Awaking the Spirits of Arlington Cemetery to fight Fascism

Last night, I dreamt that I stood in Arlington Cemetery. Those buried there were restless and angry. They gave their full measure fighting for our nation against the fascism that now occupies the White Knuckle House. They pushed against the veil between realms.. The veil between the realms is beginning to thin. More of them awoke and pushed against it, What if we helped them cross over to again fight against the white nationalists and Christo-fascists? But instead of fighting for a King, they would fight against a wannabe king and for democracy. trump has started demolishing the East Wing to build his golden ballroom. The throne won't be far behind. Confederate soldiers would have also fought against this. We still need to stand together and fight for our nation. But spirits on the other side have abilities we, the living, do not have, including invading dreams. If it is within my power, I give them the ability to crossover. Until justice and the rule of law are restored, they have the power and the might to interact with the living both day and night. Let them be seen. Let them be heard. Let their presence be observed. Let the truth be freed and revealed that it can never again be concealed.. Once justice has been attained, may they find the peace and blessing of honor retained. #Wiccan #Pagan #ritual #justice #military #ArlingtonCemetary

Not for Ourselves: a Karmic Romance

  

He slowly walked out of her reach. "I'm sorry."

 

“For what?” Shawn Michael demanded, stepping off the main path. He was quickly followed by Damien MacNab, Richard Connell,  and Keith Connell. “Explain yourself, boy!”

 

“I told you!” Keith volunteered, pointing at Shannon and Michael. “I told you they were together.”

 

Shannon Marie's gaze quickly darted from her father to the smirking Keith. Anger rose within. “Papa. Whatever he told you,” she jutted her chin in Keith's direction, “is a lie.”

 

“Shut up girl!” Richard snapped, sauntering into the glade. “He said you were together.”

 

“Harlot!” Keith smugly pointed at her; the condescension in his voice matched his father. “Just like your Seanhair!”

 

Shawn Michael snapped around; his left hand reaching for the dagger at his belt. “Richard, shut your bastard up!” The warning hung in the air between them, threatening to become more than a verbal battle.

 

“Michael?” Always the gentleman, Damien squared his shoulders and composed himself. With relaxed, yet directed long strides, he quickly crossed the distance between himself and his son. Damien reached out slightly and tilted his head so that their matching deep hazel eyes met. “Why were the two of you here together?”

 

“Father, we always come to honor Bridget.” Michael’s gaze did not waver.

 

Shannon was suddenly aware of how alike in manner and appearance they were. Without Damien’s beard, it was like the men were looking in mirror reflections of themselves; one towards the past and the other toward the future. Both were warriors; but whereas Damien had aged into a statesman, Michael still had the temperament and the physical stamina of a warrior and a hunter. Although their eyes were the same shape and color. Damien’s held wisdom. Michael’s were those of a seer who saw other times and places.

 

“I would never dishonor you or myself.” Michael continued. “Nor would I betray her father’s trust.” He turned toward Shawn. “Sir, your daughter and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. You never questioned us before. Why would you doubt us now?”

 

“We always have been together since we were children. Rachael and Scott used to come with us.” Shannon Marie interceded. “Since Scott was sent to the monastery, Rachael does not come anymore. Michael and I promise to always remember them to Bridget. We are honor-bound. Rachael gave me her offering.” She pulled the coins from her pocket.

 

“Pagan—“

 

“Shut up!” Shawn Michael snapped, cutting off Richard. The anger in his voice was sharper than the blade at his belt. “My daughter does not lie.”

 

“Neither does my”--

 

“Your son?” Richard cut Damien off. “Are you dishonoring your legit heirs by acknowledging your bastard?”

 

Shawn Michael crossed the few yards between himself and Shannon Marie. His voice softened when he spoke to her, yet the anger, which was only inches away, remained directed at the Connells. “Little Elf, what oath did you give.”

 

“The four of us made a blood oath on Bridget’s altar to be each other’s defenders and protectors.” Michael quickly answered, stepping toward the father and daughter pair. “We are one in her name.”

 

“Yes, Papa. It is true.” Shannon Marie looked up into her father’s eyes, trying to get him to understand how she felt about Michael without her being forced to put it into words. They were more than friends, yet they both knew that was all it would ever be. How could she speak what her heart felt in front of all of them when she could not say it out loud to the person who meant the most?  Angrily she looked at the Connells.

