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Gateway to the Pagan Communities Open Ways Samhain2009 Free! Issue 144
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Open Ways
Samhain2009
samhain 2009
PEn Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities
Issue 144 Free!
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
2
Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities
Issue 144—Samhain Open Ways is published eight times a year, on the Quarters and Cross-Quarters, by The Nine Houses of Gaia, Inc. Circulation 3400+.
Newsletter Staff Editor — Becca of the Dirty Hippies Distribution Team — Ellie, Rob, Dennis Webmaster: — Becca of the Dirty Hippies
Submissions Articles, letters, poetry, artwork, etc., are solicited from the community. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. E-mail or send self-addressed stamped envelope for Writers’ Guidelines. Type-written (single-sided) or word processed manuscripts are welcome, electronic submissions via e-mail preferred. Send submissions to:
Open Ways Editor NEW ADDRESS PO BOX 6283 Vancouver, WA 98668
NEW INFORMATION E-mail:
[email protected] World Wide Web:
http://ninehouses.org Please do not send the only copy of your work! Manuscripts unaccompanied by a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope will not be returned. All submissions will be accepted at our discretion. Advertising Ads must be camera-ready. Payment must accompany ad. No credit card payments. Deadlines (page 3) apply. E-mailed ads and their payments must be received by the deadlines. No black backgrounds please! Email Editor for more info. Rates & Sizes (W x H) $15 for a business card size (3.5’ x 2”) $30 for quarter-page (3.5” x 4”) $60 for half page (7” x 4.5”) $120 for full page (7” x 9”) Discount for one-year, pre-paid ads.
Open Ways Gateway to the Pagan Communities Open Ways is printed on recycled newsprint, using soy-based ink. Please help to save our forests — recycle! The Open Ways Editor PO Box 14415 Portland, OR 97293-0415
Subscriptions Subscriptions are $8 for one year or $16 for two years. (International subscriptions: Canada, $12/year; else-where, $16/year. U.S. funds only.) Please make checks or money orders payable to “Open Ways..” Sample copy $1.00. Please send request and payment to The Nine Houses of Gaia at the above address. Mission Statement The Nine Houses of Gaia is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1992 to sponsor the Northwest Fall Equinox Festival and publish Open Ways. Open Ways serves as an introduction to and an anchor for pagan communities in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest; a forum for the exchange of scholarly, practical, or experiential information, knowledge, and wisdom; a tool for instruction and communication; a “journal” of events, announcements, ideas, poetry, prose, illustration — anything of benefit or interest to pagans, wiccans, or other nature spiritualists. Copyright © 2008 All rights remain the property of contributing authors and artists. For reprint information, please contact Open Ways. Inquiries will be forwarded to appropriate parties. Statement of Confidentiality Open Ways honors the right to privacy. Information regarding our contributors or subscribers will not be made available under any circumstance. Our mailing list is not for sale or trade. Contributors are encour-aged to use pseudonyms.
Open Ways
Samhain2009
3
OPEN WAYS DEADLINES
This deadline schedule includes all articles, artwork, announcements, events and
Advertisements. Send everything to the Vancouver address for Open Ways on page
2 . Advertising rates are posted on the bottom of page 2.
Open Ways Issue Deadline Available
Samhain 2009 Yule 2009 Brigid 2011 Spring Equinox 2011 Beltane 2011 Summer Solstice 2011 Lughnasdah 2011 Fall Equinox 2011
September 10 November 10 December 10 February 10 March 10 May 1 June 10 August 1
October 10 December 1 January 10 March 1 April 10 June 1 July 10 September1
Table of Contents
4– Ritual Celebrations, Commu-
nity Events and Announcements
5– Editorial by You
7– October Moon by Staci Elliot
9– Subversive Wisdom: The Ways
of the Goddess Sophia
by Elizabeth Simson
11– Family Corner by Mindi
12– What does ―Reiki Mastery‖
Mean?
by Silverstar Red Crow
15– Autumn Muse
by Bonnie Barrigar
16– The Nature of Presences
by Ken Arthur
17– Sunfest 2010 by Isidora
18– That Invisible Path
by Mark Minor
19– Ongoing Activities
20– Death Star by Ansur
21– Pagan Community Directory
Cover Art Provided by Nicky
On October 17th, the Bards of Caer Pugetia will be hosting a competitive Eistedd-
fod as fund raiser to help pay for park fee's as well as the publication of our maga-
zine The Sound.
Here is the information:
October 17th, 2009
10:00am to 10:00pm
Body Song Community and Healing Center
943 N 89th St
Seattle, WA
The Bardic tradition as we know it today dates back to the 1800‘s. Historically, Bards
have been found in almost every culture around the World as symbols of fertility, enter-
tainers, news-bringers, and educators. Join us in celebrating this tradition by participating
in our first competitive Eisteddfod! There will be competitions in Poetry, Story Telling
and Music and a single 2009 Eisteddfod winner. There will be vending going on during
the competition. Come check out the amazing hand crafted items by local well known
artisans.
Sajy and his Dragons will be there, Uga Buga Pottery , Rare Earth Designs Orion
Lyonesse, and more!
Our judging panel includes:
Roger Fernandez from the United Indians of all Tribes Foundation, Clint McCune of
Twirl, Michael Magee of Poets West
More information and all registration forms can be found at
http://eisteddfod.caerpugetia.com
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
4
FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RITUAL CELEBRATIONS!!! All events on this page are FREE. Event hosts may accept a small donation.
Donations are optional and very much appreciated.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
To have your Events listed here, please make sure they fit these criteria:
1) It is offered at no charge.
2) It is within our geographical area, generally, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, Northern Califor-
nia, Nevada, Southern BC and Alberta.
Ritual Celebrations Community Events and Announcements
The Oregon Department of Corrections is seeking circle leaders for
Pagan programs in prisons located in Pendleton, Umatilla, Baker
City, Ontario, Madras, and Lakeview. For those willing to com-
mute more than 75 miles each way, mileage reimbursement may
be available. The impact of volunteers in the lives of inmates is
great. Volunteers really do make a difference. For more informa-
tion please contact the ODOC Volunteer Program Representative
at 541-922-2089.
Wed. Oct 14 – Women’s Healing Circle, 7 pm. Topic: Healing
old wounds with the assistance of loved ones behind the veil. You
may bring items for the altar such as photos of your loved ones
who have passed and objects to honor or bless. All women wel-
come. SisterSpirit office, 3430 SE Belmont #102. Call 503-736-
3297 for info. $5+ donation appreciated.
Thurs. Oct 15 – Dream Conversations. 7:00 pm. SisterSpirit Of-
fice, 3430 SE Belmont #102. All women welcome. Come share
your dreams and insights with other women! Call 503-736-3297
for info. $5+ donation appreciated
Wed. Oct 21– Nature’s Magick, 7:30 pm. Topic: Manifestation,
coming into being. SisterSpirit Office, 3430 SE Belmont #102.
All women welcome. Call 503-736-3297 for info. $5+ donation
appreciated.
Thurs. Oct 22 – Women Writers’ Group, 7 pm. SisterSpirit of-
fice, 3430 SE Belmont #102. All women welcome. $5+ dona-
tions appreciated. Call 503-736-3297 or email pat-
[email protected] for information
Sat. Oct. 24 – Women’s Samhain Celebration at We‘Moon
land. Details to be announced. Call 503-736-3297 or watch our
webpage, www.sisterspirit-portland.com for info.
Women’s Samhain Celebration– Saturday October 24
2009 at We’Moon land.
Details to be announced. For info call 503-736-3297 or
www.sisterspiritportland.com.
Samhain Ritual– Saturday October 31 2009 7pm at Lib-
erty Hall 311 N Ivy St Portland, OR.
Please join us for a ritual confronting our fears/worries/
negativities. We will have simple supplies to create masks
representing our negativities to burn in ritual. Drum circle after
ritual so bring your drum, and a potluck dish to share. $5+
donation appreciated. For more info
www.spiralrhythms.org/MAGIC.html.
Public Samhain Ritual– Sunday November 1 2009 5pm
at 108th Ave SE in Kent, WA.
This is a potluck event and open to one and all. We will be
gathering for crafts at 5pm with circle called at 5:55pm. Bring
a potluck dish to share. Info at
www.covenantofthebluemoon.org or [email protected] for
directions.
Open Samhain Ritual- Sunday November 1 2009 5pm at
The Wishing Well 13898 NE 28th St. Suite 104/105 in
Vancouver, WA.
Red Cedar Seed Group presents celebration of the final har-
vest. Stories, songs, and poetry to share are encouraged. Dona-
tions appreciated. For info call 360-910-5960.
Samhain Ritual at Sacred Wisdom Healing Center–
Monday November 2 2009 6pm at 136 Stewart Rd. Bldg.
1 Unit 1 in Pacific, WA.
This is an open ritual, all are welcome. For info or directions
go to www.sacredwisdomhealing.com.
Open Ways
Samhain2009
5
"Drove all the way home From Fall EQ with a smile on my face."
Hope your NWFEF was that great, too!
NWFEF is uphill-both-ways @Queens Hillside! Stayed in the
cabin right next door to the lodge to be accessible...but erecting the
Mata KaliMandir, where other pujas were held, setting up the
cabin for sleep and such, onsite rehearsals, rituals, meals, the need
to dance all night @the fire... and naturally visiting, chatting, and
hugging with dear friends at what I consider my spiritual family
reunion, was a fun, fabulous, friendly, and full of uplifting energy
this year! No drama. Everyone was agreeable, accessible, forth-
coming, available, and doing their absolute best to make it a great
experience for all, who appeared engaged in devotion & sharing
the love.
Thank you Laxmi for your love & blessings. Thank you, Ganesh,
Durga, Devi, Parvati, and MahaKali! Thank you Becca and Si-
enna for your wanting to share your Goddess, Laxmi, with the
rest of us. Thank you Sienna for making it all flow so
well!!!!!!!!!!! And doing such an admirable job at singing the
Sanskrit names and mantras! Becca and Sienna, you rock! Si-
enna, your love for your friend Becca sings throughout this work.
