TPC November 2016

TPC DIGITAL MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER ISSUE 2016

Contents

Pg 2 Pg 3

Pg 9

Pg 13

Pg 17

Pg 21

Pg 25

Pg 29

Pg 31

Editors Letter Who Is John Awen? The Real Man Revealed In His Own Words Thoughts From A Nemeton - Symbiosis - By Vicky MacLean A Dream Of Samhain

By Martin Pallot Rabbit’s Revenge - By Robin Herne Rattle Making With Yvonne Ryves Beyond The Grave - By Skelicia Urban Legends That Turned Out To Be True - By Monique Reichert Beings In Folklore - By Skelicia

November 2016

Pg 35 Exploring Death from

the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism

- By Monique Reichert Pg 37 Paws For Thought

- By Pagan Pg 39 Q&A With SeidrSound

- By Aaron Field Pg 42 Zodiac Magickal Herbal Sachets

- By Tasha Clark Pg 43 The Stirrings of Eldar’s Cauldron

- By Lady Brigid Eldar Pg 49 Mugwort & Obsidian

- By Sheela Adhar Pg 53 Journey Around Pendle -

Roughlee & Barley

- By Penny Robinson Pg 55 The Tarot

- By Dawn Ryan

Pg 59 Paradox

- By John Awen Pg 61 Tummy Warming Recipe’s Pg 63 Journeying Through

Scotland - Final Days

- By John Robinson Pg 67 Remembrance Day Tribute Pg 70 Elemental Magick Pg 73 Senseless

- By Masa Amar Khawaja Pg 75 Remember, Remember

The 5th Of November

- By Aaron & Tasha Pg 79 The Divination Dictionary

- By Monique Reichert

Contact Details Disclaimer: The opinions

expressed in this magazine by writers are not necessarily those of TPC or its staff. All articles and artwork remain the copyright © of the author or artist.

We here at TPC retain typographical copyright on all articles, photos and adverts typeset by TPC or its staff. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine can be reproduced, except for short passages for critisicm or review, without written permission from the Editors.

Layout Design by Tasha Clark, Monique Reichert and WolfsHead Design Studio.

Submissions: Original articles or

Hi! My name is Lydia Connearn, I am aged 32 and a mother of 3 to which they take up most of my time. When I am not busy being a mother, I enjoy modelling as a hobby.

I love to be different and I like to class myself as different; I’ve been modelling from the age of 18, but came out more as a model when I turned 30. I enjoy the different looks and ideas that can come from working with good photographers. I have a lot of photographers I work with regularly and I have grown to love modelling work. I work as a cleaner part time which I enjoy.

With seeing your online magazine, I just knew I wanted to be in it as it’s different, interesting and not like a sleazy crap mag; it shows art and the world through different eyes to which I love and I am very happy to model but I do love the more dark and gothic stuff. I share a hell of a lot of my work and my model name is Inked Princess. To which most photographers know me, but my work can be found on Viewbug, Facebook, Instagram and Purpleport.

artwork please send to: tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com We reserve the right to abridge any content and edit for grammar, style, etc.

The editor’s decision is final.

We allow all differant styles of work from polytheism, philosophy, esoteric, folklore, political, religious, events and moots, book reviews, artwork, informative, fiction and non-fiction pieces.

But within reason. We also aim to be a platform for writers, be it new and upcoming writers or those who write as a hobby wishing to publish their work in the public forum.

Advertising Enquiries: tpceditors@hotmail.com

Images Provided By: John Robinson Pixabay Flickr Tasha & Aaron Field

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Editor’s Letter Brightest Blessings Reader’s on this cold crispy November evening.

We should have been and hoped to have been out for Halloween with a special edition, but we all know how these things go. Nothing seems to go according to plan!

It has been a busy few weeks for all the editorial staff, working behind the scenes to get this issue out with a lot of changes. Firstly, you will notice on the front cover a new name change - TPC Digital Magazine (This is not saying we are a gadgets magazine but pointing out that we are now on the verge of becoming a web-page as of the end of this month, but we are now interactive).

Good news regarding our senior editor, although he is still unable to see, small changes to his eye-sight are happening every day and he thanks all of you for your well wishes and your kind thoughts. As you will see in the Carnoustie story, he and I have a new hobby which means we are now hardly in the house any more.

We have also brought on board new members of staff and one of those being our newest model Lydia.

A lovely woman who agreed to have John Robinson from Frameousfotos take her pictures.

We have seen Halloween (Samhain) come and go, as well as November 5th and 11th (Remembrance Day). With this, Aaron and I would like to give our well wishes to all the men and women serving either at home or abroad in our armed services, and would like to give thanks for the work that you guys do.

Look out for a notice on our Facebook page about our new web-site. For those wanting an interactive copy of our magazine please get in touch at tpceditors@hotmail.com Remember if you wish to have something published just send in your article, photo’s or events; send them to tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com Kindest Regards

Tasha & Aaron

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TPC REAL LIFE

WHO IS JOHN I

was born on the 20th May 1969. The only son of my Mum and Dad, and brother to a Sister who is almost 5 years older than me.

My parents did not have me until my Mum was 40 years old and my Dad was 38 years old, no age at all by today’s standards, back then though they were considered old.

THE INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR OF SUMMERLANDS: PAGAN DEATH & REBIRTH, BABY NAMING DAY, AND MANY MORE TO COME

My Mum had suffered a miscarriage a couple of years before my birth and it must have been extremely traumatic for them both. I had to be delivered via caesarean section, due to complications and they continued once I made my arrival into this world. I was born with a urine infection and severely under developed lungs. My Mum, who passed away in February of 2015, told me several times, she was given me to hold very briefly, and then I was whisked away and placed in an incubator for almost 4 months. I wasn’t given much chance of survival back then and again My Mum has said I was blue for ages and she thought that she was going to lose another child, hard times indeed and this battle of survival and against the odds has been a major part of my life and still is to this day.

After several months, I had sufficiently recov-

3 TPC - November 2016

N AWEN? THE REAL MAN REVEALED IN HIS OWN WORDS

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ered enough to be allowed home and so I joined my Mum, Dad and Sister in the family home that I grew up in until I was around 19 years old.

I spent my formative and younger years growing up in a village called Sible Hedingham, which is in Essex, basically in between Colchester and Cambridge. I was very lucky to grow up here, there were huge expanses of fields, rivers, pond, disused buildings and loads to keep me occupied and also I could cause mischief, which I seemed to enjoy doing, not maliciously, just finding my feet and causing entertainment to my friends. Basically, I was fearless and would be the one to push the button that clearly stated, Do not push, oh well, you can count on me to push it, even nowadays to some extent.

My Dad was a bus driver at the time, so while I was a toddler, I was at home with my Mum, my Sister would have been at primary school at this time and by all accounts, I never gave my Mum a minutes peace, unless I was asleep, bless her heart. I have lost count of the times my Mum has relayed the story of me getting out of my playpen while she was busy cleaning, washing, etc. I was placed in my playpen and then I would appear in the kitchen or 5  TPC - November 2016

half way up the stairs grinning, so I would then be placed back in my playpen, until I appeared again. After a while my Mum watched and was amazed that I would stack all my toys into one corner, crawl up them and throw myself over and into freedom once more. My poor Mother, I led her a merry dance and not once, throughout all my doings, right, or wrong, did she judge me, nor did my Dad really, he was just very quiet and we never understood each other, nor did we have a Father/Son relationship, not until about a year before he died in 2007.

Fire played a big part in my younger years and I am still enthralled by it now, I just don’t have the same tendencies towards it as I did when I was a child. I distinctly remember from around the age of 5 years old, I always had a box of matches in my pocket and several hidden in my small box sized bedroom. I was totally fascinated by fire and how I never burnt the house down beats me. All the toys I enjoyed playing with would be fire damaged, my action men, soft toys and car sets were all burnt in some way. One of my favourite games was using my Dads handkerchiefs for parachutes for my action men.

My Mum said she loved watch-

ing and hearing me launching these parachuting soldiers out of my bedroom window, then running down into the garden to retrieve them all and start again. After a while my Mum got a shock, as balls of fire were plummeting into the garden. I had found some lighter fuel, soaked the handkerchiefs and action men in it, then made out they were jumping out of a burning plane. I found this highly amusing and it didn’t really bother me that all my toy soldiers ended up as melted lumps of plastic. My Dad was not impressed; he didn’t have anything to blow his nose on. All this between the ages of 5yrs to 7yrs. The writing was on the wall really, what a terror I must have been?

I remember in the mid 70’s and from a child’s point of view; the summers lasted forever and were really warm. I discovered with the rays of the sun and a magnifying glass, I could make fire out of nothing, pure magic. I went round scorching clothes, wooden fences and dried grass. Once I made a pile of dry grass and burnt it; it caught so quickly that it burnt down a neighbour’s chicken house. I tried to put it out; I just couldn’t, so I ran home. A few minutes later sirens could be heard as 2 fire engines turned up to put it out. I must have stunk of

smoke and I have no doubt at all School to me was a totally silly that my Mum knew I was some- thing to do, I enjoyed English and thing to do with it, she never said that was it. At primary school even a word though. then, if something didn’t interest me, I wasn’t doing it, no matter There were several children, what the punishment or conseranging from all ages that used to quences were. I excelled at Englive and gather on my small coun- lish, I loved it with a passion and cil estate, to play on the swings still do to this day, as my book and and see saw we had and also to articles show and reflect. I rememplay football, rounder’s and crick- ber a teacher I had at 7 years old. et, we were always busy and get- Miss West was a formidable Lady ting up to all sorts, often mischief and character and for a whole year, would ensue and yours truly was she taught me English. A relatively normally the instigator. tall, spindly woman with a bun in her hair, who could be quite intimThe council would usual- idating, scary almost. It is her who ly appear once a year, to cut the showed me the total magic of the branches and bushes back around English language and I stood in where we played. This was a high- her class one day, while we all said light, as they would burn it all and what we wanted to do when we then leave it unattended. Obvi- were grown up. I said I wanted to ously, we used to play in it, jump write books, obviously this caused through and over it, and then I a lot of laughs and I remember her would be the only one to stand nodding at me once I said it, with right in the middle of it, while the an almost grin on her usually stony flames burnt, sizzled and danced face. Looking back upon that, I around me. I loved it totally and believe she knew I would and was again, I was totally fearless. Once recognising something deep witha year after this yearly fire dance, in me. Without Miss West giving I would return home and get me this passion to communicate, smacked for ruining yet another reach, warm, comfort and inspire pair of shoes, which by the time people, who knows what would I had finished the fire celebra- have happened? I owe her a great tions, the soles had totally melted. deal, an incredible teacher and Did this deter me at all, course it someone I looked up to. didn’t, as I said, I was totally fearless and didn’t care.

What is even stranger that I said I wanted to write books, is tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 6

that from the age of 3years old, all I ever wanted to do was join the army and be a soldier, funny really after the escapades of setting fire to my action men. This was the only time until I did actually start writing books, which I said I wanted to. Well, I must have put the intention out into the universe way back then, life just happened in between, as it invariably does for us all.

Primary school was an experience; I pushed to the limits with everything and everyone. My reports always said the same things, clever, but could try harder. They also said I was a disruptive influence now that remark I strongly disagreed with. I saw it as supplying and endless source of entertainment to my friends who were also incarcerated in the classroom with me, when we could have so easily been out enjoying the fields and ponds. I really could not see the point of it at all and got bored.

Now if I get bored, well, I used to get very mischievous and still do to this day, just in a different way now.

I have always been the same, if something totally grabs me, I give it my all, if it doesn’t grab, or interest me, there’s no hope and I want to leave and do something else.

What I find sad, is nowadays they have labels for this, autism, Aspergers, dyspraxia and a multitude of other labels. We all have these, it just depends to which degree, plus I just couldn’t and wouldn’t be controlled and pigeon holed, why should I, I am an individual, not a clone!

Every school year when the reports were given out, I would always be given a letter to give to my parents. I knew it was the same each year and so did they. It would be summoning them to chat to my teachers and headmaster about 7 TPC - November 2016

my lack of interest in certain lessons and why I was so disruptive.

I would get told off, my parents would go and come back shaking their heads at me. I couldn’t grasp why they made me go anyway and all this at primary school; they must have despaired of me totally sometimes. Bless their hearts and I am so glad they both told me several times they understood it was my path. Before my Mum passed away, she saw me starting to write books and this made her immensely proud. I miss them both every day and I know they are with and around me constantly and in all I do. While I carry them in my heart and remember them fondly, I keep them alive, just in a different way, that’s all.

All in all my younger years were a great time. I enjoyed all the normal things, apart from school, which I made into an amusing time because I had to. Weekends and evenings were spent fishing, making camps in the local woods, exploring places and just being kids.

My first encounter with the Police came when I was around 7 years old, by this time; I was discovering myself and trying to establish who I was and what I wanted. On our estate we regularly played football and other games. The small patch of grass near the swings provided an ideal small area with a fence one end and a garage wall the other, a great place to play football with two goals, sort of. A neighbour had decided to park his truck in front of the garage wall, basically blocking one goal. I went and knocked on his door and as politely as a 7 year old could, I asked him to move it, he refused and laughed at me. That was it, I went and let all his tyres down, silly really as it would obviously now take

a lot longer to move the truck. I was annoyed, I had asked politely and he still refused. From then on, whenever we played the game, where you knock on a door, then hide, he was the main victim.

Unbeknown to me, he had watched me letting his tyres down and called the Police. I think I was having my tea or something at the time. My Mum answered the door and the next thing, I was called into the front room, where this Policeman asked me what had happened. I gave my explanation and then he started raising his voice at me, at that point I got up to leave, only for my Mum to jump up and sit me back down.

I looked him straight in the face, took the shouting and then he left, after a quiet word with my Mum. Once again, I found it amusing and wasn’t bothered by it at all. For many years after that, the Police became a big part of my life, avoiding them more than anything, but it was all part of my path, which without a single part of it, I wouldn’t be writing and sharing this now.

My Parents were not religious, my Mum went to carol service once a year at Christmas, to do her bit and be noticed I think, so apart from wanting peace and quiet from me each Sunday morning, there was no other reason to make me attend Sunday school in the village church, but send me, she did. I was forced to go from the age of 7, again, another life changing situation at a young and important age. There I sat with all the other children listening to made up stories, it absolutely bored me silly and I had no interest at all. Then, after listening to baby stories, the teacher asked if any of us had any questions, at that moment I turned it around.

I plagued them with analytical

questions of how, why, who and what? This continued for many months, looking back I suppose it was my first addiction, to try to get the answers I knew I deserved and failing that, I could annoy the teacher. I remember clearly now the look of dread on their faces as they asked if we had any questions, knowing full well, I had them by the bucket load.

day and I was going to church, just not a Christianised place of extortion, control and lies. Once again, it just was and I loved it.

For almost a year I kept this up, until I was told I didn’t have to go anymore. I found more peace, solace and answers in the woods than anyone in church could have ever given me, special memories that I hold dear to me now and have stood me in good stead alIn the end, I became an an- ways and in every aspect of my noyance to them and basically life. became the invisible man, as if I wasn’t there and didn’t exist. I I had no fear when I was knew then that having an enquir- younger and to this day, I am still ing mind doesn’t fit into a struc- fearless. If there is a button to tured doctrine of control, where be pushed, I will push it and if lies are readily spun and fairy tales there’s a hornets’ nest to stir up, I are used as a way to controlling will be the first to grab a stick and others and pacifying the masses. start poking it, regardless of any At this age, by now I would have consequences that might arise, I been around 8 years old and I was just don’t care. I am 47 years old already realising that there was now and I still have these very so much more to the world, yet mischievous traits, I don’t mind, I nobody had any answers for me, like that spark, it shows me I am or at least none that I knew were unique and that I am not a bortrue. ing clone like so many people are.

