This week's stew is extremely spicy, so be sure you're ready for it! As many of you know, Mercury went Retrograde (Rx) yesterday and will stay that way until March 17. Not to worry, we've got you covered here at the Stew.
We've also got a range of flavors from humor to a downright rant (and no, it isn't ME this time!). Don't forget, tomorrow is the Full Moon in Virgo. Be sure to check out the Astrology section for some great articles to help you with your workings. Kestril's got a great song, and I have a real treat for you in the Shameless Plug section today.
So, without further adieu, grab your forks and spoons and dig in!
Happy Birthday this week to Enchantresskasha Thompson, Angie Mroczka, Renee (Sosanna) Olson!!!!!, Cheyenne Vanessa Gallant, Diamond Phoenyx, Tracy Moore, Bruxas Wicca, and Byron Ballard!! May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, peace, happiness, good health, and all the most wonderful tings in abundance!
In the News
Albino boy (7), has his hand hacked off by Tanzanian witchcraft groupPapua New Guinea Witch Burning: 2 Charged in Murder of Kepari LeniataMalawi battles witchcraft with help from NorwayTOÉ, The 'WITCHCRAFT PLANT' That's Spoiling Ayahuasca TourismFox News's Carlson Apologizes to WiccansPagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning, Sunday Stew readers! Hope you're faring well as we've entered a Mercury Retrograde, lasting until March 17th. (I know, I know.) But for now, put that out of your mind and read on for some great Pagan Lore!
Sunday, February 24
Shiva, the multifaceted Hindu god of destruction and renewal, is honored annually on this date (approximately) by a day of fasting, followed by an oil-lamp vigil known as the Shivaratri (Shiva's Night) which takes place at shrines dedicated to him.
Monday, February 25
In many parts of the Christian world, a joyous pre-Lenten celebration known as Carnival takes place annually on or around this date. In ancient days, orgiastic fertility rites and sacrifices of humans and animals to herald the arrival of Spring were common at this time of the year in many parts of the world.
Tuesday, February 26
Tonight is Pentagram Night. As a symbolic gesture to reaffirm your dedication to the Craft of the Wise, dip your fingertip into a small cauldron pot filled with Yule-log ashes and then use it to draw the sacred symbol of the Witches' Pentagram (five pointed star within a circle) over your heart at the first stroke of midnight.
Wednesday, February 27
On this day in the year 1861, famous psychic and spiritual philosopher Rudolf Steiner was born in Kraljevic (which was part of Hungary at that time). He possessed clairvoyant powers and communicated often with nonphysical entities. In 1902, he was appointed general secretary of the German Section of the Theosophical Society, and in 1913, he established his own school for esoteric research. Steiner died on March 30, 1925.
Thursday, February 28
In ancient times, a Chaldean Sabbat known as the Sabbatu was celebrated each year on this date. Also on this day of the year, the Earth-Goddesses Ceres, Demeter, Gaia, Ge, and Mauri are honored by many Pagans and Wiccans around the world. Also honored annually on this day is the ancient Pagan deity Zamyaz, who was worshipped and offered sacrifices by the ancient Chaldeans and Persians.
On this date in the year 1888, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (an influential Western occult order and secret society) was established. It offered teaching on ceremonial magick, divination, Kabbalah, and other occult-oriented sciences. Many of its rituals are still in use by modern-day practitioners of High Magick. AleisterCrowley (one of the Golden Dawn's most famous members) was initiated into the Order in the year 1898 but was later expelled.
In ancient Rome, the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta was rekindled by the Vestal Virgins on this day which, at one time, marked the beginning of the Roman year.
Friday, March 1
The first day of Marc is celebrated in Bulgaria as Granny March's Day. (Granny-March is an old Witch-Goddess who presides over the month of March). It is believed throughout the country that if any woman works on this sacred day, Granny March becomes angry and uses her magickal powers to destroy the crops with storms.
Saturday, March 2
In various parts of Europe, women celebrate Mother March each year on this date. The Mother-Goddess who presides over the third month of the year is honored and a festive parade is held to commemorate all women who have created life.
Wishing you all a wonderful week -- see you next time with lots more Pagan Lore!
