By:Sherry Gilles
Phyllis Thank you for conducting this interview.
We understand you are the Troth Steward for Northern IL and wondered if you would tell us what that role involves? What is the Troth?
The Troth is an international Heathen organization.
[From The Troth’s mission statement] “Our mission is to educate, train, provide resources for, and otherwise promote the polytheistic religion known as Northern European Heathenry or Asatru…The Troth seeks to place itself as an umbrella organization where all Asatruar may meet, worship, and learn from one another. We understand that what we all share is a defining personal loyalty to, or Troth with, the Gods and Goddesses of Northern Europe, our specific and tribal ancestors, and the landvaettir, or spirits of the earth around us…We welcome all people, whatever their religious, cultural, or ancestral background, gender or sexual orientation, who have developed or wish to develop a relationship with our Gods and Goddesses, and would like to know more about Asatru….The Troth provides excellence in its resources, up to date research in Northern European Heathenry, and training programs for future scholars and/or Asatru Clergy….”
My job, as the Steward for Northern Illinois, is specifically to act as a liaison and resource for Troth members in my area and generally to serve as a resource for Heathens or anyone who wishes to learn more about Asatru/Heathenry. To that end, I do presentations about Asatru or the Runes for groups and at festivals. I also run a monthly book discussion group as well as quarterly open “Meet & Eats” at local restaurants. Additionally, I and my kindred host an annual event, IlliniMoot, where we go camping in mid Spring for a weekend of good food, song & story, crafts, and ritual.
I also host a weekly online chat every Tuesday night from 8-9pm (Central) on Yahoo Instant Messenger. (Feel free to contact me if you are interested in participating in any of these events.)
Would you please tell us a bit about yourself and what called you to the path of Asatru/heathenry? Have you always identified with the path you are on today?
I should start with a definition of Heathenry. By Heathen, I mean the pre-Christian peoples of Scandinavia, Greenland, Iceland, as well as specific areas in the UK, western Asia, and northern Europe beginning in the iron age and lasting up to the 13th century. However, I also use the term Heathen to indicate modern people who are reconstructing the religion and folkways as a spiritual practice.
The one year that *does* stand out though was 2004, when we honored Pagan elders with the Pagan Walk of Heroes, which featured Vicky Carlson, Linda Batwinski, and Donna Cole Schultz. We had people make displays of Pagans who they admired and highlighted them on different tables. I think it's so important to honor those community elders who have taught us so much."
My mother, who identifies as Christian, was nonetheless always very interested in the occult (though she made no serious attempt at studying it) and in folk myths and legends from around the world. She used to read me books such as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia at bedtime every night. Despite my Protestant upbringing, I was primed to become Pagan/Heathen before I even left home.
I began actively exploring non-Christian religious beliefs when I went to college. That’s when I began to explore earth-based spirituality. Mind you, I was completely unaware that there WAS such a thing as modern-day Paganism or Heathenry. I was attempting to reconstruct it from bits of old English folk myth, songs and poetry. Then I began to find books and meet others with similar interests. One of my first purchases was a book on the Runes by Nigel Pennick. I was particularly fascinated with them because for some reason the culture and lore they came from seemed to feel ‘like home’. (I suppose it was all that childhood exposure to fiction written by fans of Anglo-Saxon culture, such as Tolkien and Lewis.)
However, my first encounter with a Heathen, at 19, completely turned me off to the idea of attempting to participate in the modern reconstruction of the ancient religion, and I gave up on trying to meet practitioners. An individual I was communicating with via the mail actively discouraged me from becoming involved in Heathenry, merely because I was female. He quoted excerpts from the Havamal to back up his bigotry and made it clear that I was just not welcome, due to my gender. Not even my military service made a difference in his mind. I got so annoyed I said to myself; “Fine!, If that’s what Heathens are like, I’ll go become a Pagan!” And so I did. I found a mentor in the local Pagan community, explored many flavors of eclectic Paganism, and joined several groups. For thirteen years my avocation became the study and practice of Paganism and it received all my focus and resources. However, I quickly realized that I was not a Wiccan and I gradually came to know that I wasn’t at home in Eclectic Paganism either, although I enjoyed the people and culture. During that time I still worked with the runes, however.
