Greetings to all Full Circle friends and members,
In this November edition of our newsletter we have:
Editor’s Note: Sia and her husband were called out of town suddenly on family business soon after the Witches’ Ball. As a result, the November newsletter is being published a little later than usual. Sia was unable to write her usual updates on the Ball, but she sent us a quick note from the road, asking us to point people to her Full Circle Blog, where she had posted some notes immediately following that event.
Sia and Azeraeis, the FCE Treasurer, will work on the budget in December. As of this writing, they believe that we will have close to $1,000 to donate to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. Full Circle has also given $250.00 to the California Bat Conservation Fund and we will make our usual yearly donation as continuing sponsors of The Witches’ Voice.
Sia will post more FCE information in forcoming newsletters.
Give Thanks—and pass the kleenix
Okay, it’s official: the flu season is here. Mind you, I’m only speaking from personal experience. In the past three weeks, I’ve already had a stomach flu (imported from China by a co-worker), followed within ten days by the more traditional respiratory flu with its accompanying fever and aches. Then, while I lay abed, they decided that I no longer qualified for a flu shot - big strapping girl that I am.
Cough, cough. Wheeze. Vaccinations? We don’t need no stinkin’ vaccinations.
Notably, it’s not just humans who suffer. In a reversal of the concerns about bird flu jumping into the population via felines, I have apparently shared my virus with my cats, each of whom spent a day or so sneezing and staring daggers at me. (All is now forgiven and the whole group is on the mend.) I was very saddened; however, to read that a number of captive tigers in Thailand may have to be put down because of bird flu. These majestic creatures, already rare and endangered, are now at risk because they’ve been exposed to infected chickens in their feed.
Into my sick room comes two-fold good news: the Pagan Alliance of Nurses is offering a scholarship to a Pagan nursing student. Good news for the nursing student, who will be able to defray some of the expense of all those big, thick books (I have two friends in nursing school right now, the reading load is impressive!). Good news as well that that there are, in fact, enough Pagan Nurses to found such a group!
In other medical news (she reaches for a cough drop …), Lifetime Television has posted the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. This bill will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy.
With so many things challenging our health both seasonally and throughout the year, it’s good to do something supportive and nurturing for the immune system. Oddly enough, one of the healthiest things you can do is express gratitude—and look, there’s even a special day this month to start you off with this good habit. (Imagine! You always thought Thanksgiving was about bad habits like extra stuffing and double doses of whipped cream!)
A daily gratitude practice is a powerful way to gain perspective on your life and the world around you. Start by getting a small notebook; every night before you go to bed, write down five things for which you are grateful. Notice how even on the most difficult days you have something for which to be grateful, even if it’s only “Thank goodness all that is over!”
“Thank you.” A lovely phrase that we all like to hear—surely the Sacred likes to hear it as well?
Snakemoon
Meg from the San Francisco East Bay writes to us about her Samhain encounter with Willow, a sweet kitty in Berkeley who needs to secure a loving home very soon. She is a four year-old, spayed, black cat with all her shots. On the petite side, Willow is likely to be mellow with other cats. Could you give this abandoned lady a warm home for the holidays? Meg says to contact her if you are interested; she will bring the cat to you and help with the initial vet visit.
This antiquated phrase that your grandmother used to get you into the kitchen to chop onions for the stuffing is still true. In July, we advertised for a copyeditor and got responses from suitable candidates, several of whom came fully loaded with ample writing skills. “Hmm …” we said, and asked if Arianna G and JuliaKi would be interested in writing a few newsletter segments. They did—and we were delighted with the results. (You’ll notice that we are blessed to have them working with us again this month.)
The success of this experiment made us wonder if there might be one or two more writers out there who could add their voices to all of ours to make the newsletter both lighter (in work) and richer (in experience). We’re looking for people who:
· are familiar with and want to be part of the FCE newsletter
· have writing experience and are accustomed to working on a deadline
· understand and can replicate our tone and style, while bringing to it their own unique contributions
· are available to dedicate a few hours a month (usually in the 3rd week) to creating newsletter segments
· are not offended when their work is edited
Could this be you? Let us know by sending your resume and a writing sample to info@fullcircleevents.org.
