Day Of The Dead

The Day Of The Dead


This article was sent to me by a friend.


More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock the death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate.

Regions in the states of Oaxaca, México, and Michoacán have special traditions to commemorate the Day of the Dead. A visit to these states during the celebration becomes an unforgettable experience. In Nejapa de Madero, Oaxaca, preparations begin as earky as a month before when the stalks are chosen for the family altars, typical foods are slowly prepared, and mezcal is bought.

On November 1, people adorn the graves of their "little angels" (angelitos), those who died as children. Church bells begin their two-day and night tolling. On November 2, people gather to hear priests give sermons for the souls of the deceased, while bands play traditional music. People search the neighborhood for the souls of relatives who cannot find their way home. They visit neighbors' houses saying: "Will you give me a dead soul?" If the neighbor is just an acquaintance, he/she says to them: "proceed to the altar to pray", after which they are given something from the altar. If the neighbor is a friend, they are shown to the dining room where they are given mezcal, an alcoholic drink, and food. One must have a big appetite and a high alcohol tolerance level, because one eats and drinks at every house visited. In Metepec, bells announce the arrival of the souls of both children and adults. People dress in black during the entire celebration, and families recite the 9th psalm and burn copal and incense. In addition, a great variety of famous ceramic ware is produced during this celebration.
Tradition has it that children's souls arrive on November 1 at 8 a.m. Upon their arrival, they are served with a breakfast consisting of arroz con leche (rice pudding), chocolate, pumpkin seed candies, almond sugar dough and bread. At 8 p.m., the adult souls are believed to return. The offering to them consists mainly of tamales of three different colors (made from three different types of corn), a plate of mole with the soul's favorite chicken piece, camotes, chayotes, pulque, water, raspberry wine, guayaba or lemon, etc. A common practice is for people to put pictures of the dead soul and its saints with the offerings in order to be protected by them. While the children's souls leave at 12 noon on the same day (November 1), the adults are said to leave at 2 p.m. on the following day (November 2).
In Janitzio island, in the state of Michoacán, November 1st represents a day of great feasting. At midnight, the rituals spread out around Lake Pátzcuaro which surrounds the island, and soon the tolling of church bells begins. At this point, it is believed that the souls return to cemeteries everywhere. People bring them offerings of flowers, lights and foods such as bread, candy, fruit, etc. to the graves. Altars are set up on the graves, and everyone prays by candlelight. All night long the bells continue to toll calling for the dead to return for the ceremony. Throughout the island, people use candles, songs and music to plead for their absent souls' rest.

Free Graphics & Comments Codes

Wicca

" Wicca is a forest in the light of the silvery moon...

a glade enchanted by the light of the Faery.

It is the dewdrop on the petals of a flower in bloom,

the warmth of the summer sun on the skin,

the fall of colourful autumn leaves,

and the softness of winter snow upon the Earth.

It is light, and shadow and all that lies in between.

It is the song of the wind, and the tune of the tides.

It is the symphony of life!

Author unknown

Kitchen Witch's ABC

Always stir in a clockwise motion.
Before you chop veggies, offer thanks.
Cut mindfully, gratefully.
Do all preparations in a loving spirit.
Energize food with good thoughts.
Feast gratefully.
Give & share what you can spare.
Home & hearth are sacred.
Invoke blessings of Goddess on all food.
Join hands with friends often.
Kindness shows in serving food.
Love goes into every dish.
Mindfully gather ingredients.
No wasting - recycle, compost, feed animals.
Open your senses, enjoy your surroundings.
Play as well as work.
Quench thirst, thinking of clear clean rivers.
Resolve to be grateful & waste not.
Salivate as you smell fragrance & anticipate flavors.
Thank the Universe & Goddess for health.
Use utensils carefully, then clean up.
Value time spent with loved ones.
When possible grow & harvest your food.
Xtra food is for creative recombining.
Yearly rituals & feasts build traditions.
Zestful living in every area is our goal.

Source Unknown

Blue Moon

The second full moon in a month has just the same color as always. It does not turn blue at all. So why do people call this a blue moon? Can the moon really turn blue? There are several definitions of 'blue moon'.

1. Four hundred years ago, if someone said, "He would argue the moon was blue," it would be understood as, "He'd argue that black is white."

2. Also long ago, 'blue moon' was synonym for 'absurd'. "When the moon turns blue", would be similar to the expression "when pigs fly". It was so absurd that it would never happen.