About five years ago I met a very outspoken feminist Heathen who was Troth Steward for Illinois. She encouraged me to re-evaluate my impression of Heathenry and meet some other Heathens. (Evidently in the years that had passed, both I and Heathenry had grown up a bit!). The culture of Heathenry was an excellent fit with my beliefs and worldview and I realized I had found my spiritual home. I began focusing on Norse studies and withdrew a bit from the Pagan community, evaluating how to spend my time. I joined the Troth, assisted the Steward for IL, then volunteered to become the Steward when her position became open. I will begin my second three-year term as Steward in June.
What activities are you involved in that others seeking to learn more about heathenry might be interested in?
Most Heathens I know are interested in brewing. This is because an important part of Heathen ritual involves an offering to the gods and the accepted practice is to offer beer or mead. (FYI, One can offer non-alcoholic beverages such as milk, water or cider.) Ideally, one offers the good stuff, which can get expensive. So, in an attempt to be frugal, a fair amount of Heathens end up learning how to brew beer and wine. Other hobbies that seem to naturally go along with heathenry include herbalism, cooking, woodcarving, fiber arts, crafting drinking horns, camping, hunting, gardening, fishing, singing, poetry, and martial arts. (All of which I have some level of interest or experience.)
Who are you favorite authors? Why might you recommend them to others?
I like HR Ellis Davidson. She is an extremely well respected academian and historian who has focused on Heathen cultures. Another writer I respect is RI Page, professor of Anglo Saxon who has studied the Runes in-depth as a system of communication. (He is an author with little patience for the discussion of the magick of the runes, however.)
Some modern Heathen writers I respect are James Chisholm, Kveldulf Gundarsson, Ben Waggoner and Stephen Pollington. They are Heathen scholars who are diligent in their research and know how to concisely convey information and engage the reader.
What is your favorite season, holiday or celebration and what do you do to observe it?
I am a huge fan of Yule. Heathens tend to celebrate 12 days in the Yule season, which usually begins around the Winter Solstice. During Yule I usually host a big feast to which I invite my friends, kindred (similar to a coven) and local Heathens. I provide the main dish and guests usually bring a side dish, desert or libation. We start the feast with a blot that continues through the meal and at the end we make our offerings to the Gods, wights(spirit or entity) and ancestors. Then we talk, drink, play games, exchange gifts and generally have a good time.
How can you be contacted by those who are interested in learning more about The Troth and/or Asatru?
If anyone would like to find out more about Heathenry, local Heathen events or just would like to chat, feel free to contact me via email at Atheleas@rcn.com. Also, I have an online discussion group that is open to anyone interested in Heathenry. (Feel free to visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IllinoisHeathens/ and join the group.)
To contact the Troth, visit www.thetroth.org. Annual membership in The Troth is very reasonable ($25), which entitles you to the quarterly magazine, Idunna, as well as membership on the Troth’s email list. http://www.thetroth.org/join-us
What are some resources you would recommend for others interested in Asatru? Books? Websites? Activities?
Books:
Our Troth Vol. 1: History & Lore by Kveldulf Gundarsson
Our Troth Vol, 2: Living the Troth by Kveldulf Gundarsson
If you want to really learn a lot about Heathenry and only want to buy 2 books, these are the ones to get!
The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland Excellent summarization of the individual poems in the Poetic Edda. Invaluable for the beginner who wants to read the actual poems describing the adventures of the gods as it explains the back story of the poem and some of the kennings and references they include.
Websites:
http://www.asatru-u.org/beginner/asau-beginner-outline.htm An excellent collection of essays that explain a LOT of the basic ideas of Heathenry.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jordsvin/Seidhr/Index.htm Excellent information on Seidth, good links and essays
What kinds of rituals are common to heathenry?
The most common ritual forms in Heathenry are the Blot (rhymes with boat) and the Sumble.
