Kansas City Witches Meetup Presents
Seeds of Intention
Spring Equinox 2018
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 Beltane Litha Festival Season 13 Ritual Etiquette Tips by Marietta Williams Luna's Lair Advice Column Deity Cafe Pan Persephone Working with Loose Incense by Laurie Sherman Songs of the Season Thematic Playlist Musecraft Featured Artist Pencraft Featured Creative Writing Dreams of Intentions by Catherine Boudreau In the Cards Tarot Card Overview Deck Review Crystal Corner Stone Overview Gifts of Gaia Herb Overview Garden of Grief by Rachel Winter Out of the Cauldron Food Non-Food The Plantable Spell by Emily Gabbert Contemplative Crone from the Urban Crone Community Voices Quotes from a Question IN MEmoriam Nature and Time by Lord Dunsany Bookshelf Book Review Resources Advertising Next Issue Theme and Call for Content cONTRIBUTORS Thank you
Table of Contents
Cover Image: Emily Gabbert
Image Credit: Marietta Williams "Witchy Words"
Letter from the Editor
The weather has been getting warmer, there are buds appearing on the trees, we are starting to see shoots of new green grass on the ground, it is finally spring. We have walked the path down into darkness, we rediscovered a spark of life, it is now time to dig into the softening earth and plant the beginnings of all the things we want to come to fruition in the year ahead. Any book, class, mentor, or website talking about the basics of magic will tell you that it all comes down to intention. It is the spark of an idea for a spell. The beginning of planning in your head before you even begin to research. While the work and the energy you put into it actually makes it happen, the intent guides every aspect of the magic. It determines everything you use, your timing, your words, the intent must be clear throughout. That intent is never more clear, or more pure, than the first moment it comes into being. It is the tiny seed with the potential to become a massive tree. The first step in that, of course, is to plant the seed. This can be simultaneously remarkably simple and incredibly difficult. It is, however, absolutely essential to move forward into light, to grow into what you were always meant to be. Every path has to start somewhere, even if it looks more like a fork in the road. The months ahead will be busy with festivals, fairs, events both old and new and all the planning that goes into them. The more we go to these things and connect with our community, the more opportunities for new beginnings we will come across. New relationships, new experiences, new skills, new knowledge, the potential rides in on the wind and the storms will nourish it to grow into something great. Leap at those opportunities that sing to you and ride along as much as you can. The potential ahead of you is endless and unknown. However, if you keep your intentions clear and focused, you will get something out of that ride no matter where it goes. In the spirit of newness this season, you will find a few new things scattered throughout this issue. We have brought you a list of upcoming festivals, started reviewing books as well as tarot and oracle decks, created a space to remember those that have passed, and brought you a short story from a century ago. We even have a playlist (or two) to go with the themes of spring. I hope the potential of spring will inspire your intentions and bring you the education and connections you need to nourish those seeds to grow into a glorious tree.
Emily Gabbert Editor
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.
The Center Spiral Staff
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.
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.
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.
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.
by Emily Gabbert
March 21 - Vernal Equinox, Happy Ostara! Sun enters Aries March 22 - Mercury Retrograde March 25 - Palm Sunday March 28 - Venus dims Uranus in near eclipse March 30 - Good Friday March 31 - Full Moon in Libra Blue Moon - Sap Moon, Worm Moon, Storm Moon, Crow Moon, Plow Moon, Moon of Winds Passover Begins Venus enters Taurus April 1 - April Fool’s Day Easter Day April 8 - Orthodox Easter April 15 - Mercury Direct New Moon in Taurus April 17 - Saturn Retrograde Chiron enters Aries April 19 - Sun enters Taurus April 22 - Earth Day Pluto Retrograde Lyrids meteor shower peaks April 24 - Venus enters Gemini April 27 - Arbor Day April 29 - Full Moon in Libra Alder Moon, Growing Moon, Seed Moon, Pink Moon, Egg Moon, Grass Moon Mercury at greatest western elongation May 1 - Happy Beltane! May 4 - Star Wars Day May 5 - Cinco de Mayo May 6 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks May 9 - Jupiter at opposition May 13 - Mother’s Day Mercury enters Taurus May 15 - New Moon in Taurus Uranus enters Taurus May 16 - Ramadan Begins Mars enters Aquarius May 19 - Venus enters Gemini May 20 - Sun enters Gemini May 28 - Memorial Day May 29 - Full Moon in Sagittarius Flower Moon, Willow Moon, Bright Moon, Milk Moon, Planting Moon, Merry Moon Mercury enters Gemini June 12 - Mercury enters Cancer June 13 - New Moon in Gemini Venus enters Leo June 14 - Flag Day Ramadan Ends June 17 - Father’s Day June 18 - Neptune Retrograde June 21 - Summer Solstice Happy Litha! Sun in Cancer
From the Stars
image credit: Marietta Williams "Witchy Words"
by Marietta Williams
Beltane is a Gaelic fire festival typically celebrated beginning at sunset on April 30th through May 1st. Historically, Beltane marked the beginning of summer when cattle would be driven out to pastures. People and cattle alike would leap over sacred bonfires for blessings. Lit from said fires, torches rekindled the home’s hearth, the resulting ashes were sprinkled over crops. Maidens would wash their face with the morning dew and braid flowers into their hair for beauty. This was also a time to visit holy wells and make offerings to theaos si, particularly the fairies. Nowadays, we celebrate May Day as a fertility sabbat welcoming the height of spring. We erect Maypoles topped with flowers and adorned with ribbon, dancing about them to bring joy and prosperity. Strangely enough, maypoles have their roots in Germanic paganism rather than historical Irish celebrations, a symbol of the way modern practices blend cultures and traditions. This blending is taken a step further by our advancement in science. Now that we can more accurately gauge the midpoint between the equinox and the solstice, some pagans choose to mark their celebrations accordingly. For Kansas City, that exact midpoint occurs at 8:13 AM on May 5th. Beltane occurs when the earth is bustling with life. For your altar and celebrations, vivid colors of nature are the way to go. Focus on greens, yellows, violets, reds, and deep blues. Utilize fertility symbols such as antlers, acorns, pinecones, cauldrons, cups, and the spiral of the womb. Or, if you’d like to deviate away from fertility, look towards the spirits. Across from Samhain on the wheel, Beltane is a thin-veiled holiday that focuses on the fae. Leave offerings of milk, honey, cream, and cakes. Create fairy houses to earn their favor. Herbs include seasonal items such as honeysuckle, marigold, paprika, almond, blessed thistle, and daffodil while gemstones like bloodstone, emerald, malachite, and garnet focus on the bright greens and reds of the near-summer holiday. For Wiccans, Beltane is when the maiden Goddess and her consort, the Horned God, consummate their love. Other pagans focus on gods and goddesses of the hunt, love and fertility, such as Freya, Artemis, Pan, Cernunnos, Aphrodite, and more. Feasting in their name is tradition, with common foods including oat cakes, fruit pastries, wine, goat meat and milk, stews and bannocks.
Beltane
Turn of the Wheel
Image credit:: Marietta Williams "Witchy Words"
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.
by Hekaterine Nox
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” - William Shakespeare "Sonnet 18" When butterflies and bees, cattle and birds are in full frolic, we find ourselves celebrating LITHA, the longest day of the year. The God is at full strength and health, seated upon his forest throne, inviting us to feast on garden fresh vegetables and fruits. Colors of golds, greens, yellows, and reds are mimicked in summer’s foliage of daisies, sunflowers, honeysuckles, and ivies. Gifts to the faeries of milk and honey are left in their sacred circles. Litha is an ancient Germanic name for summer, when the Oak King is in his prime just as his usurper, the Holly King, is his at full glory at Yule. It is traditionally celebrated around June 21stor 22nd(depending on the lunar calendar) and is the middle of the summer sabbats - Beltane, Litha and Lughnasadh. It is time to begin preparations for the waning year. Autumn is coming! It is also considered a fertility sabbat, but more so for crops and animals. Marriages, initiations, feasting, and bonfires are all popular at this time. Celebrate the Litha season by taking an extended nature walk to feel the sun on your face, make a flower crown from the plentiful wildflowers in bloom or rededicate yourself into the service of the Lord & Lady. Over 4,000 years ago, the builders of Stonehenge and other henges across the world were aligned with the Summer Solstice. To this day many revelers, pagan and cowan alike, will visit these ancient places to celebrate with music and dancing. For the green witch, herbal gardens are in full overgrowth, so make herbal sachets or begin to dry your herbs for the coming autumn and winter. The Goddess Epona was revered during this time of year because of her sway over fruits of the fields and orchards. Her symbol of the cornucopia represents abundance. Decorate your altar with wild flowers and burn a mixture of essential oils containing lemon, lavender, and thyme.