I can’t fight the system and win, After about a year of once again but I can score points and have enforced incarceration of yet an- little victories along the way. I find other school that didn’t serve me these invigorating, refreshing and well, I made plans to avoid it. By if I couldn’t have them, I may as this time, we had a family dog; a well lie down and give up now. lovely Jack Russell called Judy. That is not in my nature and nevI told my Mum that we were al- er has been, so, until I eventually lowed to take dogs to church, I shuffle off this mortal coil, I will don’t really think she believed keep pressing buttons and asking me, but allowed me to take the questions. dog out each Sunday, apparently, off to church we both went. We The only time in my life when spent every Sunday morning in I might have felt fear, was around the woods, building camps, pad- the age of 8years old. An auntdling and obviously making fires, ie had died, my Mums sister and which I still loved. My Mum never for whatever reason, I was made questioned why I went home after to go, with my parents to see her supposedly going to church, with body. I remember tightly shutting a soaking wet and often filthy dog, my eyes and really not wanting she just shook her head and rolled to look at her, not knowing what her eyes. Undoubtedly she knew I was going to see. Eventually, I I wasn’t going to Sunday school, did peek and I didn’t like it. Lyshe never asked or questioned me ing before my eyes was somethough. Technically, it was Sun- body I had known, yet here they

were, motionless totally and not looking very healthy at all. This haunted me for ages, yet after a while, I found it quite comforting.

With all my own near death experiences, death happening around and close to me during my addiction, along with working for a funeral directors, it could have and probably was this experience at a young age, that again, helped me to grasp and understand what death is. It is never the end, but a part of our constant cycle of life. Without death, there can be no rebirth and this is the way it is, both physically and metaphysically. You simply cannot have one without the other, a balance, as with all creation. Male and Female, day and night, hot and cold.

It is all part of the very structure of us and the universe as a whole, perfect balance within and without, on all levels of consciousness and sub consciousness, it just is.

As well as all this, as a family, we enjoyed holidays, days out and all the normal family events, marriages, Christmas, watching TV together and all the normal activities that we remember vaguely and seem to blur together, almost into one. I was reaching the age now, where I was going to leave the primary school and start attending the local secondary school, I was now 11 years old. I was growing up fast and my need for stimulation was constant. I was looking forward to a new start, I just knew that school would never provide it, how could it? It was now time to attend Sible Hedingham comprehensive school. Oh well, off I went and ventured into a new world and period of my life.

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THOUGH FRO

Ever wondered how two energies connect and work well together?

Here, Nemeton expert, Vicky MacLean explores the world of Symbiosis within the forests around us, exploring the world of algae and fungi.

Vicky MacLean

I

SYMBIOSIS

wanted to write about co-operation a practice vital to the survival of our species and have chosen as my theme Forests which also bring us into the world of The Nemeton.

organism feeding on another, the effect may be harming but not fatal usually. Commensalism, using a host organism causing no harm.

Mutualism working together to benefit both parties.

Symbiosis - Greek meaning “living together.” Thousands of such examples are to be found in nature but we are dealing with Flora in this article. We also consider Parasitism, which is one

Lichens are small organisms formed of a fungus and algae, the fungus gives form and substance to the Lichen and in turn the algae provide the ability of photosynthesis, the process by which the Sun’s radiant energy is converted into sugars for food. This type of symbiotic relationship where one organism lives within the structure of another is endosymbiosis. Within these dual communities live other creatures, mites, spiders and tiny insects.

between fungi and root systems.

These very fine threads called hypha either cover the surface or alternatively pierce the roots of the host. The fungus aids in the extraction of water and nutrients from the soil. They also act as a protection against many harmful organisms that would otherwise attack the host. The host tree or plant in turn shares some of the sugars produced through photosynthesis.

This means both parties benefit from the exchange and increase their chances of health and survival.

Birch (Beith) has overtime formed a number of such alliances to better its growth and strength.

Fungi likewise are part of Fly agaric fungi (Arrantia Musthis fascinating inter connected carra) the Chanterelle mushroom forest ecosystem.

Mycorrhi- (Cantharellus Cibanus) are two zas is the symbiotic connection notable associations. The Scots

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HTS OM THE

NEMETON tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 10

Pine also has these Mycorrhizal connections they number in excess of 200 known varieties. One of them is also the Chanterelle species.

Symbiosis may also be the process that has in the past triggered some evolutionary changes because they are advantageous to both species. One bacteria taking up residence in another often has accidental benefits.

Any forest can provide an endless number of examples of these processes. The Alder tree has a relationship with bacterium found in its root system, Frankia Alni which forms nodes in the roots, these drawn in nitrogen which fertilizes the tree and aids growth, in turn the tree provides it with sugars. It also enriches the soil in the immediate area benefiting other plants.

saplings by sharing food, helping them to develop using this amazing network. Plants can interact for their mutual benefit and even warn of danger.

Mistletoe is an example of a parasitic relationship.

The roots of the Mistletoe invade the bark of the We know so little of these complex organic comhost tree. Over time the branch and sometimes the munities, and yet the human race frequently destroys whole tree weakens and dies back as a result. them with little thought or consideration.

Fungi benefit the entire woodland system by decomposing leaf matter, wood and other organic material. This releases nitrogen, carbon and other nutrients which improve soil quality this sustains the algae and trees and plants in the area. The algae release sugars from which the fungi then benefit.

One of the clearest interpretations of these complicated connections was portrayed in the film “Avatar”, which showed how all life shared a common vital bond. Another cinema story “The Happening” explored the idea that trees and plants could release toxins at will into the air that attacked the human nervous system causing people to destroy The forest is a balanced system and when it is themselves. Indeed some varieties of trees can and disturbed by logging, or slash and burn farming so do release toxins into the soil to kill off competitor many life forms are threatened flora and fauna alike, species. the weather systems can also be affected as can our own life cycle. We are all part of an endless cycle Perhaps we need to remain mindful of these and delicate balance. things and encourage greater respect for our green companions, because we need each other.

Science now realises something that Pagans and Earth based belief systems have long acknowledged, that the Forests “talk” – plants communicate between themselves.

The vast network of fungi in the root systems appear to be capable of transmitting information through its mass of filaments called Mycelium. A tree can be connected to shrubs yards away from it in the area. Information and nutrients can travel throughout the network just like an organic internet. These connections also encourage the production of defence chemicals to protect the larger organisms from disease. Larger trees can also support the growth of smaller

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Send In Your Stories To: tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com

A DREAM OF SAM

T

his path leads to a place, beyond the ………………………………………………………… close of day.

Shaman; sitting in the cave of the ancestors, Where winters winds sing softly and making ready to walk in the other worlds; takes pine resin and burns it for clear vision, rubs a gently brush the veil of passing time. little juniper oil into his drum for safe journeying.

Insubstantial moonlight mists the land and He is a two-spirit being living on the edge, gives a gleam of gaunt lit silence. crossing the borders; Where shadows take a ghostly shape; that The wood, stone, bone, feather, antler man. shifts from each remembered moment.

He has made a four day fast to bring his soul A dreaming scape, where wisdom is a whispered presence; heard beyond recall of earthly awake, now he rides on the echoes between drumbeats and with the smoke of sacred gifting; realms. drifting to the place of visions.

Communion of the then and now, for knowlHe seeks the elder allies who come to the sunedge of the days of yet to come. wise sacred circle drawn in the earth of the cave

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MHAIN

Martin Pallot

floor, those spirits who walk in peace between worlds of the dreamtime, who carry ancient teaching in their bones and who have walked their way since before the earliest humans. He listens for the voices of those old ones, whispering their wyrd and wisdom as his softly speaking drum calls to them to heed his presence in their realm; listens in the silence of the cave womb, surrounded by the spirit images of the animal kin that are walking in this world, drawn in the blood of earth, that gives the life to all.

Then from the darkness there comes a movement in the air around him, he raises his eyes and then lowers his head in greeting to the mysteries who stand before him. A twelve tine stag with skin the colour of the full moon and eyes the colour of the new; and beside him, a woman dressed

in a simple woven tunic with a spirit drum like his carried at her hip. She raises her hand and lets her fingers brush the drum skin, the sound, though quiet, seems to come from the walls of the cave and the shaman is taken on a journey as the stones themselves begin to sing the story of the Mother; the story that comes from the days beyond days when the granite cracked as volcanoes yawned with the waking of the world.

She of the branching track; running free; first footfall drumming on the skin of snow, she who guides the herds who guide the folk who follow, who sees the seasons circle in the eyes of fawn and doe, who walks the moons track through the night. Old and lined like a mammoth’s tooth, time worn like the cliffs of chalk. As ancient as the reflections in a Ravens eye, or the howl in

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the throat of the Wolf. As old as the wind in the valley depths, and as slow changing as the granite crags. Her ways have lasted since before the times of ice that ebbed and flowed across the land. Drawn in haunting, hunting magic, moving in the rush light flicker, marks made in shades of earth, shifting shapes on stone or bone.

of human sounds and the old straight track became a many headed Hydra of concrete causeways that snaked across the spirit paths and sacred places and gave us such a mass of mis-directions, that we lost our way for a moment of many lifetimes; became deaf to the heartbeat of our Mother and the sacred speaking drum became an unsung thing of skin and bone; while we turned Her from the She, of the drum skin tight belly, goddess powerful guardian of the primeval wild wood yet to be; beating boundaries between the path, into a perpetual pastel shepherdess, to worlds, circling the skin clad home; eyes a benignly bless the hearth from many a manshadow in a bone mask. Watching life, count- telpiece. ing cull.

But, the old ways, the quiet ways, are paShe, whose voice comes humming on the tient and however buried it may become, the wings of bees; or howling on the winds of path is never lost; but only waits to be reeagles; It is held on the breath, like the sound membered. Now, as with the shaman of old, of a gentle waters falling, or in the voice of a deep within the hollow ways deep within our stag skin drumming; It is heard in the distant hollow bones, a gentle drumbeat echoes once call of thunder, or in the deep soul quiet of again. the dream filled night.

Now, we track her back, beneath the earth She whose breath is seen in the sudden blood birthing ground, hearing once more the shift of swirling smoke, the early mist that sound of the life pulsing through the Mother’s gathers in the hollows as the day begins to veins below, echoed in the sacred drumming rise. journeys that help us find again the mystery of that ancient everlasting path that leads us She, who tracked her charges as they to her teaching made of many tines which trekked across the world; then watched them slowly, gently and with infinite patience find turn away and slowly cease to understand, their way into the cave of our hearts where that the walker and the track must always go the branching tracks become one. hand in hand.

Then it seemed another vision was gifted to the shaman from the drum and smoke filled dreaming darkness of the sacred cave, one that showed a time of progress and forgetfulness, forward looking, raging rushing racing; flame of forge and gaslight; a flickering slick of neon coating the land while voice of the earth was drowned in a confusion

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Life and death, Blood and bone, Walk the track, Old gray stone, Beat the drum, Journey home, Antlered Maiden, Mother, Crone.

R RABBIT’S REVENGE

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he aged servant Zheng tugged at Lord Tang’s sleeve and directed his attention to the distant boulder from behind which a fat rabbit emerged and gamboled around for some moments before clambering atop the boulder itself to gaze out upon its tiny kingdom.

Tang stroked the hawk’s nape and removed the hood, murmuring lovingly to the creature before directing its attention to the succulent leporine morsel. At once the bird took to the wing, circling the woodland edge before swooping down on the oblivious prey. The smile that twitched Lord Tang’s normally stony features froze when his favourite pet, far from snatching the hapless rabbit up into the sky, crashed back to earth within a second, as if it had tried lifting the very boulder itself.

When the bird flapped listlessly on the ground, Tang sent old Zheng hobbling across to investigate. Returning, the silver-haired servant presented his lord with the corpse 17 TPC - November 2016

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of the beloved pet and a garbled account of a stone rabbit man. Zheng was almost like an uncle to him, as close as a mere servant may be allowed to get, yet it seemed then to Tang that old age had overtaken the man’s sensibilities as well as his body. Geeing up his horse, Tang trotted across to the boulder to gaze upon both the stain of the hawk’s blood and the curious red statue of a crouching man with the ears of a rabbit, perched on the boulder.

reception room, but the excitable and beautiful Lady Linshui and her dour chaperone.

At once full of questions and scant pause for answers, his betrothed had already heard the rumours that were circulating like wildfire. The death of gentle Zhang, who had seemed almost part of the furniture in his permanence, had touched the young woman perhaps more deeply than the man who had grown up under the servant’s care. On hearing “I think,” old Zheng gasped breathlessly, “that it that the Rabbit God was now housed in the house is made from carnelian. There is writing upon it. A shrine, Linshui immediately rushed to see it with her gift from the Gods, surely?” portly struggling to keep up.

The other servants muttered their agreement to Tang was rooted to the doorway as he gazed at the origin of the auspicious article, and Lord Tang’s the statue. What had been a foot-tall piece of carenquiry as to the words carved into the idol elicited nelian the evening before was now nearly double the the reminder that the old man could not read. height, and returning the gaze with those too-familiar implacable eyes.

“Pass it here,” old Zheng cradled the object for him as he read the words Tu Er Shen – the Rabbit “It is so beautiful, such a skillful carving!” Linshui God, a gift from Lord Yan Wang. As he spoke the exclaimed, reaching out to move the figurine into words aloud the servants shared alarmed glances as the light. Her future husband’s choked exclamation the God of the dead’s name was spoken. The face failed to restrain those hands, just as her father’s of the rabbit-man seemed curiously familiar. He concerns about educating a daughter had long ago reached down to take hold of carnelian deity, and been swept aside by her eager rush for knowledge. as the aged servant released it he released his final “See, there is another name carved here – Hu Tianbreath as well. Old Zheng fell lifeless to the earth bao. Perhaps the craftsman who carved this exquiand into the invisible embrace of Lord Yan Wang. site figure? And here, a date – the last full moon, maybe the time at which this was created?”

As the other servants rushed to tend to the tragedy, a twinge of grief flitted briefly across the granite A look of surprise passed over the lady’s delicate face of the imperial inspector. A solitary tear es- features as Tang snatched the statue from her. The caped his eye as he watched the old man and the look faded as she collapsed to the floor, as still and small statue being loaded on to the back of a cart silent as aged Zhang. The chaperone howled with that ought to be bearing the fruits of a day’s hunting. genuine grief, cradling the corpse as Tang stood on rigid with horror. The future evaporated before his Upon arrival back at the lord’s imposing house, eyes, as his alliance with Linshui’s house dissolved two funerals were prepared – for Tang felt the loss along with all realistic hope of a respectable marof his pet as keenly as that of his almost-uncle. It riage. With his reputation tarnished by so much illtook all his powers of intimidation to convince the luck, which noble family would have him as an interrified servants to carry the ill-omened statue into law now? the house and place it on the shrine. As loathe as Tang was to have the cursed object alongside his anThe imperial inspector still stood pale and stiff cestral devotions, prudence suggested it unwise to before the altar, the sounds of mourning echoing risk giving further offence to so volatile a God. throughout the house, when Master Chen and his assistants cautiously entered the inauspicious house The next day Tang awaited the arrival of the some hours later. venerable Master Chen from the temple some few miles away. If anyone should know what to do with “It has grown since this morning,” Lord Tang a mysterious idol, it ought to be Chen. The rattle of croaked by way of an ill-mannered greeting, pointcartwheels in the courtyard signaled the unexpect- ing towards the red rabbit-eared figure which was edly early arrival of the august visitor. Yet it was not now nearly three feet tall. “There is more writing the bearded priest that the servants brought into the upon the base as well.”

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His staff tapping up the floorboards, Master Chen heard, for Master Chen suddenly juddered and approached close enough to read out the names en- flushed with colour, coughing and spluttering as he graved on the statue as his assistants began to light was helped to his feet. the incense.

The groundwork was laid before the next moon, “My blood stains the House of Tang,” the elderly and half of Tang’s fortune went on daoshi read out the new text that had appeared as the corpse of Lady Linshui was being carried away.

“I had him put to death,” Tang’s voice was barely above a whisper, though Chen heard every word.

