Greetings
to all Full Circle Friends and Members.
In
this July edition of our newsletter we have,
One Nation, Under Goddess? * Ecofeminism & Goddess Resources * Buying Ball Tickets On-line * Goats Milk Soap * Costume Links & Guides * Help Wanted for new Spiral Steps Meetings * Our Pagan High Tea * The Pagan Bookshelf: Books on Grieving and Loss * Party for Terry Pratchett * Pagan Warriors * Events of Interest * Sailing Ships and Sealing Wax
ONE NATION, UNDER GODDESS?
There has been a lot of fuss lately over the Pledge of Allegiance. Here is a web page that gives the interesting history of that pledge. You’ll notice that the words “under God” aren’t in the original version. Congress added these words in 1954 as a response to “those Godless Communists”. http://www.evolvefish.com/fish/product824.html
“Suppose you were an
idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” - from
a speech by Mark Twain
Many pundits are
currently claiming that American was founded as a Christian country.
For those of you who are
interested, I would suggest this title:
The Myth of Christian American by Mark Weldon Witton. This is
a book written primarily for our Christian friends. It is offers some historical background and explains why the
“separation of Church and State” is a good thing for all religions.
WITCHES BALL TICKETS ON-LINE:
Tickets
for the Witches Ball have been available on-line via our website since
May1st. Tickets will become available
in local stores on September 1st.
Fair warning folks: By that
point, they will cost more.
If
you want to purchase a ticket at a lower price, then please visit our website
at http://www.fullcircleevents.org.
Click on the Witches Ball link and then go to the Tickets page. We can accept PayPal payments, checks and
money orders. This is a Secure
Server. Tickets bought on-line will be
mailed out at the end of September.
Our
thanks go out to everyone who has already bought their tickets. We appreciate your support very much.
Dear
Folks: If you use PayPal option, please be sure and press the last button
before you end the transaction. We
are getting a lot of incomplete orders on this end and it’s because folks don’t
read directions. The set up is on
PayPal’s end of things and there is nothing we can do to change it, so please,
read the directions. Thank you!
ECOFEMINISM
& GODDESS RESOURCES:
I recently came upon this website in my travels: http://www.ecofeminism.net/content/goddess.htm It has lots of information on ecofeminism and a useful list of goddess authors and editors. Enjoy.
GOATS MILK SOAP AND SOAP MOLDS:
Have you ever tried Goat’s Milk Soap? If not, then you are in for a treat. Here are a few places that make it:
http://www.tipiretreat.ca/soap.htm - check out the cute goats on their ranch. I like this company because they treat their animals well and because their soap is very pure.
If you want to try making your own, here is a page of recipes: http://hospice.xtn.net/soapgoat.htm
Next up is a store that sells chocolate and soap molds. They even have those hard-to-find shapes, like pentagrams and goddess molds. The sleeping cat is nice, too. http://www.soapymolds.com
COSTUME LINKS AND GUIDES:
For those of you who are wondering what to wear to the ball, help is at hand. Our Costume Page is up and running. You can view it at http://www.fullcircleevents.org/ball2002/costumes.shtml
Many people will wear corsets to the ball. However, you do not have to wear tight outfits or show a lot of skin or spend a lot of money on a costume if you don’t want to
Several of our staff are wearing their corsets but many are also coming in evening gowns, day gowns or gypsy costumes from the period. Men also have more choices then they might think. They can be soldiers, artists, thieves, gypsies, dandies and lots more. You’ll find a long list of costume recommendations on our Costume Page.
Here are some other references that might help you make your costume choice. Look under “Late Victorian” or “Edwardian” costumes (1880 – 1910)
Renting Costumes in the Bay Area: http://www.gbacg.org/renting.htm. Many of these stores carry larger sizes.
The Bay Area Costumers Guild web page: http://www.gbacg.org
The Costumer’s Manifesto: http://www.costumes.org/
The Costume Page: Resources On-line: http://members.aol.com/nebula5/costume.html
Later this week, we will add on our Films Page. This will offer a list of historical comedies, dramas and musicals that you can rent to inspire you as you prepare your “look”.
If you are a Costumer or you own a shop and you would like to advertise your work on our website, please contact us at info@fullcircleevents.org
SPIRAL
STEPS ANNOUNCEMENT:
Lately,
there has been a great deal of demand for more Spiral Steps support meetings
for Pagans. As a result, Dj, the Founder of Spiral Steps, is looking for
brother and sister Pagans to help found new Spiral Steps support groups in
their area. These people would need to
commit to act as the Secretary for new meetings. They will need to attend meetings on a weekly meeting basis for 4
- 6 months, while the group is being built.
