Samhain Ritual

This is an original Samhain ritual that we will be doing on my radio show, Until You Walk the Path, You Don't Know Where it Goes

At the beginning of this new year,
I chose to accept both the laughter and the tears.
With love and hope I call to those from above and below
to help me find ways to help make miracles into my life flow.

These three coins I do bless in the name of the maiden, mother crone.
Each represents a karmic debt I do own.
Left in places for others to find
they are my promise to create ways to be more generous and kind.

A blessing for three strangers before the full moon I will be,
Anonymously I well help without any benefit for me.
In word, deed or whatever needs to be done
so they may find love, healing and their challenges won.

Lastly I will forgive three who hurt my heart
by allowing the pain and sadness to part.
Without asking for anything from another
I will forgive myself and two others.

Paying forward with kindness and love
I light these three candles and ask for help from below and above.
Please show me the way to heal a little more each day
so love, healing and my dreams may come to me without delay.

Godesses, Gods, Grandmother and Grandfather Spirit
I ask that you bless me with all that I merit.
Look into my heart and soul
for the dreams I do hold.

Here my words as I pray,
Bring my dreams and love with out delay.

You are welcome to use it but if you share it please link it back to my website at www.theresachaze.com.

Samhain Festival at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve

Samhain Festival

October 29 - 31, 2010
at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
west of Mount Horeb & north of Barneveld, Wisconsin
25 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin
Bookmark and Share



Samhain, popularly known as Halloween, occurs in late October and early November. For most Wiccan practitioners, this is the New Year, and a time for letting go of the old and looking ahead to the new. It marks the end of the harvest season. Since ancient times, Pagans have paid their respects to departed loved ones, ancestors, and guides in the Spirit World at Samhain. The Goddess manifests as the Crone and the God as the Horned Hunter and Lord of Death. Sacred colors are Black and Orange. It is the festival of endings and transformation.

# Activities at this year's Samhain include: Friday night's Witches' Ball, featuring Stone Ring
# Workshops by Rev. Nora Cedarwind Young, Rev. Selena Fox and others
# Samhain Ritual by Revs. Georgette and Bob Paxton
# Childrens' Programming
# Circle Sanctuary Annual Meeting
# And much more!


For a list of what to bring, schedule and descriptions of activities, and other info:

