Greetings
to all Full Circle friends and members.
In
this June 2002 edition of our newsletter we have:
O la la! - Satine’s Ball Gown & More * Upcoming Costuming Page * Midsummer Celebration – An Essay by Mike Nicholes * 3rd Annual Solstice Celebration Picnic at Sanborn Park * Create Your Own Goddess Class * Our Popular Pagan High Tea * Pagan Music & Shopping * A Change in Policy * Library Cats * A Study on Gay & Bisexual Spirituality * Witchy Writers Wanted * Pagan Gardening * Events of Interest * Portrait of a Pagan Doer: Scoutghost
O
LA LA! – SATINE’S BALL GOWN & MORE
We are happy to announce that The Magic Wardrobe has become a Sponsor for the 2002 Witches Ball. I found these folks when I went looking for stores who had costumes from the period. I was delighted to find some lovely outfits at their website. Check out this one. http://the-magic-wardrobe.com/costume_stages11.htm. This is a copy of the Red Gown worn by Nicole Kidman as Satine in the movie “Moulin Rouge”. They have modified it to fit all types of figures. Elizabeth (the Owner) tells me that they have had so many requests for the outfits that Ms. Kidman wears in the movie that they have just built an entire Nicole Kidman Costume Page for their customers.
The
Magick Wardrobe also offers hats & bonnets, corsets and bodices,
accessories and historical costumes.
Some of my favorites from selection include the Black Corset Costume and
the Victorian Evening Dress. So if you
are looking for a gown for the ball, check out http://the-magic-wardrobe.com. If you want something special, write to them
care of their website and see what they can do for you.
UPCOMING
COSTUMING PAGE:
Stay
tuned to this newsletter for more information on costuming sites &
costumers for The Witches Ball as we are hard at work on our special Costuming
Page for the 2002 website. We hope to have that up very soon. This page will have information on the
costumes from the period, along with a page of links to local costumers and
costume shops, notes on styles of dress for men and women during the Bohemian
period (1880 – 1914), banner ads for costumers and stores and lots more.
If
you, your store or a group would like to become a Sponsor for The Witches ball,
please contact Sia at info@fullcircleevents.org
for more information.
Summer Solstice will soon be upon us. This essay by Mike Nicholes:
http://www.spiritualitea.com/sabbats/midsummer.shtml
is one of the best on the subject that I’ve found on-line. In this essay, he talks about the history of
the holiday and shows how it is linked to St John’s Eve and the Greenman. He also discusses the meaning of the Summer
Solstice and how it relates to fairy folk, snakes, the Sun God and the
agricultural calendar. Take a look –
it’s a good read.
Full
Circle celebrates every Summer Solstice with a picnic at the wild and lovely
Sanborn Park in Saratoga. http://www.parkhere.org/prkpages/sanborn.htm.
Sanborn
Park has picnic spots and a big open meadow for kite flying and frisbee
chasing. Dogs are welcome if they are on a leash. This park has wonderful hiking areas, redwood forests, a lake,
lots of bird and animal life and great places to play and relax. This year,
we’ll meet on at the park on Sunday, June 30th. Bring a picnic lunch, your friends, your kids, blankets, drums,
sun block, toys and beach chairs. Visit
our Events Page at http://www.fullcircleevents.org
for maps, times and directions.
This
is not a Ritual or an Open Circle, it’s just a chance to relax with some nice
people in a beautiful, natural setting and enjoy the turning of the wheel into
Summer.
This
year’s picnic occurs a bit later on the calendar. Our Full Circle members requested that we move the picnic to a
date later in the month, so that folks can attend their Solstice Circles on the
weekend near the 21st and still join us at the picnic. As always, we hear and obey. So mark your
calendars for Sunday, June 30th. We’ll see you there.
CREATE YOUR OWN GODDESS CLASS:
We are currently in the process of arranging the class
described below. At present, we have
not set a date for this class, but we might offer it in late July or early
August. If you are interested in
attending such a class this summer, please contact Dj at info@fullcircleevents.org. She will put you on a Wish List and you can
have first shot at tickets when they go on sale. Getting on the Wish List does
not mean that you have to buy tickets – it’s a way for us to gage interest in
this class and it does not obligate you in any way. However, we do ask that you only get on the Wish List if you are sincerely
interested in taking such a class.
Tickets prices are listed below.
