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The Last of the Boys in Blue It was November 11th, 1968, and even though it sounds trite and overused, I actually do remember it just as if it were yesterday. I was standing in my grandfather’s living room tapping my foot and being impatient while the old man finished putting on his old uniform, the one that he’d lovingly preserved for over 70 years. I know for a fact that next door, Sherry, my girlfriend and soon to be fianc?e, was doing the same thing while Papa Pete, her grandfather, was doing exactly the same thing, and two houses farther down Bobby Adkinson was doing the same thing while…

Poseidon The Wheel turns & with it comes the creaking of oars & the smell of brine. The sun retreats for the year once again & I’m finding it hard to remember the promise of spring. It’s clear I needed some time out. Which is why I find myself on the shore watching a bit of driftwood get pulled around by the waves. I know how you feel, I think at it. I try to divert my mind from dwelling on my problems by studying the waves as they crash against the sand. Perhaps it’s fitting that I’m here at this time. If I understood the article I read recently…

Salem’s Best Cranberry Relish Yule is fast approaching and this is one staple condiment you will want to keep in your refrigerator throughout the season. It is simple and will last for at least a month under refrigeration, and taste great on top of your favorite stuffing. Salem’s Best Cranberry Relish (No Cook) 2 bags washed and stemmed fresh cranberries 1 Large sweet seedless orange (Blood oranges work nicely here as well) 1/2 cup granulated raw sugar Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Prep the cranberries, quarter the orange, run cranberries and whole quartered orange through food processor with a grater blade attached pour contents into a deep…

Now Remember Rosemary ÓSusun S. Weed Mad Ophelia tells us: “There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance”. In Shakespeare’s day it was common knowledge that rosemary helped one remember. Today, as then, herbalists agree: “For weyknesse of ye brayne, sethe rosemaria in wyne and keep ye heed warme”. The leaves of this tough, evergreen shrub, are valued for both medicinal and culinary uses. And, the powerful antioxidant vitamins found therein do help the brain work better. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an especially aromatic member of the mint family. When grown in dry, poor soils in hot areas, a little protected, but touched by the winds, rosemary rewards us with minerals, vitamins, and…

Photo Manipulation Have you ever had an image in your mind that you wanted to share with the world, but knew it would be impossible for you to get that picture? Like that picture at the Halloween party, where I was dressed in my full Daggerhir renaissance battle garb. It was a nice picture, but it was taken inside and it looked rather out of place. Standing beside steel cabinets and computers with leather studded renaissance garb, not quite the image I wished to share with the world. Wishing the photo was taken in a castle or maybe on a path in the woods it would look so much better,…

Artwork by: Angela Jayne Barnett ~2010 Cernunnos Rising – Music Review It is a rarity to find an album that every song touches the heart, but Wild Soul by Cernunnos Rising has accomplished something others have only dreamed about. Interview with Cernunnos Rising (George Nicholas) Pagan Pages: Since our last interview I see you have graced us with a new album Wild Soul, what was your inspiration here? George Nicholas: Well, I had originally done my first album with Medwyn Goodall the famous New Age Music composer and producer; that project involved my guitar playing and singing only  and didn`t feature any of my friends or group who actually play…

For the Love of Trees At this time of year; the holiday season as it has been dubbed by our “inclusive” culture, it can be hard for parents to keep meaning in the countless celebrations and the consumer driven racket that surrounds our children.  Many of us grew up celebrating Christmas whether religiously or from a secular perspective and most Pagans I read about integrate Yule, Winter Solstice, Christmas or Hanukah however it works best for their families.  Keeping it simple is something I strive for at this time of year.  This is my favourite holiday and as such I love the decorations, songs, and symbols of giving and peace…

PAGAN YULE Once again it is Yule and we still have many Troops deployed in hostile environments. Let us not forget them as we sit around our fires this year, attending festive parties, gorging ourselves incessantly and opening presents from the big jolly man. I will close reverently with this poem, author unknown but it always brings a tear to my eye as I can relate and feel pride with this Soldier. Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one-bedroom home made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give and to see just whom in this house did live.…

Apophyllite Very powerful for deep, peaceful stillness and meditation and dream recall.  Clairvoyance, out of body travel.  Heals and brings joyous openness to the heart center as it opens the brow and crown chakras.  Clears mental fuzziness and channels for the higher self and angelic realm contact.  Helps see truth for growth. Aquarmarine Good for those experiencing grief.  Tranquilizing, uplifting, openness, innocence, light heartedness, creativity, communication, self awareness, confidence, purpose.   Throat and Spleen Centers.  Heart, immune system, thymus, lymphnodes, mouth, earts.  Affects etheric and mental levels.  Releases anxiety, fear, restlessness peaceful stillness like the flow of a forest stream.  Breathing, allergies, water travel, journeys, sea goddess.  Seeing through people.  Protection. …

Let’s Spell It Out The Magic of Gift Giving By Gail Wood For pagans, The Wheel of the Year turns at Samhain and we move inward as we wait for the promise of Yule, its gift to us is the return of the light.  Like so many other spiritual paths and religions, we are also beginning the time of celebrating gifts from our gods, whether it is the return of sunlight, the birth of a son, or the passing over of danger and injustice.  We also seek to emulate the generosity of our gods in our own celebration of giving.  Unfortunately gifts and gift giving also brings stress and worry. …