Greetings to all Full Circle friends and members,
In this February edition of our newsletter we have:
Pagan Garage Sale - Shiny Things!
Sia
I notice the changes in the neighborhood every day now when I walk our dog, Ody. The birds are singing like mad, and my rhododendron bush sounds like a popular cabaret. Everywhere we go the deciduous trees are in full bud. New leaves are coming out on the rose bushes, the bulbs in the ground are about to pop with daffodils, tulips, and Jonquils (1) and the weeds have overrun my garden.
Drat those weeds.
Since the sun came out, I see my neighbors again. They are outside trimming and mowing and planting and generally running amok in their haste to put in some flowerbeds, and get some color back into their world. It’s time to clear out my own bed of weeds before it’s too late and we become a scandal and a hissing.
February 9th marks the Lunar New Year. In Northern California where I live, the frosts are usually over by then, so this is when I traditionally plant seeds, put out something x-tra special for the birds, and celebrate my own version of Imbolc, which involves learning from the past and looking towards the future. (2)
I plant a wild garden, using mostly native shrubs, herbs, and Mediterranean plants. It tends to look more free form than most other gardens, especially this time of year, but I know what I’ve put there, and what it will look like soon, so I can afford to wait, knowing that color and scent and great beauty will come, along with butterflies, and bees and birds and the lower water bill that is my reward for planting draught tolerant species. All this wonder will soon be mine, if I can just get those rotten weeds out of the way.
Ah… metaphor. Ain’t it grand?
There is a sweeter feel to the air just now; a tingle and a tang, a rising vitality. Can you feel it? The energy? It makes me think of a great singer standing backstage, warming up for Her big aria.
It’s still a bit brisk and chilly out where we are, especially at night, and the stars sparkle and dance in their turning, making a splendid spiral for those willing to leave their TV sets long enough to go out and take a look. It’s a sacred time, a time betwixt and between, a time of immense possibility. Gods, I so love this time of year.
Don’t let it fool you, though. There’s more harsh weather to come. Even so, it’s a good time to plant the hardy varieties, clean closets, and take a walk outside, and it’s an even better time to rest and relax in front of the fire with a good book or a loved one. It’s not all dark this time of year and it is certainly not lifeless. If you look around you’ll see the life coming up and about to spring out all around you. If you have the courage to look inside as well as outside this season you’ll see the promise this Path holds for a truly authentic life. This is our birthright. Along with that right comes the call for self-creation and renewal. This is our greatest challenge.
Blessings of the season to you and yours,
Sia
This month’s newsletter is dedicated to our cherished Copyeditor, Arianna G. who is pregnant with her first child. Congratulations! Hang in there, girl, and keep eating those saltines.
(1) Jonquil…isn’t that a lovely word? It sounds like the name of a medieval dance or a rare Amazonian bird.
(2) My celebration of Imbolc is done as my personal New Year and it lasts for several weeks. It has four main features to honor the four directions: Gratitude, Cleansing, Planting (and/or Planning) and Giving
In my case, I give most often to the birds, animals, and wild spirits in my home and garden and to others in need. I generally foster some kittens this time of year, and donate items to a domestic violence shelter, a homeless shelter, or to our local thrift store for charity. This year, many of my Pagan books and metaphysical items are going to the Pagan Garage Sale.
For me, this holiday also involves the use of three colors for meditation and inspiration: the White of milk and stars for wholeness and balance, the Yellow of sunlight and flowers for inspiration and joy and the Green of Gaia for growth and renewal. The Goddess I invoke at this time is Bridgid, along with two other deities who protect our house and hearth. Others I know work with the spirits of the land or use no pantheon at all or work with Christian, Jewish or Buddhist avatars – it is best if you find your own way, here.
In our home this is a time to use fire, candles, and water in our rituals. It is also a time to honor the Green Man (also known as the Horned God) who strides the land in his roles as Protector, Hunter and Progenitor.
PAGAN GARAGE SALE – SHINY THINGS!
We’ve cleaned out our Pagan closets for Full Circle.
Come shop for PAGAN GOODIES like: Books * CD's * Ritual Items * Jewelry * Costumes & Clothing * Knickknacks * Puzzles * Crafting Supplies * Incense & Candles * Sculpture, Art & more
Do you have something Wyrd and Wonderful to donate? If so, please write to us at info@fullcircleevents.org
Update: We’ve just received a large donation of some very tasty Science Fiction & Fantasy paperbacks. These will be available at the sale for 50 cents each, along with a wonderful assortment of Pagan books.
Directions are listed here. You can get there easily from either 280 or Lawrence expressway. The site is near Steven’s Creek & Lawrence Expressway, in a residential area.
This is a benefit sale for Full Circle Events. Saturday, February 26th from 10 am – 3 pm
See you there.
