew up in a family with Italian-American roots. Most of my family is Catholic or Christian. My father’s side of the family has magickal roots. My dad was psychic, my grandmother was a very powerful psychic and trained in Strega. My aunt who married into the family was also Pagan. She was trained in the Strega tradition by my grandmother and was also trained in Egyptian magick and practiced Astrology and read tarot. She was also of Celtic descent and was raised in Celtic traditions but she favored Strega and Egyptian paths.
I grew up with a rather eclectic background. I was trained and taught mainly by my grandmother and aunt. I was given tons of reading assignments and have read about lots of various traditions. My degrees are Wiccan and I am a second degree.
You are an Eclectic Witch/Pagan, which means that you don’t simply adhere to one label or title, but include in your personal path many different spiritual and magickal paths. Would you care to expand upon that a bit?
Being an Eclectic I was taught that when you choose the Eclectic path that you pick which deities you choose to work with as opposed to one specific Parthanon and you adopt practices from different traditions. There is a lot to be said about traditions, they provide the structure and basic principals which an Eclectic path can be formed on. I feel it is very important to be familiar with the more structured organized aspects of Wicca and Paganism.
Many of the most influential members of the Pagan community have the most diverse training, they have studied or been trained in several traditions and have learned different methods of healing, divination and worship.
I understand that you have had many creepy and fantastical encounters with seeing spirits. Could you tell us about one of the most terrifying moments and one of the most wonderful?
The most terrifying encounter I ever had was when my kids were younger, they went to spend the summer with their grandma and their room was empty. My roommate who was a natural medium and psychic kept getting very disturbed about spirits in the house.
We were hearing noises from their when no one was in the room. We did a cleansing and decided to go room to room through the entire house burning Vesta powder. When I tried to push the door open, the door pushed back at me and it took a few tries to gain access to the room. It took several cleansings to banish these entities from the house.
I would have to say the most wonderful occurred about 12 years ago. I was in the car with a friend and we drove past a cemetery and all the sudden the entire car had a very strong smell of roses. My friend smelled it too and asked me if I had candle scent that could have opened up because it was so strong. I told her no. It was extremely overpowering. We drove past the cemetery to our destination and when we got out of the car the scent went away. It kept coming back to me when I went down that same street and other times I would smell it at home or out. One time I was at home and smelled it and asked a friend who was with me to drive me to that area and see what would happen.
We drove to the cemetery, which is actually about 5 cemeteries all grouped together. I kept my eyes shut and had them drive into the one cemetery. Once we got in I told them to park when I felt appropriate. We got out and still with my eyes closed I walked to one section of the cemetery. In that section was a statue of the Virgin Mary (Goddess) and it was a section of the cemetery that had only babies in it. The energy surrounding this was something that I never felt before or after that.
I also need to add at this time I was quite sick, in fact had been sick in bed for a few days. I felt much better after this event.
Back to the topic of Eclectic practice, do you feel that Paganism in general is going in this direction, or do you think more and more traditions are surfacing?
I think that Paganism as a whole is turning more towards an Eclectic path. There are more traditions which are surfacing and they have a valuable place in our society. Many people study and become degreed in several traditions throughout their life, in addition to training and studying on paths outside of Wicca/Witchcraft. Some people stick to one tradition throughout the course of their training, but most people adopt what they identify with from each tradition and path and keep that as their personal beliefs.
Do you have any favorite authors and books?
Yes, I have lots of favorites. I read a lot.
Non Pagan books my favorites are Anne Rice, I love the Mayfaire Witches. I also love Terry Goodkind and Mercedes Lackey.
As far as Pagan books go, I have read lots and lots of them. My favorites are by Raven Grimassi. My favorite of his is Italian Witchcraft. I was very excited to be able to interview him for the newsletter.
I also read nearly everything by Scott Cunningham, Raymond Buckland, and Silver Raven Wolf. I have also read Konstantinos, Sybil Leek, Alister Crowley to name a few. I love to find out of print books and books on astrology, mythology, palmistry, numerology and other methods if divination.
Could you please share with us what you think the value and importance of Pagan gatherings and events offers other Pagans?
I think that Pagan gatherings are extremely important. So many solitaries are isolated from other pagans and it helps them to network with other pagans, they are able to attend different rituals, learn from others in the community without having to join a group. It also helps to expose people to other traditions, methods of performing spells and other walks of life.