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/samhain


Program Schedule


Friday, October 29
10 AM Ministers' Intensive: Home Funerals with Nora Cedarwind Young
More and more families, loved ones and communities are choosing to care for their beloved dead at home. Learn this legal, time honored way of caring for a loved one that has crossed over the threshold to the Summerland. Learn about the laws in your state and how healing this hands on gift can be.
Noon Gate open for general arrivals
1 PM Opening Ritual & Festival Blessing
Join in a Community blessing of the Festival and Festival Grounds and an honoring of Samhain. Bring a rhythm instrument to play if you have one.
1:30 - 3 PM Writing your Own Obituary with Nora Cedarwind Young
This is a journaling class in open format with discussion about this exercise and how you would like others to learn of your death, what parts of your life or relationships you would or would not like to be mentioned and some of the more common practices around obituaries today. This is a great tool and insightful class. Come learn some things about yourself!
1:30 - 3 PM Nature Walk - with Reed
Walk the land with Reed and see the true beauty and glory of the season.
1:30 - 3 PM Childrens' Programming: Crafting Trick or Treat Bags with Jen and Bo
Reuse old T-Shirts to make reusable and washable trick-or-treat bags!
3:30 PM David & Jeanet Ewing's 20th anniversary handfasting with Selena Fox and others
5:00 PM Dinner
6 PM Arrivals for those attending Witches Ball only (with departures by 1 am)
7 PM - 12:30 AM Witches Ball - with live music by the Celtic band, Stone Ring.
Join in the fun. Dress in costume, if you wish! Enjoy the band performing Celtic tunes and other music. Dance, socialize, make merry! Some refreshments provided.
7 - 8:30 PM Childrens' Programming: Movie Time - Caspar the Friendly Ghost
8:30 PM Childrens' Programming: Final Parental Pickup
Saturday, October 30
7:30 - 9 AM Continental Breakfast
9:30 - 10 AM Community Music-making
10 AM - 11 AM Circle Sanctuary Annual Meeting
Includes review of Annual Report and 2009 Financial Statement, as well as the Strategic Planning process currently underway.
9:30 AM Childrens' Programming: Childrens' Orientation with Jen and Bo
Discussion with youth and parents about the land, and about appropriate behavior at Circle events.
11 AM - Noon Community Visioning
Mediated small-group dialogue / focus groups for visioning Circle's next year and beyond. Must come to the Annual Meeting to participate.
Noon - 1:30 PM Potluck Lunch
1:30 PM The Six Essential Documents Everyone Needs at End-of-Life, Now! with Nora Cedarwind Young
There are six essential documents that every person should have completed and file today! Death comes at many unexpected times and if you do not have these documents in order, you make a great difficulty for your loves left holding the bag without legal documents giving proper authority. Do you want your next of kin making your decisions, or do you want them to be yours? Come learn how this chance to get your paperwork in order will relive the paperwork load at end-of-life.
1:30 PM Childrens' Programming: Craft Workshop with Jen and Bo
painting patches for what will be sewn into a quilt and donated later to Circle Sanctuary. (making bags for anyone who missed Friday) Youth will be given square bits of fabric to paint on (or embroider). They will be asked to create things that reflect their own Samhain beliefs. I will collect the squares, quilt them together later and donate the finished project to Circle.
2:30 PM Crossing-Over Rites with Selena Fox
Old and New rites to aid the dying in their transition.
3:30 PM Pagans and Hospice Care - panel discussion with Nora Cedarwind Young, Heather Ockler and Selena Fox
Small pumpkins will be hidden around the grounds and the children will be sent on a pumpkin hunt. After the hunt they will go trick or treating.
3 PM Childrens' Programming: Pumpkin Hunt & Trick-or-Treating with the Ghetto Shamans
painting patches for what will be sewn into a quilt and donated later to Circle Sanctuary. (making bags for anyone who missed Friday) Youth will be given square bits of fabric to paint on (or embroider). They will be asked to create things that reflect their own Samhain beliefs. I will collect the squares, quilt them together later and donate the finished project to Circle.
5 PM Raffle Drawings & Silent Auction results
6 PM Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 PM Bonfire Magick: Drumming, Chanting, Storytelling, Preparation for Samhain Ritual
8:30 - 10 PM Samhain Ritual by Georgette, Bob, Selena & others
The veil between the worlds is thin this night. We'll cross it and gather messages from departed loved ones then return again to celebrate life and the Celtic New Year.
8:30 PM Childrens' Programming: Pumpkin Decoration and Crafting
Crafting, storytelling and hot cocoa!
10 PM Samhain Celebration Bonfire at Festival Circle
10:30 PM - dawn Samhain Visioning Labyrinth at Candlelit Spiral Labyrinth with Florence, Katrina and Vanessa
Sunday, October 31
7:30 - 9 AM Continental Breakfast
10 AM Childrens' Programming: Childrens' Service Project Contest
Youth will be given a list of 'services' they can complete within camp and the grounds. Each service will have a points value. (10 points for helping a camp elder take down and pack up their tent, 1 point for each piece of trash collected... exc.) they will turn in points after 1 hour and each child will be recognized for his or her work with prize
10 - 11 AM Native American Views of the Afterlife - with Shine
11:30 AM Samhain Festival Closing Ritual - with Bob & Georgette
Noon Lunch
1 - 4 PM Green Cemetery Open House in Circle Cemetery
Open public event including discussion of Green Cemetery and Home Burial practices, cremains interment and tours of Circle Cemetery.



