January 2010 NewsLetter > Read and Sign please

[Neamhain Riona]

January Newsletter 2010




Happy New year! I hope all of you had a wonderful and exciting Christmas season. Some of you are still not with us, but you will be later this month. I welcome you back, and I hope you do well starting back up into the school routine.
I sent out an announcement about newsletter positions. I would love help with things, and I am also looking for people that would like to add a bit of flavor to the newsletter. We will have some new sections for this year. Celtic and I have our own paranormal group. So a special section will be made for the group in the monthly newsletter. Events, and elusive information will be in the newsletter. Also Check our topic in the General Discussion forum.

Like I have said many times before, if you want to see something in the guild please ask Celtic,Wicked, or I. We will gladly put it up. Also if you have a subject that you are good on. Please either notify me, or just go ahead and put it up!

 

[Neamhain Riona]

The Cold Moon


Many Native American tribes name the months or "moons" based on important local natural events. To the Cherokee, January is the Cold Moon. Fierce northern air howls down to strip the heat from the world. To the Choctaw, this is the cooking moon. Dried fruits vegetables, and meats from storage help the tribe survive the winter, but they take a long time to cook. To the Dakota Sioux, this is the moon of the terrible. Not only can winters on the plains be devastating, but many legends relate dire events-and this is a time of year for telling stories.

January is the peak of winter. The nights are long and dark. The weather is harsh and cold. Honor this time by working with its quiet,introspective energy. Now is a good time to make warm winter clothes if you knit, crochet, or sew. Cook foods that take a long time to prepare, such as soups and slow-cooker recipes, or bake winter root vegetables such as potatoes and turnips. Large meat dishes such as ham and turkey are also appropriate. For ritual themes, consider the home and health. Tell stories to create the framework of a ritual or to socialize afterwards.

 

[wicked_faery]

