Autumnal Equinox/Mabon:
The holiday of Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Mabon, the Feast of the Ingathering, Meán Fómhair or Alban Elfed (in Neo-Druidic traditions), is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and God during the winter months. The name Mabon was coined by Aidan Kelly around 1970 as a reference to Mabon ap Modron, a character from Welsh mythology.[14] In the northern hemisphere this equinox occurs anywhere from September 21 to 24. In the southern hemisphere, the autumn equinox occurs anywhere from March 18–22. Among the sabbats, it is the second of the three harvest festivals, preceded by Lammas/Lughnasadh and followed by Samhain.
Origin of the Cornucopia:
Ovid, Fasti 5. 111 ff (trans.Boyle)
(Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"On the first night I can see the star that serviced Jupiter’s [Zeus’] cradle. The rainy sign of Olenian Capella is born. Heaven is her reward for giving milk. Naiad Amalthea, famous on Cretan Ida, hid Jupiter, it is said, in the forest."
' She possessed the lovely mother of two young goats, a glorious sight among Dicte’s flocks, with soaring horns curled round her back and an udder suitable for the nurse of Jupiter. She gave the god milk, but snapped her horn on a tree and was severed from half her loveliness. The Nymph picked the horn up, ringed it with fresh herbs, and took it fruit-filled to Jupiter’s lips. When he controlled the sky and sat on his father’s throne and nothing surpasses unconquered Jove, he made stars of the nurse and the nurse’s fruitful horn, which bears even now its mistress’ name."
Welcome to the 47th 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
golanv1@yahoo.com
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.
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.
We are open 7 days a week, from Noon 'till 9pm.
Call: 206-PAN-1999
**
We are now on Facebook:
Call: 206-PAN-1999
**
We are now on Facebook:
Become a Fan, post your event on the discussion page!
WE HAVE NEW STATUARY!
DEAREST VERA
BY AUSTIN OSMAN SPARE
A Kaleidoscope of Facsimile Holograph Letters to his friend, the Poet and Painter Vera Wainwright
Asssembled by Kenneth and Steffi Grant
Fulgur Limited Publishers
Coloured plates, profusely illustrated, Hardcover, with Dust-Jacket 170+ pages
List Price: $69.95
In his later creative life, Spare was sought out by artists and writers eager to receive insights of experience from the ‘Walworth Road Surrealist.’ And yet, there were very few indeed who became good friends. Vera Wainwright was one such friend. She arrived in Spare’s life as the clouds of war cast a long shadow over South London, and sought him out amid the debris of the blitz to offer her support and affection. Dearest Vera is an account of their friendship told by Spare himself, through the many letters sent to his new pupil.
Those familiar with Spare will find new insights to his life and theories on art, while newcomers will discover an eccentric and gifted artist sharing a lifetime’s experience with an eager pupil. Compiled by Kenneth and Steffi Grant, this kaleidoscope of correspondence is a rare treat, and a major resource for those seeking to better understand this complex and neglected genius.
CREATING FORM
FROM THE MIST:
THE WISDOM OF WOMEN IN CELTIC MYTH AND CULTURE
By Lynne Sinclair-Wood
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Capall Bann Publishing (November 2001)
List Price: $24.95
BOOK BLURB:
Relates the stories of powerful women in Celtic tradition, then looks beyond the storyline to the symbolic meanings behind these women characters to help illuminate the spiritual journey for women today. Explores and discusses the role of women in Celtic society, spirituality and religion, leading on to the importance of the wisdom of women in Celtic myth for modern culture. Topics covered include Arianrhod and Flowerbrides, the inspiration of Brighid, Macha, The Morrigan, Scathach, Warrior Women and their voice in the modern world, Grail Maidens. Positive imagery is needed for women in the process of re-empowering themselves in contemporary society and to provide space for women to lead a spiritual life. Enabling women to express their creative spiritual experience within society will benefit the whole culture including the healing of relationships between men and women and humanity and nature.
SHAMANIC LINKS -
A COMPREHENSIVE FOUNDATION
FOR MODERN SHAMANIC PRACTICE
by Adam Bear
Publisher: Capall Bann Publishing (December 10, 2008)
Paperback 460 pages
180 illustrations
List Price: $36.95
This book is one of the few that combines the practical with the spiritual. Not only does it detail the core of Pagan belief and Shamanic techniques, it also incorporates a wealth of practical information including how to make magical tools, recognising trees, animal tracking, woodland structure, direction sense, Shamanic lore, the Otherworlds, Gods and Goddesses, meditation exercises, totems and power animals, festivals, runes, divination, ancient sites, spells and much more... A very practical and magical book.
GUIDE TO THE
FENG SHUI COMPASS:
A COMPENDIUM OF
CLASSICAL FENG SHUI
By Stephen Skinner
List Price $65.00
Hardcover: 440 pages
ISBN-10: 0954763998
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Virtually a Complete Compendium of Classical feng shui.
Material never before available in English…and difficult to find even in Chinese...
How to read the San He and San Yuan lo p'an, with an explanation of each ring in detail, the history and background of feng shui and the lo p'an (luo pan).
