Cauldron of the Gray Witch Monthly Newsletter 4th Issue -Jan 2012

8/3/2019 Cauldron of the Gray Witch Monthly Newsletter 4th Issue -Jan 2012

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Cauldron of the

Gray WitchCGW-Monthly Newsletter - January Issue 2012

An eclectic gathering of Witches, Pagans, Wiccans and other, alternative spiritual paths. An eclectic gathering of Witches, Pagans, Wiccans and other, alternative spiritual paths.



New Year Resolutions

By Lady Hekate

Every year, same thing as we tell ourselves and friends, ”I have made a new year resolution" to lose weight, to volunteer, to be a better person etc; the

list goes on. We make promises to ourselves and others, which sound good,and even wonderful. However, many, many of us end up not keeping these.

Why do we not keep these? As there are many reasons for making promisesfor the New Year, there are also many reasons we do not keep them.

Mystics

We are of various paths and ways

Mystics

We are of various paths and ways



Promises are serious things, like oaths, and really should not be takenlightly, or just to say because everyone is, or to impress other people.

We as Witches are to keep our words in order. Think before speaking.Be true to your words. Remember you are your word.

13 Goals of a Witch, 13 Moons of the year. Maybe choose a goal to work onfrom full moon to full moon.

Keys to success:

1. Make only resolution promises that you can keep, yet challenge yourself.2. Do not make too many; focus on one or two.3. Make reminders of your resolution promise.

4. Get the family involved if you can.5. You must really want to, for in truth we do what we truly want to do.

6. Do not refuse to get discouraged; if you have a bad day, begin again.7. Anything worth doing is worth work and time.

We can do anything we set our will and mind to. Ask yourself how seriousare you, and why did you make this resolution promise.

Upcoming Events



To find what time that is for you, go to:

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Jan 4th Priestess Training Teacher Lady Shadow Jan 9th Wicca 101 Teacher Lady

Foxglove

January 12th,19th & 26th

6am to 8am

GMT

Community Chat

In chatroom

Hostess pluralone

Jan 9th

915pm est

2:15am GMT

Tarot Class

In Chatroom

Teacher

Rev William Greyowl

Snodgrass



-- In 'Select Time and Place to Convert From', put in the date and time

shown on the Events Calendar. In 'Select Time and Place to Convert To', put your location. The site will show your local time for the event.

Featured GroupsOssurary of the Necromancer Necromancy The Magick of Shape shifting Shapeshifters and

shapeshifting

Star Circle Group to discuss star brothers

& sisters

2012 Discussions on Prophecies,

beliefs, and the awakening

The International Bullying

Awareness

Promote education of bullying

and what is being done for the

victims

The North Pole A fun group for holidays.

Discussions on Santa, myths,

and much more…..

Walk in Souls Rebirthed!! A group for Walk-In Souls,

those who experience other

aspects of the Walk-In

phenomenon

Traditional WitchCraftThe Old ways

Sacred Texts A look at various sacred and

ancient texts

CGW CafePress

http://shops.cafepress.com/Shop/ShowNingShop/TheGrayWitchCafePress#

http://shops.cafepress.com/Shop/ShowNingShop/TheGrayWitchCafePress

http://shops.cafepress.com/Shop/ShowNingShop/TheGrayWitchCafePress



Top of Form

Table of Contents

The Crossroads Lady Shadow Winter Activities Lady Shadow

Oracle of month Lady Shadow Moon in January Lady Shadow

Moon Names for the Year CGW MembersPoetry Corner

Includes Poetry of others

Maryrose

Columnist

Maidens, Mothers,and Crones SophiePagan /Wiccan Rev MoonChild

Monthly Cause CGW and In the Dark

Associated Sites Various

Pluralone's Mindfulness and Spiritual Awareness series will continue in

February with the topic, Establishing a 'Home Base'.



The CrossroadsBy Lady Hekate

Hecate Trivia - Goddess of the three way crossroads where She is honored

as Goddess of the Crossroads. Her sacred day this month is January 8th,

Her feast day. The word 'trivia' is the Latin term for a place where three

roads meet (tri + via). Hecate ruled over the realms of earth, fertility

rituals, and childbirth.

