tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40155642024-02-08T12:03:11.218-05:00WitchyWaysAmanda's musings on earth-based spirituality, magic, North-American witchcraft, and contemporary Paganisms.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-71082442227209942402013-09-30T20:30:00.000-04:002013-09-30T20:36:45.683-04:00Counselling, Spiritual Mentoring, Spiritual Direction, and Offering AdviceAs just about anybody who has done any kind of "Public Paganism" will attest to, if you do it long enough someone will come to you looking for advice. It may be a question about ritual design, appropriate offerings, or spell casting; but solitary practitioners also often come to "public Pagans" when they're in spiritual or personal crisis. <br />
<br />
So if you're one of those "public Pagans", and especially if you run a coven or circle, or do any kind of one-on-one or small group teaching, <b> it's a good idea to pick up a few basic listening and counselling skills</b>. It's also a good idea to have a short list of Pagan-friendly professional counselors, therapists, or life coaches for referrals when someone's needs are beyond your own expertise.<br />
<br />
So how does one go about picking up these mysterious skills? In an ideal world, we would be able to take a class or a series of classes on basic counselling. However <b>classes are not always accessible to us</b>. So we turn to books.<br />
<br />
I posted this<b> book list</b> a while ago on a Facebook discussion group that I belong to. All are worth reading, in my opinion. And some of them have been required reading for me at various points in my training. If you can't afford to buy them, check your local library.<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=TxhHAAAAMAAJ&q=meeting+the+shadow&dq=meeting+the+shadow&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1xVKUun5AeSy2gWxloCYDQ&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAA" target="_blank">Meeting the Shadow</a>" by Zweig and Abrams,<br />
"<a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=gTGFPQAACAAJ&dq=leadership+coaching+tony&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-RVKUqjwH6SHygGE4IHABg&ved=0CEcQ6AEwAA" target="_blank">Leadership Coaching</a>" by Tony Stoltzfus (ironically a Guide to Being a Christian Coach),<br />
"<a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=8ARHAAAAMAAJ&q=spiritual+emergency&dq=spiritual+emergency&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WxZKUpXUB6WgyAHIt4HIDQ&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAQ" target="_blank">Spiritual Emergency</a>" by Grof and Grof,<br />
"<a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=f9Ak7CIPO9EC&printsec=frontcover&dq=nonviolent+communication&hl=en&sa=X&ei=rBZKUu6oNuG62AWU7YGADw&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=nonviolent%20communication&f=false" target="_blank">Nonviolent Communication</a>" by Rosenberg,<br />
"<a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=8StHAAAAMAAJ&q=on+becoming+a+counsellor&dq=on+becoming+a+counsellor&hl=en&sa=X&ei=kxZKUqnxMsWTyQH04IHQDg&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAQ" target="_blank">On Becoming. A Counsellor</a>" by Kennedy and Charles,<br />
"<a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=rBsGAAAACAAJ&dq=spiritual+mentoring+harrow&hl=en&sa=X&ei=exZKUoDYLIqqyAGk44CgCg&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAA" target="_blank">Spiritual Mentoring</a>" by Judy Harrow.<br />
<br />
Another option is <a href="http://www.cherryhillseminary.org/" target="_blank">Cherry Hill Seminary</a>. They have a basic online course that looks at <a href="http://www.cherryhillseminary.org/students/past-courses/survey-of-counseling-theories-ppcxxxx/" target="_blank">different counselling theories</a>, which is then followed by the more practicum-orientated <a href="http://www.cherryhillseminary.org/students/fall-2013-courses/counseling-skills-and-therapeutic-interventions/" target="_blank">Counseling Skills and Therapeutic Interventions</a>. Cherry Hill has an excellent reputation and have academic standards which mean that their teachers have to have experience/credentials in what they're teaching.<br />
<br />
A different approach is to get experience through <b>volunteering your time with a help line</b>. There are a variety of <a href="http://jphelps.ca/Montreal-EN/psychotherapy/montreal-health-links.aspx" target="_blank">phone lines</a> or <a href="http://lifehacker.com/how-to-find-someone-to-talk-to-when-you-cant-afford-th-1185844420" target="_blank">online help services</a> that all offer a certain amount of training before they let you loose on folks needing help. (They can also be great resources to refer people to.)<br />
<br />
Whatever option you explore, it's important to <b>know your limits</b>. Sometimes a bit of knowledge can be more dangerous than no knowledge at all. It's flattering when someone comes to us for advice or spiritual mentoring, and we want to help. We've read a few books, taken a class, and maybe even done some role-play with other students. We can do this right? Maybe. Maybe not.<br />
<br />
<b>Before diving in, check-in on your motivations</b> for wanting to help and whether you feel in your gut that your knowledge and experience are up to the task. Be honest. There is no shame in telling someone that you're not the right person to help them out. Sometimes help comes in the form of a referral or helping someone find the right person to talk to. <br />
<br />
Do you have go-to books or resources for spiritual mentoring, direction or counseling? I'd love to hear about them! Leave me a comment below.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-14141189616232913092013-05-21T10:33:00.000-04:002013-05-24T09:25:49.664-04:00Recommendations for The Well-Read PaganAt the Pagan Canon panel at <a href="http://gaiagathering.ca/" target="_blank">Gaia Gathering</a>, I promised to put the list of my own recommendations for the well-read Pagan onto my blog. Well, here it is. Obviously, it's not comprehensive. Also, from a book perspective I didn't include any of the "usual suspects" that often come up. For more of my musings on books, check out the <a href="http://witchyways.blogspot.ca/search/label/books">posts categorized/tagged under "books"</a> on this blog.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Amanda's Picks for Gaia Gathering Book Panel</span></b><br />
There were a few ways I could approach the question, “What books should be occupying the bookshelves and minds of well-read, thoughtful Pagans of the 21st century?” In putting together my “picks” for this panel, I considered writings that would be of interest to most thoughtful Pagans regardless of their path or tradition; and I paid particular attention to where I perceive knowledge-gaps. I also took into account that this was a panel, so that other panelists were likely to mention some of the “usual suspects”. Finally, I find that some of the most exciting and thought-provoking writing on or about contemporary Paganism is currently happening in blogs, not in books. This is where all those “201” and “301” discussions are taking place. I’ve listed only ones with a broad appeal, but dig around: thoughtful, well-written, tradition-specific ones abound as well.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Books: </u></b><br />
<i>Gosh picking just 3 was hard. </i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i><a href="http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415303538/" target="_blank">The Paganism Reade</a></i>r by Chas Clifton and Graham Harvey (eds) </li>
<li><i><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/sermonsfromthemound/2012/12/announcing-seeking-the-mystery/" target="_blank">Seeking the Mystery: An Introduction to Pagan Theologies</a></i> by Christine Hoff Kraemer </li>
<li><i><a href="http://books.google.ca/books/about/The_Earth_Path.html?id=vvm-_NkorskC" target="_blank">The Earth Path</a></i> by Starhawk </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Top 10 Blogs </u></b><br />
<i>Selection was based on their thought-provoking nature, quality of information, frequency of posting,
and pertinence to a wide-spectrum of Pagan paths. I also sorta cheated by lumping the Patheos blogs and other blogs together.</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Any of the Patheos.com Pagan blogs, but specifically these ones: </li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/sermonsfromthemound" target="_blank">Sermons from the Mound</a> by Christine Hoff Kraemer and Yvonne Arburrow </li>
<li><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/aidankelly" target="_blank">Including Paganism</a> by Aiden Kelly </li>
<li><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett" target="_blank">Under the Ancient Oaks</a> by John Beckett</li>
<li><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey" target="_blank">Raise the Horns</a> by Jason Mankey </li>
</ul>
<li><a href="http://storyarchaeology.com/" target="_blank">Story Archeology</a> by Chris Thompson and Isolde Carmody </li>
<li><a href="http://www.bishopinthegrove.com/" target="_blank">Bishop in the Grove</a> by Teo Bishop </li>
<li><a href="http://witchesandpagans.com/Arkadian-Anvil" target="_blank">Arkadian Anvil</a> by Sam Webster </li>
<li><a href="http://wildhunt.org/" target="_blank">The Wild Hunt</a> edited by Jason Pitzl-Waters</li>
<li><a href="http://besom.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Broomstick Chronicles</a> and <a href="http://witchesandpagans.com/Witch-at-Large" target="_blank">Witch at Large</a> by M. Macha Nightmare </li>
<li><a href="http://witchesandpagans.com/Spirit-Cuts-Life" target="_blank">Spirit Cuts Life: Rooted Heathen Living</a> by Henry Lauer </li>
<li><a href="http://roguepriest.net/" target="_blank">Rogue Priest</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://krasskova.weebly.com/blog.html" target="_blank">Gangleri’s Grove</a> by Galina Krasskova </li>
<li><a href="http://witchofforestgrove.com%20sarahannelawless.com/blog" target="_blank">The Witch of Forest Grove</a> by Sarah Lawless <span style="font-size: x-small;">**Canadian**</span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Canadian Blogs </u></b><br />
<i>Since only one Canadian blog made my top 10, I thought I’d list the Canadian blogs
that I know about which seem to have some substance to them. </i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://walkingthehedge.net/" target="_blank">Walking the Hedge</a> by Juniper Jeni</li>
<li><a href="http://witchesandpagans.com/Christian-Witch" target="_blank">Christian Witch</a> by Adelina St. Clair </li>
<li><a href="http://witchesandpagans.com/49-Degrees" target="_blank">49 Degrees: Canadian Pagan Perspective</a> by Diane Morrison (Sable Aradia) </li>
<li><a href="http://www.brendanmyers.net/blog" target="_blank">The Northwest Passage</a> by Brendan Myers </li>
<li><a href="http://www.anotherpaganblog.com/" target="_blank">Another Pagan Blog</a> by Rhi </li>
</ul>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-57089398867789606892013-05-13T11:23:00.001-04:002013-05-13T11:25:45.015-04:00History of Wicca in Canada - TimelineThis was the timeline that accompanied my articles published in 2008. I'd love to update it. If you have significant dates that you feel should be included, please leave me a comment with details.<br />
<ul><li>1959: It is believed that Wicca comes to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> through a <st1:city w:st="on">Gardner</st1:city> initiate (Dayonis)</li>
<li>1960s: Roy Blunden, one of <st1:city w:st="on">Gardner</st1:city>'s
Initiates (1960) emigrates to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
and settles in southern BC</li>
<li>1972: Alexandrian Coven in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">BC</st1:state></st1:place>,
goes public (Sion Davies)</li>
<li>1972: Public coven in <st1:state w:st="on">Victoria</st1:state>
BC Mark Fedoruk (later Lion-Serpent Sun)</li>
<li>1973: Public ‘flame war’ in <i>Green Egg</i> magazine among
Toronto-area Wiccans and Pagans; as well as a public debate about homosexuals
in Wicca with Toronto HP Roy Dymond as a leading opponent</li>
<li>1979: Founding of <st1:placename w:st="on">Wiccan</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype> of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
in <st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city></li>
<li>1981: <st1:placename w:st="on">Wiccan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype> of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> receives pastoral rights
from Corrections Canada</li>
<li>1982: <st1:city w:st="on">WiccanFest</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>’s oldest Pagan festival, founded north of
<st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city></li>
<li>1986: Charles Arnold wins the right to take Beltaine as a
paid religious holiday in the <st1:state w:st="on">Ontario</st1:state>
courts</li>
<li>1987: Founding of BC Witchcamp</li>
<li>1988: Kim M. of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Winnipeg</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">MB</st1:state></st1:place>, becomes the first declared
Wiccan in the Canadian Military</li>
<li>1988: Lion-Serpent Sun libel suit versus David Maines and <st1:street w:st="on">100 Huntley Street</st1:street>
1988 </li>
<li>1988: Publication of Kate Sandilands study of Wicca and
Neopaganism in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></li>
<li>1989: Kaleidoscope <st1:city w:st="on">Gathering</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>’s largest Pagan
festival, founded in <st1:place w:st="on">Eastern Ontario</st1:place></li>
<li>1989: Publication of the Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca by
Canadian police officer Kerr Cuhulain</li>
<li>1992: <st1:city w:st="on">Calgary</st1:city>
court overturns decision to deny visiting rights to Wiccan George Gay because
of his involvement in witchcraft.</li>
<li>Date?: <st1:city w:st="on">Temple</st1:city>
of the Lady in BC is the first Pagan organization to get “Marrying rights”</li>
<li>1994: Human Right grievance, religious discrimination,
against the BC NDP filed by Sam Wagar (settled out of court). </li>
<li>1997: First National Pagan Census administered by
sociologist <st1:place w:st="on">Sian</st1:place> Reid</li>
<li>Date?: Canadian Military Chaplaincy Handbook includes Wicca</li>
<li>2000: First festival in <st1:state w:st="on">Alberta</st1:state> (maybe prairies), Panfest, founded</li>
<li>2000: <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>’s
first Pagan Resource Centre, the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre, founded</li>
<li>2005: <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia <st1:city w:st="on">Gathering</st1:city></st1:personname>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>’s National Pagan
Conference holds its first annual gathering in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">AB</st1:state></st1:place></li>
<li>2007: Wiccan ritual performed on the Canadian military base
in Khandahar <st1:country-region w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-69363124027816366172013-04-22T22:13:00.000-04:002013-04-22T22:13:35.662-04:00Elements of Magic Intensive June 2nd-3rd in PEII love the elements. I also love Prince Edward Island, which is why I'm uber-excited to be co-teaching Elements of Magic at the beginning of June just outside of Charlottetown in PEI.<br />
<br />
<b>Elements of Magic</b><br />
<b>Weekend Intensive</b><br />
<b>June 2nd - 3rd, 2013</b><br />
<b>Prince Edward Island</b><br />
<br />
With the art of magic, we deepen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world.
