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SEPTEMBER...AUTUMNAL EQUINOX


WELCOME to the 70th edition of the Edge of the Circle Newsletter. This newsletter has come   about as an effort to reach out to the Pagan/ Occult community (particularly in Seattle where we are based) to inform the community of what events are happening at our store. I've got great plans for this newsletter. Hopefully, as time goes by, it will only get bigger and better. Without further ado, welcome, and enjoy.
Regards, Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler, Editrix










WHO WE ARE:
Edge of the Circle Books is Seattle's resource for Paganism & the Occult. This
newsletter seeks to provide the Seattle community with a place to list events,
post articles, and do a bit of networking.

We are located at: 701 E. Pike St, corner of Boylston Ave., just two blocks west
of Broadway, on Capitol Hill.

Edge of the Circle Books strives to be your ideal Magical Pagan store.

Open 7 days a week, Noon 'till 9pm.
Call: 206-PAN-1999

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Note: To see a graphics version of this newsletter,please go to :

We are also now on Facebook:
Become a Fan, post your event on the discussion page!

**
REMINDER: We buy used Occult Books! Our buyer is in on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays, and Sundays!

Classroom/Ritual Space is available-- please call for details!

**
SPECIAL THANKS:
To Nicolaas Gillingham for a wonderful article!




NEW ARTICLE :

LOST DEITIES OF PAGANS 
By: Nicolaas Gillingham; Ordained High Priest Kemetist (Egyptian Worshiper), Pagan Author and Poet


The late summer thunder storm was bearing down on us quickly. In that unearthly silence the thunder still too far away to hear the livid north-eastern sky juddered with lightning. But in the cirle around the bonfire, no one was thinking about the storm. The business at had was the ritual: something to do with community, popcorn, and the festival organizer's most recent artistic project.

Through I was bored, I watched the storm come in. "A God is coming," I thought, "and we're too busy doing a ritual to even notice."
In his book On Being A Pagan, philosopher Alain de Benoist notes that the new Paganism cannot simply be the old Paganism revivified. The truth of this observation is sadly apparent in the state of the contemporary Pagan revival, which can be widely and broadly characterized as a "paradigm of pretense": a Society for Creative Spiritual Anachronism whose effects, while on occasion aesthetically pleasing, only rarely manage to achieve any notable authenticity.
To date, the theology of this Pagan revival has taken three main forms:

1: Wiccan Bitheism.
2: Catch-As-Catch-Can Eclecticism
3: Ethnic Reconstructionism


Within my thought practices I would contend that none of these overarching conceptual frameworks gives an equality to providing us the modern Pagans with a genuine contemporary articulation of the Pagan experience as it should be.
Classic Wiccan Bitheism has finally proved itself an dead end, its cast of characters too constricted to adequately articulate the vast drama of existence. And I have heard it referred to as "Soft Polytheism. Bitheism is in true reality no sort of Polytheism at all. And I would paraphrase Violet Firth when she said "A Bitheistic religion is half way to Monotheism." At best, a two deity system is useful as a halfway house between Montheism and something more authentically Pagan. For post modern and modern Wiccans, the Lord and Lady must be a point of departure, not a terminus.

We know how many Gods are too few. How many, then, are too many?



**






THE BOOK OF BAPHOMET 
By Julian Vayne , Nikki Wyrd
Hardcover: 234 pages
Publisher: Mandrake (August 4, 2012)

FROM THE BACK COVER:
You hold in your hands the material result of many years hard craft.

This Book contains some of the secrets of Life itself; or rather, the occult deity of Life on Earth, Baphomet. Horned, vital, beautiful, awe full, our aeons old Chaos Magick idol finds a name from the Knights’ Templar, then goes incognito through the Enlightenment (when flourished those great natural philosophers beloved of science historians), before emerging via devil worship and witchcraft into this era of Deep Ecology.