“One month ago I caught him spying upon me through a hole in the bathhouse wall, this Hu Tianbao. A mere soldier with the audacity to lust after an imperial inspector! Who ever heard of such a thing?

He tried to flee from my men, but they dragged him back as he babbled about how much he loved me, how he had adored me for years. He even presumed to tell me he could see how lonely I was, and that he – a virtual peasant! – could make me happy. How could I permit such an outrage to go unpunished?

Naturally I ordered them to beat this deluded fool to death there and then. His blood still stains the courtyard of the bathhouse.”

“I have heard tell of the stain that will not wash away,” the sage spoke as the clouds of incense obscured the ashen face of the inspector. “One of the assistant priests has three times dreamt of a young man lying in a pool of blood, staring up at the sneering face of the one he loved. Each morning he awakens with the taste of ash in his mouth. Those who die for love do not belong in Diyu, the realm of Lord Yan Wang. He has sent the soldier away.”

“A ghost?” Tang was raw with fear.

“A god,” Chen hoisted the carnelian deity and presented it reverently to his host, “Those who do not deserve punishment in Diyu live amongst the Immortals. Your humble soldier is now this Rabbit God, and wants the love and respect denied him in life. Bring peace to your house, Lord Tang, and build him a temple where he may be known and loved.”

“Died for love? He died for arrogance!” The words died on his lips as the ancient priest turned pale and slumped to the floor. “A temple, anything!”

The assistant priests groaned with anxiety as they clustered round their fallen leader, scarcely hearing the repeated offer of Lord Tang. Yet someone tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 20

RATTLE MAKING WIT

YVONNE RYVES

Previously, Yvonne has taken us through how to create our own drums, now she takes us through the process of rattle-making.

O Prepping both sides of the rattle heads

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ne of the things I love to do is make my own tools to work with as a shamanic healer. In the past I have made shamanic drums but this was the first time I had made rattles. The reason that I make my own tools is that while I am doing they absorb my own energy and power and this affects energy and spirit of the finished tool. Anything that is bought from shop or from someone else will likewise have the energy of the person who made it. For me and

Hanging the rattles on the washing line to dry and take in the warmth of the sun.

the work I do it always feels better to work with a tool I really know is ready to work with me.

TH

When I create tools of any kind everything has to be done with awareness. This helps the spirit of the tools I am creating develop as I work. Any materials I am working with need to be prepared in ceremony, everything including any equipment I am using has to be cleansed, usually with the smoke from sage bundles made by me with sage from my garden. It is important for me to spend time with the spirits of, in this case deer, elk, ash and redwood, thanking them for giving themselves for the work ahead and getting to know how I am to work with them.

All of this is done within sacred space.

Once ready to begin I cut pieces of Deer and Elk hide to the shape and size required for the heads of the rattles. These were then punched around the outer rim with holes two that lacing them would be eas-

Finished & Looking great

ier. Thin strips of lacing for binding the heads to the handles was also cut from the same hides and all were soaked in water from our well with along with sage and rosemary from the garden for cleansing and purification. I left the hide to soak overnight so it absorbed both the energy of the moon and the morning sunrise.

After about eight hours when the hides were soft enough to work with I stitched them with artificial sinew, although I could equally have used some form of lacing. I then filled the stitched heads with sand so that they held their shape, pushing the sand firmly into the heads to make them nice and round. I have left long lengths of sinew on either side of the heads and now used this to bind the heads to their respective handles.

This helps then to keep their shape and maintain the space inside the neck. The rattles were then hung to dry, outside on the washing line, so the elements of air and fire could assist them in their drying. Once dry the rattles would be ready for the remainder of their birthing, a birthing that which would include them finding their voices.

The rattles took a lot longer than I had expected to dry out, possibly because the sand I had used was damp.

I suspect it became damper as it absorber the water from the hide and so slowed down the drying process considerably. Being mindful of not rushing the process I waited until the hide felt dry enough

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to hold its shape and then risked untying them from the handles and emptying out the sand to leave hide shells. These I rehung so they could continue to dry, this time they were left until completely hard.

Whilst the rattle heads were drying I worked with the stones I had chosen, ones that I was drawn to use for this purpose. The ones I used were tiny stones from the garden but I could have used crystals or something like popcorn or dried peas instead. I added and subtracted the stones to help bring forth the voices of the rattles until I to had found a sound for each of them that shifted energy in a way that spoke to me.

Once I had two rattle heads that completely resonated I emptied the stones out again being careful to keep them safely in separate piles. This I did because the necks of the heads had to be re soaked so they would be soft enough to tie onto the handles once again. I did this by placing them in cups of water with only the piece that was to be tied to the handles in the water and the main part of the heads sitting on the rim of the cups.

With the handles soaking I then worked on the handles. I wanted the handles to be comfortable to hold so they both needed to be filed down until they felt smooth. One handle ended up with all the bark removed while the other retained some. Once they felt right when I held them I polished them with beeswax. I could have stained them but wanted to keep them as natural as possible and the beeswax served to bring out the beauty and grain of the wood.

After about an hour when the necks were soft enough to work with I refilled the heads with the stones I had put aside earlier and laced them to the handles using the lengths of sinew once more. It was important at this stage for me to tie the sinew as tightly as possible as there is nothing worse than

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using a rattle and the head flying off. Once the was done I took the hide lacing that was still soaking in water and using deer for the deer rattle and elk for the elk one I began as close to the body of the head as I could and stitching the lacing as much as I could I bound the head to the handle over the sinew.

The reason for doing this was that stretched hide tightens as it dries and so would hopefully make a more secure fitting of head to handle than anything else. Finally, the rattles were then hung again so the neck, lacing and heads could completely dry out.

Although the rattles are ‘finished’ I still need to spend time with them, getting to know their spirits and how they wish to work with me. I also need to discover whether they want to be decorated in any way, maybe with feathers or beads or even by being painted but if so that will be the next stage of their birthing.

Yvonne Ryves info@yvonneryves.com www.yvonneryves.com

Do You Have Any Funny Or Cute Animal Pictures???

Send Them Into:

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BEYOND THE GRAVE !

HAUNTED LOCATIONS OF EUROPE

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Poveglia Island

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he Poveglia Island, also known as the island of madness or island of death, is a small island located between Venice and Lido in the Venetian Lagoon in northern Italy. Instead of being a beautiful place to visit, it’s one of the most evil places in the world. It’s the resting place of many restless souls. In the Roman Era it was used as a quarantine station to isolate victims of the plague. It has also been used as an asylum. It’s been estimated around 100.000 deaths on the island and fishermen stay clear from it to avoid catching human bones in their nets. The island contains several plague pits as well where they would dump the infected people to burn and bury them. Some were even burned alive. One legend is that the plague victims would wait on the island, after it was sealed off, to die before their ghosts would return to haunt the island. The island was sealed off to prevent the ill from mixing with healthy people.

The asylum took place in 1922, where a doctor experimented on patients with lobotomies. People who showed any signs of symptoms of sickness, both physical and mental were placed here. Lobotomies at that time was of course performed with drills, chisels and hammers, forget all the fancy stuff they use in hospitals now. With so many patients it’s no wonder the doctor didn’t have time to perform lobotomies on all of them, so the rest of the poor souls were placed in a bell tower, where they were tortured and subjected to a lot of pain. Patients recorded seeing ghosts of former plague victims, but since they were already mad no one believed them. Very clever to put “insane” people there with several ghosts, as if it’s not bad enough being

deemed insane already. The doctor later committed suicide by throwing himself from the bell tower, claiming ghosts had driven him mad. He obviously survived the fall itself, but was strangled by a ghostly mist emerging from the ground. The asylum was shut off in 1068 and the island has been abandoned ever since apart from the ghosts still lingering there, including that of the doctor who occasionally rings the bell in the tower.

The soil of the island is mixed with ashes, breathing there is difficult and the place is falling apart. Poveglia has 2 islands close by which were also used for quarantine purposes, but Poveglia is still shrouded in mystery compared to those. The island is closed off for both locals and tourists.

Everyone stays clear from this island so they won’t be cursed, but those who have ventured there have reported seeing ghosts, hearing eerie screams and finding out things have been moved around. An American TV presenter visited the island to enter the abandoned hospital for the Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures and claimed to having been possessed by a ghost there. Can you imagine anything freakier than a haunted island? If things take a turn for the worst, you can’t just run out of it, you have to run out, get the boat started (let’s hope it’s a fast one) and then make your way over the water.

Creepy...

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THE CATACOMBS OF PALERMO

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n Sicily we have the Cappuccini catacombs which are burial catacombs. The conclusion here has to be that Italians were macabre people. It used to be a normal cemetary, but obviously they couldn’t fit all the bodies, so they had to make it larger by making crypts below it. They dehydrated the bodies and washed them with vinegar at a later point. Some were embalmed and others sealed in glass cabinets. It was intended only for friars, but they eventually they started burying other people here as well. Relatives visited to pray for the deceased body and make sure it stayed presentable.

Relatives also had to pay for them to stay in their proper place, if they failed to do so, the body would then be moved aside to a shelf until they paid for it. Nothing beats business. The first monk came in 1599 and is now a 400 year old corpse.

The last one to be buried here was Rosalia Lombardo, still preserved the same to this day as she was when she was buried there. She was 2 years old and

27 TPC - November 2016

died of pneumonia. There’s even a video on youtube of her “opening her eyes,” and she’s even called the sleeping beauty. Could be due to changes of the light as it’s been speculated and let’s hope that’s the only reason... Still conscious girl trapped in a mummified body would make for a great horror story, but let’s hope we can skip that one and leave it for the movies.

Of course there are ghost tours being held here and workers have reported seeing the skeletons having moved position from one day to the next. Whispers, shuffling sounds, whistling and your clothes being pulled also happens on these tours.

HOIA BACUI FOREST

This forest has also been called the “Bermuda Triangle” of Romania. Maybe not so strange with all the reports surrounding this forest. Ghost sightings, apparitions, faces appearing in photographs, strange shadows, voices, and of course, UFO sightings are quite common here as well. A photograph of a UFO taken here has even been judged to be authentic. Locals refuse to go into the forest because they feel anxious and constantly have the feeling of being watched. Other feelings hitting the people visiting are nausea, fever, vomiting, headaches and scratches and burns have appeared on people’s skin. People think it’s a gateway between worlds. The forest is also full of strange-looking trees and even a clearing where nothing seems to grow. Poltergeist activity has been reported as well of people being thrown about by unknown forces.

with the real Bermuda Triangle, some of the people who disappear there never comes back. Other people have experienced missing time in shorter or longer periods and don’t recall what they’ve been doing during this time. A five year old girl was reported missing only to turn up five years later with no memories of the time gone by. The other thing it has in common with the Bermuda Triangle is that there is no reasonable explanation for anything that happens there. Not much of a chance of this forest being safer than the Bermuda Triangle, even though it resides on dry land.

The forest got it’s name from a sheperd who disappeared in there along with his 200 sheep. Just like

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URBAN LEGENDS THAT TURNED OUT TO BE TRUE MAYBE...

Stories to keep you up at night, or tell around the campfire, either way, they are pretty creepy; enjoy.

The dead body under your mattress

A

The Legend: couple checks into a hotel and notices a pungent odor in their room. Despite the stench, they stay through the night and wait until morning to complain to the hotel staff. This isn’t going to end well for the poor soul that makes the discovery, but never would you expect it to turn out in this manner. A staff member decides to take the mattress off the box spring and low and behold, they discover that the couple had been sleeping over the decomposing body of a dead girl that was stuffed in the box spring.

The Truth: This actually happened. In multiple locations throughout the United States. The lucky states with the infamous “dead body under the mattress” are… Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Kansas City, Missouri and reports of this gruesome discovery have popped up recently in Florida and California.

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The Funhouse Mummy

I

The Myth: t was discovered that a prop at the town’s carnival was not exactly store bought. The kiddos at the haunted house had been having a grand ‘ol time laughing and poking a real, live, human skin and bones, mummified dead body.

The Truth: Turns out, the stench wasn’t just the reeking body odor coming from the convict working the corndog stand. During the filming of an episode of the popular 1976 television show, The Six Million Dollar Man, the camera crew were setting up in the haunting house at the Nu Pike Amusement Park in Long, California, when someone accidently knocked off the arm of a “hanging man” prop and discover human bones nestled inside.

tually the scheme caught up with the geniuses, when Elmer McCurdy’s brothers showed up to claim him.

Well, of course these guys were not McCurdy’s brothers, but the enterprising carnival promoters. And to make this story, just a bit more twisted, McCurdy’s mummy went on to do a morbid mystery tour; all around the US, popping up at carnivals all over, before finally making his final rest in Long Beach. Now buried in Oklahoma, McCurdy won’t be going on any more tours, the concrete that was dumped at top of his burial casket has ensured that…. Seriously,

DO YOU WISH TO SLEEP YET? Source: cracked.com

And yet, this story gets better, lets meet Karma in action…. The body, turned out to be that of Elmer McCurdy, a criminal mastermind who was killed in a shootout after robbing a train in 1911. The bounty on Mr. McCurdy’s “wanted dead or alive” … 2 jugs of whiskey and $46.

To make things well, even stranger, and more disturbing… The “prop” was used for several years, collecting all the coins, that visitors would drop into the corpses mouth. Wonder who had the job of getting them coins out? Just, ew—Anyway, eventpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 30

Beings in Folklore

By Skelecia

With Samhain having gone and the celebration of Halloween, there’s no escaping all the dressed up kids knocking on your door and asking for candy. These kids are much nicer than some creatures lurking around according to different folklore stories, so that’s what this article will be about. Buckle up your seatbelts or grab your popcorn and come along for this awesome ride of different beings that you probably wouldn’t want knocking on your door a dark Halloween night!

Nøkken is a being in norwegian folklore who resides in lakes, ponds, waters and seas. He’s referred to as a vette in norwegian, a creature who can take different forms to trick people into drowning. Obviously not the nicest water monster to have around. In norwegian folklore the nøkken is referred to as being a frightening, evil creature similar to demons.

There is one nice side to him however, if it can be called nice, and that is that he warns people of drowning accidents,

Nøkken

storms and the like by screaming or moaning mournfully.

Usually he claims a drowning sacrifice to be content though and he steals the people he drowns, refusing to give them back. Nøkken likes to stay invisible until he finds a prey, he will then take the form of a floating wooden stick, a raft or some other floating thing.

He also takes on the form of a dazzling young man to lure young women to their deaths.

He can also be seen with a face full of hair, having a beard and

big eyes staring at you from the waterline. This picture is probably the most associated one with nøkken and will be the first you see if you decide to find a picture of him. The germans also have this tale, although in german he’s called Nix and he’s pictured as a waterman with long mustaches.

Nøkken will steal children as well, he does this by turning himself into a horse to trick kids into jumping onto his back and then drags them into the water. He also plays wonderful

NØkken By Theodor Kittelsen (1857-1914)

31 TPC - November 2016

music on a harp or fiddle to enthrall his victims. However, nøkken is very sad because he can’t get into heaven, so he will sometimes make his music a trade for either a sacrifice or the promise of heaven. People can also give the nøkken their fiddle for him to tune and the person will then become an awesome player.

If you want to protect yourself against nøkken you can spit or throw steel into the water or call him by name. If you call him by his name he will lose all his power. Beware though, nøkken is said to be most active and dangerous after sunset.

There have been no stories around nøkken after 1850

though, but he still serves as a story to keep children away from water so they won’t risk drowning and people have included him in books and art ever since.

Faun

The fauns, who everyone has probably heard of one time or another, are small beings who are half human and half goat with the upper body of a human and legs and horns of a goat. The story of the fauns comes from the ancient Rome in Italy. They reside in the uncivilized forest and likes to sing and dance while dancing around bonfires. They guide humans in need, but on the other side they also inspire fear in people who

travel outside of cities. The fauns are also the sons of Pan and just like Pan, the fauns also plays on flutes. Unfortunately, they’re not as famous as some other beings in folklore, but they have been included in movies at least, like Narnia and Pan’s labyrinth.