A blot is a ritual feast to which gods are invited. It may be held in honor of a particular deity or to celebrate a particular event or a holiday. The point of the ritual is to bring ourselves closer to each other and the gods by exchanging gifts(offerings). The participants come together and the purpose of the ritual is explained. The gods most appropriate to the purpose of the ritual are called, and a full drinking horn is blessed in their name. An offering of drink (usually mead, beer or cider) is poured from the horn into the blot bowl and the participants are blessed by being sprinkled with its contents. The food is blessed, with a portion of each dish put aside on a special plate as an offering to be made later. Then the guests share the meal. Often a sumble (see below) becomes part of the blot as well. When the guests have finished eating, the bowl is poured out on the ground, the gods are thanked and the offering plate of food is left out (usually outside) for them.
A Sumble is a ritual where the participants stand in a circle and take turns drinking from a horn honoring and speaking of the gods, ancestors and land spirits in order to connect with them, and each other. We speak of things that happened in the past, and tell of things we plan to do in the future. We offer our words, song, laughter and tears, knowing the gods receive them. An average sumble lasts about 3 rounds, with the first libation from the horn poured out into the ground (or a bowl) as an offering. However, sumbles can consist of many more rounds and can last for quite some time if the circle is large and the people have lots to say.
How do heathens view magickal practices? What forms of magick are commonly practiced?
One major difference between Heathenry and Eclectic Pagan ritual is that of intent. In my experience, nearly every Pagan ritual I have ever attended has had a magickal working as part of the spiritual observance.
Heathen rituals are primarily for honoring the Gods, Wights and Ancestors. Magick is not necessarily part of the ritual. You will not (generally) see quarters called, the invocation of God/dess, drawing down of the Moon/Sun or sending out of energy. The idea is to draw closer to the divine, via interaction between the Mighty Ones and ourselves. This interaction usually involves offerings of food, drink, poetry, actions or speech. Now, this is not to say that Heathens don’t do magick. Many do, but there are Heathens who are not magickal practitioners. Magickal practices are generally done privately and individually. There are gatherings of Heathens for the specific purpose of group magickal practices, but they not as common as your average blot, or sumble .
One example of this would be a Spae/Seidth working. It is a divinatory ritual where a group of participants aid the Seer(or more than one in turn) by singing songs to aid her journey and return. The Seer answers questions of the participants by either shamanically journeying to speak to the entity that can answer the question, or allowing them to speak through her (or him). (Historically this was generally “Women’s Magick” but nowadays there are male Spae/Seidthworkers as well.)
Perhaps the most common Heathen magickal practice is the use of the runes, either as a divinatory practice, meditation, energy work, a shamanic practice or to create talismans.
Galdr is the use of chanting, singing or howling the runes to gain insight or to effect change via their power.
The runes can also be carved onto items (usually wood, clay, bone, stone or metal) to create magickal talismans. In my experience, this practice is somewhat similar to the method of creating Western-style Ceremonial Magick talismans.
Can you talk about the runes as a form of divination?
There are brief descriptions of rune divination recorded by Tacitus and Julius Caesar. Modern practice relies heavily on these sources. Generally, the diviner throws the runes on a casting cloth, and selects as many as are desired, depending on the particular layout. This can be anywhere from drawing one rune or throwing all 24 (or 16 or 28, depending on which Futhark system one uses) onto the cloth and interpreting how they fall in relation to each other. Then the runes are interpreted. Sometimes an additional omen is sought or additional runes are drawn to get more detail or answer additional questions.
What is skaldic poetry?
Skaldic poetry is similar to the concept of bardic poetry from the British Isles. Skalds were poets in the courts of kings. They created very complex forms of poetry. There are many types of meters and each individual form depended on the specific pattern of the combination of syllables and their alliterated stresses. This form of poetry also relied on the use of kennings. Kennings are poetic ways to indirectly refer to a person or thing. For example, a line in the Lay of Hymir says: “Hlorritha stepped out and grabbed the stem and hoisted the water-horse up by the bilge”. Hlorritha is another name for Thor and water horse is a kenning for a boat. So the line means “Thor lifted grabbed the bow of the boat and lifted it.”
Heathens often use the word “skaldic” more loosely to refer to any poetry, song or story with a heathen theme. It is possible to write poems in the skaldic meters, in English, but it is a very challenging task because English is not as inflection-dependant as Scandinavian languages.
What is a moot?