This large book is 448 pages in size, and packed with detailed information which is very clearly explained, so that after reading it anyone should be comfortable reading even the most complex lo p'an. This book is the result of 30 years of research and practice.
More than 50 rings are illustrated, tabulated, and classified by Plate and School, with their use and history. Anyone reading the book can go from being a complete novice to complete familiarity with any lo p'an, ancient or modern that they may pick up. It clearly explains for the first time in English how feng shui developed and the relationship between the San He and San Yuan Schools.
There are over 65 Tables, more than 174 illustrations, and 32 full colour plates. These include rare pictures and analyses of Ming and Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty lo p'ans.
Every technical term, book title, or person's name, is carefully footnoted in traditional Chinese characters with supporting pinyin and Wade-Giles transliterations. There is a also a detailed feng shui history time line.
With the lo p'an, the art of feng shui becomes a true science. The result of over thirty years of research and practice, The Guide to the Feng Shui Compass is the first book in English to explain what the lo p'an is, how it works, and how to read and use it for luck, happiness, and an improved life. It includes a history of feng shui and a detailed description of the seventy-five rings of the lo p'an. Featuring clear explanations and instructions, this groundbreaking guide will turn anyone into an expert with any lo p'an, ancient or modern.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen Skinner began his career as a Geography lecturer and magazine publisher, but his long term interest has always been Western magic.
During the 1970s he was the driving force behind Askin Publishers, producing a number of classic magical works by Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, Austin Osman Spare, Aleister Crowley, and others. During the 1970s he co-wrote many books with Francis King, including the still popular Techniques of High Magic. Also with Francis King he wrote Nostradamus. His interest in prophecy stimulated by this book, he went on to write the best selling Millennium Prophecies.
Stephen is credited with bringing the art of Feng Shui to the West, and in 1976 he wrote the Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui, which was the first English book on feng shui in the 20th century.
Stephen has written more than 20 books, which have been published worldwide in 17 different languages. These books have had introductions by such diverse people as Colin Wilson, HRH Charles Prince of Wales, and Jimmy Choo, shoe designer to the stars.
Stephen lives in Johor Bahru near Singapore.
TAROT: BACK IN PRINT
GOLDEN DAWN MAGICAL TAROT
By Chic Cicero, Sandra Tabatha Cicero
Specs: Boxed Kit |
English | 240 pages | 6 x 9 IN
Price: $34.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Since its inception over 100 years ago, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn has continued to be the authority on the initiatory and meditative teachings of the Tarot. This Tarot incorporates all of the temple symbolism needed for use in the Golden Dawn rituals.
Created at the behest of the renowned occultist and father of the modern Golden Dawn movement Israel Regardie, this stunning deck masterfully blends traditional Tarot imagery with descriptions from the Golden Dawn initiation ceremonies.
This is the first Tarot deck to incorporate the symbolism necessary for use in rituals.
Written and created by internationally known adepts Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero, this is ideal for the beginning student but equally appealing to expert Tarot readers. The accompanying book provides an introduction to Cabalistic, Zodiacal and Alchemical symbolism creating a powerful tool for divination and spiritual growth.
Complete with 256-page book and two versions of the Temperance card— as required in Golden Dawn rituals— this is the best Tarot available for students of the Golden Dawn and the Western magical tradition.
NEW TAROT DECK :
THE TAROT OF VAMPYRES
By: Ian Daniels
Specs: Boxed Kit
English | 312 pages | 5 x 8 IN
Pub Date: September 2010
Price: $29.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Blood-red roses entwined in briar stems. Glistening pale-marble skin. Coiled serpents staring with eyes of fire. The Vampyre legend is rooted in darkness and seduction, but its enduring message is one of spiritual hunger— to drink in the everlasting divine.
Featuring Ian Daniels' masterfully and meticulously crafted artwork, The Tarot of Vampyres is the most visually stunning Vampyre deck on the market. This sumptuously rendered tarot is a tool for spiritual awakening, inviting you to delve into your inner shadows and emerge in radiant light. Inspired by the Rider-Waite structure, the 78-card deck includes familiar figures such as the fool, the empress, and the lovers, depicted with Gothic style imagery steeped in the entrancing world of Vampyres.
A companion guide interprets the symbolism in each card and provides enriching exercises, innovative spreads, and instructions for creating your own shadow profile and Vampyre character.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH , 6PM-9PM
SEX MAGIC ECSTATIC RITUAL AND MAGICAL WORKING GROUP
Open to all Adults--
This is a Monthly Ecstatic Ritual and Magical working group aligned with consensus-created community purpose and intentions.
Come help form a Sex Magic cooperative and community to share in the experience of others in order to more rapidly advance one's own Will and increase the sense of Love
in one's life.
The orientation is Pantheistic, and the structure and expression will tend toward the rituals associated with Thelema and the Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis).
See http://hermetic.com/crowley/oto/ for more material on Thelema and Liber AL.
For more information, contact Autumn by e-mail at mysticalsister@gmail.com
or by voice mail at 206-395-6418 (between 10am and 10pm).