It helps those who have an interest in Paganism to be able to see what everything is all about. It also helps non-pagans to see what we really are all about too.
It is also great for covens and groups to interact with others. They have to chance to meet new potential members, spread fellowship, teach others and even learn something along the way sometimes.
No matter how long your have been around you always find yourself taking something with you from any gathering.
What do you feel is the greatest aspect of Pagan religion?
The Pagan Religion is so varied that everyone who chooses to embrace it can find a spot to fit in. It embraces everyone who chooses it and every belief system, there is something for everyone. If you prefer a structured traditionalist group with lots of formal training you can find that, if you want to follow your own path go where the road takes you, you can do that. God and Goddess are everywhere and you can commune with nature and get closer to the Goddess. You can worship anywhere you choose.
I also like how as pagans we are able to shape our lives into what we would like for ourselves and how we are able to help others.
What, if any, do you feel is the weakest or most lacking area of Pagan religion?
I think the infighting is the worst aspect of our religion. It tears covens and groups apart. We all found ourselves on this path of spirituality for different reasons, it really comes down to what you believe. I do understand that this occurs in all religions but we should understand that we get enough condemnation from outsiders, and we should form a united front to the non pagan community.
It is a difficult road to walk at times with so many people being judgemental. I am very grateful for so many others who have forged the path to make Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism understood and acknowledged as an actual religion. We have come far but there is still so much further we need to go in educating and creating acceptance and understanding.
Could you please leave us with some words of wisdom and suggestions as to how we can live a Pagan life on a daily basis and perhaps what each of us can do individually to help our environment?
Meditate, honor the God and Goddess, greet each day with as much positive energy as you can muster. Tell yourself each morning that you are going to have a wonderful beautiful day filled with happiness and blessings. Each night reflect on your day and pick a few things to be thankful for. Like attracts like and if you focus on the positive and acknowledge it and thank the universe and the gods for it you will attract more positive things in your life.
Your surroundings have a lot to with the rest of your life too. If you want change to occur in your life, start within yourself and your surroundings. Dirt and clutter trap negative energy, which can hinder your magickal workings. Even spending a few minutes cleaning, or straightening up each day is enough to alter the energies in any given room.
Replace any negative thoughts with positive ones. If you catch yourself having a negative thought stop it right there by saying I take that out of the law of cause and effect, replace it with something positive that you would like to see.
Never stop learning. To learn is to grow, when we stop learning we stop growing and our life stands still.
Many Bright Blessings
Maria Alioto
Heart of the Morrighan Community Interfaith Temple
Elemental Gratitude Exercise
By:Gregory Michael Brewer
One line that can be found in the Wiccan Rede is “Fairly take and fairly give.” While we continuously take from nature, we also need to give back. As pagans we know, or should know, that taking care of our Earth and environment is one of our top priorities.
While most think of recycling, reducing waste, refusing to purchase products that are harmful to the environment, and re-using items such as glass jars and containers, there are many other ways of giving back and doing your part as well.
All the above activities are important, essential, and necessary, but I want to share with you an exercise of giving back to nature on a person and spiritual level that is crucial to your daily pagan practice and development.
This is an exercise of giving back spiritually and is one that can enhance your connection to nature, the elementals, and Deity.
• Choose something you have on hand to represent each of the four elements. For instance, use a slice of bread, grains, or fruit for Earth. Maybe your favorite incense or some birdseed for Air, a small candle, coin, or a red or pink crystal for Fire, and a cup of juice, water, or wine to give to Water. Be creative and use whatever feels most appropriate. Make sure that each item you choose is something that you wanted to keep or were planning to eat or drink, for each is to be given as an offering to the Elementals.
• Once you have gathered your items, take them outside.
• Stand and face the north. Take a moment and visualize a green mist or light flowing up and into you. Ask Elemental Earth to bless and accept your offering.
Toss the item you chose that pertains to Earth. Do so with love and gratitude.
• Stand and face the east. Take a moment and visualize a yellow mist or ray of light descending upon you. Ask Elemental Air to bless and accept your offering.
Toss the item you chose to represent Air or light the incense with love and gratitude.