Working with the elements--Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit, we explore the ritual techniques and core practices of the Reclaiming tradition. In this class we will explore the practice of magic with others; to create sacred space and time, to explore our connections with the Divine/Goddess/God/Mysterious Ones, in whatever form we understand them. Some techniques that are typically touched on include breath, movement, drumming, song, trance, visualization, raising and projecting energy, and ritual.<br />
<br />
Elements of Magic is one of the Reclaiming Witchcraft's core classes, an introduction to Reclaiming practices and philosophy, and a pre-requisite for all other Reclaiming classes. We welcome both beginners and experienced people who want to deepen their experience of the sacred with others.<br />
<br />
Reclaiming is a community of people working to unify spirit and politics. Our vision is rooted in the religion and magic of the Goddess, the Immanent Life Force. We see our work as teaching and making magic: the art of empowering ourselves and each other. In our classes, workshops, and public rituals, we train our voices, bodies, energy, intuition, and minds. We use the skills we learn to deepen our strength, both as individuals and as community, to voice our concerns about the world in which we live, and bring to birth a vision of a new culture.<br />
<br />
Please bring something potluck to share for lunch on Saturday. Sunday lunch and healthy snack throughout the weekend are included in the registration fee. Please let us know of any food allergies, sensitivities, or any other special needs (food-related or not).
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Teaching Team </u></b><br />
<b>Amanda</b> is an ecstatic Witch following an initiatory mystery tradition of North American witchcraft. She has been active in the Montreal community since 2000, and involved in Reclaiming since 2003. She is currently a member of the Reclaiming Teachers in Training and Service (RTITS) guild in New England, and has offered workshops across Canada and in the United States. Until recently, Amanda was on the Board of Directors for Gaia Gathering, the Canadian National Pagan Conference. She was also the Managing Editor of Wyntergreene, a national Pagan magazine, for many years.<br />
<br />
Amanda's personal practice celebrates life and places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and relationship with Mystery, including deity, the ancestors, spirits, nature, and our selves. She believes strongly in having an extensive magical toolkit that complements real-world skills. She works as a freelance writer, blogger, and health coach.
Visit her website at witchyways.blogspot.com<br />
<br />
<b>Josie Baker</b> is a community organizer and Pagan activist. She has organized many open workshops and rituals in the Reclaiming community in Montreal and the Maritime provinces. Her academic background includes Religious Studies, Women's Studies, Community Development, and Adult Education. Her experience with the Reclaiming community includes 10 years of Pagan activism, ritual (co)creation at Vermont Witch Camp and co/facilitating a class on Elements of Magic in 2008 and Ecology of Magic in 2007, and participation in Earth Activist Training in 2009. She values direct (inter)connection with the earth and the land in her home province of Prince Edward Island.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Costs </u></b><br />
sliding scale: $130 to $70, You decide where you slide. No explanations needed. If the lower end of the scale is impossible for you, please contact us. We don't want to turn anyone away because of their financial situation, and are willing to provide work exchange opportunities.<br />
<br />
<b>TO REGISTER</b> <br />Space is limited. To register or for more information, contact:
reclaimingpei@yahoo.com
A $40 deposit is required to hold your space (Cash, cheque, PayPal, Interac transfer accepted. Please contact us prior to sending Paypal or Interac transfer). The balance is payable at the workshop. Or you can pay the whole shot when you register.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/106260929561313/" target="_blank">Facebook Event page is here</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-54431716127346136892013-04-12T10:15:00.000-04:002013-04-12T10:18:45.796-04:00History of Wicca in Canada - RightsIt is fairly easy for us to learn about the history of the
Wicca and contemporary Paganism in the United
Kingdom and the United States through books and
scholarly articles originally published in those countries. It requires a bit
more digging to discover the history in Canada. Only one book, <i>Witches
and Pagans and Magic in the New Age</i>, written by a non-Pagan journalist
(Kevin Marron) really exists; and it is out of print. This article, the second in a series that traces some of the roots of Wicca in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>, was originally published in the magazine WynterGreene in 2008. It relies primarily on interviews and newspaper
clippings. <a href="http://witchyways.blogspot.ca/2013/03/history-of-wicca-in-canada.html" target="_blank">The first part of this article looked at <i>some</i> of the early figures of Wicca in Canada</a>.
<b>This second segment looks at Wicca in the Canadian courts and public opinion</b>.<br />
<h2>
<span lang="FR-CA" style="font-size: large;">Part II – Rights</span></h2>
<span lang="FR-CA"><b>Marie
Joséphine Corriveau</b>. </span>In<b> 1763</b> she was the first woman to be tried and
found guilty of Witchcraft in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
by the military courts after <st1:place w:st="on">New France</st1:place> fell
to the British. She was suspected of at least one other murder, before being
convicted for the death of her husband. After her execution her body was left
to rot in a cage at the crossroads to the city. It is believed that her trial
was as much political as it was about <i>la sorcellerie</i>. This was not the
only witchcraft conviction in early <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>, but it is believed to be
the first.
<br />
<br />
But Wicca is not the witchcraft of <i>La Nouvelle France</i>.
When Wicca started to arrive and be openly practiced in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> in the
1960s through to the early 1980s, there was very little distinction between the
different kinds of Wicca. Craft was simply Craft. Initiates recognised each
other through shared ritual ‘markers,’ and it was not uncommon for an
Alexandrian, Gardnerian or other High Priest or Priestess to borrow a partner
to perform ritual or initiations if no one else was available. Wicca was also
much less distinguished from Satanism and other form of witchcraft that it is
these days. This is quite evident from a couple of highly publicised court
cases of the time.
<br />
<br />
Perhaps the best-known court case is the libel charge that
<b>Lion-Serpent Sun</b> brought against David Maines and the evangelical television
program <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><i>100 Huntley Street</i></st1:address></st1:street>
in 1988. Four years earlier, the show had aired an interview in which
Pentecostal minister Len Olson told the tale of how he found Jesus: He claimed
that in 1972, Mark Fedoruk (now Lion-Serpent Sun) had tried to kill him and his
wife during a satanic ritual in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Victoria</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">BC</st1:state></st1:place>. Sun sued. His version of
events was that in 1972 he was practicing Wicca, not Satanism, and that on the
night in question Olson had smoked a significant amount of pot following a
ritual and simply had a ‘bad trip.’
<br />
<br />
The case offered Canadians a fascinating, if somewhat
slanted, look into the beliefs and practices of witchcraft in BC in <b>1972</b>, as
well as at the time of the trial. <b>Among the evidence presented was Sun’s own
Book of Shadows</b>. As well, during the testimony of Gary Gage-Cole, a coven-mate of
Sun’s, a photograph of the ritual room on the night in question was brought
into evidence. The room had a pentacle with symbols around it painted onto the
floor. During his testimony, Cole explained that the symbols in the darker
shaded ring between the inner and outer circles were Hebrew letters that stand
for names of God, but also are symbols of fire, water, wind and earth. He also
said that some of the symbols were for angels and bats, or devils. “It's a
balance, or a blending of opposites. As with everything in life, there is a
duality,” he testified.
<br />
<br />
Several prominent BC witches also testified at the case,
including Jean Kozocari and Robin Skelton, a professor of English at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Victoria</st1:placename></st1:place>. <b>Skelton was the first witness
in the trial to refuse to take his court oath on a bible, suggesting it would
be inappropriate.</b> After 15 hours of deliberation over two days, the jury
decided that Sun did not attempt a human sacrifice, but that it was also
substantially true that Sun was a Satanist. With their verdict, hey awarded Sun
$10,000 in damages, plus court costs to be paid by the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><i>100 Huntley Street</i></st1:address></st1:street>. The verdict
was both a victory and defeat for Sun, who said after the trial, “I do resent
being called a Satanist in the sense that it's been explained in so many ways
as being such a negative thing. […] I find that difficult.'' Later, a judge
over-ruled the jury’s awarding of damages and ordered that since there was
“divided success” on the allegations of libel, that the costs be split between
to two parties. This was a decision that ultimately left Sun out-of-pocket
financially.
<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>,
courts were busy trying to decide if Wicca was a religion. In <b>1986 Charles
Arnold,</b> with the support of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, filed a
grievance against the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Active in the Wiccan
Chuch of Canada, and an initiate of several traditions, <st1:city w:st="on">Arnold</st1:city>
was employed as a secretary at <st1:placename w:st="on">Humber</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype> in <st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city>.
In April 1986 he put in a request to take Beltaine off work as a paid religious
holiday. The request was denied on the grounds that Wicca was merely an excuse
for “frivolous and morally-questionable acts.” The case went to arbitration in
1987 and <st1:city w:st="on">Arnold</st1:city>
won his case. In its ruling, <b>the court stated that “Wicca is obviously a
religion,”</b> and in so doing set the first tangible precedent of a government
body in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
recognising Wicca as a legitimate religion.
<br />
<br />
A similar challenge in <st1:city w:st="on">Calgary</st1:city>
in <b>1992 </b>involving visiting rights in a custody battle also put Wicca on the centre
pedestal. In a court hearing, <b>George Gay</b> was denied visiting rights with his
son because he was “involved in black magic”. In his appeal, Gay admitted to
practicing Wicca, which he described as a religion involving worship of nature
and pagan deities. Testifying on behalf of the defence, Rev. Paul W. Newman of
the <st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city>
office of the United Church of Canada's Division of World Outreach, said in a
letter of support, "I wish to testify the Wiccan religion is an authentic,
respectable religion that works for the health and well-being of its
followers." Gay won the appeal his visitation rights were restored. In
their ruling, <b>the Alberta Supreme Court said that religion could not be
considered a factor in deciding custody of a child</b>. This ruling is one of many
that solidifies that ultimately it is behaviour rather than belief that is
important to the Canadian courts.<sup>1</sup>
<br />
<sup><br /></sup>
A couple of years later in BC, Wicca was once again publicly
challenged. In <b>1994</b>, <b>Sam Wagar</b> had won the nomination as the provincial New Democratic
Party candidate for Abbotsford, in BC’s ‘bible belt.’ His nomination was later
challenged on the basis that he was a witch and that he failed to declare this
during the nomination process. Wagar had been quite visible as a public witch
for over 15 years and felt that his religion was irrelevant to the nomination.
He agreed to a second nomination race, but lost. Wagar<b> filed a human rights
complaint against the BC NDP on the grounds of religious discrimination</b>. The
case was settled out of court. It also appears to be last time that Wicca has
been publicly challenged I the court or in the media.
