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Online Pagan and Spiritual Magazine
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THE DOLMEN GROVE CHRONICLES
SAMHAIN 2015
Native Americans William Staples
and Jolene Kegg on the Customs
and Traditions Practiced by the
Ojibwe Chippewa Tribe
THE CROW DANCE RITUAL
Its meaning and
the purpose behind it
plus the new
Crow Dancers Band
.
KAyLeigh The New Dolmen Album and Gig
Guides
Wicca …Unity or Purity? – Merlyn
www.dolmengrove.co.uk
THE DOLMEN GROVE
The Dolmen Grove is a pagan organisation of mixed spiritual paths established in the early 90s by
Taloch Jameson, which over the years has grown from one small circle in Weymouth Dorset, to several
clans not only across the UK but worldwide.
The Spiritual ethos of the Dolmen Grove has remained the same throughout and is based purely upon the
Freedom of the Individual.
It is the collective belief that in an age where technology can often dwarf our humanity, it is important that
we take control as individuals and embrace our own spirituality in order to maintain the equilibrium within
an ever changing world.
Although the Grove is not a political organisation preferring instead to focus upon the spiritual, this does not
prevent either individual members or the Grove as a collective from playing an active part in humanitarian
and environmental issues.
There are no hierarchy or titles within the Dolmen Grove as it is our aim to encourage each man and woman
to discover their own unique and authentic journey so that their spiritual connection is founded upon that
which works for them as an individual rather than a spiritual rule book set for the masses.
The key to our success is the Round Table which is made up of around twenty people from a variety of
spiritual paths who uphold the spiritual ethos of the Grove. They not only organise their respective moots
but also the festivals and events hosted by the Dolmen Grove.
Our Moots are regular meeting places which are held once a month in several areas. Although these are
organised by and largely attended by Grove members, non-members are always welcome to find out more
about the Grove and enjoy the company of other free thinking people as well as the activities organised by
the Moot.
There is a membership in place that enables those who wish to be part of this ever growing Clan to enjoy
reduced ticket prices for Dolmen Grove Events, festivals and where stated ‘member only’ Ceremonies and
Courses. Although we host many Ceremonies which are open to the general public, to avoid crowding and
to allow our members to celebrate free from pressure we also hold members only ceremonies.
‘ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY UNITED WITHIN THE DOLMEN GROVE’
CONTENTS
1…Care and Use of your Cauldron – Molly McHenry
2…To Dance is to Live – William Staples and Jolene Kegg / Photographs are property of
William Staples and Jolene Kegg - Introduction by Taloch Jameson
3…What is the Crow Dance / Children and the Freedom of the Crow Dance / Crow Dancers
the Band – with contributions from Taloch Jameson, Diane Narraaway and Kayleigh
Marchant. / Artwork by Sem Vine/photography by Joanna Caswell unless otherwise stated.
4… Book of the Great Queen – The Morrigan and Morpheus Ravenna featuring reviews by
John Beckett and Seirian Morriganwitch.
5…The Dolmen/Kayleigh Album Review – Diane Narraway /Artwork by Sem Vine /
Kayleigh photographs by Joanna Caswell unless otherwise stated
6….Making Magickal Wands – Bryant Pinnix / Photographs are property of Bryant Pinnix /
Alea Dawn
7….Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – Diane Narraway / Artwork and photographs are
property of theMuseum of Witchcraft and Magic
8… Dolmen Grove Samhain Rituals – Cornwall Moot – Karen Cooper / Essex Moot – Toni
Glitz
9…Wicca Unity or Purity – Merlyn (Children of Artemis) / Artwork is property of Children
of Artemis.
10….Totem Animals – The Hedgehog - Cheryl Waldron
11…Godless the New Novel by Rachel Summers
12…The Seelie and Unseelie Court Faeries and Us!! – aaron Dabbah
13…Magik for Life…Bringing the Sunshine – Scott Irvine / Photographs by Scott Irvine
14…The Dolmen’s Pirate Parlay Weekend – Mark Vine / Artwork by Sem Vine
15…Aromatherapy – Sandra Wiseman
16…Samhain and the Magic of Food – Rachel Patterson
17…The Hedgewitch’s Diary and Sowing Chart – Rachael Moss / Photographs by Rachael
Moss
18…A Spell to Find other Witches – Molly McHenry
19…Wormwood , A Touch of Bitterness – Andrew Cowling
20…Cernunnos, God of the Celts – Cheryl Waldron / Artwork by Jeroen van Valkenburg.
21…Metaphysical and Healing Properties of Crystal – Selenite – Cheryl
Cover Image – Gill MacDonald
Photographic artwork on Spriggan Mist gig guide by Aaron Cilia
Unless otherwise stated all other images are from the public domain.
Crabchurch 2016 advert Sem Vine
.
Further information on the Dolmen Grove can be found at:
www.Dolmengrove.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheDolmenGrove/110124449082503
All information is accurate at the time of publication and all articles and images are assumed to be the work
of those being credited
https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine?ref=hl
Editor… Diane Narraway email
The cauldron is a valuable tool in witchcraft with
many purposes. Sadly, it is not often high on a
new practitioner's list of needed tools. Worse yet
is that many of the casters who do own one either
under-utilize it or allow it to be damaged through
improper care. These are simple problems to rem-
edy, as you will see, and the strength of your caul-
dron's magic will easily grow with a little effort.
This article is aimed properly handling and caring
for a cauldron so that it will last for many years. A
well-tended cauldron can become an heirloom, so
treat it well.
Start by buying the best one you can afford right
now. Consider how and when you plan to use it.
If you've never worked with a cauldron before,
you will probably need to own one before you
know when and if you'll use it with the same regu-
larity as other tools. If this describes you, get the
simplest cauldron you can find and wait a few
years to buy anything more elaborate.
I have seen cauldrons for sale that state that they
are not for food use. Buying one with that warning
is something I strongly suggest you avoid. First, it
is a pot--and a cooking pot, at that, so it is natural
to use it for edible potions. You might have no
plans for using it that way at the moment but over
time you could forget and give yourself or a client
a dangerous dose of lead poisoning. Instead, it's
best to start out with a pot that is safe enough for
food use, secure enough to hang over a fire, and
watertight enough to hold a potion, should you
ever choose to use it that way.
Choosing Your Cauldron
Does a cauldron need to have three legs? The
short answer is ‘no’. I've been asked this many
times before by casters of all levels. While it's said
that the three legs do have a symbolic meaning,
there is nothing magically important about them
otherwise. Their function is to protect whatever
surface they sit upon from the damage of the heat
within. This can be especially important if you
burn papers or other spell items inside your
cauldron. No matter what kind of pot you use,
though, always be aware of fire and heat safety.
Cast iron retains heat extremely well and will re-
main hot for a long time, so plan ahead by stand-
ing it upon a flat slab of stone or a trivet and have
a dish towel ready to protect your hands for ad-
justing it or carrying it by the bail.
Using a flat-bottomed cauldron will not hinder
your magic or harm anything you make in it. If it
is something that you feel strongly about then by
all means, seek only the footed kind. However, I
have both a footed and a flat-bottomed cauldron
and use them both regularly without seeing a bit
of difference.
Does it need to come from a witchcraft shop?
Again, ‘no’. It's an important aspect of the magi-
cal community that we give our full support to
witchcraft shops and suppliers, but that is not our
only resource, in this case. If you see one there at
a price you can afford, you should certainly buy it,
but there is no need to buy one expensive but ordi-
nary pot when you could have purchased some of
the many terrific items that can't be found else-
where.
Check resources like camping and cooking supply
businesses for cast iron pots. Several quality pro-
ducers exist and their wares come in a variety of
sizes and styles. If you identify a brand in a store,
look it up on-line to learn more about its origins
and any warnings or suggestions for its use. This
is especially helpful for buying used items.
Choose your cauldron based on the size you’ll
most often need as well as any features that you
find important. A huge pot looks nice, but will
rarely be used. Even one that is a few cups too
large for you will be a waste; the extra space in-
vites you to use too many ingredients in your po-
tions and fill it too full. My "every day" cauldron
holds about 3 cups; my large coven cauldron
holds about 9. This is ample room for use in po-
tion making but also for small contained fires, safe
candle burning, and empowering magical objects.
Maintaining a Magic Cauldron
No matter what you plan to do with your pot, it
will need to be seasoned. Seasoning prevents
damage like rust and pitting from ruining the iron.
A new cauldron will come pre-seasoned; you will
need to do your own right away if you buy a used
one. It's also important to re-season regularly
(once to twice a year) or more often if it sustains
an accident, is scrubbed hard, scratched deeply, or
if you regularly burn items inside. You will know
when it is time to re-season if the inside of your
cauldron looks dull or shows signs of rust.
To season, begin by scrubbing the pot with soap
and water inside and out. Rinse well and dry com-
pletely. Then rub the entire surface of the cast iron
with a thin coat of vegetable shortening. Rub it in
until it is shiny but not caked or showing any
white patches. Place the cauldron upside down on
the rack of a preheated oven set to 200 degrees. If
it has a lid, do the same for it and place beside the
pot but not touching it. Bake your cauldron for 8
hours, then turn off the heat and let everything
cool down with the oven door still closed. Re-
move the cauldron then and inspect it to be sure
your season is smooth and even without any bare
spots. It is now ready for use.
Using Your Cauldron
Because cast iron is strong and thick, you can use
your cauldron for a variety of magical purposes.
It is popular today, especially for apartment dwell-
ers, to use it to substitute for a hearth fire indoors
or a bonfire outdoors. You can use twigs of an ap-
propriate wood and build a regular fire inside the
pot or simply add a flammable alcohol and light.
Alcohol is a good option for indoor rituals and
spells because it creates no smoke and no smell.
Another use is as a secure container for spell can-
dles to burn upon the altar. The cauldron's associa-
tion with transformative magic makes it the per-
fect foundation upon which to arrange items re-
lated to your desire. It's also helpful for storing
your favorite magical tools, crystals, and talis-
mans to keep them charged with energy.
Pouring water into a cauldron creates an ideal sur-
face upon which to practice scrying in the same
way a black mirror or body of water is used. As a
method for contacting deities and other guiding
spirits, viewing remote places, or gaining insights
on the future, the cauldron is useful as a learning
divination tool or just as a portable one.
Making potions, of course, is an obvious use.
Whether suspended over a fire or placed on your
stovetop, a cauldron is the ideal pot for brewing.
Also note the many kinds of magical cakes,
breads, and other sweets that are featured in love
and protection magic. Baking them in a cauldron
adds even greater magic to these already powerful
edible spells.
No matter your practice or your length of years,
the cauldron is a highly versatile tool. Using it can
enrich your magic, strengthen your spells, and fuel
your imagination. If you don't have a cauldron of
your own, now might be the time to begin the
search for this traditional witch's assistant. If you
have a cauldron that is gathering dust upon the
shelf, perhaps today you can take it down, give it
a wash and a new season, and cook up some
magic together.
Molly McHenry
Gill Macdonald Freelance Artist & Tarot Reader Original Artwork for sale. Copyright retained
https://www.facebook.com/Gill-Macdonald-Art-Books
-818756938138513/?__mref=message_bubble
www.tarotandhealing.co.uk
TO DANCE… We welcome two special friends to this edition of the Dolmen Grove Chronicles, husband and wife Bill Staples and
Jolene Kegg. They are Ojibway Indians currently living on the Minnesota Reservation USA. Bill is a traditional and
highly respected Tribal Dancer and Jolene a renowned Bead Crafter. Their love for heritage and the philosophies of
their people are important and passed down to their children, with their 6 year old son William Bobolink Staples who
is named after his great grandfather following the tradition of Bill and has been dancing since he could walk. The
similarities that exist between the ancient tribal heritage of Albion and that of the Native Indians in the U.S.A. are not
so dissimilar, both our cultures reclaim their ancient heritage in many ways, taking pride and giving importance to
the traditions whilst shaping the future. Bill gives a short insight from a philosophers and tribal dancer’s perspective
on the ancient magick of the drum and tribal dance.
Taloch
My name is William Staples although my native name is Biizhiikiinz which
is a translation Little Calf and I am from the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe
Chippewa tribe. Growing up both my father and grandfather taught me many
things.
From a young age my father taught me to respect the drum. In Ojibway
language the drum is called daa’way’ gun and we are taught to show it the
same respect we would show a grandfather because we always have the
utmost respect for him. We take care of it as if the drum was a person. And
we use the drum alongside our singing during powwows and
healings...We sing for healings and also for honouring ceremonies.