A moot is a gathering of heathens. Usually this for the purpose of performing ritual, getting to meet other heathens, sharing gifts, socializing, and making organizational decisions. There is almost always a skaldic or brewing competition and vendors selling their wares as well. Sometimes Viking Games competitions occur. They are a lot of fun and a great way to get a good sense of what Heathenry is about in one weekend.
Are there any local, national or international gatherings for heathens scheduled for the upcoming year that you would recommend?
Desert Magic, May 6-9, Oracle, AZ www.ssg-adf.org/desert-magic.htm
Trothmoot June 10-13 St Croix State park (Near Hinckley, MN) http://www.thetroth.org/Trothmoot (Please note, this page is under construction, so check back for updates)
East Coast Thing, September 25-29, in Pennsylvania http://www.eastcoastthing.org/ (Please note, this page is under construction, so check back for updates)
Midwest Thing, Crow-Hassan Park Reserve (Rogers, MN) September 3-5, 2009 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Midwestthing/
Lightning Across the Plains, Sept 24-26, 2010 near Kansas City, MO http://www.heathengods.com/lightning/
Lastly do you have any words of advice for our readers?
If you are interested in learning more about Heathenry, the most efficient way to learn is to find a Heathen and start asking questions.
Should you be invited to a ritual, be sure to ask for details about what the purpose and generally accepted practices are. Explain to your host that you have never attended a ritual and would like to know what to expect. Do not be afraid to ask questions!
The Cone Of Power
By Gregory Michael Brewer (AutTumn)
This is an excerp from Gregory Michael Brewer's upcoming book. He owns this copyrighted material and has given us express written permission to use this content in our newsletter.
You may not copy or reproduce this in any without express written permission from him.
If you are not familiar with the cone of power, these exercises will help you learn. The cone of power is crucial when it comes to using many forms of magick, from very simple techniques to complex rituals. It is how we release programmed energy into the astral plane to await for the physical manifestation of the goal at a later time. There are many methods and ways of doing this, and we will be covering a few of them here, but the first step is to raise energy within the circle where it will remain until it is released.
Concerning raising energy, there are numerous ways of doing so. Here are a few possibilities.
1. Dancing
2. Chanting and or singing
3. Walking around the circle slow to fast
4. Walking, dancing, and chanting simultaneously
5. Using rattles, drums, bells, clapping, etc.
6. Stand still and concentrate on the goal at hand, think of a word or phrase that represents this goal, breath in, and release your emotions into the circle with concentration while visualizing the goal as though it has already happened when you exhale. Do this several times
7. Laughter is also an excellent way to raise energy
8. Visualize the energy of the Earth and Sky entering into the circle with each inhalation and exhalation
9. There are many other ways so light the fires of creativity
10. Raise enough energy until you feel it tingling all over you
11. I recommend moving and chanting until you start to feel just on the verge of slight exhaustion
12. Remember that the more people in the circle, the more energy will be raised
The first activity and example of releasing energy through the cone of power is quite simple and does not require an elaborate ritual. This can be done alone or with a group. But first let me say that the cone of power is not an actual cone, but is much like one. In the circle, when properly cast on the surface of the area you are working in, is actually a sphere that forms half below and half above the boundary where it has been cast. Standing in the circle, and after raising energy, the energy remains in the circle. The center of the sphere is where your feet are touching. Think of this center as the base of a triangle pointing upward where the tip touches but does not penetrate the top of the sphere. Once sufficient energy has been generated, it should be raised up slowly and concentrated almost like you can grab it, and then suddenly tossed or thrown up quickly through the cone and out of the circle so that it can do its work. Learning to program the energy with visualization will take some practice.
Activity 1: Quick Cone
1. Think of a goal or intent such as healing the Earth or food and shelter for the homeless and or stray animals. For this first simple exercise think of anything which is beneficial and helpful for anyone other than yourself
2. Cast a circle large enough to move around in without stepping out of or crossing the boundary of the circle. This is important
3. Write your own chant or borrow one that relates to the goal at hand
4. Start by slowly moving Deosil (clockwise) around the circle while chanting from memory and continue to do so and with each completion of a circle move and chant a bit faster
