Ask Your Mama by Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman

Are you cyclically confused? In a ceremonial quandary? Completely clueless? Wonder no more.

 

*Ask Your Mama™

The What, When, Where, Why, How, and Who of Ceremony & Spirituality

©Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman

 

A Question of Numbers

Dear Mama Donna,

I have always felt drawn to the full moon and would like to have some kind of ritual in its honor. The problem is that I don't know anybody else in my town who would want to join me. Don't you need a circle of people to have a ceremony?

Love,
One is the Loneliest Number in Ohio.

 

Dear Number One,

MacQuanity does not equal quality. Powerful and meaningful ritual can be practiced by any number of people. And one is as good a number as any. One person, a single, solitary individual, sufficient unto herself, is a perfectly adequate quorum, a complete minion for the accomplishment of creative, effective, and fulfilling ceremony.

And by the same token, once is enough for any one ceremony. It need never be repeated to be consummate. As a matter of fact, it is completely impossible to perfectly replicate any particular ritual once you consider that the amalgam of the combined variables of the weather, the moon, your mood, and the chemistry of any other participants, will never again be precisely the same. Each time, each subtle permutation is true to itself.

It takes a certain disciplined sublimation of our acculturated egos to release the nagging control of the question, “How many?” as if that were any more a measure of success than, “How much?” After all, how many, how much, is enough? And just when is enough enough?

When, thirty-some years ago, I first started to facilitate public rituals, I used to become nearly paralyzed with panic about how many people would attend each event. It took years of celebrating with groups as large as several thousand and as few as two, for me to understand that no matter how many people are present at a ceremony, the ultimate ritual experience always occurs within each individual participant. The number of people in attendance is not testimony to its profundity or the value of the rite. The only way to count true tranceformation is one by one.

On the other hand, in the case of the full moon, realize that there are at any moment millions of like-minded individuals worldwide who are soulfully attuned, just like you, to the magical ambiance of the night. Really, all our lunar ritual is but part of an age-old human reverence for the moon. Worship of the moon was pandemic, and in most cultures preceded a more recent shift of allegiance to the sun.

Even today, the most dapper jaded urban dwellers will take an instant astonished notice of the full moon as if seeing it for the very first time. In so doing, they celebrate a simple celestial observance that connects them with the cosmos if even for a single mystical moment. This awe-filled gaze is ceremony at its most elemental. Observance=Observance.

Know that you are never alone in the universe. Celebrating with the cycles of the moon is a super way to remember and honor that profound cosmic connection. Reach out and join the ancient song of our species. Stand with your feet on the ground and your gaze toward the heavens. Do this with intention. Do this with due ceremony.

Feel free to celebrate the moon and celebrate yourself at the same time. We are all, after all, sisters and brothers in space. Look for yourself in the moon's reflection. Honor your own devotion. Howl for the hell of it. Be proud to be part of this glorious universe.

Yours in the spirit of solo celebration,
xxMama Donna

 

*Send your questions about seasons, cycles, celebrations, ceremonies and spirit to Mama Donna at: CityShaman@aol.com

 

---

 

Donna Henes is an internationally renowned urban shaman, eco-ceremonialist, award-winning author, popular speaker and workshop leader whose joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than 100 cities since 1972. She has published four books, a CD, an acclaimed quarterly journal and writes a column for UPI (United Press International) Religion and Spirituality Forum.

Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy in Exotic Brooklyn, NY where she works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion.

 

For information about upcoming events and services contact:

Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
PO Box 380403
Exotic Brooklyn, New York, NY 11238-0403

Phone: 718-857-1343

Email: CityShaman@aol.com

www.DonnaHenes.net

www.MamaDonnasSpiritShop.com/

www.TheQueenofMySelf.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Henes

 

Read her blog at:

http://www.myspace.com/queenmamadonna

http://queenmamadonna.blogspot.com

http://mamadonnahenes.gaia.com/

Basic Evolutional Traits by Maria Yracébûrû

As visionaries hoping to manifest dreams of amazing peace, it is important to understand the history and truth of humanity and earth before actually warping time.  Through history humanity transitions in its relationship with Changing Mother earth.  Our lives here have been more than simple existence with no purpose.  We are an element within the cycles of evolution, forces drawn upon fear or love, so that continuance could occur.  As we "devolve to evolve," we have experienced what my ancestors have referred to as the "Take Apart."  So within a simple earth life philosophy, we see that humanity evolved in two world paradigms… the 1st World of Love and the 2nd World of Kinship.  Humanity came to devolve in the Take Apart of the 3rd World of Time and 4th World of Soul Sickness.  We change to meet the energy of the 5th World Coming Together... the Communion.

