October is the month for Witches, Wiccans and Pagans of all kinds to come on out and celebrate! Here are all of our great events coming up in October, so if you haven't yet come out to meet us, these are some great opportunities to do so!
Friday, Oct. 3, 7 pm - Starting off with the soothing, haunting sounds of crystal singing bowls, we meet for the monthly Crystal Well Circle to heal and balance our chakra systems and mind / body /spirits
Saturday, Oct. 4th, 3-9 pm - Saturday marks our second Psychic Fair of the year with the Mystickal, Magickal Psychic Fair starting at 3 pm. This is the first chance in October to come out and show off all of your finest robes, cloaks and attire! An elegant evening of divination and socializing will greet you this night!
Thursday, Oct. 9th, 7 pm - Sign up today for Rev. Heron's popular and informative class, An Introduction to Paganism and Wicca (Wicca 101)
which runs for 6 weeks on Thursday evenings, starting on the 9th.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2-8 pm - Come on out for MoonCraft and stay for the celebration of The Church of the Sacred Circle's 5th Anniversary! The festivities begin with the Story Witch circle honoring our future in our children and grandchildren. MoonCraft at 3pm looks to our past and projects a bright future. Finally a potluck dinner finishes the celebration and brings us closer together.
Friday, Oct. 17, 7 pm - Sacred Rhythms Drumming Circle surrounds us in rhythmic, joyous sound as we dance, sing and drum around the fire!
Sunday, Oct. 26th, 3 pm - Rounding out the month, we honor the new moon with our monthly Open Circle, and then kick Halloween week into high gear with our annual Samhain Carnival! Fun for all ages, this event features activities, costume contest, photo booth and prizes galore!
A full-color flyer with all of our upcoming events is available on the front page of our website at http://www.sacredcirclechurch.com
You can also see our web-based calendar at:
http://www.sacredcirclechurch.com/events/calendar.htm
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
2009 Calendar Contest
It's that time again! Get your entries ready for the 2009 Calendar contest and submit them to the flickr group here by Tuesday, Sept. 23rd for consideration. You can read about all the rules and yadayada there on the group, but basically, the photo needs to be taken within the past 12 months, needs to be high-resolution and should fit with the theme of the calendar.
2009 Sacred Circle Calendar Contest
2009 Sacred Circle Calendar Contest
Monday, August 18, 2008
The eyes of god
The yarn weaving commonly known as the "gods eyes" or "the eye of god" is an ancient spiritual practice that can still be found in use all over the world. Two of the cultures which use this symbol extensively even today are the Huichol Indians of Mexico and the Tibetans.The name "eye of god" is a translation from the Spanish name Ojo de Dios. In Tibet, this item is known as a Namkha. The meanings assigned to this object within the two cultures is similar in many ways. In Huichol culture, they are placed on altars so that the gods can watch over the individual or family. In Tibetan practice, namkhas can be used to bless individuals, marriages and even business ventures. There is a strong association with the four directions or with the the elementals in both cultures.
In our August MoonCraft, we created these items as a way of connecting with the Goddess Ixchel and her consort, Itzamna the sun god. Ixchel is the goddess of the moon and of the rainbow. She is a protector of women in childbirth and she is also a powerful spiritual healer. Ojos de dios can take many forms, some quite elaborate, and as you can see from the photo above, one of the circle members even created an interesting 3-D version!
Here is an illustrated page which shows you how to create your own ojos, if you would like to try to make one of these interesting and ancient symbols.
Coming soon: Videos from the concert by Celia!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Celia in Concert
In January, we were treated to a wonderful house concert by the Pagan artist/singer Celia. It ended up being a house concert because on the evening of the show, it was so cold outside that our propane tanks were literally frozen, and we could not heat the temple. So we crammed everyone into the living room, the hallway and the kitchen for a delightful evening of song and performance.I must confess that prior to her concert, I had only heard of Celia through her association with the Veteran Pentacle Quest project and her song "Symbol", so I was amazed and honored to get to know Celia through her creative songs and performances, hypnotic and warm voice, and beautiful, loving personality.
I was held spellbound, along with the rest of the audience, on that frozen January evening. We invited her to return during warmer months, so that we could enjoy her performance under more pleasant outdoor conditions, I am happy to report that she didn't hold the cold weather against us, and has agreed to come out and perform once again, this time on the same date as our Annual Meeting and Summer Picnic date.
