tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59652256879196331022024-03-13T02:04:27.187-07:00Coco Craft and TarotWitchcraft, Tarot, and More.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-71862902769021025612012-03-15T05:57:00.002-07:002012-03-15T07:57:04.170-07:00New Site and New Blog!Hello lovelies!<br /><br />I've started a new blog on my new site. Please come visit me at <a href="http://thecocowitch.com/2012/03/lessons-learned-from-subway-donna-and-an-angry-monk/">The Coco Witch!</a><br /><br />xoxo<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-49225995870435538832012-01-03T13:12:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:16:58.460-08:00Where have I been????Yes, it's true. I've been a bad, bad blogger on this site. But Priestess work came in droves just after my last post and I've been working as a Chaplain at Occupy Wall Street.<br /><br />Please check out a <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wildhunt/2011/12/guest-post-pagan-chaplaincy-at-occupy-wall-street.html">piece I wrote (with Mary Caliendo) for The Wild Hunt</a>.<br /><br />Also, <a href="http://occupy.pagannewswirecollective.com/2011/12/21/occupy-donuts/">this one! </a><br /><br />I'm currently in the process of building a new blog/website which will combine both my work in the Craft and Tarot worlds. I feel that "A Girl Called Woo" has run its course and it's time for something fresh. I will post the link when I feel it's ready for exposure! <br /><br />Meanwhile, a blessed 2012 to all of you! It's going to be a fabulous adventure....<br /><br />xoxo<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-60425227872720287702011-09-05T16:24:00.000-07:002011-09-05T16:32:10.461-07:00TAROT FOR VERMONT! Get a reading and help good people get back on their feet.In years past, when I wasn't able to drive to New Orleans or Texas or discover a cure for cancer, I read Tarot. In the aftermath of Katrina, in the shadow of a friend's divorce, or in the throws of a classmate's battle with the Big C, I read cards and gave the money to the causes or bank accounts set up for them. I'm doing it again. As I mentioned in my last post, my friends in Vermont were devastated by Hurricane Irene. Tarot has been the one thing I've consistently been able to do to help when I'm not medically or legally trained and indefinitely car-less. But for the month of September, I can help by donating my Tarot proceeds to the Bethel Relief Fund.<br /><br />Pricing is as follows!<br /><br />Phone and Skype readings:<br />15 mins--$30<br />30 mins--$45<br />60 mins--$60<br /><br />Email readings are available, too! $20 per question, answered via email within 48 hours. <br /><br />Contact me at courtney@tarotoftheboroughs.com for scheduling!<br /><br />xoxo<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-65360908330537778412011-09-01T04:45:00.000-07:002011-09-01T04:49:11.912-07:00Before the catch up, Vermont needs our helpI have a long tale of East and West coast adventures and misadventures--but before storytime comes work. Our friends in Vermont need our help. Communities are coming together up there to shovel mud out of the homes of strangers and put back together an infrastructure decimated by Hurricane Irene.
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<br />Please donate what you can to this grassroots, Pagan-led work force trying to put their immediate community back together: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=272337666111248">https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=272337666111248
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<br />Maybe Mother Nature will give us enough time between natural disasters so that I can regal you with crazy-ass tales!!!
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<br />xoxo
<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-66324423021011120852011-08-12T11:10:00.000-07:002011-08-12T11:21:57.991-07:00Popping in!!!A whirlwind of weeks...:) Janet and Gavin came to town and we raised a hell of a fab time up at <a href="http://www.palaiavineyards.com">Palaia Vineyards </a>in Highland Mills, NY. A full week at Craftwise and Summerfest at <a href="http://www.brushwood.com/summerfest.html">Brushwood</a>. Several of us then went to to <a href="http://www.laurelincommunity.com/">Laurelin Center </a> and tonight, I'm taking the decadent choice of the Super Shuttle Van instead of the Subway/NJ Transit route to Newark Airport and flying BYE-BYE-VROOM!!! to OR/WA/CA for the Left Coast Tour!
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<br />Tuesday, August 16th at Celestial Awakenings in Vancouver, WA: Voice of the Tarot! <a href="http://www.celestial-awakenings.com/">http://www.celestial-awakenings.com/</a>
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<br />Thursday, August 18th at Deforest House in Portland, OR: <a href="http://deforesthouse.net/weber.php">http://deforesthouse.net/weber.php</a>
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<br />Wednesday, August 24-Thursday, August 25: Two classes ("Voice of the Tarot" and "Circle Casting for Personal and Group Magick") and available for readings at Sacred Mists! <a href="http://www.sacredmists.com/napa-valley-workshops.html">http://www.sacredmists.com/napa-valley-workshops.html</a>
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<br />Saturday, August 27-Sunday, August 28: I will be presenting at BATS! <a href="http://www.dodivination.com/sf_bats_logistics_parking_c_speakers_vendors">http://www.dodivination.com/sf_bats_logistics_parking_c_speakers_vendors</a>
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<br />I look forward to decompressing and sharing the fantastic stories...but I will also be trying to see family and old friends while out West, so please look for more updates when I return!!!