Items To Bring



# Contribution for potluck feast to feed at least two dozen, for Saturday dinner. For details, please see our Potluck Guidelines.
# Flowers and/or herbs (fresh or dried) to place at gravesites at the cemetery (optional)
# Quartz crystals, dried herbs, or other small tokens of remembrance to be interred during the Cemetery rite (optional)
# Bring items for the ancestors and recently departed altars - photos or small personal items and candles.
# Candy for the trick-or-treaters on Saturday afternoon
# Old T-shirts to donate to the childrens' program for crafting time
# (adults & children) Costumes
# Items to donate for the Raffle and Silent Auction
# Bring dried herbs for offerings during rituals.
# Bring a pumpkin or gourd to carve for decorating the temple room and ritual spaces.
# Bring a mug or cup to drink from
# Camping Gear: tent, sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, flashlight, water jug, towel, biodegradable soap and shampoo, personal toiletries, sungear, raingear. NOTE: Night-time temperatures at Samhain can dip into the 30s - - please pack accordingly!

YOUTH ITEMS TO BRING:
# Costumes
# Large Bag to collect pumpkins and Halloween candy
# Large Bag of Halloween Candy for Kids
# 1 Camp Chair, per kid, for the Kid�s Clubhouse



Registration


PRICING
Adults (each): Before 10/11 10/11 - 10/21 After 10/22 and At Gate
3 Days $80 $95 $110
Any 2 Days $50 $60 $75
Any 1 Day (Fri. includes Witches' Ball) $35 $45 $50
Witches' Ball (Friday) only $15 $20 $25

Children 5+ (each) Before 10/11 10/11 - 10/21 After 10/22 and At Gate
3 Days $35 $35 $40
2 Days $25 $25 $30
Any 1 Day (Fri. includes Witches' Ball) $15 $15 $20
Witches' Ball (Friday) only $7 $7 $10

Children under 5 are free.



If interested in vending, please register as usual and contact Bob Paxton: bob@circlesanctuary.org

Cancellations received before October 24th will be refunded minus 50% processing fee. Cancellations received on October 24th or later will not be refunded. Please refer to Circle's cancellation policy if you should need to cancel your event registration.

For more information contact events@circlesanctuary.org or call the Circle office at (608) 924-2216.

Wiccan and Paganism; Mainstream in America

News Reports in national/global press about the Wiccan Religion & Paganism
in the Mainstream in America.

New York Times:
On Religion: Paganism, Just Another Religion for Military and Academia
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/us/31religion.html
includes photos and interviews with Circle Sanctuary high priestess Selena
Fox and Pagan Studies scholar Dr. Michael York.

ABC News:
Real Witches Practice Samhain: Wicca on the Rise in U.S.
More Americans Are Wiccan, and Will Celebrate Samhain, Not Halloween,
Saturday
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/real-witches-practice-samhain-wicca-rise-us/story?id=8957950
includes interviews with Patti Wigington of About.Com: Paganism/Wicca, Don
Lewis of Witch School, and Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary.

And Happy Halloween and Thanks to Barry Lynn and Americans United for
Separation of Church and State for publicly pointing out that Halloween in
America today is secular and is distinct from Samhain, the religious holiday
celebrated by Wiccans, Druids, and other Pagans.

Halloween in the Public Schools: It's Not So Scary http://blog.au.org/2009/10/30/halloween-in-the-public-schools-its-not-so-scary/

NETWORK: post these links to blogs, e-lists, websites, Facebook, Twitter,
other social networking sites.
Share good words about the need for equal rights in society for Pagans and
about this and other positive coverage of the Craft and Paganism at this
Samhain time.

Thank you!

Samhain Blessings!


Circle Times: Saturday, October 31, 2009







Alternative programming to NCIS: The newest military series Operation Home Base

Operation Home Base: A proposal
By
Theresa Chaze

Seeing the need, a small group creates grass roots organization called Operation Home Base to help those in the military and their dependants to meet the basic needs of life. Existing on donations of time, money and resources, they frequently have to dip into their own savings to keep the lights on. Coming from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and motivations, they put their differences aside and combine their talents to create a bridge between civilians and the military.