[quote="Triste Morningstar"]*cracks knuckles* Alright then. Here we go. [quote="Before Creation[color=white]"][/color] Introduction Insistence that God created the universe out of nothing is based on Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”. It takes a lot of faith to place such a heavy burden on one sentence. To do that, this simple introductory sentence has to be accepted as a statement of profound fact and Genesis 1:2 has to be ignored—not to mention the entire body of scientifically accumulated knowledge. Genesis 1:2 is packed with information. The description of a state of chaos before creation implies a previous universe. There is darkness, which requires space and an absence of light. In Hebrew “Spirit” means “air”. “Deep” is a quality of space, and water is an element. To contain space, air and water, there would have to have been a preexistence universe. One of those long running defenses is that science cannot disprove the existence of God. Not so! What science shows is that almost everything the Bible tells us about the natural universe is wrong. Science tells us that the accounts of the biblical god run parallel to the pagan mythologies of the time it was written. Science tells us that the sum of errors and pagan parallels mean that the Bible was written by superstition men who believed what was in their minds came from God. And finally, science tells us that the Bible is founded in a belief in astrology. Just the first two verses in Genesis alone undercut the entire Bible and the idea of a God created universe. Why is it so important to the religious establishment for there to be a creator god? It is like that “which came first, the chick or the egg” quandary. If authority came first, then social order owes its cohesion to the authority of the Church. If social order evolved from chaos, it is self governing. This belief in the existence of God is not for lack of credible scientific proof, it’s a psychological issue. [/quote] Here are the key points I'll address: 1. —not to mention the entire body of scientifically accumulated knowledge. Brilliant obervation. However, the entire bible is scientifically ******** up, for lack of better term. What exactly is the point here? If you think that telling us Creationist bullshit is just that - bullshit, I'm afraid you have nothing new. The bible, especially the OT, is generally written in simple terms, and much of it's content is metaphor, hyberbole, and exaggeration: and thus not to be taken literally. Telling us that you can disprove the literal interpretation of the Bible is really nothing special. 2. The description of a state of chaos before creation implies a previous universe. There is darkness, which requires space and an absence of light. Yet again, you take the bible far to literally. Did you ever stop to think that 'deep,' 'space,' and 'dark' were simply used figuratively, describing and endless void of nothingness? 3. One of those long running defenses is that science cannot disprove the existence of God. Not so! What science shows is that almost everything the Bible tells us about the natural universe is wrong. Science cannot disprove the existence of God. Nothing can. It can disprove the existance of a Christian God, derived from a literally interpreted bible, perhaps, but God in general? No. 4. Science tells us that the accounts of the biblical god run parallel to the pagan mythologies of the time it was written. What the [********] does this have to do with science? That's logic, that's comparisons in literature, but it's not science, so don't call it science. And frankly, that's just speculation. You can't prove that the Christian God came from Pagan gods, and frankly, if this literal interpretation is all you can come up with, you can't even provide evidence enough to present it as a competent theory. 5. Science tells us that the sum of errors and pagan parallels mean that the Bible was written by superstition men who believed what was in their minds came from God. Once again, what the ******** does this have to do with science? Anyway, these so called 'errors' seem to be more literal interpretations. Sure, there are some things that I wouldn't necessarily interpret as anything but literal, but come on! The 'Empty Space = Old Universe' Argument is such bullshit it makes me sick. If that is the sum of your arguments, I'd have to conclude scientifically that you're full of s**t. 6. And finally, science tells us that the Bible is founded in a belief in astrology. Well, it's great that you provided evidence for this claim. :roll: Jesus Christ, why do I even bother? Am I going to have to go through this whole ******** website? So, here I present this question for you: What the ******** makes you think that the Bible is based in astrology? 7. Just the first two verses in Genesis alone undercut the entire Bible and the idea of a God created universe. I certainly hope this isn't the 'sum of errors' you refered to, because if it is, I just wasted ten minutes of my day typing up arguments to debate with the biggest idiot in the universe. 8. Why is it so important to the religious establishment for there to be a creator god? Who says it's important? Maybe it's true. What makes you so sure that the Creation story is just a desperate attempt by the Church to fool people into thinking they represent God? 9. It is like that “which came first, the chick or the egg” quandary. If authority came first, then social order owes its cohesion to the authority of the Church. So? Maybe we really do owe allegiance to the Church, or at least God. Untill you prove that wrong, your argument is no more ridiculous than the Bible. For the record, I'm agnostic, not Christian. You don't have to reply to this argument, and it wasn't directed to you, but if you feel the need to defend this website, you're free to do so.[/quote] Well wasnt really looking for a debate in the matter, my christian studies are definatly lacking. I thought it was an interesting site and felt like sharing it. Plus the text used for the link draws attention to it.  

[wicked_faery]

New Year Quotes


"Here we are in a month named after the Roman god Janus, an appropriate personification of the start of the new year. This particular Roman god had two faces so that he could look ahead toward the future and back at the past at the same time. As we get rid of an old year and look forward to a new one, we all try to be a little like Janus. We know through experience what we did wrong and what we did right, and hope to do better this year. Some people make ambitious new year’s resolutions; others just take a deep breath and hope for the best."

Recipe for a New Year
"Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor."

 

[Underworld Priestess]

Here is a Full Moon Cleansing/Purging Ritual that I came up with...
Full Moon ~
Cleansing/Purging Ritual
You will need:
Element candles, candles for the Spirit, Lord and Lady and 1 white, 1 black and 1 green candle.
Sage
Paper and a writing utensil
A cauldron or large bowl
And offerings cake and wine or cider

Casting the Circle
(3x clockwise with athame and 1 time with sage)
Stepping from darkness into the light
Purity and cleansing we celebrate here tonight.
By the fire which burns within,
By my will, which stirs the elements,
Let nothing harmful in,
So mote it be.
Calling Quarters
East
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the East,
Breath of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Air
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light yellow candle and offer sage).
Blessed Be!

South
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the South,
Will of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Fire.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light red candle and offer sage)
Blessed Be!

West
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the West,
Blood of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Water.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light blue candle and offer sage)
Blessed Be!