Darwin could have used a picture of Baphomet as his frontispiece, to demonstrate the one flesh from which all species originate. Contacting this Great Spirit, the anima mundi, allows access to a new way of ordering the world, with fresh visions of how and why we could Live.

Here the authors weave strands from their lives into a rich tapestry of images, which might give you a pointer or two towards your own self-realisation, whilst amusing, entertaining, and instructing along the way.

Revolution, evolution, leap beyond the apocalypse to the Now!”

**


WITCHFATHER: 
A Life of Gerald Gardner,into the Witch Cult
By Philip Heselton
Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Thoth Pubns (June 2012)
List Price: $26.99


FROM THE PUBLISHER:
From the author of the highly acclaimed “Wiccan Roots”, this is the first full-length biography of Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964) - a very personal tale of the man who single-handedly brought about the revival of witchcraft in England in the mid 20th Century.

From his birth into an old family of wealthy Liverpool merchants, through an unconventional upbringing by his flamboyant governess in the resorts of the Mediterranean and Madeira, it tells how, having taught himself to read, his life was changed by finding a book on spiritualism.

During a working life as a tea and rubber planter in Ceylon, Borneo and Malaya, he came to know the native people and was invited to their secret rituals.

But it was only on his retirement to England, settling on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, that destiny took him firmly by the hand. Through various twists and turns involving naturist clubs and a strange esoteric theatre, he became friends with a group of people who eventually revealed their true identity – they were members of a surviving witch coven.

One evening in 1939, as the hounds of war were being unleashed, he was initiated into the ‘witch cult’ by these people, who called themselves ‘the Wica’. Gardner was overwhelmed by the experience and was determined that the ‘witch cult’ should survive.

This book chronicles his efforts over the remaining quarter century of his life to ensure not only that it survived but that it would become the significant player on the world religious stage that it now is – “the only religion that England has ever given the world”, in the words of Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at the University of Bristol, who calls it “… a very fine book: humane, intelligent, compassionate, shrewd, and based upon a colossal amount of primary research”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in 1946, Philip Heselton is a geographer and retired local government officer who has written extensively on Earth Mysteries and our spiritual relationship with the landscape. He has also carried out extensive research into the story of the modern witchcraft revival, chronicled in his books, “Wiccan Roots” and “Gerald Gardner and the Cauldron of Inspiration”.

Hutton has described him as being “… the most interesting, valuable and enjoyable author who has yet written on what is becoming one of the greatest riddles in the history of modern religion: the origins of pagan witchcraft. … Nobody has ever done more than Philip Heselton to reveal the world of magic, paganism, naturism and faerie that lay behind the garden gates of inter-war English suburban villas; and perhaps only he could have done it at all”

**

WITCHFATHER: 
A Life of Gerald Gardner, Vol 2: From Witch Cult to Wicca
By Philip Heselton
Paperback: 436 pages
Publisher: Thoth Publications (June 1, 2012)
List Price: $29.99

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A Life of Gerald Gardner Volume 2. From Witch Cult to Wicca by Philip Heselton:
From the author of the highly acclaimed "Wiccan Roots", this is the first full-length biography of Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964) - a very personal tale of the man who single-handedly brought about the revival of witchcraft in England in the mid 20th Century.

From Gerald's birth into an old family of wealthy Liverpool merchants, through an unconventional upbringing by his flamboyant governess in the resorts of the Mediterranean and Madeira, it tells how, having taught himself to read, his life was changed by finding a book on spiritualism.

During a working life as a tea and rubber planter in Ceylon, Borneo and Malaya, he came to know the native people and was invited to their secret rituals. But it was only on his retirement to England, settling on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, that destiny took him firmly by the hand. Through various twists and turns involving naturist clubs and a strange esoteric theatre, he became friends with a group of people who eventually revealed their true identity - they were members of a surviving witch coven.

One evening in 1939, as the hounds of war were being unleashed, he was initiated into the 'witch cult' by these people, who called themselves 'the Wica'. Gardner was overwhelmed by the experience and was determined that the 'witch cult' should survive.

