Administrator June, 2006
A community slowly becoming one
All reaching out in the dark
Embracing only shadows at first
In time we get to know each other
Slowly we put the pieces together
Only to learn of one poor lost soul close to death’s door
Listen to our prayers and regain your belief
Too innocent a soul to be taken from us
Too bright a light to fade
We all light a candle and think of you tonight
Like the stars above us you brighten our lives
And help to guide us in the dark
We are all lost souls searching for love
Stretch out your hand when you need our support
We will try to restore your hope and vitality
When a star is removed from heaven
The sky becomes infinitely darker
So shine bright tonight and for every night that follows
***
author bio:
Demonrobber
I am 40 years old and live in Birmingham England. I am presently not
working and spend time maintaining and improving my websites. My interests
include poetry, modern art, and history.
To contact me email:
demonrobber@blueyonder.co.uk
My main website is:
http://website.lineone.net/~demonrobber
Tags: Demonrobber, poem
Administrator June, 2006
The weather turns warmer, rushing ever towards its Mother
The gentle stream of late summer is now a torrent, filled and fulfilling; turning, twisting the spring moves on in
the never ending Dance of Life
Rushing toward the Summer’s embrace, My soul, too, is a torrent
Of feelings, awakenings, expectations and desires reaching with growing strength towards the warmth of the sun at its zenith
My body wants to move and sway, but my mind is not sure it wants to DANCE
Young abound in cities and woodlands;
Meadows and marshes are filled with life
On a warm night, under the trees, couples
Gaze at the stars and, if they are lucky,
Hear the celestial music of the spheres
In hollows and hidden places, the faeries emerge from their hiding to dance in the light of the summer moon
Old as time and young forever, these spirits
of freedom know the steps to the Dance of Life
The young King frolics in the forest, growing in strength and wisdom, for this is truly his time
Midsummer, its enchantment reaches for our souls.
Will we as a race again hear its call?
Or will we, as we have for too many years, drown out its message with selfish, disenchanting distractions encroaching ourselves evermore into the realm of enchantment in a vain attempt to analyze, categorize, and claim it as our own.
Foolish, fooling race that we are
We stand at the pinnacle of technological advancements
Ready to step off the edge onto new heights
But our misunderstandings of our own magical selves
Are destined to throw us down unless we can reclaim
That enchantment to which we were born and have a birthright
But which the World Culture has taught us was invalid.
Look to the past, Oh Children of the Garden
Look to the cultures that still honor the senses and earth
Look to the few among us who have learned to live
A truly Enchanted and magic-filled life.
Be not dismayed by my word of "magic", for it is not in the
Worldly sense of tricks and illusions that I use it
But, instead, I use it as I would "mystery" and "wonder".
All the world is magic to a child
And as a child must we again become. All of us.
If we are, once more, and at last, going to regain a
Sense of the enchantment this earth, this life has to offer
And, in doing so, truly be able to dance again
The Midsummer Dance of Life.
***
author bio:
Mariposa is a UU Pagan of 8 years duration. She spends much of her time reading, playing Celitc harp, and writing poetry. She calls her method of writing "Muse-inspired", as she writes the poem complete and whole at one sitting with, usually, only very minor changes. Also, if she gets "inspired" she must right down the poem at once or she "loses it". Mariposa currently holds the Office of Spirit for the Church of the Sacred Circle in Salt Lake City, and is also clergyperson of that pagan church. She hopes to get training to become a volunteer for the "No One Dies Alone" hospice program that sits with dying patients when family and friends are not available.
Tags: Mariposa, poem
Administrator June, 2006
Exploring Wicca: The Beliefs, Rites, and Rituals of the Wiccan Religion
Author: Lady Sabrina
New Page , Career Press 2006
ISBN: 156414884X
I think that this book had alot of information in it and read by the right person could be a great gift. However, I must say that while this was called Exploring Wicca, this book really went in depth about the different Gods/Goddesses, different Sabbats and esbats and then had some myths in the book as well. What concerned me and this is not the first book to do this, is that this book contained rituals for Sabbats and esbats and talked of casting circles, concecrating sacred space and tools, and this to me should not be in a book called Exploring Wicca. All too often, one seeking their religious path and feeling that Wicca is it, is already being shown how to cast circles, do rituals, etc. With books such as this, and again while this is a book full of knowledge and education about the Wiccan religion, I know that many out there will read this book and begin doing the rituals inside feeling that through one book, they now know all and begin casting circles, performing rituals, spells and the like. One day I hope to see a book on the shelves about Wicca that stresses to read read read and to educate oneself greatly before being introduced to spells and rituals.I would have loved for this book to do just what it claimed…to explore Wicca, not teach it.
