Simply Witchy

33rd Annual Pan Pagan Festival

2009-07-01T14:22:00Z

This is the theme of the 33rd Annual Pan Pagan Festival put on by the Midwest Pagan Council which will be held near Knox, IN August 5th to the 9th, 2009.

You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate Community at our gathering. If you have never attended a Pan Pagan Festival or have not made it to Pan in the last 3 years, please use this code: PPF33WV09 to get $5 off of your Pre-Registration or On-Site rate. Just write it on the form you can download from our website or bring the code with you if you plan on registering On-Site.

For those unfamiliar with Pan Pagan, it is the oldest continuous National outdoor gathering in the Midwest. Both Pagan Spirit Gathering put on by Circle and Chrysalis Moon Festival owe their start to Pan Pagan as they both evolved from it and use its concepts.

We open on Wednesday with only the Opening Ritual scheduled so that people can set up their campsite and enjoy the area without trying to run to make a program/event.

Thursday through Sunday we have 3 program sites where programs can be held three times a day. All the programs are put on by attendees who desire to share their knowledge with others through love....no one is paid for their presentation, though as a partial compensation they are excluded from having to do two hours of service. We also have Childrens programing for the young folks.

Thursday night the MPC invites all to come to our Meet & Greet party. We provide a limited amount of beer, wine, soft drinks, and munchies and everyone get to meet everyone. After the introductions have gone down, you can walk the candle lit Labyrinth under the stars.
Friday night those with talent have a chance to entertain one and all at the Follies.
Saturday afternoon the MPC puts on its acclaimed FEAST!!!! Can you say roast pig stuffed with polish & sauerkraut?! (Yes we have vegetarian fare as well prepared by a vegetarian. No one goes away hungry.) After the Feast we have the Main Ritual focusing on our theme & Bonfire.
Sunday about noon we have the Closing Ritual.

All of the above including your tent space costs only $70 PreReg per adult, $20 per child 5-13 y/o. We have a Family Plan of only $160 for those with 4 or more children. AND after you put in your 2 hours of service you can redeem you work voucher for a $10 refund!!! (Note: We do have RV sites with water & electric available for an additional charge.)

For more information or to print out a Registration From please visit
www.midwestpagancouncil.org

ps: There is no charge for Merchants to sell at PPF, but we do limit the total number of spaces to 14. The early Merchant gets the Spot.

Little Late

2009-06-29T02:49:00Z

There are times that I wish my memory was as good as my computer memory! I mean even with lists upon lists I seem to forget what I want to do or post.

June's issue will be a little late. Not by much but by maybe one or two days only. This was supposed to be posted last week but, and I hate using a but, I forgot to post. I thought I did then I looked. Much to my dismay I had not.

July's issue is already in the making. Actually this issue will be mailed out early as the office will be closed for two weeks. Yes, two weeks. With holidays and family activities it was decided that this year to shut down for this time and everyone is working from their homes!

Emails will be answered there just will not be anyone 'in' office.

Delayed Book Reviews

2009-06-29T02:35:00Z

Things have been so crazy here. I do not know if it is summer or just us. But things like the online book reviews are back logged-BIG TIME! We just have not had the time to post any of the great books that we have ready to go!

We are keeping every part of all our body parts crossed that this problem will be solved and they will all be posted sometime this week.

There are three that are super good that we want to share with our readers. Look for those to be posted! Pinkie swear they will be!

Tools for Tools

2009-06-29T02:14:00Z

Every once in awhile someone will come to you and begin talking about what divination techniques they use. Whether it be tarot, pendulum, I-Ching or runes they have become attached to what they are doing.

Now personally I do the Tarot, Pendulum and African Cowry shells. I also use bones as well but that is another story for another day. I love doing all three but I know that they are only there as a help to lead me to something that I may or may not being seeing. A tool, so to speak as a hammer is to the carpenter. Only used when needed. Not for every waking moment.

There are times when people fall into the trap of letting the tool take over their lives. Reminding me of those people that are obsessed by those tv deals and keep buying and buying. The same thing applies. The person will keep using and using the tools for everything. I mean even to what time they should get up.

This is wrong. They are there to help not to lean on as a crutch. What happens when they rely completely on the tools? It takes over and their intuition begins to slowly get lost to the point that they may not even have any.

