Wishing you all a very Magical and Blessed Samhain. May the new year bring you health and happiness!
Blessings, Lisa
Archive for October, 2011
Happy Samhain!
Monday, October 31st, 2011Taking the week off…kind of
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011Happy Sunday, I hope you all had a great weekend!
Just a quick note to let you know, I won’t be around much this week. I’m going to be busy playing catch up and gearing up for Samhain.
There will also be some changes made to the site. I’m interested in hearing from you, what would you like to see added or changed? Is there anyone interested in guest blogging? I would like to have a weekly/monthly blog from people of different paths of paganism, explaining what it is you believe, why and what it’s all about.
Keep a look out for upcoming GIVEAWAYS!
I will try to pop in and say hello when I get the chance. Have a great week!
Lisa
News & Submissions 10/18/2011
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011Interview:
Interview with Author Dorothy Morrison
Dorothy Morrison is the author of a number of books on Wicca and Paganism, including the brand new Utterly Wicked. Dorothy was able to take some time out from her busy tour schedules to answer a few questions for About.com.
Health:
Accepting death is difficult for patients and doctors, but it needs to be done
My 64-year-old patient with terminal cancer and less than six months to live wanted to go to Oregon. He was contemplating assisted suicide, which is legal there. “My life has been long and good,” he said. “I believe it is my right. I want the ability to say it’s too much, I can’t do it anymore. A person should have a dignified quality of life.”
Another one of my patients, an 84-year-old woman from a nursing home, had heart failure, lung failure and kidney failure. She lay in her bed on a ventilator and on a dialysis machine with little hope for survival.“We want everything done,” her daughter insisted. “It’s in God’s hands, and God can do miracles.” For weeks we continued aggressive and ultimately futile efforts to keep her alive. Read full story from washingtonpost.com
News:
GOP presidential hopeful courts pagans
Gary Johnson’s unorthodox campaign for the Republican presidential nomination continued Sunday, when he spoke at a Google+ town hall conducted by representatives of various pagan media outlets.
The former New Mexico governor spoke with members of the Pagan Newswire Collective, ModernWitch Podcast and Patheos.com, among others. He said it was important to reach out to voters that fall outside the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, and slammed his own party for being too beholden to the Christian right. Read full story from thehill.com
Religion:
Pastor defends teacher accused of anti-gay rant
UNION, N.J. — The pastor of a high school teacher who has been vilified for an anti-gay tirade on Facebook came to the woman’s defense, calling her a “very loving person” who should not be fired for expressing her religious beliefs.
The Rev. Milton B. Hobbs, pastor of New Covenant Fellowship in Clark, N.J., said special education teacher Viki Knox is not homophobic and that her comments, when taken in the context of the Bible, were not false.
Knox, 49, an ordained minister at the church and a faculty adviser for a student Bible study group, wrote on her Facebook page that homosexuality was a “perverted spirit” and a “sin” that “breeds like cancer.” Read full story from washingtonpost.com
Shamanism: Religion next door to medicine
Shamanism is the national religion in many regions of the Earth, including Yakutia. The ancient belief has survived the Soviet persecution of religion. During those atheist years the Yakut shamans were hiding their abilities. The remaining oyuuns, as they were called by the local population, and Udege (female shamans) soon found a loophole. With a talent for medicine, they found work as medical staff and veterinarians. Hiding under the guise of the Soviet medicine, Yakut shamans secretly conducted their magical rituals. Read full story from pravda.ru
Samhain:
Halloween: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
“As far as history goes, it’s supposed to be the eve of All Saints Day,” Thad says. “I think they’re supposed to drive evil spirits away. That’s when they believed all that stuff. We just like to see the little kids dressed up.”
While many people view the Oct. 31 celebration as harmless fun, others express concerned about its origin.
The Encyclopedia Americana says, “Elements of the customs connected with Halloween can be traced to a Druid ceremony in pre-Christian times. The Celts had festivals for two major gods — a sun god (called Lug) and a god of the dead, called Samhain, whose festival was held on Nov. 1, the beginning of the Celtic New Year.” Read full story from clevelandbanner.com
Media:
Who does God want in the White House? (Source: CNN)
Blogspot:
- Patti Wigington – Samhain Countdown: The Spirit World
Feel free to leave comments regarding the articles posted.
If you’re interested in guest blogging or would like to submit an article or event, contact me at pagansworld.org@gmail.com.
Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!
Lisa
Medinical Monday – Echinacea
Monday, October 17th, 2011Echinacea
(Echinacea Augustifolia)
Echinacea is a Perennial plant from the the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to North America, it grows to a height of 2-3 feet.