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<br />xoxo
<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-81640987642555000582011-07-27T13:22:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:32:30.585-07:00Festival brain.....Back from Brushwood. :) In body, anyway. My head is still floating up in Sherman, NY somewhere, but I'm sure it will drift back in sooner or later. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.patrickmccollum.org/">Back to Patrick McCollum</a> Take a few minutes to get caught up on the lawsuit and his own thoughts about it. Can't get too comfortable in festival land....we may be surrounded by hundreds of gorgeous Pagans at any one of these sites, but as a whole--we still have a long way to go.<br /><br />So.....back to being public and making noise in a good way!<br /><br />At Brushwood we raised a bunch of money for the <a href="http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=63941">Cornwall, NY SPCA </a> during a Donkey Parade. Janet brought me a stuffed donkey as a birthday present, which she pinned to the front of my dress. We walked around the camp, drumming and shaking our change cups tell people they could "Kiss Courtney's Ass" for a dollar. $114 wracked up pretty quickly. See? We can still be freaky-deak Pagans and give to a good cause. <br /><br />And if anyone should have found my brain up in Brushwood, please drop it off at my office, immediately. My co-workers thank you.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-76368399660212696792011-07-08T13:19:00.001-07:002011-07-08T13:21:57.406-07:00Patrick McCollum LawsuitI'm running away to see my man in a few minutes and don't yet have the thought-streams to make an intelligible blog post. (Coven threw me a surprise birthday party last night and I'm still a little foggy. :) )<br /><br />But you will want to read the ruling in the Patrick McCollum case. <a href="http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2011/06/01/09-16404.pdf">Stay informed.</a> It's important for all of us.<br /><br />xoxoCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-40346948601515044042011-07-07T07:10:00.000-07:002011-07-07T07:59:20.629-07:00Frustrating news, but this is how it rolls sometimes.I'm pretty unhappy today. I've made the difficult choice to take a leave of absence from Seminary this coming academic year. I'd rather not be taking the year off. I'd rather be pushing my education forward, but after several conversations with the deans at the Seminary and my advisor, this is the best option for now. Everyone at both the Seminary and my place of employment (which is also a college) has been very kind and supportive but unfortunately, what we are each able to provide for each another does not match up right now.<br /><br /><strong>The situation:</strong>When I applied to the school, it was with the understanding that I would be able to continue my full-time job, which provides tuition remission, while pursuing the degree. However, the Masters of Divinity track has a large canon of required core-classes to obtain the degree. The problem is that these classes are only offered during the 9-5 workday. My job provides tuition remission with the agreement that all classes be taken outside of the office hours of 9-5 (which is a fair policy, I do agree). The school is trying to change their scheduling to better accommodate working students, but this will not be happening within the next academic year. This past year, the majority of classes I was able to take were electives. If I continue this pattern, I will have spent two years in a program on nearly all electives and very few core classes. This makes me very nervous.<br /><br />Several people have suggested solutions out of support. Believe me, the folks at Seminary and I have discussed each and every one of these sorts of solutions and they simply do not apply. I'm posting several below as I'll be traveling a lot this summer and probably answering the same questions. It's easier on me to simply post them here and direct people to the blog. :)<br /><br /><em>Can you change your work schedule? Perhaps make up the hours later?</em><br />No, I can't. My job requirements entail me being a point person in the office between the hours of 9 and 5. <br /><br /><em>Can you take vacation time? To do the classes one day a week or something?</em><br />No. I'm the Executive Assistant to a Dean. Being out of the office one day a week will not work as I need to be present as much as possible during the academic year.<br /><br /><em>Can't you take the courses at another school and transfer them to the school?</em><br />No. The Seminary has a strict policy that its core classes must be taken at the institution. Being in Higher Ed, I understand where they are coming from. Unfortunately, it makes my student-life much harder! :)<br /><br /><em>What about independent study? Or on-line courses?</em><br />Neither apply to these courses.<br /><br /><em>How many courses are you talking about? Is this really a big deal?</em><br />Roughly 6 courses--18 credits. Plus a field study component that I will have to work through, somehow! Yes. It's an issue.<br /><br /><em>What about going to school full time? Student loans? Scholarships?</em><br />Doing that track would put me at about 40,000 dollars in debt by graduation. I am not willing to take on debt in that amount for something that is not a mortgage. As for scholarships, they would have to be enormous and those are hard to come by. Costs of living in New York City plus heavy tuition pretty much equal poverty for the rest of your life if you go that route. I think it goes without saying that a Divinity degree would help my work as a Priestess--but I won't be walking into a paid clergy-role. :) Plus, I like my job and I'm treated well here. I will not be leaving it to go pursue full-time school.<br /><br /><em>Well....isn't there something they can work out for you?</em><br />Again, I've been in hours of conversations and the Seminary has investigated every option they currently have for my situation. The only real way this can work is if the core classes are offered in the evenings which is something they say they are working on--but it's not going to be available this coming year.<br /><br /><em>Will they be able to offer the classes the following year?</em><br />It's uncertain. I absolutely hope so, but again--I do not want to go through the stress and costs of another year of school without knowing if I will be able to finish my degree.<br /><br /><em>Have you thought about other programs?</em><br />I will be researching other options, but nothing is certain, yet.<br /><br /><em>Gee, that sucks.</em><br />Yes, it does.<br /><br /><em>Are you upset about it?</em><br />Yes, I am.<br /><br /><em>So, now what?</em><br />Not sure. Going to teach these workshops this summer, work on some writing projects, keep in conversations with the Seminary and also peek at other programs. It bothers me a lot to delay my education, but that's just how life rolls sometimes.<br /><br />Seminary has been wonderful so far--both academically and through this situation. My job has also been very understanding and supportive as well. But they each can offer only what they can offer and being on both sides of Higher Ed, I understand the limitations. But without a guarantee that I can continue and finish, I'm not willing to compromise myself energetically and financially. It's really annoying--but sometimes you have to take a time out and wait for the right solution to present itself.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I'll do better at keeping this blog up to date. :)<br /><br />BBMF.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-83031884939830003922011-05-25T12:11:00.001-07:002011-05-25T12:13:24.003-07:00Free Readings!!!Tonight, from 6-9 p.m., Eastern Time, I will be offering free Tarot readings on the new site Shindigtarot.com! Here's where you can find me! <a href="http://shindigtarot.com/directory/coco_tarot">http:hthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giftp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif//shindigtarot.com/directory/coco_tarot</a><br /><br />Also, this is the last day of the Tarot of the Boroughs sale. If you <a href="http://www.tarotoftheboroughs.com">purchase a copy today</a>, I will give you a free 15 minutes reading on the time and day of your choice! <br /><br />So, come see me for free on Shindig today--purchase a deck and save that reading for a rainy day!