North
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the North,
Bone of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Earth.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light green candle and offer sage)
Blessed Be!
(Turn towards the altar)
Spirit of my ancestors,
I call thy name into the night!
Come, be welcome in this my rite.
(light white candle)
Blessed Be.

Calling the Goddess and God
Goddess
Great Mother we call on thee tonight
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Great Mother!
I call thy name into the night!
O Great Mother!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
In thy honor, if it is thy will
Be welcome in my rite!
(light silver candle and offer sage)
Blessed Be!
God
Great Father I call on thee tonight,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Horned One!
We call thy name into the night,
O Horned One!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
In thy honor, if it is thy will
Be welcome in my rite!
(light gold candle and offer sage)
Blessed Be.


Purging Spell
Write down anything you want to complete or release. The energy you put into your intention is important. It should always be in the positive, meaning there should never be an intent to hurt, damage or scorn anyone or anything. Focus on yourself only, and intend for completion and release.
Use a match to light the paper on fire and place in the cauldron or bowl.
O Great Mother, O Great Father, Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit,
I ask thee to cleanse my body of the negative.
(Light black candle).
O Great Mother, O Great Father, Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit,
I ask thee to free and heal my body of the negative.
(Light white candle)
Blessed Be!
(light green candle)
As the paper burns feel or meditate on the purging of the negative and cleansing your body.

Grant O Spirits, Thy Protection and in Protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding and in Understanding Knowledge
And in knowledge, the Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of It
And in the Love of it, the Love of all Existence
And in the Love of All Existences, the Love of Spirit and All Goodness.


Blessing Cake and Ale
(offer cakes and wine or cider)
We bless these cakes in the name of the Great Mother
Who provides sustenance that we may live
(said while one holds plate up in the air)
We bless this wine in the name of the Horned God
In honor of his essence which gave us life.
(said while holding glass in the air)

Farewell to the God and Goddess
Great Mother,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Great Mother!
Thank your for being with me tonight
O Great Mother!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
May I retain your bounty and comfort.
(extinguish candle, and give the sage to the earth)
Farewell.

God
Great Father,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Horned One!
Thank you for being with me tonight,
O Horned One!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
May I retain your strength and bravery
(extinguish candle and give the sage to the earth)
Farewell

Farewell to the Quarters
North
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the North
Bone of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of earth
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and give sage to the earth).
Farewell
West
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the West
Blood of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of water
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and give sage to the earth).
Farewell
South
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the South,
Will of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of fire
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and give sage to the earth).
Farewell
East
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the East,
Breath of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of air
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and give sage to the earth).
Farewell
Opening the Circle
3x with athame wider shins
May the circle be open but never broken
May the Goddess and God be ever in our hearts
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.　

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Goddess of January

Diana

he Roman Goddess was known by many names including Queen of Heaven; the Great Goddess; Lunar Virgin; Mother of Animals; Lady of Wild Creatures; and the Huntress. Diana as the Roman Moon-Goddess was originally worshipped on the mountain Tifata near Capua and in sacred forests. Later she was given a temple in the working-class area on the Aventine Hill where she was mainly worshipped by the lower class (plebeians) and the slaves, of whom she was the patroness. She is often depicted carrying a bow and arrow and wearing animal skins or accompanied by animals.

When the Greek city of Ephesus fell to Roman rule, Goddess Diana was merged with the Greek Goddess Artemis. This is most likely due to the fact that around the time of the Roman empire, Romans would allow the places they over took to continue worshipping their own Gods and Goddesses, incorporating those Goddesses into the Roman Pantheon. Artemis and Diana were worshipped at the same times historically and when the Great Greek Temple of Artemis was destroyed the Romans rebuilt it in honor of Diana and the myth of Goddess Diana of Ephesus began.

Stories of Goddess Diana are told form the beginning of Troy to the Christian Bible of King James in the scriptures of Acts and the gospels of Paul.

