Kansas City Witches Meetup Presents
Into the Shadows
Fall Equinox 2017
The Center Spiral
Emily Gabbert Editor
image credit: Emily Gabbert
Cover Image: C Mike Decker
Welcome to the second issue of The Center Spiral magazine, Into the Shadows. While our first issue was an introduction to our community with a harvest theme, this issue will reflect the time of year we are moving into; the dark. This is the time when the weather starts to get colder (usually), and we really begin to notice the shorter days. This is the time of shadow. It seems an appropriate time for such a theme, not only for the time of year but because our shadow has been showing itself these past few months. I have seen the idea popping up in small places since the beginning of the year, and our country, in fact our world, has been unable to hide the uglier, darker sides of who we are. A side of our community shadow recently revealed itself when an organization known to have white supremacist ideals tried to gain a foothold here. I am very proud that our community stood together to say they are not welcome here, and I am extremely proud of those that worked so hard to bring the community together and educate others when necessary. Job well done to all of you working so hard! While we did well standing up to extremists from the outside, that was the easy part. It is much more difficult to look within yourself, within your own darkness, and see those things you do not like. That is the crux of what shadow work is, to illuminate what you hide from yourself, be it as an individual, a community, a nation, or the world, and integrate it into yourself. This is the theme of our magazine as we move into the dark of the year. This may seem like a dour and depressing theme, but what we find in the unplumbed depths of ourselves could be the most brilliant gems we never knew we had. Finding those is worth the difficult work it takes to get there, and the work is always easier with your friends by your side, and your community at your back. Move forward in your work with that understanding. I would like to give immense thanks to all of those who sent in articles, artwork, creative writing, and pictures for us to use in the magazine. We received some phenomenal work to share with you, and I look forward to seeing more great work from more people in future issues. Thank you for your contributions to help us Educate, Inspire, and Connect.
Letter from the Editor
The Center Spiral Staff
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.
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.
Marietta Williams is the writer behind Witchy Words: A Witchcraft Blog, a popular online witchcraft resource, and the Circle Coordinator and founder of Circle of Fountains, a local Kansas City coven. A nontheistic witch with emphasis in spiritwork, shadow work and Hermeticism, she's partnered with Pagan Bloggers, Sabbat Box and Cratejoy among others and regularly volunteers as a photographer for the Kansas City pagan community. When not blogging, Marietta works as a professional caricaturist for the KC metro.
Kim Tarwater 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.
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.
Tamilia is a devotional polytheist, spirit-worker, mystic, rune reader, traveler of the Otherworlds, and witch wandering toward divine wonders. In her wanderings she seeks an intimate understanding of the magical ties that join the Worlds and the wisdom required to use that knowledge well. She blogs occasionally at https://wanderingwomanwondering.wordpress.com.
Tracy Whitt Alivanna Rose JS Groves
Wolf G. E. Friedman serves as the ‘First Among Equals’ with Heimdall’s Hearth Kindred, A Non-Reconstructionist Kondred, which follows Forn Sedr (“Ancient Heathen Custom”) Scandinavian Tradition. Heimdall’s Hearth based in Kansas City, Mo. The Kondred hosts monthly Lore Study classes at Aquarius Bookstore on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM, As well as monthly Heathen outings. They can be found at: Facebook.com/Heimdall’s Hearth, Heimdallshearth@gmail.com.
Nikki Thomas is a pagan author and has been a practicing witch for 22 years. She has been becoming more active in the community, and will be hosting the South Kansas City Coffee Coven for KCWMU.
Kevros Nocte has been a chaos practitioner for close to a decade now and specializes in working with various types of Other-Kin in the astral planes. Kevros has lived in the Kansas City area since birth and lives happily with a rambunctious ball of chaos cleverly disguised as a cat.
Contributors
Antha Maren studied for 3 years with PrairieWise Herbal School in Leavenworth Kansas under Kahla Rowan. She is currently in Heena Lushede Coven and is on staff the Gaea Goddess Gathering.
Sylvia Vallatton is co-founder of the KC Metaphysical Fair, along with her partner Gigi Woodman, They are owners of SoulQuest KC where Sylvia does Animal Guide, Tarot and other oracle readings, as well as tandem healing energy work with Gigi. Sylvia can be found reading monthly at Crescent Springs in Overland Park. Find her on Facebook at @kcmetaphysical or @soulquestkc.
Letter from the Editor The Center Spiral Staff Contributors From the Stars An overview of upcoming astrological events of note. Turn of the wheel Samhain Yule Dance with the Dark by Emily Gabbert Luna's Lair An advice column from Luna Motherowl Deity Cafe Hekate Odin A Call for Community SHadow Work by Tamilia Musecraft Featured artist Pencraft Featured creative writing THe Bi-Polar Witch by Nikki Thomas In the Cards Overview of a Tarot card Crystal Corner Overview of a seasonal stone Gifts of Gaia Overview of a seasonal herb With Shadows We Speak Softly by Kevros Nocte Out of the Cauldron St Johns Wort Salve Rosemary spice Shortbread The Creatures We FEar by Sylvia Vallatton Contemplative Crone Recurring contribution from the Urban Crone, Laurie Sherman Community Voices Quotes from a question posed on Facebook Bookshelf Where to find more information Adverstising Next Issue Topic and a call for content Thank you
Table of Contents
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.
Sept. 21st - 23rd - Mabon Blessings Sept. 22nd - Sun enters Libra, Happy Birthday! Sept. 30th - Yom Kippur Oct. 5th - Full Moon {Seed Fall, Blood, Harvest, Hunters, Travellers, Blackberry} A perfect moon to work with our memories. Clean up what needs releasing and heal any residue. Focus on courage and healing with your ancestors. Oct. 9th - Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day Oct. 19th - New Moon in Libra. Use this time to manifest balance and preparation for the dark time of the wheel. Oct. 21st - The Witches Revelry Event. Time to celebrate who we are. Oct. 23rd - Sun enters Scorpio, Happy Birthday! Oct. 31st - Samhain / Halloween Nov. 1st - All Saint’s Day Nov. 4th - Full Moon {Mourning, Tree, Dark, Frosty, Beaver, Larder, Snow, White} Focus on cooperation and hope within your family & friends. Divination is a wonderful tool to use with this full moon. Nov.5th. - Daylight saving time ends, Time to fall back. Nov. 7th - General Election Day Nov. 11th - Veterans Day Nov. 18th - New Moon in Scorpio. Time for manifesting a spirit of giving and hope. Nov. 21st - Sun enters Sagittarius, Happy Birthday! Nov. 23rd - Happy Thanksgiving Dec. 3rd - Full Moon {Long Nights, Cold, Oak, Snow} A great time to focus on your dedication to love, peace and devotion. Dec.13th - Hanukkah begins Dec. 18th - New Moon in Sagittarius. Wonderful time to rest and take a good look at all the positive around you. Dec. 20th - Hanukkah ends Dec. 21st - 23rd - Merry Yule / Winter Solstice! Dec. 21st - Sun enters Capricorn, Happy Birthday! Retrogrades Mercury Pre-Retro - Nov. 14th at 8:51 PM Retro - Dec. 3rd at 2:26 AM {Avoid - new projects, buying big items, signing of any legal documents} etc… Keep on the low with your personal energy. Focus and plan for upcoming celebrations of the season. Direct - Dec. 22nd at 8:50 PM Neptune Retro - since June 16th{High emotions can flare easily. Keep grounded and get through Mercury!} Direct - Nov. 22nd at 6:09 AM
by: Kim Tarwater
From the Stars
Modern Samhain is based on a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Celebration typically begins sundown on October 31st and lasts until sundown the following day. Scientifically, the exact date and time that marks the halfway point between the equinox and the solstice is November 6th at 11:25 PM CST, and thus some may wish to celebrate Samhain sundown on the 6th instead. Historical customs include bonfires, divination, and offerings to the aos si, or spirits. Altars erected during Samhain typically honor the dead. Colors include black, white, silver, gray, red, violet and orange. Consider adding representation of your deceased loved ones, such as photographs, trinkets, jewelry, notes, or other fond keepsakes. Honor the end of the harvest with late harvest foods, such as pumpkins and corn, or representations of the slaughter of the last animals for winter, such as knives, fur pelts, and skulls. Offerings may include seasonal vegetables, breads, red wine, and foods that your deceased loved ones enjoyed. Deities honored at Samhain are diverse. Some choose to honor Hecate, a Greek triple goddess of witchcraft, necromancy, and the crossroads. Others prefer to dedicate rituals to Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who was married to Hades of the underworld. Samhain is the time of the Crone for some pagans, and others see Samhain as the night that the Horned One dies, sacrificed so that we may eat throughout the winter. Rituals surrounding Samhain focus on utilizing the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead for divination, shadow work, communication with the deceased, and offerings for good graces. Herbs associated with this holiday include cinnamon, allspice, sage, oak, and wormwood while stones include phantom quartz, onyx, obsidian, bloodstone, and jet. Some practitioners may hold a feast of the dead where an extra chair is set for a deceased loved one. The plate is filled for them to eat and attendants sit in total silence for the duration of the dinner in attempt to communicate with the dead. Other pagans and witches may see this as the Witch’s New Year and celebrate this as a day of endings and beginnings. Other ways to celebrate include volunteering to help clean up your local cemetery, spending the evening divining for the new year, or researching your family history by talking with older relatives, researching online, or contacting a genealogist.