Here are the qualifications Dj is looking for:
* They need to have 5+ years of experience in
a traditional 12 Step Program (this includes regular attendance at 12 Step
meetings). If they are an addict and/or
an alcoholic, then they must also have 5+ years living clean and sober.
* They must have a respect for and
understanding of the ethics of Earth Wise spirituality.
* They must be willing to set up and attend weekly meetings. All Spiral Steps meetings start and end on time.
* They must be willing to act as a responsible, discreet and tactful contact person for new members. They will explain to them how meetings work and handle requests for membership. They must keep the membership list completely confidential. We consider this to be a sacred trust.
*
They must commit to run the meetings according to the 13 Steps, the 13
Traditions and the specific guidelines set down in the Spiral Steps web page: http://www.spiralsteps.org
* They must be willing to step down when their
job is done. The role of Secretary
changes every 4 - 6 months, depending
on the size of the group.
* All Spiral Steps groups are self-supporting.
The Secretary is responsible for finding a place to meet and for gathering the
weekly donations and for paying the rent for the meeting room. (Donations are purely voluntary. Suggested
donations are 25 cents to $1.00 per person/per meeting). If the meeting is held in a private home,
then the donations go towards the cost of coffee, tea and munchies for the
group.
Dj writes: “Secretaries for a group are not there to act as guru’s, Priests or Priestesses, counselors, psychiatrists or teachers. We are merely trusted Servants and as such we are on the same level as everyone else in the group. These are anonymous, non-cross talk meetings and, as such, they are safe places for our folks to share.”
If
you wish to serve our community in this way, please contact Dj at info@spiralsteps.org
THE PAGAN BOOKSHELF:
I’ve recently heard from several people who are dealing with the illness or death of a pet, a loved one or a relative. Others are facing loss over moving, job changes and the other changes in their lives. So this month I’d like to offer some titles that may lend support to those folks.
FOR ADULTS COPOING WITH DEATH AND LOSS
The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Prayers, Rituals, Blessings and Mediations on Crossing Over by Starhawk
Grieving the Loss of Someone you Love: Daily Meditations by Ray Mitsch, et al
On Death and Dying by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross
Write from the Heart: A Healing Grief Journal by Katherine Peterson, et al
Good Grief: A Constructive Approach to the Problem of Loss by Granger Westberg
LOOSING AN ANIMAL COMPANION
Goodbye Friend: Healing and Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowlski
Blessing
the Bridge: What Animals Teach us about Death, Dying and Beyond by Rita M. Reynolds.
The
book has good information on how to help a dying pet and what to do when they
have passed over.
Helping
Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One by William Kroen
I’ll
Always Love You by Han Wilhelm.
A
story about a child who looses their pet and how the family says goodbye.
Sad
Isn’t Bad: A Good Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss by Michaelene Mundy
FOR
THOSE DEALING WITH OTHER KINDS OF LOSS:
Life
After Loss: A Personal Guide to Dealing with Death, Divorce, Job Change and
Relocation
by Bob Deits
The
Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie
Dr.
Weisinger’s Anger Work-Out Book by Dr. H. Weisinger
Please
note: There are hotlines you can call if you are grieving the death of a loved
one, be it human or animal. Look under
“hotlines” on the Internet and/or in the yellow pages.
Full
Circle will again offer our very popular Pagan High Tea with Victorian
Divination on Sunday, 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.
On a personal note, I would like to announce that my partner and I will be hosting the official Discworld Fan Party in honor of Terry Pratchett at the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in San Jose. http://www.conjose.org. The party will take place at the Fairmont Hotel on Friday, August 30th from 7 – 10 p.m.
Terry
Pratchett will fly in from Britain to attend the Con. He will be bringing some special Discworld items to auction off
at the fan party. For those of you not
familiar with his work, there are currently 28 Discworld books. These
brilliant, funny novels have been translated into 21 different languages and
these books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Terry was recently awarded the Order of the
British Empire for “Services to Literature”.
He also has the dubious honor of being the most shoplifted author in
Britain. For more information on the
Discworld, please visit http://www.co.uk.lspace.org/. For more information on his books, please
visit http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/
Several women friends of mine who will comprise The Seamstress Guild
(California Chapter). These ladies will
be wearing beautiful late Victorian ball gowns and plying our guests with food
and drink. They will be joined by
members of the Assassins Guild. Lord
Vetinari (AKA The Patrician) will also be in attendance.