 

Arrogantly,  Keith stood beside his father,  his arms folded across his

chest. She hated him the most for his pretense. His parentage was no better than Michael’s, yet he presented himself as a son of rank.

“But it’s none of their concern. Michael is honorable. Neither of us would do anything to disgrace ourselves or our families.” She pointed at Keith. “He cannot say the same.”

 

"There was nothing more?" Damien demanded, stepping back and scratching his graying beard.

 

“Nothing worth speaking of.” Michael whispered and turned toward the altar. “I-we-it doesn’t matter. We have done nothing to shame ourselves or our families.”

 

Damien’s voice softened as he stepped around Michael and lifted his chin as if he were a small boy instead of a nearly grown man. “Speak the words of your heart.”

 

“I can’t Father. I don’t have the right.” Michael turned away and walked back to Bridget's altar. He stood there with his back to them all.

 

Damien's gaze followed his son, but his eyes quickly moved on to the stone formation that honored The Horned One, Cernuous. Scratching his beard, he seemed to be seeking an answer from the God. He blinked and shifted his weight to look at Shawn Michael. He slightly nodded. “Your daughter is an honorable young woman. So is my son. I believe both of them.”

 

Without hesitating, Shawn Michael returned the gesture. He faltered for a moment as if he were choosing his words carefully. “The Clans have their ways for good or bad. They cannot be changed. At least not from the inside. But not all of us are from the inside. Shannon Marie’s Seanhair is not of the Clans. When I married her daughter, we created a new tradition that was not quite Clan, not quite de Medici. I agree to release my claims to my wife’s family possessions. I gave her my family's name. As with the Clans’ traditions, my eldest daughter and her husband would inherit the clan title and honors...but Madam de Medici would name her heir. Do you understand?”

 

Shannon Marie did not. There was no reason for Papa to be speaking about the family business. Especially not now. Besides, Damien was Papa’s best friend. He knew all this already. None of it was a secret.

 

Damien slowly nodded his head.

 

Shawn Michael continued. “Some traditions can be broken without reproach. Others only bent. But some traditions cannot be broken. My daughter is of honorable blood. She deserves all her birthrights. Not everyone will accept Jacqueline De Medici's decisions and choices. They will try to take by force what they can’t have by law.”

 

“Strong friends and family alliances are shelter in such storms.” Damien interjected. “An honorable family, we would fight to the death to protect their own whether by blood or marriage. I speak for MacNab Clan and all our kin and all our kin’s kin when I say we are such an honorable family.”

 

“We have an agreement!” The elder Connell angrily barked.

 

“And it will be kept!” Shawn Michael matched his tone as he snapped around. “To bring peace between our clan, my eldest daughter and heir will marry yours. I will keep my word as long as you honor your end of the bargain. Shannon Marie has been and will be Madam de Medici's heir.”

 

“That wasn’t the agreement!” Connell growled advancing on Shawn Michael. "The estates go to the husband of the eldest daughter if there is no legit male heir. My son is entitled--"

 

“To the small estate, my father shall bestow on me.” Shawn Michael cut him off. “And the title.”

 

“Only you and yours thought that there was more. The rest knew the lay of the land.” Damien added, standing beside Shawn. “You were a fool to expect otherwise.”

 

“Tradition is tradition.” The elder Connell snarled. “Eldest child--legitimate child,” he corrected himself, “inherits the family title and property.”

 

Shannon Marie knew there was more to his meaning than his words conveyed. They were talking about clan agreements and marriage as if they were interchangeable. But Seanhair taught her that she would always have the right to choose with whom she shared her bed. Did not her older sister have the same right? Again she had the strange feeling of not being alone within herself--it felt as if a stranger was also looking out of her eyes and hearing as she heard.

 

This was important. Alyssa knew it was a turning point. A path had been chosen, yet she knew not what the options were. Nor was it her right to decide. Something had been just set in motion.

 

Shannon felt the stranger within her. From the beyond, words from another place echoed within her—“To another place to the other time take me back to the beginning of this crime. Let me see and understand the unfolding of this karmic plan. Show me now in this light how to make this wrong a right.”

 

Fear suddenly overwhelmed her. Shannon did not understand why this moment was so important. Why were Damien and Papa talking formally as if they were at court? They were friends. Always. For as long as she could remember, they had spoken openly as brothers. She looked at Michael; he was closed off to her. She wanted to reach out to Papa; she couldn't force her feet to move the few steps between them.

