Ready to dig in? Then, let's have at it!
Happy Birthday this week to Molly Clee, Wind Raven, Dawn Schonee Rast, Jay Allen (!!!), Jennifer Parker, Pertho Pathfinder, Dorothy Cappolla, Tammy Namasky, Judika Iles (!!!), Sara Carbaugh, Steve Provost, and Vaygar-Ingvald Elmersson (!!!!). May this be your best birthday ever, and may the coming year bring you good health, joy, happiness, peace, prosperity and the very best of all things in abundance!
Kestril's Song of the Week
Keep Fighting the Good Fight
There is no doubt that this week's SCOTUS ruling on DOMA was a historic event. But it'd be a mistake to think that there is no more need for activism. This is great news for the states that already recognize equal rights for all couples, but there are so many more that don't. In my own home state, while some people are ready to come into the modern era and recognize the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness despite sexual orientation, there are others who want those voices silenced. As I had remarked elsewhere, putting this in geek terms, we did blow up the Death Star, but the Empire is more than willing to strike back. Well, if SCOTUS would like to leave this up to the states, let me just say this little Ewok is ready to let the Empire know they can't have my woods. The job isn't done yet folks. Take a good look at what's going on in your state. Be active. Be involved. Write letters and don't forget to vote.
In the News
Pagans seek to dispel fears, find a Village homePhilly Archbishop Apparently Worried About Paganism
Witchcraft Suspected in Mysterious Pony Attack
Barack Obama in Africa: Urged to Tackle Witchcraft Violence
Witchcraft Accusation in Northern Ghana
Drama as man bares 'mum's witchcraft'
Witchcraft: Woman, 30, In Court for Defamation
Devout Pagan stole £22,000 from girlfriend's father before decapitating him
From Pagan Worship to a Tent Full of Washing Machines
Looking back: Witch Doreen Flew in the Face of Critics
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Sunday, June 30
Day of Aestas. The ancient Roman corn-Goddess of Summer is honored each year on this sacred day. Corn bread is traditionally served at Wiccan gatherings.
This day is sacred to the Pagan and Native American Goddesses Ceres, Changing Woman, Chicomecoatl, the Corn Mothers, Demeter, Gaia, Ge, Hestia, Iatiku, Oraea, Pachamama, Spider Woman, and Tonantzin.
Monday, July 1
The month of July opens in Nepal with the Naga Panchami festival, which is devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Sacred snake images are displayed on religious altars, offerings are made at snake holes, and parades featuring live serpents fill the main streets of many villages.
In Japan, this day is sacred to Fuji, the ancient Japanese Goddess of fire. Fuji is also regarded as the grandmother of Japan, and on this special day (which also marks the start of Mount Fuji Climbing Season) She is honored with prayers and burnt offerings.
Tuesday, July 2
On this day in ancient times, the citizens of Rome celebrated the Feast of Expectant Mothers. At temples throughout the city, all pregnant women gathered to receive blessings and honor Bona Dea, Carmenta, Lucina, and other Goddesses associated with birth and fertility.
Wednesday, July 3
The New Year of the Seminole Indian tribe of Florida begins on this date, and is celebrated with an annual Green Corn Dance honoring the new corn crop. In Italy, this day is sacred to the Witch of Gaeta; in Greece, the Goddess Athena is honored.
Thursday, July 4
U.S. Independence Day. On this day, the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the official "birth" of the United States is celebrated by Pagans and non-Pagans alike. On this day, many patriotic American Wiccans honor and give thanks to Lady Liberty, and perform magickal spells and rituals for the benefit of the country.
Day of Pax. On this day in ancient times, Pax (a Roman Goddess of peace and harmony, identified with the Greek Goddess Concordia) was honored with feasting and revelry.
Also on this day, the spirits of the mountains are honored by the Mescalero Apache Gahan Ceremonial, while the Great God who dwells within the fire of the Sun is paid homage to by the Ute Indian tribe of Utah and Colorado, who perform an annual Sun Dance.
Friday, July 5
Every year on this date, the Aphelion of the Earth takes place. When this occurs, the planet Earth reaches the point in its orbit when it is farthest from the Sun. Many astrologers consider this to be a highly significant event.
In ancient Egypt, this day was held sacred to Maat, the Goddess who presides over truth and wisdom.