Pagan Shopping
It’s that time of year again, the proverbial Season of Giving, and what a loaded phrase that is! Right now, while you are reading this, frantically counting the number of remaining shopping days until Yule/Chanukah/Christmas/Kwanzaa and feverishly scratching out a list of recipients, may I make a suggestion?
“Stop,” (in the words of Jon Stewart, the smartest AND sexiest man on television), just stop.
Shopping, indeed any activity where you exchange money for goods or services, is an energy exchange and should be measured as such. The energy it took to earn the money is exchanged for the energy it took someone to create the item. In the best of all possible situations both parties feel enriched by the process; however, in reality, buyer and seller often feel drained. One reason is the mindless way we are forced to engage in this very enervating/energizing activity: pushed, rushed, and made to feel like what carneys call a “mark.”
So this season, try something different. Instead of checking your bank account, work with your energy account, and don’t overdraft it. Set limits: don’t even try to get a gift for everyone at work (or the carpool, or soccer team). Instead, hold a “secret Santa” drawing. You can even try this with the relations—while many families won’t play along (Mom! I talking about you!), others will jump at this opportunity with unabated enthusiasm.
What about recycling—it’s not just for plastics anymore. Last year, people gave you lovely, wonderful things … things that you will never use. Recycle those gifts and pass them along to someone who will use them. Keep that love, goodwill and (yes) energy flowing.
Oh, and how about a conscious energy exchange? Make a pact with your friends that you will not simply buy each other something (anything) and end up with gifts that none of you really wants. Instead, agree to do something together. A mutual gift of time, such as a trip to the theatre or another shared activity, will provide pleasure for both the giver and the receiver. (And it is so easy to wrap!) The instant energy exchange, and the pleasure shared, will provide an energy expansion.
Using these methods, you should be able to whittle down your list to something manageable. To help you with what remains on it, here are a few suggestions:
· Couldn’t everyone use a nice, warm cape?
· And what about cauldrons and tea kettles (and things that seem to fall somewhere in between?) And maybe some tea from Blissville to use with that kettle, where they sell Yixing teaware? (Don’t miss their article on how to “birth” your new pot.)
· What’s more delightful than windchimes? The charming and whimsical copper windchimes from Judith Armstrong.
· Feeling the chill? One way to capture that tropical feeling in the dead of winter is to add to your collection of decorative and evocative Hawaiian shirts.
· Spirit Drum Designs offer beautiful images of wildlife painted onto the drumheads.
· Art is a lovely gift for others and for yourself. Thirteen Moons Gallery celebrates the “Art of Craft” with fiber art, basketry, and clay pieces.
· For those intrepid types on your list, how about outdoor products from Total Escape? They have forest maps, outdoor books, flashlights, headlamps, mosquito nets, camp kitchen products, mess kits, cookware and stoves—and all products are under $50!
· Balls of fun and beauty … and now that I have your attention, let me tell you that I’m talking about whimsical gazing balls (or gazing globes) for the garden. Some are even hand-blown, lovely, multi-colored treats for the eye.
· If you’re economizing this year (or even if you’re not but prefer to make gifts), the Creativity Portal has a section on “frugal and recycled” gifts and craft projects.
· For an unusual gift, get a portrait made by the fantasy-friendly photographer at PrimalX: Other Worldly Photography (Where Fantasy and Reality Collide!) Jessica Black-Inman is interested in immortalizing on film a host of interesting folk, from witches, vampires, elves and faeries, to Goths, pirates, gypsies, and more!
A world of discovery: The past few months have been a time of grand archaeological discoveries for scientists around the world. From the world's oldest wooden instrument (recently found in Dublin) to an African elephant from the Stone Age, and most recently, the bones of a race of dwarf-sized humans, interest in eras gone by has become increasingly popular with modern culture.