Please note: It is necessary to buy attendance to the Con to attend the events. Prices for day passes are very reasonable. This gets you into all of the great fan parties, dances (these vary from Regency dances to dances with DJs who play modern music), filking sessions, costuming classes, art shows, role playing games, auctions, book signings, readings, masquerades and film showings as well as the many workshops. It also gives you access to the immense Dealer’s Room and the Art Exhibit.
Many of the worlds best SF and Fantasy writers, costumers, and artists, not to mention scientists, techno-wizards, fans, booksellers and publishers attend the WorldCon, which takes places in a different city every year. Attendance is, on average, between 8,000 to 12,000 and it attracts attendees from all over the world. For a list of web pages for past and future Worldcon websites, please go to: http://www.worldcon.org
The ConJose website is updated on a weekly basis. Extensive programming notes will be up (I’m told) by the end of July. The WorldCon takes place from Friday – Monday of Labor Day Weekend. All ages are welcome.
Full Circle Events will host the official Pagan Meet there on Sunday afternoon. More information on this meet will be announced via our website.
We hope to see you there.
PAGANS IN THE MILITARY:
As the 4th of
July approaches, I think it’s right to remember those Pagans who serve our
country in the armed forces. They have
a difficult road to travel. On the one hand, they defend and protect our
country and our freedom against those who have harmed us and who would do so
again. At the same time, they must cope
with criticism from their brother and sister Pagans who may not agree with
their choice to take up arms, all the while dealing with prejudice directed
against their spiritual path by the very government they are sworn to
uphold.
Whether you agree with
their choice or not, the fact remains that these men and women put their lives
on the line for what they believe in.
Here are a few of their stories:
John Machate – Military
Pagan
http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/article/item_121.html
A Warrior’s Path –
Pagans in the Military:
http://www.tangledmoon.org/military-pagans.htm
A Military Pagan’s
Page: http://www.geocities.com/caliamoonstone/patriotic.html
One’ Pagan’s view of
what it means to serve his country in the armed forces.
For those of you who
would like more information on Pagans in the Armed Forces here are some websites we hope will be useful:
The Military Pagan Network: http://www.milpagan.org/resource_center.html
Pagan Military Contacts
Page (The Witches Voice) http://www.witchvox.com/wotw/xwwp_m.html
Here is a Military Pagan Webring: http://orius.home.mindspring.com/OldStation/MilPaganRing.html
An article on Pagans at
Fort Brag:
http://www.rickross.com/reference/wicca/wicca18.html
Yahoo Group for Military
Pagans:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/military_pagans/
I think it’s fair to
also honor those who serve on the front lines of the Anti-War Movement. So, I also include an open letter from
Starhawk to Pagans in the military:
http://www.starhawk.org/activism/activism-writings/military-pagans.html
You’ll note that she
reserves the right to disagree with the war as fought while honoring the
bravery and sacrifice shown by military Pagans. You’ll note that she offers her best advice for their protection
and strength. She is clear in her
views while being civil and respectful in tone. Some of our friends who inhabit certain newsgroups could learn a
thing or two from this letter.
I will end with a quote
from Starhawk’s letter:
“…whatever our differences, we are working toward the same ends: a world of peace, harmony and abundance, with liberty and justice for all.”
Happy 4th of
July, everyone. Go out there and enjoy
those liberties!
EVENTS
OF INTEREST:
June 30th –
Full Circle Picnic at Sanborn Park in Saratoga
Full Circle presents their
third annual Solstice Celebration Picnic at the wild and lovely Sanborn Park in
Saratoga from 11am until dusk. 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. Bring a picnic lunch,
your friends, your kids, blankets, drums, sun block, toys and beach
chairs. 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. For more information, visit http://www.fullcircleevents.org or
call 408-224-4625.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - A
Magical Workshop series - San Lorenzo.
The flyer says: The first
series of workshops will focus on the chakras, and future topics will be
announced. These workshops tend to be experiential in nature and very hands on,
working with energy and creating meditation symbols or tools. The workshops are
open to any experience level, there is no fee, and you are not required to
attend the whole series. Children are welcome. For more information contact
Foxglove, AKA Stacy, at foxglove999@hotmail.com
The flyer says: Unitarian
Universalist Church at 7:30pm. Open gatherings are held on the first Tuesday of
the month, and Open Goddess Services are held on the last Sundays. Contact
Diana at 510-658-6033 for information.
