Merry Meet Temple Newsletter

Preparedness

News from the Outside

Poetry

2008 Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Earth Conservation Day

Warrior Weekend

Divination Weekend

Lughnasadh Gathering

Book Reviews

Llewellyns 2008 Witches Companion

Sacred Land

Magic of the Celtic Otherworld

Lessons

Divination

Tarot

Advertising

Thompson's Photography

Gothic Charms

High Priestess's Corner

There are thousands of families across the United States that have sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers and/or fathers serving in the military.  Whether they be in the Middle East, stateside, or elsewhere in the world, they are serving us...the people of the United States.

You may not agree with the war in Iraq.  I don't.  You may not approve of our troops being sent into Afghanistan, Pakistan, or elsewhere.  I don't.  You may not approve of the words our government uses when talking to or about Iran.  I don't.  However, I do support our troops.  I do not agree with what our government is doing with our troops.  There is a big difference.

If, like many Americans, you feel the need to protest the war, then by all means...protest the war.  Please make sure you direct your energy, words, anger, thoughts, actions, and intent in the appropriate direction.  Do not yell insults at the men and women in uniforms.  They are the servants of our government.  Instead, direct your protest to our government.  To do this, contact the White House.  I have.  Contact your Senators.  I have.  Contact your Representatives.  I have.  Contact your elected officials on the State and Federal levels.  The Federal, elected officials are the ones who are supposed to approve of long-term military actions and appropriate the moneys to support these actions.  Well...at least they used to.

The current administration is unlike any before it.  So, please make sure you contact the White House, too.  You can use e-mail, snail mail, or the telephone.  Be polite and to the point.  Do not use form letters.  Remember, you can say almost anything as long as you say it nicely.

Supporting our troops does not mean agreeing with how our troops are being deployed.

I support our troops...my son is one of them.

Brightest of Blessings,

Lady Damorea

Preparedness

As I sit here in a power outage, I'm thinking about being prepared.  There are many levels of preparedness.  Two of my neighbors have wall-mounted propane backup heaters; one, a woodstove; one, a fireplace; and another, a generator.  I am running a couple of burners on my gas cookstove and an under a blanket.  We have stored water, an Aladin Lamp, and a tank-top propane heater if it gets dark and colder.

At one time, we had solar lights, and we hope to have enough to run the water pump, refrigerator, freezer, and heater someday. 

There are also many levels of spiritual preparedness, too.  Some people feel they need a religion that provides for all their needs.  Some have nothing to fall back on when they experience the power outages of life.  Most of us are somewhere in between.  We each have a comfort level.

Is our spiritual life like our solar electric system?  Have we let it become unusable or do we just hope to get it up and running some day?  Do we have enough to share with others in need?

When things go wrong, it is good to be prepared both spiritually and physically.  Then, we don't have to panic because we have something to fall back on.

Janine Thompson

News from the Outside

NOT IN THE CARDS 
Beauty queen rejected as pageant judge

Miss Toronto Tourism officials reject reigning Miss Canada Plus because she reads tarot cards

Jan 28, 2008 04:30 AM 
Jim Byers 
Staff Reporter

She might be a witch, but Stephanie Conover says that's no reason for officials at an upcoming Toronto beauty pageant to reject her as a potential judge. 

Conover, who was crowned winner of the Miss Canada Plus Pageant last year, said she was recently invited to be a judge at the Miss Toronto Tourism pageant on Feb. 2. 

"I said I'd definitely be there," Conover told the Star yesterday. 

"Then, last week, on Monday, they asked me for a biography. I told them everything I do, how I'm an entertainer and a singer and a dancer. I talked about my charity work and I said I also have hobbies, including songwriting, knitting, painting, yoga, reiki and tarot cards."

That's where things got sticky.

"We just got her bio a week ago and we don't agree with it," said Karen Murray, Miss Toronto Tourism pageant director. "We want someone down to earth, not someone into the dark side or the occult."

"We need a judge who has an upright reputation and we would be proud to introduce to the audience," noted a Jan. 24 letter to the Miss Canada Plus group from Murray and another official with the Miss 
Toronto Tourism pageant. 

"Our board of directors has eliminated her as a judge as tarot card reading and reiki are the occult and is not acceptable by God, Jews, Muslims or Christians. Tarot card reading is witchcraft and is used by witches, spiritists and mediums to consult the dark world."

The letter went on to quote a couple of passages from the Bible, including one from the book of Leviticus that warns, "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spirits for you will be defiled by them."