I wish to explore the basic traits, cycles, and characteristics that have been assigned to our evolution.  This will help define the basic environment and task of your personal journey.

In the Beginning...
Different version.  According to our legends, those that explain the creation of all things humanity occupies the void as infinite spirit.  Our great energies were destined to become the charters of evolution, our heart fire created the history and memory of time passing.  Our spirits were considered so large that in an eclipse of thought, we, the Thought of All That Is, then created.

Soon humanity moved from the 1st World of Love into a humanity of crystalline form and become humane relations in the physical limited space of the 2nd World of Kinship. 

Relationships were now the focus for humans, yet even with this move into sensuality, humans always flowed like water.  A life giving truth was born.

The next worlds are noted as being the Take Apart worlds.  Time took up residency in the 3rd world, living became an act of separation and hierarchy.  Humans were seldom seen in higher form.  Strong, judgmental barriers were created within the psyche and occasionally a truth in connection would shine.

As humanity began to explore inhumanity and polarity, the earth began appearing as non life in the 4th World of Soul Sickness.  Many injustices were perpetuated and must be accepted in the energetic dance to move forward.  Consider this: It is in the 5th World of Coming Together that we take up residence in spiritual maturity, living harmoniously with the land, causing life to exist in peace.  We are examples of evolving life that make life possible.  Curing our Soul Sickness by Coming Together, co-creating dreams together, we settle ourselves in health and stability.

We are today the most evolved of all worlds, finally settling in to become responsible co-creators of reality.  The 5th World offers excellent opportunity to become all we can be; humane; and initiate us in the truth of our new lives.  Peace is found with the daily miracles most welcomed because the only access to the moment is by gratitude and innocent awe.

Historically, humans have been isolated for 758,000+ years, living a psychotic blend of hope and despair.  Humans, however, discovered an inner voice that never let them stop trying.  Circles of connection now become common, with many coming together offering transitional peace.  This is the first Taanaashkaada il'jooni... Coming Together Initiation.

A LIFE CREATED BY LOVE
By the time we establish the miracle of the 5th World manifested within our hearts, we will have evolved further and further into the frequency of potential.  We discover that through living in relation with earth, life can be very rewarding. It also provides a rich satisfaction. The children are raised in a supportive and intuitive environment.

We seldom are in need of mediation.  We do, whenever possible, sit in council with others discussing the various sacred points of view.  Storytelling is a favorite activity, well worth of the time and energy involved. 

It is clear through historical stories that there were very different times than the cooperative era. In the cooperative era, reverence and honoring are given to those lives involved and humans are celebrated for their courage to move on as an act of compassion for life.

There are stories that imply humor. It is always noted that laughter is the greatest source creator of love and health.

Usually Coyote, of all Relations, is the source of our good humor.

CIRCLE
There is no division. There is respect.  Extremely little is noted of the "Battle between the Sexes."  We look to the more evolved philosophy of energetic alignment in our responsibilities.

Illness is very rare.  Maybe one or two things still involve the adjustment of body frequency to the new earth magnetics.  Because of this, it is important now to take care of our physical forms by making sure we are assimilating the water we drink.  The energies are affecting our pituitary which powers the ability to assimilate the nutrient of water. 

The Circle structure of traditional community lifestyle is structured.  The equality of respect is the mother of peace.  Within the societal life of community, all humans participate and are honored.  During our transitions, the Community Circle is eminent in our aligning in the moment.  The intent, focus, and motivation that comes with experience is used to create commonality for understanding.

Initiation occurs in a heartbeat during aspontaneous and exhausting shift as we complete one cycle and begin another. Once the shift has occurred, the settling involves minor shock waves and frequency adjustments.  We are faithful.  So with each new understanding we embrace the potential and evolve.  It is likely that each new moment will have a different attribute, allowing for distribution of the energies within All Our Relations.

History is carried within us until we are wise enough to view it. We are then unhampered by time. 

We are guardians of life, taking care to respect and appreciate each life for maximum potential.  Lives that are lived within isolation are being warmed by the love of those that have connected, much as sunlight warms on an Indian Summer Day.

After the Worlds of Take Apart, we mature thanks to the added energies of the universal transmigration.  Empowered with hope, we evolve quickly, and we connect with one another in quickening moments.  The truth of the newly established Communion is appearing as threads in the beginning of 5th World tapestry... the historical documentation of time.  We move out of adolescence.  We grow and strengthen.

