Greetings to all Full Circle friends and members,


In this edition of our December newsletter we have:


Drumwomyn* Gateway to Dreams in Sunnyvale * Winter Solstice Links * One Pagan Family’s Celebration * The Pagan Bookshelf * Pagan Shopping * Pagan Cooking * Pagan Crafts * Surviving the Holidays * Cutting Holiday Costs * Pagan Travel * Witches’ Ball Costume Contest Winners * Harry Potter Art * Events of Interest * Mother Wit for Yule

DRUMWOMYN:

DrumWomyn recognizes and celebrates the special connection between women and the drum, providing diversified experience with the drum for all level of drummers. DrumWomyn is not a drum circle. It is an orchestra of drums. We learn more than rhythms. As we create intricate drum songs - using not only our drums but also our voices and our bodies - parts are put together to create a greater whole. Hence our singular name and slogan, “DrumWomyn; One Drum, One Womyn.” It is our ultimate intent to “make music” and therefore, we are looking for committed members.
             DrumWomyn is contracted with Stephanie Root, a long-time local drum artist and teacher who serves as its director. She can be reached at 831-458-3560 or stephroot@msn.com. All sessions are $10 each plus $1 for the space fee. Lessons, for members only, are held the first and third Sundays of each month and focus on rehearsal and new rhythms/songs. Practices, for members, new members, potential members and drop-ins, are held the second and fourth Sundays and focus on drum etiquette, the basics of drumming and music, technique and rehearsal. You and your drum should be in place at the designated start time.
            A woman does not need to own a drum or even have ever touch a drum before joining DrumWomyn. We have extra drums available. New members need to know the basics of drumming, tone-bass-slap or gun-go-pa, and need to attend a practice in order to get acclimated. The basics are taught at practices. Members are encouraged to acquire a drum of their own. Part of the experience of drumming is bonding with your drum.
            All meetings are held on Sunday evenings from 6:30-8:30PM at Aptos Community United Methodist Church.   Sandra, 831-684-2408 or drumwomynorch@netscape.net is the contact for the drum orchestra. The group is presently guided by a steering committee. Thoughts, ideas and feelings from members are always welcomed. This is a group that celebrates freedom of spirit and recognizes that the heart is the “original drum.” Happy drumming!

 

YULE & THE WINTER SOLSTICE:

 

The Winter Solstice and Yule celebrations, will soon be upon us. 

 

Yule may mean 'Yoke of the Year', derived from the Anglo-Saxon Geola, though some suggest a derivation from the Norse Jul, meaning 'wheel'. Although it marks the sun's weakest point in the year, Yule is also the point at which the sun is reborn, as days begin to grow longer again. This link with the rebirth of the sun means that Yule was chosen as the birthday of the main deity in many religions. Dionysus, Mithras, Helios, Horus and Jesus (despite the Bible's indication of a spring birth) were all reputedly born on 25th December, the date on which the Winter Solstice used to fall before calendar changes. The Druidic name for Yule, 'Light of Arthur', identifies the legendary British King Arthur with the sun god.  (this Yule history comes to us from Byzant.com - http://www.byzant.com)

 

Here are some links we think you might enjoy:

 

A Winter Solstice Page: Architecture, History & more

http://www.candlegrove.com/solstice.html#architecture

 

A Pagan Yule Carol Collection: Pagan words for the traditional carols & new songs for the community.

http://members.tripod.com/~Willow_Firesong/YulCarls/index.html

 

For Pagan Parents: A Family Education Web page on the Winter Solstice:

http://www.familyeducation.com/topic/front/0,1156,1-4205,00.html

 

Nurturing Your Spirit: Questions to ask during the Winter Solstice Season:

http://www.create.org/elchai/herbcer1.htm

 

Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Selena Fox:

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/SolsticeArticle.html

 

Druidic Yule:

http://www.pagan-home.com/yule/druidic_yule.html

 

A Brief History of Solstice Celebrations:

http://www.shambhala.org/arts/fest/unconquered.html

 

Yule Essays at The Witches’ Voice:

http://www.witchvox.com/holidays/xyule.html

 

Swedish Yule Goat:

http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Noel/angl/legimg/goat.htm

 

Sacred Plants of the Winter Solstice:

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/YulePlants.html

 

Astronomy and the Winter Solstice:

http://www.treasure-troves.com/astro/WinterSolstice.html

 

 

Winter solstice for 2002 will occur at 5:14 pm PST on December 21.
If you want to be precise, please be sure to correct for your time zone.

 

Here's a chart through 2005, It is based on Universal Time- please adjust it for your time zone.


One Pagan Family’s Celebration:

This was sent to PragmaticPagans@yahoogroups.com last year by Dawn of Rabbit Warren.  The subject at the time was “How do we celebrate the Winter holidays as Pagan Families?.  It is reprinted here with permission.  Rabbit Warren includes Lon, Troy & Rowan.

Our son is now 6 1/2.  And we love holiday traditions.  We incorporate elements of several holidays, with an emphasis on Pagan symbolism.  We always have the Yule tree and Yule log and other such traditions that actually come from Pagan roots.  The Yule tree is a symbol of life surviving in the cold and dark time.  Ours is decorated with vintage glass ornaments (above small child height) and Pagan images we have made out of Sculpy and other materials -- goddesses, horned god, suns, moons, pentacle, etc.  We have an Isis tree topper.  This has the look of an angel but with very different meanings.  (I made our Isis who has golden wings, is black and attired Egyptian complete with headdress, collar and bare breasts.) 

 Santa we only mildly incorporate.  We refer to him as the Yule King or God of Winter.  Xmas is self is treated as a secular holiday of family giving.  This we usually spend with the in-laws.