Vikings sighted: From a Viking “town” of the mid-ninth century (special thanks to Rowan for this link) to a recreation of a thousand-year-old Viking ship constructed in Ireland (perhaps at the same town?), and a wealth of exhibits opening at a gallery in Norwich Castle, it is pretty clear that those Vikings got around.
The little bang: On the scientific front, explorations into the creation of the universe are making noise—literally. Scientists have recently discovered that the universe probably didn't begin with a big bang, but a quiet whisper. Rethinking previous conceptions has also been the focus of geneticists studying DNA samples to find similarities between the ancient Celts and the peoples of Spain and Portugal.
India revealed: From Spain to India, Kamat's Potpourri provides a wealth of information about the tribal peoples of India through first-person accounts by the web site's father.
Indians revealed: Here in the Americas, construction workers in San Diego recently discovered a sacred burial ground that is at least 1,000 years old. This discovery may provide clues about the life and burial practices of people who lived in the San Diego area generations before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Pagan Pilgrim: And, just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations, here's a story that isn't your typical Pilgrim fare—the story of Thomas Morton of Merrymount who constructed the first Maypole in America back in the 1600s.
All about spiritual things
Stand up and be counted: Not just at the polls, but on the web. Kecia, a dedicated college student and Pagan, felt alone when she first started on the path. Having met other Pagans who shared the sentiment, she decided to try to find out just how many of us are out there. Her Pagan Census (which currently has us numbering just over 16,000) is counting and connecting Pagans around the world.
Tell your story: A practicing Pagan at Yale is writing her senior thesis on the relationship between feminism and the growth of new religious movements (neo-paganism, Dianic witchcraft, etc.) during the late 1970's-early 1980's. If you were a part of these movements and are willing to be interviewed, Kara would love to hear from you.
Help Wanted:The Modern Witchcraft School in Sacramento, California, which offers a wide assortment of Spiritual Education, is looking for an Administrative Assistant for Mystic Witch publications. All positions are volunteer at this time and will hopefully evolve into paid positions within the next 6 months. If you live in the Sacramento area, have a basic knowledge of Wicca, Paganism, and a desire for interesting and fun work, contact them at (916) 821-1143. No administrative experience is required—only a very good sense of humor and open mind.
Light My Fire: Whatever your feelings about this last election, the fact remains that there is still a great deal of work to be done by anyone who cares about justice, liberty, and Mamma Gaia. For some inspiration in this area, read Heidi Gleber’s excellent article in the Witches’ Voice “Fighting the Good Fight - Living as a Pagan Activist.”
Sia
Imagine the healing power of music: The movie, Imagine, relates John Lennon’s discovery of a “sort of strange guy” living in the garden of Lennon’s estate in England. This man traveled from his American small town because, after listening the Beatle’s music, he felt certain Lennon knew him and was writing songs about his life. This event is an excellent, albeit extreme, example of the power of popular music and the way it unites us by giving voice to common experiences. We all have songs that express our feelings better than we can ourselves. Based on this premise, therapist Matthew J. Bush has discovered a powerful technique that allows him to use popular music as a way to help people heal from the trauma of domestic violence. His website features tools for therapists, links to articles about music therapy, examples of therapeutic messages in popular music as well as original music by his rock band, Freudian Slip.
A sexy pear: According to legend, Cleopatra bet Marc Anthony that she could serve him a dinner so expensive it would never be equaled. As they dined, Anthony was confident he would win, for while the banquet was certainly lavish, it was no more so than others Cleopatra had served; at least until dessert, when Cleopatra dropped one of her huge peal earrings into a glass of wine, where it immediately dissolved. She drank it down, and then offered the other earring to Anthony, who quickly admitted she had won the bet. This romantic story inspired the luxurious dessert of pears poached in wine. A recipe for which (along with many others, as well as trivia and all kinds of juicy information about this lovely winter fruit) can be found on the California Pear Advisory Board’s website.
We have hundreds of events listed on our California Community Calendar.
