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Happy Samhain! 

WELCOME to the th 71st 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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We are also now on Facebook:
Become a Fan, post your event on the discussion page!

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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!

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SPECIAL THANKS:
To Nicolaas Gillingham, for the article, “A Pagan Viewpoint: On Assisted Suicide and Disease”.
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ARTICLE:
A Pagan Viewpoint: On Assisted Suicide and Disease: 
By: Nicolaas Gillingham; Ordained High Priest Kemetist (Egyptian Worshiper), Pagan Author and Poet

I was reading an article within newspaper about the Tony Nicklinson case which is occuring in Britian. To begin with Tony Nicklinson suffers from "Locked-in syndrome" and he asked Britian's High Court to rule on the case and change the law. In an 40 page High Court decision rejected Tony's right-to-die plead which would enabled others to help him end his life. This article got me thinking and asking myself these questions:

  • What is the general prescriptive of the Pagan and Wiccan community on Euthanasia in general?
  • Is there an Pagan thealogy of Assisted Suicide and Right To Die within the Pagan Community itself?
  • Does the Pagan/Wiccan community as a whole view this issue as Immoral like the Christians?

Before I could even begin to answer these questions constructively I had to do some research. And I found to my dismay that while this is an controversial issue there didn't seem to be any hard views other than individual opinions. Now there is nothing wrong with opinions, I'm the most opinionated person out there! But where is the fundation for this issue? This thought pattern of course gave me another question:

What were the views of the Ancient Pagans and their societies on Assisted Suicide and fatal diseases?

So turning the page back to Antiquity; Euthanasia and suicide were like for us the modern individual were both subject of concern in the medical, legal, philosophical and theological viewpoints. To the Ancients active euthanasia was rejected by both the philosophers and dramatists because they considered it to be an violation of the autonomy of the individual and an action against the will of the Gods. Passive Euthanasia was acceptable on either the grounds of physical pain or out of a deep respect for the nature of human life and what fate brings to it. This meant that for patients that suffered from excruciating pain caused by physical or mental aliments the responsibility then came the primary duty of the physician to alleviate the pain and suffering as long as the physician played no role in initiating the course of death of that person.

Authors within the Hellenistic time period indirectly talked about willing self sacrifice, and apart from Hiippocrates, many of the other philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato indirectly dealt with the issue of euthanasia.

The ancient Dramatists also spoke of euthanasia an example of this would the tragedian giants of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. An example of each one of these Tragedians in regards to euthanasia is as follows:

Aeschylus writes in his classic drama Prometheus Bound about his character Eos, who became desperately entrenched with psychological problems and said: "It were better to die once and for all than to drag out my lingering days in anguish" so the earliest Tragedian Aeschylus was in support of euthanasia.

Sophocles however was very against euthanasia. He had the high esteem of his fellow citizens and had a profound respect for the Gods. In his play Antigone, Sophocles states "nobody is so silly as to wish to die, who prays to die is mad." And in another play The Woman of Trachis Sophocles directly refers to the dilemma of assisted euthanasia. When his protagonist Heracles who is suffering from unbearable pain asks his son Hyllus to help him end his life. His character Hyllus compains that if he helped Heracles to do so that he would become an murderer and would be showing disrespect to the Gods. this is enacted in the following statement: "Father, father, how can you? You are aksing me to be your murderer, polluted with your blood." And Heracles replies "No. I am not. I ask you to be my healer of my sufferings, sole physician of my pain."

Euripides who believed that an mortal man is responsible for his actions spoke of individuals seeking euthanasia in his tragery Iphigeneia in Taurica. Where his character Orestes who suffers psychologically ends his own life by starving himself to death. "Fasting before his shrine I cast me down and swore to snap my life threat, dying there I." However Euripides admired life and was against euthanasia.

What the Philosophers I meantioned earlier said on euthanasia was the following:

Plato said that Asclepius, the God of healing and medicine beleieved that in specific cases where no feasible effective treatment and when life expectancy was short that then the physician could refuse to administer any sort of treatment, because to do so would be of no benefit to the person or to society. However Plato was against what we would call active euthanasia and even called for the death of doctors that committed the act. And for general suicide he felt that the individual should be buried in unmarked graves in deserted areas. This rings similar to the later Christian concept of burial of those that died by their own hand not being granted burial in Christian graveyards. However Plato seems to be tolerant of individuals themselves who are suffering from insurmountable pain and states in his Laws IV that there should be some alleviation for these individuals. So he was accepting of passive euthanasia.