So, it is with great joy that we welcome Celia once again to the Temple, and to let you know that if you missed her in January, you should make it a priority to come and experience her performance. She is truly a gifted individual, an Everyday Goddess, and we are honored to once again witness her inspiring, provocative, amusing and heartfelt show.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Crystal Well Circle
The Crystal Well circle is a lovely, intimate circle of friends old and new who come together to help each other heal, balance and resonate. You may have heard one crystal singing bowl play, or two, but when you get several going at once as during the crystal well circle, the sound can be only described as eerie, haunting and yet strangely familiar and comforting at the same time. It's been compared to listening to UFO's take off, or to listening to a hundred choirs sing all at once. Those who have experienced it come away refreshed, cleansed and energized, with energy flowing freely through their bodies and spirits, grounded, centered and renewed. The next Crystal Well Circle will take place on Friday July 11th (rescheduled from July 4th) at 7:30 pm at the Temple.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Mooncraft Full Moon Circle
Artemis was in the East, Gaia and Lugh guarded the center and the altars were set up in a beautiful circle in the cool shade of the lovely old cherry tree as Sacred Circle celebrated the MoonCraft of May 2008.
Long-time Board member Ed brought his vision of creating the sacred tool of Air (or Fire, depending on your tradition) - the wand - to the MoonCraft cir
He prepared for the circle by collecting deadwood from trees near the rivers of the Salt Lake valley, and brought decorations both sacred and colorful to the circle.
We cast our circle and then selected our branches, and created our wands, with some participating in sociable chatter, and others concentrating with silent thought and prayer. The children loved the colorful beads and yarns, and some adults did as well!
The afternoon passed without notice as we were lost in the delight of creation, and before we knew it, it was time to empower our creations and then partake in libations.
Our traditional community healing circle finished the ritual activities as healing thoughts, prayers and energy were sent out to those in need.
The circle was released, and then announcements were made. Social time continued around the circle as friends old and new drifted away to return another day to the Temple.
Long-time Board member Ed brought his vision of creating the sacred tool of Air (or Fire, depending on your tradition) - the wand - to the MoonCraft cir
He prepared for the circle by collecting deadwood from trees near the rivers of the Salt Lake valley, and brought decorations both sacred and colorful to the circle.
We cast our circle and then selected our branches, and created our wands, with some participating in sociable chatter, and others concentrating with silent thought and prayer. The children loved the colorful beads and yarns, and some adults did as well!
The afternoon passed without notice as we were lost in the delight of creation, and before we knew it, it was time to empower our creations and then partake in libations.Our traditional community healing circle finished the ritual activities as healing thoughts, prayers and energy were sent out to those in need.
The circle was released, and then announcements were made. Social time continued around the circle as friends old and new drifted away to return another day to the Temple.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Beltane Week Events Recap - Part 2
Here are four more videos from the house concert and the workshop at SVUUS on Sunday. There are also links to the photos from the Earth Awakenings festival, including photos of the Maypole dance.
"Year of the Rat"
(Note: This video was the first song of the evening, and I didn't realize how dark it was in the room. After this song was over, I turned on the infrared lamp on the camera so the rest of the videos are in infrared)
"Dark Improvisation"
"Swing Jazz"
Paul Mercer and the Crystal Singing Bowls with Rev. Heron
Earth Awakening Festival photos (Heron)
Earth Awakening Festival Photos (Ed)
"Year of the Rat"
(Note: This video was the first song of the evening, and I didn't realize how dark it was in the room. After this song was over, I turned on the infrared lamp on the camera so the rest of the videos are in infrared)
"Dark Improvisation"
"Swing Jazz"
Paul Mercer and the Crystal Singing Bowls with Rev. Heron
Earth Awakening Festival photos (Heron)
Earth Awakening Festival Photos (Ed)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Beltane Week Events - Recap part 1
Wow, it will be a while until the sorting through of all of the amazing photos and video from the events of Beltane Week is complete! So much happened in such a short time, and there are so many things to review and process! First up, I would like to lead off with this awesome collaboration between Paul Mercer and Jay Atwood of the Wicked Tinkers. Davis Petterson is on drums, and the video is filmed in infrared as the performance took place in extremely dim lighting.
Enjoy, and stay tuned for so much more!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Blessed Walpurgisnacht!
Tonight, April 30th is Walpurgis Night or Walpurgisnacht.The traditions surrounding Walpurgisnacht come primarily from Central and Northern European countries, and by most accounts predate the Christianizing of Europe by hundreds if not thousands of years. The modern name Walpurgis Night comes from the feast day of a nun, Saint Walpurga of 7th century Germany, and from the tradition of the Roman Catholic church of Christianizing pagan festivals.
Interestingly, the traditions of Walpurgisnacht are very similar to the later Celtic festival of Samhain, or Summers' End. The veil between the world thins, and giant bonfires are lit to drive off evil spirits and protect the living from mischief and mayhem. Pranks are common and drinking is encouraged :D
In Sweden Walpurgisnacht is called Valborgsmässoafton or Valborg, and it is one of the main festival holidays next to Yule and Midsummer.