It was widely used by the Plains Indians for its medicinal qualities as a treatment for symptoms caused by the common cold. In the 1930s it became popular in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine.
Echinacea is produced in a variety of forms:
- Pills, liquid, chewable tablets and instant tea.
- Echinacea may be combined with other plant extracts to increase their effectiveness.
- A combination of Echinacea, wild indigo, water hemp and arnica have been proven to be especially effective for boosting immunity.
Therapeutic Effect:
- Echinacea contains several ingredients that exert an overall stimulating effect on the immune system.
- It activates the liver, lymph nodes and mucous membranes, that enhances the body’s overall ability to fight infections.
- Echinacea also contains substances that have wound healing and germicidal properties.
Components: (2 main ingredients)
Store-bought preparations are usually made from the flower, leaves and root.
- echinacosides (in the flower and root)
- polysaccharide heteroxylan (in the leaves)
Echinacea compresses
Echinacea possesses germ killing and wound healing properties.
- Soak a damp cotton cloth in a solution containing 1 part Echinacea to 2 parts water and apply gently to the affected area.
- A compresses can help to relieve swollen glands, inflammations of the veins (phlebitis), infected cuts, skin abrasions, burns and inflamed insect bites.
Side effects:
There have been no reports of side effects. However, take caution when taking Echinacea. Many preparations contain alcohol to increase shelf life, children should be given pure pressed juice, lozenges or chewable tablets.
Latest research findings:
Extreme physical exertion can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Many sports physicians recommend that anyone undergoing endurance training take Echinacea for a day or so after extreme physical exertion to strengthen the immune system.
It can also be used for the treatment of coughs, sneezing, hoarseness, sore throat, tonsillitis, sinus infections, skin inflammations, minor wounds, bladder or kidney infections, gynaecologic infections and general immune deficiency.
Duration of use:
Continuous use is not advised. Some studies suggest that it is only effective up to 10 days.
Tip: As soon as fever blisters begin, treat with Echinacea. Place a few drops of pressed Echinacea juice on a cotton ball or swab and gently apply to the infected area. This remedy can halt the progression of the lesions or prevent them all together.
References:
- The Complete Guide To Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the information listed above.
Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!
Lisa
Friday’s Food For Thought – Chunky Potato & Ham Soup
Friday, October 7th, 2011Happy Friday!
Chunky Potato & Ham Soup
This soup is excellent served in individual bread bowls. Buy small, round loaves. (I like Italian bread) Slice off the top piece, remove the inside of loaf. Leave 1 1/2 inch shell, and fill with soup.
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 3 medium red potatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 small onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Ground black pepper
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham
Preparation:
- Peel potatoes, (if desired) cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Bring water to a boil in large saucepan, add potatoes & cook until tender. Drain and reserve liquid. Set potatoes aside. Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, add water, if necessary. (set aside)
- Peel & finely chop onion. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion & cook, stirring frequently. Onion should be translucent & tender, but not brown.
- Add flour, season with pepper flakes & black pepper to taste. (cook 3 to 4 minutes)
- Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, milk and sugar to onion mixture & stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Enjoy! Have a Great Weekend!
Lisa
Hump Day Herbs – Mace
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011Mace
Botanical Name: Myristica Fragrans
Folk Names: Jatiphala, Jatiphalam, Jatikosha, Jatipatri, Jatipatra, Jaiphal, Jayapatri, Javitri, Bicuiba Acu, Qoust, Sadhika, Wohpala
Mace is the the bright, red aril which surrounds the nutmeg seed. Nutmeg is known for it’s abuse as a popular recreational psychoactive drug. Based on human study, mace extract, when used as part of a chewing gum, is said to decrease plaque and gingivitis. Not well studied in humans, mace extract may also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. It is also popular in India, for treating measles. Not only is it used for medicine, but also in the kitchen and magic.
Deities: Ochun, Oya
Element: Air (Mental Powers, Physic Powers, Visions, Wisdom)
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury (Divination, Mental Powers, Physic Powers, Wisdom)
Powers: Mental & Psychic Powers
Medicinal Uses: Mace has been used in many Chinese and Indian traditional medicines to treat the nervous and digestive system. The compounds in this spice, myristicin and elemicin have stimulant properties on the brain. The oil contains eugenol, and in dentistry, has been used to relieve toothaches and bad breath. It is also used to reduce muscular and rheumatic pain in joints. A fresh decoction with honey has been used to relieve nausea, gastritis, indigestion ailments.
Magical Uses: Carry Mace blade’s in a charm/sachet for luck, or to improve the intellect. Burn in incense to increase psychic power, or for creative work.