But must say, the new date gives us amazing Full Moon light to
find our way from one area to another, especially since we are not
a village, but a series of villages. They say the number one thing to
get left behind for the lost and found: flashlights!
Rain happens, but it was warmer. Someone brought a canopy to
the fire for the temporary and intermittent showers! What a fabu-
lous idea, since drumming was only interrupted a few times.
Dunno why folks want to play in the dance hall, (you can play
indoors all you like in PDX), when you have the wild and wide
openness, the Firelight at the fire pit, an amazing Full Moon, and
tall grand trees for companions... why would you not prefer to
play by the fire! Okay, so a few may need MoonScreen, but that's
okay. We understand. But by all means thank you to the musi-
cians that add to the greatness of festival, where would the danc-
ers be without the musicians! Thank you to all the folks who vol-
unteer to make Fall EQ happen!
And that means you Spyder, with registration...its not just about a
gal taking your payment... does anyone realize that you have to
inform the kitchen to add more food to the shopping and menu
planning? That the gate needs more tokens and registration pack-
ets, and cookies?! That the publisher needs to print another packet,
and someone needs to inform the printer another packet is
needed? That the ritual organizers needs to make arrangements
for another prop to be made? That the workshops planner needs
to recruit another workshop hostess/host? That another workshop
may need to be added and another space found for another work-
shop? That supplies would have to be made for each new person
registering? That the editor of Open Ways has to add a new ad-
dress to the list of folks who will be receiving Open Ways in their
mailbox for free for the following year? Really, who thinks about
anything beyond some one just taking their money!
WOW!!
Thank you Ellie, for organizing the kitchen, the food, the shop-
ping, the planning, from what to make, how to make so much of
it, making it, making sure there is someone to make it, to make
sure there is enough someone's to make it all, to set up the kitchen,
to cut and clean the veggies, to prepare, to serve, to clean up,
wash dishes and to do it all over again almost as soon as it is all
finished up! From the variety to the flavor to the serving with
pomp and circumstance, Ellie, you and your crew are awesome!
Asking your crew to dress and process! And giving the front table
to the resident deity, what a wonderful addition! The gate keepers,
they meet you and greet you with a hug and a handout and cook-
ies and keep us safe! Safety first team, and Medics on hand and at
the ready.
The folks who offer to help set up and decorate, did anyone count
how many times Fred climbed up and down a ladder, or how far
Damian peddled, or how many sheets Amethyst changed? And
please say that you noticed how even though folks may have
been really, really tired, or in the middle of a mishap or monkey
wrench, that they smiled at you anyway? And asked how they
might be of help?
Besides great fun and fond memories, we'll also receive a copy of
Open Ways in our mailbox for a full year. There were no gawk-
ers, no gate crashers, no uninvited or obnoxious drunks, no spring
break students looking for a party in the woods with a bonfire. No.
And thank the Gods. And thank 9 Houses.
THAT my friends is what we need to pay attention to, focus our
attention on, those good folks and the good things they do, things
we don't think about, the work it takes to make something big,
and something wonderful, happen.
To serve the Gods, and to serve the community. Mean well, act
right, do right. - Ophio Kleitera (Continues on page 6)
EDITORIAL: Letters from the community, the Editor and Opinions
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
6
(Continued from page 5)
First off, on behalf of 9HOG‘S, I would like to thank all who
attended NWFEF this year. I think it has been better each and
every year. Thank you to everyone who helped out where
needed, to all of you for lending such beautiful and loving energy
and to all the hardworking folks who worked to make this an-
other great year. I for one left this years Fall Eq. feeling peaceful,
relaxed and recharged. I hope everyone had as great a time as I
had.
Now for some Open Ways business. We are in need of submis-
sions on any subject. I am continuing to make this paper a more
encompassing publication but cannot do that without your sub-
missions. So, send them in. Send your articles, stories, opinions
etc. This is your paper.
I have changed the deadlines for the submissions and distribution
so, take a look. I am hoping that they are more convenient for all.
There will now be a ‗Family Corner‘ section with activities to do
with the hopes of adding more in the future.
One last thing, if you move please send us your new address or
put in a change of address form. It cost a lot when we get returned
mail and you are not getting your Open Ways. Send any change
of address info to either of the PO Box address listed or to edi-
Love to all Becca, Editor, House of The Dirty Hippies
Dear Editor,
I am a nurse with over 23 years experience. I wonder how much
experience Sienna has with medications and why they are given?
Where did she get her information regarding her advice? "These
chemicals were designed to be a short-term crutch", a
CRUTCH??? Sienna has no idea what she is saying. You might
mention to her that some people have a chemical imbalance that's
why they need meds, not for a short-term crutch. "The counsel-
ors job is to get you beyond needing the meds", I have never
heard such bull in my life. There is nothing wrong with someone
on meds for depression, anxiety. If a person feels better on meds
there is nothing wrong with it. Who are you Sienna? Who are
you to judge? Sienna needs to let us all know her credentials for
giving medical advise. Where was she trained as a medical pro-
fessional? Did she go to Medical School? This article really
makes me sick. I can't believe Open Ways would publish this.
Sienna needs to apologize to all the people who feel better on
meds, there is nothing wrong with taking meds. NOTHING
WRONG!!!
Grant Tittsworth
Bend, OR
Dearest Community Members,
We of the Harvest Inn wish to express our gratitude to you – our
community, family and friends.
Year after year we come back into the Fall Equinox kitchen for
very different reasons. Some of us return because there is no feel-
ing in the world quite like donating your time to something you
believe in and love. Some of us return for the atmosphere of joy
and fun in the kitchen itself. Some of us return because we simply
love to cook for the people we care about. Regardless of our indi-
vidual reasons, we all come back every year for one all encompass-
ing reason – because of you.
Here are just a few ―shout outs‖ to some of the people that made
working in the kitchen this year a joy for us all:
To each of you who came in and did dishes – we could never
thank you enough! You kept the steam engine rolling by making
sure we had clean dishes to cook with and eat off of. Without you,
the kitchen would have come to a crashing halt. Thank you!
To each of you who took a moment to say thank you – We can‘t
begin to thank You enough. There are times when the kitchen gets
hot and stressful. In such times, we forget for a moment why we
have chosen this duty once more. Each time that happens, one of
you magical many comes in and takes a moment to remind
us. Thank you for being there to lift both our spirits, and the
kitchen, to a new level.
To each of you who took a moment to offer some constructive
criticism – thank you for making sure that positive forward pro-
gress happens in the kitchen and for being there to keep things in
perspective.
To each of our brothers and sisters who worked on the kitchen
crew with us this year – thank you! You make this job fun. We
couldn‘t imagine doing it without you and we can‘t wait to see you
again next year.
To each of you that took the extra time this year to prepare potluck
dishes in your own cabins – you were an unexpected and joyous
blessing. Your consideration, thoughtfulness and delicious food
inspired us. To give additional input/inspiration/feedback please
email: [email protected].
(Continued on page 7)
Open Ways
Samhain2009
7
October Moon
by Staci B. Elliott
www.elliottarts.com
Blood Moon, Falling Leaf Moon, Moon of the Changing Seasons,
Hunter‘s Moon. In her book, Full Moon Feast, Jessica Prentiss calls
October ―The time of year when blood was shed.‖ (FMF, 209) She
is writing about traditional Native American connections to the
Earth and Earth‘s seasonal harvests, and she talks about the hunters
and the farmers putting away meat for the winter. Z. Budhapest also
talks about October as a time when blood was shed—the time of the
Hungarian Revolution. The time of her painful rebirth from child-
hood innocence to adult awareness that she is responsible for choos-
ing how to live, and what risks she wants to take with her life. (The
Grandmother of Time, 212)
Whatever life we choose for ourselves, it is the process of taking
responsibility for our own well-being, our own outcomes, that fasci-
nates me. The challenge of acknowledging our autonomy, our indi-
vidual preferences and needs, and our personal responsibility for
getting those needs met, while simultaneously recognizing that we
affect and are affected by the world in which we live. We do not
find our understandings or make our decisions in a vacuum.
This awareness of the interconnection of all life has been expressed
in many languages, and at many times. For example, Bios was one
of two Greek words for life. It meant life that is contained, possibly
by a specific body or character. In other words, life that dies. Zoë, on
the other hand, also means life. Zoë is the thread of living energy that
runs through all bios-life, and is not broken when any one bios-life
ends. Clearly, the ancient Greeks—like the early Native Ameri-
cans—understood that being alive was not an isolated activity. The
Earth is larger than any one person, any one lifetime, any one type of
bios. And if we truly think in those terms—personal responsibility,
earth-wide zoë—then we recognize that our individual choices and
actions affect many generations-worth of bios lives. It is a very adult
understanding.
For me, this relates beautifully to the idea of Samhain, All Hallows
Eve, and the Day of the Dead. It is the question of what we leave
behind when we die. Do we leave the world a better place for our
having lived in it? And how do we each individually take responsi-
bility for our own happiness, for the risks we take, the decisions that
shape our way of being in the world? Samhain is a time for reflec-
tion; for looking back at the decisions (ours and our ancestors‘) that
shaped the world we live in today. And then using that knowledge
to make better decisions in the future. What can we still learn from
those who came before?
(Continued on page 10)
(Continued from page 6)
On that note, this year there will be comment and voting cards
available. In keeping with the ―Harvest‖ theme of next year, we
ask two things. Bring us your harvest vegetables, and/or your
best harvest dish, and the recipe for the potluck! Vegetables will
be utilized in ―impromptu‖ dishes as they were this year. All
potluck dishes will be clearly labeled and voted upon by our
community! Our wish is to provide a ―Best of‖ Recipe book, to
include the winning potluck dish.
To 9HOGS, thank you for putting on this amazing festival, giv-
ing all of us a place to put our love.