Isis, Inanna, Mary, Venus. The goddess has as many names as the traits she embodies: motherhood and fertility; authority and strength; growth, change, and renewal; wisdom and love. In our Create Your Own Goddess class, we will draw on the power of the ancient feminine archetypes and explore the goddess’ myriad faces. Awaken your creative spirit and give the goddess form.
Our “Create Your Own Goddess Class” will take place on a Saturday, from 9 am – Noon. Class members will receive:
1) Easy to follow instruction for creating 15 different goddesses.
2) Special clay that can be air-dried and then moistened for reuse
3) Tips on modeling techniques
4) A modeling tool for adding detail to your creations
5) A book of meditation and stories to help you tap into the power of your goddess.
We will all make a goddess in class to take home with us after class. Our members will also take home their instruction books and tools, so that they can make more goddesses at home and with their friends.
You can make any image or goddess that you wish to in this class. We offer instruction in making the following images:
Venus of Laussel * Bird-Headed Snake Goddess * Inanna * Sleeping Lady of Malta * Cycladic Grave Figure * Isis * Goddess of Growth * Sacred Trio * Xochiquetzal * Prajnaparamita * Sheelagh-Na-Gig * Pathway Icon * Akua’ba * Mary * Moroccan Cloth Carder (Creatrix) *
This class is appropriate for ages 8 – 80. Both men and women are welcome. Parents who wish to bring their children can purchase tickets at rates listed below. The cost of the adult ticket includes the class, materials, instruction book (126 pages) and the rent of the classroom.
Please note: Children (ages 8 – 12) will not be given books for this class. The instructors and the parents will each receive an instruction book and they can help them with the written instructions. Children will be given Fimo clay to use, instead of gray sculpting clay. Fimo clay is more colorful and it easier to shape. It can be baked into shape at home. All clays used in this class are non-toxic.
Please note: Space size in this class is limited. First come, first served.
Ticket Prices are as follows:
A child’s ticket is for ages 8 – 12. Young Teens & Adults (Ages 13 and over)
need to purchase Adult Tickets.
Adults tickets are $30.00 each.
A adult with one child - $45.00
A adult with two children - $60.00
Two adults with one child - $75.00
Two adults with two children - $90.00
If you have more then two children you wish to bring, please contact us at info@fullcircleevents.org. Children ages 8 – 12 need to be accompanied by at least one adult.
The class takes place in Silicon Valley in the Santa Clara area. Maps and directions will be given to those who purchase tickets.
Full
Circle will again offer our very popular Pagan High Tea with Victorian
Divination on Saturday, July 21st in Campbell. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.fullcircleevents.org.
This event is limited to 13 persons and it sells out quickly, so first come,
first served. More information can be
found by visiting our website or by writing to lustyteawench@aol.com.
PAGAN
MUSIC & SHOPPING
It’s
always fun to find new CD. Here’s one you might like. You can play this in your office to help you relax and you won’t
get any funny looks: SHAMAN'S HEALING by Shastro, at $16.98 (CD) from
Malimba Records. This flute-centered album was created specifically to
support healing and relaxation. Native flutes, soft drums and ethnic percussion
create an earthy, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for bodywork, yoga, the healing
arts or simply for relaxed listening. (My thanks go out to Michael at The
San Jose Metaphysical Bookshop for this recommendation).
For
those of you who love to shop for Pagan music, supplies and books, here is an
on-line list of Metaphysical & Occult shops in the Bay Area:
http://www.cyprian.org/Index/Shops.html
Many
of these stores carry a wonderful selection of Pagan and New Age music, both on
tape and CD. I’ve found that the staff who work in these stores love the music
they sell and they are happy to help you find what you want. They will often make special orders. Most stores have listening stations so that
you can check out a CD before you buy it.
Many
of these stores will be selling Tickets to The Witches Ball beginning in late
August. In the meantime, you can buy
tickets to the Ball on-line at http://www.fullcircleevents.org. Tickets are currently $20.00 each. Prices will go up as the year goes on.
If
you are looking for a place to buy Pagan Music on-line, then we recommend you
visit Serpentine Music Co. http://www.serpentinemusic.com This is a Pagan owned and operated company,
located in Sebastopol, near Santa Rosa.
The Owner’s name is Anne Hill. Anne offers over 200 titles worth of
Pagan music, books and videos and she has both a print and an on-line catalog.