In Germany, Walpurgisnacht (or Hexennacht, meaning Witches' Night), is the night from April 30 to May 1, is the night when allegedly the witches hold a large celebration on the Blocksberg and await the arrival of Spring.
In Estonia, there is also a strong association with witches, and some people dress up as witches on this night and wander the streets.
Finally, in the Norse traditions, this is the night where Odin received the runes.
So get out your best Witchy gear, start a bonfire and read some runes this evening! Remember that the veil between the worlds is thin, and that divination and scrying will be powerful ways to access information. Thank your ancestors and guides by pouring out a libation of mead or other beverage, and above all, have fun!
(Information source for some of this article: Wikipedia article on Walpurgis Night)
Earth Jam!!
A million million thanks to everyone who came and helped out at the Earth Jam booth on this past Saturday and Sunday! Ed, you are a knight in shining armor, and thanks also go to Tina, Demetria, Kasey and Avalon. We had two gorgeous days full of sunshine and met so many amazing and beautiful people that we are excited to meet again! It was so great to be part of this awesome event, and the pagan village rocked!
www.flickr.com
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
That Universal Vibration
How to sing like a planet
Scientists say the Earth is humming. Not just noise, but a deep, astonishing music. Can you hear it?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
This is the kind of thing we forget.
This is the kind of thing that, given all our distractions, our celeb obsessions and happy drugs and bothersome trifles like family and bills and war and health care and sex and love and porn and breathing and death, tends to fly under the radar of your overspanked consciousness, only to be later rediscovered and brought forth and placed directly in front of your eyeballs, at least for a moment, so you can look, really look, and go, oh my God, I had no idea.
The Earth is humming. Singing. Churning out a tune without the aid of battery or string or wind-up mechanism and its song is ethereal and mystifying and very, very weird, a rather astonishing, newly discovered phenomena that's not easily analyzed, but which, if you really let it sink into your consciousness, can change the way you look at everything.
Indeed, scientists now say the planet itself is generating a constant, deep thrum of noise. No mere cacophony, but actually a kind of music, huge, swirling loops of sound, a song so strange you can't really fathom it, so low it can't be heard by human ears, chthonic roars churning from the very water and wind and rock themselves, countless notes of varying vibration creating all sorts of curious tonal phrases that bounce around the mountains and spin over the oceans and penetrate the tectonic plates and gurgle in the magma and careen off the clouds and smack into trees and bounce off your ribcage and spin over the surface of the planet in strange circular loops, "like dozens of lazy hurricanes," as one writer put it.
See Mark Morford's original article here>
Read the LiveScience article here>
The Sacred Circle Temple - Construction
A photo slideshow video of the construction of the Sacred Circle Temple.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Blessed Earth Day!
O sweet spontaneous
earth how often have
the
doting
fingers of
purient philosophers pinched
and
poked
thee
,has the naughty thumb
of science prodded
thy
beauty .how
oftn have religions taken
thee upon their scraggy knees
squeezing and
buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive
gods
(but
true
to the incomparable
couch of death thy
rhythmic
lover
thou answerest
them only with
spring)
e.e. cummings
earth how often have
the
doting
fingers of
purient philosophers pinched
and
poked
thee
,has the naughty thumb
of science prodded
thy
beauty .how
oftn have religions taken
thee upon their scraggy knees
squeezing and
buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive
gods
(but
true
to the incomparable
couch of death thy
rhythmic
lover
thou answerest
them only with
spring)
e.e. cummings
Monday, April 21, 2008
A busy weekend at the Temple!
This past weekend was definitely full of activity and fun at the Sacred Circle Temple!
First up, on Friday evening, we had our first fire circle of the season for the Sacred Rhythms Full Moon Drum circle.
During the past few winter months, our drum circles were held inside the Temple, which resonated with the sounds of joyous celebration.
However, as interesting as drumming inside the Temple is, there's just something special and very Pagan about really getting to drum under the full moon and be out in the open.
Since it was finally warm enough to sit outdoors around the fire, we were very happy to sit on the grass around the firepit, experience the sights and sounds of the setting sun, and finally, watch the rising moon play peekaboo with the clouds through the trees.
First up, on Friday evening, we had our first fire circle of the season for the Sacred Rhythms Full Moon Drum circle.During the past few winter months, our drum circles were held inside the Temple, which resonated with the sounds of joyous celebration.
However, as interesting as drumming inside the Temple is, there's just something special and very Pagan about really getting to drum under the full moon and be out in the open.
Since it was finally warm enough to sit outdoors around the fire, we were very happy to sit on the grass around the firepit, experience the sights and sounds of the setting sun, and finally, watch the rising moon play peekaboo with the clouds through the trees.