• Stand and face the south. Take a moment and visualize a red light or flame all around you. Ask Elemental Fire to bless and accept your offering. Toss the item with love and gratitude.
• Stand and face the west. Take a moment and visualize a blue mist or light surrounding you. Ask Elemental Water to bless and accept your offering. Toss the item with love and gratitude.
When you have finished make sure to take time and reflect back on the experience. Feel free to alter and change this activity. Perhaps offer a gift to Spirit as well or maybe include a prayer or personal vow. Be creative.
Composting
By Sherry Gilles
Turn Refuse Into a Resource~
Many people are into recycling aluminum cans and newspapers and it's a good start. Do you compost?
Composting can save you money and put less trash in landfills. Landfill space is not cheap and rotting bags of garbage are unattractive and malodorous.
When plants and once-edibles decompose this makes a great material to enrich soil in the garden or even in houseplants. It can also save you money especially if you live in a place where you pay for garbage pick up "by the bag."
It can be very simple. You can build one out of commonly available items at home and recycle wood and plywood scraps or you can excavate a small area of your property and turn that into a compost pile. There are also commercially available tubs or bins you can buy. You can use worm bins indoors if you don't have outdoor space to compost.
In order to make composting work you must make sure air circulates and that it is kept moist. Too much water won't let the air circulate and may contribute to an odor problem as the air won't be able to circulate.
You can use leaves, hay, dead weeds, chemicall untreated wood chips and sawdust, straw, grass clippings, plants that have been thinned from your garden if you have one and fruit and veggie waste. Don't forget you can compost your egg shells, coffee grounds and tea bags too.
Avoid things like meat/fat, milk and bones as they may attract pests. Avoid diseased plants that may harm your garden after composting. And don't compost human or animal waste products to avoid food contamination in your garden.
I'm moving into a new house and I am looking forward to trying this myself.
Plastax
By Maria Alioto
I had a very eye opening experience the other day. As most of you know I am a seller on Etsy.com and have been selling online for years.
I decided to make reusable grocery bags and produce bags. Well i really like making them and people think they are cute and unique. I have some upcoming shows and I wanted to make up a fact sheet as to why someone should use a reusable bag over the plastic bags. What I found out was astonishing.
To make 100 billion bags it takes 12 million barrels of oil. An average trip to the grocery store is about one mile and to make 14 of those bags uses about the same amount of oil it takes to fuel an average car to drive one mile.
Maybe if we stop using so much oil we can get gas prices to drop.
For those of you who do not know what plastax is, it is the tax that Ireland imposed on their plastic bag use. In 2002 Ireland imposed a tax of approx 15 cents per bag that is used at the grocery store. The result was a reduction of 1 billion bags being produced, and dumped into landfills. They raised 9.6 million in taxes too.
Other countries that are following suit are Taiwan, Africa has a continent wide ban on the bags, Australia, Bangladash, and Thailand. Beijing has also banned them and a country wide ban for China is in the works. The list keeps growing.
Here in the United states The District of Columbia has approved a 5 cents per bag tax. They decided to take action when the Anacostia River was laden with 20,000 tons of trash and half were plastic bags.
Baltimore is proposing a 25 cent tax.
30 Alaskan villages have completely banned them, so have San Francisco and Westport CT.
Seattle has already given the boot to bottled water and is planning a 20 cent tax on the bags.
Chicago is charging an extra tax on bottled water and also making merchants pay a separate liscensing fee for selling bottled water in an effort to reduce the extra bottles.
New York City is proposing a 5 cent tax and so is Connecticut on both paper and plastic.
Maryland is proposing a 5 cent tax and plans to use the money to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and Anacostia river.
Portland OR is also proposing a 5-20 cent tax.
There are towns throughout the UK that are voluntarily giving plastic bags the boot. Modbury was the first town in England to go plastic bag free. Now the town of Kew is joining them.
The UK alone uses 15 Billion bags per year.
Some stores are actually offering discounts to people who bring their own bags.
Legislators are arguing the case of the plastic ban blaming the economy right now, that it would be too hard for people to pay an additional tax. People pay for bags at Aldi's and Save a Lot stores and other stores too. I think with the economy being as bad as it is we could use the extra tax increase to help give us a hand up and save all the oil in the process. If stores did not have to pay to stock bags they could pass that savings on to the customers. Look at how bad the economy was when we had to switch the tvs over to digital but that still went thru. The companies who manufacture the plastic bags are fighting this and it is causing delays in the bans and taxes being passed.