"We hope that Stephanie Conover will turn from these belief systems and will repent from her practice of them," the letter reads.

The Miss Toronto Tourism pageant was established in 1999 and is independent of the city of Toronto's tourism branch.

Conover said she was stunned by the letter."I was fuming. They said tarot cards are the occult and that I use them to commune with dark forces," which she insisted is not the case. "They're completely benign. I use them for healing, to give guidance. You can buy tarot 
cards at Chapters or the CNE."

She also said reiki is a well-known Japanese healing system that allows people to transfer positive energy to a sick person. "It definitely goes against convention, sure, but anything that helps avoid use of prescription drugs is a bonus, I think."

Conover said she practises Wicca, which to some means she's a witch. But she said the Miss Toronto Tourism people didn't know that and that they based their rejection of her on tarot cards and reiki.

"Some would call me a witch, yes. But we don't believe in the devil. There's no devil in Wicca. We believe whatever you send out, good or bad, comes back to you three times. Ninety per cent of those who practise witchcraft or Wicca do it for the betterment of themselves or others. It's a religion and we're trying to get it recognized by 
higher-ups in government."

Conover said she also promotes diversity and multiculturalism as her mother is black and her father is white. Murray insisted Conover is "trying to stir up trouble" by raising the issue in the press. "She's obviously a very vindictive person," she said. Murray said her group doesn't get government funding and has the right to decide who acts as a judge in their pageant.

Asked if her group is a religious one, Murray replied, "We adhere to God's principles. We're God-fearing. I wouldn't say we're religious."

Conover said she's looking into challenging the Miss Toronto Tourism pageant in court, or at a human rights tribunal.

"They said they wouldn't be proud to introduce me and that I don't present an upstanding character. I'm a very open-minded person and a very loving person. To say I'm not of upright character, it's blasphemous."

HERE IS THE ACTUAL LINK so you can read other comments and maybe help her if you can... http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/297985


Poetry

2008 Important Dates

Upcoming Events

(Each of these events is only in the planning stages.)

Earth Conservation Day

Saturday, April 19th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This event may include 5 or 6 seminar and hands-on classes in recycling, conservation techniques, solar systems, and electric vehicles.  We will accept a minimum of ten registrations (10 people).  Registration fee will be $50/person, $85/couple, and $20/child under 13.  We need people who are willing to assist with registration, security, first aid, cooking, and set up/clean up.  If you would like to assist with these event, please contact Lady Damorea.

Warrior Weekend

In May or June

More planning is required before dates and registration will be announced.  We need people who are willing to assist with registration, security, first aid, cooking, and set up/clean up.  If you would like to assist with these event, please contact Lady Damorea.

Divination Weekend

In May or June

More planning is required before dates and registration will be announced.  We need people who are willing to assist with registration, security, first aid, cooking, and set up/clean up.  If you would like to assist with these event, please contact Lady Damorea.

Lughnasadh Gathering

Friday thru Sunday, August 1 - 3, 2007

Camping, drumming circle, bonfire, feast and Ritual.  We need people who are willing to assist with registration, security, first aid, cooking, and set up/clean up.  If you would like to assist with these event, please contact Lady Damorea.

If you would like to assist with these events, please contact Lady Damorea.

Llewellyn's 2008 Witches' Companion © 2008 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN 978-0-7387-0560- 6 288 pages Paperback $9.99 (U.S.) $11.50 (Canada)

Once again, Llewellyn has come out with an annual filled with thought-provoking articles. Although I only recognized four of the twenty authors represented in the twenty three articles in this book, I found all of the articles stimulating.

I have always felt that the annual publications from Llewellyn have been among their strongest offerings. They present a variety of topics, by a number of authors and, thus, a wide variety of viewpoints. While many people object to the major offerings by this publisher, these annual offerings always have to potential to stir things up.

This year's offerings include art by a number of artists in a variety of styles. The article topics are loosely grouped into four broad categories (Community Forum, Witchy Living, Witchcraft Essentials, and Magical Transformations) , and run the gamu6 from how to gain mainstream acceptance to facts and fiction about Ouija ® boards; from how many phases of the Goddess exist (three or four?) to the life cycle of magical groups; and many others.

The final section of the book is composed of the lunar calendar (with a one page article for each month) with Moon Void-of-Course information, eclipses, and Full Moon dates and times. This is not terribly detailed, but should serve the non-specialist well enough to be useful.

It was interesting to see a number of authors in this issue whom I had never encountered before. Over the years there has been a slow movement away from reliance on "big name" contributors, and I applaud the continuation of this trend. Lesser-known individuals can certainly have valid points which are worth consideration, and they often fail to get a fair hearing because they are not better known.