I also learned the songs and dances of our tribe, all of which have specific
meanings. The songs I sing are mostly vocal sounds rather than words, but
when I do use words they are not just empty words. They all have to either tell
a story or have a deeper more profound meaning. Most of these lyrical songs
were originally used in ceremonies but these days they are used more at
powwows. The drum the Ojibways use is a small water drum mainly used in
the ceremonies. The Lakota tribe also use the same drum as the Ojibways.
Dancing not only makes me feel good but it also brings happiness to my parents,
grandparents and in fact all my family. When I dance, I am out there dancing for the ones
who have passed on to the spirit world, for the people who cannot dance anymore as well as
for the ones who are sick.
I was taught how to use tobacco as an offering during prayers to show respect
for the creator and that the tobacco we offer will become our beds in the spirit
world. We also offer tobacco in exchange for the gifts of nature such as the
plants and roots we use for both medicine and food. We also use Sweat Lodges
for ceremonial healings. It's a way of cleaning out the negative, or seeking
answers through prayer. Each time we go in we introduce ourselves to the
grandfather and to the sweat lodge. I was told it’s like being reborn. Our bodies
are cleansed along with our mind and spirit.
My role within the tribe is to pass on the knowledge taught to me by my father
and grandfather to the next generation.
William Staples
…IS TO LIVE! My English name is Jolene Kegg although my Ojibwe name is
Anungoquay which translates as Starwoman. I am from the Mille Lacs
band of the Ojibwe Chippewa tribe and the grand-daughter of Maude
Kegg. Maude was my paternal grandmother and she worked at the
Min-nesota State Historical Society at Mille Lacs where she helped
make a huge display depicting the seasonal life of the Ojibwe peoples
which included making most of the crafts that are within the display
herself. She also wrote three books and helped with the translation of
the Ojibwe language.
When I was growing up I would visit my grandmother and I always
remember seeing the dif-ferent craftwork around the house. She lived next door to me so I
saw a lot of her craftwork and I picked how to do it myself either through asking her
questions or watching her work. I guess her beadwork must have fascinated me the most as,
even now that is what I tend to prefer doing.
Hunting has always been a big part of my life and I guess you would
say that I participated in the hunting and gathering aspect of our
culture. Growing up I would tag along with my father who was
always outside either hunting, fishing or gathering wild rice. Often he
would net fish and hunt duck and funnily enough these days I don’t
eat either; I think I must have eaten too much of it growing up. He
would set snares for rabbits in the wintertime and when I was young I
remember we had to hunt for deer. I always remember doing it at
night we called it shining deer which is poaching. The only time we
would go out was when we needed the meat and my mother would
take the hide and tan it and use it for craftwork.
Every Spring I have good memories of attending the Maple Camp. Here we would tap the
Maple trees for the sap which we collected and boiled down to make Maple syrup, Maple
sugar and Maple cakes. I remember that if, while boiling it down, at the right moment you
poured it onto ice or snow it would turn into taffy. The wild rice harvest is another food that I
remember vividly being gathered as a child. My parents would go out at
the break of dawn and then coming home in the evening with 100 of
pounds of wild rice. I also recall the process of making it ready to store
and cook. We would keep what we needed and sell the rest for other food
or clothing or even to pay bills. My father was also a bait dealer and by
catching minnows and leeches to sell to resorts he made good money,
which enabled us to be comfortable. My mother would make various
crafts to sell like beadwork moccasins, birch bark baskets.
Jolene Kegg
WHAT IS THE CROW DANCE?
There seems to be an inner voice that at the most unexpected times can call upon us to review life and
consider varying aspects of the spiritual.
I’ve heard Psychologist refer to it as the God part of the brain.
Regardless of how you personally perceive these moments or what you think it is we cannot deny its
existence.
Personally I think a balanced spirituality helps with life in the physical.
However the mind must continuously seek balance.
“Gaze at the stars but walk on the ground.” - Regardless of what or how deep your spiritual quest be sure
to live your life and don’t waste it waiting and may your path be soft and rewarding in this physical world
as well as your spiritual.
Taloch
To explain the Crow Dance fully would take
some time but I will try and condense it a bit,
In many old traditions the Crow is seen as a
messenger between the varying realms of
existence and very commonly known as the
bird attached to the Goddess Morrigan.
Despite its classic caw it’s a very peaceful bird
that always seems intent on a mission.
Crow Dancers are like the Crow in many ways
for instance they are on a mission, they are also
attached to the feminine aspect of creation or
Goddess Mother and just like the Crow they
too are messengers.
In the tradition and perceptions of the Crow
Dance the Crow is a messenger that serves
between the Crow dancer and the various
spirit realms.
My first mystical and solid connection with the
Crow was in the early 90’s during a meditative
trance, when I saw images of a Shamanic
character dancing in a circle and wearing the
sacred antlered headdress. I saw large stones
like those at Avebury with a host of black
Crows flying above. There were other images
and also audio to my trance dream but despite
all that I felt, I was merely a recipient of
consciousness yet I knew there was a point and
purpose to the experience. For many weeks
afterwards I found my thoughts revisiting the
atmosphere and Images from within the trance.
In fact I did something which is uncommon for
me; I shared the experience with a few
individuals. Doing this reminded me why I
never voiced my findings, however in this case
I did, only to be told that my vision was the
result of an over active imagination or a
moment of insanity.
Funnily enough though, and I would like to be
quite clear about it I didn’t find these
comments insulting, as such judgment by an
individual quite often serves to confirm their
lack of knowledge and experience in this
unique field of interest and stands only as a
warning that if one talks of such fantastic
things amongst those who are unable to
comprehend them, one shall be discredited as a
fool...
So often it is better to be thought a fool than to
open ones mouth and leave no doubt!
Your mind is open and free during meditations
and as a result of this you are likely to see and
even experience a variety of words and images
which more often than not can be placed
together into a story board, but on this
occasion when I came out of the meditation I
knew that this story would become something
more significant. The problem I had with this
was that my understanding of paganism at the
time was that it simply wasn’t ready for the
Crow Dance, having not yet reached the tribal
aspect at least not on mass.
The accepted ritual clothing seemed to be robes
accompanied by very set ways and definite
ideas, where being part of a group, and of
course the right group was of the utmost
importance.
In the midst of paganism finding its place in
today’s society I wanted to add an ingredient
that was not only tribal but incredibly ancient.
I wanted to bring this dancing Shaman of my
communion into the physical world. And as the
Dolmen Grove started to grow and find its
place in the pagan world, I could see it would
become an umbrella for all different paths and
somewhere the Crow Dance could be brought
to life. One of the things that members of the
Dolmen Grove often speak of is their unity.
Their sense of being part of a family, a Clan
and this of course is Tribal, where peoples
paths are uniquely theirs, all are valued equally
and their spiritual freedom is respected.
All in all it has taken about 20years since that
initial vision of the tribal dancer for its affect to
mature, and for me to feel comfortable and
ready within the pagan world for the Crow
Dance to begin. 2015 would be the birth of the
Crow Dance and taught to others as a
shamanic technique used to commune with the
varying realms of existence.
When I released the album Crow Dance a few
years ago it was to pave a way for the Crow
Dancers to come to life in 2015 and so far
everything is working despite a few obstacles,
it’s all on time and the next phase has begun.
I believe that everyone is capable of magick, it
is something that is present within all of us.
The ability to shape and manipulate is
something which humans do very well and the
individuals that work alongside me I feel are
open and able to embrace the concept of the
Crow Dance; their potential to develop an
understanding within the framework make the
journey magickal and all are as both student
and teacher as they explore and share their
message of the Crow Dance.
There are many techniques used throughout
the world to commune with spirits and beings
from beyond this realm, Crow Dance is just
one of these techniques which also has a
purpose. The greater purpose of it, like all
things will I imagine be revealed over time but
for now it is what is achieved by its popularity
and simply by it being available to others.
The most important thing for individuals who
choose to work magickally using Crow Dance
techniques is that they must be open minded
because it is about spiritual freedom. The Crow
Dance is a journey of exploration which goes
beyond traditional ideas and predetermined
concepts.
We have been brought up in a world where we
are bombarded by how we should look, think
and act; handfuls of individuals decide through
the media what we should wear and more
tragically How we should Think.....
Working on the fivefold philosophy which is
the cornerstone of the Dolmen Grove all
human beings are born equal so therefore all
human beings have a natural entitlement to
equal opportunity. With equal opportunity
there is a wisdom which grows from ones deeds
in life. No man, woman or child can ever be
truly free unless they have freedom of choice
and this is something which as a race we have
to work on. Freedom, equality, opportunity
and wisdom are governed by love; because
everything is love.
It is only through the unification of these
positive aspects can there be love and if we
keep that fivefold philosophy in our thoughts
we gain a love of life; understanding that every
moment of life is precious. With that set in our
minds we have the potential to survive as a
species.
Taloch Jameson
https://www.facebook.com/Crow-Dancers-
1022216127812903/?fref=ts
ChILDREN & THE FREEDOM OF THE CROW DANCE
At Tribal Dreams the children performed their interpretation of the Crow Dance ritual. The tribal
freedom that is dormant in so many shone out from our children as they danced and drummed with
painted faces and feathers in their hair. This was not something religious forced upon them it was just
children being themselves, sharing their perspective whilst being free to express their own
individuality.
Part of the Crow Dance philosophy is that in order for us to evolve our consciousness into the future
we have to understand our past – our roots. Both children and adults can gain knowledge,
understanding and wisdom through being allowed to access their tribal nature. Without religious
doctrine or dogma everything flows naturally. This freedom provides a safe environment to grow and
expand the mind while walking one’s own unique spiritual path.
The children’s ritual was centred on the following poem which was specifically written for them by
Diane Narraway
A young girl went out hunting
For a Feather black as night,
So she could perform the crow dance
For her tribe that night.
But not one single feather
Could she find for her hair.
Though she had hunted,
Almost everywhere
So she called to the crow
Asking for a feather for her head
And he said she needed to look,
In the land of the dead.
So she travelled to the place
Where her ancestors did abide,
To find a single feather
A feather black as night.
But no matter how hard she looked
No feather could she find.
So she fell upon the ground
And she began to cry.
Then she heard the sound of beating wings
And the crows cry filled the air,
Then he laid a feather at her feet
As black as night for her hair.
‘Oh crow you are magickal
Benevolent and wise
And I shall dance a dance for you,
Tonight for my tribe.’
And so she danced for the crow,
In fact she danced until she died.
Till she became the Morrighan
That dances by his side.
GB GB121450 8212145082
CROW DANCERS - THE BAND Crow Dancers are an expressed image, brought into being by the physical perception of Crow Dance
philosophy. The music conjures a ritualistic atmosphere spiritually infused with ancient tribal lore.
Kayleigh, famous for her soulful vocals and Bass playing with The Dolmen, shares another side of her
musical talents and dedicates her energies within the Crow Dancers as Lead
Vocalist, Flute and Whistles.
The music is purposefully aimed to conjure a magical atmosphere of ritual on stage that will involve the
audience and share the peaceful philosophies of the Crow Dance.
The right Music can aid our minds to journey un-inhibited to magical realms even those unchartered, and if
a spirit is focused for the right reason the connections will be positive, and as we are influenced by this con-
nection so it is naturally expressed in our everyday life. Love is everything and when we embrace the nature
of this earth we also embrace that of the universe and all life.
Kayleigh Marchant
The Band’s debut album is set for release in March 2016, and will be performing
in the UK at the 2016 ‘3 Wishes Festival’.
Other dates will be announced on the official Crow Dancers web site.
Kayleigh Marchant - Lead Vocalist, Flute and Whistles.
Taloch Jameson -8 String Acoustic, Electric Guitar, Keyboard and Vocals
Josh Elliot -Drums, Keyboard, Whistle and Vocals
KT Glitz -Bass Guitar, Percussion and Vocals
The Book of the great queen… The Morrigan and Morpheus ravenna
Morpheus Ravenna is a spiritual worker, artist, and writer, residing in the San Francisco Bay area. An initi-
ate of the Anderson Feri tradition of witchcraft, she has studied and practiced devotional polytheism and the
magical arts for about twenty years. Her primary spiritual practice is her devotion and dedication to the
Morrígan, within the framework of Celtic heroic spirituality. She co-founded the Coru Cathubodua
Priesthood, a Pagan devotional priesthood dedicated to the Morrígan, and she authors the Shieldmaiden
Blog. Her earlier work at Stone City Pagan Sanctuary helped provide a space for land-based Pagan commu-
nity in northern California, shown in the 2010 documentary "American Mystic." Morpheus makes her living
as a tattoo artist, with a passion for ritual tattoos, folk magic, and tattoo design inspired by historical art and
ancient civilizations. She recognizes tattooing as an initiatory art. An accomplished artist, she continues to
create devotional artworks in a variety of media including oil and watercolour, ink, metalwork, and more.