3. In astronomy, we have a blue moon when certain types of dust and smoke from volcanoes or forest fires absorb red light. When this happens, the moon and the sun get a blue tint. This however is a very rare phenomenon. It happened in 1883 when the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa exploded, in 1927 when a late monsoon in India set up conditions for a blue moon and in 1951 when huge forest fires in Alberta threw smoke particles up into the sky.

4. The phrase "once in a blue moon" means, that an event is fairly infrequent, but not quite regular enough to pinpoint.

5. There are popular songs in which "blue moon" is a symbol of sadness and loneliness.

6. In recent years, the less scientific, but more popular definition of the blue moon has become widespread, namely that it is the second full moon within one month.

This new meaning has mainly become popular through the Trivial Pursuit game in 1986. Ever since this definition has been the most widely used.

So which version is correct?

Officially, the third definition, the astronomical one, is correct. The sixth definition, the two full moons in one month variety, may appeal to many people, but has no roots in folklore. But as this popular definition is now so widely used, it doesn't make sense to ignore it in favour of the astronomical description. When people claim that the 'second full moon' definition is wrong, then they are technically correct. Language is a dynamic medium however. So when enough people use a false expression, it will in time become correct. Therefore, at this moment, it is not more than logical to state that a 'blue moon' is a rare astronomical phenomenon, but also an occurence of two full moons within one month.

This article was based on: "The rising of the bogus blue moon" - Terence Dickinson "Folklore of the 'Blue Moon'" - Philip Hiscock

Making A Besom

Making A Besom

choice's of woods, for your handle.
Ash (protection, prosperity, health)

Birch (protection, binding, purification)
Dogwood (wishes, protection)

Elder (binding, protection, healing)

Oak (protection, health, money, healing)

Pine (healing, protection, binding, money)

If you decide to put a finish on the handle
strip the wood first then let it dry, it may need same

sanding.The next step is gathering the materials
for the "broomstraws" the binding and
any decorative touches you may want too add.
Straw is easily obtained and can be dyed using

herbal color, fairies love straw. Wheat can also be used,
how ever it could shed more than you wish.

Traditional binding for a magical, broom is a
Willow branch. The willow is flexible and easy

to work with. Binding the straw
(Soak your straw, work with it damp)
use a double binding method for this. Before cutting the

straw the length you prefer add two inches to make

up for the binding. Gather the straw with the ends
even and pointing towards the top if the

handle, distributed aroundyour handle, bind the

added two inches with strong twine, fold the

straw down pointing in the right direction and

bindwith the Willow branch.

Personal touches
Make the Besom uniquely your own.Use your

imagination and have fun creating!!

The Moon Is Full Tonight

Cool is the night and worm is my
hart, that I give to thy

The Moon takes me in her arms and carries me
away to the land of the Witches.

This poem’s author is un-known

To Be A Witch

To be a witch, is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know everything and to know nothing at all.
To be a witch is to change the world around you and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, and to hold hands with the universe.

To be a witch is to honor the Gods, and yourself.
To be a witch is to BE magick, not just perform it.
To be a witch is to be honorable, or be nothing at all.
To be a witch is to be accepting of others who are not.
To be a witch is to know that what you feel is right and good.

To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to be one with the Gods.
To be a witch is to study and learn.
To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the Earth, not just in it.
To be a witch is to be truly free.

A Taste Of Heaven

Healthy Soil And Watering

Lets Talk About
Healthy Soil And Watering

Good soil is alive and breathing. Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, dead and living organisms. Soil provides support and moisture to the roots system, along with minerals to keep your plants healthy. The processes of healthy soil started thousands of years ago, on our beautiful planet. Nature is very giving: we know that the elements have provided the perfect balance to all of our planet, water, wind, fire, freezing and thawing make a big impact on the soil. Soils are either formed in place by decomposition of parent material like rock, dead plant and animal matter: that are deposited by running water in river or deposited by the wind. Because of the many ways in which they are formed California soil vary greatly from place to place. The scale of soil goes form almost pure sand to harsh clay.

Soil is classified by texture (Clay, silt, fine sand, medium sand, and large sand). The presence of all three can be determined in a soil sample by rubbing a small amount of moistened soil between your fingertips. Sand being granular has a gritty feel, silt a slick feel and clay a slippery sticky feeling to it.

