IT'S SUMMER!!!!!
Well, almost.
Welcome to the 33rd 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 everything that you could want in a Magical Pagan store.
Open 7 days a week, Noon 'till 9pm.
Call: 206-PAN-1999
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Edge of the Circle Newsletter is looking for writers and artists! Our Focus has been on the Pagan community, Sabbatic Witchcraft, Hoodoo, Western Ceremonial Magic, African Traditional Religions, Asatru and Heathenry, Wicca, Celtic Paganism and more obscure aspects of the Occult. If you have an article or art to share, please email golanv1@yahoo.com with "Newsletter" in the subject line. Please send only original material. All Copyrighted material will be honored and credited to/as the property of the original writer.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
A Magickal Life Presents:
Learn more about the history of modern Wicca
from a Priestess who lived it.
SAVE THE DATES
August 21- Booksigning at Edge of the Circle Books
August 23-Special Lecture by Maxine about the Craft
August-Sponsors special event
A Magickal Life is the sponsoring group for Maxine Sanders visit to Seattle Washington in August this year. Folks are arriving from around the country to meet her, come to the booksigning of Firechild, and attend a once-in-a-lifetime lecture about the origins of the Alexandrian Tradition.
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NEW BOOKS:
TRAVELS THROUGH MIDDLE EARTH: THE PATH OF A SAXON PAGAN
by Alaric Albertsson
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (June 1, 2009)
List Price: $16.95
BOOK BLURB:
The Saxon Pagan holds a spiritual worldview that largely inspired Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth. In this fascinating book, author and scholar Alaric Albertsson presents a complete introduction to Anglo-Saxon cosmology, deities, spirits, linguistics, and rituals. Although there is a growing interest today in reconstructed Pagan religions, very little information is available for those who wish to explore these paths, especially that of the Anglo-Saxon.
Travels Through Middle Earth offers practical information about the Saxon-Pagan path, including many ways to incorporate Saxon rituals into contemporary spiritual life. Readers will discover how to set up a wéofod, the Saxon altar, to connect with the Gods. They'll learn about the húsel, a basic ritual for honoring personal ancestors, the Gods, and dwarves and elves. Also covered in this handbook: the concept of "wyrd" and how it shapes one's destiny, the holy tides and how to celebrate them, and even instructions for making mead!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alaric Albertsson (Pennsylvania) is a founding member of Earendel Hearth, an Anglo-Saxon inhíred, and served as vice president and was on the Board of Directors of the Heartland Spiritual Alliance. He is currently a member of the Druidic organization Ár nDraíocht Féin and holds the position of Scribe of Sassafras Grove.
Albertsson first embraced polytheism in the summer of 1971. At this time he had the opportunity to talk with rural people in the Ozark Mountains about traditional moon lore, weather lore and folk beliefs and was strongly influenced by spiritist traditions. Over the past four decades, Albertsson's personal spiritual practice has developed as a synthesis of Anglo-Saxon tradition, country folklore, herbal studies and rune lore.
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A PAGAN TESTAMENT:THE LITERARY HERITAGE OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST NEW RELIGION
by Brendan Myers
List Price: $24.95
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: O Books (January 25, 2009)
BOOK BLURB:
Wiccans often claim that their spiritual inspiration comes not from a written scripture but from personal experience and original creativity. While this is true, there are also many written works which constitute Wicca's testament, or its central literary expressions of spiritual identity. Some of them are thousands of years old. These written works have not been brought together, in the same book, since the movement began.
