Greetings
to all Full Circle Friends & Members,
In
this June 2003 edition of our newsletter, we have:
ON-GOING
CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE WITCHES’ BALL:
Our
sincere thanks go out to those of you who recently donated funds to help us put
on the Witches Ball & and the Beltane Ball. We have raised approximately
$300. We will need $1,200 total to rent
the Lucie Stern Center. We have good news: The Lucie Stern center has extended
their due date for funds.
If
you haven’t sent us a donation and you would like to do so, it is not too late:
We
are asking those of you on our email list to send us a donation of between
$5.00 and $13.00 (that's $1.00 for each moon in the year) to help fund these
events. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will be
appreciated.
Here
is how you can donate:
1) Send a check (in any amount, no matter how small) to our Treasurer at:
Full Circle Events
16500 Sanborn Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Attn: Lee Ann Ray
MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT TO: FULL CIRCLE EVENTS.
OR:
2) Send money via PayPal (http://www.paypal.com).
Our Full Circle email address for PayPal Payments is FullCircleEvents@aol.com.
We believe that hosting a smaller, simpler Beltane Ball every year is the
best way to get regular seed money to pay for the larger, more complex
charity event which is our Witches' Ball. For over a year now, we have planned
on staging a Beltane Ball in 2004. This is intended as an annual
fundraiser for Full Circle.
For 4 years now, we have relied on our "Money Fairies" and their
credit
cards to help us with down payments on the hall, the Dj, etc. We
have
always paid them back and FCE has always ended in the black. But this bad
economy means that our Fairies cannot afford to be as generous as they have
been. So we are asking for your help.
Your donation will help us to:
* Stage the Beltane & Witches' Balls (please see notes below)
* Pay for the website http://www.fullcircleevents.org
The FCE website:
* Hosts the (free) California Community Calendar
http://www.fullcircleevents.org/calendar
* Hosts the FCE monthly newsletter:
http://www.fullcircleevents.org/newsletters/
* Is a networking center for our Speaker's Bureau, which sends our
trained volunteer speakers to local high schools, colleges and public events
to answer questions about EarthWise practice.
* Is a networking center that allows our Networking Coordinator to put you in touch
with groups, stores and events.
* Helps others to find your events, circles, workshops and groups.
* Allows us an official platform from which we can interact with news
organizations, police and members of other faiths to promote tolerance and a
positive view of the EarthWise community.
* Offers valuable links of interest
* Provides information on our various events offered by FCE.
What do you get in return for your donation? Are you ready? Here is
it: NOTHING! That's right. There is no discount on tickets, no
fancy gifts, no t-shirts, no funny hats, no spell kits, no tax write off. Nada.
If we had the money for those sorts of things, we would not be asking
for your help.
We've served this community ethically and well for four years now. If you
appreciate what we do, then we are hoping that you will help us out now, when
we need it. An accounting of all money collected will be presented in our
newsletter, as always.
Sia
and folks at Full Circle Events
Basic FCE Info:
If you have any questions about these events or our group, please feel free
to write to us at info@fullcircleevents.org
or call 408-224-4625.
We hope someday to be able to offer you a tax-deductible membership, but we
can't do that until our 501-C has been fully approved.
FYI: For those of you who are interested, halls cost between $1,200 - $1,500
to rent. The Dj costs $1,000 for each event. There is also event
insurance
($500.00), plus expenses for the website, advertising, postage, etc.
These
events are wonderful and fun for all, but they are not cheap to stage.
We give, on average, $2,000 a year to the Humane Society from the money raised
by the Witches Ball. The amount of Pagan pride, goodwill and positive
press generated by these events is priceless.
The
Beltane Ball will be May 8th, 2004 at the Lucie Stern Center
in Palo Alto
The
next Witches’ Ball is set for October 23rd of 2004 at the San
Jose Women’s Club in San Jose.
It's
in your hands now. We can't do this without you.
Thank you all very much for your support, both past and future.
FOR
THE BIRDS:
Here
are some information & links for you Bird Lovers:
Plants
for attracting Hummingbirds: http://www.sacredspiral.com/Database/bird/humplants.html
Books:
The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible: The A-To-Z Guide to Feeders, Seed Mixes,
Projects, and Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book) by Sally Roth.