Turn of the Wheel
Samhain
image credit: Marietta Williams
by: Marietta Williams
On or near December 21 is the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. Most pagans refer to this holiday as Yule, the height of the cold and dark, as well as the rebirth of the light. The Sun is reborn this night and the light returns from the depths of the dark. From here until the summer solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the light begins to return to the world. It is at the height of the power of the Holly King that the Oak King is reborn. Many of our well-known traditions for this time of year have very pagan roots. When we decorate an evergreen tree with lights and ornaments, we are representing the life still visible in the time of darkness and bringing that light and life into our homes. It is the same with holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and other plants common this time of year. The yule log, once large enough to burn for 12 days and nights, was a place of gathering to tell ghost stories. You always saved a bit to protect your home throughout the year and to light next year’s log. Even Santa Claus has roots with Odin, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, and probably a few other legends and stories that mixed over the years. In other countries, there are various beings associated with the season such as La Befana, the gift bearing witch of Italy, and Krampus. The legends behind these stories are quite varied, often murky, and do not resemble jolly old St. Nick. There is a dark aspect to this holiday as well. This is another time to honor the ancestors and the dead. It is a night of the wild hunt. The Hunter would lead a host of wild souls, hounds, and dark horses through the sky at night and, if you hear them, you best lay down in the middle of the road so you are not harmed. This legend varied over place and time: often the recent dead were seen in the host and, if you did not leave them offerings in the fields, they may take their own. This time of year is rich with traditions, stories, and history. We often see it now as a time to gather with family and friends, give gifts, feast and party, but the deeper, spiritual side of the holiday is about finding the light in the depths of the dark. We must remember those that came before and huddle together to survive the dark winter, finding joy in each other to usher back the light.
Yule
by: Emily Gabbert
Dance with the Dark
by Emily Gabbert
“From the great above, she opened her ear to the great below.” Inanna descends into the underworld. She goes down to see her sister Ereshkigal, who is mourning the death of her husband. As Inanna descends, at each gate, she is stripped of a symbol of her power. By the time she reaches her sister, she enters the Underworld “naked, and bowed low”. Here, she dies, and is hung on the wall. (read the myth in full here) “I am a forest, and a night of dark trees; but… who is not afraid of my darkness, will find banks of roses under my cypresses.” Friedrich Nietzsche This descent into the underworld is a theme seen in many myths and stories throughout the world. Orpheus went to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, which is mentioned with other examples in Ovid’s Metamorphosis. It happens in the Odyssey, the Aeneid, in Christian mythology, Norse, and Egyptian; nearly every mythology has some type of story of this descent, known as Katabasis. This is a journey of descent where the one making the journey usually does so to gain something, or for a purpose. We can probably find many examples in modern literature, movies, and tv shows as well. It is everywhere, and it is worth understanding and finding, but for now, we will focus on Inanna. Every one of us, whether you acknowledge it or not, has what Carl Jung referred to as the shadow self. Your shadow is the unconscious aspects of yourself that your conscious self either denies or is ignorant of. It usually consists of traits deemed undesirable by either you or your society, though not all of these are “negative” traits. The Jungian shadow is everything you have repressed, both positive and negative. All of us, at some point in our lives, will come face to face with at least a part of that shadow, whether by choice or by chance. How we deal with that, is what makes the difference. As witches, we need to, at some point, encounter and work through our shadow selves. We need to do this to gain a fuller understanding of ourselves so we can gain a fuller understanding of our world and universe and make our magic stronger and more effective. In other words, it makes us better witches. Sometimes, it may take us a while to be able to truly dive into working through our shadow but, once we do, we need to recognize what we are doing and do it with purpose and intent to integrate our shadow into ourselves. It is important to note that this is never a one time thing. It may happen multiple times, it may be an ongoing state of balance, but it will need to be done again and again. If you search online, you will find all kinds of articles on how to encounter and illuminate your shadow self. They will talk about creative endeavors, meditation, projection, journaling, all more than valid and wonderful ways to learn what is in your shadow, and you can find a combination that works the best for you. The first step will always be illumination, knowing what is there. For some things, that may be all that’s needed, but for most things, there is more work involved. When you dig in to work through your shadow, you go through the kind of katabasis Inanna goes through. You are descending into your own darkness. Some will think of it as battling demons, some will think of it as removing masks, but as you descend, for each battle you encounter, you lose a mask, a wall, you lose something you have been holding onto as a safety, a crutch. You are stripped of all those things that symbolize who you thought you were and who you present yourself to be. You are stripped of those things because when you meet your shadow, you do so as just you. You do so naked and bowed low, without all the trappings of power or persona or the character of yourself you put forth into the world. You meet your shadow as the most raw, real you possible. This is how you will be able to see what is in your shadow and begin to integrate those aspects of unconsciousness back into your consciousness. You will find those positive traits you didn’t know you had, you will see in yourself things you admire in others, and you may even find a new font of creativity. You will face fears, and you will find feelings you dislike in others. The key is not to repress them further. Know them, accept them, understand them, and see if you can find a way to utilize those things productively. For example, if you find callousness, what purpose could that serve? Why would humans need any sort of callousness? Maybe it was used as a way to distance yourself when you needed to cause pain to others, whether in battle or killing an animal to eat, that callousness was a way to be able to do what is necessary to live life. Consider times you might need to use something like this in your own life and find a way to accept that part of your shadow and be able to utilize it in those ways when needed. Same with any aspect you come across. Not all of them will be useful, and not all of them can be defeated. Some may have to stay buried for next time, but acknowledging and accepting these traits is how you illuminate your shadow and continue your journey through your darkness. It is the spark of life you find in the deepest, darkest parts of yourself that causes you to grow. Never be deceived that this is an easy journey to take. This is very difficult work to do, and it will take some time. How much is always dependent on you. You will need the support of those that love you, but you must realize that not everyone will be able to deal with your darkness. There will be some that can’t, and there will be some that very much can, and you will likely be surprised by some of them. If you already see a therapist, talk to them about your journey. If you don’t and think you might need one, look into finding one. Yes, this is your journey, and your path that you must walk alone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell anyone about it. Having a support system will help you through. This is a journey of descent into the darkness, the unknown, where you are stripped of all your baggage on the way down, but eventually, this journey will begin to take you up again. When you begin to ascend from darkness, you do not pick up your masks along the way. You do not pick up the baggage you dropped on the way down. You no longer need any of that. You have your spark of life, your new understanding of yourself and, like a seed that begins life in the darkness underground, you will break free from that shell holding you in and begin to sprout into the sunlight. That spark of life you found within yourself is what will make you grow, and you will continue to grow and blossom until your shell becomes too small to contain your spark once again and you need to go back into darkness to break free. We need to do this to gain a fuller understanding of ourselves so we can gain a fuller understanding of our world and universe and make our magic stronger and more effective. In other words, it makes us better witches. In the end, do the work, as difficult as it is. It is worth it and you will be a better witch, and a better person for it. Embrace your dance with the dark.
image credit: http://tinyurl.com/yd8fxojx
Continued
image credit: Kim Tarwater
with Kim Tarwater
Luna, I am feeling very anxious about meeting my boyfriend’s family this Christmas. I am pagan and a witch, and most all of his family is Christian. He is really neither. I know they will be asking me all types of questions and I’m not sure how to answer the religion one. Laynie R.