Winter Solstice itself is our big holiday.  We have a long-standing tradition of holding an all night Yule Celebration.  The symbolism is that we stay up all night on the longest night of the year -- sharing with our loved ones, community.  This symbolizes that it is through community support that we make it though the long dark times.  At sunset we light our Yule candle that light may always burn in the darkness.  Then the entire house is lit with candles and a fire burning in the fireplace.  (The Yule log is always the trunk of last year's Yule tree.)  Then the guests arrive around 10 pm to spend the night.  (At least half will usually fall asleep during the night, so it is kind of a big slumber party.)  There is singing (Pagan carols -- we have a book!), storytelling, music, games and lots of food.  Around midnight we have a ritual honoring the dark times.  Then at sunrise, all those who slumber are woken and we go out to sing up the sun.  Then all retire to sleep or go on their way. 

 Since many in the community suffer from season depression, this is also a good way of honoring those feelings and giving support to all.  The children love the party -- especially the staying up late and eating lots of treats.

Presents we handle in a way more reminiscent of Hanukah.  We give a present a day to our son during the season.  We find he is able to appreciate gifts better when he is not overwhelmed with too many at once.  It also helps de-emphasize any one day in the season.  (We did this with his birthday this year too and it helped.)


GATEWAY TO DREAMS IN SUNNYVALE:

El Paso de Los Sueńos or Gateway to Dreams, the pyramidal sculpture by artist Gene Flores, sits on the corner of Mathilda Avenue and El Camino in Sunnyvale.  At dawn the sun rises directly between the two bronze wedges strategically placed for the effect to be realized with minimum aperture on the winter solstice and maximum on summer solstice. For one brief moment, centuries of science fade away as watchers in the city that high-tech built experience one of the first mysteries to spark human imagination: the changing seasons. 


THE PAGAN BOOKSHELF:

On the Pagan bookshelf this month we have:


When Santa Was A Shaman: The Ancient Origins of Santa Claus and the
Christmas Tree by Tony Van Renterghem


"Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth" by Dorothy Morrison
"The Solstice Evergreen: The History, Folklore and Origins of the Christmas
Tree" by Sheryl Ann Karas


Celebrate the Solstice: Honoring the Earth's Seasonal Rhythms through
Festival and Ceremony by Richard Heinberg.


Unplug the Christmas Machine by Jo Robinson & Simplify Your Christmas: 100 Ways to Reduce Your Stress and Recapture the Joy of the Holidays by Elaine St. James (These are good books people of all faiths)


We are also happy to announce a new Discworld book by Terry Pratchett titled “Nightwatch”.  It is currently available in hardcover editions at your local bookstore.  It will make a wonderful Yule gift for those diehard Discworld fans.


PAGAN SHOPPING:

Looking for a natural pine wreath?  Costco currently has these on sale for $12.00 each.  They are 30” across.  (Costco usually carry pine swags, as well.  You have to keep looking for these, as they sell out quickly)

You can also find all natural winter decorations at Trader Joe’s and at the Summer Winds nurseries.  Many Christmas Tree lots also offer pine wreaths & swags, but their prices tend to be higher.

Also, the new version of the “Go Goddess” game is now available at Target. http://www.gogoddess.com/home.html


PAGAN COOKING:

 

Vegan Recipes for Yule:

 http://www.veganfamily.co.uk/yule.html

 

Northern European Yule Wreath:

http://www.pagan-home.com/yule/modern_yule.html

 

Yule Flat Bread and Family Mead:

http://www.pagan-home.com/yule/yule_bread_mead.html

 

Yule Recipes (various) for breads, soups, etc.

http://solsticemoon.com/spiritual/sabbats/yule/yulerecipes.html

 

Solar Cookies, Solstice Stew & Pumpkin Bread:

http://www.celticcrow.com/ncraft/yulerec.html

 

Herbal Yule Trees, 12 Herb Sachet & Kissing Balls:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Rhodes/1989/crafts/yule2.html

 

 

PAGAN CRAFTS:

 

Pomanders: http://www.pagan-home.com/yule/pomanders.html

 

Herb & Crystal Ornaments: http://members.tripod.com/~faeriemist/bos/crafts.html

 

How to Make Yule Logs, Yule Wreaths as well as Peanut Butter & Pine Cone Wreaths for the Birds: http://www.celticcrow.com/ncraft/yulecrafts.html

 

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS:

 

Help for Stress during the holidays:

http://stress.about.com/cs/holidaysurvival/index.htm?terms=surviving+the+holidays

 

Surviving family gatherings: http://mentalhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa122198.htm?terms=dysfunctional+families+++holidays

 

Seasonal Depression:

http://mentalhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa120897.htm

 

 

CUTTING HOLIDAY COSTS:

Tips for a frugal & sensible Holiday Season: http://frugalliving.about.com/sitesearch.htm?terms=frugal%20christmas&SUName=frugalliving&TopNode=3042&type=1

Tips for a Frugal and Happy Thanksgiving: http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/thanksgiving/index.htm


PAGAN TRAVEL:

Sacred Journeys Travel & Retreats for women is locally owned and operated.  Check out their webpage at: http://www.sacredjourneys.com.  Here is the 2003 list of California Retreats: http://www.sacredjourneys.com/retreats.html

Holly’s Place in Lake Tahoe is listed as a “women friendly” inn. They also welcome well behaved dogs and children.   Family cabins are also available.  Check them out at http://www.hollysplace.com/


ANNOUNCING: WITCHES’ BALL COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS:

This just in from Hawk, our Witches’ Ball Director:

 

-----------------------------

The 2002 Witches’ Ball Costume Contest Winners are:

Best Child's Female: Breanne McKee: Purple Princess

Best Junior Male: Wade Hale: Street Rat, caller for Opium Den and
 Whore House

 

Best Theme Female: Cheryl Bradley
 (A vision and a treat to the eye. She appeared in a magnificent green corset with feather boa train)

 

Best Theme Male: William_M_Cornett
     (A most handsome gentleman.  He appeared black velvet frock coat, gold vest, top hat, cane.  Women swooned)

Most Imaginative Female: Lori
     (PVC witch)

 

Most Imaginative Male: Pan
     (17th century ivory & gold coat with elaborate Pan mask)

 

Best Staff & Volunteer Female: Tammy Wanzer
     (The Fabulous Mrs. Ziglar)

Best Staff & Volunteer Male: Sean Fish
     ("Drunken poet, absinthe loving, woman admiring writer of bloody
     awful verse!")

