News

We have moved! We're now out in the country where it's easier to practice magick and collect animals. :) We also have our first annual River Valley Pagan Pride Day September 23rd. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Sabbat

Mabon (Autumn Equinox) September 23

This is the time of balance between light and dark, the time of the true thanksgiving, when the harvest is realized and thanks is given for the abundance received. We prepare for the descent into the darkness. Mabon marks the Second Harvest, or the end of the abundant grain harvest that begun at Lughnasadh. Mabon falls on the Autumn Equinox. The Equinox mirrors the dwindling of life and eventual progression to rebirth, as well as the struggle for balance; day and night are equal for a single day. Many pagans of antiquity didn't have the ability to determine astrological positions as we do today. Therefore, the European peasantry celebrated this Sabbat on September 25th. The Celts marked their days from sundown to sundown, so the Mabon celebration actually started on the sundown of September 24th. Today, we can calculate the exact day of the Equinox, the date when the sun enters the sign of Libra. Other names for this Sabbat are the Second Harvest Festival, Feast of Avalon, Cornucopia, Wine Harvest, the Fall Equinox, Harvest Home, the Autumnal (or Autumn) Equinox, Festival of Dionysus, Alban Elfed (Caledonii, Druidic), Winter Finding (Teutonic), and Equinozio di Autunno (Strega). The full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox is called the Harvest Moon. Mabon is the time when we reap the fruits of our labor and lessons, both crops and experiences. It is a time of joy, to celebrate that which is passing, and looking joyously at the experience the year has shared with us. It is also a time to gaze into the bright future. We are reminded once again of the cyclic universe; endings are merely new beginnings.

Autumn, Mythology

Mythically, this is the day of the year when the god of light is defeated by his twin and alter-ego, the god of darkness. It is the time of the year when night conquers day. In reconstruction of the Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd, the Autumnal Equinox is the only day of the whole year when Llew (light) is vulnerable and it is possible to defeat him. Llew now stands on the balance (Libra/autumnal equinox), with one foot on the cauldron (Cancer/summer solstice) and his other foot on the goat (Capricorn/winter solstice). Thus he is betrayed by Blodeuwedd, the Virgin (Virgo) and transformed into an Eagle (Scorpio).

Two things are now likely to occur mythically, in rapid succession. Having defeated Llew, Goronwy (darkness) now takes over Llew's functions, both as lover to Blodeuwedd, the Goddess, and as King of our own world. Although Goronwy, the Horned King, now sits on Llew's throne and begins his rule immediately, his formal coronation will not be for another six weeks, occurring at Samhain (Halloween) or the beginning of Winter, when he becomes the Winter Lord, the Dark King, Lord of Misrule. Goronwy's other function has more immediate results, however. He mates with the virgin goddess, and Blodeuwedd conceives, and will give birth -- nine months later (at the Summer Solstice) -- to Goronwy's son, who is really another incarnation of himself, the Dark Child.

Llew's sacrificial death at Harvest Home also identifies him with John Barleycorn, spirit of the fields. Thus, Llew represents not only the sun's power, but also the sun's life trapped and crystallized in the corn. Often this corn spirit was believed to reside most especially in the last sheaf or shock harvested, which was dressed in fine clothes, or woven into a wicker-like man-shaped form. This effigy was then cut and carried from the field, and usually burned, amidst much rejoicing. So one may see Blodeuwedd and Goronwy in a new guise, not as conspirators who murder their king, but as kindly farmers who harvest the crop which they had planted and so lovingly cared for. And yet, anyone who knows the old ballad of John Barleycorn knows that we have not heard the last of him.

Recipe

Harvest Morning Muffins

3 Eggsl
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
1 cup grated apples
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup Whole-wheat flour
1 cup All-purpose flour
1 Tbs Baking powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 12-muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Set aside. In a bowl with an electric mixer, blend the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Stir in the grated apples and carrots. In a separate bowl, sift the flours, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Blend the dry ingredients with the apple mixture until just combined. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins and bake for 25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

Path of Light Institue - New Age Online School

Gypsie is offering an assortment of online classes through her new online school, the Path of Light Institute. Registration may be done at the school's website.

Path of Light Institute Courses:
Introduction to Wicca
Introduction to Auras
Introduction to Basic Astrology
Introduction to Chakras
Introduction to Developing ESP Skills
Introduction to Herbs
Introduction to Numerology
Introduction to Palmistry
Introduction to Reiki
Introduction to Tarot

Calendar of Events

September 7: Open Full Moon

September 9: Work Day

September 16: PPD Planning Meeting, 6pm

September 23: Pagan Pride Day, 11am-6pm

October 1: Witches Meetup

October 7: Class / Open Full Moon Ritual

November 1: Witches Meetup

November 4: Class / Open Full Moon Ritual

November 18: Class

December 2: Witches Meetup

December 5: Open Full Moon Ritual

December 16: Yule Celebration / Enchanted Moon's Birthday

December 31: New Year's Outing

Rune-a-Month

Jera (Year or Harvest)

AKA: Jeran, Ger

Jera is a reminder of the seasons of life. Nothing is an overnight success. Your hard work is coming to fruition and your effort is rewarded. Be patient to receive your recognition or promotion. This is the lesson of Karma. This could also indicate a slow process of birth such as a child, relationship, or business.