"Acts|19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Acts|19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

The multi-breasted statue of Diana at Her Temple in Ephesus displayed her capability to nourish all creatures and provide for them. Worshippers adored Goddess Diana so much that the only way the Christians could rid the people of their Goddess was by assimilating her into their new religion. Thus Ephesus became a place of Mary, Mother of God. The church even invented stories of Mary living at Ephesus and being entombed there.

In Babylonia, and in the nation of Assyria, she was known as "ISHTAR" The Phoenicians called her "ASTARTE". The Israelites knew her as "ASHTORETH".

Diana was also the goddess of the Latin commonwealth where She rule with Her brother Lucifer. Lucifer being a Latin word for “Light Bringer”.

In Italy the old religion of Stergheria embraced goddess Diana as Queen of the Witches. Witches being the wise women healers of the time. Goddess Diana created the world of her own being having in herself the seeds of all creation yet to come. It is said that out of herself she divided into the darkness and the light, keeping for herself the darkness of creation and creating her brother Lucifer, the light. Goddess Diana loved and ruled with her brother Lucifer, the god of the Sun and Moon.
As time went on, the Earth was created and Diana descended to Earth, as did her brother Lucifer. Diana taught magick and witches were born. One night using witchcraft in the form of a cat, His most beloved animal, Diana tricked Lucifer. She gained entrance to His chamber where She seduced Him. From this union a daughter was born. Goddess Aradia.
In other versions of this myth we find the similarities the Christain tales take as their own in attempts to dispel the Goddess.
The first being, Lucifer who is so proud of his beauty, and who for his pride is driven from the Paradise of Goddess as is the tale of Lucifer falling from Gods grace.
The second being Goddess Diana also sends Her daughter Aradia to live as a mortal and save the misfortunate people of Earth as does God send His son Jesus to live as a mortal and save the people.

As pagans my sisters, Goddess Diana is the eternal Mother of all creation, the first that is and the last that will be. She is the Huntress of the forest seeking means of survival. She is the call of the wild, the beating heart of the forests, the animal spirit within, urging us to remember our origins. She awakens nature within us that we remember to feel the rustling wind through our hair, to hear the howling of a wolf or the echo of a voice in the forest. Goddess Diana calls to us to let our animal essence out and hone our inherent sensibilities. Dance and sing to the moon, run until our heart pounds to the top of a hill, to take a swim in a creek, roll around in the grass as we once did as a children, or just gaze upon the stars in wonderment; knowing all the while that Goddess Diana is within us, sharing sharing our journey.

As with the Christian invasion into the old religion , we too are told as women what is right and wrong. We are told what is the correct thinking to blend into a society that denies us our truth. Not tonight my sisters, tonight we pray to the Goddess Diana that you never forget the wonders of creation, the joy of being alive, and the importance of being a woman. Tonight we pray to GoddessDiana to be filled with Her strength to survive the challenges that would steal our dreams. under Her Full Moon we are alive in Her reflection. As a Circle of women we pray to Goddess Diana to grants us development and change within ourselves. As we embrace Her energy that is the vibrations of the universe that lives within us let the hunt begin. Let us seek out and tame the resources that is the beast and the forest of our lives. As goddess Diana let us be the huntress of our path. Tonight as women we say “Great is the Goddess Diana and Great is the Goddess in Me”.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

God of the Month

Janus

Janus kept the gate of Heaven, so he became the god of doors and gates. He was very important, because a house is only as strong as its doors.

His temple in Rome had its doors thrown open in times of War, and closed in times of Peace. They were usually open! The Emperor Augustus closed the doors of the temple, since he brought peace to the Roman Empire.

Janus had two faces, one looking forwards and one looking back, since a door can let you in, or let you out. The first month of the year is named after him. In January, we look back at the last year, and forward to the next.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

EUCALYPTUS



G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Air.
Magical uses:Used in healing rituals, charms and amulets. Place the leaves around a blue candle and burn for healing energies. Green pods worn around the neck eases the discomfort of colds, sore throats and congestion

Spiritual cleansing, purification, and healing. Helps to
overcome spiritual blockages.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Setting Goals

Please remember to set goals. I will not call them resolutions. They are goals. Do not make goals that are unattainable. Go ahead and post your goals here in this post when you read and sign this. Here are mine.


