Kansas City Witches Meetup Presents
Elements:: Water
Spring Equinox 2019
The Center Spiral
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions expressed in any article in this publication are expressly those of the author and the author only. They do not necessarily represent the thoughts and opinions of The Center Spiral Magazine and Staff.
Letter from the Editor The Center Spiral STaff From the STars Turn of the Wheel Full Moons KCPPD Article Hekaterine Nox Luna's Lair with Luna Motherowl Deity Cafe Yemaya Poseidon Altar Creation: Under the surface Katarina Elaine M Songs of the Season with Mike Nichols Musecraft McKayla Pencraft Creative Writing Water: The Mighty force that Takes the Path of Least Resistance Kahla Wheeler-Rowan In the Cards The Chariot Crystal Corner Aquamarine Gifts of Gaia Vanilla Stuff the World is Made Of Sam Shryock Out of the Cauldron Pink Salad Bath Bombs KC American Field Service Conswelia McCourt Contemplative Crone from the Urban Crone Community Voices How do you connect with Water? Bookshelf Book Review Resources Advertising Next Issue Theme and Call for Content cONTRIBUTORS Thank you
Table of Contents
Cover Image: Emily Gabbert
Image Credit: Calistar KB
Letter from the Editor
In this issue, we explore the element of water. We have seen a lot of this element lately with flooding throughout the Midwest; along both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, from the melting snows, and a good deal of rain. Despite the excess causing a variety of problems, water is possibly the most essential element to life. The abundance of life on this earth would not exist without the presence of water. In fact, astrophysicists know to look for life forms on other planets where some form of water has or currently or previously existed. Be it the ancient seas where our evolution began or the womb we are born from, without water, we would not have life. The earth is about 70% water, and the human body is about 60% water. It exists not only in oceans, rivers, and lakes, but in glaciers and ice caps. It falls on us in rain, and sits in the air as water vapor. We have massive aquifers underground we tap to process so when we turn on the faucet in our kitchen, fresh water comes out. Water is soft enough for our children to play in, yet tough enough it can cut through rock. Naturally, it wears away at stone over eons. With our help it can take seconds. So what does this mean on a more magical and spiritual level? Water is representative of our emotions. Our feelings ebb and flow like the seas, shift with the phases and the pull of the moon. It is the psychic undercurrent we tap into; our subconscious where we dive deep into dreams, trance, meditation, altered states, and shadow work. It is a force for transition, change, and liminality. Any shore where water meets land is a liminal space, whether along oceans, lakes, ponds, mighty rivers, or trickling creeks. It sets a natural boundary, both physical and metaphysical, like the River Styx. Water connects us to each other, and all life on this planet (and possibly others). It represents the emotions that inspire us to both create and destroy. It nurtures us to life, and can take us to our death. Water is a place of liminality, and there is a great deal it can teach us, both practically and spiritually.
Emily Gabbert Editor
The Center Spiral Staff
Audrey Hazzard has been practicing some form of witchcraft for over 20 years, and leading public and private rituals in the Kansas City area for the last 10. She's a tarot reader with a fondness for chaos magick, trance work, potions, farmer's markets, feminism, and vintage cookbooks. She blogs intermittently and travels whenever she can.
Emily Gabbert has been a practicing witch and a follower of a Pagan path for nearly 20 years. She led a group for alternative religions at MU, and was tapped into a society recognizing women leaders for her efforts. She joined the Kansas City Pagan Community in 2013, and has been a co-organizer for the Kansas City Witches Meetup since 2016, receiving the KCPPD Community Service Award in 2017. She is a baker by trade with an interest in all kinds of arts and crafts, and sometimes she writes.
Laurie Sherman (Urban Crone) has over 30 years of experience in Tarot and divination, Urban Witchcraft, Multicultural Folk Magic and Eclectic Paganism. Recipient of the 2014 KCPPD Community Service Award, she has been a teacher and organizer for the Pagan community for a number of years, including her work with the KC Metaphysical Fair, Kansas City Pagan Pride Day, and has been the Organizer of the Kansas City Witches Meetup since 2012. Laurie Sherman is also a mixed medium and pyrographic artist, as well as a writer.
Emaleth Summer has been a practicing witch for more than 25 years. She is also a professional writer and editor with 11 years of experience in her field. Emaleth has several works in progress as well as a blog about witchcraft and eclectic paganism.
Mike Nichols is the author of The Witches' Sabbats and www.WitchesSabbats.com, both award-winning resources on Pagan holidays. Mike has been a featured speaker on National Public Radio, and local TV and radio programs. He taught classes in Witchcraft for twenty years continuously, beginning in 1970, and owned Kansas City's first occult bookstore, The Magick Lantern. A founding member of the Coven of New Gwynedd, Nichols was the first Wiccan representative on the Kansas City Interfaith Council.
Luna Motherowl is a Christo-Pagan Witch, leads a local circle here in the Kansas City area, and is a Reiki Master Teacher in Seichim and Usui. She owns and operates Higher Vibrations Metaphysical Studio where she teaches, counsels, and give readings. She thrives on learning and experiencing all the magic this life has to offer, from cruising on her motorcycle while balancing her chakras to climbing the Qabala from Malkuth to Kether.
