Elizabeth Farrell's Blog
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
The evenings are getting longer and the nights are getting to be a bit chilly (at least where I am) and if you're like me there is no better way to pass a quiet evening than curling up with a good book. If you enjoy reading fiction I know it can be tough to find a book with a good and accurate Pagan theme. But for all you serious fiction readers out there, here are a few suggestions I'd like to pass along.
Practical Magic- is one of my all time favorites and Alice Hoffman has a beautiful way with words. This book is more about the power of love more so than magic, but it definitely has a magical tone of wonder and is worth reading.
The Witching Time- by Jean Stubbs, this is about a woman who moves into the English countryside and takes up with a group of witches who practice healing and Sabbats at the local standing stones.
Sing the Four Quarters- A fantasy novel by Tanya Huff that is centered in a world that focuses on the Circle and where there is gender equality and acceptance.
The Snow Queen- A wonderful blend of science fiction, fantasy, mythology and social commentary. By Joan T. Vinge
I will be putting up more suggestions in the future or you can start adiscussion on your own choices or recommendations for Pagan fiction with other visitors here. While you're here, be sure to take part in the latest Poll!
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Readers of the Paganism/Wicca site are important to us and for that reason I would like to take a little time to explain the various features of the site so that you can enjoy your time here more thoroughly. The first thing to keep in mind is that new articles are added on a frequent basis, so be sure to check back often.
The next thing to be aware of is the article features; these are added interactive features that are part of each article on Suite 101. If you scroll to the very bottom of an article, you will see a light green square in the right-hand corner. One of the features lets you add the article to various personal pages on the web such as Facebook, Yahoo and others. So, for example, if you have a Facebook page and you would like to put the article on that page, just click on the little Facebook icon.
If the article really peaks your interest and you would like to discuss it with the writer or with other visitors, click on the Start a Discussion link and add your input.
If you would like to email the article to a friend or family member, just click on the Email article link in that area.
You can also subscribe to feeds or print the article by clicking on the appropriate links. While you are here at the Paganism/Wicca site, be sure to take a look at our latest Polls and feel free to take part in the Forum Discussions.
Enjoy your stay and Brightest Blessings to you all.
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Digging for your own crystals can be a very rewarding and exciting experience and I've found some great places in the U.S. that you, your family and friends may enjoy. Many public crystal digging areas will provide or sell tools that are helpful in looking for crystals, but it's not a bad idea to bring some of your own. The tools are very simple and usually all you need are a large shovel, a small hand shovel and a screen sifter of some type. Gloves are also helpful if you want to sift and dig by hand and you should also bring sunscreen and insect repellant. Always be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes when visiting these places. Here are a few areas of interest:
Crystal Park- Montana
Located in the Pioneer mountains of southwest Montana. It is open for day use and is also a good place to stop for a picnic. The season of operation varies but is typically between May 15 through September 30. For driving directions and more information go visit the Crystal Park website.
Fiddler's Ridge- Arkansas
Located 7 miles east of Mount Ida, Arkansas Fiddler's Ridge has a Rock Shop and a nearby crystal digging mine. It is currently open 7 days a week. For more information go to the Fiddler's Ridge website.
Coleman's Miller Mountain Mine- ArkansasLocated 16 miles north of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Currently open 7 days a week. You do not dig at the mine site, instead truck loads and dropped off in an area where the public can sift and dig. For more information go to the Miller Mountain website.
Also, be sure to read the following articles on Suite 101~ Amethyst and Rose Quartz
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
As I've learned and grown in my Pagan path over the years, I'm sometimes approached or contacted by people who aren't familiar with Paganism. Many times people are just curious and there are also those who are genuinely seeking and hoping to get a little advice or guidance. These are both the times that I feel the importance of teaching and passing down whatever advice I can give to those who are new to the path. Because our path is definitely one of community, even for those of us who choose a Solitary path. No matter what tradition we may follow, we all have a common link of very ancient and communal wisdom.
One part of being a Pagan is acknowledging the importance of giving back the energy we take in, which includes to the earth and all her life forms and also each other. So as we take in the energy and wisdom of what is around us, as we awaken what is within us, then we also begin to realize the importance of giving some of that energy to those who are new to the path or curious about it. So for those who are approached, share your wisdom and your gifts with others. And those who are new to the path, ask questions, seek answers and nurture your own inner wisdom. As all of you read the many wonderful articles here on the Paganism/Wicca site you can take part in the sense of community by contacting the writers with any questions you may have, taking part in the discussion forum and letting your friends and family who are interested know about our site.
Learn, share and grow for we are all one community.
Blessed Be
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Autumn is most certainly upon us and with it comes some noteworthy happenings that will interest many in the Pagan community. First of all I want to point out that if you live near Helena, Montana be sure to make time to attend the Helena Pagan Pride and 2nd Annual Fairie Folk Festival. It is from August 24th through August 26th and is free to attend although there are workshops that charge the cost of materials. Take part in dancing, drumming, workshops and demonstrations. It is a non-alcholic event and no pets are allowed.
For more information be sure to visit the Helena Pagan Pride site.
From August 30th-September 3rd there will be the Fall Gathering of the Tribes in Windsor, Virginia at the Blackwater Campground. The cut off for registration is August 27th. For more information visit their website FallGathering.
While you are here at the Paganism/Wicca site be sure to read through the many articles and take part in our discussions. And for all parents, be sure to read about how to create a Child's Altar.