On Saturday afternoon, our Spring Psychic Fair opened it's doors at 3 pm, and once those doors were open, the people poured through them! And then the people kept on pouring! We were very grateful and a little bit awed by the sheer size of the crowd. 
Even adding several last-minute readers to the mix was not enough to handle the demand, so for those who came and went away disappointed, we very much apologize, and we promise that the next time we hold a psychic fair, we will do our best to make sure that we have enough readers for everyone! A special thanks goes out to those who came, and stayed, sometimes even for hours, and who patiently waited for their turn with the psychics. Even though our doors officially closed at 7 pm, the last reading did not wind down until well after 9:30! Such amazing dedication is very inspiring, and we would also like to very much thank those who pitched in at the last minute to help out with readings. April, you were amazing and we got some wonderful feedback about your readings, and Libbi and Jarred, thank you for being willing to help out, even though you came initially as vendors!
We met so many beautiful and wonderful people at the fair, and very much look forward to the next one! I personally have to also thank the people who really pitched in with the setup and clean-up, Tina and Chandelle you are both Goddesses , Bill - you are a true officer and a gentleman and to my husband Sean, you really are my hero! Thank you also to the tireless and dedicated Board members and Officers who made it all work so seamlessly.
Finally, on Sunday afternoon, we reconvened at the Temple for our monthly MoonCraft Full Moon Circle for the last event of the very, very busy weekend, for a lesson on change. The MoonCraft ritual was put on by Crystal and Maggie, even though they both volunteered for many hours just the day before at the Psychic Fair.
We welcomed friends old and new to the circle and called in the Elementals and Spirit. The children played near the East altar as we listened to an inspiring talk about how we create our own worlds through our thoughts and choices, and then we were led through a short meditation on how we can manifest change in our own lives.
We then crafted a tool of change which showed how magick and fun are not mutually exclusive, as the young as well as the young at heart created magickal pinwheels with our intentions drawn on the blades. We were encouraged to let the winds of change come and help us spin our intentions into action, always keeping in mind that real change requires work in order to manifest our dreams and hopes into reality.
Finally, our traditional Healing prayer created a beautiful sphere of light which was sent out to all those in need of healing energy and support, and our circle closed as it began, with a circle of hands and hearts.
Community announcements were made, and the poll results from our Temple Guardian poll were revealed, with the suggestion of Safira winning the poll votes.
Thanks again to everyone who made this weekend a success! We could not have done it without the collective efforts of all who were involved, and we are so thankful that you are a part of Sacred Circle!
We hope everyone will stop by our booth at Earth Jam and say hello, as we will be spending the weekend outdoors again, as Pagans love to do! And if you have some extra time and energy to give, you might consider volunteering to help out during Earth Jam as well! Call Avalon for details at 661-1710. See you there!
Even adding several last-minute readers to the mix was not enough to handle the demand, so for those who came and went away disappointed, we very much apologize, and we promise that the next time we hold a psychic fair, we will do our best to make sure that we have enough readers for everyone! A special thanks goes out to those who came, and stayed, sometimes even for hours, and who patiently waited for their turn with the psychics. Even though our doors officially closed at 7 pm, the last reading did not wind down until well after 9:30! Such amazing dedication is very inspiring, and we would also like to very much thank those who pitched in at the last minute to help out with readings. April, you were amazing and we got some wonderful feedback about your readings, and Libbi and Jarred, thank you for being willing to help out, even though you came initially as vendors!
We met so many beautiful and wonderful people at the fair, and very much look forward to the next one! I personally have to also thank the people who really pitched in with the setup and clean-up, Tina and Chandelle you are both Goddesses , Bill - you are a true officer and a gentleman and to my husband Sean, you really are my hero! Thank you also to the tireless and dedicated Board members and Officers who made it all work so seamlessly.
Finally, on Sunday afternoon, we reconvened at the Temple for our monthly MoonCraft Full Moon Circle for the last event of the very, very busy weekend, for a lesson on change. The MoonCraft ritual was put on by Crystal and Maggie, even though they both volunteered for many hours just the day before at the Psychic Fair.
We welcomed friends old and new to the circle and called in the Elementals and Spirit. The children played near the East altar as we listened to an inspiring talk about how we create our own worlds through our thoughts and choices, and then we were led through a short meditation on how we can manifest change in our own lives.
We then crafted a tool of change which showed how magick and fun are not mutually exclusive, as the young as well as the young at heart created magickal pinwheels with our intentions drawn on the blades. We were encouraged to let the winds of change come and help us spin our intentions into action, always keeping in mind that real change requires work in order to manifest our dreams and hopes into reality.