She also practices medieval armoured combat in the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Morpheus can be reached through her website at
www.bansheearts.com.
http://bansheearts.com/blog/
The Book Reviewed
by John Beckett
The Book
of the Great Queen by Morpheus Ravenna published by Concrescent Press, May 2015
trade paperback: $29.99 484 pages Cover art and illustrations are by Valerie Herron of Mystic
Media
The first part of the book is an exhaustive analysis
of the literary and mythological appearances of
the Morrígan. I’m a Druid and a Celtophile so I’ve
read a lot of these stories. But there are some I
haven’t been able to find, and some that I hadn’t
even heard of. Each one has a summary that
focuses on what it tells us about the Morrígan and
the many ways she was understood by the people
who told these stories. Then the various
Goddesses – or possibly, various names for one
Goddess are examined in depth. Perhaps the most
helpful chapter is the one titled “One, Three, and
Many” which explores the multiple nature of the
Morrígan.
The second part looks at how and where the
Morrígan was worshipped. Individual chapters
examine the land and features of the land
(including temples – yes, the Celts had them, at
least a few), iconography, sacrifice, priesthood,
oracles and divination, sorcery, and her worship in
relation to warriors and battle.
Each section begins with the relevant history and
ends with “Living Practice” – how devotees and
priests of the Morrígan are honouring,
worshipping, and communing with her today. But
a deep, robust Celtic and polytheist practice
involves more than the worship of one Goddess,
even the Great Queen.
The section “The Sovereignty of Spirits” makes a
key point that often gets overlooked in some
Pagan traditions: Polytheism, as a religious
practice of relationship, can only begin when we
recognize and honour the agency and sovereignty
of spiritual beings. Their lives and life force are
not ours to command; their homes, landscapes,
gateways, contexts, and histories are not there for
our pleasure or even for our teaching. They live in
the world as we do, existing for their own
purposes, pursuing their own destinies, in
sovereign relationship to their landscapes and
contexts.
The section on devotion is particularly helpful –
14 pages of things you can do to build a
meaningful spiritual practice. I do most of these,
some daily, others periodically and I can attest to
their effectiveness. The section on priesthood
draws clear differences between the role and
commitment of a priest and that of a non-priestly
devotee, and it points out that priesthood is a path
of service.
The book ends with a statement I think is very
important as we consider a Pagan and polytheist
worldview in contrast to the monotheist
worldview that still dominates our culture.
The reading and study of lore can only take you so
far, and no further. It is up to you now to take
what you may have found of value in this book
and bring it to life in your own practice.
The lore of the Morrígan is complicated and
ambiguous and it does not fit neatly into a simple
dualistic narrative. We have two choices as to how
to deal with this lack of clarity and certainty.
We can examine the texts and declare some canon
and others heresy. We can create elaborate
doctrines to justify our choices. We can use
coercion and outright violence to silence those
who disagree with us. We can create the One True
Way…As followers of other religions have done
many times. Or, we can take the lore for what it is
– the stories of men and women and the
experiences they had in a particular place and
time. We can embrace the ambiguity and let it
remind us to remain humble about what we do and
do not know. We can learn from skilled priests
and then develop our own spiritual practices. We
can stop worrying about thinking and believing
the right things and start doing the right things.
We live in tumultuous times so it is no surprise
that the Morrígan is especially active now.
I have often felt, and have heard others say too,
that the Morrígan is a fitting Goddess for our
times. She holds and teaches the powers and
wisdoms we need to be able to face these choices.
She sees those who are born on this battlefield.
She sees what can rise in us to meet the battle, and
calls that forth from within us. We need strengths
like these. We need the heroic ethos. We need
whatever it is that can grant us the courage to be a
force for justice and right action.
The Morrígan is a fitting Goddess for our times,
and The Book of the Great Queen is the most
complete and thorough guide yet written to
learning about her, honouring her, and taking up
her great work.
Living With The Morrigan … A talk by Morpheus Ravenna centred around her book;
The Book of the Great Queen hosted by Treadwells Books and reviewed by
Seirian Morrighanwitch
Living with the Morrigan' was a well-attended, in
fact sold out event at Treadwells book shop in
London. Morpheus Ravenna spoke about her own
path with the Morrigan during a question and
answer session hosted by founder of Treadwells
Books Christina Oakley Harrington.
The devotion to the Goddess, shown by Morpheus
shone through whilst she spoke, as she answered
questions about how she incorporated her
devotion as part of her life. Amongst other topics
she explained how she first encountered the
Morrigan whist being within the Anderson Feri
tradition. Morpheus pointed out that for someone
who had been brought up in a pacifist
environment the concept of working with a
Goddess who is concerned in part with War and
Sovereignty involved a lot of soul searching and
prayer. And that she finally reconciled this by
deciding that fighting for a cause can also be
viewed as devotional service which is an essential
part of the Anderson Feri tradition.
The Morrigan directed her to take a pilgrimage to
Ireland where she could experience directly the
intrinsic connection between the Goddess and the
land. The book covers the geography of the land
and how it relates back to the ancient verses and
tales about the Morrigan. It is very thorough and
is definitely a book that can be used for reference
as much as entertainment as it is very complex.
It is the culmination of many years of scholarly
study which is reflected in the writing and the
intense research and referencing. As Christina
Oakley Harrington could testified that the original
ancient Irish text and language is a painstaking
task , however Morpheus explained that although
the English translation gives the feel of the texts ,
to use them in ritual and magickal practice the
words themselves form a pattern and much of the
power is contained within their order and rhythm.
This magickal dimension is at the core of the
devotion to the Morrigan and can be used as
chants for daily meditation.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the talk for
me was when Morpheus was concluding her talk
by saying how the Morrigan is awakening and
how many people are hearing her call, all over the
world in, even in areas where the Celtic tradition
is virtually unknown. These are not just aspects of
the Dark Goddess, which are reflected in different
traditions, it is the Morrigan Herself which
Morpheus proposes is the result of an increased
willingness to fight for the land and its
sovereignty. I personally recommend this book for
those who have a serious interest and devotion to
the Morrigan and who wish to explore her call in a
scholarly and in depth manner. It is challenging in
its depths and reading through the original verse
does take some degree of focus, however it is well
worth the energy spent.
And Finally - A word from
the Author Morpheus Ravenna
This book is the culmination of my nearly 20
years of study and practice as a dedicant of the
Morrígan. My intention for the book is to provide
a comprehensive and in-depth look at the
Morrígan as we know her through textual,
historical, and archaeological sources, her role and
cult of worship in ancient Celtic religion, and to
provide guidance for the modern devotional
practitioner drawing on these traditions. The Book
of the Great Queen is published by independent
esoteric publishing house Concrescent Press.
.http://bansheearts.com/projects/the-book-of-the-great-
queen/
The Dolmen
Friday 6th November – Pirates Parley Weekend The Dolmen Pirates Quiz Night
The Belvidere Inn, 34 High West St, Weymouth DT4 8JH
Saturday. 7th November - Pirates Parley Weekend
The Pirates Keep The Golden Lion, 19 St Edmund St, Weymouth DT4 8AR
Sunday 8th November - Pirates Parley Weekend
Dolmen Accoustic The Belvidere Inn,, 34 High W St, Weymouth DT4 8JH
Saturday 14th November - Witchfest International,
Fairfield Halls, Croydon
Sat. 21st November - The Hare & Hounds,
104 Sopwell LaneSt Albans AL1 1RL
Saturday 5th December – The Dolmen Grove Krampus Night, Community Centre, Mill St, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire
PO14 4AB
Saturday 12th December - Midwinterfair Archeon Netherlands
Sunday 13th December - Midwinterfair Archeon Netherlands
Friday 1st January - Winter MPS Dortmund, Germany
Saturday 2nd January - Winter MPS Dortmund, Germany
www.thedolmen.com
Anyone who has ever listened to a Dolmen album or experienced them live in concert can
be left with no doubt that Kayleigh Marchant is both an accomplished bass player and singer.
But few of us fully recognise either the extent of her talent or her versatility. She often plays
pipes or drums, writes some of the most haunting lyrics and has even taken ‘Eliza’; a Tudor
anthem, added her warm captivating vocals and turned it into an iconic tribute to the
Goddess.
Moreover she can swap from singing the beautifully spiritual or emotionally seductive to
raunchy pirate in a heartbeat. Now for the first time The Dolmen bring us a collection of
original tracks sung by Kayleigh Marchant on a debut solo album. The vast majority of songs will, of course be recognised by Dolmen fans but many of them
have been remixed to bring us an album that is, as the title suggests uniquely Kayleigh. On
top of which there are couple of previously unreleased tracks that
are written and performed solely by her. This album is the whole
package that from beginning to end it is beautifully crafted with
the same professional quality that we expect from everything
Dolmen.
So whether you shed a tear to the hauntingly seductive ‘Hush my
Lover’, lose yourself in the enchanting ‘Guide Me’ or can’t help
but smile at the cavalier ‘Dead Cats don’t Miaow’ you will be
entertained.
Kayleigh is an essential for Dolmen fans everywhere and all
those who appreciate quality music at its best. An ethereal
triumph and with her renowned seductive and alluring vocals.
From beginning to end Kayleigh Marchant is quite simply
enchanting!
Diane Narraway Photo by Florian Mull
www,thedolmen.com
Making Magickal Wands
The wand is one of the most important tools on a Witches Altar. We use the wand to
direct energy towards a specific intent. Even though the wand is simply an extension
of ourselves over time it collects and stores our personal energy. Wands are crafted
out of a variety of different kinds of wood according to the Witches specific intention.
Every tree branch that a wand is crafted from will be unique to crafter. The length
of the wand is determined according to the length from your elbow to the tip of
your middle index finger on your dominate hand. Anything longer would be consid-
ered a Blasting Rod and not a wand. Although still used for the exactly same pur-
pose. For a beginner who is just collecting their tools, the best method to finding the
right branch for you is taking a nature walk. Let your wand find you. You will be
drawn to a specific branch I assure you happens every time, it’s the Universe’s way of
saying you are not alone! For now the kind of wood does not matter as much as
what the branch means to you.
NOTE*Always make sure your branch is not living and is already dried and cured.
Also make sure the branch you choose is at least an inch in diameter. This will allow
room for carving.
Before…
And After
Crafting Your Wand!
The first thing I always do is get a hand saw and cut the branch to the correct
length. Remember it’s from your elbow to the tip of your index finger on your domi-
nate hand. Once you have the correct length take a sharp knife (I always use my
pocket knife) and remove all the bark off the future wand.
Once it’s nice and clean look at the branch and see how it flows. See the wand as if
it is already finished. This will give you a general idea of how you want to shape your
wand. Now start carving just like you would whittle on a stick when you were a kid.
Take away all the wood that is not going to be your wand. Once you get the general
shape you are looking for it is time to sand your wand. This process always takes the
longest but drastically changes the appearance of how the finished product will look.
It’s important to at least sand your wand in two-three stages using different grades
of sand paper. I always start with something quite coarse. This will takes a lot of
wood away and gives you that final shape. Once I have the shape desired I then work
with a medium grade sand paper which allows the splinters and jagged edges to di-
minish and it begins to have a polished look. This stage is fairly time consuming but
well worth it. The next grade I use is the final stage, fine sand paper. This is for pol-
ishing your wand before you oil it. Always take your time with sand paper. The more
you sand the more beautiful your wand will be.
Oiling Your Wand!
I always use 100% virgin olive oil when oiling all my wands. However grape seed oil
and almond oil are also great options. Basically just get a rag, dip it in the oil and
rub it into your wand. It will take several days before the wand fully absorbs the oil
but just keep oiling it until the wood rejects the oil. That means the wood fibers are
full and cannot hold any more oil. Let your wand sit for several days then take a dry
cloth and polish it. You will be astonished at the results.
Note* I always activate my wands by adding one drop of blood to the butt of it. This
adds your D.N.A. and is like putting your personal signature to all your future Magick
performed with the wand!
List of My favorite Wands and their Meanings
Willow- (Water Element) Willow is a magickal and all round wand. It is used for
healing, prosperity and anything relating to psychic visions and dreams! All in all
awesome wand!
Oak- (Fire Element) Oak is a masculine wood and amazing for protection and cast-
ing circles. It is also great for any sun magick. In Nordic Mythology oak was consid-
ered Thor’s tree. It was the tallest therefore the most often hit by lightning.
Cedar- (Earth Element) Cedar has been used for thousands of years to construct
temples and build religious items. It is an amazing wand for purifying, creating sa-
cred space, cleansing and blessing. A must have for my personal collection!