The addition of organic matter may well be the most important means of soil modification. The result of adding the more common forms of organic matter such as peat moss, ground bark and compost benefits your soil and will keep it healthy for years to come.

Watering

Water is one of the more important factors in keeping your plants healthy, yet water is probably one of the most misused resources. Proper watering is one of the most difficult concepts to express to the gardener. All plants need a certain amount of water for proper growth function.

All Gods Are One

I found this today in my computer
"All Gods are One

Well, it had been yet another bad day in the office, and once again it was the fault of that new girl, Mary Anne. She is one of those Pagans, a so called witch. How can anyone in their right mind make this claim, knowing that it goes against God and all of the teachings of the Bible?

She doesn't even have the common decency to keep her satanic symbol, her pentagram necklace hidden from the view of the decent, God fearing people in the office. She has some nerve. I find that I cannot hate her for this though, for I know that she has been deceived. Satan works his evil in ways that she cannot see. I've seen that so called Wiccan Rede that she has tacked to the wall above her computer. On the surface, it looks like a decent loving belief, but all one must do is look, look closely and see that by practicing this way, and not embracing Jesus Christ as savior, she is on the pathway to hell.

As I've said, it was a bad day in the office. Three times in the past few weeks I have been called in to see my supervisor, and he has told me that I am not allowed to preach to Mary Anne the word of God, to show her the error of her ways. Today, my supervisor told me that if I continue to "harass" Mary Anne, he will be forced to terminate me. How can he say this? He himself is a God fearing man. And, how can he be so tolerant of the evil that he sees insinuating itself into our workplace?

As I lay down to sleep last night, I asked the Lord for guidance. "God, grant me a true vision of you, so that I may better lead the faithless onto the righteous path." "Oh, a true vision of Me is it
? Are you sure that you're ready, truly ready to see, my son?"

I sat bolt upright in bed, and there, at the foot of my bed, white of hair and beard, in a long, flowing white robe, stood the Lord my God. I made to leap from the bed and fall to my knees in front of Him, but he stopped me with a gesture. "Kneel not before me at this time my son. Instead, rise and walk with Me, so that you may get a glimpse of what I truly am, as you asked of me in your prayer."

He took my hand, and as I looked, my bedroom was no longer there, but a pathway thru the woods. We started to walk, and I was too awestruck for words. We took the path to the left, and we were then inside St. Catherine's Church, in the middle of a service. While still standing beside me, God seemed to expand and fill the whole of the church. I could see smiles of contentment forming on some of the parishioners faces. I felt blessed. God smiled upon me. "The Catholics hold such pretty masses, don't they? I like to stop here in this church, because not only do they speak the words, but they live the life, thru teaching, helping the sick and poor, not only with handouts, but helping them learn to help themselves. Now let us walk on." And we were back on the pathway.

We traveled a bit further along, and then were in the parlor of a funeral home. A young woman was kneeling before the casket, resting her head on it and crying. I could see by the similarity, that this dead man must be her father. God knelt bedside her, and drew His arms about her. "Miss him, that is all right, but weep not for him, for now he is with Me." She wiped her eyes, and stood with a sad smile upon her face, and said "Good-bye Daddy. I'll miss you." And turned and left the room. And we were back on the pathway.

We walked a little ways, and we were in front of a large lodge of some kind. I could hear music and laughter spilling out of the window. I turned to look at God, and was shocked to see, not the flowing white robe, but Him wearing leather and animal furs, his hair and beard now the color of wheat, and a sword strapped across His back. He strode forth, and I saw him approach a figure I had not seen before.

As I looked close, I was shocked to see that it was the same face that I had just seen dead, but looking young and strong, and dressed in ancient looking garb, an ax strapped to his waist. God strode up to him and grabbed him in a great bear hug. "Welcome my son. We've been waiting for you. Now, go inside and raise a cup or two, and meet with your brother." And, with a hearty slap on the back, he sent the man inside. And then we were back on the pathway.

We walked a bit further, and then we were in a mosque. At least I believed so, as I had never been in one before, but had seen pictures of them. The group of worshippers was not large, but I could see their rapt faces as they listened to the mullah speak. He was speaking to them of purity, both of the mind and the body, bringing them closer to Allah. And as he spoke, God, dressed now in the robes of the desert, walked among them and briefly laid his hands upon each set of shoulders. And, from their faces, I could see that these men knew that the words of the mullah were true, and that their spirits felt touched by God. And then we were back on the pathway.