Currently, Serpentine Music is running a Summer Sale and has many good titles
available at a “deep discount”.
Based on requests made to us by respected Pagan parents in our community, Full Circle has decided to modify our policy with regard to children at this year’s Witches Ball. While we have always welcomed teens to the ball, we have in the past discouraged parents from bringing younger children to the Ball. However, that policy will now change. Beginning this year, parents will be able to bring their younger children to the ball if they wish. Please Note: Children will be the sole responsibility of their caregivers. No babysitting will be provided at the ball.
While The Witches Ball is family friendly, it is not family oriented. Pagan parents who are thinking of bringing their children to the Ball should keep the following in mind:
* Most of our 600+ attendees will be adults.
* The ball goes from 6 p.m. to midnight.
* We play loud dance music all night long.
* Some of our adult attendees wear costumes that are sexy and risqué. As a rule, costumes will vary from PG up to R ratings. The idea here is “Naughty, but nice.” (X rated costumes are not allowed.)
* Our Vendor Room is filled with fragile, shiny objects.
* We do not have the facilities to offer either a children's room or children's activities at this event.
90% of our events not only welcome children but cater to them. But that is neither possible nor appropriate at The Witches Ball. That said, we do want parents to know that their children will be welcome and safe at the ball. Like all Full Circle Events, the Witches Ball is an alcohol and drug free event. As always, our Operations Team (30+ experienced staff members) will be on hand to keep the event a safe and pleasant experience for all concerned.
It is important that all our attendees enjoy this evening. Therefore, any parent whose offspring cause problems will be given a friendly warning by our Operations Team. If this warning is not heeded, then they and their children will be asked to leave the event. No refunds will be given in such a case. Having said that, I should note that we have never had a problem with any of our parents managing their young ones at any of our other events and we do not expect that we will have any problems at The Witches Ball.
Tickets
for children ages 12 and under will be $20.00. The
ticket price for children 12 and under will remain the same all year long. Tickets for those folks ages 13 and over are
purchased as adult tickets. The price
for adult tickets is currently set at $20.00. This price will go up as the year
goes on. By the night of the ball adult
tickets will be $40.00 each.
Tickets
for both adults and children can currently be purchased at our website at http://www.fullcircleevents.org.
Questions?
Concerns? Email me at info@fullcircleevents.org
They say that there is a website for everything these days. I am grateful to my partner for finding this one for me: http://www.ironfrog.com/catsmap.html
This site is a list of all the Library Cats in the world. It has a map you can click on to see the cats in your state. The U.S. list includes 12 Permanent Residents, 7 sculptures, 2 virtual library cats, and one ghost cat. Many of these libraries post pictures of their cats, both past and present. There is even a documentary on the lives of library cats and a Library Cat Society. Enjoy.
STUDY ON GAY AND BISEXUAL SPIRITUALITY IN PROGRESS
This university is doing what appears to be a legitimate study on Gay & Bisexual folks & Spirituality. They are asking people for their input. If you are interested in participating, the website is here: http://sagan.psyc.memphis.edu/
WITCHY WRITERS WANTED:
Llewellyn Publishing Is looking for Pagan teens to write essays for an upcoming book on Teen Witches. The deadline for essays is July 31st. For more information, go to: http://www.llewellyn.com/witchwriter.html
PAGAN GARDENING:
June is a wonderful month for Pagan gardeners. This is the time when we see the fruits of all our hard labor. Our flowers give us color and shape, our herbs fill the garden with scent and our first vegetables and fruits are ready for the table. Bees and birds are everywhere, blessing the space we’ve created for them. For you Pagan gardeners, here are a few websites you might enjoy:
The Color Palette of Roses page:
http://www.ars.org/experts/color-palette.html
The Chamomiletimes and Herbal News page:
http://www.chamomiletimes.com/archives/012201.htm
Thyme: from Ancient Garden to Home Beauty:
http://www.alternative-beauty.com/article1057.html
This essay comes from a website called Alternative Beauty
Organic gardening books from Dan’s Garden Shop:
http://dansgardenshop.com/gardening.html
Whether you have a plant in your office, flower pots on your deck, herbs on a window sill or an entire garden plot to work with, you do yourself and the planet a great service when you make any space a little more green. For that, we thank you.