Pythagoras and those that followed his philosophry held that the human being had a transmigrational soul that was based upon an combination of philosophical and theological concepts of life and they were against any form of voluntary end to life and even were against surgical procedures as well.

Aristotle like his teacher Plato dealt indirectly with euthanasia and wrote about it in two books Eudermian Ethics IV and Nichomacheon Ethics V. In Nichomacheon Ethics V he stated the following: "The base among mankind, by toil o'ercome conceive a love of death." And in Eudemian Ethics IV he wrote: "But to seek death in order to escape from poverty, or pangs of love or from pain or sorrow is not the act of courageous man, but rather of a coward." He viewed it as an injustice to commit suicide. Aristotle didn't even agree with euthanasia in an passive sense because he proposed that the it should be an criminal offense and thatt it should be an captial offense on the same ground legally as treason and temple robbery. He continued that it was not the individual but the society that has been unjustly treated by the person that commits suicide or an doctor helping one to end his or her life. And for this reason alone the person should be punished by death and burial in disgrace.

The Philosopher Epicurus was also very much insistent that suicide unreasonable. He sited that an motive that caused someone to do so was not physicological. However in regards to euthanasia, Epicurus states "that each of us is free to put an end to our life if we are suffering from unbearable pain, provided this misfortune is neither brief nor intermittent. Cicero wrote that Epicurus sued to say the following: "I quit life's theatre when the play has ceased to please us."

The Philosopher Hippocrates who was influenced by the Pythagorean philosophers was against active euthanasia and sites in his well known Hippocratic Oath that no drug that could result in death should a doctor give nor give such a drug to anyone that asked for such a drug. Again however even Hippocrates seems in favor of passive euthanasia for gravely ill patients and suggests that a physician should not trate a person who has an incurable diease. It is believed that Hippocrates either an deep respect for the inviolable nature of life or was trying to protect the medical profession from failures in treatment.

So on the general concept of legal active euthanasia both the ancient Philosophers and the Dramatists were against its mandate. Neither of them speak of euthanasia in the religious context leaving the arguement open. And at least passively they could foresee cases were at least passively euthanasia was acceptable. They do defer the difference between suicide and euthanasia in their expressions. Now having researched to the best of my ability the ancient throughts on this topic I've come full circle. While there is no true concreate evidence of pro or against in this controversial issue which has remained open ended for the last 3000 years. So I will give an opinionated answer to my questions. Starting with the first:

What is the general prescriptive of the Pagan and Wiccan community on euthanasia in general?

Answer: What I have discovered is that this answer isn't all enclosing religiously/spiritually wise. It's often taken down to the individual person's preseceptive on the spirituality of life in itself. So given that both Pagan and Wiccan sects seem to don't offically sanction
euthanasia they have taken the stance of their forebearers and left it to the individual which is more than the ancient philosophers and dramatists have done.

I personally think that this should be addressed offically by Pagan and Wiccan originizations thou I definitely can understand why they don't take a stance offically due to the verbal and physical attacks they endure just for being Wiccan and Pagan.

I would try to answer this complex question with my own viewpoint; let's give two examples:

1: A person's child is suffering from an incurable and painful disease (for example the child is under 19). Should an parent with aid from the medical community ask for Euthanasia on either an offical or passive euthanasia?

Answer: There are pro's and con's to this. Remember that the Euthanasia Act passed in Germany in the 1930s and carried out by Drs in hospitals was fully sanctioned by Adolf's Hitler's government (this is the main reason why in most modern western countries today both forms of Euthanasia are illegal). Then the Euthanasia Act which was passed in their dicatatorable Reichstag (Government Congrass Building) was furthered to include both Alcholics and the Mentally and Physically handicapped. The biggest cause to get this passed was Cost per patient. Unfortunately this cost hasn't gone away and this is particularly an "sliding slope" Now the pro to this is that Euthanasia in all its forms can be strictly regulated; in other words it would be difficult in say the United States for an parent to insure a child with an life insurance policies then claim euthanasia reasons because most Dr's won't go along with parents in this sort of situation.