They have lost all inner power to rely upon their own thoughts and behavior. When this happens it is time to put those tools away. I mean really. How can a card, a rune or a stick take over our lives so completely? It boggles my little mind that is for sure.

Intervention is needed by friends and groups. Step up and voice your concerns before it is to late. Put the tools away soon until you can handle it.

Summer Epidemic?

2009-06-29T02:02:00Z

Is it me or is summer the time when people go completely nuts about loosing weight? Trying one fad diet after another yet finding that sometimes it is not so easy to loose those extra pounds. Mixing diet and exercise is like this compulsion that has to be done.

If the diet they are on does not work the next thing is moving on to diet pills in order to stop hunger. Instead of every summer diving into all those new and sometimes harmful ways of loosing weight how about taking the time to eat right all year round?

Keep on a good exercise regime and eat right all year round instead of waiting till June to go crazy and loose weight in an unhealthy manner.

Schools Out!

2009-06-15T03:52:00Z

One thing that is running wild all over the place and that is that schools are out or nearly out. I know that we are now officially on summer vacation here. I have to admit that so far there has been a little hitch in the come along. My youngest has already thrown himself on the couch proclaiming the 'There is nothing to do' woes. Now, come on I told him, this is day 2!

What to do? The one thing that we did do and that was to go shopping for his new equestrian apparel that he needs for his summer riding classes. With that finished that evening weary but satisfied with our purchases, I laid my head down and asked my deities to please spar me, at least until the last two weeks of their vacations.

Waking up all was fine and he was out and about doing what they do. Riding bikes and playing basketball. It has now been a week and all is good!

I am convinced my small request was answered!

Book Reviews

2009-06-15T03:41:00Z

We are always getting sent books or book review offers for the publication. One thing that we do require of course is that for a review we must have the physical book in hand. We do not blindly tell our readers about a book unless we have read it.

Why we do this is for many reasons but in a nut shell you might have the most marvelous book in the world to you but to the general public it just might not be that good. Also if we do not read it how can we say with all honesty that this is a good or even bad book?

We do not advertise for authors blindly. This is something that over the years we have learned by trial and error. Sending your book in assures that it will be read and reviewed. Sending us notices that it has hit the book market will not be included in the publication if we do not have book in hand.

Now, this may same harsh but would you go out on the greens with studying or using your golf swing training aids? No you would not! It is the same as a blind notice or review. It is just not done by us.

Pagan Spirit Gathering

2009-06-04T04:11:00Z

Pagan Spirit Gathering
June 14-21, 2009 at Camp Zoe in Missouri

Hundreds of Pagans from across the United States and elsewhere are preparing for this year's 29th national Pagan Spirit Gathering, June 14-21 at Camp Zoe, near Salem, Missouri.

PSG 2009 includes more than 250 workshops, rituals, concerts, and other program activities.
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals/psgview.php3

This year's featured authors include Margot Adler, Ellen Dugan, Patrick McCollum, Joyce & River Higginbotham, Joanna Powell Colbert, Lydia Crabtree, Sparky T. Rabbit, Selena Fox, and others. Featured musicians include Coyote Run, Pagee Go Go, Sona, Craig Olson, BellaWyck, Elvendrums, One Hat Band, and more. The gathering also features activities for children, tweens, teens, and adults, plus the Pagan Leadership Institute with specialized training for Pagan priestesses and priests of many paths. In addition, there will be a magical marketplace with artisans & other vendors from across the country.

Those interested in being part of this year's Pagan Spirit Gathering should register right away.
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/onlineregistration/

Registration by POSTAL MAIL closes on Thursday, June 4.
Note that ON-LINE Registration has been extended to June 8! Register by June 4 for current rates.

MORE INFO about the Pagan Spirit Gathering:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg
PSG, Circle Sanctuary, PO Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507 USA; (608) 924-2216.
psg@circlesanctuary.org

Cleansing the Colon

2009-06-01T04:03:00Z

Have you ever noticed that people will talk about colon cleansing at gatherings? Personally I find it a little crude but they will talk about it like it is a normal thing much like going to the store. Gabbing about this method or that method. Whatever!