What to expect:
Comfortable/loose/simple attire suggested, no acts of explicit sexuality or unwanted contact will be involved, but frank discussion of sexual behavior and practices (including sacred kink, fetishes, sex drive, and other sexually-oriented subjects) will predominate the conversation. An open-minded and non-judgmental attitude of sex-positivity is essential.
Suggested: if possible, please bring
a non-alcoholic beverage or a small snack to share (only foods that don't crumble, drip, stain, and aren't sticky/messy, please)
a drinking cup for libations
a writing instrument and notebook
a desire to both share ideas and learn from others
an interest in group ritual and sex magick in various systems throughout history
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19th , 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
ORACLE IFA --INTRO TO AFRIKAN SPIRITUALISM
A Look at the Beliefs and Practices of the Yoruba People of Nigeria
What is Ifa?
– Ifa is the cultural religion of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The synthesis of Ifa and Catholicism came to the U.S. through the Caribbean as Lucumi Ifa and Santeria, while maintaining its roots in Nigeria to this day. The Yoruba faith has a few basic understandings :
• There is but One Supreme God
• Except for the day you are born and the day you are supposed die, there is not a single event in one’s life that cannot be forecast and, if necessary, changed
• Your spirit lives on after death and can reincarnate through blood relatives
• You are born with a specific path
• Divination serves as a road map to your path
• Our Ancestors exist and must be honored, respected and consulted
• Orisa, or forces of nature, live within us and deal with the affairs of men
• You must never harm another human being, or the universe, which you are a part of
• Spiritual, emotional, physical and mental realms of our existence must all work together and be balanced
• Sacrifice is necessary in order to assure spiritual success
Ifa is the mouthpiece of the Spirit of Destiny, Olodumare.
Come, learn, and join in
More Classes & Workshops COMING SOON!
If you wish to contact Awo Ifagbemi now, please Email him directly at OracleIFA@gmail.com.
ONGOING AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS
SUNDAY , SEPTEMBER 5th
(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, SEPTEMBER 6th
(Every 1st Monday of each month)
CELTIC RECONSTRUCTIONIST GROUP 7-9PM
For More Information:
http://www.seanet.com/~inisglas/
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th
(Every 4th Monday of each month)
BLACKSUN AND SHADOWHAWK PRESENT:
A NIGHT OF WITCHERY
For the past 30 years, we have been teaching the basics of Wicca, lecturing at festivals, writing articles and books on Paganism, and acting as priest and
priestess of StarWyrm Coven. We are now starting a new series of meetings for the those sincerely interested in Wicca, open to all seekers. If you are seriously considering making Wicca your own brand of spirituality but wonder what you might be getting into, this is a great starting point. This is NOT a recruitment or any sort of proselytizing device. The aim of these meetings is to give information and trade perspectives so you may make up your mind.
Blessed be,
Blacksun and Shadowhawk
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd
(Every 4th Thursday of each month)
WITCH'S MEETUP 7-9PM
COMING IN OCTOBER:
SAT, OCT 23, 4:00 PM
SECRETS OF THE TREES;
OGAM BASICS AND TREE WISDOM
Facilitator: Moss Magill
Develop your own Tree Ogam divination system as you learn about this ancient Irish alphabet and how to use it to simplify and understand the changing world around you. Divination can inspire you to comprehend the complexities of our modern world. The Ogam alphabet may have been originally used to record secrets, developed over the years into many divination systems. In this workshop, we will take a brief look at the history of the Ogam. We will then create our own way of working with these beautiful symbols to comprehend our changing world, simplifying our lives through the language of trees. You will be creating your own unique way of conversing with each letter of the Ogam alphabet and the trees that you correspond to each.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS
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 nearly 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 3:30-8:30 PM
*
TAROT BY COMPASS
Every THURSDAY from 12:30-8:30 PM
“I've been reading cards for 20 years and doing readings professionally for nine. I've been reading cards at folk life and Bumbershoot for nine years along with various fairs and festivals on the west coast.
I believe the tarot works as an interpersonal growth tool that on some levels works like the childhood game of "broken telephone." Everyone of the 78cards in a tarot deck have a central meaning. Depending on where they fall in a spread, how they are dignified, and any colloquial non-sequiturs that happen to come out of my mouth create a personalized story of what's going on in ones life. The cards are great about "speaking" of the past and present. They can pick up on energies that are starting to manifest in ones life but ultimately after a reading is over everyone has free will and it is their choice how they deal with those energies. My job as a reader is multifaceted, from channel to help alleviate blocks; to sounding board as a listener. I've found that I get a wonderful thankful response from people I've given readings to.”
TAROT READINGS BY SHAYE
Sundays from Noon—3:30pm.
Poet-Priestess, Tarot Reader, Spiritual Counselor. Specializing in working with the healing and empowering energies of the Divine Feminine.
Offering Respect, Presence, Experience, Insight and a Playful Spirit.
This concludes our Newsletter for this month.
Look for us again OCTOBER 1st 2010!
HAPPY HAPPY MABON!!!!!
Sincerely,
Raven
Editrix, Edge of the Circle Books Newsletter
golanv1@yahoo.com
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