2: A person who is an adult and who has a painful and fatal disease like MS for example. Ask for Euthanasia from the medical community for either offical or passive forms of Euthanasia?

Answer: Using the Living Will System this is in effect already done on the passive level; for example no life saving measures acts, no putting on machines, etc. Offically this isn't called Euthanasia even thou anyone with intelligence knows that it is.

Now in both these questions one would notice that spirituality never plays any part even when those who have asked the High Courts to decide the matter they never put forward the religious arguement. This I particularly find very intresting because the religious arguement is often used for such topics as Abortion.

Personally on a religious level; I believe in personal direction of one's fate and that its only the Gods that can see into and judge (if they do judge in our terms) us mortals. So I will answer the two questions I posted above in an spiritual way.

On the first Question; because we control our lives spiritually we should let nature take its course in the case of the child and should be done so as pain-free as possible but neither Passive nor Offical Euthanasia should be sanctioned. I personally take the very very guarded viewpoint handed down to us by the ancients.

On the second Question; An adult being of course of legal sound mind should have the right to both Offical and Passive Euthanasia forms. Because in social terms by the age of 19-20 we are deemed "adults" with rights such as smoking, drinking or any other behavior which is considered adult behavior (this is not a discussion on weather smoking or drinking is good or bad in society or to the individual).

Euthanasia will continuely be an issue for western society as long as the three monolistic faiths bear the deciding factor on the spirituality front which affects what Pagans/Wiccans and Atheists do with their lives like their interference in our lives sexually they will continue to interfer with individuals rights on life itself and weather they (the individual) has the right to end their lives and cross the veil into the Underworld.

Futhermore in my opinion it is not my personal right or expression to decide the fate of anyone else well bodied or strucken with an fatal disease. These sort of descions should be made first by the individual and by those close to him or her only. And this article is not condoning an "For" or "Against" expression for this question. If you are Pagan/Wiccan and faced with this actuality then I would suggest speaking to your Priestess, Coven, Family and not to isolate yourself.

2: Is there an Pagan Thealogy of Assisted Suicide and Right To Die within the Pagan Community itself?

Answer: Avoidance, there is technically no Thealogy on either Passive or Offical Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide. Moral arguements both for and against seem not to be voiced among established Wiccan Covens and Established Pagan Originizations.

3: Does the Pagan/Wiccan community as a whole view this issue as Immoral like the Christians?

Answer: Because both Practicing Pagans and Wiccans don't recognize "Sin" as a moral compass like the Christians do there doesn't seem to be an issue as regards weather one who takes their life due active and passive Euthanasia. Most Pagans and Wiccans who I have posted the question to say its the person's individual choice and only about 1 in 10 say that they would never assist someone even in a situation of a painful fatal disease to end their own life. For purposes of this article however I did not pose the question of refering to a person's child having an fatal/painful disease/disorder and going the euthanasia route. I suspect that would unify people's viewpoint on this issue.

To Sum Up:
I have to say the research and discussions I have had with Wiccans/Pagans on this specific issue have been interesting. The research on this issue has been frustrating! And in general I would go as far as saying for the whole Pagans/Wiccans are more open to specifically Passive Euthansia and they would pause more at Official Euthanasia. Unlike their Christian, Muslim and Jewish counterparts this isn't done out of judgement socially nor spiritually. Pagans and Wiccans for the most part seem to be more open minded and none judgmental on this specific issue but they are ready to give their opinion on the issue.


Article By: Nicolaas Gillingham; Ordained High Priest Kemetist (Egyptian Worshiper), Pagan Author and Poet
http://www.facebook.com/nicolaas.gillingham








THE LEAPER BETWEEN: 
A Historical Study of the Toad-Bone Amulet;
Its Forms, Functions And Praxis In Popular Magic.
By Andrew D. Chumbley
Publisher: Three Hands Press, 2012
Trade paperbound — $16.95


FROM THE PUBLISHER:
"You ketch a hopping toad and carry that in your bosom till that's rotted right away to the back-boon. Then you take and hold that over running water at midnight till the Devil he come to you and pull you over the water… and then you be a witch and you kin dew all mander of badness to people and her power over 'em."