***
author bio:
My name is Katrina Stiles and I am a born and raised Pagan. I am a wife, mother to two natural children, my daughter age 17, my son 19. We have 3 furbabies and 1 furgrandbaby. Yes, a full house and yes, some days, I think I am going to go crazy! I own and operate a business from my home called DreadfullyYours. I make dread wraps, bandanas and fabric bags. I also own a wire wrapping gemstone jewelry business called Standing Stones Designs. I also read alot. I find that when I need quiet time, I dive into a book and disappear for awhile…it’s the best medicine! If you ever have any questions, drop an email to me at jstiles3@tampabay.rr.com
Tags: and Rituals of the Wiccan Religion, Exploring Wicca: The Beliefs, Katrina, Rites
Administrator June, 2006
The Pocket Guide to Rituals
Magickal References At Your Fingertips
Author: Kerri Connor
New Page , Career Press 2006
ISBN: 1564148629
I absolutely loved this book! I think it’s about time someone created rituals for those special times that naturally happen in our lives that we often times forget to celebrate, ie…new car, birthday, adulthood, paganing, college, etc. The list is many and I loved all of them! As Pagans there are so many things that we do celebrate and honor but we fail to acknowledge and celebrate buying a new car, getting a new home, celebrating the Sun, the Moon! I am thrilled! I am keeping this book for myself and ordering one for my neice to go into her birthday basket! What a great gift this book will make for any of your loved ones that share the love of the Craft!
***
author bio:
My name is Katrina Stiles and I am a born and raised Pagan. I am a wife, mother to two natural children, my daughter age 17, my son 19. We have 3 furbabies and 1 furgrandbaby. Yes, a full house and yes, some days, I think I am going to go crazy! I own and operate a business from my home called DreadfullyYours. I make dread wraps, bandanas and fabric bags. I also own a wire wrapping gemstone jewelry business called Standing Stones Designs. I also read alot. I find that when I need quiet time, I dive into a book and disappear for awhile…it’s the best medicine! If you ever have any questions, drop an email to me at jstiles3@tampabay.rr.com
Tags: Katrina, The Pocket Guide to Rituals
Administrator June, 2006
Eight’s Great
Living Between Two Worlds: Challenges of the Modern Witch. Edited by Chas S. Clifton. 1996. Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 187 pp.
Full disclosure time: I received this book as an initiation gift, so I’m doubtless biased. That said, Living Between Two Worlds made my top three list of must read pagan texts halfway through my first reading of the title essay by the incomparable Chas S. Clifton. The fourth anthology volume in Llewellyn’s Witchcraft Today series, this book explores topics ranging from sacred sexuality to everyday magickal living to the ever popular quandary of coming out of the broom closet through the eyes and lives of eight witches who have been through it themselves. My faves were "Griffins and Grocery Stores", by Ashleen O’Gaea, Priestess (and Pastor!) Reverend B’s "Serving Between the Worlds", and the aforementioned essay by Clifton, but all were top notch. Highly recommended.
Five cauldrons (out of five).
***
author bio:
Weyland Smith lives in Mercer County New Jersey with the bright and beautiful Morgan, her two children, and their cats & familiars Flame and Macavity. They may be reached at weylandsmith@verizon.net Any and all rumors that Weyland and New Jersey governor John Corzine were twins who were separated at birth are completely bogus–Wey’s a Republican. (And a poor Republican, at that! Sheesh…)
Administrator June, 2006
Well, greetings, everyone! Since this is my first article, I felt we should start with you getting to know me a little and find out what this is all about!
First, the obvious: I’m Squirrel.
About me: I work as a school counselor in the glorious state of New York (Central New York, to be specific, which is a bit of a ways from NYC). I have been in my current profession for a little over five years now. I’ve been Pagan since I was about 14. And that was… well, it was more than ten years ago, but less than 20. It’s impolite to ask a lady her age, you know. I’ve bee involved in Pagan Pride Day since 2005. My hobbies include camping, hiking, amateur photography, traveling, and experimenting in my kitchen. And this is starting to sound way too much like a personal ad. So, I’ll stop there.
In the coming issues, I plan on doing an advice column for all of you wonderful parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, concerned neighbors, and anyone else involved with kids. Let’s face it; it’s hard enough working with kids today. Now let’s throw into the mix that many of us are from a "controversial" religious background, and things get really interesting! So when it was asked for folks to contribute, I thought: "Hey, I’m Pagan, I work with kids. Heck, I’ve even worked with Pagan kids! I should share what I know!"