After we had walked a bit, we found ourselves in an African village. People with skin as black as night, the women with their breasts shamefully bared, were dancing in a circle, to the rhythm of the drums being played by a group of men. Somehow though, I was not offended by the bared breasts, and the music seemed to seep into my soul.

God was then a mighty lion, and He let forth a mighty roar. The villagers did not seem to hear, but the drums increased their pounding, and the dancers danced with a frenzy. and then we were back on the pathway.
We walked a bit more, and were on the top of a cliff. There sat, painted and covered with feathers, an old Navajo man. As I watched, he seemed to change into the form of an eagle and take flight, and we were flying with him, soaring high into the air, seeing the vista spread out below us. And God, in the form of an eagle Himself, seemed to guide this other eagle thru the air, over mountains and thru valleys, until he came upon a group of men. As I watched, the old Navajo man was no longer an eagle, but a young boy instead, and he sat at the feet of these men, to listen to the words of his elders. And then we were back on the pathway.

We traveled a bit, and then we were in a forest clearing. I knew this place. It was known as a place of devil worship and evil. In the center of the clearing roared a great bonfire, and kiwi torches outlined a circle of sorts. Inside this circle, in a circle themselves, stood 7 men and 6 women, dressed in robes of varying colors, their arms raised to the moon. Was that one woman Mary Anne? I really couldn't be sure. And God walked among them in the circle, touching each one. He seemed not to be an older man now, but as he made each of three turns around the circle, he was first a young girl, bouncing with energy, then a woman of middle years, with a tender smile for all Her children, and finally, an old woman, body bent, but holding Her head up with pride. And a woman stepped forward, and yes, it was Mary Anne, and lifted her head to the sky. "Great Goddess, Mother of us all, thank you for joining us tonight. Stay if You will, go if You must. Know in our hearts You will always be welcome. Blessed be!!" And we were back on the pathway.

As we walked along, ahead in the distance I saw the most beautiful man. Yes, beautiful, though I would never normally think of a man this way. With blonde hair, and a golden robe, he seemed to radiate sunshine. God and this golden man nodded to each other as they passed, sharing a smile together. "My Lord" I asked, "was that an angel?" "Well, yes, he is known as that to some. He is also known to some as a God himself. That was Lucifer."
And His words caused me to stumble. I couldn't believe that we had just passed the ultimate evil. God looked at me, and He knew my mind. And he chuckled a bit. "Think about it logically My son. The Lucifer that you know is a fallen angel, cast out of heaven for challenging Me. If I am the all powerful being, above all others, how could he do this? How could I allow it?" "But, the Bible..." I stammered. "The Bible is a wonderful book, as are the Koran and the Torah and many others, but they are just books, written by the hand of man, not written by Me. And, it's a bit confusing as well if truth be known, but that's not up to Me to fix. These books are wonderful, but only as guidance, for each man and woman must think for themselves." And, I believed He was right in this. "Now, come forth, we must journey a little more before you go back." And He took my hand once again.

As we followed the pathway, we soared thru the stars, listening to the music of the heavens, we became a little flower and a mighty oak, we became a babbling brook, and a mighty ocean. We flitted from flower to flower as a little honey bee, and ran across the plains as a mighty stallion. And, all too soon, the pathway returned us to my home. God held my hand a moment longer, and smiled into my face, "My son, you prayed tonight for a true vision of Me. For vision, you must only open your eyes and see what there is to see. Good night to you."

And then He was gone, and I was back in my bed. A dream I thought, only a dream, that couldn't have been real. At that time, a bolt of lightning lit up my room thru the window, and thunder crashed thru the sky, and I thought I heard, from seemingly far away, "Remember, the Lord works in mysterious ways My son."

This morning as I entered the office, I went to the machine for a cup of coffee, and standing there, I spied Mary Anne. As I approached her, I could see her barely cringe, and I could see in her face that she was expecting yet another onslaught from me and my book.

She seemed to cast her eyes about for a way to escape, but there was none. I walked up to her and smiled. " I think I owe you a bit of an apology" I said. "I've been a bit narrow minded of late, and I really had no right to subject you to what I did. It's not up to me to say how you find your path to your spirit, and I was wrong to think that was so." Mary Anne just stood there, not knowing what to say.

"So, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry, and I hope you will forgive my trespass. God bless you Mary Anne, and...uh...Blessed Be?"