1.Learn to play my guitar
2.Lose more weight and gain more muscle
3.Read more into and practice my spirituality
4.Be financially stable

 

[Underworld Priestess]

Sorry this last post is a little late, but it's in time for the new moon.
The New Moon is on the 15th.


New Moon workings can be done from the day of the new moon to three-and-a-half days after

NEW MOON RITUAL

For Health in the New Year

You will need:
Cinnamon
Green Ribbon
A glass jar or other container with a lid
Various small objects - preferably green, silver or white (ex: paper, dried leaves, beads, colored wood).

Casting the Circle
(3x clockwise with athame and 1 time with sage)
Here tonight the circle’s cast
Joining future, present, past
Truth and love shall light the way
Evil ones be kept at bay
Harm non and rule of three
By our intent, So Mote It Be!
Calling Quarters
East
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the East
Keeper of the element of Air
Please bless and protect this circle with your mighty winds.
(light candle and marjoram or nuts)
Hail and Welcome!
South
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the South
Keeper of the element of Fire.
Please bless and protect this circle with your searing flames.
(light candle and marjoram or nuts)
Hail and Welcome!
West
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the West
Keeper of the element of water.
Please bless and protect this circle with you cleansing waves.
(light candle and marjoram or nuts)
Hail and Welcome!
North
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the North,
Keeper of the element of earth.
Please bless and protect this circle with your timeless stones.
(light candle and marjoram or nuts)
Hail and Welcome!
Calling the Goddess and God
Goddess
Great Mother we call on thee tonight
To bless our circle with thy light
Behold your daughters, strong and true
Bring beauty and love to the work we do.
In thy honor, if it is thy will
See our spells become fulfilled.
(light candle and marjoram or nuts)
Hail and Welcome
God
Great Father we call on thee tonight
To bless our circle with thy might
Behold your daughters, strong and true
Bring honor and pride to the work we do
In thy honor, if it is thy will
See our spells become fulfilled.
(light candle and marjoram or nuts)
Hail and Welcome

Consecrate all the items and lay them on the altar.
"I cleanse and consecrate this ______ for positive means. All negativity is removed from it in any time and space."

Sprinkle cinnamon over all the objects and say:
‘Herb for healing,
Herb for hope
Herb for strength
Herb help me cope

I call on thee, spirits of water, earth, fire and air to aid me in this healing.’

Bind the green ribbon around the jar three time

‘Thrice I bind thee, and so with nine calls, you will heal.’

Put all the small objects into the jar, screw the lid on and shake it nine times

‘Power of healing, hear my cry, that my body may be healed for the new year!‘

Meditate on what being healthy and let the candle burn itself out--do not extinguish.

Blessing Cake and Ale
We bless these cakes in the name of the Great Mother
Who provides sustenance that we may live
(said while one holds plate up in the air)
We bless this ale in the name of the Horned God
In honor of his essence which gave us life.
(said while holding glass in the air)
Eat and drink saving some for the Gods.
Farewell to the God and Goddess
God
Great Father and Fierce Protector
Thank you for being with us tonight
May we retain your strength and bravery
(extinguish candle, throw herb on fire)
Farewell
Goddess
Great Mother and Wise Lady
Thank you for being with us tonight
May we retain your bounty and comfort.
(extinguish candle, throw herb on fire)
Farewell
Farewell to the Quarters
North
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the North
Keeper of the element of earth.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle and throw herb on fire)
Farewell
West
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the West
Keeper of the element of Water.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle and throw herb on the fire)
Farewell
South
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the South
Keeper of the element of fire.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle, and throw herb on fire)
Farewell
East
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the East
Keeper of the element of air.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle and throw herb on fire)
Farewell
Opening the Circle
3x with athame widdershins
May the circle be open but never broken
May the Goddess and God be ever in our hears
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.