 

“I give you my word.” Damien continued, “The MacNab Clan honors the traditions of the other clans' families. We will respect the understanding between the Cullen clan and Madam de Medici.”

 

Shawn Michael slowly nodded.

 

Damien MacNab returned the gesture. “I'll make the arrangements with Laird MacDonald to make the first announcement.” He turned toward Bridget’s altar. “Michael, come here.”

 

Michael immediately bowed in reverence to Bridget and returned to his father’s side. Damien leaned forward and whispered into his ear. For a moment, Michael stepped back, looking first at Bridget’s altar and then at Shannon.

 

Damien stepped closer and continued to speak in a voice so low it did not carry across the field. As he finished, Michael slowly nodded but said nothing.

 

Shannon Marie saw regret and sadness in his eyes. Their eyes met briefly. Michael turned away and looked at Bridget’s altar. It was like he was mourning part of himself. Disappointment and grief radiated from him.

Available in paperback and as Kindle on Amazon.

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#paranormalthriller #karmicromance #Notforourselves #TheresaChaze #wiccan #pagan #reincarnation #rituals #pastlives

Lamas at Circle Sanctuary

Register through WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 to receive discount rate!



2009 GREEN SPIRIT FESTIVAL

Friday, July 31 - Sunday, August 1



LAMMAS MAGIC!



Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve

near Cr , west of Madison



Full schedule & more info now online:

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/greenspirit



Activities include:

* Rituals * Workshops * Music * Candlelight Labyrinth * Magical Merchanting * Nature Walks

* Silent Auction * Drumming * Herbcrafting * Fire Spinning * Feasting *

Harry Potter-ish Witching World Youth Activities * and more!



Presentations include:

Druid Ways by Michael Doran * Tarot History & Mystery by Mari Powers * Lammas Traditions by Selena Fox

Nightime Shamanic Witch Walk with Crow & Phoenix * Wheat Weaving Magic with Linda Blue Heron

and others!



Interested in vending as part of our Lammas Faire? Please contact us

for more merchanting details: events@circlesanctuary.org



Register at our secure on-line site:

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/greenspirit





Circle Times: Friday, July 10, 2009

Free Yule Ritual

You will need two candles, one used and the other new. The color doesn't matter.

At the beginning light the used one and say:


On this day of the longest night
let us take the time to see our own light.
Turning to the past so we many learn
the source of our fears and what makes our passion burn.
Forgiveness and healing we do seek
so those lessons will be complete.
As the flame of the past burns down and out
we ignite present free of doubt.
As this new flame burns proud and bright
we see our blessings come into our sight.
With love and hope springing from our hearts and souls
we share our blessing and help others achieve their goals.
As we give to others free of ties that bind
so shall we be blessed with miracles in kind.
For a gifts given to others in the name of the love
are returned to us three fold as grace from above.
For the blessings I have been given in this past year
I gratefully say thank you for the laughter and the tears.

(Light the new candle from the old)

So now from the old flame I light the new
and the wick represents of my life renewed.
As this new flame burns hot and bright
so ends this darkest night.
As the new dawn does break,
so do my new possibilities do awake.

Let the candle burn out on their own and be open to new opportunities as well as special intuitions which will show you the way.

Explore Magical Realms of Romance, Suspense and Horror

I never get tired of talking about my novels. Here are the synopsis and some reviews. They can be bought through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and many other bookstores.

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-0-9) 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?

Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to save a child; instead, Cheyenne found a home. With the help of their new friend, Jane, they created a spiritual sanctuary. But when Celeste stopped running, her past caught up with her. Dominic arrived with promises of love and passion. Instead of love, he reawakened Celeste’s dark side, turning her against those she loved the most. With the aid of the dragons, Cheyenne was barely able to ward off their first attack. With each soul they bound to them, Celeste and Dominic’s greed and hatred grew until they would not settle for less than totally destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone who knows how to steal your soul?

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/

Magic, Mystery, and Murder. The three M's! Ms. Chaze shows colorful, visual language that will even keep the romance novel buff obsessed in finishing this novel in one read! The pacing is excellent the main character strong and likeable, and the hint of romance to come in the final installments of the trilogy. I must say I'm already addicted to Ms. Chaze's writing style! A guaranteed page turner! Bring on the rest of the trilogy!
Catherine J. St. Amour, author

Theresa 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,

Theresa 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, author

For the past several years I have been bemoaning the lack of quality, adult, Pagan fiction. Sure, there's lots of fantasy stuff out there. But good, set-in-the-real-world Pagan fiction is hard to come by. This book is one of less than a handful I have seen recently (Darksome Thirst and From the Ashes are two of the others, and Fallen Angels is one which is less Pagan-oriented but still enjoyable books which fall into this category [see my reviews at http://www20.brinkster.com/gleasonreview for reviews of all these books]).