Here is just a handful:
· A couple of Kali Pujas
· A sweat lodge in Boulder Creek
· Book signing and class on Aura Advantage
· Mask making
· Past Life work
· The Christmas Crystal Fair
· Sacred Sounds Concert
There are lots more, and new events are added every day. Click on the Full Circle California Community Calendar to access the list. If you want your event listed, 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. Questions? Please contact our Networking Coordinator ScoutGhost at scoutghst@sbcglobal.net
************
T.S. Eliot said that April is the cruelest month, but I find November to be quite pitiless as it is posed between Samhain and Yule—between death and birth. At a time when we should be hibernating under goose down and incubating a future, we are instead buffeted by the breakneck pace of holidays piled one upon another and forced into horrifyingly crowded malls (no wonder they attract zombies!). And we must endure all of this as the warming, soothing light of the sun diminishes and we suffer the brutal shock of daylight savings time.
Okay, so maybe I’m seeing this a bit dramatically, but it’s really tough for me to get from mid-October to late December with my optimism intact. I appreciate the importance of ending the year by taking the trip into the underworld and starting anew, but seriously: starting around my birthday in late October, I count the days until the Solstice and the return of the sun. Despite electric lighting and 24 hour cable, I’m just a breath away from that primal fear that the sun is going away and may not come back.
Endings, endings, endings and mendings. This season offers a particularly poignant ending for me—the end of a long-time relationship. This, in turn, reminds me of the ending of an earlier relationship (my marriage), and of my unwedding.
The Word Spy defines “unwedding” as a “formal ceremony held to celebrate a couple's divorce.” You may quibble with the term “celebrate” —the dissolution of a marriage is often a depressing, angry, painful experience—and wonder what there is to celebrate about the end of a bad situation? Our western culture excels at rituals to herald the beginning of something—marriages, christenings, housewarmings—but stumbles when called upon to acknowledge the end of anything. Yet even here in my blanket burrow, where I nestle with a good book to await the birth of the sun on December 22nd, it’s hard not to notice that every ending is also a beginning; every Samhain is the necessary lead-in to Yule; every divorce is the beginning of a new, single life.
My divorce papers arrived on the Spring Equinox and the discovery of that fat envelope made me feel like Persephone, blinking her way out of the underworld and into a sunlit meadow. Add to this the fact that I’m a bit of a ritual junkie, and you’ve got the perfect motive for an unwedding. Hey, I’d been through a lot, damn it, and I wanted something to show for it: invited guests, a pretty dress, a cake, and presents! And why not? When I got married, I got cake and presents; why shouldn’t I have a similar celebration to launch my new life as a Diana-esque, lone huntress?
Of course, underneath all this gaiety was something a little darker: an old childhood fear forced itself into the foreground. We all have deep fears rooted in some early experience—or fantasy—that dogs us into adulthood: for some it’s a distaste for spiders, for others a terror of drowning. My childhood fear was a creepy little vision of myself as a dried-up spinster in a tiny apartment with mangy cats and pile of old National Geographics. As a child I imagined my future life spent peeping out my window at people who enjoyed the love I would never have.
Pretty bleak stuff for someone not yet in middle school, yes? Undoubtedly, this vision drove my quest to find someone who would appreciate my virtues, or at the very least, put up with me on a daily basis. This need was so compelling that when I finally stumbled across someone who took an interest in me, I was well past asking questions. Like the Trojans, who were so damn happy the war was over they didn’t bother to check out the pedigree of that big wooden structure, I didn’t look this gift horse in the mouth—which was how Troy ended up hip deep in Greeks and how I ended up wed to a guy so divinely inappropriate for me our marriage was like a heterosexual run of “The Odd Couple.”
Not that our union was a complete loss. For a while, I basked in the experience of being loved; this appreciation warmed me and helped me grow into someone less needy and neurotic. Through me, his mate, my spouse got to work on long-buried issues with his mother (which in turn had a profound influence on my parenting style!) And yes, some eight years into our marriage, we produced a delightful child upon whom we both doted; however, it became clear eventually that, while we had both gotten a lot from our time together, we were simply not capable of a happy ending.
We separated, and I was left to face not just the failure of my marriage, but that lonely specter from my childhood as well.