A special addition from the 9HOGGIES ―in the weeds‖ of the
kitchen staff:
We, the members of 9 Houses of Gaia would like to take this
opportunity to thank ALL participants of the NW Fall Equinox
Festival, and extend a very special thank you to all of the staff
and crews who contributed so fully, and gave so much of them-
selves to assure this festival ran as smooth as it possibly
could. Wood. Kitchen. Ritual. Truck. Gate. Attendees. Vol-
unteers. Vendors.
May the prosperity of Maha-Laxmi continue to rain upon you.
Your Harvest inn Kitchen Crew 2009
To whom it may concern,
Hey, my name is Chris, I‘m writing to you in hopes that you
can help me.. I was imprisoned for assault, and am scheduled
to be released sometime between now and the end of next year.
I cam across an issue of Open Ways, its issue 142. I‘m hoping
that you can put me in touch with others who have the same
interest, ‗Norse-Celtic‘. So are there any ‗Norse-Celtic clans that
you can put me in touch with?
Thank you, Chris
Anyone who may know of any groups that are along the lines
of what Chris is looking for can email me at edi-
[email protected]. Also Chris, you may find what your look-
ing for in the back of the Open Ways in the Pagan Community
Directory. Thanks for writing. Becca, Editor
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
8
OTHER WORLDS OF WONDER PROUDLY PRESENTS
Come and shop for all your holiday decorating and gift needs!
The ―OWOW YULE-NOT NEED TO GO ANY PLACE ELSE BAZAAR‖ is the ONLY
pagan oriented holiday bazaar in existence in the Portland Metro area! Come and support your
local pagan artisans!
Sunday November 22nd, 2009 from 10am -
6pm
Friendship Masonic Lodge at SE 57th and
Sandy Blvd., Portland, Oregon
Because the SEASON is the Reason
All proceeds will benefit Other Worlds of Wonder and the Purchase of Pagan Land.
Check our website for updates to the list of registered vendors! www.owow.org
Come Shop and Nosh with us! We look forward to seeing you!
Admission: $5 per person, free for those under 5. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Open Ways
Samhain2009
9
Subversive Wisdom: The Ways of the Goddess
Sophia by Elizabeth Simson
As we look forward to Samhain and the cold dreaming days of
winter, it is a good time to reflect upon our ancestors and the wis-
dom they give us. Sophia, Goddess of Wisdom, can awaken us
to new wisdom within ourselves...and inspire us to challenge the
"conventional wisdom" of the society in which we live.
Sophia's name is the Greek word for wisdom. In some texts she
is described as a "personification of the wisdom of god", while
others recognize her as Lady Wisdom, a Goddess in her own
right. Within Hebrew scriptures she appears as Hokmah, or Di-
vine Wisdom, the "H" in the sacred name YHWH. In early
Gnostic myths, Sophia created the world and set the stars in their
place in the heavens. Eastern Orthodox Christians see Sophia as
manifested in the person of Mary, who they revere as Sophia-
Maria.
Sophia has been compared to Isis, Maat, Radha, and Sarasvati.
Like Aphrodite, her symbol or messenger is a dove. Sophia ap-
pears within Buddhism as Prajnaparamita, or the "Luminous
Mother of Perfect Wisdom." She is an enduring reality, the wis-
dom that makes possible the attainment of Buddhahood. While a
Buddha teaches for a lifetime, the teachings of Prajnaparamita
flow for all eternity (1).
What does Sophia look like? In the Hebrew Scriptures she ap-
pears the Queen of the Universe, with a throne in the clouds. The
book of Wisdom declares that "she is a reflection of eternal light"
more magnificent than the sun or stars. She is both the Divine‘s
Beloved Consort, playfully and joyfully present at creation, and
the power of creation itself - - the Source of all Life, ultimate wis-
dom and order.
Sophia‘s scriptures say that "though she is but one, she can do all
things, and while remaining in herself, she renews all things."
Although she is highest wisdom, Sophia is accessible to every-
one. In Proverbs, Sophia stands at the city gates, calling out to
anyone who will listen that her way is better than gold or silver,
for she "walks in the paths of justice" and brings prosperity and
goodness to those who follow her.
It may be startling to hear the words of a Goddess speaking out
from within Jewish and Christian scripture. But this is part of
Sophia's power. While fundamentalists try to explain her away as
just "poetic imagination," feminist thealogians recognize her as
more. Silva Schroer says that "Sophia in the book of wisdom is
Israel's god in the image of a woman and a goddess" (2).
Women and men within Christian churches have begun to
change the words of their rituals to praise Sophia, to imagine a
Divine reality outside the narrow confines of historical dogma (3).
Is this yet another patriarchal god trying to co-opt the power of the
Goddess? Or is it Sophia Goddess shining through, refusing to be
silenced? For many women, finding and claiming Sophia is the
first step toward defining spirituality on their own terms -- one that
reflects their female bodies, experiences, and understanding.
What does Sophia offer us as we enter the reflective nights of
winter? Lady Wisdom‘s gifts are many. She invites us to accept
instruction; to integrate mind with body; and to honor creative
and magickal paths.
Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, Sophia repeatedly calls out to
people to heed her advice. While her instructions initially seem
like harsh burdens, following her guidance brings joy, rest, and
peace. Sophia reminds us that while we might resist the demands
of our mentors, we do well to follow their guidance. It is natural
that learning and growing might feel uncomfortable or burden-
some at first. Yet discipline is needed not only for acquiring
knowledge but also for learning new skills.
For the wisdom of the Goddess goes far beyond mental knowl-
edge and encompasses technical and artistic skill, adeptness, and
will. Sophia's wisdom is not only in our minds but in our hearts,
bellies, and blood. Proverbs declares ―She is a Tree of Life to all
who embrace her...the one who finds her, finds life.‖ The vitality
of a tree reminds us of the vitality we long for in our physical bod-
ies, and of the need to integrate what we know with how we live.
Our physical bodies contain wisdom which can ground, support
and teach us if we honor them.
Finally, as one who creates and maintains life, Sophia's energy is
both nurturing and creative. Caitlin Matthews says that "the way
of Sophia is the way of personal experience," leading us into new
creative realms of vision and power (4). Sophia reminds us that
our creations serve not only our own needs, but give life and in-
spiration to others. In a culture that denies the creative, the
magickal, and the mystery, Sophia is a "way shower and com-
panion.‖ (Continued on page 10)
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
10
(Continued from page 9)
Listening to Sophia and learning her story is a powerful inspira-
tion. A wise goddess who subverts the destructive powers of pa-
triarchy that would swallow her, Sophia is an awesome example
of how the Old Ways survive and sustain us. Sophia, Goddess of
Wisdom, can give us courage and encouragement for the times
when our paths are marginalized, misrepresented and blocked.
Wise Sophia knows the Way of justice always prevails.
Blessed Be.
Elizabeth Simson is a poet, writer and seeker living in Portland,
Oregon. She will facilitate a workshop on Sophia as part of Sis-
terSpirit's "Wisdom's Feast: A Women's Spirituality Conference"
on November 21, 2009. Visit her web site at http://
www.seeingsophia.com.
References:
1. Miranda Eberle Shaw, Buddhist Goddesses of India, pp. 166-
172.
2. Silvia Schroer, Wisdom Has Built Her House: Studies on the
Figure of Sophia in the Bible, p. 110.
3. Susan Cole, Wisdom's Feast: Sophia in Study and Celebration.
4. Caitlin Matthews, Sophia: Goddess of Wisdom, Bride of God,
pp. 5-7.
(Continued from page 7)
Michele Morgan describes the October Moon as ―a time for transi-
tion, release, inner peace, past lives, and karmic comple-
tion.‖ (Simple Wicca, 71) Z. Budhapest writes that the message of
October is ―to let go, to clean, to remember.‖ (GofT, 199) These
two messages hold the key to a practical lesson I offer many
of my Healing Tarot and Life Coaching clients: It is important to
acknowledge where we came from. Our past, the people and
events that shaped us. We need to understand the messages and
wisdom that we have received—and continue to receive—from
these situations and relationships. But it is equally important to let
go. To release those old expectations and old ways of being.
Every day is an opportunity to transition out of old patterns and
beliefs, to wipe the slate clean, and to begin shaping our current life
and lifestyle based on our current realities. The rules we learned
from our parents, friends, even our favorite TV shows subcon-
sciously shape our choices. Rules like: only rednecks eat meat, art
is not a financially viable profession, don’t tell people how you
really feel because they’ll only reject you, a successful woman has
children and a career and still cooks dinner every night, the man
must be the primary bread-winner. Whatever those rules for living
were in your family, believing them may have helped you survive
and make sense of your childhood. They may even have given
you something to rebel against. But as adults, we have the opportu-
nity to make new rules that nourish and sustain the person we truly
are inside.
One of the rules I have intentionally formed as an adult is that I
cannot control how I feel, but I do get to choose how I react. Last
year I added It is okay to rest when I am tired to my list of rules for
getting through life. More recently, I realized that I had a rule in my
head saying that if the work I did was easy or natural for me to do, I
shouldn‘t get paid for doing it. So Money is a fair exchange for the
healing work I do made it onto the list. As I change my internal
beliefs about ―what is right,‖ I change my external reality of what is
possible.
October is a time of contemplation, a time to remember and also to
weigh our lives and the choices we‘ve made thus far. This is the
festival of silence. Of internal, rather than external exploration. It is
a time to acknowledge pain, loss, and suffering. It is the Blood
Moon. We honor what came before. We honor our ancestors. And
we let go. It is the Moon of Changing Seasons, so we prepare for
the transitions ahead; for death as well as for life. Release of pain,
awareness of living connection with all that is, opening to possibil-
ity. Zoë balancing Bios. We prepare for the wheel to turn yet
again, perhaps this time in our favor.
Open Ways
Samhain2009
11
Family Corner
by Mindi
New traditions are a fun way to celebrate a New Year. The
Internet is full of activities designed for a modern pagan family.
Here are just a few I found…
Make a witch's cord
Witch's cords are beautiful and make great decorations. The
Samhain witches cord should be an expression of what you
wish or hope for the New Year. Take three strands of ribbon or
silk cord in three different colors, each about three feet long.