Reasons why the bags are bad on the environment
It takes 1000 years for plastic to disentigrate.
It consumes more resources to recycle the bags than to just make new ones and less than 3% of all bags are actually recycled.
A huge amount of these bags are going into the water and harming marine life. The animals eat them and they can't digest them and die from them being stuck in their stomach.
Greenpeace reports that 267 marine species have been harmed by them.
And lets not forget the Great Pacific Garbage patch. It is 3.5 milion tons of garbage in which 80% of it is plastic. It is in an area between San Francisco and Hawaii and due to the ocean currents the garbage just seems to collect there. It has grown 10 fold each year
since the 50s. It is reputed to be at least 2x the size of texas.
Remember the days when you used the grocery bag a second time and felt so wonderful because you were recycling? Well I would gladly invest $20-30 in a set of reusable bags to save the environment.
Chicago Pagan Pride Updates
By Maria Alioto
Merry Meet,
I would like to let everyone know that Mystic Moon Elements is having a fundraiser for Chicago Pagan Pride. We still need some funds to pay for things for Chicago Pagan Pride. This fundraiser is available on the home page of chicagopaganpride.org
You can purchase items such as pagan oils, jewelry, candles and more for a reasonable price. Stock you magickal cabinet while helping out Chicago Pagan Pride.
We would like to welcome some new vendors to Chicago Pagan Pride. Lost in the Maille, Brigits Hearth, and Mystic Beauty will all be returning.
The Night Church and Energy healing spa has joined us for this year's event
We also haveUnique visions by Jen and Mystic Moon Elements vending and Circle of the Spirit Tree and The Troth will have community booths at CPP this year.
Workshop space is filling up fast. If you are interested in conducting a work shop please let us know.
Registration is open for merchants, vendors, artisans, healers, readers or entertainers. If you are interested in any of these please email us at chicagopaganpride@yahoo.com
More info is availabe at www.chicagopaganpride.org.
Blessed Be
Maria Alioto
Local Coordinater Chicago Pagan Pride 2010
Fairy Ring
by Sherry Gilles
The fairies dance upon the lawn
Adorned in filmy azure gown
Bow to the little ones, extend my hand
A fairy ring, in it I stand
Violet petals surround my feet
As I dip and bow, call "Merry Meet!"
Tiny but wise beyond all expectation
Rise up voices of the little nation
Praise the Goddess, wisdom seek,
In two planes i plant my feet
Reaching skyward with my hands
My feet firmly anchored as I stand
A dream surrounds me, enchants
I waken from a dewy trance
The sunrise smiles across the sky
The little ones have gone.... I sigh
To this enchanted cheery place
When night and Moon align
Magick will once more replace
The shadows in the Glen
We will meet again
Recipes
Easy Chicken Parmesean wrap
By Maria
2 boneless skinnless chicken breasts baked or grilled
garlic powder
oregano or italian seasoning
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup mozzerella cheese shredded
2 large flour tortillas
slice the chicken into strips
lay tortillas flat
spread with pizza sauce
sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano
add sliced chicken
top with mozzerella cheese
baKE or microwave until cheese is bubbly
fold in half
cut in half and enjoy
Community events
By Sherry Gilles
SPECIAL EVENT!!!
April 15th-18th Raven Kaldera will be in town!
Visit Raven on the web at http://www.ravenkaldera.org
Raven Kaldera is a shaman, diviner, homesteader, transgender activist, prolific pagan author,
and founder of the First Kingdom Church of Asphodel. His works include co-authoring
"The Urban Primitive: Paganism in the Concrete Jungle" and "Handfastings and Wedding Rituals:
Welcoming Hera's Blessing", and authoring "Hermaphrodeities: The Transgender Spirituality Workbook",
"MythAstrology", and "The Ethical Psychic Vampire", "Pagan Polyamory", "Dark Moon Rising: Pagans BDSM",
and the Northern-Tradition Shamanism Series, to name just a few. He lives and works on an organic
pagan farm in Habbardston, Mass., and can be found online at http://www.cauldronfarm.com.
Thursday, April 15th
Raven will be doing private divinatory readings.