I wrote this just before Her sacred nights; I have been thinking much and

meditating at the Crossroads. Below is just my thoughts and reflection...

We all have been there and will again be there again; it is a place often

visited. The crossroads is more than just two or three paths crossing. In

ancient times it was believed to be the place that spirits and ghosts would

travel at mid night or early morn before dawn. It also was a place of



conflict or battle; people were known to be attacked or robbed there.

People took a risk going there especially at night.

The Crossroads is about choices: Life choices. Personal choices. They are

also about opportunity presenting itself to you. You can keep going on the

path you have, doing the same things the same old way, or now go a new

path, a new way, with its own challenges, but you will have to make some

new changes. Like the Fool in tarot are you willing to take some risks to

begin anew?

The Crossroads are also about Magick.

Hecate: Goddess of the Crossroads.

She is the Wisdom we need for hard choices only we can make. She cannot

nor will She make them for us, but She stands with Her wisdom available if

we hush and listen.

I looked and saw the pyramid....> The Witch's pyramid...

> Path 1 -To know- The path of Air:

> To know yourself, your higher self, your true self.

> To know your strengths and weaknesses, and what your heart truly

desires.



> Know your divine and human self. Know your spirit.

> To know:

> Know your Craft,

> Ever learning and growing; never stop seeking knowledge.

> Knowledge is Power.> Know the Goddess, Know The Powers you call. Upon.

>

> Path 2 -To Dare- The path of Fire:

Do you have the Courage to stand the test of fire? Dare to go deeper. Do

you have the courage and no fear to do the work needed to see it through

to the end no matter what? Courage to face the truth of your shadow self.

Path 3 -To Will- The path of Water:

>Our Will is everything in Magick.

>Do we desire it enough that we can see it before it is?

>Do we truly believe in ourselves? Do we believe in what we do, without

doubt? Do we Will it - desire it - enough to not give up?

> As I will So mote it be!

> Do you will to overcome?

> Do as you will and do not doubt. Do as you will to be powerful.

> Do as you will to learn; do as you will to complete your course.

> Your will in life will be tested by the storms.

> Do as you Will it truly.

>

Path 4 -To know when to keep the Silent Path of Earth- The Crone.

We learn best by listening. Wisdom does not show itself in many words or in

loud noises, but is whispered in Silence, revealed in the darkness. The

Crone commands respect, and Silence is a great way to show Her that. As

many will take a time and fast from speaking -- fast with silence. It is a

discipline but has its rewards too. As a Witch, We will walk all four, and then

we at some point come to a place of a fifth road.Fifth Path -Spirit- Kuan Yin (if I am right on this)

>Where all things are One, All things come together. The Path Of Oneness,

unity, interconnectedness.

>Completeness: Where Spirit and the mundane evenly mesh.

>Kuan Yin was said to be a human and had reached the place of Spirit - of

Completeness - and was offered to, or was just able to, Ascend but chose to



stay in the realm of Earth for She had compassion on all humans and was

willing to still teach, aid and guide others till they all reach Nirvana.

> The Crossroads challenge and call us to:

> Knowledge. Courage. Desire, Will, Imagination, Faith and Silence.

Winter Activities



Winter ActivitiesBy Lady Hekate

For those of us in the North, and where snow comes to us, there is much

complaining, Aww snow again. I understand; I do not like driving in it.

However, snow has a beautiful side. It can be calming, especially when it

first falls. It is also beautiful. If you have a family or not, there are some fun

things you can do when snowed in.

Snow angels: When I was younger, I used to love going with my cousins,

creating snow angels and sledding in the back yard. A good time for family

bonding: Snowball fights, creating snowmen. One winter we created an

igloo, which was very cool. No pun intended.

Did you know there are other things you may do inside, when snowed in?

Golf: Golf can be played indoors on a miniature level. You can set up a golf

course in your home and even make a tricky golf course by playing around

your furniture. "Play through" under your sofa or chairs. Make the golf ball

out of aluminum foil so if you forget you're inside and hit a little too hard

you won't break a window or the television.

Movie Date: An indoor activity for adults could be a movie date. Whether

alone or with other adults, choose your favorite movies to watch, make

popcorn and junk food and indulge for the night.