As I said in my original review of Dragon’s New Home, this is a well-told story with characters that are both believable and familiar. By familiar, I don’t mean you’ve seen them in books before, but that you know people like them in your own life. There are no "over the top" characters here Even though some of the fantasy elements have a touch of Hollywood about them, the story relies on character development to hook and hold the reader. And let’s be honest – if you don’t care what happens to the characters, a book is a failure. This book is most definitely NOT a failure.

This second book in the Dragon Clan trilogy is a darker work than the first. Whereas the antagonists in the first book (Awakening the Dragon) were, for the most part, merely misguided albeit sincere believers in their faith's rightness, the antagonists this time around have made a conscious decision to embrace their darker sides for the simple's pleasure of power.

I am hoping that the author will be completing the concluding volume relatively soon. I hate having to wait to find out what happens to characters I have become attached to. On the other hand, the longer it takes, the more time I have before I have to say goodbye to them.
Mike Gleason


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Out of the Shadows and Into the Light: A Book of Shadows

Rituals, spells and accurate information about Wiccan. It contains rituals for: prosperity, love, protection and healing. All the rituals are original. Written by a Wiccan Priestess with over 20 years experience, this ebook has valuable for the novice and well as the experience energy worker.

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.

Police Abuse: The Blue Wall Again Protects Its Own

Most of you know about my arrest last fall. Mid February, I finally got the courage to file a complaint about my treatment against the Grand Traverse County Sheriff Department. March 5, I talked to Detective Kevin Gay of the Traverse City Police department; he was assigned to investigate my complaint of sexual assault. He refused to listen about the illegal search, the falsifying the arrest report, Deputy Justing Revnell lying under oath, the religious descrimination, or the refusal to give me by asthma medication. I kept touch with him over the the past couple of months. He kept telling me that he was investigating, but wouldn't give me details. This morning Detective Gay called. He found my complaints to be unfounded and the deputies will not be help responsible for the harm they caused me. I did my very best to have faith in the system, but the blue wall protects its own. The reason he gave was that I didn't emphasis the sexual assault fast enough or well enough for their satisfaction.



Although I have contact the local paper, the reporter I talked to has received so many complaints about the local law enforcement, that he wasn't sure how much he could do. Part of me still held out hope that justice would be done. I feel as if was assaulted again. I am asking for help. May 31 is the next full moon. Will all those who believe in justice pray that the Grand Traverse County Sheriff department, the prosecuter and the attorney who failed to represent me properly, Phillips Settles, recieve full measure of justice for the harm they caused me. I'm not asking for vengeance, but justice in full measure.



Thank you for your help, support and protection.

Theresa/Tirgana

Million Dollar Ghost

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Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
An excerpt of magical fantasy novel in the style of Harry Potter




But that was all in the past. Cheyenne walked toward the willow. She knew what needed to be done. Placing her bag beneath the tree, she quickly stripped, dropping her clothing into a pile. Opening the bag, she pulled out her athame, driving it into to the ground to the hilt. The ritual knife represented her need to be within the healing realm of the earth. Again she reached into the bag, pulling out an array of cotton pouches filled with herbs. Searching through them, she selected the bags marked basil, ginger and sage, returning the rest. She dropped the pouches on the ground and pulled out the small cast iron cauldron. She ran down to the stream and filled it with water. Returning more slowly, she picked up dry twigs and branches. Setting the cauldron down, she put the wood in the fire pit. Gathering dry grass and leaves from around the pit, she tucked them under the branches. She looked skyward. “May the Gods bless this ceremony with fire.” She patted the round in front of her. “May the Goddess bless this ceremony with fire.” She snapped her fingers above the fire pit. Within seconds, wisps of smoke rose from the center. For an instant, the infant of a flame wavered as if the slightest breeze would blow it out, but then the leaves caught and the flame ate its way to the wood. “Thank you.” She watched the flames dance and ignite the larger twigs, waiting until she was satisfied the fire had a life of its own before adding the larger pieces.