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THE LEBOR FEASA RUNDA: A DRUIDIC GRAMMAR OF CELTIC LORE AND MAGIC
List Price: $16.95
Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: IUniverse (November 18, 2008)
BOOK BLURB:
In his highly anticipated English translation of the ancient Irish text known as the Lebor Feasa Rúnda (Book of Secret Knowledge), Celtic scholar and historian, Steven L. Akins, has at last made available to readers the wealth of pre-Christian teachings espoused by the Druids in this seminal work of pagan religious literature. Basing his translation on the only extant transcription of the now lost Black Book of Loughcrew, the actual doctrines of the Celtic priesthood are finally brought to light in this timeless rendering of these sacred scriptures.Of the 180 Druidic texts mentioned in the historic Yellow Book of Lecan as being destroyed by St.Patrick in his attempt to convert the pagan inhabitants of Ireland to Christianity, the Lebor Feasa Rúnda alone survived as testimony to the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Celts in their original, uncompromised form. First transcribed by the Druid Mogh Ruith from a series of ogham staves long ago discovered in the tomb of Ollamh Fodhla, one of Ireland's greatest early kings, the Lebor Feasa Runda records the dispensation of a vast store of esoteric knowledge received by Ollamh Fodhla from a messenger of the Celtic gods known as the Tuatha Dé Danann.Perhaps the most remarkable of all ancient Celtic texts, the Lebor Feasa Rúnda contains not only an account of the earliest history of Ireland and the relationship of itsinhabitants to the Celtic gods, but it also comprises a full discourse on the Druidic religion, providing a complete account of the sacred rites and ceremonies at the heart of this mysterious faith.Since it was first recorded in the Black Book of Loughcrew, the Lebor Feasa Rúnda miraculously survived for centuries, traveling across Europe and passing through the hands of numerous individuals until it was ultimately acquired by the Ahnenerbe Forschungs-und Lehrgemeinschaf, who commissioned its translation into German in the days leading up to the Second World War.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steven L. Akins is a noted Celtic scholar and historian who has researched and written extensively on the magical and spiritual roots of Druidism; dedicating much of his life to unraveling the mystery behind the lore and teachings of ancient Celtic wisdom, enabling others to discover this great spiritual legacy.
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SEEING IN THE DARK: CLAIM YOUR OWN SHAMANIC POWER NOW AND IN THE COMING AGE
by Colleen Deatsman & Paul Bowersox
List Price: $16.95
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Weiser Books (May 1, 2009)
BOOK BLURB:
The word “shaman” means “one who sees in the dark.” Shamans consciously choose to live in two different worlds at the same time. They have one foot here in the everyday world and one foot in the world of the spirits. The fact is, we all live in these two different worlds, but are commonly not aware of the other, less visible one. This world does not exist in some other place, but is right beside us, just outside of our usual perceptions. Seeing in the Dark is a definitive source for personal shamanism and not only provides the tools and techniques of the shaman, but presents the wisdom tradition, awareness paradigm, and shamanic way of life. The powerful shamanic path has weathered the cataclysmic changes of over 50,000 years of human history and is even more vital and relevant today. In times when stress, tension, and the fast pace of life overwhelm us, this path shows us how to slow down, reconnect to the sacred, and harness our personal power—skills that will be needed for the uncertain days ahead.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Seeing in the Dark is a definitive source for personal shamanism and not only provides the tools and techniques of the shaman, but presents the wisdom tradition, awareness paradigm, and shamanic way of life. The powerful shamanic path has weathered the cataclysmic changes of over 50,000 years of human history and is even more vital and relevant today. Included in this book are over 100 easy-to-follow exercises that teach important survival skills for the coming changes of 2012 and beyond.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Colleen Deatsman is a licensed professional counselor, licensed social worker, Usui Reiki master, certified clinical hypnotherapist, certified alternative healing consultant, and shamanic practitioner. She has been exploring health and wellness, self-healing, personal growth, and spiritual development for over twenty-five years.
Paul Bowersox holds a BS in engineering and is a shamanic teacher and practitioner, a writing coach, an editor and a contributing writer for a number of publications.
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NEW DIVINATION:
REVIEW:
MYTHIC ORACLE OF THE ANCIENT GREEK PANTHEON
by Carisa Mellado and Michele-lee Phelan
Review by Raven
I tend to look at “Oracle Decks” with a bit of a jaundiced eye. You've seen one, you've seen them all. Well, not this Oracle deck. Carisa Mellado and Michele-lee Phelan give us a fresh look at the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus, the Titans and the Heroes of Ancient Greece.
Fistly, the illustrations are absolutely breathtaking. I was quite taken by the artist's skill at her craft, in particlular the paintings of Eros and Hephaestus, which are rendered with passion and ingenuity. The meanings of the cards are based on the Myths, and the author, Mellado, shows a good grasp of them and manages to give advice that is affirming and useful, yet pragmatic. The spreads included in the book are simple 6 card spreads, yet they give you plenty of room for deep self-anyalisis. It's a deck that I have found myself turning to again and again for insight.