Saturday, July 6
This is a day sacred to all horned Goddesses of the ancient Pagan religions: the Deer Mothers, Europa, Hathor, Hera, Io, Ishtar, Isis, Juno, Luna, Nephthys, Pasiphae, Selene, and so forth.
In Spain, the annual Running of the Bulls takes place on this day. The bull symbolizes fertility and the male procreative power and is a sacred animal to Apis, Baal, Bacchus, Dionysos Zagreus, Dumuzi, Enki, Freya, Menwer, the Minotaur, Moloch, Sin, Thor and Yama.
And there you have it! I wish you all a fantastic week -- see you next time with more Pagan Lore!
Karen
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
Usually for my additions to the stew I give a light-hearted look at the world around me. Today my view is clouded. I want to share a story with you from someone very dear to me. For this week’s stew, I’ll let her write.
June 26, 2013
Today the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. Proposition 8 ruling was ruled with no standing and therefore the ruling to deny same sex couples marriage was invalid.
What does this mean to me? Well it means everything and it means nothing. You see I've married my wife/husband several times. One of our marriages took place in February 2004 in San Francisco. We stood in line with 1000s of others while we waited to get our marriage license. Gavin Newsom had instructed the city clerk to change the marriage licenses to from husband and wife, to applicant 1 and applicant 2. We drove all night to get to San Francisco and watched as the people around us, cried and hugged each other waiting for their chance to be married.
In the center rotunda I stood with my beloved. I felt finally validated. We were married. On our way home, she called her brother to tell him the wonderful news and his brother said, “You have no right to marriage, if you want equality move to another country.” Our hearts sank. Even though we were finally married, it still did not make us equal in their eyes. In August of the same year the California Supreme Court ruled that my marriage was null and void from inception. It didn’t exist. Have you ever been told by a government agency that you pay taxes to that you are worthless and you do not exist? I still cry about this, even now as I write this to you.
Scroll forward to 2006, my wife completed a transition from female to male. We had all of our documents in order and we went down to get married. Very few people knew about the transition, just a few close friends and family. We went to apply for a loan for our truck and we were asked if we were married. We said yes. With a quick tilt of the head the “friend” who know of the transition behind the counter said, “Yeah but not really married, right?” Even presenting as a male/female couple, we still were not equal and had to produce our marriage license.
Today I have a box with all our papers in it. It’s a fireproof box. It has similar things in it that most couples have with a few additions. It has our deed to the house and tax papers. It has our marriage license and his name and gender marker change paperwork. It has our wills and powers of attorney. I keep all the documents and hope that I never have to use them. You see, even though I have my marriage today. I can file taxes as married. I live in fear that if something happens to him, a bigoted medical examiner could easily list “F” on his death certificate bringing everything to a screeching halt.
I would be without my world and then possibly without my home. I would lose my insurance, all the social security protections and adding insult to injury, dis family could take my home and even my dog.
DOMA doesn't change that for me. Prop 8 has no bearing on those things. You see I live in a state that says that same sex marriage is illegal. They don’t recognize his trans status. They could see us as a same sex couple. I have my paperwork and I hope that I never have to use it.
I’m thrilled for those couples who are now safe. I hope that one day, I can feel safe too.
Signed - Afraid
My dear friend has a right to be very concerned about the future of her family. There are cases after cases where trans* families are broken apart first by the loss of a spouse and then by the betrayal of not only the family, but also of the legal system in denying the rights of the surviving spouse access to care, benefits and sometimes even their very own home.
While this was a huge win for many in the Gay and Lesbian Community, let’s not forget those that live in states that are not protected with the right to marry their same sex partner but also those that are in relationships with Trans* as well. Sometimes the T is forgotten in LGBT.
No one is free until we are all free. ~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Namaste and Blessed Be,
Sosanna
)O(
Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane
The Evils of Prejudice
When did the whole bizarre concept of prejudice start? Last weekend as I was waiting to see how SCOTUS decided the issue of Marriage Equality I started looking for the start of prejudice in humans.
Prejudice is defined as a: "Preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience."
I grew up with it, but wasn't really aware of it. I spent most of my early years with my mothers parents. My grandmother was Quaker and as biased and prejudiced as it was possible to be. Catholics were evil personified and the Pope was the anti-Christ. My father was part Native American and my grandmother felt that she was saving me from that stigma. I am sure that in her mind she was doing the good Christian thing. And I am also sure that she would have been highly insulted at being accused of being prejudiced.