Take a moment and enjoy the beauty of the natural world around you. If you want to visit an public garden or park and you don’t know where to go, visit our Links Page at http://www.fullcircleevents.org. We offer information on rose gardens, public parks, hiking areas, beaches and garden spots all over Northern California.
Happy Gardening to you all.
EVENTS
OF INTEREST
ON
GOING EVENTS:
March 15th –
July 16th – Birders Alert - Spring Season at Audubon Canyon Ranch
The flyer says: Visitors
enjoy a rare view of great blue herons, great egrets, and snowy egrets, perched
high in their treetop nests. Spotting scopes are provided at Henderson
Overlook, a half-mile climb from the ranch, enabling visitors to see these
giant birds as they build nests, court, and mate. If you're lucky, you might
catch a glimpse of the parents feeding their chicks or even pushing the young
out for their first flight. http://www.egret.org/
March 30th –
November 30th – Skulls Exhibit at the California Academy of Science
– San Francisco
The flyer says: This
exhibition featuring almost 1,500 dead heads—from monkeys and giraffes, to
warthogs, rats, and dolphins—focuses on the remarkable structures, scientific
properties, and sculptural beauty of skulls. In preparation for the exhibit,
thousands of flesh-eating carrion beetles were busy feasting on dead heads, and
860 sea lion heads were put in position for a 93-foot-long display. http://www.calacademy.org/
June 2002- Ongoing -
Summer Adventure Camp for Kids from 7-14 years!
The flyer says: These
week-long fantasy adventure camps are limited to 30 children each week, which
are divided into three groups of ten. Each group has its own dedicated adult
staff person from a pool of professional teachers and educators. In addition,
each group has at least one teen assistant giving a staff to day camper ratio
of one to five. Camp runs every week of summer break, Mon-Fri, starting at 9AM
and ending at 3PM. For more information, contact (650)988-9048 or visit http://www.grand-adventure.com.
April 10th –
July 21st – The Art of Spiderman – San Francisco Comic Book Museum
The flyer says: Forty years
ago, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first told the comic book story of Peter Parker,
a shy teen who in the guise of Spider-Man regularly saved the world. Since
then, other artists and writers have created their own interpretations of the
boy-hero. This exhibit is the first major showing of original art by different Spider-Man
creators. An opening reception takes place from 8–11 p.m. on April 19; book signings,
lectures, and panel discussions occur throughout the exhibit's duration.
http:// www.cartoonart.org
May 10th – July
31st – Vintage Lace Exhibit – Sunnyvale.
The flyer says: An exhibit of exquisite, one-of-a-kind laces from
China, Japan, Laos, and the Philippines, as well as embroideries with the
miniscule "forbidden stitch." http:// www.thelacemuseum.org
The flyer says: The year is
1580. Knights practice jousting in the square while archers pluck their bows
and jugglers toss oranges into the air. Everyone wonders whether Queen
Elizabeth I will grace the fair with her presence. Now in its tenth year, the
fair offers the opportunity to eat fine foods, drink hearty wines and ales,
view horseback jousting, throw javelins, marvel at authentic costumes and
weaponry, and savor the spirit of the Middle Ages. http://www.valhalla-tallac.com
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 -
Learn to Read Hieroglyphs at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose The flyer says: Saturdays at 2:00pm. This is a
single, repeating one-hour workshop will introduce to the novice to symbols and
meaning, numbering system, calendar-dating system, ancient names, and museum
gallery search for hieroglyphs. At the conclusion of the workshop a visit to
one of the museum galleries will be available for those who wish to find
hieroglyphs relating to workshop material. Free with Museum admission. For more
information, contact 408-947-3632, or visit http://www.rosicrucian.org/museum
June 9 – October 20th
– California Country Antique Americana Show – Los Altos:
The flyer says: Fifty top
West Coast dealers sell folk art, quilts, hooked rugs, stoneware, baskets, and
country furnishings. Benefits go to the Los Altos History House Museum, a 1905
apricot farm homestead that recently opened a local history museum and
educational center. The museum will be open and free to show attendees. Plus
live folk music, artisan demos, and food.
The flyer says: A core
shamanic drum circle, meets at 7pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each
month at the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club in Half Moon Bay. For more information,
contact janfreya@mindspring.com.
