This week's Stew celebrates our survival of Mercury Rx, reviews racism, ponders expectations, and shakes its head at a sect of humanity. Kathleen's talking about one of her totems (and in light of that, there will be no weekly totem) and La'Trice has a delightful recipe to share. The Captain will return soon; he's still getting his boat in ship-shape. Kestril, Karen and I have your weekly mainstays, and there are some very interesting news articles this week. After the past three weeks of Mercury, it's nice to take a pause and relax with some Stew. This time, let's not just dig right in- take a moment to get that cuppa and relax. You've earned it.
Happy Birthday this week to Linda Rodriguez, Jill Lewis, Raven Willow, Misty Magick, Iris Drolle, Ruadhan J. McElroy, Tiffanie Dovich (!!!), Kerri Brown, Bev Sumner, Gary Colcombe, Blaze Dawson, Laura Kirkham and Amy Hines. May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you abundance in joy, peace, happiness, good health and all the very best things!
Kestril's Song of the Week
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I decided after this last Mercury retrograde, a little humor was called for. Blazing Saddles is one of those movies that always makes me laugh. And this song certainly sums up how I feel after a wacky Mercury retrograde cycle. I need a bit of rest before tackling the world! Or maybe, like Ms. Kahn in the movie, I'm just in a holding pattern until the next new adventure captures my jaded mind. I'm looking forward to something new. But first a nap!Keep Dancing,
Kestril
In the News
Part 1: What is modern Paganism?Over the years, Paganism has had a makeover
Being in the age of Pagan Sexuality
Prisoners pretending to be Pagan for extra benefits
Pa. Germans' beliefs in witchcraft subject of a book
Experts rule out witchcraft in bathroom deaths
The White Queen, Elizabeth Woodville: Was She a Witch?
Witchcraft fuels killings in Kayunga
Witchcraft and Poverty
Rwanda: Police should intervene in Rwamagana Witchcraft Allegations
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning, Sunday Stew readers and Pagan Lore fans! Are you staying cool in this relentless heat that seems to be everywhere? Sure hope so! Here is this week's lore:
Sunday, July 21
The Mayan New Year is celebrated annually on this date in South America. This is a very sacred day to the Maya, who welcome their New Year with feasts and prayers in honor of the old gods.
Monday, July 22
On this date in the year 1930, the first sighting of the famous monster of Loch Ness was officially recorded in Scotland. Old Nessie (as the monster has been affectionately nicknamed) has since been witnessed by thousands of people and continues to attract countless numbers of tourists with cameras to Loch Ness each year.
Tuesday, July 23
The festival of Neptunalia was celebrated annually on this date in ancient Rome to honor Neptune, the lord of the sea. In Italy, many modern Witches honor Neptune on this day by lighting a blue candle, inscribed with his trident symbol and anointed with seawater, and placing it on an altar along with various objects from the sea (such as seashells, pieces of driftwood, and so forth).
Wednesday, July 24
On this date (approximately) the Sun enters the astrological sign of Leo. Persons born under the sign of the Lion are said to be generous, romantic, proud, and often egotistical. Leo is a fire sign and is ruled by the Sun.
Thursday, July 25
In Osaka, Japan, a thousand-year-old festival of paper dolls is celebrated annually on this date. The handmade dolls are traditionally rubbed on the bodies of the faithful to absorb illnesses, negativity, and evil spirits. The dolls are then taken to a bridge and dropped into the waters of the river below.
Friday, July 26
The Kachina ceremony is celebrated annually on this date by the Native American tribe of the Hopi in Arizona. The kachinas (ancient spirits that are believed to guide and protect the Hopi people) are honored with religious ceremonies and a cycle of dances.
Saturday, July 27
Day of Hatshepsut. On this day each year, the eighteenth dynasty Healer Queen of ancient Egypt is honored. Healing rituals are performed by many Wiccans, especially those of the Egyptian traditions.
In Belgium, a centuries-old event known as The Procession of Witches takes place every year on this day.
And there you have it! Wishing you all a wonderful week, and looking forward to bringing you next week's Pagan Lore!
Karen
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
Over the past few weeks “race” has been the led story across the air waves. I cannot log into Facebook without seeing something related to either Paula Deen or Trayvon Martin. Everyone has their own opinion. I have seen friends disagree and remove each other after lifelong friendships based on these two cases. The race divide is so strong in our country today that we are telling each other to get over it.
What I think people fail to realize is that we’re not over it. We’re not over judging people based on how they look. For example, our country is one of the most obese countries in the world, however when a plus size model such as Tess Munster, shows her stuff, society judges her with an iron fist.