Hickory – (Fire Element) is known for its unique flavor when smoking meat and its
density. It is often used in darker magick because it was the wood of choice, used by
our ancient ancestors to cook the sacrificial meat offered to the gods during ritual.
All in all it’s a great wand for binding, banishing and hexing!
Maple- (Earth Element) Maple is a hardwood and is very sought after here in the
United States for its sweet sap inside. Maple syrup! This wand is great for matters of
love or just connected to friendship! One wand even a beginner cannot go wrong
with.
*In conclusion wand crafting not only is fun but an awesome way for us Pagans to
connect with nature and the elements. By all means there are other ways to make
wands I just find that this way works best for me! I hope you have all enjoyed this
article and have as much fun making wands as I have.
Blessed Be to all Bryant Pinnix
Two years ago I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to write an article on the Museum of
Witchcraft, now two years later the museum has changed hands and I returned to see what changes if any
had been made.
On the outside there are some new signs and the Museum of Witchcraft is now the Museum of Witchcraft
and Magic which is possibly a more accurate title as folk magic, a significant part of our magical heritage
was not necessarily considered witchcraft. There is also a small herb garden outside giving it that ‘Kitchen
witch’ feel on arrival.
These changes while improving the outside aren’t overwhelming but inside the changes are more dramatic.
Upon entering the museum the first display is of Cecil Williamson, the founder of the museum, the intention
is to provide useful and relevant information on the founder as his name occurs throughout in connection
with many of the other displays.
Likewise the ‘Witches’ display cabinet which features a wide range of images and artefacts from Disney to
Goya is now an exclusive media portrayal of witches both ancient and modern. This now includes an
original Goya etching of the witches.
The persecution section too has become more organised providing a comprehensive portrayal of the
persecution of witches throughout history, including the 16th century Daemonologie published by King
James alongside instruments of torture including the Scold’s Bridle and Ducking Stool. For those who
practice witchcraft today it is as chilling as it is informative, offering an insight into a dark period in our
history.
Upstairs the Goddess, Green Man and Satanism/Luciferian sections have also been better organised, with
more appropriate backgrounds affording better overall understanding of the artefacts and what they
represent.
Probably the most dramatic changes are the removal of a replica of a stone circle to make way for a modern
exhibition space allowing for continued variety within the museum. The first of which was an exhibition by
artist Joseph A Smith, best known for his illustrations in the book ‘Witches’ by Erica Jong. This was
intended to be the first of many and although this one has now ended next year promises to be just as
interesting. An exhibition on Halloween which will run from March – November 2016.
Alongside this is another interesting update, having spent years reciting the same charms the Wise Woman
in Joan’s Cottage is not only getting a few new spells and charms but some of these will be spoken in the
original Cornish language. The new spells and charms were collected by Levannah Morgan and are recited
by Cassandra Latham and featured the West Country accents of Elaine. There will be a CD of the charms
(all collected in the 19th century) together with music, plus a mini-booklet, available from the Museum shop
next year.
Another and I feel the most significant change is the introduction of ‘Candlelit Evenings’, I say this because
even modern witchcraft rituals whether Pagan, Christian or otherwise are nearly always accompanied by
candlelight. Light a few candles and the whole atmosphere changes because however impressive as the wise
woman sat at her table reciting spells in old Cornish might be, she will be a whole lot more so by
candlelight.
Most if not all of the displays housed within the museum would have at some point have been used by
candlelight or flaming torch light making this the best way to visit it.
It had been my original intention to provide a review to Joyce Froome's book on the Pendle witches 'Wicked
Enchantments' which is a fabulous insight into the Pendle witch trials and the magic being practiced at the
time. However it is not due to be reprinted until next year so in the meantime I asked what books the
museum would currently recommend, as these days there is a much larger selection on offer in the Museum
shop.
Current recommendation:-'Between the Realms: Cornish Myth & Magic' by Cheryl Straffon (Troy Books).
I would like to add to that list ‘Cornish Tales’ by Eric Quayle and illustrated by Michael Foreman.
Last time I visited I asked Graham, if he could have any piece in the museum what would it be? This time I
asked the same question of Co – managers Peter Hewitt and Judith and received a similar, but longer reply
from Judith; an original Goddess statue, John Dee’s scrying mirror, original written charms of the ‘Cunning
Folk’, the original Gundestrup Cauldron, in fact the list is probably as endless as it has ever been although
Peter agreed that if the British Museum wanted to donate Dr John Dee’s scrying mirror he wouldn’t say no!
And when posed the question of what piece in the museum would you most like to own? Judith’s answer
remains identical to Graham King with no hesitation whatsoever …Cecil Williamsons scrying mirror! Peter
however hastened to point out there are so many great objects, but that he does love the moles feet - worn as
a charm against cramp and toothache. Although there is also a recently acquired a beautiful silver figure of
Selene (Greek moon goddess) that dates to around 150 AD which will be displayed in a new Goddess
display next year.
Like many of today’s witches the museum has held a special place in my heart ever since I first went there
in the 70's as a teenager, although the displays these days are very different to back then I was impressed by
the changes finding it better organised, aesthetically more pleasing, with plans for the future and a vision of
what it can be. The museum doesn’t just appeal to witches because regardless of age or path; magic and
witchcraft appeal to all those who are fascinated by its secrets, mystery and even the tragedy, all of which
are brought to life at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
Diane Narraway
For further information on
museum visit;
http://www.museumofwitchcraft.com
https://www.facebook.com/museumofwitchcraft/?fref=photo
Dolmen Grove Cornwall Moot - Samhain Ritual.
Ritual Items:
One Black and One White Candle
Incense Burner
Blowing Horn
Opening:
The Space is warded with the Hammer Rite. A Blowing Horn is blown three times.
And the Need Fire is lit.
Focus:
“At This Time of Year, As the Veil Between our Worlds is at its Thinnest,
We can Travel more easily between the Worlds of the Living and of the Dead…
This Fire Light Represents the Living…
This Smoke Represents The Veil… (A veil of smoke is made by walking thrice
About the circle with the incense burner)
And The Darkness Beyond is The World of the Dead…
This is where we are to be Tonight…”
All:
A Processional Rune Chant is performed around the Fire with Drumming.
Invocations:
“Hail to our ancestors, both known and unknown, to those of our line going back to
the beginning,
Alfar and Disir!
Hail to those that guide us and protect us, we thank you for your wisdom and
Knowledge”
“Hail Odin,
God of Knowledge, Wanderer, Raven God, Allfather,
You travel the worlds seeking to know more, spiritually sacrificing and sharing,
We owe you much for all these things, mighty god of Runes, help us to gain a
Deeper level of connection with our ancestors of the past,
That we may grow and our knowledge may increase
Hail Odin!”
“Hail Hela,
Keeper of the dead, half living one, Loki’s daughter, we honour you this night.
Over the resounding bridge we travel, seeress at the eastern gate,
Share with us the wisdom of ages, from the realm of deep subconscious,
At the roots of all the world’s, in the world of misty darkness,
You tend the old and sick, may our ancestors rest in peace,
In Hela’s halls, long may they feast
Hail Hela!”
Meditation:
“As Odin often travelled between the worlds, seeking the wisdom of the dead, we too must seek out the
knowledge of our ancestors, for at this time itis more accessible to us than ever!”
(All join hands and close your eyes)
“Concentrate on a loved one who has passed………ask them a question………
See them, feel their presence here…….now we travel………”
“Into the darkness descend,
To the depths of the worlds we wend
Dimly lit shadows unfold,
A candlelit cavern behold
The goddess Hela doth dwell,
Here in this dank misty well
Standing before the waters of old,
You gaze deep into the abyss of your soul
Dark pools ripple with energies untold,
Spilling forth as it twists and groans
Ethereal tones, rebound off the stones
Bowers of gold and silver abound,
Crystals glisten, and fates spin around
Thru the mists, visions transpire,
Muse a while, upon your desire
Emerging now into the night,
Ancestors shimmer, reborn in our light. “
(Come back to the now, inhale, exhale, come back to the now and open your eyes)
Blessing of the cake and mead to share (offering).
The Rune Bowl is now passed around, each person chooses a Rune.
“Now is the time to give thanks for all that our Ancestors have given, and to honour the wisdom of the dead,
may their knowledge continue to enhance our lives
Hail! To the ancestors of all!”
(Each person steps forward and places an offering into the fire)
“Ancestors honoured, blessed is the ground
Our work here is done til’ next samhain comes around
May the gods watch over us always
Hail and farewell!”
Karen Cooper
https://www.facebook.com/groups/460165050682366/?fref=ts
Dolmen Grove Essex Moot Samhain Ritual
Samhain is a time to take stock of the past and plan the future; a time also to honour the past while looking
forward. A time of loss, love and remembrance mingled with hope.
This year, the Essex Moot will hold a circle to celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us. We will
give thanks to our ancestors for the skills they pass down to us, grateful that they prevailed and survived. We
remember that we exist as a result of their lives, loves, the sacrifices and choices they made.
The altar will be set up on the day. On it will be placed statues of the Goddess and the God to represent bal-
ance, as well as symbolic representations of the elements of life and creation; Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
There will also be Sprigs of Rosemary for remembrance.
We'll start by smudging everyone as they come in the room and as the ceremony begins we burn sage to
cleanse the area before inviting our ancestors to join us
This will be followed by a drumming circle to raise energies as we chant ‘We Are the Flow’.
All moot members will then be invited to place on the altar photographs of those who have passed or other
small objects of significance to represent them. We do this so that the ancestors we wish to honour have a
physical representation within the ceremony. Due to the flammable nature of some of these items and the
restrictions in place where our ceremony takes place, tea light candles are used within lanterns.
Then we open a circle by linking our energies and visualising the circle. I invite our ancestors to witness our
celebrations in their honour and talk about how we exist as a product of thousands of years of love and we
are here because of the ability of our ancestors to survive and overcome obstacles.
We give thanks to them for that and because this is a time when the veils are thinnest we will honour the
spirit of the crow that walks beside the Morrigan. This shall be done by the following words.
In a cloud of black feathers Crow descended into the World.
Oh Crow, for thou art surely the colour of the Void;
the colour of Creation Crow, who gives the gift of Light; of Fire in the Head.
Crow the Trickster, who sits on the shoulder of the the Great Faery Fool, Amandán Már, at the Crossroads to the Un-
derworld.
Carrion Crow, who rejoiced for battle when the Triple Morrigu enchanted a mist to shroud the war ships of the Tuatha
de Danann.
Oh Crow, ever faithful companion of The Morrigan but also of Lugh, “Raven of the Sun” Teacher of Arts and Sci-
ences.
Crow, known to the ancients to speed across the Earth as “Thought” and “Mind”; this alone, the Key to his greatest of
Mysteries.
Oh Crow, who at the beginning of Time and Time Forever, stands on the rim of Cerridwen’s ceaselessly bubbling
Cauldron.
As Death-in-Life. As Life-in-Death. Crow, the Source of Self; the Messenger between the worlds.
“Listen”, says Crow, as his Round Dance weaves the world into being, “Who isn’t dancing is in the dark." Father
Crow. All is all. Father Crow, Gentle Crow, Gentle Soul.
We pass around a sprig of rosemary for remembrance around the circle and each take turns to talk about or give thanks
to our ancestors.
Then we share food and drink. During the ceremony Frankincense is burned because the ceremony can be
emotional for participants and Frankincense is soothing and clarifying. To close the circle there is drumming
and singing, depending on how emotional we all are.
At the end of the ceremony we close the circle down and burn cedar in the cauldron to clear the space.
Toni Glitz
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot/?fref=t
Wicca
…Unity or PUrity ?
Many people in the pagan community do not refer to
their chosen path as a religion, if pressed for a descrip-
tion they might suggest belief system, or simply
"path". The reasons for this stem from bad experiences
many have had with established religions. The poor
reputation mainstream religions have built up over the
centuries, with abuse of power, excesses in wealth, and
intolerance to anyone who disagreed with their views.
This excessive intolerance extended to what many of
us would consider minor differences in emphasis, or
slight variations in practice. These disputes within the
main world religions themselves have led to persecu-
tion, ethnic cleansing, murder, and war, scarring our
history with bitter religious disputes that continue to
this day. To a Wiccan it is hard to understand the ha-
tred between some denominations of Christianity or Is-
lam; as to us they look remarkably similar. To insiders
the minor differences are of key importance, enough to
completely overlook the massive similarities.
Understandably Wiccans do not want to associate
themselves with this unwanted baggage from these
very different systems, even to the extent of avoiding
the word "religion" to describe their own beliefs. But
purely avoiding the tainted word "religion" does not
mean that Wicca could not fall victim to the same
problems. Over the past few decades there have been
many Witch Wars, fortunately only fought with words,
but they were still bitter intense disputes. The Alexan-
drians suffered the wrath of the established Gardnerian
tradition, who firmly believed that they were the only
true form of Wicca. If this sounds worryingly similar
to disputes in other religions that is because it is. Most
of these inter-tradition disputes have been settled and
mostly forgotten, with mutual recognition and co-oper-
ation between the different traditions.