<br />
<br />
While some Wiccans and witches were busy defending their
rights and freedoms in the courts, other individuals were using the power of
networking and the written word to take a more pro-active approach to securing
acceptance for their religion.
<br />
<br />
Not long after the Lion-Serpent Sun and Charles Arnold
trials, the <i><b>The Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca</b></i> by Canadian Wiccan
policeman, <b>Kerr Cuhulain</b> was published in 1989. This book was “an important
Canadian first step towards normalising relationships between Pagans and the
police,” according to Professor Lucie Dufresne of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Ottawa</st1:placename></st1:place>.
It has also become a classic text and widely distributed around the world in
many languages. Cuhulain also founded the Wiccan Information Network (WIN) in
1989 to help counter the negative public perception of witchcraft, after having
become involved a few years’ earlier with the Witches’ League for Public
Awareness. It is believed that he is the first police officer to come out of
the broom closet.
<br />
<br />
In <b>1994</b> the <b>Pagan Federation Paienne <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></b> was founded as a multitraditional
organization to “protect and promote the reputation of Pagans and Paganism in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>.” It
later incorporated in 1997 as federal nonprofit organization. Over the years
the PFPC has provided Federal and Provincial governments with an understanding
of contemporary Pagan religions, and been instrumental in getting Wicca and
other Pagan paths included in the <b>Canadian Military Chaplaincy handbook</b>, as
well as initiating <b>chaplaincy programs in a variety prisons and hospitals</b>. They
have also been advocating for a repeal of the witchcraft law, which still
exists in the Criminal Code of Canada (section 365).
<br />
<br />
These cases, as well as the efforts of many others too
numerous to mention in this brief article, have opened the doors to the
acceptance of Wicca as an almost mainstream religion in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>. Wicca
is currently one of the religions listed in the Canadian Military Chaplaincy
Handbook, and indeed, earlier this year a<b> Canadian military chaplain gave
permission for a Wiccan Ostara celebration to be held outside the Christian
Fellowship Centre at the NATO base in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Kandahar</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region></st1:place></b>.
One Canadian and six American Wiccans participated. Wiccan clergy have been
allowed to visit Canadian prisons since 1981 to offer pastoral care to inmates,
and several Wiccan or Neo-Pagan temples in BC have managed to meet the
requirements for religious establishments, complete with ‘marrying rights;’
although attempts in other provinces have met with much less success.
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: I am also enormously grateful to
everyone who took the time to answer my questions and share their stories. I am
especially indebted to Castalia, Hawk, Richard James, Shelley Rabinovitch, and
Sam Wagar for their help with this article series. These articles would not
have been possible without their patience and time spent with me in person or
online, or the valuable resources and contacts they provided.<o:p></o:p></i></b>
</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><u>Endnotes:<o:p></o:p></u></i>
<i>1. In Canada, religion is a freedom and cannot be
contested in court. However, religion cannot be an excuse for behaviour that is
excessive, dangerous or contrary to Canadian laws. (Lucie DuFresne. Lecture on
Religious Rights in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
<st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>, 2007.)</i></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-42615663326214712732013-03-28T12:00:00.000-04:002013-04-12T10:16:13.697-04:00History of Wicca in CanadaI realised recently that since WynterGreene is no longer in existence and its website no longer exists, that this series of articles that I wrote in 2008 are no longer available anywhere except in print. I think that they are worth re-publishing here to make them accessible. Please note that this work is copyrighted. I earn my living as a writer. I'm happy if you post a link to the article, or quote from it with credit. But please do not reblog it or republish it in its entirity without getting in touch with me first.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">
A Web in the Weaving: A Brief History of Wicca in Canada</span></h2>
It is fairly easy for us to learn about the history of the
Wicca and contemporary Paganism in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">United
Kingdom</st1:country-region> and the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> through books like <i>Triumph
of the Moon</i> (Ronald Hutton), <i>Drawing Down the Moon</i> (Margot Adler)
and, most recently, <i>Her Hidden Children</i> (Chas Clifton). It requires a
bit more digging to discover the history in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Only one book, <i>Witches
and Pagans and Magic in the New Age</i>, written by a non-Pagan journalist
(Kevin Marron) really exists; and it is out of print. This article, to be
published in two parts, aims to trace some of the roots of Wicca in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, as well
as its history and growth. It relies primarily on interviews and newspaper
clippings. The first part of this article looks at some of the early figures of
Wicca in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<br />
<div>
<st1:country-region w:st="on">
</st1:country-region><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the late sixties and during the seventies, a series of
‘Wicca seeds’ were planted across the country from various sources—including
initiates of Gerald Gardner, Maxine Sanders and the Farrars who emigrated to
Canada, bringing their Craft with them, as well as influences and initiates
from the United States. In some cases these seeds grew into practicing groups
and covens, who later came into contact with each other through similar
interests, early Pagan magazines or occult shops; and eventually some of these
groups or individuals became more public. These are some of the seeds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Part I - The Early Years</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gardnerian Wicca arrived in Canada quite early</b>, possibly even prior to its arrival in the U.S via Raymond Buckland.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Originally from the <st1:place w:st="on">Isle of Man</st1:place>, <b>Jim Davies</b> was
initiated into the Craft by Gerald Gardner and his High Priestess, D.P., in
1960.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[i]</span></span></span></a> He
later emigrated to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
settled in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city>.
A talented custom machinist by training, Davies was known for his ability to
create some fine Craft tools.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[ii]</span></span></span></a>
Reports of his impact on the early Craft scene in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city> are varied. By some accounts, it is
through Davies that many seekers were introduced to Gardnerian practice;<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[iii]</span></span></span></a>
others describe him as a bit of a “lone wolf” with few initiates.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[iv]</span></span></span></a>
In the early 1980s, Davies initiated an Italian woman, Raven, and for a short
while in 1983 they ran an occult shop called “The Witchy Shop” on Harbord
Street.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[v]</span></span></span></a> He
remained visible on the scene for some time after the store closed. Davies died
in the early 1990s.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another initiate of Gardnerian Wicca who emigrated to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> was<b> Roy
Blunden</b>. His first encounter with Wica was in 1954 when he picked up a copy of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gardner</st1:place></st1:city>’s <i>Witchcraft
Today</i>. It was another five years before Blunden was able to find a coven
practicing in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">England</st1:country-region></st1:place>, through a chance encounter
in an occult bookstore. In the 1960s, Blunden brought his style of Wicca to the
west coast, where he led a quiet life practicing as a solitary as well as
belonging to various covens. A geoscientist, Blunden describes his approach to
Wicca as pragmatic. He is also fascinated by “the complex symbolism used to
express Wicca as a transcendental religious faith,”<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn6" name="_ednref6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[vi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
and has spent close to 50 years exploring this in depth. Along with his wife,
an American initiate, he taught and initiated many students.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn7" name="_ednref7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[vii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Gardnerian witches in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> remained true to the epithet
‘her hidden children,’<b> Alexandrian Craft was much less hidden</b>. Public
Alexandrian witches and covens were well known in <st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>,
<st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city>, and possibly <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Halifax</st1:place></st1:city>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sion Davies</b> was a very public witch in <st1:state w:st="on">British
Columbia</st1:state> who claimed Alexandrian initiation by the Farrars in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He was
a merchant seaman with a broad Irish accent and a penchant for the “spooky side
of things.”<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn8" name="_ednref8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[viii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Davies ran a public coven in the early 1970s in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Victoria</st1:place></st1:state>, and was in the news a few times
during that period. He also held public rituals: A bit of publicity in <i>The
Georgia Straight</i>, a well-known <st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>
weekly newspaper, (date unknown) invited the <st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>
public to join “witches and warlocks from the <st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>
area” to “celebrate a Black Mass at midnight” in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Stanley</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>
in honour of Hallowe’en. Other bits of publicity included discharging lingering
spirits from haunted houses.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn9" name="_ednref9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[ix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
By 1981 his approach to publicity had softened somewhat. In an interview with
The Ubyssey,<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn10" name="_ednref10" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[x]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> he
described as being “bothered by the lack of distinction between witches and
satanists, <i>[sic]</i>” and cautioning that many symbols used by stereotypical
Satanists actually come from the Wiccan faith. He is also quoted as saying in 1981 that “All environmentalists are
actually Wiccans who aren’t initiated, because anybody who cares about mother
nature is a witch.” These days Sion Davies maintains a low profile, but he
still runs a coven near <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mission</st1:place></st1:city>,
B.C., where he has lived for the past 20 years.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn11" name="_ednref11" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, in the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city>
area, <b>Roy Diamond,</b> also known as “Cock Robin” or “Rob Roy” was the early
Canadian face of Alexandrian Wicca.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn12" name="_ednref12" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Originally an initiate of the <st1:place w:st="on">Long Island</st1:place>
(Buckland) Gardnerian line,<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn13" name="_ednref13" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
he later took an Alexandrian initiation and is better known as the
‘grand-daddy’ of most of the early Alexandrian initiates in the area.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn14" name="_ednref14" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
It is believed that he took this third degree with Maxine Sanders herself.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn15" name="_ednref15" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Dymond was not media shy and an article about him is said to have appeared in
MacLean’s magazine in the 1960s. <a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn16" name="_ednref16" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
He also had very strong traditional beliefs, one of which was chronicled quite
well in a ‘Witch War’ that took place in the <i>Green Egg</i> magazine in 1973.
A traditionalist, Dymond believed that homosexuality had no place in a
fertility-based religion,<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn17" name="_ednref17" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
which was not an uncommon stance at the time.
Many traditionalists perceived Wicca as a fertility religion requiring
polarity and not necessarily a nature religion.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn18" name="_ednref18" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Dymond remained well-known and active on the
Toronto Pagan scene until his death in 1983 or 1984.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn19" name="_ednref19" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Other traditions of witchcraft also play a key role in the
history of Wicca in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Jean Kozocari</b> was a hereditary witch living in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">British Columbia</st1:place></st1:state> who claims that she can
trace her family’s witchcraft roots back to 1443. She was initiated by her
grandfather at age 16, and sent her to study with a “teacher who had been a
stockbroker with a seat on the Toronto Stock Exchange.”<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn20" name="_ednref20" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Witchcraft, she says, remained quite underground until the 1960s and 1970s when
“more liberal thinking allowed her to come out of the broom closet.”<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn21" name="_ednref21" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Kozocari, no stranger to being interviewed about witchcraft, was called as an
expert witness during a B.C. Supreme Court libel hearing brought against the
evangelical television show <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><i>100
Huntley Street</i></st1:address></st1:street> by Wiccan and Gnostic priest<b>
Lion-Serpent Sun</b> in 1988.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn22" name="_ednref22" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Four years earlier the show aired a segment where Pentecostal minister Len
Olsen told how he had found Jesus after attending a ritual in 1972 where Sun
(then Mark Fedoruk) tried to kill him as a sacrifice to Satan. Sun sued <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><i>100 Huntley Street</i></st1:address></st1:street>
for libel.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn23" name="_ednref23" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
During the trial Kozacari testified that witches must come ‘out of the closet
and say that we don’t worship Satan,” and that there is a lot of “garbage about
witches” in the popular culture and media.<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn24" name="_ednref24" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></a></span>
"We are the only people still judged by Mother Goose and Walt Disney fairy
tale standards," she said.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn25" name="_ednref25" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
She spoke of the Wiccan Rede, expressed as "And it harm none - do what
thou will," and said that Wiccans believe that “all gods are one - we just
have a different view about him, her or it. It doesn't matter what name we use.
We could call it Ralph."<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn26" name="_ednref26" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></a></span>
Kozacari currently lives a quiet life in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Victoria</st1:place></st1:state>.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn27" name="_ednref27" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of Kozacari’s initiates was well-known Canadian poet
<b>Robin Skelton</b>.<b> Also known as “<st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>’s
Merlin,”</b> Skelton was a very public witch and the founder of the creative
writing program at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Victoria</st1:placename></st1:place>. He was also
a professor within the department. Skelton was initiated by Kozacari in 1981,<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn28" name="_ednref28" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
and at the time of his death in 1997 was generally considered an elder of BC
neo-Paganism.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn29" name="_ednref29" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> He
was also known as a local ‘ghost-buster’ and regularly performed ritual
cleansing of houses, ridding them of spiritual disturbances. Together with
Kozacari, he authoured a book on the topic called <i>A Gathering of Ghosts</i>.