The flyer says: At Hobees in
Palo Alto, from 12:30-2:00PM. Curious, new to the Craft, or Pagans new to the
area are welcome to gather at 4224 El Camino Real. Ask the hostess for the
"duck people". Call 650-813-1816 for information. Reservations not
required.
July 3 thru 7 - Art and
Spirit: - Skyote Mountain Retreat in
the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The flyer says: Moving and
dancing, alone and together, we will journey inwards and reach outwards to
connect with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth. Finding center in
the body, allowing the flow of life energy to move through us, returning again
to center. Following guided imagery, attending to the breath, allowing movement
to emerge from a deep source within as well as responding to relationships
around us, we find a place for all that we are, from wildly energetic dances to
the stillness of quiet breath, coming to sacred ground in the body. No previous
dance experience is necessary and all levels of physical ability are welcome.
For more information please contact Selene at 831-440-0645 or visit http://www.spiritmoving.com.
The flyer says: from
10:30-noon, suite F. The dreams that we create for ourselves each night are
replete with deep meaning. Truly valuing our nightly forays into dreamtime can
transform our lives. Learn how to interpret your dreams with the "dream
interview process", an essential skill that delves deeply into your dream.
Please bring one of your dreams to share and explore. Cost: $20 per class.
Please pre-register with Alexandra at 925-609-8640, or call Dolphin Dream at
925-933-2342.
The flyer says: Fridays from
7:30-9:30pm, and Saturdays from 9:30am -noon. Instructor J. Owen Shift will be
teaching intuitive and psychic methods of exercises, allowing students to
develop channels for interpreting glyphs and other metaphysical signs that are
otherwise unnoticed to the ordinary conscious individual. The wisdom of the
ancients herein explored also includes I-Ching-Tarot revelations using
fingerprints and numerology coordination. All classes are open-ended; meaning
new and advanced may attend. No classes are repeated. No two classes are the
same. $25 a week for two and a half hours of class, and tuition after one year
is $15 a week. For more information, contact 510-729-6329 or PAAW@postmark.net.
July 6th –
Horse Sanctuary Grand Opening – Lockwood
July 6th - The
Maharaja’s Ball: A Victorian Colonial Ball
– San Mateo
The flyer says: Go to http://www.peers.org/maharaja.html
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
See: http://www.hartmannstudios.com/
The flyer says: meets on the
first Sunday of every month at Marin UU Fellowship. For information,
write to Marin Fellowship, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael, CA 94903-2606. Church
phone: 415-479-4131.
July 10 - Queer Womyn's
Spirituality Teaching Ritual For Change
- San Francisco.
The flyer says: Advanced
Registration is required. For more information, contact Jules at 415-695-9066
or dianic.witch@angelfire.com.
The flyers says: This month's
gathering will be a Midsummer celebration. For more information, contact Diana
L. Paxson, Box 5521, Berkeley, CA 94705, or greyhavn@earthlink.net, or visit www.hrafnar.org.
The flyer says: is an open
forum on Paganism, Witch Craft and Wicca. For more information, contact Elayne
at amethystrose@juno.com, or call 925-676-8560.
The flyer says: This is a
space for all groups to meet and organize, and shall not be a recruiting
platform controlled by any one group. Meet in a safe and comfortable
environment where solitaires can meet groups, groups can meet groups and
solitaires can meet solitaires at 924 Soquel Ave. Contact Sacred Grove for more
information at 831-423-1949 or sacredgrove@onebox.com.\
July 10th –
September 1st – Shakespeare in Santa Cruz
See http://www.festivaltheatreensemble.org/
The flyer says: For more
information, contact Iolani at 831-479-3310 or visit
www.sanctuary-illumination.com.
The flyer says: From 7-10pm on
Thursdays. This is a multi-leveled approach to understanding the structure,
principles and practical use of Tarot cards. Focusing on the practical
application of the Tarot, better understanding is sought of the deeper levels
of meaning, both personal and universal. The class objective is to introduce
the student to the use of Tarot and is suitable both for those with no previous
experience, as well as seasoned practitioners. Bring a Tarot deck. Class #6406.
For more information or to register, contact 408-864-8817, or visit www.communityeducation.fdha.edu.
The flyer says: A chapter of
the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS), offers rituals at 7:45
PM on the second Friday of each month. These are held in the beautiful round
sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church of San Jose located at 160 N. 3rd St.
For more information, email tenorfrank@aol.com or call the church at
408-292-3858.