When I went to register to vote the first time I was told I couldn't do so until I proved that I wasn't a reservation Indian and hadn't been for 5 years. I think that was the first time that I truly understood what being on the receiving end of prejudice meant.
In researching where and when the first indications of prejudice appeared in humans, I found an interesting study done by Yale University. The study showed that prejudice is apparent as far back as our primate ancestors. Apes from different groups show prejudice in dealing with other apes. Their "in-group" was treated differently from apes from the "out-group". But they could be taught to ignore those inherent traits. If apes can learn to overcome prejudice, then surely humans can learn the same thing.
Cave paintings in Europe show tribal prejudice already in our very earliest ancestors and it has continued throughout our history. Religion, race. cultural differences and sex have all been excuses to dislike and mistrust others. We see differences where none truly exist and multiply those beliefs in our minds. Does another culture allow women to vote and have an education? They are evil and must be eradicated. Does a culture worship a different concept of God? Again they must be eliminated.
If a loving couple happen to be the same sex, it is a sin and a threat and should not be allowed. I think the most difficult thing for me to understand in all of this is where one group gets the arrogance to believe that they are the only ones who are truly right. None of the studies I have read seem to address that question. I would love to know what other people think about that.
Mid-Air Moxie with Adelina Soto Thomas
I live with an Atheist, who just happens to be my husband. When I was single gal, the main criteria I had regarding the spiritual beliefs of a potential partner were that I would never date another Christian. Been there, done that… My experience has been that when I told the men in my life that I followed a Pagan path, their responses were the same: they thought it was a fad, an attention seeking tool, or something I’d give up once I got serious enough to ‘get married and have kids’. Many tried to talk me off the Pagan cliff and one guy even attempted to ‘save’ me. Mostly, I felt like their dirty little secret. I was ‘that’ girl…the ‘witch’ they could never take home to mama. Over and over-two opposing beliefs = no relationship.
When we met, my husband was different in that he didn't try to change my mind about what I believed. He told me that he was an Atheist and he didn't want to change me and didn't want me to try to change him. Sounds like a nice start, right? Soon after we started dating, we had a conversation where he told me that he felt “sorry” for me because of my spiritual beliefs and it seemed naive and misguided for an intelligent woman like me to have spiritual beliefs. Well, that took me by surprise! He didn't believe in anything, but he felt sorry for me?
After 5 years, we haven’t changed our beliefs, but we have come to expand our understanding of each other. Initially, his views on the world seemed very black-and-white and that was very difficult for me to accept. My intuitive nature still drives him nuts! I am empathic-he is logical. Right brain girl, meet left brain boy! But we kept on talking and stayed open to learning about each other. I gained more understanding of the logic that forms the structure and order of his world. He understands the aesthetics of the world that inspire me by looking through the lens of science. In getting to know the person behind the belief system, we somehow legitimized each other’s choices, without feeling forced to change or join where we weren't in complete agreement. The Atheist feels love. The Pagan feels love. There truly is common ground.
The trouble with some of the Christian men I dated was that there wasn't any room for compromise in their particular faith. You either believed as they did, or you needed to believe. The ideological application of their faith did not leave room for, nor was there encouragement to find any common ground with non-believers. I found some similar traits with other Atheists I knew, in that they stuck firmly to their ‘non-belief’ and dismissed anyone who did have any spiritual beliefs. My husband has moved beyond the stereotype of Pagans being ‘flaky, tree hugging hippies’ because I clearly was a woman who was not a flake (though I do love to a hug tree every now and again!). I had to be willing to go beyond the image I had of ‘rigid’ and ‘negative’ Atheists and simply learn to explain my beliefs in terms he could understand and relate to.
In living with one Atheist…I didn't need to take them all on. I strive to simply understand why he believes what he chooses to believe. In doing so, I am able to have him be open to understanding why I feel what I feel and believe what I believe, even if he does not agree. He does not flinch now when I mention the Full Moon, crystals, candle rituals, etc. I do not get upset when he questions my information and looks up data on the effects of the Full Moon, scientific articles on the properties of herbs, the cultural significance of pagan rituals, etc. And when we absolutely cannot come to a reasonable discourse, we simply go to our neutral corners where we agree to disagree. Then we meet in the middle. Love transcends all differences, if you truly believe…It doesn't eliminate them, but if we found common ground in love, surely others can, too…
New!! Notes from the Circle with Alan Heartsong
Shattering Chains
Hi, I'll introduce myself briefly. My name is Alan and I've been both gay and a practicing Wiccan since 1984. Well, maybe I was gay sooner, but that was the year I came out. I'll be adding my thoughts on everything from magical theory to current events from my perspective to this space.