At this point, this will run like a "Dear Abby", except it’s "Dear Squirrel". Send me your questions, comments, concerns, and I’ll see what I can do for you! Occasionally, I’ll also pass along some interesting research that I learn about in my many travels. And, just because I’m a sucker for homemade crafts and most kids I know like to work with their hands, I’ll be throwing in fun stuff for the kids to do too.
Like this month’s craft.
With it being the season of corn coming up, it’s time for corn dollies! And, since this is a little last minute for me, I’m attaching a link below on how to make them. I would cut and paste, but there is the matter of copyright issues. But this site says it’s "OK" for me to share the link with all of you wonderful people! So get out there and make some corn dollies! Send me pictures of your results and I’ll put them out there! WHEEEE!!
Later days, kids.
Squirrel
How to Make Corn Husk Dolls, by Teachers First. Com
http://www.teachersfirst.com/summer/cornhusk.htm
***
author bio:
Squirrel
Lady_of_squirrels@yahoo.com
Tags: kids, squirrel
While going through Myspace one day, I realized that they host a variety of talented bands. I found pages for the famous bands we all know and love, and for up and coming bands trying to get their music out there to the masses. It is a brilliant way to find talent you may never have come across otherwise. The Pagan States is one of these bands that you can definitely appreciate the first time you give them a listen.
The first song of theirs I listened to on Myspace was the psychedelic sounding “Pipe Dreams” which provides you with a trippy 60′sish listening experience. I found it to be a great song to listen to while just relaxing at home or just getting a little bit loose.
The second song by them “Skeleton” was my favorite of the three offered on the site. It has a very rockin’ beginning and emotional lyrics to go along with it. The melody of the song alone will draw you in.
The third song they put up for listeners is “Harshmellow”. The band puts an old school feel to their music which blends with their serene melodies and soothing vocals.
I had the priveledge of interviewing this very talented band for all of our readers. After reading about them, I urge you all to take a listen to their music. You won’t regret it!
PaganPages: Where are you guys from?
The Pagan States: By birth or by blood, we’re from all over the globe. Ireland, England, America, Germany, and Sweden are all represented in The Pagan States.
PaganPages: How many members are in your band? What are their names and can you tell us a little about each of them?
The Pagan States: We’ve got three levels to the involvement and creative process. We have the States, which are myself (Randal Prater), Gary Hunt (drums), and Peter Sawtell (guitar). Those are what you could call the core members, at least for this album. Then there are the Cities, which are Ben Thompson (cameo vox on two album tracks, plus he sings and plays guitar with us live) and Daniel Keiran (cameo vox on one album track). Finally, we have the Towns, which are Martin Adams (live vox and guitar) and Claudia Groom (live guitar).
To geek up the mix even more, the live set is split into two waves, Old Wave and New Wave. The first half of the set is the Old Wave, which is myself, Gary, Pete, and Ben. The New Wave (myself, Gary, Martin, and Claudia) takes the second half.
PaganPages: What brought you all together?
The Pagan States: I had a band/project called Creeping Myrtle (www.creepingmyrtle.com) that lasted about ten years. Gary and Pete were in the middle era of that band. After they left, I felt like the music was still valid, but the fun completely disappeared. So, I was happy when Myrtle ended for good. Then, after I had a nice diversion touring for a year with Graig Markel (www.graigmarkel.com) and Verses on Venus (www.veiledvision.com/v/) as their bass player, I decided three things: 1) I thought it would be a cool experiment to write a new batch of songs on bass instead of guitar. 2) I needed to sing for my supper again after being silent for a year. 3) I wanted to work with Pete and Gary again, but this time to include them in the writing process. Really, I wanted a second chance to start something new while keeping the creativity and the fun at equal levels.
So, we wrote and recorded a full album that way. Then we got Ben and Dan to come in and help us finish writing the final three songs on the table. They added some lyrics and vocals and gave the crayon box some colors that weren’t there before. Dan lives in Sacramento and has a bit o’ the ol’ stagey frighty. So, his involvement ended there. Ben is still in the live mix as we rehearse for the CD Release Show. We filled in the gaps with Martin and Claudia. Martin used to be in Laudanum, and Claudia was in My Diva and Juned. Gary and I both thought those three bands were the best Seattle had to offer in the 90s. We went to a bunch of their shows. So, to be working with two of our heroes for the live set is quite nice indeed.