5. When you feel it is time, stop!
6. With your hands pointing toward the center of the circle, visualize the energy rising and forming its own sphere that you have programmed with intent and reinforced by the words of the chant
7. In your mind see the goal as though it has already happened
8. Feel the energy and get ready to send it out
9. On the word “be” in “so mote it be,” quickly with your hands throw the energy up and out of the circle
10. So Mote It Be
11. By the way, “so mote it be” basically means “by my will it shall come to pass.” In the Christian faith the word Amen means exactly the same thing
EXAMPLE
In the group I practice with, each week before class begins we do some sort of hands on activity. One week in the early spring of 2009 we found out that the Governor of Illinois, which is where we live and operate, had decided to shut down several state parks due to lack of funding. We would have none of that! One of the parks scheduled to close was a park we love go to annually to celebrate midsummer, Moraine View State park if you are curious. This more or less had us in tears so we decided to do something about it.
For one of our warm-up activities we went outside into my yard and cast a circle. Then we began to dance and chant together Deosil (clockwise) moving slow to fast, a chant that we came up with together at the moment. I don’t recall the exact wording but it was a few short lines that were easy to remember and ended with “save our parks!” We did this several times until we felt the energy had been sufficiently built up.
Next we held hands, felt the energy rise up and into the center of the circle between us, and then quickly tossed it up into the air while saying so mote it be! A couple months later it was reported that the parks would not be closing after all and that very summer we went back to our favorite park to camp.
Activity 2: Hand and Shoulder Method
1. This activity requires a group of people (at least three)
2. Follow the same beginning steps from activity 1
3. This can be used as a group practice or in any ritual working and celebration
4. After raising energy and knowing the goal, everyone stand in a circle. Each person places their left hand on the shoulder of the person to the left and places their right hand into the center.
5. Take a moment to feel the energy concentrating in this new inner circle
6. Be sure to visualize the goal, for example, seeing the parks open again and jumping up and down for joy because you have been victorious
7. On the word “be” in “so mote it be” everyone together throw their right hand up and out of the circle to release it up to the universe
Activity 3: Cone and Candle
1. The cone of power, as stated, is a visual method of releasing energy
2. The energy does not need to be thrown up with the hands
3. The energy can be released by using the smoke of a charged candle
4. Follow the same instructions above concerning raising energy and visualization
5. This time let the intent and goal of the work be released into the astral realm by lighting a candle
6. The energy will be absorbed by the candle and released through the circle via the smoke as it burns
7. This is why it is important to let the candle completely burn down
8. If you cannot burn the candle in one sitting, you may put the candle out by snuffing it and saying, “although you are out in the physical, you still burn in the astral. So Mote It Be!”
9. Never blow the candle out because this disrupts and scatters the energy
10. Light the candle again at another time until it has completely burned
Activity 4: Elder Method
1. In a group setting and during any ritual or working, follow the above steps regarding raising energy and knowing the goal
2. Of course in this case calling the quarters, the God and Goddess, and the brunt of the ritual would come first
3. Raise energy
4. Once sufficient energy has been raised by the method of choice, everyone in the group simultaneously drops to the floor or ground except for one designated “Elder.” This designated person should be one of the members with much experience. By dropping to the surface of the area, (fall or gracefully sit down) the energy will automatically elevate a few feet to a level where the High Priestess/High Priest can then “grab hold of it.”
5. The Elder remains standing in the center of the ritual area
6. The Elder then does all the visualization and senses the correct moment of release
7. The Elder lifts her or his hands and tosses the energy up and out of the circle.
8. As this happens, all say together, “So Mote It Be!”
Activity 5: Elemental Cone
1. This method requires at least four people
2. Again, know the goal and raise the ample energy
3. At each directional point in the circle, that is North, South, East, and West, one person stands as a representative
4. These could be those who evoked each quarter
5. If there are more than four participants, they may stand in-between
6. Announce the goal and know that it has already come to pass
7. Each of the four people at the quarters simultaneously raises one hand straight out in front of them as though they are pointing at each other
8. The person standing North say “by the power of Earth”
9. The person standing East say “by the power of Air”
10. The person standing South say “by the power of Fire”
11. The person standing West say “by the power of Water”
12. At the same time all quickly throw their hand up to release the energy out of the circle via the cone of power and all say, “So Mote It Be!”