Puzzles: Fun for family and individuals.

Charades: Invite friends, have a sleep over.

Maybe time to work on some crafts.

See no reason to let winter get you all blue



Oracle of JanuaryBy Lady Hekate

Isis

Aset, Her name means Throne

Universal Mother, Goddess of 10,000 names, Goddess of Magick, healing,

fertility. Isis reminds us today that all is connected and interconnected.

Today's decisions will affect your tomorrow, and you are where you arenow because of past choices. Each day is a new Beginning if we want it; life

is not just about you or just about me. Some live as hermits, but in truth

none is an island to themselves.



The Dawning of a New Year brings light and hope,

This is a new day; it is time to begin again.

Lady Hekate

January’s Moon



By Lady Shadow

Ice Moon or Wolf Moon comes to us in January.

Native Americans and the Medieval Europeans titled January's Full Moon

after the howling of hungry wolves lamenting the midwinter scarcity of

food. Other names for this month's Full Moon include old moon and ice

moon. This Moon also cautioned hunters of falling ice on trees, as

January’s weather was often mixed of snow and ice. This Moon calls us to

focus inward on us, not on others.

Capricorn is the zodiac sign associated with this Moon

Moon phases

Moon Phases for Jan 2012

Full moon January 9, 2012 12:32:14 AM

Last quarter January 16, 2012 02:09:22 AM

Dark moon January 23, 201212:41:40 AM

First quarter January 30, 201209:11:43 PM

CGW Moon Names of the year

This is from various members

January- Reflection Moon or Quiet Moon

January now height of winter, most of our activities are within



We have just celebrate Yule, the birth of new light

February - Bridget's Moon

Imbolc Feb 2nd and Bridgid is the honored Goddess during this month

March -The Maiden's Moon

Birth of spring, new life awakens, birth, New beginnings

April -The Fool's Moon

April 2nd April fool . Temperatures warming, people getting out more.Time too kick of new journeys, new projects

May-Lover's Moon

May brings us Beltane, fertility, fire festival,

The Great Rite. Celebration of love

Also called Blossom Moon, when flowers begin to bloom

June -Juno's Moon

Juno/ Hera Both Mother GoddessesA common time for Marriages. Family vacations.

July -Lilith's Moon

July 4th in the USA is independanceLilith stands for independence and freedom

August-- The Serpent Goddess



The Serpent Goddess is invoked at Lammas because of her rolein rebirth and in

protection of grain. Serpents used to be kept in households to safeguard the domestic

food supply from rodents. Even today, serpents protect grain crops.

September's Moon -Karmic MoonOne of the end Harvests, what we sow we reap.

October's Moon- The Witche's Moon- or Hecate's Moon

The high time for Witches, and Pagans. Color is black .

Also high time of Hecate, who many do honor and evoke during this time,

November's Moon - Thanksgiving

Time to count one's blessings

December's Moon- Crone/ Elder Moon

The end, and death of the year

The darkest hours before the new dawn

Poetry Cor



Full Moon Blessings.....

the wind is bitter cold coming in from the far north

blowing inland on the tides of the oceans far away shores

the wolf runs majestically with the wind and howls his mournful cry

the raven and the owl are neck and neck in their speed of lightning fly by

the moon is full on this bitter cold and windy December eve

bringing within it is this Glorious Full Moons Blessing

a time to lean back, rest and reflect on the year that has just passed

checking off our lists of what we created, nurtured and brought to pass

we have lived, loved, and laughed to the very best of our ways

sharing each special gift we have that comes from a most sacred placethrough out the year, no longer did we just exist nor merely survive

we grabbed our besoms, flying to the moon, we have learned to happily

thrive

we thought with our hearts, learned to feel with our ego's logical mind

knowing we have created balance within harmony leaving unneeded strife

far behind love has been our seed that we planted deep within the earth in

the early Spring fertilizing it with peace in darkness, we watch what withinthe shadows it shall forth bring