Please e-mail chicagopagans@gmail.com for more information.
Life Force Arts Center: 3148 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 773-327-7224
Saturday, April 17th- North Side Pagan Workshops
Occult Bookstore & Life Force Arts Center 2nd Annual Unity Ritual
Please call ahead for details
The Eightfold Path of Altered States
Spirit-workers and magicians the world over, and all throughout time, have used a variety of methods
to go into altered states. From there, they could access other worlds and touch divine forces. This
class will give you a map of the eight roads to that unique place, covering methods of altered states
used by all cultures, some more dangerous than others. From the Path of Rhythm to the Path of
Sacred Plants to the Path of Meditation to the Ordeal Path, we'll explore them all. We will not,
however, be using these methods in class; this is discussion only.
1:00pm - Occult Bookstore: 1164 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 773-292-0995
Dealing With Deities: How To Manage A Polytheistic Pantheon
We neo-pagans are as eclectic about our gods as we are about everything else. However,
there's more to the nature of most deities than you can find in the average high-school book
of myths. This workshop will explore the experience of connecting with different deities, their
intrinsic natures, and how to respectfully deal with them. We'll cover appropriate offerings,
offering places, altars, and rituals for a wide variety of gods and goddesses from many
cultural pantheons. We'll also discuss how to communicate with the gods of foreign places
without letting too many of our own cultural biases get in the way....and we'll explore our
favorite little-known gods and goddesses as well
2:30pm - Occult Bookstore: 1164 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 773-292-0995
Pagan Homesteading
The wheel of the Pagan year is based around a rural agricultural calendar, but
most pagans no longer live that kind of life. This workshop is about those who do: the
pagan homesteaders who went back to the land and stayed there. It's for those who do
it, those who'd like to, and those who'd just like to find out about what it's like to live the
cycle of the year this closely. Even if you live in the city and only have a tiny backyard garden,
you can learn more about how our ancestors saw the turning year, and enrich your life.
By the author of "EarthBound: Pagan Homesteading".
4:00 - Life Force Arts Center: 3148 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 773-327-7224
Unity Ritual
Our 2nd Annual Unity Ritual where different traditions/groups in Chicago collaborate to
work on a rite of unity and community.
Dreams of the Tribe: A Unity Ritual of Earth-Centered Spirituality
An open Ritual & Seasonal Celebration
Life Force Arts Center: 3148 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 773-327-7224
6:00 - Doors open. Please bring potluck dishes or beverages to share
7:00 - Ritual begins
9:00 - Post ritual drumming, dancing, singing, and potluck food
Sunday April 18th
The Tribe of Hearts: Pagan Polyamory
Polyamory, or ethical, negotiated non-monogamy, is a lifestyle that is growing by leaps
and bounds in the Pagan community. This workshop discusses how we Pagans do it
differently from other groups, and how polyamory can be used as a spiritual discipline
of love and relationship. It's also a good basic primer for people who just want to know
what polyamory is all about, what it is that we do and don't do.
By the author of "Pagan Polyamory: Building A Tribe Of Hearts".
3:00pm, Heathen Ink - 5535 S. Archer Ave. Summit, IL 60501 708-924-9410
Northern-Tradition Shamanism
This workshop introduces a shamanic tradition that is being slowly reconstructed
by modern practitioners, based on the spiritual paths and tools of Germanic, Norse,
Anglo-Saxon, and Saami ancient tribal peoples. We'll discuss tools and techniques,
Gods and spirits, roles and taboos, and the difference between a shaman and a
shamanic practitioner. Learn the shamanic traditions of my ancestors...and perhaps your own.
5:00pm, Heathen Ink - 5535 S. Archer Ave. Summit, IL 60501 708-924-9410
Pagandemoniium at the Occult Bookstore!!
Pagandemonium~ Ritual and Costume Party
Join us for a monthly community ritual and local social event.
Bring your party clothes and your dancing shoes!
Saturday April 24th 6 - 11 pm @ the Occult Bookstore, 1164 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Ringing Anvil presents Trance Journeying
Opening the doorway to Healing, Growth, Power, the Sacred
May 1-2 Chicago, IL
As ritualists and healers, how can we empower people to heal themselves?
How can we access the powerful ways of knowing of the shamans?
