This week's Stew has a variety of spring flavors for you. We'd like to take this opportunity to announce our winners from the Young Pagan Writers Contest:
Ariel and Autumn Noel. Ariel is debuting her new byline today, and Autumn Noel will be in next Sunday's Stew.
The Captain has set sail for other ports and adventures. We wish him fair winds and following seas, and thank him for his time in our kitchen. I'll be putting out the call for some male chefs soon. We like to try to keep our crew balanced with a variety of perspectives.
Now that we've gotten that business out of the way, let's get right on to The Stew!
Sunday Morning Edit: We've had some serious technical issues with the Stew today, one of which wiped out Autumn Earthsong's byline and posting. Please do join her at her blog, My Moonlit Path and discover some of her secrets for her herbal wonders ;)
Happy Birthday this week to Heather Mauldin, Rosemary Thyme, Tammy Schultz, Lady Morganna Avaollone, Brian Belenchia,Star Firewitch, Angelique Roland and, Rylanna Moonstone. . May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, happiness, peace, success and abundance in all the very best of things!
Sunday, March 23
On this date in ancient Rome, the gods Mars and Saturn were invoked each year in the Dance of the Salii, dancing priests brandishing spears and clashing holy shields. The evil spirits of Winter were thus expelled from the city, and the growth of crops and gardens was stimulated through sympathetic magick.
In the Polish countryside, an old Pagan festival of Spring called the Marzenna is celebrated annually on this date with singing, dancing, and the "sacrifices" of straw effigies.
Monday, March 24
This is the "Day of Blood". In ancient Rome, this was a time of deep mourning. It was an annual religious custom on this day for people to lacerate themselves with knives and for new priests to castrate themselves and spill their blood on the altar in the temple of the Mother-Goddess Cybele.
Tuesday, March 25
The Hilaria (Festival of Joy) was celebrated annually on this date in ancient Rome. It was a joyous event which commemorated the triumph of day over night after the Vernal Equinox. The festivities were brought to a close with a "ceremony of washing" which was believed to promote fertility.
Wednesday, March 26
Today is "Solitude Day", a time for Wiccans and Neo-Pagans to spend the day (or at least part of it) by themselves, to meditate in solitude, and reconnect with their "inner-selves." Need some ideas? Take a quiet walk in the woods or stroll down a deserted beach and listen to the music of the sea, explore an old barn or write a Goddess-inspired poem.
Thursday, March 27
In ancient Rome, the fertility and wine-god Liber Pater was honored annually on this date (and sometimes on the seventeenth of March). His festival, the Liberalia, was a time of feasting and drinking, and a day when young males entered into their manhood. Gauri, the Goddess of marriage and abundance, is honored on this date in India with an annual women's festival.
Friday, March 28
The Eka Dasa Rudra (an eleven-week-long Balinese festival consisting of thirty ceremonies) begins on this date approximately once every one hundred years to restore the balance between the forces of good and evil. The festival, which is ancient in origin, reaches a climax when thousands of pilgrims gather at the volcano temple to observe animal sacrifices made to appease the god Rudra. In Taiwan, the birthday of the Goddess of Compassion, Kwan Yin, is celebrated annually on this date.
Saturday, March 29
The annual Festival of Ishtar is celebrated by many Wiccans on this day in honor of the Assyrian and Babylonian Goddess of love, fertility, and battle. As a Triple Goddess, Ishtar represents birth, death, and rebirth. Also on this day, an annual masquerade ritual is held by the Bobo people of Africa to restore the balance of Nature and to ward off evil spirits. Special prayers and offerings are made to the gods of rain and the gods of the harvest.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Equinox last week and that your season of fresh starts and beginnings is nicely underway! See you next time with more Pagan Lore,
Karen
What’s your Sign?
As the winter months taper off another astrological year comes to a close. As the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces wraps up the year with love, understanding and sacrifice. Opening the door for Aries to usher in the new astrological year.
I've followed my own horoscopes for years and found that for the most part, the traits that are given to a particular sign can be at times dead on and times quite vague. Example, an EX was Scorpio, said to be the perfect mate to Pisceans, however we lasted 1 month. Today I’m 11 years happily married to a Virgo, said to be my opposite and not a good mate.
I have had more fights and misunderstandings with Gemini and Capricorn than any other sign. I’ve found most Aries to be honest and straight forward people, but then found one or two that are just … well just on the track to crazy town.
While I love reading about the signs and completely get the attraction, I’ve also found that for the most part, people are very individual. Fitting someone into a specific group based simply on the date they were born has its issues.
In 2011 there are a big deal made about new sign being added to the Zodiac and the dates being switched around. The issues were around Eastern vs. Western and the signs being set based not the seasons and not on the constellations. Not only changing the sign assignments as we know them, but added a new sign to the mix.
Capricorn: Jan. 20 - Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
With the “new” zodiac I’m plopped in as an Aquarius instead of a Pisces while hubby goes from Virgo to Leo. I can see him as a Leo but not sure I can pull of the Aquarian role. I did, however, see the following sentence on astrology.com.
While Aquarians are happy to bestow these ideas as a gift with no strings attached, they are much happier when the rest of the world agrees with them.
Yeah that could be me.
So, what’s your NEW sign?
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
Visit Sosanna's Shop: www.sosannascloset.com
Follow Sosanna's Blog: www.confessionsofamodernwitch.blogspot.com
I used to be a yoga nut. When we moved five years ago to our home we currently reside in, I stopped. I started working on our home, thinking I would get back to it soon, and before I knew it 5 years had gone by with only a sporadic here or there practice by me.
I recently picked it back up. My main reason for starting back was my stiffness. Gosh, sitting here and painting and never moving had made me sooo stiff. Being a lyme disease "survivor" I have to watch my joints. My legs are a trouble area of mine, so moving is important.
My very first day back, I realized how much I had missed it. My goal is to work my way up to 2 hours a day of yoga. I am up to 45 minutes every other day right now.
My favorite type is Kundalini yoga. I love the Ana Brett and Ravi Singh dvds. I also like Maya Fiennes. I also meditate every night in bed before going to sleep. I cannot tell you how much better my attitude has been. I've been working with chakra meditations. I thought that I would do a chakra series for the blog.