Summer it grew bigger and stronger, adding link within link of life's circle,

never breaking swaying, bending in the Autumn’s breezes it took on a life

of its own, though the past it is not forsaking for we remember the words



and ways of the Ancient Ones on Goddess's gentle but firm breath

as Winter covers us for a long needed rest, we reflect on the circle of this

life and begin another death

WINTER

Author Valarie

Outside, it’s a cold winter wonderland

Looks so pretty and white, but it’s not bland

The frost on the glass, snow in the trees

Its so perfect, the best you will ever see

The air bites right through you, so cold

But still winter is a sight to behold

The kids are sliding on their sleds

All bundled up, with faces red

Have lots of fun making snowmen

Haven't had this much fun since I was ten



Ice skating on a frozen lake

While at home, the oven is set bake

Gramm’s home making pies

The outside is blue-gray skies

Winter can be fun for a child

But they are not often mild

Memories of time gone by are dear

Makes me feel you are still near

I wrote this a couple of years ago, thinking of my mom and grand mom, missing them

on a cold winter day and some kids were playing in the snow

,

Where is your resolve? Author Sophie

Every January 1st you hear the same thing. "This year my resolution is to...

[Insert whatever thing you wont follow-up on here after six weeks]."

Whether it be to lose weight, exercise more or to get out more, we seem to

fizzle out somewhere around the first week of February when the novelty

wears off and the inner fires burn down. A resolution is to resolve to do

Maidens Mothers, CronesBy Sophie



something. To resolve means to make an earnest, heartfelt decision to do

something.

As Witches our words have power and responsible Witches do not throw

power around without thought. Our word is our will and our will is our

power. If we say we will do something, then we do it. If you do not want to

do something or have reservations about doing something then, you should

not say you will.

Perhaps this year you should 'resolve' to monitor your words.

Let your yes's' be yes's and your no's be no's and your maybes be

"let me think on that and I'll get back to you on it". However, if you say you

will get back to them then you must get back to them about it. If you are

the non-confrontation type then your maybes might be "Hmmm, I'll have

to consider that at some length" and then change the subject. At that point

you can consider it and act or consider it and not act. You have not given

your word that you'll get back to them about it and, therefore did not

obligate.

Why does this matter? If your word/will means nothing, then perhaps that

is why you have not seen power in your magickal workings. Perhaps that is

why your spells fizzle to naught or have a severely diminished effect

. It does not matter if its big things or little things.

Your words have power.

Why not make this year the year you 'say what you mean and mean what

you say'. That you will do all you can to fulfill your word and all the

Universe will know that your word is your will and when YOU say,"So mote it be" then it is.

,

.



Pagan or Wiccan?

By MoonChild

Many people are under the impression that all Pagans are Wiccan. This, we

the believers and followers of the path know not to be true. Paganism is the

umbrella term for many different faiths and practices, and Wicca is one

specific Pagan faith. Like being a Christian does not denote which

particular denomination you follow being a Pagan does not define one's

individual practices.

So what is the difference?

Paganism set the foundation of the belief for all other paths. Paganism is a

spiritual way of life whose roots are from the old religions of Europe,

believing in the sacredness of all things that can be found world-wide.

Pagans see this as their heritage, and many retain the beliefs and values of

their ancestors adapted to suit modern life. Pagans celebrate the sanctity of

Nature, revering the Divine in all things; the vast, unknowable spirit that

runs through the universe, both seen and unseen.

Paganism is a religion of nature; in other words, Pagans revere Nature.

Pagans see the divine as immanent in the whole of life and the universe; in

every tree, plant, animal and object, man and woman, and in the dark side

of life as much as in the light. Pagans live their lives attuned to the cycles of

Nature, the seasons, life and death.

Unlike the patriarchal religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) the divine isfemale as well as male and therefore most pagans acknowledge that there

is a Goddess as well as a God, deities that are within as well as without

(immanent); to many, they are us. They are not simply substitutes for the

Muslim or Judeo-Christian God; this is because the Gods of the major



religions tend to be super-natural and above nature, whereas Pagan deities

are natural, symbolizing aspects of nature or human nature.

The Goddess represents all that is female and the God represents all that is

male. Since nature is seen as female, the Goddess has a wider meaning. She

is seen as the creator and sustainer of life, the mother of us all, which

prompts most Pagans to feel that all the creatures on the planet are our

siblings.