March 20th – Vernal Equinox, Ostara Blessings Full moon (Storm, Chaste, Raven, Seed, Windy) Moon, 9:43pm. (The perfect time to plant seeds of intentions for prosperity & success) Sun enters Aries Int`l Astrology Day April 5th – New Moon in Aries April 19th – Full moon (Hare, Wind, Planters, Meadow) Moon, 7:12am. (A time to work with the new spiritual stirrings that are craving to take root) April 20th – Sun enters Taurus May 1st – May Day/Beltane Blessings May 4th – New Moon in Taurus May 18th – Full moon (Flower, Goddess, Milk, Faery) Moon, 5:11pm. (Enchantment & Love workings are a nice touch for the may full moon) May 21st – Sun enters Gemini June 17th – Full moon (Strong Sun, Dyad, Green Corn, Mead, Partner, Rose) Moon, 4:31am. (Workings on repairing relationships, marriage & commitments in order to move forward) Retrogrades Mercury – March 5th - 28th Jupiter - April 10th Pluto – April 24thSaturn – April 30th
by Luna Motherowl
From the Stars
by: Emily Gabbert
Turn of the Wheel
Image Credit: Pexels
Full Moons
Full Moons are one of those things we as witches will always love. Not only do we feel the magic of the moon shining down on us, but it is a nice, bright light in the sky to making the world around us awash in a silvery glow. We are coming to the time of year where the weather is improving and it is easier to get outside to enjoy things like the Full Moon, so we will go over the next few months with what kind of astrological energies to expect with each Full Moon, as well as what types of magic and correspondences are good for that time of year. April 19: Egg Moon April's Full Moon in Libra can highlight emotional imbalances in various kinds of relationships. Hidden things can be exposed, and patterns or cycles in those relationships may need to come to a conclusion. Do not be afraid to express yourself and be fully aware of who you truly are, but do so with compassion and humility to avoid small things becoming total chaos. Also, keep on eye on your impulsive tendencies. Unpredictable events and behaviors can add more tension than excitement. This Is a good time for magic involving fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Utilize seeds, flowers, rainwater, storms and winds in your magic. Other names for this Full Moon are the Pink Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, Hare Moon, and Paschal Moon. Correspondences: Colors: red, yellow, blue Herbs: dandelion, milkweed, dogwood, fennel, dill Stones: quartz, selenite, angelite Element: Air May 18: Flower Moon Being in Scorpio, this full moon delves into your feelings, emotions, and the roots of you psyche. It is a good time to look into the things that have a hold on you, weighing you down or throwing you off balance, and to work through or release them. Checking out of this doesn’t help, you gain much more by finding creative ways through. This kind of deep work means your shallower relationships will likely be particularly unsatisfying for you right now. This Full Moon is a good time for more fertility magic, but tie it to the abundance side of things. This is the month of Beltane, so celebrate with fiery love and lust, and bring things to blossom. Other names for this Full Moon include the Corn-Planting Moon, and the Milk Moon. Correspondences: Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow Herbs: Mint, Cinnamon, Rowan Stones: ruby, garnet, amber, apache tear Element: fire June 17: Strawberry Moon Under this moon, bring your attention to your spirituality, and the search for some greater meaning. Harness that Sagittarian optimism to set lofty goals and get a good long look at the bigger picture in regards to what you want and where you want your life to go. Look for ways to harness a sense of transcendence, but be sure to keep a pragmatic, grounded view as well to keep from getting lost in the excitement. It is the month of the Summer Solstice. Tap into some solar energy with your moon magic, particularly when you see the full moon in the sky before the sun goes down. Also, do magic to maintain and enhance the things you have. Some other names for this Full Moon are the Hot Moon, Mead Moon, Rose Moon, and Strong Sun Moon. Correspondences: Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange Herbs: parsley, mosses, mugwort Stones: topaz, agate Element: Earth
continued
Image Credit: Emily Gabbert
Image Credit: Wikimedia
by Hekaterine Nox
KCPPD: A Return to Avalon
KCPPD is proud to reach full maturity with its 21st Annual event this year on Sunday, September 8, 2019. As an added layer, the coordinators of this year’s event have decided to use a theme to tie in all the elements of workshops, rituals, & children’s activities. “Return to Avalon” conjures stories of King Arthur and the magic that surrounded him. From the guidance of Merlin, the angst of his sister, Morgan le Fay, his companions of the Round Table – Avalon was where he went for reflection, inspiration, and was his final resting place. Also known as the Isle of Apples, Avalon was ever-known for its mysticism. Drawing in the key elements of healing, abundance, balance, and divinity, these concepts dovetail with traditional Mabon celebrations around this time of year. Also featured this year, will be a Reader’s Village for tarot card readers, mediums, and other divination techniques. Applications for Readers and Vendors will be available by the end of March on the website, www.kcppd.com. Please watch KCPPD’s Facebook and website for more updated information as it comes available.
Luna's Lair
Luna, I am just getting into oils and was wondering what type of blessing oil do you use? Nadia Hello Nadia, Well, I make and use several different blessing oils. It depends on what I am blessing and why. I make a lodestone oil for any of my mojo bags, sigils, and any type of attraction workings. If you are making your own, I suggest using a mineral oil because it has a shelf life of years, not months like olive or almond. Add 2 to 3 stones to the oil and several pinches of magnetic sand for an extra boost. Place in East window for 7 days and nights shaking it daily for a couple weeks. Then it's ready! I use olive oil for my altar tools, jewelry, and for myself and others. Sometimes I add a drop of an appropriate essential oil. For protection I make a sage infused olive oil. Very easy but I suggest only making a small amount at a time. It will go rancid after a few months. I hope this helped! Good luck on your journey into the never-ending possibilities of oils! Blessings,
Luna
with Luna Motherowl
Know that there are no simple, unimportant questions, and none too off the wall. I can say that my answers will be honest to my truths, loving from my heart, and straightforward from my personality. I will reply to all email questions, and will choose a few questions & answers for publishing in each edition. Send all questions to asklunaslair@gmail.com.
by: Isha Everidge Martin
Image Credit:: Wikimedia Commons
The Yoruba people of West Africa practice a faith called Ifa. The deities of Ifa are Orisha's. Ifa is steeped in oral tradition and is centered around a divination system, Odu-Ifa, which is comprised of 16 “letters” that are cast using a variety of methods including cowrie shells. Each of these letters are explained with allegories called “patakis” or proverbs, and each letter has a number associated with it, and at least one Orisha who will speak through the oracular Odu. The term Orisha contains the word “ori” which means head. It is said that an Orisha claims each person at the moment of their conception and that Orisha will guide the individual through their incarnation. One must have divination performed by a qualified priest, Babalawo; or priestess, Iyanifa in order to learn who the Orisha is that “owns their head.” Yemaya is the mother of the Orisha and all living things. She is born of the waters. In Yorubaland she rules the rivers and in the Americas she is thought to rule the sea. Yemaya (also Yemoja) is the great nurturer and protectress. The Orisha are thought to have many human qualities, Yemaya as such has loved, given birth, been betrayed, and offers safe harbor to her children. Her name is a contraction. Yeye – mother, Omo – child, and Eja – fish; or “Mother of children who are like fish.” Her colors are blue and crystal. Her number is seven. Her garments flow like water and this is represented in her sacred dance. She is frequently depicted as a mermaid. While she is frequently honored as mother, she manifests many other aspects, including as a great warrior. Yemaya-Okuti is fierce. She is dressed in dark blue and coral. This Yemaya carries a scimitar and lives in the red tide ... as though she is bathed in the blood of her enemies. Yemaya-Okuti is not to be trifled with and she is especially interested in protecting those that have been sexually assaulted. Orisha have a way of speaking to those who need to hear them. It is not surprising that her aspect as Okuti has stepped forward to introduce this facet of herself. She wants you to know she is here, she is listening, and she's got your back. If you are hearing her speak to you, find your way to the river, introduce yourself, and then just listen … for this Yemaya is Queen of the Witches.
Yemaya
Deity Cafe
Isha Everidge Martin has studied African Traditional Religion for over twenty years. She was initiated to Ifa as Iya Efunkemi Kikelomo Oriola in 2006 and is a member of Ile Ori Ogbe Egun under the tutelage of her godmother and priestess of Yemaya, Iyanifa Ifalade Tashia Asanti. She is particularly proud of the fierce diversity of her spiritual Ifa lineage.