You know, I always thought that it was just a saying, about people's jaws dropping to the floor, but Mary Anne did her best at that moment to prove me wrong...
~Author Unknown~

Full Moon

FULL MOON RITUAL

This Ritual was given to me by a lady I know. The moon will be full so and it will be time to honor her.

Consecration of Sacred Space:
Before the ritual begins take time to cleanse the sacred space of all energies that may stand in the way of your ritual. Ritually smudge the area with sage or using your besom (broom) sweep the area clear of unwanted energies.

Next, consecrate the salt and water and incense to cleanse the circle and lay its boundaries. To do so, use your athame and hold it point down over the chalice of water say:

"The blessings of the Goddess be upon this water, symbol of the Waters of life. May it ever remind me of the cauldron of rebirth."

Place your athame point down over the container of salt and say:

"The blessings of the Goddess be upon this salt, symbol of Earth. May I ever honor the blessed Earth that is her body in the physical world."

Scoop a little of the salt with the athame and place it into the water. Take up the chalice in your power hand and swirl it gently three times in a clockwise motion. Hold the chalice high over the altar and say:

"Water and Earth, Elements of birth. By touch, purify. By power, sanctify. Great Goddess, be you adored!"

Take the chalice and with the fingers of your power hand lightly sprinkle the water around the edges of the circle, starting and ending in the east, moving clockwise.

For the incense hold the athame over the incense and say:

"May the blessing of the God be upon this incense, symbol of Air. May I always listen to the spiritual inspiration that whispers to my soul."

Hold your athame over the fire candle and say:

"May the blessings of the God be upon this candle, symbol of Fire. May I ever honor the sacred Fire that dances within me."

Light the incense with the flame from the candle. Hold the incense over the altar and say:

"Fire and Air, Elements so fair. By touch, purify. By power, sanctify. Great God be you adored."

Carry the incense around the circle starting and ending in the east, moving clockwise.

Circle Cast:
Three times round’ I cast my blade,
That this circle shall be made.
First, white crescent from the Maiden’s brow,
Her strength and independence be here now.
Second, red blood from the Mother’s womb,
As I weave my life on Her starlight loom.
Third, black shadow from the Crone’s abyss,
Teaches me wisdom with her underworld kiss.
Sacred space within this circle now lies,
Protected from unwelcome eyes.
Let no one enter here within,
Who has not been made welcome.
So Mote it be.
Call to Corners:

(One member to open each corner and center)

East:
Light the corner candle. With the feather, draw an invoking pentagram in the air over the corner as you say:

"Greetings to the Powers of Air. Move into this sacred space with the winds of spirit, and protect all gathered here. Let me breathe in, and become one with, the Goddess, so I might know her voice in myself, others and the world."

South:
Light the corner candle. Take the athame and draw an invoking pentagram in the air over the corner as you say:

"Greetings to the Powers of Fire. Ignite this sacred space with the embers of Spirit, and protect all gathered here. Let me be warmed by, and become one with, the Goddess, so I can see her light shining in myself, others and the world."

West:
Light the corner candle. Dip finger in sea water and draw an invoking pentagram in the air over the corner while you say:

Greetings to the Powers of Water. Flow into this sacred space with the elixir of Spirit, and protect all gathered here. Let me drink deeply of, and become one with the Goddess, so I might feel her wholeness flowing in myself, others and the world.

North:
Light the corner candle. Take up the crystal and draw an invoking pentagram in the air over the corner as you say:

Greetings to the Powers of the Earth. Root this sacred space in the rich soils of Spirit, and protect all gathered here. Let me be enriched by, and become one with, the Goddess, so I can see her blossoming in myself, others and the world.
Center:

Light the Goddess Candle. Draw an invoking pentagram over the altar with your athame or wand, then spread your arms wide over the altar and say
Greetings, great Goddess! She who is, was, and always shall be! Maiden, Mother, Crone, come! Be welcome here, and bless our efforts in this sacred space. So mote it be.

Statement of Intent:
Goddess, your children gather again tonight, this night of the Full Moon, to honor you, to call upon your energies to join with our own, to remind us of the glorious path we are on. We call you Great Goddess, to come through the Veil and be with us here tonight. Fill our bodies with your holy presence and bless us with your power. We give you honor, Great Goddess!