I encourage Llewellyn (and other publishers of compilation works) to seek out new voices and help them, to be heard by a wider audience. Vigorous discussion of controversial (or merely unconventional) topics may bring new life and new insights to our paths.

 

Sacred Land: Intuitive Gardening for Personal, Political and Environmental Change by Clea Danaan © 2007 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN 978-0-7387-1146- 1 280 pages Paperback $15.95 (U.S.)
$17.50 (Canada)

I'm sure there are hundreds of books on gardening holistically. And I know that there are scads of books on meditations. And, once in a while, you can get a "two fer" (combining both of these topics). This book however goes beyond that and adds Goddess information as well as information about individuals who have made a difference in our natural world through their interactions. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and locations, but they all have something to share.

I freely admit that I am not a gardener. It has never been a topic which appealed to me. That has, however, never diminished my appreciation for those individuals who devote their time and energy to increasing the biodiversity of out world. Whether it is growing native foodstuffs or ornamental flowers or simply reducing the use of chemical for fertilizers and pesticides, these individuals have my deepest admiration.

This was one of those unexpected little gems that show up in my mailbox from time to time. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, but put it into my review pile. I'm glad I did. Ms. Danaan offers a wide range of suggestions for improving our natural world without spending a fortune along the way.

If gardening (either in your yard, in a community setting, or in a window box) appeals to you, this book will offer you a wealth of ideas. If you want to learn a bit more about the feminine deities which are associated with the subject, you will find things items here to inspire you.

This strikes me as being a perfect Yule gift for your favorite Pagan gardener. They can sit back during the snowy months and use the ideas contained in this book to plan next year's efforts.
 

Magic of the Celtic Otherworld by Steve Blasmires © 2007 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN 978-0-7387-0657- 3 327 Pages Paperback $17.95 (U.S.) $20.95 (Canada

I got this book because my daughter was enthusiastic about the bit she read while browsing at a local bookstore. I wasn't sure about it for a couple of reasons: First, I didn't recognize the author's name and second, it seems that everybody is writing books about their interpretations of the Celtic culture. So I approached it with caution.

One thing which impressed me early on in this book was the sincere manner in which the author approached the subject. There are numerous "fluffy" books on the market about Celtic Magic, and there are many "serious" (i.e., "This is the way it is and you must do exactly this.") books available. In this case the author lays out some foundations, provides sources for further personal research and offers some common sense advice, and then says, basically, "The rest is up to you."

It was a pleasure for me to read his warnings about contacting some of the more primal deities of the Celtic pantheon. Far too many Pagans today assume that "good" or "beneficial" deities may be safely contacted by anyone without learning the culture and lore associated with them. That can be like assuming that since electricity can heat and light our homes, it is safe to embrace without taking precautions. You can get seriously hurt in either case.

More primitive, less civilized entities may have very different concepts of acceptable behavior. If you have ever experienced (even second hand) possession (such as in a Santeria or Vodun ceremony) you may have been surprised by the behavior exhibited by the possessing entities. It is perfectly acceptable to them, even if your sensibilities are offended.

This book is intended as an introductory work on the subject of the Celtic Otherworld. It is, therefore, fairly basic. It does give a broad outline of beliefs, festivals, and word pronunciations as well as a simple glossary. I found it to be a useful, easy to understand and informative book. If you are interested in Celtic culture and beliefs, this is a good book to start with. The bibliography and discography provide further inspirations and are a valuable addition, even if they are short.
 

Lessons

Divination

Every form of divination requires that you apply your intuition.  Choose the method that most fits the way you think or feel.  You need not choose the methods that are most popular.  Instead, choose what is right for you.  You might choose Runes because you like the way they look.  You might choose Tarot because you like the feel of the cards. 

Although I have used both Runes and Tarot, they are not my preferred methods.  I would much rather do Fire Scrying or Ambulomancy, which involves walking around in the woods and field to see what signs and symbols I find.  While walking around, I don't notice everything.  I look for what "pops" out at me.  These are the important things for the task at hand.  Those who use Tarot will tell you that each time a card comes up it is different in different ways.  Only certain images on the card pop out.  The rest of the card becomes background. 

This is not the case with other forms of divination, like the pendulum or dowsing.  For those, another type of intuition is needed.

For every type of divination, it is important to study the history, uses and symbolism of that form of divining.  It is also important to study archetypes and iconography.  Whatever form of divination you choose to study, I wish you the best and brightest of blessings.