The Fenris Wolf

The Fenris wolf is a big wolf who comes from northern mythology and he’s the son of Loke and Angerboda. When the Fenris wolf was a little puppy Odin brought him with him to Åsgard and as the puppy grew bigger, they figured it’d be a problem.

They decided to chain him to a dwarf-forged chain on the island Lyngve, which contained six things that no one could find.

The chain was then made of these six items; the breath of the fish, female beard, bird spit, the roots of the mountains, the sound of catpaws and the bear’s tendons, which is the reason why these things don’t exist today. It’s said that the day the Fenris wolf gets loose, Ragnarok will happen. The wolf will then eat Odin and the son of Odin will kill the wolf by putting his foot in the wolf’s jaw. He will grip the jaw with both of his hands and tear his mouth apart.

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Troll

Trolls are big ugly humanlooking creatures who also lives in Scandinavia. They are very dangerous, albeit stupid. The sizes vary as well, from huge creatures to tiny ones. They live in untouched nature such as caves in the mountains and woods.

They are usually described as really big, strong, evil-looking and dangerous. They had big noses and eyes as “tin plates”.

They don’t get along very well with humans and would react whenever they smelled one.

There are several stories in Norway about trolls. One famous story is Askeladden, written by Asbjørnsen and Moe, who held an eating contest with a troll.

Askeladden was the youngest of 3 sons and the fathers sent each one out alone to chop wood. Both of his brothers chickened out when the troll told them it would eat them, and after much disbelief from

his family, Askeladden decided to go out there and chop the wood. He brought some cheese as a snack and ventured out into the woods. Of course the troll appeared almost immediately, but Askeladden was the smartest of both of his brothers and took advantage of the situation by tricking the troll into believing that the cheese was a stone.

He crushed the stone and claimed he’d do the same thing with the troll unless the troll helped him chop wood.

Afterwards, the troll took him home and made food for them and Askeladden challenged it to a eating contest. Smart as he was, Askeladden put his backpack on the front of his stomach so he wouldn’t get too full. He then cuts a hole in it and tells the troll to do the

Fairies were in the oldest European mythology a sort of woman with wings who decided children’s destiny at birth. It’s also told about fairies who would take humans to another place after death. They were also a symbol of love.

However, fairies are known for being enchanting beings as 33 TPC - November 2016

same in order to be able to eat more, which of course causes the troll’s death. Did I mention trolls weren’t too bright?

Askeladden then returns home with all the treasures the troll had in his house and his family becomes rich. Then they live happily ever after.

Fairy

well with magical powers. Some fairies don’t even have wings in folklore, but would instead fly on the backs of birds.

A popular story about fairies is that they can be quite naughty and whenever you see a fairy ring, either created with plants or other things from nature, it means the fairies have been dancing. One should never enter one of these rings however as the chances of ever coming back to this world is quite slim, if even possible. It’s said you

will be transported to the land of the fairies or the otherworld by entering one of these rings.

If there are any fairies around you, they will usually tangle your hair while you’re sleeping, steal small items or lead travelers astray, but they’re generally harmless apart from their tendency to kidnap people. In alchemy they’re described as spirits of the air and they are looked at as elemental beings.

There are also the story of changelings, fairy children who are replaced for human children. One story about

changelings is that they never grow older, so if you’re one of the unlucky ones to have your kid swapped out, it will stay that age forever. To protect yourself against fairies you can wear your clothes inside out, wear the herb St. John’s wort or four-leaf clovers. Travelers can also avoid getting lost by not following will o’ wisps which are glowing ghost lights, known for being used by the fairies. However, if you ever decide to watch the animated movie Brave, they actually help out, don’t take my word for

Mare is an evil spirit in Germanic and Nordic folklore who pesters people and animals when they’re asleep by pressing their chests while sitting on them while bringing nightmares. The mare is also known as riding horses to exhaustion and covered in sweat by the morning. In old folklore she’s known to be the ghost of an old virgin whos faith might’ve been thrown on her by an evil spell or be the result of a special birth.

She will come into her victim’s room and sit on their chest while squeezing so hard they can’t breathe or move any part of their body. She will then try to get her fingers into the victim’s mouth to count all their teeth, and if she succeeds, the victim will die right away. It’s therefore very important to

do one’s uttermost best to get her off, and if one is able to cry out “Jesus!” she must then leave instantly. In order to see her, one has to be awake when she comes in and lays down on people, but there’s not much one can do to defend against her, other than putting your shoes with the heels

Mare

it however. If you get lost by following a random light I will take no blame for it.

There have been several claims by people seeing fairies. The most popular one is probably the story of the Cottingley fairies where 2 cousins, Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths photographed fairies. People believed them and the story got quite big. The girls eventually admitted that they had faked the photographs, but had seen real fairies despite of it.

There is a lovely movie about it though, named FairyTale:

turned towards the bed. That way, she will have a hard time entering the bed. This is probably what people now refers to as sleep paralysis, but the mare or “old hag” as she’s also called is still seen by people while in this state. Who knows for sure what’s true?

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EXPLORING DEATH FROM THE TRADITION OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM By Monique Reichert

P

erhaps one of the hardest emotions to en- life with meaning. This series will begin there; the dure, understand and embrace, is death and first of several articles, that I hope you come back dying. After all, we begin our dying process, to read and enjoy along the way. the moment we take our first breath of life.

Observation and meditation on death and I was introduced to deaths indiscriminate nature temporariness are regarded with considerable as a very young child. Losing many close family importance in Buddhism. Two reasons behind the members, countless friends along the way, and life significance placed on death is one - to remind us I created, that I carried within my own body. The that only through recognizing how precious and seemingly, random, callousness of this one word, fleeting life is, will you strive to live it fully and with broke me. It wasn’t until I found myself wandering meaning. Understanding death and acquainting along this “path”, that I would find a glimpse, into ourselves with it, we can then eliminate the fear at how to begin to make peace with or come to have a the time of one’s death, and ensure a good rebirth. better understanding of death.

The way we carry on in our lives each day and our In doing some research, I stumbled upon death state of mind at death, do directly influence our fuand dying in Buddhism. Now, I’m not by any stretch ture lives. The goal, as stated by spiritual practitioners of the imagination, Buddhist or an expert thereon. is to come to your time of death, dyeing in a state of However, what I uncovered has helped me put more bliss; arriving free of regret and fear. of the “pieces together” in learning to accept death and dying, and that “piece” begins with making Looking at the two common meditations on “peace” with living life as a conscious participant, death within the Tibetan tradition, first we recognot an idle observer… LIVE is a verb! nize that death is imminent, and to motivate us to make the best of and strive to be the best versions Death and dying in Tibetan Buddhism tradi- of ourselves throughout this life we have been tion begins with two seemingly simple states of given. Secondly, is the “rehearsal” of the death proawareness; that death is imminent and to live your cess; familiarizing ourselves with death and thereby

35 TPC - November 2016

taking away the fear of the unknown and to allow our bodies to pass.

7. Worldly possessions can’t help you

8. Neither friends nor relatives can cross over In traditionally Buddhist countries, it is with you, or prevent your death. encouraged to spend time at burial grounds or cemeteries; contemplating our death and becoming 9. Not even your body can or will help you. We familiar and comfortable with its inevitable event. must leave our “shell” behind, empty.

The Nine-Round Death Meditation, is the “Conviction: To ripen our inner potential purefirst of the two death meditations. It is a time in ly, without staining our efforts with attachment to which we spend in contemplations of the “nine worldly concerns.” reasoning’s”, three roots, and the three convictions.

To explore further on the subject, please follow this series along into the next issue….

-- DEATH IS CERTAIN 1. There is no way to escape death 2. We are dying from the moment we are born.

Life has a definite and inflexible limit. Every moment, every breath, bringing us closer to the finality of this life.

3. Deaths timing is unexpected. A single breath, separates us from this life, to our next.

“Conviction: To practice the spiritual path and ripen our inner potential by cultivating positive mental qualities and abandoning disturbing mental qualities.”

-- THE TIME OF DEATH IS UNCERTAIN 4. The duration of our lifespan is uncertain.

5. There are numerous circumstances that lead to death. A single bullet, vehicle accident, random acts outside of our control, are all part and parcel to the uncertainty of our lives.

6. Your physical bodies fragility and weakness are contributing factors to life’s uncertainty.

“Conviction: To ripen our inner potential now, without delay”.

--MENTAL/SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT, IS THE ONE THING THAT WILL HELP US FACE OUR TIME OF DEATH All that we carry with us to the next life, is our mind and its karmic imprints; both positive and negative.

tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 36

PAWS FOR THOUGHT Take a moment to just sit and think, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, reading the inspiriational words of John Awen’s beautifu Lab, Pagan

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s we enter the darker half of the year, a time to retreat is upon us now. In the Northern hemisphere, we are into the seasonal time and period of autumn. The seasonal birds that visit our island for the warmer spring and summer months have migrated now, leaving our shores to fly thousands of miles to warmer climates. The trees have let go and shaken off the leaves they once held, creating a leafy carpet of slowly decomposing matter on the floor, a carpet of browns, yellows and russet red colours. The bushes and hedgerows are now void of the berries, fruits and harvests they held and offered.

A time of death, slow retreat and stasis is upon us now, as we see the transformation from natural bounty and beautiful colouration everywhere, to skeletal boughs, trunks and hedgerows.

37  TPC - November 2016

A time of reflection is upon us now, as we shake off and realise that the hedonistic time of summer and of plenty has now slipped away and we are left with the bare bones of life and creation.

We are, in effect, retreating back into our caves, to stave off the colder weather and ponder on the year that has now all but passed. We retreat into our caves both physically and metaphysically. Our homes that keep us safe and warm now become a much more favourable place to be, as they provide us with shelter and give us time to be melancholic, to revive ourselves and to revitalise ourselves over the wintry, colder and darker months ahead, gaining energy as we do, to greet next year with renewed vigour, stamina and new ideas which we want to see come to fruition.

down now; we take a much needed break, physically, mentally and spiritually. We can ease up now, take time just to be, reflect upon the year that has passed and put everything into place within ourselves. This time is a necessity and ensures that we can effectively switch off and take a break to refuel our very being. Compare this to the Bear, who hibernates over this same period, the only difference is, we wake up each day, apart from that, we are doing exactly the same, resting and rejuvenating our bodies, our minds and our spiritual being.

As we approach Samhain, we see one year end, within the Pagan and other alternate belief system anyway and we embrace the New Year which starts on November 1st. Our calendar and the natural calWithin our minds and our endar which has existed since ethereal being, we are enter- time began would not have ing our caves also, as we slow been governed by the calen-

drical months that are commonplace now. The natural and ever flowing moon phases and cycles would have been used to navigate our way through the seasons and the year. In a year, we have 13 full moons, these occur every 28 days, which brings us to the complete cycle of 364 days in a year, which is what there is anyway, excluding the addition of the modern time scale which unfortunately we are all governed and ruled by, but that is another topic anyway.

Samhain sees the perfect time to remember those we have loved and who have now sadly passed away, crossed over through the veil and entered into the Summerlands. Whether they are a recent loss, or bereavement doesn’t matter, they are all a part of our journey and are now our Ancestors.

The very word Ancestors brings up a mixed response and various connotations within people’s minds. More often than not, people think back to caveman times and only seem to envisage our Ancestors as Neolithic beings that had daily battles just to avoid being eaten by Dinosaurs.

Ancestors and should be respected, acknowledged and honoured as such.

There are an infinite number of ways to remember those passed and obviously, those we have known personally are a lot easier to focus on, simply because we can picture them in our minds and in our hearts. We can remember them fondly and often, this ensures that within us, we are literally keeping them alive, which brings us to the question, are they really gone at all?

We can have photographs, special mementos of them and all of these form a physical representation of that person, which can enforce the feeling of completeness and connection to that person. It is entirely down to us as individuals to remember those we have lost and have passed onto the next stage of their journey in whatever way we feel drawn to, it’s a personal choice and should not be structured or influenced by others. Follow your own heart and remember your loved ones the way that suits you best, please though, this Samhain, let the veil be lifted and through personal empathy, remember all our Ancestors and those who have bought us to this point and moment in time.

Let’s dismiss this train of thought here and now shall we. Our Ancestors are everybody that has ever lived throughout time, regardless of race, creed, where they lived, how long ago they lived and so on.

The unknown neighbour that may have died last week, the Great Grandad you never knew, or even a small hominid living 3 million years ago, these are all our Ancestors and each one of them is now installed within the great ethereal databank of beings that ever lived, therefore they are all a part of us and who we are.

Woven within the very fabric and essence of time are the strands of all life and existence since time began, remove a single strand and the picture is not complete, therefore it is not whole and in turn, we are not whole.

Every single being that has breathed life is an intrinsical part of the journey of creation and a part of who we are and our journey to this point in time, which Blessed Samhain and much is hard to perceive, but if love to you all. you can imagine it, then it makes perfect and total Pagan the Labrador. sense, which leads us to the answer, everyone is connected, so they are all our

tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 38

Q&A

SEIDRSOUND

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Interview By Aaron Field summer 2015 I started to write own songs for this project.

ould you introduce yourself to the readers? Who is SeidrSound? Who is Philip Lipsky?

Hello, my Name is Philip Lipsky and this Interview is about my solo-project, called SeidrSound. Seidr is an old norse word describing a certain form of magic using altered conciousness reached through singing or chanting. I chose this name because when I started I was only doing free improvisations emerging from shamanic trance states. I kind of kept the sound I created then but gave the whole thing a lot more structure. I am 27 years old and studied composition and musicology in munich with plans to become a music therapist after all. Besides I am working as a shamanic healer and teacher for several musical instruments. Can‘t really tell, who the „real“ Philip Lipsky is. What I can say is, that SeidrSound is not that much of a role I am playing, this really is a lot myself there.

39 TPC - November 2016

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o you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

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hat genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who would you consider to be your major influences?

That‘s not an easy one. For this project I combined inspiration from european medival music, indian classical music, singer-songwriter-styles and modern paganfolk music. My major influences are on the one hand for sure Xavier Rudd, Omnia and Estas Tonne, but on the other hand people like Ravi Shankar and Jimi Hendrix. There are a lot more for sure. If you ask me about a genre in particular, I would call my music „songwriter‘s

No. Since I studied sound engineering while I studied composition, I was able to record and mix my music in a way, that I could go public. I meditation“. tried to get in touch with labels before, but was hat inspired not lucky enough. I‘d be you to make glad to find a label music? one day, that supports those little weirder ideas I started this project for music. Time will tell. in summer 2014 when I was searching for a hat can you new sound, that tell me about resonnates with someyour instruthing I was carying in- ments? (i.e., Are you side me at that time. I subject to brand loywas also curious, alty or will you play which Instruments I was with whatever‘s available to play simoultane- able? What made you ously and get like a full choose the instrusound spectrum out ments you have now? of it. At that time I was Was it cost or was it a very moved by the idea style/model/brand/ of completely i m p r o - color preference? vised music. I had written and performed my Besides my voice, I first chamber opera just use an irish bouzouki, a before and felt like do- didgeridoo, an overtone ing somehting, where flute, a frame drum and music is not necessarily chimes. I did not really written down. In pay anttention to a brand

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or something. besides those are all instruments I already had, when I started this project. I do not think it is necessary to pay a lot of money to make good music with instruments.

They have to just feel right in your hands.

W

here have you perfor med?

What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Till now I performed in several small places in munich. My favorite for sure is a project called the „Kulturjurte“, where they put up big nomads‘ tents in the middle of the city. This is where I will have a show in May. additional shows for this winter are planned but not confirmed yet.

W

hich songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers?

Do you have a set play list?

Do you think these topics will change over time?

