Joyce & River Higginbotham
Submitted By MoonRaven

Joyce & River Higginbotham make their home in Missouri, where they are very active in teaching, networking, and promoting Paganism and other earth-centered religions, on both the local and national level. They are founding members of the Council for Alternative Spiritual Traditions (CAST), a regional organization consisting of members from a variety of alternative spiritualities, which hosts public Pagan and alternative events. River and Joyce consider themselves Eclectic Pagans and have been involved in spiritual exploration and earth-centered religions for the past fifteen years. They have taught beginning and intermediate classes for ten of those years. River is a mechanical engineer with a dual degree in solar engineering, and his interests include travel, history, aviation, and community building. Joyce is an attorney who operates her own practice, and her interests include reading, opera, philosophy and gardening. Joyce and River have been married for twelve years, have two dogs and three cats, and live contentedly in their hundred year old house. Joyce and River have been published in CIRCLE Magazine, in Llewellyn's NEW WORLD magazine, and in CAST newsletters. They have written several tracts on Paganism which are circulated in the Midwest, particularly to the press, and have been interviewed numerous times for newspaper, television, and radio.

MoonRaven

Herb of the Month

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits

Spiritual or Magical Properties:

Wormwood can be used for Magick relating to psychic powers, protection, love, banishing, and calling spirits. For protection, Wormwood can be burned in incense or used in potions. French Witches of the Middle Ages rubbed babies with Wormwood juice in order that "they never be too cold or hot for as long as they lived." Witches have long burned Wormwood to raise spirits. Wormwood, when added to herbal incense, is an aid in opening the psychic centers. When these centers are open and receptive, communication with those who have "passed over" is much easier.

Its been written that Wormwood and Sandlewood (an herb of purification and high spiritual energy) burned together near a gravesite will summon the spirit of the departed. An ancient spell calls for Wormwood to be pounded with the gall of a white bull; then with suitable ritual, a bit is placed into your eyes "to take away all impediments to sight, of both of the mundane and fabulous..." (Don't try this please). Wormwood is a banishing herb, used to rid a person or an area of anger and negativity. Wormwood can also be thrown or sprinkled on fires at Samhain to gain protection from roaming evil spirits. It can also be used in divination and clairvoyance incenses.

Wormwood can be used in love spells. An Old Love Charm says, 'On St. Luke's Day, take marigold flowers, a sprig of Marjoram, Thyme, and a little Wormwood; dry them before a fire, rub them to powder; then sift it through a fine piece of lawn, and simmer it over a slow fire, adding a small quantity of virgin honey, and vinegar. Anoint yourself with this when you go to bed, saying the following lines three times, and you will dream of your partner "that is to be":

"St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me,
In dreams let me my true-love see." '

In another love spell done to divine the face of your future lover, take dried Marjoram, Thyme, and Wormwood, grind them to a powder and cook them gently with honey and vinegar to make a paste. Anoint your third eye center with the mix and ask three times that a vision of your lover's face be granted to you in your sleep. Wear the mixture to bed.

MoonRaven

 Book of the Month

Paganism An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions
by Joyce & River Higginbotham

What is an earth-centered spirituality? What does the word Pagan mean? What do pagans do? How does paganism differ from other spiritual paths?

Paganism is a broad term that encompasses many different earth-centered paths such as Wicca, Druidism, and Asatru, whose practitioners embrace the idea that the natural world is sacred. This book is an introduction to the beliefs, ethics, and practices of modern Pagans.

Paganism answers the common questions asked by those new to the path or curious about Pagan beliefs:

• What are Pagan rituals like?
• What is magick?
• When are the Pagan holidays?
• How do Pagans view Satan?
• What do Pagans believe about God?
• What Ethics do Pagans follow?
  

This book encourages you to explore your self, your current beliefs, and the variety of modern Pagan paths. Through the use of a workbook format, discussion questions, journal exercises, visualizations, and magickal workings, you will discover which Pagan beliefs and traditions resonate with you. With its candid discussion of modern Pagan beliefs and traditions, Paganism is also a thoughtful gift for non-Pagan friends and family members who are curious about earth-centered Spirituality.