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-14846313188597364062011-05-19T11:44:00.001-07:002011-05-19T11:45:04.848-07:00YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yahoo published <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20110518/bs_prweb/prweb8439765_2">an article about World Tarot Day!</a> Jorge and I are mentioned as "cutting edge!"Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-29224650094020197082011-05-16T11:37:00.000-07:002011-05-16T11:39:40.886-07:00Resources for LGBTQ recipients of violenceIf you are in the New York area and have been a recipient of violence (or have a community member who has been the recipient of violence), please check out the <a href="http://www.avp.org/">Anti-Violence Project</a>. They provide advocacy for those wishing to report violent incidents to the police, as well as counseling. <br /><br />Don't be silent. To be silent is to be complicit.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-55040560423438530322011-05-11T11:54:00.000-07:002011-05-11T11:56:28.867-07:00Whales!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJQsL_6W-rwL4YYdSSX5hsJkMKF0UX9d-f2KXuynw9Zu82LqLeig6ZG7RiM8n6_UMp8Av48KxgrYpKhaMSSoTje5ajgDQ42axaWTcmBRPASwpcgpUcJE46CRSOsZdkNj6IxrDK6Pnnh7l/s1600/whales.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJQsL_6W-rwL4YYdSSX5hsJkMKF0UX9d-f2KXuynw9Zu82LqLeig6ZG7RiM8n6_UMp8Av48KxgrYpKhaMSSoTje5ajgDQ42axaWTcmBRPASwpcgpUcJE46CRSOsZdkNj6IxrDK6Pnnh7l/s320/whales.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605534295571002562" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/05/110506-whales-blue-whale-new-york-city-animals-science/">Thriving in NYC!!! :D</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-25152466403188129952011-05-10T07:05:00.000-07:002011-05-10T07:12:51.041-07:00Weighing in on the Five Fold Kiss<a href="http://societyofdiana.blogspot.com/2011/05/5-fold-fuckup-there-i-said-it.html?spref=fb">Society of Diana</a> posted a blog about her concerns over the Five Fold Kiss and its inherent sexism in its traditional text. She asked me to comment and I did! Here's what I wrote (you'll want to go to the link above to see the original discussion).<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Our Coven uses the Five Fold Kiss when intending to draw a Deity's influence into a person. The kisses are used to focus Etheric energy into those regions to better connect the person to the Deity. I encourage my members to not stick to text, but develop their own with the intention of Deity connection. I actually did not learn the words of the Five-Fold Kiss to say, "Formed in beauty" or "Formed in Strength." I learned it as "Blessed be thy breasts that encase the powerful heart within," which is used on either a woman or man. I think it is a useful ritual tool, but like all ritual tools, if it not examined and is instead treated dogmatically, it could become archaic and in this case, understandably received as sexist.</span><br /><br />I'll be teaching the Mechanics of the Five Fold Kiss at <a href="http://laurelinlugh2011.eventsbot.com/">Laurelin </a> in August and then at <a href="http://www.cwpn.org/hg/">Harvest Gathering</a> in September! Please join me! I am very excited to be teaching this class to the public!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-21476307674105176902011-05-07T09:39:00.001-07:002011-05-07T09:41:38.321-07:00Going bizerk...in the best way possible!!!!I just saw <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/seal-soaks-up-the-sun-on-the-isle-of-manhattan/">THIS INCREDIBLE ARTICLE</a> about a grey seal hanging out on the beach where I've been leaving offerings to Ochun and the Mother Hudson. (Those of you who remember my story about getting smacked for not leaving the Hudson an offering? This is where it happened.) Just recently, I did a spell for eco-consciousness on this same spot. And the seal arrived!!! I don't even know what to do with myself--except run down there and pick up trash so the seal is more comfortable.<br /><br />MOTHER HUDSON IS COMING BACK TO LIFE!!!!! ASHE, ASHE, ASHE!!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-39978876462165237662011-05-06T13:33:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:59:04.198-07:00Festivals this summer! Come hang with me!!!We're still in the midst of Beltaine planning (Our crew's celebration is tomorrow!!!) and I'm trying to keep my head down and focused on my finals...but I can already hear drums and smell bonfires. <br /><br />Here are a few places where I'll be teaching this summer! Please come and hang with me!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brushwood.com/summerfest.html">Brushwood Summerfest--Craftwise College!</a><br />July 18-24<br />In gorgeous upstate New York. I'll be teaching my (in)famous Tarot classes: "Voice of the Tarot" and "Burn the Fucking Book." I'll also be leading my "Ethics of Spellcraft" workshop at <a href="http://www.craftwisecollegeevents.com/offered-classes-2011.html">Craftwise</a>. I'm soooooo stoked....because my friends and mentors <a href="http://www.callaighe.com/">Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone</a> will also be leading their incredible workshops...and my dear friend and sister in Brid <a href="http://www.bridscloset.com">Bernadette Montana of Brid's Closet</a> will be teaching at the festival, too!(Both Summerfest and Craftwise are at Brushwood the week of July 18th!)<br /><br /><a href="http://laurelinlugh2011.eventsbot.com/">Laurelin Sun, Moon and Sky Magick Lughnasadh Celebration</a><br />Bethel, Vermont<br />August 3-7<br />At my good friend <a href="http://www.revkirkwhite.com/">Kirk White's</a> gorgeous farm in northern Vermont. They EVEN HAVE A PAN GROVE AND A NATURAL SPRING!!! It's even more exciting for me as two of my Students/Covenmates are also teaching: <a href="http://www.ladysage.blogspot.com/">Lisa Vazquez</a> and <a href="http://irigarayswoman.blogspot.com/">Noelle V Dor</a>. <span style="font-style:italic;">HPS BEAMING SUNSHINEY-RAINBOW-SPARKLY UNICORNS OF PRIDE!!!!</span><br /><br />And then....at the end of August....returning to my hometown of Portland, OR to show them all the cool things I learned while in the far East!<br /><br /><a href="http://deforesthouse.net/">DeForest House</a><br />Portland, OR.<br />Thursday, August 18, 7-9:30<br />These kind souls endured my renditions of Lady Gaga and AC/DC at their New Year's Eve drum circle...now, they're kind enough to let me teach "Burn the Fucking Book!" and show off <a href="http://www.tarotoftheboroughs.com">Tarot of the Boroughs!</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">***Vancouver, WA date in the works...will have more information soon!!!***</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sacredmists.com/">Sacred Mists Store</a><br />Napa, CA (The live, in-person store!)<br />August 24 and 25<br />Wonderful opportunity. :) I will be the first presenter this little gem of a store has had, in person! Many of you are familiar with Sacred Mists's Online College--but just this past August, they opened their doors as a store with doors and a roof and stuff inside! I will be teaching "Voice of the Tarot" and an introductory Wiccan Ritual workshop. I'll also be doing readings! Thank you, Lorien, for giving me this fantastic opportunity!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dodivination.com/sf_bats">BAY AREA TAROT SYMPOSIUM!!!</a><br />San Francisco!!! California!!!<br />August 27-28<br />The last time I went to San Fran, I was with a Catholic School choir tour led by a bunch of nuns. I totally had a good time. We went to Six Flags and everything. But I think I'm going to have just as much fun as a 30 year old (yipes!)Witch and Tarot freak running around with a bunch of other Witches and Tarot freaks. I'll be presenting a talk on Tarot of the Boroughs. Maybe I'll even do Power Point! Yay!!! <br /><br />If you are on the Left Coast and interested in coming to hang with me at any of these events, please register at the above links or email the stores if registration is not yet available. As registration does become available, I will update this blog. I never miss a chance to self promote--if you haven't noticed.