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Being in the broom closet is not a comfortable place to be.  There’s too much old stuff hanging around, it’s far too small and it smells a little like mothballs. I’m not in the closet but there was a time when I couldn’t be my authentic self.  I was far too worried that my friends wouldn’t be my friends anymore, my family would consider me weird and my then husband would ridicule me.  It turned out I was right on all accounts. When you’re not living life how you feel you should be, you’re not being your authentic self.  It crushes your spirit and often depression isn’t very far behind. …

What is intent? Objective: define intent; why is intent important The definition of intent- and all variations of the word: intend, intention, etc- are “state of mind when something is done, purpose, the end or object; goal”. Our intent is the most important thing we have when we go into spellwork. It not only is the most important, but the most basic; the most primal. What do YOU want? Put aside all of the fancy forms that we will learn later in this class. Put aside all of the words that you are bringing together. Put aside all of the props we commonly use in ritual: candles, incense, wand, chalice……

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…

Spiral down Dive down Womb of the Mother kiss from a stranger And it’s gone Cradle me Drown me Lift me up Higher and higher To the shore Like your voice Soft and sweet Beauty that decieves Mystical Sea A sea secret Chills in the waves Turning black Hardening in the foam No going back What we took as our own Four billion sirens Screaming unseen No stone unturned Till Death has dreamed Still the sea secret Journeys on and on No one can stop it The damage is done What have we lost Only the Sea knows And she’s not speaking anymore

Non Human Entities When we think of the paranormal, we usually think of spirits of those who have passed on.  We think of cold spots, barely visible forms, and disembodied voices. Yet a lot of us automatically think we are dealing with human entities.  There are a number of non human entities that are part of the paranormal world.  Here I will briefly discuss a few.  This is such a broad topic and pending on religion and culture these entities can greatly vary but there are some similarities that I will highlight. Angels; These entities have a similar appearance throughout many cultures and religions.  People are believed to have encounters…

Are you cyclically confused? In a ceremonial quandary? Completely clueless? Wonder no more. *Ask Your Mama™ The What, When, Where, Why, How, and Who of Ceremony & Spirituality by ©Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman A Question of Needing a Catalyst Dear Mama Donna, I just came across your photo of standing eggs on end at the art-that-heals.org web site. This was only minutes after I was pondering how to create a certain earth-healing ritual. There is a creek here in the city of San Jose, California, that no one seems to own. It’s a tributary to the Guadalupe River. This poor creek is suffocating with trash of all kinds. I’ve…

Month 2 ***Note: This section is short because it’s more of a review of things everyone uses.*** A.  Cleaning Ok, I know everyone hates to clean right!  Well face it has to be done and we all have to do at least some of it.  I feel cleaning your home is one of the best ways to get rid of any negative energy hanging around as well as all the dirt.  There are many ways to clean and everyone has their own ways of doing so.  I prefer to use homemade cleaners…aka…baking soda and vinegar.  I also keep a control journal, helps me remember all the stuff I need to…

Ritual Interlude Crone’s Ceremony of Commitment to Her Community As the menopausal years draw to a close and you find yourself more stable in your new self, feeling more like your “old self” as you become your older self, it is time to manifest the last stage of initiation: rebirth. You’ve spent time in some form of isolation as you journeyed the unpredictable years of menopause. You have given death to your images of yourself as Maiden, as Mother. You have crowned yourself, or been crowned as, Crone. Your metamorphosis is complete. Now comes the time to return to your community. To assume your new roles. You return as Crone.…

Strength (8) “To bend like a reed in the wind — that is real strength.”  ~Lao-tzu Image Description: The Rider-Waite deck portrays a serene woman gently closing/opening a lion’s mouth. Her robes are accessorized with flowers, and a blossoming wreath adorns her head. Like the Magician, the infinity symbol is shown hovering above her.  The lion appears calm and subdued. With his tail tucked behind him, he patiently accepts her tender care. Symbols: Lion: Animal instinct within us all, forces or influences that could be potentially harmful Lemniscate (infinity symbol): Infinity, endless possibility Woman: Femininity Flowers: Beauty, grace, and kindness White Dress: Purity Key Words: Strength, Patience, Compassion, Soft Control,…

A few announcements: Most classes begin this month.  Please be sure to check spruz daily for letters from your teachers. We are collecting tools, incense, candles, etc… to send our Pagan Brothers and Sisters in the armed forces over seas again.  If you are interested in donating goods or funds, email [email protected].  Our soldiers need your help. Be sure to join our facebook or myspace to see when new classes are added.   In This Issue:   The art of Steelgoddess Interview with R. Wolf Baldassarro   Monthly Prayer Awaken to the sunlight bright Restful from the long dark night Goodnight good Goddess, Blessed Be Awaken my God to shine…