Director's Choice: (3)
  Shannon Magin: Vampire Princess (You had to see this costume to believe it. Amazing)

  Nurse of the Nightengale School (no name)

  Ray Greer: Phrenologist (& wit)

Special Mention: Best Accessory: Slave of the Vampire Princess

Best Child's Female: Breanne McKee: Purple Princess

There were so many wonderful costumes there that night that it very difficult to choose.  We’d like to thank all the candidates for their participation and for their patience as we worked through the details of this complex event.

 

We look forward to seeing what you come up with next year.

 

Hawk & the WB Costume Judges

-----------------------------------------------

 

Hawk and her team are taking a bit of time off to rest and enjoy the holidays with their families.  They tell me that pictures of the Winners will be up on our web site in January.

 

HARRY POTTER ART:

 

Imagine if Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione were drawn by an artist who loved Japanese Anime.  http://www.angelfire.com/ne2/hpart/index2.html. Click on the page titled “Gallery”.  My favorite piece is the last one in the group.

 

Other example of this artist’s work can be found on her homepage.  She is the talented teenage daughter of a local Pagan couple.

 

Prints of her work are available upon request.  You can contact the artist via her website.

 

EVENTS OF INTEREST:

 

November 13- February 29 – Dancers, Dolls & Deities – Novato

An exhibition of 75 dolls, including some from the turn of the century, explores how the Hopi kachina doll has evolved from its traditional ceremonial purpose to contemporary artwork. Also on display are objects that were used in everyday Hopi life. http://www.marinindian.com/

November 29 – December 21 – Fantasy of Lights – Los Gatos http://www.fantasyoflights.com/site/0,4760,sid=12814,00.html

November 29 – December 15 – Spirit of Christmas Crafts Faire - Sonoma                 

Over 200 booths of quality crafts and unique gifts, with elaborate decorations, ongoing entertainment and holiday characters.

http://www.spiritofchristmasfaire.com

 

November 29 – January – Zoo lights – Oakland Zoo

Colorful and whimsical lighting displays range from favorite holiday characters to a megawatt menagerie of exotic animals, all underneath a jungle canopy of twinkling lights. Carnival rides—including the Snowball Express Roller Coaster, the Holiday Carousel, and Santa's Flying Airplanes—will keep the kids entertained; adults will enjoy the light shows set to classic rock from 107.7 The Bone.  http://www.oaklandzoo.org/

 

November 30th – December 7 – Holidays at Filoli Gardens – Woodside

The Filoli estate opens its doors for a weeklong holiday celebration and benefit, with children's parties, luncheons, evening parties, and the sale of decorative gift items for the whole family

http://www.filoli.org/

 

November 30 – December 22 – Dickens Christmas Faire – San Francisco

Step into your favorite Charles Dickens tale as the streets of 19th century London come to life. Join the characters of Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, The Pickwick Papers, and other beloved Dickens' stories for a Victorian Christmas, complete with singing chimney sweeps, Punch and Judy puppet shows, old-fashioned gifts and art, fish & chips and English ale, live music, theater, and children’s activities. http://www.dickensfair.com/

 

November 30 –January 1 – Carols in the Caves – Various Locations

David Auerbach is a musical "improvisator" who plays rare instruments from all over the world, such as dulcimers, harps, psalteries, panpipes, flutes, concertinas, bells, drums, and mallet percussion. Locations are as follows: Mirassou Champagne Cellars (300 College Ave., Los Gatos) 11/30,12/1,1/4; Hans Fahden Vineyards (4855 Petrified Forest Rd., Calistoga) 12/7; Folie a Deux (3070 Hwy. 29, St. Helena) 12/14, 12/15; Vine Cliff Winery (7400 Siliverado Trail near Yountville) 12/21, 12/22; Buena Vista Winery (1800 Old Winery Rd., Sonoma) 12/28.  http://www.carolsinthecaves.com/

 

November 30 - December 23 – Chanticleer Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert – Various Locations.

Featuring medieval and Renaissance music, carols, and spirituals.

http://www.chanticleer.org/

 

December 1 – 15th ongoing – Christmas Tea in the Old Farmhouse – Yerba Buena Nursery & Gardens – Woodside

Please join us for a memorable Christmas Tea as we gather in the beautiful Great Room of the Old Farmhouse at Yerba Buena Nursery.  A delicious hot luncheon will be served amidst the splendor of special holiday decorations. Group size for each Christmas Tea is limited to 50 guests, by advance reservation only.  Should you wish your own table, bring a group of 10 people!  Holiday gifts will be available in our Garden Shop, and we encourage all to dress for walking through the gardens before or after their Tea.

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/

 

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Learn to read Hieroglyphs – San Jose

Learn to read Hieroglyphs at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose from 2-3pm. This is a single, repeating one-hour workshop that will introduce 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. Information: 408-947-3632, or visit http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/calendar/index.html

 

December 1 – Mediterranean Frame Drumming Class for Women - Aptos

DrumWomyn celebrates the special connection between women and the drum, providing diversified experience with the drum for all levels of drummers from 6:30-8:30pm at the Aptos Community United Methodist Church at 221Thunderbird Drive. Experience life in rhythm, join in the revival of an ancient paradigm, and explore the wonderful world of frame drumming. We will cover: Basic drum strokes and their relation to the elements of nature, simple popular rhythms of the Mediterranean area and a brief history of the world's oldest known drum. Information: Sandra 831-684-2408 or drumwomynorch@netscape.net.