There are sub-groups of named Gods and Goddesses called Pantheons,

drawn from the distant past, for example Isis and Osiris from Egypt or

Thor, Odin, Freya et al from Norse religion and mythology. Ancient Pagans

would have worshiped one or a small number of Gods and Goddesses

whilst often recognizing the validity of other people's deities. The concept

of an overall, un-named Goddess and God, the sum totals of all the others,

appears to be a recent one but individual named deities represent

particular human qualities or archetypes and are often used as a focus for

celebrations and spiritual rites, although not all Pagans associate with

Gods or Goddesses.

Paganism has developed alongside mankind for thousands of years; as

cultures have changed so has Paganism, yet it is believed to be grounded in

deep rooted genetic memories that go back to Neolithic times and before.

Thus Paganism is considered not just a nature religion but a natural

religion.

Paganism in the west takes a number of forms including Wicca, Druidism,

and Shamanism.

To many Pagans the four ancient elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water have

special significance. The importance of these is hard to define because they

have so many correspondences; for example they are associated with the

four directions, North, East, South and West. Each element is a kind of

spiritual substance from which all things are made, especially ourselves,



and at the same time are Guardians both of ourselves and of the Goddess

and God, and guarding the gateways between this world and the other

world.

Many Pagans believe in reincarnation in some form. It gives Pagans a

substantially different view of life. Early Christians saw Karma as a kind of

treadmill, trapping people in endless reincarnations, never free. But most

Pagans see reincarnation as, at best, a chance to improve or to continue

unfinished work, and at worst just a simple re-cycling of souls.

This is the general basis of the foundation of Paganism but not limited to

what has been stated here.

Now, as mentioned in this article, there are different variations of this

belief system. This will be explored more in depth in the upcoming

monthly articles. I felt it prudent to start with basic foundation beliefs and

take it from there.

There are many common beliefs in the different paths of paganism, one of

which is the Wiccan Rede. As many say, "No matter your path or belief, we

all heed the Wiccan Rede!"

THE WICCAN REDE

-Anonymous

(Tune: "Leatherwing Bat" aka "Celtic Circle Dance")

Bide the Wiccan laws you must, When ye have and hold a need,

In perfect love and perfect trust: Harken not to others' greed.

Live you must and let to live, With a fool no season spend,Fairly take and fairly give Or be counted as his friend.

Form the circle thrice about When misfortune is enow,

To keep unwelcome spirits out Wear the star upon thy brow

To bind your spell will every time, True in love you ever be,



Let the spell be spake in rhyme Lest thy love be false to thee.

Soft of eye and light of touch, Merry meet and merry part,

Speak you little, listen much; Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, Mind the threefold law you should

Chanting out the baleful tune, Three times bad and three times good.

When the Lady's moon is new, Nine woods in the cauldron go,

Kiss your hand to her times two, Burn them fast and burn them slow.

When the moon rides at her peak, Elder be the Lady's tree,

Then your heart's desire seek; Burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Heed the north wind's mighty gale When the wheel begins to turn,

Lock the door and trim the sail; Soon the Beltane fires will burn.

When the wind comes from the south, When the wheel hath turned a Yule,

Love will kiss thee on the mouth; Light the log the Horned One rules.

When the wind blows from the east, Heed you flower, bush and tree;

Expect the new and set the feast; By the Lady blessed be.

When the wind blows from the west Where the rippling waters go,

Bardic words be at their best! Cast a stone, the truth you'll know.

Bide the Wiccan laws you must

In perfect love and perfect trust.

These words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:

"An harm you none, do what you will."

Unity, Trust & Knowledge,

Love MoonChild

.



Cause Of The Month

The Wolf

692F was not attached to any specific pack in Yellowstone National Park.

She was known to roam the south flank of Bunsen Peak. She was among

the founding females of the Blacktail Peak Pack and was eventually ousted

by her sister 693F, and then became a lone traveler often seen alone in the

Greater Yellowstone area.

On November 5th, 2011, Branson Mace was hunting in the area of Jardine,

MT and came across 692F as she was roaming the area, and he shot andkilled her illegally as the area had recently been closed to hunting. Mace

claims he didn’t know the season was closed, but it is clearly the

responsibility of the hunter to know what areas are open and for what

species. Ultimately the life of this wolf resulted in a simple fine of $135.00

to Mace. Nothing more. The penalty for what amounts to poaching need to



be reviewed. Claiming that he did not know the season was closed does not

give one a “free ride” to unlawfully kill , and this is certainly no exception.

