By Gregory Michael Brewer (AutTumn) And Maria Alioto
Merry meet Raven, and we thank you for giving us the time to do this interview.
You have been a tremendous influence on the Wiccan/Pagan community.
How many books in total have you thus far had published and, if you could pick one,
which would you say is your favorite and why?
Thank you for the compliment although I don’t personally really see my writings as influential. I currently have about 14 books in print along with two privately self-published titles. I feel that my favorite book at the moment is my new title – The Cauldron of Memory. It speaks to a much larger audience than my previous books, which are primarily on witchcraft or Wicca. I like the new book because it has a lot of exercises and techniques. My former books are more about information and philosophy than they are about “hands-on” work. The Cauldron of Memory is a book about connecting with ancestral memory. In part it looks at DNA and its link to the living blood of our ancestors. It is in this ancestral “river of blood” that the voices of our ancestors call to us.
For our readers who may not be familiar with Strega (Italian Witchcraft) could you please share with us what differentiates Strega from the common Wiccan practices and beliefs in the States?
Actually there are more similarities between Italian witchcraft and Wicca than there are differences. This may be due to the fact that Wicca contains several key elements that seem to have originated from southern Europe. I explored this in my book The Wiccan Mysteries, which attempted to trace the spread of the Greek and Roman mystery traditions into northern Europe.
But essentially, Italian witchcraft seems more rooted in ancestral veneration than do most contemporary Wiccan traditions. The Italian Craft is more devoted to maintaining old traditions, beliefs and practices whereas modern Wicca seems very open to eclectic additions and modification than does traditional Old Craft.
Now that being said, I think it is important to note that many Italian-American systems have added outside elements from a variety of cultures as well as modern themes. I include the Aridian system, which I created around 1983, and which I write about in my published books: Italian Witchcraft, and Hereditary Witchcraft. The latter does, however, present a good blend of Old Italian rooted material.
I understand that you have been raised in Strega and Folk Magic. Do you find it common that family has trained most Italian witches, or people of Italian descent, through these methods?
Yes, I inherited what I now call a peasant witchcraft tradition that was carried over from Italy to the United States at the close of World War II. Such things are traditionally kept within family lines, which include non-blood related people who marry into the family.
The generation born after World War II tends to be less strict about teaching outside of family lines. Leo Martello, a Sicilian witch who was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, was among the first hereditary witches to bring discussion of the Old Ways of Italian witches into the general public eye.
For my part, I didn’t share anything of my Italian Craft material with non-family people until around 1979. But what I shared was greatly modified. This was because I was not at liberty to reveal very much. So I cloaked it in a Wiccan-style template, and introduced various elements of Italian witchcraft both through an overview and through a “read between the lines” method.
Some people believe that a hereditary witch would never publicly reveal anything, but hereditary witches aren’t people without free will or individuality.
You are most certainly a scholar and an expert on so many different traditions, is there one that you prefer over the others?
My own tradition of Italian witchcraft is dearest to my heart as it is the living voice of my ancestors. But along with my wife, Stephanie Taylor, I am developing a training system called Ash, Birch and Willow. I enjoy the freedom of developing a system without the constraints that are inherent in the Old Italian tradition. With Ash, Birch and Willow I can bring together teachings, techniques, and spiritual experiences that transcend the perspectives of any singular cultural tradition.
You are very well read in the teachings of classical philosophers and quote them in your books. Has any one philosopher inspired you more so than the others and what importance do you feel they play in Modern Paganism?
I quote the ancient writers because through them we can catch glimpses of what our ancestors believed and how they viewed the enchanted world around them. It’s not actually their philosophies I’m attracted to, but what I find valuable is the background information related to cultural and time period perspectives that can be culled from their writings.
I like Hesiod’s writings because he was the first to put the oral traditions of ancient Greece into writing. This is a good source of foundational concepts. I find Homer, Lucan, and Ovid valuable for their writings about witchcraft and associated goddess figures. Much of their writings are political in as much as they are intended to depict witches as vile characters. But looking past the maligning of witches in ancient writings we can uncover authentic elements, the folkloric roots kind of thing.
