Merry Meet Temple Newsletter

Book Reviews
Jesus the Wicked Priest
Witch School - 1st degree
Witch School - 2nd degree

Outside News
Coming of Age
May Day Basket

2008 Important Dates

Upcoming Events
Midsummer Gathering
Earth Conservation Day
Warrior Weekend
Divination Weekend
Lughnasadh Gathering

Lessons

Learn Runes

Tarot

Advertising

Thompson's Photography

Gothic Charms

Llewellyn Publications

deos Shadow

AREN

LinkTV

Last night, it was pouring down rain and parts of Virginia had tornados.  Today, it is sunny and chilly.  Tomorrow, it is supposed to be sunny and warmer.  The next day, it is to be sunny and warmer still. 

My youngest son seems to grow taller over night.  I remember when he was a "crotch hugger".  :-)  Now, he's taller than I am and approaching the height of his dad.  He grew more than 3 inches in one year. 

This group started with just about eight people.  Now it has more than thirty.  We are growing slowly but surely.

What do all these things have in common?

Change.

Change is the only true constant in the universe.  Changes can be positive, negative or neutral.  We can influence change.  Or, life can happen between plans, as it often has been known to do.

Change can be scary or exhilarating or mundane.  The emotions attached to change depends not only upon the circumstances but also upon the individual or group affected.  It's a matter of going with the flow or fighting the current.  There are times when giving in and going with the flow is harder than fighting, but it is the right thing to do.  There are other times when fighting is the best option.  Each person must decide this for him- or her-self.  No one should make that decision for another person if that person has reached his or her "point of maturity".  This point of a person's life varies for each individual...some never reach maturity and others reach it way, way too young. 

The next time you are looking "change" in the face, think about whether the best choice is to fight the current, go with the flow, or getting out of the river.  Do not just make a blind choice in the blink of an eye.  Intuition can be a very good thing to follow, but it can lead one astray.  Think before you choose.

Brightest of Blessings,

Lady Damorea

Outside News

How pagans guide their children through the pitfalls of adolescence

Just about all cultures and religions once recognized the time when a child moves into adulthood.
Some religions still honour the Coming of Age as a special time. But in our modern hurry up society, this remarkable event often gets over looked. We really disrespect our children by ignoring this time of their life.

Of course the big question is, when does a child become an adult. Some cultures believe the magical age occurs at puberty. Others set a common age at 13. To pagans, 13 is seen as the number of transition or change. Here the "1" represents an individual person stepping onto the divine path of the "3" Goddesses. To others it takes on a more numerological meaning. fNumerology adds all numbers together until there is only one, (1+3=4); four being a number of wholeness or the full circle of life.

The Coming Of Age rite is a confirmation of faith. If a young adult has chosen to follow the pagan path, they are accepted into the Coven or Clan. The Coven will conduct a rite for the young adult to dedicate themselves to the beliefs and principles of the pagan life and are welcomed into the coven as practicing members. During this rite the child chooses their identity within the Coven family by announcing their magikal name. The name they will be known as within the circle, to fellow members and to the GreatSpirits. If they were born into a family of Pagans, they may have gone through a Paganing, which is the pagan equivalent of a Christening. At that time their parents may have given them a magikal name. Now the young adult can retain that magikal name or chose a new one that has more meaning for them.

For girls, Coming of Age can be an embarrassing time. Often it’s something to be hidden, spoken about in hushed tones giving a young girl the feeling of shame. But during the old days, this was a celebration of life. Many pagan mothers are trying to bring back some of the old customs which celebrate this coming into womanhood. In this way, menstruation becomes a time of female energy, empowerment, a vital time for cleansing, rest and visioning.

The old tradition of ‘The Moon Lodge’ celebrates this view. This is a society of adult females who celebrate the Goddess within. It is a place where a young woman can learn about the balance of feminine energy and her own masculine energy within. She learns about honesty, self respect, her own empowerment and creativity with the support and guidance of her fellow sisters. Helping her to reclaim her power as a woman after centuries of repression.

Similar to the Moon Lodge concept for women, is the Sun Lodge for Men. Entry into the Sun Lodge typically begins with a night of camping and a ceremony of drumming to call up the God energy within. It’s also a place for a young man to learn about his own balance and the energies of the Goddess within himself. Allowing men to reclaim their own feelings, emotions, nurturing and intuition that have been repressed by society for centuries.