Image Credit: Laurie Sherman
Poseidon
Because we are right in the middle of the continent, it can be hard for some of us to connect with a God like Poseidon. After all, we are miles and miles from the nearest sea, in any direction. However, we live on the remains of a very ancient sea, and the fossilized remnants are still beneath our feet. Poseidon was one of the sons of Rhea and Cronos, brother to Zeus and Hades. When the brothers drew lots for who would rule what, Poseidon drew the sea. He is said to live there in a golden castle decorated with coral. He is often depicted with his Trident, a 3-pronged spear made for him by the Cyclops. His wife is named Amphitrite, and she bore his son, Triton. He also has many other children (by various mortal and immortal women), including Pegasus, Theseus, and Atlas. He was a rather prominent deity to the Greeks, being influential in the Iliad, where he supported the Greek attack of Troy (out of vengeance), and the Odyssey, where he was the one who cursed Odysseus to spend 10 years lost at sea. He caused a drought in Athens when Athena won over him for patron of the city, and might have been involved in the creation of the Minotaur. Poseidon was also a God of earthquakes. He could strike his trident on the ground and cause the earth to tremble. He is often represented by horses, the hippocampus (half horse, half fish), dolphins, bulls, pine trees, and wild celery. He is classically depicted with dark hair and a beard. There are various hymns written to him, including Homeric and Orphic. If this is a God you are interested in connecting with, even in the middle of a continent, remember we stand on the remains of an ancient sea. We are also on a great river that makes its way to the sea. There are more than just obvious ways to connect with a God of Oceans.
"If your altar is not active, your voice will not be strong" - Steven Chuks Nwaokeke
Under the Surface
Altar Creation:
by: Katarina Elaine M
Pagans have altars. We read chapters in books about how to build those altars; the instructions shared with us are almost always words and actions for physical altar creation. We are told where to place which objects, according to this tradition or that other tradition, and what rhyming verses to recite. These common altar directions only involve working with air, fire, and earth. Something of water, something ambiguous, goes missing. The creation of a powerful altar is made in a manner that includes the creative energies of the water element. There is a process underneath the surface that practitioners engage in, whether consciously or intuitively, that makes the difference between an altar and an aesthetically pleasing table of trinkets. Receiving Guidance The first phase of altar creation is receiving guidance. Before we blaze forward with our own ideas of building an altar, it is important to pause and be receptive. If we only ever assert ourselves in life, speaking without listening, or working without resting, we obviously lack in balance and both our words and our actions will soon become less impactful. Altar creation also requires a balanced and empathic approach. It begins by letting ourselves be open to receive. The guidance that we might receive has many forms. It could be an experience of learning about altar set up from your coven elders, or finding an altar example in a book that feels exactly right. It could also be communication from your higher self, your guides, or the deities that you are working with. It is while we are openly accepting the flow of guidance that we will discover answers to core questions such as ‘What is the purpose of this altar?’ and ‘What type of altar or shrine will this become?’ Mindful Gathering and Building The next phase of altar creation is mindful gathering and building. This phase does include the actions of altar building that are commonly known to Pagans. However, sticking candles in corners with symbolic images and tools is only what happens on the surface of altar set up. Throwing some objects and crystals of matching color onto a table with a god or goddess statue is not necessarily an altar; it is often more of a decorative Pagan display. Powerful altars are put together with mindfulness. Altar building is an art form of meaningful pieces being selected and arranged while in a state of mind that might be best described as Zen. Learning to shift yourself into that trance-like state is key. In that state, your knowledge of historical traditions and correspondences will meld with your extrasensory impressions as you work the work of mindful creation. That intense focus given to building an altar is what will set it apart energetically, and in the mind of the practitioner, from the other mundane spaces. Evocation or Intention The last phase of this altar creation process is evocation and/or setting intention. By this point in the process the purpose of the altar you are making is clear. You may be creating an altar to your ancestors, to a goddess that you have begun a relationship with, for a Sabbat like Ostara, or maybe a simple working altar. With that in mind, speaking an evocation or setting an intention is needed to bring forth the correct energies or entities. Though Pagans often use the word ‘altar’ as an umbrella term, an altar that is created for specific persons or deities might be more accurately described as a shrine. When we build a shrine, we are energetically creating a place for that entity to reside. A shrine is where we go to interact with them. Building a shrine to a god or goddess in our home can be compared to accepting a new roommate. The altar space is the room that you have cleared out and set up for them. Using that analogy, one can better understand why Buckland referred to altar tools like incense burners and candles as being ‘altar furniture’. If making the physical altar is setting up a room for a deity, then evocation is the act of helping them move in. Altars that are not dedicated to specific persons or gods are still spaces where certain energies should reside. An altar that is being created for a Sabbat such as Ostara is a space where energies of renewal, creation, beginnings, and other energies of Spring are being beckoned. Those energies can be found deep within nature, and they can also be brought to reside in powerful altars. In the case of a Sabbat altar, the energy work of setting intentions is typically a built-in part of the Sabbat ritual. In the case of a working altar where sacred tools are kept and spells are cast, a ceremony is recommended to dedicate the space. That ceremony involves evocation or setting intention. If you recognize that you have created a working altar based on the elements, for example, then the energies of the elements should be called and present at that altar. Setting intentions for a basic meditation could be done by the actions of burning a cleansing incense or with a chant. No matter how lovely an altar may be, if the relevant energies or entities are not called to the altar space, it will feel hollow and shallow. There are any number of ways to do the work of evocation or intention setting for an altar; what matters is that we do it. Remember that the balanced crafting of a powerful altar involves water. There is a significant process that happens under the surface, intuitively for many, and shouldn’t be overlooked. It is our ability to receive guidance, work mindfully, and evoke or set intentions that brings sacredness, depth, and life itself to our altar creations.
Continued
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Katarina Elaine M. is a thriving artist, published author, professional tarot reader, speaker, performer, and healer. Her love for wild creatures and deep connection to nature has been inspiring Katarina’s surreal fantasy creations her whole life. A dedicated eclectic Wiccan; she believes in using her various gifts and skills to inspire and help others as a community witch.
"For thousands of years we have gathered in circle -- around fires, around bodies, around altars -- because we can't do this alone." - Wayne Muller
with Mike Nichols
Songs of the Season
Elements: Water Full Playlist
True story. When I was in high school, I had a job as a broadcast DJ at my hometown radio station, KAOL, in Carrollton, Missouri. On some days, especially during the spring, it would begin to rain, and keep on raining for the entire day. Now, I have always loved rainy days, and I have also always believed that the "mood" of a rainy day can be further enhanced by listening to songs about rain. So, I would begin playing rain songs on the air, one after the other, challenging myself to see how long I could keep going. After about the second hour of this, people would begin calling the radio station with requests. Most were, "OH MY GOD!!! MAKE HIM STOP!!!" Naturally, being sensitive to my listeners (and having no sponsors to please), I ignored them. Here's the funny thing, though. The phone lines kept ringing, and the listeners kept complaining, hour upon hour. That could mean then only one of one only thing: they were still listening! Which led me to a conclusion. People love rain songs. I suspected that true music lovers even made mix tapes of rain songs. These days, I suspect they may even make playlists of rain songs. That might explain how, when we sent out our usual request for music related to this issue's theme, water, we were immediately flooded (sorry) with responses. It seemed that everyone had their favorite rain songs. And not just rain, to be sure! There were also songs about storms, rivers, lakes, oceans, boats, mermaids, etc. Nearly 100 songs were contributed (including some duplicates that were removed), making this one our our largest playlists to date, all carefully sequenced for maximum variety! So once again, a huge thank you to all those music aficionados who heeded our call. You responded, as always, with songs that run the gamut from heavy metal to country, from soul to rock, from pop to ragtime, from movies to oldies. You make my task of curating these playlists an absolute delight. May you experience the same delight while listening!