If you feel a sacred connection with the natural world and want to explore the many facets of modern Paganism, let this book be your first step on the path.

Everyday Magick

Repetition: Friend or Foe
By Demna Gwynnvyd

Whether you use repetition in your magick
intentionally or not, what you think or say often
programs your subconscious mind and sets up a polarity
to attract it. Repetition is a form of focusing, and
if I were to repeat “I’m afraid to fly” it would set
up a polarity to draw something bad to happen if I
were to fly. Why? Because I’ve already assumed
something bad was going to happen to me, which is
where the fear comes from.

There is an old adage that states “Where the attention
goes, the energy flows.” Another example of how this
can work against me is if I were to constantly wish I
look as good as Johnny Depp, then I would never be
able to achieve my wish because I would be
continuously reaffirming that I didn’t already look that
good.

However there are positive ways you can use
repetition. If I said to myself “Things always work
out in my favor” or “Good things happen to me all the
time” there would be no assumption that you already
aren’t having these things happen.

So this month try to focus on phrases like “I look
good” instead of phrases like “I wish I weren’t so
ugly”. Eliminate the negatives and focus on being
positive as you watch the positive beautifully
blossoming in your life.

Blessed Be,

Demna Gwynnvydd

Drumming

Drum Maintenance
By Shadar Stridanth

Hand Drums, the most basic of all instruments, are composed of three basic parts, shared by all drum types; the skin (or head), the bowl (or kettle) and the foot (or flute). Drums come in many various shapes and sizes, made with many different materials and are given many names by the many cultures that they derive from. Every drum has a distinct voice and style for playing but many share in their hand sets, or position of hands and strike areas.

We are going to cover the structure of the drum and how to maintain each part so that they will perform with us for many years.

The head, or skin, is the most abused area of any drum. It is designed for this; however it must be treated with the most inspection and care for it to maintain its ability to continue its function, which is harmonic vibration. The head will be of an animal hide, a skin, a papyrus fiber or synthetic material, all of which can be treated with the same treatment, pure lanolin. It doesn't take much, just enough for the finger tips and then, working from around the rim in toward the center of the head. Work it evenly around and just keep spreading it with the fingers, then use the palms of your hands to work it in circular patterns around, in and out from the center. If you think that there is not enough lanolin on the drum head, don't use any more! Play the drum instead, notice the difference in the tune, it should be a little flatter than it was, and that's ok, it will work back to it in a few play sets or days if left unused. That's the lanolin working, that's why it should be played and rubbed until all the sheen of the treatment and or the feel of lanolin is not present. Now it is worked into the head and is protecting it from over stress and moisture, a drummers worst enemy!

Next, look at the body of the drum. If it has a bowl shape just below the head, or has a canister resemblance, or one like a kettle, then that is the body type of your drum. The body could be made of wood, fiberglass, metal or plastic, any and all are quite good and that is what defines the undertones of your drum, the shape and material. With fiberglass and plastic bodies, you are 99% maintenance free, just paint and keep clean and watch for cracking. With metal bodies, treat with your choice of rust preventive, paint or polish with clear coat, and play on! Wooden bodies require the most attention and inspection, and depending on the wood type, the design finishes, and the overall desired appearance of the drum, will dictate the type of care and maintenance. So, for a general overview, let me recommend this:
1) if the interior of the drum has no finish applied to it, do it! Clear coat polish, Minwax finish, or tongue oil...NO polyurethane please, it can ruin the body and head as it does not allow for the vibration needed while playing.
2) if the exterior is sculpted, shaped and smoothed but not sealed, DON"T seal it; instead use teak oil and hand rub it in. This is because the wood is supposed to breathe naturally and sealing it would prevent it for the natural expansion and shrinkage, damaging the grain and eventual cracking.
3) if you're not absolutely sure of the wood type, and the best finish you desire, then find a 'finish trim' carpenter or a cabinet company if you cannot find a drum shop, and ask them. These wood professionals all deal with various designer and exotic woods and can help you in that choice.
4) if you plan on painting the body (or even placing designs on the head) use water based acrylic paints, found in the arts and crafts department, as these are easier to apply and clean up without using harsh chemicals.