In both of these lodge societies, young adults are educated about responsibility and accountability.
They are informed about the dangers and use of alcohol, drugs, driving, and sexuality. They find guidance, support and life long friendships through their Sisterhood or Brotherhood associations.

There is also a spiritual side to these gatherings as well. Young adults are guided in the ways to align their personal energies with the deities of their gender. To communicate with their chosen deities and how they can pull the energy of the Divine into their daily lives.

Becoming an adult in modern society doesn’t have to be something that’s feared or repressed. By openly communicating with their children, parents can build strong bonds of mutual trust and respect from early ages and into adulthood. By doing this parents are prepared to recognize the signs of maturity and can provide opportunities for their child to take on more responsibility. This allows both sides to enjoy this time of life and revel in celebrations for the Coming of Age.

2008 Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Midsummer Gathering

This gathering is for Merry Meet Temple members and their guests.  It will be held on June 20 - 22, 2008.

Earth Conservation Day

April 2009

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 of 2009

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 of 2009

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, 2009

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.

Jesus the Wicked Priest

by Marvin Vining © 2008 Bear and Company ISBN 978-159143081-0

243 pages Paperback $16.00 U.S.)

The topics of the origins of Christianity and their relationship to the Essenic community as portrayed in the scrolls discovered around Qumran in 1947 and afterwards are still being debated more than sixty years after first coming to the attention of the world. There have been hundreds of books written -
scholarly and popular - which have been praised, condemned, and ignored. Why review another book on this theme? Because this author makes an effort to present his premise in terms understandable by the "common man."

While his approach to, and understanding of, the information contained in the scrolls and its application to understanding Christian origins is definitely in the minority (or "dissenting") camp , it has the advantage of being couched in non-academic terms. By the same token, however, it suffers from reliance on personal opinion and interpretation. He is, at least, honest enough to
acknowledge the work of his predecessors, even as he picks over their work to decide what he can cite to bolster his arguments.

Unless the reader in intimately familiar with Judeo-Christian writings of the first few centuries of the Common Era it may be difficult to assess the validity
of some of the arguments put forth by Mr. Vining. Still, information is presented which appears to show the inter-connectedness of religions world-wide.
And he does make an effort to stress the message OF Jesus as opposed to the beliefs ABOUT Jesus; and that is an effort to be encouraged.

Mr. Vining, at least, is honest in his picking and choosing which works of his predecessors he accepts and which he rejects, even if the basis for such acceptance or rejection appears to be personal belief rather than something more concrete and provable.

Ultimately, when dealing with matters of faith (which religion is) personal belief is the final validation of "official" belief. Many people pay lip service to a religion, with nothing more to bolster it, while others believe "heretical" thoughts based on personal experience.

While this is a book aimed at a Christian audience, it does offer some perspective on Pagan beliefs in the early Common Era. Whether or not you find it useful in your own understanding of Christian origins, it should encourage an open-minded approach to religion in general.
 

Witch School First Degree  

by Rev. Donald Lewis-Highcorrell © 2008 Llewellyn   EAN 978-0-7387-1301-4

240 pages Paperback $19.95 (U.S.) $22.95 (Canada)

I am from the "old guard" BTW branch of Wicca, so I was basically unfamiliar with the Correllian tradition. I hit a couple of stumbling blocks in the
Preface and Introduction, but nothing too serious. The first was the use of the term "Nativist" as equivalent of "Pagan," and the second was their dating system (1579 Piscean is equivalent to 1979 C.E.). On a personal level those simply strike me as unnecessary affectations, but they have effect on the actual teachings, so they aren't a major concern.

Since the Correllian tradition, like many other systems of Wicca, is structured around a three degree system, and since it is anticipated that each degree will take a year (more or less) to complete, this book is comprised of twelve lessons (one per month). If you work through the lessons in an honest and focused manner, at the end of a year's study you should be ready for initiation as a First Degree Correllian. How honest you are with yourself will determine how much you get out of your studies.

Each monthly lesson is composed of multiple parts consisting of the actual lesson, exercises to develop your skill, a basic spell (for practical experience), a deity (to expose you to the multiple facets of divinity), a glossary (to explain words which may be unfamiliar), and study questions (13 for each lesson).