July 12th – 29th
– Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival
See http://www.festivaltheatreensemble.org/
July 12- September 29th
– Marin Shakespeare Festival
See http://www.marinshakespeare.org/
The flyer says: Come meet and
socialize with pagans, artists, musicians, fire dancers, and others in the
community at the Mission Valley Coffee Roasting located at 40059 Mission Blvd,
510-440-0321. Look for a Chinese girl (Eileen) with short reddish hair and a
White girl (Laurie) with really long hair! If you cannot find us, give us
a call on our cell phone at 510-468-5139. For more information, contact
510-366-5067 or visit firedrumcircle@hotmail.com
The flyer says: (CUUPS
chapter) hosts Dark Moon Movies on witchy topics at the First Unitarian
Universalist Church in San Francisco, located at Franklin and Geary. Movies are
shown in the school starting at 7:00 PM. Tonight's movie will be The Mexican.
For more information please contact Kristen at 415-425-4847.
July 13th –
Black Light Bowling Night – Saratoga
Please visit the Full Circle
website for more information on our Pagan Bowling night:
http://www.fullcircleevents.org
July 13 & 14th
– Obon Festival – San Jose
The flyer says: Join in what may be North America's largest Obon dance, as upwards of 700 dancers circle a pavilion on Fifth Street, between Jackson and Taylor. Plus, Japanese foods, crafts, and Taiko drumming. http://www.sjbetsuin.com/
July 13- 21st Tahoe Wilderness Institute –
Tahoe
The flyer says: Using the wilderness as both subject and classroom, participants study geology, literature, art, mountaineering, field biology, botany, backcountry navigation, and even gourmet cooking. Following the Tahoe Rim Trail and ascending Freel Peak, participants can expect 2–7 miles of hiking per day, and up to 2000 feet of elevation gain. http://www.ltcc.cc.ca.us/programs/wildinst/
July 14th – Chinese Summer Festival – San Jose
The flyer says: Tours of the
Ng Shing Gung Temple, a dragon display, hands-on children's activities, Asian
cooking demonstrations, lion dancing, a treasure hunt, and Chinese theatrical
and martial arts performances. http://www.chcp.org
July 17 thru 20 –
****************THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED ********
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
The flyer says: visit http://www.communityseed.org for more
information.
July 20th –
Books by the Bay – San Francisco
The flyer says: Celebrate the
independent bookseller’s goodwill and good taste as 45 bookstores showcase
their unique offerings at this annual outdoor event. More than 50 authors will
read and sign books. http://www.booksbythebay.com
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.
July 21 – Musical Saw
Festival – Felton
The flyer says: Amateurs and
masters alike play musical saws and traditional acoustic instruments from
harmonicas to washboards to steel drums, at this innovative festival. Join the
jam sessions or learn to play something from the garage that you might never
before envisioned as a musical instrument. A chuckwagon barbecue from noon–3
p.m. offers hearty fare like ribs, steak, chicken, and burgers. Round-trip,
steam train excursions to Bear Mountain last one hour and 15 minutes. http://www.roaringcamp.com
July 24th – 29th
– Ladyfest Bay Area – San Francisco
The flyer says: Riding the
wave of "Ladyfest" festivals across the United States and Europe,
this five-day event features music, film and video, visual art, performance
art, and workshops by women and transfolk. It is open to people of all genders.
Among the highlights are the musical acts Bratmobile, The Donnas, and The
Gossip; slam poet Alix Olsen; and a retrospective of the Madcat Women's
International Film Festival. http://www.ladyfestbayarea.org
July 25th –
August 12h- SF Jewish Film Festival – San Francisco & Bay area
The flyer says: Highlights of
this year's program include Strange Fruit, which explores the story
behind the well-known Billie Holiday song, and Inner Tour, which
screened this year at Sundance and deals with people-to-people contact between
Israelis and Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. Films screen at San
Francisco's Castro Theatre July 25–August 1, and then continue through August
12 at theaters in Berkeley, Menlo Park, and San Rafael. http://www.sfjff.org
July 26 thru 28 -
Shamanism for Activists - Boulder Creek.
The flyer says: Sit in circle
with fellow activists and develop relationships with your personal spirit
allies. Learn to elicit spiritual counsel and how to apply the counsel you
receive. And finally, explore how shamanic practice can inform and empower the
work of social healing. For more information, contact 415-820-1655, or lenorenorrgard@yahoo.com
July 26 thru 28 - Goddess
Gathering 2002 Isis Oasis in Geyserville.