When celebrity chef Guy Fieri stormed out of a restaurant and told a producer “You can’t send me in to talk to gay people without warning! Those people weird me out!” The list of sexist and homophobic rhetoric from Guy was constant, to the point that editors had to be sure to edit out takes of him checking out women’s boobs from the show. For those interested, Guy kept his job and was not “punished” by Food Network, the same network that fired Paula Deen.
I found a story, several actually, about the latest season of Big Brother. For those that don’t know it’s a reality show where a group of people are put in a house together and filmed 24/7. Members are voted out and the winner gets a cash prize. This season, two of the members of the Big Brother house have been fired from their real world jobs based on racist and homophobic statements they made while being filmed.
GinaMarie Zimmerman (No relation) referred to welfare as “ni*ger insurance” and was promptly dropped by East Coast USA Pageant, Inc. Aaryn Gries was dropped by her modeling agency for calling a gay housemate a “queer” and telling an Asian American houseguest to “shut up and go make some rice.”
Throughout the Deen incident and now leading into the killing of Trayvon Martin, I've stood by the belief that we are allowed in this country to be racists. We just cannot violate someone else’s rights by doing so. In looking at these cases, I really don’t see that much of a difference in the hatred that is displayed here versus the hatred that is displayed to LGBT people on a daily basis by the Christian Church.
Did GinaMarie violate her housemate’s rights or did she hurl an insult? How does this differ from Christians telling Gay people they’re going to hell? Which according to the SCOTUS is considered freedom of speech.
In the cases above, I noticed an odd but still obvious similarity. Paula Deen, GinaMarie & Aaryn all found guilty in the court of public opinion and fired from their jobs. Guy & George, innocent. Well well well. Isn't that interesting? When I look at these types of cases it makes me wonder if others see the same thing or if I’m connecting the wrong dots. No one seems to notice that our system of justice, our system of capital, our very foundation in this country is slanted in such a way as to give males an advantage.
Please keep in mind, I’m certainly not placing any of these women in the victim category. Their actions were abhorrent. I can certainly see what legally Ms. Deen is in trouble and why in the particular fields that each of the other two women work in, it would be unwise to associate with this type of publicity. Further, I believe that some action should have been taken against Mr. Fieri and, Mr. Zimmerman is guilty.
The point here, is that I really believe that as people, we need to remember one simple thing. Treat people like you want to be treated. Women, raise your children to respect others. Men, stay there and support the mother of your children in this endeavor. Aunts, Uncles, when you see a kid being disrespectful, correct it. Respect goes both ways. Don’t abuse it just because you’re older. It takes a village to raise a child. Currently our village is empty because everyone is working trying to survive and no one is raising the kids.
A very important person in my life once said the following to me: “I want equality. I don’t want to be special. I don’t need special rights or laws to protect me. I just want the exact same rights as every other White American Male in this country.”
To that I say, “So do I dear, so do I.”
Until then, continue to Sparkle and Shine.
Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane
RAVEN
Being a Virgo born under Mercury and with Raven as my totem animal, it always seemed particularly appropriate that he would be my Native American totem guide too.
Raven's history as guide, leader and mover of great deeds go back to long before man ventured out of his caves. The Haida believe that Raven created man and woman and he is an important element world wide and mentioned in the Christian bible, the Koran and the writings of the Far East. His lore is endless and as such is a combination of both dark and light.
If a raven guide has appeared in your life, look within. It is time for a change. Though we often fear change, the changes raven brings are often meaningful. Change is often difficult, but it is through overcoming obstacles that we grow the most. Instead of becoming fearful anticipate the end result. If you've fallen under the eye of this bird that change should be revealed. If you’re having trouble recognizing what should change, then change the way you’re looking at yourself or a problem.
Ravens are also considered powerful teachers of the mysteries. Consider the truth and inner wisdom you hold within. Just as a raven spirit can mimic the calls of many birds and animals so can you learn to understand the meaning buried in the symbols and messages that surround us. Raven totems teach magic and reveal the magic within. This is not external magic but using your will to shape and create the environment around you. Not only can you change internally, but by doing so you can change the external. Raven is not an easy messenger because developing strong willpower and changing your intention takes dedication and persistence.
Lugh was closely associated with Raven and his name came from the Celtic word for raven. Bran the Blessed in Welsh mythology is considered to be closely associated with Lugh, and folklore says that if the ravens ever abandon the Tower of London where his head is supposedly buried, England will fall.
In Native American lore, Raven appears as a trickster, a teacher, the bringer of the sun and the harbinger of change. There are some wonderful books of Raven myths from many of the tribes and many of them have to do with change.
If you've had a dream about a raven spirit or he has appeared in your life it is likely that big changes are coming your way or it may symbolize an end to a phase or habit in your life.
Raven totem is a guardian or keeper of our fears, to see one in a dream can be seen as a message to examine these fears. Raven will guide you in revealing these inner secrets and to see your demons for what they are.