Enjoy the time of autumn, the changing of light patterns and the colors of the leaves. Blessings to all of you.
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Now that the time of Litha has passed there still a lot of summer days ahead of us. The kids are out of school, the days are hot and even though the daylight hours are slowly beginning to shorten in length there is much to do and much to learn.
As I looked out my window yesterday, I could see that once again the Wheel of the Year has brought about an abundance of new life. A mother squirrel was being followed by one of her young as she foraged for food on our carport roof. Two young magpies were nagging their parents with raucous cries as they hopped around our front lawn. Observation is one of the most important aspects of any Pagan belief and taking a moment to observe nature can offer an abundance of wisdom. Watching the play of light and shadow, the movement of clouds across the sky and the gathering of birds in a tree. Feeling the warmth of sunlight, the light touch of a breeze or hearing all the sounds of nature around you can connect you in gentle and sometimes profound ways with the Goddess and the God.
Take time this summer to observe, to listen, to feel nature all around you, whether it's by sitting in your backyard, walking through a park or looking outside your window. Oh, and don't forget to listen to the wisdom of your indoor plants, for they also have much to offer! Enjoy these last days of summer and take the time to read through all of the wonderful articles here. Be sure to also take part in the discussions we offer here and feel free to start one of your own. Also take a look at our July poll about Ritual Tools.
I wish you all a very blessed, safe and joyful end of summer.
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Time goes by quickly and Litha or Summer Solstice will soon be upon us. Occuring typically on June 21st, Litha is the longest day of the year and a time when light is abundant and the Sun God is at his peak of power. Also known as Midsummer, Vestalia and Gathering Day, Litha is one of the four lesser Sabbats in the Pagan Celtic year.
Since ancient times Litha has been celebrated with gatherings, singing, dancing and feasting. It is a time to celebrate in childlike joy and also to prepare for the coming time of harvest as the year begins to wane.
There are many various Litha celebrations throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe and here are a few that may be of interest to all of you. Also, be sure to take part in our new Poll concerning your own plans for the celebration of Litha!
United States
Montana~ June 21st- June 22nd
A Summer Solstice Gathering will be happening at the Big Hole River Region om western Montana. It is hosted by the Willow Glen Circle and Coven and is open to all Wiccans and Pagans in the region. Overnight camping is available at a nearby campground. The price for entrance is Free but you need to bring your own camping gear. For information and directions call (406) 782-6744
Arizona~ Midsummer Public High Day~ June 23rd
The ADF (Ar nOraiocht Fein) of Tucson, Arizona will be having a High Day ritual for Midsummer which is open to the public. For full information visit Sonoran Sunrise Grove
Pennsylvania~ Friday evening, June 22, 2007
Stone Circle Coven, Sacred Crossroads and Inner Path present an evening of celebration. Honor the Sun God and the Goddess and commune with the fairies; fairy garb is suggested but not manatory.
Outdoors if weather permits
7:30 P.M.
At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware Co.
145 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA
Just off of Route 252 near its intersection with Route 1
Canada
Saskatoon, Saskathchwan~ June 22nd-June 24th
Toon Town's Summer Pagan Fest is a festival with guest speakers, food, drumming and more.
For complete information visit the Toon Town site.
United Kingdom
Brighton, England~ June 21st
Summer Solstice Open Ritual is a very joyful celebration and ritual that is based on the traditional Pagan practices of western mysticism.
For information visit Lilith Rising
Edinburgh, Scotland~ June 20th-June 21st
The Grove of the Spirit Bear (which is based on the Druid path) presents a public gathering and vigil lasting from the evening of June 20th until the sunrise on June 21st. For information visit The Grove of the Spirit Bear. Registration before June 18th is required.
Peace and Blessings
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Happy Memorial Day to all of our American readers...
For those of you who live in Wisconsin there is going to be a Memorial Day Wiccans Veteran's Markers Dedication at Circle Sanctuary on Monday, May 28th. The event is open to the public and the dedication begins at 11:00 am, however people are encouraged to arrive early. What is really special about this event is that it is the first Memorial Day ceremony anywhere in the U.S. that is dedicating U.S. Department of affairs gravemarkers with pentacles for Wiccan veterans. The ceremony will include Wiccan, Christian and Jewish prayers honoring the dead and is open to people of all beliefs.
To read more about this event and contact information, visit the Circle Sanctuary site.
Posted by Elizabeth Farrell
Being a Pagan can mean so many different things and the Path that is followed is unique to each one of us. Whatever the Path may be for you, whether Wiccan, Dianic, Eclectic or any other belief system, that Path is a very personal journey. It is a journey that includes not only learning about your specific Path, but learning about yourself and what is important to you in both your spiritual and practical life.
Pagan beliefs have much of their roots based in respect. Respect for the earth and her cycles, and for the sacred that is all around us. But it also means community, teaching, learning and supporting one another. The world can often seem like a very divisive place and for this reason it’s more important than ever to have respect for each other and to learn from each other. So as you read through the articles here and live your own unique Path, I’d like for you to think about what it personally means to you to be Pagan. There are no right or wrong answers, it’s just getting to know who you are inside and enriching your spiritual life through this knowledge.
We are all here to learn from each other and I hope that you will take part in the friendly discussions here and let your voice be heard in the polls Enjoy reading the many informative articles and be sure to come back often.
Blessings to all