OTHER EVENTS:
June 8 - The San Jose
Metaphysical Bookshop hosts a Psychic Faire
The flyer says: from 11:00am- 6:00pm. Clairvoyants -
Tarot Readers - Aura Photos - Energy Healers - Angel
Workers - Numerology - Raffles & Prizes. Free admission. For more
information, contact 408-446-0590, sjbookshop@mindspring.com, or visit www.sanjosebookshop.surfmetro.com.
June 8 – Black Light
Bowling Night - Saratoga.
The flyer says: For more
information, visit the Full Circle Events site at http://www.fullcircleeventsorg
June 8 - 22 - Ancient
Cosmetics Workshops are being offered at the Rosicrucian museum The flyer says: On the second and fourth Saturdays of
each month, at 1:30pm. "Necessary Luxuries" -- Ancient Egyptian
Cosmetics, Perfumes, and Incense is a hands-on and noses-on talk about scents
and hygiene in the land of the Nile with our docent Kim Sanders. Ever wonder
why Egyptians wore heavy makeup? Or what it was made of? Just what is
Frankincense and Myrrh, anyway? Come to Kim Sanders' workshop and find the
answers to these questions and more. Donation encouraged. For more information,
contact 408-947-3632, or visit http://www.rosicrucian.org/museum/.
A huge event with more than
500 exhibits, including crafts, world products, and the latest goods and
services for a robust and ecologically responsible life-style. Plus, a health
exposition, an eco village, a Goddess Temple, a Rainbow Center for Children, a
natural foods sampling and wine tasting, and speakers and entertainers from
Robert Kennedy Jr. to Taj Mahal. http://www.harmonyfestival.com
June 10 – Queer Women’s Spirituality Celebrates The Turning of the Wheel, Summer Solstice, and June's Full Moon Circle – San Francisco
The flyer says: Circle in San Francisco's Sutro Park under
the glorious star we call the Sun and honor Mistress of Mankind, the star we
call Ishtar. Come celebrate Her in each one of us. No prior experience with
circling is necessary. Spellcrafting for personal and positive outcomes will be
taught. Specific tools for manifestation will be acquired. Advanced
Registration is required. For more information, contact Jules at 415-695-9066
or dianic.witch@angelfire.com.
The flyer says: This ongoing class has evolved into a
dynamic learning and sharing environment for Tarot students of all levels. The
cost is $25 for each class. No Pre-registration necessary. For more
information, please contact Lisa at 408-206-2518, astrotarot@earthlink.net, or
visit http://www.astrowisdom.com/.
June 13th -
Author of “Dreams are Letters from the Soul” at Gaia’s Gateway - Santa Cruz
The flyer says: Discover the
connections between your dreams and your spiritual life. For more information,
contact 831-429-9600, or visit www.gatewaysbooks.com.
June 13th &
27th - Moms and Babes
Celebrate! – San Francisco
The flyer says: Body &
Soul hosts ceremonial classes encompassing prayer and meditation, song and
sound, breath and movement, ritual and dance beginning at 11:15am on the second
and fourth Thursdays of every month. Body & Soul is located at 738 Chestnut
St. $8 offering. For more information, contact Iolani at 831-479-3310 or visit www.sanctuary-illumination.com
June 13th – 30th
– International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – San Francisco
The flyer says: About 200
different films are on the slate for this 26th-annual showcase for lesbian,
gay, and transgender cinema. Check the Web site for a full schedule: www.frameline.org
June 14 thru16 - The Healing Power of Chanting and Drumming at the Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville.
The flyer says: Chanting sacred sounds to the rhythms of the
drum is an ancient technique for directly synchronizing the mind/body, creating
conditions for psychological, physical, and spiritual healing. The frame drum
is the oldest known drum, traditionally played by priestesses while chanting
the sacred liturgies of Inanna, Isis, Aphrodite, and other goddesses. In this
workshop, we will learn a synthesis of drumming techniques from India, the
Middle East, and North Africa on the larger frame drum that can be used to
support chanting. And, we will be chanting the seed syllables for harmonizing
and balancing the seven chakras to the rhythms of the frame drum. Drums will be
provided. Tuition: $170, plus fees. For more information, contact 408-847-0406,
programs@mountmadonna.org, or visit http://www.mountmadonna.org/programs/calindex.html.
June 15 - The Campbell Highland Games and Celtic Festival – Campbell
The flyer says: For more
information, contact 408-578-0929 or bdundee@aol.com.
June 15 - Drum Making Workshop - Boulder Creek.