Chakras are your energy centers. The universal energy flows through these energy centers. There are 7 main chakras. You don't want these chakras to get blocked. It can lead to illnesses, bad attitudes, among other things that each individual chakra governs. And also, I firmly believe that if your energy centers are running smoothly, then of course as a magical practitioner, you will be more powerful. Because this energy is what you harness, what you use. Your body is your vehicle. When you are driving your car, you have to keep it running smoothly by changing the oil, changing your spark plugs, etc....so think of your body as your Universal Car. Your chakras are your spark plugs. Are yours corroded? Are they firing properly? Is your energy able to move through them so that you can go? No? Then do something about it!
This is especially important if you are also a Reiki practitioner. How can the Universal Energy be engaged and used by you if you are all blocked?
Read more of this story at Saga's Cottage Blog
Emptying my Ostara Baskets
Thank goodness the stores put out Easter candy early, so I could fill my kids Ostara baskets. We put out baskets the Sunday after Ostara, when we are all home to celebrate the day. That would be today: as you read this, my children are biting the heads of hapless chocolate bunnies.
I lose track of how many times throughout the year I explain, “Other people are celebrating _____ right now. It’s because they believe _____. We are celebrating _____ right now.”
America is a Christian nation in this sense only: The majority of its inhabitants are Christians. My family lives in a community that is overwhelmingly Catholic. My children have brought home books about the bible and Jesus from their public school’s library. And unfortunately, my son came off the bus one day crying because a classmate told him he was a bad person and only Jesus could save him. Since he knew we didn’t believe that, he feared going to hell. Nowadays, my boy is made of sterner stuff, and has no problem replying, “That’s what you believe, and that’s fine. My family and I do things a different way, and that’s cool, too.”
When I was updating my calendar for the month of March, Matthew peered over my shoulder and said, “This month it’s spring, right? Ostara?” He assures me that he likes all the Pagan holidays equally, but I think he has a special place in his heart for the ones that come with chocolate. I really can’t blame him there. Imbolc and Lammas are hard for a child: nebulous agricultural throwback concepts for someone who lives by an elementary school calendar. But Samhain, Yule, and Ostara have immediate, tangible benefits: Reese’s cups, fudge, and buttercream eggs.
Matthew is a smart boy, who knows how to line his basket. He gets delectable treats and a few small toys on Ostara, and then Grandma and Grandpa make sure he gets a second go-round on Easter. He can clearly see the rewards of respecting a multitude of faiths.
Throughout their youth, my kids will have to stop and explain the way we do things on many occasions. I am glad: while we never seek to convert, we do take pride in educating others, and helping them understand that paganism is far more mainstream than they may previously have realized.
And sometimes it comes with chocolate.
Sometimes the best medicine for whatever ails you is a really good laugh. In many cultures there are a number of Gods and Goddesses who also enjoyed a good laugh. They believed in the happiness found in life and felt the celebration was a hearty belly laugh and a broad smile. Not to be confused with the Trickster Gods like Loki, Coyote, Kutkh, Hare or Elegua. The Gods of Sacred Laughter share with us the blessings of happiness that is shared when we experience the magick of mirth! So let us explore a few of the Gods and Goddesses who are known for the mirth they express in their smiles and laughter and see if we can entreat them to share some of that joy with us!
Baubo (Greek): The Goddess Demeter was sitting and mourning the loss of her beloved daughter, Persephone to Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Baubo approached her and told Demeter that the world needed her to resume her duties and tend to the dying earth. Demeter was heavy in her sorrow and would not move or respond. Baubo spoke to Demeter and told her a few stories and jokes which made Demeter smile. But it wasn’t until Baubo lifted her skirt in front of her that Demeter suddenly burst into laughter. With her spirits lifted and her energy restored, Demeter resumed her quest to bring her daughter back.
Uzume (Japan): Similar to the story of Demeter and Baubo is the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu and Ama-no-Uzume. Amaterasu was furious with her brother, Susano’o (a storm god) for damage he had done to her rice fields and for killing one of her hand maidens during a storm. Amaterasu retreated to a cave and refused to come out, leaving the world in darkness. Uzume placed a barrel near the cave entrance and tore off her clothes and performed a comical dance for the other deities who roared with laughter at the sight of Uzume dancing. Upon hearing the laughter, Amaterasu came to see what the fuss was all about and so was lured out of the cave, returning her light back to the world.
Hotei (Japan-or Budai in China): Hotei is also known as The Laughing Buddha and is one of the Shinto Lucky Seven Gods. He is always seen with his big belly and a large smile on his face. Often he is carrying a sack in which he is thought to carry lots of goodies. He travels around, smiling and telling stories wherever he goes and enjoying the simple, yet good things life has to offer. It is said if you rub his belly, you will be blessed with good fortune.
Lalita (India): Hindu followers know this goddess as Devi Lalita or ‘She Who Plays’. Lalita takes pleasure in child-like play and also in more sensual play. The World is Her toy and Lalita takes great enjoyment in playing with it. It is said that forms of worship most sacred are all acts of creation and manifestation, which are pleasurable playtime enjoyments for Devi Lalita.
Comus (Greek): Son of Bacchus, he enjoys the same things as his dear old dad. He loved a good party and whatever revelry could be had, he was there enjoying every minute and laughing all the way. It is said that he was the true inspiration for Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
There are many more gods and goddesses of mirth, joy, revelry, practical jokes, and happiness. That is their gift to us. Happiness….we need more in our lives. We celebrate and honor these gods whenever we here a good joke, tell funny stories with our friends or enjoy a great comedy. Those are our rituals and how we celebrate. So go ahead…tickle that funnybone…enjoy a good laugh…and be Blessed!
“Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.”–Charlie Chaplin
Come check out Lina's Blog:http://midstridemoxie.blogspot.com/
A very happy Astrological New Year and Ragnar Lodbrok’s Day to you all! I am extremely pleased to be joining my Aunt Melissa here on The Sunday Stew, and I hope that I will prove a worthy contributor. A big thank you to Kallan and the rest of the chefs for allowing me this opportunity and for being so darn welcoming! I’m not going to focus this entire blog on an introduction because I do want to discuss a little bit of the theme this week (briefly, so this doesn’t end up being a book), but here’s what you need to know:
My name is Ariel and I am 22 years old. I’m in college, studying Communication and Anthropology (and crazy happy that I am officially on Spring Break as of two days ago!), and I have been practicing witchcraft since I was 16. My family members, each being some-form-of-occultist-or-other have been extremely supportive and helpful as I journey along the pagan path and I count myself lucky to be able to have people as enthusiastic as I am to share it with. I am currently in a coven, although for most of my practice I have been solitary, and I enjoy writing, reading, archery and being in nature.
I hope that I can adequately provide a youthful perspective to paganism (since that’s what I’m supposed to be doing on here, I reckon), so you can expect lots of writings from me about being a pagan in college, paganism in popular culture, living with muggles and magick and just my obsession with witchcraft, in general.
But enough about me, on to the topic!
Let’s talk about heroism. Ragnar Lodbrok was a hero in the Viking Age, but I think it’s safe to say that for the most part, we are not revering foul-smelling ransacking warlords, any longer. Rather these days, we revere pop culture (some of my friends spend all of their time binging on Netflix). It’s interesting that Ragnar fits into both of those categories, having been written into the show, Vikings on the History Channel. I’ve found that quite recently heroes, whether they be real or mythological legends, have become increasingly popular amongst people in my age group.
I’ve lived in both the United Kingdom and the United States and within my group of friends in both countries, Merlin, a telling of the Arthurian legends created by the BBC, has been an obsession, as well as the Robin Hood series. The Tudors, The Borgias, Vikings (of course), and the new Pompeii movie that has recently come out, have also been popular; not to mention others like The Three Musketeers and the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series (which my friend Lauren has told me much about). It’s becoming increasingly ‘cool’ to like nerdy things and that includes aspects of culture that include historical and/or pagan themes. Maybe one of these days celebrating Ragnar Lodbrok’s Day will be a new trend. You never know…
Anyway, that’s it for me this week and I look forward to typing at you, again, soon. Blessed Be! Excelsior! DFTBA and all that jazz!
Four C’s of Magical Gardening
Spring has arrived! The planting season is officially here, although it may not quite seem like it yet. The ground where you live could still be frozen or only partially thawed. There may even still be snow on the ground. Yet, there is a multitude of things happening deep in the soil as well as above ground. Some we can see, some we cannot. Seeds are sending out their very first roots, early bloomers are pushing through that top layer of soil, and the buds of trees and shrubs are beginning to swell. In response to the warming air and ground temperatures, life is awakening, beginning, and regenerating. As gardeners and practitioners of magic, these first weeks of Spring are about helping these things happen and making way for the new plant life that will grace our yards, patios, and windowsills. To help this process, we need to use what I call the Four C’s of Magical Gardening.
Clean: This is the perfect week to start cleaning up your gardens. The moon is heading into Her fourth quarter making this a good time for removing debris and old mulch from planting areas. My own garden beds are covered in two layers – pine branches and autumn leaves. As long as it is not too cold (meaning Polar Vortex cold), I usually begin to remove these layers this week. It gives me the chance to see what’s going on under there, what may be starting to grow again, and prepares the garden for the growing season. Start this slowly and carefully because many beneficial insects often take up residence in the leaf litter or small piles of branches over the Winter and should be left undisturbed to emerge in their own time. For those with container gardens or windowsill planters, this is an excellent time to clean up your potted planting areas too. Wash pots and seedling trays to be used for planting this year. Also sweep out outdoor living spaces, wash out bird feeders and bird baths, wipe down patio and lawn furniture, and remove any yard décor that was broken or battered by the Winter.
Compost: Don’t throw out those old leaves, broken perennial stalks and small branches! Throw them in the compost pile! If you don’t have one, I highly suggest that you start one. There is nothing healthier for any garden than compost. I have just a pile in an out-of-the-way spot that is blocked off with some simple fencing but many people opt for composting bins. These can be purchased from lawn and garden supply stores or can be made by repurposing things like wood pallets, old trash cans, or old plastic totes. If you don’t have the room for composting in your yard or on your patio, there are also indoor composting bins. Do some research, look at the space you have, and see what will work best for you. Today, many townships and counties also have community composting yards where residents can take composted soil, made from yard waste and Christmas trees collected in weekly trash pick-ups. Look into this if you cannot make the room for a compost bin or pile. I’ll go more in-depth about composting at a later date so stay tuned!
Cultivate: This is one of the most important things you will do in your garden. Cultivating soil is the process of preparing the soil to use for growing plants. If your soil is not healthy, your plants won’t be either. One of the best ways of finding out the health of your soil is through soil testing. There are kits you can buy to do this or you can have them done through your local county’s Extension Office (my preferred and recommended method) for a small fee. The test will tell you what the pH levels are and what nutrients may be lacking in the soil. It will also make recommendations as to what should be added to improve your soil. Part of cultivating your soil is making those needed additions. Another issue that can be a problem in the garden is compacted soil, where it is packed down from foot and other traffic. This can be remedied by adding organic matter, such as compost, and working it into the soil, which allows air and water to move through the soil again. If the temperatures are warming or if you are in a warmer area, this week is a perfect time to do this, again because the moon is in Her fourth quarter. Add organic matter to your soil even if it is not compacted, just to improve the overall health of the soil. However, do not do this if the soil is wet. Wet soil should never be “worked”. For the container gardener, outdoors and indoors, prepare pots for planting with fresh organic soil. Now is also a good time to feed your houseplants and to transplant them to larger pots if needed.
Cleanse: After removing the Winter debris from your gardening areas and preparing them for planting, it is time to remove the psychic clutter to make room for the new beginnings, new plantings and new life that will fill the area. Smudge the garden and the outdoor living spaces or do a cleansing ritual for whatever area is your garden. Do whatever type of cleansing you feel is right for your space. Personally, I do a simple cleansing of both my indoor and outdoor growing areas, using homemade smudge sticks of sage grown in my own garden. As the last days of the fourth quarter of the moon approach turning to the dark of the moon, I reinforce the wards around my property that keep unwanted forces and unwelcomed visitors from my gardens and yard.