I am not aware of being inspirational to any authors, but thanks for the compliment. My own inspiration comes largely from working with my guides and my patron goddess Ceres, who is mistress of the mysteries. But there are certainly authors whose work I admire and who have been influential to some degree. Among them are R.J. Stewart, Orion Foxwood, Thorn Coyle, Stewart and Janet Farrar, Doreen Valiente, and Vivianne Crowley to name just a few.
Could you share some insight to the importance of seals and sigils in magickal works?
For me these things are what I call an agreement of consciousness. We create them and the associated entities acknowledge them, and therefore we come into an agreement or a relationship based upon them. It’s not unlike seeing a red light or a stop sign while driving down the road. They are agreements of consciousness and we respond to them instantly.
When we create sigils/seals through occult symbolism and correspondences (which are also agreements of consciousness) we connect with things that can open portals to other dimensions. But a seal or a sigil is like one domino in a long row of others. If we trip it, there is ripple affect. This connects with the idea of “the momentum of the past.” The principle is that when something is performed in the same way it has always been over the past generations, and then the accumulated energy moves to the present stimulus from the past like a cresting wave. This is one of the values of time-honored magical things. It is also one of the dangers.
Most people are not familiar with College of the Crossroads. Can you give our readers a brief overview?
The idea grew from something I stumbled upon in my research on ancient societies. In ancient times the State acknowledged and authorized religions that could support a temple. No temple, no acknowledgment. Sects without Government sanction fell into the category of illicit religion. This included the “vagabond” class of people, which consisted of fortunetellers, sorcerers, and witches among others. As the story goes, witches gathered outside the cities at the crossroads, and there they venerated the old spirits and gods of the rural peasants. They required nothing from the Government to make them feel that their ways were valid. I liked this basic idea, and decided to create a College of the Crossroads.
The COTC is, in essence, a Mystery School that teaches the commonality of pre-Christian European theology, magic, ritual, and spirituality. We offer a Course of Study in the home through emailed monthly lessons along with a “members only” online discussion group. Further information is available on the Internet:
http://www.collegeofthecrossroads.org/index.htm
Being the founder of The Arician Tradition, do you have any words that you
would like to share in regards to this tradition?
The Arician Tradition is the initiatory system I teach. It is based upon the Italian witchcraft I was taught but is my own creation, and is therefore a modern tradition in that sense. But the Arician Tradition is both ancient and new at the same time. At its core is the Mystery Tradition of pre-Christian European paganism of the Aegean-Mediterranean region. Like many mystery traditions, we have a mythical history around which the mythos of our tradition is constructed. Mythical histories are built upon actual historical but are then reshaped to fit the rituals and theology of the secret society.
In the case of the Arician Tradition our template is the veneration of the goddess Diana at Lake Nemi, Italy. The lake resides in the area known as Aricia, hence our name the Arician Tradition. We venerate an archaic form of Diana that is neither Greek nor Roman in nature. She is instead an indigenous goddess with roots in Etruscan religion.
Do you have a favorite quote, or any words of wisdom that you would like to
offer our readers?
One my favorite spiritual message comes in the form of what we call The Teachings of the Tree:
* Have a position with deep roots in your understanding of it, and stand firm in your place within the world.
* Reach upward to touch lofty things, and outward to extend yourself to the world.
* Provide shade for those who need rest, and shelter for those who come to you.
* Bear fruit, and be abundant.
* In the Winters of your life, conserve your resources. In your Springs, take advantage of the opportunities for new growth. In your Summers, expand, thrive, and reach new heights. In your Falls, release what no longer serves, make preparations, and await renewal.
* When all is said and done, leave behind some seeds.
Interview with Lady Paulette
By: Maria Alioto
Merry Meet Lady Paulette. I am sure most of our readers know who you are already. You brought Pagan Pride to the Chicagoland area and you are also the Upper Midwest Regional Coordinator for Pagan Pride Project.
How did you get involved in The Pagan Pride Project?
"As High Priestess of our mother temple, Sanctuary of the Crescent Moon, I felt that Pagans, Wiccans, and Heathens from the southside Chicagoland area might want to celebrate Pagan fellowship beyond a monthly dinner or meetup. Since the Pagan Pride Project was active, the rest is history!