Litha
by: Emily Gabbert
Festival Season
KC Metaphysical Fair - Spring March 23rd 4p - 10p, 24th 10a - 8p, 25th 11a - 6p Abdallah Shriners 5300 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66202 $8/day or 3 day pass for $18 There are workshops, door prizes, lots of shopping, and a variety of readers (be sure to bring cash for all of that!). For more information go to www.kcmetaphysical.com. Heavener Runestone Viking Festival April 14-15 Heavener Runestone Park 18365 Runestone Rd, Heavener, OK 74937 $5/day The festival is a fundraiser held twice a year to help raise funds to keep the park maintained and open to the public. This family friendly fundraiser will have food vendors, live music, games, reenactment battles, blacksmith, axe throwing, viking village, over 30 merchant vendors and much more.For more information, check out the April Runestone Festival Facebook Event. St. Louis Crossroads Metaphysical Fair May 12th 10a - 9p, 13th 11a - 6p Holiday Inn St. Louis SW - Rt 66 10709 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127 $7/day This is a brand new fair!! There will be workshops, door prizes, vendors, and readers from around the region. For more information, check out the StL Crossroads Festival Facebook Event. Heartland Pagan Festival May 24 - 28 Gaea Retreat Center 25110 235th St, McClouth, KS 66054 $125 until 3/31, $150 after 4/1, $200 at gate. Check website for Teen prices, RV registration, Pet registration, Day passes, Meal Plan, and Work Exchange options. This pagan festival is held every Memorial Day weekend and features workshops, speakers, vendors, concerts, some amazing rituals, large bonfires, drumming, dancing, camping, and much revelry. Theme this year is “Myths and Legends”. For more information, visit kchsa.com or the HPF 2018 Facebook Event. KC Metaphysical Fair - Summer July 13th 4p - 10p, 14th 10a - 8p, 15th 11a - 6p Abdallah Shriners 5300 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66202 $8/day or 3 day pass for $18 There are workshops, door prizes, lots of shopping, and a variety of readers (be sure to bring cash for all of that!). For more information go to www.kcmetaphysical.com. Crossroads Metaphysical Fair, OKC August 25th 10a - 8p, 26th 11a - 6p Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center 5750 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City, OK 73110 $7/day There will be workshops, door prizes, vendors, and readers from around the region. For more information, check out the OKC Crossroads Facebook Event. Gaea Goddess Gathering September 14-16 Gaea Retreat Center 25110 235th St, McClouth, KS 66054 $75 adult, $45 girls 6-12, 5 and under free This is an all women’s festival featuring workshops, rites of passage, rituals, entertainment, vendors, camping, revelry, and women’s fellowship. Goddess being honored this year is Hekate. For more information, check out GGG Facebook page and www.gaeagoddessgathering.org. Heavener Runestone Viking Festival October 13-14 Heavener Runestone Park 18365 Runestone Rd, Heavener, OK 74937 $5/day The festival is a fundraiser held twice a year to help raise funds to keep the park maintained and open to the public. This family friendly fundraiser will have food vendors, live music, games, reenactment battles, blacksmith, axe throwing, viking village, over 30 merchant vendors and much more.For more information, watch the Heavener Runestone Park Facebook Page. KC Metaphysical Fair - Fall November 16th 4p - 10p, 17th 10a - 8p, 18th 11a - 6p Abdallah Shriners 5300 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66202 $8/day or 3 day pass for $18 There are workshops, door prizes, lots of shopping, and a variety of readers (be sure to bring cash for all of that!). For more information go to www.kcmetaphysical.com.
Spring and summer are a big time for all kinds of festivals and fairs, particularly those with pagan related themes. These are amazing ways to network in your community, make new friends, and grow current relationships. We bond with each other over camping, bonfires, rituals, workshops, revelry, and just time spent outside. The weather is, well, variable around here, but that can produce some pretty great stories. Our indoor fairs are a wonderful place to find new supplies and resources as well as meet a whole other intersecting circle of people. The festivals and fairs we attend and participate in are the big events we talk about for years to come. They are another place to educate yourself, connect with other people, and exchange inspiration face to face. In that spirit, we have compiled a list of festivals and fairs in our area, including a couple within a day’s drive. Go out to educate, inspire, connect, and enjoy your community!
13 Ritual Etiquette Tips for Public and Group Rituals
It's your first time at a group ritual. How exciting! But then the nerves kick in: You're new to this whole ritual thing and you have no idea what to expect or do. Here's a quick list of etiquette tips that will help you feel prepared! 1. Wear appropriate clothing. I'm all for wearing whatever it is that expresses you. No one should ever tell you what is and isn't right for your body. That being said, you should dress appropriately for the weather and, particularly if the ritual is in a small area or with a lot of people, avoid large hats or fluffy garments that may be distracting or hazardous. 2. If you have children, ensure they're allowed at ritual and, while there, mind them. Talk to a coven member before bringing your kids along. If it's okay for you to bring them, keep an eye on them. No one expects young children to sit still or be totally silent for a long duration of time. No one expects a baby to not cry. Most family-friendly events will understand. That being said, no matter how much they love children, ritual leaders did not sign up to be babysitters. If a child breaks into a tantrum or cannot be controlled, as can happen with even the best behaved children, quietly excuse yourself from the circle. 3. If you need to bring something, ensure you bring it. Some rituals include a potluck or want you to bring an item of special importance with you. Some rituals may request a small fee to cover the space they've rented and/or the materials. Even if it's a donation, it's proper etiquette to try to give at least a little something if you can. That being said, don't let financial issues stop you from attending a donation-based or love offering ritual. I'm sure they'd rather have you there than not. 4. Come to the ritual grounded, centered, and cleansed. The ritual itself may include grounding, centering, and cleansing for you, but not all will. Especially in a public ritual setting where a wide array of energies are at play, being fully prepared to share your energy before arriving on site is extremely helpful. Consider it an extra step of courtesy. 5. Be on time. "Pagan Standard Time” is a common phrase in the community that refers to the idea that pagans are naturally 20-30 minutes late to events. Don't be one of those pagans. Being late to events is highly disrespectful not only to those running the event but guests as well. No one wants to stand around waiting for someone to show up and, once the circle is cast, breaking it is disruptive. If you run late, quietly observe outside of the circle until ritual is over. 6. Turn off or silence your phone before ritual. Nothing is more frustrating than being in the moment full of energy as you raise a circle and then hearing someone's chirping ringtone loudly in the silence. You can avoid disrupting someone's experience, as well as your own, by muting your phone. 7. If you have any allergies, opt out or let someone know quietly. You should never put yourself in danger if your health conflicts with the ritual. I have skipped on dairy-based foods because I’m lactose intolerant and no one has ever blinked twice. I usually just either pass the plate along or hold my hand up to be skipped. If you have a more severe allergy or need to know the ingredients of something, talk to the ritual leader or one of the covenmates before ritual. 8. Once the circle is formed, don't leave the circle for any reason other than an emergency. Circles are sacred spaces formed by protective energy that can easily be disturbed by your passing in and out of said space. Arrive on time, use the bathroom before, turn your phone off, and only leave if you have an emergency. If it's a small event between circle mates, have someone "let" you out by creating a door. If you're at a larger event where that's not possible, you can simply leave. 9. Do not take pictures unless permitted. If you'd like to take pictures, please ask the ritual leader first. Ensure they make an announcement in case some attendants aren't open about their beliefs. Never disrupt a ritual by taking flash photography, using a noisy camera or making a photographing announcement after ritual begins. 10. Do not interrupt the ritual leader or make chatter during ritual. If you're talking with friends during the ritual, you're not only being disrespectful of the leaders but you're also making it difficult for those around you to listen and participate. Unless you're prompted by song, chant, or response, it's best to remain silent during ritual. If you don't understand what's going on, wait until after ritual to discuss it with the ritual leader. You can always opt out of spell work if you don't understand the instructions. 11. Watch the people around you for clues as to what you should be doing. If everyone faces west, that's probably your signal to face west. If everyone around you raises their hands, raise yours if you feel comfortable. You'd be surprised what you can pick up from those you're standing next to! 12. Do not touch anything you are not asked to touch. Most items involved in ritual are sacred and have been cleansed and charged with a specific intent. Your touching that item could add your own personal intent, however unintentionally. This includes everything from altar items to divination tools. Consider everyone's magical and personal possessions 100% off limits unless it's handed or offered to you. 13. Give the ritual your full attention. Try to stay present for the entire length of the ritual. Whoever is leading it most assuredly put a lot of time, effort, and perhaps even money into the ritual you're attending. The least you can do is participate by giving it your full attention. Even if you're not an active participant, you have an opportunity to learn something new. Take it! Good luck on your first ritual experience and enjoy!