13. With creativity you can also incorporate by the power and will of the Goddess and God as well
Other Methods
1. Release the energy up and out of the circle by safely tossing a stone or several stones if done outside. Just make sure the stones do not hit a house, car, or cause any destruction nearby
2. Take a deep breath, concentrate the energy within you, lift up your head, and release the energy with an explosive, powerful exhale
3. Use petition magick by writing the goal on a sheet of paper and then burning it while the intent is released via the smoke of the burning paper
4. Be creative and come up with other ways
5. Try them all
Chicago Pagan Pride Updates
By Maria Alioto
Merry Meet,
We have some new changes to our leadership committee. Sherry Gilles is now a Co Local Coordinator. Congratulations Sherry.
I would like to take this chance to welcome our newest volunteer Nikki.
Regristration is open for CPP 2010. We have spaces for Vendors, community booths, healers, and readers.
We also have spots available for workshops. They are filling up fast.
We are also looking for entertainers and volunteers. If you are interested please email me at chicagopaganpride@yahoo.com
The Troth and Circle of the Spirit Tree will be setting up community booths. We have several workshops being set up. If you are interested in conducting a workshop please contact me.
Mystic Moon Elements will be vending all natural bath and body products and pagan supplies in additon to essential oils.
Blessed Be
Maria Alioto
Local Coordinater Chicago Pagan Pride 2010
She Ran
by Sherry Gilles
There is a path that calls, insists,
and darkly lit, so cold and flat
The fog lays cold - that frozen mist
surrounds me, holds me back
It doesn't matter if I mind
Odin's staff knocks upon my door
dream of utherworlds and kin
hear echoes from the shore
I stand in hallowed quickened sands
nine daughters lap my feet
wrapt in hungry seaweed strands
Death is there; she greets
The moonlit dreams that hunt and haunt
come in wavered rippling flow
I offer Gold and stand, reflect
and know that I must go
I wade toward the moonlight path
that rises from Aegir's plain
Turn shoreward once and wave goodbye
becalmed, my path, alone again
Sirens call - and dolphins sing
I, bemused, within the nets
fair glimpse the palace of the Dead
and struggle with my humanness
There is a place, in waters deep,
where the midgard serpent writhes
He vents his anger and discontent
taking ships and lives
Horizon bound and glistening
in Fair Moon Maiden's Light
My moonlit dreams are fairy tales
and I am done, tonight!
Breathing deep of dank seawater;
I am now Ran's other daughter
Community events
By Sherry Gilles
TranZformation: Palos Park, IL
***SPECIAL EVENT***
Author of The Witch's Coin and Prosperity Magick, Christopher Penczak, will be at TranZformation for a free book signing and lecture March 5, 7pm
He will also be there for a day long workshop/class, healings and readings on March 6 and 7 from 10-6pm Call for details and to sign up for these.
All appointments for Christopher will be taken at the shop at
TranZformation 8101 W. 123rd Street in Palos Park, IL,
Phone 708-361-2080
Fox River Valley Pagan Social
Wednesday March 10, 2010
7:00 pm - 9:15 pm
This event repeats every month on every second Wednesday.at 7:00pm
Pagan Gathering Monthly Discussion group is held at Panera 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 bring you kids, bring your neighbors, co workers, and bring strangers off the street, bring relatives we let everyone in. Formerly Aurora/Wheaton Pagan Meetup
Occult Bookstore: Chicago, IL
Occult Bookstore
Social and Coffee Clutch
Meets at 7pm every Wednesday, next date is February 17, 2010
1164 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago IL, 60622
(773) 292.0995
Directions: The Occult Booktore is located on Milwaukee Ave near Ashland and Division.
Via Blue line, Division/Milwaukee stop, walk south on Milwaukee 1/2 block to 1164.
Via Milwaukee Bus line 56, Haddon stop.
website: www.occultbookstore.com
Well Read Witch: Merrilville IN
meets every month on the third Monday rom 7-9pm at Bakers Square on Rt 30 in Merrillville, IN
Next date will be on March 15, 2010
8140 Mississippi Street (can see from Rt 30)
Merrillville, IN 46410-6326
Witch Hat Society Merrillville IN
Thursday February 25 at Baker's Square in Merrillville, IN Topic: Julia Minor will be speaking about the SCA, the Society for Creative Anarchism an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th century Europe. Speakers will appear in their period costumes. Thanks for your assistance. Also Julia Minor is the coordinator for NIPA's pagan picnic scheduled for Sat Aug. 21.