Karen
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
In light of the recent issues with Fox & Friends, I give you the following light hearted tongue in cheek instructional guide. If you haven’t watched it yet, check it out before you read this post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J22mI-P0a1MFive easy steps to mastering Wiccanism.1. Dungeons and Dragons – Every follower of Wiccanism must be an avid D&D player. Not any of this every other weekend stuff, I mean hard core, Dave Arneson worshiping Dungeon Master that has TSR rules and regs tattooed on their body! (Higher levels awarded for placement of 10 sided die). The only exception to this rule is that no D&D may be played on our holiest of pagan holidays, Halloween.
2. Twice Divorced Woman – Now I know this is strange for most, as most religions don’t single out one gender over the other. You know, allowing only one gender to have roles of authority or a separation of the genders, but for the devout follower of Wiccanism, you MUST be a female. Not only a female, but divorced at least twice. These husbands are just practice anyway, everyone knows that followers of Wiccanism are actually lesbian anyway.
3. Live in a rural area – Much like monasteries of Tibet, rural living is necessary for this following, how else will you be able to locate two people to divorce or have a large enough group for a decent D&D campaign if you don’t live FAR FAR out in the woods. Not to mention it’s easier to trick the kids into the candy house if you don’t have those nosy neighbors to deal with.
4. Must work as a midwife – yeah I know, this can be tough … with all the D&D playing and living in the woods, you must have the time to go into the city at some point and locate some pregnant women to assist in child birth. And don’t be getting all
Prissy on me and say “I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout birtin’ babies” because to be a follower of Wiccanism you, my friend MUST learn!
5. Lots of Incense – Cones, sticks & resin are the mantra of any decent follower of Wiccanism. Allergies and breathing disorders be damned! Your house must contain at least 50 different types of incense. It’s the only way to cover the odor from the decaying entrails, strange spell components and litter box odor that accompanies any respectable follower of Wiccanism.
There you have it. Five easy breezy steps to become a follower of Wiccanism. Don’t believe me? It must be true I saw it on Fox news.
Namaste and Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
This Week in Astrology
Mercury is now in Rx until March 17
Monday, Feb 25, 2013 3:26 PM EST Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
9:03 PM EST Venus enters Pisces
Moon VoC Table February 24-28
| Sunday, Feb 24 | 8:20 pm | Monday, Feb 25 | 7:24 am | Virgo |
| Wednesday, Feb 27 | 2:43 am | Wednesday, Feb 27 | 1:21 pm | Libra |
Moon Voc Table March 1-2
| Friday, Mar 1 | 7:22 am | Friday, Mar 1 | 5:46 pm | Scorpio |
Song of the Week with Kestril Trueseeker
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Balance can be a tricky thing. Some people think you hit this mythical point called "balance" and then you've got it made. As always, it's a lot more complicated than that. So far, I've seen that balance is something that needs to be worked at every day in response to the chaos going on around you.
Now, maybe you are lucky and live in some sort of idyllic monastery like situation where the demands of the every day world never touch you (and if so, I'm jealous!), but for the rest of us, balance isn't a point you arrive at, but more of a decision to work with the flow of things around you.
And sometimes, you have to realize that actions that may have helped you achieve balance at a different point in your life would be wildly off if you tried to apply them to another situation (not to mention that what might be balancing and helpful in your life would just not work for another).
The trick of course is to see the way the flow is going and then decide what course would be the most helpful. In other words, you need to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. What does the energy around you look like? And how will you respond?
Keep dancing,Kestril
Tiffany's Jumbo with Tiffany Newson
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Dedications, Christenings, Wiccanings....The First Impressions of Religion
Dedications, christenings and wiccanings all equal the introduction of religion, spirituality and deity into the child's life. The ceremony or ritual in presenting the child to the world, Universe, god/Higher Self/Source; I find to be a significant step in molding the child's view of the world.
For my children, I chose a dedication in a Christian church and to follow with a wiccaning that I performed myself. (A double blessing is what my friend called it.)
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| Nene, age four months (now 6 yrs) |
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| Amir, age 6 months |
Choosing to perform these ceremonies, gave me a moment to truly be thankful for the gift of life handed to me. It also made me realize that I truly impact how much or little religion played a factor in my children's life.
