In a time before time had been named, when life danced as a dazzling rainbow upon the mystical Earth, magick lived inside each earthen creature. Some, the big ones, were having a harder time seeing the magick now, than in the past. They were starting to forget that magick is all around you, if only you believed.

Alicia was a small and tiny earthen spirit with sparkling blue eyes and a pinched up nose; even in the fairy world, where all things are small, she was the smallest of them all.

Her home was deep inside the strong and twisting roots of a big Oak. It was safe and none of the winter cold snows could find their way a in.

With Blessings of Samhain

As Witches fly across the moon,
The black cats sing a howling tune.
Spirits dance in the night so fare,
As magick and wonder fill the air.

Samhain in the Shadow of Halloween

I love this time of year. There is something magickal in the changing as the Wheel turns. The Goddess of Seasons delicately waves her wand across the land and, little by little, fall begins.

We see it in the explosions of bright and fiery colors. As the reds, oranges, pinks, purples, and golds decorate the hillsides, the leaves glisten within the heavy dews and sparkle with the frost as they darken and fall upon the ground.

You can hear it in the evening as the wind softly blows the branches of the trees to release a melody from the Goddess’ own wind chimes. There is a mystical sensation felt as the air becomes crisp and we notice that first sweet aroma of smoke flowing on the breeze. Autumn is here; that season of the year between summer and winter, lasting from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice.

As children, we felt the magick all around us. We simply understood it was there. Then, for reasons not clear, perhaps time or circumstance, many lost their way. Yet, when Autumn begins her dance, the mystical feelings we held as children seem to once again emerge and rekindle that spark within us all.

Other cultures and countries celebrate the seasonal changing by many differing names and customs. Recent studies have shown that Samhain, aka Halloween, is becoming a favored holiday of children, and even adults, in the United States.

The celebration of Samhain as Halloween in America has grown to the point that it is now the second biggest holiday, surpassing the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and even Easter/Ostara. Christmas/Yule holds a slight lead as the biggest and most celebrated holiday, perhaps due to the marketing and financial profits made in commerce.

Today, Witches and Pagans proudly celebrate this holiday, many openly. But, it was only a few short years ago that open celebrations were not possible. The gatherings and celebrations had to be hidden within the shadows of Halloween. Even Halloween was frowned upon in many areas, considered a worship of some evil force.

I remember how excited I was to hear that school’s fall break would also be over Halloween. That meant I would be able to spend the holiday with my Great Grandmother. I was so excited, I could not keep my thoughts on any of the class work. I kept watching the clock, hoping to speed up time so the bell would ring and I could go home. I knew my Great Grandmother would be waiting for me and we would be leaving for her house to spend the week.

It seemed as if that bell would never ring. When it finally did, I was out the door and nearly flying down the hall. There she was, like an image standing out of time. It was the 60’s and this tiny women seemed out of place to others. She was dressed in a high-button, white shirt with a small, cameo collar-pin and a long, dark blue skirt that just brushed above the tops of her shoes. Her hair was neatly pulled back in a braided twist. The air about her was filled with the slightest fragrance of amber, lavender, and rose. I noticed the teachers and some of the parents noticing her, but I didn’t care; this was “my” Great Grandmother and I got to go home with her.

Waiting in the car was one of my aunts; she was driving. As we started off, she asked if I was excited about spending this High Holy Day with my Great Grandmother. I squealed with delight, I was so happy. I couldn’t speak to other children about the holiday. It would have been dangerous to the sisters and my Great Grandmother. She had already been told that if she talked about her beliefs, or tried to teach me her silly superstitions, I would no longer be allowed to stay with her or would be forbidden to see her at all.

I really didn’t understand it as Samhain until much later in life. I knew it was a time of great celebration and my Great Grandmother would be getting together with the sisters. Each one I considered my aunt, even though they were not of blood relation. They were her Coven; each living separate lives in different areas, each a Witch of great knowledge and understanding, but all extremely careful of those that, even then, would have had hate-filled and horrific reactions to their being Witches.

It was the day of Halloween, our day of preparation, for the night would be filled with merriment and magick. After breakfast, my Great Grandmother began melting down beeswax for the making and dipping of candles. The wonderful aroma filled the house. To this day, I favor beeswax candles above all others for magickal work.