THE CHARGE OF THE GODDESS

Listen to the Words of the Great Mother, who was of old called among men Artemis, Astarte, Diana, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Bride and by many other names.
At my altar the youth of the most distant ages gave love, and made due sacrifice. Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the Moon is Full, then shall ye gather in some secret place and adore the Spirit of Me, Who am Queen of All Witcheries. There shall ye gather, ye who are fain to learn all Magick, yet have not yet won deepest secrets: to these will I teach things that are yet unknown.
And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye shall be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites. And ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in My Praise. For Mine is the Ecstasy of the Spirit, and Mine also is Joy on Earth, for My Law is Love unto all beings.
Keep pure your Highest Ideal; strive ever toward it; let naught stop you or turn you aside. For Mine is the Secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth; and Mine is the Cup of the Wine of Life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality.
I am the Gracious Goddess, Who gave the Gift of Joy unto the heart of man: on Earth, I give the Knowledge of the Spirit Eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice, for behold: I am the Mother of All Living, and My Love is poured out upon the Earth.
Hear ye the Words of the Star Goddess: She in the Dust of Whose Feet are the Hosts of Heaven, Whose Body encircleth the Universe.
I, who am the Beauty of the Green Earth, and the White Moon amongst the Stars, and the Mystery of the Waters, and the desire of the heart of man, I call unto thy soul: Arise! And come unto Me!
For I am the Soul of Nature, Who giveth Life unto the Universe: from Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must return. And before My Face, which is beloved of gods and men, thine innermost Divine Self shall be enfolded in the Rapture of the Infinite.
Let My Worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold: all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And thou who thinkest to seek for Me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knowest the Mystery: that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee.
For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am That which is attained at the end of Desire.

Drawing Down the Moon:
Those that are present and ready may now draw down the moon’s energies to meld with our own here tonight.

Standing with legs slightly apart with your arms at your side and your wand or athame in your power hand (right if right handed, left if left handed), take three deep cleansing breaths. Grasp your athame or wand with both hands, raise it to your lips and then towards the moon. Feel the energy of the moon, and therefore the Goddess, move through the athame or wand down your arms and into your whole being. Pull the wand or athame towards your heart and feel the energy fill you completely. Take three more breaths. You are ready to begin!
Honoring the Goddess:

(Each member repeats parts at the same corner they called. Each member of the group will face the corner and raise their athame, wand or hand as they face each corner)

Center
Stand facing the altar. Ring a small bell. Raise arms over altar and say:
"Lady of the Full Moon bright, be here with us on this night. Guide our hands, our heads, our hearts, that from your path we never part. Lead us to the ancient power to aid us in this magickal hour. Teach us how to spell and cast, a magic future that will last. An ancient power since time begun, Oh Ancient Beauty, Powerful One."

East
"We open ourselves to the Lady’s power of strong thought and clear ideas."

South"

''We open ourselves to the Lady’s power of bright spiritual fire and dedication to Her.

West ''
"We open ourselves to the Lady’s power of healing and love."

North''
"We open ourselves to the Lady’s power of a healthy body, prosperous life, and strong friendships."

ALL
"All hail the unending power and beauty of the Goddess!
Now move onto energy building exercises, to send loving energies to the universe.

Cakes and Ale

Reverse Drawing Down:
Raise your wand or athame to your heart, then your lips and then towards the moon, visualizing the excess energies returning to the Goddess. When finished, say a silent thank you to the Goddess then ground yourself by placing your hand to the earth, clapping them sharply, or shaking the excess off towards the ground.

Farewell to Corners:

Center:
Great Goddess our thanks to you for spending time with us in the physical realm. We will cherish your wisdom and insights, carrying them in our hearts. As we go from this place, help us to remember that you are always part of all of us, and the world – in the moon, in the waters, in our life’s blood, and most important in our spirits. So be it.

North:
Powers of the North, we thank you for your presence here tonight. Hail and farewell.

West:
Powers of the West, we thank you for your presence here tonight. Hail and farewell.

South:
Powers of the South, we thank you for your presence here tonight. Hail and farewell.

East:
Powers of the East, we thank you for your presence here tonight. Hail and farewell.

Close Circle.
Blessed Be!

No Gas

NO GAS...On May 15th 2007

Don't pump gas on MAY 15th

In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protestof gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all internet users are to not go to a gas stationin protest of high gas prices.

Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in mostplaces.There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the internetnetwork, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take$2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companiespockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station onMay 15th and lets try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oilindustry for at least one day.

If you agree (which I cant see why you wouldn't) resend this to allyour contact list. With it saying, ''Don't pump gas on May 15th"