FLIGHT

It’s taken many worlds of evolution for us to reach maturity and hone our physical experience.  Because of our great Take Apart, we are feeling like we are dropping from some height.  The beginning of flight is a glide that allows the wing sails to fill with energy.  Even with strong faith, it takes a great deal of energy to raise above chaos and pull free of the 4th World's illusions of separation.  The very Changing Mother earth is said to groan as our frequency rises.

Once free of fear, we soar along the energy currents much like eagles or hawks, using our reason only when synchronistic to raise ourselves into new frequencies.  This style of evolution means that we can remain aloft for longer periods of time, traveling great distances without expenditure of large amounts of energy. 

PROTECTION
Adolescence was a time of life in which our natural powers begin to be apparent.  Depending on the prophecy you are aligning with, humans possess the ability to change shapes and take on other forms;  the power to speak with the mind, messaging with silent imaging; and even the power to heal imbalance in the physical form.  Many experience telepathic thoughts now on a more regular basis.

More attentive to our spiritual abilities, we are more peaceful and encircled in love.  Although respect is built on healthy boundaries, there is no real need of protection within the structure of Sacred Law.

Sacred Breath, both refreshing and revitalizing, strengthens the heart and the community.  Love oozes like droplets of sweet essence that can heal with just a breeze.  Even a smile is noted to cause the betterment of life.

One prophecy tells of the scales of Nakia the Rainbow Serpent wrapped around us in shimmering iridescent shielding that can, by physical presence, reduce planetary stress along the magnetic grid and tectonic fault lines.  Ley lines are noted as being Changing Mother's nervous system, trembling in stimulation and change.

With this transition we can be sure we will arrive at our destiny by way of our breathing ability or impeccability of speech originating in our hearts. 

The healing ability of humans is very well noted throughout all time. It is growing. The power of love is accomplishing this feat.

Coiling around our mother, Nakia is universal to the indigenous spirit

 of earth by whatever name you call him.  Having wrapped us in the center of his great energy, Nakia begins to slowly reveal the vision of what is to be.

EQUALITY AND THE RAINBOW
Prophecy speaks of the equality of the Rainbow.  No color is more important in creation of beauty. Each color sports an equal range of frequency and point of origin.

In the 1st World, some of us were gold toned, yet carried the energy of red,  blue, or green. The color keys to wisdom we are to see.

We have markings on our energetic bodies that are clues in our evolving.  Memories for all 7 Worlds revolve around in our personal belts of atmosphere.  The prophecies are revealed in your 7th body. 

It has been said we can access three dimensions of time in one viewing.

We grow in frequency through eternity.  Ancient lives were extremely impressive.  Faith and truth have also grown throughout many lifetimes, as has our purpose.  A human of many lives can have energy that flows, with memory revealed.  Lessons change throughout our evolution, reaching the same truth in the same moment... synchronicity.

COUNTING COUP
Humanity loves bright, shiny, glimmering personal purpose. We celebrate our victories over fear.  The illusion of fear, doubt and anger are very well documented.

We gather our power while honoring and returning to our personal truth. We create a reality of peace upon which life flourishes.  Because many prophecies show this, it must be assumed that humans are capable of creating our own reality. We just  need to accept our ability to do so.  There is very clear evidence to the high purpose of humanity. It is likely that peace is created in such a way as to be revealed from our own hearts.

It may be that when we were isolated, we created an illusion so strong that it imprisons us.  Fear, in its natural purpose to protect us from physical harm, would of course be overwhelming in the isolation and magnified by self perpetuating anxiety.  Thus it was with great courage that we confronted our fears.  The larger number of support systems created, the higher we evolved from illusion.

Isolation has been pure illusion, as many have discovered.  The Illusion knew exactly how far to push us and where our buttons lay.  If this acknowledged truth is proportional to our ability to heal, one can easily understand our ability to create peace.

- Maria Yraceburu studied Quero Apache traditions with her grandfather, and became an akicita (guardian) of Earth. She facilitated the Earth Renewal Festivals by partnering Tlish Diyan ritual with cross-cultural facilitators since 1972. She is author of Wisdom of the Rainbow Serpent: 2nd Penseh (FAEW 2008), Wisdom of the Rainbow Serpent: 1st Penseh (FAEW 2005), Prayers & Meditations of the Quero Apache (Bear & Co. 2004), and Legends & Prophecies of the Quero Apache (Bear & Co., 2002). To learn more visit http://www.yracebury.org

Found Goddess - The Computer Goddesses by Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D.