Now, Pagans define magic as the act of changing consciousness at will. Many take this to mean the truly wonderful skill of slipping from our ordinary conscious state into a trance state, but my personal definition includes magic as the act of changing perspective; the ability to make a radical paradigm shift and experience a situation anew; to change direction or transform an obstacle, a loss, or challenge into a vision with forward momentum. Like turning the disappointment of divorce into gratitude for the gifts of my marriage, or transforming the fear of being alone into an adventure in self-reliance and self-appreciation. In order to stare down the Spinster, I needed a “coming out party” for my independent, resourceful, Amazon self.
Painstakingly plotted over four months, the big day arrived on a hot, humid July morning. Only a few of the invited guest had been to the original event. Most hadn’t seen the summer of my marriage, nor the harsh fall and early winter, but had arrived at the end of a cold dark time, like early sparrows heralding an approaching thaw. The night before, I decorated the house with flowers and paraphernalia from my nuptials: my beautiful handmade dress, photographs, the bride’s book. It was a veritable wedding smorgasbord (which some might say was the high point of the marriage) and a way to show newcomers what that previous spring had been like.
Coven sisters, co-workers, and college roommates gathered together to witness as, piece by piece, I dismantled the remnants of my marital life, and packed these items away. With each item, I named the hopes and dreams represented, the bitter disappointments, and the lessons learned. I savored the joys as well as the mistakes, the hilarious moments and the heartaches, each memory was both honeyed and grievous.
When we were done and the box sealed, my friend Linda stepped forward with her tools at the ready. Did I mention the tattoo? Hey, if I was turning away from fear toward confidence and self-reliance, I wanted to commemorate this new path with something wild and risky—something totally uncharacteristic. A tattoo is just about as far from sensible shoes and spinster librarian as you can possibly get.
Later, we donned flowing summer dresses and big shady hats to picnic on flavorful delicacies. My chef friend Katy made a lovely white unwedding cake that weathered the heat beautifully, and I got a handful of delightful presents - none of which was a toaster.
Spring had sprung, a little late perhaps, but with a vengeance. I was Persephone, newly returned from the underworld and ready for blossoming and growth. And I was Hippolyta, bearing the indelible mark of the Amazon, a sign that I had been to my dark places and back, and could go again, spear in hand, whenever necessary.
* * * *
Now once again, my mind is focused on endings—endings and beginnings. Three years ago on Samhain I opened the door and discovered a lovely man languishing on my porch. Warm, gentle, with a delightful smile, twinkling eyes, and an irresistible accent, he lit up my life for two and a half years. We talked frequently of our separate searches for a life partner with the clear hope that maybe we had found that in one another.
This summer, my beloved announced that he was reconsidering our relationship and the expectations that come from the term “partnership.” His announcement began the process of ending what we had. At the time, he suggested that perhaps we facilitate this transformation with a ritual. Now, these few months later, much has changed. We talk or email occasionally, but with detachment, already accustomed to a distance where once there was connection. On Samhain, the anniversary of our first encounter, we met again, to honor this evolution in ourselves and to consider what the future might bring to people who were once lovers but no more.
Ending to beginning, dark times to light, ritual is the best way I know to open my heart to change and to rouse my spirit into movement, even when that growth is painful or unexpected. In ritual I can build a pyre of my regrets, turn them into fuel for renewal, rising from the flames like a glorious firebird on gold-tipped wings.
Snakemoon
FCE Newsletter Staff:
SnakeMoon is the Editor-in-Chief of the Full Circle Newsletter. She can be reached for comment at snakemoon@comcast.net.
Sia is the Publisher of the Full Circle Newsletter and the Council Leader for Full Circle Events. She can be reached at info@fullcircleevents.org.
Arianna G. is our Copyeditor. Thank you, Arianna!
Once again we enjoyed the assistance of contributing writers Arianna G and Juliaki. Thank you!
ScoutGhost is the Networking Coordinator for Full Circle Events. She can be reached at scoutghst@sbcglobal.net