A prolific writer, Skelton published several books on magic and witchcraft as
well as over 70 volumes on other topics, ranging from “poetry to criticism,
from short stories to Greek translations,” during his lifetime.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn30" name="_ednref30" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
He was described in the media as “peering out at the world from the midst of a
majestic and unruly mane of grey hair and beard,”<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn31" name="_ednref31" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
and by his daughter following his death as “dramatic, […] often wearing a black
turtleneck and sometimes a black hat.”<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn32" name="_ednref32" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxxii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
He was certainly one of the most recognizable faces of contemporary Paganism in
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1979, <b>Richard and Tamarra James</b> moved to <st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city>
from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>.
They quickly opened the “Occult Shop” and became quite active on the Toronto
Pagan scene. Shortly afterwards, they incorporated the Wiccan Church of Canada
(WCC) to be a public face of Wicca as opposed to the less open coven structure
that was prevalent at the time. It was also hoped that a bit of public
structure would give Wicca a legitimacy in the eyes of the public and give
Wiccans ‘rights’ afforded other religions.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn33" name="_ednref33" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxxiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>,
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn34" name="_ednref34" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxxiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Richard James now says that the name was a mistake, but at the time it seemed
appropriate.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn35" name="_ednref35" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxxv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> In
addition to the classes offered by the WCC, the James’ maintained a small
coven. As the coven grew and hived off into smaller groups, a completely
home-grown Canadian Wiccan tradition, the Odyssean tradition, was born. The
name Odyssean is in recognition of the individual spiritual journal or odyssey,
which is different for every initiate. Also, through the James, <st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city> is also the official home for many of the
artefacts from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gardner</st1:place></st1:city>’s
museum of witchcraft, including his original Books of Shadow, which they
purchased from Ripley’s museum in 1987.<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_edn36" name="_ednref36" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xxxvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
The documents are available to initiates and scholars to view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are not the only people who were practicing or
teaching the Craft during the early years of Wicca in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>. There
were covens in <st1:city w:st="on">Halifax</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Montreal</st1:city>
and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ottawa</st1:place></st1:city>; and
probably in other cities and communities across the country. This is only a
small slice of our national Wiccan, and NeoPagan, story. I regret that I did
not have the space in this article to touch on more of the individuals and
groups that have played a part in our history. I hope to be able to explore
their contributions in later articles. In the meanwhile, stay tuned for part II
of this article: <i>Rights.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: I am also enormously grateful to
everyone who took the time to answer my questions and share their stories. I am
especially indebted to Castalia, Hawk, Richard James, Shelley Rabinovitch, and
Sam Wagar for their help with this article. This article would not have been
possible without their patience and time spent with me in person or online, or
the valuable resources and contacts they provided.<b><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div>
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="edn1">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
www.thewica.co.uk/wica/wica.htm Accessed April, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn2">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Richard
James, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>,
May 21, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn3">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref3" name="_edn3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Rabinovitch, personal correspondence.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn4">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref4" name="_edn4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[iv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Richard
James, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>,
May 21, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn5">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref5" name="_edn5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Richard
James, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>,
May 21, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn6">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref6" name="_edn6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[vi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
http://www.wiccanweb.ca/wiki/index.php/Roy_Blunden. Accessed April 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn7">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref7" name="_edn7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[vii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Paragraph adapted from http://www.wiccanweb.ca/wiki/index.php/Roy_Blunden.
Accessed April 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn8">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref8" name="_edn8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[viii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Sam
Wagar, personal correspondence, May 11, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn9">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref9" name="_edn9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[ix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Georgia
Straight, date unknown; received from Sam Wagar.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn10">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref10" name="_edn10" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[x]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The
Ubyssey, Friday October 30, 1981.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn11">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref11" name="_edn11" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Sam
Wagar, personal correspondence.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn12">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref12" name="_edn12" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Shelley Rabinovitch, personal communication.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn13">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref13" name="_edn13" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Castalia, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>
on May 20, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn14">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref14" name="_edn14" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This
changed in the late 1990s, when another line of Alexandrians came to South
Western Ontario via the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United
States</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and started initiating students in
their own line, and hiving off covens. (Castalia, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname> on May 20, 2007)</div>
</div>
<div id="edn15">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref15" name="_edn15" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Castalia, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>
on May 20, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn16">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref16" name="_edn16" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rabinovitch</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">MA</st1:state></st1:place>
thesis and personal correspondence.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn17">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref17" name="_edn17" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i>Green
Egg</i>, 1973.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn18">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref18" name="_edn18" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> For
Wicca as a fertility religion versus nature religion, see Chas Clifton. <i>Her
Hidden Children.</i></div>
</div>
<div id="edn19">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref19" name="_edn19" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Richard James, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>,
May 21, 2007; Castalia, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>,
May 20, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn20">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref20" name="_edn20" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> History
of witchcraft told by expert witness. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Sun</i>, June 15, 1988. pg A10.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn21">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref21" name="_edn21" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Rabinovitch and Lewis, p141.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn22">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref22" name="_edn22" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
History of witchcraft told by expert witness. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Sun</i>, June 15, 1988. pg A10.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn23">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref23" name="_edn23" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> See
part II of this article for more on this trial.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn24">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref24" name="_edn24" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
History of witchcraft told by expert witness. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Sun</i>, June 15, 1988. pg A10.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn25">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref25" name="_edn25" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Witches not devilish, trial told. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city>
Sun</i>, June 16, 1988. pg E15.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn26">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref26" name="_edn26" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Witches not devilish, trial told. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city>
Sun</i>, June 16, 1988. pg E15.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn27">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref27" name="_edn27" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Rabinovitch and Lewis, p141.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn28">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref28" name="_edn28" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> TV
preacher names 3 more as Satanists. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Sun</i>. June 30, 1988. pg. A17.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn29">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref29" name="_edn29" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Rabinovitch and Lewis, p251.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn30">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref30" name="_edn30" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The
problem with ghosts? -- they think they're alive; Witches give advice. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Sun</i>.
September 8, 1989. pg. G4. </div>
</div>
<div id="edn31">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref31" name="_edn31" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The
problem with ghosts? -- they think they're alive; Witches give advice. <i>The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Sun</i>.
September 8, 1989. pg. G4.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn32">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref32" name="_edn32" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxxii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Remembering poet Robin Skelton as only a daughter can. <i><span lang="FR-CA">The Vancouver Sun</span></i><span lang="FR-CA">. Vancouver, B.C.: Aug 30, 1997. pg. </span>B3.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn33">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref33" name="_edn33" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxxiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Richard James, interview at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname>,
May 21, 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn34">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref34" name="_edn34" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxxiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Note, in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
religion is a freedom not a right. All religions are ‘legitimate’ in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The
practices of a religion, however, must conform to Canadian law. </div>
</div>
<div id="edn35">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref35" name="_edn35" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxxv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Richard James, comment made during a panel of church models for NeoPagans at <st1:personname w:st="on">Gaia Gathering</st1:personname> 2007.</div>
</div>
<div id="edn36">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Amanda/Ravenka/Canadian%20History%20Project/FEATUREHistoryWiccaCanadaFINAL.doc#_ednref36" name="_edn36" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[xxxvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
http://www.sacred-texts.com/bos/bos324.htm. Accessed May 22, 2007.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-18169106880106130162012-10-22T15:19:00.000-04:002012-10-22T15:19:14.603-04:00Iron Pentacle in Montreal, November 2012We still have a few spots left for the Iron Pentacle workshop in Montreal on November 17th and 18th. Here are the details.<br />
<br />
<b>Iron Pentacle Weekend Intensive<br />
</b>November 17th and 18th, 930am-6pm<br />
Cost: $135 – $70 sliding scale<br />
We ask that participants be committed to attending the workshop in its entirety.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Description</strong></span><br />
Step into your authentic self for a weekend and explore your
relationship with the five points of the Iron Pentacle: Sex, Pride,
Self, Power, and Passion. We believe that these points are our sacred
birthrights, and we’re willing to claim them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://montrealreclaiming.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/ironpentacle.jpg"></a>The
Iron Pentacle is one of the core elements of Reclaiming Tradition of
contemporary American witchcraft. It challenges us to look at our
relationships with the qualities/energies of sex, pride, self, power and
passion; and then integrate these energies into our lives and magic. It
is definitely shadow work!.<br />
<br />
Using trance, spellwork and ritual, we will experience the
connections between these points and what happens when the points become
out of balance. We will access each point of the pentacle using
techniques including guided meditation, art, creativity, song, movement,
and sacred play. Together, we will learn to balance the Iron Pentacle
within ourselves and bring it more fully into our lives.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Teaching Team</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://reclaimingteachersne.wordpress.com/members/claudia-manifest/">Claudia Manifest</a>
is a Reclaiming initiate and a devote to Feri who strives to combine
the knowledge to be learned from her Elders in the craft with the Wisdom
she has gained from discovering and developing her own personal
practices and magical arts. She has been teaching witchcraft at camps,
intensives, workshops and classes for the past 15 years. She loves the
practical, manifestation magics of creating, recognizing, and honoring
the sacred in our daily lives. Her magical daily practice includes Iron
Pentacle work, grounding, Time magic, Yoga, Tarot, child rearing and
cooking; all as magical and intentional acts. Striving always to welcome
in and acknowledge more beauty, balance, and delight in her life, she
is excited to share, learn, and practice the Art and Craft of living a
sensual, magical, grounded life with you all.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://witchyways.blogspot.ca/">Amanda</a> is an ecstatic
Witch following an initiatory mystery tradition of North American
witchcraft. She has been involved in Reclaiming since 2003 and teaching
within the tradition since 2006. She is currently a member of the
Reclaiming Teachers in Training and Service (<a href="http://reclaimingteachersne.wordpress.com/">RTITS</a>)
guild in New England. Her personal practice celebrates life and places a
strong emphasis on personal responsibility and relationship with
Mystery, including deity, the ancestors, spirits, nature, and our
selves. She believes strongly in having an extensive magical toolkit
that complements real-world skills.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Pre-requisite</strong></span><br />
This is intermediate-level work. Participants should be comfortable with
basic personal energy work and should be able to solidly ground and
participate in creating sacred space with a group. This is shadow work.