I was allowed to put some paper decorations my Great Grandmother had gotten around the house. Soon, the aunts began to arrive; everyone helping in the work for the Great Sabbath. There was the dipping of candles and mixing of herbs, teas, and brews. Then there was cooking and readying for the feast. The feast would be held as in day passed; at the dawning of the eve, when the sun began to lower from sight (sunset).

One of the hens had to be dressed and cooked, corn and nuts were to be roasted, bread baked, and then there was the making of pies. This was something I not only looked forward to, but saw as my special part of the holiday because I was the one who got to go out and pick the best pumpkin in the garden. It would be used for carving and pie.

I walked in the garden, up and down the rows, seeking out just the right one. It had to be big, really big. It had to be very orange. It had to be perfect. This was a great honor to pick the pumpkin that would be not only for pie, but the guardian of the feast. The Jack-o-Lantern.

It took some help to get the pumpkin onto the back porch so it could be carved. But, once there, I got to draw out the face and helped with cutting and cleaning out the stringy seeds and pulp. From this slimy mess of seeds and pulp, we would roast pumpkin seeds and bake wonderful pies and cookies.

But, I think the best things I received from helping carve the pumpkin were the stories told by everyone. Not ghost stories about haunted houses, but true stories of their lives so many years ago, when they were young and learning their craft within herbs, candle making, and arts of magick.

The evening drew to a close; the cool, night air was still and you could hear the night sounds from all around. The table was readied with a banquet of foods and my pumpkin placed in the center of it all. I helped my Great Grandmother set the place of honor for the Goddess and God to join us in the feast. The candles were lit around the room, all but one; the candle for honoring the Goddess and God.

Blessings were given and the remaining candle was lit. At that moment, a soft, south breeze blew across the room and all the other candles went out at the same time. A tingle ran across me, but no fear. I knew this was a good sign and that the Lady and Lord had joined us in our celebration. Everyone began to laugh and the candles were relit. There were no more winds blowing in the room, just talk of what the night would bring.

When all was cleaned from the dinner and we were well into the darkness of the night, everyone readied to go to the sacred place. I had been there many times before with my Great Grandmother, sometimes with the sisters, sometimes not.

The path was worn, so it was easy to follow it through the field, past the woods, and into a clearing where the night sky could be seen without the invasion of the town lights. It was also a place where outworlders (those not of a magickal heart) were unlikely to wander and see, especially at that time of night when most people would be sleeping.

Everyone helped make the fire; the wood had been gathered earlier in preparation for the night. I picked up some dry leaves that had fallen from the big, oak to help start the fire. The big, black pot with the three, long legs was placed on the fire to boil.

My Great Grandmother and I would make a big pile of dry leaves to put the blankets on. Everyone would sit to rest for awhile as we enjoyed roasted nuts, tea, and cookies. I would lay my head in my Great Grandmother’s lap, watching the stars and listening to the stories told, long into the night. They were wonderful stories about times past and magick of old.

Soon, I would feel my Great Grandmother’s hand on my cheek as she said, “Wake up, my little one. It’s time to go home.” The ground was damp from the night’s dew and the ashes of the fire were nearly gone. I could see the glow of the sun on the horizon and hear the birds singing their morning songs. All was packed up and ready to go when I was awakened. My only disappointment was that I could never stay awake for the entire night. But, that would come, in time.

There was not one tradition within this family of Witches; they were all simply Witches with a mixing of their personal histories and spiritual wisdoms bringing them together. They proudly shared their knowledge, guidance, and passages, as well as magick and rites. They were a sisterhood, what we, today, call a coven.

I learned that this sacred night was a time to give honor to those who had passed before, give invocation, pray, and seek wisdom and spiritual guidance. It was, and is, a time to renew traditions lost and reclaim sacred things. It continues to be a time of offerings and thankfulness for all we have and for the portals yet to be opened. For as we stand between the worlds, let us not forget those who gave so much that we can now be out of the shadows.

Samhain (pronounced sow-en) is, for Witches and Pagans, a High Holy Day, a great Sabbath. It is an honored day shown in the turning of the Great Wheel. Samhain is celebrated on October 31st -Nov 1st. It marks the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter. The name may be changed, but whether you call it Samhain, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Shadow Feast, All Hallows Eve, Old Hallowmas, All Souls Day, Last Harvest, etc., Samhain is a day of celebration. The Goddess offers a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will once again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. In this time of reflection, may we remember and honor the Ancients who have gone on before us.