The breeze blew the smoke and heat into her face. She coughed, but did not move. She had always been drawn to the cleansing of fire. in spite of her birth element being air, she had felt a kinship with it. In her mind, air fed fire and fire’s heat moved air. Jane thought it was just because she didn’t like the cold. Placing the cauldron on the reddening coals, she picked up the pouches and removed the rest of the things she would need.

Standing, she looked at the basin. She hadn’t even considered that it might not be available. A flag had not been set. She could use it.

The basin was the only change they had made. With shovels, the four of them dug out a hole big enough for six to ritually bath at the same time. It had been an equal amount of work and play. It had taken three days of digging and mud fights. Late on the third afternoon, it was finished. They had stood on the banks, waiting to break down the wall that divided it from the stream. Stalling, each in turn found reasons to put off the ceremony until, frustrated Selene shouted to the forest, “we’re not waiting any more!” She broke down the barrier. Quickly, the water filled it, creating whirlpools and eddies, at first only at the mouth, but the texture of the bottom quickly spread them throughout the basin. Out of the corner of her eye, she had seen a shadow retreat deeper into the trees. The memory brought a smile to Cheyenne’s lips. Several other times since then, she would sense their presence, but they never approached. Obviously for some reason it wasn’t time for the two others to join the group. Later that afternoon Lilith and Cain left, but only Lilith returned on a regular basis. The sacred space invited others. Some were local, others were not. They would just be drawn to the circle and simply slipped into their spots like pieces of a puzzle.

Reaching down, she pulled her bandanna from the bag. It would be her flag, notifying the others the basin had been used. The water recycled itself every forty-eight hours. Until it cleansed itself, it wouldn’t be wise to use it. Squatting, she placed a handful of each of the herbs into the steaming water. Sitting back on her bottom, she watched the steam rise, the aroma scented the air. Closing her eyes, she imagined the steam to be soft white light, which she drew in through her nostrils, allowing it to fill her entire being with its healing power. All the anger she felt earlier drained away it, leaving only the sad memory of her lost friend. A tear slipped down her cheek. She didn’t brush it away. Celeste’s friendship had been too important to casually brush it aside. The salty drop fell from her chin and was gone. She sighed. Her throat hurt. She just wished the pain and the loss would be done. She wanted to move on. But to what? The farm had been her dream. Celeste had turned it into a dark place, a place where shadows ruled. But that was going to change.

Shaking her head, she opened her eyes, returning her attention to the present task. The surface had begun to roll. The dried herb pieces bobbed with the heating water’s motion. Waiting for it to break the boiling point, she reached around to grab her shirt to use as a hot pad. The water boiled and she picked up the pot. Pulling the sheers and the candles out of the bag, she walked toward the basin.
A breeze blew her hair across her face. She ignored it. She thought it strange that she felt nothing at this moment. There should be anger or guilt. But she felt nothing but determination to complete the task at hand. Someone once said, “What is best done, is best done quickly.” She couldn’t remember who said it or in what context; it didn’t matter. She placed the cauldron on the bank and planted the candles in the sand, one for each direction. Without hesitating, she stopped at the eastern candle and lit it.

Looking skyward, she called out, “Moltra, great dragon of the East. Who’s tail swirls the winds, whose breath warms the air, whose love keeps this planet’s air breathable, I, your daughter, who you named Shawntal, asks you to attend to protect and guide me.” For a moment the air stilled, then a gush of wind swirled around her and the basin. Cheyenne smiled. Closing her eyes, she could see the luminescent bronze of his scales reflecting the sunshine. All around her, the air became heavy with the scent of ozone. She breathed deeply. The energy charged air opened her third eye, then jumping from synapse to synapse reached the activation point at the base of her skull. Her eyes snapped open. It had begun.

Taking four steps forward, she lit the Southern candle. She faced the sun. “Great dragon of the South, Chun’sa-ta, you who keeps this planet habitable with your warmth, you grow our food, you bring us light and separate us from darkness, I, your daughter Shawntal, ask that you attend my healing, bringing your protection and wisdom.” The air around her heated with the breath of Chun’sa-ta. Again she closed her eyes, the copper of Chun’sa-ta scales stood beside the bronze of Moltra‘s.