Taking the time to commune with god showed me that the ceremony is a release of power. I am giving my child the power to choose and the gods power to step in.
I don't know which god will come to my kids' aid nor do I know who my kids will turn to in a hour of need. The ceremony I witnessed and performed are merely a gateway to a lifelong journey in discovering themselves.
I like and even welcome the questions soon to come of why life is. Why we are here and how some are so certain of their path. I can't wait to see the path they choose.
Sunshine's Meandering with Kathleen Lane
Plant an Heirloom Garden Anywhere!
This week I have been mulling over what I would like to write about and finding it difficult to settle to one subject. My husband says my thinking processes are "like a flea in a skillet". The poor man is very tolerant of my ability to jump from one thought to the next without (to him) any relationship between the two. We are both earth signs, but I have a very active moon in Aquarius that drives my Virgo side crazy. Hummm! is this a sign of split personality?
Anyway, back to the subject. We live in a city and do not have a large yard, so I am limited in the amount of planting I can do. Consequently most of my available space goes to herbs and flowers, but I do a lot of container planting as well. I plant tomatoes in the upside down planters and hang them from the eaves of my porch and plant herbs in containers that sit on my porch railing. This keeps my tomatoes out of reach of the ground hogs that are abundant here and also looks pretty. I was concerned that the plants wouldn't like growing wrong side up, but they don't seem to mind.
Because our yard is small, I have planted dwarf fruit trees so I can have more variety and this spring I am going to plant dwarf blue berries in containers. It is amazing how much you can produce in a small area if you get creative. We have a very good local farmers' market near by and I tend to get a lot of my produce from them, but blue berries don't seem to do well here so I will grow my own. My mother and grandmother told me about the old "Victory Gardens" of the WW II period and how everyone was encouraged to plant gardens to help the war effort.
The government gave away seeds for gardens and Gram said they were a huge success. People were even growing little container gardens on their fire escapes in the cities. You can grow cucumbers and small squash on a porch railing and train them like any other vine. A single acorn squash plant will usually supply all the squash we can eat.
All of this is leading up to the idea that we, as people who should care about where and how our food is grown, can have a say in that. If you have friends or neighbors or even acquaintances who are gardeners, they may have saved seed for old plants. They are usually glad to share seed with other enthusiasts. Those wonderful old seeds are not only non-hybrid, but a link to the days when food had far more nutrition .Plus, hybrid plants don't feed hives as well as open pollinated plants do.
A dear old friend gave me seed for what he called "tree spinach" that came out to the northwest with his grandparents on the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon. It turned out it was a member of the amaranthe family and is wonderful. It grows six feet high, never bolts like spinach does and you can save seed because it is not a hybrid. It tastes exactly like spinach and grows all summer.
The university in Ames, Iowa has a "seed bank" that they started years ago to save the old open seed. And there are still a few seed companies like Johnny's that have non-hybrid seed available. I have friends who live in a house boat on Lake Washington up near Seattle and they grow huge amounts of their produce in containers on the porch of their house boat. So, there is no place that is to small to grow a container of herbs or a planter of lettuce (which is lovely) or a containered blueberry shrub.
The only bad thing is that after you get used to what real food tastes like, it is very hard to eat the GMO stuff you can get in the produce section of most grocery stores. Almost any container can be utitilized to plant in....the bottom of a milk carton, cans, any kind of plastic container, worn out pans, etc...
Last summer I saw an old boot on the steps up to a front door with petunias growing in it.So plan where and what you could plant. Look around for non-hybrid seeds and start planning your garden.
Kallan's note: Here is a list of heirloom seed companies for those of you who want to steer clear of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
The Spice with La'Trice Lott
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I do not suffer fools lightly. I have zero patience for ignorance or stupidity, especially from someone who claims to be educated or well-informed. Make no mistake; if a person is dense enough come at me spouting BS, based on broad generalizations and stereotypes, I WILL gladly hand them their ass, tied up in a nice pink bow.
Recently I was called upon to perform such a service. Why? you ask. Because, some fool decided to 1) make assumptions about my spirituality based solely on my race and 2) attempted to marginalize my spiritual practices using some arbitrary criteria that, I’m almost positive, they pulled out of their arse.