Continued
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.
Luna's Lair
Luna, I am very new to witchcraft and want to learn all I can about it, but I live in a rural county called Cooper. I know no one to talk to about learning. I do look on YouTube often and that helps but it's hard being alone in this. Any suggestions? Candice L. Hi Candice, How exciting for you starting out on this spiritual journey! YouTube can be a wonderful resource that can fill the need to feel you are in a class, lecture, or one-on-one setting on the subject. Choose who and what you watch wisely. There are some whack jobs on there! Being alone in your journey is not a bad thing. I was alone for years before I got involved in a community. Witchcraft is an extremely personal way of life and I believe that time spent alone allows you to find what works for YOU and not be swayed toward anyone else’s practice or style. My suggestion is to start with the Witches Pyramid. Go deep into the meaning of each tier and write what they mean to you. Write out how you want to live, practice, and experience your growth. This comes from your heart, not the heart of others. Set standards with these. Watch and journal the cycles of the sun, the moon, and the stars. Plan your garden with these cycles. Read all you can on the elements: air, fire, water, earth, and spirit. Experience them. Program yourself to think about which you are working with throughout the day whether you are inside or outside. Journal how they work separately and collectively. Create a magical environment by surrounding yourself with things that make you happy and vibrate at a high level. Learn to take time to meditate as often as possible. Quieting your mind helps you stay balanced and creative. Learn and celebrate the Wheel of the Year. Take time each sabbat to read about its origin and history. Decorate your home or altar with the seasonal beauty. I believe the heart of the craft is knowing, experiencing, and working with the cycles, phases, and seasonal changes both above and below our earth. Once you learn to live that way, you can better discern what other areas of practice you would like to pursue. You will find that you will be able to weed out the weekend warriors from the true souls in this lifestyle. Create your own walk. The sky's the limit! Blessed Be,
by Kim Tarwater
Luna Mother Owl
Image credit:: Kim Tarwater
One of the most well-recognized Greek deities, Pan is widely accepted as the son of Hermes, though his mother is attributed to a variety of figures. He is known to be the god of shepherds, hunters, and much of nature, and described as a man with horns, pointy ears on his head and the lower body of a goat. Pan in classic Greek translates to “all,” but some older texts indicate it is closer to “rustic” which is in line with his domain. He is worshipped outdoors, as opposed to the temples of many other Greek deities. Pan is often known for his lecherous ways and sexual prowess. In fact, this characteristic is part of where we get so many other stories of well-known Greek figures. He cursed Echo for rejecting his advances, and the moon goddess Selene was seduced into coming down from her moon. Many stories about Pan involve him chasing someone to seduce. Pan’s place in a historical context has been immense. Being the god of hunting and flocks, he gained many followers rather quickly and his worship spread throughout a wide region. He started in Arcadia, continued throughout Greece and eventually to Athens. The Romans associated him with their god, Inuus, and also sometimes Faunus, and Plato would write of him as well. One of the biggest impacts he has had on society, however, is that his image was used in the Victorian era in conjunction with the Christian Satan. This association has stayed strong. Conversely, Neopagan communities often think of him of as one of the forms of the Horned God, sitting in a high place with other popular deities such as Cernunnos and Pahupati. It is easy to see why he is so widely known as he is a major persona in most religions. Pan as a god started with a rich background and amazing relationships to so many other gods. His reach has continued to expand through the centuries, far beyond his origins on the island of Greece. His popularity and interconnectedness make him a god worth knowing.
For further information, start with theoi.com/Georgikos/Pan.html and wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_(god)
by Ally Spencer
Deity Cafe
Pan
Image:: Walter Crane "Sweet, Piercing Sweet, was the Music of Pan's Pipe"
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.
by: Tamilia
In Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She has several names and epithets by which she is known. As Persephone, she is consort of the god Hades, dread queen of the underworld, mistress of ghosts, and the goddess who presides over oracles from the dead. The story of how Persephone came to be goddess of the underworld is perhaps one of the best known from Greek mythology. Before the goddess became Persephone, she was Kore, meaning “maiden.” According to the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Persephone in her aspect as Kore is the beautiful maiden who is taken from a flowering meadow by the god Hades. In this deeply troubling ancient cultural context, the myth tells us that Kore is taken by Hades with Zeus’s permission but without the only permission that counts: Kore’s! Of course, Demeter isn’t aware of Zeus’s arrangement with Hades either. When Kore is spirited away into the belly of the earth, Hekate and Helios hear her cry and help Demeter in her search for Kore. While in the underworld, the Maiden eats several pomegranate seeds which joins her to Hades, requiring that she spend a portion of the year in that realm with the god. In the fall, the Maiden descends into the earth, causing the earth to become barren. In the spring she ascends again, bringing with her the rites and fruits of spring. This cycle of descent and ascent - of death and rebirth - was central to the Greek myth cycle. It formed the core of the famous Eleusinian Mysteries, which were a source of awe as well as hope for life beyond death for countless Greeks throughout the centuries. By the blessing of Persephone (and her mother Demeter, of course), the land bore fruit. Those fruits included flowers and other vegetation, but most importantly the food crops that sustained the Greek people. Similarly, by the goddess’s blessing, mortal life could give way to a beautiful afterlife upon death. Whether you consider yourself a devotee of Persephone’s mysteries or simply an admirer, the springtime is a great time to honor the ascent of new life and the creeping forth of the earth’s many fruits. You may also honor her by celebrating the newness budding in your own life. Both literally and figuratively, all fresh new things pushing through the soil toward the light are blessed by her! To learn more about the goddess Persephone, consider reading the Homeric Hymn to Demeter as well as Eleusis: Archetypal Image of Mother and Daughter by Carl Kerényi. The Theoi Project is also a wonderful free, well-researched resource available online at www.theoi.com.
Image: Dante Gabriel Rosetti "Prosperine"
Persephone
Loose herbs have been used for centuries as a way to cleanse space, honor deity, and even bring about mystic states and visions. They generally come in 3 forms: Dry herbs are, just as they sound, herbs that have either been dried by you or the seller. Keep in mind that some herbs don’t do well used as incense or at least need special consideration. For example, coriander seeds tend to pop and explode when burned, cloves smoke like crazy, so you want to be mindful to make sure you have adequate ventilation. Damiana and mugwort can be hallucinogenic if you use large quantities in a closed in space. Some herbs can even hurt our small furry, feathery, and scaly friends. Do the research or use a tiny bit if you are unsure of the effects. Resins are usually found in rock or gum forms, and tend to have a slightly damp, sticky consistency. Dragon’s blood and different forms of copal often come as resins. They burn a bit smoother than other incense, though they can be a little messier as they tend to leave behind less ash and more of a tar like substance. Powders are dry, finely-ground herbs. Sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh and asphodel are good examples of powder incense. This type is very dry and tends to burn quite quickly. You also need to be mindful that the powder you buy is not the synthetic crap that is very harmful to be around. One of the best ways to utilize loose incense is to combine all three. The herbs bring a nice magical property, as do some of the powders, and the resins bind them together and slow down the burning. Mixing the three types, you can really experiment with different blends. I usually do this with a mortar and pestle to get a thorough mix. To burn loose incense: You will need something to burn your incense on. While there are numerous loose incense holders, censors, and burners, I prefer a small cauldron. Cast iron does not heat up as the metal ones do, which can be a pain if you have to move things around while you are working. I do still set the cauldron on a trivet or stone so that, if it does heat up, it doesn’t ruin whatever it is sitting on. You will also need a charcoal tablet, easily purchased from most metaphysical shops, some fairs, and a number of Christian shops. I prefer the ones made out of bamboo. They do cost a bit more, but they don’t smell as weird as the charcoal ones. The ones made from charcoal also contain saltpeter, which not only makes them light and burn faster, but makes them slightly toxic as well. The bamboo ones are more organic and less toxic. You will also need some sand to place in the bottom of your incense holder. This will keep the charcoal from damaging the bottom of the container, and keep any fire that may ensue from getting out of hand. It also allows the oxygen to access the charcoal, maintaining the heat. Place the charcoal tab on top of a hill of sand and light it. Let it burn for a minute and then blow it out. Then feed the loose incense onto it a little bit at a time - no more than an eighth of a teaspoon. Be mindful that some loose blends smoke more than others, like stick or cone incense, so you are always better off using a little bit at a time. Incense can be a wonderful tool. You’ll want to experiment to find the best type for you, and be able to ventilate a space if things get out of hand. But, if you take the time and patience to get to know and become comfortable with using the various types, you will be greatly rewarded.