The new issue within Wicca is the seemingly unstop-
pable rise in popularity of Solitary Wicca. Since it be-
gan in the USA with the publication of Scott Cunning-
ham's book "Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practi-
tioner" solitary Wiccans have grown in numbers at an
incredible rate, with the book selling more than
400,000 copies worldwide in the process.
Wicca started as a lineage based initiatory mystery re-
ligion, effectively meaning that the only way to be-
come Wiccan was to join a coven and be initiated by
them. The appearance of the self initiated Solitary
Wiccan broke this restriction completely; the only
thing you needed was that single paperback book to
get started on your Wiccan path. This led to resent-
ment and condemnation from the established Wiccan
traditions, which felt this new version, was not actually
Wicca at all. Fears of the potential damage to their
hard won reputation by untrained and inexperienced
new Solitary Wiccans made the situation worse. The
reality of the situation now is that solitaries are here to
stay and it would be impossible to prevent them calling
themselves Wiccan, so it is a futile conflict. While the
initial hostile reaction has calmed down, there are still
those traditional Wiccans who firmly believe unless
you have been initiated into a coven you are not Wic-
can.
It should be remembered where we started in this arti-
cle with minor differences completely obscuring mas-
sive similarities, and this is true of the solitary vs. tra-
ditional coven system as well. Solitary Wicca is a di-
rect descendent of the beliefs and practices originally
created by Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente for
their coven based religion. Almost all the ideas from
the original have been incorporated into the newer ver-
sion, with the one notable exception of lineage back to
the founders through initiation within a coven. If we
have learnt anything from the mistakes of the past, and
truly want to avoid the terrible errors made by other re-
ligions, we should be more tolerant and inclusive. That
would mean an end to any suggestion that a solitary
was not a "real" Wiccan, and hopefully more social
contact too. The advantage of more tolerance would be
much stronger Wiccan unity, encouraging further
growth and progress.
We are fortunate that we are not a religion of the book,
so we can change if we really want to, even if it is
painful on occasions. Embracing positive change
makes Wicca more vibrant and much more relevant to
today's world, something the religions of the book con-
stantly struggle with. On the other side of the coin and
dismissing solitaries as not Wiccan, would set an un-
healthy precedent and risk Wicca becoming frozen in
time, always looking back to the 1950s, something we
should avoid at all costs. Like all pagan paths Wiccans
are free thinkers, so carefully consider condemning
others, and value unity over purity.
Merlyn from Children of Artemis
www.witchcraft.org/
http://www.facebook.com/childrenofartemis?__mref=message_bubble
TOTEM ANIMALS – THE HEDGEHOG
The Hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, scuttling over lawns
and through hedges searching for food whilst most of us
sleep; they prefer the night-time, the darkness brings peace,
still and quiet. This is often seen in the people that have a
Hedgehog as a totem animal or spirit guide; the people that
are nocturnal beings, much preferring the night to day and
Photo by Lars Karlsson is linked to the shadows, prophetic dreaming and visions.
As a person, those who the Hedgehog has chosen tend to be gentle, the care-givers, the wise and
graceful person that many turn to for advice because of their humility and maturity. These are the
people whose presence is always noticeable but in the most subtle of ways, the people whose
words are listened to and taken wisely, the beings that love the outdoors and outdoor space or
gardens that they can tend to and nurture, often amateur gardeners and horticulturists and highly
intuitive in regards to the weather. It is noted that many people who have the Hedgehog as their
totem animal are very perceptive in weather forecasting and usually always know when it will
rain, even when the current weather gives no indication of it.
The Hedgehog shows us how to do our best to enjoy the life we lead; it is a symbol of fertility and
is connected to the Mother Earth and the Goddess and both of their energies; you can call upon
the Hedgehog to connect to these energies as and when needed. When we are drawn to the
Hedgehog, literally or in pictorial form, it is telling us that now is a good time to retreat and take
care of ourselves, to make time to refresh and heal our body, mind and spirit. It can also be making
us aware that we should follow our instinctive curiosity, to follow our hopes and dreams.
The Hedgehog has a fantastic defence mechanism, when threatened, it will quickly curl into a
small prickly ball, and if this wasn’t enough, the Hedgehog is also resistant to snakes bites and
their venom, a perfect defence tactic against predators. Symbolically, curling into a tight ball is
seen to mirror the foetal position, further connecting it to the Mother Goddess and fertility and
can be seen in the person who knows how to look after themselves, the person that although
gentle and humble, is more than capable of building strong barriers to ensure they will not be
beaten down or defeated.
Additional Associations
Perception
Protection
Intelligence
Tenacity
Wisdom
Intuition
Cheryl Waldron
Godless... The new Novel by Rachel Summers
Marked by a madman on a killing spree, a young girl relates the sordid tale of a convent possession from the confines of her room in a mental health institution. Why? She was asked by the Devil. She sets the stage in seventeenth century France, where a priest was burned for witchcraft, namely for causing the possession of the local Ursuline sisters. Was this alleged possession and its treatment so different from the experiences of our narrator at the hands of modern psychiatry? Not in the mind of the patient where the witch hunter and the doctor become one.
Rachel Summers takes a questionable chapter in the history of the Church and turns it upside-down in the hopes that a different angle will reveal a different past. Part Two of the Mission Maligned series, Godless is a tale of the ‘Other’ in confrontation with society. Summers tasted this confrontation first-hand inside the Ivory Tower where she received degrees in History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.
About the Author
A Ph.D. shelved in lieu of research inverted, the work of Rachel Summers is what some have called a journey into antinomian mysteriosophy, where socially sanctioned morality is turned on its head in order to shake out just a few drops of enlightenment. Summers holds degrees in History, Comparative Religions, English Literature, and Philosophy, all centered on heresy and magic in the late
medieval era. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1517755581?keywords=godless+summers+books&qid=1446133357&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
The Seelie and Unseelie Court Faeries -- and Us !!!
Image – Daniel Matisse
Faerie is of course a rather broad term, and
analogous entities populate history and traditions
cross-culturally, but one of the most notable
subsets, and the most common in the Western
world are those deriving directly from Celtic
traditions. Even within the greater conception of
Celtic faeries there are distinct sociological
differences remarked upon between Insular Celtic
(deriving from the British Isles) and the Celtic
faeries of Continental Europe, and even
pronounced variations between Irish and Scottish
understanding of faeries. The bulk of literature on
Celtic faeriedom has them regarding humans
ambivalently or with an eye towards our
entertainment value with occasional
considerations given towards our potential labor
services. This is to say, the greater part of our
understanding of faeries across the centuries has
revolved around their role as tricksters, or a
parallel and complex civilization with often
inscrutable, but rarely malicious motivations.
The origin of the hypothesis that a sharp division
exists in faerie society with regards to human rela-
tions emerged specifically from Scottish faerie-
lore, which propounded the idea of the Seelie and
Unseelie Courts. This seems to be an aberration in
Celtic faerie lore considering the wide range of
complementary appellations applied to faeries
from
“The Good People” to “The Fair Folk”. The lin-
guistic derivation of the terms “seelie” and
“unseelie” seem to be from Old English sael
(loosely translated as happy) and gesaelig
(unhappy), and more commonly interpreted as a
monarchical association divided into independent
factions of “light” and “dark” faeries.
“The seelie court were kind, courteous, and
charitable to the aged, the poor, and the afflicted,
to whom they gave gifts suited to their
necessities…The unseelie court, on the other
hand, stole the goods from those who offended
them and killed their cattle by elf-shot which was
occasionally found on the moors or turns up in the
fields now-a-days, but which science ruthlessly
asserts to be the arrow-heads of our prehistoric
ancestors. They entertained a particular dislike
against those who wore clothing of a green col-
our. To this cause the Highlanders ascribed the
death of Viscount Dundee at Killiecrankie. But
their most wicked prank of all was the carrying
away of handsome unbaptized children from the
side of the lying-in mother, substituting their own
loathsome and sickly progeny in their stead”
(Buchan, 1873, pxviii).
More extreme interpretations
of the Unseelie Court attitudes were that no of-
fense need even be given to incur their wrath.
“The ‘wicked witches’
of Fairydom were always ready to inflict skaith or
damage upon
mankind. They
shaved people with
loathsome razors,
eradicating every
vestige of whiskers
and beard. When
any one, in a fit of
temper, commended
himself to the
Devil, ‘the unseelie
court,’ took the
speaker at his
word; they
transported him
into the air on a
dark cloud, and
consumed him to
charcoal.
. Image - Wellcome Library,
They abstracted the household goods of those who
offended them, destroyed their cattle by small
flints, or elf-shot” (Roger, 1869, p235).
Why such a sharp divide in faerie culture
regarding the treatment of humanity or why such
malign inclinations should exist has never been
adequately explained. The heavy influence of
Teutonic culture on the Scottish Gaelic traditions
has been proposed as the source of the concept,
since one of the few related parallels is the
Norse/Germanic idea that there are light and dark
elves (Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar), but curiously the
“dark” inclinations of the Dökkálfar are more
closely related to their subterranean nature, rather
than a clear conception that they were evil.
“The third kind of inferior Deities which the
heathen Northmen worshiped was the Elves (Alfr,
a spirit; plur. Alfar). The belief in them rests
wholly upon the Asa doctrine, which represents
the Elves as the inhabitants of that region of the
atmosphere nearest to the Earth's surface, and of
the interior of the Earth. The former were called
properly, Light-Elves (Ljosalfar), the latter, Dark-
Elves (Dokkalfar); but the two classes were
blended together at an early period in the popular
faith, and it appears to have been a very general
belief that the Earthly Elves were neither black
nor evil. It was thought that in their whole nature
and appearance they were like men, and that they
had their dwellings in mounds. They showed
themselves occasionally and were thought to have
power to do both good and evil to the people who
lived in their vicinity. Therefore men sought to
gain their friendship by sacrifices (Alfablot) and
by services, whenever the Elves might demand
them” (Keyser, 1854, p193-194). .
Image
John Henry Fuseli
While the classification scheme seems to have
been preserved in its transposition to Scottish
faeriedom, the reason
Unseelie faeries hate
humans is still
somewhat ambiguous,
but it may have
discernible roots in the
blending of Scottish,
Teutonic, and later
Goidelic Celt accounts
of the origins and final Image – H.R. Millar disposition of the
Tuatha
Dé Danann in Ireland
The Tuatha Dé Danann (the Tribe of Danu) were
considered to be simply another (although gifted
with supernatural powers) invading people that
were the last in a long string of invaders of the
sparsely populated Ireland, culminating in Gaelic
invasions from continental Europe that ultimately
resulted in the Ireland we see today. The 11th
Century A.D. Lebor Gabála Érenn “The Book of
the Taking of Ireland” (or more colloquially, “The
Book of Invasions”) appeared to have been
heavily influenced by earlier Medieval works for
much of its source material (both Pagan and
Christian) and makes one thing abundantly clear –
the Gaels (a Celtic-speaking ethnic group that
includes Scots, and whom we typically associate
with the modern Irish), were relative latecomers to
the Emerald Isle, mythologically preceded by the
monstrous Fomorians, Nemedians, Fir Bolg, and
Tuatha Dé Danann, the earlier residents of an
Ireland that had been occupied since roughly 8000
B.C. In essence, the Fomorians were stomped on
by the Nemedians, and subsequently the
Nemedians and Fomorians were knocked about by
the Fir Bolg (thought to be the last non-Celt
invaders of Ireland, and interestingly given the
dark/light elf correspondences in Teutonic
mythology, have been thought to represent a series
of seaborne invasions of Gallo-Germanic tribes).
The Tuatha Dé Danann are associated with the
remnants of the Nemedians that survived the Fir
Bolg, although many scholars, viewing the entire
proto-history through a Christian filter (since
monks have a lot of free time, and they were the
one’s busy writing all this down) suggested that
the Tuatha Dé Danann were simply the last
vestiges of the main deities of pre-Christian
Gaelic Ireland.
The Tuatha Dé Danann essentially formed the ba-
sis for much of the Celtic faerie mythology, but
their history is decidedly unpleasant, and in the
culmination of the taking of Ireland by Goidelic
Celts invading from Northern Spain and Portugal,
we may find the source of Unseelie Court resent-
ment towards humans. In the First Battle of Magh
Tuireadh, the Tuatha Dé Danann are said to have
defeated the Fir Bolg, followed by the Second
Battle of Magh Tuireadh, where they are said to
have similarly bested the remaining Fomorians.
