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Let’s continue the theme of uncomfortable Swords cards.  Last month, we talked about the Three of Swords, that card of pain and isolation and betrayal.  If you haven’t read it yet, take a few moments now to do so.   In my opinion, there are two other Swords cards besides the Three of Swords that are not that much fun: the Five of Swords and the Seven of Swords.  The thing about the Five and Seven of Swords is that sometimes it is not easy to differentiate between them.  You know by now my method for dealing with this issue: break the cards down to their most basic ingredients.  …

Common Name: Pokeweed Folk Name: Pigeon Berry Parts Used: leaf, shoot/stem, root, fruit/nut Planet: Uranus Element: Air Gender: Masculine Medicinal Uses: Shoots are eaten after they are properly boiled for a long period. The anti-inflammatory root is given for swollen throat glands. It is purgative and narcotic, expels phlegm, soothes arthritis, kills sperm, and, with the leaf, treats fungal infections. Further research has shown that a component of Pokeweed is useful to the immune system and has proteins that inhibit flu, herpes, and leukemia. This herb must be used with care, respect and expertise because used wrongly it can be deadly. Folklore: The Declaration of Independence was written in fermented…

Is Wicca a Valid Religion?   Many individuals perceive Wicca as a religious system that allows those of us, who identify as Wiccan, to follow a path that “caters to our desires” instead of “following God’s Commandments” and because of this they consider Wicca to be our own invention and not a valid religion. Well, honestly, while others may perceive the religion of Wicca, my religion, in this way – I do not. Wicca is a valid religion.   Wiccans view our planet Earth as a living being. She is Gaia, our Mother and all life (animal, planet, mineral) that flows from her is sacred. No one life is more…

Originally called Sextillis by the Romans, was later named Augustus in honor of Augustus Caesar. August is the eighth month of the current Gregorian calendar and the third month of Summer’s rule. Traditional birthstone amulets of August are the peridot and the sardonyx. The gladiolus and the poppy are the month’s traditional flowers. August is shared by the astrological signs of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin. During the month of August, the Great Solar Wheel of the Year is turned to Lammas, one of the four Grand Sabbats celebrated each year by Wiccans and modern Witches throughout the world. Gathered harvest are celebrated during August. Corn Moon Astrological…

Merry Meet and Welcome to the July Issue of PaganPages Emagazine!   Just as the summer can guarantee heat, we guarantee a Great Issue!   This issue is packed full of articles to get you started on your magickal journey, as well as, articles to help those already into their paths.        Be sure to visit us on our Etsy Site for Beautiful Jewelry, Supplies, and Goodies.     We are currently looking for a columnist to review blogs, sites, podcasts, etc…  If you are interested email [email protected]   Happy Reading!!!      

  Framing Your Question   Sometimes you come to a reading with a generalized sense of anxiety.  There’s no particular question, you just want an answer.  An answer to what?   You don’t really know.  All you know is that you need to know what you don’t know.   I feel like this quite often.  I don’t know what I’m doing or where I’m going.  I have had an argument with a friend and I feel frustrated.  I have writer’s block and cannot break through.  I have errands to run, but I am agoraphobic; I need to know if it is okay for me to leave the house.  I shuffle my…

  Wicca 101 Books I believe it was Scott Cunningham that encouraged new witches to read everything they can get their hands on when first exploring the Craft. I agree with this wholeheartedly! There is a multitude of ‘Wicca 101’ books on the market, and it can seem daunting to sift through them and choose which ones to read. Every Wiccan author has their own style and point of view, so it’s a good exercise to read a variety of books in order to discover what works for you. Keep in mind that not everybody agrees with what makes a good book! Below is a list of some Wiccan and…

(Loo-nas-ah) Major Sabbat (High Holiday) – Fire Festival August 1, 2 Other Names: Lunasa (meaning August), Lughnasaad, Lughnasa Celtic),First Harvest, August Eve, Feast of Cardenas, Feast of Bread, Tailltean Games(Irish), Teltain Cornucopia (Strega), Ceresalia (Ancient Roman) Harvest Home, Thingtide (Teutonic), Lammas (Christian). Laa Luanys, Elembious, Festival of Green Corn (Native American) Animals and Mythical beings: Griffins, Basilisks, Roosters, Calves, Centaurs, Phoenix Gemstones: aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx, yellow diamonds, citrine Incense and Oils: wood aloes, rose, rose hips, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus, safflower, corn, passionflower, frankincense, sandalwood Colors: red, orange, golden yellow, green, light brown, gold, bronze, gray Tools, Symbols, and Decorations: corn, cornucopias, red, yellow flowers, sheaves of grain (wheat, barley,…

Dedicated to my Beautiful and Beloved Daughter REBECCA LYNN BASTRON, Devotee of Forest Cathedral   FOREST CATHEDRAL ~ Gift of Strength ~     “In some mysterious way, woods have never seemed to me to be static things.  In physical terms, I move through them; yet in metaphysical ones, they seem to move through me.”     ~  John Fowles , British writer and teacher From great owl’s sacred stance, he lies hidden within the realm of Forest Cathedral. Owl’s mystery is one with the spirit of the woodlands. This benevolent congregation of trees unites diverse ecosystems together in a cohesive, sustainable, living environment.  Forests comprise roughly 90 percent of the world’s…

Nature’s Benefits We know we feel good when in nature but what other health benefits are there to being outdoors? Studies have found that our stress, blood pressure and resting heart rate are all significantly lower during a 15 minute nature walk than during a 15 minute city walk. The average American spends at least eight hours a day looking at an electronic screen and when we get home stressed and frazzled, we often try to unwind in front of the TV. Research has shown that this only makes us more moody. Since we spend so much time in a technology-driven society, we become more aggressive, distracted, depressed and overweight.…