by Laurie Sherman
Working with Loose Incense
Songs of the Season
with Mike Nichols
It is not often that a publication gets the chance to make the jump into an entirely new dimension. But with this issue, The Center Spiral is doing precisely that--in fact, on this very page. Up until now, we have been celebrating the changing of the seasons and their associated spiritual themes with stunning graphics and inspirational text, but now we will ramp up the celebration by entering the dimension of sound. How have we accomplished this? We started by sending out a call to our readers to suggest songs that were in keeping with the themes of the current issue, specifically by asking them to send us YouTube links. And wow, did our readers ever respond! We received nearly 60 offerings, running the gamut from Celtic to classical, from Sixties to jazz, from rap to soundtracks, and from contemporary to spoken word. So firstly, thank you to everyone who sent us ideas. If your suggestion didn't make it into this issue, rest assured that we have saved it for a later edition where it may better fit the theme. Next, we created a YouTube playlist to feature them all —two playlists, as it turns out, because we realized that some of the classical entries were rather long (nearly 50 minutes for one of them) and would clog up any playlist they were a part of. So we made a separate playlist for them, comprising six selections that classical music lovers can enjoy listening to for over three hours. By comparison, our main playlist, containing the diverse riot of genres noted above (including even a few short classical pieces) comprises 50 selections, running to just over three and a half hours of listening time. They have been carefully sequenced for maximum contrast, although you may skip around and listen in any order you like. It should be noted that one of the songs is for mature audiences in both lyrics and video content (clearly labeled at the outset), which seems only fitting for any song list covering the "lusty month of May". We hope you enjoy the launch of this new dimension of The Center Spiral as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Seeds of Intention - Main Seeds of Intention - Classical
"Shark God Kamoho"
with Alexia Lamb
"Forest Man"
Musecraft
How did you get started in your work? I am actually a third generation artist so I have always grown up in an artistic atmosphere. For the longest time I only worked with pencil or pen to do drawings. However, when I started my Studio Art Minor in college, I moved on to doing oil, charcoal, pastel, digital, etc. Where do you pull inspiration from? I pull a lot of inspiration from my pagan practice, even before I actually became a Pagan. In those days I drew the spirits I would see around other people or ones that interacted with me personally. I love going back now to find drawings from when I was a teenager of my current gods and just having that “woah” moment as I realized how long ago I was claimed by them. Now, many of my more intricate pieces are devotional work to my gods or spirits who help me along my path.
What mediums do you work in and why? I work in any medium that gets me dirty. I want to be integrated with the art. My everyday go-to is usually pencil drawings, but I adore doing charcoal, pastel, and oil paint for more intricate pieces as I find these mediums to be less mundane than my normal sketches (although everything starts as a sketch). Another favorite medium of mine is silver gelatin prints (old black and white film photography). I usually take photos of places of meaning for me and sometimes I get lucky enough to have a model! I have also recently delved into watercolor, which is oddly more challenging than oil painting for me. What advice do you have for aspiring artists? Explore every medium, play around with whatever you want, and get messy. I have always found it more cathartic when I have become part of the painting or piece. Furthermore, never stop challenging yourself—ever. You can only improve when you keep pushing your limits. You learn just as much from the failures as you do from the successes (although the successes feel much better). Where do we go to find more of your work? I currently have most of my artwork on the following Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/HuntressOrionArtistry/. There is also a link to a fan page where there is an ongoing poll for a deity-themed series that I would love to get more input on! I can also be reached for commission work through my business email:huntressorion@gmail.com.
"Sea Monster"
"Frozen Leaf"
with McKayla
Image Credit: "Wingstem" by Rachel Winter
The Gentle Rise To be seen To be heard- Spoken to in such a soft and caring way Gently tilling the garden’s soil In such a way as to welcome back the life Where winter’s cold had made all seem to be dead and decaying beneath the frost of snow And to now Where the snow has melted to moisten the Earth As we plant within her our hopes, our dreams and our passions And as we grow into the rebirth of Spring We will bloom like the seeds that have sprouted up from the soil That were buried in the depths of Winter That had long been waiting for the warmth of Spring to rise.
Muse The muse that once flooded me Had dried up Leaving me thirsty for more Holding on too tight to anything that sparks my inspiration Rather than letting go of what is no longer good for me I have to go where my heart is pulling me And cut off the anchors that hold me in place My body’s aching for change A fresh routine of healthy bliss But the hardest thing for me to say is goodbye ‘Cause man your time’s up I waited and longed for growth Only to let my roots become crowded in this old pot So transferring myself am I Giving myself fresh new soil Stepping out into the sunlight Absorbing all I can Breathing in the fresh air Suffocating my soul no more Giving birth to a new muse in me Starting anew This is for me- Only being me.
McKayla has followed her own path for most of her life often referring to her path as earth spirituality before more recently embracing the pagan name. As for her writing, she's kept her poetry from age fourteen on and has just recently started to share it publicly on facebook: Corvus Poet.
Pencraft
Her hair flowed in the wind as the skirt on the dress she wore caressed her legs. No matter how many times she experienced it, she never got tired of the way way the fabric of her skirts felt on her freshly shaved legs. It was pure ecstasy. She had chosen this dress this morning for the way it moved on her and felt against her skin. The green bohemian style also blended in well with the forest around her. Today, she had decided to bring her leather satchel and several jars so she could gather any flora that would be useful in her craft. A Witch could never have too many herbs, spices, roots or any other such thing as the Goddess deemed fit to gift to the world. She also brought her camera, so she might get a good scenic picture, or, perhaps, a nice shot of some of the local fauna. She had visited the area briefly twelve years prior to moving here, but had never explored the woods or taken part in any outdoor activities until actually moving here. She loved the way the purple and yellow played so well together wherever she would go. Being in the woods, to her, was like the purest form of worship she could imagine. God and Goddess blessed her so often, and she always felt so very special when she was in the woods. She had lived at the sea for so long, and stood barefoot in the ocean with the sand between her toes and the salty air blowing around her, cleansing the soul. Yet, she never felt as good as when she walked through the woods. She was fortunate in life as far as her ability to travel the country and see so much of it. She grew up in New England and lived in Florida for 28 years before moving here. She had been to Southern California, the North West, across the Plains, throughout the South East, Texas, the South West and even brief trips to Canada. The sceneries she saw were breathtakingly awesome. And, the animals? Animals seemed to just come to her. She had pet deer and buffalo in the wild. Held squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and opossums. Played with bobcats, foxes and coyotes. She once sat within feet of a pack of wolves in the White Mountains of Arizona. She watched a pair of beavers build a dam and handed one of them a piece of wood that they added to the structure. Being in the woods, to her, was like the purest form of worship she could imagine. In captivity, she played with a baby African Lion, a young white tiger, a Siberian/Bengal tiger, a cougar, a black bear, a brown bear, a grey wolf and a Golden Eagle. Nature was her religion. If you had to have a religion, nature was the way to go. No rules. No obligations. Just be true to yourself and honor the Earth. She walked a solitary path and practiced in an eclectic way. When people asked her to put a name to it, she would tell them she is a Solitary, Eclectic, Gray Witch, drawn to Fire. She loved the Spring most of all. The energy coming from all the new growth as it was reborn into the world, and the vibrations that accompanied that energy, was miraculous and fulfilling. It was like innocence reborn. A rebuilding of faith in all that surrounds you. The air is crisp and clean. The Sun is warm on your skin without feeling hot. And, life begins anew. It is a time when you hear the chatter of the animals once again, and the rustling of leaves as parents teach their young to forage for their meals. The songs of spring fill the air and are so calming and soothing to witness. As she was gathering some wild lettuce to add to the mushrooms she had already stowed in her satchel, she caught some movement from the corner of her eye. She turned to see a doe grazing at the edge of the clearing with her fawn close by frolicking in the grass. She sat as still as she could so she wouldn't spook them if they didn't know she was there and watched them. She was contemplating trying to get a picture, because she didn't want the sound of the shutter to scare them off, when she sensed a presence behind her. Turning slowly, she lost her breath at the sight of the ten point buck that stood there watching her watch his family. She nodded to him and lowered her head to let him know she was no threat. He acknowledged her gesture by slightly nodding back to her and turning back to watch the fawn play. After what seemed like too short a time, the buck grunted and walked across to the doe and then the family of deer disappeared back into the forest. Rebecca rose to her feet and smiled at no one in particular as she glanced around the glen she had spent so much time in since moving here. It was magical here. The Spirits gathered here to laugh and play. And, to teach. She had reclaimed the sacred fire here. She had enjoyed the piece and solitude of the trees here. She was gathering much needed healing herbs here. She felt more at home in this glen than she ever felt anywhere else she had been. As she smiled to herself once again, she turned to return to her home. It was her intention to grow in her true form here, and gain all the wisdom the glen had to offer.