How did you get started in your work? My grandmother is a large part of my influence for anything artsy since I was a child. She continues to show and teach me her new findings in the art world. My mother as well has supported my interest in photography and gifted me a camera for my 16th birthday and lens the following years. Where do you pull inspiration from? My inspiration pulls mainly from my emotions as well as music and other artist work. What mediums do you work with and why? I work with acrylics, pastels, alcohol inks, resin, and i am currently finding many new mediums to work with. Where do we go to find more of your work? Facebook: Corvus Poet Instagram: Corvus_Creations_KC
Musecraft
McKayla
Pencraft
The Goddess, She called to me, Mother! she who has born a child of her womb, stand by My side in triumph, for you have created life! Your progeny, the future of the world The Goddess, She called to me, Matriarch! She who has acquired children, not of her womb but of her heart, stand beside Me in glory for you love & nurture those not your own because you are selfless and giving The Goddess, She called to me, Mother! She that has lost her child, in grief and sorrow, stand beside Me in strength for you have endured heartache and rest your weary head upon My shoulder. They are not forgotten. Mothers! matriarchs! Hear me now. You are sacred to me. Your life is your own but you are glorious in the sharing of yourself. You are the Creator within yourself and you are sacred. Heed my words. For you are but one of the faces I allow the world to see. You are holy. You are revered. And you are whole.
Image Credit: McKayla
Mother
In a half-lit sky that warms your face... Of remaining clouds... A drop of H2O falling with grace... Seeking a hydrogen bond... You reached out to me to fill your void... Lied to keep my company... My heart was conned... I landed next to you... Atmospheric Blue... I smile because I'm perfectly formed... Bent... Hexagonal and Crystalline.... The perfect sheen... When light touches me... A sight to behold... Transparent with a hint of blue... I was destined to long for you... Atmospheric and Blue... We are sun-kissed and resting beneath a rainbow... But... Time for change has come... I'm giving way to the sun... I stayed for as long as I can... It's not a part of the Great Plan... I sadly raise my particles... And begin to evaporate... I am not gone but am something new... Now at peace with you... I found my rest like lithium... I am now a dynamic equilibrium... Now... Microscopy molecules suspended in air... I move, but with care... I am in O2.... Now surrounding you... A part of me will always be a part of you.. Not that I have a choice... Nature has its own voice... Atmospheric and Blue.... The cool-down has begun... My eyes are closed as I pass you by in condensation... Returning to the cloud in perfect form... Just to return to the ground.. I am now confident that I an found... I've always had purpose... My life... it's not some big circus... I smile and raise my particles... I give way to the (son) sun... Gave me a molecule to which I can bond This H2O is light my heart grows fond... I can't believe my situation... Evaporation... He gave me life brand new... Look what He can do... Atmospheric and Blue.
by JeniBluebox
Atmospheric and Blue
The Mighty Force That Takes the Path of Least Resistance
I am a defender of water; flowing, moving water. For water to be the mighty force that changes landscapes with rivers and rain, that changes our ways of thinking when we remain fluid, that changes us emotionally when we surrender to its unyielding force transforming us into a new way of being, it must flow. Becoming in tune with the waters within, we can first look to the waters without. Most of us are familiar with the water that flows above ground but how many of you are as familiar with the underground waters? When I was a teen, my father became enthralled with caves and Missouri has hundreds. We spent vacations for several years going to this cave and that. I love the sound of water flowing underground, the might, the sensation of movement within rock; it thrills me. As an herbalist, I have been interested in the work of Joseph Cocannouer, author of Weeds, Guardians of the Soil and David W. Wolfe in Tales of the Underground. These two writers speak about the water that is available in the soil and the plants and soil organisms that help distribute this water to others. Cocannouer writes about how weeds are beneficial to their environment by performing duties that contribute to the overall health of the field. Native and naturalized weeds move minerals and other nutrients from deep below to the surface plants through their own root systems. They then share this wealth of food with the surrounding plants via root transference. Not only do plants move nutrients, but that crucial element of long term survival, water. Alfalfa roots can reach depths of 30-40 feet with the average around 33 feet deep. This just boggles my mind that this annual plant can reach such depths so quickly. Alfalfa is also known for its wealth of nutrients. It can be used inside the body, but not daily, nor if kidney disease is present. Alfalfa is full of saponins that act like soap, even producing suds. Saponins can damage cell walls and must be used with restraint, no more than twice a week. Burdock has a deep root system of up to 10 feet and also moves water and nutrients within the root to feed and waters it and others. Burdock root is a known herbal ally brought from Europe hundreds of years ago. Burdock root has a bitter taste and must be parboiled 3 times to remove the bitter constituents. The dried root is made into a decoction to aid in digestive problems and liver conditions. Burdock is known as a deep healer and will not only aid the digestive system but will cleanse the skin and kidneys. The herbalist has always used water preparations to assist the body in healing, provide comfort and reach a state of homeostasis. Water is still the most readily used menstrum in herbal medicine worldwide. As westerners, we often think of tea as weak and of little consequence, but others understand the power of simple teas and brews. In March of 2018, scientists announced “a new organ,” the interstitium consisting of fluid-filled spaced in collagen-based connective tissues throughout the body. I propose that we will learn that the interstitium is present throughout the body, even between cells as part of the extracellular matrix. Water travels through our bodies via this matrix and interstitium; it flows through us as it flows through the earth. The excitement surrounding this new discovery is its ability to be used as a delivery system to tissues that are less populated with blood vessels, especially in the dermis layer of skin. I’m not sure this is a “new organ,” but I do understand the flow of water throughout the body that is not dependent on digestion or circulation via the arteries in blood. As an herbalist that experiments with water solutions, I know that the body uses water differently by moving it through the tissues into the extracellular matrix and the interstitium. Here’s an experiment for you. Take a drink of water and hold it in your mouth. Observe how long it takes for your soft palate and gums to absorb the liquid. Another experiment is to make a cup of ginger tea and enjoy it. Notice the way the warmth diffuses from your core to your extremities. The herbalist uses water to wash the various systems of the body as the rain washes the earth. This bathing can contain nutrients such as carbohydrates, antioxidants, polysaccharides, pectins, vitamins, tannins and other water soluble constituents. This easy delivery system requires little to no digestion and provides the body with additional water unlike sodas and energy drinks. Just think of it this way, if it’s got sugar in in, it’s not water. Daily brews are safe with a few exceptions. If you are allergic to the plant, do not use in brews. Also, if you are on blood thinners, it is best to not use red clover unless you are directed by your health care professional, preferably an herbalist. If you drink daily brew each day, the plants will talk to you, they will have their way with you and they will change you. Go ahead, do the experiment, you might like it.
Making Tea Use Tbl of dried plant material 8 oz of boiling water Steep 10-15 minutes Strain. Enjoy!
Water
by Kahla Wheeler-Rowan
Daily Brews 1 ounce of dried plant material 1 quart of boiling water Pour boiling water over plant material in a heat resistant jar. Allow the brew to steep for up to 8 hours, drain and enjoy. Plants Material: Stinging Nettles, Oatstraw, Red Clover, Violets, Comfrey Leaves
Brews Using Cold Water 1 ounce of Marshmallow Root 1 quart of cold water Allow cold brew to steep 2-4 hours before draining and enjoying.
