New Beginnings?

Greetings Seeker, and welcome once more to my rambling writing!

Possible name and formal logo of the new working group

New Beginnings

With the Years tentative new start,

Comes the chance to practice our Arte,

With staunch companions by our sides,

Endless possibilities, wide open skies!

 Heeding the Call from Old Ones voices,

Working together, with intent and choices!

By Badger, Fox, Owl and Hare,

Our intent we now Share!

A focus grounded in the past,

Foundations built to last and last,

Core of the group now comes together,

Lee and Sue, Bear and Heather!

Gatekeepers all, holding strong,

Protecting the Group from whats wrong!

Others too will be at out side,

From close and far, near and wide!

Working together with all our Might,

Through the days and in the Night!

Holding together a Sacred Trust,

Do as ye will, Do as ye Must!

Pay the Price if required,

Heed not, if weary or tired,

A sum now greater than its parts,

This is now where it all starts!

From small seed doth huge tree grow,
This be true and this we know!
Earth, Air, Fire and Water
Bind Us now as One!

Suzanne Read 7th November (Hekate's Day) 2010

Last night was fun, not only a chance to catch up with an old and dear friend, but once again synchronous thoughts, actions and intent become apparent! Unfortunately due to ill health in one of H's furbabies, (Fern the Cat, please send whatever you can to help her, she is diabetic and has problems, its not sure whether she will recover or move on as yet, but she, H and Andrew are in our thoughts), Andrew and Heather were unable to make it to the meetup and meal at ours, but Bear (Andru) was fetched over by us both, a welcome feast served and plenty of talk and drink flowed as the evening progressed!

Bear is a former HP of the Circle of the Moon Teaching Coven, (to which we once belonged) and counterpart to H (who was HPS of the same), and a dear and true friend, one of those friends who you can go years without seeing, (in truth its been 2 years since we last met up, at the Samhain Rite at Heathers after which we walked away from CotM) but when you get together tis as if no absence has occurred, you feel totally at ease with one another and immediately pick up where you left off!

Big hugs were the first order of business, then a chance to catch up on what we'd all been up to and how life has been treating us all! As could almost be predicted, Bear has found himself being 'told' that his 'group working' sabbatical (with H and us both) is over, that tis time for something new to come, he'd even talked with H about what was happening a few weeks ago, the pair of them had already tentatively spoken about a possible name and format for the group, being less hierarchical than CotM was, and possibly using multiple sites for Ritual, with a focus possibly being an old working area we were familiar with!

We ate well, Homemade Tomato soup, followed by Rissotto and Pumpkin Chilli, followed by Cheese and Biscuits, washed down with a bottle of our Elderflower Wine and Wilkins Cider, with a Damh the Bard album playing in the background! Good food, good company, good drinks and good music plus a topic that we were all passionate about set the foundations for a great (if late) night!

With H and Andrew not being present no real decisions could be made, but concepts, thoughts, focus, intent, Ritual format and locations, Deity and a Birthing Rite (for the new group) were all subjects that were discussed, the Muse was definitely with us as ideas and inspiration flowed thick and fast, our intents and thoughts were aligned and a strong base found for us all to move forwards with.

A possible name and basic logo for the group, no decision made as yet, as without consensus from the Core group, nothing can be decided, all must be in agreement, each will hold power of veto, in all aspects of the Group!

As part of our discussions we looked at where those who could be within the Group live, and where they normally work, and after plotting them on a map discovered it formed a flattened inverted pentacle, so a basic symbol for the group was then discussed, using the inverted pentacle, a stags head to represent the masculine energies (Herne, Pan and Cernunnos were the 3 Gods who immediately came forth, especially to Lee who was listening more rather than firing out the ideas and suggestions that Bear and I were doing, normal for him, looking to his connection to bring forth what is required by the Old Ones, but when he did speak it was with power and heeded by us all!). This would then be surmounted by 2 inward facing crescent moons, not only symbolising the feminine energies (forming a symbolic Yoni), but also forming the 'eye' symbol (inward crescents flanking the dark moon), or the hidden face of the Goddess symbol (Breagha, Hekate, Cerridwen and possibly Gaia were Goddesses that seemed to resonate) I know many consider an inverted pentacle to be some form of negative or evil symbol, whereas it is in actuality a symbol of 2nd degree, and as CotM was a teaching coven (or first degree if you prefer), then it makes sense that the newer group which is the next step onwards takes a symbol that is further along the Path, so it works on many levels!