Now for the flute or foot of your drum. Treat it as you would the bowl or kettle as it is also a body part, but needs to be watched closely for dents, warping, cracks and breaks. The flute in a canister drum, depending on the length, is located inside the canister, and is well protected from harm, but must remain open for the base notes to have full volume. That is the function of all flutes, a focused formation of the base wave vibration, and if deformed, plugged, or cracked, it will distort the base carry of your drum.

One last item common to all hand drums is the 'head ring' that is played for the sharper higher notes. We should all know not to wear rings while playing, as this will tear or puncture the head. This is especially true for the head ring, as it will be struck most often of all hand sets. Keep close attention to the shape watching for signs of deformity as well as even height all around the head. This is a sign of body stress and is the only warning that something under the head is about to fail.

Hope to add to this information in the future, helping all the drummers keep the beat going, and the drums playing for generations to come!

Shadar Stridanth; Druid, Elder Priest, & Drummer!

Craft of the Month

A Wishing Box
By AmberSkyfire

Wishing boxes can be made of any material that you like. You can use a pre-made box of wood or metal, or you can create one out of a cardboard box. The box should not be large, just large enough to fit a small piece of paper. Decorate the box using sequins, rhinestones, crystals, paint or decoupage pictures. Inside of the box, you should write a wishing spell on each side of the box, including the top and bottom of the box. You can write it in english letters or use runes or another alphabet. A good wishing spell is:

Wishing box, fairy flox, grant this wish for me.
I'll lay this spell and wish it well, three times three times three!

Write your wish on a piece of paper and place it in the box on the New Moon. Leave the wish inside of the box until the Full Moon, at which time, you should remove it and burn it in a white candle flame while chanting the spell inside of the box three times. Leave the ashes in a little white cloth or paper pouch underneath your pillow until the next New Moon or until you get your wish. You can only do one wish each New Moon.

Recipe of the Month

Pumpkin Fudge
Submitted by Cathy

"Pumpkin lovers will sing songs of praise over this holiday confection! Creamy and smooth, it will end any meal happily." Original recipe yield: 1 9x9 inch pan.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup white chocolate chips
7 ounces marshmallow creme
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Line a 9x9 inch pan with aluminum foil, and set aside.
In a 3 quart saucepan, heat milk and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Mix in pumpkin puree and cinnamon; bring back to a boil. Stir in marshmallow creme and butter. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 18 minutes.
Remove from heat, and add white chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until creamy and all chips are melted. Pour into prepared pan. Cool, remove from pan, and cut into squares. Store in a cool, dry place.

Poetry

Elemental Power
By Stormhawk Evanmoon

Earth is power, strong and stable

Air is wisdom for the able

Fire is passion burning strong

Water is emotion, the heart's song

Spirit is your center, balance and soul

COTC Notes

COTC Book Club wants you to send in your questions for our authors of the month - 20 questions with Joyce and River Higginbotham. Read Paganism An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by Joyce & River Higginbotham and then send in your questions to moonraven@childrenofthecircle.com or submissions@childrenofthecircle.com The best question will then be sent to Joyce & River. Look for the answers in an upcoming issue of the COTC Newsletter!

Also COTC's newsletter staff is looking for writers of all ages and backgrounds. If you have an opinion or would like to write an article, contact us. Be heard! Submit all articles and poems to moonraven@childrenofthecircle.com or submissions@childrenofthecircle.com

Hope to hear from you soon,

COTC Newsletter Staff

Advice from the Elders

By SDCW

Question: I am looking for the Rede of Elders. I keep finding 27, 42, 84. I know there are 39 and 22 are needed for true memorization. The other 17 are needed for reference. The 22 needed for memory are picked by the individual. Are there any websites or books that I could possibly be looking at? Is there any thing that I am over looking?

Answer: The Ordains or Ardanes were written by Lady Sheba.  There is a book called The Grimore of Lady Sheba. You could probably find what you are looking for in it. This book is available at TheMagickMoon.com.

To go now, Click Here

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