The flyer says: In this daylong workshop we will begin by
creating sacred space in which to make these powerful tools. You will then
learn how to stretch rawhide over a maple hoop, using a beautiful lacing
technique suitable to variable climates, and leave with a very special drum:
One infused with your own spirit. Registration deposit must be received no
later than June 10 to ensure availability of materials. Tuition: $105 plus materials
fee. For more information, contact Lenore Norrgard, MA, HMSC, at 415-820-1655,
lnorrgard@circlelivingearth.org, or P.O. Box 210453, San Francisco, CA 94121.
June 15th – 30th
(Weekends) San Francisco Ethic Dance Festival:
The flyer says: 30 participating
Bay Area dance companies representing many countries. Among the diverse
performers you'll find La Tania Flamenco, Wu Shu West (martial arts
demonstrations), and the Chinyakare Dance Ensemble (Zimbabwe). Also on tap this
year are special guest artists from Central Asia. www.worldartswest.org
June 16th –
TechnoCosmic Mass – Oakland.
The flyer says: These take
place the 3rd Saturday of every month. For more information visit:
http://www.technocosmicmass.org
Visit http://reclaiming.org/rituals/sf.html
for more information.
The flyer says: visit http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com
for more information.
The flyer says: 7pm until the
party is over. This event takes place on the beach, 1/8th mile south of the
Half Moon Bay Yacht Club. Join us as we joyfully celebrate with body and Spirit
in ceremony, dance, and drumming at the ocean. The tradition of a hearty
display of fireworks will continue. Summer Solstice is a magical time for
wishing. Float a rose with your kiss on it into the waves to carry your prayer
home. Ceremonies are open to all and children are encouraged to take part.
Weather and tides permitting, ceremonies occur around a bonfire on the
beach. Contribution $10.00, and bring a potluck item. For more
information, contact janfreya@mindspring.com.
June 22 - Summer Solstice
Celebration – San Jose/Santa Clara area
The flyer says: Hearthstone
will host a celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at John Mise Park in San
Jose. For more information, please contact Molly at molly@hearthstonecircle.org
or visit http://www.hearthstonecircle.org.
June 22 - Summer Solstice Celebration presented by OpLoi – South Bay
The flyer says: Attendance is
by invitation only. For more information, please contact Bianca at
408-265-5180, or Bill at 408-730-9622. Write to wabaldwin@aol.com, or
visit their website at http://members.aol.com/wabaldwin/sbc.
The flyer says: This
introductory class is half informational and half experimental, giving students
an opportunity to make an exploratory journey to meet their power
animals. For more information, contact 415-820-1655, or lenorenorrgard@yahoo.com.
June 22, 23 - A Midsummer
Retreat in the Sacred Grove in Ben Lomond.
The flyer says: Join Mara in
an experiential weekend of Celtic wisdom and grace, both playful and grounded.
Journey outward to the greenwood to explore Druidic Mysteries of earth, stone
and tree, and inward to explore the Faery kingdom of the Otherworld on wings of
story, movement and music. Learn simple sacred circle dances from Celtic
countries, take part in Druid ceremony and ritual, and bring more light and
more joy into our lives. Plus, Celtic song and music by Gerry Smida Celtic
harp, bagpipes, flutes, accordion, guitar, Irish drums, vocals and more.
Place: "Expressions of Amity," Ben Lomond, near Santa Cruz: in
a secluded redwood grove on land resonant with ancient spiritual energies.
Cost: $198.00 per person. Includes 4 vegetarian meals, camping facilities or
yurt space. For more information or to register, contact
events@celticspirit.org, 800-694-1957, or visit http://www.celticspirit.org.
June 23 - Dragon Dream will host a Summer Solstice Ritual for Women in San
Francisco The flyer says: Noon-3:30pm. Ritual, potluck, and networking.
Each Women Wisdom Circle is $25, $20 sliding fee. No one will be turned away
for lack of funds (trade and work-exchange are encouraged). Pre-registration is
required for attendance and 48-hrs advanced cancellation highly appreciated.
Please bring a pillow to sit on, your journal and flyers/business cards to
share during the networking portion of the gathering. The meeting place in San
Francisco will be announced to registrants. For registration and information
call 415-339-7888.
June 29 - Thalassa will
host a Tarot Tea Party Ancient Ways in Oakland.