So spoke Tilly Baldry of Huntingtoft, an English wise-woman of the 19th century, describing the ritual of obtaining the witches amulet known as the toad-bone. Known to rural folk magicians and secret societies such as the Society of the Horseman's Word, the exacting ritual of killing a toad to obtain the bone of power has been documented in various forms and cultural milieus for two millennia, though its origin is likely far older. Focusing on extant forms in Britain and Europe, Chumbley traces the metamorphosis of the toad-bone amulet from its beginning as a talisman for controlling animals to its ultimate manifestation as a conduit of diabolic power of the 'Toad-Witch'. The first academic study of this little-known aspect of folk magic, The Leaper Between is here presented in unabridged form, newly typeset in several fine bindings worthy of its fascination. It will be of interest to students of comparative religion, magic, and folklore alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrew D. Chumbley (1967-2004) was a British author, scholar, and sorcerer. His first book Azoetia: A Grimoire of the Sabbatic Craft, first published in 1992 (Xoanon Publishing, republished 2002), a highly original vision of the arcane traditons of Essex and Welsh witchcraft he had been initiated into, apprehending their diverse magical practices via the hidden lore of the Oneiric Sabbat. His second book Qutub, published by Fulgur Limited for Xoanon in 1995, concerned the power of the Opposer and Crooked Path Sorcery, a term Chumbley advanced to describe the transgressive ethos underlying traditional systems of magic integrating right and left-hand path ritual disciplines. In 1999 he wrote One: The Grimoire of the Golden Toad, published by Xoanon in 2000, a personal account of the Toad-bone rituals of East Anglia and other British counties. Additionally, his articles appeared in a number of occult periodicals from 1990-2004. Mr. Chumbley was also, at the time of his death, a PhD candidate at the University of London studying dream-incubation ritual in the ancient Near East.

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EIKOSTOS 
Xoanon Publishing- 1992-2012
Limited to 740 copies only. Bound in natural linen with special color dust jacket. Octavo.

EIKOSTOS, a Greek word meaning ‘Twentieth’, is a complete historical bibliography of the first two decades of Xoanon Limited. Fully illustrated in color and black and white, it details the history, specifications and arcana of each Xoanon title. The text draws upon previously unpublished images, texts and correspondence to embody the patterning of magical emanation crucial to the manifestation of the XOANON corpus. Also included are notes on critical reviews, rare and privately published magical volumes, ephemera, and forthcoming works by the initiates of the Cultus Sabbati. As a scribe bearing witness to time, EIKOSTOS unfolds the witch-gnosis of the Sabbatic Current as manifest through the bound pages of the enchanted book.


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BOUND BY INTENT 
Commemorating Fulgur And Xoanon, 1992-2012
Xoanon Keepsake Exhibition Catalog (Staplebound Booklet)
From The Bound By Intent Exhibit At The 2012 Esoteric Book Conference
Please call for inquiry. 


















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MAGICAL KNOWLEDGE III: CONTACTS OF THE ADEPTS 
By Josephine McCarthy
Paperback: 262 pages
Publisher: Mandrake (September 21, 2012)
List Price: $24.00

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
"...This is the state where the Inner Traditionalist becomes the Ritualist and the Ritualist sees the power behind the words. Magical acts become like riding on top of a speeding train of words, and gestures towards your spiritual destination . . . it is vital for people practicing the Ritual Tradition to read and understand this book and bring back to their systems the techniques that are contained within it." Nick Farrell Magical Order of the Aurora Aurea Rome Magical Knowledge III - The contacts of the Adepts is a book that is a springboard for those who are immersing themselves in the depths of Western Magic. Working at an adept level means working in depth in the inner worlds and bringing that work out into the physical world through ritual, utterance and focused thought. This book facilitates these actions and bridges connections between the inner interface of magic and its outer manifestations. The book looks in depth at magical methods used in various ancient temples, the inner mysteries of the Abyss, the workings of the Metatron Cube, the magic of Fire, the power of Utterance and the contacts of ancient deities.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I have been teaching and writing on occult/ Western Mystery themes in the USA and UK for the last two decades, and involved in magic/occultism for 35 years. I was birthed out of the cooking pot of my bizarre family (and trust me, by anyone's standards, it is bizarre), and the magical city of Bradford complete with its ritual lodges, Theosophical Society, Golden Dawn Temple and strange population.
In the past I have been, among other things, a classical ballet dancer, coach and choreographer, college teacher, stand up poet, arts officer, exorcist, occultist, waitress, cleaner, gardener, director of a federal parrot rescue, Indian Rez bar tender, prep cook in an Haitian/Cuban cafe/bar and tree planter/forestry worker for the Salish And Kootani tribal forestry division in Montana. I now live back in the UK in a wee Dartmoor village and spend my time writing and working on projects with my partner Stuart Littlejohn.”