Speaking of current events, as anyone with an Internet connection knows by now, the Supreme Court delivered two decisions this week that drastically altered the gay rights conversation. The decision on Proposition 8 only affected California, but overturning DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) makes gay couples who are married in a state that allows same-sex marriage absolutely equal to mixed-sex marriages. That's 1,138 federal marriage rights previously denied to gay people. It's a huge step to full equality, but we still have 37 states to make gay marriage legal in before we're done.
Lots of folks were having ecstatically happy reactions, but I wasn't and I've finally puzzled out why. For 30 years, I've known that there was no way I'd ever be free to marry the man of my dreams, should I meet him. That my union would not be legal, that I'd never be “good enough” for our society and always have to be careful about who knows that I'm gay. I've known that my blissfully happy relationship would forever be at risk of persecution from people who judged my love as bad, wrong, or evil.
Those were my chains. I was used to the weight, the chafing, and while sometimes it irritated me more than others, I accepted them. Now those chains have been shattered, and emotionally and energetically I have a big case of “void shock”. Think of it as if you've been living in a fabulously decorated sewer for most of your life, watching other people walk around in the sunshine above you, and now you're finally free to walk in the sun with everyone else. It's bright. It's loud. Your comforting walls aren't there anymore, and there's all this open space.
Freedom is good. Equality is good. But sometimes, a huge change like this in your perception of the world is really a big shock and is kind of scary. I wouldn't be surprised if this is what it feels like to finally be out of an abusive relationship. Energetically, we have to figure out how to re-ground ourselves and alter our worldview when big changes like this happen. If you're feeling this way too, know that you're not alone. Be patient with yourself, and feel free to quietly celebrate instead of shouting from the rooftops if that's more comfortable for you.
The Spice with La'Trice Lott
Grilled Rum Soaked PineappleHere is one of my favorite summertime desserts. It’s quick, easy and delicious.
Ingredients:
•1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1” thick rings (to save time you can buy the pre-peeled and cored ones)
•½ Cup dark rum
•¼ Cup brown sugar
•½ teaspoon Cinnamon
•½ teaspoon Nutmeg
•Vanilla Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt
•Fresh Mint Leaves for Garnish.
Steps:
1.Place pineapple rings in the bottom of a glass baking dish and set aside.
2.Mix together all ingredients, except for Ice Cream/Yogurt
3.Pour Mixture over pineapple rings and let sit for 20 – 30 minutes
4.Set grill to medium heat
5.Place pineapple slices on grill – BE VERY CAREFUL AS RUM WILL CAUSE GRILL TO FLARE-UP MOMENTARILY. YOU USE A SPRAY BOTTLE OF WATER TO CONTROL FLAMES.
6.Grill slices 4 minutes per side.
7.While slices are cooking, pour reserved marinade liquid into a heavy bottom pan. Place pan on indirect heat, or on warming grate if you have one on your grill. Let liquid reduce by half. Should be a thick syrupy consistence. WARNING: Be very careful not to put Rum Marinade to close to the flame, or it might catch on fire. . .trust me. . .been there, done that. . . singed the fine hairs on my arm.
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| photo: daily deliverables |
1.Place one pineapple slice on a small place
2.Top with Ice Cream or Yogurt
3.Drizzle with rum reduction
4.Garnish with fresh mint leaves
5.ENJOY.
Oh The Humanity! with Loren Morris
I want to thank everyone that responded to last week's Stew, I loved your stories and thoughts. I really
appreciated your emails.
For this week's stew, I wanted to find something that would celebrate the decision handed down by the
Supreme Court in regards to DOMA and Prop 8.
I found this beautiful commercial by Expedia. It is touching and I had never seen it until this past week. I don't believe that it was ever played in my area on TV.