Finally, our traditional Healing prayer created a beautiful sphere of light which was sent out to all those in need of healing energy and support, and our circle closed as it began, with a circle of hands and hearts.
Community announcements were made, and the poll results from our Temple Guardian poll were revealed, with the suggestion of Safira winning the poll votes.
Thanks again to everyone who made this weekend a success! We could not have done it without the collective efforts of all who were involved, and we are so thankful that you are a part of Sacred Circle!
We hope everyone will stop by our booth at Earth Jam and say hello, as we will be spending the weekend outdoors again, as Pagans love to do! And if you have some extra time and energy to give, you might consider volunteering to help out during Earth Jam as well! Call Avalon for details at 661-1710. See you there!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Welcome Griffin James!
Congratulations to the newest member of the Sacred Circle family, Griffin James! He was born to proud parents Clove and Nate on Thursday, April 10th at 9:41 am. Weighing in at 6 lbs., 14 oz. at birth, we are sure he will be up and running alongside big brother Erik before long! Mom and baby are both healthy and happy, and we are so thankful for their safe journey through the delivery. We are organizing a couple of weeks' worth of "meals on wheels" for the family, if you would like to help out by bringing them a hot meal sometime during the next few weeks, please contact Avalon at 661-1710 or avalon@sacredcirclechurch.com.
Photo by Bill!
Photo by Bill!
Clear path to the Temple
Great news! Construction along 3500 South has eased a little bit, and you can now turn left from 3500 South onto 3200 West on your way to the Temple. You'll still see a bit of construction on either end of 3500 South, approaching from 2700 or 3600 West, however the delays are not as severe and the intersections don't close down.
We look forward to seeing everyone out at the Psychic Fair next Saturday! If you'd like to help out through reading, helping to run a table or just assisting with setup and tear-down, please contact Avalon at 661-1710.
We look forward to seeing everyone out at the Psychic Fair next Saturday! If you'd like to help out through reading, helping to run a table or just assisting with setup and tear-down, please contact Avalon at 661-1710.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sacred Circle Temple - Our new Guardian
This lovely Dragon was gifted to the Temple at the anniversary party, and I have it on good authority that the vendor of such fine wares will be available during the Psychic Fair with similar items in stock.
Such a regal and commanding presence deserves a name! What would *you* call this bejeweled creature? Put your suggestions in the comments, and we will create a poll with all of the suggestions for everyone to vote on! The cutoff date for comments will be Sunday, April 13th at 9 pm.
Thanks again to everyone who came out and made this celebration a memorable and beautiful event! We truly and deeply appreciate everyone who has contributed so much to our growth, not just in the past year, but ever since Sacred Circle was birthed at Beltane of 2003. We look forward to many more years and celebrations!
Such a regal and commanding presence deserves a name! What would *you* call this bejeweled creature? Put your suggestions in the comments, and we will create a poll with all of the suggestions for everyone to vote on! The cutoff date for comments will be Sunday, April 13th at 9 pm.
Thanks again to everyone who came out and made this celebration a memorable and beautiful event! We truly and deeply appreciate everyone who has contributed so much to our growth, not just in the past year, but ever since Sacred Circle was birthed at Beltane of 2003. We look forward to many more years and celebrations!
Masterclass Poll Results
Tarot | 1 (16%) |
Runes | 0 (0%) |
Herbalism | 2 (33%) |
Spellcraft | 2 (33%) |
Another subject (email Heron!) | 1 (16%) |
Votes so far: 6
Pagan & Wiccan Weddings & Handfastings Blog
In order to keep this blog focused on Sacred Circle events and activities, I have created a blog just for writing about my Weddings and Handfastings.There are a few articles there already, including a great mead recipe which is quick, easy and perfect for a pagan wedding or handfasting ( or any other event requiring mead!)
I have also included a post about a non-alcoholic mead alternative, barley water for those who do not wish to drink mead for whatever reason.
Head on over for a spell, and please contact me if you have a wedding or handfasting question, or need to see about booking your special day!
Rite of Passage
Congratulations to Shilo on her Maidening! She has passed into womanhood, and on Saturday, April 5th was welcomed into the circle of Goddesses with a lovely ceremony performed at the Temple. We welcome her to her new role in the Mystery!
Blessings and thanks to all of the Goddesses, Maiden, Mothers and Crones who came to share their wisdom and words with Shilo and the circle. We are all blessed and enriched by your presence.
Blessings and thanks to all of the Goddesses, Maiden, Mothers and Crones who came to share their wisdom and words with Shilo and the circle. We are all blessed and enriched by your presence.
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Sacred Circle Temple 1 Year Anniversary!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 will be the one-year anniversary of the Sacred Circle Temple!