I do the complete songwriting myself. I write a lot about everyday experiences, sometimes spiritual, sometimes profane topics. I guess a lot is about being in the very moment. For my second album „Experience“ the late William Blake was just play what c o m e s so gentle to write to mind. I believe music some poems in advance. like this has it‘s beauty, because it is not intellecould you brief- tual. ly describe the music-making ow has your process? music evolved since you first I jam a lot. I try out began playing music? new playing techniques and combine new ideI have done a lot of as for sounds by different things in mufinding out what I like, sic yet. I started with a and what not. Besides punk and ska-band, I perform shamanic I played classical music, journeys to ask my I have been in jazz-enspirits for help or con- sembles for some time tribution in writing the and I am still a memsongs. Sometimes they ber of a medival-rock give me topics to project. I guess my muuse, sometimes they give sic before SeidrSound me melodies. Then I put became very mcomplex everything together and over time. Now with play it up and down until my solo-project I try to I feel, that everything go back to something fits. simple.

C

I do play covers sometimes, like I have done covers from Omhat are your nia and Faun songs. I rehearsals always write a new setlist generally for every concert, de- like? Do you have a pending on the location set time each week in and stagetime. which you practice or are rehearsals more ho writes your spontaneous? songs? What are the main I only rehearse before themes or topics for concerts. But I play a lot most of your songs? without any concept. I

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municating with people organising concerts or owning locations. But this is a hard job here in South Germany because this project very often does not fit their concepts. I feel like I could be doing more outside of Germany, but I haven‘t found the right people yet.

We‘ll see, what time has in stores.

W

hat‘s your ultimate direction for yourself ? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

I seek to make people happy with my music.

Perhaps give them new ideas. It‘s that simple.

W

hat advice do hat has been you have for your biggest people who challenge as want to form their own a musician? Have you bands? been able to overcome that challenge? If so, If anything does not how? feel right, either in your playing technique or in At the moment my choosing your b a n d biggest challenge is to mates, change someactually play live a lot. I thing. I know a lot of work a lot c o m - people, including myself, tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 40

who spend too much time struggeling with something they want to get rid of, but are too attached to it to let it go.

H CD?

ow can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo

I just released my second album „Experience“, which everybody can listen to and download it via „https://seidrsound.bandcamp.com/“. You can also check my Y o u tube-Channel, where I also publish some additional stuff and of course visit my facebook-page.

A

ny last words for our readers?

Keep doing what you love, like I do, what I love. And if we meet some day, it will be, because our passion brought us to the place to be.

41 TPC - November 2016

Zodiac Magickal Herbal Sachets Wear or carry to strengthen the positive aspects of your sign.

By Tasha Clark

Aquarius

Aries

Cancer

Capricorn

Gemini

Leo

Sagittarius

Libra

Pisces

Virgo

Scorpio

Taurus

3 parts Lavender 2 parts Patchouli 1 part Benzoin 1 part Mace 1 part Mint Combine and tie up in gray or some other dark-colored cloth that appeals to you.

3 parts Vetivert 2 parts Cypress 1 part Vervain 1 part Mimosa blossoms 1 part Comfrey Mix, tie up in indigo, gray or any other dark cloth you prefer

3 parts Sassafras 2 parts Cedar 2 parts Clove 1 part Star Anise 1 part Dragon’s Blood 1 part Juniper Tie up in a purple cloth

3 parts Lavender 2 parts Patchouli 2 parts Cypress 1 part Caraway 1 part Fern 1 part Mint Tie up in a clear yellow cloth

3 parts Carnation 2 parts Juniper 1 part Fennel 1 part Frankincense 1 part Cumin Blend and tie up in red cloth

3 parts Lavender 2 parts Mint 2 parts Gum Mastic 2 parts Clover 1 part Dill seed 1 part Anise Tie up in yellow cloth

2 parts Spearmint 2 parts Catnip 2 parts Rose petals 1 part Marjoram 1 part Thyme 1 part Mugwort Tie up in yellow cloth

3 parts Pine 3 parts Myrrh 2 parts Galangal 1 part Allspice 1 part Violet flowers 1 part Basil Tie up in bright red (or blue) cloth

3 parts Sandalwood 2 parts Myrrh 1 part Gardenia 1 part Lemon Balm 1 part Gardenia petals Mix together and tie up in white cloth

2 parts Orange peel 2 parts Cinnamon 1 part Frankincense 1 part Nutmeg 1 part Juniper 1 pinch Gum Arabic Tie up in orange, gold or red cloth

3 parts Sandalwood 2 parts Sage 1 part Eucalyptus 1 part Anise 1 part Lemon Tie up in a purple cloth

3 parts Patchouli 2 parts Oakmoss 1 part Cardamom 1 part Rose petals 1 Vanilla bean, crushed Tie up in yellow or blue cloth

tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 42

THE STIRRINGS OF ELDARS’ CAULDRON

“Some of us are going into our final stages of harvest, while others are just beginning their growing season. Both of these times can be challenging on our skin. These are the seasons when salves, lotions and balms become an important part of our daily routine... “ Lady Brigid Eldar

43 TPC - November 2016

tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 44

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reetings my lovelies!

tures to name a few. First discovered as a relief for burns, Lavender has so many benefits that I could Some of us are going into our final stages devote a whole column on its use and recipes. of harvest, while others are just beginning their growing season. Both of these times can be Chamomile is another ancient herb used by the challenging on our skin. These are the season when Egyptians and this little herb can pack a solid punch. salves, lotions and balms become an important part Often known mostly for its sedative properties, it of our daily routine. Most of us use one or several was also used to fight cancer during the Middle of these items at least once a day, sometimes even Ages. Used both externally and internally Chamomore, to keep our skin soft and hydrated. Think mile is good to use for children as well as adults. about it. How many times a day do you put on hand A great ending to any kind of day could be a cup lotion? Choosing which of these products to use of chamomile tea sweetened with honey and a foot can also be a challenge. Salves are good for super massage. Try the lotion recipe on the little ones bedry skin while lotions are good for normal skin fore bedtime. I would suggest you test a small spot types. Balms are also good for healing, soothing and on the skin first to be sure there are no allergies. protecting.

Now lovelies, to put you into a completely difComfrey is a powerful herb to have on hand. The ferent direction salves, lotions and balms may also abilities for drawing out what is bad and literally be used for magickal purposes. A simple balm made healing down to the bone are remarkable. My grand- from such items as herb infused oils and bees wax mother swore by the uses of Comfrey. She called it can be rubbed on the inside wrists, crook of the “knitbone� because one of the uses for it was to arm (inside the elbow), on the feet, chakra points, or mend fractures and broken bones back in the pio- pulse points. These balms can provide protection, neer days. She made a salve from it as well that could blessings for yourself or someone you love, or used draw out a sliver, relieve the itch a bug bite and sof- in spell workings. If you were needing extra money ten the roughest callus. There are also quite a num- to pay for a water bill for example, you could anoint ber of vitamins and minerals hiding in Comfrey that a paper money ($20.00 in U.S. money for example), are beneficial to the human system. Many of them as part of a working to draw extra money to you. such as Potassium, Vitamins A, C and B complex as Be sure to specify that you are willing to work for well as Calcium and Iron are the quiet healers that or open to receive money owed to you. Always keep make Comfrey a miracle herb. My husband uses the my mantra in mind when doing money spells: Monsalve to help relieve the aches and pains of arthritis. ey comes from expected and unexpected places.

Another must have for the medicine chest is Lavender in both herb and oil form. The anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic properties and among the many uses for Lavender. Other uses are aromatherapy, teas, homemade cleansers, and tinc-

Whether you are on a tight budget, or you really prefer to make your own balms, salves and lotions these recipes I am sharing with you are really simple and easy. I have detailed the infusion process in the recipe for the Comfrey and Lavender Salve. The infusion process is the same for all the recipes.

I have also included a link for a recipe measurement conversion chart for those of you who are on the other side of the pond.

This website seemed to have the best and easiest charts that I found: http://www.nourishinteractive.com/healthy-living/free-nutrition-articles/148-recipe-measurement-kitchen-cooking Much blessings, Lady Brigid

45  TPC - November 2016

Comfrey and Lavender Salve You will need: ¾ cup dried comfrey leaves ¼ cup dried lavender flowers ¾ cup sweet almond oil ¼ cup unrefined coconut oil 2 Tablespoons Shea butter 2 Tablespoons Coco butter 2 or 3 teaspoons bees wax, (shredded or pellets) 20 drops Lavender essential oil Slow Cooker Clean dishcloth Wide mouth Mason jar with lid, (24 oz. or 600 ML) Strainer or cheesecloth, Double boiler Clean glass jar, or 2 oz. tins

Directions to make the infusion:

carefully remove the jar using a kitchen towel, oven mitt or potholder. Strain the liquid using the strainer or cheesecloth into the top pan of a double boiler.

Fill the bottom part of the double boiler with water and set to simmer on low heat. Once the water begins to simmer put the top pan on and add the Shea butter and coco butter, stirring just until they are melted. Add the bees wax a teaspoon at a time.

To test the consistency you can drop a small bit of the mixture onto a plate and let it cool to see how the consistency will be. DO NOT REFRIDGERATE. Refrigeration will make it hard. You want the consistency of the salve to be like peanut butter.

Once everything is melted, add the lavender essential oil drops and give a final stir before pouring into jars or tins. Allow to cool. Label and date your jars or tins.

This will make about 8 ounces and is good for up to months.

Combine the herbs in the Mason jar. Add the Use for cuts, scrapes, bruises, drawing out slivers, sweet almond and coconut oils until the herbs are sprains, chapped hands, and bug bites. covered. If you need a little more oil you can add sweet almond oil just until the herbs are covered. Chamomile and Lavender Sleep Lotion You should not need much. ½ cup dried chamomile Place the dishcloth on the bottom of the slow cooker. This will keep the jar from breaking while ½ cup dried lavender making the infusion. Put the jar on the dishcloth and fill the slow cooker with water. Turn the tempera- 1 cup unrefined coconut oil ture on low and allow the herbs and oils to infuse for 13 hours. Make sure to check the water level oc- ½ cup Shea butter casionally, and add water as needed. ½ cup coconut butter Directions to make the salve: 2 or 3 teaspoons of shredded Bee’s wax or pellets After 13 hours, you should have a nice green color liquid in the jar. Turn the slow cooker off and 20 drops Lavender essential oil tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 46

Directions: Make the herbal infusion according to the directions above.

Strain the oil into the top of a double boiler.

Add the Shea and coconut butters and stir until dissolved.

Add the bees wax a teaspoon at a time and stir until melted.

Once the mixture has melted, stir in the lavender essential oil.

Remove from heat.

Warm a glass mixing bowl by placing it in the oven or microwave for about 5 seconds, (microwaves will vary). Just to take the chill off. Pour the mixture into the bowl and whip at low speed for about 3 minutes, going to a higher speed until the mixture is whipped. Scrape the sides of the bowl every now and then to get everything well blended and mixed. Continue to whip for about 6 more minutes. es.

Pour into containers. Label and date. Makes about 16 ounc-

measuring cup. Add the bees wax and stir until it has melted. Once the wax has melted, remove the measuring cup from the water. Allow to cool for about 3 minutes then pour into a 2 oz. tin or other container that you have dated and labeled.

To Use: Massage on the bottom of the feet just before bed . to help sleep. This lotion may also be used as a hand and body lotion.

Balm for Courage and/or Strength You will need: 4 green tea bags 3 Bay leaves, crushed 1 teaspoon thyme 4 Tablespoons (2 oz.) Coconut oil 2 to 3 teaspoons of shredded bees wax or pellets

Put the tea bags and herbs into a small glass measuring cup.

Add the oil. Put the measuring cup into a pan of simmering water and gently stir with a wooden handle spoon or large craft type stick until the oil is melted and the herbs have had a chance to infuse. You may need to use a pot holder to hold the measuring cup with one hand and stir with the other. As you are stirring, add your energies and think about the purpose of the balm. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes after the oil has melted. Remove from heat. Squeeze the oil out of the tea bags and strain the rest of the herbs back into the 47  TPC - November 2016

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE

Ingredients For the crust 85g butter melted, plus extra for tin 140g digestive biscuit, made into

fine crumbs 1 tbsp sugar, granulated or golden caster For the cheesecake filling 3 x 300g/11oz pack Philadel-

phia cheese, or other full-fat soft cheese 250g golden caster sugar 3 tbsp plain flour 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Position an oven shelf in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to fan 160C/conventional 180C/gas 4. Line the base of a 23cm springform cake tin with parchment paper.

For the crust, melt the butter in a medium pan.

the paddle attachment, beat the soft cheese at medium-low speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on low, gradually add the sugar, then the flour and a pinch of salt, scraping down the sides of the bowl and the paddle twice.

Stir in the biscuit crumbs and sugar so the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack while preparing the filling.

Swap the paddle attachment for the whisk.

Continue by adding the vanilla, lemon zest and juice. Whisk in the eggs and yolk, one at a time, scraping the bowl and whisk at least twice.

Stir the 284ml carton of soured cream until smooth, then measure 200ml/7fl oz (just over 3⁄4 of the carton). Continue on low speed as you add the measured soured cream (reserve

For the filling, increase the oven temperature to fan 200C/conventional 240C/gas 9. In a table top mixer fitted with

finely grated zest of 1 lemon (about 2 tsp) 1½ tsp lemon juice 3 large egg, plus 1 yolk 284ml carton

the rest). Whisk to blend, but don’t overbeat. The batter should be smooth, light and somewhat airy.

Brush the sides of the springform tin with melted butter and put on a baking sheet. Pour in the filling - if there are any lumps, sink them using a knife the top should be as smooth as possible.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to fan 90C/ conventional 110C/ gas 1⁄4 and bake for 25 minutes more. If you gently shake the tin, the filling should have a slight wobble. Turn off the oven and open the oven door for a cheesecake that’s creamy in the centre, or leave it

soured cream For the soured cream topping 142ml carton soured cream 1 tbsp golden caster sugar 2 tsp lemon juice

closed if you prefer a drier texture. Let cool in the oven for 2 hours.

The cheesecake may get a slight crack on top as it cools.

Combine the reserved soured cream with the 142ml carton, the sugar and lemon juice for the topping. Spread over the cheesecake right to the edges. Cover loosely with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Run a round-bladed knife around the sides of the tin to loosen any stuck edges. Unlock the side, slide the cheesecake off the bottom of the tin onto a plate, then slide the parchment paper out from underneath.

TPC - HERB & CRYSTAL OF THE MONTH

MUGWORT & OBSIDIAN

H

By Sheela Adhar

ello there, my lovelies!

It’s that time of year again! Samhain is upon us and the celebrations of our last harvest and a coming new year are here!

leaf, pine needles, hemlock, nettle, garlic and mandrake root, all spice, broom, and catnip.

Samhain is a time for acknowledging the life-death-life cycle.

It is a time of past, present, and future, in which we cast spells to leave negativity from the past year behind us. We celebrate our ancestors, welcome in the last harvest and the new year and look forward to a more positive future.

Samhain is one of the best times for scrying and, if you know your stuff, one must cleanse and clear all ritual items before use. One of the best herbs for scrying, cleansing, and clearing ritual items used in divination is mugwort. Obsidian balls and mirrors are used for visions and astral workings. These can be cleansed and cleared with our herb of the season: mugwort.

Samhain is one of the times of year when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, the other being Litha. It is a time for showing gratitude for our ancestors, an abundant third harvest, setting lights to guide journeying spirits Obsidian & mugwort work to their world, and a time of look- very well together and at this fesing forward to what goodness we tival of the turning wheel, it is can create from our new year. most advantageous to use them together in one way or another.

Herbs and crystals are used The following article will discuss in many Samhain workings. The both Obsidian and mugwort, crystals used are generally Black their attributes, and uses in healObsidian, Smokey Quartz, Clear ing and magick.