We began our first South Chicago Pagan Pride in September of 2002 and had 75 happy Pagans. Last year, which marked our eighth Chicago Pagan Pride event, we celebrated with over 400 people from the community in Oak Park, IL."
What are some of your most memorable moments from Pagan Pride?
"Honestly, every Pride event was memorable because of everyone's involvement. I'm personally inspired by the collective harmony of Pagans, Wiccans, Heathens, and others who come together in the spirit of Pagan fellowship --- it's always a fantastic experience!
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."
As a person who has met and corresponded with so many people in the Pagan Community, do you have an author, musician or person who has influenced you?
"Oh, there are so many! I'd have to begin with Ed Fitch, who began the Pagan Way tradition. He gave us all a solid foundation to stand on. Margot Adler, who introduced Paganism as a religious movement, which inspired so many to come out of the closet. Dag and Cecylyna, from the Pagan Pride Project, who encouraged so many Pagans to organize our day of Pride in spiritual fellowship. Sue and Ed, who ran the Sanctuary Crystals store on the south side. They provided the religious items - books, altar supplies, classes, rituals, etc. - and the sense of Pagan community year 'round for so long.
Then personally, I'd have to say Ted Chapman, Donna Cole Schultz, Vicky Carlson, Linda Batwinski, and Bernie. Our temple honors them at all festivals and our high holidays. These elders were - and still are - responsible for Paganism's great success."
Can you tell us a bit about your temple?
"Our mother temple gave birth to the Temple of the Amazonia Awakening in 2009. We are now exclusively a teaching academy, training women to be Dianic Wiccan High Priestesses, who then go out to begin their own temples.
I think it's important to treat each student as a devotee of the Goddess, and be able to encourage them to explore and honor their own individual spiritual code of ethics."
In addition to running Chicago Pagan Pride each year, you founded your own international non-for-profit organization, too - The Wiccan Interfaith Council International (WICI). Can you tell our readers a bit about WICI and what it does?
"We began the WICI in January, 2006 and are now celebrating the beginning of our fourth year! There are several new projects that will be implemented this year, focusing on educational and charitable outreach.
The Wiccan Interfaith Council International (WICI) became a 501 c3 religious, charitable, and educational organization in 2008, committed to building awareness and appreciation of Wicca through inter- and intra-faith activities. WICI members volunteer to help with a WICI-sponsored activity or committee and annual dues are $15.00 per year
I do think it builds a stronger religious community - both locally and globally - when we can accept and appreciate each other's diverse spirituality. It also helps lessen conflicts and forges stronger leaders, who can then go out and build on that foundation."
Can you tell our readers a bit about Project We Care?
"Project We Care is an ongoing campaign within the WICI, responsible for gathering and dispersing religious items to Wiccan, Pagan, and Heathen soldiers overseas.
It's easy to forget that our soldiers are out there fighting and suffering for our freedom. And so many of them are disrespected and discriminated against because of their religious beliefs. There is no metaphysical store along an Afgan road or in an Army barracks. So we have to assist them in getting their religious supplies and books so they can honor their Gods too."
Can you tell our readers about the need for Persephone's Hands?
"Wiccans, Pagans, and Heathens who are incarcerated, need to be allowed to express their spiritual practices. Persephone's Hands is our prison ministry outreach program that gives support through letters and packages.
We are proud that we encouraged the Indiana prison system to recognize pentacles and pentagrams as a religious symbol for the Wiccan and Pagan inmates in 2007
Currently, we're working with inmates in Indiana and now Florida state prisons as well."
Do you have any upcoming projects with WICI?
"Ah yes! We do have a couple of projects that will be kicked-off at the beginning of Candlemas, having to do with educational and community needs. So do visit our website for more information after February 1.”
http://wiccaninterfaithcouncil.org
Do you have any special blessings or favorite quotes?
"Well, as a Dianic Wiccan High Priestess, I love the Call of the Goddess, in the original Italian, as first introduced in the 1890s by Charles Leland in his, "Aradia, Gospel of the Witches,” and then further enhanced by Raven Grimassi, a Streghia High Priest and author."
Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to leave our readers with to help them on their spiritual path?
"Always be true to your spiritual code of ethics - above all -and follow the redes of your religious path In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
In this way, you'll always honor your Gods, be blessed by the Cosmic Ancient Ones, loved by your ancestors, and bring sincere devotion in your service to others."