Note. The term Found Goddess was created by Morgan Grey and Julia Penelope for their wonderful book, Found Goddesses: Asphalta to Viscera (New Victoria Publishers, 1980).I started Finding goddesses - Nerdix, Compuquia, Hostilia, and Whizziwig - when I was working on a Y2K project for a major corporation. I found the other goddesses described here when I was writing a book on the subject, Finding New Goddesses (ECW Press, 2003). The newest goddesses are Fubar-Ma and Linker Bell, who have just now appeared. Well, maybe they've been standing around and/or hovering; I just got them down on paper.

 

The Computer Goddesses

Who doesn't get spammed now and then? How impolite. How untidy. How vexing. To whom do we turn when our e-mail becomes bloated and turgid? Dot Compost, that's who. It's Dot Compost to the rescue! Visualize Her as a Pythonesque goddess, bothersome (and effective) as all get-out. "Spam spam spam spam spam," She chants, dancing merrily upon the offending messages. "Spam spam spam spam spam," She shouts, stomping them into oblivion. "Spam spam spam spam spam," She yodels, turning every bit of spam into what it really is. Merde. Excrement. Fertilizer. Sing along with Dot Compost. Let your fingers do the dancing. "Spam delete spam delete spam delete spam delete spam spam SPAM!"

Beloved by millions is Pornie, Goddess of Way Too Many Web Sites, Beguiler of the Unwary Doing Research on the Net, and Champion of Free Expression. Pornie stands (or lies or bounces) for the ability of every adolescent boy (no matter what his age) to be as creative as he wants to be. She is the archiver of countless pictures of gymnasty togetherness and librarian of encounters that would make Jerry Springer blush. Her motto is "Wow, ya gotta see this." But do not tell anyone to shun Pornie. Do not chip away at Her license. Do not --above all-- do not attempt to Censor Her, for Pornie Supports Our God-Given Right To Unfettered Expression, and even one tiny law against Her is the first awful step along the road to constriction, restriction, degradation, and debauchery. Oh no, my friends, tie Pornie up (or tie Her down), and we'll have trouble, not only in River City but all the way to the front and back seat of government.

An invasive menace in this modern world is the computer virus. It seems as if there's a new one every week. But fear not. Nerdix and Compuquia have a Sister Whose province it is to protect us and our systems. This Fearless Found Goddess is Pimpernella, the Scarlet Warrior Who shields us against snakes, poisons, wild beasts, terrors, negative spirits, the evil eye, and, yes, bugs and viruses. She also, it is said, restores lost memory (1). Instead of invoking Pimpernella, we cheer Her on:

Two, four, six, eight,
Who do we appreciate?
Pimpernella, Pimpernella -
Get that virus outta there!
Yay!!

From far, far away comes Cyberia, from that barren and lonely land where sites errant are exiled into cold storage until they have been examined and deemed useful comes the Goddess of the Download. Even when She comes out, however, She is ever-rebellious and full of tricks with Her clicks. Though devotees of Nerdix are comfortable with Her, She enjoys messing with the minds of the devotees of Compuquia.

Reader, are you in the habit of downloading? Do you do this alone in your room? What form(at) does your downloading take? How long does it take for you to fill up your files? Does your mother know what you're doing?

Like another popular visitor from the colder climes, Cyberia keeps lists: She knows who's been naughty and who's been nice. And like that other visitor, She Brings Gifts. If you know how to download -- how to properly select and click and (occasionally) drag -- you can get virtually anything from Cyberia, for when She deigns to do so, this loving and generous goddess will bring you games and treats and applications to titillate your every fancy. She'll grant your every wish and give you the Great Freebie you only ever dreamed about. Over and over and over and over and over. With all your Windows open and your menus pulled way down. Oh, joy! Oh, Goddess, yes! Yes, yes, YESSSSSSS. OhhhhhHHHHHhhhh, oh, yes, that was good. Thank you, Cyberia, for that majorly awesome download.

 

Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D. is the author of Pagan Every Day: Finding the Extraordinary in Our Ordinary Lives (RedWheel/Weiser, 2006), a unique daybook of daily meditations, stories, and activities. Her earlier books are Finding New Goddesses, Quicksilver Moon, Goddess Meditations, and Practicing the Presence of the Goddess. Her day job is freelance editing for people who don't want to embarrass themselves in print. Barbara lives in southern California. To purchase a signed copy of Finding New Goddesses, just send Barbara an email at bawriting@earthlink.net.

1 - See Scott Cunningham, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (St. Paul: Llewellyn, 1985), pp. 176-77.