I would strongly suggest that you obtain a notebook or two (depending upon your personal preference) to house a handwritten copy of each lesson's glossary (I know a computer and printer are more likely to produce a crisp, clear copy, but if you take the time to hand write it, you will remember more of it) and you answers to the questions. And for your sake, don't just copy the relevant answer from the book. Think about it, and put the answer in your own words, in detail. The more effort you put into it, the more benefit you will derive from it. It isn't about getting the "right" answer. It's about getting your answer. Your concept of deity (for example) most likely won't be exactly the same as anyone else's. That doesn't matter. You are expected to make these lessons a part of your life.

The lessons are extremely basic (after all, this is a "Wicca 101" book) and for that reason may be boring to more advanced students. They are, however, presented from an Aradian point-of-view, which is often neglected in today's community. There have been few mentions of their beliefs in general
circulation; fewer public exponents of the system; and even fewer well-known public personalities. All of this makes this book (and the upcoming ones in the series) a valuable addition to the public knowledge.

The lessons progress from extremely theoretical (the meaning of magic) to the practical (basic energy work) to the very practical (herbs, stones, oils and
incenses). Each of these lessons is carefully thought out and well presented.

At the conclusion of the lessons is a little background on the Correllian tradition and its evolution from a family-base (Scots-Cherokee) to a public organization, through a merger with the Aradian tradition in 1904. Beyond that there is a "Self-Wiccaning" ("Dedication") ceremony which will grant you membership in the Outer Court of the tradition, as well as Correllian versions of the Charge of the Goddess and the Charge of the God.

Reviewed by Mike Gleason

The Witch School Second Degree  

by Rev. Donald Lewis-Highcorrell © 2008
Llewellyn EAN 978-0-7387-1302-1

480 pages Paperback $24.95 (U.S.) $28.95 (Canada)

This book is a little different from the first one in the series, as is to be expected. It is designed to follow the same basic pattern, but has variations because of the subject matter. It constitutes a "Wicca 201" book, as opposed to the more familiar, and basic, "101" books so commonly available in the market
today. I am still not really impressed by the use of their own dating system, but I accept it as a given when it comes to internal events. Its use for dating mundane events seems unnecessary, in my opinion.

Once again, the book contains 12 lessons, based on the assumption that the average student will take "a year and a day" to complete each level ("degree")
of training. Each chapter is composed of the lesson itself, some exercises intended to help you expand your comprehension of the material, a spell to
impart practical experience in the use of the information, and a short glossary of unfamiliar terms. Unlike the first book, however, there are no questions at the end of each chapter.

The topics covered in this book are very different from those in the first book.  They cover everything from divinatory methods (the tarot, Astrology, and Runes among others) to Sex Magic to Group Dynamics. This is in keeping with the Correllian position that by the time an individual has completed First Degree training, the basics should be well integrated and understood and he or she should be ready for more complex concepts.

In the Correllian Tradition Second Degree initiates are expected to be competent ritualists and should be able to answer questions on most topics. They should be able to function as temple or shrine leaders with occasional assistance from the High Priest/esshood. Therefore the information in this book is aimed at developing those abilities as well as expanding the individual's general knowledge. The information is extensive, even if it is not comprehensive. It gives a good foundation for further exploration.

Obviously, as a text book, it is not intended to be read straight through.  There are exercises to do and spells to perform on your way through this book.
Nonetheless, I would recommend skimming through it and reading the first page or so of each chapter, just to familiarize yourself with what will be covered.
Then go back and work through each chapter, taking as much time as is needed to make the information contained within it a part of your world. Do not rush this process. Allow at least a month per chapter. And don't assume that a single reading is enough (especially if a topic is unfamiliar). Don't hesitate to re-read a paragraph (or an entire chapter) if needed.

The lesson on chakras is the longest in the book and is far more extensive than any treatment I have seen outside of a book devoted specifically to the topic.
Most authors treat chakras in a rudimentary manner, if at all, but by the time you work through this chapter, you will have a significant grounding in chakra lore.

The more effort you put into the exercises and spells, the more benefits you will gain. Your goal should be to become competent in the various areas covered in this book, to expand your knowledge, so as to be able to help others along the path.

Some of the beliefs and attitudes expressed by this series of books will offend people, and not just those outside the umbrella of paganism. While some of their statements may come across as dogmatic, it is necessary to remember that being non-judgmental is stressed in the early lessons. The reader is intended to make what use they may of the information provided. It should also be remembered that these works are intended to present the "official" position of the tradition. Your understanding and position may vary.