Winter Clothing Drive
Winter Clothing Drive for the Thresholds peer Success Center which serves people in various stages of recovery from mental illness
Please donate any winter gear you may not be using especially hats, scarves, gloves, and coats.
Drop off locations are:
Life Force Arts Center
3148 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657
773-327-7224
And
The Occult Bookstore.
1164 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60626
773-292-0995
Weekly Heathen Chat on Yahoo Messenger
Tuesdays 8-9pm central time
Instant message Atheleasi or Hofkona sending a friend request and mention that you are there for Heathen chat. This will make it possible to be invited into the private chatroom
Pagan Discussion Night @ Spot Cafe
February 18, 2010 at 7pm
901 N. Larabee
Chicago, IL60610
312-244-3747
hosted by Andrew and Maur
The discussion this time will be about authority, power, and individualism in Paganism? For example who says that one book on Pagansim is better than another? Who has the right to say someone is wrong?
STARHAWK
Workshop:Holding Power Well and Open Public Ritual
Milwaukee WI March 1, 2010
There is a workshop during the day (1pm-4pm)and an evening ritual (doors open at 6:30, ritual begins at 7:30pm)
More Information: Contact ShaunaAura@gmail.com with questions.
Saga and Eddic Intensive Discussion Bookclub (SEID)
Meets every month on the Third Sunday at Witchy Wearables, next date Feb 21, 2010
4459 147th #D in Midlothian, IL 60445
773-330-2753
Southside Pagan Dinner
Southside Pagan Dinner meets on the 3rd Monday of every month
Location: Olympic Star Restaurant
February 15 and March 15 are upcoming dates
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.
Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center
Upcoming classes at Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center located at 4025-A Route 34 in Oswego in IL 60543 include:
A Course in Miracles w/ Patrick Kevin Feeney
Women who run with the Wolves - an ongoing 2 Hour Discussion Group - Learn about the archtypes through stories and legends as told to the Reader by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Every 2 weeks we meet and discuss one of the stories.
Reclaiming your traditions and learning to embrace the wild woman within. Facilitator: Rebecca Sommers
Goddesses with Rebecca
Age of Indigo with Tina Marie
Archangels with Kelly
Paranormal Investigation with Rebecca
Call 630 554-1111 for details.
TranZformation: A Center for Spirit
WAKE UP BALL!!! Saturday March 27, 2010
hosted by Rosina and the
Heart of The Morrighan Community Interfaith Temple
Start Time: Saturday, March 27 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, March 28 at 1:00am
The Wake Up Ball is a welcoming of New Life, New beginnings and fresh
starts for Spring! This replaces the Fire Ball, but will not lack the
same fire!
With Dinner, raffles, dancing, cash bar and a midnight
ritual to give birth to your hopes and dreams! All raffle proceeds to
benefit Brementowne Manor of Tinley Park! A facility for senior
assisted Living!
Where: American Legion Post #615
17423 67th Ct
Tinley Park, IL 60477
South Chicagoland Pagan meet and greet / Discussion group
Saturday February 27, 2010 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (meets on the last Saturday of each month)
Location is at TranZformation: A Center for Spirit 8101 W. 123rd Street in Palos Park, IL 60464
For information call (708)361-2080
Crafty Crafters
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010 -
WILLIAM TELL BANQUET HALL,
6201 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL 60525
Call 815-788-1630 for more info.
Witchy Wearables
RCPC SPIRAL SCOUTS - Sunday, Feb. 7th Meeting @ 3:00PM/FireFlies 4:00 PM SpiralScouts & Pathfinders; Feb. 21st. Meeting @ 4:00PM SpiralScouts & Pathfinders
A YEAR & A DAY - Tuesday, Feb. 2nd 7:00-9:30 PM - Ongoing pre-registered class.
TAROT SHARE - Friday, Feb. 5th 7:00PM Led by KestrelMorn and Vivian Love Offering appreciated.