Hi Laynie, I understand your situation. I have actually been in a very similar one myself. Ask yourself, how close will you be with the members of his family? Are you out in the open with all of your mutual friends? If you are open with the people you associate with, you may be more likely to be open about your beliefs with his family. You may want to discuss this with him also, especially if you know you will be fairly close with them. You never really know until you meet them and get a feel for who they are. You could leave out the “labels” like Pagan and Witch during this first meeting and just emphasize a love and respect for all religions, and leave it at that. Or, you can do the one thing that I have always believed works best, and that’s blatant honesty! In a loving way of course! The bottom line is that you are who you are and your boyfriend sees the best in you and that is the most important detail in your relationship. However you choose to label what you are, keep a pretty smile on your face, and be proud of knowing who you are. You never know what seeds you may be planting among these folks. They may soon be coming to you when in need of some healing!!! Luna Owl Mother
Luna's Lair
image credit: https://tinyurl.com/y76c3zwy
by: Tamilia
Scholars place the goddess Hekate’s beginnings in Caria, an ancient Anatolian city situated in what is now Turkey. Her worship spread from there to Greece, Rome, and beyond. In myth, Hekate is goddess of gateways, crossroads, and magic. Her magic specifically included necromancy, spirit conjuration, and sorcerous herbcraft. Liminality, transitions, and transformation are intermingled with every aspect of Hekate’s power. As a goddess of gateways Hekate’s altars were sometimes kept at temple entrances for other Greek deities. Home altars for her were also kept near the front entrance. Standing at the threshold, Hekate occupied liminal space which is neither this nor that, neither here nor there. Crossroads were a special type of liminal space in ancient Greece under the jurisdiction of Hekate of the Crossroads (Trioditis) or Hekate of the Three Ways (Enodia). Crossroads were dangerous places where the restless dead walked, led by Hekate Nyktipolos (Night Wanderer). Often Hekate Apotropaia (Averter of Evil) was petitioned for protection against these night terrors. By the same token, she was often invoked in ancient Greek sorcery to call up those same spirits to complete magical operations. Whether you view liminal spaces as dark or light in aspect, they are not places where one should linger indefinitely, and so Hekate calls us to keep moving. As goddess of the path, Hekate facilitates movement - transition from liminal space into definite space and vice versa. She minds the passage between life and death which is the ultimate limen. As Kourotrophos - the nurse of the young – Hekate governs the passage of children into new life. As Hekate of the Underworld (Chthonia) she wards the passage from life to death as well. In ancient myth, Hekate is companion to Kore-Persephone. As Hekate Propolos (The Attendant Who Leads), she accompanies Kore-Persephone annually as she descends into and ascends out of the underworld. This is one of the most prominent transitions in Greek myth and the core of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Transformation is a necessary outgrowth of Hekate’s role as a goddess of liminality and transitions. Change is inevitable. Parallel to her role alongside Kore-Persephone, Hekate has the ability to help us ascend out of and descend into our own psyche – to delve into the unconscious, drag what’s concealed there up into the subconscious, and then hold the glaring light of consciousness to it. As Perseis (the Destroyer) she aids us in destroying patterns that no longer serve us and as Soteira (the Saving Goddess) she helps us to create new patterns that advance our spiritual growth. Liminality, transition, and transformation are the backbone of magic. Hekate brings things together, tears them apart, and bring them together again transformed. She is magic.
Deity Cafe
http://wanderingwomanwondering.wordpress.com.
To learn more:: Hekate Soteira: A Study of Hekate's Roles in the Chaldean Oracles and Related Literature by Sarah Iles Johnston The Covenant of Hekate at hekatecovenant.com
Hecate
image credit: Wolf Friedman
Odin
by: Wolf Friedman
Othin, Odin, Wotan, Woden, Wodanaz; the Ecstatic One, the Masked One, the One-eyed God, the Wanderer, the High God, the Terrible One... The God of a Thousand Names. This is a fittingly enigmatic introduction to the God who is also called The Father of Gods and Men. Othin is the divine being at the root of the creation of the world along with his brothers Willi and We. They raised earth from chaos after slaughtering Ymir, the primordial being of disorder, and they ordered existence. Then they created first man and first woman, co-equal to one another (unlike their creation in other religions). They are also made as valiant warriors to aid in driving back the inevitable day of destruction... Ragnarok. The 1st Century Roman historian Tacitus refers to Odin/Wotanaz when he likens the foremost God of the Germans to the Roman God Mercury, indicating Othin's earliest functions were as a God of Ecstasy, a spirit-messenger, and as the guide of souls. “Othin” means “The Ecstatic One” and he is associated with mead, intoxication, inspiration and divine rage and even madness. He is the God who, through shamanic endurance ritual, wins the runes so he and his initiates can foretell and direct fate. As a god of initiates, intoxicants and ecstatic states, he is also associated with the Greek God Dionysus. In the 9th and 10th century, on the Germanic mainland, Othin takes over a number of functions previously associated with Heathen Gods of War, such as Tyr, and semi-monotheistic qualities and kingly-status- incorporating Christian ideals held so highly it in other parts of Europe. The result is the dynamic and complex God found in the ancient Eddas and in modern practice. Odin is the father of a number of important gods including Thor, Vidar and Vali. We are told in Lore that his wife, Frigg, knows everything that Othin knows! Othin is descended from Buri, the first of the Gods, who in turn was brought into existence by Audumbla, the blessing-bestowing celestial Bovine. Yes, our religion is a sister-religion of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and ancient Greek traditions. Many Heathens, practitioners of the ancient Northern European religion, have a close relationship to this God. Othin is particularly responsive to those who are committed to deepening their spiritual journey. He is a practitioner of Galdr (magical chant) and Seidr (the Norse form of ‘witchcraft’) he has the ability of gender-transposition, enabling him to shapeshift and alter the fates of Gods and mankind. As a God of War, he can destroy people, even nations, but is also not above instigating the premature deaths of his more militaristic devotees, so that he can have them near him in Valhalla!