Participants must be willing to face their triumphs, flaws, and faults.<br />
<br />
Prior completion of <a href="http://montrealreclaiming.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/elements-of-magic-montreal-april-2012/">Elements of Magic</a>,
a core course in the Reclaiming tradition, is a prerequisite for this
course. On occasion, comparable work can be substituted. It is our goal
to create a supportive environment together in which to do this work.<br />
<br />
Please do not use drugs or alcohol during our time together in the workshop.<br />
<br />
While this work can be deeply healing and truly transformative, it is not a substitute for professional counselling.<br />
<br />
Space is limited. All students accepted at the discretion of the instructors.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Registration</strong></span><br />
The fee for the workshop is on a sliding scale ($135-$70) – you choose
where you fit on the scale based on the sustainability of your finances
in the world. The actual cost of the weekend is somewhere just above the
middle. If you need additional help in order to attend, please let us
know.<br />
<br />
We expect this workshop to fill up. To reserve your spot, a
non-refundable deposit of $50 is required before September 24th. (The
deposit is transferable.) Payment in full is appreciated before October
31st.<br />
The costs of putting on this workshop include two full days of studio
rental in a space located near a metro and large enough to accommodate
movement; travel and billeting for Claudia, as well as childcare while
she is in Montreal with us; and healthy food and snacks. We also hope to
offer each teacher an honorarium if funds permit. If any money is left
over, it will go to a fund to help bring another teacher to Montreal for
a weekend intensive in 2013.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>More Information</strong></span><br />
For more information or to register, please e-mail ravenka(at)cosmic-muse(dot)com<br />
<br />
Also, updates are posted to our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/295318010529970/"> facebook event page</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-36688806534126102482012-05-29T17:49:00.000-04:002012-05-29T17:49:22.038-04:00Workshop: Crafting RitualI have a workshop coming up on Thursday June 21st at 6:30 pm at Le Mélange Magique in Montreal <br />
<br />
<b>Crafting Ritual: An Introduction</b> <br />
Ritual
is a space in time carved out for spiritual or transformative work. It
usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that
moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan
practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of <span class="text_exposed_show">common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups. ($30)<br /> <br /> Please register directly with Le Melange Magique<br /> 514.938.1458 or tmb@themagicalblend.com<br /> <br /> </span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-73163786405545691832012-05-25T19:52:00.000-04:002012-05-25T20:06:00.943-04:00Kabir: The Snarky Ecstatic Saint Poet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.images.cdn.fotopedia.com/angshu-cYLPm58K6kw-hd/People_around_the_World/Asia/India/Weaving_Kota_Sarees_Kaithoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i.images.cdn.fotopedia.com/angshu-cYLPm58K6kw-hd/People_around_the_World/Asia/India/Weaving_Kota_Sarees_Kaithoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Today's post is brought to you by <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/?p=111" target="_blank">the letter "K"</a> in the <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/?page_id=7" target="_blank">Pagan blog project</a>. :)</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>Poetry plays a large part in my spiritual practice. Poetry is visceral. It is emotive. It connects us to our deeper selves, often bypassing the rational. The language of poetry reaches deeply into our being and our wild core. It taps into our sense of awe and connection. It challenges us to be fully present.<br />
<br />
Poets seem to tap into universal truths and Mystery. This is especially true of poets whose inspiration is Mystery or the gods. Kabir is one of those poets. He is a 15th century mystic who lived in India. Although born to into a Muslim family, he became a student of the <i>bhakti </i>saint Ramananda. Like so many of us these days, Kabir lived in the real world, choosing not to live as an ascetic or guru which would have been customary for the time. Instead he married, had children, and earned his living as a weaver. He was also very irreverent and outspoken. I call him the snarky saint of India. <br />
<br />
Philosophically, Kabir was a <i>nirguna bhakti</i> mystic, meaning that he believed that God could not be named, conceptualized or understood. That mystery is beyond our rational understanding. Instead God can be found in the ecstasy of life and living. He was suspicious of religious institutions and doctrines. God is not found in forms. God is found within and in those easy moments where we everything seems to flow with great connection.<br />
<br />
It's not difficult to see why I am drawn to his poetry, and how it resonates with my own spiritual practice as an ecstatic witch. <br />
<br />
Here are some poems. They are often short, more like meditations. None of the poems have names, so I've just used the first line of the poem as it's name. The epithets at the end are short stand-alone stanzas. Note that Ram is Kabir's naming of God<br />
<br />
<b>Go Naked</b><br />
Go naked if you want<br />
put on animal skins<br />
what does it matter till you see the inward Ram?<br />
<br />
If the union yogis seek<br />
Came from roaming about in the buff,<br />
every deer in the forest would be saved.<br />
<br />
If shaving your head<br />
spelled spiritual success,<br />
heaven would be filled with sheep.<br />
<br />
And brother, if holding back your seed<br />
Earned you a place in paradise,<br />
eunuchs would be the first to arrive<br />
<br />
Kabir says: Listen brother,<br />
without the name of Ram<br />
who has ever on the spirit's prize?<br />
<br />
<b>That Master Weaver</b> <br />
That master weaver, whose skills<br />
are beyond our knowing,<br />
has stretched his warp<br />
through the world.<br />
He has fastened his loom<br />
between earth and sky,<br />
where the shuttlecocks are the sun<br />
and moon.<br />
He fills the shuttle with the thread<br />
of easy spontaneity,<br />
and weaves and weaves<br />
an endless pattern.<br />
But now, says Kabir, that weaver!<br />
He breaks apart his loom<br />
and tangles the thread<br />
in thread.<br />
<br />
<b>Pundit, How Can You Be So Dumb?</b><br />
Pundit, how can you be so dumb?<br />
You’re going to drown, along with all your kin,<br />
unless you start speaking of Ram.<br />
<br />
Vedas, Puranas—why read them?<br />
It’s like loading an ass with sandalwood!<br />
Unless you catch on and learn how Ram’s name goes,<br />
how will you reach the end of the road?<br />
<br />
You slaughter living beings and call it religion:<br />
hey brother, what would irreligion be?<br />
“Great Saint”—that’s how you love to greet each other:<br />
Who then would you call a murderer?<br />
<br />
Your mind is blind. You’ve no knowledge of yourselves.<br />
Tell me, brother, how can you teach anyone else?<br />
Wisdom is a thing you sell for worldly gain,<br />
so there goes your human birth—in vain.<br />
<br />
You say: “It’s Narad’s command.”<br />
“It’s what Vyas says to do.”<br />
Go and ask Sukdev, the sage.”<br />
Kabir says: you’d better go and lose yourself in Ram<br />
for without him, brother, you drown.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me, O Swan,</b><br />
Tell me, O Swan, your ancient tale.<br />
From what land do you come, O Swan? to what shore will you fly?<br />
Where would you take your rest, O Swan, and what do you seek?<br />
<br />
Even this morning, O Swan, awake, arise, follow me!<br />
There is a land where no doubt nor sorrow have rule: where the terror of Death is no more.<br />
There the woods of spring are a-bloom, and the fragrant scent "He is I" is borne on the wind:<br />
There the bee of the heart is deeply immersed, and desires no other joy.<br />
<br />
<b>The Guest Is Inside You</b> <br />
The Guest is inside you, and also inside me;<br />
you know the sprout is hidden inside the seed.<br />
We are all struggling; none of us has gone far.<br />
Let your arrogance go, and look around inside.<br />
<br />
The blue sky opens out further and farther,<br />
the daily sense of failure goes away,<br />
the damage I have done to myself fades,<br />
a million suns come forward with light,<br />
when I sit firmly in that world.<br />
<br />
I hear bells ringing that no one has shaken,<br />
inside "love" there is more joy than we know of,<br />
rain pours down, although the sky is clear of clouds,<br />
there are whole rivers of light.<br />
The universe is shot through in all parts by a single sort of love.<br />
How hard it is to feel that joy in all our four bodies!<br />
<br />
Those who hope to be reasonable about it fail.<br />
The arrogance of reason has separated us from that love.<br />
With the word "reason" you already feel miles away.<br />
<br />
How lucky Kabir is, that surrounded by all this joy<br />
he sings inside his own little boat.<br />
His poems amount to one soul meeting another.<br />
These songs are about forgetting dying and loss.<br />
They rise above both coming in and going out. <br />
<br />
<b>Epithets</b> <br />
<br />
My mind was soothed<br />
When I found the boundless knowledge<br />
And the fires<br />
that scorched the world<br />
To me are water cool.<br />
<br />
The sense of separation:<br />
A snake inside the body<br />
that no snakecharmer's sounds<br />
can control.<br />
And separation from Ram:<br />
that's loss of life--<br />
or worse, of mind. <br />
<br />
The instrument is still,<br />
Its strings snapped.<br />
What can the poor thing do?<br />
It's player's no longer there.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-32927837778817218722012-05-04T21:19:00.000-04:002012-05-06T22:02:37.701-04:00Inanna: Goddess of Love and Fertility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blue-moon-coven.net/artikel/seims/inanna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.blue-moon-coven.net/artikel/seims/inanna3.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Today's post is brought to you by <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/?p=104" target="_blank">the letter "I"</a> in the <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/?page_id=7" target="_blank">Pagan blog project</a>. :)</i><br />
<br />
Most of the time when I hear reference to the Goddess <a href="http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CGgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FInanna&ei=OyGnT-qEBMav6AGn2u3CBA&usg=AFQjCNEvXaqAAnZU80j9yCXcAiMemSqsZw" target="_blank">Inanna</a>, it's in relation to Her descent into the underworld. Many a ritual and teaching curriculum has been built around this story, and rightfully so. It is a powerful myth rich in symbolism. However we often forget that Inanna is primarily a goddess of love, as well as fertility. "The descent" is only one of the many stories told about her.<br />
<br />
In Sumerian, Inanna literally means "Queen of Heaven". She was the first daughter of the Moon God, Inanna, and the Moon Goddess, Ningal. As a goddess of love and the heavens, it's not surprising that she is also associated with the planet Venus--or the Morning and Evening Star. In her guise of Queen of the Earth, she was responsible for the fertility of the crops and humankind.<br />
<br />
Lesser known than <a href="http://www.soulrebels.com/beth/bos/inanna.html" target="_blank"><i>The Descent of Inanna</i></a>, the hymn <a href="http://inanna.virtualave.net/inannatext11.html" target="_blank"><i>The Joy of Sumer</i></a> tells of Inanna's descent from heaven and onto the earth to awaken the fertility of the plants and set into motion the annual cycle of life. This hymn, and the accompanying story, is particularly pertinent at this time of the year as it speaks to renewing the fertility of the earth. It is linked to the time of the year when the seeds are ready to be sown into the earth. In eastern Canada, that would be right about now, making it an interesting myth to work with around the time Beltaine.<br />
<br />
Like many other myths associated with the fertility of the season, sex is involved. Inanna makes love with her lover, the King. Then Inanna and Dumuzi feast and celebrate among the people. Symbolically, this completes the marriage of heaven and earth, divine and mortal. It also reinforces the prosperity that Inanna offers the earth and her people.<br />
<br />
Here is the Hymn:<br />
<br />
<u><b>The Joy of Sumer: The Sacred Marriage Rite </b></u><br />
The people of Sumer assemble in the palace,<br />
The house which guides the land.<br />
The king builds a throne for the queen of the palace.<br />
He sits beside her on the throne.<br />
<br />
In order to care for the life of all the lands,<br />
The exact first day of the month is closely examines,<br />
And on the day of the disappearance of the moon,<br />
On the day of the sleeping of the moon,<br />
The me are perfectly carried out<br />
So that the New Year’s Day, the day of rites,<br />
May be properly determined,<br />
And a sleeping place be set up for Inanna.<br />
<br />
The people cleanse the rushes with sweet-smelling cedar oil,<br />
They arrange the rushes for the bed.<br />
They spread a bridal sheet over the bed.<br />
A bridal sheet to rejoice the heart,<br />
A bridal sheet to sweeten the loins,<br />
A bridal sheet for Inanna and Dumuzi.<br />
<br />
The queen bathes her holy loins,<br />
Inanna bathes for the holy loins of Dumuzi,<br />
She washes herself with soap.<br />
She sprinkles sweet-smelling cedar oil on the ground.<br />
<br />
The king goes with lifted head to the holy loins,<br />
Dumuzi goes with lifted head to the holy loins of Inanna.<br />
He lies down beside her on the bed.<br />
Tenderly he caresses her, murmuring words of love:<br />
"O my holy jewel! O my wondrous Inanna!"<br />
<br />
After he enters her holy vulva, causing the queen to rejoice,<br />
After he enters her holy vulva, causing Inanna to rejoice,<br />
Inanna holds him to her and murmurs:<br />
"O Dumuzi, you are truly my love."<br />
<br />
The king bids the people enter the great hall.<br />
The people bring food offerings and bowls.<br />
They burn juniper resin, perform laving rites,<br />
And pile up sweet-smelling incense.<br />
<br />
The king embraces his beloved bride,<br />
Dumuzi embraces Inanna.<br />
Inanna, seated on the royal throne, shines like daylight.<br />
The king, like the sun, shines radiantly by her side.<br />
He arranges abundance, lushness, and plenty before her.<br />
He assembles the people of Sumer.<br />
<br />
The musicians play for the queen:<br />
They play the loud instrument which drowns out the southern storm,<br />
They play the sweet algar-instrument, the ornament of the palace,<br />
They play the stringed instrument which brings joy to all people,<br />
They play songs for Inanna to rejoice the heart.<br />
<br />
The people spend the day in plenty.<br />
The king stands before the assembly in great joy.<br />
He hails Inanna with the praises of the gods and the assembly:<br />
"Holy Priestess! Created with the heavens and earth,<br />
Inanna, First Daughter of the Moon, Lady of the Evening!<br />
I sing your praises."<br />
<br />
My Lady looks in sweet wonder from heaven.<br />
The people of Sumer parade before the holy Inanna.<br />
The Lady Who Ascends into the Heavens, Inanna is radiant.<br />
Mighty, majestic, radiant, and ever youthful --<br />
To you Inanna, I sing! <br />
<br />