PaganPages: How long has your band been around?
The Pagan States: We’re brand new. The debut CD will be coming out soon and the CD Release Show in Seattle will follow soon thereafter.
PaganPages: Are or have any members been in any other bands?
The Pagan States:We covered Creeping Myrtle, Laudanum, My Diva, and Juned. Gary used to be in Sahara. Pete used to be in Powder when he still lived in England. Ben and I used to be in The Weather with Daniel. Plus, we’ve all got current irons in other fires. The Pagan States is far from an exclusive club. There are other bands, projects, and madcap hi-jinks we dabble in. The prayers for teenage stardom ended miles ago. Writing a good song is the real buzz for us. It’s good to spread your wings and work with a variety of artists. It keeps the muse happy and healthy.
PaganPages: Pagan States is an interesting name, who came up with it? What is the concept behind the name?
The Pagan States: Thank you. I have to take credit for that one. After the last presidential election, it occurred to me that the pagan states, or the non-bible-belt states, were the only ones who voted for Kerry. One of those states was Washington State, where we’re based. Upon that realization, it dawned on me that The Pagan States would be a great band name for us. So, I immediately called Gary and Pete separately and asked what they thought of that moniker. Both of them said “Perfect.” So, that’s what we are.
PaganPages: Is there any main influence behind the bands sound? I noticed a Beatlesque quality to the music.
The Pagan States: The Beatles are a huge one for us. John Lennon is my all-time hero. We all have different tastes, so a lot of various things get tossed in the mix. We’ve also heard people say they detected a Pink Floyd and Joy Division influence, both of which would be accurate. I think it’s fair to say we cherry pick from our favorite parts of the 60s to the present day. We like great harmonies and wobbly guitars and stuff that compliments the ol’ silly smoke (wink wink).
PaganPages: Many bands have personal issues with each other due to being in close and constant contract with one another. Do you guys have any of these issues? How do you deal with them?
The Pagan States: Back in the Myrtle days, that answer may have been yes. I probably wasn’t a barrel o’ fun to be around back then. All the songs we were recording and performing were written by me. So, that couldn’t have been very rewarding for the others. But, we’re all older and slower, and I’ve learned to share in the creative process. So, I feel like everything is hunky dory now. We’re thick as thieves, and we can all be creative and have a good laugh at the same time.
PaganPages: What do you think the secret to keeping a good band together is, so that they do not end up like any of the great bands that have broken up? (ex..beatles)
The Pagan States: Well, one of the great bits o’ wisdom that comes with age is that everything has a beginning and an end. A birth, a death, and a natural cycle. The trick is to make it great while it lasts and never take anything for granted. We’re okay with the notion that someday this is going to end. So, with that level of comfort and understanding, maybe we’ll be the dog and pony show that lives forever – ha!
PaganPages: Is there any special “Rituals” the band does before going on stage?
The Pagan States: I’ll let you know after we play the CD Release Show. For me personally, a nice cup of Throat Coat tea so I don’t sing like a frog is a pretty good idea. Not a very “Rock n Roll” answer, I’m afraid.
PaganPages: Is a tour in the works?
The Pagan States: I doubt we’ll play too far out of our comfort zone. There was actually talk about only doing the one show and then calling it a day. But, I hope that we play out a bunch. Like I told the others, I’ll play as many gigs as you want me to in 2006. But, as far as recording goes, I’m pretty eager to start working on my own record. Really, we’re all a bunch of studio rats. I think I might like playing live a bit more than some of the others. I like a nice balance. A year of recording and then a year of playing shows. That’s my idea of a good time. Keeps the proverbial grass green.
PaganPages: Where can we get a CD or tour info?
The Pagan States: The first place to look should always be www.paganstates.com – but, that site is a work in progress. You can also get the CD from our label Doldrum (www.doldrum.com).
PaganPages: Does the band have any contact addresses for fans? or websites?
The Pagan States: Please direct your adoration to love@paganstates.com or check us out at MySpace (www.myspace.com/paganstates). We love praise, especially when it comes from someone other than our mothers. So, bring it on. Mope Rockers like us need all the lurve we can get!
The Pagan States were a pleasure to interview. Laid back and fun to chat with. Randal, you are a barrel o’ fun now and we love tea!! Brew us up a cup! We will be keeping an eye out for your tour in our area. We recommend, readers out there, that you do the same!
***
author bio:
Dana Portuguez
Tags: dana portuguez, interview, Music Interviews & Reviews, pagan states