Trance journeying facilitates a shamanic experience in which listeners journey shamanically
for themselves, seeking their own answers, and each having their own unique experience
If you are drawn to healing and to creating a space where others forge a direct connection
to the sacred within each of us, join us in learning the techniques that make journeying in
a communal or ritual setting possible
We'll work with voice, rhythm, techniques and approaches that honor the intuition, wisdom
and process of each individual.
This workshop has a limited amount of space so please pre-register to reserve your space.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdkQm9QWmVLa0tZQUJERFdUeGZKZnc6MA
Location: Chicago, IL. Address TBA on registration.
Workshop times: 10am-6pm Saturday, dinner break, and ritual at 7:30 pm and 11am--4pm Sunday
Please plan to bring your own meals to this event, or there are nearby restaurants. We'll have
break time for lunch. Bring snacks if you like.
Facilitator: Sisalfish is a certified hypnotist and is certified in thanatology. Her life's work has been
the study of archetype, ritual, and the power of accessing right-brained ways of knowing. She has
taught trance journeying for the past six years, and currently works with a team of eight women
who facilitate shamanic journeying in a group setting. You can visit her web sites at
http://tranceshamans.com and http://deniseleehypnosis.com
Information provided by Shauna Aura
Book Signing! Meet Author of Traegonia, K.S. Krueger
Saturday, April 24th 2:00-4:00PM
Traegonia is a new book by author K.S. Krueger. She draws on the mysteries and wonders of Nature.
This book raises the question... Do they exist? These creatures are based on the sculptures by
Dino C. Crisanti. Come discover a world within our own where Traegons coexist peacefully with
all of nature. Kim will have books for sale AND she will have some of the actual Sculptures of the
characters from Traegonia.
ONGOING EVENTS
WITCHING HOUR - Friday, April 16th 7:00PM Topic: Guest Lecturer Cindi Muntz will be
speaking about Mediumship and Trance Channeling.
Please note that Rainbow Children Prairie Circle has NO MEETINGS at Witchies this month
Please note that SEID is also not meeting at Witchies this month
New Classes Offered by KOTAW Coven
KOTAW, also known as Keepers of the Ancient Ways, meets at Witchies every
Friday at 9:00 PM and is holding open classes on the 2nd Fridays of each month from 9:00 PM
until about Midnight. Listed below are the topics they are covering through February 2011
-April 9th - Dreamcatchers
-May 14th - Books of Magick
-June 11th - Ritual Craft Made Easy
-July 9th - Spell Craft
-August 13th - Know Thyself
-September 10th - The Wiccan Rede
-October 8th - Health and Wicca
-November 12th - Paranormal Studies and Psychic Self Defense
-December 10th - Coven Leadership
-January 14th - Coven Offices
-February 11th - Dear Gods Why Me? (or Pantheons and Correlations)
You do not need to pre-register for these classes, as they will
be happening with or without additional students.
Mark Your Calendars! South Side PICNIC Coming up in May
Join us on May 30th for our First Annual South Chicago Pagan Picnic
at Elizabeth Woods 11:00 to sunset. Informational fliers can be found at
Witchy Wearables, Tranzformations, and Moondragons
Also a download-able flier can be found on the forum at www.kotawcoven.com/forum
TranZformation: A Center for Spirit
Rosina's April Events/Rituals
TranZformation: A Center for Spirit April 24, 10-5 PM Rock, Gem, Jewelry and Crystal Show
welcoming MOKSHA IMPORTS, Ed and Sue to bring their vast array of crystals, stones,
jewelry and on of a kind items to our space!
Full Moon Ritual 7:30 PM is Tuesday, April 27th
All rituals are held at TranZformation, 8101 W. 123rd Street, Palos Park, IL 60464, (708) 361-2080.
If you cannot be physically present at any of the rituals and have an intention, please email to me
and I will be sure to place that in for you in the ritual as well as do some work on your behalf!
Morrighina@aol.com
Join us for MOVIE NIGHT Sat the 17th at 7:00 pm. We will be watching
The Quantum Activist by Amit Goswami Ph.D.
Bring some food and somethings to drink. See ya saturday night.