<br /><br />YAY!!! IT'S FIVE O'CLOCK!!! GOING HOME TO BE GOOD AND WORK ON A PAPER SO I CAN HAVE ALL THE FUN IN THE WORLD TOMORROW AT BELTAINE!!!!!! :D :D :D :DCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-10157890935630321302011-05-04T13:13:00.001-07:002011-05-04T13:46:54.431-07:00Sorrow, forgiveness and healing--plus Tarot.Well, FIRST Tarot.<br /><br />I'm still coming back to Earth after a world-turning weekend at the <a href="http://www.tarotschool.com/RS11/index.html">Reader's Studio</a>. A swift lesson that I've been trying to avoid for months--even if you study Theology, even if you run a group, it is NOT a substitute for doing your own self-work. So now, armed with more things to reflect upon and investigate, I wade through the Beltaine tides (which have led to some very embarrassing Freudian "slips" at work...) and embrace the brightest part of the year in hopes that it will shine its light on the places in my soul that need illumination.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Death of Bin Laden<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br />This epic conclusion to the nearly mythic search for Bin Laden has shaken up painful memories for many from the tragic September day. The news broadcast cheering the streets of New York (I was asleep on my couch, processing my weekend), but much of it was mixed with tears. Facebook (stupid Facebook...) exploded with conspiracy theories, arguments as to whose victory it "really was," joy, anger, attempts at peace. <br /><br />Revenge, for lack of a better term, is a complicated state. We fantasize about seeking revenge on those who have harmed us. Some of us may even receive the opportunity to reap what we consider revenge. But revenge is a shallow victory. It can feed the ego, but it leaves the soul in an extended feeling of hunger and want. During our trials of suffering at the hands of others, our souls are promised healing once revenge has been completed or "justice served." But when those moments come, the satisfaction is fleeting. Revenge does not undo the suffering we've undergone. It does not replace what was lost. Bin Laden's death may be providing closure for those who lost family and friends in 9/11--but it does not bring those lost back to life. Nor does it re-write the past ten years as glorious ones, filled with laughter and light instead of grief and pain. The soul is still left suffering after the revenge is complete, without the promise of an end in sight. <br /><br />So what is the other option? Forgiveness? As a young Christian, I would grit my teeth and do my best to forgive the bullies that taunted me at school. Sometimes, I would succeed in doing so, only to be bullied again. I would "turn the other cheek" so friggin' often and simply allow the bullying to continue because in my young mind, it was the "good, Christian thing to do." Yet, there were also times both in my childhood and adult life, when someone who had done me wrong came forward with a heartfelt apology and I forgave them. And there have been individuals who harmed me in my past who never did apologize, and yet in hindsight I was able to forgive them. I am very thankful for those who have forgiven me when I've done stupid-ass things. The gift of forgiveness is peace in one's own soul. We no longer have to carry hot and self-poisonous grudges and perhaps we can even start anew in our own journeys with the people that either we've hurt or that have hurt us.<br /><br />But the problem with forgiveness is the assumption that it's always necessary or always good. Can any of us really ask a woman who has been brutally raped to forgive her attackers? Or, back to the subject at hand, will it really serve anyone who suffered a loss in 9/11 any good to forgive Bin Laden for plotting the monstrous attacks? Would we be encouraging healing or the suppression of one's own pain? It is not fair to comfort one by saying it's part of their journey to experience that pain, or promise them that it will make them stronger. It minimizes and trivializes their experience.<br /><br />When it seems impossible to forgive a person, group or situation who has harmed us, the only tool we can embrace is acceptance. We <span style="font-style:italic;">accept</span> that a pain occurred. We also have to eventually <span style="font-style:italic;">accept</span> that there may never be an answer to why something painful happened to us or those we love. Accepting does not mean condoning. Accepting also does not mean forgetting. But accepting that a pain happened may allow us to move forward and stop existing in the "Why did this happen? Why would this happen to me???" We accept that we will not know the answers, but we also accept the reality that our pain can be temporary, if we allow it to be. <br /><br />My heart goes out to those who suffered directly or indirectly due to the attacks of 9/11. I am not excited about Bin Laden's death, as I do not believe his death will truly alleviate the suffering of the present. But nor do I mourn his death. Yes, he was a person--but he was a person who caused severe suffering and perhaps I am not compassionate enough to mourn the loss of a person who committed those acts. But what I do feel is hope that a benefit of this situation is the closure for those who suffered because of it, and hope that it moves forward the healing process. I hope those who lost are not pushing themselves to forgive Bin Laden, if they feel they cannot. But I do hope that all who suffered can reach a place of acceptance.<br /><br />Peace, blessings and healing to all in this Light time of the year.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-60038047284139467932011-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:002011-04-27T09:34:08.548-07:00AWESOME WEEKEND COMING UP!!!!!If you're in the NYC area this weekend, I will be at the <a href="http://www.tarotschool.com/RS11/index.html">Reader's Studio</a> at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel! (Sorry, bitches...it's sold out! Hope you have your tickets already!) <a href="http://www.tarotoftheboroughs.com">Tarot of the Boroughs </a>will be for sale!!! (That is not sold out...you can order online!!!)<br /><br />Also, Jorge will be at <a href="http://www.bridscloset.com/beltane%20page.html">Brid's Closet Beltaine</a> up in Cornwall, NY. He'll also have <a href="http://www.tarotoftheboroughs.com">TofB</a> for sale!<br /><br />And to shamelessly promote another friend, Tarot reader <a href="http://tarotspell.blogspot.com/">Hilary Parry</a> will be making her Reader's Studio debut! Hilary has been featured on <a href="http://blog.thetarotlady.com/2011/04/04/the-tarot-apprentice-1st-challenge-skills/">Theresa Reed's Tarot Apprentice</a> competition and I sincerely expect Hilary to win the hell out of that competition. <br /><br />If you're there, come say hi to me and Hilary! If you're at Brid's Closet Beltaine, go say hi to Jorge!!! He'll be teaching Archetypes in Astrology!!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-33576175566382038082011-04-22T06:30:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:03:54.508-07:00Friday Youtube, Inspiration and Diatribe(But not in that order)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">DIATRIBE!!!!</span><br />I'm so excited for Beltaine, I'm tapdancing under my desk all day and skipping back and forth to the subway. In the nature of the Broom-Jumping, Handfasting Holiday I'm encouraging all ye Beltaine-Ritual-Planners out there to remember our brothers and sisters who are legally barred from Handfasting/Marrying the people they love. Consider including Marriage Equality in your Beltaine intentions. Our crew is dedicating our entire Beltaine Sabbat to raise energy to move forward Marriage Equality in New York State. We hope other communities will join us in sending energy to this very important endeavor!