Flyer says: 1 – 5 PM. Sip
tea, munch bikkies and take in a lecture by Madama Thalassa on the glamour,
mystery and uses of the Tarot, followed by hands-on work. All levels of
interest and experience are welcome. Hat and gloves are optional, but a sense
of humor is mandatory. Bring your favorite deck to work with.
June 30th – Full
Circle Solstice Celebration Picnic at Sanborn Park – Saratoga
See notes above or visit http://www.fullcircleevents.org for
more information.
The flyer says: The setting
is Calais and the year is 1532. Patrons will be entertained, educated, and
amused by hundreds of costumed actor-participants who bring the era to life.
Eat, drink, and be merry, or shop for a wide array of wares. Plus, two stages
with acts occurring most of the day, royal courts, musicians, dancers, and
more. www.aroyalafayre.org
July 17 through 20 – Fantasy Camp for Kids – La Honda
The flyer says: Kids between
the ages of 8-12 years, who love to read and write, are invited to attended
GrannyZ's Witches and Wizards Camp--A literary/fantasy/art camp. Z Budapest,
noted author with the Women's Spirituality Forum, is launching a family witches
camp with a strong Harry Potter fantasy track. Hidden in the redwoods of La
Honda on the California coastline, at a wonderful camp, witches and wizards can
train, play, learn about animals in the wild, magical stones, climb towers,
partake in the archery competition, swim in a pool, role play/read Harry Potter
scenes/games with each other. Children under 8, or over 12 must register with
parents. For more information, visit www.zbudapest.com.
July 20 - Magickal Arts
Faire for Kids - San Jose Metaphysical Bookstore
The flyer ways: No time to attend Hogwarts during the regular school year?
Need to brush up on your transmogrification skills? This is your chance to try
your hand at some real wizarding! Make your own wand - Stir up a
brew of magickal oils - Learn how to do
some simple spellwork Create an herbal talisman for good luck - Cast a
Rune or three - Discover some fantastic beasts that were left out of Prof.
Scamander's classic guide. Come join us
at this weekend summer camp for aspiring wizards of all ages. Kids: bring
your parents along! – Call (408) 446-0590 for More Information
July 21st –
Full Circle presents our Pagan High Tea with Victorian Divination – Campbell
See notes above or go to http://www.fullcircleevents.org for
more information.
For more information on these
and other events, visit
Bay Area Pagan Assemblies: http://www.batnet.com/bapagan/Events/events.html
The Index: http://www.cyprian.org/Index/
The Witches Voice: http://www.witchvox.com
PORTRAIT OF A PAGAN DOER:
SCOUTGHOST
Last December, I wrote an essay on Pagan Doers (1). I was attempting then to define the kind of person who we like to work with here at Full Circle. Such a person may or may not be in the public eye, but they are the sort who makes things happen. Pagan Doers don’t go in for Drama and Trauma. Instead, they leave their egos at the door and they bring with them some wonderful skills, a great deal of laughter and a strong set of ethics. As a result, they are very powerful, very effective individuals. When I work with such people I find that they have a marvelous sense of humor, a great deal of compassion and a wealth of life wisdom. They also come equipped with a lovely set of manners, a strong sense of self, a gift for organization and healthy boundaries. One such person is Scoutghost.
Scoutghost
grew up in Redwood City and she has lived in the Bay Area all of her life. She is one of the few people I know who
can claim to be a native Californian.
She first discovered Paganism when she went to a Tapestry and Talent
Show in 1996. She saw the BAPA Booth
there and it peaked her interest. She
talked to the people at the booth that day and she liked what she heard. She grabbed a handful of flyers and took
them home to read. Earth Wise
Spirituality was new to her, but when she discovered it, she (like so many of us) felt like she was
coming home.
Scoutghost
did a lot of reading on Paganism after that and she begin her training in Wicca
in 1997. That same year she joined
BAPA (Bay Area Pagan Assemblies). They knew a skilled volunteer when they saw
one and by the middle of 1997 she was asked to handle networking and
coordination for the group. I’m told
that someone at BAPA handed her a beat up old folder with three names inside.
All three names were out of date. Since
that time, she has increased the BAPA Contact List a hundred fold.
Handling
contacts for BAPA is no easy task. This
group is listed as a resource in many of the books published by Llewellyn http://www.llewellyn.com/ as well as in the
back of “Drawing Down the Moon”, “The Spiral Dance” and many of Ravenwolf’s books. As a result, lots of people contact BAPA for information and
Scoutghost handles networking requests via email and by phone from all over the
country. She does this on a daily basis.