 

December 1 – 15th – Kita’s Women Chorus – Various Locations

An acclaimed women's vocal group presents a program showcasing seasonal songs from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Performances take place in Healdsburg (12/1, Community Church), San Francisco (12/6, St. Gregory's Church), Santa Cruz (12/8, First Congregational Church), Oakland (12/13, Lake Merritt United Methodist Church), San Rafael (12/14, Osher Marin Jewish Community Center), San Jose (12/14, Le Petit Trianon). http://www.kitka.org/

 

December 1 –12th – Gingerbread Village Display – San Jose

What do you get when you mix 50 pounds of gingerbread, 3 gallons of egg whites, 35 pounds of powdered sugar, and every kind of candy from licorice to peppermint sticks? No, not a toothache—the gingerbread village, a collection of 25 gingerbread houses whipped up by hotel pastry chefs.  Fairmont Hotel – Free - (408) 998-1900

 

December 2 – Tea and Trumpets – Burlingame

Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr., Burlingame CA 94010

Schedule: 4 p.m.–8 p.m. - Admission $35, children free - (650) 579-6155 Speak with Linda HylenTwelve local floral designers collaborate to deck the halls of this Tudor mansion with garlands, lights, and 20-foot Christmas trees. Trumpeters greet guests who come to enjoy sumptuous treats and pots of tea. Relax to harp music, opera arias, and sing-along Christmas carols. There will also be a Mad Hatter's Tea Party for children.

 

December 3 – Open Gathering – Berkeley

Fellowship of the Spiral Path (SPIRAL) offers ongoing classes and teaching circles, open rituals and clergy services for men and women at the Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Church on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. Information: Diana at 510-658-6033.

 

December 3 - Celebrate Gyhldeptis, Forest Goddess of the Tlingit & Haida – East Bay – Women Only

Celebrate Gyhldeptis, Forest Goddess of the Tlingit & Haida peoples who can synthesize the light and the dark, New Moon in Sagittarius with Daughters of the Goddess at 7:30pm. Open to all womyn desiring knowledge of and experiential work with, the multi-faceted aspects of the Goddess, in ritual. Information: Lellani at 925-256-8109, Leimermaid@aol.com, or visit http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com.

 

December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Pagan Support Group – Santa Clara

A Pagan Support Group meets on Tuesdays from 7:30-9pm. Visit http://www.spiralsteps.org to request an invitation.

 

December 4th – January 5th – Christmas Bird Count

Since 1900, birders have gathered for the Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count. Both expert and novice bird lovers wander over hill and dale to gather information on birds in the United States. Last year over 55,000 volunteers participated in this bird-friendly venture. http://www.audubon.org/

 

December 5 – Pronaos Ritual – Aptos

Pronaos Ritual Work, with Artisans of Light, on the first Thursday of every month at 8pm. Information: artisan@thegrid.net.

 

December 5 – Winter Festival – Palo Alto

5 – 8 pm in Downtown Palo Alto.  Crafts, games, songs & a petty zoo for the kids.

Call (650) 463-4921 or visit: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/entertainment/winterfest.html

 

December 6 – Welcome Yule - Anonymous 4 Concert – Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Anonymous 4, joined by harpist Alyssa Reit, has created an unusual new program for the holiday season, tapping into the wealth of ancient, traditional, and modern songs from the British Isles. Using elements from both pagan and Christian traditions, the program will intertwine English, Irish, and Scottish traditional ballads and carols accompanied by Celtic harp. A special feature will be two newly commissioned carols, by Peter Maxwell Davies and Jocelyn Pook. The program will culminate in Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols," for treble voices and concert harp. http://www.performances.org/index.asp and http://www.anonymous4.com/

 

December 6 – Stories of Yule Class – Oakland

Ancient Ways hosts, Stories of Yule, St. Lucia and Winter Solstice with Glenn Turner at 7:30pm. Hear and share stories of the season. Bring food and drink to share. A short ritual included. Cost: $5 to $10, sliding scale. Information: 510-653-3244 or visit http://www.ancientways.com/html/events.html.

 

December 6 – Rune Class – Berkeley

Rune Classes are being offered on the first Friday of every month with Hammer Oak Kindred at 7:30pm. Two to three runes of the elder futhark will be studied in each class. It’s part lecture, part discussion and almost always there is an activity relating to the rune. A donation between $2-$5 is requested to pay for the room rental, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Information: Eric at eric@iconoclast.net.

 

December 6 & 7 – Latina Folk Festival – San Francisco

This annual festival brings together musicians such as Chilean singer, songwriter, and guitarist Ismael "Bandolero Duran" and 18-year-old violinist and vocalist Quetzal Guerrero, who has performed with Santana, and others. Also on tap, a free children's concert on 12/7 held at the Mission Neighborhood Center at 362 Capp St. with Derique and the Prescott Clowns and Gloria's Puppet Show. http://www.accionlatina.org/htdocs/index.html

 

December 6 thru 8 – Medicine for the Earth – Berkeley

Lenore Norrgard hosts Medicine for the Earth: How to Transform Personal & Environmental Toxins -- based on the book by Sandra Ingerman, Friday evening thru Sunday noon at the Durant Center.  We will carry out a ceremony to clear polluted water. Do read "Medicine for the Earth" by Sandra Ingerman prior to the gathering. You may also wish to review Sandra Ingerman's web site at http://shamanicvisions.com/ingerman.html. Tuition: $235. Information: Lenore at 415-820-1655 or visit www.circlelivingearth.org, or Durant Center at 510-848-7024 or visit www.duranthouse.org.