There are other things to be done in the garden this week, unrelated to the four C’s. As long as the ground is warm and dry, plant below ground crops, such as potatoes or carrots, and Summer-flowering bulbs now. Both can be started in pots as well. Although the fourth quarter of the moon is not considered a planting time, you can still start seeds indoors if you haven’t already. The best days to do this in the coming week are Wednesday and Thursday, when the moon is in Capricorn, and Friday and Saturday, when the moon is in Pisces. Both Capricorn and Pisces are fertile signs, making these days a very good time for planting.
We have a busy week in our gardens ahead. So, until next time, happy gardening!
My Blog: http://johanna-villagewisewoman.blogspot.com/
Have you ever looked at a certain food and wondered “Who in the heck decided that was edible?” This questions pops in to my mind whenever I think about Artichokes and Asparagus. I means seriously, how is it someone looked at a green bulb covered in thick, pointy leaves and said “That will make a taste dish” Or “Hey look at those mini little tree like things, let’s eat those?” Well, I don’t know who they were but, I thank them. Artichokes and Asparagus are two of my favorite springtime veggies. Here’s a quick and simple marinade that works for both.
Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk.
For Artichoke:
Trim off the top ½ inch and the bottom stem. Rinse, thoroughly with water. Gentle loosen leaves (careful, not to prick yourself). Set artichoke on a piece of heavy duty foil large enough to cover it entirely. Pour marinade over the top. Wrap tightly and cook in a 425 degree oven for 1 hour. You can also place this on the grill over indirect heat.
For Asparagus:
Rinse stalks in cold water. Break off the tough, woody bottom of each stalk. Place stalks in a shallow pan and cover with marinade. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour. To cook in oven, transfer to a baking sheet and bake in for 20-25 minutes at 450 degrees. To grill, place stalks on grill rack over med-high heat for 10-15 minutes. Watch them carefully, as they and burn easily.
And there you have it. A tasty way to prepare foods you may never have thought of eating.
Rx Planets:
Mars Retrograde (Rx) until May 19
Saturn Retrograde (Rx) until July 20
Sunday, March 23
Moon VoC 6:40am-4:03pm, moves into Capricorn
Last Quarter Moon 9:46pm
Monday, March 24
All's Quiet in the Heavens
Tuesday, March 25
Moon VoC 8:50am- 6:38pm, moves into Aquarius
Wednesday, March 26
Good Day for Business- ALL DAY
Thursday, March 27
Balsamic Moon 6:28am
Moon VoC 11:19am-8:10pm, moves into Pisces
Good day for business until the Moon goes void
Friday, March 28
All's Quiet in the Heavens
Saturday, March 29
Moon VoC 9:43am-9:53pm, moves into Aries
Sunday, March 30- New Moon in Aries
Weekly Horoscopes from DarkStar Astrology
Kallan Kennedy is a professional tarot/totem reader with more than 20 years of divination experience. She offers private readings to her clients via her website, Secret Services. Specials on readings are running through the month of March. Subscription plans are available.
Tarot: King of Wands
Key words: Creativity, Entrepreneur, Inspiration through Leadership
The King of Wands is the card of the entrepreneur. This is a bold, forceful, take life by the horns kind of energy. This is the kind of energy that gives strength to those who want to take an idea and change the world with it. This King doesn't follow the old standard way of doing things. He likes innovation and taking risks. If you've been in a rut lately, this is your week to get out of it. Call upon the energy of this mover/shaker, and make things happen!
Totem: Eagle
Key words and phrases: Swiftness, Strength, Courage, Second Sight, Connection to Great Spirit, Knowledge of Magic, Higher Truth, Dignity with Grace, Healing and the Ability to See the Bigger Picture.
In ancient Greece, Eagle was associated with Zeus, who shape-shifted into one to see the greater picture of things. In the indigenous Nations of North America, Eagle is generally seen as the connector to the Great Spirit, and is sometimes considered to be the Thunderbird. In ancient Gaelic tribes, Eagle was called "Suil-na-Greine" or "Eye of the Sun."
Eagle represents the power of and connection to the Great Spirit (God, Goddess, whatever you wish to call that which you see as 'divine') or Mystery. It's the ability to stay both in this world and strongly attached to the realm of Spirit.
Eagle's message is to soar above the mundane and view things from a larger perspective. If you've been too caught up in the day-to-day irritations of life, or are taking things personally, it's time to disconnect from those emotions and reconnect with the element of Air (mental plane). See how all of the pieces you've been viewing myopically are placed together in the puzzle that is your life (Wyrd, Imramma, Destiny). Connect to that which is greater than yourself and cut the ties to that which binds and prevents you from flying free.
All eagles are renowned for their excellent eyesight. Those who carry Eagle medicine tend to be both clairaudient and clairvoyant.
Water is an important source of sustenance for eagles. Those with this totem will feel a strong need to live near water, mainly a fresh water source.
Eagles are considered messengers from heaven and the spirit of the sun. They are also symbols of rediscovering the inner child. Three is a sacred number for those with this medicine. Three represents new birth and creativity. A study in alchemy is also recommended for those who have eagle as a totem.
Artists, Authors, Astrologers, Tarot Readers, Bloggers, Podcasters, you're more than welcome! Graphic Artists, come onboard!
Even if you don't sell something Pagan-related, but you consider yourself a Pagan, we want to support you, too! At this point, we're working to get the vendor side up. Tara Smith of EY Designs will be creating a web button for vendors to post on their own sites and help get the word out about the Little Black Book. Kudos to the vendors for jumping in and helping like this. Community, once we've got this up and running, it's on YOU to support them!!
Read the blog post here for more details about The Little Black Book for Pagans Project.
To sign up, or see what it's all about, CLICK HERE.
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos are used with permission.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. Please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ariel and Autumn Noel. Ariel is debuting her new byline today, and Autumn Noel will be in next Sunday's Stew.
The Captain has set sail for other ports and adventures. We wish him fair winds and following seas, and thank him for his time in our kitchen. I'll be putting out the call for some male chefs soon. We like to try to keep our crew balanced with a variety of perspectives.