Continuing her journey, she jumped the mouth of the basin and continued to the Western candle. Stooping she lit it and reached toward the sky. “Lovena, great dragon of the West, I, Shawntal ask that you share your life restoring waters to help to guide and heal me. Wash away the darkness that has been sent to steal my light.” For a moment, stillness ruled. Puzzled, she looked around. Lovena had never failed to answer her call before. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back. Breathing deeply, she centered herself in her faith, both in herself and the powers of light. The leaves on the treetops blew in the growing wind. The sound became louder. Her eyes opened. The trees around the clearing were being blown in a pattern she had never seen before. The wind did not come from one direction, but formed a circle around the clearing that did not seem to have an entrance point. It was as if the force came from above to encompass the clearing. The scope began to widen; the grass of the field bent to the will of the wind. Cheyenne watched the phenomenon rush toward her. She was not afraid. It enveloped her, blowing and pulling her hair skyward, nearly drawing the breath from her lungs. He eyes dried. Instinct told her to close them. Something else demanded they stay open. Using all her will, she kept watching and waiting. It moved through her, centering on the basin. The water swirled up into a spout, nearly emptying the pool. Electricity snapped around the suspended liquid. Lovena appeared next to her sisters; her gold scales reflecting the sun to create a shining circlet above the spout. Smiling, Cheyenne felt grateful for the blessings, which had been bestowed upon her. The circlet melted into the water, which gently returned to the basin with calming wind. Again the field became quiet.

Amazed, Cheyenne stood, staring at the reflective surface, nearly forgetting to call the last dragon. Taking a deep breath, she forced the air into her lungs and stepped to the northern candle. Blinking rapidly to restore the moisture to her eyes, she shakily extended her arms. “Tir‘th, great dragon of the Earth, I, Shawntal, call you to bring your healing and protection to my circle. Let your grounding force guide me through my healing. Make me so secure that the dark forces are unable to raise fear in me. Prevent them from having any influence on my destiny.” She did not have long to wait. The air around her filled with the scent of hot, moist earth. Her silver scales seem to reflect from the blades of grass and the barks of the trees as she rose up from the earth to manifest fully next to the three others.

Cheyenne knew it was time. Picking up the cauldron, she held it to the sky. The kettle swung in the breeze. Carefully she poured the contents into the basin and set the empty pot on the bank. Expecting the water to be cool, she stepped into the water. It was warm, like a bath. Relieved she lowered herself until the water tickled her chin. Holding her breath, she ducked beneath the surface. Her hair floated in the array around her head as the water lovingly cradled her. The water pressure on her ears echoed with her own heart beat. Bringing forth the memory of the attack, she imagined it was happening again. Only now while she floated in the safety of the dragons protection, she was protected by the loving strength of her guardians. The darkness was pulled away from her. Her energy was renewed as each pore was cleansed of the experience. She broke to the surface and pushed her hair back over her forehead. Floating toward the center she watched the reflections of the clouds distort in her wake. Turning over on her back, she floated, allowing the sunshine to warm her stomach and face. Her third eye and solar plexus began to pulsate as her drained batteries began to recharge. She dropped her barriers and just allowed. Her eyes began to droop. Paddling with her hands, she found the shore and propped her head on the bank, her butt resting on the bottom. The gentle current kept her legs afloat. She retained the memories of the attack, but none of the fear and pain remained. She could now look on the experience objectively and make her decisions.

Cheyenne still cherished the memories of Celeste. But she did not like the person Celeste had become. She no longer trusted her on any level. All the begging and pleading was over. There had been nothing she could do or say to stop Celeste from changing. It all came down to free will. Everyone had to chose their own path and take responsibility for their choices. Although, like a stone being dropped in a pond, the ripples widen to touch every shore, so each of our decisions affects others with the rebounding consequences. How each reacts to the influence creates new ripples and new consequences. Cheyenne was determined to stay on the path of light. She wouldn’t allow the fear and anger to lead her to do damage that would cost her dearly later. Nor could she continue to give or allow Celeste to take energy from her or her land when she would most likely use it to harm others.

She knew what she must do. She scanned the bank for the scissors. It wasn’t something she wanted to do. They gleamed in the afternoon sun. Swimming over she reached up and took them from the grass. Again surprised by her own calmness, Cheyenne held them up to the sky. “With love and sadness, I ask that my ties to my mother-sister, Celeste be severed. We no longer walk the same path. I can no longer come to her with unconditional love and perfect trust. She has broken faith with me. And in her eyes, I have broken faith with her. I ask the Goddesses and Gods to continue to guide and protect both of us. But as separate people, going on separate paths.” She flipped her hair over, combing the fingers of her free hand through the strands. She watched the ends float on top of the water. She didn’t want to. She loved her hair, how it felt brushing and playing with it. But there was no other way. Gathering it into a bunch, she brought up the blades. “To me, Celeste, the woman I loved is now dead.”