Dreams of Intentions
by Catherine Boudreau
Image Credit: Catherine Boudreau
The Empress
Image: "The Empress" Pamela Colman Smith
by: Kevros Nocte
Number: 3 Planet: Venus Kabbalistic Path: Daleth Element: Earth
As the third card in the Major Arcana, The Empress represents the epitome of feminine empowerment. She embodies intelligence, sexuality, stability, sensitivity, and tranquility. She is the abundance of nature, happiness, and materialism. This card represents the fruition of endeavors to come and the creation of dreams to reality. The Empress is a perfect card for the coming spring season. As the earth around us blooms and awakens—so too must our endeavors, aided by renewed ambitions to complete our goals. However, she also warns against the dangers of superficiality and extravagance. We must take in all parts of situation and look at it with compassion and intelligence without allowing ourselves to get stuck in a rut. For although The Empress may sit relaxed in her seat of power, she does not slouch. Instead, she sits with impeccable posture, claiming her rightful place of empowerment. A crown also adorns her head reinforcing that power, reaching upwards for the stars as we might reach for our lofty goals. The sphere atop her staff also represents the encompassing idea of whatever you put out will come back to you—whether that is in the form of karma or simply in the form of the effort you put into your new projects for the season. Finally, a shield rests beside her sometimes ornamented with an eagle or the planetary sign of Venus—her ruling planet. A shield both for protection as well as a remnant of warrior battles, a testament of ambition and bravery. For anything worth achieving must be hard won with the valor and strength of your own will.
In the Cards
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.
The Beginner's Short List
I am thrilled to kick off our a new section in our e-zine this Spring Equinox in which we will review tarot and oracle decks! As someone who is a complete tarot geek and junkie, I love finding and sharing new and exciting decks, including rare and small press independent gems. We have come an incredibly long way from Marseille and Etteilla style decks, with barely illustrated minor cards (often referred to as “pips”), to the fully illustrated Rider-Waite-Smith, to today’s anything-goes tarot explosion. Print-on-demand publishing has taken cartomancy even further over the years as it has become easier to move from concept to deck without the hassle of a big publishing house behind you. For our first edition, though, I thought it might be helpful to start from the basics, focusing on what decks are really the most useful in learning basic tarot reading. Very few things in this world thrill me more than that moment I see the light come on in someone’s eyes as they come to an understanding with the challenging and elegant practice of reading tarot. Over the years, I paved the way for numerous budding readers, teaching the most common system of tarot symbolism, the Rider-Waite-Smith. Why this system? Most modern tarot decks borrow their symbolism and structure from RWS. By learning this system, learning to read other decks will become easier. These decks will set you on the right path to be able to read and enjoy almost any other Tarot deck At first, I did try to use a large variety of decks for the Tarot 101 I was teaching, thinking everyone might find a deck that really appealed to their tastes. Unfortunately, I ran into a lot of issues with symbolism from deck to deck, especially with nontraditional tarot decks, which created confusion and a bit of a drain on workshop time. I had to severely limit which decks I used for my classes to just a few. In limiting the decklist, I ended up creating a pretty solid list of tarot for absolute beginners. The following is that list of decks, some pretty much clones of the basic RWS and a couple moving just slightly outside the box: Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot: Released by U.S. Games in 2013, this is supposed to be the absolute closest to the original published by Waite in 1909. It is beautiful and quite elegant, and what better way to learn this system of tarot from something so close to the original printing. Any basic Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: The basic RWS tarot deck that most are familiar with was published by U.S. Games in 1971, and is still readily available today. It can often be found at dirt cheap prices in second hand bookshops and on the internet. The bright, 70’s kitchen colors are not exactly to everyone’s tastes but, if you can tolerate the tacky hues and boxer short pattern backs (actually called “tarottecca”), nothing beats learning a system straight from the source. Albano-Waite Tarot: This version is pretty much the same as the basic RWS with slightly better coloring. Universal Waite Tarot: This is another carbon copy of the basic RWS with even better graphics and coloring. Radiant Rider-Waite: The Radiant Rider-Waite is another carbon copy of the basic RWS, but the coloring is much more pleasant. Thus you are still learning the system straight from the source without all the tackiness. Sharman-Caselli Tarot: This is not really a RWS clone. Its symbolism is the same but the artwork is much nicer. I do not recommend the color-your-own version of this deck for beginners unless they are going to stick exactly to the intended colors rather than going all out and getting hot pink and sparkle happy. Color-in tarot can be very symbolic. As such, it’s important in the beginning to stick with the program. Anna K Tarot: This little gem started out as a small press deck out of Germany. It was the size of a poker deck and shuffled like a dream. The second edition was still poker sized, but the card stock was a lot stiffer, which I was not a fan of. You can get all geeked out and comb the interwebs for a first edition, paying a pretty penny if you wish. Or, luckily, Llewellyn took this gem mass market in 2013. The symbolism and system is easily recognizable as RWS, though the artwork has a sort of Hobbit-esque vibe and reinterprets the symbolism in a very comfortable way. Most of these decks can be found at large chain bookstores and local metaphysical shops, such as Crescent Springs, Spectrum, and Aquarius here in Kansas City. You can also sometimes find these decks at Half Price Books for a discounted price. Amazon and other online sellers will have them pretty cheap as well. Please keep in mind you are not locked into using these decks for the rest of your life. Because the Rider-Waite-Smith system is the most prevalent in tarot decks and books today, these decks will set the beginner reader on the right path to be able to use and enjoy almost any other deck. Good luck on your tarot journey and please watch for future editions of this deck review column. Happy Divining!
Image Credit: Laurie Sherman
Shandril oc Arran’s path has been that of Teacher and Guide, having led Wiccan initiatory covens for the past two decades. As a witch, she is well-versed in healing, animal lore, and martial magick. Trained in both Earth-based and ceremonial systems, she is an avid reader who will pick up a book on just about any occult or Craft-related topic. A student of kung fu san soo, Shandril teaches the art with her wife through their school, Kwan Yin Temple KFSS. She is an ordained high priestess and founding member of Grove of the Winding Spiral.
Crystal Corner
Joy
Healing
Intention
Watermelon Tourmaline
Inclusion
Image Credit: https://tinyurl.com/yamcyakc
Time for spring cleaning? What better way to feel the transition of the season than to clear out unnecessary energy and be ready to take on something new! This issue will get us through the planting time, when seeds are sown and life gets easier. As the world comes alive again, I am reminded of the lovely watermelon tourmaline. Tourmaline is a versatile stone as it comes in so many different colors. Part of the cyclosilicate category, tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and often can be found growing on (or in!) clear quartz. The word “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” a word assigned for centuries to all colored crystals in Sri Lanka. The stone is also found most abundantly in Brazil and the west coast of the United States. It was used by chemists in the 1800s to polarize light, and is still studied today as it provides information on the thermal and fluid history of the rock in which it develops. Bonding to such elements as aluminum, iron, and magnesium is what causes the different colors of tourmaline. Speaking of color, watermelon tourmaline is known for its distinctive green and pink variations. Both of these colors correspond to the heart chakra; it is a common practice to wear watermelon tourmaline on a chain so it hangs just over one’s heart. The stone is known to provide healing through the release of anger, resentment, and stress. It brings joy and balance, and can help to banish past emotional traumas. Often watermelon tourmaline will have a band of white between the green and pink. These stones are particularly good for transformative intention, as it is easy to visualize getting from “Point A” at one end of the stone, to “Point B” at the other end. Indeed, it is a stone of polarity and balance, a harmonizer between chakras. It manages the endocrine system and the mind, happily providing you with good feeling and restful spirit.
by Shandril oc Arran
Balance
Image Credit: https://tinyurl.com/y93y8mdv
R. Duncan is a fourth generation herbalist and gardener who specializes in beautiful poisons, historical gardens, and anthropomorphizing plants to an almost delusional degree due to an early influence of singing Muppet vegetables.