Now that we've gotten that business out of the way, let's get right on to The Stew!
Sunday Morning Edit: We've had some serious technical issues with the Stew today, one of which wiped out Autumn Earthsong's byline and posting. Please do join her at her blog, My Moonlit Path and discover some of her secrets for her herbal wonders ;)
Happy Birthday this week to Heather Mauldin, Rosemary Thyme, Tammy Schultz, Lady Morganna Avaollone, Brian Belenchia,Star Firewitch, Angelique Roland and, Rylanna Moonstone. . May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, happiness, peace, success and abundance in all the very best of things!
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning and welcome to this week's edition of Pagan Lore! Here we go!
Sunday, March 23
On this date in ancient Rome, the gods Mars and Saturn were invoked each year in the Dance of the Salii, dancing priests brandishing spears and clashing holy shields. The evil spirits of Winter were thus expelled from the city, and the growth of crops and gardens was stimulated through sympathetic magick.
In the Polish countryside, an old Pagan festival of Spring called the Marzenna is celebrated annually on this date with singing, dancing, and the "sacrifices" of straw effigies.
Monday, March 24
This is the "Day of Blood". In ancient Rome, this was a time of deep mourning. It was an annual religious custom on this day for people to lacerate themselves with knives and for new priests to castrate themselves and spill their blood on the altar in the temple of the Mother-Goddess Cybele.
Tuesday, March 25
The Hilaria (Festival of Joy) was celebrated annually on this date in ancient Rome. It was a joyous event which commemorated the triumph of day over night after the Vernal Equinox. The festivities were brought to a close with a "ceremony of washing" which was believed to promote fertility.
Wednesday, March 26
Today is "Solitude Day", a time for Wiccans and Neo-Pagans to spend the day (or at least part of it) by themselves, to meditate in solitude, and reconnect with their "inner-selves." Need some ideas? Take a quiet walk in the woods or stroll down a deserted beach and listen to the music of the sea, explore an old barn or write a Goddess-inspired poem.
Thursday, March 27
In ancient Rome, the fertility and wine-god Liber Pater was honored annually on this date (and sometimes on the seventeenth of March). His festival, the Liberalia, was a time of feasting and drinking, and a day when young males entered into their manhood. Gauri, the Goddess of marriage and abundance, is honored on this date in India with an annual women's festival.
Friday, March 28
The Eka Dasa Rudra (an eleven-week-long Balinese festival consisting of thirty ceremonies) begins on this date approximately once every one hundred years to restore the balance between the forces of good and evil. The festival, which is ancient in origin, reaches a climax when thousands of pilgrims gather at the volcano temple to observe animal sacrifices made to appease the god Rudra. In Taiwan, the birthday of the Goddess of Compassion, Kwan Yin, is celebrated annually on this date.
Saturday, March 29
The annual Festival of Ishtar is celebrated by many Wiccans on this day in honor of the Assyrian and Babylonian Goddess of love, fertility, and battle. As a Triple Goddess, Ishtar represents birth, death, and rebirth. Also on this day, an annual masquerade ritual is held by the Bobo people of Africa to restore the balance of Nature and to ward off evil spirits. Special prayers and offerings are made to the gods of rain and the gods of the harvest.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Equinox last week and that your season of fresh starts and beginnings is nicely underway! See you next time with more Pagan Lore,
Karen
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
What’s your Sign?
As the winter months taper off another astrological year comes to a close. As the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces wraps up the year with love, understanding and sacrifice. Opening the door for Aries to usher in the new astrological year.
I've followed my own horoscopes for years and found that for the most part, the traits that are given to a particular sign can be at times dead on and times quite vague. Example, an EX was Scorpio, said to be the perfect mate to Pisceans, however we lasted 1 month. Today I’m 11 years happily married to a Virgo, said to be my opposite and not a good mate.
I have had more fights and misunderstandings with Gemini and Capricorn than any other sign. I’ve found most Aries to be honest and straight forward people, but then found one or two that are just … well just on the track to crazy town.
While I love reading about the signs and completely get the attraction, I’ve also found that for the most part, people are very individual. Fitting someone into a specific group based simply on the date they were born has its issues.
In 2011 there are a big deal made about new sign being added to the Zodiac and the dates being switched around. The issues were around Eastern vs. Western and the signs being set based not the seasons and not on the constellations. Not only changing the sign assignments as we know them, but added a new sign to the mix.
Capricorn: Jan. 20 - Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
With the “new” zodiac I’m plopped in as an Aquarius instead of a Pisces while hubby goes from Virgo to Leo. I can see him as a Leo but not sure I can pull of the Aquarian role. I did, however, see the following sentence on astrology.com.
While Aquarians are happy to bestow these ideas as a gift with no strings attached, they are much happier when the rest of the world agrees with them.
Yeah that could be me.
So, what’s your NEW sign?
Sosanna
)O(
Visit Sosanna's Shop: www.sosannascloset.com
Follow Sosanna's Blog: www.confessionsofamodernwitch.blogspot.com
Saga's Spirit with Loren Morris
Chakra Series: Root Chakra and Who You Are
I used to be a yoga nut. When we moved five years ago to our home we currently reside in, I stopped. I started working on our home, thinking I would get back to it soon, and before I knew it 5 years had gone by with only a sporadic here or there practice by me.
I recently picked it back up. My main reason for starting back was my stiffness. Gosh, sitting here and painting and never moving had made me sooo stiff. Being a lyme disease "survivor" I have to watch my joints. My legs are a trouble area of mine, so moving is important.
My very first day back, I realized how much I had missed it. My goal is to work my way up to 2 hours a day of yoga. I am up to 45 minutes every other day right now.
My favorite type is Kundalini yoga. I love the Ana Brett and Ravi Singh dvds. I also like Maya Fiennes. I also meditate every night in bed before going to sleep. I cannot tell you how much better my attitude has been. I've been working with chakra meditations. I thought that I would do a chakra series for the blog.