The first strands were severed. The sound was deafening. They slide into the water, at first disappearing under the weight, then resurfacing to float on the surface. For a moment, the memories forced her to stop. It was more than just hair she was cutting. It was enjoying the sunshine during walks. Their talks into the late night, questioning the universe and their place in it. Celeste was the first person who made Cheyenne feel needed and wanted.

She contracted her hand. The strands hit the surface. Water ran from the severed ends like blood from a limb. Her resolve wavered. But only for an instant. Celeste was no longer the loving woman of light, who held her hand and made the nightmares go away. Her mere presence no longer brought joy and a sense of security. That woman was gone. Cheyenne didn’t know if she would every return. It was more than just her union with a man. There had always been men in Celeste’s life. It was Dominic. He had no honor or truth within him. He took what he wanted no matter whom he hurt. What he wanted was the land. The blades came together. Cheyenne would never allow him to abuse this spiritual place. The farm had many special groves and fields, where the worlds intersected and people found peace.
She evened off the ends and flipped the remaining back. Where once the ends bounced around her waist, now they barely reached her shoulders. There was nothing left to do but allow the sun to dry her and the current to cleanse the water. Later, she would cry. Probably many times. But now with the sun on her back, she began making plans of how to rid herself of both of them.

Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (ISBN 1-58961-463-1) picks up the story a few months later as the Dragon Clan begins to reassemble at the safe haven Cheyenne has created on the Northern Michigan farm. Cheyenne was happy until an old love from Celeste‘s past appeared at their door. Rapidly the darkness of the night brought terror as sacrificial blood was shed. Cheyenne tried to warn her. Celeste refused to listen. She let him in. No one was safe from his darkness. Cheyenne called the dragons. They drove him back. Then they joined together in an old evil. Alone Cheyenne was barely able to defeated him, but now with Celeste’s help and knowledge of all her weakness, how could she possibly stop them from stealing her very soul and all those she loves?




Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

Greetings,

Here is the February issue of Messages From the Universe. As always you may share the ezine, but the individual articles remain the sole property of the authors.



You may have to cut and past the link.