In Her Service,
Blessed Be,
Lady Paulette )O(
Temple of the Amazonia Awakening
http://templeamazoniaawakening.com
http://wiccaninterfaithcouncil.org
The Nature of our Ways
BY THE LATE GREAT SCOTT CUNNINGHAM
Found in the book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
1. As often as possible, hold the rites in forests, by the seashore, on deserted mountaintops or near tranquil lakes. If this is impossible, a garden or some chamber shall suffice, if it is readied with fumes or flowers.
2. Seek out wisdom in books, rare manuscripts and cryptic poems if you will, but seek it out also in simple stones and fragile herbs and in the cries of the wild birds. Listen to the whisperings of the wind and the roar of water if you would discover magick, for it is here that the old secrets are preserved.
3. Books contain words; trees contain energies and wisdom books ne’er dreamt of.
4. Ever remember that the Old Ways are constantly revealing themselves. Therefore be as the river willow that bends and sways with the wind. That which remains changeless shall outlive its spirit, but that which evolves and grows will shine for centuries.
5. There can be no monopoly on wisdom. Therefore share what you will of our ways with others who seek them, but hide mystic lore from the eyes of those who would destroy, for to do otherwise increases their destruction.
6. Mock not the rituals or spells of another, for who can say yours are greater in power or wisdom?
7. Ensure that your actions are honorable, for all that you do shall return to you three-fold, good or bane.
8. Be wary of one who would dominate you, who would control and manipulate your workings and reverences. True reverence for the Goddess and God occurs within. Look with suspicion on any who would twist worship from you for their own gain and glory, but welcome those priestesses and priests who are suffused with love.
9. Honor all living things, for we are of the bird, the fish, and the bee. Destroy not life save it be to preserve your own.
10. And this is the nature of our way.
Suggested Books
By the Chicago Pagan Pride Leadership Committee, Gregory Michael Brewer (AutTumn),Sherry Gilles and Maria Alioto
Beginner Level
WICCA: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
LIVING WICCA by Scott Cunningham
THE OUTER TEMPLE OF WITCHRAFT by Christopher Penczak
BUCKLAND’S COMPLETE BOOK OF WITCHCRAFT by Raymond Buckland
THE SPIRAL DANCE by Starhawk
THE WICCAN MYSTERIES by Raven Grimassi
WICCAN BELIEFS AND PRINCIPLES by Gary Cantrell
THE MAGICKAL LIFE by Vivianne Crowley
GREEN WITCHCRAFT by Ann Moura
TO RIDE A SILVER BROOMSTICK by Silver Ravenwolf
DIARY OF A WITCH by Sybil Leek
THE MAGICKAL HOUSEHOLD by Scott Cunningham
LITTLE GIANT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RUNES by Sirona Knight
A WITCHES’ BIBLE by Janet and Stewart Farrar
OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET: 50 True Stories of Witches Who Found and Embraced The Craft
Intermediate
THE INNER TEMPLE OF WITCHCRAFT by Christopher Penczak
THE TEMPLE OF SHAMANIC WITCHCRAFT by Christopher Penczak
INSTANT MAGICK by Christopher Penczak
A WICCAN BIBLE by A.J. Drew
THE SCIENCE OF THE CRAFT by William H. Keith
THE HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE by Michael Talbot
EMBRACING THE MOON by Yasmine Galenorn
WHEN GOD WAS A WOMAN by Merlin Stone
ITALIAN WITCHCRAFT by Raven Grimassi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF INCENSE, OILS, AND BREWS by Scott Cunningham
CHARMS, SPELLS, AND FORMULAS by Ray T. Marlbrough
SIGNS, SYMBOLS, AND OMENS by Raymond Buckland
BE HERE NOW by Ram Dass
HOW TO READ THE AURA by W.E. Butler
NOTHING IN THIS BOOK IS TRUE, BUT IT’S EXACTLY HOW THINGS ARE
By Bob Frissell
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON by Margot Adler
JESUS AND THE LOST GODDESS by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy
THE BIBLE – Yes it is full of Paganism and wisdom
Advanced Reading
THE TEMPLE OF HIGH WITCHCRAFT by Christopher Penczak
THE LIVING TEMPLE OF WITCHCRAFT VOL 1 & 2 by Christopher Penczak
ASCENSION MAGICK by Christopher Penczak
ADVANCED WITCHCRAFT by Edain McCoy
THE GOLDEN DAWN by Israel Regardi
THREE BOOKS OF OCCULT PHILOSOPHY by Henry Cornelius Agrippa
THE EMERALD MODEM by Richard Leviton
Heathen/Asatru and other Pagan Voices