Image Credit: JFlynn
Helpful Decoctions 1 cup of plant material 2 quarts of water Place plant material in a pan with water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer on low until ½ of the liquid has evaporated. Drain plant material and enjoy. Plant Material: Burdock, Ashwaganda, Damiana, Prickly Ash, Yellow Dock
Kahla Wheeler-Rowan is an herbalist, teacher, lecturer, author, gardener, metaphysician and singer working with integrated healing traditions with a focus on nutrition, simpler methods and plant chromatics. Using experiential program, she helps students explore the herbal world while allowing them to find their truth with the plants. Kahla is the Founder and Executive Director of PrairieWise Herbal School and offers a program at The Laya Center, llc.
Number: VII Planet: Moon Sign: Cancer Element: Water Kabbalistic path: Cheth
by: Laurie Sherman
The Chariot
Image Credit: Wikipedia
In the Cards
The 7th card of the Major Arcana is The Chariot. As we look at the Fool’s Journey, this is really the first card in the Major Arcana that represents him making his own choices. Even The Lovers card denotes decisions influenced by others. This card is about taking personal control and making decisions for yourself, overcoming conflicts and moving in a positive direction. The sphinxes are colored in black and white, symbolizing the duality of positive and negative, opposing forces, the choices the charioteer must make, and circumstances he must learn to control to follow the path that leads to his highest good. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the charioteer does not have the reins of the horses in his hands. This demonstrates control not through physical feats, but by sheer force of mental fortitude. The charioteer is also standing rather than sitting, denoting not only the will to face his path head on, but his readiness to take action should the need arise. This readiness can also be noted in that The Chariot is traditionally depicted as motionless, more in a state of waiting to take action and make decisions as the need arises. The positive attributes for the Chariot are the ability to overcome obstacles, confidence, ambition, utilizing self-control during challenges, and even a willingness to lead. There is also perhaps the even the notion of controlling one’s own destiny, though some point to the star on his crown as a symbol of divine guidance. The negative attributes of The Chariot can be scattered energy and resources, lack of direction and focus, self doubt, and loss of control. Where we can positively attribute the lack of reins as control through force of personal will, it can also denote an unwillingness to take control or accept responsibility for one’s life or actions.
Communication
Crystal Corner
by: JFlynn
Aquamarine (or aqua marinas) is a kind of beryl gemstone, semi-related to the emerald, formed when hot magma interacts with pegmatite. Aquamarine comes in varying shades of greens and blues, giving it its name meaning “sea water”. When heated to extremely high temps (750° plus) aquamarine will take on a bluer hue. Raw gems are typically light green in color. This beautiful gem is found across the United States in mountainous regions and in various mines across the southern world and Russia, with the largest stone harvested from a deposit in Brazil, 1910. That specific stone now resides in the Smithsonian. Aquamarine, March’s birthstone, is known to sailors for its protection at sea. It calms the waters and is so known for its calming effects in humans as well. This gem is quite versatile in many ways, garnering for one: tranquility, energy, health, overcoming fears (especially in communication due to its association with the throat chakra), protection, eternal youth and happiness, and the cure to laziness. Mythology suggests aquamarine was mermaid treasure, granting the finder good luck and fearlessness. More durable than most gemstones, aquamarine rates between a 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of gemstone hardiness. Hard knocks from other stones or scratches can damage your aquamarine. Take care with your aquamarine by avoiding alcohol, ammonia, and hot temperatures. The color of your stone should not be damaged by light exposure, but caution is advisable. Wash with warm water and soap. Testing for fakes is fairly easy. Check the gemstone for bubbles or scratches. As it is fairly hardy, there should be no signs of damage and aquamarine will never form with bubbles. The stone should feel cool against your head and should show different hues when observed under light. Glass will always look the same under light.
Fearlessness
JFlynn is a novelist, artist, lover of nature, and mother to a beautiful blue-eyed boy. As a social service servant, she gives youth who have gotten into legal trouble much needed skills to become successful. She also teaches ESL to Chinese students part-time and volunteers for Kansas City Pet Project.
Tranquility
Aquamarine
Luck
Love
Comfort
In our common vernacular, we refer to something as “vanilla” when we consider it plain, or boring. It happens with food, people, sex; vanilla is plain white and plain boring. This common interpretation, however, could not be further from the truth. What we use for real vanilla flavor, the vanilla bean, comes from a type of orchid originally from tropical areas of the Americas. Humans have spread it to other areas, like Madagascar and French Polynesia, where it has thrived, but few other areas have been able to grow this orchid. In fact, it was a remarkably rare and expensive spice for a long time, and often still is. The bean we use is the cured fruit of the plant, and only grows with pollination. In Mexico, it was a certain type of bee and hummingbirds that helped mlm the orchid pollinate until we discovered how to do it ourselves, by hand, in the 1800s (however, the flowers are only open for one day). The ubiquity of the flavor actually comes from our ability to synthesize the dominant flavor of the plant, vanillin. However, real vanilla is far more complex in scent, flavor, and magic, so if you can get real vanilla instead of imitation, please do. Magically, vanilla is associated with water and Venus. This makes it good for magic for love, lust, luck, and money. However, because it is such a ubiquitous scent, particularly in baked goods, it is also good for bringing comfort and that “home” feeling. Use it for calming and soothing magic as well. Vanilla has a natural sweetness that will come out when added to other foods. It is also said to have antacid properties (add to food, don’t take it alone), and to help calm the stomach. Culinarily, vanilla has a presence in most desserts, and can enhance the flavors of bland fruits. In fact, the Aztecs used it to enhance the flavor of their chocolate, which we still do today. Both items were carried to Europe from Mexico by the Spanish Conquistadors. So next time you stock up your baking or witching goods, be sure you get the good vanilla for both uses. It is worth it to find the many complexities of this remarkable plant.