Owl
Boxes by Raptor Works: http://www.californiaheartland.org/archive/hl_731/raptor_works.htm
Raptor
Works specializes in manufacturing homes for barn owls. While the plain wood
boxes may seem modest from a human perspective, as far as owls are concerned
they're practically palatial. The birds, you see, aren't big on building nests
and prefer more substantial shelter. Farmers buy the boxes that bring in the
owls that eat the rodents who would otherwise be killing the crops.
ROSEMARY
& THYME:
The
Chamomile Times newsletter is a wonderful place for herb lovers, gardeners,
cooks and crafters: http://www.chamomiletimes.com/
Spice
Pages: Solid information on 117 different spice
plants. Emphasis is on their usage in ethnic cuisines, particularly in Asia;
the history, chemical constituents and etymology of their names. This site also
has numerous photos featuring the live plants or the dried spices: http://www-ang.kfunigraz.ac.at/~katzer/engl/
PAGAN
SHOPPING:
Alternative
Beauty Products: Cruelty Free & pure:
http://www.alternative-beauty.com/
Bang
A Drum: For all your percussion needs. Check out the drumming videos: http://www.bangadrum.com/
Dan’s
Garden Shop: Seeds, tools, gifts & books:
http://dansgardenshop.com/
Goddess
Art Products: Stamps & more. http://www.katecartwright.com/products.html
Juniper
Ridge: Wild Plant Products: http://www.juniperridge.com/
Single
Tree Shop – Check out the Hair Spirals: https://secure.ws300.net/~escaping/celticren/2001/secureindex.html
Snapdragon
Gifts: “Nothing Mundane” - A 20% off sale on all jewelry, cards, incense &
gifts for Summer Solstice:
http://www.snapdragongifts.com
Full
Disclosure: Snapdragon Gifts is owned by Sia.
Witches’
Stitches: Custom made cloths, aprons, tote bags & more:
http://www.gladstar.net/ws.htm
Woodwork's
Staffs: http://www.welwoodworks.com/welwood2.htm
TO
DYE FOR:
These
are for you Crafty Pagans and Costumers:
Dying
History from 1600: http://www.geocities.com/anne_liese_w/Dyeing/dyehistory.htm
Bjo
Trimble's Homepage & Griffen Dyeworks: http://www.bjotrimble.com/dyeworks_files/dye_works.htm
Stories
about dyeing techniques and dyeing competitions from Bjo, an expert in medieval
dyeing techniques.
CELTIC
MUSIC IN THE BAY AREA:
The
Bay area has much to offer in the way of Celtic Music and Dance. Here are some links of interest. We also
suggest that you check out the Full Circle Events Calendar for Celtic events in
your area: http://www.fullcircleevents.org/calendar/
Traditional
Celtic Music Resources in the Bay Area: This site has information on dancing,
live music and more:
http://www.sfcelticmusic.com/resource/localres.htm#Dancing
NORSE
PAGANISM:
Here
are some links of interest for those of you who want to learn about Norse
Paganism also known as Asatru:
Raven
Kindred: http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/
Raven
Kindred Ritual Book (information from the Pagan Library website)
http://www.paganlibrary.com/reference/raven_kindred_ritual_book.php
CAT
HUMOR:
Japanese
Cat Outfits. We’re not sure which is
funnier, the outfits or the descriptions of the outfits: http://www.petoffice.co.jp/catprin/english/#hiyoko
Our
thanks go out to Captain Lightning for this url.
CREATION
SPIRITUALITY:
The
Center for Creation Spirituality is a place that welcomes Pagans, Christians,
New Age Seekers and all those who practice Earth Based Spirituality. This center is based in Oakland. http://www.creationspirituality.com/
They
offer a Cosmic Mass every month, as well as a radio program and classes. For
more information about the radio program, go here:
http://www.matthewfox.org/sys-tmpl/door/
BABA
YAGA:
There
is more to this Russian Witch than meets the eye. Is she a hag who eats children or is she really a Goddess of
gain, harvest, rebirth and death?