Just one year old, and yet the Temple has already seen dozens of rituals and circles, weddings, baby blessings, meetings, classes and so much more! Wow! It's hard to believe all that has happened in such a short time span.
Sacred Circle has grown so tremendously since we built the temple, and we have been honored and humbled by the outpouring of love and friendship that has made our Temple the beautiful, warm and inviting sacred space that it is now. Donations small and large have filled the Temple with beauty and joy. From icons and statues to decorations and supplies, from donated books to prosaic coffeepots, from furnishings to altar tables, seating and more, our once-bare space has been completely transformed. We would like to thank everyone who has brought their love, light and friendship to share, and thank you again, a million times over for being a part of Sacred Circle. You are truly the heart and soul of the group, and we could not do without any of you! You have enabled Sacred Circle to not only build the Temple, but also to help out those in need, from helping homeless families, to providing meals and support for other members of the group when they are ill or in need for some reason. The love and compassion that you have demonstrated has been completely inspiring!
We would also like to thank all of those in our local area who have shown us love and support throughout this past year, and for all of the groups, individuals and organizations who have helped us to make this milestone possible.
In celebration of this awesome milestone, we would like to invite everyone to come out to Open Circle at the Temple for a special anniversary party on Sunday, April 6th, starting at 3 pm. We will have a special Open Circle ceremony (please bring a small item which represents your energy to place into our Temple cauldron. Please, no items larger than 1" to allow for future additions) and then celebrate our year of successes with a potluck barbecue party starting after the circle at around 5 pm. Bring potluck items, stuff to grill if you so desire, BYOB and let's toast together to our next year and beyond!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The Chart of the Temple
As we near our 1st anniversary date, I was inspired to revisit the astrological chart that we used in the dedication ritual for the creation of the Temple. Since astrology is a complex discipline, I put together a small video that allows you to virtually look over my shoulder as I discuss the chart and the various aspects that I discovered when I originally looked at the chart in March of 2007. In the video, I discuss two articles that I was reading last year regarding some of the interesting portions of the chart, they are linked here following the video.
The Aquarius Papers, Week of March 26 - April 2, 2007
The Aquarius Papers - Week of April 2-9, 2007
Flash Silvermoon - AstroFlash, April 2007
The Aquarius Papers, Week of March 26 - April 2, 2007
The Aquarius Papers - Week of April 2-9, 2007
Flash Silvermoon - AstroFlash, April 2007
Friday, March 28, 2008
MoonCraft Full Moon Circle - March 23rd, 2008
We were greeted with a beautiful, warm and sunny day on the afternoon of our full moon circle. Friends old and new met to circle in the Druid tradition with a ritual led by Clove. We honored the Sky, Land and Sea, the three Realms and began our circle with the traditional Sacred Circle way of casting our circle, where each person takes the hand of the person standing next to them, stating their name and continuing around until we are joined, heart to heard and hand to hand. This eclectically Druidic ritual started with empowering our "eggs" for the spring growth and then we all moved outdoors to enjoy the warmth and light as we crafted our symbols of the Three Realms. Blue, green and white were woven together to remind us of the Realms so that we could take the empowerment of the waxing light with us as we travel.
Finally, we gave energy to those in need through our community healing prayer, another Sacred Circle tradition, and there were many named in circle to give energy to. We sent a special packet of love to Walt as he heals from his injury and to his beloved spouse Deleene as she supports him in his healing.
Many thanks to Clove for a peek into the Realms and for bringing your light and energy to share with the circle!
Finally, we gave energy to those in need through our community healing prayer, another Sacred Circle tradition, and there were many named in circle to give energy to. We sent a special packet of love to Walt as he heals from his injury and to his beloved spouse Deleene as she supports him in his healing.
Many thanks to Clove for a peek into the Realms and for bringing your light and energy to share with the circle!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Have a blessed Spring Equinox day!
Technically speaking, here in Utah, the Spring Equinox happened at 11:49 pm MDT last night on Weds. the 19th, just ten minutes before midnight, so as with most happenings of this nature, we celebrate on the next full day.
Although some, such as my own family, have private celebrations on the morning of the Equinox, many people here in Utah as across the nation will actually postpone their celebration of the Equinox until the closest Saturday. Many Utahns will come together this Saturday the 22nd to celebrate the sabbat with SunStave Circle, hosted by members of the Order of Our Lady of Salt (OOLS) who always do an amazing ritual. They will be performing a circle in honor of the pre-Christian Germanic goddess Ostara. Although the actual origins of the Germanic goddess are very sketchy, there are several pre-Christian customs from other cultures which are associated with this time of year and from which we get the current cultural associations of Easter with things such as colored eggs and newborn animals. For instance, the ancient Persians celebrated a festival called Nowruz, which has been celebrated as the beginning of the new year in the areas of the Middle East for at least 3,000 years! Isn't it interesting that at the time of the spring equinox in the lands where Western civilization arose, families buy each other new clothes, do spring cleaning, buy hyacinth and tulips to decorate their homes, and color eggs for each member of the family!