I hope that you enjoy it, it's entitled "Find Your Understanding"
As a happy side note, the couple in the commercial is really a couple and this commercial
helped them be able to adopt a child. You can read about it here:
helped them be able to adopt a child. You can read about it here:
http://www.businessinsider.com/expedias-gay-marriage-ad-helped-the-couple-in-it-adopt-a-child-2013-3
This Week in Astrology
(All times Eastern Daylight Time)
Jun 30: 12:54 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
July 1: Moon Void of Course from 4:14 am until 5:42 pm, then enters Taurus
Good time to do business after 5:42 pm
July 2: Good day to do business (all day)
July 3: Good day to do business (until 4:40 pm)
Moon Void of Course from 4:40 pm through the rest of the day
July 4: Moon Void ends at 5:21 am; enters Gemini
July 5: All's quiet in the heavens :)
July 6: Moon Void of Course from 8:30 am until 6:13 pm; enters Cancer
Good time to do business after 6:13 pm
July 1: Moon Void of Course from 4:14 am until 5:42 pm, then enters Taurus
Good time to do business after 5:42 pm
July 2: Good day to do business (all day)
July 3: Good day to do business (until 4:40 pm)
Moon Void of Course from 4:40 pm through the rest of the day
July 4: Moon Void ends at 5:21 am; enters Gemini
July 5: All's quiet in the heavens :)
July 6: Moon Void of Course from 8:30 am until 6:13 pm; enters Cancer
Good time to do business after 6:13 pm
- Saturn is in Rx until July 8
- Mercury is in Rx until July 20
- Neptune is in Rx until November 13
- Chiron is in Rx until November 19
- Uranus will go Rx on July 17
*Rx =Retrograde (planets appear to be moving backwards)
Weekly Horoscope from Darkstar Astrology
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| Twilight Realm: A Tarot of Faery |
Weekly Tarot: The Hermit
Key words and phrases: introspection, withdrawal, soul-searching, inner guidance"Withdrawal from events and relationship to introspect and gather strength. Seeking the inner voice or calling upon vision from within. A need of understanding and advice, or a wise man who will offer knowing guidance. Personal experience and thoughtful temperance." ~facade
With the number of planets in a retrograde position, it's no wonder The Hermit has appeared. All spiritual signs point toward reflection, review and renewal right now. It's time for us to go within, and I bet you've felt that pull over the past week. The little things may be getting to you, or even bigger things may be annoying you. I know I've not felt much like interacting with folks the past few days, and the pull is getting stronger to have more alone time. Many of my friends have decided to take a social media break, or curtail their social time overall. This is a great time for introspection and soul-searching. The Hermit is leading you to find your inner wisdom. All the answers you need really are within you. It's time to seek them out and renew your spirit.
"The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." ~ Albert Einstein
"Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god." ~ Aristotle
"One can be instructed in society, one is inspired only in solitude." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Weekly Totem: Squirrel
Key words and phrases: balance, preparedness, gathering, taking time to play
"... it may be that you are being told to honor your future by readying yourself for change. The message could be to lighten your load if you have gathered too many "things" that do not serve you. These "things" can include thoughts, worries, pressures, stresses, or gadgets that have been broken for years. In understanding the balance involved in gathering, you need to look at the idea of circulating the stock of what you have gathered. Call the nearest thrift store and give the gadgets to someone who can benefit from them. If something no longer "grows corn" for you, then it is time to let it go." ~Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams and David Carson
Squirrel is a unique totem, in that he gives a variety of messages, depending on the recipient. The main message of squirrel is resources: either the conservation or accumulation thereof.
If squirrel has scampered into your life, examine your own activity and preparedness. Are you too active? Not active enough? Are you not planning at all for the future, distant or near? Are you becoming too erratic--running to and fro and not accomplishing anything? Do you need to learn how to save and ration on any level--including time, money, energy, etc.? Are you afraid you will never have enough? Are you getting too hung up on collecting and accumulating? Are you gathering and not giving?
Squirrel also reminds you to examine the safe place where you are storing your resources, especially on the spiritual level. An untroubled mind and heart is the best place for one to keep wisdom.
Be sure you're also not taking life too seriously. Squirrels are hard workers, but they always make time for play.
Whichever message resonates for you, may it serve you as you go through this week.
The Shameless Plug
I love how the author formats this book. She describes each herb, gives you the reason that it's "baneful" by chronicling its toxicity level and the body's reaction, how it's used in magical workings, and interesting tidbits of information.
Her writing style is both informative and informal, yet still remaining professional, which makes it a book for everyone. If you'd like to read an excerpt, click here.
If you like plants, or work with them on any level, this is a must-have for your library. The great news is that it's not only available in paperback, but also in Kindle, Nook and Kobobooks formats! You can check it out on her website, and/or visit her on the Herby Lady Facebook page!
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!