Having established supremacy in Ireland, the Tu-
atha Dé Danann were then forced to face the in-
vading Milesians (the Goidelic Celts). The Mile-
sians (who we can presume to represent the hu-
mans that inherited Ireland and became the mod-
ern Irish in this grand epic) defeated the Tuatha
Dé Danann, forcing them to accept an unfair divi-
sion of Ireland, the Milesians allotting the surface
to themselves, and driving the Tuatha Dé Danann
underground. It seems rather likely that this
would breed resentment, or even homicidal misan-
thropy for those faeries that might already be dis-
inclined towards humanity.
We tend to regard monstrosity as it relates to man-
kind as an irrational act, puzzling over why our
good looks and charm have not won over those
things that go bump in the night. Perhaps it is our
designation of such otherworldy critters itself that
reeks of offense. After all, as observed by Laini
Taylor, “It is a condition of monsters that they do
not perceive themselves as such. The dragon, you
know, hunkered in the village devouring maidens,
heard the townsfolk cry ‘Monster!’ and looked be-
hind him.” Reflect on this as the children choose
their monster masks for Halloween (which if I
were a monster, I would regard as rather rude),
and consider that one need simply scratch the sur-
face of folklore to determine that the goblins,
trolls, ogres, and Unseelie faeries that inhabit the
margins of our universe may justifiably have a
bone to pick with us.
Aaron Dabbah
References
Buchan, Patrick. Legends of the North: The Guidman Oʹ Inglismill And
The Fairy Bride. Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1873. Keyser, Rudolph, 1803-1864. The Religion of the Northmen. New York:
C.B. Norton, 1854. Rogers, Charles, 1825-1890. Scotland, Social And Domestic: Memorials
of Life And Manners In North Britain. London: Printed for the Grampian
Club, 1869.
Image - Harry George Theaker
Magik for L ife…Bringing the Sunshine
The potential for magik is everywhere; it is inside
us and outside of us. Magik is the transformation
of one energy into another. Energy is an invisible
vibration that influences the human mind from
which matter is created and formed.
With a little imagination and a smidgen of
contemplation we can enhance that power and use
it for our own bidding. Magik is the act of calling
on the forces from Above and Below. From Above
we discover the energy from the planets and stars
and Below is the realm of Mother Earth herself.
To marry the two forces we create an inner energy
of intent as a temple for the reaction to take place.
To attract the two forces Intent is first formed
inside us; any condition can be transformed with
the right intent. Whatever the
wish it is important to
visualize the outcome that
will become the foundation of
your own inner energy
awakening. It is the intent
(noun – any purpose or
intention); the most important
part of the magik.
My intent right now is to
change the weather. To
transform the rain into
sunshine. I imagine the Sun in all his glory,
bathing nature in light and warmth. Everything on
Earth bows down to the Sun; the Son of the
Cosmic Mind.
The intent begins to vibrate in the upper stomach,
around where the solar plexus is born out of
passion and instinct. It infuses itself with
imaginations of cloudless blue skies emblazoned
with the radiance of our life giving star.
While the intent is forming it is time to call on the
forces of above (the heavens) and below (the
earth) to assist and witness the magic I wish to
achieve. The heavens is the spiritual realm of the
gods and nurturing realm of the goddesses who
listen to human prayers, spells and wishes, and if
properly acknowledged, they are only too happy
to help out.
I find the goddess most helpful in my quest for
expanding my view of the spirit world. Sometimes
the triple moon goddess of the Celtic world,
sometimes Lakshmi simply because she always
seems to respond to my requests. Mostly it is just
the goddess; an un-named live giving, caring
feminine aspect.
I see the spiritual realm as a Patriarchal world
where the gods work on the creation of new
universes, while the goddesses nurture and
maintain them; running the affairs of humanity.
The gods went to work while the goddess stays
nearby to nurture nature (which includes
humanity). The Goddess will hear your request
without judgement and pass it on to a god to
perform the transformation. The goddess cannot
directly interfere with change; she can only
influence a god to create an
opening in the material world
for things to change.
Planetary influences
including the Sun, invisible
colours of light are drawn
down by the call of the intent
patiently growing inside as
the vibration increases. The
goddess and cosmic spirits
have heard your call. They
are with you. They are you!
Being of the Earth it is only natural that for
anything to happen here, she has to accept it to be
able to put into position the circumstances to
allow the change to take place. It is in her time
that the event will play out so it is only polite to
invite her energy to the party.
The Mother Goddess arrives in the form of the
four directions and elements. The elemental spirits
which include animals and mythical creatures love
a good party and only too happy to represent the
Goddess on Earth.
When everything is in place and the intent is ready
it welcomes both energies from above and below
to join it and share themselves to become a single
vibrating mass of energy in the solar plexus.
Sometimes a wand is used or athame (ceremonial
knife) is preferred to focus the magic energy from
within to without; the important thing is to believe
the power of the intent as it rises up through your
body. Experience the radiance as it passes up
through the heart to the shoulders and up through
the raised arms and released towards the spirit
realm where all the events that occur on Earth are
first played out.
Once the magik has been expelled and passed on
to the goddess to carry back to the Upper world it
is necessary to ground yourself by simply feeling
the earth with a bare hand. Any excess energy not
used is released and given to Gaia (mother earth)
who in turn returns any energy that was lost by
you during the ritual. All the deities and spirits
that helped are thanked and sent back to their own
realms.
Shortly after I finish writing this, the grey clouds
parted to allow the Sun and blue sky to look down
over Portland. It only lasted for a short while
before the grey clouds encroached and it began to
rain again. It was just as the weather forecast had
predicted for the day.
Scott Irvine
All photography in this article is by Irvine images
The
DOLMEN'S PIRATE PARLAY WEEKEND
6TH - 8TH NOVEMBER 2015.
The Dolmen's 'Parlay' is designed to be an end of season get-together for members of the Pirate re-
enacting brethren and their wenches. A wind down, or wind up, depending on how much grog gets sunk, after a long season's battling. One re-enactment crew is even sailing in from MALTA
for the event!
Set in the old Dorset seaport of Weymouth, itself no stranger to the 'activities' of those 'gentlemen
of the sea' and their enterprising 'cousins', the smugglers, those attending will be in a veritable Piratical wonderland of the very best Pirate mu-sic (no less than three gigs by top UK & Euro-
pean Pirate band, The Dolmen) one of which will be the Infamous Pirates' Keep', at the Golden
Lion on Saturday 7th November!
The night before, Friday 6th November will wel-come the crews to the Weymouth Old Town Hall whereupon, they will take a short trip just down the road to Weymouth's newest and refurbished music venue The Belvedere where a night of pi-
ratical shenanigans awaits including the Dolmen
Pirate Savvy Quiz Night.
Midday on Saturday will be taken up with a se-ries of duels, the reasons for which were spawned
the night before as the grog took hold and the parlay got strained! Lots will be drawn to see
who fights who... in the 'High Noon 'Ave Some'! Pirates will fight it out, one on one, until a Pi-rate King is crowned. This will be followed by
the Pirates Parade which will leave the Belvedere at around 2pm and snake its way through the
town, led by the Dolmen Drummers.
The evening will be the pinnacle of the weekend with The Pirates' Keep, a gathering of the pirate family and others, where stirring true tales are told of long ago. Tales of the Golden Age of Pi-
racy, in between some awesome Pirate songs from The Dolmen. The second half of the evening up
until 1am will be a full on Dolmen gig, playfully known as 'The Riot Set'!
Sunday 8th November will see any survivors
dragging their abused carcasses once more along the road to the Belvedere for a Survivors' Jam
Session, 'The Pirates Preserve' where anyone can get up and sing a song and The Dolmen will once again be the masters of ceremony. The Landlord
has also promised a pig roast, so at least the crew will go away with something more than just rum
and ales inside them. The Dolmen…Where Music & History Merge ...
and Magick is Born!
Mark Vine
Aromatherapy
If you are new to Aromatherapy or have not read
previous articles on this then an insight to it is: -
Aromatherapy is the use of organic essences extracted from aromatic plants for healing and maintenance of vitality.
It may help minor ailments, keep us fit whilst still enabling us to be relaxed and at ease with ourselves.
The oils work by entering the blood stream via the skin, smells evoke memories and the brain registers the scent via
the neurological and the endocrine system.
The therapeutic potential of essential oils, like other plant derived remedies, has yet to be fully realized. Although nu-
merous medical herbs have been utilized since antiquity, many of which have become of modern drugs (such as Qui-
nine and cocaine)
In order to use an essential oil apart from Lavender and Tea Tree they MUST be blended with carrier oil.
Argan Carrier Oil
Latin name Argania spinosa
Argan Carrier Oil is also known
as liquid gold or
miracle oil and is extracted us-
ing the cold pressed method.
The oil is derived from the seeds or fruit of the Argan
tree which grows naturally in Morocco. It is the rarest
and most expensive oil in the world, so much so that
UNESCO has put it on the endangered list. It is rich in
anti-oxidants and has been used for years in anti-age-
ing products. It has a shelf life of 12- 18 months with a
dark to golden colour and the odour is sweet.
As well as powerful anti-oxidants Because of
its Vitamin E content, it also contains Omega 3 and
Omega 9 and is said to be better than olive oil in as
much as it also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1,
Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, proteins and
minerals and helps cool the skin in windy and dry
conditions. Argan is also considered to help prevent
wrinkles as it rehydrates the skin providing a lipid
layer that assists in restoring saggy skin which is
lacking vitality. It is very good for the hair especially
frizzy or dry hair and its other benefits include
reducing joint pain including that caused by
rheumatism, stabilises blood sugar levels and
stimulates the nervous system and helps to improve
brain functions. This oil is really good to use with
Essential oils and if you use Fennel it would help re-
store and improve dull, oily, and mature skin.
. Fennel Essential Oil
Latin name Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is a biennial or perennial
herb which grows up to 2 metres
high with feathery leaves and
golden yellow flowers. There are two types of fennel,
bitter which his not used as an essential oil or sweet
which is slightly taller and originates in Malta having
been introduced by Monks. It is now grown in France
Greece and Italy. It is
extracted by steam distillation form crushed seeds and
is a colourless to pale yellow liquid., with a strong
liquorice flavour and blends well with lavender, rose
geranium and sandalwood ( Julia Lawless- the Ency-
clopaedia of Essential oils).
As mentioned previously, it helps heal bruises and
improve dull, oily and mature complexions. This is a
valuable oil for digestive support and helps with
hormonal balancing as well as Premenstrual Tension
which can lead to eating junk food and ultimately
upset stomachs.It can also be beneficial if you suffer
from colic, anorexia, constipation, flatulence,
hiccoughs, nausea or obesity. It can also assist in
helping rheumatism, oedema, insufficient milk in
nursing mothers and menopausal problems.
Emotionally it helps people who struggle with self-
doubt, low self-esteem, lack of motivation,
accountability, or stubbornness, and help them live in
alignment with their values and integrity.
SAFETY DATA
Sweet fennel oil is powerful and shouldn't be used in large doses, as it may have a narcotic effect. It should be avoided
altogether in pregnancy, breast feeding mothers, unless you have not got enough milk, people with oestrogen linked
cancers, endometriosis and cases of epilepsy.
Sandra Wiseman Therapies 4 You 07804 138585
www.therapies4you.com
DOLMEN GROVE MOOTS
All Dolmen Grove Moots hold regular meetings where people can find out more about
Dolmen Grove membership, ethos and upcoming events including camps, workshops and
talks.
Hampshire, Fareham, – The Heathfield Arms 116 Blackbrook Road, Fareham
po15 5bz - First Monday of every month, 7:30pm onwards.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/?fref=ts
Essex - Scout Hut, Cromwell Road, Grays, RM17 5HT Weekends
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot/?fref=ts
Dorset, Weymouth – Old Town Hall High West Street DT4 8JH Weymouth,
Dorset - Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards
https://www.facebook.com/groups/435089566582005/?fref=ts
Dorset, Portland - The George Inn 133 Reforne, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2AP -
Last Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards
https://www.facebook.com/groups/148075512033935/?fref=ts
Cornwall, St Austell - Polgooth Inn Ricketts Lane, Polgooth, St.Austell, PL26
7DA - First Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards
https://www.facebook.com/groups/460165050682366/?fref=ts
Berkshire, Bracknell - The Boot Public House Park Road, Bracknell, Berkshire,
RG12 2LU -Third Tuesday of every month, 8:00pm onwards
https://www.facebook.com/groups/150234135114242/?fref=ts
Dorset, Poole - The Kings Head6 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1BD - Third
Tuesday of every month 7:30pm onwards
https://www.facebook.com/groups/285539554914086/?fref=ts
Berkshire, Newbury - Last Thursday of every month, 7.30pm onwards
See Facebook group for venue details
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts
All Dolmen Grove moots are advertised regularly on
www.dolmengrove.co.uk
with up-to-date information on individual moot facebook pages
Samhain and the Magic of Food
This has got to be I would think, quite possibly the most celebrated pagan holiday. I love this time of
the year, autumn is my favourite with the crisp fresh air first thing in the morning and the colour of
the autumn trees. It is the end of summer and the third and final harvest of the year, a time when the
veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and a time to celebrate the lives of those that have passed and
to remember and honour our ancestors. Oh … and eat lots of sweets. Samhain is a good time to look
back over the past year and let go of that which did not serve you and look forward to the year ahead.