I’m sure I left that right here!: Having memory troubles? A cup of tea may help boost your memory. Try green or black tea for memory and try chamomile tea to help fight a cold and ease muscle aches and menstrual cramps.
My Big,
Fat Greek Diet:
Get out your Mediterranean
cookbooks, folks. Scientists have
found out that women whose intake is more of a Mediterranean diet rich
in fruits, vegetables and especially olive oil have less chances of
developing breast cancer.
We way ”Opah!” to that! Now, if you
want real decadence, try some baklava. You can work it off dancing at one of those Greek Festivals.
A Clean House is a Healthy House: Did you know that mold spores can cause allergies, sinus headaches, fatigue, irritability, or depression? Even simple household dust can make allergies or asthma worse, lead to ear, nose and throat infections and cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating. So open your windows when the weather allows, and clean house for Imbolc. Move some furniture and get to those hard to reach places, because you know that’s where it’s hiding. It will give us some exercise, a fresh outlook and make for a much healthier and happier New Year.
Furry, Finny, and Feathered Folk
For the Birds: Outside your window the birds are gathering, flirting, singing, nest building, and generally getting on with life. This is wonderful time to make and hang healthy seed bells for our feathered friends. This is also a good time to choose and put out a Hummingbird feeder (please pay special attention to the cleaning instructions. Bacteria breeds easily in sugar water and a dirty feeder can make for some very sick birds!)
Birds also like the hair from your brush (or the dog’s brush) and lint from your dryer, too, to use in their nest building, so leave a little something out for them this year – they are working pretty hard right now and they can use the help.
This is a wonderful time to get out there and do some Birding. It’s good exercise, you’ll meet nice people, and you’ll leave your room. (I don’t know about you, but I really need to leave my room).
Are you new to birding? Then check out the North American Birds photo gallery for some stunning photographs.
MYSTERIES: ANCIENT AND MODERN fOR vALENTINES’ dAY
Reclaiming Valentines’ Day: Looking for something a bit more nourishing than chocolate for Valentine’s Day? Do you hate this holiday or worry you don’t “measure up”? Then check out an earlier essay by Yours Truly on Reclaiming Valentines’ Day and the inspiring Mirror of Venus Ritual by Snakemoon.
BETWIXT AND BETWEEN – EVERYTHING ELSE
It Is Too A Word! Here is a little word list for you crossword puzzle, Scrabble ™ playing, poetry writing, pun loving Pagans out there. Have fun. (If you find any more like this list on the web, send ‘em along – we just love words. Remember, learning new words and trying new things keeps us sharp.
Ways of Seeing: Femininity is Divine says Dr. Charlene Proctor and The Goddess Network has some very ambitious plans for 2005. We wish them all the best in this work.
Know Your Neighbors: Do you know the magical and mysterious trees in your area? If so, your life is greatly enriched by this. But if you don’t know your walnut from your acacia, you might like to check out this informative website on trees. It always pays to be on friendly terms with your neighbors, especially if they are Dryads. Even if you live in urban areas, trees are good for you.
And folks, whatever you do, don’t trim your trees in the spring! There are baby squirrels and baby birds in there!
The Boldest of Stances: Inspirational quote of the month:
“To say that one faith or God demands one action, one perception, or one approved experience is to dictate one way of life among many. Alternatively, if we use our faith as our inspiration, as our sustenance, as our fire to do ‘charitable works’ about the causes we are passionate about – it does good, not only for the community, but for ourselves. No word of our brand of religion may ever cross our lips (as actions do indeed speak louder than words) but it is our hours, our time, and our bodies that make the boldest of stances.” Shining Spider
We have hundreds of events listed on our California Community Calendar.
Here is just a handful:
· Imbolc, Candlemas & Valentines Day Celebrations
· Native American Powwow
· Lunar New Year festivals
· Soul Work for Sisters
· PantheaCon
· The Vagina Monologue Fundraisers
· Tsunami Relief Benefit Concert
· Russian Festival
· Book Fair
· Bald Eagles & Wildfowl fieldtrip
· Chakra workshop
· Nature Quilt Exhibit
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.
ESSAY - THE YEAR OF THE ROOSER:
The Year of the Rooster begins February 9th, 2005
Please
note: I write these Lunar New Year essays every February. People seem to like them, so I keep doing
it. But, I don’t claim to see the
future beyond my nose. I write these based on issues I see and hear about
in the Earthwise community, on meditations I do in winter and on what my
heart tells me is going on around us. Take what you need and leave the
rest. Sia
By the Asian Calendar, this is the Year of the Green, Wooden
Rooster. Green is the color of hope
& spring, regeneration, fertility, romance, faithfullness, abundance and
prosperity. Wood symbolises family, stability, strength, confidence and growth
over time.