 

December 6 – 27th – Holiday Horse Drawn Carriage Rides – Los Gatos

http://www.losgatosweb.com/

 

December 7 – Holiday Stress Buster Playshop – San Jose

In this playshop, we’ll demonstrate how Hypnosis can assist you to live a life of reduced stress, experience more energy and help you to flow harmoniously through the holiday season and throughout the year!  We will also be using meditation and playing through an informative manual that will provide you with clear and manageable ways to de-stress yourself. Contact:

Victoria S.V. Holl, CHT @ (408) 626-0260 or http://www.hypnotherapyoasis.com

 

December 7 – Open Meeting – Modesto

Open congregation meetings with Fellowship of the Earth take place the first Saturday of every month at 3 PM at the Universal Life Church. Information: fote@partytown.com.

 

December 7- Understanding the Pagan Path - Fremont

DESCRIPTION: The Way of the Magi offers a 3-hour course that will take a look at alternative religion. It will cover many paths including Wicca, Druidism, Shamanism and more! There is a $25 fee for this class. For more information, please contact Lady Toban or Notus at 510 657 8566. You can read more about this class at www.wayofthemagi.com

 

December 7 – January 5th – Attack of the Wrapping Paper Caper – San Francisco

Using Lunatique's trademark style of creating puppets from ordinary and household objects, this zany show stars Styrofoam Peanut Man, a cardboard-tube T-Rex, and other imaginative characters made of gift-wrapping materials. Appropriate for kids of all ages. http://www.lunfan.com/

 

December 7 – Oakland Holiday Parade – Oakland

http://www.oaklandholidayparade.com/

 

December 7 – Guided Bird Walk –  Lake County

http://www.redbudaudubon.org/

 

December 7 – Botanical Garden Holiday Sale – Berkeley

http://www.mip.berkeley.edu/garden/

 

December 7 – January 1st – Holiday Parade & Christmas in the Park  – San Jose

http://www.sanjoseholidayparade.com/

 

December 8 – Winter Meditation – Mountain View

This class offers a balm to the soul by getting us in touch with the rhythm of this slower season. We will do some simple imaging and energy work to get in touch with the qualities of Winter. This will be followed by two guided meditations, one for contemplation and one for rejuvenation. Suggestions for incorporating both aspects of Winter into our lives will be included. Students are asked to bring a notebook and pen. Handouts and non-alcoholic beverages provided. For more information call Maureen Pattarelli at 650-325-5225

 

December 8 - Medieval Manor Yule Feast – San Francisco

Reservations are required. Advance ticket purchase with check or money order can be made before November 26, 2002 at For more information, contact 415-468-9664, h2owitch@pacbell.net, or visit http://www.phases.org

 

December 11 – Yule Celebration – Berkeley

Hrafnar kindred hosts heathen events and rituals on the second Wednesday of every month, starting at 7:30pm. This month’s gathering will be a Yule celebration. Open to both men and women, this is a potluck, and contributions of food and drink are welcome. Most meetings are open, but newcomers should contact Hrafnar Circle first to confirm the topic and location.

Email greyhavn@earthlink.net or visit http://www.hrafnar.org

 

December 12th – 14th – Christmas in the Adobes – Monterey

Eighteen of Monterey’s Historic Building are decorated, lit by thousands of candles and opened for a special tours: http://www.mbay.net/~mshp/

 

December 13th – 22nd – Christmas & Solstice Revels – Oakland

This year's celebration of the winter solstice transports audience members to the Galician region of Spain during the last years of the Renaissance. Featured artists include Shira Kammen on the fiddle and Kevin Carr on the gaita (Galician bagpipes). The production explores not only well-known Spanish traditions like Flamenco, but also the little-known Celtic roots of Galician folk music. Audience members can look forward to a participatory theater experience, as they are invited to join in the "Lord of the Dance" at the end of the first act. http://www.calrevels.org/

 

December 14 & 15th – Pagan Concert – Santa Cruz

For more information go to: http://shekhinah.net/

 

December 14 & 15th, 21st – 24th – Telegraph Avenue Street Faire – Berkeley

Traffic is given the boot as more than 300 artists, merchants, and community groups take over Telegraph Avenue on six different days for an annual holiday sale of handicrafts. Shoppers can choose from a wide assortment of wares—from candles, leather work, and handmade soap, to toys, paintings, and musical instruments. 11 am – 6 pm.

 

December 14th – Open Circle with Community Seed – Santa Cruz

Open Circle, December 8th, at the Pacific Cultural Center 2-4pm. Our beloved friend Alison Harlow has offered to host this months open circle and will be sharing some of her Faery Tradition with us. http://www.communityseed.org

 

December 14th – Women’s Yule Gathering – Santa Clara

Come join the Sisters in The Sacred Circle for a magical evening of Yule Time festivities
& to honor the Goddess of rebirth & renewal! Storytelling - Drumming Circle - Winter Dreams Ritual Caroling - Holiday Treats - Merriment – Sisterhood.  Bring Drums & Rattles
A votive candle (in glass) for the Ritual Sacred Circle Songbooks (some will be provided)
Holiday Treats for the Table (optional) RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! Please reserve your space by Dec. 10th by contacting JoAnna at 775-882-1599 or joanna@pyramid.net

 

December 15th – Yule Gathering & Fundraiser – Modesto

A dinner with ritual, song, and a silent auction. 

http://www.whisperedprayers.com/ModestoPPD_YuleGathering.html

 

December 14 – 15th – Pioneer Christmas – Santa Cruz

Victorian carolers and Roaring Camp's main street decorated with garlands, boughs, and bows bring you back to Christmas of the 1880s. Hop on the train to Bear Mountain and join Pioneer Santa for a treasure hunt through a redwood forest. http://www.roaringcamp.com/

 

December 14 – Yule Celebration – Menlo Park

South Bay Circles will host a Yule Celebration presented by Cylch Difflanol. Attendance is by invitation. Information: Bianca at 408-265-5180, or Bill at 408-730-9622, wabaldwin@aol.com, or visit http://members.aol.com/wabaldwin/sbc.