Choose colors that symbolize your hopes for the New Year.
Fold one end down about five inches and tie together in a knot
to make a loop so the cord can be hung. Braid the strands to-
gether, reciting your wishes and hopes and tie at least three knots
on the tail. You can add anything you want to the cords - feath-
ers, stones, herbs, little toys, tokens in remembrance of a loved
one, etc.
Have a special meal
Set an extra Ancestor Seat to your dinner table and let the chil-
dren decorate the chair. If your children are older, you could
hold a Dumb Supper, where dinner is served and eaten in com-
plete silence in honor of the Spirit. Be sure to give thanks. If your
children are younger, you could have them leave a plate outside
for wandering ghosts on Samhain (like leaving cookies for
Santa).
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/
pagan_parenting/111525/3 Retrieved from a Google search
September 18,2009.
“Experience all thoughts without acceptance or
rejection, without suppression or cultivation.
Good or bad do not exist beyond your mind.”
-Yeshetsogle, Dzogchen Priestess, Skydancer’
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
12
WHAT DOES “REIKI MASTERY” MEAN? by Silverstar Red Crow © 2007
Grand Master Mikao Usui formed the tradition called Reiki in the
late 19th and early 20th Century from his mother country of Ja-
pan. There are many debated histories of Usui‘s education and re-
discoveries. What is clear, when all the stories, legends and histo-
ries are studied, Usui, through his travels and scholarly pursuits,
discovered the magick of Vedic text and meditative techniques,
specifically Kundalini Yoga. He studied hard and eventually con-
nected his own dots, leading to the creation of an energy work
tradition he labeled Reiki.
The principles that dictate the positive and indestructible nature of
Reiki and the responsibility of each practitioner to serve the High-
est and Greatest Good Principle is reflected in his writings, par-
ticularly in his daily prayers.
Usui writes:
Just for today, do not anger.
Just for today, do not worry.
We shall count our blessings and honor our fathers and mothers,
our teachers and neighbors and honor our food.
Make an honest living.
Be kind to everything that has life.
KI means LIFE-FORCE, similar to CHI in Chinese. REI, as I
understand it, means to use or channel, to put to good use. When
put together, REI and KI, one is faced with the reality of Reiki: the
use of an agendaless Universal Life Force that seeks its own level,
as does Water, for the purpose of feeding the energy recipient
with usable fuel. This fuel can energize, foster healing and/or in-
spire balance based on the Karma of the recipient.
Reiki is, by its very nature, AGENDALESS. Meaning, this en-
ergy, when used purely, with respect and balance AS intent, can
only be given to a recipient with no strings attached. In other
words, a Reiki Practitioner cannot assume where, when or how
the Universal energy being channeled will be used by the recipi-
ent of said energy. In fact, if the human practitioner enters into a
state of arrogance and believes she/he KNOWS where, how and
why to direct the energy being channeled, the energy will simply
cease to flow or back-fire on the practitioner in the form of bodily
imbalance and/or fatigue. This a huge piece in the Reiki puzzle:
the practitioner and the recipient must enter into a similar state of
mind which allows a free-flow of energy. This leads to a natural
FILL, first for the practitioner. The fill of the practitioner over-
flows from her/his Crown Chakra and the overflow is then chan-
neled into the recipient, usually through her hands. The practitio-
ner never gives the core energy Itself, just the overflow. The re-
cipient fills just as if she was a glass of Water. When she is filled,
the energy will slow and refine and continue on the most subtle of
levels until the recipient is fully saturated.
Bottom line: there is no reward in Reiki for the practitioner, other
than the use of the Reiki Itself. This energy modality organically
seeks balance in all forms, on all levels, by Itself. To be a fully
effective Reiki Practitioner, one must discard any concept of
MINE, I DID, I HEALED, I AM THE BEST, in regards to
Reiki Itself. THE DIVINE IS THE BOSS AT ALL TIMES
AND DOES NOT REWARD THOSE WHO REWARD
THEMSELVES LIBERALLY THROUGH DELUSION
AND SELF-AGGRANDIZEMENT.
The last decade has been very telling in regards to degrees, labels
and personal responsibility in Reiki, as well as other healing mo-
dalities. There is a phenomenon endemic in modern Reiki belief
and practice; a process of whitewashing &/or deletion of any di-
vine being or principle. In Shamanism, this deletion of Godhead
importance is what divides indigenous and modern ―academic‖
practice. I realize that this is another article, but never-the-less a
fair parallel.
Watching the washing of ―God-Mind‖ from Reiki in the last dec-
ade, I have noticed an amazing happening which I can only de-
scribe as an over-simplification of concept, use and training. Try-
ing to make Reiki accessible and affordable to all, a wonderful
concept that I applaud in theory, a dumbing-down of Reiki has
occurred. Some intellectually-based metaphysical people and
many neo-Pagans feel Reiki is nonsense, that it can pollute or
contaminate their agenda-specific self-induced and manufactured
energy. Others not familiar with the rush relegate Reiki to faith-
healing, while one misguided fellow recently labeled Reiki and
the practice of Shamanism I teach as ―reverting to MUD-HUT
RELIGION‖.
So, what do we do, those of us who know the power and wonder
of Reiki, those of us who are stewards of closely guarded Reiki
Lineages, directly linked to Grand Master Usui himself? The
answer I have gleaned from years of energy work and metaphysi-
cal study and lifestyle is to go back to the basics, back to Kun-
dalini Yoga, back to Hatha Yoga, back to God-Mind! Put aside
the God-less, white-washed, , academic approach and immerse
yourself in the pure magick of the energy movement that is Reiki
and do it with zeal, integrity and above all else: GET OUT OF
YOUR OWN WAY! (Continued on Page 13)
Open Ways
Samhain2009
13
(Continued from page 12)
THE MIRACLES THAT HAPPEN WITH REIKI DO NOT
BELONG TO THE PRACTITIONER; THEY BELONG TO
THE UNIVERSAL GREATEST GOOD PRINCIPLE! THIS
ENERGY IS FREE AND SHOULD BE GIVEN THAT
WAY, PURELY AND SIMPLY. REIKI IS A GATEWAY
ENERGY MODALITY; USE IT ACCORDINGLY AND
OPEN THE DOOR! YOU WILL SOON DISCOVER REIKI
IS THE FIRST STEP IN YOUR PERSONAL SPIRITUAL
EVOLUTION, NOT THE PINNACLE! THE EGO CON-
TAMINATES REIKI; IT IS A DAILY BALANCING ACT
THE BEST OF HUMANS ARE CHALLENGED BY.
Western society is pre-occupied with entitlement, especially of the
spiritual variety. If academics who study anthropology travel to
Mongolia or Nepal once and upon their return, call themselves
Shamans, why can‘t all people, regardless of belief system or lack
there of, have Reiki? HUGE QUESTION and the answer is a
simple and enthusiastic YES! But at the same time, there needs to
be an adjustment in perspective. Yes, one can have and become
proficient in Reiki despite their religion, but without God-Mind,
well, that‘s shaky territory; for Reiki is a part of God-Mind, full
and empowering and the energy Itself demands focus, integrity
and FAITH! OK, I‘ll revert to my OLD axiom:
TRUST=FAITH=MAGICK=POWER=MANIFESTATION
I do not believe one can rise to Reiki without trust in divinity and
the realization each individual is just one small part of a whole
working entity. That reality is called GOD-MIND. Obviously
trust and faith are huge factors in the manifestation process, re-
gardless of name or lack of label given it.
Today, in almost every state of the union, you will find people
who call themselves Reiki Masters. Many offer seekers with little
or no spiritual, metaphysical or health related training the opportu-
nity to become a ―MASTER‖ in 3 easy Reiki Attunements. You
don‘t have to believe in anything or display a sense or need for
discipline; all one has to do is meet in an office or meeting room,
for an afternoon or evening, 3 times. I know of some who offer all
3 common levels of Reiki in one attunement; display the cash,
that‘s all that‘s needed. Some feel justified, because of conven-
ience, giving two levels of Reiki at one time, through one attune-
ment; every possible combination can be had, for a fee in this day
and age. So different from the days when the exchange of thou-
sands of dollars per attunement kept Reiki naturally regulated,
with a reasonably high level of clinical training, but I digress...
In my experience, Reiki mills do not work. I have tested the en-
ergy output of many practitioners who have received attunements
from people with little or no training or lineage, all in the name of
openness and freedom from dogma. I don‘t have lots of good
news for y‘all, in regards to their efficiency and skill.
Now we are in the realm of judgment and everybody starts to
wiggle in their seats, afraid of the next line… I will repeat and
quote myself, my favorite source:
JUDGMENT IS THE FIRST STEP IN CREATING DIS-
CERNMENT. DISCERNMENT IS THE ESSENTIAL COR-
NERSTONE OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT!
My daily Reiki blessing:
Bless yourself each and every day and night of your life.
Honor your Mother, your Father, your Ancestors always!
Bless your Guardians and your Guides, your teachers and helpers.
Embrace your employees and employers both; rise each day with
equality in your heart.
Be a responsible steward for yourself, your family, your commu-
nity, your planet.
Honor your drink each time you drink!
Honor your food each time you eat; for you are a temple of the
Living Divine.
When Spirit drinks we all drink!
When Spirit Eats we all Eat!
In You, through You and by You, we are You!
Blessed Be!
Learn and share Usui‘s daily Reiki blessing; share mine too if that
is your desire. Once you have internalized the importance of re-
sponsibility, create your own Reiki daily blessing and share it
every day and night of your life. In the process of caring, an open-
ing will occur, not always dramatically but always memorable.
This opening is the signal to put corporeal ego-based agendas
aside and rise to your innate power as a human: a giving and re-
ceiving piece of breathing Universal Life Force Energy.