The flyer says: The theme of
this year is: Journey to a Place of Power - Discover Your Source. Exploring
reality and spirituality from a feminine perspective in workshops, rituals,
drumming and dancing. The last day of the festival is open to all (Men, and
Children). There will be entertainment, performances and celebration. For more
info and/or to register contact Motherbear at 707-937-3629,
motherbearscott@mindspring.com, or visit www.isisoasis.org.
The flyer says: More than
130,000 people are expected to eat upwards of 2 tons of garlic in various foods
at this annual event. Enjoy the cuisine of the "Pyro Chefs," learn
from detailed cooking lessons, delight to a multitude of musical sounds, and
peruse the handmade arts and crafts. And if it gets too hot, you can always
cool down with some delicious garlic ice cream. http://www.gilroygarlicfestival.com
The flyers says: The folks at
Squaw offer guided hikes from the mid-mountain High Camp complex (elevation
8,200 feet) to the nearby peaks, with easy, well-marked trails and a
walk-at-your-own-pace attitude. Sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and flashlights are
recommended.
July 27th –
Poetry Reading – San Francisco
The flyer ways: Among those reading
at this benefit for the Squaw Valley Community of Writers are Lucille Clifton,
former Maryland Poet Laureate; Pulitzer Prize-winner Yusef Komunyakaa; and
Sharon Olds, former New York State Poet Laureate. http://www.squawvalleywriters.org
July 27 – 28th
– Obon Cultural Festival and Food Bazar – Stockton
The flyer ways: At this colorful festival, kimono-clad women dance the traditional Bon Odori, a Japanese folk dance. Also on tap are martial artists, Taiko drumming, chapel tours, and delicious foods like tempura, teriyaki chicken, udon noodles, and sushi. Call (209) 466-6701 (Stockton Buddhist Temple) for more information.
July 27- 28th – Air Expo at Moffet Field –
Mountain View
The flyer says: http://www.airshownetwork.com/ for more information
July 27th – Hands Across Time – Big Sur
The flyer says: A coastal garden is the setting for this dance, song, and poetry performance inspired by Spanish flamenco and Hawaiian hula. Plus, performances of Middle Eastern, East Asian, and modern fusion dances accompanied by a percussion band. Ethnic foods available. Henry Miller Library (831) 655-0725
July 28th –
Festa Italiana – San Mateo
The flyer says: Everyone's
Italian for a day at this annual event featuring chalk art, music on three
outdoor stages, a bocce ball tournament, a classic car show, games and crafts,
and loads of Italian food specialties. http://www.parca.org. This festival raises money for people with
disabilities.
The flyer says: This is a
six-part workshop series for women derived from "Mandala, Luminous Symbols
for Healing" by Judith Cornell, PHD at the Psychic Eye Bookshop in San
Francisco from 7:30-9pm. The workshop includes a process of visualization
exercises and artistic meditations designed for the sequential development of
unique artistic expression, producing sacred medicine through an effect of
alchemical magic experienced in the creative process of Mandala. Call
415-863-9997 for reservations or information.
August 3 - Lughnasadh Celebration and Ritual at The
Beltane Grove in Golden Gate Park,
The flyer says: Gather at
Noon, Ritual at 1PM. Please bring food or drink to share. All Reclaiming
rituals are clean and sober! NO drugs or alcohol (including wine), please. No one
will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Visit
http://reclaiming.org/rituals/sf.html for more information.
August 3, 4 - The Monterey
Scottish Games and Celtic Festival - Salinas.
The flyer says: For more
information, contact 831-647-6311, brigadoon@redshift.com, or visit
http://www.montereyscotgames.com/
August 14 thru 18 - The
Fourteenth Annual Elderflower Womenspirit Festival – Mendocino
The flyer says: Relax and
enjoy cabin or tent camping in a redwood forest by a creek in the Mendocino
Woodlands. Elderflower welcomes all women and girls age 11 or older. Girls
younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The focus of the festival is
on earth based spirituality and honoring the feminine through the Goddess.
Celebrate our spirituality by sharing knowledge, music, arts and ritual.
Registration must be submitted before August 10th. For more information, please
call 510-869-3828, or contact elderflower@onemain.com, or visit www.elderflower.org
or write to PO Box 72079,
Oakland, CA 94612-2079.
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
SAILING SHIPS AND SEALING WAX:
I was on the phone the other day with my friend Scoutghost (1) when the subject of the Pagan Journey came up. It seems that some of our people have a difficult time finding their way, initially, but that they usually end up doing just fine. Here is how some parts of the Pagan Voyage of Discovery might look:
(I don’t claim that this is everyone’s Path or even the whole picture. You’ll need to decide for yourself what rings true here and what doesn’t.)