Roosters are symbols of protection and good fortune in Feng Shui, and many people will have rooster figures in their homes for this reason. Pronunciation of the word
"Rooster" in Chinese is the same as "Good Luck" and so this
is seen as an especially lucky time.
This is a wonderful time for adventure. By all means try new things, but
take notes, pack carefully, and be prepared.
In one’s professional life and in business, the right attitudes and diligence will be rewarded but only if we pay attention to details.
Scientific achievement will lead to useful production this year, as well. Look for medical and scientific breakthroughs in 2005, along with a great deal of of controversay and some legal test cases, as well.
Creativity, overall, is strong and many new or hidden talents will emerge. Have you ever wished that you could be more creative? Do you want to take up a new hobby? Then now is a very good time to start.
This is also a good
time to re-create ourselves; take some yoga, sign up for that dance
class, learn how to cook a new dish,
take walks outside or join a club of some kind, and meet new people with
like interests. Do whatever it takes to
find a more positive frame of mind.
This is also a good time to find love or form a family and (this is very
important) family needs to come first this year.
In France, they celebrate “L’art de vivre” wherein families and good living are key. For them the Gallic Rooster is a powerful symbol. As this website notes: “The rooster has been used as an ornament on church bell towers in France since the early Middle Ages, often to symbolize vigilance...” The French consider the Rooster to be a symbol of “might for right” as opposed to “might is right”. A subtile, yet important distinction.
Roosters themselves are very reliable. While they have a powerful sex drive, they are are loyal and faithful to their family. They are used as guardians in farms and in temples and it is wise to respect boundries (your own and those of other people) during Rooster years. Seriously, don’t cross the Rooster.
It is a misconception that Roosters are hostile or overly agressive. In fact, Roosters are very peaceful birds, but they are Guardians and will become Warriors when necessary. The truth is that Roosters only become aggressive for cause and they will fight to defend their territory or their family. It is unwise to push a Rooster too far, as many a fool has found.
Another common misconception is that Roosters are “cocky”. When someone is being arrogent, pushy or belligerant, they are not working from positive Rooster energy. Beware those who are egotistical, selfish or overly confident for no reason. As “birds of a feather, flock together”, our fortunes will be tied to the people we choose to know and to work with.
This is a very bad time to be around dysfunctional people. Healthy people cannot make an unhealthy person well, but one dysfunctional person can make an entire Circle, family or office go nuts. If you are unhappy with your Circle or feel that a friendship or love relationship has gone sour then it may be time to ask “Why?”. If a relationship does not nuture our spirit and support our Best Self, now is the time to break those ties. At the same time, we must ask ourselves, honestly, “What was it about me that attracted this person?” Spiritually speaking, water seeks it’s own level. So if we want healthier people in our lives, we need to become healthier ourselves.
Roosters, bless ‘em, have a low tolerance for B.S. – it’s that Guardian energy, it tends to foster good judgement. As a result, many more Pagans will become Solitary this year, and others will form new bonds and Circles that are healthier and more productive than the ones they knew before.
By the way, if you are new to Paganism then please take Chaucer’s Tale of Chanticleer to heart.
Issues that center around laws (both mundane and magickal) as well as rights, limits, rules, good conduct, territory, and personal discipline become paramount this year. We might even wish to write up our own Personal Bill of Rights. Here are some examples:
I have the right to:
Remember, if we don’t take good care of ourselves, we are no good to anyone else.
It’s a good time to set standards and to practice what we preach. It’s a bad time to be a Poser. Which brings us to another issue within the Pagan community: Too often we say we are practicing “tolerance” when in fact, we are being codependent. Showing tolerance for differences and putting up with poor behavior are not the same thing and it’s about time that more of us stood up and said that!
Folks, it’s one thing to have an open mind. It’s quite another thing to have a mind so open that one’s brains fall out. It’s (way past) time for Pagan People to set sensible standards for good behavior within their Circles, and put fair but firm conseqences in place in order to deal with those among us who act out and behave irresponsibily.
Those of us who are Pagan organizors, volunteers and teachers have a responsibility to model healthy behavior like showing up on time, or doing what we say we will do. We also need to understand the use of Builders and Barriors in relationships, in order to be the most effective in our work. (1)
If we are a Pagan student or Circle member, then we need to use discerment when choosing teachers and sharing magick.
A New Witch recently asked for my advice on finding a teacher. Here is an excert from my reply:
This isn't High School. It's not about being liked by the cool kids or finding a place to belong or rebelling or or worrying that we are "wrong" somehow. …The Goddess picked you for her own. Remember that and honor it.
Attend any function as a centered, friendly being who treats others with courtesy and kindness. Don't be overly impressed by authors, titles or experience. How long someone has been in the Craft or who initiated them, is not as important as what they have learned in that time and how they treat themselves and others.