Vanilla
Gifts of Gaia
Calming
by Sam Shryock
When contemporary Pagans observe nature, they realize they are not separate from nature, but are an integral part of it all. They see their bodies being made up of all the same elements, minerals, and energy that makes up the planet. They see that nature is not just a collection of trees and rocks and animals, but a presence unto herself, and they are part of it. Though contemporary Pagans know that there are 118 known elements with 94 naturally occurring on Earth, many still find value in viewing the world as composed of four classical elements: fire, water, air, and earth. This is not to challenge science, but to help them simplify and connect to the complex world around us. Throughout history, man has looked out and tried to identify the basic components of the world around them, often with mystical or mythological explanations. Babylonian mythology, between the 18th and 16th centuries BC, viewed the cosmos as consisting of four gods personified by sea, earth, sky, and wind. The Vedas of Hinduism refer to the five great elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and space. The Buddhist Pali Canon refers to earth, water, fire, and air. Ancient China refers to five states of being which include water, fire, metal, wood, and earth. THE ANCIENT GREEKS Around the 7th century BCE, early Greek philosophers sought to explain natural phenomena through the observation of nature without resorting to mystical or mythological explanations. Aristotle referred to this school of thought as “Natural Philosophy” or the philosophy of nature and considered Thales of Miletus (c. 624-546 BCE) its founder. One of Thales’ many hypotheses was that all things were made from water, therefore water was the unifier, or first principle, of nature. He determined this by observing that all life seemed dependent on water. He even pointed to other observations such as seeds, the source of most life, were themselves moist. This led him to conclude that since life appears to spring from water in the biological sphere, the same must hold true of the entire universe. He also noticed that water was the only substance known that existed naturally as a solid, liquid, and gas and thereby deduced that water alone could be transformed into the other elements. Thales was undoubtedly influenced by the mythologies shared by the many travelers and traders that visited his home city of Miletus on the western coast of Anatolia, and his own travels and study of ancient Egyptian culture. What made Thales idea original though was that he derived this view using logic and natural observation, rather than myth. Anaximander (c. 610-546 BCE), a younger contemporary of Thales, later challenged Thales’ conclusions by arguing that if everything is water, then everything must have the properties of water. But he observed that not only do some things lack these properties, some even have properties that are opposite to those possessed by water. For example, earth is not only not wet, it is dry. Since nothing can be both wet and dry, how can dry earth just be some form of wet water? Anaximander’s hypothesis was that everything originated from the apeiron (the “infinite,” “unlimited,” or “indefinite”), rather than from a particular element, such as water. Empedocles of Acragas (c. 495-435 BCE) is the first to be credited in western civilization with the idea that everything must consist of all four basic components — fire, water, air, earth — which he called “roots.” Aristotle later added a fifth element, aether, which made up the heavens. This view of the world became the standard dogma for the next two thousand years. THE ELEMENTS IN CONTEMPORARY PAGANISM Though not all contemporary Pagans use the four basic elements of Empedocles in their spiritual practices, most find that breaking things into the simple elemental components allows them to relate to the world in an easier and more effective way. For example, breaking something down into smaller chunks allows individuals to simplify and compare and contrast the world around them. It allows them to see more clearly how things fit together and how to relate to each piece individually. It allows them to view the world as composed as a system enabling them to discover relationships between apparently unconnected things such as emotions, objects, actions, qualities, and symbols. You might recognize this approach as a method used to help people with problem solving. These relationships are called ‘correspondences’ and each is used to suggest another. Contemporary Pagans will often create correspondence tables based on the relationships that they find. Simplifying the world into basic elements also allows contemporary Pagans to develop a relationship and re-sacralize the world around them. How would you relate to osmium, bismuth, strontium, or meitnerium – all elements on the periodic table? Just as the ancients were able to visualize and relate to a world composed of four basic elements, so can contemporary Pagans of today. CONNECTING TO THE ELEMENTS This issue asks us to take a closer look at one of these elements -- water. Contemporary Paganism, as do most spiritual traditions around the world, view water as more than H2O. They recognize water as something special and use it in rituals of purification, blessings, and connection into divine paths. They see water as intimately connected to the wholeness of this life. They see that water offers us a view into the gift of life, transformation, and a connection to the Divine. The classical elements, like most broad spiritual concepts, can have many uses and meanings. Try to step back a bit from traditional teachings and cultural norms and make a commitment to connect to water. Set aside time. Watch it. Touch it. Avoid views and charts created by others and work to developing your own spiritual understandings. Create your own lists of properties and correspondences. Elements are multi-dimensional. Look at things from a variety of angles. Look for how water manifests itself in simple ways within your own life. Often, we draw the boundary between magical and mundane; nature does not. Think about what lessons might be learned in what you see and feel. Talk with it. Share your thoughts and feelings. There are so many ways that water can bring a sense of peace and calm to your life. Whether it is a warm shower or just simply looking at the waves crashing onto the shore – once you feel a connection with water it can nourish your mind, body, and soul. Looking at the world around us in simpler ways will allow you to connect to the world and yourself in more sacred and magickal ways.
Of the four elements, water is the second in weight and the second in respect of mobility. It is never at rest until it unites with the sea. - Leonardo da Vinci
stuff the world is made Of
Image Credit: Katarina Elaine M
Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. Now, water can flow, or it can crash. Be water my friend. -Bruce Lee
Ingredients: 2 Large Containers of Cottage Cheese (your preference of curd size and fat content) 1 Box of Cherry Jello 1 Can of mandarin oranges or other citric fruit (drained)
Out of the Cauldron
Preparation: Fold the Jello into the cottage cheese and chill for about 30 min. Now mix in the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving so that the fruit has time to chill and thicken. This recipe is great for picnics and family gatherings. It’s easy to whip together and is very delicious.
Cherry Correspondence: Medicinal Properties: Promote healthy eyesight, Diuretic, Increases appetite, Anti-inflammatory. Drink tea infused with cherry to promote health and longevity. Spell Work: Use Cherry to attract love and to conduct divinations. Festivals, Observances, and Ritual: Cherry Blossom Festival Culinary Use: Cherries are great when eaten raw, dried, baked, and made into jams/preserves. Cherries are especially nice with soft cheese. As promised here is a very elegant and delicious recipe I love to make for parties and romantic dinners. I have made this often when we get together with other couples. It is a favorite that everyone seems to enjoy. Except for my husband of course…
Image Credit: Recipe Tips
Pink Salad
by JFlynn
Bath Bombs
Ingredients - 1 cup baking soda - 3/4 cup corn starch - 1/4 cup Epsom salt (or sugar) - 1/2 cup citric acid - Essential Oils (your choice) - Herbs of choice - Spray bottle w/ water - Anything that can be a mold
When was the last time you put a little magick into your self-care routine? The following recipe will help you do just that! This recipe is easy to follow and pretty forgiving. Making these can also make a great, stress-free ritual activity. Cast a circle, create a fun ambience with some music and some candles and in an hour you have an arsenal of anti-stress bath bombs. Those fancy molds are not needed. You can use cookie cutters on parchment paper, muffin tins, or even re-use those plastic eggs around this time of year. By adding your favorite essential oils, magickal herbs, and some positive energy you can drop these in the bath, enjoy a nice soak and rinse your cares away!
by Sarah Morris
Image Credit: Pixabay
Directions 1. Combine the baking soda, cornstarch, Epsom salt and citric acid in a large bowl. 2. Slowly begin spraying water from the spray bottle into the dry mixture, stirring after a few sprays. I prefer to spray three times, then mix Widdershins (counter clockwise) to banish worries away. Do what feels best for you! The mixture may fizz each time you spray it. The key is to lightly spray it, wetting it enough that the mixture forms a clump when squeezed, but not so much that it loses its fizziness. 3. Next, add several drops of essential oils, and a couple pinches of herbs. Thoroughly stir the mixture, then scoop into your molds and firmly press down. Don’t forget to think happy thoughts and imagine your stress melting away with your bath bomb. If you choose to invoke a deity or ask for a blessing on your bath bombs, now is a great time to do so. 4. After about an hour, gently remove half the mold (if applicable) to allow your mixture to completely dry. Leave the bath bombs out to dry overnight and gently pop them out. Store in an airtight container or package them up for when you need a little extra self-love and restorative magick!
by Conswelia McCourt
I am a mom who believes in volunteering at my children’s schools. I am a Pagan who is active in the community. Often as non-Christian parents, we have to make strategic decisions about showing our religion. I always wanted to host a foreign exchange student. But being a host parent requires letting people in my home, disclosing my religious preference, and opening myself up to judgement. How was I going to do that? The answer was American Field Service (AFS). AFS in KC, and nationally, is very open and supportive of non-Christian host families and volunteers. When a student we choose to host did not want to accept the placement because we are Pagan. AFS-USA told the student and his family that if they did not want to be hosted by my family, they would not come to the US through the AFS program. I was encouraged, proud, and thankful for this show of support. I know when you are proudly Pagan in this country, you can be excluded from being a part of activities that involve kids. KC AFS is hosting 55 students from 26 different countries this year. We want to ensure that our host families and volunteers represent the diversity of US cultures and religious views. I encourage anyone in the community who has thought about hosting to know you can be a Proud Pagan and host an exchange student without compromise. Come to our international dessert competition to learn more about American Field Service!