I was hanging at home, enjoying an unexpected day off work due to a winter storm, when I received a call from someone who’d been given my name and number by a mutual friend. She asked if I’d be interested in to come and talk to her meet-up group about Vodou.
Huh? What? Vodou? Did I miss something?
I asked her why she thought I knew anything about Vodou. And, she said, with-all-the-assurance-of- someone-who-thinks- they-know-everything-there-is-to-know-on-a-subject-but-is-too-obtuse-to-realize-they-don’t- know- jack-shit, “Don’t most African-Americans that aren't Christian practice Vodou?”
What the hell?!?!?
At that moment, I should have hit the end button and gone on with my day, but nooo, some underlying optimism surfaced, and I decided to turn the situation into a teachable moment. Lesson in futility. It would have been easier to teach a rock how to fetch. I told her that she is very much mistaken; being black and non-Christian doesn't automatically make one a Vodou practitioner. Much in the same way being white and living in the mid-west doesn't automatically make one a Christian.
I pointed out that some people; me included feel it’s rude and, ignorant to making such sweeping generalizations about someone based solely on their race. I said, “It might behoove you to do a little research into Vodou, people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds are amongst the practitioners”. She apologized, but still seemed perplexed as to why I was offended. In hindsight, using the word ‘behoove’ was probably a mistake. She was probably thinking something along the lines of “well-if-she-doesn't-practice-Vodou-then-why-is-she-telling-me-to-research-bees and hooves?”
Anywho, we continued to chat. She told me that she was raised in a very strict Southern Baptist household ( okay, a bit of insight there), but had been introduced to Wicca in college 6 years ago and had been initiated 2 years ago. She asked me about my spiritual practices, and I told her that I didn't have any formal religious upbringing and I had been on the Pagan path for about 10 years.
I said, "My spiritual practices are rooted in folk magic as well as kitchen and garden witchery". To which she says “Oh, so you’re not a true Wiccan, you’re more into that fluff-type of stuff.” Wait. Stop. No, this bitch did not just refer to my spiritual practice as fluff. She attempted to say something but, I interrupted and asked her to define just what-in-the-hot-buttered-hell she meant by true Wiccan.
Her reply: “A true Wiccan is someone that completes the year and a day course, under the tutelage of an ordained high priest or priestess of one of the recognized Wiccan traditions.”
To which I replied, “Really, well let me tell you one damned thing, I don’t know what you learned, where you learned it or who taught it to you, but, your 'education' in Wicca, and in basic life skills, are sorely lacking. Your prejudice, stereotypical, narrow-minded views are insulting and if you knew anything at all, you would know that what I practice; the folk magic, kitchen and garden witchery, that fluff-type stuff as you called it, is the foundation upon which modern day Wicca is built. And maybe, just maybe if you pulled you head out of your ass and got some oxygen to your brain, and tried thinking for yourself instead of parroting someone else dogma, you just might learn something” I clicked off and went poured myself a big ol’ glass of wine.
It’s been more than 24 hours and I’m still pissed. A small part of me thinks, even hopes that it was some sort of practical joke being played on me by our mutual friend, but I know that person would never be involved in any crap like this. It’s just not how they’re made.
Which means that even in this day and age, when people have the ability to access credible and reliable facts at the touch of a button, there are still those who’d rather swallow the bullshit being fed to them with a big ole smile on their faces.
Minerva, help us.
Note from Kestril the Latina on La'Trice's rant:Weekly Tarot: Four of Pentacles
Key Words: Control, stability, security, possession, conservatism"Although this card shows a practical and financially stable person, it often indicates possessiveness, greed and an overly cautious approach to life. You may be afraid to take risks, both financially and emotionally for fear of losing everything that you have attained so far. As a result, you may be vaguely unhappy and unfulfilled. Deep down you are starting to realise that you have sold out for a conservative and overly ‘safe’ approach to life." ~ Biddy Tarot
The Four of Pentacles generally indicates those things. However, given that so many of us feel the effects of a Mercury Retrograde,maybe a little conservatism and concerns over stability and security aren't necessarily a bad thing. During the Rx, it's time to slow down, rethink things, don't make new contracts or commitments, and to really take stock in what you have and where you're going, especially in the area of communication and movement.