Step One: First Contact:
You discover Earth Wise Spirituality. Maybe you read a Pagan book or see a Pagan website. Maybe you get your information from a friend or from a movie (usually bad) or a TV show (ditto). However you come to it, you are intrigued by Paganism and you want to know more. You want to meet everyone, you want to understand the true mystery of the universe and you want to do it all now. Be careful what you wish for…..
Step Two: Seeking the Craft of the Wise by:
Reading Books. You begin to build your library. You find that some of these books contradict each other. Some seem simple minded or silly. Some make historical claims they can’t prove. Only a handful are written by scholars or by people who truly know their subject. Some are just plain dumb. Very few go beyond the level of Paganism 101. Some few, some very few, will inspire and enlighten you.
Finding A Teacher: You look for someone who will teach you the Craft. You discover that some teachers make claims that they can’t prove. Some seem simple minded, silly, power hungry, slimy or just plain scary. Or, you wonder why your Teachers don’t know as much as you thought they would. Or maybe they know a great deal but they still can’t fix your problems. (2)
Visiting Newsgroups: The less said about this the better. Suffice it to say, that these are not the forums for learning and civil discourse that you had hoped they would be.
Working with Others: You might try working in a Coven or a Circle. You may not be comfortable with some of the people you meet there.Some of them don’t even appear to have their mundane life together so how is it that they claim to know so much about the ways of magick and ritual?
Some groups will tend to work out dysfunctional family patterns within the circle and they can draw you into their codependent dance, if you aren’t careful. Such groups can be about Drama and Trama. These can drain you and make you feel crazy. Some groups lack the tools to resolve conflicts and they rehash the same arguments and power struggles over and over again. (3)
Or, maybe Your Priest or Priestess no longer seems so very wonderful.
Instead they can seem to be grumpy, tired, overwhelmed or ineffectual. Why is that, you wonder?
Leading a Group: Maybe you tried to lead a Circle or a group yourself and you weren’t as careful of your energy and time as you should have been. Maybe you’ve discovered how hard it is to be a balanced Leader and Healer. Maybe no one was there to lend a hand when things needed to get done or perhaps you refused help when it was offered to you. Perhaps you accepted help and someone let you down. And you begin to think that you might have to stop giving so much to others and work your own boundaries and issues for a while. Maybe it’s time to go inward and renew your spiritual connection.
Performing Rituals: You’ve read all the books and you’ve done all the rituals and nothing’s changed. Maybe you thought that things were going to be different once you learned "The Rules", but your problems are still with you. Perhaps the change you are looking for has to come from within and not from without.
In any case, you are tired and worn out. You’re not sure that you want to work with other people, anymore. At this point, you despair of ever finding your true Pagan Tribe. You no longer care what happens next - or do you?
Step Three: Rethinking Your Approach (Also known as
Running Away and Hiding).
You are saddened, disgruntled, disillusioned, fed up or full of despair. You either give up being Pagan or you decide to remain a Solitary Pagan forever.
You realize that this isn’t some metaphysical version of a crash diet but a way of life and that it will have it’s up and downs. Slowly, bit by bit, you begin to make small changes in your life. Time passes and you find yourself thinking, “Now what?”
Step Four: Finding Friendship & Support.
Quite by accident (or so it seems) you meet some Pagans you like and feel comfortable with. They seem sane, healthy, friendly and truthful. They share your values, your ethics and your interests.
You begin to socialize with these people. Then someone says "There’s a full moon tonight", and you do a small, simple ceremony together. It feels nice. From time to time, you get together to celebrate a special occasion; you mark someone’s passing, you do work for positive change, you celebrate a holiday together or you just revel in the beauty of the season. If this is your Circle, it may not be the kind you read about in books. It is not formal or dramatic or mysterious. It may be a Circle of friends who gather to meet, rather than a group of mysterious strangers desperately trying to be accepted. It may seem more real to you for that reason.
But you still may find yourself thinking….”Now what?”
Step Five: Community.
You have been Pagan for a while now. You celebrate the Wheel of the Year when and as you choose. You have a few Pagan friends but they aren’t the only friends you have.
You may have an altar at home, but you don’t have as many Pagan ritual items as you once had. You’ve read the books you need to read and you design your own rituals. Maybe you’ve been initiated into a particular Path, maybe not. But you feel comfortable with your Practice and connected to the Divine as you understand it.