The first years as a professional Reiki Practitioner and teacher flew
by; the 1990‘s were a blur of activity. Finally, after four years of
passing Reiki Attunements to Level 5, bringing dozens of seekers
and healthcare professionals to Reiki and training them suffi-
ciently, and after receiving over 33 attunements myself, and after
receiving over 33 attunements myself, I took the title of Reiki
Master. I felt queasy at first; four short years and I don such a title?
But, I knew I had to take the title so I would allow myself to rise to
it, be the best human I could be. I could only do that if I took my-
self out of my comfort zone and, wow, this is the hard part people,
stay out of it once extricated!
(Continued on page 14)
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
14
(Continued from page 13)
All those years later, I look back now and I applaud my conserva-
tive approach to Reiki labels. It has made me a better and stronger
teacher, as well as practitioner; thank the Gods!
Living with lineage is a huge part of my life; Shamanically, ge-
netically and with Reiki. My acceptance of a lineage so close to
the Grand Master himself, demanded I gain clarity of what my
responsibility was in this special, risky mix of faith and power.
Lineage taught me to put my energy and the energy given freely
by the Universe to good use each and every time I feed or am fed,
to be unafraid to sit in my power, all the while surrendering to a
force unbelievably stronger than my Actualized Self. THIS
TAUGHT ME TO NEVER TAKE CREDIT FOR MIRA-
CLES!!!! It also taught me that arrogance and doubt are the same
stumbling block, both born of low self-esteem. Effective and
grounded Reiki practice is a special mix of action and surrender
called BALANCE.
THE BASICS WHEN RECEIVING REIKI:
One is not called a Reiki Master until she/he has all 7 Attunements
of Reiki 4. This means attunements and clearing periods of the
following:
REIKI ONE, ONE‘S SPIRITUAL PLACE IN THE UNI-
VERSE IN 4 EQUAL PARTS:
REIKI ONE, EARTH ELEMENT:
One attunement and a 21 day Clearing Period.
REIKI ONE, AIR ELEMENT:
One attunement and a 21 day Clearing Period.
REIKI ONE, FIRE ELEMENT:
One attunement and a 21 day Clearing Period.
REIKI ONE, WATER ELEMENT:
One attunement and a 21 day Clearing Period.
REIKI TWO, EMOTIONAL AND LONG-DISTANCE
WORK:
One attunement and a 21 day Clearing Period.
REIKI THREE, PHYSICAL PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE,
DIAGNOSTIC WORK:
One attunement and a 365 day Clearing Period.
Once the practitioner receives the Reiki Four Attunement, at or
near the 366th day after Reiki 3, she/he is, if cleared by one‘s Mas-
ter (entirely based on the Master‘s test of energy level and profi-
ciency. The Master is the responsible steward for the lineage she/
he carries and must be convinced the power of Reiki is optimum
in order to move to the next level of training), the practitioner is
allowed to pass attunements immediately up to level 3. Reiki 4
Attunements must wait an additional 365 days because it takes the
entire time period for the level of Reiki 4 to come to full measure;
only then is the process complete!
I have facilitated many Reiki 3 Attunements, dozens, perhaps a
couple of hundred even; but only a handful of Reiki 4. This is
when the going gets rough, because the practitioner has to be on
guard every moment, to keep the ego in check at this stage. Delu-
sion gets easier, not harder, that‘s the trap of metaphysical work.
One can lose sight of one‘s real talent or lack there of seemingly
instantly; fine lines, people! THIS IS THE HARDEST STEP
BECAUSE TRUE REIKI MASTERY IS NOT A CON-
STANT. IT BREATHES, MOVES AND THE BEST AND
HIGHEST MOMENTS OCCUR ONLY WITH THE TO-
TAL INTEGRATION OF BODY, MIND AND SOUL,
WITHOUT ARROGANCE AND EGO, BUT WITH LOTS
OF PRIDE AND POWER. This line is so fine; it is the most dan-
gerous of traps!
This is LINEAGE; you must realize what you are working for! In
spirituality, integration and balance is key, there is no reward for
half measures. In today‘s educational system, a pass is 70% and is
ok and called acceptable; ―good enough‖. Karmically, however,
70% is wasted energy whirl-pooling on itself, stuck and unable to
grow.
Another Silverstar clue: when I feel vested in someone, I prefer to
give a Double Attunement, meaning one attunement given by 2
Masters. This can be done at any level, but preferably with the 3rd
level Attunement. One Master opens the 7 Main Chakras, while
the other opens the remaining 15, creating a united and active
Kundalini. Instead of the usual 7 opened Chakras of the recipient
during attunement passing, there are 22 opened Chakras, fully
awake and receptive. With this method, the attunement is taken
and seeded on all 3 levels of consciousness: BODY, MIND
AND SOUL! That‘s the difference between heart-centered Reiki
training and ―a mill‖: ACTUALIZED POWER!
Open Ways
Samhain2009
15
Autumn Muse by Bonnie Barrigar
Please publish my short story, Autumn Muse‖. My Wiccan
friends read it and enjoyed it. They also told me about your
magazine, ―Open Ways‖, and suggested that I send this story to
you. Although I am not really Wiccan myself, I have a great deal
of respect for and fascination with this history-rich nature religion.
I believe that my story shows this., along with memories of my
youth in the Canadian North and my love of the seasons.
Bonnie,
Thank you for your submission. It is always an honor to receive a
story as personal as yours. It was so fun to read.
Becca, Editor
I grew up in the Canadian Mountains and I grew up with
Dolly. Dolly was a decade older then me, but she was, neverthe-
less, my soul mate. Tall and lovely, with sparkling brown eyes
and jetty long hair, she shared with me a love of the beauties of
nature that were all around us and a keen sense of adventure. She
knew the old secrets, taught to her by Canadian Native Sha-
manesses, and she taught me the true meaning of ―balance in all
things‖.
To get me in better touch with this meaning she would
lead me up in the mountain paths which lay up above her home
and my parents, home, for she lived in her own house on my par-
ent‘s property. These dusty paths would grow narrower and nar-
rower and steeper and steeper as I would follow her long-legged
strides up to the summits of the Rocky Mountains. When we
reached the summits, we would stand on tip-toe on the mountain
ledges, stretching out our arms and calling out to the rarified sky
and the eagles that circled even higher. I never stumbled, Dolly
taught me how to pay attention and shift my weight so I could
join her in skipping from rock to rock at the mountains‘ stony
heights. Often we would stop to enjoy the view, or an apple, or a
kiss for we had a budding lesbian affair.
By showing me how balance worked in negoti-
ating the mountain ravines, my beloved friend taught me of men-
tal, spiritual, and emotional balance as well.
―Always eat in small amounts, study, but rest when you
need it, and be generous with one thing, which is love.‖ Dolly
would tell me in her smoky, honeyed voice as we would rest on
the mountaintop admiring the legions of pines and gushing
streams below us.
―Dolly?‖ I once asked, ―How am I to know how much is
enough of something in all cases?‖
―Honey, listen to your soul. You‘ve got a good one.‖ She
reassured me as her dark eyes looked into my green ones with a
gaze that was loving and soul deep. For Dolly is French with
some Native Canadian blood and I am Celtic.
Our mountain walks were never more beautiful than in
the season when summer was just about ready to take on the first
blush of autumn. Here and there would be a leaf turned red or
yellow and birds would be massing in fields and in trees as though
they were discussing drills for their flights to the southlands. This
would be mid-August, as autumn and winter come quickly to
these far northern climes, and already one would feel a sharp
crispness in the morning air.
It was also the peak of the harvest time. The field that my
parents shared with Dolly spanned over 200 acres and was burst-
ing with everything that the near-arctic climate allowed us to
grow. There were lines of towering corn stalks, nests of potatoes,
row after row of tomatoes, and all kinds of beans and peas. Pump-
kins, gourds, and squash bumped along on tumbling vines. There
were beets, carrots, rutabagas, and cabbage.
Just to the back of my large brown farmhouse and en-
closed in a grotto of stones, some piled in the shape of pillars, was
the family herb and flower garden. Here Dolly put her knowledge
of medicinal herbs together with my mother, Maxine‘s, knowl-
edge of flowering plants. Here fenugreek and basil flourished with
roses and sweet-scented evening stock.
Late august days can be dry, hot, and dusty,
even in that part of Canada. But Dolly and I would feel cool and
refreshed in that herb-flower garden. There was just something
about the combination of herbal and flower scents that made one
feel calm and balanced.
On one such day, as Dolly and I tended the herb-flower
garden and picked off some of the herbs for drying, we noticed
how especially ―in-tune‖ everything felt.
―Dolly,‖ I said wistfully, ―Isn‘t it nice how all the plants in
here harmonize? They seem to compliment each other even
though many of them are so different.‖
―Of course they harmonize.‖ Said Dolly with an under-
tone of gentle pride and wisdom. ―We planted this with the ideals
of perfect balance in mind.‖
―Balance. Just like those rocks over there.‖ I said pointing
dreamily at the biggest stone pillar which was right over the rose-
mary plant.
―And just like us.‖ Said Dolly as she gave me a sweet
kiss there in the fragrant seclusion of our private paradise.
Finis
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
16
THE NATURE OF PRESENCES
by Ken Arthur
We live on a unique planet that is quite suited to nurture and pre-
serve advanced life forms. These extraordinary ―coincidences‖
are:
1. The proper distance for the sun which keeps us in a respectable
temperature zone—relative to the other planets in our solar sys-
tem. This temperature also allows water to exist in useful forms.
2. A magnetic field that shields us from the solar wind and flares.
Mars has no such field—it is too small and although life may exist
on it, it is likely not very highly developed.
3. A moon that orbits us thereby stirring up the atmosphere and
oceans. Otherwise, our air and water would become stagnant.
For many of us, these important factors are proof that a creative
deity or deities exist. For others, it is only proof that we are just the
products of an unusual but totally natural happenstance.
Then, there is the division between the ―Known‖—as defined and
discovered by science, and the ―Unknown‖—based on beliefs,
feelings, and for many of us an instant of epiphany—that ―aha‖
moment when we reach a sudden inspired moment of clarity. In
the realm of the Unknown, we seem to share our world with semi
-human and/or non-human entities—ghosts, spirits, angels, de-
mons, fairies, deities and etc. Of such beings, the advanced
―natural‖ ones are especially interesting.