A Call for Community Shadow Work
The Kansas City Pagan community recently coped with the mounting local presence of an organization steeped in White nationalism and committed to fostering “White pride” under the cover of “native European ancestral religion”. The Asatru Folk Assembly’s visit to Kansas City in the form of a book-signing event sponsored by one of its member kindreds and a local metaphysical shop owner took place on the heels of a White nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, barely one week prior. White nationalism is a pervasive ideology influencing every aspect of life throughout the United States; the Kansas City area is no exception. As a Pagan, Black, bisexual, cisgender woman living and loving here in Kansas City, I am still reeling from the impact of these events. I was overjoyed to see many voicing their opposition to White nationalist ideology and organizing to create a safer, better world for people of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and various other marginalized groups living and loving in the crosshairs of White nationalism. At the same time, I was disheartened to see many people either remaining silent or actively encouraging Kansas City Pagans to seriously engage with and absorb destructive rhetoric designed to instigate prejudice, discrimination, marginalization, and ultimately violence. The presence of, and increased visibility of, White nationalist ideology in the Kansas City Pagan community highlight places where we all have to work together for social justice and needed change. As Pagans, we are able to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all beings, and still many of us do not understand and accept the basic fact that we are all in this together. Why is it so difficult for some to accept this fact? Well, as I see it, we have a long and storied history of othering to contend with in this country. This nation was fashioned out of dominant groups and subordinate groups, in-groups and out-groups, us and them, persons and others. The other is the collective shadow, bearing the weight of sloughed off aspects of the dominant group’s consciousness. Others become beasts of burden carrying the projected negative elements of the dominant group’s psyche. The other is criminal, unintelligent, disrespectful, ugly, inarticulate, and deviant. The list goes on. Because of this false and dangerous perception, the other is denied personhood, and those with dominant, privileged identities have greater reason to reject so-called others and the collective shadow that those others are forced to embody. The persons versus others mentality gave rise to a history that is divisive and bloody by design. White nationalists as well as their silent and vocal apologists exploit that history by celebrating and romanticizing its contributions to dominant group identity and privilege while simultaneously minimizing or straight up denying its devastating impact on various “others”. In addition, there are often elements of gross nostalgia for the centuries-old disenfranchisements and injustices as well as the violence and death visited upon marginalized communities by this odious ideology. The history of exclusion and marginalization that “other” people have endured was the consequence of intentionally and meticulously erased personhood. It is so hard to face that reality, to look it square in the eye and acknowledge that a whole society, culture, economy, and political system, a whole way of life was built on the dehumanization of “others”. In the faces and lives of Black people, queer people, and countless others, dominant groups – White, heterosexual, cisgender, etc. – are seeing their shadow, aka the demonized and rejected self, looking back and demanding acknowledgement, and also insisting that dominant groups take their psychic refuse back and process it. The people on the front lines, the centuries-long targets of overt and covert hate, are saying loudly and clearly – in chorus with their growing network of socially conscious allies – that marginalization, dehumanization, discrimination, prejudice, and hate are not fine. Racism and homophobia masking themselves in “native European ancestral religion” are not fine. Many positive strides toward social justice have been made over the years, but sadly narratives of progress seem to beget complacency, especially among those with one or more dominant group identities. However, we can’t be complacent because there is too much more still to do. The steady glide into complacency has left many feeling that empathy is enough, but everyone, especially those with power and privilege, must move beyond empathy for “others” and into personal responsibility and accountability for co-creating lasting change. True empathy relies upon a sense of connectedness, and the more different we feel from a person at the level of humanity and worth, the more “other” we imagine them to be and the hollower and more incomplete our so-called empathy really is. The insidious history of othering people can make it difficult for those with dominant group identities to see and acknowledge the limits of their empathy, and then to push past that to take their care and concern a step further by acting differently in the world. There are guidelines and roadmaps emerging to help individuals and communities tackle issues related to various -isms, but the people using those resources already acknowledge their own personal responsibility to do so. I would argue that those who do not yet feel responsible at a personal level have not yet done their shadow work. There is still some part of their psyche being propped up by othering, marginalizing, minimizing, and forgetting. This heavy and looming shadow was cast in the past but it is a long shadow that is perpetuated right here and right now in the present. Courage is called for, to begin the long and hard work of pushing through this. Many have begun the work but it is imperative that we continue forward in earnest. We know that there are no others, just us and we have to repair the damage caused by history and the wounds we still bear. As long as social injustice persists, the need for individual and institutional shadow work will persist. As Pagans we have the spiritual tools to engage in the necessary shadow work, to dig deep into our subconscious and unconscious and ferret out the beliefs, fears, wants, elements of identity and ego that encourage us to minimize, invalidate, and discredit the legitimate social, cultural, political, economic, etc. needs and rights of “others”. I encourage those of us who are struggling to acknowledge our role and responsibility in ending oppression to do the work, either within the systems available through our own spiritual tradition or within new systems and traditions that are co-created with people interested in similar work. I also encourage those of us who are struggling to pursue counseling unapologetically, especially if there are particularly entrenched bits that resist being rooted out in ritual and ceremony. While those with dominant group identities do the work of facing their individual and collective shadow, the temptation to blame the other for the fear and frustration that arise during the process will likely be strong. Please resist that nefarious urge - the urge that’s designed to reinforce our current broken system and keep dominant groups ensconced in undeserved privilege at every level of society. The social justice work and activism happening in Charlottesville, here in Kansas City, and across the nation are all calls for recognition of the challenges still facing this country. Collectively they are a clear, appropriate, healthy, nonviolent challenge to people within dominant groups, people still struggling to hear the voices of “others” and acknowledge the wrongs committed in the past and perpetuated today. Yes, facing these issues is uncomfortable because each person who faces them risks damaging their positive self-image, at least for a time. Those willing to face these uncomfortable truths also risk having to take personal and institutional responsibility, and be held accountable. But the rewards far outweigh the risks. We as a whole society must come together, and an important stretch of that road necessitates exploring the shadow – the beliefs, wants, fears, identity aspects, and ego issues that demand loudly and softly that we minimize, invalidate, and discredit imaginary others. The issues addressed in this article extend into every aspect of identity – race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, citizenship and immigration status, and so many more. We all enjoy some kind of privilege and so we all must consider what shadow work we need to do, and do it. Then do something tangible in the world that decreases the burden of others. As Pagans we are especially called to this work because many of us value interconnectedness. We know that there are no others, just us and we have to repair the damage caused by history and the wounds we still bear. The only way through this difficult individual and collective shadow work is together. It is my deepest hope that the Kansas City Pagan community will continue this challenging social, political, and spiritual work in the spirit of interconnectedness, solidarity, and the unapologetic pursuit of social justice for all of us.
image credit: Ripley Herndon
Musecraft
What mediums do you work in and why? In addition to photography, I am a novelist, a jeweler, and a ritualist. I also dabble in pen & ink illustration and a very little bit of digital painting. Each medium offers its own advantages and disadvantages, a kind of story that it tells best. Photography, specifically, offers two advantages that, for me, most of my other arts do not. Images have an accessibility that my prose often lacks, and working with models and clients makes the art collaborative. Ritual has the potential for that collaborative aspect, as well, and has the most direct impact on the world in which I live. Novelling offers me the chance to tell a story, and to let the voices out of my head and into the world. It also provides me a chance to share a vision of what the world could be, and mustn't be. Illustration and digital painting are just fun.
with JS Groves
How did you get started in your work? My first bid at photography was as a child but, to the best of my knowledge, none of those photos remain. I dabbled again in my late teens and made my first attempt at serious art photography in my late twenties. I began approaching photography as an art to be mastered in 2014 after I found the physical limits of my previous camera and got my first DSLR. Since then, it's been research, practice, rest, repeat: Doubling down on ideas and images, and looking for new ones, until I get what I'm looking for.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists? Put the time in: Practice, practice, practice. Learn to tell the difference between legitimate technical critique and trolling or differences in taste. Listen to critiques and consider them, even if you don't ultimately take the advice. Don't try to commercialize your work too early -- it will be incredibly disheartening. Where do we go to find more of your work? My photography lives at http://photography.jsgroves.com. Links to my jewelry and writing and everything else can be found at http://jsgroves.com.