You’ve also grown as a person. You’ve faced some hard times and come through them. Your Pagan practice helped you do this.
Now you have a sense of the Pagan Community (for both good and ill) in your immediate area. You long ago gave up the idea that they were perfect, all-powerful or wiser then you are. You now know what you want and what you don’t want in your Pagan life.
You begin to wonder if there aren’t more out there like you. You feel grateful for what Paganism has given you. You might begin to wonder if it isn’t time to give something back. This is always a dangerous question to ask…
Step Six: Outreach.
Some Trickster Deity puts you in a position where you are working in, with or for the Pagan Community. You may suddenly find yourself in a position to help others who are new to the Craft. Maybe you write an article or lend someone a book. Maybe you help out with a website or a class. Or maybe you volunteer with a group, attend a festival or simply come out of the Broom Closet. Either way, it seems that you are now someone people go to for help, information, or guidance. And now you know the burden that your own Teachers once felt.
You like being responsible and you like using your gifts. Now about those gifts of yours...
Step Seven: You Do the Good That’s In Front of
You:
You do the good that is sent to you to do. The Universe does not take your convenience into account, only the need that exists. That’s fine by you – it’s part of the deal.
You feel no urgency about this – what is sent to you will be sent along with the means to meet the need at hand. You expect nothing in return. You have no desire to be anyone’s Guru. You trust yourself and your Higher Power. You do what you can do now and you do it on your own terms. You are ethical, truthful and compassionate. You handle your money, your life, your relationships and your responsibilities well and you still manage to have a great deal of fun.
You still make mistakes and you still have bad days, but you know that you are still growing and you use your power wisely. Above all, you own your own life.
Meanwhile, your “Bliss”, your true calling, is coming into being. It might be the very thing you’ve been avoiding. The Gods do so enjoy their little jokes.
Somehow, somewhere, the Universe got your address and it’s knocking on your door.
Step Eight: Deepening of the Spirit:
Through pain, joy, grief, triumph, loss and learning, you’ve achieved a deepening of the Spirit. You laugh more. You cherish your quiet time more. You are more creative and less critical. You say “yes” to yourself and say “no” to other people more often then you used to. You are on your way to becoming someone who is happy, wise, mischievous and peaceful.
You are more open minded, less judgmental, more forgiving and more powerful. You note with some humor that you now know less and understand a great deal more then you did when you were younger.
Your Pagan practice has become deeper and wider. It seems that you are well on the way to being the person you were always meant to be. You no longer have to learn everything “the hard way”.
At some point, you reach back, and work to heal the you that was a child. Then you take the knowledge you’ve gained in doing that and you begin to create the You That Will Be. In your meditations and Vision Quests you now see just when you’ve been led, how you’ve been protected and where you created your own problems.
You stop getting in your own way. You are no longer fearful of what the future holds. Whatever Sacred Contract you have going, it works for you. This contract does not guarantee that your life will be easy, but that it will be worth living.
You now have a Gratitude List a mile long and a deep regard for the difficult gifts that come to you. And you’ve long since stopped asking “Now what?”. You simply ride the wave that comes to you and enjoy this great Voyage of Discovery.
Step Nine: You Go Back to the Well.
You renew your spiritual commitment and your energy when you need to. You re-learn some things as you go along. You go easy on yourself. You realize that life is a circular path, not a linear progression. All of your searching and seeking and striving has brought you back to the place where you started. When you realize that, the only thing left to do is laugh.
You can and do repeat any of these steps, as needed.
You’ve learned something very basic and very important. It is that ships in the harbor are safe but that is not what ships are for.
Wishing you good winds and clear sailing,
Sia
http://www.fullcircleevents.org
Full Circle Events
“Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Create the Future”
(1) She has graciously forgiven me for praising her so
publicly.
(2) Some teachers are skilled, patient, wise, honest,
dedicated and truthful. It all
depends. The right teacher, they say,
comes along when the student is ready.
(3)
You may discover a group that is healthy, patient, knowledgeable, supportive
and empowering. Such groups do exist,
but like anything of value, they can be hard to find and there is a price to
pay. They will demand that you work
hard to be all that you can be. They
will expect you to have good boundaries, manners, ethics and a sense of
humor. They won’t lie to you. If you
lie to yourself, they will call you on it.
They know that if your life is out of order, your practice isn’t going to be to
too good, either. They will encourage you to get your life in order before you
try and handle any serious Mojo.