The joys of Spring abound! Seeing the buds popping their heads out of the warm earth is simply invigorating! Making all of us here feeling like we have a slight fever. Spring fever that is!

One thing that makes Spring so wonderful is planning those outdoor foraging trips. One of the first things that we do is to make sure that our bikes, equipment and even down to the trailer hitches are ready to go!

Taking a foraging trip to a local forest or meadow is simply wonderful for the soul that has been sleeping all winter waiting to wake up and breathe in the fresh scents that the foliage exudes.

Being able to gather those materials for wands, herbal mixes and whatever else that one may find that they will need in the summer and winter is something that is so looked forward to.

Plan your spring adventure soon!

Circle Healing Circle now has a place on Facebook for posting and responding to requests for spiritual healing: Circle Healing Circle. www.facebook.com/CircleHealingCircle

This new aspect of their healing networking permits those in need to directly post healing requests as well as updates and for members of the Healing Circle to post supportive comments without the need to send email messages.

If you are already part of Facebook, they invite you to visit this page and join it by clicking "Like." This will give you the ability to post comments & requests for healing.

CIRCLE CRAFT STUDY

Beginning tonight, Tuesday, March 6, Selena Fox will begin a series of weekly classes on Circle Craft philosophy and practice through a new internet radio show.

Circle Craft Study with Selena Fox will broadcast live on Tuesday nights from 8-9 pm central time.

Tonight's Show explores Circle Craft as a path of Pagan Spirituality
www.blogtalkradio.com/witchschool/2012/03/07/circle-craft-study-with-selena-fox-and-pagan-priest

The show will include instruction, invocation, guided meditation, and a time for discussion & call-ins.
Call in number: (347) 308-8222.

Shows also will be available for later listening on-line archives at the Pagans Tonight Radio Network site on Blog Talk Radio.

Other shows this month include: Sacred Circle, Sacred Sphere on March 13, Spring Equinox Rituals & Meditations on March 20, and Pantheon Journeys on March 27.

More info about upcoming shows: www.circlesanctuary.org/classes/circle_craft_radio.htm

PAGAN WARRIOR RADIO

Since its start on Veterans Day 2011, Circle Sanctuary's weekly Pagan Warrior Radio has been providing news, music, rituals, information, and community for Military Pagans, their families, and supporters.

Beginning this week, the show moves to a new day and time: Saturdays from 7-8 pm central time.

Pamela Kelly, Distinctive Faith Group Leader for the Pagan Circle sponosored by Circle Sanctuary at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, will continue as co-host, and will be joined by Circle Sanctuary military ministers Dave and Jeanet Ewing of Virginia who coordinate Operation Circle Care and Order of the Pentacle.

Selena Fox, co-founder of Pagan Warrior Radio, will continue to be an advisor for the show and will appear from time to time as a guest, including on this week's show on Saturday, March 10, which explores the Quest for a Pagan US Military Chaplain.

Other shows in March include: Irish Spirituality & Warrior Gods & Goddesses on March 17, Spring Equinox Ritual on March 24, Life Passages: Preparing for the End of Life on March 31.

Each show includes news, music, topic, live chat, and call-in discussion.
Call in number: (347) 308-8222.

More info about Pagan Warrior Radio: www.circlesanctuary.org/ministries/military/pwr.htm

In preparation for Ostara we have put away the smith equipment in order to make room for the tables that we are going to use.

This year we are having around 20 people coming over in celebration. Everyone will be bringing over a special plate for after the workings. This year each small individual group will present their own blessing and offering to bring a special and new touch.

I am so excited for this event this year. A new tradition in the making!

After the big storm we had to go out to clean up the debris that was left behind. Branches and limbs all over the place. I did notice that the fencing around the small pool was also damaged. Figures really as I just replaced it last year.

This year I might look into mesh pool fence to see if that will be cheaper and last longer in our weather. I really hope that I can locate a seller for this quickly and painlessly.

The more we look around the more that is added to the spring chore list!

We are planning our annual spring vacation. One of the first things that my youngest son suggested as a family trip was to go to Disneyland. Since we have not been there for a few years I said that I would look into the cost of the trip.

The first thing that I looked at was how expensive it was to stay at one Disney World hotels for a week. To my surprise there were a few really good deals for a week stay. Since we do have a budget this is something that has to fit with us. After looking at the deals for the Disneyland trip it looks like my youngest just might have an exciting spring break this year!

Early Registration Deadline, with discounted rates, is WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, for this year's Pagan Spirit Gathering.

Register on-line or send your completed registration with payment by midnight central time FEBRUARY 29 to PSG, Circle Sanctuary, PO Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507.

Ways to Register:
(1) ON-LINE - www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/register
OR
(2) BY POSTAL MAIL - use the registration form from the in-print form, OR download & print off a version of the form at www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/faqs.htm.
Postal registrations must be POSTMARKED no later than February 29.

To register and for more info: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg

With Ostara approaching within a month one of the local vendors we deal with started to talk about how they were having a hard time locating a person that would act as a traveling mistral at the festival. They had talked to someone that offered their services playing songs on their yamaha f335 but this seems to have fallen through.

The vendors are adamant on the guitar type as they have fallen in love with the way the music sounds as the person is playing and walking throughout the crowds.

Since there is still time we are hoping that they will be able to locate the perfect player!

Whether it is a tailgating party or a group gathering to celebrate a Sabbat you should really try to have foods that appeal to nearly everyone. Finger foods are the easiest to put together. Pass around the finger foods and people love it.


Making tailgating food does not and should not cost an arm and a leg. Keep the food down scale and you not only will save money but precious time as well! Plus if you are having friends and family over ask them to bring their favorite foods with them!

A favorite treat that we have had at a few festive occasions are Louisiana Poppers.Everyone loves these and trust me they are pooping good! Here is a great recipe to try on your own.

Ingredients
    1 (1-lb.) package ground pork sausage $
    1 (z.) package frozen cream cheese jalapeño poppers
    1 sleeve round buttery crackers, crushed

Preparation

    1. Divide sausage into 10 equal portions; press 1 portion around each popper, covering completely. Roll in cracker crumbs. Place on a wire rack in a jelly-roll pan.
    2. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Drain briefly on paper towels. Cut in half before serving.
    Homemade Variation: Substitute 2 (7-oz.) cans pickled whole jalapeño peppers, drained, for frozen poppers. Cut stem ends off each jalapeño pepper. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place 1/2 (z.) package cream cheese, softened, in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal bag, and snip a small hole in 1 corner of bag. Pipe cream cheese into hollowed peppers. Cover stuffed peppers evenly with sausage as directed, making sure each pepper is completely covered by sausage so that cheese is sealed inside. Continue preparing and baking stuffed peppers as directed in Steps 1 and 2.

You can find other great recipes like I have over at http://www.myrecipes.com