There are many things that one can do for this without breaking the bank. Such as using flax seed. Grinding this up and placing in other foods that you eat. Try it in your morning cereal and see how well it will work. It is natural and healthy.

I have also heard of taking epsom salt with some warm water. Guess that works pretty quickly so stay at home!

No matter what you are about to try, seek medical advice before proceeding to make sure it is OK with your body to do so

Bring Along Bistort

2009-06-01T03:53:00Z

It is that time of year when we are all getting ready for those pool parties or other water fun times. In the back of your mind while you are dragging out the pool floats lounges might be how to obtain a little more money in your pockets.

I know that this is one herb that myself and many that I know carry with them in a little something at all times!

Bistort (polygonum bistorta) is also known as Dragonwort, Easter Giant, Osterick, Passions, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock and Knotweed.

Bistort is a feminine plant who falls under the planet Saturn. It’s element is earth and it is known for it’s psychic powers and powers of fertility.

Magically, it is said if you carry Bistort with you, it will aid in conception.

You can also burn Bistort with frankincense incense to increase your psychic abilities or when using divination.

It is also said that if you spread droplets of a Bistort infusion around a building in which poltergeists are said to reside, that it will drive them out.

Bistort is also a common ingredient in money attracting sachets and added to wealth and money incenses.

To grow Bistort, you must have full sun to partial shade. The soil must be rich and kept moist. This herb will grow to approximately two feet tall, good for borders and hedges. Bistort can be seeded or grown by propagation in the spring or autumn.

Medically, some herbalists say that Bistort may be helpful in treating diarrhea, hemorrhoids and cuts.

This herb is a common food source in much of Northern Europe. The leaves are pleasant tasting and is often used in salads.

References: Cunningham, Scott; The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, pg 57.
Hutchison, Francis, Ed.; Encyclopedia of Herb Gardening, pg 243.
Mabey, Richard; The New Age Herbaslist, pg 97.

May Issue Mailed

2009-06-01T03:47:00Z

This is just one of those normal reminders that as of last week all May issues have in fact been sent out.

There was a slight delay with the printer place that we use. But we don't want to get me going on that at all! Geesh, talk about a bunch of dim light bulbs there! Ok. Ok. Enough of that!

We are moving straight into June! Ah, the month of blissful unions. Can you guess what this month will be based on? Oh, I bet you can

No, it will not be on mesothelioma silly gooses. Although that has been in a past issue of ours, but not this one!

We had a lot of great ideas last month which some will be used in fact! A big thank you for those.

READ a review of the Pagan Spirit Gathering

2009-05-30T18:28:00Z

READ a review of the Pagan Spirit Gathering by long-time PSG Community member, teacher, & priestess Nora Cedarwind Young:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11273-Pagan-Travel-Examiner

COMMENT: add your own good memories and perspectives in the comments section at the end of the review:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11273-Pagan-Travel-Examiner~y2009m5d25-Pagan-Spirit-Gathering-PSG-preview-Old-traditions-new-beginnings

REGISTER: Interested in being part of this year's Pagan Spirit Gathering? It is being held June 14-21 at Camp Zoe near Salem, Missouri. Register by June 4: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg

IDEAS: The review of PSG is on a new Pagan Travel website by writer Branwenn White Raven (Paula Jean West), a teacher of the Craft and a long-time member of Circle Network. She welcomes input for her on-line Pagan Travel column, including suggestions of Pagan sites to feature, festival news, and events reviews. Submit your ideas in the comments sections of articles on her website or by emailing her: Branwenn@aol.com

Book Review Delayed

2009-05-14T01:08:00Z

We have to apologize for the delay of the book review. We were working on another project and this review was pushed to the side. It is not forgotten just delayed!

There were a few emails asking about this so we wanted to just let you know that it will be up and running by this coming Friday. We have not been researching those new weight loss pills that we were sent in to do. Actually, they were not something that anyone should try after we did do the research so we tossed them out and did not do the review in the publication on them. Sorry guys and gals! Maybe next time.

Anyway, the review is completed and just needs to be proofed and then posted! WooHoo for that

Have You Ever Wondered?

2009-05-14T01:00:00Z

Have you ever wondered if you were not on the path that you are one right this moment what other path you might explore? I know that is a tough one as most have been wandering on the same path for many years.