Chamomile
Gifts of Gaia
If you would seek a guide to the center of connection, a path cleared by giving of yourself wholly to others, look to the humble chamomile. From the ease of seeding to joyful collection, and even the versatility of uses, this herb personifies the very essence of generosity. Two particular varieties rule common cultivation and use: Chamaemelum nobile (Roman, English, or garden) and Matricaria chamomilla (German, Italian, or Hungarian). Both feature a miniature daisy face, a vibrant yellow center (though the German's is conical and Roman a broader face) with neat white florets, and airy fern-like leaves as perfumed as the flowers themselves. The name chamomile comes from the Greek for "earth apple" as the scent is so similar. The German variation is an annual with a sturdy, branched stem of up to two feet that supports multiple blooms making it preferable for larger harvests. The Roman is a perennial with low, pliable stems ending in single blooms that makes a remarkable alternative to a traditional lawn due to its wide root system and resilience. Both varieties are abundant across the U.S. but I don't recommend foraging for purposes other than seed or decoration without being sure of neighboring contaminates. Pregnant women or anyone with a ragweed allergy should avoid contact or ingestion. Chamomile's historical and global reputation is revered by priests, healers, witches, and chefs alike. It was strewn across hearths and doorways for Hestia and Thesan, fed to the sacred war horses of Epona, and spiraled in the smoke of the yuwipi of the Lakota. Pliny the Elder recommended an infusion to ease fever and fluxes and Cleopatra's aesthetician massaged its oil into her face and breasts. Germanic and Slavic tradition refer to it as "the water of youth" andalles zutrautor "capable of anything.” Gardeners and botanists from the Americas to Asia swear by chamomile as "the plants physician,” for its ability to encourage healthy growth in its neighbors. The magical properties of this herb are obvious in its appearance. Growing full and close with an abundance of blossoms makes it ideal for household, prosperity, and fertility magics. Its elemental alignment to water benefits cleansing and warding. Sun deities of all pantheons welcome their bright presence. Its healing characteristics center on inflammation. Ingestion is reputed to relieve fever, cramps, headache, muscle, and digestive tension while topical application soothes skin irritation and sensitivity. The fragrance's reputation for relieving anxiety, stress and insomnia has made chamomile a staple of aromatherapy. Culinary and household applications are equally numerous. Dried leaves freshen carpets and rugs. Add a pop to cocktails and salads, whimsy to desserts and cheese plates. To invite chamomile into daily routine is to celebrate the divinity in the ordinary. A cup of tea, a bath, linens, pest repellents, and salad dressing are all elevated to grace by the simplest of rites. It is a handful of flowers offered in the name of wellness and joy.
by R. Duncan
Everyone experiences at least one life event that will change the course of their perception forever. For some, that catalyst is a happy one: The birth of a child, a trip of a lifetime, or a significant act of kindness. But for some like myself, loss was the transformative catalyst. My voice is brimming with seeds of bravery, confidence, love, passion, and thundering power. 2016 was my rock-bottom. By the end of December, my family and I lost both cats and our coonhound. This left quite the void. Sophia and Ingrid were both 16 and their quality of life was the deciding factor. Having control over the loss of our cats made it somewhat palatable. But our coonhound Rufus experienced a far more volatile end. After a traumatic 24 hours of watching him shut down, we sang to him as he drifted away while the vet facilitated his death in the back room of the ER. Chronic pancreatitis attacked him for the very last time. He was only 8 years old. He was my canine equivalent to a soul mate. Our animal companions are our children in my house. To us, he was ‘not just a dog’. Our connection to them runs very deep: When Rufus died, the grief felt like my own version of losing a son. There’s no way to quantify or anticipate how intense you will grieve. Riddled with guilt and unforgettable images, my sadness reached a depth I’d not yet experienced. Even losing my father to dementia was less debilitating. Mourning my dad started the instant I knew he was ill. I didn’t have a chance to prepare my heart for losing my boy. The ups and downs felt overwhelming and struck me at random, but this target practice is what shook me from being complacent and lazy to realizing my own personal power as a woman, wife, mother, and, most importantly, conductor of my own life path. This was my first taste of emotional trauma and the healing process was ugly. As the months passed, the crying lessened and the visuals blurred. The silver lining finally started to feel true; he was at rest, no longer fighting for his health. This is when I started to feel the upward momentum building like a volcano. The light was peeking through and I knew the worst was over. I started living beyond the loss through spirituality and by feeding my soul. In the first phase of my awakening, gardening and yard work became my obsession. I wanted to beautify Rufus’s favorite place, the backyard. I clawed out the brush and weeds, paying no mind to the wounds or poison ivy outbreaks I’d earned. I tilled the earth until my hands blistered. I tended to my seedlings with love and care. I was giving Rufus a place to visit us, full of nature and bounty using every bit of energy I had. But that was just the beginning. I had shelved so many times the spiritual path of witchcraft for a variety of reasons: Social acceptance, time, maturity level, self-confidence, or laziness. I pulled out my old herb jars, my hand bound (but empty) book of shadows, candles, incense, and bought back the books I’d sold so many times. The gardening paired perfectly with my spirituality and I felt like my path had finally been revealed. My first spell was a jar of intentions for 2017. Using strips of parchment, I wrote down each intention with careful thought. The jar contained items that represented my wishes including dirt from my garden, various herbs, flowers, and crystals. I sealed it up to review in 2018. Happily, I discovered a lot of my intentions had come true or were in the making. Little did I know that throughout 2017, the third phase was brewing beneath. My heart was still heavy from the loss and I was adjusting to the commitment of my new path. The leftover heartache and rage erupted within and what spewed out was my long, forgotten voice: a voice so primal and feminine. My voice is brimming with seeds of bravery, confidence, love, passion, and thundering power. These qualities are germinating, to flourish and fuel me towards my best self. It’s the version of me that I’m ready to nurture and lure out into the cruel world. She’s ready to grow and she’s ready to roar.
Garden of Grief
by Rachel Winter
Image Credit: Rachel Winter
Rachel Winter lives in Overland Park with her wife of 15 years and their 3 dogs. Her hobbies include herbalism, gardening, baking, and photography. Spiritually, she relies on intuitive practices but is guided by traditional craft and folk magic. Follow her on Instagram @thebewitchingbaker or email at natureboyherbals@gmail.com
Ingredients:: 4oz distilled or boiled water 4oz witch hazel 10 drops of each essential oil Tea tree oil Citronella Eucalyptus Lavender Lemongrass Peppermint 5 drops each essential oil Cedar Geranium Feel free to play with the amounts to find a combination that is unique to you.
by Hannah Doss
Home Made Bug Repellant
Image Credit: https://tinyurl.com/yaxl4ngd
Directions:: Combine all ingredients in a container and mix very well. Pour your preferred spray bottle, and label!! Thrifty Tip:: Host a party where everyone brings a couple of the essential oils on the list and and their own witch hazel to make the repellent more affordable! Camping Tip:: Spray around the outside of your tent with bug repellant, and extra around windows, doors, and any other openings to help keep bugs away. Safety Tip:: Spray a bit of this mix on a small patch of skin to see how you react before you take it camping with you. You will want to find out if you are allergic before you are out in the woods.
Out of the Cauldron
by Kate from Kate's Cafe
Ingredients 1 cup white sugar 1 cup butter, softened- not melted. (Must use real butter) 3 ounce cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg yolk 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute gluten free flour)
I love this recipe as it’s easy to make and versatile. I always make a double batch as it freezes well for short periods of time. Make it your own with a variety of toppings or frosting. Royal icing is the go to choice. One of my favorite variations is to add lemon zest to cookie dough and substitute lemon extract instead of vanilla extract. Use lemon juice instead of milk in royal icing. Have fun baking!
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
I remember my cooking epiphany when I first discovered the recipe for chocolate chip cookies on the package at age 9. I could make this! And so began my journey. Today you can find my food at Kate’s Cafe. Look for us at your favorite Pagan events! Kate from Kate's Cafe.
Image Credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/912459
Directions 1) In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, cream cheese, salt, vanilla, and egg yolk. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour until well blended. Pat the dough into a rectangle and chill for 8 hours, or overnight. 2) When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pull dough out of the fridge and let it warm up a bit while the oven heats. It needs to be just soft enough to roll. 3) On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough, 1/3 at a time, to about 1/8 inch thickness. Do not let remaining dough get too soft, refrigerate if necessary. Cookies can become tough if too much flour is added or the dough is worked too much, so take it easy with the flour, and handle the dough as little as possible. 4) Cut dough into desired shapes with lightly floured cookie cutters. I actually prefer to wrap dough in cling wrap and form a cylinder and create a slice and bake roll of dough. This keeps the dough tender. 5) Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Leave cookies plain for frosting, or brush with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with candy sprinkles or colored sugar. 6) Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light and golden brown. Cool cookies completely before frosting.