Herb of the Season - Oat by Dawn "Belladonna" Thomas

Herb of the Season - Oat (Avena sativa)

Folk Names: Groats, Oatmeal, Joulaf

Planet: Venus

Powers: Money

Parts Used: grain and straw

 

Botanical:

The common oat plant is a grown for its seed. There are more than twenty varieties cultivated. The common oat has a smooth stem that grows up to four feet high. The rough veined leaves narrows towards the tip and the sheaves are striated.

Oats are native to northern Europe but grow well in most temperate regions and can be found throughout the United States. They have a lower summer heat requirement and greater tolerance of rain than other cereals like wheat, rye or barley, so are particularly important in areas with cool, wet summers such as Northwest Europe. It has even been grown successfully in Iceland. Oats are an annual plant and can be planted either in autumn (for late summer harvest) or in the spring (for early autumn harvest) and need space for effective cultivation.

Oats, like rye, are usually considered a secondary crop, coming from a weed of the primary cereal similar to wheat and barley. As these cereals spread westwards into cooler, wetter areas, this may have favored the oat weed component, leading to its eventual domestication.

 

Folklore and History:

Oat bread was first manufactured in England, where the first oat bread factory was established in 1899. In Scotland they were, and still are, held in high esteem, as a mainstay of the national diet. The centrality of oats in traditional Scottish cuisine is not surprising. This compares to wheat in England and maize (corn) in North America and Australia. Oats grown in Scotland command a premium price throughout the United Kingdom as a result of these traditions.

In early days, oat straw was used to stuff mattresses. Some European legends tell of a field spirit called the Oats Goat. The spirit of this creature is embodied into a doll made from the last sheaf collected from the field. This doll is a symbol of fertility for both the farmer and family. The story in Germany is similar but has a stallion instead of a goat.

 

Herbal Uses:

Oats are a rich source of silicon. There are many ways to prepare oats. One of the most common is rolled or crushed into oatmeal, or ground into fine oat flour. Oatmeal is chiefly eaten as porridge, but may also be used in a variety of baked goods, such as oatcakes, oatmeal cookies, and oat bread. Oats are also an ingredient in many cold cereals, in particular museli and granola. Oats may also be consumed raw, and cookies with raw oats are becoming popular. In Scotland a porridge called Sowens was made by soaking the oat bran or husks in water. After soaking for about a week the mixture was strained to separate the fine, floury part of the oat meal which remained as sediment. The slightly fermented mixture was then boiled. Oats are also occasionally used in Britain for brewing beer. Oatmeal stout is one variety brewed using a percentage of oats for the wort.

Eating oatmeal has been proved to lower cholesterol and improve stamina since they are good for the heart and circulatory system. Oatmeal is easily digested and is an ideal food for invalids, women that have recently given birth, and those with fevers. Adding fruit or honey to cooked oats will provide additional nutrition. Some homeopaths use oatmeal for colds with heavy mucus discharge, fatigue, and also insomnia. When roasted, the oats can be brewed into coffee. It can also be used as a laxative.

Oatmeal supplies many nutrients to the skin including B-complex vitamins and calcium. It is recommended that cosmetic grade colloidal oatmeal mixed with water be used daily to remove dirt and makeup from the skin. An oatmeal scrub is also good for blemishes. An oatmeal mask made with oatmeal, lemon juice, cream and brewer’s yeast can provide extra nourishment and will stimulate cellular metabolism.

Oat extract can also be used to soothe skin conditions as in some skin lotions. A poultice can be made for skin irritations by adding slippery elm powder into cooked oats. A bath made with oats can provide relief for many ailments. Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue and skin disorders (especially chicken pox) are just a few examples. Oatmeal can be made into soap to soothe itchy skin.

While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal and rolled oats, one of the most common uses is livestock feed specifically horses and cattle. This is done by grinding the oats into coarse flour using a mill. Oats are also used in some brands of dog and chicken feed. Oat straw is prized by cattle and horse producers as bedding, due to its soft, relatively dust-free, and absorbent nature.

 

Magical Uses:

Oat cakes are made with the new grain and shared with family and friends at Lammas. In the past they were ground into a coarse grain and baked on a sheepskin next to the fire.

The straw can also be used for making corn dollies. Oats were also used in money spells. Carry a sprig of oat to improve a financial situation. By placing an oat sprig in the house, the occupants would never grow hungry.