Where do you pull inspiration from? Setting aside, for the moment, the idea of an external muse, my inspiration comes primarily from two sources: My life experience and deconstruction of genre. My life provides people and faces, tastes and textures, feelings and dreams, and a core artistic ethic seeking a balance between artistic vision, the boundaries and visions of my collaborators, and the expectations and limits of my audience. Genre gives me a sandbox to play in: Rules and expectations to obey or break as suits my needs, languages of image and tropes to communicate in shorthand with my audience. Two areas of my life are particularly inspirational in terms of my photography: Hedonism, the love and indulgence of the five physical senses (many Kansas City natives should look up the word; they will be surprised to discover that outside of KC it is more than a euphemism for BDSM); and the Western Mystery Tradition. Even my photography which is not explicitly pinup or boudoir is intended to please the senses with rich colors and implications of taste and texture; conversely, even a great deal of my art which is chiefly shallow and erotic deploys tropes and accoutrements of witchcraft and the occult.
Scrying the Depths
image credit: http://tinyurl.com/y9rrn4to
by Alivanna Rose
Pencraft
Into a silver bowl I pour eclipse-black ink of walnut husks rainwater gathered in the mossy stump blood-red wine of summers gone all the shame of my past all the fear of my future all that is not me, here, now. I anoint my brow with scented oil and cross my palms with iron stones I veil my crown with silk. I rock, I croon, I keen and wail Hekate hear my wordless cry! Pour your dark compassion into the bowl Transform, unbind, reveal. For I would know my deepest self The parts untamed and feral The pieces lost and yearning to return The desires still kept secret. Grant me visions, bless my senses Grant me courage to see the truth Grant me insight into meaning Bless my inward-turning trial. After stillness, silent scrying, Bind the bargains with a kiss. Devouring my reclaimed power The cord twines round my wrist. Pouring out the night-black waters On my skin and on the ground Creeping back to home and hearth-light Sticky. Strong. Whole, proud, and free.
by Nikki Thomas
The Bi-Polar Witch
Most people don’t know what it’s really like to have bipolar disorder. How could they? It’s hard to explain and put into words the extremes that your mind goes through with this mental illness. People with bipolar disorder get a bad rap in every community — pagan, Christian, or otherwise. So, as an eclectic pagan with bipolar, let me set some facts straight and offer some advice to other pagans with mental health issues. First of all, most people with bipolar disorder are not able to function without medication. This is not due to pharmaceutical companies creating an addiction. It’s brain chemistry. When your body doesn’t produce the right hormones and chemicals, your mind does not function the way it should. Medications help the brain to function normally. That is their purpose. Secondly, meditation is all well and good but it’s not easy for those of us with bipolar disorder. It’s very hard to meditate when your thoughts are racing so fast that you can’t even keep track of what you’re thinking from moment to moment. And no, guided meditations and music don’t always help. On the subject of racing thoughts, please be patient with us when we lose track of a conversation, space off during a workshop, or say something inappropriate during a gathering. The fact that we are attending at all means we are trying. Patience is a virtue. Sometimes, when I’m having problems with depression, I go outside and try to connect with nature. Unfortunately, there are times when I feel so disconnected that I can’t make myself feel that connection. This only makes me feel worse. So, no, nature is not always the answer. So what is the answer? How do you practice your spiritual beliefs and craft when your mind is working against you? Easy: You don’t. If you are feeling manic and you can’t get your thoughts to stop, or you’re practicing risk taking behaviors, it’s not the time to do magic. From experience, I know that you feel the most powerful during this time. Your energies are amplified. Every spell you do works just the way you want it to, sometimes better. You feel more creative, more energetic, and just plain more powerful. The problem is that, when you feel that way, you’re not always making good decisions. You might curse someone and regret it later, do a spell for a new job when you should really keep the one you have, etc. If you are going to practice magic in this state, at least do some divination beforehand to make sure it’s a good idea. If you are feeling depressed, you can’t do magic. It’s just not possible. You won’t have the physical, mental or spiritual energy to make your intent come to fruition. Trying, then failing, will only make you feel worse. So when do you practice magic? I have found that it’s best to save any magical workings for when my mind feels at ease. Of course, this is usually when I’m stable on medication. Do the meds make me feel less powerful? Yes. I know that the meds lower my creativity as a writer and my power as a pagan. Does that make magic impossible? Absolutely not. It might make it harder, and you might have to put in more effort, but it’s not impossible. Please note that I am not a doctor, or a therapist, or any type of professional. I’m just a fellow pagan with 22 years of experience and 25 years fighting this disorder. This advice and these comments are based on my own personal experience. I just feel it is important for other pagans to understand. For those with bipolar disorder or other mental health disorders: You are not alone.
The Magician is the first step from the newness and nothing of The Fool. He is the salesman, he creates something out of nothing with the power of his will. He is intelligent and presents to you the tools you can use in the journey ahead. He represents control of the raw forces of creation. He is seen often with one hand up to the sky, and one hand pointing to the earth, embodying the concept of “as above, so below”. Remember that he represents will power, intellect, and control, which can be used for good or ill. While it can mean gaining skills and control in a situation, it can also be about deceit. The Magician is a smooth talker, a salesman. While he can present what you need, he can also be a con-man and a trickster. His showmanship can present something as being more than what it truly is. The key is to understand the intent and the reality behind the show. Let The Magician reveal to you new ideas and give you tools to help you manifest your desires, but take his slick words with a grain of salt. There will be truth and substance to what he presents to you, but a bit of wisdom is needed to know whether it is exaggerated or not.
image credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magician_(Tarot_card)
Number: 1 Element: Air Planet: Mercury Letter: Beth
The Magician
In The Cards
Spirit Moon Receptive
Inner Growth
Shadow Work
A phantom is a crystal or mineral deposit that creates a ghost-like image within another crystal. Phantoms are formed when crystal growth has been interrupted momentarily or when a different mineral washes over another. These crystals can come in a variety of types and colors but the most common is the phantom quartz. Phantom quartz is strongly tied with the phases of the moon as its bands represent the phases of life. The phantoms within a crystal also give it a strong link to past lives, particularly if the phantom is made of a different mineral than the overall crystal. It can be used to amplify visions and dreams that may identify these previous incarnations. Because the inner image is a shadow of the crystal’s former self, phantom quartz lends itself to shadow work, connecting with the self and healing the shadow. The phantom within the quartz can be a different mineral, which may affect its metaphysical properties and amplify certain aspects of the quartz.
Past Lives
Crystal Corner
Evolution
Motherwort
image credit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6fryxz
The scientific name for motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca and is also known as Lion's tail or Lion's ear. This herb is a perennial in the mint family that grows readily in Asia, Eastern Europe and the US, although not in California, strangely enough. The late summer blossoms, leaves and stems are harvested for herbal medicine and is mostly made into tinctures and teas. Motherwort is also great as a bitter for digestion with the taste being sharp and astringent. Medicinally, Motherwort helps with anxiety, menstrual cramping, hot flashes and calms the heart. Magically, Motherwort is like always having someone in your corner. She is an embracing hug when you need it as well as encouragement to know you can get things done. She makes a great compliment to any shadow work one might do, giving the feeling of "mother" protecting you and walking with you as you work through dark times or spells. Motherwort has a low toxicity. Because Motherwort is an emmenagogue (stimulates the uterus/brings on menses), it is not to be used by pregnant women. Magic work with it would still be fine so long as it is not being taken physically.