It is also an excellent time to work with your divination skills.
Aside from all the Samhain goodies that will give us all a sugar overdose, foods for this season make
me think of big hearty casseroles, home baked bread and stick to your rib puddings.
Autumn is a fabulous time of the year to go out for a walk and although there isn’t a huge amount to
be found in the hedgerows at this time of the year you might be lucky enough to bag yourself nettles,
sorrel, cow parsley, horseradish, crab apples, juniper berries, rosehips, sloes, chestnuts, walnuts and
wild mushrooms.
Veggies that are in season in October/November are artichokes, aubergines, beetroot, borlotti beans,
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chicory, courgettes,
cucumber, endive, fennel, French beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, chillies,
potatoes, pumpkins, squash, radish, runner beans, spinach, swede, sweetcorn, tomatoes, turnips and
watercress.
October/November seasonal fruits are: Apples, blackberries, black currants, damsons, greengages,
grapes, medlars, melons, peaches, nectarines, pears, quince, raspberries and rhubarb.
Vampire’s Blood (OK…blackberry cordial)
A yummy sweet syrup with spices and optional alcohol. Delicious cold with water over ice or made
with hot water for a warming drink but it can also be poured over ice cream or steamed pudding.
500g/17 ½ oz blackberries
500g/17 ½ oz sugar
2-3 tablespoons water
Optional – 6 tablespoons brandy
You will need a large jar or heat proof jug, pop the blackberries and the water into it. Pour half the
sugar on top of the fruit. Stand the jar in a saucepan of hot water, bring to the boil and simmer for 1
½ hours (keep an eye on the water level, don’t let it boil out). Then strain the contents of the jar into a
large saucepan squishing all the fruit through a sieve. Add in the rest of the sugar and bring the
mixture back to the boil, stirring all the time. Once the sugar has dissolved keep stirring and boiling
for a further five minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. You may have to skim a little
from the top of the mixture. You can now add in 6 tablespoons of brandy if you wish, giving it a good
stir. Pour into clean jars and put lids on.
Magic of the ingredients:
Blackberries – protection, healing, money
Sugar – love and to make life sweet
Water – emotions, release, purification
Chapatis
Now these might not be the most obvious choice for Samhain but they are brilliant if you are having a party to celebrate
as they can be made ahead and reheated or even frozen and reheated just before you need them and they work brilliantly
with a great big pot of homemade curry, chilli or even savoury dips. They are also ridiculously easy to make. I use atta
flour which you can get from Asian supermarkets but wholemeal flour works just as well.
175g/ 6 oz atta or wholemeal flour plus extra for dusting
Good pinch of salt
110ml/4 fl oz water 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Sift the flour and the salt into a large bowl. Add the water gradually (you might not need it all) and mix to a soft dough
then knead in the teaspoon of vegetable oil.
Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth. I do this process in the food mixer with
a dough hook fitted. Place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel, leave to rest for about 20 minutes.
Take small pieces of the dough (walnut size) one at a time and roll them out on a floured surface, try and roll them as thin
as you can.
Heat a non stick frying pan – I have found that I don’t need to use any oil as the non stick coating does the job but you
may want to add a tiny amount.
Cooking each chapati one at a time, place it in the hot pan over a medium heat for probably not even a minute – you will
need to watch these as they cook fast! The chapatti will start to bubble, turn it over and cook on the other side for a
further 30 seconds.
You can keep them warm by wrapping them in a tea towel whilst you cook the rest of the batch.
Magic of the ingredients:
Flour – prosperity, stability
Water – emotions, release, purification
Salt – purification, protection, cleansing
Source: A Kitchen Witch’s World of Magical Food by Rachel Patterson
Monday 2nd November - talk at the Dolmen Grove, Fareham
Tuesday 3rd November - Coffee, cake & Magic, Portsmouth
10.30am - 12.30am
Saturday 14th November - Magical Food talk at Witchfest
Full details on the website:
www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
www.kitchenwitchhearth.net
Books can be purchased via my website or at most online retailers
(Amazon, Book Depository etc)
The Hedgewitch’s
Diary
Crows with their harsh cries herald in the colder
months, and the autumn winds bring a chill and
animation to the waving branches, ripping the
orange-brown leaves from the stricken trees,
sending them spinning in furious flur-
ries to the earth. Fat juicy spiders hang
in their silken webs or stroll purpose-
fully across the floors of our homes
searching for mates, the swallows
have flown and bats now hang in
hibernation. The low angle of the
diminishing Sun casts a rich deep
vibrant orange glow like burning
embers, the eternal fire of passion; and
the smell of wood smoke floats in
wavering drifts as we are drawn to the
comfort of home where the hearth is
the heart in these few months to come.
Morning mists drape fluttering veils,
shrouding the land in mysteriousness as the brazen
voluptuousness of
summer dampens into obscurity. Yet, some
flowers in my garden still bloom, clinging to the
skirts of summer, providing sweet nectar for the
hungry insects that will need their sustenance to
survive the winter, but most blossoms have
formed their seed, accomplishing their life-cycles,
and withered to leave the garden slightly
dishelleved in the autumnal wetness..
Fungi spurt from the decaying dampness, brown
and bruised apples lay splattered and crushed in
putrefaction under their bountiful trees, and that
glorious scent of rot, the musky earthiness of this
time of year draws us in, seducing us in a longing
for the roots of the past that lie in the dark secrets
of the Earth. This scent of transformation is a
reminder that everything is in motion, and all life
is change. And it is that sense of change that we
feel greatest in the beginning of the autumn as the
lord of the dance that penetrated the summer in
passionate glee and spilled his impregnating seed
in his triumphant dance of fertility, wears the
mask of death as he droops into the little death,
the petit mort, the greatest change and the greatest
life is in death as the end of fervour gestates the
seed of the future that carry the roots of the past.
For ruminant creatures autumn is
the rutting season, and where all
seems to be withering into death,
the rampant stags bear their
magnificent velvet antlers, the
stench of hot musk oozing from
every pore, to begin their urgent
frenzy in the wild untamed dance
of fertility; sex and death two
faces of the same countenance.
And at the thinning of the veil at
samhain, that liminal moment is
reached where life and death c
onjoin in a thrashing of clashing
antlers in the mists of dusk.
We gather in and ruminate upon the harvests of
our accomplishments and failures that were borne
throughout the summer as well as the ravishing
physical bounty that sprawls on ground, tree and
hedge, sparkling like jewels. Glistening blackber-
ries have filled many bellies, crimson haws and
gleaming purple sloes splash the
hedgerows, and scarlet rowan berries hang heavily
bending branches, it’s been a bountiful year for
the graceful rowan, and fat gleaming conkers
emerge from their spiny cases, all shine in the
heavy dew, as the feast is laid on the banqueting
table of our lives.
The harvests that allow
our continued survival
upon this beautiful and
terrible, battered and
bruised, Earth, glint as
precious treasure in the
rays of the Sun, their life-
cycles reaching
accomplishment as the
seeds ripen within, and I
again wonder at life’s
marvellous processes as I
gather up the seed from
the plant that I collected
as a seed the previous year, and its parent the year
before that…
The seed that is formed from the summer’s fling
bears the entire universe in all its potency, passing
on and on and on its memories. All things come
and go, civilisations grow, climax, and crumble,
thoughts, days, moments, individual lives, eras
and epochs, and from the blood of the their
remains spring new wonders that in turn die,
spilling their seed, scattering their remains, as the
continuity of life eternally spirals onwards, not
attached to flimsy impermanence of form. Such is
the dance and rhythm that in its motion brings
together in heady desire that which has been
rendered apart so that its love will seek the union
that will ignite creation afresh, and perhaps dance
beyond the tune of nature’s rhythms.
Rachael Moss
NOVEMBER SOWING CHART
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
3pm
x all day
A 10pm 12pm
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
2pm
3pm
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
x all day 12pm
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
P 8pm 8pm
29 30
3pm
Key to Astrological Symbols
Capricorn Cancer Dark Moon A Apogee Element Symbols
P Perigee Earth
Aquarius Leo 1st quarter North (ascending) node
Air
Pisces Virgo Full Moon South (descending) node
Fire
Aries Libra 3rd quarter
x No sowing Water
Taurus Scorpio Highest Moon
Gemini Sagittarius Lowest Moon
Crops to Sow in November
Root/Earth Flower/Air Leaf/Water Fruit/Fire
Onions Overwintering salads Broad beans
Garlic
Spriggan Mist
Sunday 1st November 2015
Rose and Crown, Sandhurst - Ghostly Tales Tour 2015
Saturday 7th November 2015
The Boot, Bracknell - Ghostly Tales Tour 2015
Saturday 14th November 2015
Witchfest International 2015 Fairfield Halls,Croydon
Saturday 5th December 2015 The Dolmen Grove Krampus Night Titchfield Hampshire
Saturday 9th January 2016
Spriggan Mist's wassail in Bracknell venue tbc
Saturday 30th January 2016
The Snug, Weymouth
www.sprigganmist.co.uk
A spell to Find Other Witches On the night of the full moon, pour out a small bottle of pure vanilla extract and reserve.
Stuff the empty bottle with chopped fresh catnip leaves. Refill the bottle with the extract,
then cap and shake well while focusing upon your goal. Allow the bottle to stand until the
new moon comes, then complete the spell
Pour out the infused extract into a shallow bowl. Soak in it a square of indigo fabric. Wring
out the excess and flatten the cloth upon your workspace. Place in its center an inch of the
catnip from the bottle. Atop this lay a lodestone. Sprinkle the stone with magnetic sand to
activate it. Write upon a slip of paper the words:
Striga mihi revelare
Fold the paper and place it on top of the lodestone. Hold your hands over and around the
objects, index fingers and thumbs touching in a triangle shape. Speak these words over your
hands as you focus:
Like moths rushing to the flame, Witches, fly to me now!
We are comrades with one aim. Witches, fly to me now!
Show me your faces and your names. Witches, fly to me now!
So mote it be!
Gather up the edges of the fabric and tie it securely into a bundle with an amber colored
ribbon. Carry this bag where it will be seen by others and you will soon discover all the
magical folk around you.
Molly McHenry
Wormwood: a
Touch of Bitterness
Whilst elder and apple are herbs well known for
their association with Samhain, there are other
plants with a role to play. One of them is
Wormwood (Artemesia absinthum), a favourite
herb of mine, perhaps because it grows vigorously
around where I live.
Its role at Samhain is one of protection which was
achieved by throwing it onto the fire: it would
certainly create a distinctive aroma. More
generally it can be used to release anger and
negativity in a peaceful manner and can be used in
group magick to stop war or inhibit the enemy. As
a visionary herb it can be used in prophecy and
divination and is associated with the lover’s card
in the Tarot.
Linked to the Goddesses Diana and Artemis, its
name is a combination of the two.
Wormwood is a wonderful example of the
Doctrine of Signatures, a very old concept which
says that something about a plant (taste, smell,
flower colour, shape, habitat, leaf markings etc.)
tell us what the plant can be used for.
The smell and taste of Wormwood convey
strength and power; to me the message is ‘I am
powerful, I can harm you, so treat me with care
and respect.’ The grey green foliage stands out
from surrounding vegetation saying ‘look at me.’
The message from this ancient concept is borne
out by what the plant does and what we can use it
for. Part of the story is in the name; it is a remedy
for intestinal worms and parasites. Any herb
which can do that is potentially harmful on a
wider scale and Wormwood is potentially toxic if
not used wisely.
In similar vein an infusion can be used as a wash
to treat head lice and bunches of the herb placed in
wardrobes and drawers will keep away moths. I
know someone who sprays herself with an
infusion to keep away midges and other biting
insects, although it is not recommended as a
perfume! The same action supports its use as an
old strewing herb.
Wormwood is one the most bitter herbs that
herbalists use. Bitterness in a plant acts on the
bitter taste buds on the tongue to stimulate and
invigorate the whole digestive process. This
property is much valued by herbalists and can be
used anywhere there is sluggishness or congestion
in the digestive system. This includes lack of
appetite, nausea, poor liver function, low secretion
of digestive juices, and constipation.