We are calling for penalties of this nature, resulting in the loss of life, to be

far more severe than a slap on the wrist. We ask what type of deterrent

does this serve?

Wolves of Yellowstone are dear to many of us. We have the great

opportunity to watch them in the wild, and while they roam and do what

they do as an integral part of the ecosystem as the apex predator, they

simply don’t know boundaries, and are in grave peril should they wander

outside the Park’s protection. It is never accepted lightly when an episode

like this happens and a wolf is illegally killed, and especially one that is

known so well by many of us.

To 692F, she will long be remembered as a wolf that had a lasting impact

in Yellowstone National Park. Now when we see the Blacktails running

through Hell Roaring and Blacktail Peak, we will forever remember 692F.

Like 642F killed earlier in the hunting season, Yellowstone wolves live

forever in our hearts.

National Wolfwatcher Coalition

http://wolfwatcher.org/news/all-news/692f-of-yellowstone-this-wolf-...

Take Action for Yellowstone Wolf 692F

By your comments, messages, phone calls and private emails we hear you

loud and clear. While we pursue our strategy to bring about a just closure

to what we feel is a gross violation of Fish and Game laws, we need your

help.

Starting Monday morning (5December2011) we are asking that you contact

the Director of Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks in Helena, Montana. We

at Wolfwatcher do not want to influence your opinion. Please tell Director

Joe Maurier in your own words how you feel about what happened, aboutMontana Fish Wildlife and Parks and about Montana in general.

Director Joe Maurier Telephone 406.444.3186 or [email protected]

National Wolfwatcher Coalition

http://wolfwatcher.org/news/all-news/take-action-for-yellowstone-wo...

Thank you SunKat, as she has brought this to our attention



Causes



As the wolf is pushed to the brink of extinction

She looks back on those who have pushed her there

There is no malice in her eyes

Just a kind of grim understanding

For she knows that, it is not her that is lost

But the tame humans

Who have lost their true spirit

The wild calls to her, and she follows

She follows, knowing where her path will lead her

But she follows none the less

For she can no more ignore her spirits

Than she could not be a wolf

And she knows that when she is gone from this world

Her legacy will forever live on

For even if her species is forever gone

The true spirit of a wolf can never die

by:Cheyne Highwind, 1999

Shared by SunKat whose passion is the Wolf .SunKat also host a group here

on for the love of the

Coven of the moon



Coven Of the Moon

CGW’s Coven

We are an eclectic working coven

We are both Sisters and Brothers

We are Witches of various paths drawn together by the Moon Goddess

Hekate, Isis, Diana, and by many other names

Our focus is on the Gray Path.



Cauldron of the Gray Witch birthed Aug18th, 2011

However in September we really began growing.

We are truly an eclectic gathering

We are a community of various paths and beliefs

We have together birthed our newsletter, we have earned together. 2awards We have developed a Witches Council of owners and creators, and

together we support causes, as well as have grown to near 200 members.

From Dec- Jan 1st a portion of all donations have been given in the name of

our community to help the Wolves. We are Witches, Wiccans, Pagans, and

Mystics, we are a real community who care for one another, our Earth and

Her creatures.

Our Associated SitesIn the Dark

http://darknessclosesin.ning.com/

Broomriders

http://broomriders.ning.com/

Blazing Universe

http://unicorn4agoddess.ning.com/









Pagan Underworld

http://pathsofpaganunderworld.com/

The Secret Moon Garden

http://thesecretmoongarden.ning.com/

Associated Services and resources

CGW Psychic Services

http://cauldronofthegraywitchpsychicservices.blogspot.com/

Willow Witche’s Custom Jewelry

http://stores.ebay.com/willow-witchs-pagan-supplies

Our Magickal Shoppe

http://astore.amazon.com/cauldronofthegraywitch-20

To visit us…

http://thegraywitch.ning.com/

Now Let us begin 2012 !!















,

Documents

Cauldron of the Gray Witch Monthly Newsletter 4th Issue -Jan 2012