Welcome Raven into your life! He may be frightening at times, but he is never sterile or boring.
The Spice with La'Trice Lott
Who doesn't love a good fritter? Corn, apple, sweet potato, etc. Little crispy pockets of goodness. This week, our garden has been producing we've at least a zucchini a day so, I’m going to share one of my favorite fritter recipes with you. I've added some notes to make it gluten free/paleo friendly. Hope you enjoy.
Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients
•2 medium zucchini
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•2 teaspoons of sea salt•2 green onions thinly sliced
•¼ cup flour (gluten free/paleo can use almond or coconut flour)
•¼ cup fresh grated pecorino romano
•2 eggs, beaten
•pepper to taste(make sure its fresh ground black pepper)
•2 tablespoons oil for frying ( for gluten free/paleo diets use walnut, avocado or coconut oil too)
Instructions
1.Grate zucchini.
2.Add salt and place shredded zucchini in a colander lined with clean white dishtowel or cheesecloths, and let drain for 30 minutes. Then squeeze to get as much liquid out of it as possible to get it as dry as possible.
3.Place zucchini back in bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly
4.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and wait for that pan to get super-hot.
5.Let oil get to shimmer, but not smoking then add large spoonful of the mixture in hot oil and fry until golden brown on each side. About 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6.Place drained fritters on platter and sprinkle with fresh dill or mint. Serve with sour cream and extra green onions on the side.
Notes from the Circle with Alan Heartsong
Failed Expectations- When Icons FallRemember how disappointed you were when you were a kid and Santa didn't bring you what you wanted or asked for? Your feelings were hurt, like it was a personal affront. But as an adult, you look back on it and sort of laugh. The thing is, we never really grow out of that feeling.
My French teacher in high school said a swear word in front of me, and I was shocked because teachers just aren't supposed to swear. I even said something about it, and her response was “Oh, grow up”. She let me down, she failed to live up to my expectation of how a teacher behaves. My feelings were hurt not by her, but somehow by the world for not being the way I thought it should be.
So let's look at what happens on the etheric level. You like some person or sports team, you decide that they're worthy of your admiration, and you feed them energy. By aligning yourself with them that way, it feels as though you're sharing in the energy of the whole fan base, and it feels good. Their success feeds your ego and makes you happy because you're connected to them on an energy level. Their failures, however, make you upset because then it feels like you fail. You get angry at them for “failing you”, and the positive you fed them becomes negative. We all know that generating negative energy long enough over time becomes toxic, so if you keep it up you wind up poisoning your own aura. At best, you disassociate yourself from them and break the connection.
But what does that do to them? (read the rest of the story here)
Oh, the Humanity! with Loren Morris
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My focus today is on one of the MOST EVIL people on the planet: Pat RobertsonI'm just going to list a few interesting facts and give you some links that will give you insight to his evils.
Pat Robertson is the host of The 700 Club. The 700 Club is shown on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which he owns. Everything that spews forth from his mouth is garbage and people listen to it! They not only listen to it, they send him money!
The viewing audience for CBN is an estimated 360 million people in 180 countries. In 2005, the 700 club took in $462,597,261 in donations. This was the latest figure that I could find regarding donations given to the 700 club.
According to nndb.com, Pat Robertson's net worth is estimated between $200-million and $1-billion. He launched the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia. He runs the Christian Coalition, which raises money and support for conservative political candidates. He founded several things, including Regent University, which is a private Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Also founded by Pat, are the American Center for Law and Justice and the ABC Family Channel.
This article is about Robertson's diamond mining rights and the evils surrounding him.
In 1988 he ran for president. Thank Goddess that didn't happen. I'm sure that he would have been worse than Bush.
He served in the Marines in the Korean War. He stated that he was awarded 3 battle stars for action against the enemy. But, Republican Senator Paul McCloskey, Jr. stated in a public letter that he served with Robertson in the Korean War and that Robertson's Senator father spared him from combat. Pat actually spent time in an office in Japan, not in battle. Robertson then filed a suit against McCloskey but soon after dropped the suit and paid McCloskey's court costs.
I find it interesting that Pat believes in the bible and makes several prophecies that are wrong, but doesn't realize as a false prophet he should be stoned to death. Among his "prophecies" are:
Some of the asinine things that have come out of Robertson's mouth are here:
Since I said that I think that Pat Robertson is one of the MOST EVIL men on the planet, let's look to two sources for a definition of evil.
The first source will be Merriam-Webster dictionary's definition of evil:
a : morally reprehensible : sinful, wicked
b : arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct
The article about the diamond mines would be enough to line Pat up with the definition through the dictionary.
BUT, let's also look at the definition of evil from Pat's own source of preaching, the Bible.