<br /><br /><a href="http://mysmallstory.wordpress.com/category/iesha-sekou/">INSPIRATION!!! </a><br />I had the privilege of hearing Sister Iesha speak, this past Tuesday night. I strongly encourage everyone to go to the link and read about her and the work she is doing with NYC youth.<br /><br />FRIDAY YOUTUBE!!!<br />Both of these videos are very tongue in cheek. Please enjoy them for their message, and please do not be too sensitive about individual things they pick on. There are many fine leaders who use the title of Lady or Lord (I prefer "Broad" myself), and wonderful, empowering traditions that require Eldership before Leadership. These videos poke fun at abusive groups and leaders that are not fine, wonderful or empowering.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HGs5EjAOYM">Bad Pagan Leadership: Joining a Coven</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CQ2cXFp3LVQ">Bad Pagan Leadership: Pagan Unity Council</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-52882291866639871142011-04-19T12:21:00.000-07:002011-04-20T06:57:41.741-07:00Ritual Etiquette. :)It's almost Beltaine and Festival Season is upon us! This is the time of year when a plethora of Open Circles beckon. Open Circles are a fantastic way to meet and learn from other people. BUT....there are a couple of things to remember! Take a peek and keep 'em in mind!!!<br /><br />When attending Circle, please avoid the following:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Texting the Priest/ess ten minutes before the event asking for directions or to say you're three blocks away.</span><br />If they even have their phone on (I usually hand my phone off to someone else just prior to a ritual) their thoughts are on getting the event going. Getting last minute texts eats away at the focus the Priest/ess needs for the ritual. Not fair to them or the other people at the event!<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead:</span> Print out the directions as soon as they hit your inbox and put them in your cloak/gown/other pocket, immediately. Or, have the phone number on hand of someone else who will be there and call them, instead. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Pulling aside the Priest/ess to ask for a detailed description of what will be happening at the ritual e.g., "What exactly will we be doing tonight?" "Why didn't you tell me you were invoking this Deity?" </span> If the Priest/ess didn't include this information in the invite, he or she will most likely explain things before Casting.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Take time to read the invites carefully before showing up. If you still have questions, ask another ritual leader or simply wait for the Priest/ess to give the low-down. Don't demand personal attention from the Priest/ess moments prior to the ritual beginning. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Invoking other Beings or Quarters by different names or in different locations because you're used to doing it a different way.</span> The Priest/ess or Ritual team chose the Deities or Quarter locations for a reason. You're messing up the flow by throwing in something else, energetically. Go with the flow. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Wait until the Ritual has concluded and ask to the Priest/ess or a Ritual leader about the reasoning behind their choices. Even better, wait a few days and EMAIL THEM about it. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lighting anything that smokes e.g., tobacco, incense, etc. </span> It's safe to assume that all indoor spaces are non-smoking, particularly if it is a public or rented venue. <span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Ask a ritual leader AHEAD of time (not during the ritual) if lighting a smoking something is okay, but go ahead and assume that an indoor space means no smoking materials.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Bringing people who are going to freak out.</span> Maybe it'll be hilarious to <span style="font-style:italic;">you</span> to drag your stuffy roommate to a candlelit-chant-filled-drum-pounding gathering where people become possessed and/or break down in ecstatic hysterics. But <span style="font-style:italic;">your roommate</span> will not find it funny. And the ritual leaders SURE AS HELL won't find it funny when they see the person cowering in the corner. <span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Bring along people who ask to come and do your best to let them know what kind of situation they'll be walking into. It's also polite to notify the organizers if someone is coming who is new to the Craft or rituals in general. Good ritual leaders want everyone to feel at home and will take special care to make sure a new person feels as such.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Chatting during ritual or while Priest/ess or Ritual Leader is talking to the crowd.</span> Even if it's about Magick. Even if it's with someone whom you haven't seen since your last lifetime. No matter how quiet you think you are, you are distracting the leader and those around you. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Whisper to the person, "Let's talk later" and find them after the ritual for a chat over cheese and hummus. If what you need to talk about is really that important, it'll still be important after ritual.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Bossing people around about food, freaking out about food, etc. </span><br />Showing up as a guest with a spoon marked, "VEGAN ONLY!!!" and policing it like a Secret Service Agent will make everyone around you unhappy. If you are a vegetarian or have a food intolerance and dig your tortilla chip into a nondescript dip without checking to see if your taboo food items are in there, don't bitch people out when you find the forbidden food on your tongue. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Be flexible about food when sharing a meal. Yes, it's always best if people label the ingredients of a dish--particularly if it contains meat, dairy or foods with common allergens, like nuts or honey. But if you are the person with those restrictions, do ask around before diving in, if you're not sure. And yes, maybe someone used your Vegan Only spoon to dish Mac n' Cheez. If you're not going to chain the spoon to your wrist, quietly wash it and let it go. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Commenting on a logistical problem: "Gee! This walk is a lot farther than you said it would be!" "Man, maybe you should have gotten a bigger space?" "Wow...those directions were crap. Next time, a better landmark?"</span> REST. A. SSURED. If there is a logistical problem, the ritual leader is as aware of it as he or she is the desire to strangle you for bringing it up--three minutes before ritual begins. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Smile and say nothing. If you attend several rituals that continually pose the same logistical problem, email the Priest/ess at a later date with a suggested alternative. If you don't have a suggested alternative...continue to smile and say nothing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Leaving without offering to help clean up.</span><br />So rude.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead: </span> Offer to help clean up.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Oh! And if you're leading ritual....avoid the following!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Changing the way the Circle is being cast--in the middle of the Circle Casting.</span> Even if an Ancient Muse came along and kicked you in the head, it's not a good idea to scream out, "I HAVE AN IDEA!!!" You've just fucked the flow for the rest of your Ritual leaders. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Put that Ancient Muse on the back burner and as soon as ritual is over, scribble it in your Book of Shadows. Mention it next time, for the NEXT ritual, during the planning stages. (This one came courtesy of <a href="http://aidanandciaran.blogspot.com/2010/10/ancestor-tree.html">Tamrha</a>.