Thinking about this it is as hard as trying to figure out the conversion rate optimization of a marketing program. I know that I had this presented to me the other day and I was puzzled by the thought.

I can tell you, not to offend anyone, it would not be Christianity as a choice. I just do not see or feel that one. The closest would be ECK I believe but who knows?

What do you think?

Discounts! Discounts! Discounts!

2009-05-14T00:51:00Z

We have been asked over the past couple of weeks about discounts. Especially for those that are students at the Modern Witchcraft School

If you are a student or even a staff member you in fact will receive a discount off the subscription price. You will have to inform us before you pay for the discount or you may pay and we will then refund the difference.

. It is as simple as running water in down your zero radius sinks! Just ask and you shall receive!

When you are subscribing please include your student account number so we can check to make sure that you are a student. This is a quick check so there is really no long delay. Unless of course it is a weekend.

We hope that this answers your questions about the student discount.

We Are Green!

2009-05-14T00:38:00Z

Starting on June 1st we will be pushing for those that subscribe to The Simple Witch to choose the electronic version. Yes, we have the electronic version on the front page but most people love to have this in print which is something that we have been doing for a number of years.

In order to do our part in cutting down on paper usage we will in fact try to make the electronic version more attractive.
How are we going to do this you are asking? By offering a sale on the issues!

Since it will contain the same material that is in print we will strive to lower the price during the month of June! Check back to see what the discount will be!

Beltane Issue

2009-05-03T14:55:00Z

We are now starting to work on the Betane issue. This is one of the special issues that is normally longer than the regular issues that are published.

If you have anything that you think you would like to add for preview and possible publication, feel free to send it to us. The deadline for this is May 20th.

We did receive an interesting article which the author had used their piano lessons with a manifestation of a working that they sent out. Each week he would add a little more and a little more. Utilizing both his working and the music. Very interesting and unique to say the least.

Have an idea? Send it in!

2009 BELTANE FESTIVAL

2009-04-27T11:54:00Z

2009 BELTANE FESTIVAL
May 1-3
Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
in the forested hills north of Barneveld 30 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin
www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane

Learn about English Folk Tradition
with Guest Author Bronwen Forbes,
author of “Make Merry in Step and Song”

Create a Minoan Labyrinth with Bella Mahri & Sky Cat, Founders of the Earth
Spirituality Education Center of Lima, Ohio

Festival Activities also include
* Morris Dancing by Oak Apple Morris Dancers
* Maypole Weaving
* May Queen & May King & May Court Selection
* Magickal Merchant Faire
* Silent Auction & Raffle
* Candlelit Spiral Labyrinth
* Extensive youth programming
* Ordination of Joey Bunbury as a Circle Sanctuary Minister
* Music by Celtic bard Michael Doran
* Bagpiping by Laura Moy
* Memorial at Green Cemetery to honor Gloria Villanueva
* Balefires with Reed
* Facilitated Drum Circle with breeze
* Rituals by Georgette & Bob Paxton & Selena Fox
* Feasting, Merriment, Music and Dance!

For the complete schedule & details of program activities:
www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane

For the schedule & details of youth activities:
www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane/kids.htm

Pre-registration is required – Register at our secure on-line site:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane

Book Review Date Set

2009-04-20T00:38:00Z

The book review date has been set for Wednesday, April 22nd.

It was going to be posted on Friday, but just like anything else, life sometimes gets in the way!

It should be a busy week as the publication is nearing its publication time and reviews are all set up for posting. Are we behind schedule? Oh, my no! We have been hurrying around in our Dansko shoes making sure that everything is out on time!

Spring Fever has yet to sink in for the staff. Ah, but give them time this will happen just as it has in the past!

Office Closed Monday

2009-04-20T00:33:00Z

This is just a quick notification that we will be closed on Mondays' until further notice.

One reason is that we have found that calls and emails are slower on this day so it would be logical to save energy and expenses to not be open. This will not effect any other services. Staff is still working on articles and the publication, just no office staff to answer phones.

All those great phenphedrine reviews and book reviews will still be handled in the same manner as before!

Return calls and emails will be in the order they come in and returned starting on the next business day, which will be Tuesdays!