“Thoughts
on Baba Yaga”: http://www.sacredspiral.com/Database/babayaga/baba01.html
Baba
Yaga and the Water of Life:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/1119/babayaga.html
(warning:
annoying midi on site)
Baba
Yaga Bread Recipe:
http://www.sacredspiral.com/Database/babayaga/baba04.html
MAP
MAKING MICE & OTTER DISEASES:
From
New Scientist:
“Mice
make signposts out of leaves and twigs so that they do not get lost in fields,
new research shows.
This
behavior surprised Pavel Stopka and David Macdonald, who were studying wood
mice captured near their laboratory at the University of Oxford, UK. Primates
and some birds are known to use sticks and stones to place markers within their
territory. "But no-one would expect mice to be so clever," says
Stopka.
The
excellent navigational abilities of the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) have
been extensively studied, but their way-marking trick had remained undiscovered
until now. The latest work suggests the mice move objects to mark sites that
interest them, perhaps because they are abundant in food or a quick route back
to their burrow.”
To
read the rest of this article, go to: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993685
From
Science Daily:
The California sea otter is in trouble and people may
inadvertently be part of the problem. Nearly half of sea otter deaths are
associated with infectious diseases and several of these may be indirectly
caused by people.
To read the rest of this article, go to: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/05/020529072149.htm
THE
PAGAN BOOKSHELF:
On
the Pagan bookshelf this month we have:
Wee
Free Men by Terry Pratchett:
Excerpt:
Some
things start before other things.
It
was a summer shower but didn't appear to know it, and it was pouring rain as
fast as a winter storm.
Miss
Perspicacia Tick sat in what little shelter a raggedy hedge could give her and
explored the universe. She didn't notice the rain. Witches dried out quickly.
The
exploring of the universe was being done with a couple of twigs tied together
with string, a stone with a hole in it, an egg, one of Miss Tick's stockings
(which also had a hole in it), a pin, a piece of paper, and a tiny stub of
pencil. Unlike wizards, witches learn to make do with a little.
The
items had been tied and twisted together to make a . . . device. It moved oddly
when she prodded it. One of the sticks seemed to pass right through the egg,
for example, and came out the other side without leaving a mark.
"Yes,"
she said quietly, as rain poured off the rim of her hat. "There it is. A
definite ripple in the walls of the world. Very worrying. There's probably
another world making contact. That's never good. I ought to go there. But . . .
according to my left elbow, there's a witch there already."
http://www.harpercollins.com/catalog/excerpt_xml.asp?isbn=0060012366
WYRD
HISTORY: THE DOOM THAT CAME TO CHELSEA:
This article is something of a Pagan morality tale and shows what happens when deception, addiction, abuse and con artistry combine with gullibility, pettiness and a desire for power that lies outside of self. You will note that the store Owners told their clients just who and what they were from the very beginning. The first store was named "Warlock" which means "Oath Breaker". Then they name it the "Magickal Childe" and they were indeed children; spoiled, selfish children playing with danger, disguise and lies and not thinking about the consequences of their actions. I also can't help thinking of Byron's poem titled "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" - in particular, Canto 4, verse VII.
I saw or dream'd of such -- but let them go;
They came like truth -- and disappear'd like dreams;
And whatsoe'er they were -- are now but so:
I could replace them if I would; still teems
My mind with many a form which aptly seems
Such as I sought for, and at moments found;
Let these too go -- for waking Reason deems
Such overweening fantasies unsound,
And other voices speak, and other sights surround.
Excerpt:
I
first laid eyes on Bonnie at a bar called the Bells of Hell on 13th St. just
west of 6th Ave. where the Cafe Loup now resides. The Bells of Hell was a
hardcore Irish joint with a bar in the front and a good-sized performance space
in the back. The location and name made the place a natural watering hole for
the customer base of Herman Slater’s Magickal Childe, up in Chelsea at 35 W.
19th St. The Magickal Childe was ground zero for the occult explosion in New
York City in the 1970s. http://www.nypress.com/16/23/news&columns/feature.cfm
My
thanks to Wren’s Nest at the Witches Voice for the reference to this article: http://www.witchvox.com
EVENTS
OF INTEREST:
We
currently have hundreds of events listed on our California Community Calendar:
http://www.fullcircleevents.org/calendar/
Here
are a few:
and
there are lots more. New events are
added every day.