After months of trying to close them down, a representative from government offers OHB unlimited resources. The only catch is that along with the money and influence, they must accept the Government’s Advocate as the new head of their organization. Is it a honest humanitarian offer or are they once again trying to hide something? And if so, what?

Book of Shadows: The Truth Behind Prosperity Magic

The Truth Behind Prosperity Magic
By
Theresa Chaze

Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account; who you are and what you have accomplished is far more important that what you own. In the end, the only things you take with you are your honor, the love you shared and the wisdom you have learned. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.
If you want a new job, do the ritual, but also check the want ads, fill out applications and all the things you would normally need to do on a mundane level to get a job. You can ask for the winning lottery numbers, but don't start spending the money until the check is not only in your hand but has cleared in the bank.

As with all magic, what you send out is what you will receive back. If you help others, you will receive aid when you need it. Whatever aspect of your life that you feed energy to will be the strongest. If you feed the fear of loss and the poverty mind set that is what the universe will expand; however, if you keep your focus on your blessings, being able to share them and be confident you will always be provide for, the universe will increase that energy as well. Being able to release the society taught belief of limited resources is the biggest challenge all of us have to face. From every corner, the message is that there is not enough for all--not enough food, energy, money or resources for everyone to have an equal share. The messages is that you have to fight for what you want, disregarding the needs and rights of others for they are the enemy competing for the scarce blessings. If you feel this way, the whole universe will not be enough to fill you or make you feel safe. However, by releasing the fear and being open to the miracles of the universe, you will find that miracles happen everyday and that there is indeed enough for all to live well and be safe.

After all the rituals have been done and the candles have been burned out, the most effective prosperity spells are the ones that come under the heading "Random Acts of Kindness". The simple things we do for one another, without expecting anything return, are the most powerful magic. True charity is anonymous; it expects nothing in return. It is giving change at the check out when the person in front of you is a little short. It is taking meals or offering rides to someone in need. It is taking the time to smile at someone simply because you care that they have a little joy in their lives. Praying for peace is great, but taking the time to clean up a roadside is prosperity in action; not only do you get some fresh air and sunshine, but also you make the world a little better just by cleaning up the trash. By giving of ourselves freely and openly, we create a prosperity magnet around us that is more powerful than any ritual.

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light will not only teach you more about prosperity rituals, but those for love, protection and healing. This ebook give rituals to heal your heart and make you dreams to come true. Both old and new magic is combined in this colorful book that seeks only to inform and protect. If you seek wisdom, love or justice this ebook of shadows can help you find what you need. It is only found at www.theresachaze.com.

Awakening the Halloween Magic with suspense and Horror

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy(9780979840609) is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combine in a tale of horror. Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a home and open her bookstore. Instead, she becomes the catalyst in exposing a murder and the target of a violent cult. She is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely to save herself and all she loves. Will she be able to control the power of the dragon as it rises giving her the power to save all she loves or will the flames from within destroy her?

An excerpt:

But first she needed to insure the safety of her children and herself. She closed the door. Walking to the Eastern corner of the room, she raised her hands. "This room represents the entire house, the entire property. The powers of the East-beings of light, air, rain, thunder, lightening, wind. I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle." Her hands came together in front of her forehead. She lowered them to her heart level. Moving to the Southern corner, she again lifted her arms. "The powers of the South-beings of fire, heat, the sun, the heavens above which shelters and protect us, keeping us warm and growing our food. I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle." Her hands came together and she lowered them to her heart. She moved to the Western corner and raised her hands. "Powers of the West-thou who provides our water, our fish, the cleansing element of our bodies and our souls, you satisfy our thirst and calm our souls. I ask you to attend my circle to witness and protect." Her skin began to tingle with the energy she brought into the room.
The temperature dropped, them warmed as the electrical and gravitational levels fluctuated. Rachael walked to the Northern corner and raised her arms. "The beings of the North, I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle. Like the Earth Mother be the grounding force that provides protection and comfort. You who gives us our homes, our food, and the love we all need to survive." Bringing her hands down, she turned and walked to the center of the room. "I have asked you here to witness my new home. I call it mine for me and my children-Tara, Merlin, and Ralph. We alone are residents here. All others are visitors. To be protected, yet we alone call this place home. From above and below and from all four directions, I encircle this house-my home, my yard, my car, myself and my children in the silver and golden healing lights so that we may be safe, secure and know we are well loved. I authorize whatever force necessary to protect the residents of this home, starting at first with minimal to deadly if necessary. I ask all deities present to insure the safety of me and mine."
The air charged. Heat radiated off the walls, like the hot waves off black top. The energy circulated from within and around her expanding to fill the room. She continued without knowing why. "I combine my energy and tradition with all those of light who have gone before. May we be joined, making each stronger exponentially. Where there was one, may there be two. Where there is two may there be the power and wisdom of four. Where there be four, may the power of sixteen do what must be done. And so it goes until all the beings of light work together as the whole." Through her mind's eye, she saw the energy in the room expand, filling the room, spilling out to fill the house and yard to the borders of the property. A column of light shot both upward, as a beacon, and downward, connecting them to the source. "Thank you for your blessings."
Up from the ground, another energy surged. For a moment, Rachael was frightened. It withdrew, returning more softly. It filled her heart with love. She saw an older woman. She was from the dream. Smiling, she walked to Rachael and placed a ring of iridescent flowers around her neck. She spread her arms wide. Bubbles of the same shiny energy floated down from the heavens, filling the house and the yard, building a solid fence around the property.
Rachael knew the bubbles pile high and energized the ground beneath them. She breathed it in and it filled her being with love and strength. The woman stepped away, fading into the energy around them. She opened her eyes. Knowing she had been blessed by the Earth Mother, herself; she bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Mother."
You're welcome, daughter, whispered the wind. Call you new protectors. Spirits of the centuries of times long past, yet still now live on, I call you to be special protectors of this guardian and those she loves. Eyes that see all of the night I charge your claws and fangs to defend with all that is necessary to keep evil at bay.
Rachael heard them before her she saw them in her mind’s eye. Large and aware, she could see them manifest in the trees, shrubs and shadows around the cottage. Multi-shades of gold and green, their luminescent eyes rivaling the sunlight.
A single tiger leaped and landed before the woman. She reached out and stroked its head. He purred. Pointing to Rachael, she continued. “She is the guardian of this holy place.” She pointed at the suddenly quiet carrier. “These are her children. Let no harm come to them. Both day and night watch and defend. As it was before, you and the others have free reign. Do not wait for her to call. As you sense so shall you react.”
The golden eyes fixated on Rachael, sending shivers through her. Sensed his powerful spirit gently embracing her, getting to know her. He turned his head toward the carrier for a moment; then he vanished.
“As you are the guardian of this place, so they are to you. No harm shall come to you. Whether here or out in the world, one will always be close. Take care how you direct them.” As in the field, she reached out and cupped Rachael’s chin in her palm. “You have the strength, wisdom, and the honor for the tasks at hand. Do not doubt yourself.” Smiling, she tweaked the end of Rachael’s nose. “Now call the Mother Dragon. So we can continue.”
Rachael took a deep breath and tried to remember the correct wording.
“Speak from you heart and she will hear.”
“Mother of all the clans. The source of all our wisdom and strength I ask you to come to this my new home and bless it with your protection. It has been a source of love and wisdom, but now it is under attack by ignorance and bigotry. I ask you to bless it in such away that all the clans watch over and protect us. Let this beautiful place of light and love shine as a beacon for those who need comfort.”
Suddenly the room glowed with incandescent silver light that came from everywhere, yet nowhere. It filled the room. Again, Rachael knew it went far beyond to radiate though the cottage and out into the yard. The hair on her arms stood on end as the room charged with the energy of the Mother Dragon. Only once before did she feel as close to the Mother Dragon--when she dedicated herself to the dragon clan. Only this time it was stronger, deeper reaching. She felt it lift her spirit above the cottage until she could see and feel it all. Carmen was not far down the road and should arrive in minutes. Norman and Meredith argued about the living arrangements in the kitchen. The children watched from the living room. Lisa looked up at her and smiled. Beside her and all around, she felt the infinite love of the Mother.
Child, your awakening is at hand. The Mother‘s whispered to her. Soon you will know what it truly meant to walk the path of the dragon.
Rachael smiled within herself, knowing without consciously knowing what the statement meant. It was the unconditional love she responded to as if she was a young child being given the courage to start something new.
“As our energies intertwine so we meet together in the spirit of the new guardian. We become part of her as she becomes one with us.” The woman unfurled her arms shoulder high; her palms facing outward. “Let the ripples of our actions let it be known, the new guardian has been chosen.” Slowly she lowered her arms. “Be blessed Child of Light. Welcome home.” Suddenly she vanished.