<i>~As translated by Diane Wolkstein and Samual Noah Kramer, (C)1983</i><br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-57947158342732485912012-04-20T16:15:00.003-04:002012-05-06T21:21:33.503-04:00Hex Signs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.newworldencyclopedia.org/f/f3/Tulip_star_hex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://static.newworldencyclopedia.org/f/f3/Tulip_star_hex.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Inspired by my friend Ryan and his blog <a href="http://achangingaltar.%20wordpress.com/" target="_blank">A Changing Altar</a>, I've decided to join the <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/" target="_blank">Pagan Blog Project</a>. I anticipate posting every two weeks, so only once per letter of the alphabet. This Friday, the letter is H.<br />
<br />
I think when many people hear the word "hex" they immediately thing of "curse". However, when used to refer to a type of folk art traditionally painted on barns and homes, hex takes on an entirely different meaning.<br />
<br />
"Hex signs" originate in Pennsylvania Dutch country and can be used magically or simply appreciated for their artistic beauty. Indeed, many historians and folklorists believe that the designs were originally nothing more than<a href="http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Hex_sign" target="_blank"> folk art brought over from Germany</a>, but which later developed into a form of ethnic symbolism. These days, many hex signs are associated with specific intents and carry quite a bit of magical power with them. But some are still just art. It's all in the intent, after all.<br />
<br />
The<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hex_sign" target="_blank"> term "hex sign"</a> was probably picked up because of its sexiness. In a
book published in 1924 about the Pennsylvania Dutch, many terms were used by local farmers to refer
to the signs, including "blumme" (flowers) or "schtanne" (stars). However one farmer called
them "Hexefoos" and that's what stuck. <br />
<br />
There are a few classic designs for hex signs, many of which incorporate geometric shapes with symbols. Magically, the meaning of the hex is based on the shapes, colours and symbols used in its design. For example a six-pointed rosette chases away bad luck, an eight-pointed star invites good fortune and an eight-pointed star or "sun ray" with a circle at the center is a symbol for success. If you add rain drops and/or wheat to this design, the hex may mean a good weather for successful harvest, however if you add acorns to the design it may mean success with conception or with a new project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://handmadephilly.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/hexpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://handmadephilly.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/hexpage.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some traditional meanings for hex signs: <br />
<ul>
<li>Rosettes: Luck (or chasing away bad luck)</li>
<li>Stars: Luck or success (or protection)</li>
<li>4-pointed sun wheel: Warmth and fertility</li>
<li>Acorn: Fertility or "humble beginnings"</li>
<li>Dove: Peace or friendship</li>
<li>Heart: Love</li>
<li>Oak leaf: Strength and endurance</li>
<li>Raindrop: Good weather or abundance</li>
<li>Tulips: Faith, hope and trust (or chastity)</li>
<li>Wheat: Abundance, prosperity (abundant crops)</li>
</ul>
If you are creating your own hexes then I believe that you can use
symbolism that is meaningful for you and that has some sort of universal
or cultural associations around it. The same goes for colour and geometry. Like other forms of magic that involve creating something (such as a talisman), you will be drawing energy to the spell and starting to form it as you work out the design of your hex. While creating the design, really focus on the intent or purpose of the hex, including the specific symbols and how the symbolism will empower the hex. Afterwards, raise energy to give it more juice if you want to, but sometimes the simple act of purposeful and focused creation is enough.<br />
<br />
Hexes can be drawn, painted, embroidered, knitted, carved, planted as a design in a garden, decorated into a cake, or made in any way that results in a visual symbol. It's a fun and powerful form of spellcraft.<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-91823329223871728432012-04-17T17:26:00.001-04:002012-04-17T17:28:55.130-04:00Intro to Elements of Life<span style="font-weight: bold;">Introduction to the Elements of Life</span><br />Thursday April 26th, 630-830 pm<br /><a href="https://www.themagicalblend.com">Le Melange Magique</a>, 1928 Ste-Catherine W<br /><br />Many contemporary Pagan and esoteric traditions use the five foundational elements of earth, air, fire, water and ether/spirit. What are they, where do they come from, what do they represent, how can we tune-in to their energies for our magical or spiritual work, and why <span class="text_exposed_show">would we want to? This 2-hour introduction scratches the surface of these questions and offers some practical exercises to explore (and use) the five elements.<br /><br />Cost $30<br /><br />Space is limited.<br />Please reserve your spot directly with Le Mélange Magique.<br />514-938-1458<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/292195574193986/">Facebook Event page</a><br /><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-317205402618440242012-04-17T13:04:00.000-04:002012-04-17T13:05:11.597-04:00Wisdom of the Wild: A 4-day Intensive<h1 class="entry-title">Wisdom of the Wild</h1> <p><strong><a href="http://reclaimingteachersne.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/robingoodfellow.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-76" title="robingoodfellow" src="http://reclaimingteachersne.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/robingoodfellow.jpg?w=640" alt="" /></a><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Wisdom of the Wild: A four-day intensive camp in the Reclaiming Tradition</strong><br />June 7-10, 2012<br />The Hermitage, New Hampshire, USA<br />Contact: events@mythosphere.com<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/331767036887424/">Facebook event page</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3346311909?ref=ebtnebregn" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=3346311909" alt="Eventbrite - Wisdom of the Wild" /></a></p> <p>From where does your authority come? Whose laws do you follow? Almost everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, who steals from the rich to give to the poor, creating justice by choosing to defy the laws of society.</p> <p>In the oldest versions of the Robin Hood story, Robin was not a noble lord, but a skilled commoner, one of the people. His power came not from “above,” but from his strength of spiritual authority, which flowed from intimate knowledge of the wild woods, giving the ability to exist outside the laws and structures which governed the society around him.</p> <p>The Robin Hood tales inspire us by teaching that through the knowledge of the Wild we can develop our own authority, and create a more just world. Coming from a place of inner authority, the actions we take are based on the right thing to do, not necessarily what we are told to do or what is expected of us.</p> <p>We will follow Robin, Marian, and their band of merry witches into the wild woods to learn Her deep, subversive wisdom, and revel in Her powerful and shameless ecstasy.</p> <p>The four-day camp will include intensive path work, afternoon optional offerings (including archery!), all-camp rituals, and the opportunity to share stories, music, skills and song in the wild with your fellow journeyers. There will be two paths offered: an inner path and an outer path, offering the opportunity to learn from the wild, develop your magical skills and spiritual authority, and use that skill and authority to manifest positive change in your life and the world around you.</p> <p>This is an intensive camp and will involve deep Work, so we ask that campers come with some prior background and knowledge of basic magical practice. Particularly for those whose experience is in other traditions or forms, we will offer optional offerings covering fundamentals of Reclaiming-style ritual and magic.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> The Hermitage, Claudia and Chelidon’s home and land in West-Central New Hampshire (Grantham, NH, near Hanover-Lebanon, NH)</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday June 7, starting promptly at 6 pm (can arrive any time after 3pm), ending Sunday June 10 at 1pm<br /><strong><br />Meals:</strong> Starting w/ Dinner Thursday, 3 meals a day on Friday and Saturday, Brunch on Sunday</p> <p><strong>Cost:</strong> $225-150, sliding scale</p> <p><strong>Teachers:</strong> The teaching team will be made up of experienced teachers and mentors from the RTITS (Reclaiming Teachers in Training and Support) group, which is in its seventh year of work.<br /><strong><br />To register:</strong> Register online at <a href="http://wisdomofthewild.eventbrite.com/">wisdomofthewild.eventbrite.com</a> . When you register, you can choose whether you want to pay online or send a cheque in the mail. A $75 deposit is required to secure your place. The balance is due by June 1st, 2012. A small Eventbrite service fee will be added to your online registration total.</p> <p><strong>Contact:</strong> For more information, email to events@mythosphere.com The event will be filled first-come, first-served, in the order in which registrations/deposits are received. We do expect camp to fill, and will begin a waiting list at that point.</p> <p><strong>FACILITIES</strong><br />Main House with 3 1/2 baths, 2 kitchens, 1 large inside meeting room and large dining room with seating for 20+, hot tub in the greenhouse. Indoor and woodland showers w/ hot water.</p> <p>A converted barn with large meeting space, comfy bunk beds for 20, running cold water, wood stove heat, 2 fancy composting toilets. 20 acres of wooded private land with 3 streams abutting thousands of wooded acres of preserve land.</p> <p>Large open area for outdoor ritual with bonfire circle and space for campers should anyone wish to tent or car camp.</p> <p>Please note the house has cats and a dog, but the barn is pet-free. Special dietary and other needs (CPAP, etc) can typically be accommodated as long as we know in advance.</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-26594132601709741792012-03-13T13:15:00.003-04:002012-03-13T13:21:11.932-04:00Elements of Magic in MontrealReclaiming core class<br />Weekend intensive<br />April 14-15, 9:30 am to 6pm both days<br />Price $40-75 sliding scale<br />Location: Verdun<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">DESCRIPTION</span></span><br />With the art of magic, we deepen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world.<br /><br />In this class we explore the practice of magic and witchcraft by working with the elements--Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. We learn the ritual technologies used in the Reclaiming tradition to create sacred space and time, and to create magic; and we explore our connections with the Divine and Mysterious Ones, in whatever form we understand them. Some techniques that are typically touched on include breath, dancing, drumming, chanting, trance, visualization, working with will, sensing and projecting energy, raising a cone, basic spellcraft, and ritual.<br /><br />Elements of Magic is one of the Reclaiming tradition's core classes. It acts as an introduction to Reclaiming practices and philosophy and is pre-requisite for all other Reclaiming core classes. We welcome both beginning students, and advanced students who want to deepen their experience of the sacred elements.<br /><br />Please bring something potluck to share for lunch on Saturday. Sunday lunch and healthy snack throughout the weekend are included in the registration fee. Please let us know of any food allergies, sensitivities, or any other special needs (food-related or not).<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TEACHING TEAM</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amanda </span>is an ecstatic Witch following an initiatory mystery tradition of North American witchcraft. She has been involved in Reclaiming since 2003 and teaching within the tradition since 2006. She is currently a member of the Reclaiming Teachers in Training and Service (RTITS) guild in New England. Her personal practice celebrates life and places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and relationship with Mystery, including deity, the ancestors, spirits, nature, and our selves. She believes strongly in having an extensive magical toolkit that complements real-world skills. Visit her website at witchyways.blogspot.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jack </span>is a British witch, writer and craftsman living in Montreal. He has been involved with the Reclaiming tradition for nearly 15 years, and has been teaching within the tradition for some 10 years. He has previously been a member of the British Reclaiming Teachers' cell and has taught at both Avalon and Tejasweb witchcamps. His work focuses on land, lore and the mysteries of gender and sexuality. He is currently working within a Northern Tradition kindred and exploring the magic of the Canadian landscape.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >COSTS</span><br />We wanted to keep costs low and we've done it. We have the use of a private space for free. It's not large, but it suits our needs and it's convenient.<br /><br />$40-75, sliding scale. You decide where you slide. No explanations needed. If the lower end of the scale is impossible for you, please contact us. We don't want to turn anyone away because of their financial situation, and are willing to provide work exchange opportunities.<br /><br />For transparency, the teaching team is receiving an honorarium of $10 each per participant. Registration is limited to 12 participants. $20 per participant is going to cover expenses, including food. That is the base $40. Any balance collected goes to to a fund to help cover travel expenses and keep workshop costs low when we bring in a teacher for Iron Pentacle in the fall, or other advanced workshops. As well, it helps cover expenses for anyone requesting work exchange.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TO REGISTER</span></span><br />Space is limited. To register or for more information, contact Amanda at ravenka (at) cosmic-muse.com.<br /><br />A $20 deposit will be required to hold your space (Cash, cheque, PayPal, Interac transfer accepted). Balance payable at the workshop. Or you can pay the whoe shot when you register.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-64300501011181132192012-03-03T12:05:00.005-05:002012-03-05T20:13:21.369-05:00My Spring Workshops in MontrealI was hoping to announce my full Spring line-up, but I haven't had confirmation yet on all the workshops. But here is what has been confirmed so far.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Pagan Chant Workshop</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 4, 14:00 – 16:00</span><br /><a href="http://mprc-crpm.ca/">The Montreal Pagan Resource Centre</a>, $10<br />1928 Ste-Catherine West, H3H 1M4<br /><br />Chant plays an important part in many Pagan rituals for creating a group mind and raising energy. It's also fun! In the first hour Amanda will introduce us some of the classics, as well as newer Pagan chants that she has learned in her travels to Pagan communities across North America. In the second hour, participants will be invited to share chants with the rest of the group. Don't worry, if no one brings chants for the second hour, Amanda has plenty of her own to fill the time! Song sheets will be provided for the first hour. Cost is $10. All proceeds will go to the MPRC.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exploring the Pentacles</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thu, March 29, 18:30 – 20:30</span><br />Le Mélange Magique, $30<br />1928 Ste-Catherine West, H3H 1M4<br /><br />The pentacle is a powerful symbol in many witchcraft traditions. In some, the pentacle is a way to understand the universe, ourselves, and our communities; and ultimately a gateway to alignment and Mystery. This workshop is an introduction to the element, iron and pearl pentacles that come to us from traditions associated with Anderson Feri, and most accessibly through its offshoot Reclaiming tradition. It is an introductory talk about these pentacles, including resources for where to find more information. We will not be working directly with these pentacles in the class.