A possible more formal Logo as produced by Bear

Although we all felt that the new group wouldnt be a hierarchical group, we did discuss the need for a Core group, Gatekeepers who hold the decisions and direction / focus of the group in their hands, all with equal power of Veto, all holding the energy of the group and able to work for the group, which it seems will start with the 4 of us, and then be built upon with others as we see fit and are guided by the Old Ones. Outside of this Core would be others who would belong to the group, both experienced and WIT's (Witches In Training), who would be then admitted to the Core group as their intent, commitment and experience levels reached the correct level. This wasnt discussed as any form of elitism, but more as a means to protect the group and ensure only those who fitted in and were committed to the group were able to make the major decision, although any of the Outer Circle could bring forth suggestions and requests which would then be considered. I normally dont like any form of hierarchy, nor any smack of elitism (been there in my youth and took a long time to get away from its taint, with the foul smell of egotistical behaviours tainting what was done and less honour than was required paid to the Old Ones!), but did feel that this was a necessary part of forming the new group, how it works and whether it is something thats needed going forwards only time will tell!

Another possible formal Logo, to be discussed with all present!

The use of possibly 5 working sites was something we also felt good, not only allowing us to remain unseen by those who could object (by working different areas at different times and not using any too frequently), but also allowing us to hold synchronous Rites if it was not possible to all meet up at one site. It also means that everyone will take their fair share of travelling and equally travel the distances involved (about 1/2 hour by car maximum)

We talked also of using music / singing / chanting / resonance within Ritual, something that I exoerienced in all its glory at the Goddess Hall Samhain Rite (and have experienced at other times when we were with CotM), which was well received by the 3 of us, hopefully this could be something of use without becoming too 'fluffy'! Guided meditations are something we all felt a definite pull towards, so inculsion in most of the Rites is a possiblity, although it will be left to the Ritual Leader of that Rite to decide (we felt having a different person lead each Rite would be a good idea, splitting the workload and making it as inclusive as possible for all present!) exactly what format and how each Rite will pan out, splitting the workload and allowing different styles and knowledge come forth!

Yet another possible formal logo, only time will tell which of Bear's designs (if any) meet with universal approval, or whether some tweaks will still need to be made!

The group will not be Wiccan in framework, although most of us have had some experience within Wicca / wicca, its not where our current paths lie, instead it will possibly be more Traditional Witchcraft based, quarters and elements will be used, but possibly in the older form of the animals, Badger, Owl, Fox and Hare, you may think slightly shamanistic or druidic in format, but it matters not. This is a new group, seeking to reclaim and reconstruct what was once lost, drawing on the influences, knowledge and practices of us all, using what works from the past and our own knowledge and experiences, discarding that which does not work or feel right to us all, which is how it should be!

We would probably be a very balanced working group, focussing neither solely on the Goddess or the God, nor on light or dark, but utilising all aspects as the need arises! We probably wont follow the wiccan tenet of the Rede, 'An it Harm None, Do as Ye Will', but more the 'Do as Ye Will, But Know what Ye Do!' type of guideline! There need be no hang ups that X,Y, Z isnt being used, or that the format is different, its the intent and focus of the group as a whole that matter to us all, as long as we honour the Old Ones, each other, ourselves and the Ancestors, then it is as it should be!

Ritual Libations (Cakes and Ale) were discussed, and we felt that it probably needed to be something personal, homemade food and drink in preference of bought items, the same with other ritual items, a nice part of being beekeepers is that honey, propolis and beeswax are something we can easily source!

A lot more needs to be discussed, and not least we need to get the 4 of us together and make some firm decisions, especially with H being draconic in nature ('Do not meddle lightly in the affairs of Dragons, for Ye are crunchy and taste good with Ketchup!'), but it does feel as though we've made a start, that some great ideas for a firm foundation are out there and who knows, with the Old Ones blessings they will come to fruition!

And as Bear did write..........
'The Raven calls, the Wolf approaches, The Dragon flies and the Bear lumbers on.'
Beautiful!

Darkest Dreams
Suzanne

Shopping in Glastonbury, a few extra purchases, and the chance of a new Working Group!

Welcome back Seeker, I hope you are still enjoying the Tale of our trip to Glastonbury over the Samhain weekend! Previously we've covered the reasons for the blog's existance, our first impressions of Glastonbury, the hints and suggestions we've been given by the Lady (which we will heed, messages such as these are not to be ignored lightly), the synchronicity of meeting up with a former HPS and the Goddess Hall Samhain Rite, this brings us up to the Monday morning, the dawn of our last day at Glastonbury.

After a hearty breakfast (cereal and fruit juice plus a full english breakfast and toast) courtesy of our hosts at Hill View Farm BnB, we packed the MINI in glorious sunshine, (perhaps the weather was a sign that the Goddess was happy at the honour paid her the night before?) and set off back for our last visit to Glastonbury, calling first at Wilkins Farm for some of his famous Farmhouse Cider!

The Wilkins farm is located about half way between Hill View Farm and Glastonbury, down a dead end road, on the side of a hill, with fantastic views over the Somerset Levels. On arrival at the farm, at 1030am we parked up and went through into the Cider Barn.........