Chakras are your energy centers. The universal energy flows through these energy centers. There are 7 main chakras. You don't want these chakras to get blocked. It can lead to illnesses, bad attitudes, among other things that each individual chakra governs. And also, I firmly believe that if your energy centers are running smoothly, then of course as a magical practitioner, you will be more powerful. Because this energy is what you harness, what you use. Your body is your vehicle. When you are driving your car, you have to keep it running smoothly by changing the oil, changing your spark plugs, etc....so think of your body as your Universal Car. Your chakras are your spark plugs. Are yours corroded? Are they firing properly? Is your energy able to move through them so that you can go? No? Then do something about it!
This is especially important if you are also a Reiki practitioner. How can the Universal Energy be engaged and used by you if you are all blocked?
Read more of this story at Saga's Cottage Blog
There and Back A'hen: Just a Bunch of Clucking Nonsense with Melissa "Chicky" Cassick
Emptying my Ostara Baskets
Thank goodness the stores put out Easter candy early, so I could fill my kids Ostara baskets. We put out baskets the Sunday after Ostara, when we are all home to celebrate the day. That would be today: as you read this, my children are biting the heads of hapless chocolate bunnies.
I lose track of how many times throughout the year I explain, “Other people are celebrating _____ right now. It’s because they believe _____. We are celebrating _____ right now.”
America is a Christian nation in this sense only: The majority of its inhabitants are Christians. My family lives in a community that is overwhelmingly Catholic. My children have brought home books about the bible and Jesus from their public school’s library. And unfortunately, my son came off the bus one day crying because a classmate told him he was a bad person and only Jesus could save him. Since he knew we didn’t believe that, he feared going to hell. Nowadays, my boy is made of sterner stuff, and has no problem replying, “That’s what you believe, and that’s fine. My family and I do things a different way, and that’s cool, too.”
When I was updating my calendar for the month of March, Matthew peered over my shoulder and said, “This month it’s spring, right? Ostara?” He assures me that he likes all the Pagan holidays equally, but I think he has a special place in his heart for the ones that come with chocolate. I really can’t blame him there. Imbolc and Lammas are hard for a child: nebulous agricultural throwback concepts for someone who lives by an elementary school calendar. But Samhain, Yule, and Ostara have immediate, tangible benefits: Reese’s cups, fudge, and buttercream eggs.
Matthew is a smart boy, who knows how to line his basket. He gets delectable treats and a few small toys on Ostara, and then Grandma and Grandpa make sure he gets a second go-round on Easter. He can clearly see the rewards of respecting a multitude of faiths.
Throughout their youth, my kids will have to stop and explain the way we do things on many occasions. I am glad: while we never seek to convert, we do take pride in educating others, and helping them understand that paganism is far more mainstream than they may previously have realized.
And sometimes it comes with chocolate.
Mid-Air Moxie with Adelina Soto Thomas
The Laughing Gods
Sometimes the best medicine for whatever ails you is a really good laugh. In many cultures there are a number of Gods and Goddesses who also enjoyed a good laugh. They believed in the happiness found in life and felt the celebration was a hearty belly laugh and a broad smile. Not to be confused with the Trickster Gods like Loki, Coyote, Kutkh, Hare or Elegua. The Gods of Sacred Laughter share with us the blessings of happiness that is shared when we experience the magick of mirth! So let us explore a few of the Gods and Goddesses who are known for the mirth they express in their smiles and laughter and see if we can entreat them to share some of that joy with us!
Baubo (Greek): The Goddess Demeter was sitting and mourning the loss of her beloved daughter, Persephone to Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Baubo approached her and told Demeter that the world needed her to resume her duties and tend to the dying earth. Demeter was heavy in her sorrow and would not move or respond. Baubo spoke to Demeter and told her a few stories and jokes which made Demeter smile. But it wasn’t until Baubo lifted her skirt in front of her that Demeter suddenly burst into laughter. With her spirits lifted and her energy restored, Demeter resumed her quest to bring her daughter back.
Uzume (Japan): Similar to the story of Demeter and Baubo is the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu and Ama-no-Uzume. Amaterasu was furious with her brother, Susano’o (a storm god) for damage he had done to her rice fields and for killing one of her hand maidens during a storm. Amaterasu retreated to a cave and refused to come out, leaving the world in darkness. Uzume placed a barrel near the cave entrance and tore off her clothes and performed a comical dance for the other deities who roared with laughter at the sight of Uzume dancing. Upon hearing the laughter, Amaterasu came to see what the fuss was all about and so was lured out of the cave, returning her light back to the world.
Hotei (Japan-or Budai in China): Hotei is also known as The Laughing Buddha and is one of the Shinto Lucky Seven Gods. He is always seen with his big belly and a large smile on his face. Often he is carrying a sack in which he is thought to carry lots of goodies. He travels around, smiling and telling stories wherever he goes and enjoying the simple, yet good things life has to offer. It is said if you rub his belly, you will be blessed with good fortune.
Lalita (India): Hindu followers know this goddess as Devi Lalita or ‘She Who Plays’. Lalita takes pleasure in child-like play and also in more sensual play. The World is Her toy and Lalita takes great enjoyment in playing with it. It is said that forms of worship most sacred are all acts of creation and manifestation, which are pleasurable playtime enjoyments for Devi Lalita.
Comus (Greek): Son of Bacchus, he enjoys the same things as his dear old dad. He loved a good party and whatever revelry could be had, he was there enjoying every minute and laughing all the way. It is said that he was the true inspiration for Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
There are many more gods and goddesses of mirth, joy, revelry, practical jokes, and happiness. That is their gift to us. Happiness….we need more in our lives. We celebrate and honor these gods whenever we here a good joke, tell funny stories with our friends or enjoy a great comedy. Those are our rituals and how we celebrate. So go ahead…tickle that funnybone…enjoy a good laugh…and be Blessed!
“Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.”–Charlie Chaplin
Not Your Grandmother's Gingerbread House: Generation Y Witchery with Ariel
Introduction and Ragnar Lodbrok
A very happy Astrological New Year and Ragnar Lodbrok’s Day to you all! I am extremely pleased to be joining my Aunt Melissa here on The Sunday Stew, and I hope that I will prove a worthy contributor. A big thank you to Kallan and the rest of the chefs for allowing me this opportunity and for being so darn welcoming! I’m not going to focus this entire blog on an introduction because I do want to discuss a little bit of the theme this week (briefly, so this doesn’t end up being a book), but here’s what you need to know:
My name is Ariel and I am 22 years old. I’m in college, studying Communication and Anthropology (and crazy happy that I am officially on Spring Break as of two days ago!), and I have been practicing witchcraft since I was 16. My family members, each being some-form-of-occultist-or-other have been extremely supportive and helpful as I journey along the pagan path and I count myself lucky to be able to have people as enthusiastic as I am to share it with. I am currently in a coven, although for most of my practice I have been solitary, and I enjoy writing, reading, archery and being in nature.
I hope that I can adequately provide a youthful perspective to paganism (since that’s what I’m supposed to be doing on here, I reckon), so you can expect lots of writings from me about being a pagan in college, paganism in popular culture, living with muggles and magick and just my obsession with witchcraft, in general.
But enough about me, on to the topic!
Let’s talk about heroism. Ragnar Lodbrok was a hero in the Viking Age, but I think it’s safe to say that for the most part, we are not revering foul-smelling ransacking warlords, any longer. Rather these days, we revere pop culture (some of my friends spend all of their time binging on Netflix). It’s interesting that Ragnar fits into both of those categories, having been written into the show, Vikings on the History Channel. I’ve found that quite recently heroes, whether they be real or mythological legends, have become increasingly popular amongst people in my age group.
I’ve lived in both the United Kingdom and the United States and within my group of friends in both countries, Merlin, a telling of the Arthurian legends created by the BBC, has been an obsession, as well as the Robin Hood series. The Tudors, The Borgias, Vikings (of course), and the new Pompeii movie that has recently come out, have also been popular; not to mention others like The Three Musketeers and the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series (which my friend Lauren has told me much about). It’s becoming increasingly ‘cool’ to like nerdy things and that includes aspects of culture that include historical and/or pagan themes. Maybe one of these days celebrating Ragnar Lodbrok’s Day will be a new trend. You never know…
Anyway, that’s it for me this week and I look forward to typing at you, again, soon. Blessed Be! Excelsior! DFTBA and all that jazz!
The Magical Gardener with Johanna Lawson
Four C’s of Magical Gardening
Spring has arrived! The planting season is officially here, although it may not quite seem like it yet. The ground where you live could still be frozen or only partially thawed. There may even still be snow on the ground. Yet, there is a multitude of things happening deep in the soil as well as above ground. Some we can see, some we cannot. Seeds are sending out their very first roots, early bloomers are pushing through that top layer of soil, and the buds of trees and shrubs are beginning to swell. In response to the warming air and ground temperatures, life is awakening, beginning, and regenerating. As gardeners and practitioners of magic, these first weeks of Spring are about helping these things happen and making way for the new plant life that will grace our yards, patios, and windowsills. To help this process, we need to use what I call the Four C’s of Magical Gardening.
Clean: This is the perfect week to start cleaning up your gardens. The moon is heading into Her fourth quarter making this a good time for removing debris and old mulch from planting areas. My own garden beds are covered in two layers – pine branches and autumn leaves. As long as it is not too cold (meaning Polar Vortex cold), I usually begin to remove these layers this week. It gives me the chance to see what’s going on under there, what may be starting to grow again, and prepares the garden for the growing season. Start this slowly and carefully because many beneficial insects often take up residence in the leaf litter or small piles of branches over the Winter and should be left undisturbed to emerge in their own time. For those with container gardens or windowsill planters, this is an excellent time to clean up your potted planting areas too. Wash pots and seedling trays to be used for planting this year. Also sweep out outdoor living spaces, wash out bird feeders and bird baths, wipe down patio and lawn furniture, and remove any yard décor that was broken or battered by the Winter.
Compost: Don’t throw out those old leaves, broken perennial stalks and small branches! Throw them in the compost pile! If you don’t have one, I highly suggest that you start one. There is nothing healthier for any garden than compost. I have just a pile in an out-of-the-way spot that is blocked off with some simple fencing but many people opt for composting bins. These can be purchased from lawn and garden supply stores or can be made by repurposing things like wood pallets, old trash cans, or old plastic totes. If you don’t have the room for composting in your yard or on your patio, there are also indoor composting bins. Do some research, look at the space you have, and see what will work best for you. Today, many townships and counties also have community composting yards where residents can take composted soil, made from yard waste and Christmas trees collected in weekly trash pick-ups. Look into this if you cannot make the room for a compost bin or pile. I’ll go more in-depth about composting at a later date so stay tuned!
Cultivate: This is one of the most important things you will do in your garden. Cultivating soil is the process of preparing the soil to use for growing plants. If your soil is not healthy, your plants won’t be either. One of the best ways of finding out the health of your soil is through soil testing. There are kits you can buy to do this or you can have them done through your local county’s Extension Office (my preferred and recommended method) for a small fee. The test will tell you what the pH levels are and what nutrients may be lacking in the soil. It will also make recommendations as to what should be added to improve your soil. Part of cultivating your soil is making those needed additions. Another issue that can be a problem in the garden is compacted soil, where it is packed down from foot and other traffic. This can be remedied by adding organic matter, such as compost, and working it into the soil, which allows air and water to move through the soil again. If the temperatures are warming or if you are in a warmer area, this week is a perfect time to do this, again because the moon is in Her fourth quarter. Add organic matter to your soil even if it is not compacted, just to improve the overall health of the soil. However, do not do this if the soil is wet. Wet soil should never be “worked”. For the container gardener, outdoors and indoors, prepare pots for planting with fresh organic soil. Now is also a good time to feed your houseplants and to transplant them to larger pots if needed.
Cleanse: After removing the Winter debris from your gardening areas and preparing them for planting, it is time to remove the psychic clutter to make room for the new beginnings, new plantings and new life that will fill the area. Smudge the garden and the outdoor living spaces or do a cleansing ritual for whatever area is your garden. Do whatever type of cleansing you feel is right for your space. Personally, I do a simple cleansing of both my indoor and outdoor growing areas, using homemade smudge sticks of sage grown in my own garden. As the last days of the fourth quarter of the moon approach turning to the dark of the moon, I reinforce the wards around my property that keep unwanted forces and unwelcomed visitors from my gardens and yard.