It is an old remedy for depression which is
interesting as depression and poor digestive
function often go together. There is increasing
recognition of the concept and functions of the
‘gut brain;’ the vast network of nerves supplying
the gut. Invigorating this part of the nervous
system by stimulating digestive function with
bitters such as Wormwood -increases production
of the neurotransmitter serotonin; maybe this is
the connection between its use as a digestive
remedy and an antidepressant.
This connection may also explain its use in
helping people withdraw from benzodiazepines
such as Valium.
Wormwood is also known as a constituent of
alcoholic beverages. It was one of the herbs used
to flavour ale until the use of hops in this country
became widespread in the 16th Century. Famously
it was a constituent of the liqueur Absinthe which
is known to be toxic in excess to the point where it
is now banned in many countries.
So a good example of a beautiful herb which
offers us much as well as teaching us to respect its
power and strength and use it wisely.
Andrew Cowling
BSc(Hons),Dip.Phyt,D.Hyp,RCST,MNFSH,FNI
MH.
Herbalist, Craniosacral Therapist, Hypnotherapist,
Healer.
62 Grove Road
Portland
DT5 1DB.
Tel. 01305 860611.
Wheel of the year
February 13th and 14th ...Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 2LN.
March 28th …Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring Ball.
April 22nd - 24th April inclusive…Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Camp, Dorset.
August 26th - 28th inclusive…Tribal Dreams Camp, Dorset.
September (Mabon) – Local Ceremonies.
October 31st (Samhain) – Local ceremonies and Events.
December 5th – Yule Market and Krampus Night.
www.dolmengrove.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/The-Dolmen-Grove-110124449082503/?fref=ts
Cernunnos… God of the Celts
Cernunnos, most probably the most recog-
nised and talked about deity in the modern
Pagan world, he appears in far more books,
magazines, publications and in ceremonial
rites than any other male horned deity. A
Celtic god and I use the term ‘Celtic’ loosely,
because to many people the word ‘Celtic’
conjures up images of an ancient race of peo-
ple and to others it is a way of life; to many
more it is nothing more than a modern
phrase for an ancient race of people. My defi-
nition is neither here nor
there, I use the term ‘Celtic’
as reference to an ancient
race of Western European
people.
The name Cernunnos,
which is believed to have
European origins, translates
to ‘Horned One’ and when
we look at other ancient languages transla-
tion of the word ‘horn’ or ‘horned one’, we
can see why:
Latin – Cornu,
Welsh – Carn, Gallic – Cernon,
Germanic – Hurnaz
The Cernunnos we recognise today and pic-
ture in our heads, is a deity that sits cross-leg-
ged, wearing a sleeveless tunic and has stag
antlers on his head. He wears a beaded neck-
lace and in one hand he holds a silver war-
rior’s neck torc and in the other a ram horned
serpent. He is associated and often depicted
with the images of a stag, a wolf, a boar and a
lion, each of these animals symbolise a great
power and strength, but in Cernunnos him-
self, it also symbolises an affinity for nature, a
true symbol of Chthonic wisdom and trans-
formation.
Cernunnos first appears in France and his fol-
lowers and popularity quickly spread across
Europe and inscriptions and carvings that
have been discovered corroborate this. There
are many variations in the spelling and pro-
nunciation of his name; Cernunnos,
Cernonos, Cernhunaz,
Keraunos yet they all have
the same meaning, as men-
tioned before, but the main
reason for the name varia-
tions would undoubtedly be
due to the Celtic traditions
being oral and not written.
When the Romans and
Monks wrote and recorded the so called ‘bar-
baric’ people, it would have been from
memory and word of mouth, so it naturally
follows that variations would be inevitable.
The most famous image of Cernunnos and
the one that springs to most minds (even if
they are unsure of its origin) is the image of
him depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron.
The cauldron, discovered in Denmark is be-
lieved to be dated to between the 4th and 1st
century BCE; it is a solid silver cauldron with
depictions of many ancient deities, battles
and rites. Cernunnos sits on the cauldron
cross-legged and holds a warrior’s torc and
serpent in his hands, surrounding him are a
stag, a boar, a lion and a wolf; wild, strong,
primordial creatures, creatures of power,
strength and wisdom.
As a horned deity, Cernunnos has played a
significant role in the development of a Celtic
civilisation right up to modern times, he has
stood the test of time and has stayed with his
followers or at the very least, his followers
have stayed with him.
In Cernunnos we see virility, fertility and
wisdom symbolised by his stag antlers, they
do, without much use of the imagination,
mirror the branches of trees, connecting him
to the Earth and forests in particular.
His horns demonstrate to us his enduring
power, his animalistic form is camouflaged
perfectly. He is fleet of foot, silent; he is the
spirit of the depth of the nature of human and
animals across the forests and wild moors.
Cernunnos is often seen as the bestower of
wealth, we see him frequently see him de-
picted sat next to coins, which would indicate
a wealth connection and wealth does go hand
in hand with virility and fertility.
Because of his horns and often, erect phallus,
depictions of Cernunnos are and have been
through time mistaken and misinterprete4d
as that of Satan; the Christian church used
this historically, to their advantage and ruled
that any worship of a horned god, like Cer-
nunnos was in fact Devil worship something
that is still recognised today.
In modern times, Cernunnos is a deity recog-
nised by and is popular with many Neo-Pa-
gans, Wiccans, Witches and followers of the
Old Ways. He is associated with good for-
tune, abundance, fertility, masculine energy
and animals, the rutting stag in particular.
He is an ancient poetic warrior, the God of
Death and Rebirth and a guardian of the Un-
derworld.
Cheryl Waldron
MEMBERSHIP OF THE DOLMEN GROVE
The Dolmen Grove offers a lifetime membership, which simply
means a one-off payment of £20 for those who wish to embrace and enjoy the freedom,
Clanship and the right to practice their own spiritual path within the Grove family.
Full Members of the Grove will enjoy reduced rates for events such as
Gatherings like the Beltane Spirit of Rebirth and Tribal Dreams,
and many other events when stated.
A Full member will receive a Membership Card and a unique
Membership Number that identifies who they are when wishing to attend Member only
Ceremonies and other Dolmen Grove Events.
The Dolmen Grove does not have a hierarchy, as we do not believe that people need titles
or labels to follow a spiritual path; instead the spiritual ethos of the Grove is
facilitated by a Round Table, a circle of people from all walks of life.
For further information on the Dolmen Grove and becoming a member please send an email to
.Also find us on faceboook - thedolmengrove and thedolmengrovemagazine
Metaphysical and Healing Properties of Crystals Selenite/Gypsum
The Angelic stone of Mediums and Spiritualists
“The Bringer of Light”
Selenite is a crystal of fine and gentle vibrations, a
powerful stone that connects to the spiritual,
higher guidance and angelic consciousness
vibrations that are being experienced on Earth in
modern times; its ethereal qualities give clarity of
mind and allows for expansion of ones awareness
of ourselves and of our surroundings. It cuts
through unconscious expectations and promotes
the relinking between the self and the mystik self
that dwells within us.
It is popular for creating protective grids in
homes (the four corners of your home),
workplaces and temples since it creates a safe,
peaceful place of quiet and does not allow outside
influences to penetrate in; often larger pieces of
Selenite will be used for this purpose, generating a
peaceful atmosphere and especially when being
used in Feng Shui as the Selenite transmutes and
negative ‘sha’ energy.
Selenite provides us with the ability to access a
conscious understanding at a subconscious level
allowing for the clearing of mental confusion and
permitting us to see the ‘deeper picture’, this is
because Selenite is a strong stabiliser and
disperser of erratic emotions and negative
energies.
Selenite is one of the very few crystals that is both
strong and powerful enough to clear and cleanse
any negative energies accumulated in Quartz
crystals and is a stone that instils deep peace,
Selenite is excellent for spiritual and meditation
work, it provides divine light that exists at the
crossing point between spirit and matter while
directly linking to the light body, anchoring it to
the Earth’s vibrations, enhancing the vibrations
and energies of the person holding it.
Selenite is exceptional for scrying, accessing both
past and future lives, so is a very popular tool with
mediums, clairvoyants and tarot readers and is
often used by healers both angelic and spiritual (in
wand form) to prevent mind influence and to
assist in detaching unwanted entities.
Selenite reminds us of our soul’s purpose and the
lessons we have learnt in the past and helps us to
identify future issues and teachings and apply our
knowledge and gained experience to any future
situations. It helps us to discharge ourselves from
a history of abuse, emotional distress and negative
feelings, thoughts and assumptions; it provides us
with the energy, insight, judgement and flexibility
to strengthen our decisions and the will-power to
keep to them.
Source: Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Greece,
Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia & U.S.A
Astrological Signs: Pisces and Cancer
Element: Water
Chakras: Crown Chakra, higher Crown Chakra & 3rd Eye
Deities: Selene, Angels, Spirit Guides & Ancient Beings
Colours: Blue, brown, green, orange & pure white
“A stone of both majesty and mystique, it has been likened to the streams of flowing waters which flow from
rocks to nourish that which they touch” (Psalms 78:16-105:41)
Green Selenite White Selenite Orange Selenite
Selenite is water soluble so do not wash or cleanse
in water, using incense is a preferred option. If
allowed to become completely dehydrated of all
moisture, Selenite will become Angelite
(Anhydrite) and if rehydrated again, it is possible
to change back to Selenite……….very much a
subject for the Alchemists among us.
The word Selenite is a Greek word which means
the Moon, and is popularly used in ceremonial and
ritual activities as it provides the flexibility and
connectedness needed to work with the ever
changing cycles of the Moon.
Magickally Selenite is used to increase the
procurement of materialistic pursuits and
reconciliation of relationships and ensuring
fidelity often through forms of divination, it
attracts spiritual energies to craft a safe and sacred
space for ritual use and purifies one’s self and
space.
In healing Selenite’s use is prevalent with Holistic
Therapists and Holistic Midwives to help ease the
process of labour and birth and is especially good
in easing back pain during labour in addition it is
excellent for breast feeding mums to use, usually
popped in the side of a bra to help produce milk.
Used in many medicine and healing circles as the
central structure it is used to smooth the energy
flow within. Selenite can be used to realign the
spinal column, provide flexibility within the
muscular system and eradicates any energy
blockages throughout the body. It is believed that
Selenite prevents, overcomes and facilitates the
regeneration of the cellular structure and the
protective membranes that surround the cells in
body structures such as the skeletal system. It is
used frequently to ease calcium deficiencies, to
alleviate wrinkles and age spots, to help with light
sensitivity especially S.A.D (Seasonal Affective
Disorder) and to help treat epilepsy. There are
claims that its use is effective in the fight against
cancer and the elimination of both cancerous and
non-cancerous tumours.
*Selenite can be used holistically alongside
conventional medical practices and can enhance
treatments, but always consult your doctor first
and NEVER change any treatment you are
receiving medically without previously
consulting your GP or Consultant*
Orange and Brown Selenite: Associated with the
Naval Chakra, angelic energies and aids in Earth
healing.
Blue Selenite: Associated with the Throat Chakra
and 3rd Eye Chakra, helps to shut off the mind
during meditation.
Green Selenite: Associated with the Heart
Chakra and helps you to work to the highest good.
It allows you to feel good about yourself and is
good for aging skin and skin and cell regeneration.
Desert Rose Selenite: Dissolves addictive ideas
or behaviours. Has strong Earth energies and
strengthens affirmations.
Cheryl Waldron
Further information on Dolmen Grove can be
found
www.dolmengrove.co.uk
Dolmen Grove Facebook links
Portland Moot
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1480755120
3393
Metaphysical Properties
Psychic development
Accessing the subconscious
Greater insight
Past-life memory recall
Visualisation
Channelling
Angelic & spirit world contact
Meditation (especially Moon meditations)
Connects spiritual & physical bodies
Transmits energies
Healing Properties
Mental clarity
Concentration
Increases sensitivity
Flexibility
Decision making
Calming
Soothes nerves
Improves libido
Balances all body systems
Further information on Dolmen Grove can be found
www.dolmengrove.co.uk
Dolmen Grove Facebook links
Portland Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/14807551203393
Poole Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/28553955491408
Weymouth Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/43508956658200
Berkshire/Bracknell Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/15023413511424
Cornwall Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/46016505068236
Essex Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot
Hampshire Moot
https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/
Berkshire/Newbury Moot
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts
Dolmen Grove Chronicles
https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine
Dolmen Grove
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082
Email Diane Narraway (chairman Dolmen Grove/Editor Dolmen Grove Chronicles)
COMING SOON
A