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THE GATES OF WITCHCRAFT 
By Christopher Penczak
List Price: $21.99
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Copper Cauldron Publishing (February 10, 2012)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Many roads - one destination: that alternate state of consciousness associated with magick and witchcraft. In The Gates of Witchcraft, award-winning author Christopher Penczak looks at twelve different "gateways" of trance and gnosis, twelve different paths for changing our consciousness to go deeper and get more in touch with the magick within. From meditation and breath-work to dance and music, sacred space and sacred vestments, to the Lonely Road of isolation or the Path of Poison working with herbal allies, The Gates of Witchcraft, presents theory, practices, exercises, and rituals for exploring the different paths to power in the Craft. Learn the various aids to help you along the path and take heed of their dangers and shadow-sides. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a novice finding your way, you will find something to help you along. Step onto the path and open... The Gates of Witchcraft!



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MAGIA SEXUALIS: 
Sexual Practices For Magical Power
By Paschal Beverly Randolph , Maria de Naglowska , Donald Traxler (Translator, Introduction)
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Inner Traditions; Reprint edition (August 27, 2012)
List Price: $16.95

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A step-by-step guide to the occult science of sex magic

Based on the practices of P. B. Randolph, occult rival of H. P. Blavatsky

Reveals how to perform sex magic rituals for specific real-world results, such as greater strength or enhancement of the senses

Explains how to create magical talismans, such as rings with specific planetary forces, how to enliven a painting, and how to charge an effigy

Conceived by Paschal Beverly Randolph, Magia Sexualis has been heralded as the most influential book about sex magic ever written, surviving to the present day solely through Maria de Naglowska’s French translation. Published more than 50 years after Randolph’s death, the authorship of this “translation” has been repeatedly called into question: While the greater part of the content can be traced to Randolph’s known works, a very significant portion cannot--leading to the conclusion that this work was supplemented by Naglowska’s own sex magic work and extensive occult teachings.

Magia Sexualis explains Randolph’s meticulous science of sex magic, practiced by the Brotherhood of Eulis and the Hermetic Brotherhood of Light. Beginning with exercises to develop essential skills, the book explains in step-by-step detail how to perform sex magic rituals for specific results, such as greater strength or enhancement of the senses, how to charge and use a “volt”--an effigy of a specific person you want to influence or protect, how to enliven a painting in order to influence those around it, and how to create magical talismans with specific planetary forces, using what Randolph calls “fluid condensers.” This work from two great occult minds shows that true power of the spirit is acquired in conjunction with the power of sex--affirming that “sex is the fundamental force in every being, the most powerful force in Nature, and the most characteristic evidence of God.”


From the Inside Flap
OCCULT / SEXUALITY

Conceived by Paschal Beverly Randolph, Magia Sexualis has been heralded as the most influential book about sex magic ever written, surviving to the present day solely through Maria de Naglowska’s French translation. Published more than 50 years after Randolph’s death, the authorship of this “translation” has been repeatedly called into question: While the greater part of the content can be traced to Randolph’s known works, a very significant portion cannot--leading to the conclusion that this work was supplemented by Naglowska’s own sex magic work and extensive occult teachings.

Magia Sexualis explains Randolph’s meticulous science of sex magic, practiced by the Brotherhood of Eulis and the Hermetic Brotherhood of Light. Beginning with exercises to develop essential skills, the book explains in step-by-step detail how to perform sex magic rituals for specific results, such as greater strength or enhancement of the senses, how to charge and use a “volt”--an effigy of a specific person you want to influence or protect, how to enliven a painting in order to influence those who view it, and how to create magical talismans with specific planetary forces, using what Randolph calls “fluid condensers.” This work from two great occult minds shows that true power of the spirit is acquired in conjunction with the power of sex--affirming that “sex is the fundamental force in every being, the most powerful force in Nature, and the most characteristic evidence of God.”