There are other things to be done in the garden this week, unrelated to the four C’s. As long as the ground is warm and dry, plant below ground crops, such as potatoes or carrots, and Summer-flowering bulbs now. Both can be started in pots as well. Although the fourth quarter of the moon is not considered a planting time, you can still start seeds indoors if you haven’t already. The best days to do this in the coming week are Wednesday and Thursday, when the moon is in Capricorn, and Friday and Saturday, when the moon is in Pisces. Both Capricorn and Pisces are fertile signs, making these days a very good time for planting.
We have a busy week in our gardens ahead. So, until next time, happy gardening!
The Spice with La'Trice Lott
Have you ever looked at a certain food and wondered “Who in the heck decided that was edible?” This questions pops in to my mind whenever I think about Artichokes and Asparagus. I means seriously, how is it someone looked at a green bulb covered in thick, pointy leaves and said “That will make a taste dish” Or “Hey look at those mini little tree like things, let’s eat those?” Well, I don’t know who they were but, I thank them. Artichokes and Asparagus are two of my favorite springtime veggies. Here’s a quick and simple marinade that works for both.
Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk.
For Artichoke:
Trim off the top ½ inch and the bottom stem. Rinse, thoroughly with water. Gentle loosen leaves (careful, not to prick yourself). Set artichoke on a piece of heavy duty foil large enough to cover it entirely. Pour marinade over the top. Wrap tightly and cook in a 425 degree oven for 1 hour. You can also place this on the grill over indirect heat.
For Asparagus:
Rinse stalks in cold water. Break off the tough, woody bottom of each stalk. Place stalks in a shallow pan and cover with marinade. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour. To cook in oven, transfer to a baking sheet and bake in for 20-25 minutes at 450 degrees. To grill, place stalks on grill rack over med-high heat for 10-15 minutes. Watch them carefully, as they and burn easily.
And there you have it. A tasty way to prepare foods you may never have thought of eating.
This Week in Astrology
All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
Rx Planets:
Mars Retrograde (Rx) until May 19
Saturn Retrograde (Rx) until July 20
Sunday, March 23
Moon VoC 6:40am-4:03pm, moves into Capricorn
Last Quarter Moon 9:46pm
Monday, March 24
All's Quiet in the Heavens
Tuesday, March 25
Moon VoC 8:50am- 6:38pm, moves into Aquarius
Wednesday, March 26
Good Day for Business- ALL DAY
Thursday, March 27
Balsamic Moon 6:28am
Moon VoC 11:19am-8:10pm, moves into Pisces
Good day for business until the Moon goes void
Friday, March 28
All's Quiet in the Heavens
Saturday, March 29
Moon VoC 9:43am-9:53pm, moves into Aries
Sunday, March 30- New Moon in Aries
Weekly Horoscopes from DarkStar Astrology
The Weekly Divine with Kallan Kennedy
Kallan Kennedy is a professional tarot/totem reader with more than 20 years of divination experience. She offers private readings to her clients via her website, Secret Services. Specials on readings are running through the month of March. Subscription plans are available.
Tarot: King of Wands
Key words: Creativity, Entrepreneur, Inspiration through Leadership
The King of Wands is the card of the entrepreneur. This is a bold, forceful, take life by the horns kind of energy. This is the kind of energy that gives strength to those who want to take an idea and change the world with it. This King doesn't follow the old standard way of doing things. He likes innovation and taking risks. If you've been in a rut lately, this is your week to get out of it. Call upon the energy of this mover/shaker, and make things happen!
Totem: Eagle
Key words and phrases: Swiftness, Strength, Courage, Second Sight, Connection to Great Spirit, Knowledge of Magic, Higher Truth, Dignity with Grace, Healing and the Ability to See the Bigger Picture.
In ancient Greece, Eagle was associated with Zeus, who shape-shifted into one to see the greater picture of things. In the indigenous Nations of North America, Eagle is generally seen as the connector to the Great Spirit, and is sometimes considered to be the Thunderbird. In ancient Gaelic tribes, Eagle was called "Suil-na-Greine" or "Eye of the Sun."
Eagle represents the power of and connection to the Great Spirit (God, Goddess, whatever you wish to call that which you see as 'divine') or Mystery. It's the ability to stay both in this world and strongly attached to the realm of Spirit.
Eagle's message is to soar above the mundane and view things from a larger perspective. If you've been too caught up in the day-to-day irritations of life, or are taking things personally, it's time to disconnect from those emotions and reconnect with the element of Air (mental plane). See how all of the pieces you've been viewing myopically are placed together in the puzzle that is your life (Wyrd, Imramma, Destiny). Connect to that which is greater than yourself and cut the ties to that which binds and prevents you from flying free.
All eagles are renowned for their excellent eyesight. Those who carry Eagle medicine tend to be both clairaudient and clairvoyant.
Water is an important source of sustenance for eagles. Those with this totem will feel a strong need to live near water, mainly a fresh water source.
Eagles are considered messengers from heaven and the spirit of the sun. They are also symbols of rediscovering the inner child. Three is a sacred number for those with this medicine. Three represents new birth and creativity. A study in alchemy is also recommended for those who have eagle as a totem.
The Little Black Book for Pagans
In the past week, we've received more than 4,000 view on the Little Black Book. We want to make this the central locator site for Pagans to support one another.
Artists, Authors, Astrologers, Tarot Readers, Bloggers, Podcasters, you're more than welcome! Graphic Artists, come onboard!
Even if you don't sell something Pagan-related, but you consider yourself a Pagan, we want to support you, too! At this point, we're working to get the vendor side up. Tara Smith of EY Designs will be creating a web button for vendors to post on their own sites and help get the word out about the Little Black Book. Kudos to the vendors for jumping in and helping like this. Community, once we've got this up and running, it's on YOU to support them!!
Read the blog post here for more details about The Little Black Book for Pagans Project.
To sign up, or see what it's all about, CLICK HERE.
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos are used with permission.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. Please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!