Beginner Level
ESSENTIAL ASATRU by Diana Paxon
POETIC EDDA by Hollander or Patricia Terry and Charles W. Dunn
THE SAGA OF THE JOMSVIKINGS
BEOWOLF
WAGNER OPERAS
THE NORTH MYTHS by Kevin Crosley-Holland
TEUTONIC MAGICK by Kveldulf Fundarsson
Intermediate
PROSE EDDA by Snorri Sturlsson
GERMANIA by Tacitus
OUR TROTH Vol I and II
MYTHS AND SYMBOLS IN PAGAN EUROPE by H R Ellis Davidson
DICTIONARY OF NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY by Rudolph Simek
GRETTIR’S SAGA
NJALL’S SAGA
Advanced
BOOKS ABOUT RUNES, Galder and Seidhr
THE MEADHALL by Stephen Pollington
WOMEN IN THE VIKING AGE by Judith Jesch
Why Study
By Deirdre Hebert (Dee) of Pagan FM
We as pagans are, for the most part, a religion in which we are our own priestly class. Our rites are not performed by separate ordained clergy. We do not have a need to travel to churches or temples, where a person who is set apart for that purpose performs the rituals, and the rest sit back, almost spectators to their own religion. Instead, it is we who have chosen this religion, who are expected to be able to perform our own rituals. We don't expect the same level of ability from everyone, we recognize that the newcomer will need to learn for herself, or himself, but it is expected that eventually, anyone who practices the faith will be able to do so without requiring the services of some ordained minister for their ordinary practices.
We are all priestesses and priests. We are called, each of us, by deity, to develop a relationship with those we call gods and goddesses. Some of us have even further callings; we might have ministries that go beyond our own solitary practice. Some of us are called to perform public rituals, to sanctify marriages, to visit the sick in hospitals, or to perform funerary rites, but each and every one is still a priestess or priest.
What does it mean to be part of a priestly class? As a solitary, it might mean practicing occasional or seasonal ritual. It should mean, at a minimum, that we live our lives according to the precepts that we have adopted. It says little for an individual who claims to be Wiccan or Druid or indeed any other pagan path, if they do not, at a minimum, honor the major feasts of the year. Still, I have met many who claim to be Wiccan, but whom have never cast a circle. It is not these marginal practitioners that I address here. I suppose one can call himself or herself Wiccan or Druid, and never practice; likewise, I can call myself a Shuttle Pilot, but as was said in the movie Batman Begins, “it's not who we are underneath, but what we do that defines us.”
And so I am speaking here to those who seriously wish to practice their faith. And the question that concerns me at the moment is “how do we keep our faith fresh and alive?” Whether or not we are solitaries, if our faith is going to be meaningful, it must be engaging, it must have a life of its own. How do we keep it that way? And for those of us who are clergy to a larger public, this question becomes even more important, because we have to demonstrate that freshness and life to others.
In just about any licensed profession in the United States, licensing requirements state that the practitioner in that profession must engage in continuing education. While an electrologist or a hair stylist or any other professional might be at the top of their field, while they may know their equipment intimately, while they might even teach others, this requirement stands. This is because the body of knowledge about any given subject is not static; we are constantly learning and the body of information on any subject cannot help but grow. While not all pagans are required to be licensed, in some states, at least, work as a legal minister does require a license.
I presume that it's possible that an individual might live, as was done of old, walled up in a cell, with food and water passed through a slit in a wall, otherwise completely cut off from society. Such an individual lives their life in meditation and prayer, interacting with nobody, but we don't live in that sort of society. Paganism, at its core, is cooperative with the planet and with each other, and to cooperate, we need to understand our planet, our selves, and each other. Understanding implies education.
