Archive for February, 2013

News & Submissions 2/28/2013

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

News:

Even in the Bible Belt, pagan symbols dot Birmingham
Those of you who read my column regularly know that I never post political or religious pieces. However, a recent Fox News story regarding Pagan and Wiccan holidays at the University of Missouri prompted a whirlwind of religious debate across the nation.Fox News stereotyped Pagans and Wiccans as “Compulsive Dungeons and Dragons players” or “middle-aged, twice-divorced older women living in a rural area working as midwives”, and said that the bad part about Wicca was “well, witchcraft”. Negative stereotypes aside, Fox News also mentioned that there were relatively few Wiccans and Pagans in the United States (There are ~1 million).

I decided to research Wicca culture in the Magic City. What I found was that Pagans do live in Birmingham, and their influence is all around us, whether we realize it or not. Read full story studentmedia.uab.edu

Theological Meaning of Wicca
Unlike many of the world’s religions, Wicca is a religion whose theological meaning cannot be found within the pages of one sacred text, nor can it be determined by studying a specific body of work. The theology of Wicca is not determined by one head leader speaking for a body of believers. Instead, Wiccan theology is best explained by examining its principles. Read full story opposingviews.com

Native American:

A Photographer Remembers Wounded Knee, 40 Years Later
Forty years ago, a caravan of more than 50 cars full of demonstrators pulled into Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. That day marked the beginning of a 71-day occupation led by members of the Oglala Lakota tribe and followers of the American Indian Movement, attempting to address long-standing grievances — not only with the U.S. government but also with tribal leaders.

Over those 71 days, Pine Ridge was effectively barricaded from the outside world. Electricity was turned off even though it was winter, and food and medical supplies were halted. Two Native Americans and one FBI agent died before the standoff ended. Read full story npr.org

Paranormal:

Chad Stambaugh Presents New Guide to Paranormal Investigations
FRESNO, Calif. – In his new book “Paranormal Investigations: The Proper Procedures and Protocols of Investigation for the Beginner to the Pro” (published by iUniverse) author and retired Marine Chad Stambaugh takes readers into a controversial world: the supernatural.

“Paranormal Investigations” shows both the beginner and the professional when and how to correctly operate the different types of equipment integral to a paranormal investigation: cameras, camcorders, voice recorders, digital video recorders, EMF detectors, dowsing rods, pendulums and more. In addition, Stambaugh details the correct procedures for conducting both public and private investigations, including how to deal with clients, what to look for, how to look for it, and how to document an investigation. Read full story sfgate.com

Media:

The Psychology of Belief – Bias and the Brain (Source: YouTube – TheThinkingAtheist)

Does hell exist? (Source: YouTube – Tr3Vel0cita)

Rumors Link Pope Resignation to Sex, Money Scandal (Source: YouTube – MOXNEWSd0tC0M)

Religious TV show ‘risking lives’ (Source: YouTube - Tr3Vel0cita)

Blogspot:

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Pagan News | Comments Off

Hump Day Herbal Magic – Acacia

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

ACACIA (Acacia Senegal)

Folk Names: Cape Gum, Gum Arabic, Egyption Thorn, Kikwata, Mgunga, Mkwatia, Mokala

Powers: Cleansing, Contact the dead, Protection, Psychic Powers


Photo by Tim Waters

Acacia is native to the Sudan region in Africa, as well as Oman, Pakistan, and northwestern India. It grows to a height of 5-12m, with a trunk up to 30 cm in diameter.

The Egyptians wove their funeral wreaths with Acacia leaves, their mummies wrappings were coated with the liquid made from Acacia. Christian belief is Christ’s crown of thorns was from Acacia, and possibly the crucifix. The Bible recounts the bush of Moses was also an Acacia as well as Noah’s Ark. In honor of a departed friend, the ancient Hebrews planted a sprig. Acacia is known to stand for immortality and initiation as well as a symbol of an eternal and pure soul. In ritual the leaves are burned as incense or used to sprinkle blessed water.