WITCHING HOUR- Friday, Feb. 19th 7:00-9:00PM Topic -AKASHIC RECORDS - Lecture given by Arlene Tilghman Love Offering appreciated.
4459 147th in Midlothian, IL 60445
(708) 389-1313 for more info
DRUMMING EVENTS with Steve Aldrich
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Drumming for World Peace and Healing
Merry Meets and Blessed Beats (http://www.meetup.com/Merry-Meets-and-Blessed-Beats-Fox-Valley/)
Where: Light Heart Center, 165 S. Church St., Winfield, IL 60190
You, your friends and loved ones are invited to a drumming and sharing. Bring your drums, rattles, other instruments, a poem, or a song to share with the intent of bringing World Peace and Healing that benefits the Earth and all people.
Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Fox Valley Drum Circle (http://foxvalleydrumcircle.blogspot.com/)
Where: Melton House, 113 S. 4th St., Aurora, IL 60505
Join us for a potluck dinner and drumming into the evening. All are welcome.
Monday, February 22, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Merry Meets and Blessed Beats (http://www.meetup.com/Merry-Meets-and-Blessed-Beats-Fox-Valley/)
Price: $5.00 per person
Where: Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center, 4025- A Rt 34, Oswego, IL
Bring your drum and a dish to share. Steve from Merry Meets and Blessed Beats will be leading us in a drumming circle, all skill levels are welcome from beginner to advanced.
If you know of other community events please let's us know! If you have your own event that you would like listed please contact us.
Recipes
Carrot Cake
By George
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more to oil pan
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more to dust pan
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 cup finely shredded packed carrots
Quick Glaze (see below) or confectioners' sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush an 8-inch round cake pan with oil. Place a round of waxed or parchment paper in the bottom; brush with oil, and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cardamom, and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, yogurt, and oil until smooth. Gently mix egg mixture into dry ingredients until moistened; mix in carrots. Transfer batter to prepared pan.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes (if browning too quickly, tent cake with aluminum foil). Cool in pan, 15 minutes. Turn out of pan, remove paper, and cool completely on a rack, right side up. Apply glaze, or dust with confectioners' sugar.
Quick Glaze
In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons water until a smooth but thick glaze forms (too thin a glaze will be absorbed by the cake). Place a piece of waxed paper under cooling rack for easy cleanup. Spoon glaze back and forth over cake, forming a pattern. Keep cake on cooling rack until glaze is set, 15 to 20 minutes.
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Submitted by Barb and Jan
Topping ingredients:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 Tbs butter
Cake ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter (not margarine!)
1 cup granulated sugar 2 medium eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup sour cream (may substitute yogurt)
2 cups blueberries
To make the topping combine sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Add in bits of butter until mixture is crumbly.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Sift together flour, baking powder, & baking soda. Set aside. Beat together butter and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix well. Add dry ingredients; mix until blended. Fold in blueberries. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle topping mixture over batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
This can be made ahead and left in fridge for baking in the morning. Makes 6-12 servings depending on size of portions
If you have an upcoming event that you would like to post in our newsletter please contact us
chicagopaganpride@yahoo.com
We always welcome reader contributions. If you have anything that you would like to contribute please submit to chicagopaganpride@yahoo.com
All submissions are on a donation only basis. All articles are voluntarily written, or republished with express reprint rights. All money received from this newsletter is used to fund Chicago Pagan Pride fundraisers or functions. We are a not for profit organization.
If you would like to advertise in our newsletter please contact us at chicagopaganpride@yahoo.com
Advertising spots start at $5.00
Copyright * 2002 - 2010 Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride Committee. All rights reserved
Blessed Be,
Maria, Gregory(AutTumn) and Sherry
Chicago Pagan Pride 2010 leadership committee
If you're NOT a subscriber and someone else has sent you this newsletter, you can visit the following URL to join us and get your own copy each month...
http://chicagopaganpride.org
You were sent this newsletter because you were in the Chicago Pagan Pride email update database by signing up at an event or online to request updates on Chicago Pagan Pride or you signed up thru the Chicago Pagan Pride website to be updated or receive this newsletter. If you received this in error or if you do not wish to receive this email please hit reply and type remove in the subject line and your email will be removed from our database.