This book chronicles his efforts over the remaining quarter century of his life to ensure not only that it survived but that it would become the significant player on the world religious stage that it now is - "the only religion that England has ever given the world", in the words of Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at the University of Bristol, who calls it "... a very fine book: humane, intelligent, compassionate, shrewd, and based upon a colossal amount of primary research".


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in 1946, Philip Heselton is a geographer and retired local government officer who has written extensively on Earth Mysteries and our spiritual relationship with the landscape. He has also carried out extensive research into the story of the modern witchcraft revival, chronicled in his books, "Wiccan Roots" and "Gerald Gardner and the Cauldron of Inspiration".

Hutton has described him as being "... the most interesting, valuable and enjoyable author who has yet written on what is becoming one of the greatest riddles in the history of modern religion: the origins of pagan witchcraft. ... Nobody has ever done more than Philip Heselton to reveal the world of magic, paganism, naturism and faerie that lay behind the garden gates of inter-war English suburban villas; and perhaps only he could have done it at all."


**
THE TREASURE OF THE SILVER WEB 
By Marian Green
Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: Thoth Publications (January 26, 2012)
List Price: $18.99


A tale of questing for secrets in a land of mists and mysteries

The Treasure of the Silver Web is the Story of friendship, discovery and magic set in the simpler times of the pre-computer age. It reveals secrets of the countryside the gifts of nature as well as describing magical arts and methods still used today.

Magic is a subject which fascinates many people, both young and old. Popular books may have drawn it to the attention of a new generation, yet magical tales of quest and mysteries, of symbols and discoveries seem to go back through human history. The Treasure of the Silver Web is the story of friendship, discovery and magic set in the simpler times of the pre-computer age. It reveals secrets of the countryside the gifts of nature as well as describing magical arts and methods still used today. Readers will have to decide for themselves where the facts stop and fiction begins.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marian Green is well known for her many books on folklore, occult philosophy, modern magic and witchcraft so her approach to these matters, even in a story book setting, are based on many years of practical experience and study.

**


TAROT FOR MAGICAL TIMES BOOK 
By Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc. (July 31, 2012)
List Price: $17.95


FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Focusing on the daily Tarot card, Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig offer simple yet powerful practices based on their interpretations of the 78 Tarot cards.

In this international project, they also discuss the association of tarot cards with specific time periods.








NEW TAROT DECKS




THE FAERIE GUIDANCE ORACLE
By Paulina Cassidy
Boxed Kit | 9780738719689
English | 288 pages | 5 x 6 x 2 IN
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; Pap/Crds edition (September 8, 2012)
List Price: $26.99

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Your guardian faeries are only moments away from inspiring you on your life path. What are you waiting for?

The beautifully crafted Faerie Guidance Oracle can help you connect with powerful nature spirits for help along the path of self-discovery. Each enchanting card represents an essential ingredient for self-enrichment—clarity, choice, creativity, love, passion, transformation, opportunity, and more. Delightful watercolor illustrations make it easy to engage with each faerie’s positive energy. Use this fun and creative tool to access hidden talents, gain new perspectives, solve problems, and guide you toward the future you’ve always wanted.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Paulina Cassidy shares with us a world filled with magical creatures. She draws and brushes them into our world with love and an essence of herself. Having spent much of her time drawing from a very young age, Paulina finds solace in creating and sharing her own magical brew of whimsy. Her unique vision, style and fanciful designs are loved and collected worldwide.

She is creator of the Paulina Tarot and the Joie de Vivre Tarot. In addition to her visual art, she is a songwriter, and her albums are available for download.

Paulina has been a student of energy medicine for over 10 years & applies her studies in energy healing to her visual art.

**

WITCHES TAROT 
By: Ellen Dugan, Mark Evans
Imprint: Llewellyn
Specs: Boxed Kit | 9780738728001
English | 312 pages | 5 x 8 IN
Pub Date: September 2012
List Price: $28.99

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Witches the world over will relish this new tarot! Award-winning author Ellen Dugan, a highly respected Witch and tarot reader, and awardwinning artist Mark Evans have created the perfect deck for all devotees of the Craft.