Quartz, Amber, Jet, Haematite, Garnet, Granite, Pyrite, Gold, Traditionally, we dedicate cerSandstone, Marble, Presili Blue- tain herbs for ritual purpose at stone, and Diamond. certain times of the year, depending on whether or not the plant Herbs for this season are rose- in question is in bud, bloom, or mary for remembrance, Mullein ready to harvest. seeds for abundance, mugwort for divination, calendula, sunflower In the case of mugwort, also seeds, pumpkin seeds, apple leaf, known as Artemesia Vulgaris oak leaves, sage, wormwood, bay (Itallic), we use all parts of the 49 TPC - November 2016

plant.

Mugwort can grow up to six feet tall. It prefers areas of disturbed soil and plenty of sunlight so it can thrive, thus it can grow pretty much anywhere. However, it spreads through its roots and can quickly become invasive to the well-kept garden, so it is advisable to pot the plant to prevent its weed-like spread. No need to over water as it can pretty much grow and spread in drought conditions! This is a good plant to begin a medicinal and herbal garden as it’s very hardy.

Mugwort flowers from July to September, so flowers and stems are harvested during this time and hung upside down in a warm, dry place, away from the sun. Later in the year, around September onwards, the root can be harvested

also. This should be washed and dried, then placed on a flat drying surface. Keep the roots away from anything as they tend to mould easily.

Mugwort is known as the ‘dream herb.’ It is a sacred plant to the Goddess Artemis, the giver of comfort or death to women in child labour, Diana in her association with Hecate, Patron Goddess of herbalists and midwives, the Moon, and female cycles. The plant carries feminine qualities and is an earth element plant connected to Venus and the Moon. It enhances sleep and can help with Shamanic journeying and hedge riding. In addition, it can be used in dream pillows to help with dreaming.

them from the base upwards. You can add the following herbs, each carries their own properties to the clearing and intention setting of a ritual, divination setting, or home cleansing.

So it’s all good for cleansing and protection from Mugwort.

If combined with other seasonal herbs and plants, Mugwort Mugwort leaves can also be can also be turned into smudge used as a spray cleanser of ritual sticks….so here is the clearing tools by leaving the leaves to steep part! in water. The spray acts to cleanse tools used for divination or ritual Take your dried Mugwort leafy tools in general. The dried plant stems, wrap them with other can be left with your ritual tools smudging herbs, such as those to keep them protected from neg- I mention in the following secative energies and infuse its own tion and tie them with hemp or magick into that space. The stems non-toxic string at the base of can also be used as kindling, and the stems, then wrap them fairare good particularly for ritual ly firmly in a spiral to the top, fires. around the top, and back down the stem again to knot. Wrap

Obsidian has long been used as a material for scrying mirrors and balls. The scrying process can be helped along by using the Mugwort plant to enhance the capabilities of the user and the mirror or ball. Using Mugwort as a blessing for the apparatus at this time of year is generally a traditional way to scry. Mugwort is used for scrying, clairvoyance, and protection, and is a seasonal herb at this time of year. Samhain is a perfect time to be carrying out this activity as it is the time when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest and this can make it easier to make contact with those who have already

Mugwort is an anaesthetic, and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

This means it makes a good all-round cleaner and insect repellent, much like lavender.

The fresh leaves are prepared by steeping them in water, after which they can be used to clean and cleanse the home, or used as an insect repellent. They can also be used to treat burns and itching, or eaten to help with stomach upsets and induce appetite…. Ladies, add Mugwort leaves to ginger to make a tea and brew away those menstrual problems. However, do err on the side of caution and do not use Mugwort continuously for long periods of time. It can create nervous side effects or make you feel a little flaky.

Sage for removal of negative energy, rosemary for remembrance and protection, Mugwort for divination, lucid dreaming, and protection, bay leaf for protection, rose for love, meditation, and calming, thyme for purification, mint for abundance, healing and protection, lemon balm for spiritual cleansing and calm, pine Mugwort is also known as the needles for cleansing and purify‘traveller’s herb’ as it grows by the ing, lavender for calming, and ceroadside and pretty much any- dar for cleansing and purification. where else. The ancient Romans used to place Mugwort in their Here’s a little ditty for you; back footwear to prevent tiredness on in the day, young maidens used to long journeys. As such, it can also clean their mirrors with Mugwort be used in protective travel sa- solution to find their true love or chets. Known as a warding herb, husband-to-be. They would sit in it can be placed above doors or in front of the mirror at midnight carry pouches to protect against on Samhain eating an apple. Their negative energies, spirits, wild future love was said to appear to beasts, bugs, and weariness. In an- them in the mirror. Scrying at this cient times to avoid illness in the time of year is not all about concoming year, people would wear a tacting ancestors. It remains popcrown or girdle of Mugwort for a ular for the seeking of future life time and then toss it into a ritual events and such, so why not for fire. seeking love? Good luck!

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fields.

Silver Sheen Obsidian is good for crystal gazing and is great for meditation. It aids with out-of-body experiences by maintaining the connection between the astral body and physical body.

passed, or to look to the future without fear of negativity.

There are many other types of Obsidian to discuss, but far too many to stay on the Samhain track!

I shall discuss some of the remaining Obsidian types in a future article.

A Blessed Samhain to you, my lovelies. A blessed turning of the wheel to you and may the future be Obsidian can be worn for protection and forms a filled with positivity and countless blessings. And So shield of energy against negativity. It blocks psychic It is! Blessed Be. attacks and helps with the removal of malevolent spiritual sway. As mirrors or balls, they are used for Bibliography scrying. They are said to help you produce a clear vision, aid psychic development, and can help the Farrar J. and S. Spells and how they work, 1990, St. expansion of consciousness. All types of Obsidian Edmondbury Press Ltd, Suffolk. can help protect from negative energies, removing and transmuting them. They can help you to be Hall, J. The crystal Bible, 2003, Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London open to all frequencies, not just the higher ones.

Black Obsidian is used to aid with psychic development offering the gift of prophesy to those who seek it correctly, hence the use of them as scrying and divination tools. Nevertheless, they are powerful scrying and meditation tools and are used with Clear Quartz to help ground and process information for the higher good. However, they should only be used by those who have the ability to translate what has been revealed to them. Black Obsidian should be used carefully as it has the power to work brutally as well as quickly.

http://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-yourown-smudge-sticks-and-a-list-of-plants-commonlyused-in-smudge-sticks/ Diana,Hecate, Artemis, (2014). In J. March, Dictionary of classical mythology. Oxford, UK: Oxbow Books. Retrieved from http://libezproxy.open. ac.uk/login?url=http://search.credoreference. com/content/entry/oxbocm/hecate/0 http://www.earthwitchery.com/samhain.html

Blue Obsidian is used as an aid for astral trav- http://moonsmuses.com/samhaintraditions.html el, divination, and telepathy. It activates the throat chakra and opens communication skills. It opens the http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:mugwort aura also to aid with the healing process. https://altnature.com/thegarden/Mugwort.html Electric Blue Obsidian is used for trance states, divination, Shamanic journeying, hedge riding, psychic communication, and past life regression. It opens the third eye and helps with inner journeying and balancing energies.

Gold Sheen Obsidian is good for scrying, as it helps take you to past, future, and to get to the root of problems. This Obsidian balances the energy 51 TPC - November 2016

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JOURNEY AROUND PENDL PENNY ROBINSON In this issue we continue our journey around the villages of Pendle with Penny Robinson, stopping this time at two beautiful small locations, Barley and Roughlee.

As you climb out of Newchurch, the first thing which hits you is the sight of Pendle hill, and the surrounding villages, one of which is the village of Roughlee. Again the recurring topic of the Pendle witches comes up. Alice Nutter, as legend has it, lived at Roughlee Old Hall. From here she was allegedly taken to Lancaster castle for sentencing, and eventually hanged. In 2006 a new fingerpost sign was put up in the centre of the village pointing the way to the castle..

In 2012 a statue was erected in the village of Alice Nutter,which commemorated the 400th anniversary of the witches trials.

Although a small village, Rouglee has nine listed buildings, the oldest of which is the residence of Alice Nutter, which is believed to date from the 16th century, around 1536. As well as the listed buildings, it also lays claim to the second smallest school in Lancashire, as well as a fine public house / restaurant. This is extremely handy for the residents of the 2 caravan parks in the village. For those who prefer to catch their meals, there is also a trout fishing lake which was a former mill 53 TPC - November 2016

lodge. Roughlee’s other claim to fame is the chapel, which was demolished in 1967. It is believed the founder of the Methodists, John Wesley was a frequent visitor.

There is always plenty going on in this pretty hamlet ......it has won the best kept small village in 2006, and champion class winner the following year. Important dates to put in the diary are the Roughlee Ball, the Duck Race and the village Fayre.

From Roughlee just a mile or so down a country lane is the next village to be featured, that of Barley.

The one thing it has in common with Roughlee is that it also won the best kept village in both 2008

and 2009. Barley has a population of around 300 people along with one of the best pubs in the area, which is called, no surprise, the Pendle Inn. On walking through the door on a cold winter day you are met with the most wonderful roaring wood fire, surrounded by the most comfortable chairs, and if that isn’t enough, there is also an excellent menu to banish any hunger pangs.

Before this turns into a restaurant guide, on with more details on the village of Barley. Barley came in to being from somewhat humble beginnings, a farm to be exact. This lead to its population earning a living from agriculture,

LE until the 18th century when it became a textile manufacturer, owing to all the brooks in the surrounding areas which offered an effective source of waterpower, which led to the building of several cotton mills.

Recently during a construction project in the village by United utilities, workers managed to unearth what is believed to be a 17th century cottage, complete with a cat skeleton.

This is what brought historians to believe it could have belonged to one of the Pendle witches as it was common practice to bury a cat alive in a bricked wall as this was supposed to ward off evil spirits. Unfortunately the cottage was regularly vandalised, so was once again buried, along with all its secrets.

Whilst back on the subject of the witches, 2012 was an important date for Pendle as this was the 400 anniversary of the witch trials.

Barley celebrated this with a sponsored walk and world record attempt for the most people dressed as witches in one place. Needless to say, this record was successful!

which until recently was known as The Barley Mow, a wonderful traditional restaurant with traditional food. Carrying on out of the village on the right is the old chapel, and across from there what was once the village post office. Another mile along takes you to the bottom of Pendle Hill. This is where the energetic members of the population take a leisurely stroll to the top, a mere 557 metres, or to the old school, 1827 feet. The view from the top has to be seen to be believed. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to describe it.....the only way is to see it with your own eyes.

Barley also boasts another eatery tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 54

THE TAROT

BY DAWN RYAN

T

he Tarot: these two words invoke curiosity, mystery, enchantment. As long as we have existed, humans have always needed to know their destiny. Historically, it was well-known that everyone from royalty to common folk used this and many other forms of divination to try and predict the future. Other techniques were reading tea leaves in a teacup, crystal ball gazing or the pendulum. Our ancestors were even skilled in predicting the future by watching animals and their movements. Amongst all these unique ways, the most popular was the Tarot.

Deeply shrouded in mystery, no one really knows when the Tarot became evident. Some surmised they had originated somewhere in Europe, from there they travelled to other ancient lands throughout time, all the while capturing an air of mystery about them.

Fast forward to the 21st century, today’s world has radically changed since the birth of the Tarot. People are more acutely aware of the world and what is happening around them.

Frankly, it is quite disturbing. Thanks to cell phones, radio, television, and computers, we get a non-stop barrage of events that are constantly being thrown at us throughout the day.

Who wouldn’t be stressed out?

The Tarot is now in demand, proving that after hundreds of years it is finally being accepted amongst the masses. If you search the internet for the key word ‘Tarot’, you will get thousands of hits, along with all kinds of people offering Tarot readings. Walk down main street America, there are at least a few mystical new age shops offering the same thing. It is so exciting that something that was once used in secrecy, is now attainable, this is serendipity. After many, many years this ancient divination tool is now becoming mainstream.

So let’s begin to learn how to read your own cards; it’s not that hard. Firstly, you should buy yourself a deck. With so many different kinds of decks available, all you have to do is find the one that interests you. A good place to start is your local mystical shop, although even Amazon has a fine selection of many different types of cards.

The second thing to do once you get them home is to cleanse them. I will usually Sage any new deck or even leave them out in the sun or during a full moon, that way you know any negative traces of human contact have been cleaned. Then you are ready. When beginning, the best thing to do is to start to familiarise yourself with them. One bit of advice is when learning any new thing, it takes practice and The bright lining in all this chaos is that our dedication, so don’t rush through all the cards; world is now experiencing a spiritual aware- take your time to become one with spirit and ness; the new age of enlightenment has begun. the Tarot. You will notice that it consists of 55 TPC - November 2016

78 cards. These are then divided into two groups, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. This is for a very good reason.

Every card has its own meaning, and the best way to acquaint yourself is to take a single card, study it, and write down what you feel and see. Make this a daily practice by studying a card a day.

and finally Wands, which connects with fire or changes. To take it a step further, these suites then link with one’s zodiac sign. The zodiac signs for Cups are Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer. Swords are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Pentacles are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorns. With the last suite, Wands, being Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

The first group, the Major Arcana, are 22 beautifully decorated cards. They are numbered from 0, the Fool, to number 22, the World. These are considered to be spirit, fate, or destiny, whatever you feel comfortable calling them, it is really a personal choice. These cards have specific meanings, from learning life lessons to understanding the consciousness of your spirit. The Minor Arcana cards can be a bit complicated.

Like a regular playing deck, they too are divided into four categories. So instead of spades, diamonds, hearts, and clubs, these have their own unique suites; Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands. These cards reveal what situations and circumstances are happening or might happen in the personal life of the questioner.

So let’s do a basic three card reading.

Make sure that the cards are placed upright and not reversed. Also, when doing a spread make sure you work on a natural surface like a table, if that’s not available, you could always use a large piece of cotton. Next, grab your cards and start shuffling, all the while concentrating on your question and ask your spirit guide or whoever to help you with the answer. Then with your left hand, divide the cards into three separate piles. After you have done that, with the same hand, put them back into a pile but do it differently. Calm your mind and take one card off the deck, laying it down to the left. Take another card and lay it down next to the first one, then do the same thing with the last card, laying it down next to the middle card. You should have three cards in a line in front of you, and that’s it. The one to the farthest left is the Past, this card represents things that have already happened. The middle card represents the Present, the subject’s life now and what is affecting them at the mo-

Let’s breakdown the inner workings of the four suites. The first of the suites are Cups, which relates to water or feelings.

The second group is Pentacles, relating to couples to money issues. Next comes Swords, it partners with action and activity,

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ment. The final card is the Future, things that have yet to happen. Get your journal and write down your first impression for each card, then start looking and ask yourself what you see.

Pick up one of the cards, close your eyes, and hold it in your hand, write down what you feel.

When you are done, take the book that came with the deck and read what that particular card means and see if you were right. After you’ve done all that, once again look at the pictures, notice what they are saying and take notes. Ask yourself; ‘Are there more Major Arcana or Minor Arcana and vice versa?’ ‘Is there a mixture of suites or are there a few of the same suites?’ ‘Do they have anything in common?’

‘Are they reversed or upright?’ Remember every object on a card has a meaning, so this is where you really need to know the cards.

Then begin putting the cards together, see if the question and the cards make sense. Let’s imagine you asked about love, and the first card pulled is Two of Pentacles, which indicates money. In the past, money struggles were your main focus and love was not high on your list. The middle card, the Present position, is the Page of Wands, signifying changes happening, spontaneous action, or receiving a happy surprise. The final card, ‘The World’, being the last of the Major Arcana means spirit is in charge, full circle achieved. Fate expresses that the subject has reached full circle, everything you wished for will happen.

This three card spread is just a glimmer of the magic the Tarot can do for you. There are many other spreads that can give more details for a reading, all of which take time to master. My advice is, if you are just taking up the art of Tarot reading, make a commitment to yourself to learn the intricacies of the cards. Get as much practice as you can, try doing a one card reading in the morning and meditate on it, then journal what you feel. Practice doing the three card reading on family or friends. My last piece of guidance is to have fun; the cards are not meant to be full of doom and gloom. Enjoy the bewitching world of the Tarot.