Mike Buchaniec can be contacted for details
INDIANA EVENT for MAY
May Faire Festival - Valparaiso IN
Sunday, May 23, 2010
11:00am - 5:00pm
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
450 W 100 N
Valparaiso, IN
Come particpate in a day of festivities & fun ! Visit our Vender booths, get information
about clubs & organizations in the area ! Enjoy traditional & original music !
Dance around the May Pole ! Participate in a variety of classes & discussion groups
on Pagan related topics ! But, most of all, meet new people !
Admission is 5$ per person, Children 5 & under & Taltree Members are free.
Our site is dog friendly & welcomes well-behaved, leashed animals & responsible pet owners.
We will be greatfully accepting donations of non-perishable food items & pet food
for our food drive, to be distributed to local charieties. )O(
Drumming in Aurora
WHEN: Saturday, April 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
To contact us, e-mail foxvalley.drumcircle@gmail.com
Visit our website at http://foxvalleydrumcircle.blogspot.com . RSVPs are strongly encouraged!
We've canceled due to lack of interest, only to find out later people ARE interested.
Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum. We're kid-friendly, and generally
expect some reasonable chaos. Lissa Meltonm, drum circle organizer
NEW Healing Event at the Theosophical Society and The Lightheart Center
One World, One Breath – World Tai Chi and Qigong Day April 24, 2010
'Become a part of history. We cordially invite you to participate in World Tai Chi
and Qigong Day. This international event aimed at bringing about greater
awareness of this beautiful and healthful practice. On Saturday, April 24,2010
is at 10:00am, this event will begin to unfold in New Zealand and continue
around the world as one continuous wave of human movement focused
on healing the planet as we heal ourselves.
Locally the Theosophical Society in America, located at 1926 N. Main Street,
Wheaton, IL will host the event 9:00am to 11:00am in the morning. Afternoon
festivities are planned for Creekside Park in Winfield from 1:00 PM to 4:00 pm
hosted by The Lightheart Center for the Healing Arts
THIS IS A FREE EVENT AND EVERYONE IS INVITED. No experience is required.
From 9:00am to 9:45 am Tai Chi (Tai Ji) and Qigong teachers
(Al Schmidt, Bea DeFranco, BenFurman, John Robertson and Renee` Ryan)
will lead participants in their respective styles. At 10:00am the WORLD event will
begin. People participate in this event in over 65 countries around the world
Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn and Michael J. Gresk, Mayor of Wheaton, have
proclaimed Saturday, April 24, 2010 as World Tai Chi and QiGong Day in Wheaton
and welcome all to this event at the Theosophical Society
Call the Theosophical Society 630-668-1571 for information about this event or other classes.
Call The Lightheart Center 630 260-1084 to RSVP or for information for afternoon activities.
Well Read Witch
Monday April 19, 2010
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Bakers Square on Rt 30 in Merrillville Route 30 in Merrillville, IN
Pagan Discussion Night in Chicago
Thursday, April 15, 2010 7:00 PM
@spot cafe
901 N. Larabee
Chicago IL 60610
312.244.3747
Tarot Share at Witchy Wearables
every month on the first Friday until December 12, 2010
4459 W. 147th. St.
Midlothian, IL 60445
708-389-1313
Led by KestrelMorn and Vivian.
Love Offering appreciated.
Year and A Day series is to start on May 11th and will meet at 7 PM the 2nd Tuesday of each
month until June of 2011. Disregard prior info. If you are interested please apply to Morn at
Witchies during regular business hours or email maureengeiger@hotmail.com.
There are still a few spaces available.
Well Read Witch - sponsored by NIPA - INDIANA event
This event repeats every month on the third Monday and meets from
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Bakers Square on Rt 30 in Merrillville on Route 30 in Merrillville, IN
Northwest Pagan Bar Night
Finally, a Northwest social event is in the works! Every third Friday of the month,
there will be a Northwest Pagan Bar Night. Every night, we'll meet up at William Street Tap
to talk and mingle, and then around 9:00 we'll head next door to Finn McCool's to dance
and party and just have some fun. Both bars are in downtown Crystal Lake, just off of the
train station. They're located next to the local New Age Shops and other various interesting
stores and most close around 6:00.
Come and explore downtown in the afternoon and then meet up with us around 8:00 p.m.
to mix, meet and mingle with your fellow pagans. RSVP before hand so we know how many to
expect. You'll be able to recognize us by a sign that will say
Northwest Branch of the Chicago Pagan Fellowship
Bring your dancing shoes and some lively conversation and prepare to have some fun!