Have a blessed and magickal Samhain.



By; Lady Abigail
High Priestess Ravensgrove Coven
Copyright © 10202005

Jacksonville 2005 Fall Equinox Sabbat

When: Sep. 22nd. 2005
Where: Atlantic Beach, Florida

Jacksonville 2005 Fall Equinox Sabbat

Event Details: Anyone interested in attending our Gatherings must attend a New Seeker's meeting. The purpose of the New Seeker's Meeting is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Gathering attendees. The New Seeker's meetings are held every Wednesday, so please plan ahead of time to attend this meeting if you want to attend the Gathering. For further information visit http://www.paganadventures.com/newseeker.html. We hope to meet you!

Date: Thursday, September 22, 2005
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Hanna Park, Campsite #4
Cost: $5.00 + $1.00 Park Fee
Event Details: The Sabbat will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Items to Bring: Good Cheer and a Merry Heart!! You are welcomed to wear Garb and to bring whatever object used to direct energy.

All ritual items will be provided as well as food and refreshments.

Event Location: 500 Wonderwood Drive, Campsite #4 in Atlantic Beach
Event TIME Details: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Directions: Please visit Yahoo Maps at http://maps.yahoo.com/dd for driving directions.

Phone: (904) 807-3852

Website: http://www.paganadventures.com
Website II: http://www.paganadventures.com/grove
Mailing Address: 2771-29 Monument Road, #349, Jacksonville, FL 3222

The Longest Day / Shortest Night of the solor year.

Other Names for this Holiday are:

Midsummer, Litha, Midsommarafton, Feill-Sheathain, Jani, Alban Hefin, Juhannus, Saint John's Eve.

Falling on or about June 22nd, the Summer Solstice is a time of light and of fire. It is a time to reflect upon the growth of the season: the seeds that were planted in the earth and the seeds planted in our souls. It is a time of cleansing and renewal. It is a time of love and growth as well.

Midsummer Trivia and Facts:

"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense, it "stands still."

In the Southern Hemisphere the solstices are reversed, Summer Solstice is December 22nd, Winter Solstice is June 22nd.

The only Holiday / festival with a larger diversity of religious associations is the Winter Solstice in Decenber.

The First Harvest
This is the time of the first harvest, which usually consisted of the herbs planted during the Vernal Equinox. Used for food, medicines and ritual, these gifts of the land clearly denote the importance of the harvest and the cycle of growth to the body, mind and soul.

June Weddings - With all the reference to the cycle of life, it is small wonder that June has been the month for both Handfastings (trothing to one another in the Olde Way) and weddings. The pull to bring forth the harvest of feelings is as bountiful as the harvest of the land.

Even today, as we enjoy our summer vacations, we, too, reap the bounty of the past season of labor and renew ourselves to face the coming of fall.

The moon of Midsummer is, in some pagan traditions, called the "Honey Moon" from the mead made of fermented honey drunk after the many marriage ceremonies held on the Summer Solstice.

Beltane, May Day and Floralia


A MAIDEN GATHERS WOOD for the Beltane fire and the Beltane/May Day celebrations are close at hand. The first day of May is celebrated to this day as a pre-Christian magical rite in some parts of England. They still dance around the maypole, an obvious and ancient phallic-fertility symbol. The pole represents the masculine and the ribbons represent the feminine, and the wrapping of the pole with the ribbons represents the union of the god and goddess. It once was one of England's most important festivals of the year. May Day and Beltane are very similar - they both celebrate new growth and fertility activated by the return of the fire of the Sun.