This card also indicates an inflexible attitude that is resistant to change, and perhaps living in a cloud of suspicion and doubt... these are definitely not traits or attitudes that one wants to carry for any real length of time. This might be the time to check yourself and be sure you're not holding on to grudges, pushing back against change or spending too much time distrusting those around you.
"The lesson of the Four of Pentacles is that control is impossible. We stand in the world as in a great ocean. Who could manage or possess such power? The only way to keep from drowning is to ride the currents. The ocean will support us as long as we swim with the flow." ~learntarot.com
As our wonderful friend Alan Heartsong says, "Just an idea, but who's with me on choosing not to give in to victim mentality with Mercury Retrograde this time? Let's face it, it goes retrograde a LOT. It's just a fact of life, but who says it has to suck? We're witches, part of what we do is manipulate energy so why do so many of us just roll over for this particular wave of energy? Surf it, instead of drowning in it. Remember you have a choice."
Weekly Totem: Fox (excerpt from Ted Andrews's Animal Speak)
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Fox teaches how to be invisible, camouflaged, shape shifting. The fact there are 21 different varieties around the world has significant metaphysical significance.21 in the tarot deck signifies the world. It reflects a new world opening up and that the process of creation is beginning. It reflects that the world is growing and shape-shifting itself into new patterns that will be beneficial. Meditate on this card to understand how fox medicine can be helping with creation. It can reveal what is growing and shape-shifting in your own world.
It has a long history of cunning and magic associated with it. Because its a creature of the night it is often imbued with supernatural power. Because its an animal of the between times and places it could be a guide to enter the fairy realm.
Practicing and using camouflage is something everyone with a fox totem should learn to do. You can adjust the the frequency and intensity of the energy field so that you harmonize with others. You can focus on changing its appearance so that you blend in.
The historical character of Merlin had to have used fox medicine and energy to accomplish much of what he did. Even during his lifetime Merlin was a-historical and unrevealed.. he was largely unknown to the greater public except as Merlin When he was summoned by the kings, he came silently, disguised as a poor wood cutter or a peasant. he practiced concealment habitually and for a long period of time.
The fox uses its ability at quiet camouflage to its benefit. With practice you can develop the same kind of ability so you may see or hear things that otherwise could not.
An aspect of fox fur has a significance as well with anyone with a fox totem. Hair is often associated with psychic energy serving as antennae. Hair and fur are symbols of energy and fertility and layers of fur reflect levels of energy and fertility. With the fox its the undercoat which is the primal source from which an individual draws his/her abilities. As the outer hair changes as does the expression of the inner creative force. Its tail is a symbol of the feminine creative forces.
Individuals with fox totems have an ability to insulate themselves from anything that may seem to be cold especially in relationships. They can become warm and cozy in themselves.
A fox's tracks look like a single row of footprints this reflects a straight forward expression of the feminine energy.
They have the ability to run up trees which reflects an ability to move in different dimensions.They have an ability to hear what is not being said as well as any whispering going on. This ability is also tied in to clairaudience, the ability to hear spirit.
They have excellent eyesight and an ability to see moving objects especially at the edges or borders of areas. Because of this it is not unusual with those of this totem to see spirit, see those beings of the 'between places' like the fairies and elves.
The Shameless Plug:
This week's Shameless Plug goes to my friend and mentor to two of my children, Sherri Robbins. Sherri is one of those truly spiritual souls whose light shines so brightly, she gives us all permission to do the same. Her voice is amazing, and I just know that you are going to love her music as much as my children and I do. You can check her out at her website, on CD Baby and on Facebook... tell her Kallan sent ya ;)For now, here's a little taste of what you can expect:
A Note on the Inspiring Pagan Award Nominations: None were submitted. If we don't get a nomination, we don't proceed. Hopefully, next month, we'll see some great stories of Pagans who inspire others!
That's it for this week's stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
So, what did you think of this week's Stew? We love your feedback. Please comment below or post a comment on Kallan's Facebook page. If you have a suggestion, we're always open to it!