If you live in the city or the suburbs, step outside and listen. You
will hear a buzz of activity—the hum of traffic, perhaps voices
from TVs and radios, and likely the barking of dogs. There is
nothing wrong with this overall background sound; it is the drone
of human activity. But it masks other, more natural sounds just as
the lights of cities mask all but the brightest of stars.
In true wilderness, in the absence of the sounds of civilization and
our lights that obscure many of the sky‘s celestial objects, there
exist ―things‖ (patterns) that are ancient, more powerful, some-
times more beautiful, and sometimes frightening . These are ―The
Presences‖ that haunt our subconscious minds and underlie our
physical world. We sometimes find them in our dreams or inside
our sacred circles when we are beyond normal space and time.
They are perhaps best detected as feelings—usually of awe—but
occasionally they inspire us with a feeling of fear or make us un-
comfortable.
My son and I backpacked, hiked, mountain climbed, were cross-
country skiers and spelunkers. In the solitude of the wild places,
away from the buzz of human concerns, we detected ―the oth-
ers‖—personalities of nature. The longer you spend in wilder-
nesses, the easier it is to ―feel‖ the ambience of ―other‖ entities.
A trail leading to the ocean in southern Oregon (Bandon State
Park) bisects a stunted dark forest. Entering this area gives one the
sudden feeling that the sun has just dimmed and that you are not
welcome there. A friend called this, ―the place of the dark
elves‖—who apparently don‘t like us. By contrast, far away from
any trails, scrambling through the underbrush in Washington‘s
rain forest, we once heard the welcoming laughter of small tin-
kling voices--Fairies?
But there are bigger, greater entities than these. In the darkness of
the Jefferson Wilderness Area, we were awakened by a giant
―unheard voice‖ drawing us out of our tent to witness an unob-
structed view of the Milky Way—a breathtaking sight like I had
not seen it since I was a child when camping with my father. At
the same time, far away, beyond hearing, a lightning storm on the
other side of the mountain randomly threw its giant shadow
across us.
In the rank and file of The Presences, some seem to be confined to
a specific locality—these are The Spiritus Loci, usually occupying
a specific geological area. They can be friendly but are more typi-
cally neutral or negative. Then there is The Great Presence, often
best detected away from civilization when one is contemplating a
beautiful sunset that illuminates puffy clouds with gold linings as a
gentle breeze whispers not quite understood secrets in your ears.
At such profound moments, even atheists have been known to
remark, ―Maybe there is a God…‖
Some folks seem to detect the Major Presence as a sound—but it
is not typically an actually ‗heard‘ sound. It is more like a sound
heard in one‘s mind. It was described and named in the TV series
―Roar‖, a voice that echoes through every living creatures and is
the power of life—since that is the way it appears to some. Scien-
tifically, The Presence has been discovered in the synchronicities
of Nature, such as the Fibonacci Numbers—leading to The
Golden Ratio, and the Mandelbrot Set, sometimes called ―the
thumbprint of God‖, that calculates fractals. A newer, more mod-
ern formula, expressed as the ―Six Degrees of Separation‖ theory
defines Hubs of the naturally occurring networks found in asso-
ciations of people, the Internet, and even in animal and vegetable
cell-structure.
The Shinto word ―Kami‖ although hard for our Western minds to
understand depicts the invisible, sacred quality that causes us to
(Continued on page 17)
Open Ways
Samhain2009
17
respond with awe and wonder to the mysterious and spiritual. It
somewhat relates to spirits residing in natural phenomena or people
with extraordinary qualities. We can feel this quality but not com-
pletely express it. It involves intuitive knowing while being unable to
say why we know.
How can one completely define that which cannot be totally defined?
While it is wonderful to observe the soul inspiring beauty of Nature,
the seemingly always loving character of deities may be a mistake.
Situations can swiftly turn ominous. The setting sun can suddenly be
obscured as the puffy clouds turn into thunder heads and a lazy
breeze can turn into a force that knocks down trees. Earthquakes,
hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunamis kill tens of thousands of people at
a time. In the USA alone, according to some argued statistics 60-70
people per year are killed by lightning—while estimated hundreds
more are injured. Every year, an average of over 200 people on earth
are attacked and eaten by wild animals! Over 200,000 people were
killed by tsunamis in 2004. Perhaps this is how the concepts of good
deities and bad deities came about. But perhaps we should admit we
don‘t fully understand our deities. It has even been suggested in some
philosophies that deities are neutral. Then again, if we do reincarnate
and come back to finish our work on earth, then dying in a storm may
just be part of the learning process…
Whether the Soul of Nature is uncovered on an intuitive level or
mathematically calculated, to deny its real existence is futile. Addi-
tionally, there are always more, ever greater truths to discover.
Bibliography:
Smithsonian, July 2009: ‗Keeping Company‘ -- by Barbara Ehren-
reich, pages 19-22
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami_2004
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference --
by Malcolm Gladwell (pub. Little Brown 2000).
The Fractal Geometry of Nature -- by Benoit B. Mandelbrot--New
York: W. H. Freeman and Co., 1982
The ―Small World Experiment‖ of Stanley Milgram, 1967 (Six De-
grees of Separation)
DVD: Fractals: The Colors of Infinity -- by Gaiam
DVD Set: Roar: TV Series (1997) Starring: Heath Ledger, John
Saint Ryan; Director: Jeffery Levy, (Available from Amazon)
Sunfest 2010
by Isidora
Greetings all!
This is Isidora Forrest. I am pleased and excited to let everyone
know that next year‘s OWOW SunFest XXII will be devoted to
Isis the Radiant Goddess.
This is an invitation for those of you who feel called to Isis to join
us in creating this festival. We are gathering a group of women
and men who will commit themselves to ritual training in honor
of Isis throughout this coming Winter and Spring….and who
will then serve as Her priestesses and priests during SunFest
XXII. I especially invite men who are called to Isis. I know there
are a lot of you‘re out there because I hear from you all the time.
On the other hand, if you prefer not to do the ritual end of things,
but would like to serve the Beautiful, Magical One in another
way, we most definitely will need help of a crafty nature. We are
doing no less than raising a temple of Isis on the SunFest site.
There will be gold, there will be an inner sanctum, it will be oh-so
-Egyptian. And we oh-so need your help.
If you‘re interested in ritual, please contact me at isi-
If you‘re interested in the temple building, please contact Michael
Agee at
Questions welcomed!
Under Her Wings,
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
18
That Invisible Path
by Mark Miner
Dear Editor,
I found your magazine in the library and was pleased with some
of your stories and features. I was ―chomping‖ at the bit to get this
out and found it liberating to tell my story. Regardless of if you
print this or not, I felt complete in writing this. Thank you for tak-
ing the time to read and consider this.
Growing up, my family was not really into any religion or faith.
For a short amount of time, my mother sent us to a Baptist church
when I was in grade school. But that quickly ended, and we never
went back.
Mark,
Thank you so much for this touching and genuine story of your
journey. I know this will help so many people who may be strug-
gling along their own spiritual path. Blessed Be Becca, Editor.
It wasn‘t until I was in my early twenties did I seek out any guid-
ance from anything spiritual. I went to a Pentecostal church with
my adopted brother and we both liked it. The services were lively
and energetic. But with some Christian time under my belt, I
started to realize that the judgmental nature of the believers was
getting to be too much for me. But I forged on and furthered my
education in the Christian faith, never giving up hope. I eventually
became a Reverend and started preaching at churches.
I was a ―no-holds-barred‖ preacher. Telling it like it was, and not
allowing any contradictions in my words and walk to affect me in
my faith. It became apparent after some months that I was not
welcomed at most of the churches I preached at because of this.
Eventually I started losing focus, because I had no further inspira-
tion in the Christian faith. I found it to be a mirage in comparison
to what I wanted in my heart.
Then one day I found a new friend and eventually this friend told
me that she was Wiccan. My first instinct was to revert back to
my Christian faith and judge her to be a devil worshiper. But as
she explained further, my mind began to open to the idea of her
beliefs. Simply because most of what she talked about was what I
already believed in, even before I was a Christian.
I always knew that there was a ―higher power‖ somewhere, and
that we were somehow all connected in some way. I also had the
sense that it was wrong to have pre-conceived ideas of other peo-
ple or the fact that it was wrong to judge others. My friend told me
about her freedom and her openness and that she was at peace
within herself and with everything around her. I admired and en-
vied her.
After that I was sitting on my porch one night enjoying a cup of
coffee and watching the sunset, when it came to me …. So what
if I believed what was in my heart? What if I were to explore dif-
ferent faiths and see what fit me most? Was there really a place of
torture that would take me if I didn‘t conform to a certain stereo-
type in religion?
And then all walls broke down inside of myself. I felt a serious
weight lift off of me, and for once in my life I felt completely free.
My soul felt light and nearly wanted to fly.
The following day I went over to my friend‘s house and asked for
some advice on how to approach the Wiccan faith. She gave me
some books and talked with me about her experiences. After
some time, I was hooked.
For once in my life I felt at one with everything, I felt defined and
free to express myself in worship. And in my life, my spirituality
seemed to make sense in every way that spirituality in myself
could ever feel.
Now, I don‘t care what people think of me when I answer that I
am Wiccan. I don‘t feel that I have to defend myself or make up
lies to please them.
I have been a Wiccan for over five years now and have grown in
leaps and bounds. I am in a place in my life right now where eve-
ryone doesn‘t judge me for what I believe in or for how I dress or
live my life. There is complete acceptance.
I wanted to share this with everyone, whether you are in the Wic-
can faith already or even if you‘re not. My intention is not to
―convert‖ or to persuade anyone, each has their own path. I just
wanted to share my struggle and release in finding who I was in
the spiritual realm. My path started out narrow until it ended up
not being a path at all, but simply a never-ending world with no
boundaries or restrictions.