1. The apartment of 2 psychiatrists.
NUTCRACKER SUITE
2. The lad is a diminutive percussionist.
THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
3. Decorate the entry-ways .
DECK THE HALLS
4. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis.
SILENT NIGHT
5. ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
NOEL
6. Present me naughty but dual incisors for this festive Yuletide.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY TWO FRONT TEETH
7. The smog-less bewitching hour arrived.
IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
8. Exuberation to this orb.
JOY TO THE WORLD
9. 288 Yuletide hours.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
10. Do you perceive the same longitudinal pressure which stimulates my auditory sense organs.
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR
11. The red-suited pa is due in this burg.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
12. Stepping on the pad cover.
UP ON THE HOUSETOP
13. Uncouth dolt has his beezer in the booze and thinks he is a Dark Cloud's boyfriend.
RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER
14. Far back in a hay bin.
AWAY IN A MANGER
15. Leave and do an elevated broadcast.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
16. That exiguous hamlet south of the holy city.
OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
17. Behold! I envisioned a trio of nautical vessels.
LO! I SEE THREE SAILING SHIPS
18. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully.
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
19. A joyful song relative to hollow metallic vessels which vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck.
CAROL OF THE BELLS
20. As the guardians of little woolly animal's protected their charges in the shadows of the earth.
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT
21. Frozen precipitation commence
LET IT SNOW
22. Monarchial triad
WE THREE KINGS
23. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas
OH HOLY NIGHT
24. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres
JINGLE BELL ROCK
25. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's Mom by a precipitous darling
GRANDMA WAS RUN OVER BY A REINDEER
26. Wanted in December: top forward incisors
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY TWO FRONT TEETH
27. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole
WE THREE KINGS
28. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element
SILVER BELLS
29. Oh small Israel urban center
OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
30. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
31. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster
I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS
32. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN
33. Natal celebration devoid of color, rather albino, as a hallucinatory phenomenon for me.
I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
34. Obese personification fabricated of compressed mounds of minute crystals.
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
35. Tranquiltiy upon the terrestrial sphere.
PEACE ON EARTH
36. Move hitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief.
OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
37. The Christmas predeeding all others.
THE FIRST NÖEL
38. Nocturnal time span of unbroken quietness.
SILENT NIGHT
39. Rose coloured dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation, darling.
RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER
40. Whose offspring?
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
41. Castaneous-colored seed vesicated in a conflagration
CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE
42. Expectation of arrival to populated area by mythical masculine perennial gift-giver
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

No man is an Ireland.
--Chicago Mayor Richard Daley

In dreams begins responsibility.
--William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) Irish Nobel Prize-winning poet

If the whole human race lay in one grave, the epitaph on its headstone might well be: `It seemed a good idea at the time.'
--Dame Rebecca West (1892-1983) Irish-born author and journalist

You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.
--Irish Proverb

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover? You don't want to press your luck.
--Daryl Stout

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
--Irish Blessing

Fun Facts

Approximately 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year.


In order of popularity, Valentine's Day cards are given to: teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts, Koko the gorilla.



The expression "wearing your heart on your sleeve" comes from a Valentine's Day party tradition. Young women would write their names on slips of paper to be drawn by young men. A man would then wear a woman's name on his sleeve to claim her as his valentine.

Thought you might enjoy this.............Dianne

Valentine's Day
February 14, 2004

History

The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are purported to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women's names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year's celebration.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
no noses were frozen, no snow fluttered down,
no children in flannels were tucked into bed,
they all wore shorty pajamas instead.

To find wreaths of holly, t'was not very hard,
for holly trees grew in every back yard.
In front of the houses, Dads and Moms were
adorning the bushes and coconut palms.

The sleeping kiddies were dreaming in glee,
hoping to find water skis under the tree.
They all knew that Santa was well on his way,
in a Mercedes-Benz, instead of a sleigh.

Attributed to Mary brown, copyright 1996

Our best-loved Christian festival has origins which are deeply rooted in Pagan practice. The invading Romans introduced the idea of a twelve-day Midwinter feast, decorating their homes with evergreen branches and giving themselves over to riotous enjoyment. The focus of these festivities was the birthday of the great Sun god, Sol Invictus, or the "Unconquerable Sun" at the Winter Solstice. This winter "Saturnalia" was not dedicated to the birth of Christ until the fourth century.

Later, when the Norsemen crossed the North Sea, first to pillage and then to settle, they brought the legends about the mistletoe and the Yule log, and the tales of Woden who rode across the sky in his chariot, bearing gifts. For country folk, until comparatively recent times, the bringing in of the Yule log was an important part of the celebration. It was often so large that it took six men to carry it in on Christmas Eve. In the West Country it was sometimes called a "back-brand," and in some areas it took the form of a bundle of ash sticks bound together into a log. This would be the subject of some harmless divination rites, with young girls trying to guess which band would burst first in the fire, thus showing which of them would marry first. For maximum good fortune the Yule log had to be kept burning for the whole twelve-day period. Afterward a small piece of the ember was kept to light next year's fire; this was believed to serve as fire protection for the household throughout the coming year.