At Sacred Circle, we are also looking forward to the celebration of the full moon (Full phase on Friday the 21st at 12:40 p.m. MDT). The conjunction of the full moon with the Spring Equinox this year has also produced a very early celebration of the Christian festival of Easter, which is coinciding this year with many Pagan celebrations. We are in for a very busy weekend with our families and friends!
So on this sacred day of balance and harmony, we wish you a beautiful Spring Equinox day! May your Spring be filled with a garden of delight, flowers of love and joy, the glad song of freedom and the warm company of friends and family!
Although some, such as my own family, have private celebrations on the morning of the Equinox, many people here in Utah as across the nation will actually postpone their celebration of the Equinox until the closest Saturday. Many Utahns will come together this Saturday the 22nd to celebrate the sabbat with SunStave Circle, hosted by members of the Order of Our Lady of Salt (OOLS) who always do an amazing ritual. They will be performing a circle in honor of the pre-Christian Germanic goddess Ostara. Although the actual origins of the Germanic goddess are very sketchy, there are several pre-Christian customs from other cultures which are associated with this time of year and from which we get the current cultural associations of Easter with things such as colored eggs and newborn animals. For instance, the ancient Persians celebrated a festival called Nowruz, which has been celebrated as the beginning of the new year in the areas of the Middle East for at least 3,000 years! Isn't it interesting that at the time of the spring equinox in the lands where Western civilization arose, families buy each other new clothes, do spring cleaning, buy hyacinth and tulips to decorate their homes, and color eggs for each member of the family!
At Sacred Circle, we are also looking forward to the celebration of the full moon (Full phase on Friday the 21st at 12:40 p.m. MDT). The conjunction of the full moon with the Spring Equinox this year has also produced a very early celebration of the Christian festival of Easter, which is coinciding this year with many Pagan celebrations. We are in for a very busy weekend with our families and friends!
So on this sacred day of balance and harmony, we wish you a beautiful Spring Equinox day! May your Spring be filled with a garden of delight, flowers of love and joy, the glad song of freedom and the warm company of friends and family!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spring is in the air!
The temperatures were warm, the sun was gentle and even though the breeze was a bit chilly, we met and laughed and sang together for our March Open Circle on Sunday the 9th of March, 2008.Rev. Pamela presented a thoughtful and inspiring circle on planting our first seeds of the year into the fertile ground of our consciousness!
We look forward to welcoming the Spring Equinox moon on Sunday the 23rd, and hope to see you there!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Alternate Routes to the Temple
Due to very heavy construction on 3500 South, and the fact that you cannot turn left from 3500 S. when driving west, we recommend that you take one of several alternate routes when coming out to attend events at the Temple. Click the picture at left for a larger, more printable version.Route 1 (Red): Head west on SR 201 to the 3200 West exit which is west of I-215. Turn left and come under the freeway, heading south on 3200 West. Stay on 3200 W. until you get to 3800 South, then turn right (West) and come down to the Temple.
Route 2 (Blue): Coming from the south, get off I-215 Westbound/Northbound on 4700 South. Turn left and go West to 3200 West, turn right and head North on 3200 West. Turn left onto 3800 South and head West to the Temple.
Route 3 (Green): Drive South on Bangerter Highway to 3500 South, turn left onto 3500 South. Head East for 1 block and turn right at light to go South on 3600 West. Turn left onto 3800 South and come down to the Temple.
Route 4 (Purple): Drive North on Bangerter Highway to 4100 South, turn right on 4100 South and head East for 1 block, turn left at 3600 West and drive North on 3600 West. Take a right on 3800 South and come down to the Temple.
The Temple's address is 3464 W. 3800 South, we are on the North side of the street. Park anywhere on the street and come through the wooden gate on the West side of the property.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Top 3 Pagan Wedding / Handfasting Questions
Wedding season is just around the corner and many couples have been contacting me throughout the last few weeks to organize their wedding ceremonies. There are some specific concerns that people ask about when it comes to creating their perfect Pagan or Wiccan wedding ceremony. In this vein, I wanted to post my answers to the three most common questions that I receive.#3 - Can we do a handfasting as part of our wedding ceremony? Isn't a handfasting just a year and a day?