Other Uses: Mace has a delectable flavor, and will give a saffron-like orange-red color to the food items.
Warning: Mace is safe to take in small doses. In large amounts, it may result in hallucinations and can even cause cancer.
References:
- lucidconsciousness.com
- Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or a certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.
Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!
Lisa
News & Submissions 10/4/2011
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011Arts & Entertainment:
Harry Potter tour hopes to cast spell on UK Muggles
As all good students of the Harry Potter saga know well, Muggles are not usually allowed at Hogwarts school of witchcraft of wizardry. However, a new exhibition will soon give those not gifted with magical powers the chance to see some of the famous Potter film sets, such as the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office, for themselves. Read full story from guardian.co.uk
The enchantments of witch fiction
Being a witch or wizard in the Potterverse, or in many other magical landscapes, is an exciting and desirable state – special, talented, glamorously outside the norm. But there are also contexts in children’s literature, particularly in historical fiction, fantasy or the bleed-space between genres, in which a little magic – or just the suspicion of it – is a dangerous thing. To be accused of witchcraft, whether truthfully, maliciously or both, may cause characters to be shunned or tormented by their communities, interrogated by frightening figures of authority, or even put to death if their luck runs finally out. Read full story from guardian.co.uk
Environment:
30 Million Plastic Bags Collected by School Kids to Save a Species
They’re like little troll dolls with tails. These super cute and super tiny animals are Cotton-Top Tamarins, found only in Columbia, and they’re about to disappear from the wild. But clever strategies for saving the forest in which they live have been devised by Proyecto Tití, from collecting plastic bags polluting the forest and turning them into marketable products to finding new sources of cooking fuel that spares trees. Read full story from treehugger.com
News:
‘Witch’ hunt continues in Rajasthan
Bhilwara (Rajasthan): A 60-year-old woman in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara says she was branded a witch, tortured and banished from her village, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place in Fuliakhurd village in Bhilwara district, some 250 km from state capital Jaipur, and a case has been registered against four villagers. Police say an inquiry has been ordered.
“A group of people broke open the door of my house on Monday and started beating me. They held me by my hair and dragged me, saying I was a ‘dayan’ (witch). Then they ordered me to leave the village immediately,” the woman said in her complaint.
“They ostracised her and claimed that she was a ‘dayan’ (witch) and possessed an evil spirit,” a senior police officer said. Read full story from india.com
Religion:
Strange YouTube video claims Irish college hosts Satanic church – VIDEO
Here’s a strange one to start the week with.
According to Irish third level website StudentNews.ie, University College Cork — better known for recently accumulating such accolades as a five star quality rating from QS, and the Sunday Times Irish University of the Year — is in fact also playing host to a satanic religious institution on its main campus.
The Honan Chapel, known to students as the on-campus chapel, and also a popular wedding venue for those a little past their college-going years, boasts eerie satantic imagery according to this video from YouTube. Read full story from irishcentral.com
Attacks on Buddhists in Southern Region of Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand (CHAKRA)—In the southern region of the Narathiwat province, three consecutive bomb explosions killed four Malaysians as well as a Thai volunteer that was working in a tourist area. Concern has risen for the area, especially because officials believe that the targets of such blasts are foreign tourists. The specific targets of the blasts were a hotel and a Chinese-Thai cultural center, which were both partly damaged. These spoils have reminded the government of the ethnic minority problems that exist in the south. Read full story from chakranews.com
Samhain:
Samhain — Nature’s Holy Day for Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder
In the Northern Hemisphere, neopagans celebrate Samhain as the last harvest, the point at which the day has shortened and winter is setting in. Some modern pagans consider it the “witch’s new year,” though in other traditions, Samhain marked only the end of the year. The beginning of the year, the “new year,” came with the promise of light’s return at Yule, several weeks later. The span between the two stellar points was considered untime — a sacred experience outside our usual observation of time and space. Thus, an understanding of cyclic “Dead Time,” or “Dark Time,” entered our consciousness. Read full story from huffingtonpost.com
Media:
Dalai Lama scraps trip to South Africa; Tutu lashes out (Source: CNN)
Blogspot:
- Capital Witch – Starhawk and Pagan Cluster to Occupy Freedom Plaza
- Daughters of Eve – Lost in Translation… or maybe not
- Patheos – Don’t Worry, Wicca Isn’t A Real Religion (A Rant)
- The Wild Hunt – Virginia Court Says Divination Not A Religious Practice
Feel free to leave comments regarding the articles posted.
If you’re interested in guest blogging or would like to submit an article or event, contact me at pagansworld.org@gmail.com.
Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!
Lisa