Deities: Astarte. Diana. Ishtar, Osiris, Ra

Element: Air (Mental Powers, Visions, Psychic Powers, Wisdom)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun (Healing, Legal Matters, Protection)

Magical & Ritual Uses:

  • Burn for altar offerings or purification.
  • To ward off evil: Place a sprig over the bed.
  • To Open the Mind to Visions: Burn the leaves on charcoal to induce spiritual phenomena and develop psychic power,  add Frankincense and Myrrh to intensify the effect.
  • For Meditation & Inspiration: Burn the leaves on charcoal.
  • Acacia is also used in money and love spells.
  • It can be used as an emblem of immortality and initiation, as a sense of resurrection.
  • To Contact the Dead: Dip the leaves in holy water and sprinkle your altar with the water, or burn it as incense to communicate with or to memorialize the dead.
  • The wood  is ideal for a sacred chest to hold ritual tools. If you can’t obtain the wood, you can use the herb to consecrate your box and sacred tools.
  • To Cleanse a Sacred Space: Burn the dried gum as incense.  The leaves or wood can be infused to create sacred water for asperging.  Acacia may be used for blessing any sacred space. (A temple, Circle or storage area and magical possessions)

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Paul Huson: Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Gude
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or 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 and have a great day!

Lisa

Tags: , ,
Posted in Site Updates | 2 Comments »

Medicinal Monday – Woodruff

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Folk Names: Herb Walter, ladies in the hay, muge-de-boys,  sweet grass, waldmeister,  woodderowffe, wood-rovam, wood rowan, wuderove.

Woodruff Galium odoratum is a perennial plant from the Madder family. Native to Europe and the Middle East, it grows 4-8 inches tall.

Woodruff’s scent increases when wilting, once dried it can be used as potpourri. It used to be sewn into cotton bags and hung in closets as a moth deterrent. Mixed with white wine it is thought to strengthen the heart. (Only the above-ground portion of the plant is used) It contains coumarin glucosides that acts as an anticoagulants and can be used to counteract excessive blood clotting.

Uses:

Compress:

  • Grind herbs with a mortar and pestle, place in a warm, damp cloth, fold and apply to forehead. (Do Not let pulp touch the skin)

Healing Powder:
For Insomnia

  • Mix 1/2 tsp. of powdered Woodruff with honey or fruit puree 30 minutes before bedtime.

Tea:

  • Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried Woodruff.
  • Steep 5 min; strain.
  • Drink 2-3 cups a day. (preferably unsweetened)

Tonic:
To strengthen the heart

  • Steep 2 tsp. of dried Woodruff in 1 cup of cold water for 8 hrs, strain.
  • Drink 1-2 cups every day.

Potpourri & Sachets

  • Make a Woodruff pillow to encourage sleep or sweeten a closet with an herb sack.
  • Display dried herbs in a bowl to add a fresh scent to a room.

Wine Punch:

  • With 1 qt. of dry, sweet white wine add no more than 3/4 tsp. of fresh, slightly wilted Woodruff.
  • Let the punch sit for a few hours.
  • Strain and serve chilled. (Woodruff is more aromatic when slightly wilted)

Folklore & History:

  • Dating back to the 14th century, Woodruff has been used to sweeten the air.
  • Medieval soldiers carried it in their helmets, they believed it promoted success in battle.
  • It is carried to attract money and prosperity, bring victory to athletes and warriors.
  • When placed in a sachet of leather it is said to guard against harm.
  • In the middle ages, it was woven into wreaths and hung in churches.

Tip: Useful as a MILD sedative and antispasmodic.

Warning: May cause internal bleeding if taken in large doses. Do not use if pregnant or taking medication for circulatory problems.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or 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 and have a great day!

Lisa

Tags: , ,
Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off

Happy Imbolc!

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

“I’d sit with the men, the women of God, there by the lake of beer, we’d be drinking good health forever, and every drop would be a prayer.” – Saint Brigid’s Prayer

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa


Tags: ,
Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off