Click
on http://www.fullcircleevents.org/calendar/
to access a list of on going and dated events throughout the year.
Do
you want your event listed? Then please go to our calendar
page and click on the link that says “Submit Event”. The on-line form is simple and very easy to
use. If you have any questions, please
contact our Networking Coordinator ScoutGhost at ScoutGhst@aol.com.
REMEMBERING
THE DARK AGES: THANKS AND FAREWELL TO BUFFY AND XENA:
Those of us who are over 40 remember the Dark Ages i.e.
those times before "Buffy" and "Xena" and "Title
Nine" (a U.S. Law that supported women who wanted to learn and play sports
in this country). We remember a time
when there were very few strong women role models anywhere. With rare and precious exceptions, you could
not find them in books, on TV, on stage, making music or in movies. The whole idea of Women's Studies was a new
thing in my college days (Circa early 70’s) and we reveled in the information
that was produced by women writers and scholars about our own unique and
splendid story.
Most women didn't "kick butt" in my day. They certainly did not learn
to defend themselves. Those of us who liked sports or who stood up for
ourselves were rare. We wern't welcomed into most Dojo's or gyms and most High
Schools did not support the women's sports teams. Women's Soccer wasn't trendy
or even heard of. Women did not lead rock bands or sit on the Supreme Court in
the U.S. Women were not welcome as equals in the political fights of the 60's
and 70's. No one took issues like child care or spousal abuse seriously and we
were fighting for choice back then (as we do today) .
Women of color had even fewer choices. Now they are seen as beautiful and
strong in their own right. It's about time.
The
Western canon contained some women writers (mostly white). More were being “discovered” all the
time. Were they hiding? I doubt it.
They just weren’t thought to be important. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that books by women of color and
books by women from Asian, Indian, South American, and elsewhere were published
or re-printed, translated, celebrated and promoted in this country.
Young
women today have a lot going for them and a lot to be thankful for.
Things
are not perfect, of course, but they are improving. If you want to know what it
was like back in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, ask your Elders. I also suggest
reading some Women's History. Women today (especially those who live in the
West) have a lot to be grateful for and it would behoove all of us to know the
names and to celebrate the lives of those who fought (and died, in some cases)
to give us the rights we now have.
You
may not believe it, but Xena and Buffy are radical acts of television.
In
my day, it was thought to be “inappropriate” for a women to be seen defending
herself on TV or in the movies. Oh, we
could be raped, stabbed, shot, locked away, drugged, cheated on and humiliated,
but we could not give or take a punch, let alone use a sword. We screamed well, though, and we always walked
into danger and needed to be rescued and we were pretty good at standing up
against a wall looking horrified while the hero fought on our behalf, (Pick up
a stick! I’d yell at the screen, “pick up a bottle or that chair, Jeez, girl!
Hit him!)
Oddly
enough, movies in the 20’s and 30’s were more “advanced” in this regard, but
that was before the censors moved in and the Hayes Code became the norm.
Even
if we did fight back, we weren’t shown defending much more than our families or
our honor, whereas Xena and Buffy prevented the apocalypse from happening on an
almost daily basis, all the while wisecracking, laughing and hanging out with
some great friends. Both ladies have
some very tasty partners, as well, which was yet another reason why we watched.
Take that, Becky Thatcher! The days
when the boys had all the fun and we were victims or dolls are pretty much
over. Ok, maybe not, but young girls
today at least know that Barbie drives her own car and their mothers can sign
them up for kick boxing classes & soccer as well as ballet and
cooking. Not all girls want to be
warriors, true, but all girls want to be strong – there are many ways of doing
that, both inside and out. Television
is the stuff that dreams are made of and I dream of strong women with
fashion sense who have money and a room of their own and who aren’t
afraid to walk down the street at night.
I *love* seeing this new generation of independent, young women come up
and take their crowns. Wear your power well and speak for those who don't enjoy
it yet. Celebrate what you do have. And, if you can, take a moment and be
grateful that you live in a time that celebrates the Women Warrior in all of
us.
Here's to strong women and to the partners that love them :-)
Happy Summer to all,
Sia
Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Create the Future