Until next time, blessed be Dawn Ryan

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PARADOX So many things in life nowadays are not what they seem, or are portrayed by others to be. We live in a multi cultural and extremely diversified world and this can be seen right from the upper echelons, down to the average person who minds their own business and simply gets on with life.

No matter who we are, we all have a past and as I have said many, many times, we live several lives within this one. All of our experiences shape and mould who and what we are. To take this a step further, if we are evolved spiritually and are comfortable enough within ourselves, then we can take all that life throws at us and use it for our own personal and greater good. This is acceptance and knowledge of the self and can only be realised and achieved with deep journeying into our very being, essence and soul. A form of Shamanic based deep meditation, known as A Dark Night of the Soul, we face ourselves, who we are, what we are and we face the good inside us, as well as the darker parts. As with anything in nature, there is a sacred balance, you cannot have one without the other.

To journey and venture into the dark voids and recesses’ of one’s own being is not pleasant and each time we manage to do it, we evolve once again, simply by acceptance of who and what we are, acknowledging it all, our good and not so good sides, putting it into practice and evolving once again, which strengthens our very being and makes us resolute, true to ourselves, others and the world around us.

To truly understand and to undertake this is not an easy task and this is why most people are stuck in a stasis and held in a cocoon, unable to move on and grow spiritually. We are all on different and varying levels of understanding, both physically and metaphysically and that’s fine, so long as we live our own lives, walk our own path and do not judge others.

This is where the Paradox comes into play, especially in my own personal life. For whatever reason, I decided, at times not knowingly, to stick my head above the proverbial parapet of life. This is fine as I totally believe that we all have stories and a life to share and once we can grasp that we are all the same, if our comprehension will allow this, then we can come together and help, or assist others on their path.

Unfortunately though, there are always those who are totally held in a stasis of negativity and this is extremely sad. We can see this in all walks of life and within various cultures and regions through-

59 TPC - November 2016

out the world as a whole. If there is any negativity to be focused on, it is always the same shallow, narrow minded and jealous individuals who are the main protagonists, very sad really and we can only hope that maybe one day, if in this life at all, that they can themselves move on and just start enjoying life, rather than attempting to judge and victimise others. Basically, these mindless individuals are in all walks of life and we have to pity them, the same as we pity the school bully, then again, that’s exactly what they are, little bullies who have not grown and now find themselves trapped in an adult body, unable to accept, to learn, to grow and evolve. We just have to wish them well on their journey and avoid them at all costs, as this will only drain and deplete our own energies. Once we start to evolve spiritually, we attract like minded individuals, we have to, otherwise we will not grow and become held, trapped and cocooned. On our paths, we have to surround ourselves with people who are similar and like minded to us. Once we start climbing the ladder of growth and evolution, we cannot expect people to grow at the same rate as we are ourselves, this is why we connect with people who are of similar growth as we are. If we surround ourselves with these like minded people, we connect and grow quicker, but if we allow the child like bullies and their negative energies into our lives, we fail to grow and expand our consciousness, we simply resort back to being the same as they are and that is not what we are here for.

I am more than equipped to write about this subject and as I mentioned earlier, from an early age, I have been judged, slandered and victimised and still am to this day and I accept that, like I said, once you are prepared to put your head above the parapet, there will always be those shallow, jealous and insecure individuals who want to throw in their half pennies worth, often without even knowing the whole picture, then again, this once again shows their true being and level of perception and depth of understanding, which is still stuck in the playground.

Since I started writing professionally, the judgements upon and to me have increased, as you would expect and it’s a sad fact of life, that so many people do not like to see another doing well and growing, it makes them feel insecure and unhappy in who and what they are and then they mirror image and project outwardly just what they are feeling inside, which once again shows us all just who they truly are.

To judge another is only a tell tale sign of the person who is projecting negativity, and has nothing at all to do with the individual who it is aimed at, typical mirror imaging, narcistic, shallow mindedness and jealous behaviour.

In my early writings, I openly shared my experiences and still do to this day as you will see as my life story within this very magazine unfolds over the coming editions. I share my twelve year heroin addiction, the prison sentences related to it and other experiences I have had, good and bad. Even though I have been clean now for eight years, I still get

called a junkie, funny really. I have been accused of plagiarising my writings and I suppose that has to be expected as well, unfortunately another sad fact of the world and some of the people within it. I have been accused of battering my ex-Wife and there is an on line blog article relating to this, written by somebody who has never met me and is obviously jealous once again. Apparently, according to this blog, I was locked up in prison for eight months, anybody can view my prison records and this does not exist and just shows how shallow, superficial, slanderous people can be, include with that, they have very limited perceptions and depth, then it all makes sense and shows the people in their true light, how sad and naïve.

All of life shows and teaches us great lessons and it is up to us to learn, to accept, to grow and evolve in this life. Many people are growing and it is great to see, there are those who will not grow and evolve, in this life anyway and that’s ok too. We are all walking our own paths and upon those individual paths are the lessons we need to learn and which we need to judge ourselves in order to grow ourselves. This is why it is so important and vital to our own personal growth and evolution to avoid the vampires that will suck your energy if you allow them to, simply don’t give them the energy and leave them to dwell within their own pit of despair, misery and mirror imaging that sycophantic individuals need just to get through each day.

Blessings and much love to you from the Paradox that is John Awen / | \

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For Enquiries Please Email us: tpceditors@hotmail.com

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Tummy Warm It is now coming into the cooler weather in the Northern Hemisphere and it is that time of the year where the days grow shorter and the nights longer. We want something that is quick and easy and perfect for the whole family.

Minty Hot Cocoa Here’s a twist to your classic hot cocoa or hot chocolate drinks

INGREDIENTS: 1 serving of hot cocoa / chocolate - follow instructions on the package (plus the extra ingredients asked for in the package directions). Alternatively, if you do not have individual packaged cocoa, make your hot cocoa just how you like it.

1/4 cup of mint chocolate chip icecream 1 sprig of fresh mint

DIRECTIONS 1.. Prepare the hot cocoa mix according to the package directions.

2. Top with the ice cream and mint.

61 TPC - November 2016

Beef Stew With Swee

Ever want to make something that the entire family will enjoy. This meal can not only be cooked and enjoyed by everyone but can be prepared in advanced and put in the freezer to be reheated on the busy days where you just want to come home and do something quick.

PREP: 15 MINS COOK: 2 HRS, 30 MINS SERVES A FAMILY OF 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 carrot, finely diced (about 130g) 1-2 sticks celery, finely diced (about 130g) 2 fat cloves garlic, crushed 400-500g braising steak 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 low-salt beef stock cube 2 tbsp tomato purée 1 x 25g pack parsley, stalks and leaves finely chopped separately 1kg sweet potatoes, peeled and diced knob of butter handful grated cheddar

ming Recipe’s

et Potato Topping METHOD:

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based pan. Add

the onions and cook for 2 mins, then add the carrot and celery and cook until softened. Add a little water if the mixture sticks.

2. Add the braising steak and cook until browned, then stir in the garlic and cinnamon and cook for a further 1 – 2 mins until the aromas are released.

3. Add the stock cube to 500ml boiling water and stir into the meat, along with the tomato purée and parsley stalks. Bring to the boil and simmer covered for 1 hour, then take off the lid and simmer for another hour or until the meat is very tender. Stir in the chopped parsley leaves.

4. Transfer the stew into a medium-sized ceramic dish (that would be big enough for four adults), or into 4 - 6 large pie dishes for a quick and easy idea (you can also make into mini individual pies) 5. Meanwhile, steam or boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Preheat the oven to 200C/ 180C fan/ gas mark 6. Drain the potatoes well and mash with the butter. Spoon on top of the meat, sprinkle with the cheese and cook on the top shelf for around 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

6. Alternatively, allow to cool and (transfer into a freezer proof dish) cover and freeze.

Quick Whoopsie Pies INGREDIENTS:

1/2 of an 8-ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 of a 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme 12 soft chocolate cookies or your favorite soft cookies

DIRECTIONS: 1. For filling, in a medium mixing bowl beat

cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until smooth and fluffy. Fold in marshmallow creme.

2. Spread filling on bottoms of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, bottom sides down. For firmer filling, wrap and chill about 2 hours before serving.

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JOURNEYING THROUGH SCOTLAND WITH JOHN ROBINSON

Day Three Awoke after a good nights sleep, It must be all the fresh air, but then again perhaps the long day out yesterday helped. The ferry starts at around 9am so I would be waiting for it. I wasn’t the first person waiting even though I was early. I had come over to the Isle of Mull on the large ferry and would be leaving by the small one from Fishnish to Lochaline. This is the old Skye ferry brought here after the bridge was built, but the romance of travelling to an island by ferry and not driving over a bridge appealed. I took a walk along the coast for a short way to pass a 63 TPC - November 2016

little time, taking a few photos on the way. I could see the ferry was on its way so a quick swift walk back to the car was in order.

The sail to Lochaline takes about twenty minutes and on a day like this I just had to stand out watching The Isle of Mull drift further away. There’s something about Mull that keeps drawing me back so I know I will return one day.

I drove off the ferry and up the road. A decision would have to be made soon as to which way to go - Should I go through the country or round the coast. The weather was really nice so by the time I got to the junction I

decided it would be around the coastline. I was making my way to Glenfinnan for the viaduct which was made famous by the Harry Potter films , and would arrive later in the day.

The coastline on this day was beautiful and the weather was perfect causing me to frequently stop for photos. The coast road here seems to follow every twist and turn by the sea which looked so blue, reflecting the colour of the sky. What also made the view all the more special were all the small islands that just seem to pop up all along the coast. Eventually I arrived at Lochallort. Here I turned inland and after a short way I came

across an old closed down Inn. Standing in the car park was a magnificent deer and believe it or not as I pulled in it didn’t move, it Just stood there, watching me, so not wanting to miss such a wonderful opportunity, I took lots of pictures of it. I carried on along the road and soon came to Glenfinnan. I was hoping to see the Jacobite steam train passing through, but Unfortunately I got there too late . I would have to have a rethink and whilst pondering , I noticed the timetable for the train. It comes past at ten am every day so I would be here in the morning for it.

Continuing along the road brings you to Fort William and after a short stroll across the Caledonian canal are the locks...well worth a look at if you ever get into this area. Passing through Fort William and continuing north you come to Spean Bridge which was the training area for the Commandos during the Second World War. The Commando memorial is here which consists

of a statue of three commandos on a plinth. There is also a memorial area which makes this place a must see. While there a gentleman was placing a plaque in the memorial garden commemorating the life of Brigadier Peter Young DSO, MC head of the commandos. His companion was taking photos of it on her mobile phone so I offered to take some photos for them and email them to him.

He was very grateful. I sent the photos to him plus some I took later in the day with the sun shining across the monument.

He later told me this photo is hanging in the reception at the HQ. I then Continued my journey along the road and through Fort Augustus. This is right at the bottom of Loch Ness and is the start of the Calidonian canal. I continued north along Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle.

As I had already decided to visit this castle on my tour, I thought it would be interesting

to read up on its history. It is actually one of the largest castles in Scotland, and dates from as early as the 13th century. Due to its positioning, it played a large part in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, giving it status as a royal castle. Although mainly ruins, the castle is today a popular venue for weddings. In 2011 more than 315,000 people visited the Urquhart Castle, making it Historic Scotland’s third most visited site after Edinburgh and Sterling Castles.

Continuing north to Inverness then down along the other side of Loch Ness and back down to the Commando monument, I had gone full circle. I took a few more photos as the sun was going down behind the hills.

From here I drove along the shore of Lock Lochy where I decided I would spend the night.

Sitting out in the open on the shore watching the wildlife whilst having a drop or two of wine was perfect. A few deer came tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 64

to visit but ran off when I went to get the camera. It was going dark now so time for bed.

Something woke me and I looked out the window to see what it was. What I saw made me jump out with the camera. The water on the Loch was blood red with the sunrise. I’ve never seen a colour like this reflected on water. Well I was up and wide awake now so I decided to make my way to Glenfinnan. It was far too early for anything to be open, and there was no one on the road either, so I pulled into the car park and had a walk down to the memorial, then up to the station.. The cafe opened around nine am so tea and toast was in order. Around 9.45 I made my way up the hill to the observation place above the viaduct to wait for the train which appeared quite soon after I arrived. It was well worth coming back to see. Theres a monument worth having a walk to. This is the place of the Jackobite uprising.

From here I would make my way home

65 TPC - November 2016

IMAGES BY: JOHN ROBINSON

which was a six hour drive away. I stopped at Calendar for lunch, and decided on Fish and chips. while sitting outside the chip shop I noticed people walking past with ice creams. I had to have one and walked down to the river to consume it. This had been a fabulous trip for me, especially as the weather had been so brilliant. I was feeling relaxed and refreshed, all set for my trip home and looking forward to the next few days going through the photos where I could relive all the sights I had experienced. Whilst driving home I was already planning on going back in twelve months.

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REMEMBRANCE DAY We Will Remember Those That Have Fought For Our Countries And Our Future On This Day, On The Eleventh Hour, Of The Elelventh Day, Of The Elelventh Month.

Lest We Forget

67  TPC - November 2016

Friday, 11th of November, 2016

T

his morning, at the 11th hour of the day, we all fell silent.

Out of respect we bowed our heads and remembered those who had marched off to war and never came home.

Battle of the Atlantic, serving on board Cargo ships in the Merchant Navy.

My father served in the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards (now just the Royal Dragoons) and my brother served as a TA Reservist in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), We can not and must not condone while my brother-in-law served with or glorify war, however, we can and the RAF. This piece is dedicated to should remember those who served them and all military personnel, no our country with pride, with honour, matter where you are, may the deities knowing what the final sacrifice would keep you safe and bring you home. be. In my own family, my great-grand- May the Gods bless you all. father was a piper at the Battle of the Somme and lead the men over the trenches. He was one of only a handful of pipers to return from his regiment.

My father’s father served during World War II in both North Africa and Italy, while my mother’s father fought in the

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69  TPC - November 2016

Spirit Spell Summoning your animal spirit Having trouble finding your spirit animal? Do you have one that comes to you in your dreams or do you often find them crossing your path more than once; this could very well be your spirit animal trying to make its presence known.

Before heading off to bed, mediate a bit, and when your relaxed, try writing in your journal the following incantation: “Guardians of the dream world, I call you to my side.

Reveal my spirit animal, my protector and guide.

Show me the power, beauty, and grace In the radiant eyes if my guardian’s face.”

It may take some time for your spirit animal to come to you in a dream; be patient. Look for other signs throughout your day as well… what animal keeps coming to visit you? www.spellmagic.com

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Restful Sleep Spell A spell to help induce a more restful, calm night’s sleep. Perfect for when you are under stress and finding it challenging to sleep.

You will need: • 1 tsp coarse salt • 1/2 oz rosemary • 1 oz rose petals • 1 oz valerian • 3 pieces of moonstone • Glass bowl

Prior to retiring for bed, you will fill the glass bowl with water; adding in the salt and herbs. Gentle stir and repeat the following: “Bring me quiet Bring me peace Ease my dreams Nightmares cease” Gently drop the 3 moonstones into the bowl. Place the bowl near your bed. As you transition off into sleep, let the bowl absorb any negative dreams.

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Flames Within: A magickal perk-up with the energy of fire You will need • Red candle • Glass of red wine • Cinnamon (powdered) You can use non-alcoholic wine or even juice if you prefer. Pour the

wine into your glass, adding a small sprinkle of cinnamon to it. Dip your finger in the wine and gently stir.

Run your wet fingertip around the rim of the glass until you hear a ringing tone. Watch the candle flame and visualize it shining out from within yourself.

Drink the glass of wine and feel its warmth flow through you. Place the empty glass next to the candle, and let it burn down. www.free-witchcraft-spells.com

Invoke Your Muse: Get your creativity flowing.

Your will need: • Dried lavender flowers • Lavender oil • Something to symbolize your art or craft By “art or craft”, it simply means whatever medium you work in, that you need creativity.