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Arguing about the ritual--when the ritual is about to begin and guests are present.</span><br />All ritual leaders should ask each other questions regarding the ritual before the actual ritual, and any disagreements should be figured out before the community arrives and not in front of them. It unnerves the guests and undermines the energy the group is trying to cultivate.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> If something is unresolved before the ritual starts, hold onto that thought and discuss it at a later date before the next ritual. (This one also came courtesy of <a href="http://aidanandciaran.blogspot.com/2010/10/ancestor-tree.html">Tamrha!</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Interrupting the Priest/ess while they are talking or invoking about something they forgot to say/do. </span> Probably the quickest way to never be asked to help lead ritual again. Don't do it. Unless you notice the space is on fire or that someone needs medical attention. Then, you should interrupt.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Instead</span> Mention it later. If you simply cannot wait until later, whisper it in the ear of the Priest/ess when they're not the center focus of the ritual. But better to wait until afterward.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Leaving without helping to clean up.</span><br />Please see above!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-5453204084153158552011-04-15T05:53:00.000-07:002011-04-15T13:56:54.441-07:00INQUISITION!!!! Things you may not know....(And guess what? It's still happening!)I wrote a paper about the Inquisition! Ten pages, but should have been 10,000. There's a lot of nasty shit to write about! Here are a few things most people probably don't know about the Inquisition (the period of European history between roughly 1300 and just past 1600 where you got arrested for being different than the Church and if you were lucky, had the option of repenting your "wickedness" and then you wouldn't get burned or flayed alive. But, not everyone had that option.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NASTY FACTS ABOUT THIS NASTY TIME!!!</span><br />* More people were killed for being Jewish than for being Witches. Far more. The Jewish people were the most negatively impacted group during this period. <br />* As many Protestants were killed for being Protestants than for being Witches. In fact, many people accused of being Witches were actually just being Protestants.<br />* Many of the people accused of Witchcraft most likely suffered from senility, dementia or epilepsy. But many people back then didn't know what those things were and just took poor old grannies to the stake because clearly, inane babbling equaled a very dangerous Witch.<br />* One of the Church's main beefs with Witchcraft was that in many areas of Europe, laity were more likely to consult local soothsayers than take the Church sacraments. This the Church found irritating and sent the Inquisitors after these folks.<br />* Mortality rates were high and people were afraid of everything. A new person comes to town? Coincides with a spike in disease? Clearly, that person is a Witch who caused everyone to get rancid boils and fever. Burn 'em.<br />* Most people of the Inquisition era <span style="font-style:italic;">were not aware that it was happening.</span><br /><br />I've been a big skeptic about the "Burning Times" for awhile. After writing that paper, I am still confident that the people killed during the Inquisition were not getting together over an bottle of mead and chanting "Isis, Astarte..." I do not believe it is accurate or productive for contemporary Pagans to claim the Inquisition as our own Holocaust. Yes, there were people accused of Witchcraft who were arrested, convicted and tortured. But no, it was not an all-out attack on folk Paganism and folk Paganism alone. The Inquisition was actually a systematized, violent suppression system against anyone who did not conform to the Catholic Church's authority: this extended to Protestants, Muslims, Jews and other radical fringe Christian groups. Those accused of or arrested for Witchcraft <span style="font-style:italic;">may</span> have been Goddess worshipers, but were more likely to be persecuted just for being different enough to annoy the Church without quite conforming to the other labels. Maybe they also had psychic gifts that scared the crap out of local priests. But these people were in all likelihood not embracing the same Pagan practices we now enjoy. So, it's counter-productive to go around waving the Burning Times flag. <br /><br />However. The Inquisition should still scare us. It's still happening only this time, it might just be including "Isis, Astarte" chanting Pagans along with all the others.<br /><br />I am lucky. I can wear my pentacle out in New York City and very rarely do I ever get shit for it. I live in an area where it is safe to be an out Wiccan but as well all know, there are a lot of areas where that's not the case. Unfortunately, I'm starting to believe that it's becoming even less safe. We may be heading into a phase where things are going to get even scarier. While the Catholic Church may not be <span style="font-style:italic;">officially</span> in charge of everything we serfs do, the ubiquitous, multi-denominational "Church" has gotten a lot louder, a lot rowdier, and a lot more intent on ridding our world of other mainstream religions, along with LGBTQ and yes, Witches:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykCJANSuLqo&feature=player_embedded">Hey, look! Churchy-Church people ridding the world of Witches!!!</a><br /><br />(I'd like to point out that these freaks are "exorcising" Witchcraft using..erm...Witchcraft techniques: standing in a Circle, chanting, raising energy, oy...)<br /><br /><a href="http://socialtransformation2011.org/?p=447">These people</a> met at Harvard over the first weekend in April. No, it wasn't an April Fool's joke, but it sounded like one. I'd like to laugh and say to not be scared, but really? It only takes one or a few nuts to get really hooked into this mentality and people could be subject to true, physical danger. The fact that these people got their conference at Harvard says they either a.) have influence b.) have lots of money or c.) have both. All three options SHOULD be scary. One thing I learned from writing a paper on Inquisitional Heresy is that what the Church (or its radical affiliates...I by no means hold the average Christian accountable for these individuals) deems heretical is but a reflection of a present, societal fear. It's like the NY adage: if you see one cockroach, there are 12 more hiding in the walls. I encourage us not to give into fear, but to start becoming aware and continue to work on educating the general public to the best of our abilities. I don't want to open the Times one morning and see that something happened in the US that happened in Kenya as well as other places in Africa:<br /><br /><a href="http://vodpod.com/watch/2959909-witch-burnings-in-africa">"Witch" Burnings in Kenya</a> (Please note, this is a very graphic video.)<br /><br />Let's all also keep in mind that the vast majority of Christians are not out to burn and flay people. The people involved in this kind of horseshit are radical and unbalanced people, caught up in a fear-based campaign that happens to aligning itself under the label of the Christian religion. Yet, this kind of freaked-out mindset is a dangerous, dangerous thing.<br /><br />Trickle down effect! <a href="http://carm.org/religious-movements/wicca/witnessing-those-wicca">Here's one way</a> the radical nuts are coming after our young ones. <a href="http://www.dare2share.org/worldviews/wiccans/">Here's another.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">So what do we do???<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />Here are a few ideas you are free to ignore, but I encourage you to consider:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Don't</span> point fingers, as in blaming the decent Christian guy next door who has always been nice to you for the crap pulled by these fuckers. Blame the action. Blame the mentality. Blame the individuals involved. Don't blame the religion and its affiliates. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Do</span> be an out Pagan, if you are in a part of the country where it is safe to be one. Be a good neighbor, a good co-worker. Buy the Girlscout cookies and wear the Pentacle while you do it. Make a good impression on the person next to you, and maybe they'll take in of their own accord to educate their ignorant relatives at Thanksgiving about the Nice Pagan Lady at the office or on the block.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Don't</span> be weird and secretive. Hiding your practices and acting shady when people ask you questions makes you think you have reason to hide what you do. Of course, keep personal matters of your group private, but be open to answering questions about your practices. Maybe they'll still think you're weird. But at least they won't think you drink blood of virgin kittens or some shit like that.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Do</span> invite people of other faiths to your open gatherings. Help make them feel at home. Explain what's going on and do your best to show them a good time. There's a good chance they'll go back to their own communities or congregations and say, "Hey! Pagans are nice and throw a good party!"<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Don't </span> use social networking sites or blogs to announce your plans to curse the idiot who pissed you off in gym class. <span style="font-style:italic;">You</span> sound like an idiot and you don't scare anyone. What you <span style="font-style:italic;">have</span> succeeded in doing is in making the rest of us look bad.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Do</span> use social networking and blogs to talk about your spiritual beliefs and your community building endeavors. Particularly if you are in an area where it isn't safe to be an open Pagan, this is a great way to help educate others in a safe format.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Don't</span> alienate yourself either within your own Pagan community, or even just within your own self. Find friends and build bridges with other communities who share the same goals that you have.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Do</span> be aware of religious persecution, but don't be paranoid. It ruins your own life. As my mom likes to say, "Don't give out free rent in your head." <br /><br />And....happy Full Moon! Enjoy this beautiful weekend!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-57119772225188524602011-04-10T07:39:00.000-07:002011-04-10T07:40:36.869-07:00TONIGHT!!!Jorge and I are going to be on Beyond the Worlds! Listen to us!!! Should have blogged this sooner. Tweeted and FB'd it, but didn't blog it! Oy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beyondworlds/2011/04/10/courtney-weber--tarot-of-the-boroughs">LISTEN HERE! 7 P.M. EASTERN (USA) TIME!!!</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-46221845999635876832011-04-07T04:58:00.001-07:002011-04-08T10:47:26.401-07:00Happy (late) Ostara! Plant THESE seeds where it counts...With the global explosions bookending the Spring Equinox this year, my phone and inbox blew up with the same question, “Some of these people aren’t going to wake up. So what do we do???” Our world is at war. In the United States, our people are growing broke from debt and unemployment. Food and water shortages are abounding, globally. We can barely finish fundraising for the relief fund of one natural disaster before another one springs up. Talking and blogging isn’t fixing the problem. Wait. I’m blogging. But I’m on the bus and don’t have a crew of NGOs at my disposal, so it will have to do for now.<br /><br />Just before Ostara, I attended a function with two of my Covenmates called “Haiti: One year later”. It focused on the state of Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and included panelists and speakers who had several ideas about what small faith communities could do to help Haiti rebuild. But the question I had for the panelists was this: “How can small, grass-roots groups with no money or humanitarian supplies laying around their studio apartments help Haiti rebuild?”<br /><br />The answer I received from several panelists was, “Never underestimate the power of prayer and money.” <br /><br />A doctor who was himself from Haiti spoke and said, “Come to Haiti. Visit us. Bring your tourism. When our industries get back on their feet, we will have jobs. If you come and see us, businesses will once again flourish.” <br /><br />I looked at my friends. The wheels were turning in their heads as well. We want to go to Haiti.<br /><br />After the function, I approached a different speaker who himself ran rebuilding “mission” trips to Haiti. His was a Christian organization, but if we all had the same goal, perhaps something could work. When I asked him about the logistics of bringing a small team to Haiti to rebuild, I also clarified for him that we were not a small church group, but a Wiccan Coven.<br /><br />He smiled awkwardly. “Um….not a good fit.”<br /><br />He did add, though, that we were welcome to donate money to his cause. <br /><br />I took a compassion break in the other room. With the help of a glass of wine, I reflected on a kind approach to the exchange. The Haitian people weren’t at fault for this dude’s rudeness. Plus, there’s always the chance that I simply didn’t understand what he said. Miscommunication is responsible for so many of the personal problems most of us face. I returned to the table and asked why, specifically, he didn’t think it would be a good fit.<br /><br />“Much of our work is distributing Bibles,” he said. I agreed. That would not be in our interests. “But we do sometimes take non-religious rebuilding teams to go down and work on projects.”<br /><br />“That would be a better fit,” I said. “I will be in touch.” <br /><br />(<span style="font-style:italic;">This reminds me that I need to contact that guy. I also want to mention a conversation that happened at Ostara, when I recounted this story to a Covenmate who is himself a Christian—a true Poly-Theist, having many Pantheons that he loves—and his response was, “So when did Bibles become edible? It seems to me that if they’re distributing what people need, it would stand to reason that they would distribute edible Bibles, right? That onion paper would probably be tasty….”)</span><br /><br />So, is my crew going to Haiti? I don’t know, but it would be awesome! If Paganism wants respect, it needs to gain it by contributing on a local and global level on par with other mainstream religions. Church groups have gone down to Haiti en masse to help rebuild. Why haven’t Pagans? I'm sure it's happened, but it hasn't made the news if so. Or maybe it hasn't happened at all. The main reason that I see is not a lack of compassion or desire to help, but mainly a lack of resources and infrastructure. For better or worse, mainstream religions have institutions with money who are able to fund and organize humanitarian efforts in a way that Paganism simply has not yet put into place. We’re getting there. Just this past week, Circle Sanctuary raised over $30,000 for Doctors Without Borders Japan Relief. This is one of the largest Pagan fundraising initiatives to date. I’m proud to say that the Novices of the Old Ways contributed $200 toward this event. Not bad, considering we didn’t have a public Ostara this year! <br /><br />So why Haiti? Why not Haiti? They’re as close as Puerto Rico. We’ll have to get a bunch of money, find a host organization who can show us where we’re needed and what do to. But why Haiti, when there is so much around here in New York that needs attention? By doing this, are we really helping a community or just trying to make ourselves look good in the eyes of other mainstream religions? Is this the best use of our resources? In my neighborhood, I am surrounded by families on food stamps at the grocery store, teenage mothers on the street and drug dealers on the corner. Kids, and adults, who don’t often understand the ecological problem we’re facing, over-utilize plastic bags and leave litter on the sidewalk, which inevitably ends up in the rivers. Does my own contribution really belong in a different country? There seem to be a lot of problems right outside my door. <br /> <br />Plus, are we really going to make it all the way to Haiti? I don’t know. We’re a Coven of 23 members, many of whom are having a hard time paying their own bills and finding work. Are we even in the position to help others? Again, I don’t know. But the will is there, even if the resources immediately aren’t always apparent. We managed to dig up $200 in one gathering for our friends in Japan. What else might we be able to do given more time and planning?