Buy this book! I found myself smiling when I finished the last page of Awakening The Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (formally Dragon's New Home), by Theresa Chaze. I've read a pretty good number of books in my life, but none have given me quite the mix of emotions that this books has.
Joe Murphy, The Dragon Page http://www.dragonpage.com/

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Words the members of the House of Christ live by, and killed by.
Rachel Franklin knew from the first moment she laid eyes on it that the cottage was hers. She felt its pull, could sense the magic within its walls. She was home.
However, the members of the House of Christ church had different ideas. The cottage was evil, the home of a witch, and all good Christians know that witches are evil beings, consorts of the Devil; their houses are evil and should be destroyed.
But, the cottage’s owner, Kevin Mitchellson would not allow that. He forbids any member of the church to set foot on the property left to him by his grandmother, Sarah, and the conflict rages, as Wicca and Christians team up, prepared to do battle with the bigotry and ignorance of the House of Christ fanatics.
Therese Chaze draws her readers in from the first page and refuses to release them until the last word of this fantastic tale of witches, magic, love and betrayal.
Set in the village of Coyote Springs, Dragon Domain is a book of lessons; lessons on love, forgiveness, and above all truth to oneself.
In the grand traditions of Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, Therese Chaze captures the imagination as well as the heart of her readers.
Dragon Domain is an open door to a world of wonder, and from the first page to the last, you will be hard pressed to put it down.

Linda Rucker

The Truth About Wicca And Paganism

The Truth About Wicca and Paganism.

Although the term Wicca is a relatively recent term, the religious practices along with Paganism have been around long before Jesus walked on the face of the earth. It is a religion and a way of living that is based on the life cycles of the planet as a way of protecting and providing for the family. The holidays focus on the growing seasons and on the phases of the moon. Their rituals use the natural energy of the earth in all its forms to heal, feed and cloth.

Whether a person identifies themselves as Wiccan, Witch or Pagan, their religion is based on traditions that reach back to a time when humans toiled the soil and hunted for food. Their survival depended on the kindness of the elements, the fertility of the soil, and the luck of the hunt. Through family traditions and experimentation, they learned how to use natural means to provide for and to protect the family. Most people today, do not grow their own food or hunt in the forest, instead they work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn’t change the essential nature of their goals, which is to live well and in balance with nature. By working in harmony with the natural energy, which surrounds them, they can bring balance, peace and prosperity into their lives.