Painting, photography, music, writing, or even your regular day job.

You will need some kind

of object that represents where you want your creativity to shine through.

Set the item on your altar, and rub a little lavender oil on it. Sprinkle a handful of lavender blossoms over it while you repeat the following words aloud: Muse of art Muse of sound Muse of thought Gather ‘round I ask for power For shining light Creativity In this rite Leave the item on your altar until you’ve found that new burst of creative energy.

Fertility Egg Spell

Next, head outside and dig a hole either in your yard, or, if you don’t have a yard, you can

Need a little magickal help becoming pregnant? Give this one a try; just remember to not ignore the advice if your physicians or other potential medical issues.

Your will need: • A raw egg • A whole vanilla bean • Pencil This spells works best during a waxing moon.

Write the symbols below on an egg. They are written in Theban script and read “ripe.”

fill a flower pot with earth and make a hole in there. Bury your egg, with the vanilla bean.

Be sure it is deep enough that it won’t attract curious animals that might try and dig it up. After you have buried the egg and vanilla bean, each night you will need to water that spot so that you spell may “grow”.

www.free-witchcraft-spell.com

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SENSELESS

By Masa Amer Khawaja EDITORS NOTE...

A

s I was preparing the magazine to get it released, I came across an email from a second-year Law student asking if he could become a writer with us. At first I was not sure what to make of the email, but then I read what he had written and I had a lump in my throat. Please read what he has written and think about the words and how true they are today.

73  TPC - November 2016

To be deaf or to be blind? At times I’d rather both.

As sheepishly uttered words awkwardly fall upon deaf ears, a mere glimpse can paint the picture that proclaims a thousand.

A glimpse of the bullets firing from the cushioned hands of children.

Children who have slain before they have played, children whose fresh-from-the-womb cries are crushed into the dust of their once potential prosperity, their ears bleed into the earth, and their hope is eliminated with military precision as they ache with every blink, every breath to wake up to an existence untarnished by fragments of wood and bone and skin and drones.

They are angels blamelessly led astray.

Left to drown in oceans of regret, for they know not what they do.

And so this glimpse speaks a thousand words alone.

Reminiscences of remorse as delicate lives are shattered as swiftly as one may pluck a petal from a rose.

We sit in disquiet, squirming at how they slither their way into our minds, regardless of how hard our palms squeeze against the sides of our heads, almost but never quite crushing our sorrowful skulls, no matter how fiercely our fingers twist the lobes of our ears so as to escape what we do not wish to hear.

Blunt. Honest. Painful words. Striking at the centre of the heart, where they say the most delicate part of the soul resides.

It is the centre of morality and of immorality alike, where both meet as one, gracefully entwined as are darkness and light at the dawn of dusk and the dusk of dawn.

And for this reason I would choose to remain senseless.

Senseless? But there are far more than two senses!

Ah, but if I were both deaf and blind, the rest would no longer matter.

For the icy words and darkened images would no longer carry forth their twisted implications.

No longer strike where the soul is purest and render it frozen.

Pain would not be witnessed. Nor heard.

Therefore, not felt. Nor spoken. Nor smelt.

Life would be silent and dark.

Not the silence of eerie loneliness, but that which is captured in a sliver of an instant, whilst drifting into fantasy.

And not the darkness of tenebrous horrors and nightmarish trepidation, but the twilight of dreams, a single flake of a second in which silken lashes gently flutter into a soft descent, dragging the eyelids over medleys of captured light, our means of a glimpse into the physical world.

Full of physical beings, physical pain, physical discontent.

And sweet oblivion gently cradles us as we seep into a world of infinite imagination.

We are deaf. We are blind. And it is blissful.

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REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER...

75  TPC - November 2016

W

hen you are born blind, I imagine, it gets easier to know your surroundings… things become so much better as you learn over the years to rely on your other senses. I lost my sight on the 17th of August, this year, only a few months past and I felt that things would never be the same again. How wrong I could be.

As a surprise for Tasha, my beautiful fiancée, I had arranged to take her to a bonfire display at Arbroath, but at the same time, friends of ours had arranged tickets for us to go to Carnoustie. Now everyone has heard of Carnoustie, along with St Andrews, due to their long affiliations with that famous Scottish sport that, to me, is a waste of a good tered, the store manager saw me and offered assiswalk…that’s right, Golf (No offence to those who tance immediately she realised I was blind. I exhave it as a paid hobby…whoops, sorry, profession). plained who I was and why I was there and the lady that I was to pick up tickets for an event Saturday afternoon came and we left the house explained that evening.

Little did Tasha and I know what was as I had arranged, but then part way through the in store though.

It was four pm. A quick drive to drive to Arbroath, we were sent a post-code by our Monifieth for dinner friend, Steve, and told to head there as soon as pos- ranged rallying point.and then arriving at the pre-arsible. Tasha looked at me, asking what was going on. Buggered if I knew. But in went the co-ordidrove back to Carnoustie, to Woodend Primanates. As usual, Tasha read out the road signs of ry We School, and texted Steve again to find out what villages and towns as we went through them, de- was going on.

We had the tickets, but why were we scribing some of the houses and cottages to me meeting at a school? was too small for a bonas we drove past. Eventually we got to our desti- fire. Steve told Tasha toIt show my Press-Pass to the nation, a small yellow-fronted DIY store on Park stewards and, following theses instructions, were Avenue. Tasha texted Steve, asking just two words led into the grounds of the school, throughwe massed – Now What? The reply was even stranger. “Go pipers and drummers testing their instruments, to in and ask for two tickets for that evenings event.” a lady called Mary. “You’re the official PhotograBraving the crisp November afternoon chill, I pher?” Mary asked. I had to explain that I wasn’t stepped out of the car, and using my crutch as a and again showed my Press-Pass. I explained about white-cane, made my way inside. When someone how we had heard of the event from our friend that describes a building to you and you follow the in- day and told me to pick up two tickets and that I structions nothing can quite prepare you for what was to show my press pass to the Stewards at the is inside. The smells, which to someone with sight school gates. Embarrassed I had to explain that I is normal, were alive to the nostrils. Wood, iron, had no idea what was going on. As we were talking, nails, glue, it was a hive of activity but no-one was more people began arriving. Then Mary filled us in. working, it was just the items for sale. As soon I en- Every year, Carnoustie has a bonfire display…yes, but first there is always a torch-light parade from the school down to Black Slab.

Before I carry on our story I will digress for a little bit. When I lost my sight, I thought that was it. My world had ended. I had also lost two close relations because they felt that you cannot just wake up blind or start to get your eye-sight back over night but those suffering what I have, which is Hemiplegic Migraines were a great support as were the RNIB, and again my beautiful partner. AS said, I thought my world had ended. Then one afternoon, as Tasha was sorting tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 76

out one of our wardrobes, I heard “Aha! I found it.”

And out she came carrying her camera which she thrust into my hands. “Want to go take some memories of our own?” I could hear the joy in her voice.

“I am blind, remember.” I snapped back. “So?” “So how am I meant to take photographs or see what I am taking.”

“Easy,” she replied. “I will help you.”

And with that we were in the car heading for Dundee and then Fife. When we stopped, Tasha would give me the camera, stand behind my wheelchair, help me bring the camera to eye-level, put my finger on the button and let me take the shot. I took one or two at first…getting angry if Tasha told me they were out of focus, but then with each shot…I don’t know…I felt a sense of freedom. I may not be able to see the world, but others could see what I had shot and enjoy the image if it was good enough.

Thanks to the car and Tasha, we have been all over Angus and into Perthshire taking photographs, which I hope to bring to you all soon.

Back to Carnoustie. I had the camera in my hands, Tasha had set me up and away I went, taking photograph after photograph. Tasha would wheel me into position, give me the angle to take the shot, moving my hands or shoulders if necessary, and away I went. Then we were off again to the front of a line that had formed of torch-bearers. Soon the Stewards were going up and down the line lighting people’s torches. The skirl of the pipes and the rattle of the drums filled the air and we were off again, caught up in the crowd and marching down the hill from Woodend Primary to The Black Slab.

For those who are not in the know the 5th of November is celebrated in the UK every year in remembrance at the foiled plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. The socalled ringleader was called Guy Fawkes who had conspired with English Catholics to kill the King and replace him with his daughter. Once the plot was foiled, people were encouraged to light fires in support of the King and an effigy of Guy Fawkes was burned. This was repealed in the late 1800’s but was soon taken up again.

Children were known to go begging for Guy Faux as early as 1707 and the tradition has carried on into the twenty-first century, although it has gone into rapid decline.

Back to the present.

Braving the cold night air and appropriately 77 TPC - November 2016

wrapped up, Tasha pushed me along the route being taken by the crowd, sparks from people’s torches dripping onto the road, and children’s voices filled with chatter and laughter as the adults talked amongst themselves. Arriving at The Black Slab, the crowd were welcomed by safety experts from the local fire-service and those with torches were guided to a huge bonfire already well alight. As the last of the torch-bearers came in, the first of many fireworks were set off. Camera in hand, photos were taken. Tasha described each bright colour to me.

We had to leave before it was over, but what Tasha saw and described to me was amazing. Well done Carnoustie for an excellent Torch-Light Parade and Bonfire Night.

I hope your bonfire evenings were as enjoyable.

The Blind Photographer

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79  TPC - November 2016

DICTIONARY OF DIVINATION

By Monique Reichert

There are a vast number of methods of divination. Many, most have never heard of before, let alone attempted. So, from the popular, the familiar to the obscure and “dark.” Here is this issues lesson in divination, A-C... Each edition of the magazine, I will build upon this list, concluding with Z... enjoy!

A Abacomancy The art of

foretelling future events by the observation of patterns of dust.

Acultomancy A form of

divination by means of sharp or pointed objects, such as needles. The diviner allows a number of these sharp or pointed objects (usually seven) to fall onto a table or any other appropriate flat surface. He then reads from the patterns they make.

Aeromancy Also known

as Nephelomancy. The art of foretelling future events by the observation of atmospheric, air or sky, phenomena. This goes beyond the range of weather prognostications, concentrating in such things as wind currents, cloud shape and formation, comets and falling stars, spectral formations, and other phenomena which are not normally seen or visible in the heavens.

foretelling future events by the observation of cats or felines movements, specially the way they jump and where they land.

Alectormancy Divination by sacrificing a rooster.

Alectryomancy This is an

ancient method of divination using a rooster or hen which is placed in a circle of grain around which are placed letters of the alphabet. The letters close to where the bird pecks are gathered and assembled to answer specific questions. If a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is required then only two piles of grain would be used.

Aleuromancy A method of

divination using flour or meal.

Sentences are written on slips of paper, each of which was rolled up in a little ball of flour and baked. These were thoroughly mixed nine times and then divided among the participants, who learn their fate.

by the means of statues.

Ailuromancy Also known

Alphitomancy This is an

as Felidomancy, it is the art of

Alveromancy Divination using sounds.

Ambulomancy A method of divination by taking a walk.

Amniomancy A method of

divination by means of the membrane which sometimes envelops the head of a baby at birth. From the inspection of it, the diviner predicts what sort of future the newborn will have.This membrane, called caul, if red-colored signifies that the child in question will have a happy life. But if the membrane is lead-colored, the infant will have misfortunes.

Alomancy Also Halomancy.

This is a method of divination by interpreting random patterns using salt, of which process little is known, but probably follows similar methods to aleuromancy.

Agalmatomancy Divination

ing the guilt or innocence of a suspect person by feeding him or her a specially prepared wheat or barley loaf or cake. If the person suffers from indigestion, or finds the loaf to be distasteful, this is interpreted as a sign of guilt.

ancient method of determintpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 80

Anemomancy Divination by

means of the study of winds.

This type of divination involves the observation of wind direction and strength, including the shape of dust clouds lifted by it. A different method is posing a question and then tossing a handful of dirt, sand or light seeds into the air; the answer comes in the form of the small dust cloud made by the flying particles. Another process uses a pendulum, allowed to move only by the wind, positioned over a circle graph or a set of letters, glyphs or runes. Yet another technique consists of listening to the sound of the wind and interpreting its message.

Anthomancy Divination using flowers.

Anthracomancy Divination using burning coals.

Apantomancy A method of

divination by forecasts made from any objects which happen to present themselves and omens drawn from chance meetings with animals, birds, and other creatures.

Arachnomancy A form of

divination from the appearance and behavior of spiders.

Arithmancy Also Arithmancy, divination by numbers.

Armomancy A method of

Astragalomancy A method of telling the future from the throw of small bones.

Astragyromancy A method of divination based on the throwing of dice.

Astrology The most common method of Divination in ancient Koguryo, one using the constellations, or the twelve zodiac. Is even more common than I-Ching.

Astromancy Divination using stars.

Austromancy A method of divination using wind.

Axinomancy Also Axiomancy. An obscure form of divination based on observing the heating of an axehead in the embers of a fire.

B

Batraquomancy Divination using frogs.

firing of arrows with messages attached. The course of the arrow determined the direction to be taken.

Bibliomancy Divination by

whether a victim was suitable for sacrifice to the gods.

of divination by means of the burning of leaves and tree branches

sitting and chanting within a circle.

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Capnomancy Also known

as Libanomancy, it is a form of divination by interpreting the movement of smoke rising from a fire, especially smoke from sacrificial offerings, which augured well if it rose lightly from the altar, and ascended straight to the clouds; but the opposite if it hung about. Capnomancy is a form of Pyromancy.

Carromancy Divination by means of melting wax.

Cartomancy Divination by Tarot Cards.

Castronomancy A form of

Hydromancy involving looking into images on the surface of water in a glass or magical receptacle. Water scrying.

Catoptromancy Also EnopBelomancy Divination by the tromancy and Caloptromancy.

divination by the inspection of someone’s shoulders. The ancients judged by this means

Aspidomancy Divination by

C

opening a book at random.

Botanomancy A method

Brontomancy Divination using thunder.

A form of divination technique utilizing a mirror, which is turned to the moon to catch the lunar rays. The sought after answers usually appeared in characters of blood on the face of the moon, or rather, in its reflection on the mirror. This is a very ancient form of crystal gazing.

Cattabomancy A form of

divination using vessels made of brass or other metals.

Causimancy Also known as Causinomancy, it is form of

divination technique involving objects placed in a fire. If they fail to ignite, or burn slowly, it is a good omen. Causinomancy is a form of Pyromancy.

using keys.

Ceneromancy Divination

using shells.

using ashes.

Cephalonomancy Divina-

Cleromancy Divination using dice.

Conchomancy Divination Coscinomancy Divination

tion by boiling an ass head.

using a sieve and a pair of shears.

Ceraunomancy Divination

Crithomancy Divination by

by observance of Thunder and Lightning.

Ceraunoscopy Divination using lightning.

Ceromancy Divination by means of wax drippings.

Ceroscopy Divination using wax.

strewing meal over sacrifices.

Critomancy Divination using viands and cakes.

Cromniomancy A form of

divination by the significance of omens drawn from the color, smell, direction and form of onion sprouts.

Cromnyomancy Divination Chalcomancy A form of divi- using onions. nation, in this case by listening to the sounds and tones made by striking metal bowls with a mallet

Chaomancy Divination by

examining phenomena of the air.

Chartomancy Divination using writing papers.

Chirognomy Divination by studying the hands.

Chiromancy Also known as

Palmomancy. Divination by palm-reading. One of the most ancient forms of divination.

Chresmomancy Divination

by paying attention the ravings of a lunatic.

Crystalomancy Also known

as Crystal Gazing; it can also be spelled Crystallomancy. A very ancient form of divination by means of transparent bodies such as a crystal globe (either spherical or oval, most used among modern crystal gazers), polished quartz and precious stones (especially a beryl), or any transparent object.

Cubomancy Divination by throwing dice.

Cyclomancy A form of divination by the significance of omens drawn from the turning or spinning of a wheel or wheels.

Chronomancy divination by means of time

Cleidomancy Divination tpcsubmissions@hotmail.com 82

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