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Crafting Ritual: An Introduction</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday April 10th, 7pm-10pm</span><br />Charme et Sortilege<br />4933 de Grand Pré, H2T 2H9<br /><br />Ritual is a space in time carved out for spiritual or transformative work. It usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:130%;" >Elements of Magic</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 14th-15th 9am-6pm</span><br />Verdun, Qc<br /><br />With the art of magic, we deepen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world. In this class we explore the practice of magic and witchcraft by working with the elements--Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. We learn the ritual technologies used in the Reclaiming tradition to create sacred space and time, and to create magic; and we explore our connections with the Divine and Mysterious Ones, in whatever form we understand them. Some techniques that are typically touched on include breath, dancing, drumming, chanting, trance, visualization, working with will, sensing and projecting energy, raising a cone, basic spellcraft, and ritual.<br /><br />Elements of Magic is one of the Reclaiming tradition's core classes. It acts as an introduction to Reclaiming practices and philosophy and is pre-requisite for all other Reclaiming core classes. We welcome both beginning students, and advanced students who want to deepen their experience of the sacred elements.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Developing Daily Practice</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday May 6th, 1pm-4pm</span><br />Charme et Sortilege<br />4933 de Grand Pré, H2T 2H9<br /><br />Daily spiritual practice is a commitment to self-care, as well as personal and spiritual growth. Depending on your tradition and beliefs, it may also be a commitment to your gods, coven- or Craft-mates. For a daily practice to work for you, it has to be something that satisfies your spiritual goals and that you enjoy. It also must fit into your daily life. In this workshop, we will discuss some of the reasons for undertaking a daily practice, as well as its most common forms and commonly-encountered obstacles. We will then develop individual plans for starting, and maintaining, a daily spiritual practice.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">An Introduction to the Elements</span></span><br />Date and time TBD<br />Le Mélange Magique<br />1928 St. Catherine West, H3H 1M4<br /><br />Many contemporary Pagan and esoteric traditions use the five foundational elements of earth, air, fire, water and ether/spirit. What are they, where do they come from, what do they represent, how can we tune-in to their energies for our magical or spiritual work, and why would we want to? This 2-hour introduction scratches the surface of these questions and offers some practical exercises to explore the five elements.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-58097664420750033542012-02-14T14:21:00.003-05:002012-02-14T14:28:35.816-05:00The Dance: Pas de DeuxThis is just beauty. It feels like the dance that started the universe; the dance of souls falling in love; the dance between ourselves and our god soul. Yum!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jP3fYcCtPRQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" width="400"></iframe>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-68244185826098084142011-09-27T16:42:00.006-04:002011-10-07T09:55:10.440-04:00Upcoming Workshops for Fall 2011My fall workshop line-up is complete!<br /><br />I will be teaching at <a href="http://www.themagicalblend.com/">Le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mélange</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Magique</span></a> and<a href="http://www.charme-et-sortilege.com/"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Charme</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sortilege</span></a> in Montreal, as well as at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cloaked-Realm-Pagan-Emporium/42877043498?sk=info">The Elemental Book and Curiousity Shop</a> in Winnipeg.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span>With the exception of Intro to Contemporary Paganism, <span style="font-style: italic;">advanced registration is required</span> and a minimum number of people must be registered for the class to run. All classes are capped at 9 participants.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>Please register directly with the shops.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Fall Series: September through December</span><br /><b>Building a Personal Spiritual Practice</b> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">*FULL*</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Privately organized.</span><br />The focus of the work of this class is to develop a core devotional spiritual practice. Devotion can be outwardly or inwardly expressed. For example, the class can be used to enter into relationship with a deity/spirit or set of deities/spirits, or to come into closer contact with our own soul, inner light or higher self. Class is every second week. Each session builds on the last one and the exercises are flexible enough to be adapted for individual beliefs, traditions and deities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday October 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span>, 7pm -9pm</span><br /><b>Intro to Contemporary Paganism</b><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Le Melange <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Magique</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">, 1928 Ste-Catherine W, Montreal H3H 1M4</span><br />What is Paganism? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get at least a dozen answers. In this brief introduction, we will discuss what we mean when we use the word Pagan in a contemporary religious or spiritual context. We will explore some of the various philosophical underpinnings that seem to unite most contemporary Pagan traditions, as well as some of the common conceptions and misconceptions people have about Paganism. ($5 donation to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MPRC</span>, register with <a href="http://www.themagicalblend.com/">Le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mélange</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Magique</span></a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday October 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span>, 2-4pm</span>.<br /><b>Crafting Ritual: An Introduction</b><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Mélange</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Magiqu</span><span style="font-style: italic;">e</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">, 1928 Ste-Catherine W, Montreal H3H 1M4</span><br />Ritual is a space in time carved out for spiritual or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">transformative</span> work. It usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups. (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$30; Register with <a href="http://www.themagicalblend.com/">Le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mélange</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Magique</span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday October 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span>, 1-4pm.</span><br /><b>An Introduction to the Elements</b><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Charme</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Sortilège</span>,</span> 4933 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">de</span> Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Pré</span>, Montreal H2T 2H9</span><br />Many contemporary Pagan and esoteric traditions use the five foundational elements of earth, air, fire, water and ether/spirit. What are they, where do they come from, what do they represent, how can we tune-in to their energies for our magical or spiritual work, and why would we want to? This 2-hour introduction scratches the surface of these questions and offers some practical exercises to explore the five elements. (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$45; Register with <a href="http://www.charme-et-sortilege.com/boutique_online.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Charme</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Sortilège</span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday November 3rd, 7-9pm</span><br /><b>Developing Daily Practice</b><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Elemental Book and Curiousity Shop</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Winnipeg, MB </span><br />Daily spiritual practice is a commitment to self-care, as well as personal and spiritual growth. Depending on your tradition and beliefs, it may also be a commitment to your gods, coven- or Craft-mates. For a daily practice to work for you, it has to be something that satisfies your spiritual goals and that you enjoy. It also must fit into your daily life. In this workshop, we will discuss some of the reasons for undertaking a daily practice, as well as its most common forms and commonly-encountered obstacles. We will then develop individual plans for starting, and maintaining, a daily spiritual practice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday and Sunday November 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span>-6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span></span><br /><b>Elements of Ritual</b><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Elemental Book and Curiousity Shop</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Winnipeg, MB </span><br />Ritual is is a space in time carved out for deep work, usually involving set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This hand-on workshop is an introduction to crafting ritual for solitary work, or for small or large groups. We will break ritual down into its individual components to work with them, and then build it back up again. This workshop is offered as a weekend intensive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday December 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">th</span>, 7-9pm.</span><br /><b>Developing Daily Practice</b><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Charme</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sortilège</span></span>, 4933 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">de</span> Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Pré</span>, Montreal H2T 2H9</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span><br />Daily spiritual practice is a commitment to self-care, as well as personal and spiritual growth. Depending on your tradition and beliefs, it may also be a commitment to your gods, coven- or Craft-mates. For a daily practice to work for you, it has to be something that satisfies your spiritual goals and that you enjoy. It also must fit into your daily life. In this workshop, we will discuss some of the reasons for undertaking a daily practice, as well as its most common forms and commonly-encountered obstacles. We will then develop individual plans for starting, and maintaining, a daily spiritual practice. (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$45; Register with <a href="http://www.charme-et-sortilege.com/boutique_online.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Charme</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Sortilège</span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-38606656915901239942011-06-20T19:39:00.002-04:002011-06-20T19:47:50.183-04:00Summer Solstice Ritual June 23rdWhat's a kick-off to summer without some drumming, dancing and chanting in honour of the shining eye in the sky? Please join us for an open summer solstice ritual in Angrignon Park on Thursday June 23rd starting at 7pm sharp. We will be exploring all the ways that we define ourselves under the summer sun.<br /><br />The ritual is being organized by individual members of the local Pagan community coming together for this occasion and will take place rain or shine. The event is kid-friendly, but anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian or have a note from a parent. It's ritual is FREE to attend, but we will asking for donations ($2-$5).<br /><div class="description summary"><br />We will meet at Angrignon metro at between 18h30 and 18h50. Make sure you arrive on time or you may not be able to find us (the park is pretty big). There will be someone near the benches inside the metro station waiting to greet you and take you to the ritual site.<br /><br />The ritual will start at about 19h00 and end at about 20h00 (with a light feast afterward).<br /><br />If you can, please bring:<br /><ul><li>seeds to sprinkle and throw away</li><li>feast food to share (finger foods)</li><li>drums or other rhythmic instruments if you have them (optional)</li></ul>For more information, check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/event.php?eid=221649507859621">Facebook event page</a>.<br /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-85550308501895332712011-06-09T08:34:00.005-04:002011-06-09T09:45:54.088-04:00Witchy Ways of Knowing. What's Yours?As witches, we believe in (and hopefully regularly engage) alternative forms of 'knowing.' We don't just rely on the material realm and reality to give us information. Many of us pay attention to 'hunches' or intuition, have conversations with our gods or spirits, consult divination systems like the tarot or runes, read clouds or tea leaves, or practice some other form of nature divination or augury. The information we receive supplements--it does not supplant--the information that our analytical self is receiving from the material world.<br /><br />I think some people use intuition, or similar ways of knowing, without really realising it. Think of the people you know who always seems to carry good fortune with them or be 'at the right place at the right time.' However many of us tune out our intuition or come to doubt it through many years of people telling us that decisions and actions should be based on facts, not feelings. I find this particular ironic because just about all the successful research scientist I've spoken to have told me that most of their 'big discoveries' have come from following hunches or even vivid dreams.<br /><br />What's interesting about the scientists is that while they may be following a sense of intuition, or even guidance, in their research, their methods are rooted in a strong foundation of practical science. The two--conventional and alternative knowledge--work synergistically. It's through building practical foundations and actively developing our intuition and other ways of knowing that we can gain our deepest understandings and work our most powerful magic.<br /><br />A wise witch once told me that an effective witch should know (and trust) the different intuition-like ways that they receive alternative knowledge, as well as being proficient in several different systems of more tangible divination to help check or deepen the guidance. For example, I often will follow-up a hunch or omen with a tarot or rune reading and some material research.<br /><br />What are you ways of knowing? We don't all receive alternative knowledge the same way. Do you get flashes or visions? Hear sounds, voices or hold conversations? Sporadically perceive deeper meaning from seemingly everyday things, occurrences, conversations or songs? Get 'gut feelings' or read 'vibes' off of people or objects? Have vivid or prophetic dreams? Simply 'know' something? Get a whiff of a scent or aroma, or a taste on your tongue, real or not? Or perhaps the hairs on your left arm stand up or you get a pain in your right big toe.<br /><br />Pay attention to your ways of knowing. Develop them. One way of doing this is to keep a small notebook and simply jot down when you have a 'flash.' As part of your daily or regular practice, see if there are patterns to any of them. Which ones ring true or are revealed as true over time? You can also work with a flash through divination, art or stream of consciousness writing.