Through experimentation, they have learned how to heal with plants, healing touches and with other resources the planet provides. Through trial and error, they learned which plants heal and which ones do harm. This knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, each one adding a little more to the total information base. They also have discovered that some gemstones have influence the over all physical and emotional health. By placing them in specific combinations on different parts of the body, they can strengthen the immune system and help release emotional or physical traumas. These healing methods help the person direct the universal energy to not only cleanse but also restore balance on the physical and spiritual levels. In addition, by taping into the planetary electrical system, which is typically called ley lines, they are able to increase their access to higher energy levels and older wisdom.

It was this knowledge that made them targets of people who feared their “power”. Generally, they are a positive, loving force in the universe, who only wish to live in peace and leave the earth a little better place. However, there remains the misconception of who or what they worship. Devils or Satan are a not part of their religion, nor are they an anti-force to other religions. Yet they remain targets for violence and discrimination. Whether it be a hanged witch Chicopee, Mass being called a Halloween decoration or the Veteran’s Administration having to be sued to honor a legally recognized religious symbol, Wiccans and Pagans still have to fight for their civil liberties. Whereas as an empty hanging noose caused national outcry and outrage, the representation of a witch being hanged has received only mockery and snide remarks. Although Wicca is a legally recognized religion, the VA had to be forced to approve the pentacle even they had approved over 30 symbols, including many Christian sects, Tenrikyo Church, United Moravian Church and Sikhs. The atheists even have their own approved symbol.

The simple facts are that even with more legitimate information being available in books, movies and on TV, negative propaganda continues to spread lies, fanaticism, and religious intolerance. Without knowing who or what Wiccans and Pagans truly believe and do, religious fanatics label them as evil and do deliberate harm by trying to take away their children, homes and jobs. However, like every religion there are good and bad members. The key is to get accurate information before attaching labels and making judgments.

Out of the Shadows And Into the Light is an ebook of shadows with accurate information about the belief systems and rituals for the modern day life. Not only does it give details about holidays, but how to set up an altar and make holy water. The rituals that are included are not only the traditional ones for prosperity, protection and love, but also ones for healing and justice. This Wiccan book of wisdom can only be bought at the authors website at www.theresachaze.com.

Hypocritical Christians Hijack Halloween to Make it Less Wiccan and Pagan

Hypocritical Christians Hijack Halloween to Make it Less Wiccan and Pagan

Originally called Samhain, Christians usurped the holiday, replacing it with All Saints Day. Pope Boniface IV was attempting to attract and covert Pagans. Over the decades, the celebrations became more child oriented than spiritual. Halloween became a time to dress up, trick or treat and party. A day of pretending, fantasy and community, Halloween allowed both children and adults an excuse to step out of their mundane lives and simply play. Halloween parties at school, at home or in the community are fun ways for neighbors to get to know each other a little better. Whether cowboy, astronaut, or a scary creature of the night, the costume choice is a safe, healthy venue to have an alter ego for a day.

Traditionally, Samhain is the ending of the Pagan and Wiccan year. The final harvests have been brought in and the finally preparations for winter have been made. Animals are slaughtered and their meat preserved. The death of a few insures life for others through the coming winter months. It is the day when the veils between the realms are the thinnest. The dead and earth spirits are able to walk freely among the living. Whether dead loved ones or earth spirits, this time of year communication with them is the easiest. It is the time for honoring your ancestors and making amends with those who have crossed over. Spiritually, what we have sent out comes back for good or ill. Just as the harvest has been collected, so does the karmic debt come due. The thinning curtain only makes the Deities of Justice more active and powerful. Whether it is said as "What goes around, comes around" or "So share ye sow, so shall ye reap", what we have created shall manifest as a blessing or a challenge.