I still believe in God, only now I have completed the ―circle‖ and
accepted the Goddess as well. This has, and always did, make
sense to me. So it just seems natural now. And I wouldn‘t change
a thing. I feel totally at peace and always carry the sense that I‘m
home. Peace be
Open Ways
Samhain2009
19
8 Times a year, each Sabbath —
Mystic Art Gathering & Information Cir-
cle (MAGIC) holds a public ritual and
ceremony for the Solstices, Equinoxes, and
cross-quarters in between. Typically in
Vancouver or North Portland. These gath-
erings are free to the public, although a
donation can will be passed. Families with
kids are welcome. Held on the closest Sat-
urday to the actual Sabbath, 7pm. Loca-
tions announced in advance if possible.
Call 360-693-7349 or see our listing in the
community directory under MAGIC as
well as on MySpace.
SUNDAYS
Non-denominational Sunday service
Integrate light into your being. Come to
receive blessings and an uplifting spiritual
Reading to empower and enlighten your
soul. After the service has ended there is a
guided meditation to bring prosperity into
your life. Held at Crystal Temple 7275
Richmond Ave. For info call 503-249-
0303 or by web at crystaltemple.org.
1st Sunday Sare-apy.
Always the first Sunday (no Sare-apy in
August). Join us each first Sunday of the
month. Activities include silent meditation,
discussion of healing techniques, individual
and group healing sessions and introduc-
tion to healing arts practitioners. Everyone
is welcome, this is a wonderful opportunity
for healing– receiving and giving, and for
making new alliances. Held at Hands of
Freedom Healing 8725 NE Broadway,
Portland OR 97220 from 1-4pm. Dona-
tions appreciated.
1st Sunday Movie Night Featuring a movie or documentary which
cultivates spiritual growth.. Held at Crystal
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Temple 7275 Richmond Ave. For info call
503-249-0303 or by web at crystaltem-
ple.org.
TUESDAYS
Open Reiki and healing circle
Circle held on the 1rst Tuesday of the
month from 9-11am. Held at the Celtic
Circle 3717 NW 25th St. Redmond, OR.
For info call 541-504-4627 or by email
Witches meetup
A social event held on the 4th Tuesday of
every month. At 7PM. We have no set
agenda or format, just talk and have fun.
Held at the Guiding Tree 4831 SE Divi-
sion Street . For more info http://
www.pagan.meetup.com.
Green Tara Sadhana Meditation
Held every Tuesday at 7pm. Green Tara
manifests the female energy of transcen-
dent wisdom and enlightened compassion-
ate activity. Prostrations, mandala offering
and hand madras are taught with this prac-
tice. The practice of Green Tara helps to
overcome fear and anxiety, and also devel-
ops qualities of love, compassion, wisdom
and protection on the path of enlighten-
ment. Held at The Drukpa Mila Center
872 Belmont St. Salem, OR. Info at
www.drukpamilacenter.com.
WEDNESDAYS
Witches Meetup
A social event held on the 1rst Wed. of
every month at 7PM. We have no set
agenda or format, just talk and have fun.
We are a friendly, non-cliquish bunch who
have been meeting for over five years.
Held at the Irishtown Pub, 11600 NE Mill
Plain Blvd. Vancouver WA.
Monthly Pagan Meetup
A social event held on the 2nd Wed of
every month at 7PM. We just get together
to talk and have fun. Held at Old Town
Pizza (between 2nd and 3rd on NW
Davis). For more info go to http://
www.paganmeetup.com.
Monthly Pagan Meetup
A social event held on the 2nd Wed of
every month at 7PM. We just get together
to talk and have fun. Held at Old Town
Pizza (between 2nd and 3rd on NW
Davis). For more info go to http://
www.paganmeetup.com.
Reiki Share Circle
Every 1rst and 3rd Wednesdays at Sell-
wood Spirit Feathers, 7704 SE 13th. For
info call 503-230-0249. All are welcome!
Tarot night
Every 1rst Wednesday. Bring your cards,
practice readings, become more familiar
with your card and discuss Tarot with other
readers. Held at Crystal Temple, 7525 N
Richmond. For info cal 503-249-0303 or
on the web at [email protected].
Reiki Circle
Every 2nd Wednesday come and receive
healing and develop your skills in a sacred
temple surrounded by light beings. Held at
Crystal Temple, 7275 N Richmond. For
info 503-249-0303 or on the web at
Drum circle
Every 1rst and 3rd Wednesday at 7pm.
Lets explore rhythms and escape reality in
a sacred temple. A joyous monthly, multi-
cultural spiritual experience. Using sacred
phrases drawn from the worlds many
(Continued on page 20)
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
20
(Continued from page 19)
religious traditions, with live music and simple devotional move-
ment. Bring an instrument if you have one, if not we can share.
Held at Crystal Temple 7275 N Richmond. For more info
Chenrrezid Sadhana Meditation
Every Wednesday at 7pm. The Buddha of compassion, known
as Chenrezig, manifests as enlightened compassionate activity.
This meditation practice is taught and practiced, using short sad-
hana practice. By learning about the nature of compassion and
learning his mantra ―Om Mani Padme Hum‖, we can actually
become aware of increasing compassion in our own lives. Held
at The Drukpa Mila Center, 872 Belmont St. SE Salem, OR.
Info at www.drukpamilacenter.com
THURSDAYS
Open Meditation
Held every Thursday and Sunday from 12-2 pm. Open medita-
tion at Crystal Temple 7275 N Richmond. For info 503-249-
0303 or [email protected].
Morris Dancing
Every Thursday join Renegade Rose Morris Dancers, a group
of Portland men and women who perform ancient English folk
dances on May Day and other community events. We‘ll teach
you dances. For info call Lev at 971-570-3388 or on the web at
www.renegaderose.com ☺
Death Star
By Ansur
O‘ Dark star of death
Singing of the end
Radiating coldness
Sucking life out of the light
O‘ Power than none can resist
Frightening those who are weak
And those who do not understand
You are but a minor moment
In our infinite eternities
Soon forgotten
When we are free to invoke
The fire of the wheel of Life
And our being illuminates you
With the complexity of our rebirth
If the doors of perception were cleansed,
Everything would appear … As it is, infinite.
—- Blake
Open Ways
Samhain2009
21
Pagan Community Directory Listing various kinds of resources for the Pagan Community, including circles (both open and closed), church groups, meeting
places, study groups, and event organizers. Please, no retail outlets. A listing here does not necessarily mean a specific group can or
will help you. To be included in this directory, please send information (limit 50 words which includes name and contact
information) to Open Ways, PO Box 6283 Vancouver, WA 98668; or email [email protected].
12 Steps Pagan Style
I am a clean Pagan offering support to as-
sist those on the clean path in Wicca and
Paganism. I have 17 years of recovery. I
am willing to give assistance, support and
counsel to those who are concerned with
these issues.
http://spiralrhythms.org/p12.
ADF Druids of Portland NEW
Our study group meets on the last Friday
of every month and up to 8 times a year for
Public Ritual. Affiliated with ADF (Ar
nDraoicht Fein), adf.org. We are in pursuit
of authentic scholarship and modern prac-
tices. See our website atpdx-druids.org.
Announcement Board & Community
Directory The Web
―Because folks don't have time to check
every website or subject line for current
events. Come see what your missing.‖
Post: Rituals, classes, workshops …..
http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/The-
Web
The altar of Epona and Herne Healing
Ministry ATC
Our vision is to create a well trained, com-
passionate Priesthood to serve the Pagan
Community. We have an online commu-
nity, monthly distance healing and prayer
request list, and provide free healing to vets
and their families. For more info altar-
The Ancient and Honorable Order of
the Sacred Oaks
A Druidic order in the Arthurian/Celtic
tradition, chartering groves meeting estab-
lished criteria and dedicated to authentic
Druidic principles and traditions. For those
who aspire to the excellence of Druidry,
Inc. in OR and 501(c)3. 503-235-5774
www.sacred-oak-grove.org.
Aquarian Tabernacle Church
Serving the PNW since 1979. An interfaith
church of Wicca and Earth Religions rec-
ognized and accredited worldwide. All
welcome at Open Circles near Seattle at
NM & FM. Info and schedule : 360-793
-1945, classes : 425-821-7246, Pagan
Youth Group: Spiral Scouts Interna-
tional.360-793-9427.
www.spiralscouts.org
Brotherhood of the Wooden Chalice
We are a group of eclectic Wiccans housed
in Oregon State Penitentiary. We gather
once per moon for study, ritual, and mutual
support. We have a priest but could use
volunteers and donations.
Cedar Mountain Coven
We are an eclectic Celtic coven, with some
Native American influences. We meet for
Sabbaths, Esbats, laughter and support
throughout the Portland/Vancouver area.
Closed to new members Samhain to Bel-
tane, we do keep a waiting list for anyone
interested. [email protected]
Www.cedarmountaincoven.com.
Coven Caer Wy’east
A traditional Gardnerian Coven, sponsors a
non-oath bound, British Traditional Wic-
can Outer Court for seekers of traditional
training.. We prefer to work with seekers
30 years or older. New training cycles usu-
ally begin each spring. usually begin each
spring. For more info contact Steward
Creace 503-622-1381 or stew-
The Earth Gatherings
An eclectic spiritual group with frequent
get - togethers to discuss various spiritual
paths. Sponsors of The Mother Earth Gath-
ering and The Middle Earth Gathering
(June and September), Earth Awareness
Festivals, honoring diversity and creating
balance between wilderness and civiliza-
tion. 503-503-1415 [email protected]
Www.earthgatherings.org PO Box
19655 Portland, OR 97280.
Forces of Nature Metaphysical and
Spiritual Center NEW
Celebration and cultural preservation of
Africana spirituality in the Pacific North-
west! We offer events and a online e-list of
events related to Africana spirituality in the
greater Seattle area. To join visit http://
groups.google.com/forces-of-nature-
metaphysical-and-spiritual-center?
hl=en.