The Plantable Spell
Given that this issue is all about planting your intentions to nurture and grow, now is the perfect place to include a spell you can literally plant and watch grow! The idea for this spell comes from seed paper. I actually came by the ones I am using as a party favor from a first birthday party. Seems a bit strange, but they resemble planets and it was space themed. I grabbed one of each color as soon as I knew exactly what I would be using them for. To find your own seed paper, the easiest route would be to order it online. A quick google search will come up with all kinds of places you can buy it. Some of them will tell you what seeds they use, some of them you can buy specific seeds, and some of them will be a surprise. If you are feeling extra crafty and want to use a particular kind of seed for your particular purpose, you can easily find a few tutorials on making your own seed paper. Or you can skip the seed paper altogether and simply plant a piece of paper in the pot with the seeds you want to use. The other essential supplies you will need for this are some kind of flower pot, soil, water, and a writing utensil. Now that we know what we are going to need, before even purchasing it, you need to start where you would with any kind of spellwork you do: Intent. What are you planting? What do you want to see grow within your life? What is the purpose of your spellwork? If you start thinking of that first, and start your research with that in mind, you can use it to add to the work in various little ways. Maybe you get a specific color of flower pot, or maybe you decorate the flower pot with whatever symbols are appropriate. Maybe you can get a certain kind of plant that will work with your intent, or even add a little bit of dirt from a specific place to the potting soil if it works with what you are doing. There are a million little ways you can add to the energy of your spell if you plan it out ahead of time. Before you start writing on your seed paper, cut it down to a size that will fit in the pot you are using. More than one layer of paper will be too many seeds, so cut it down smaller than the container. Maybe even cut it into a special shape if you’d like! Now, what are you going to write on your seed paper? That truly depends on what you want to grow. Work out a short phrase or some symbols that represent your intent. Maybe create a sigil to put on one side and a symbol on the other. It is really up to you how you want to put your intent into the paper. Personally, I am a fan of sigils and symbols since the paper is small. While you are writing on your paper, focus on your intent. Fill the seeds in the paper with the energy you want to bring into your life. You can do this at your altar or in sacred space. You can chant while you are doing this to raise energy, or say a poem or a few words that work with your spell. Again, the key here is to do what works best for you to focus your energy into the seed paper. This is also a good time to charge the soil and pot with energy for nourishing your seeds to grow well. It is also a good idea to charge everything under the full moon before you do this if that energy works with your intent. Just be mindful of weather as wet paper is tough to write on. The last step is to finally plant your seed paper. Bury it under about ¼ inch of soil in your flower pot and water it well. If you are using regular paper and separate seeds, bury the paper deeper in the pot so it doesn’t get in the way of new, sprouting seeds. If you had a chant or something you said while you were charging your paper, repeat it whenever you water your plant, which should be daily. This is also a great time to use moon water or water charged with stones as long as they match your intent. You can also decorate the edges or corners of the pot with a couple of those stones if you feel so inclined. Just be sure they are not ones that will react poorly when wet. I would suggest keeping the pot indoors near a sunny window until the weather is consistently warm. This is an endlessly flexible spell that is perfect for springtime. It is also remarkably fun to be able to get your hands a little dirty with your magic. The only real requirement is that you plant something you want to see grow so get creative with how you work this. Have fun planting your intentions and watching them sprout before your eyes!
Image Credit: Emily Gabbert
Contemplative Crone
Tis the season! When the birds start chirping and the Spring Equinox awakens the Midwest, we enter into the wondrous festival season. Whether you are a rocker, a pagan, or a burner, spring marks the start of the season where those of like-mind, and not-so-like-mind, gather together for the purpose of the Sacred and the Spiritual, the Reconnect and the Disconnect, as well as the Fun and Frivolous. It is easy to get excited. It is easy to dive in head first with reckless abandon. Yet, if you are looking to really have a good time - which is generally the purpose of going to these things - then a little forethought can go a very long way to ramping up the awesome meter on your festival experience, and making sure you survive it. First, know what the heck you are going to. A number of years ago, I was talking with some friends about going to Schwaggfest down in southern Missouri. Now, I know what it is as I had attended it before. It was a very Rastafarian festival, with all the fun and feel of a cross between Bob Marley and Cheech & Chong. But, I am a “partaker” in the culture, so that fits for me. For several of the individuals who were part of the discussion, not so much a good fit. Some pagan festivals are much the same way. If you are not ok with seeing very natural people going about topless (and bottomless) or showering in the community showers, then you may not want to attend Heartland. Burner festivals can be this way as well. If you are terrified of clowns, the Annual Gathering of the Juggalos is definitely not your scene, even if you like the music. My point is that you may get excited about the idea of a certain festival, but make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you go. You will not enjoy yourself if it is not your scene to begin with. By extension, you should also know what you are getting into with regards to venue. If you are terrified of peeing in a port-a-potty that is being shared by thousands, you may not have nearly as much fun at Rockfest, or any other large outdoor festival for that matter, as you think you will. If you are not a fan of camping and the great outdoors, then festivals that run a full weekend and require you to camp may not be for you. Know what you are getting into before you make the decision to actually go. I am not saying you couldn’t hang through and survive, but would you actually have fun? It is easy to get excited. It is easy to dive in head first with reckless abandon Next, there are the rules. Every event, no matter how wild the subject matter of the festival may be, has rules. It is very important that you take the time to read and understand them. Knowing what you can take in with you, what you can and can’t do, and so on can make the difference between having a good time and not even getting past the gate. “No glass on site,” “see through bags only,” “no outside containers,” “no lawn chairs,” and so on are just examples of the sometimes numerous rules at any given event. Organizers are not responsible for calling you up and making sure you understand them. That is totally on you. Planning your whole camp around being able to use a generator then finding out you can’t use a generator can be a drag. Or thinking that you can run back out if you forget anything and finding out after you get there that there is a no reenter policy, can be problematic as well. Knowing the rules will help with your planning, and planning is the key to a good festival experience. Planning and rules come heavily into play if you plan on taking your little ones with you. Some festivals prohibit children or have strict age limits due to the nature of the festival. Festivals that allow children have specific rules regarding kids. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for their whereabouts and well-being for every moment of the entire festival. While there may be activities that are family and child centric, not all events and areas of the festival may be open to kids. If you know other families going, buddying up with them and developing a strategy to share some of the child chores may help the adults have more grown-up festival time. Planning really is the big key to having a fun festival experience. While festivals that are only for one day do not require much in the way of planning, you should still give some thought to your plan of attack. Going into an event with a bottle of water and no money because you think there will be a place to refill it and finding there isn’t can be incredibly dangerous. The bottom line is you are responsible for yourself, whatever event you are going to, so make sure you know what is going to be available. You may have to stash a few bucks to take with you for drinks and food. It’s a drag, but being carried to the first aide tent because you pass out is a drag as well. Make sure your basic needs are met. Having fun should not mean that we set aside common courtesy for others, or respect for our environment by forgetting to police our MOOP. Showing up at a long festival with nothing but a jar of peanut butter, some bread, a huge bottle of liquor, and a blanket, relying on the kindness of strangers is not a plan either. Festivals a weekend or longer require preparation for everything from shelter to food to water to first aid. Making checklists and buddying up with a few friends will make the task a little easier. Pagan festivals often take place on what are considered primitive campgrounds (few amenities). Packing in what you need to not just have fun, but survive (and maybe a little extra for that one Peanut Butter Boy) will make a huge difference in your experience. Finally, understand that if you pack it in, you are responsible in all cases for packing it out. Burning Man (www.burningman.org/culture/ philosophy) has a set of 10 principles that everyone should abide by at every festival, including that of packing your MOOP (matter out of place) in and out with you, and leaving no trace, even better than you found it. Having fun should not mean that we set aside common courtesy for others, or respect for our environment by forgetting to police our MOOP. Spring fever always makes us want to shed our winter coats and dive into our festival finery. By taking a moment to give genuine thought as to what you are getting into, having a practical plan, whether for one day or fourteen, and knowing what your responsibilities are for yourself, and in regards to the environment and others, can make a huge differencing in enhancing your festival experience as well as the experience of those around you. Whatever festival you choose to partake in this festival season (even if you dive into all of them), have fun, be safe, drink lots of water, and wear your sunscreen. Have a blessed spring! The Urban Crone
Smells Like Festival Spirit!