A few years ago, fundamental Christians once again started attacking Halloween. Calling it Satanic, they attempted to block it from public schools and interfered with trick or treating. Last year, this sweet little girl came up to my door, but instead of seeking candy, she handed out Christian tracts, telling me how evil I am for not being Christian and for celebrating a Pagan holiday. The girl was only about six or seven; it was very cowardly for her parents to use her to do her dirty work. I calmly asked her where her parents were. She took me to her mother. I wasn’t nice so to the mother. In no uncertain terms, I called her a bigot and told her to mind her own business. If she didn’t want to participate that was fine, but she needed stop trying to ruin it for others. She then proceeded to try to covert me. She didn’t get far. I’m Wiccan and proud. She went away in a huff. To bad, so sad. But she has no right to force her believes on others.

Which brings me to my rant. I was talking to some of the neighborhood girls. I asked them how they were going to dress as for Halloween. One told me that she was going to dress as a belly dancer and was go to a Hallelujah Party. I bite my tongue and smiled. I just find it amazing how hypocritical the parents are. They change the name and think it will suddenly stop making it Pagan. A duck is a duck whether or not you call it a swan. October 31 is the Pagan holiday Samhain, not matter what you call it.

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an ebook of shadows that gives accurate information about the Wiccan and Pagan religions. Containing rituals and definitions of the their religious practice, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light gives information that will benefit both the beginner and the experienced magical worker, while giving accurate information to counteract the misconceptions. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light can only be bought at www.theresachaze.com

Messages From the Universe October 2007-A Free Ezine

Here is the October issue of Messages From the Universe. Sorry it was late. As always you are welcome to share the ezine as a whole, but the articles remain the property of the authors.



In this Issue, we have articles by:



Cate Cavanagh

Roberta Shaler

Phoenix Roseflame

Laurie Cabot

Reverend Marci Drewry

as well as many others.



The link is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.



http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/messageOct2007.pdf

You Say Halloween. We Say Samhain

You Say Halloween. We Say Samhain

By

Theresa Chaze


Many of the most popular religious and secular holidays have their roots in Pagan or Wiccan festivals. By absorbing the basic beliefs of the celebration and transforming them to conform to their religious doctrine, religious leaders hoped to lure away the followers of the Earth based religions and convert them.




Traditionally, Samhain is the ending of the Pagan and Wiccan year. The final harvests have been brought in and the finally preparations for winter have been made. Animals are slaughtered and their meat preserved. The death of a few insures life for others through the coming winter months.




It is the day when the veils between the realms are the thinnest. The dead and earth spirits are able to walk freely among the living. Whether dead loved ones or earth spirits, this time of year communication with them is the easiest. It is the time for honoring your ancestors and making amends with those who have crossed over. Many Wiccans and Pagans believe it is the most important day of the year as it is not only a time of honoring our ancestors, but is an accounting of our actions.


Ritually spirits are invited to attend festivals in their honor. Banquets are prepared with the choices meats and vegetables being set aside for those who have crossed over. Frequently these meals are silent as each participant remembers their loved one and looks for signs of their presence. The food on the spirits’ plates remains uneaten. Instead, after the dinner the ritual continues as the food is offered up outside and left behind. Deities, earth spirits and elementals are also petitioned for protection and for boons. Calls are more easily heard and answered during this time.




Spiritually, what we have sent out comes back for good or ill. Just as the harvest has been collected, so does the karmic debt come due. The thinning curtain only makes the Deities of Justice more active and powerful. Whether it is said as "What goes around, comes around" or "So share ye sow, so shall ye reap", what we have created shall manifest as a blessing or a challenge.




Many of the Halloween traditions come from the fear of spirits. The masks were designed to disguise identities and to scare away evil spirits. Treat or treating represents the offerings left out to honor the ancestors and tithes to the deities. Christians created All Saints Day on November 1 as a way to counter act the popularity of the Samhain festival.




Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an ebook of shadows that not only explains more about the correlation between religions, but also give accurate information about the Wiccan and Pagan religions. It includes both old and new wisdom with rituals for protection, justice, healing, prosperity and love. For those who are interested in learning more about what Wiccans and Pagans, this ebook is an excellent resource that does not wish to convert, but only inform. The PDF download is only available at www.theresachaze.com.