"Alexander & Aarcher"
Pagans sing, are you listenin',
Altar's set, candles glisten,
It's a Magickal night, we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

Blades held high, censer smoking,
God and Goddess, we're invoking,
Through Elements Five, we celebrate life,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland,

YE CHILDREN ALL OF MOTHER EARTH
Ellen Reed
(Tune: "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear")

Ye children all of Mother Earth
join hands and circle around
To celebrate the Solstice night
When our lost Lord is found.
Rejoice, the year has begun again
The Sun blesses skies up above
So share the season together now
In everlasting Love

GLORIA
Ellen Reed

Snow lies deep upon the Earth
Still our voices warmly sing
Heralding the glorious birth
Of the Child, the Winter King

SHARE THE LIGHT
(The First Noel)

CHORUS: Share the light, share the light!
Share the light, share the Light!
All paths are one on this holy night!

On this Winter holiday, let us stop and recall
That this season is holy to one and to all.
Unto some a Son is born, unto us comes a Sun,
And we know, if they don't that all paths are one.

Be it Chanukah or Yule, Christmas time or Solstice night,
All celebrate the eternal light.
Lighted tree or burning log, Or eight candle flames.
All gods are one god, whatever their names.

"Sunblade"
(Tune: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing")

Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and Goddess reconciled,
Hear us now as we proclaim,
We have risen from the flames,
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!

The oldest written sources on the Yule Cat are from the Nineteenth Century. These refer to the fact that those who do not get a new item of clothing for Yule are destined to become offerings for the Yule Cat. It may sound strange that the deprived ones will also become the sacrifices, but this tradition is based on the fact that every effort was made to finish all work with the Autumn wool before Yule. The reward for those who took part in the work was a new piece of clothing. Those who were lazy received nothing. Thus the Yule Cat was used as an incentive to get people to work harder.

A woman describes a scene from her youth in the last century thus: "We were lazy doing this chore. Then we were reminded of the Yule Cat. We thought that was some terrible beast and the last thing we wanted was to be one of his offers".

Pagan children have few stories for this time of year to counteract the flood of Christian material aired on television, radio, and in movies. This is a Pagan tale for children to help them enjoy the Winter Solstice and its beauty.

A group of little faeries huddled in their home deep under the roots of a giant oak tree. They were safe and snug in their tiny underground cave lined with dandelion fluff, bird feathers, and dried moss. Outside, the wind blew cold and the snow fell softly down to cover the ground.

"I saw the Sun King today," the faerie named Rose said as she pulled her mossy cloak tighter about her. "He looked so old and tired as he walked off through the forest. What is wrong with him?"

"The great oak said he's dying," answered Daffodil.

"Dying? Oh, what will we do now?" Little Meadow-Grass started to cry. "If the Sun King dies, our little plant-friends will not grow. The birds will not come and sing again. Everything will be winter forever."

Lilac, Dandelion, and Elder Blossom tried to comfort their friend, but they were all very sad. As they huddled together, there was a knock on the tiny door.

On the 12th day of the Eurocentrically imposed midwinter festival, my Significant Other in a consenting adult, monogamous relationship gave to me:

TWELVE males reclaiming their inner warrior through ritual drumming,

ELEVEN pipers piping (plus the 18-member pit orchestra made up of members in good standing of the Musicians Equity Union as called for in their union contract even though they will not be asked to play a note),

To: All Concerned
From: Santa Claus

I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I will no longer serve the states of Georgia, Florida, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas on Christmas Eve. Due to the Overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Fairies and Elves Local 209. As part of the new and better contract, I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies, so keep that in mind. However, I'm certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement, who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus.
His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us.

by James Finn Garner

Twas the night before solstice and all through the co-op
Not a creature was messing the calm status quo up.

The children all nestled all snug in the their beds,
Dreaming of lentils and warm whole-grain breads.

We'd welcomed the winter that day after school
By dancing and drumming and burning the Yule,

A more meaningful gesture to honor the planet
Than buying more trinkets for Mom or Aunt Janet,