Lady Damorea

Learn Tarot

THE HIGH PRIESTESS

Basic Card Symbols

Blue, white and black colors, pomegranates, Isis moon crown, veil, solar cross, crescent moon. Black & white lotus, pillars (B stands for Boaz, signifying negation, J stands for Jachin, meaning beginning). Scroll with the word Tora on it (either the Jewish Torah or an anagram of Tarot, where the final letter is left unseen).

Basic Tarot Story

Continuing his journey, the Fool comes upon a beautiful and mysterious veiled lady enthroned between two pillars and illuminated by the moon. She is the opposite of the Magician, quiet where he was loquacious, still where he was in motion, sitting while he stood, shrouded in the night where he was out in the bright of day. She is the High Priestess and she astonishes the Fool by knowing everything about him. "Since you know me so well, perhaps you can help me," says the Fool, laying out his sword, chalice, staff and pentacle. "The Magician showed me these tools, but now I'm in a quandary. There's so many things I could do with them. I can't decide." In answer, the High Priestess hands over to him a pair of ancient scrolls. "These will teach you how to decide." Seating himself at her feet, the Fool reads by the light of her crescent moon. Finally, the Fool knows enough that he can now decide what he wants, where he will go, and what he will do. Though he suspects that the High Priestess has even more secrets she could teach him--like what lies behind the pomegranate curtain--he is focused and ready to be on his way. Thanking the High Priestess, he heads off. But as he leaves he hears her whisper, quiet as the waters which bubble up from beneath her throne, "We'll meet again...when you're ready to travel the most secret path of all."

Basic Tarot Meaning

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know in order to make a decision about a problem or a job, an investment, love, career, family, etc.

And, finally, there is, behind her throne, the curtain that leads to the deepest, most esoteric and secret knowledge; the pomegranates that decorate it remind us of Persephone, who was taken down into the land of the dead, ate its fruit, and became the only goddess allowed to travel to and from that strange land. Which indicates that when you get the High Priestess, you're going to be learning some very odd things. Very odd.

Thirteen's Observations

If there is a card that symbolizes the tarot reader is it the High Priestess. A woman (or man!) of psychic powers, intuition and secret knowledge. Where the Magician is about revealing, the High Priestess is about keeping things hidden behind the curtain. Things you know, but don't tell.

If the reader feels the High Priestess stands for the Querent, then this is a time of solitary investigation and the passing on of secret knowledge. The Querent might find themselves spending time in old libraries, reading through dusty documents and letters, or studying old religious texts. Things kept secret will be revealed to them. Likewise, these secrets might come to them psychically by way of visions or powerful instincts. Insights may be found in crystal balls, tea leaves, dreams or conversations with spirits.

Standing for someone other than the Querent, the High Priestess is usually read as a spiritual woman, a nun or astrologer, a teacher of archaic knowledge, or just a reclusive relative who knows a lot of family secrets. She is a repository of obscure knowledge, a walking library with uncanny instincts and insights. She may, as well, come across as cold, unpredictable, even scary.

As a card, the High Priestess is about knowledge. "I've a new idea," says the querent--thanks to the Magician. Maybe they've realized they want to be an painter or run for office or open their own business. But how do they decide what they want to paint? How do they decide which public office to run for? How do they find out where to start their new business? Knowledge. Insider knowledge from some old expert being the best. The more secrets the querent knows, the easier it is to know what to do with the idea. This is the job of the High Priestess, to offer secret knowledge, like the moon on a dark night, so that the querent can find their path. She sits between the pillars of dark and light, existence and negation, wax and wane. All secret knowledge is hers.

I have always felt that the annual publications from Llewellyn have been among their strongest offerings.

Whether it is growing native foodstuffs or ornamental flowers or simply reducing the use of chemical for fertilizers and pesticides, these individuals have my deepest admiration.

There are numerous "fluffy" books on the market about Celtic Magic, and there are many "serious" (i.e., "This is the way it is and you must do exactly this.") books available. In this case the author lays out some foundations, provides sources for further personal research and offers some common sense advice, and then says, basically, "The rest is up to you."

Every form of divination requires that you apply your intuition.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge

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Llewellyn Publications

Publishers of many excellent pagan books.

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deo's Shadow

Excellent pagan podcast that covers a variety of topics.

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AREN

Alternative Religion Education Network

AREN now issues a call to all Religious Freedom Advocates, and Elders within Our Community…we must join together to insure Our birthright for the generations to come!!

http://www.aren.org/