http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/MessageFeb07.pdf





Many blessings

Theresa

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light
Wiccan Wisdom
By
Theresa Chaze
Although Wicca is a modern term, it is based on traditions that reach back to when humans toiled the soil and hunted the forests for food. It is a wisdom, which helps Wiccan and Pagans work in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family or tribe. Most of us today do not grow our own food or hunt in the forest; instead, we work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn’t change the essential nature of our goals, which is to provide for our families and ourselves. By working in harmony with the nature's energy, which surrounds us, we can bring balance, peace and prosperity into our lives. This doesn’t mean our lives will be without challenges, but it does mean with faith in ourselves and the Divine we can weather our challenges to reach our best and highest good.
Wiccans also respect other religions. We do not alter their rituals or prayers as an anti-religion. I have heard of covens, which as part of their initiation require the initiate to say the Lord’s Prayer backward. Wicca is based on spiritual traditions, which began long before Christ walked upon the Earth. We are a positive, loving force in the universe. Only by respecting all paths can we honor ourselves, each other and the Divine life force, no matter what is called, which is in all of us.
In my soon to be published Book of Shadows called, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, I share some of what I have learned. It is a positive healing magic, meant to help you on your path. If you are looking for rituals to control or harm another, you are looking in the wrong book. Anytime you try to control another’s destiny, it is black magic. Which brings me to the Wiccan Creed “do what ye will, but harm none.” and the “rule of three”. The only exception to these rules is in self-defense. Once you are no longer being attacked, you must stop; otherwise, you become the attacker and the rules apply to you. Both the creed and the rule of three have been hotly debated. Whether you call it the rule of three, karma, or what goes around comes around, your actions do have consequences for good or evil. Harm or manipulate another, no matter what your intentions, and you open yourself to the same at another’s hand. However, random acts of kindness bring help and healing back to you when you need it. It is your choice.
There are two categories of protection. The first is a response to an attack that has already begun. Rituals, which reflect back or bind the other’s negative energy, fall into this section. The second set of rituals are preventative measures, which include cleansing, shields, and reinforcing your own energy. Protection rituals or spells, which reflect back or bind, are specifically for self-defense on a spiritual level. Once you are in a safe spot, you can then turn your attention to preventing further aggression. These protection rituals are solely for self-defense. To follow the attacker and to continue, reverse the roles and you become the attacker. These rituals are specifically designed for self-defense, nothing more.
More than protection, justice rituals are for situations, which are bigger than the individual is, when you want to clear your karma, or break karmic ties with another. They are the best way to release the situation to the wisdom of a higher power. However by doing so you also forfeit your control over the end results. By letting go, you allow the best and highest good to determine the outcome. There are many situations both on the personal level and on the grand scale that would benefit from setting aside the ego and allowing Goddess/God to deal with the challenge.
What would a book of Shadows be without prosperity rituals--a book of other wisdom. But if you are looking for rituals to help you win the lottery or to steal others’ belongings, you need to look elsewhere. There aren’t many rich witches out there who didn’t become so without hard work. That doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t happen, only that is unlikely that you will win millions. Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account, but of who you are and what you have accomplished. 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.
Most love rituals are in fact black magic. If you try to influence another against their will to love you, even for good reason, it is black magic and eventually you will pay. In the movie, The Craft, the one witch discovered how dangerous it can be. She forced a classmate to love her, but instead of a lover she created a dangerous stalker. Besides wouldn't you prefer to have a love match where you were loved you for yourself instead of forcing someone to love you. How could you ever trust the love between you? Created in trickery and deceit, it could never be a strong bond. Also in doing so, you would create very bad karma and destroy any chance you and any of your true soul mates would have of connecting.
As with the protection rituals, the following are not meant to be the only path to take. If you are physically ill or injured for goodness sake seek medical help. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Healing rituals are designed to heal from the spiritual down to the physical. Many illnesses, both on the physical and emotional level have their sources in the spiritual. By healing etheric body or the soul, the physical body is restored. There isn't a simple explanation of why illness happens--nor are there any cure all. Frequently illnesses are learning experiences, karmic balancing or the result of emotional trauma. The only way to deal with them is to find the root cause. In doing so, the lesson is learn or the trauma is understood so trapped emotions can be released. This is no guarantee that the physical ailment will just disappear, but it will aid with the healing process.
Wiccan and Paganism are multi-dimensional paths whose main purpose is to be able both live well and in harmony with the universe. You won’t find them on street corners trying to convert others, nor do they actively attack others; it would be against their belief system. Instead, they chose a life’s path in the pursuit of wisdom, honor and harmony. They work their jobs, care for their families, and pay their bills, while trying to make this world a little better for everyone.

“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 L Rucker
Author of:
Dark Ridge: A Novel

http://lindaruc.tripod.com
What the Heart Wants: A Novel
www.LindaLRucker.com

Blog:

http://llruckerdarkridge.blogspot.com

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
a review

Kirk Donaldson says:
Awakening the Dragon is a thought provoking, insightful tale. Theresa Chaze gives us a glimpse into worlds most never see. Rachael is a woman with a plan. With her lottery winnings and a the opportunity to make a dream come true, she moves to Coyote Springs to open a new store and start her new life. Brought uncomfortably close to her childhood home by Fate, she settles in to try and make a normal life for her and her feline children. Her plans for normalcy are interrupted when she finds a new house- the scene of the murder of one of the town's most respected women. Rachael is quickly drawn into the middle of what appears to be a religious war that has been simmering in the town for nearly twenty years. It is up to her to overcome her past and muster her growing abilities and try to bring out a truth hidden in the hearts of the townsfolk.

Suspenseful, thrilling, and imaginative, Theresa Chaze spins a web of plots, tying them neatly to give the reader an entertaining look at faith, tradition, and the hearts of followers of paths old and new.

Triple Goddess-Maiden, Mother, Crone

Selena Fox on VA Pentacle Campaign

Wiccans Sue the Veterans Administration (VA)

The announcement of the legal suit to force the Veterans Administration to acknowledge the pentacle as a religious symbol.

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy--a Review

Finally, a book for the average Wiccan reader. I found, Awakening the Dragon, both exciting and thought provoking. You can't help but be drawn into the story as you learn to care about the characters and the trials that they face. I found myself, laughing, crying, and yelling at various parts of the story. I can't wait to read the next two books in the series. I recommend it.

Stephani Hecht