... To be greeted with the most wonderful cider apple smell, a warm smiling face and the choice of lots of these barrels of freshly made cider to taste! After being asked which we'd like to try, electing for the dry we were presented with a half pint mug each, and once that was finished were offered the chance to try all the other types aswell, all for free!! Now Im not one who normally drinks in a morning, nor do I drink and drive, so after the half pint I didnt try any more, and Lee was happy with the dry, so we bought a 5 litre container for ourselves, another for Pat and Colin (as a thankyou for looking after Bella - the dog - whilst we were away) and merrily continued on our way to Glastonbury!

Front of Lee's Top!

Back of Lee's top!

After arriving the first order of business was to go straight to the Goddess and Greenman, for Lee to get his Hoodie, a lovely mossy green thick hoodie, with a stag on the front and a greenman on the back, and lots of lovely celtic knotwork, not cheap but definitely gorgeous and worth every penny!

We'd already splurged on a few items, this lovely gargoyle incense holder..........

....... this gorgeous Stone Circle Oil Burner...........

..... this Maiden, Mother, Crone Chalice (a snip from Lilith), a new hemp bag and purse for me, a new hemp pouch for Lee, a Goddess Wheel (printed card that allows you to see the Goddess of each Sabbat at the time of the Sabbat, very nicely done artwork), some earrings for me, and a few books (you just cant not buy at least one book from a pagan bookshop, especially when faced with the choices in Glastonbury!)

Even though we had already spent enough, we decided to take a last walk around, we'd both been looking at the bronze Hare Statues all weekend, something just said that we needed at least 2 in the house (you cant just have just 1 hare, it would get lonely!), so after looking at the medium size in Goddess and GreenMan we went looking elsewhere, until we stumbled upon the same statues at a lot cheaper price in Man, Myth and Magick!

The ones we'd been looking at were by Harriet Grey, and this one was the first that spoke to us, she is Moondaisy, and of course there had to be a second hare to keep her company..........

........... Buttercup was the next one to catch our eye, and on seeing the prices we decided it was time for us to bring them home! The shop assistant was great, pointing out another Hare in the same range.........

.. whose name is Bluebell, we werent going to buy all three, but after asking whether there was a discount for the 3, and getting a very good deal, we decided to take them all! They are now nicely arranged at home in the lounge, and have already been complimented by several of our friends!

Ok, this post is a little less metaphysical and a lot more mundane, recounting the pagan shopping we did in Glastonbury, but as any Pagan who has the chance will tell you, its nice to be surrounded by lovely pagan orientated things in your home! Most folks who visit us here fall into one of 2 camps when they come into the lounge (with the attendant candles, 3 skulls, large Whicker Man framed drawing (by myself), greenmen, scrying mirror (handmade and given to me by a student I once had), oil burners, medieval type wooden furniture, dragons (lots of lovely dragonspell dragons) and 6 x 4' shelves of herbs in matching jars), they either feel totally at home, or are very nervous, 1 big butch black taxi driver who called once almost ran screaming from the house! lol!

Anyhows, I digress, on returning home to be greeted by a manically happy dog (Bella had missed us a bit) we gave Pat and Colin their cider and invited them for a meal on Tuesday night, then got online to invite H and Andrew and Bear along for a meal and a chat about putting together a new working group.

The four of us gelled so well when we first met and worked so well together as a part of the Circle of the Moon teaching Coven, that although we had to step away (as our focus was moving away from that of the CotM), we've always felt a good connection with them both, and with the message that H and ourselves were given whilst at Glastonbury, it seems now may be the time for us to talk about it and hopefully find a ways to move forwards!

I have a feeling that perhaps the new group will be less hierarchical, with us all on an even footing rather than having a HP / HPS, but that is something we will have to talk about on Saturday when they are coming for a meal! I have some ideas, and know they will too, so it will be a time of listening to one another, finding a way forwards and setting out some of what we'd like to acchieve.

Personally I know that Lee and I would want the group to be balanced, honouring both the Goddess and God, grounded and equally light and dark focussed, with shared responsibilities, perhaps if it happens we will then look to take in others, perhaps even to do some teaching between the four of us, but probably less formally rigid and hierarchical than most other groups, only time and intent will tell!

Today we will be busy at the allotment, preparing for the Bonfire and BBQ, then tomorrow we've some bottles to fetch and some homebrew to sort out, before we will be preparing the house and meal for H, Andrew and Bear's visit, so I'm not sure if I will get much of a chance to update the blog tomorrow, but I will post an update of what occurred at the meal on Saturday night sometime on Sunday! Wish us luck dear Seeker, hopefully this could be the start of something new and something worthwhile for the four of us!

Thanks for reading!
Dark Dreams
Suzanne