PASCHAL BEVERLY RANDOLPH (1825-1875) was an African American doctor, Rosicrucian, and occultist who introduced sex magic to North America. The founder of the Brotherhood of Eulis and a known occult rival of H.-P. Blavatsky, he authored several books, including Eulis: The History of Love. MARIA DE NAGLOWSKA (1883-1936) was a Russian occultist, mystic, and founder of the Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. Her conferences in Paris in the 1930s were attended by many now famous avant-garde and notorious writers and artists, such as Julius Evola, Man Ray, and André Breton. She is the author of The Light of Sex, Advanced Sex Magic, and The Sacred Rite of Magical Love.

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STAR CROSSED SERPENT VOL II: 
The Clan Of Tubal Cain Today: The Legacy Continues
By Shani Oates
Hardcover: 204 pages
Publisher: Mandrake; Large type edition edition (June 21, 2012)
List Price: $40.00

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Following on from the groundwork of the first volume prepared by Evan John Jones, the thread continues through expansion, evolution, and return to the Weaver Herself. Experiential research bears fruit, en-fleshing the seeds planted by previous workers of the lineage. Guided and inspired by tradition, prompted by oracular observation, intellect and mental detective work. Concepts and core principles of our Mythos and Praxis reveal a shift of awareness and a 'Perennial Philosophy'. This is an ecumenical gnostic current that has revealed a deeper understanding of our work and its obligations, both to ourselves and to our ancestors. Discussed here are subtle treasures unearthed within a rich heritage of folklore, myth and legend. Overarching paradigms that include the Egregore, Clanship, Mysticism and Luciferianism.

These essays build upon the former volume, expounding a vibrant dramatic aegis.
Here, find a new voice to herald the eternal paean, the Song of the Beloved: Promethean gnosis of the Star Crossed Serpent.

CONTENTS

Intro: The Ring Troth of Cain
1.The Archer's Song
2. Brimstone & Treacle
3. The Faith of the Wise
4. The Stang
5. The 4th Nail
6. Dark Aegipan and Pale Leukothea
7. Cain and Craft Diversity
8. Cain, Clanship and the Egregore
9. Patterns of Transformation: the Alchemy of Being
10. The Poison Chalice Epilogue


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SACRIFICIAL CEREMONIES OF SANTERÍA: 
A Complete Guide To The Rituals And Practices
By Ócha'ni Lele
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Destiny Books (August 22, 2012)
List Price: $16.95

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The first book to explore the history, methods, and thinking behind sacrifice in the growing Santería faith

Explains the animal sacrifice ceremony in step-by-step detail

Shares the ancient African sacred stories that reveal the well-thought-out metaphysics and spirituality behind the practice of animal sacrifice

Chronicles the legal fight all the way to its 1993 U.S. Supreme Court victory to establish legal protection for the Santería faith and its practitioners

Tackling the biggest controversy surrounding his faith, Santería priest Ócha’ni Lele explains for the first time in print the practice and importance of animal sacrifice as a religious sacrament. Describing the animal sacrifice ceremony in step-by-step detail, including the songs and chants used, he examines the thinking and metaphysics behind the ritual and reveals the deep connections to the odu of the diloggún--the source of all practices in this Afro-Cuban faith.

Tracing the legal battle spearheaded by Oba Ernesto Pichardo, head of the Church of the Lukumi of Babaluaiye, over the right to practice animal sacrifice as a religious sacrament, Lele chronicles the fight all the way to its 1993 U.S. Supreme Court victory, which established legal protection for the Santería faith and its practitioners. Weaving together oral fragments stemming from the ancient Yoruba of West Africa, the author reconstructs their sacred stories, or patakís, that demonstrate the well-thought-out metaphysics and spirituality behind the practice of animal sacrifice in the Yoruba and Santería religion, including explanations about why each animal can be regarded as food for both humans and the orisha as well as how sacrifice is not limited to animals.

Shedding light on the extraordinary global growth of this religion over the past 50 years, Lele’s guide to the sacrificial ceremonies of Santería enables initiates to learn proper ceremony protocol as well as gives outsiders a glimpse into this most secretive world of the santeros.