For Info www.fonspiritualcenter.org , or
call 206-781-3565 or ser-
The Hermetic Fellowship
Exploring Western Esoteric Tradition:
Ancient Mysteries, Wicca/NeoPaganism,
Qubalah, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy,
Gnosticism, Theurgy and Grail Quest.
Meets monthly, 3rd Thursday. Informal
presentations, open discussion, rituals and
workshops occasionally. 1st semester of
2009, special focus on Hermeticism. For
more info call 503-255-7910 or by web
(preferred) www.hemeticfellowship.org
Ile LaiLai NEW
A contemplative ifa-centered spiritual
community offering spiritual consultations,
divination, and Orisa and Ifa initiations to
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
22
sincere seekers in the Pacific Northwest.
www.ilelailai.org or 206-761-3565 or
Indigo Lights Circle online teen group
A place for uniquely gifted teens to cele-
brate and explore the gifts the :Lord and
Lady granted us with. Site address:
www.geocities.com/jinksjustjinks/
M.A.G.I.C.
A Vancouver/Portland based group that
holds four gatherings a year, teaches
classes in metaphysics, and provides or-
daining of clergy, and sponsors the Spiral
Rhythms Festival. Call 360-693-7349
Email [email protected] and
Www.spiralrhythms.org/magic for
more information.
Nine Houses of Gaia (9HOG’S)
A non-profit organization incorporated to
facilitate networking among pagans in the
Pacific Northwest. Sponsors of Open
Ways Newsletter as well as Northwest
Fall Equinox Festival. The NWFEF cele-
brates the great harvest, begun at Lammus
and ending at Samhain. Contact info for
Open Ways [email protected].
North American Council of Witches
A non-profit organization. Primary goal is
protection under the First Amendment of
the US Constitution; secondary, lobbying
for common power, strength in numbers.
Request membership and general infor-
mation at [email protected] or call
503-228-2192.
Officers of Avalon, Inc
A non-profit benevolent organization
representing Wiccans and other Pagans
who work as police officers and other
professionals in the emergency services.
Membership dues $25/yr for full mem-
bers $15/yr for associate members. News-
letter The Dispatch. Registration forms
available at www.officersofavalon.com.
PO Box 22 Baraboo, WI 53913-0022.
Other Worlds of Wonder (OWOW)
We have gathered around a central pur-
pose, the purchase of land for the local
Pagan community. We honor all positive
traditions, and celebrate diversity at our
festival, Sunfest. Contact info as follows:
14308 SE River Rd. Milwaukie, OR
97267. http://www.owow.org or email
Pacific NW Pagans Yahoo Group An online community for Pagans in the
Pacific Northwest, including Oregon,
Washington, Idaho, Alaska and British
Columbia. When posting announcements
for events in this group, please be sure
t h e y ' r e i n P N W . h t t p : / /
groups.yahoo.com/group/pnwpagans.
PACT
A democratic, eclectic teaching/training
coven in three parts: A semi-private outer
circle - by invitation only, two inner-core
circles for PACT initiated. Lessons, de-
grees, and clergy training by PACT univer-
sity. For info and a waiting list: email —
PDX Pagan Tribe
This tribe is for heathens, pagans and free
thinking individuals residing in or around
Portland, OR, or other metro areas who
want to communicate with other like
minded folk. Please no political rants, there
are other tribes for that. A person has to
sign up with Tribe.net for free in order to
join this tribe. The tribe is moderated in
order to keep out hate mongers and spam-
mers. Web address - http://
tribes.tribe.net/pdxpagans.Portland
Polyamory Circle A gathering for folks exploring options
beyond monogamy. Discussions include
open relationships, extended families, and
intentional communities. Everyone inter-
ested is welcome to join us. For information
and location Laury 503-285-4848.
Red Cedar Circle (Church of Si. Si. Wiss)
Northwest Coast Medicine Johnny Moses
teachings to all. Portland/Vancouver area
meetings. For information and location call
503-245-5660 or [email protected].
Red Cedar Grove, O.B.O.D.
We are a Celtic group in Vancouver affili-
ated with the Order of Bards, Ovates, and
Druids that enjoy a fun, spirituality and fel-
lowship as we move through the Wheel of
the year. We meet about twice a month for a
Sabbat ritual and a tutorial. Come and grow
with us under the Spirit Filled Red Cedar.
Serena at [email protected] or Tursa-
chan at tursachan@comcast,net or 360-
608-5458.
Sacred Oak Grove
A Druid Grove in the Arthurian/Celtic-
Wiccan tradition. For those seeking a true
Druidic path of knowledge, truth, justice,
spiritual fellowship, and community service.
Esbats, Sabbaths and tutorials. Members
commit to both group and individual studies
for spiritual growth. Now offering an outer
circle. For information call 503-235-5774
The Saint James Project
A Shamanic Arm of the Red Witch Tradi-
tion. Includes Indigenous Shamanic train-
ing, pilgrimages and extensive herstory/
history from the first century CE to the pre-
sent. Prerequisite: Reiki 3 and 3 years
magickal hands-on experience. Meets at
Toad House in McMinnville Oregon.
7 6 y 0 C o n t a c t i n f o w o r l d -
Seattle Goddess Group
(Continued on next page)
Open Ways
Samhain2009
23
A new site dedicated to worship of the
Seattle based deity (As first seen in the
―Summer of 2008 art book) ―Let your love
grow‖ is her prayer. http://
g ro u p s . y a h o o . co m / g ro u p s /
seattle.godess/ or SeattleGod-
Shadowluz
Eclectic coven that emphasizes increasing
the power of the individual through
strength of our Gestalt, focusing on diver-
sity in beliefs and the practice of Magick.
Members range from Portland to Hood
River and Mt. Hood. Please send letter of
intent to HPS Belle Evergreen at belleev-
Silver Birch Grove, Order of the Sacred
Oaks
If the bardic arts call to you, and your love
of the Goddess and God speaks to you
through Celtic and Arthurian-based my-
thology and lore, come walk our Pagan
path with us as we renew our grove. Now
in Vancouver, WA. Contact silver-
[email protected] or (503) 235-
5774 or (360) 936-1035.
Silver Star Circle
A Celtic Pagan circle meeting for Sabbats,
full and new moons, weekly class and
more. Located in Battle Ground Addi-
tional. Info: email slvrstarcir-
SisterSpirit
Women's spirituality organization honor-
ing the Divine Feminine and celebrating
the Goddess in all Her forms. Featuring on
-going classes, circles, workshops and one
monthly ritual. Presenters of the annual
PaganFaire. Contact information as fol-
lows: PO Box 9246 Portland, OR
97207. 503-736-3297.
www.paganfaire.com. sister-
www.teleport.com/sisterspirit
Sophia Sanctuary Women’s Temple
We are a circle of women committed to
healing, education ritual and service.
(HERS) We celebrate the eight holy days
of the wheel: Solstices and Equinoxes are
for all genders and families; Cross quarters
are for womyn only. For information:
http://www.sophiasancuary.org or
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
SophiaSancuary.
The Sorcerers Guild
Dedicated to the enhancement of Magickal
work within its membership. Public meet-
up at the Dancing Beans 1615 SE 12th
Ave Portland, OR held monthly. Email
[email protected] for date and
time. For more information: http://
s o r c e r e r s g u i l d . t r i b e . n e t http:www.sorcerersguild.com, or
http://groups.myspace.com/
sorceryguild.
Spellbound teen online group
An online community for teen Pagans and
Wiccans. Our goal is to offer personal
pages, forums, articles, links, and other
ways of interacting with teens who have
similar interests in Paganism and Wicca.
S i t e a d d r e s s : h t t p : / /
spellboundtpn.ning.com.
Peace Garden
Peace Garden open from dawn to dusk for
quiet prayer and meditation. 20‘ lavender
peace pole, erected in 2002, PEACE writ-
ten in thirteen languages. Hard working
garden volunteers always needed. Hard
working garden volunteers always needed.
Write for information. Location: McMinn-
v i l l e O R . w w w . t o a dh o u s e -
peacegarden.org. http://tribes.tribe.net/
t o a d l o v e r s . . d a r g o n -
(WICCA)
A women‘s church dedicated to the God-
dess in Her many forms. Groups, newslet-
ter, retreats, rituals and classes. Contact
info: PO Box 5296 Eugene OR 97405
www.wiccawomen.org, 541-485-3654
Email: [email protected].
Women of African Ceremony
We are women who honor the earth and
our African heritage through ceremony
and ritual. We meet monthly. Location is
Portland, OR. 503-238-1151
Women of the Goddess
Women of the Goddess is a Pagan com-
munity in the Dianic tradition. Member-
ship is open to women over 18 years old of
good intent who sincerely subscribe to our
purpose. Location Seattle, WA. Contacts:
[email protected] or 206-322-2436.
World Tree Prayer Network
Prayer and emergency energy work at no
fee; serving the internet since1994. Post
your own requests. Have permission of the
energy recipient first; then, include full
name, age, basic location including city,
state and country along with basic prob-
lem. PRAY FOR PEACE!
h t t p : / / t r i b e s . t r i b e . n e t /
worldtreeprayernetwork
The Well of Diancecht
Provides free sacred energy healing to vet-
erans, active duty military and their fami-
lies. We also list practitioners offering slid-
ing scale services to service members, vet-
erans and their families. Info at well of di-
[email protected] or altarepona-
Witches of Westwick Paranormal Soci-
ety NEW
Centered in the beautiful foothills of the
Columbia River Gorge. Specializing in
Esoteric research and Theology. Dedicated
to tribal rites of passage as well as the Ma-
jor and Minor Pagan Holidays & Festivals.
We love to explore the enchanted as well
as the chilling. Contact Leanna at devasde-
[email protected] or 541-490-5718 .
Open Ways
Samhain 2009
24
The Nine Houses of Gaia
Open Ways
PO Box 14415
Portland, OR 97293-0415
Address Service Requested
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
VANCOUVER WA
PERMIT NO. 86
Proceeds from the
Northwest Fall Equinox
Festival go to producing
Open Ways
Thank you for your support!