In our society, there is no lack of educational opportunities, and such education can take multiple forms. For those seeking legal ordination, and for those who seek to work in prisons, to perform legal marriages and the like, some states might require an advanced degree. Fortunately, Cherry Hill Seminary, our nation's first post-graduate pagan seminary exists. They are in the process of gaining accreditation by the DETC (Distance Education and Training Council.) For one who intends to be a professional pagan minister, or for one who simply desires an advanced degree in pagan studies, Cherry Hill Seminary reminds us that our time is now.
But education doesn't need to be quite that formal; we don't need to sit in a literal or virtual classroom, earning college credit, to be educated. The past century has seen an explosion in pagan writing, and there are books on virtually any subject imaginable, available through the Internet, your local library, or your local bookseller. There are podcasts, magazines, and ezines such as this. If it is an education we seek, we can certainly find it.
Education though, is not a passive endeavor. Reading a book will help you gain information, but information is not education. No college course that I've seen consists of reading assignments only. Education requires the gathering of information, and the demonstration that that information can be put to practical use. I don't wish to entrust my body to a surgeon who has read books only; I wish to be certain that his experience suggests that he is able to successfully complete whatever surgery he will attempt. As pagans, as priestesses and priests, we become educated by reading, by listening, by attending rituals and workshops, by evaluating what we learn, and then, finally, and most importantly, by putting into practice, in our own lives, the things we learn.
Education requires that we learn, not only from information imparted to us by others, but by our own experiences. We need to be willing to try new things, and, occasionally, to fail. Many people are unwilling to test themselves because they fear failure. We limit our experiences because we suspect that if another person sees us fall, that they'll somehow think less of us. Our egos can be a terrible hindrance to growth. If we've spent a great deal of time inflating our egos, rather than our spirits and intellects, then falling down can be quite deflating. But if we are willing to learn and grow, then falling down is part of the process, then each misstep becomes not only a learning opportunity for us, but a lesson to others that true learning is an adventure, and that occasional mistakes do not suggest utter failure.
We are at the beginning of a new secular year; it's a time for New Year resolutions. Most pagans that I know are voracious readers, so reading another book to a pagan doesn't sound like much of a challenge. This year, rather, I challenge each of us to take another step beyond reading, or listening to a podcast, or attending a workshop somewhere. Take the information that you gain in the book, or the podcast, or the video or the workshop, and turn it into something useful. As the college student learns that many courses have both lecture and lab components, take some lab time for yourself, and try the things suggested in the information you have received. Whatever path you follow, be it Druidry, Wicca, Norse Heathenism … whatever it happens to be, read something that is beyond your current knowledge, and try some of the practices suggested. If you are new to paganism, and you have yet to perform a ritual for yourself, get out there and do it; don't worry about making mistakes, don't worry about having just the right ritual tools, robe or other items … just do it.
We are a group of priestesses and priests. As such, any of us might be called to perform a ritual of some sort in an emergency; a friend might be hospitalized and wish a blessing, we might feel moved to pray for a particular situation, we might attend a public ritual, and the acting high priest or priestess may have come down ill … there are lots of reasons that we might be called upon to perform the duties of the office we have taken upon our selves. Educating our selves, through whatever form our studies take, and then practicing what we learn, will prepare us to be able to be priestesses and priests in more than just name only.
Blessings to you all,
Deirdre Hebert
Chicago Pagan Pride Updates
By Maria Alioto
Merry Meet,
The new year brings a new start to our Pagan Pride Day. Registration has started and we are updating our website with all the info.
If you are a vendor, merchant, artisan, reader or healer This is your chance to sign up early and get your space.
We are also taking applications for community booths.
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
The Witch
by Deidre Herbert
The yellow flames jump for the sky
feeding contentedly on what once lived.
A symbol of life that is life-consuming.
As the flames get closer,
tonguing hungrily at my flesh,
I begin to wonder,
trying to understand,
Why?
These flames that were once thought of as cleansing,
These searing tongues of Golden light that gave warmth,
The same that are now devouring the flesh from my bones.
Why?
What have I done?
I loved these people,
I did nothing to harm them.
Them
They who hate me for what I am.
I am dying - burning.