The first verse is Isaiah 5:20:
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
The second verse is Luke 6:43-45
"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
So, by definition of an evil man by the Bible, Pat Robertson is an evil man bringing forth rotten fruit among his "people" and they are eating it like it is perfect, unblemished fruit.
This week in Astrology
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Sunday, July 21: Moon Void of Course from 11:53 am through the rest of the day.Monday, July 22: Moon Void ends at 2:06 pm and enters Aquarius.
8:40 am: Venus enters Virgo
11:55 am Sun enters Leo
Full Moon in Aquarius at 2:15 pm
Tuesday, July 23: Moon Void of Course from 8:27 pm through the rest of the day
Wednesday, July 24: Moon Void ends at 2:22 pm and enters Pisces.
Good day for business transactions, after the void ends.
Thursday, July 25: Moon Void of Course from 2:43 pm through the rest of the day.
Good day for business until the void starts.
Friday, July 26: Moon Void ends at 5:28 pm and enters Aries.
Saturday, July 27: All's quiet on the Astrological front :) *Note to all Whedon fans: The Science Channel will be holding a Firefly/Dollhouse Marathon starting today and continuing through Sunday*
Weekly Tarot: Temperance
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| Art by azurylipfe |
"Calm and restraint. Self-control, patience and tact in handling situations. The act of applying balanced spiritual and psychic forces to physical life." ~ Facade
As the word Temperance suggests, this is a week of taking it easy and avoiding extremes. It's time to take the long-view of what you want to achieve, and know that all things are working toward that end. Patience and restraint are the keys to a successful week and will bring you a balanced position to make the right choices.
After the crazy Mercury retrograde, this card brings us a welcome relief and respite. Take time to relax, rejuvenate and replenish.
The Shameless Plug
As some of you on Facebook are aware, I was alerted to a website offering "free Pagan books" for download, which were actually in violation of copyright law. On said site, were Scott Cunningham and Ray Buckland's books that are still in print and published by Llewellyn. If you come across sites like this, please do not download these books. Not only is it illegal, but it should be against the moral code of any honorable Pagan, Witch, Druid, Heathen, Asatru, et al. If you discover a site and wish to report it, contact the publisher (they usually have a contact page and an email address to report piracy) and/or the author. As my lovely friend and author Samaire Provost put it, "I get $0 from illegally downloaded copies.That means my kids go hungry."
Seriously, how could you steal from a face like this?
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| Samaire Provost |
In honor of her and her children, I want to shamelessly plug her books here:
Mad World Epidemic
Amazon Book Description: “The Black Plague is ancient history. It killed 100 million people nearly seven centuries ago, halfway around the world from the technologically advanced research center at Stanford University. Scientists there have recently begun examining samples of bone marrow from plague-infected corpses unearthed in Europe. All the necessary safeguards are in place. What could go wrong?
Alyssa and Jake are away with their class on a highly anticipated year-end trip to Broadway with their senior acting class when all hell breaks loose at home. Traveling back, and trying to find their families, they encounter deadly results. Riots are breaking out. People are being evacuated. And they have no idea what's happening to their families.
Horrific ordeals, heart-pounding tragedy, and chance encounters harden them for what lies ahead. Faced with tormenting decisions, they're forced to follow their instinct for survival at any cost - even when the cost is a heart-wrenching decision of life or death.
A harrowing adventure of frightening discoveries, horrifying confrontations and narrow escapes in Epidemic, the first installment of the Mad World series. Find out what's got everyone so terrified.”
Mad World Sanctuary
Amazon Book Description: The year is 2017, and the Black Plague infection has swept across most of the United States, leaving death and chaos in its wake. Martial law is the rule rather than the exception, with outbreaks cropping up when they're least expected. Alyssa and her friends must not only battle outbreaks of the disease, but also find themselves pursued by government agents – men and women determined to track them down at any cost.
Fleeing north to the fabled Sanctuary, Alyssa, Jacob, DeAndre, Caitlyn, Risa and Luke face disturbing ordeals and terrible tragedy as they encounter unbelievable situations in their struggle to reach safety. Using their skills and wits in their fight to survive against ever worsening odds, they weather hardship, betrayal, and the ever-present specter of death as they flee north, all the while vowing to protect one another – and most of all their precious 5-year-old Luke, from a world gone mad.
Sanctuary, the second installment in the Mad World series, is a heart-rending adventure of astonishing revelations, tragic discoveries, agonizing separations and devastating losses that test these friends to their limits. With heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat suspense at every turn, this is a story you will not be able to put down. Find out what happens next."
Each of these books is amazingly priced at $3.99 for the Kindle version or just $8.99 for paperback, and the reviews are outstanding! Now, go help feed this author's kids and buy a copy or two ;)
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!