Emerys Somerled

A funny thing happened on the way to the Scottish Festival…

I ran into a fellow author and friend who was one of the key people that assisted with the creation of Herbal Tea for the Pagan Spirit. Her name is Jamie Wood and she has several books out as well! Jamie and I collaborated on Herbal Tea and she also has a story called “The Lemon” in my book! Many thanks to all of her wonderful assistance!

Her first book, The Wicca Cookbook is a tasty sample of Pagan cooking at it’s finest. Various recipes to fit any solstice or esbat, The Wicca Cookbook delves deep into one of the finer aspects of sacred rituals - the feast!

So please visit her site and order her books! Jamie Wood will be in San Diego the weekend of June 29th for classes and ritual work. Check her site for the latest appearances!

For the better part of the 20th century, women have been fighting for equal rights, better jobs, better pay, and respect. Now, in 2007, women have more rights and respect than they have had for almost 2000 years! Granted we still have a ways to go - for everyone, but all things considered…we have made tremendous gains!

There are many women who are responsible for going against the government and those in power to gain the right to vote, education, and jobs that used to be considered only for men.

Yet I can’t help but wonder if the Goddess movement, empowering women, healing work, and prayers to the Goddess have played a major part in gaining the upper hand for women? (more…)

~Celtic Astrology Quiz~

You scored as The Reed. In Celtic astrology, you’re a Reed (not everything on the zodiac is a tree). The animal symbol that accompanies this plant is the hound. The ancient Druids say Reed people are loyal, independent, fearless, thrive on challenges and never lose faith in themselves. However, Reeds may be prone to stubbornness, too much pride and too much risk-taking. The Reed 80% The Rowan 75% The Holly 55% The Hazel 55% The Birch 50% The Hawthorn 50% The Oak 50% The Ash 45% The Elder 45% The Ivy 45% The Vine 40% The Alder 40% The Willow 40% What Tree Are You? (Celtic astrology) created with QuizFarm.com

Many agricultural and hunting cultures throughout time have used the full moon as a measure of time as well as seasonal markers. Additionally, they were given names to remember them properly.

For 2007 I am posting the names of each full moon for the year. This list is provided by Joe Rao, an astronomer who writes for the NY Times. (more…)

I have heard a lot of arguments about which books have “proper” information to learn a Pagan religion. There are others who believe that you cannot learn anything from books other than the author’s point of view or beliefs.

In many mainstream religions, the belief is that there is only one way to God, one deity and Jesus. No other path makes any difference and to follow or learn about other religions is wrong or worse, Satanic.

Unfortunately, there are fundementalists in every religion, and yes, even some Pagans who believe their way or one way is the only way to be Pagan, or Wiccan, or a Witch. Not so.

One of the most important things I have learned, is there is no one, true method of learning about your personal spirituality. Why are there so many varous religions in one world? Because these are the doors that you can open to learn and discover who you are, and who everyone else is - including the Divine.

We should all read books, listen to elders, talk to ministers, teachers, and High Priests and High Priestesses. But most important, listen to intuition and experience for your own self what information speaks to you - and live it. Don’t let others tell you how it should be done or what is the only way. If you don’t do the work, none of what you can get out of books or teachers will do you a damn bit of good. Do it. Experience it. That is your knowledge, that is your spirituality.

Spirituality is a very personal, very deep part of your life, this and the next. What you believe is for you and you alone. Yes, you may have a similar spiritual path that you walk with others, but it will never be identical. Just like there are many different personalities in the world, and no two are exactly alike, so to is spirituality.

Don’t just walk another’s path, live your own. Don’t be book smart, be smart. Listen to your soul and what the god’s say to you, and you will learn. Don’t listen to another’s opinion of an author, for in most cases, it is their opinion, and not yours. Read everything you can, learn everything you can from anyone who will teach you. There are pieces of truth in all books and all teachings that add themselves to a better understanding of the Universe around us. Listen. The doors will open.

How lame is this? A woman who decided to get into the true spirit of the holidays, is nailed by the community as being a hostile agent of Satan. Give…me…a…break!! (more…)