 

Sources:
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul, MN. Llewellyn Publications. 2000
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal Volume II. Mineola, NY. Dover Publications. 1971
Griggs, Barbara. The Green Witch Herbal. Rochester, VT. Healing Arts Press. 1994
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Year. Rochester, VT. Destiny Books, 1995
Telesco, Patrica. The Herbal Arts. Secaucus, NJ. Carol Publishing Group. 1998

Sowens - Definitions from Dictionary.com

Photo credit: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AVSA

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avena_sativa

In Her Service: Reflections from a Priestess of Aphrodite - Book Review by Dawn Thomas

Book Review In Her Service Reflections from a Priestess of Aphrodite

By Laurelei Dabrielle

ISBN: 978-0-6151-6816-6

This book is in a pdf format. I found the information to be well researched. The author writes in the foreword about her relationship with Aphrodite and being a Priestess. She explains how she discovered her path and the Clan of the Laughing Dragon.

In the first chapter Priestess or Prostitute? Ms. Dabrielle discusses the perception of the Aphrodite Priestess-hood. She also gives historical information on the Temples in Ancient Corinth. In the second chapter Erecting the Temple, she gives an example of a temple in a modern scenario. There are also descriptions of the duties of a temple priestess: Invoking the Goddess, Counseling and Healing, along with sexual service.

In the third chapter Liturgy of Grace she includes a basic format for rituals. There is a very complete and thorough listing of names for many Goddesses. The fourth chapter is called Two Rites. There are two rituals which are very detailed. The first ritual is called a Mirror ritual and consists of honoring the beauty within. The second ritual called the Aphrodisia Ritual is a more detailed and lengthy ritual.

The fifth chapter Cultivating Grace – She discusses the three Graces and what the names mean in today’s society and how it is perceived. With Splendor she discusses how it the perception can vary with different people. With Mirth she talks about the art of conversation. The last Grace is Thalia. She is known for good cheer.  There are pockets of information spread throughout this book that really makes the reader think. The sixth chapter The Art of Pleasure – one of the topics in this chapter is to find pleasure in ordinary things. Food, drink, music, dance and the comforts of home are just a few examples.

In the seventh chapter Heiros Gamos the author gives the definition to the term as Sacred Marriage. She gives a brief description on this rite and the pagan community. She also shares a glimpse into a novel she is writing about Sappho as the Priestess on Lesbos. The eighth chapter Dark Gold discusses the darker side of the Goddess. She begins with the competition of the most fair and the golden apple and finishes with darker sexuality.

In the ninth chapter The Temple, Renewed the author gives many group websites. She also includes information for others to start their own groups. There is a very thorough bibliography on the resources she used throughout the book. This book would be great for anyone interested in Aphrodite.

In Memorial - Denessa Smith

In Memorial

Denessa Smith

8/25/1965 – 7/28/2008

On July 28, 2008 a bright, beautiful, and vibrant woman passed through the veil. Denessa Smith, the head of the Tempest Smith Foundation passed away. Denessa was a dear and beautiful woman who spoke on behalf of children and women. Her laughter and oh, so much more are already missed in this sphere of existence. The Magical Education Council and ConVocation would like to join the community in honoring and remembering Denessa Smith. Her work in the community and with the Tempest Smith Foundation will be a lasting tribute to the difference one woman can make. Denessa devoted her energy and her drive towards making our community a more tolerant place and her impact will stay with us.

About the Tempest Smith Foundation:

In February 2001, Tempest Smith, at the age of twelve years old, committed suicide due to bullying and persecution. The behavior she was subjected to began when she was in the second grade and increased with intensity until Tempest could no longer dispel the torment through nonviolent reaction. She left written words indicating her decision.

In September 2002, after more than a year of meditation and inner contemplation, Tempest’s mother Denessa Smith, stepped out into the community with a mission and a message. Denessa sought out a local pagan organization, the Federation of Circles and Solitaries (FOCAS), who welcomed her with open arms. Soon after, Denessa became head of the Charities committee for FOCAS, creating the Adopt-a-Shelter program and enhancing the Pagans In Need Fund, both of which are still the main charities of the group today.

Later the next year, Denessa heard of Witches of Michigan (WOM), a group of pagan families that came together to honor the memory of Tempest. Strongly rooted in the importance of family and community, WOM provides a network of caring families who have dedicated themselves to ensuring tolerance and acceptance in all communities.

After months of traveling the circuit to many other groups and nonprofit organizations, Denessa decided it was time to make her mission and message ring louder. In January 2003, the Tempest Smith Foundation (TSF) legally began. The debut of TSF was at the Tempest Smith Memorial Ritual held at ConVocation. The ritual was performed by several prominent figures of the pagan community to honor Tempest, ensuring that her convictions would not go unnoticed.