 

December 15th – Santa’s Black Market – San Francisco

Counterculture Crafts Faire: http://www.santasblackmarket.com/

 

December 15 – Rabbit Village Social – El Cerrito

The Rabbit Warren invites you to a Rabbit Village Social on the third Sunday of every month from 5-10pm. We will begin with socializing and a potluck dinner, then we will have a village discussion from around 7-9pm, with social time again after ending at 10pm. Since a village is made up of all ages, we would also like to include childcare during the discussion part so that everyone can participate. We want to encourage children to be able to connect with their village peers as well. So if you have children and will be bringing them, please let us know ahead of time. Please bring food and/or drinks to share for the potluck. Please contribute to the community by bringing something of value to share. We ask that each person contribute $3-5 to help with expenses.  RSVP required. Information: rabbitwarren@therabbitwarren.org or visit www.therabbitwarren.org/rwweb/index.htm.

 

December 16-March 3 - Wicca 101 - Fremont

DESCRIPTION: The Way of the Magi offers a 12-week course that takes you from curiosity to dedication! Join us Monday nights from 7-10pm and discover the mysteries of Wicca! For registration and fee information please call Lady Toban or Notus at 510 657-8566. You can read more about the class at www.wayofthemagi.com

 

December 17 – Rune Workshop – San Francisco

The American Vinland Association hosts a Rune Workshop at Captain Patt's on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9pm. Information: runegild@freyasfolk.org.

 

December 20 – Winter Solstice Celebration – San Francisco

Join Reclaiming for a Winter Solstice celebration at Ocean Beach beginning at 3:00pm; ritual at 4:00pm. Meet between Sloat Blvd. and Taraval Street but be closer to Taraval. Please bring wood for the fire, food and juice to share, and a towel if you plan to plunge. Also, dress warmly, it can get quite cold.

 

December 20 – Women’s Singing Winter Solstice Ritual – East Bay

All women are invited to join Singing Winter Solstice with Daughters of the Goddess in the East Bay at 7:30pm. Bring your favorite Goddess Yule songs to celebrate the return of the light. While this is not a drop-in circle, you can confirm with Daughters of the Goddess on the day of ritual, if you want attend. Please bring a candle for the altar, rattles, drums, blanket, pillow to sit on and a snack to share. Cost: $40. Work exchange and senior discount payment plans available, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Information: Lellani at 925-256-8109, Leimermaid@aol.com, or visit http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com.

 

December 20 – Ecstatic Dance – Santa Cruz

Experience oneness with Spirit through sacred dance and soul empowering music of the world every third Friday from 7-10pm at Body & Soul located at 738 Chestnut St in Santa Cruz. Ecstatic Dance allows your dance to be your heartfelt prayer. Cost: $15 offering. Information: Iolani at 831-479-3310 or visit www.sanctuary-illumination.com.

 

December 21 – Yule Celebration – Berkeley

Darkstar Coven invites you to join them for a Yule Celebration at 3:30pm at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists on Cedar and Bonita. Bring something for the gift cauldron. Donation: $10-25; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Information: Laurel at raudhildr@earthlink.net.

 

December 21 – Winter Solstice Celebration – San Jose

Hearthstone will host a Winter Solstice Celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Hearthstone Home. Information: molly@hearthstonecircle.org, or visit  http://www.hearthstonecircle.org.

 

December 21 - Winter Solstice Celebration  - Boulder Creek

All ages and genders are welcome to come to Circle for Winter Solstice at Sunbeam Farms. Gather at 11:30am; Ritual begins Noon (No latecomers please). Outside, rain or shine, we will dance the wheel of the year another turn and look for meaning in the dark. Come stir the cauldron with Mother Winter and see what visions come to you. Celebrate with us as we welcome back the lengthening days. After the ritual we will have a Merry Walk to decorate a Solstice Tree for the animals. Merry Potluck to follow inside. Please bring, an offering of a prepared (cut and washed) vegetable to Mother Winter's Soup Cauldron. Casseroles, breads, spreads and deserts are welcome. Please don't forget your bowl, spoon and fork. Bring drums, etc. Information: Karen at Karen@risingdragon.org or Copper at CopperPersephone@aol.com.

 

December 21 –Winter Solstice celebration - Half Moon Bay Yacht Club

We will greet the birth of the Sun in ceremony with singing, drumming and sun birth stories from around the world. Come join us on the beach around a warming fire when we welcome the return of the light to the world. Weather and tides permitting, ceremonies occur around a bonfire on the beach. Contribution $10.00, and bring a potluck item. RSVP requested. For more information, contact janfreya@mindspring.com.

 

December 22 - Yule Celebration - Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

Gather at 3pm - ritual at 4pm. Meet between Sloat Blvd. and Taraval Street but will be closer to Taraval. Bring: Wood for the fire, food and juice to share, and a towel if you plan to plunge. For more information, visit http://reclaiming.org/rituals/sf.html.

 

December 21 – Celtic Winter Solstice Celebration – Gilroy

The Sanctuary will host a Celtic Celebration of the Winter Solstice; an evening with Karen Ehrenfeldt at 7:30pm. The Sanctuary is located at 60 5th St in Gilroy. Information: 408-847-1890,  lovingkindness5@excite.com, or visit http://www.lighthousewoods.com/calendar_sanct.html.

 

December 21 – Drumming Circle – Walnut Creek

Every third Saturday, Dolphin Dream hosts a drumming circle from 6:30 – 8PM. Bring your drums and rattles or use theirs to beat away the stresses of the outside world and find that place within where the heartbeat dwells. Attendance is free. Information: 925-933-2342.

 

January thru December, 2003 – Bardic Study – Gilroy

The Sanctuary is hosting, “Bardic Grade Study”, a year-long class with Karen Ehrenfeldt meeting once a month. This introductory course is for those interested in learning about the practice of Druidry within the support of a group setting. The program is being offered by The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) and can be reviewed at http://www.obod.co.uk/intro/default.htm. Karen has received permission from OBOD to serve as a teacher in California. The Sanctuary is located at 60 5th St in Gilroy. Cost: $335. Information: 408-838-4704 or karen@xs.com.