Be careful who you study and Circle with. Trust your gut and don't do anything you don't want to do. Any good Priestess will have her entire life in good order and balance. If she can't pay her bills or be nice to her kids, how good do you think her magick is? So use good judgment. Only 1 out of every 30 Pagans you meet will be people you'll want to know. Only 1 out of over 100 will be true Tribe for you, so hang in there….and you will meet the people you are supposed to meet.
If we show good judgement, we can afford to take chances. The Year of the Rooster is a good time to take risks such as moving, forming new businesses or creating partnerships. Since Rooster energy is ascendant and Foxes are always sniffing about, it is an extremely bad time to be lazy or careless.
The goal this month is to sweep away all the old misfortune and create a clean slate for the impending good luck of the New Year. (2) Again, attention to detail is key. Otherwise, we could miss important seeds which symbolize new beginnings.
Forgive and let go of old grudges and hurts; that is the best way to find freedom and clarity. It is said that those we resent “live rent free in our heads”. We must not allow old angers to waste spiritual and emotional energy that we need to achieve our life’s goals.
Unlike previous years, this is a time for confidence and optimism. Be prepared for some highs and lows, but don’t worry too much or let guilt or old regrets rule this year. What’s past is past. We should make what amends we can make, and move on.
Don’t obsess on what “should be” or “what might have been”. Focus on “what is” and what can be accomplished now, with the means we have at hand. If we make plans that are grounded in the earth we will prosper. Now is the time to take those classes, polish that resume, look for a new job and above all, prepare for the future. Prosperity will come to those who work for it, but a dirty, poorly built or unfinished nest will not attract a mate, nor is it a good breeding ground for good fortune.
Eggs and ashes are potent symbols this year. Eggs for creation, strength and wholeness and ashes for endings and completition and abundance. Yes, I said abundance. You cannot grow good things in poor ground, and any gardener will tell you that ashes, used wisely, will make compost more fertile. So burn the past and old ways of thinking down to ashes this year, but do not scatter those lessons to the four winds. We can use our regrets and new found wisdom to make our life’s ground more fertile. Then we can plant new seeds, and the lessons of the past will not be wasted, but will help new blessings grow.
It best to pay close attention to what we eat this year. “Garbage in”, as they say, “Garbage out.”
When celebrating the Lunar New Year, families will include whole grains for
feast at their table and they take no fowl of any kind (this is seen as an
insult to the Rooster). We can eat chicken this year (if we eat meat) just not
on this day!. However, do try to avoid eating too much junk food this year, and
eat food that is natural, light and wholesome, overall. Rooster thinks we should add more fish to
our diet – so does our heart doctor. (3)
Roosters are beautiful, healthy, strong birds, and many are very colorful, especially in the exotic varities. So play with hairstyles and with color this year. Greens and earth tones are good choices this year. Also wear a combination of colors (as in a roosters tail) in shades that suit you. If we are focusing on joy, we might want to use ocean tones and if we want inspiration, we can use the colors of the sky. Roosters are birds, after all, and they like water and wind, as much as they like earth and sun. The element of fire, specifically, relates to the Phonix; a topic we’ll discuss down the road.
It best to wear natural fabrics this year, as much as possible. This is a time to dress to our own beauty, to be comfortable, and show attention to details and presentation. Pay no attention to that mutant on the cover of Vogue ™ If the clothes in our closet don’t make make us glow with confidence or we are holding on to the wrong sizes (ahem) then, we should throw them out - someone else can use them.
It can be very
empowering to go through our closets with a friend who has some real fashion sense
(I’m doing just that). Between us, my
friend and I are building a fun, but functional, fullfilling wardrobe that suits who I am now. Please note: This process is about pride and
self worth, it is not an excuse to spend wads of money we don’t have.
This is also time to be kind to animals, cherish pets, and speak up for those
who can't speak for themselves. Once
such example are new Pet friendly bills in 2005.
If you love animals, get active and support laws like this in your
community.
My We'Moon calendar arrived last month (and there was much
rejoicing). The Editors at We Moon choose to list 2005 as the year of
the Phoenix for metaphysical reasons, and the theme this year is “Sacred
Paths”.
The Phonix, also known as the Fire Bird, is a sacred bird in world mythology. Both the Phoenix and the Rooster should be considered when meditating on what we wish to create this year.
The good people at WeMoon see this year as a time of transformation and rebirth. They believe that honest action and integrity will be rewarded (no, really) and they warn against wild schemes or long shots. (This is not the same as trying new things and taking chances, and if we don’t know the difference by now, it’s time we learned.)
As WeMoon says: “Do not waste time or money this year. Do not seek to dominate others or always be in the right. Do actively seek opportunities for growth and change and have the courage to fly!”
Here’s to the possible,
Sia
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.