The year 2004 would be filled with filing paperwork to make TSF a nonprofit organization and copyrighting the logo. Several of the functions attended in that year were the Ford Interfaith Conference, ConVocation as their charity of choice, and the introduction of the Board of Directors for TSF at the Southern Sun Rising Luncheon.

As knowledge of TSF grew, a collaborative effort produced a recipe book as a fundraising tool. The recipe book includes numerous works from family members, prominent pagan authors and local supporters.

Tye-Dye for Tolerance is an activity for people of all ages to show support for tolerance. Squares are dyed to help form a Tolerance Tapestry. Tapestries compiled from several Pagan Pride Day events and the MEC Pagan Picnic will be used as a visual aid during Denessa’s speaking engagements.

When Tempest died, Denessa donated her daughter’s organs to the Gift of Life Foundation. She has since become a registered spokesperson and greater advocate for the Gift of Life and does work with the National Kidney Foundation. Denessa is also a registered candidate for bone marrow donation with the National Marrow Donor Program.

For the last five years, Denessa has become actively involved in several community organizations. She joined DeMolay with her son and became an Advisor for the Masonic youth group. She also joined the Order of the Eastern Star to show more support for the Masonic organization. Through the Meals on Wheels program, Denessa has brought together people from many organizations and multiple communities.

In September 2001, PaganPride.org created a Memorial Page in honor of Tempest. Thousands of people from all over the globe have pledged themselves to being part of the resolution against intolerance. By reading this, you, too, have become a part of the bigger picture — a grand portrait of tolerance, where you can be you and Tempest is free.

http://tempestsmithfoundation.org/about.htm

Moon Schedule from Lammas to Mabon by Dawn "Belladonna" Thomas

Moon Schedule from Lammas to Mabon

By Dawn "Belladonna" Thomas

 

(Times are Eastern Time)

 

2^nd Quarter - August 8^th 4:20 p.m.

Full Moon - August 16^th 5:16 p.m.

4^th Quarter - August 23^rd 7:49 p.m.

New Moon - August 30^th 3:58 p.m.

 

2^nd Quarter - September 7^th 10:04 p.m.

Full Moon - September 15^th 5:13 a.m.

 

Moon Void of Course Schedule

 

Date                                                                Starts                                                                   Ends

 

August 2nd	2:59 p.m.	4:59 p.m.
August 4th	8:16 p.m.	10:28 p.m.
August 7th	5:01 a.m.	7:26 a.m.
August 9th	5:02 p.m.	7:10 p.m.
August 12th	5:04 a.m.	7:42 a.m.
August 14th	1:09 p.m.	6:56 p.m.
August 17th	1:14 a.m.	3:46 a.m.
August 19th	7:41 a.m.	10:10 a.m.
August 21st	12:53 p.m.	2:38 p.m.
August 23rd	5:19 a.m.	5:48 p.m.
August 25th	5:52 p.m.	8:18 p.m.
August 27th	8:13 p.m.	10:51 p.m.
August 29th	11:44 p.m.	August 30th 2:18 a.m.
September 1st	5:01 a.m.	7:44 a.m.
September 3rd	1:09 p.m.	4:02 p.m.
September 5th	11:45 a.m.	September 6th 3:11 a.m.
September 8th	12:43 p.m.	3:45 p.m.
September 10th	9:15 a.m.	September 11th 3:19 a.m.
September 13th	9:19 a.m.	12:04 p.m.
September 15th	3:03 p.m.	5:39 p.m.
September 17th	6:26 p.m.	8:56 p.m.
September 19th	6:51 p.m.	11:17 p.m.

Planting Days

August: 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 17^th, 18^th, 22^nd, 31^st

September: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 13^th, 14^th, 15^th, 18^th, 19^th

Harvesting Days

August: 2^nd, 19^th, 20^th, 21^st, 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th, 28^th, 29^th

September: 16^th, 17^th, 20^th, 21^st

Women - This is What Your Life Is For by Gayle Goldwin

The following was channeled from the Golden Circle of Ascended Feminine Masters, a group of illumined Beings dedicated to helping today's Woman reclaim True Feminine Power:

 

Our precious daughters, Our fondest wish for you is that you enjoy your lives, that they be for you exactly what you wish them to be. 

Has anyone ever told you that this is the reason you are here? That enjoying your life to the fullest is the why you came to Earth? Our beloved daughters, believe Us when We say, this is what your life is for. 