Handfasting can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Some people use it in the strict sense of the old term which is to say, a temporary joining. Handfastings in this sense were usually only valid for a year and a day, and sometimes they would be renewed for longer. However, a lot of legal weddings I have done have had the handfasting symbolism and the handfasting cord be part of the legal joining ceremony, so it really depends on the couple. Many couples enjoy incorporating this ancient custom into their wedding ceremony, and it really gives great meaning to the term "tying the knot" in the literal sense! Regarding the handfasting cord, I do work with the couples who come to me to teach them how to create a real, traditional handfasting cord from scratch, that is always included in my services to the couple if that is something that they want in their wedding ceremony.
#2 - Are you able to do real "legal" wedding and handfasting ceremonies here in Utah?
Yes! In Utah, the legal requirements as per the Utah State marriage statute is briefly summarized as "Ministers of the gospel or priests over the age of 18, of any denomination, who are in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages." As the Office of Spirit for Sacred Circle and the Reverend for our membership, along with Rev. Pamela, we qualify under the definition in the Utah statues to do so.
#1 - We want a ceremony that reflects our beliefs, but we are worried about everyone being comfortable with the way our ceremony is done.
This concern is really quite common to couples here, since many people either come from an LDS background or have extended families who are either strongly LDS or some other mainstream faith. The answer is complex, since every family differs, and some couples are more sensitive to this facet of their special day than others. Unless the couple is very open with their beliefs and wants a very obviously Pagan or Celtic Wiccan wedding ceremony, I tend to provide a ceremony which is very normal and traditional looking, or which may sound just a little more poetic than usual. Weddings are very magical and beautiful to begin with, and usually, the more traditional parts of a wedding ceremony such as the vows, ring exchange or unity candle ceremony can be infused with other symbolic elements that only the couple or their close acquaintances may recognize as having a much deeper meaning. For the most part, I think that people tend to be more forgiving of romantic, flowery or poetic language at weddings and don't really recognize a circle casting or calling of the elements for what it really is, since it is so far away from their normal belief system.
For instance, I very often use a circle cast which is very simple, in which I walk around the couple and spread rose petals in a loose circle. Very few people would think that this is more than just a surface gesture, but to the Wiccan or Pagan couple, it can be a meaningful start to the ceremony. I certainly don't announce in the midst of the ceremony that I'm casting a magic circle or calling the quarters, and yet if you know what I am doing, many of the traditional elements of pagan or wiccan circles are present in some form during the ceremony.
Some couples may take the symbolism even further by planning their wedding day to coincide with a traditional holiday such as Beltane, Yule or even the 4th of July, or by having a themed wedding such as a Renaissance, Fairy, Scottish or even Gothic wedding! Some couples choose a date near a full moon, or even a date with numerological meaning (such as 7/7/07). There are so many ways to add meaning to your wedding! Finally, some couples who contact me for a wedding are not even strongly Pagan or Wiccan themselves, but are simply looking for someone who is willing to work with them on the kind of ceremony that they want without introducing a lot of pressure to conform to the celebrant's own faith beliefs, or who want a ceremony which reflects their love of nature.
Monday, March 3, 2008
MoonCraft - Love Potion No. 9
For our February full moon circle, we went a little South with our working and learned how to make a "love potion" bath in the Candomble or Voudoun style. We honored Oshun, the goddess of the rivers and sweet waters as the Goddess of Love, for she is the Orisha of unconditional love.We also made offerings to her Consort and husband, the God Shango for his fire and passion.
We blended many herbal ingredients and even some unusual ones such as cocoa powder into a sweet-smelling potion and the people in circle were given instruction on how to use the bath properly.
Finally, we danced and chanted to the drum and sang for both Oshun and Shango to empower our "love potion". I will be interested to hear about everyone's experiences from this powerful working!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Rev. Pamela's Ordination
New Clergy for Sacred Circle!On Sunday, Feb. 3rd 2008, Rev. Pamela was ordained as a Filia (Daughter of the Church) and formally began her year and a day of training and service in preparation for her role as Clergy for the members of the Church of the Sacred Circle. As one of the original Board members of Sacred Circle, Pamela recently returned to the Board of Directors after a long hiatus, and now has committed to the service of the Goddess and God and the members of the Church through her ordination.
Members of Sacred Circle have come to know Rev. Pamela through her leadership in rituals and circles, as well as through her workshops on love and receiving guidance from spirit. I personally have known her
for many years through her participation in the many events not only in Sacred Circle but in other groups such as Spiral Scouts, and I have only the deepest admiration and love for her as a friend, and I was very honored to be the one to perform her ordination ceremony. She has an immediate and deep connection to her guides, and has been a very popular reader at our psychic fairs, with individuals waiting for hours to speak with her and her guides about their questions.We welcome Rev. Pamela to her new role in the church, and hope that she will gain as much from the experience as I know that we will! You can reach Rev. Pamela through her email address at pamela@sacredcirclechurch.com
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