From the Back Cover
SPIRITUALITY / RELIGION

. . . this book is an absolute must-read! You will find here secrets never before revealed to the outside world . . . you simply cannot ignore this book.”
--Aaron Leitch, author of Secrets of the Magickal Grimoires

. . . very useful to students of religion, history, and folklore, as well as general readers eager to know more about this complex religion. It will be a welcome addition to academic and public libraries.”
--Cynthia Duncan, Ph.D., professor of Hispanic studies at the University of Washington Tacoma and author of Unraveling the Real: The Fantastic in Spanish American Ficciones

Tackling the biggest controversy surrounding his faith, Santería priest Ócha’ni Lele explains for the first time in print the practice and importance of animal sacrifice as a religious sacrament. Describing the animal sacrifice ceremony in step-by-step detail, including the songs and chants used, he examines the thinking and metaphysics behind the ritual and reveals the deep connections to the odu of the diloggún--the source of all practices in this Afro-Cuban faith.

Tracing the legal battle spearheaded by Oba Ernesto Pichardo, head of the Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, over the right to practice animal sacrifice as a religious sacrament, Lele chronicles the fight all the way to its 1993 U.S. Supreme Court victory, which established legal protection for the Santería faith and its practitioners. Weaving together oral fragments stemming from the ancient Yoruba of West Africa and from their descendants who were forcibly relocated to Cuba via the slave trade, the author reconstructs the sacred stories, or patakís, that demonstrate the well-thought-out metaphysics and spirituality behind the practice of animal sacrifice in the Santería religion. The patakís explain why each sacrificial animal can be regarded as food for both humans and the orishas as well as how the theme of sacrifice is central to this Afro-Cuban religion.

Shedding light on the extraordinary global growth of this religion over the past 50 years, Lele’s guide to the sacrificial ceremonies of Santería enables initiates to learn proper ceremonial protocol and gives outsiders a glimpse into this most secretive world of the santeros.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ócha’ni Lele has been immersed in the underground culture of orisha worship since 1989. He made Ocha in 2000 and was crowned a priest of Oya. His other books include Diloggún Tales of the Natural World, Teachings of the Santería Gods, The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Divination, Obí: Oracle of Cuban Santería, and The Diloggún: The Orishas, Proverbs, Sacrifices, and Prohibitions of Cuban Santería. He lives in Winter Park, Florida.


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FAERY CRAFT: 
Weaving Connections With The Enchanted Realm
By Emily Carding
Paperback: 360 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (October 8, 2012)
List Price: $18.99

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Faery Craft offers a glittering introduction to the Fae and the people who love them. You’ll find nearly 200 beautiful photographs and illustrations, and simple yet effective ideas on how to engage with this wondrous realm. This gorgeous guidebook explores all things Faery, from the amazing variety of magical beings to natural gateways to the Faery realm. Discover how to practice Faery spirituality and magic, create altars, and find a Faery ally. Brimming over with practical advice, Faery Craft features an original Faery zodiac, guidance on Faery etiquette and prohibitions, and instructions on how to find your own unique gifts and place in the Faery world.

Those already enchanted by Faery beings will love the book’s original art, meditations, and poetry, as well as interviews with Faery authors, artists, and musicians, including R. J. Stewart, John and Caitlín Matthews, Brian and Wendy Froud, Linda Ravenscroft, S. J. Tucker, and Charles de Lint.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Emily Carding (Cornwall, United Kingdom) is an author, priestess, and artist. An initiate of Alexandrian Wicca and a member of the Starstone network, Carding has been working with inner world Faery contacts since childhood. She has been trained in techniques of Celtic shamanism by John and Caitlin Matthews, and has worked with renowned Faery teachers R. J. Stewart and Brian and Wendy Froud. A respected and active member of the Faery and Tarot community worldwide, Carding’s work has received international recognition. Visit her online at ChildOfAvalon.com.

**

SO YOU WANT TO HUNT GHOSTS? 
A Down-To-Earth Guide
By Deonna Kelli Sayed
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (October 8, 2012)
List Price: $15.99

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Popular shows like Ghost Hunters have inspired legions of fans to hunt ghosts on their own. This smart, in-depth guide—packed with insider knowledge—shows how to become a real-life paranormal investigator.