Positively radiating witchy energy, this easy-to-use tarot showcases beautiful and evocative digital artwork. 

Echoing the traditional Rider-Waite structure, each card includes instantly recognizable Pagan symbols that resonate with today’s Witch.

In addition to card descriptions and meanings, Dugan’s companion guide features seven unique, spell-enhancing spreads for both tarot readings and magickal practice.


**

WISDOM OF THE GOLDEN PATH 
Toni Carmine Salerno (Author), Yuehui Tang (Illustrator)
Features 45 cards and guidebook, packaged in a hard-cover box set.
List Price: $19.95

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
These cards and accompanying guidebook provide clarity and practical guidance for many of life's challenging issues. The messages along with the breathtaking artwork will help you rise above your problems and allow you to see things from a higher perspective. The guidebook clearly explains and illustrates how to receive guidance about the present and future and how to give and receive accurate readings. Wisdom of the Golden Path will set you on a journey of positive transformation that will empower you and help you rediscover your authentic self. Each message is followed by a positive affirmation designed to help you fulfill your highest potential.




**


MLLE LENORMAND BLUE OWL DECK 
By Mlle Lenormand
Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc. (March 7, 2011)
Language: English

List Price: $12.95


FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl deck is the English language version of the famous fortune-telling deck used by Mlle Lenormand.

The 36-card deck is packaged in the traditional tuck box with its original Blue Owl design. The pack includes a small instruction booklet with a brief explanation of each key card and sample readings.

In a reading, meanings are determined by the relationships between cards in a spread, as well as by individual cards.

Mlle Lenormand rose from humble beginnings in 19th century France to become the most prominent fortune teller in Europe. Her clients included Napoleon, about whom she made bold and astonishingly accurate predictions.

Her card-reading methods are still popular today.


**


CALENDAR:
ONGOING AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS

SUNDAY , SEPTEMBER 2nd
(first Sunday of each month)
SEATTLE CHAOS MAGIC
We meet at 3:33 pm. on the first Sunday of each month, at Edge of the Circle
Books, 701 E. Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122.
Anyone practicing, curious about, or otherwise interested in Chaos magic is
welcome to attend.

**

MONDAY, SEPTEMEBER 10th
(Every 2nd Monday of each month)
CELTIC RECONSTRUCTIONIST GROUP 7-9PM
For More Information:

**
SERVICES AVAILABLE
AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS

REMINDER: We buy used Occult Books! Our buyer is in on Wednesdays,Thursdays,
Saturdays, and Sundays!
We also have classroom/ritual space-- please call for details.
Need Spell advice? Just ask!

**

TAROT READINGS / SPIRITUAL ADVICE

UNCOMMONSENSE TAROT
Tarot readings by Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler

" I've been reading Tarot for more than thirty years, and reading professionally
at the Edge for a decade. My belief is that Tarot is best used for
putting you in touch with your own subconscious, allowing you to make healthy
decisions that can change your life for the better. My readings tend to be
rather commonsensical (hence the name) and are geared toward helping the client
circumvent the often self-imposed obstacles in their lives, so that they can
achieve their goals and fully enjoy the fruits that life has to bring."

Please inquire about Tarot Parties, classes and other events.
Available every day except THURSDAYS-- 12:30-8.30PM.
Sundays 12:30-8:30 PM

**
KELLY MARJORIE KELLEHER
Daughter of the Ancients
Psychic, Healer, Muse...
Thursdays at Edge of the Circle Books 2-8:30pm

**
This concludes our Newsletter for this month.
Look for us again OCTOBER 1st , 2012!
Raven, Editrix, Edge of the Circle Books Newsletter


Comments

faoladh said…
Once again, the Celtic Reconstructionist Schmooze is on the first Mondays now, and so will be on September 3rd.

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