Digestion Tea Recipe 1 part each Motherwort, Lemon Balm, Fennel, Cinnamon and 2 parts Holy Basil tea
Gifts of Gaia
by: Antha Maren
Nature is a unique bevy of fluctuating forces, teetering control with ever-shifting chaos. As all of us know, nature is neither good nor evil. It is full of chaos and neutrality. So why do so many of us take this chaos in nature to be evil? It is simply the evolution of energy, of the life-force around us. Yet, even in our modern age, many shrink from the darkness; we speak softly about beings that embrace that chaos—beings we fear for that fact. So many in our current culture still make assumptions about the beings around us, our Other-kin if you will. The stereotypical: angels are good, demons are bad and the fae are tricksters. I ask you, dear reader, can every individual of the human race be lumped into such simplicities as good or evil? No, they cannot. If we believed all humanity was good—we would be blind to the atrocities individuals can cause. If we believe them all to be evil—we are blind to the truly miraculous acts of kindness individuals can produce. It is time to stop thinking in a black and white viewpoint and start thinking in shades of gray. You cannot have light without shadow. You cannot have rainbows without a storm. You cannot climb mountains without the movement of tectonic plates (earthquakes) creating them. We cannot understand the shadows by yelling and plugging our ears. It is time to speak softly and listen instead. So, it is here I wish to speak of our shadowy cousins—Daemons. Daemon was first used to describe what we now call demons. In its original Latin, it simply means “a supernatural being between angels and humans.” Neither good, nor evil in this form. Neither was chaos, in its original Greek (khaos) it referred to everything before creation—before what we would now call order. This human need to form order and equalize it as “good” is poisonous. If one is always neutral or in a state of energetic order, then one will never grow beyond that current point. That person will stagnate, and that stagnation (much like still water in a Missouri summer) will breed parasites and can become toxic. I speak here so much of chaos because it is an underlying factor of how Daemon energy operates. It manifests itself into something much more alive and symbiotic than human energy. Where a human sees a forest fire, a Daemon sees the possibility for a phoenix to rise from the ashes and begin anew. By embracing the natural chaos of the world around them, the natural drive of the universe called entropy, Daemons are at one with the world. This entropy is frightening to humans, for it also inevitably means death—the ultimate release of order. Humans inherently fear beings who are truly at one with chaos. We fear it as much as we do not understand chaos itself. Even within a community that claims the nature religions, we so often neglect and shy away from the chaos of nature, or the shadows created by chaotic beings. To allow for better explanation of chaos, we must look at the basics. We all know there is light and dark energy—these are pure energies and most beings are incapable of solely employing one or the other at all times. From these pure energies there are two possible combinations. The first is the light and dark energies mix in perfect equality and create a neutral energy. This energy can recycle other energies back to their original forms, like washing your dishes after you use them. The other possibility is when the two energies do not mix, but instead, sit in equal amounts within a being. This creates chaos energy, which works as scales for balance. A chaos practitioner can force the shift between dark and light energies in order to restore balance. I do want to take the time to give a small discussion on the whole issue of biblical “demonology.” I want to clarify: What I will be speaking of is not the typical form of demonology that many of you are most likely to be familiar with. This is simply me relaying my own experiences, both here and in the astral, that I have had with these beings of chaos. Now that I have shown where I am coming from, I would like to give a description of each of the Hellions races. Hellions (the modern collective term for the three races under the Daemon umbrella) maintain balance by being open conduits for the universe. As I mentioned above, the universal current flows towards entropy. As beings of chaos, Hellions become living conduits for the universe, a trait shared by all chaos practitioners. We chaos practitioners are open to that universal energy more so than any other energetic practitioner. As an entire population, Hellions create a unique opportunity for the universe and an interesting interaction between passionate Daemons and stubborn humans. The Hellion family tree is comprised of a total of three races, one of which contains two classes. At the base is what we typically refer to as modern demons, then devils, then fiends. Within demons there are two deviations—Hell Realm or Anzraega (Ahnz-ray-guh). Each of these three races is very distinct in their behavior and in their physical appearances. Although in general the Hellions are a very diverse group with skin color, gender, and even appendages. However, a commonality amongst all Hellions is that they all are chaos conduits. They all have an energy that lives and breathes as a symbiont, more so than human energy. I will start first with the demons, the ancestral line to all current Hellions. First there are Hell Realm demons which are pretty much what you would expect: Horns, barbed tails, maybe wings. They are heartily built and definitely would look more at home on a battlefield than in your living room. The army itself is a very integrated part of Hellion life just as dancing at revelries are. Then there are Anzraegan demons. Anzraega is a world in another dimension where only demons, and more recently, other Hellions live. As a rule Anzraegans have more animal-like characteristics—like being a six foot cat woman. They are typically taller and lean towards a more lithe frame than the muscular cousins. Ironically the horns and wings (in traditional fashion) are far less common among Anzraegans. However, Anzraegan demons can produce feathered wings as opposed to the leather-only style of Hell Realm demons. The intermediary Hellion are the devils. The word itself has an extensive history being used particularly for the fallen angel Lucifer. The meaning however, traces back to mean “to throw across,” which later translated to slander or to attack. This “throw across” root is interesting when taken in context of modern devils. They are quick witted for banter and particularly sly. Devils are sharp of tongue and more likely to be sarcastic and have a hard time hiding their true feelings about others. They are typically shorter than demons or fiends and slighter of frame (good for throwing). Their forms tend to lean towards an androgynous elven look—with a hellish gleam and hue. Their eyes tend to be fully dilated with no iris. One devil I have interacted with in fact, has mint green eyes with an orange hue to his skin. Humans inherently fear beings who are truly at one with chaos. Finally, there is the third class of Hellions, our spindly and rakish cousins, the fiends. The word fiend obviously has an interesting juxtaposition against the word friend—an intentional one. However, my attention is drawn first towards the Sanskrit word pijati, which means “reviles, scorns” and the Avestani word paman, the term for a skin disease. Out of all of the Hellions, fiends in particular have a vehement dislike of humankind. The fiends are much more the nymphs of our Hellion hordes—they take great insult and pain for what humans do to the ecosystem of their old home. A planet which was co-inhabited with Daemons at one point. The mention of it being a skin disease is ironic as well since when fiends typically show themselves to humans, they choose forms that frighten. Slimy skin that moves on its own, or shadows that create nightmarish scenes to the viewer. Fiends are more secretive on their true form and are more likely to take a form that is mostly humanoid (if they like you) or more frightening like a walking shadow (if they do not). We are each made of light and darkness and we are each made of good and evil, with no correlation to the former percentages. Much to the dismay of the media, the trunk of this family tree cannot actually possess people. Influence, yes, but not actually possess the mind. And as for fiends and devils, only someone who leaves that door open can be possessed. However, Hellions are prone to being telepathic. Particularly, fiends are well adept at this ability, hence why they excel at becoming living nightmares. This telepathy keys into the capacity of Hellions to hive-mind, a particularly useful ability in battles or dance revelries. And although fiends and devils can possess, they have lost what is called a kezvat (kez-vaht) that demons still retain. The kezvat is something that a demon must reverse in someone else and it can be literal or metaphorical. The closest English translation would be a corruption or a fetish that is not necessarily sexual. For example, an Anzraegan demon I know has an ignorance kezvat. This means he is absolutely compelled to fix someone else’s ignorance. Another demon kezvat common in those who take positions as fighting teachers is the kezvat of defenselessness. The completion of these kezvats gives demons the feeling of purpose and fulfillment. Fulfillment can come in another avenue for Hellions, in the form of contracts with other beings. Although contracts can happen within Hellion races, typically these contracts are formed with other species entirely. Humans in particular like to play with Hellions and this is the crux of this paper. I have had many contracts with various races of Hellions, but I have a kinship with them and thus my good experiences might not be shared with others. A key feature however, that can help with interactions with Hellions is respect. I mean true blue, talking to your elders or colleagues, kind of respect. Hellions are living, breathing, intelligent conduits for chaos energy. They will expect that you respect them and any power they make available to you (the primary result of a contract). They are embodiments of chaos and a lack of respect will push any Hellion over their breaking point and it will not end well for those involved in the disrespect. If you are not part of the Hellion kinship your experiences will be different from mine. For those unaccustomed to fraternizing with Hellions, you may want to dip your feet in by way of devils. Although they are particularly mischievous, they are horribly curious and are the least likely to violently retaliate over minor offenses. Keep in mind, though, that a contract is a two-way street. If you are lucky, you naturally fulfill a need of the Hellion and the relationship becomes symbiotic. If not, you will need to give something up to the Hellion for them to give you something in return. Respect this transaction. Respect the Hellion. Doing these should help ease any relationship you wish to flourish with most Hellions. This, however, does not mean to say that something creeping in the shadows is inherently good either. This is where your own abilities and your own intuition should come into effect. Moreover, not everything in the shadows is evil. We are each made of light and darkness and we are each made of good and evil, with no correlation to the former percentages. But let us speak softly to the shadows and listen carefully when they whisper back. Who knows, we may become emboldened by that fiery Hellion spirit—the passion that dwells within. Passion which is borne of chaos.