The chapter on Group Dynamics is almost worth the price of the book in itself.  It is well worth taking this book off the shelf and reading this section at least once a year.

At the end of the book is an appendix which discusses many non-Wiccan Pagan religions. Some get a short background and some are more extensively covered.   All of these religions are ones which are either currently a part of the Pagan
mindset, or are major components of current Pagan religions. While I don't completely agree with everything that the author has written, it is useful as a
jumping-off point for further, personal, research.

There are two more books to come in this series (Witch School Third Degree and Witch School Ritual, Theory and Practice) and they will address topics (I am sure) which will benefit the entire Pagan community. You don't need to plan to join the Correllian tradition to make use of the information they are presenting in these books. Unless you are fortunate enough to live near a major training group or seminary, you will find these books an invaluable resource even if (or especially if) you disagree with some of what is said.
 

Reviewed by Mike Gleason

Lessons

Learn Runes

Uruz: (U: Auroch, a wild ox.) Physical strength and speed, untamed potential. A time of great energy and health. Freedom, energy, action, courage, strength, tenacity, understanding, wisdom. Sudden or unexpected changes (usually for the better). Sexual desire, masculine potency. The shaping of power and pattern, formulation of the self. Uruz Reversed or Merkstave: Weakness, obsession, misdirected force, domination by others. Sickness, inconsistency, ignorance. Lust, brutality, rashness, callousness, violence.

Learn Tarot

THE EMPRESS

Basic Tarot Symbols

A gown decorated with pomegranates, a crown of stars, a rod, a heart-shaped shield with the symbol for Venus, a field of ripe wheat.

Basic Tarot Story

Having decided what shape his future will take, the Fool strides forward. But he is impatient to make his future a full-grown reality. This is when he comes upon the Empress. Hair gold as wheat, a crown of stars, a white gown dotted with pomegranates. She rests back on her throne surrounded by an abundance of grain and a lush garden. It is possible that she is pregnant.*

Kneeling, the Fool relates to her his story. And she, in turn, smiles a motherly smile and gently gives him this advice: "Like newly planted grain or a child in the womb, a new life, a new love, a new creation is fragile. It requires fertile soil, patience and nurturing, it needs love and attention. Only this will bring it to fruition." Understanding at last that his future will take time to build and create, the Fool thanks the Empress and continues on his way.

* Pregnant. Well, not in the Rider-Waite deck she isn't. But she is in early decks, and it is an apt symbol for this card.

Basic Tarot Meaning

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

Thirteen's Observations

The Empress card is one of the easier trumps to read. She's Mother. Generally, Mother in a good sense. Patient, loving, giving, generous. If defining her as the Querent, you can say that they are currently feeling like a mother hen, worried about their children, new business, new creation, new romance. Male or female, they want to dote and hover and fret over every little sneeze and problem. If defining the Empress as someone related to the Querent, well, it might well be the Querent's Mom, or a woman who's very motherly toward them.

Of course, the Empress can also be the worst aspects of an attentive Mom; she can smother, not know when to let go, be possessive and jealous of those who would take away her "baby." It is important for the Querent to realize that plants can die from over-watering as easily as neglect.

This card tells the Querent that if they want their new romance, new career, new business, new creation to grow into all it can be they have to pay attention to it, baby it and be willing to let it take those first steps when it is ready. Most of all, like any pregnant mother or good gardener, they have to be patient. All things need time to gestate and sprout.

While this is a book aimed at a Christian audience, it does offer some perspective on Pagan beliefs in the early Common Era.

Each of these lessons is carefully thought out and well presented.

You don't need to plan to join the Correllian tradition to make use of the information they are presenting in these books.

Uruz: (U: Auroch, a wild ox.) Physical strength and speed, untamed potential.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business.

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Thompson's Photography

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Handfastings, Rituals, Gatherings, Couples, Wiccanings, Bridal, Families, Pets and more.

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(276) 233-4797

 Gothic Charms

Books, blades, candles, clothing, dragons, gay pride, and much much more.

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276 694-6802.

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Llewellyn Publications

Publishers of many excellent pagan books.

Website

deo's Shadow

Excellent pagan podcast that covers a variety of topics.

Website

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/

LinkTV

Excellent news program from an independent source.  Click on the image below to go to their site.