 

January 3 – Elements of Witchcraft Course – Walnut Creek

Dolphin Dream will host a 5-week course, The Elements of Witchcraft with Storm Faerywolf from 7-9PM. Class size is limited. Cost: $50-$100 sliding scale for entire course; $25 non-refundable deposit required to hold your space. Information: 925-933-2342.

 

January 4th – Victorian Twelfth Night Ball – San Mateo

From our talented friends at PEERS: http://www.peers.org/12th.html

 

January 5, 12, 19, 26 – Learn to read Hieroglyphs – San Jose

Learn to read Hieroglyphs at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose from 2-3pm. Information: 408-947-3632, or visit http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/calendar/index.html.

 

January 7 – Women’s Descent of Innana Celebration – East Bay

All women are welcome to celebrate The Descent of Innana with Daughters of the Goddess starting at 7:30pm. Walk the path of the Sumerian Goddess as she descends to the Underworld and re-emerges as Queen of Heaven and Earth. While this is not a drop-in circle, you can confirm with Daughters of the Goddess on the day of ritual, if you want attend. Please bring a candle for the altar, rattles, drums, blanket, pillow to sit on and a snack to share. Cost: $40. Work exchange and senior discount payment plans available. All women are welcome, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Information: Lellani at 925-256-8109,  Leimermaid@aol.com, or visit http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com.

 

January 11, 25 – Ancient Cosmetics Workshop – San Jose

Ancient Cosmetics Workshops are being offered at the Rosicrucian museum on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, from 1:30-2:30pm. "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. Free with Museum admission. Donation encouraged. Information: 408-947-3632, or visit http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/calendar/index.html.

 

January 16, 2003 – Women’s Blessing of the Animals Ritual – East Bay

Daughters of the Goddess hosts Blessing of the Animals, and The Goddess Artemis, with special guest, Cathy Malkin at 7:30pm. Learn how to communicate with animals. While this is not a drop-in circle, you can confirm with Daughters of the Goddess on the day of ritual, if you want attend. Please bring a candle for the altar, rattles, drums, blanket, pillow to sit on and a snack to share. Cost: $40. Work exchange and senior discount payment plans available. All women are welcome, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Information: Lellani Birelyi at 925- 256-8109, Leimermaid@aol.com or visit http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com.

 

January 26 – Open Ritual – Gaia’s Gateway – Palo Alto

BAPA sponsors Gaia's Gateway, an open public ritual featuring a different Pagan tradition each month. Gateways are held from 6-8pm at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church located at 505 E. Charleston Rd. Each Gateway begins with an informative talk, and both the talk and the ritual are led by the practitioners of the religion presented. Information: 408-559-GAIA (4242), or visit www.bapa.net.

 

February 6, 2003 – Women’s Imbolc/Candlemas Celebration – East Bay

Celebrate Imbolc/Candlemas and the Goddess Brigit with Daughters of the Goddess at 7:30pm. Please confirm with Daughters of the Goddess on the day of ritual, if you want attend. Please bring a candle for the altar, rattles, drums, blanket, pillow to sit on and a snack to share. Cost: $40. Work exchange and senior discount payment plans available. All women are welcome, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Information: Lellani Birelyi at 925- 256-8109, Leimermaid@aol

 

February 14-17, 2003 – PantheaCon – San Jose

A Pagan gathering of workshops, lectures rituals and vendors. This event will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in San Jose. For more information, contact Ancient Ways at 510-653-3244 or www.ancientways.com.

 

Saturday, October 18th – The 4th Annual Witches’ Ball – San Jose

Theme: “The Silk Road: From Venice to China”

More information will be forthcoming as the year progresses.

http://www.fullcircleevents.org

 

Pagan Events compiled by Scoutghost

Mundane Events compiled by Sia

For more information on these and other events, visit

Bay Area Pagan Assemblies: http://www.baba.net

The Index: http://www.cyprian.org/Index/

The Witches Voice: http://www.witchvox.com

 

MOTHER WIT FOR YULE:

Editor’s Note: This article was first printed in the Dec. 2000 newsletter for FCE.   A number of you have written in lately to request reprints of this article so I have included it here.  Enjoy. )

I have a quote button on my office bulletin board that says:

“I am the Mother of All Things and All Things should wear a sweater”

Good advice, that.  I keep it there to remind me that the Mother Goddess I know is warm hearted, nurturing and very, very practical.  Like all good mothers she gently reminds me what is important and what isn’t.  I need those reminders on a regular basis and never more so than at Yule.

Don’t get me wrong; I love this time of year.  I love the change in the air and in the earth.  I love watching the migration of birds and making the wonderful foods that come with cold weather. But I also dread this time of year because with it comes a secular horror I refer to as “Xmas”. (1) 

Xmas, the cause of so much winter discontent, is the reason I used to overspend, overeat, and overwork myself in a flurry of Martha Stewart-like activity.  But no matter what I did, I could never do enough, buy enough, bake enough or decorate enough to make myself happy.

Xmas stress and the unreal expectations that come with it added to the seasonal depression that I already feel this time of year from lack of sunlight.  This is not a good time for me to wander through crowds of grumpy, discourteous human beings.  Don’t even get me started on the music.

Xmas, I noticed, isn’t just bad for me alone, it is also very bad for the planet. Think of all those landfills packed with wrapping papers, plastic cartons, tinsel and the other non-biodegradable remains of the season. Bah! I said, down and double down with Xmas. 