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-44056318166362916282011-06-07T11:51:00.002-04:002011-06-07T11:58:41.609-04:00The Celtic Tree Ogham Online 8 Week intensiveThis is a really <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168345229892078">unique online workshop offering</a> from my friend <a href="http://www.greenwomancrafts.com/">Raven</a> in the UK. It's fairly hands-on and I'm sure will be fantastic. Even though the Celtic Tree Ogham is based on UK trees, part of the workshop will help you build a personal Ogham that relates to the trees of your land. It also looks at tree ecosystems. Very, very cool stuff.<br /><br />Here's the info:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Celtic Tree Ogham Online 8 Week intensive</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Celtic Tree Ogham is one of the lesser known forms of divination. This ancient Celtic alphabet has some parity with the runes, ie an alphabet for which each letter also has magical significance and meaning. In this case the divinatory meaning is derived from observation of the ecological, practical as well as magical properties of twenty trees native to the British Isles, e.g. Birch, Rowan, Alder, Willow and Ash.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Interest in</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-style: italic;"> the Celtic Tree Ogham is beginning to grow and has expanded outwards from the British Isles, extending into countries such as the USA where many of the Celtic trees are not native to the land. Where the traditional Celtic trees are found, they frequently occupy different ecological, practical and magical niches. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In this workshop we will work on learning skills and tools to develop and build energetic connections to the trees of the Celtic Ogham, along with using other resources and research to learn about the ecology of the trees. We will learn how to translate these energies into understanding the trees that are part of our native ecosystems whether you live in mountains or the desert or even in the British Isles (!); and work towards building a personal tree ogham system that is relevant to your own land, and which may be more or less based on the traditional Celtic tree ogham system.</span> (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/event.php?eid=168345229892078"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a>)<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About Raven:</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show">I am a British Witch who has been working and teaching in the Reclaiming tradition for over ten years. I am also an initiate in the Anderson Feri tradition. I love to travel and has taught courses, classes and Witchcamps in the UK, Germany, US, Finland and Israel, as well as online classes. I have an on-going love affair with trees - the Celtic Tree Ogham is my favoured divination tool, and I have spent many years studying it, teaching it and offering readings using it. I am an ecologist by training and a lover of the natural world, and sees much of my work as building connections. I am a self-employed artist and crafts-person (I make ogham sets, runes and more!), jack-of-all-trades, a poet, writer and recovering academic.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Register </span>by the 26th of June directly with Raven (<span class="text_exposed_show">greenwomancrafts@gmail.com)<br /><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-26359694597785793582011-05-27T14:20:00.004-04:002011-05-27T14:29:29.005-04:00Norse Shamansim Workshop With Prudence This SaturdayThis is a blatant plug for a couple of workshops at Le Mélange Magique this Saturday by an extremely knowledgeable guest teacher.<br /><br />On Saturday May 28th, Prudence Priest from California will be giving two workshops:<br /><br />Amber & Jet Saturday May 28th at 12-2PM $15 per person<br />Nordic Shamanism Saturday May 28th at 3-5PM $25 per person<br /><br />Some of you met Prudence and her fabulous amber this past weekend at Gaia Gathering. I don't have her bio in front of me, but for those of you who don't know Prudence, she is a wealth of information and has been active in the Craft/Paganism since the 1970s. She is an elder in COG, a founder of the American Vinland Association, and was involved in the early days of the Asatru Alliance and the Ring of Troth. Seriously, don't miss these!<br /><br />More information is <a href="http://melangemagique.blogspot.com/2011/05/nordic-shamanism.html">here</a>. Or call the store (514-938-1458) to reserve your space.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-29967700899837422262011-05-16T16:06:00.005-04:002011-05-16T16:25:45.863-04:00My Panels at Gaia GatheringThe Gaia Gathering programming team is in the process of ironing out the scheduling to make sure none of us who are scheduled to sit on panel discussions or offer workshops need to perfect the art of bilocation. In the meantime, these are the panels that I'll be participating in as a panelist:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Priest/essing our Craft</span><br />This panel seeks to define the qualities a person needs to be able to take on a leadership role in the Pagan community. What does it mean to be a Priest/ess in our covens, groups and communities? What are the risks and challenges, and what skills do we need to cultivate? Do we have a need for a Pagan chaplaincy to make clergical services available in our communities, and how can we support our leaders in that endeavor?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Community Leader and Clergy Burnout</span><br />Many of our communities hinge upon the efforts of the few to provide services, organize events, and plan rituals that the community members can take part in. Sometimes these people receive the support they need, but much more often, they are left to do the work on their own, which is the well-worn path to burn-out. How can we better support our community leaders and clergy to prevent burn-out? More importantly, how can we help them recover from the burn-out they‘ve already experienced?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Documenting our Histories</span><br />Our communities are constantly evolving in terms of culture, population, and the response to crisis. How do we chronicle these events that make-up our modern history? We have discovered such wisdom in ancients texts, but what can we learn from the legacy of our modern-day elders? How do we preserve our recent history so that future generations can benefit?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Song and Chant Share</span><br />This is an opportunity to share songs and chants and other music from our communities across Canada.<br /><br />As soon as I have the complete list of topics and times, I'll post them here. From what I've seen it looks like an exciting programme!<br /><br />For more Gaia Gathering, visit the <a href="http://www.gaiagathering.ca/">website</a> or <a href="http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, or check-out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/Gaia.Gathering">facebook page</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/event.php?eid=123575587683251">event page</a>.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-65018472313492790822011-04-28T10:30:00.005-04:002011-04-28T11:06:41.096-04:00Courting My Own HealthI've been so busy recently that I've been finding it hard to set aside the time I need to take care of myself. For the most part, I feel like I've been grasping in stolen snatches for the habits that I feel help sustain me. I also haven't been reading my usual blogs or listening to my usual podcasts.<br /><br />So I take it as a bit of a cosmic clue-by-four that in a moment of procrastination from the work at hand, I snuck a peak at my blog feed and at the top of it was a post from Thorn's titled, <a href="http://www.thorncoyle.com/2011/04/no-sick-mystics/">No Sick Mystics</a>. Crap, I thought. That might be me!<br /><br />There is a lot to unpack in Thorn's musings on being a healthy mystic. She covers everything from physical health, to running energy, to coming back from mystical states. However in its essence, she reminds us to know and honour ourselves.<br /><br />On a physical level:<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"What I’m lobbying for is deep listening to all of our parts. What kind of movement does my body want in order to feel happy? What sort of food does it crave when I’m not pumping myself full of toxins, or forgetting to eat until I feel crazed? Can I slow down enough inside to truly listen, every day, to body, mind, emotion, and spirit within, and to the earth, the cosmos, and the spirit realms around me?"</blockquote>The way I see it, when we're working from this place of self-knowledge and respect, we're courting our own health. If we're not working from this space and we're simply reacting, much of what we're doing in the name of self-care may simply treating the symptoms.<br /><br />For example, I know that when my upper back and shoulders bother me it is usually because I'm spending too much time writing in front of the computer and not enough time physically moving my upper body. In the past couple of weeks my friends have been graciously providing with me with massages. That helps and I feel better (for a bit), but if I really want my body to stop hurting, I need to take a time out from writing and go for a swim, take a dance class or lift some weights.<br /><br />When we court a new lover, we often don't find it difficult take time out for a date, a romantic afternoon, or some steamy sex. Why not court our health and our selves in the same way?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-65909298661965490162011-04-17T12:19:00.003-04:002011-04-17T12:27:14.725-04:00Gaia Gathering in MontrealGaia Gathering, The Canadian National Pagan Conference, is fast approaching. This year I'm excited that it's in Montreal. I'm on the organizing committee and we've been working really hard to bring some fabulous Canadian speakers and entertainment to the event, in addition to the panel discussions, roundtables and workshops that make up the core of the conference.<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">preliminary programme is now available in pdf format</span>. You can download it <a href="http://www.gaiagathering.ca/Montreal2011/GG_PreliminaryProgramme_FinalEnglish.pdf">here</a>.<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">workshop </span>lineup has been announced. <a href="http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/2011/04/gg2011-workshops.html">Read more about the workshops here</a>.<br /><br />We're in the process of finalising the <span style="font-weight: bold;">panel and roundtable discussion topics</span>. This is a longer process because we really try to get input from folks planning to attend the Gaia Gathering about what they want to see at the conference and what they want to participate in. <a href="http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/2011/04/gaia-gathering-2011-panel-discussion.html">The list of possible discussion topics is here</a>.<br /><br />If you haven't registered already, you can <a href="http://gaiagathering.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33&Itemid=77">register online through EventBrite, here</a>. You can also download the registration form and snail mail it in.<br /><br />Details about <a href="http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/2011/03/accomodation-at-montreal-ywca.html">accommodation</a> are here.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015564.post-26377701223689666042011-03-29T15:34:00.007-04:002011-04-18T10:56:13.556-04:00My Workshops for April and MayI have three workshops coming up at <a href="http://www.themagicalblend.com/">Le Mélange Magique</a> (1928 Ste-Catherine W) in April and May; and of course, <a href="http://www.gaiagathering.ca/">Gaia Gathering</a> (Concordia University) is coming up over the May Victoria Day long weekend and I'm sure I'll be on some panels there too.<br /><br />Both the <span style="font-style: italic;">Powers of Air</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Crafting Ritual</span> workshops need a minimum number of participants to run, so advance registration is strongly encouraged. You can show up on the day of the workshop without registering, however, if the minimum registration was not reached by 48 hours before the workshop start time then it gets cancelled. Register at <a href="http://www.themagicalblend.com/">Le Mélange Magique</a> (514-938-1458). No advance registration is required for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Pagan Umbrella</span>. I run it whether there is one person or 20 people!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday April 14th, 6:30 pm</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Powers of Air</span><br />The elements of earth, air, fire, water (and aether) are foundational underpinnings of many esoteric traditions. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises, we will delve into the element of air, the direction of east, power of new beginnings, knowledge and ideas, and beings like birds and sylphs. You will also be provided with activities to continue to deepen your relationship with this element on your own. (2 hours; $20; advance registration required; minimum enrollment required for the workshop to run)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday April 28th</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">6:30 pm</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crafting Ritual: An Introduction</span><br />Ritual is a space in time carved out for spiritual or transformative work. It usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups. (2 hours; $20; advance registration required; minimum enrollment required for the workshop to run)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday May 8th, 2pm.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Pagan Umbrella</span><br />What is Paganism? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get at least a dozen answers. In reality, paganism is probably best considered to be an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual and religious traditions. In this brief introduction, we will discuss what we mean when we use the word Pagan in a religious or spiritual context, discover some of the more popular Pagan paths being followed today (such as Wicca, witchcraft, Druidism, Heathenism, or simply Pagan), and explore some of their commonalities and differences. (2 hours; free)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday May 20th to Monday May 23rd</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gaia Gathering</span><br />The Canadian National Pagan Conference (CNPC), <a href="http://www.gaiagathering.ca/">Gaia Gathering</a>, is a grassroots national Pagan organization founded in 2004. Each year the conference is hosted over the Victoria Day long weekend in a different Canadian city through a bidding process similar to the Olympics. Past host cities include Edmonton, Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver. This year (2011) it comes to Concordia Univesity in Montreal. The conference is organized collaboratively by Canadian Pagans and brings together Pagans, Pagan-curious, Pagan elders and community leaders, and interested others for a long weekend of networking, discussion, and community. Traditionally, the panels and discussions have focussed on the issues we experience as Canadian Pagans living in the 21st century, with special emphasis on the experience of being Pagan in the host city. For more info visit their <a href="http://www.gaiagathering.ca/">website</a>, <a href="http://gaiagathering.blogspot.ca/">blog</a>, or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Gaia.Gathering?sk=info">Facebook page</a>!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12876343767441884731noreply@blogger.com2