Now how you create that Joy, what you think, say and do to create that happiness in your life, is up to you and your soul. We cannot, in these Messages, tell you where your individual Joy lies, for that is unique to each of you, though you may be sure it never ceases to be whispered to you within the sacred space of your Heart. 

But this much is true for all: when you create your life out of your soul's urgings, out of the longings of your Spirit, Joy inevitably follows. When you create your life by following the highest callings of your Heart, you will know a happiness that can never be taken from you. It is yours forever because it arises from Within and will never be dependent upon any external event.

Our precious ones, We wish to share with you here how to attain that Joy—the concrete actions, the specific steps to take to make it a reality in your life.

First, know that We love you and that you are worthy of that Love. If you could but for a moment see yourselves as We see you, you would never again doubt your courage, capabilities or value. You deserve to be happy.

Second, value your self as We value you. We know your world is busy and makes many demands upon you. Those demands can make it difficult to find the quiet time—or any time—to pay attention to your self. Some of you have even been told that it's "selfish" to not focus on others' first. But know this: every "should" you've ever heard has been spoken by someone who wanted you to do something for them—to serve them, obey them, reflect well on them, or just make life easier in some way for them. Now, We ask you, just who is being "selfish" here? 

It is well to be helpful and cooperative, but never at the cost of your own life, never at the cost of not doing what you came to life to do. When your time here is complete, and you look back on your life to assess it, what other measure of success can there be but, Did I Do What I Came To Life To Do?

Our daughters, be as compassionate, nurturing and supportive of yourself as you are with others. You came to life with a purpose. You cannot fulfill that purpose if you are doing something else. Your Joy and fulfillment lies in doing what your Heart urges you to do, not what you think you "should" or "have to" to gain approval or peace from those who would criticize you. 

Begin to distinguish between the Feelings that arise from your soul and the Emotions generated by the thoughts imprinted upon your mind. (For help with this, see the Message, Turn Signals From Your Soul.) Honor your feelings, but question your emotions. Many of the emotions that drive your choices, and thus your lives, are generated out of the fears, "shoulds," "can'ts" and "have-tos" impressed upon you in childhood.

This will take Awareness and Willingness. But if you are willing to look at your life and acknowledge how you really feel about it, revelations will follow. These revelations will lead you to your Joy. Your joy will take you to your Purpose. And your purpose is your Destiny. It is also where you are happiest, because it is where you find your Freedom. Here at last, you know that your happiness is not dependent upon another outside yourself fulfilling some artificially generated emotional need. Here, you are happy because your true feelings are honored and fulfilled from within. This is where your freedom lies and it is realized by following the calling of your Heart. 

You can speed this process along by journaling your response to these questions:

What do you like to do here? How do you like to spend your hours? What would you do if you had absolutely nothing you ever had to do? Spend some time on these questions. It may take a few layers to get through what you've been told to think you have to do.

What do you like to be around? What kind of people? What activities or experiences? Where do you like to be? What kind of environments? What sounds do you like to hear, or not hear? As you move through this process, you will become more and more aware of how your activities, companions and environments either energize or drain you. Honor your inner urges that move you toward some and away from others.

What do you long for? Is there a dream you've had your entire life? And does thinking of it put a soft smile on your face? Some of you may have to do a bit of analysis to go beneath the things you've been told that convinced your mind you needed this or that. But know this: your spirit needs nothing from another. You came to this world to create something or to experience something. And no one but you knows what. The question is: are you willing to acknowledge it?

Are you willing to serve where it is a joy for you to serve? And only where it is a joy to serve? Yes, We know you have many things you have to do, many hands clamoring for your services. But We tell you this: enjoy what you are doing or stop doing it. Yes, you heard correctly. Stop doing it. Go do something physical to dissipate your discordant energies until you can return to it with love. And, if your un-enjoyment of it persists, then acknowledge that truth and be willing to find a way to exit the situation gracefully, for it means that you are truly in the Wrong Place for you.

Be willing, Our daughters. Be willing to acknowledge what is true for you. Be willing to acknowledge what you came to life for. Be willing to follow your Heart's call, wherever that leads you, for it is not possible to fail when doing what you came to life to do. So succeed in what matters most. Succeed in doing what you came to do. You do that by following your Joy.

 

© 2007 Gayle Goldwin. Excerpted from Messages From The High Mother, a collection of channeled messages from the group of illumined Beings Who guided the creation of Woman Spirit Oracles: Wisdom of the Ancients, and Solutions for Today, a modern-day divination tool of Feminine Empowerment.

Read more Channeled Messages or get a Free Oracle Card Reading, at www.WomanSpiritOracles.com