by Kevros Nocte
With Shadows We Speak Softly
by: Tracy Whitt
1 Cup Coconut Oil (not fractionated) or butters of your choice 1 Cup infused oils of your choice 5 Tbl. Beeswax ( if you prefer a vegan friendly wax try Carnauba or Candelilla wax) the wax amount can be adjusted to your liking. 1 1/2 tsp. Lavender essential oil 1 tsp. Rosemary essential oil 1 tsp. Peppermint essential oil a few drops of Vitamin E (optional) This will make 8 each – 2 ounce jars or tins **OR** 4 each – 4 ounce jars or tins
Solar infused oil using fresh St. John’s Wort. Starting with a clean, sterile, half gallon canning jar, place as much St. Johns wort into the jar that can fit, without cramming it in too tightly. Pour pure olive oil over the plant, leaving enough room to add a few tablespoons of 80 proof vodka as a preservative. NOTE: When oil and moisture from fresh herbs are blended together, it will create mold. A preservative like vodka is necessary to avoid that. Let the jar bask in the sun during the day, and the moon by night. Give it a little swirl every day to keep the oils mixing with the herb. In about one moon cycle the St. Johns wort will start to produce beautiful, ruby red oil with all the benefits of the herb. If you are using dried herbs, follow the same steps, but omit the vodka.
St. John's Wort Herbal Salve
Out of the Cauldron
1. Put a pot of water on the stove to simmer. It should be enough water to go mostly up the sides of the container, but stay well enough below the rim to avoid water getting in the container. Also, ensure the contain will sit flat on the bottom of the pot. While the water is heating, put the coconut oil, olive oil and beeswax pastilles in a heat proof container. 2. Set the jar filled with the coconut oil, olive oil, and wax into the water and leave it there until it melts, giving it a stir from time to time. You want a slow, gentle melt so take your time. It could take 15 or 20 minutes depending on the temperature of the water bath. 3. Once melted, remove from heat and add your essential oils, quickly give it a little stir.. Pour the melted oils into your container. 5. Cover with a paper towel or cloth and set them aside for up to 24 hours. Although the salve will start to firm up within minutes, it takes at least 12 hours to complete the firming process. Adjust firmness by adding oil or butter to soften, beeswax to firm.
1. Mix softened butter and powdered sugar with the paddle of your mixer until light and smooth, about 5 minutes. 2. Combine yolks, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Add to butter mix in 2 additions, fully incorporating each time. Scrape sides with a spatula as needed. 3. Combine flour, rosemary, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Add to the butter mix after all eggs are incorporated. Mix until just combined. 4. Wrap dough in plastic and chill until cool enough to roll, about an hour or so. 5. Roll dough onto a floured surface until it is about ¼ inch thick or so. Cut out cookies with whatever cookie cutter you desire (or cut into simple shapes, up to you!) and put them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. 6. I suggest sprinkling granulated sugar on them. You can also use raw sugar, colored sugars, or leave them plain. Totally up to you. 7. Bake at 350 F for about 10 to 12 min, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. 8. Allow to cool before serving.
makes 28, 3 in round cookies (will vary with shape and size used for cookies)
1 cup Butter, soft (2 sticks) 1 cup Powdered sugar 2 eggs Egg yolks ½ orange Orange zest 1 tsp Vanilla extract 2 ¼ cup Flour 1 Tbsp Fresh rosemary (finely chopped) ½ tsp Salt ½ tsp Cinnamon ½ tsp Ginger ½ tsp Clove
This is a great recipe to use for the fall. The flavors, rosemary, orange, ginger, clove, cinnamon, are all incredibly seasonal and will work well into the winter months as well. Rosemary, a very multipurpose herb, is known to be for remembrance, so it works well when remembering your ancestors. The spices, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, all have associations with fire and are magically used for things like prosperity, protection, healing and cleansing. Then there is the orange, a very sunny fruit, in season in the winter months and good for symbolizing the returning sun at Yule. However you use this recipe, or if you decide to mix it up with different herbs, spices, or citrus, remember the associations of any changes you make and enjoy a simple, shortbread cookie.
Rosemary Spice Shortbread Cookies
by Sylvia Vallatton
image credit: http://tinyurl.com/y9fcxbez
The Creatures You Fear
Scared of roaches? Do bats freak you out? Do you scream when you see a snake? Do you run away from chickens? Why is it that certain animals seem to cause you fear? Many animals we dislike can be considered Shadow Animals, which represent something we need to process about ourselves and work with. Think about how a snake fully sheds its skin; they represent shedding of the old as a way to grow and transform. Many people carry baggage with them that has accumulated throughout their lives and this can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. Addressing these issues may require counseling or other outside intervention to truly heal. There are many kinds of “bugs” that people are scared of, or dislike: Roaches, spiders, and wasps, for example, each have specific metaphysical meanings. Let's look at spiders and roaches. Now a healthy fear of spiders isn’t a terrible thing considering there are poisonous spiders but, beyond that, what might this fear represent that someone needs to work through? In Asian cultures, if you see a spider, it means money is coming your way; in other cultures, they represent your home. Spiders can mean that your home doesn’t represent “you” as much as it might the rest of your family. Could it be that your home situation is unstable and that needs to be addressed? If you are in a place that you can’t move from, make some small changes that make even a part of it feel like “home.” Much of this can be a shift in attitude; again, back to that shadow work. What is it going to take to shift your attitude if you can’t change the actual situation? Roaches are the ultimate survivor but most people want to live in prosperity-mode, not survival-mode. These easily can represent the fear of having to be in that survival mode. Is there financial, emotional, physical or another kind of survival that concerns you? There can be deeper issues that may stem from childhood as well. I personally really like bats but many people are scared of them. Bats are all about seeking the truth and facing the dark. What are the dark parts of your soul? What do you need to change? This can be a difficult realization, particularly when we are told to be positive and light all the time. That can’t always be the case. We don’t need to be taken over by depression or darkness but those thoughts can be acknowledged. For example, there are plenty of people who can’t find a way to have love for our President; and that is ok. It’s ok to acknowledge that and even embrace it. However if there is a lot of “dark”, the realization that counseling is needed might be scary, but it will be worth the journey. What about animals that seem more benign such as chickens or dogs, etc? These could represent fear of crowds or giving up control. The fall and winter especially are the perfect time of year to do this inner shadow work… Embrace it and heal.