with Laurie Sherman
I'm totally fed up with trash on the roadside! I have set my intention of raising awareness of those folks who mindlessly discard their cup, bottles, straws, and fast food wrappers out the windows of their cars! What trouble is it to put it in a bag, even the one that you got at the fast food window, and put it in a trash can or better yet a recycle bin? - Sheila Rekdal -
I like to plant my intentions through herbs I later use in cooking or tea. Never underestimate the power of kitchen magic. - Sarah Roberts -
I think about politics most days. More people should really care about each other. Why is it a dog eat dog world? We are not dogs. We are supposed to be better than that. So why is it such a bad idea to have Universal Healthcare, or Single payer healthcare? I've already been talking to a progressive woman who is running for Claire McCaskill of Missouri's Senate seat. - Heather Geran -
My favorite way to plant intentions is to write an intention or a challenge or something I hope for on a small piece of paper, roll it up, and plant it underneath a bulb in either a pot or in a flower bed. I like to do this in the fall, often around Autumn Equinox, with the idea that Persephone will pack her bags and take my intention with her into the Underworld where it can rest in the darkness and become ready to burst forth in bloom in the Spring. - Kitty Degler -
The way I utilize intention has changed from years ago. It used to be vision boards, Post It notes all over hell’s half acre, repeating my intent like a chant until I turn blue from oxygen deprivation. Now, I go into deep meditation and imagine myself at the same frequency as that which I desire. Then I merge into the intent as if it, and I, are one. Simple, but powerful. - Julie Bowen -
I like to generate my seeds of intention during the dark days and then, as Spring arrives, I like to sow them as energy thought forms. I envision each one with its own brilliant light, some in different colors, and visualize each one travelling out into the Universe to grow and manifest within my energy field when the time is proper. - Lily Decker -
How do you like to plant your intentions? Why?
Community Voices
Alima Indigo
by Kahla Rowan Here we honor and celebrate the life of Leigh Ann Shella. She being can easily be characterized by her life of love and love of life — her deep desire to be of service to her clients, her students, and her community. She was truly the wise woman and much greater than the sum of her parts. She “rocked” the world, she changed it for good, and she lived her life with purpose. She was a mother and grandmother, and her star seed beings were her truest loves. Leigh gave to others as therapist and counselor, an herbalist and teacher. She lightened many loads in her therapy work. Her clients were safe and secure in her presence and she always appreciated their trust. Leigh was a gifted teacher and much loved and respected by her students. She was an accomplished Reiki teacher helping students move energies toward health and healing. As Director of PrairieWise Herbal School – Lawrence, she taught students the simplicity of using herbal remedies and how to make these remedies and apply them in daily life. Every student of Leigh’s knows how lucky they have been to be instructed by this wise woman. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to have one of her card readings? To our mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, therapist, reader, sister, colleague, and co-conspirator Goddess, we say, “Take wings of flight in the morning,” and be on your way, Blessed Be(ing).
We have started this section of The Center Spiral to honor the members of our community who have recently passed through the veil, and remember the impact they had on us. While as Pagans, we are aware that death is a natural part of life, it is difficult for those of us still on this side to deal with losing someone we care about. Respectfully honoring who they were in life is a way to mark that transition, and remember them. We at The Center Spiral offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who have passed to the other side.
May 23, 1956 - December 22, 2017
Jera Phillips
In Memoriam
Leigh Shella
Remembering
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons loboford220
Nature and Time
by Lord Dunsany
Through the streets of Coventry one winter's night strode a triumphant spirit. Behind him stooping, unkempt, utterly ragged, wearing the clothes and look that outcasts have, whining, weeping, reproaching, an ill-used spirit tried to keep pace with him. Continually she plucked him by the sleeve and cried out to him as she panted after and he strode resolute on. It was a bitter night, yet it did not seem to be the cold that she feared, ill-clad though she was, but the trams and the ugly shops and the glare of the factories, from which she continually winced as she hobbled on, and the pavement hurt her feet. He that strode on in front seemed to care for nothing, it might be hot or cold, silent or noisy, pavement or open fields, he merely had the air of striding on. And she caught up and clutched him by the elbow. I heard her speak in her unhappy voice, you scarcely heard it for the noise of the traffic. "You have forgotten me," she complained to him. "You have forsaken me here." She pointed to Coventry with a wide wave of her arm and seemed to indicate other cities beyond. And he gruffly told her to keep pace with him and that he did not forsake her. And she went on with her pitiful lamentation. "My anemones are dead for miles," she said, "all my woods are fallen and still the cities grow. My child Man is unhappy and my other children are dying, and still the cities grow and you have forgotten me!" And then he turned angrily on her, almost stopping in that stride of his that began when the stars were made. "When have I ever forgotten you?" he said, "or when forsaken you ever? Did I not throw down Babylon for you? And is not Nineveh gone? Where is Persepolis that troubled you? Where Tarshish and Tyre? And you have said I forget you." And at this she seemed to take a little comfort. I heard her speak once more, looking wistfully at her companion. "When will the fields come back and the grass for my children?" "Soon, soon," he said: then they were silent. And he strode away, she limping along behind him, and all the clocks in the towers chimed as he passed.
from 1915 via sacred-texts.com
Phantom Armies of the Night: The Wild Hunt and the Ghostly Processions of the Undead by Claude Lecouteux
Book Review
Every winter, an army is led by a psychopomp guiding the dead and living alike in a ghostly procession. When approaching the Wild Hunt ritual I created for the Circle of Fountains 2017 Winter Solstice celebration, I wanted to be well-versed in the history and folklore. I scoured the internet for days attempting to compile research but this only left me frustrated. Finally, I discovered Phantom Armies of the Night: The Wild Hunt and the Ghostly Processions of the Undead. Published in French in 1999 and translated to English in 2011, author Claude Lecouteux compiles an exhaustive anthology on the stories of the Wild Hunt, tracing their origins from pre-Christian Europe through the 20th century. His primary sources range from medieval period recounts, church records, and folktales, boosted by scholarly secondary sources from France and Germany. Lecouteux begins by introducing the earliest accounts of the lore led by a pagan goddess or female psychopomp. Known as the Good Women of the Night, these stories are the basis for Traditional Witchcraft’s practice of flying to the Sabbath as well as the origins of the Wild Hunt. The author then dives into a collection of stories across Europe, ranging from the Legend of King Herla to the masquerade of Harlequin, and tackles the misconceptions involving Odin in the Wild Hunt by meticulously combing through the reasons why scholars may have incorrectly placed the Norse god at the Hunter’s helm. In the end, the historian feels the original meaning of the Hunt was erased by Christianity, transformed into an entirely different experience from the original testimonies. An expert in medieval writings and Germanic history, Lecouteux catalogues this variable tale in almost encyclopedic fashion. Because of this, Phantom Armies can feel overly academic, leading to a dry, repetitive, and sometimes confusing read for the novice researcher. This is certainly not your standard 101 book. Any of Lecouteux’s written works are not meant to be a story to entertain, but a research piece to explain the whole of a historical practice or tale. That being said, I walked away from this book understanding all of the variations of the Wild Hunt, allowing me to create a ritual that was as close to historical context as possible. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in European pagan and witchcraft lore who has already studied such topics and is looking for something more in depth.
Bookshelf
The Witches' Sabbats by Mike Nichols
Pagan Portals - Pan: Dark Lord of the Forest and Horned God of the Witches by Melusine Draco
Theoi Greek Mythology
The Homeric Hymns: A Translation, with Introduction and Notes by Diane J. Raynor
Eleusis: Archetypal Image of Mother and Daughter by Carl Kerényi
The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, & Brews by Scott Cunningham
The Internet Sacred Text Archive
Gathering With Gratitude
Do you have an article you would like to publish? Do you have photographs you would like to share with us? Are you interested in writing one of our recurring articles? Do you have any artwork or creative writing you would like to see featured in this magazine? Does this fit anyone else you know? Do you have any questions about what we are looking Send it all in to thecenterspiral@gmail.com Our theme for the next issue is "Gathering With Gratitude". It is time to start harvesting the seeds we planted in the spring! We will take any submission at any time, and if it does not feet with our current issue, we will save it for a later one. The Deadline for the Summer Solstice 2018 issue is June 8, 2018
Image Credit: Wikimedia Jina Lee
Summer Solstice 2018
Contributors
Thank You!!
Tamilia McKayla Ally Spencer Hekaterine Nox Shandril oc Arran R. Duncan Hannah Doss Kate from Kate's Cafe Alexia Lamb Catherine Boudreau Kevros Nocte Rachel Winter Kahla Rowan
The Center Spiral Staff Emily Gabbert Laurie Sherman Marietta Williams Mike Nichols Kim Tarwater
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, creativity, and knowledge of our community. The Center Spiral would not be what it is without your contributions. Thank you for helping us to educate, inspire, and connect.
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 -
thecenterspiral@gmail.com thecenterspiral.blogspot.com facebook.com/thecenterspiral
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!!!