KC American Field Service
contemplative Crone
We all have these images in our minds of spells cast in these large, lavish rituals, with a mass of mystical tools and enchanted objects, all spoken in some ancient dead language out of some dusty grimoire. There is this notion that in order for spells to be effective, they must be massive and complex. In reality, the simplest spells are often the most effective, as the energy is put into the spell itself rather than all the pomp and circumstance some have come to assign to spellwork. These spells become even more effective when they are written by the Witch casting the spell. While a few public Witches and Hollywood have given us this “you will need a dozen candles and a goat born under a Waning Libra Moon” vibe as far as what spells are supposed to look like, it really comes down to a few basic things to write a simple, effective spell. The thing to understand is all that is really necessary to affect change (which is what Witchcraft basically is) is to gather energy, program it with your intent and then send it in the appropriate direction, which can all be done while sitting in a chair at work, if your focus, visualization, and intent are absolutely perfect. Everything else added into the mix is for the rest of us mere mortals who need a little help with these things. In its simplest form, that is all a spell is: something to help us gather, focus, and release energy for a specific purpose. The more complicated we make a spell, the more tangled and unclear our energy and intent become, and the less likely we are to get our desired outcome. Keeping things very clear and concise, with a few simple elements, is the key to making it work. Most of the work begins well before you cast the spell. Intent and a clear purpose Writing an effective spell is essentially sitting down and creating one clear, concise, very exact statement of the purpose. This not only sets the tone for the entire spell, but it tells the universe exactly what you need. Your statement should leave zero room for doubt or misinterpretation. A statement saying you need some money will more than likely yield you all the spare change you could ever want, from pennies on the ground to a few quarters under a couch cushion, but not the specific amount you need within a specific time frame for a specific purpose. A statement saying “you need $375 by October 1st for a train ticket to Chicago” is much better in that it gives a specific amount, a specific time frame, and a purpose to visualize. The universe knows exactly what you are asking for and when you need it. Being specific in your intent not only gives you something concrete to visualize, it leaves no room for the Universe to get creative with its interpretation. Also, keep things reasonable. Large sums of money do not just appear magically out of the ether instantly. There needs to be both a reasonable amount of time, and a reasonable way for things to happen in order for spells to be effective. It’s like casting a spell to win the lottery but not buying a ticket, or casting a fertility spell to get pregnant but not having sex. That isn’t how the universe works in real life. The most effective spells are those which ask for a reasonable thing, within a reasonable amount of time. Eye of Newt, Tongue of Goat, and other accoutrements Over the centuries, we have fallen in love with the mystique of those Shakespearean spells; they have all these exotic, gruesome bits and pieces to them. They make us feel all warm and Witchy, and make us giggle when the muggles cringe. But, where the hell do you get Devil’s Shoestring at 2am? Why do I have to steal an egg from a neighboring farm (do I even have a neighboring farm)? Do I really need all that? No, you really don’t. Once you have established your spell intent, gathering a few things to help out is easy if you remember to keep it simple. A candle can set the mood and get you in the mindset you need to cast your spell. You can pick one or two herbs and crystals containing the energies matching your intent (the fewer the better), if that is where your comfort zone is. These things can help you program the energy you gather. Just make sure the properties of the stones and crystals are not at cross purposes with what you are trying to do. You can also go for the cheap and easy visual aides, like actual currency for money and prosperity spells, and so on. All you really need is something that represents what you are trying to achieve. One or two simple objects can help to keep you focused on the intent of your spell. Oh Mighty Ones of All Those Things We Want and Need... This is the time to decide if you are going to call upon Gods and/or Goddesses, or just the Universe in general. Working with Deities can be useful in that you are asking a specific energy to help you with what you are doing, like dealing with one small department rather than an entire corporation. You can choose a Deity you work with regularly, or one specific to the purpose of your spell, such as Boudicca for a child protection spell. It is not ideal, however, to make your first dealings with a specific Deity a call for help. Whenever possible, work with Deities you have already established a relationship with, as the rapport will make the process more comfortable, and the energy will feel more compatible with your purpose. Universal energy also works just as well. Simple spells are great practice for dipping your cup into the vast pool of Universal energy. Some find the energy is easier to work with, as it isn’t programmed with the traits of a Deity, but rather raw material to be forged to your will. Making the decision whether to include Deity or Universal energy is a personal choice. Work with what you feel comfortable working with, and tailor the body of your incantation to reflect your choice. Facile Observabunt, Coinnigh Easca e, Neka Bude Lako The incantation of a spell is the words we speak out loud. They set the tone and state our purpose. Words carry an energy of their own, not only in their meanings, but in the very vibration they create in a space when we say them out loud. In the text of a spell, we are using the energy of meaning along with auditory vibrations to gather and shape some of the energy for our purpose (along with Deity/universe, representational objects, our own will, etc). The words do not have to be fancy. They just need to be comfortable for you to say, and tie in with the purpose of your spell. Ancient languages look cool on paper, and sound cool when someone who knows how to pronounce everything says them, but there is nothing more of an energy killer than butchering the pronunciation of words of power. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce a word, don’t use it in your spell. You will be distracted by saying it correctly, and probably fumble around with it enough to lose your focus on your intent. Stick with what you know. It also does not have to be poetic in any way. Some of the most effective spells I have ever cast involved me simply having a clear conversation with my Deities on what was going on and what I needed. Poetry and chants are great for building huge amounts of energy, but conversations with the Universe will also do the trick. What’s That Up in the Sky? While I don’t get bogged down as far as the astrological timing of things when it comes to spell casting, I do pay a little attention to the phases of the Moon. While the New Moon phase is ideal for starting anything new, the Dark Moon phase is perfect for endings. Waxing phases are all about setting boundaries, building things up and growth. Waning Moon phases are about letting things go, releasing things, and clearing paths. Full Moons are pretty much good for everything. Look at the purpose of your spell, and decide where it will fit best. It never hurts to have a little Lunar energy on your side. Document, Document, Document Now that you have figured everything out, you need to write it down. Why? If it works, you might want to use it again. If it doesn’t, you will be able to see where you messed up. Write down what the Lunar phase is, and all the tangibles (color of candle, herbs, crystals, representational objects) you are using and what their properties are. If you are going to use Deities, note which ones and why. Make sure the incantation you write down is the one you used. If you go off script, try and write down everything you said so you will know for later use. Also, go back and note if the spell worked (after a reasonable amount of time), and how it manifested. All these things can help you to repeat an effective spell, diagnose the ineffective ones, and serve as a learning tool for later spell work. As Witches, we are always learning, honing our craft. Gathering knowledge and tailoring our practices into something that is not only effective, but is comfortable for us to use, second nature, is really the key to effective spell work. When we stop becoming bogged down by complex spells or how we think spells should look, and understand all that is really necessary to affect change (fundamental Witchcraft) is the gathering, intentionally shaping, and releasing energy, we will find it far easier to construct our own simple, effective spells. We will have gained a skillset that will aid us in becoming more proficient Witches. And we will be able to affect positive change in our lives, and the world around us.