I learned Witchcraft in the center of late 80’s Florida - a technological vacuum of sorts. No internet, no big witchcraft store, no open public rituals or meetups. Finding teachers and your tribe meant you had to know someone who knew someone, or luckily somehow stumble into the outer realm of a coven or circle. I was a newly curious Witch living somewhere between a Christian centric place and the echoes of the Satanic panic. Through a friend, I managed to stumble into a coven and, in the process, an incredible mentor. I was given a few books to start and my education and foothold on the path of Paganism and Witchcraft began. If you cannot clearly define the intent of the spell/ritual from the body of the work, neither will the universe Of all the things I learned, the most valuable did not come out of a book but was taught to me by my mentor (something she was militantly adamant that I learn). Even more important than the practice of Witchcraft itself, I was taught the importance of understanding the mechanics of a ritual or spell. Thirty years later, this is probably one of the most critical skills a Witch can have. The internet has made accessing spells very easy. Pinterest, Tumblr, and a host of Facebook groups and pages, personal blogs and websites constantly crank out spell after spell without any real notion as to whether they even work, or worse still, are safe. Being able to pick apart a spell, understand every aspect of it, why each piece was chosen, as well as whether the spell/ritual would even work is not only a useful, practical skill, but a necessary one regarding your personal safety. It is this foundation of questioning everything that I still utilize to this day when looking at any aspect of Witchcraft. The following are just some examples of how to dissect a spell or ritual: 1. What is the actual intent of the spell/ritual? The title is not the intent but there to catch your attention. Look at how it is written, the wording, and key elements. What is the actual focus of the spell/ritual? If you cannot clearly define the intent of the spell/ritual from the body of the work, neither will the universe, and the spell/ritual is not functional as is. 2. Why did the author choose those ritual/spell components? Ritual/spell components are everything from candles, herbs and incense to the correspondences of their quarter calls and invocations. Why did they pick that color? Why did they choose that Deity? Pick the entire thing apart completely. A good solid spell/ritual will not have any waste. Every aspect of that spell/ritual will have a purpose that is directly tied to the intent. AND none of the components will counter act with the other components, cancelling out the spell/ritual. Items that represent fertility probably should not be in a mojo bag that you are creating to not get pregnant. Any component that works at cross purposes with the intent of the spell/ritual will cancel everything else out, and the spell/ritual is will not be functional as written. 3. How would you make the spell/ritual fit your path? Spell/rituals work by channeling our energy, our intent. There is nothing that makes a spell/ritual stronger than making it our own, putting our own spin on things. Incorporate Deities, herbs, stones, etc. you are comfortable working with that still correspond to the intent of the spell/ritual. Change the language of the body to your own words, something you would be comfortable saying. Rework the spell/ritual to where it speaks in your own voice, not as someone else’s. 4. Write it all down. Note all the changes you made and why, along with the original spell/ritual. Write your version down, date it, and note what happens when you cast it. If it doesn’t work (after a reasonable period, generally one Lunar cycle), revisit your changes. Question your own work and start the process again until you get your desired outcome. A huge part of being a Witch is personal responsibility, and a huge part of personal responsibility is knowing what you are doing. 5. Do your homework. If you come across an herb you have never used, or an aspect of a spell or ritual that you are not familiar with, research it thoroughly, making notes and including your sources. You should know and understand every aspect of anything you work with. This holds especially true for herbs, as some of them can be dangerous. Understanding everything that you are working with will keep you from putting yourself or others in danger. It pays to take your time and do your homework, as understanding what you are working with will give you an extra boost of confidence that will come through in your work. The internet can be an incredible resource for spells and rituals. However, never take any of them at face value. For example, I actually have a Pinterest board full of those cute little spell pictures, and three quarters of them are crap, fully of cross purpose actions and ingredients that make the spell inert, etc. I merely use them for ideas and jumping off points to create my own spells. I use the techniques I shared above with every new spell I find. A huge part of being a Witch is personal responsibility, and a huge part of personal responsibility is knowing what you are doing. Doing the work and understanding all aspects of a spell/ritual is a huge part of that. Walking the Path of the Witch is not just TO KNOW, TO DARE, TO KEEP SILENT, but also TO QUESTION EVERYTHING. Happy Casting! The Urban Crone
with Laurie Sherman
Contemplative Crone
To me, shadow work is a time that involves looking inward at the parts of me that I may not be real happy with. I use this time to transform my old habits into new, more useful ways of being. I do lots of shadow work during the waning phase. This is not to say it doesn't apply the rest of the time but it seems much more powerful then and I get better results. - Wendy Adams -
Shadow work to me means authenticity, digging in to where the true self lives within us, and accepting the not so nice aspects of who we are. Shadow work is about owning your darkness so that you can own your truth. - Laurie Sherman -
Learning to love in yourself what you previously found to be unlovable. Shadow work is the foundation and teacher of universal love... which is the absence of judgement. It is an acceptance and allowance of what is and a lesson in the transmutational power of Love - James P. Ditty -
Looking at whatever makes you uncomfortable. Looking at any negative emotions you commonly display. Looking at any past trauma where you were either the victim or the instigator. Looking at what fears you have. The "work" is asking "why", and trying to resolve those things. - Sylvia Vallatton -
Community Voices
What does shadow work mean to you?
Your shadow is filled with treasure. Your darkness is what affords you light. It is your teacher, your guide, your parent full of tough love. Trying to ignore your shadow will only achieve more suffering and dissonance. It cannot and will not disappear or be eliminated. Our shadow demands respect and recognition. It asks for us to listen and learn. It asks us to more fully understand ourselves. It allows us to evolve. - Sam Shyrock -
Facing my own problems (fears, weaknesses, wounds, conditioning, and other things some people call "inner demons"), knowing and accepting them, healing them or redirecting them as I can, and harnessing their power as strength. - Carey Liv Moore -
I had a friend once tell me, as I was complaining that I blaze the way but reap none of the benefits of that now cleared path, that I was a catalyst for change. I was a bit bitter about that response at the time. Of course, I do the work and get kicked over it and someone else gets to enjoy the benefit of the outcome of that struggle. What I have had to make peace with is that everyone is not cut out for that kind of work and those of us that can must do it for the greater good. Even if it is done kicking, screaming, and cursing. - J Gwenhwyfar Wyrrd -
Shadow work is learning to look inward on yourself, to acknowledge qualities that you might not necessarily like, and embracing those qualities as part of who you are, and we can work on bettering ourselves through it, leading to greater self-love, and respect for ourselves and others. - Lily Nimue-Alexandra DeS Ette -
Going to the depths of who you are. To every experience that has hurt you, made you cry, had you screaming words of anger and even hate. To uncover it all. To sit with your inner demons and to walk away from that with compassionate understanding. To be able to go back and love yourself where you were in a time that you didn't even recognize your own reflection. To love yourself in your darkest hour. - McKayla Emily Rae -
The blog of JS Groves by JS Groves Click to Read
The Covenant of Hekate Click to Read
Hekate Soteira: A Study of Hekate's Roles in the Chaldean Oracles and Related Literature by Sarah Iles Johnston Click to Purchase
Wandering Woman Wondering Click to Read
Samhain: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Halloween by Diana Rajchel Click to Purchase
Pagan Christmas: The Plants, Spirits, and Rituals at the Origins of Yuletide by Christian Rätsch & Claudia Müller-Ebeling Click to Purchase
Bookshelf
The Poetic Edda's by Carolyne Larrington Click to Purchase
Tarot Theory and Practice by Ly de Angeles Click to Purchase
Kansas City Witches Meetup Main Event Fourth Wednesday -Aquarius Books Eastern Edge Coffee Coven First Tuesday - Independence Kansas Coffee Coven Second Wednesday - Overland Park Liberty Coffee Coven Third Tuesday - Liberty Center City Coffee Coven Third Wednesday - Westport South KC Coffee Coven Fourth Thursday - Peculiar www.facebook.com/KCWMUMeetup
December 2 - 3 Ararat Shriners 5100 Ararat Dr Kansas City, MO 64129
Holly Holly Holly Days Sale and Craft Fair
For more information, or if you are interested in vending, contact info@hollyhollyhollydays.com Or Holly Holly Holly Days Sale on Facebook
All products made by women and women owned businesses. Proceeds benefit Gaea Goddess Gathering
Reclaiming the Fire
Do you have an article you'd like to send in? Are you interested in writing for one of our recurring articles? Do you have some cool photos we can use? Would you or someone you know be interested in submitting your artwork or creative writing? Send it all in to thecenterspiral@gmail.com Our theme for the next issue is "Reclaiming the Fire", and we will be covering Imbolc and Ostara. If you have any questions, send them to the above email. We will take any submission at any time, and if it does not fit with the upcoming theme we will hold your submission for a future issue. Deadline for the Winter Solstice 2017 issue is December 1, 2017
Winter Solstice 2017
Thank you!!!
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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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