<br /><br />Then again, it might be just what we need to do.<br /><br />Just like the panelists said, do not underestimate the power of prayer/energy and money. Take a look at what Circle Sanctuary pulled off in barely a week’s time with a few simple Facebook-link posts that quickly went viral. Whether you are solitary or with a coven, grove, etc….maybe it’s time to shake out the proverbial couch cushions for what resources you have to spare—whether they are financial, spiritual or of physical labor. There are ways in which we can all contribute, even in our smallest forms.<br /><br />From one tiny grass-roots org, here’s what has worked for us so far:<br /><br />* Passing the hat. It's not a good idea to press people or guilt them into giving. So many folks are broke right now--for American standards. But do let people know that every dollar helps.<br /><br />* Bake sales. They're super fun. <br /><br />* PARTIES. They're even more fun. Ask everyone to bring a dish, and some booze. You surely have a mess of Tarot or Rune readers in your crew. You may even have musicians or performers. The Pagan community is rife with highly talented people. Just ask. If they're available, most people are happy to contribute their talents for a good cause.<br /><br />* Reach out to other groups and communities with like minded goals. We gather strength when we work in packs. <br /><br />* Blog. Hey, look! That's what I'm doing!<br /><br />* Use your Sabbats as an opportunity to discuss important issues in the community and around the world. Many of the biggest social movements in history began in spiritual gatherings.<br /><br />* Make public service or volunteer work a mandatory part of initiation. Ask my Votaries. They've got a shit-ton of stuff to do....<br /><br />* Expect that your assistance may not always be welcome. It may be because you're Pagan--it may be because the organization or project is already overwhelmed. Do your best not to take anything personally. Contemplation breaks like the one I had to take with the "Not a good fit...." guy are essential. If someone does appear to slight you, give them the benefit of the doubt and don't be afraid to ask for clarification. "Is there a reason why we wouldn't be a good fit for you all?" "Is there any other way we might be able to help?"<br /><br />* Start small. Celebrate little victories. Maybe your crew alone won't be able to eliminate all plastic garbage from the ocean, but maybe you can help get your community to cut their plastic use in half. Maybe you can start with your crew. Setting personal challenges to make each of yourselves better and more engaged citizens of the planet is as essential as solving all other problems of the world.<br /><br />* Share what you're doing. The Goddess invented Facebook for a reason (no matter what the movie says). Your work will inspire other work. Get on it and get loud about it.<br /><br />* Lastly, pick something you are passionate about and find joy in doing. If the words of the Goddess say, "All act of love and joy are sacred to Me" (or something like that) then know your social contribution will have even more Divine value when it is done in that way.<br /><br />* Pray. Meditate. Ask for guidance. Let the Gods know you want to help and ask Them to show you how you can.<br /><br />Love your weekend!<br /><br />xoxo<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-56786259776912333732011-03-21T06:32:00.001-07:002011-03-21T06:33:30.199-07:00More Plastic stuff....Eventually, I'm sure I'll write about the Craft and Seminary again, but this is just too interesting!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">University of Rochester Introduces Cap and Gown Made of Recycled Plastic Bottles<br /><br />University of Rochester students graduating this May will be dressed in plastic bottles, but you probably won't notice. The caps and gowns that bachelor's and master's degree candidates will be wearing are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.<br /><br />The fabric used to make these gowns is spun from molten plastic pellets. It takes an average of 23 bottles to make each gown. That means that with more than 1,500 gowns sold at the University's bookstores each graduation season, 34,500 bottles will be repurposed to create the regalia.<br /><br />This shift to the environmentally friendly regalia was a joint decision made by the conference and events office and the bookstores.<br /><br />"We feel these gowns fit in with the University's 'green' mission," said Erica Strawbridge, conference coordinator for conference and events. "We think the students will appreciate this change."<br /><br />"We consistently hear from students that they prefer eco-friendly products. We're very excited to be introducing these gowns," said Maria Ferrante, general manager of the bookstores. "Not only are they better for the environment, but the fabric actually feels softer and more comfortable than what we've used for previous commencement ceremonies."<br /><br />Other features of the regalia include:<br /><br /> * Size labels stamped with soy ink.<br /> * The plastic bags used to store the caps and gowns are made from recycled plastic.<br /> * The shipping cartons are produced from recycled cardboard.<br /> * If students don't want to keep their gowns after commencement, they can drop them off at the bookstore to be recycled into new fabric.<br /> * They are softer to the touch and more breathable than traditional polyester fabric.<br /><br />The gowns are made by Oak Hall Cap & Gown and are virtually indistinguishable in color and fit from the traditional polyester material. They will be available for purchase at the campus bookstores from March 25th through commencement.</span>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-51724532544521538502011-03-18T09:00:00.001-07:002011-03-18T09:02:22.707-07:00New thoughts about plasticNever thought of plastic's inception as being a part of a solution to an environmental problem.....I like what this person has to say about plastic's good intentions, its current problems and a potential for it in the future.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/opinion/18freinkel.html?adxnnl=1&hpw=&adxnnlx=1300464006-bEa37MSK5ISbO1gD2ZDlDg">Plastic--Too Good to Throw Away</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965225687919633102.post-50971017268376641272011-03-17T14:15:00.000-07:002011-03-17T14:21:17.649-07:00Japan Relief FundFor those of you looking for places to donate to help Japan, please read below! Great chance to help Japan and support the endeavors of Pagans working for a better world.<br /><br />From Circle Times:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Circle Sanctuary ministers Selena Fox and Patrick McCollum, along with Pagans from many paths, groups, and places are among those donating to Doctors without Borders through a Pagan Community First Giving donation site.<br /><br />Doctors without Borders is among the international charities doing relief in Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake, aftershocks, tsunami, and nuclear emergencies. The donation site is facilitated by Peter Dybing, who was among the Pagans doing relief work in Haiti that Circle Sanctuary supported.<br /></span><br />Website <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Pagan-Community/doctors-without-borders">HERE!!!</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16360352156866360143noreply@blogger.com0