with Laurie Sherman
“Small wonder that spell means both a story told, and a formula of power over living men.” - JRR Tolkien
Image Credit: PXHere
"Evolution teaches us the original purpose of language was to ritualize men's threats and curses, his spells to compel the gods; communication came later." - Gene Wolfe
Image Credit: MaxPixel
Standing in the rain, I will dance and go into euphoric feeling. Full of energy and life, I feel like all the parts of me are one (past, present and future), all space and time fades bringing me into folds of time beyond where I stand from the grass of Ireland, in skies and lands I've never seen. The angels, land and all are a symphony as the water surrounds my body. I feel like my body is pulsating from tiny to big as the universe and when I open my eyes, I see so brightly that every detail and color come into my being as it leaves, sharing our presence with one another. Deepening, lightening, and all the better is the wind and lighting to add to the existence of experience. Course through my being and out again like a cycle. - Jenny Williams
There are benches down by the Kansas River. I like to go down there and meditate on our relationship with water, in general, but also what the Kansas River has meant to the various people who have come in contact with it, both spiritually and logistically. Knowing the River, which is probably the most important body of water in my local ecosystem, improved my connection to water as a whole. - Jack Campbell
When my cup is full I will go to the restroom at work and let the sink water run over my hands and imagine it is washing away the invisible ickyness making me feel so stressed. It helps a lot. - Amy Stewart
I love walking in the rain. Especially in a thunderstorm. Especially in the woods. - Catherine Marie Boudreau
When I lived in the Florida Keys, I used to love walking up to my knees in the ocean with the nice salty air blowing through my hair. Sometimes I would hold a torch and people would look at me kind of strange. But I used to love the fact that I could ground and cleanse with all five elements at one time. It was awesome. - Catherine Marie Boudreau
Water helps me ground. I always felt inept because I struggled for years to ground properly, leaning hard on those who are able to help direct the flow of energy that backs up within me, which always led to feeling stressed and anxious. A few years ago I realized that water is what works for me. A lake, a shower, a rainstorm... helps me to release energy. There's nothing happier to me than standing (or dancing) in a downpour and feeling balance restored. - Kissi Jones
Community Voices
How do you connect with Water?
Hekaterine Nox, known as “Black Kat”, is a Lushede tradition-initiated Witch with wordsmithing tendencies. Having found the Craft at 18 though a Southern California based Celtic Reconstructionist “church”, she travelled the path of the solitary for many years thereafter. Influenced by Athena and the Morrighan, she is a crafter of fabric and weaver of words with teaching tendencies.
On a personal level, the introduction spoke to me on an inherent level because my first tradition was Celtic Reconstructionist. The Author, Danu Forest, is a member of two Druid clans in the British Isles. She has also written several other books on Celtic spirituality. A lot Pagans/Wiccans identify with many Celtic god/desses in their workings and rituals. Since I started with the Celtic pantheon and still call up a few of those Deities, I wanted to explore how modern Celtics view the Wheel of the Year. Starting with a simple explanation of the Wheel and Celtic spirituality, Ms Forest delves into how the Celts were an agricultural culture and found rhythm in the movements of the sun, stars, and seasons like other ancient societies. The Celts view of the Deities was that the Gods were present in all things. This is how they celebrated life, with the ancestors, spirits, and their Gods existing everywhere. Her holidays start with Imbolc and Ms Forest details the Celtic mythology around each holiday. There are similar sections in each sabbat including Key Themes, patron deities of the time of year, things to do in the kitchen, a guided meditation, crafts, ways to celebrate alone and with a group, starlore, plus more. The book is full of wisdom and ways to connect with the world around us. If you don’t mind practicing with a Celtic slant, this book is a very valuable resource. It introduces some little known Celtic lore and also explains some of the stories in common usage with further detail. All in all, I find no real fault with this book because I know it’s Celtic based. If I was expecting more eclectic, I would have been sorely disappointed. But this book is so well written and researched that I enjoyed it immensely. For more info on the author and her other books, please reference her website at: www.danuforest.co.uk
The Magical Year by Danu Forest
Bookshelf: review
Bookshelf
AstroSeek Moon Calendar
Aeclectic Tarot Website
Altars: Bringing Shrines Into Your Everyday Life by Denise Linn
The Witches Altar: The Craft, Lore, and Magic of Sacred Space by Jason Mankey and Laura Tempest Zakroff
The Modern Herbal Dispensory: A Medicine- Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne
The Odyssey by Homer
Practical Elemental Magic: A Guide to the Four Elements in the Western Esoteric Tradition by Sorita d'Este
Yemoja / Olokun: Ifa and the Spirit of the Ocean by Awo Fa'lokun Fatunmbi
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Image Credit: Kim Tarwater
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Next in our series on the elements will be Fire in the Summer Solstice issue. We are looking for your articles, artwork, pictures, and input for this topic. Absolutely anything regarding Fire. What does the element mean to you? How do you work with it? How do you connect with it? What do you associate with Fire and why? Do you connect to Fire through other elements? Do you connect to other elements through Fire? Send all of your submissions to
Elements: Fire
June 7, 2019
Because the elements are basic building blocks of witchcraft, there are a million ways you can go and we would love to see all levels, perspectives, and ideas of the Fire element whether standard practice or completely off the wall. We will also publish any big community announcements and upcoming events. Also remember, we cover from the Summer Solstice to the Fall Equinox with this issue, and anything seasonal is always welcome! Deadline for this issue is
Summer Solstice 2019
JFlynn Sam Shryock Hekaterine Nox McKayla Katarina Elaine M Isha Everidge-Martin Sarah Morris JeniBlueBox Kahla Wheeler-Rowan Conswelia McCourt
The Center Spiral Staff Laurie Sherman Luna Motherowl Emaleth Summer Mike Nichols Audrey Hazzard Emily Gabbert
The Center Spiral Staff would like to give a huge Thank You to all of our contributors. We are thrilled to feature the hard work, expertise, creatvitiy, and knowledge of our community. The Center Spiral would not be what it is without your contributions. Thank you for helping us educate, inspire, and connect.
Contributors
An extra special Thank You to The Center Spiral staff. This would not have happened without the help of all of you. You are all an amazing inspiration, team of support, and integral in making this become a reality and continue to grow. Thank you. -Emily Gabbert
Thank you!!
We appreciate the support of all of those contributing articles, images, creative works, time, editing, advertising, sharing, and moral support while we put together our magazine. We could not do it without you. - The Center Spiral Staff -
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