NEW TAROT DECKS:
MYTHIC ORACLE OF THE ANCIENT GREEK PANTHEON
by Carisa Mellado and Michele-lee Phelan
Features 45 cards and guidebook, packaged in a hard-cover box set
Publisher: Blue Angel Publishing; Cards edition (December 1, 2008)
List Price: $21.95
The Greek Myths are the stories of mankind. They are the reflection of human nature and human cycles and it is through these stories that we can come to better understand ourselves.
The Mythic Oracle brings these timeless stories and symbols into the modern world, providing you with a tool you can use daily to gently guide you through the cycles of life in matters of love, career, creativity, family, spirituality and personal awareness, allowing you to move through life's challenges with greater clarity, awareness and ease, so you can live a clear, focused and fulfilling life.
Exquisitely illustrated, the Mythic Oracle will give you deeper insight into what is happening in your life, what is needed and what comes next. The included guidebook features a description of the myths, their divinatory interpretations and a range of card spreads which will allow you to give accurate readings to yourself and others.
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CALENDAR: JUNE
THURSDAY, JUNE 4th : 6:00-7:30 PM, HEALING HANDS REIKI
Bringing a healing hand to the community...
Classes and services provided.
Contact: Khephra and Ayoka at HealingHands-Khephra-Ayoka@live.com
Or call: (206) 898-0419 or (206)421-5319
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SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH ,SEATTLE CHAOS MAGIC
We meet at 3:33 p.m. 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.
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MONDAY, JUNE 8th, CELTIC RECONSTRUCTIONIST
GROUP 7-9PM
For More Information:
http://www.seanet.com/~inisglas/
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SATURDAY, JUNE 13th: VODOU KONESANS
MONTHLY STUDY GROUP: 4-6PM
Open study group dedicated to learning about and developing a relationship with the Lwa- the Spirits of Vodou. Study will focus on the songs of Haitian Vodou (come prepared to sing!), as well as the offerings, symbols and characteristics associated with each Lwa. The class is free and meets every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Please bring a pen and notebook. Drop-ins welcome or email kineta@vodoukonesans.org for more information.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH, 7:00—9:00 P.M.
TAROT CLASSES
By Frater Osiris (Author of the Thoth Companion)
INTRODUCTION TO TAROT
A Genral Overview of the Tarot and its numerous applications.
$10.00
THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH AND 25TH , 7:00—9:00P.M. $20.00
THE ART OF TAROT READING
Discover how to use the Tarot to gain insight and information, promote personal growth, and develop your intuition.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Frater Osiris is the author of “The Thoth Companion” , a comprehensive reference work which examines all seventy-eight cards within the context of Thelema, Qabala, and ceremonial magic—the spiritual foundations upon which the deck was built. These detailed interpretations reveal valuable insights, significant correspondences, and Crowley's encoded secrets. Straightforward and user-friendly, this guide also includes a glossary, bibliography, index, and an extensive appendix featuring correspondence tables. For more information, contact Frater Osiris at:
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ONGOING AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS
THURSDAYS: 6:00-7:30 PM
HEALING HANDS REIKI
Bringing a healing hand to the community...
Classes and services provided.
Contact: Khephra and Ayoka at HealingHands-Khephra-Ayoka@live.com
Or call: (206) 898-0419 or (206)421-5319
SEATTLE CHAOS MAGIC
We meet at 3:33 p.m. 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.
HOLY WELL CIRCLE
http://www.holywellseattle.org/
No longer an Open Circle, please contact for information.
cybra@earthlink.net
Subject Line: Holy Well
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SERVICES AVAILABLE AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS
TAROT READINGS /SPIRITUAL ADVICE
UNCOMMONSENSE TAROT
Tarot readings by
Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler
Please inquire about Tarot Parties, classes and other events.
Available every day except Thursdays, 12:30-8.30PM.
Sundays 3:30-8:30 PM
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KELLY MARJORIE KELLEHER
Daughter of the Ancients
Psychic, Healer, Muse...
Thursdays at Edge of the Circle Books
HEALING SERVICES
THURSDAYS, 6:00-7:30 PM
HEALING HANDS REIKI
Bringing a healing hand to the community...
Classes and services provided.
Contact: Khephra and Ayoka at HealingHands-Khephra-Ayoka@live.com
Or call: (206) 898-0419 or (206)421-5319
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This concludes our Newsletter for this month. Look for us again on the first of July.
Sincerely,
Raven
Editrix, Edge of the Circle Books Newsletter
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