If you have any questions- go to meetup.com/earthspiritchicago or call Mark at 312-428-0497.
Fox River Valley Pagan Social
7:00 pm - 9:15 pm
When: Every Second Wednesday, at 7:00PM
Where: Panera Bread
2871 E Main St
St Charles IL 60174
630-513-1044
Merry meet. Come hang out with the pagans.
We get together every month for discussion.
A different topic and learning activity every month.
Come to our gathering and share in the magic.
Bring your friends, kids, neighbors, co workers, strangers off the street and relatives. We let everyone in.
Formerly Aurora/Wheaton Pagan Meetup now on a new format
The South Side Chicago Pagan Dinner:
All dinners are held on the 'Third' Monday' of the Every Month.
The Olympic Star Restaurant is located:
7100 171st Street (just east of Harlem Ave on 171st St)
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-8900
The South Side Chicago Pagan Dinner is an open event that welcomes
Pagans, Witches, Neo-Pagans, their families and friends
to meet once a month and share dinner, engage in good conversation, and make new friends.
The Chicago Pagan Fellowship New Member Brunch (formerly ESC)
:
The Chicago Pagan Fellowship
New Member Brunch
Sunday, April 25, 2010 11:00 AM
Melrose Restaurant
3233 N. Broadway St.
Chicago IL 60657
773-327-2060
Summer Solstice Ritual and Camping Trip Proposed
Anyone interested in a camping trip for the Summer Solstice? I'm thinking Saturday, June 19
thru Wednesday, June 23. We would do a Solstice ritual and have some activities.
You provide a tent and your own food & beverages. We would like to find a few drummers
for the evenings also. If interested respond soon to beth.rizzi@gmail.com.
Weekly Heathen Chat
Meets every Tuesday from 8-9 central time.
How it works---------Sign into Yahoo IM (from 8-9pm Central time) and look for
"Atheleasi" or "Hofkona". (When you IM us, please send us BOTH a friend request
and mention you are there for the Heathen chat.)
We'll be acting as beacons so everyone can find each other, and we'll then invite you to the
private chatroom. (We can't invite people to a private chat, unless we have received a friend request!)
Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center
4025-A Route 34 - Oswego, IL. 60543
(630) 554-1111
There are many classes offered at Kindred Spirits. Rebecca has been hosting drumming as well.
Call for details or stop by the shop.
EVENT: Attention Heathens - space is limited for Illinimoot
Illini Moot - Camp and celebrate with Heathens
Illinimoot will occur this year on May 14-16 at Camp Wokanda in Chillicothe
(near Peoria) IL. We'll be holding sumble, doing crafts, hanging out and doing a bit
of blacksmithing.There will also be a Seidth ritual. This is a ceremony where one may
ask questions of the Seeress and get answers, as depicted in the Saga of Erik the Red.
We'll be camping in a cabin with woodburning stove and meals will be potluck.
Cost will be $15 for individuals and 20$ for couples/families.
More information will be posted soon, but if you are interested, please email me off list.
Phyllis Steinhauser: Atheleas@rcn.com
FOR KIDS
So Your Child Wants to Be a Spiral Scout?
Do you want to sign your child up for spiral scouts? The Spiral Scouts based in
Midlothian has the following groups. The FireFlies (3-8) usually meet at 3 PM at
Witchies on the first Sunday of the month and at one of the Leader's homes the
3rd Sunday of the month. The SpiralScouts (9-13) and PathFinders (14-18)
usually meet at 4 PM at Witchies on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.
But always call first because we have a lot planned in the next few months
and some of the meetings are moved or at another time. The groups are not meeting this month.
Registration is $20 for each child plus yourself for the first year and then
$15 a year after that, adults must have a $10 background check every three years.
Handbooks are $10-12 Uniform shirts are about $8.00 depending on the size.
If you have an upcoming event that you would like to post in our newsletter please contact us
chicagopaganpride@yahoo.com
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Copyright * 2002 - 2010 Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride Committee. All rights reserved
Blessed Be,
Maria, Gregory(AutTumn) and Sherry
Chicago Pagan Pride 2010 leadership committee
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