First, explore the fascinating history of paranormal investigation and today’s distinct approaches: client-based, spiritual-based, adventure-based, and research-based. You’ll learn how to build a team wisely, organize an investigation, and find your first case. Unlike other books, this essential guide details how to conduct historical research and properly document your findings. There’s guidance on using the latest ghost-hunting gadgets, such as instrumental trancommunication (ITC) devices, in addition to crucial advice on legalities, ethics, and safety.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deonna Kelli Sayed (Greensboro, NC) is a Muslim-American paranormal investigator with Haunted North Carolina (HNC). She lectures on many
issues, from women in Islam to the paranormal, and has lived and conducted studies throughout Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
She is the host of "Think Tank," a forum on LiveParanormal.com.


**
EVERYDAY WITCH BOOK OF RITUALS:
All You Need For A Magickal Year
By Deborah Blake
Paperback: 360 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (October 8, 2012)
List Price: $18.99

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Amplify your wishes and manifest positive change all year long with Deborah Blake’s inspiring collection of simple rituals. These empowering ceremonies—for new moons, full moons, sabbats, and rites of passage—will help you find love, build courage, boost creativity, achieve balance, and deepen your faith.

Witches of all levels will appreciate these easy-to-perform rituals that require only common tools and ingredients. With down-to-earth sensibility and warmth, Deborah Blake explains basic ritual elements, timing for success, and the importance of each ritual step. You’ll also learn how to customize rituals, adapt them for solitary or group work, and work with a familiar.

**

NEW TAROT DECKS

THE BOOK OF SHADOWS TAROT KIT 
By (author) Barbara Moore, Illustrated by Grzegorz Krysinski, Illustrated by Simone Gabrielli
By: Lo Scarabeo
Imprint: Llewellyn
Specs: Boxed Kit | 9780738735078
English | 160 pages | 5 x 8 x 2 IN
Pub Date: September 2012
Price: $32.95

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This powerful tarot is lovingly crafted upon Wiccan beliefs and practices. On this magical journey, you’ll encounter beautiful gods and goddesses, joyous Sabbat celebrations, spell-weaving rites, and vivid scenes central to Pagan spirituality. From the suits—represented by air, fire, water, and earth—to the major arcana, the tarot’s overall structure is built upon Wiccan themes. Barbara Moore’s book introduces Pagan/Wiccan concepts, offers practical guidance on using the deck, and provides spreads.

The Book of Shadows Tarot Kit features one deck, Volume 1: As Above, and is designed to hold a second deck, Volume 2: So Below, to be released in 2013.

Hardbox kit (5 1/4 x 8 1/4) includes Volume 1: As Above deck (78 full-color cards) and full-color, 160-pp book

**
THE LOST TAROT OF NOSTRADAMUS 
By John Matthews (Author), Wil Kinghan (Illustrator)
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Book and Kit edition (September 10, 2012)
List Price: List Price: $15.95

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
In 1994 a researcher working in the Italian National Library in Rome discovered a manuscript containing 80 mysterious paintings, believed to have been devised by the mysterious prophet Michael de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus. The manuscript, never published in his lifetime, was handed down to his son who later presented it to Pope Urban VIII. After that it remained forgotten and neglected. 

A brief glance at these extraordinary images shows how heavily they draw on the symbolism of Tarot. It is the belief of Tarot experts, Matthews and Kinghan, that Nostradamus was designing his own set of cards, drawing upon the visionary insights gleaned from his prophetic writings and visions. Now this Tarot has been brought to fruition by two modern experts and its secrets revealed for the first time. 

Visionary artist Wil Kinghan and New York Times best-selling author and longtime student of Tarot, John Matthews have devised a deck which incorporates Nostradamus' own images, fully updated to make what will surely be judged one of the most important decks of this age.


**




CALENDAR: UPCOMING: 

Sat, October 6th, Chris Penzack from 7—9pm



**


THURSDAY 11TH ,BLACKSUN (PAGAN AUTHOR) --BOOK SIGNING-6-9PM 
6pm, Thursday 11th , Blacksun (pagan Author) 6pm--Book Signing





ONGOING AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS

Every Wednesday: Irish Language Drop in Class-7-9PM

SUNDAY , OCTOBER 7th
(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, OCTOBER 1st
(Every 1st 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 November 1st , 2012!
Raven, Editrix, Edge of the Circle Books Newsletter




Comments

faoladh said…
Yet another reminder that the CR group meets on first Mondays, and that it will be there today.

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