She has an extensive knowledge of the Pagan Community from Gilroy to
Santa Rosa and from Santa Cruz to Sacramento.
She is also very knowledgeable about groups, teachers and events all
over the U.S.
She
compiles and sends out the BAPA Pagan Events List out 12 times a year. This list goes out all over the Bay Area and
beyond. She is always very generous
with both her time and her expertise. I
use between 6 - 8 different resources when I compile the Events List for our
Full Circle newsletter. 80% of the
information you see here every month comes directly from her. Most Pagan “List Keepers” in California will
tell you the same thing. Those of is
who teach, offer events, do workshops, give talks or coordinate Circle, Rituals
and groups have a lot to thank her for.
Scoutghost
has a large and much envied Rolodex. It
has information inside on Pagan groups across the globe. The last time I peaked inside I saw contact
listings for 150 different groups just in Northern California alone. Point of fact: The California Pagan
Community is one of the best organized and best connected in the U.S. Scoutghost can take a lot of credit for
that. Before there were hundreds of
websites and newsgroups to choose from, she was the one who put us in touch
with each other. She is still the first
source most of us go to because she’s accurate, her contact information is both
deep and wide and she doesn’t have an ax to grind. If you have a question for Scoutghost, you can reach her at ScoutGhst@aol.com.
I
have to say, I admire her technique.
She gathers information like nobody else I know. She combines the deftness and intelligence
of a librarian with the broadminded perspective of a scholar and adds to that
the dogged persistence of a newshound.
There a plenty of places now that can get you some Pagan’s phone number,
but if you want real time, pertinent information, you go to her. I asked her once how she did it. She told me that she begins with the listings
in The Witches Voice http://www.witchvox.com,
as they are the best known and most extensive Pagan resource. From there, she begins to use the telephone
and email chats to gather in depth information. Happily for us, she gives this information out freely to any of
our people who need it. If you are new
in town or moving out of town and looking to find other Pagans, then Scoutghost
is the person you want to talk to.
She
also guards this information very carefully.
No one has ever ended up on the wrong email list or been bothered by a
Loony because of information they got from her. And while I suspect that she knows all the Pagan gossip that’s
worth knowing, she never spreads any herself.
Scoutghost never vies for the limelight, she never asks for thanks and
she never engages in Witch Wars. Her
only concern is to serve the Pagan community.
We hear a lot of talk about working “for greater good of all” but we
don’t see many people walking that walk.
Scoutghost is one of those who does.
As
you can tell from this, Scoutghost is a busy lady. She works full time and well
as volunteering hundreds of hours every year for BAPA. She has served as their Networking
Coordinator from 1997 to the present.
She also served on the BAPA Board from 1999 to 2001. She does public speaking on Pagan issues,
acts as a Networking Consultant for Full Circle and works as Second in Command
to our Vendor Coordinator during The Witches Ball. When her daughters were younger she worked as volunteer for many
years at their elementary school where she was voted “Volunteer of the
Year.”
Scoutghost
lives in San Jose with her partner and her family. She is the proud mother of two smart and funny teenage
girls. Both of her daughters are very
talented artists. Both are
Techno-Witches in their own right.
Scoutghost herself is a Science Fiction fan, a mean pool player and a
fun gal to pal around with. Her spiritual practice is Eclectic Wiccan with
strong Elementalist leanings. In her
spare time (however does she find any?) she and her partner (2) like to throw
great parties.
She
has never been one to push herself forward.
In fact, she’ll probably be embarrassed to read all this. Well, she deserves it – the praise, I mean,
not the embarrassment.
You’ve done a great job,
Scoutghost, and the community owes you a debt of thanks. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to you
and to all the other Pagan Doers out there who are the unsung heroes and
heroines of the Earth Wise Tribe.
Happy
Solstice, folks
Sia
(1) “Pagan Doers”: http://www.witchvox.com/fritz/pagandoers.html
(2) If you were at the Witches Ball last year, you would have seen a great looking guy on stage during the presentation of the Gaia’s Guardian Award. He was wearing black leather pants, a long black velvet coat, a silk shirt and a silk head scarf. I’m told that quite a few people wondered who that dashing man was. Well, sorry gals, he’s taken. Scoutghost has him and she’s keep’n him.