Yet the heat and pain do not bother me.
I am alive,
and will be for long after I die.
I am a Witch
and my magic will survive.
Community events
By Sherry Gilles
TranZformation: Palos Park, IL
Rosina will be holding a New Moon ritual on Jan 15, Friday, 730pm,
a Prosperity ritual Jan 20, Wed, 730pm and a Full Moon ceremony
on Jan 29, Friday, at TranZformation 8101 W. 123rd Street in Palos
Park, IL, Phone 708-361-2080. Also, Morning meditations are scheduled for the 17th
and 24th at 930am with Morning Mantra to follow at 10am.
Crystal Bowl Meditation is the first Sunday of the month at noon
and the third Friday of the month at 7pm. There is a Psychic Faire,
Aura Photos and a Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show Jan 16 from 10-5pm
***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
Witchy Wearables: Midlothian, IL
Witchy Wearables holds numerous classes and workshops throughout the month and ongoing events include RCPC Spiral Scouts, next meeting Jan 17th at 4pm (meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month), the SEID Heathen book club which next meets on Jan 17 from 1-3pm. (meets every third Sunday). The Witching Hour is a discussion group next meeting on Jan 15th from 7-9 (meets every third Friday). Tarot Share is the first Friday of each month and Psych Faire is the second weekend of each month. Many readers are available on the weekends.Cherry will hold a Chinese New Year of the Tiger ritual Feb 15 at 7pm. It is always a good idea to call in ahead if you are interested in an event. Witchy's is located at 4459 147th Street Midlothian, IL 60445-4215, Phone (708) 389-1313.
Kindred Spirits: Oswego, IL
Rebecca is starting an ongoing Women Who Run with the Wolves book discussion at Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center which is opening Jan 9 in Oswego and is located at 4025-A Route 34 Oswego, IL 60543. 630 554-1111. Call for more information. Psychic Fair will be held on Jan 30 12-6pm
ESC: Chicago, IL
Andrew and Maur of Earth Spiritualists of Chicago are holding Pagan Discussion Night at Spot Cafe 901 North Larabee in Chicago on January 21, Thursday, at 7pm.
Earth Spiritualists of Chicago is also conducting a winter clothing drive. Donations are to go to Thresholds Peer Success Center. Please drop of any coats, hats, gloves and scarves especially.
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
Witch Hat Society Merrillville IN
Thursday Jan. 25 at 7:00 pm Baker's Square in Merrillville, IN. Topic: "Healing with Sound and Finding Your Voice by Patti M. Shaftner.
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.
Mater Dea
Mater Dea, an up and coming pagan band from Italy was featured in our Nov Issue. They released an album on Yule, Below The Mists, Above The Brambles. It is available on their website.
Info: www.materdea.com – www.myspace.com/materdea
Email: info@materdea.com – management@capogiro.com
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
Jalapeno Poppers
Submitted by Maria Alioto
3 TBS soy sauce
3 TBS brown sugar
1 tsp bead molasis(optional)
1 8 oz can of water chestnuts (drained)
2 pounds whole fresh Jalapeno peppers
8 oz cream cheese(softened)
8 oz shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
1 pound raw bacon
tooth picks
Instructions:
Combine Soy sauce, brown sugar and bead molasis
add water chestnuts and stir well to coat
Let water chestnuts marinade several hours or over night.
Cut the tops off the jalapeno peppers and scoop out the seeds and all the insides.
(please note that when working with this amount of peppers you may
want to wear plastic gloves because the oils from the peppers will stay
on your hands)
Rinsing the peppers will help release some of the oil if you want them a little less hot
With a spoon place a small amount of cream cheese in each pepper about 1/3 full
Add a water chestnut and tightly pack the shredded cheese
wrap each pepper with a half of strip of raw bacon and secure with a toothpick
Arrange in a pan standing upright, adding extra toothpicks can help keep peppers upright
Bake at 375 until bacon is cooked to desired crispness
Easy Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing
Submitted by Maria Alioto
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup mayonaise
3 TBS minced garlic (fresh or jar)
Instructions: Mix all ingredients together. Allow to sit for several hours or overnight to incorporate flavors.
Fat free sour cream can be used to reduce calories and fat.
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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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