So I opted out.  I called friends to see how they felt about it.  “Would you mind not exchanging gifts this year?” I asked.  Every one of them said “No, not at all” in what I can only describe as relieved tones. Then I tackled the problem of gift giving with extended family members, office colleagues and the “Well, they gave one to us last year and we have to give them one this year” people. To each of them I gave a beautifully engraved card saying that a donation had been made in their name to Charity X.  Some people seemed delighted by this. The ones who weren’t pleased soon took me off their gift list.  Within a few years I was free of all gift giving except among a chosen few.  Within that circle of friends and family the adults agreed to keep their gift buying below a certain price, thus making the holiday easier on all of us.  I still go a little wild when it comes to giving gifts to my friend’s children but I also take them on walks in the woods, teach them to bake cookies or have them over for a movie night.  I’ve found that their parents appreciate having some time off and I get to play Aunt as much as I like.  

I was much happier in winter after that, but I still felt something was missing in my life.  Then I started on a Pagan path and discovered Yule & Solstice.  It is here that I find the joy and meaning in winter. 

Yule and Solstice are holidays in tune with our own rhythms. The energy of Gaia becomes dormant, yet remains vital.  So too, does my spirit.  In my tradition, this is a time for reflection. The animals follow their instincts and take to their dens and shelters.  We humans also need a bit of rest and quiet.  For me, that is the peaceful meaning of Yule.  Add to that the beauty and hope of Solstice; a time of dark, cold reality made easier by the hope we hold of a warmer, more prosperous future.  Keeping watch at Solstice links us to our friends in the present day and to our Pagan ancestors long since past.   

I began to take back the things of the past several seasons ago. That tree for one thing, that World Tree, that’s mine.  And those bright, hopeful candles are mine again, as well.  This is a festival of light, after all. That circle called a wreath is mine, so too, the holly bush.  Before I became Pagan, I was always drawn to pictures of a stag standing alone in snow. I’d see this design in different forms over the years and it always spoke to me.  Now I know why.  And look at that old Shaman dressed in furs. He’s mine now, too.  He was lost for a time, selling sodas if you can believe it, but he’s back again where he belongs. He still brings gifts, but the gifts he offers are very different than the ones I’d known before.

Yule is also a time for good company and feasting. For our ancestors this was the time when the Harvest was in and the clan gathered to celebrate. Whatever they had gathered or grown that year is all they had to live on until spring. There’s hope in that and terror, too. They knew to watch warily for the winter storms and to fear the floods and freezing temperatures that followed.  No merchant ships could bring in supplies in such weather and the game they had hunted so easily in summer was now scarce. This is the time when Death stalked the weak, the sick, the very young and the very old. For that reason this was a time to gather together with friends around the fire. You and I take pleasure in celebrating with our friends and family.  For us, such gatherings make for a pleasant diversion. For them it was a matter of survival. “Send out the call to feast”, they said, “and gather the Clan. For we need to know who to count on in the dark days ahead and who will need our support.” 

Gifts were exchanged during this season for a variety of reasons.  The most important one of all was to strengthen the bonds of family and tribe.  Only the very rich could afford to be frivolous in this regard. The rest of us needed and exchanged useful items like needles and cloth, knives and arrows, food, pots or clothing. These things didn’t sit on a shelf, unused, unwanted and gathering dust.  They were thoughtfully given and gratefully received because they were needed.  Gifts in those days were serious business.

Shamans used this time to meditate and to gather strength and spirit for the long, dark months ahead.  I find that I also need to be alone. Sometimes I feel sad, and no wonder; it’s a dark time of the year in more ways than one.  Yule invites us to listen to that still, small voice inside ourselves. Go back into the cave for a while and come out again in spring.  Change comes in this way. So does renewal. 

I want that renewal.  In order to get it, I have to avoid the temptation to turn Yule into a Pagan form of Xmas.  For if I am not careful, I will get caught up in another round of gift giving, partying and pressure. 

Some Pagans I know feel pressured to buy Yule gifts for every Pagan friend, Circle member and teacher.  If you look at the amount of money and time they spend on Yule and add that to their Xmas obligations, then our splendid holiday could easily become a burden instead of a blessing.  

I realize that merchants have to make a living. How could I not?  I make my own living that way.  But I wouldn’t want anyone to buy things from me that don’t enrich their life or bring them joy. Gifts are for me, as they were for my ancestors, a serious business. This makes me uniquely qualified to offer absolution to any Pagan who needs it and so I will: Trust your instincts here and use your head, as well as your heart.  Buy what and as you like but not so much that you suffer next year.  None of your friends and family members will be better off if you do that.  We are a kind of tribe. Let’s think like one. The good of one of us is the good of all.

Now some of the Pagans I know make or bake every single one of their Yule gifts.  I admire their skill and the effort this takes.  But as much as I love the crafty part of The Craft, I’ve found that for me, personally, making all my gifts takes up too much of my free time.  I’ve learned over the years to carefully preserve some time at Yule to be my loved ones.  I am even more jealous of the time I need for myself.  I’d make a pretty poor Priestess, otherwise.

The social and sacred rounds pose a challenge for me, as well.  I could exhaust myself by attending every Pagan ritual, concert, drumming circle and party or I could go the other way and worry that I’m not doing enough.  Some of these “How To” Pagan manuals make it look like everyone else but me is out there having a magickal time of it.  As I said, I could go down either path but then I might forget that an obsession with people and things was never good for my spirit in the first place.  I want my practice to make me more centered and more whole, not more fractured and stressed.

And so I keep that quote button on my bulletin board. It reminds me that the Great Mother encourages me to stay warm, healthy and balanced.  She’d like me to laugh a bit more and to enjoy time with my friends and she also wants me to spend some time just gazing into the fire.  These are the gifts she put into the Shaman’s bag.  Like I said, she’s very practical.

Take care of yourselves this season,

Sia

(1) I refer to the secular holiday in this way because I want to distinguish it from “Christmas” which is a spiritual holiday much beloved by Christians.  If you ask your Christian friends about the difference between Xmas and Christmas, you may well find that they dislike the commercialization and stress that Xmas brings just as much as you do.