The Pendle Craft

Yuletide Articles, Interviews, Crafts and much more

Contents SubmissionsPG 3: Editors Letters and “In Darkness” Poem If you would like to submit an article or any pictures to thePG 4: Winter Solstice and History of Yule Tree (RMR) Pendle Craft for consideration in one of ourPG 5-6: Yuletide and Multifaith (AS) forthcoming publications please do so byPG 7-9: Singing, Ringing Tree (JR) sending to the editors at [email protected] 10-13: Soul Dolls (CG) The editorial team reserve the right to abridgePG 14-15: Urban Druid (AS) content and edit for style, clarity and accuracy. We will ofPG 16-17: Tarot with Mystic Winds course contact you if we de- cide to make anyPG 18-20: Awen Elemental Guardian of Danu’s Spring major changes and the editors decision is final.PG 21-22: Herbworld (AS) Next Issue is Imbolc 2016PG 23: Nemeton Energy System (VML) Read back publications at http://issuu.com/thependlecraftPG24-25: Gill Swainson Interview (TC) Follow us https://www.facebook.com/PG 26: Authenticity (ALW) www.thependlecraft/timelinePG 27-28: Kristen Jarvis Interview - Making Magic (SW)PG 29=30: Yule Ritual (CM)PG 31: Craft Corner (RMR)PG 32: Orange Bird Feeder Craft (RMR)PG 33: Magic of Nature Cards (SC)PG 34: Wassail Drink Recipes (RMR)PG 35: Celtic Tree Calendar & Paganism Poem (VM,VF)PG 36: Astrology (RMR)PG 37: Totem Animal Readings (RMR)PG 38-43: Fast Food At The End Of The World - Pt 1 (NB)PG 44-45: Hunter Game Pt 2 (LE)Editorial Team Pendle Craft Office Advantage Business CentreEditors: Ethan Kent & Tasha Clark 132 - 134 Great Ancoats StreetChief Sub-Editor: Victoria Furminger MANCHESTERSubeditor: Raquel M Reichert M4 6DRCopy Editor: Nimue Brown [email protected]/Graphic Designer: Sarah MilesEditorial Photographer: John RobinsonContributers Cover Artwork, original work by Sarah MilesAdele Sutcliffe, Andrew Sutcliffe, Mystic Winds, Sheena Cundy, Raquel M Reichert, JohnRobinson,Claire Gerrard, Vicky MacLean, Tasha Clark, Amy Lynn White, Samantha Wiltshire,Lorraine Ellison, Nimue Brown, Vix Furminger.

Editor’s Ethan KentLetter On November 11 at 8 in the morning, just a normal cold A note from both November morning, this is what I think happened, as I am Pendle Craft editor’s not sure. I climbed (but to others it would be called crawling) Tasha Clark and the stairs to go to the toilet. However, I am not normal for I Ethan Kent. have severe rheumatoid arthritis in amongst other problems and I am not meant to climb stairs. I am meant to wait for myIt’s me again, Tasha partner, Tasha. I didn’t though and after finishing the toilet IClark. I am currently tried to come back down and as I took a step down with my left leg it gave way and I came crashing down the 12 steepstepping in for my partner steps, seriously injuring myself. I picked myself up and rangas he is not very well. Most Tasha at her work, asking her to come home before takingof you know who he is and myself back to bed (our bed is downstairs in the diningare aware of the situation. room as I can’t climb it daily to go to bed); my heart hurtingI would like to thank all and my head hurting. When I woke, Tasha was home andthose that have stood by really concerned. I told her what happened and that I wasn’tus through this entire time: feeling well. I asked Tasha to call an ambulance and by thethe ezine staff, those in time they arrived my left side had completely gone; it wasthe Pagan Federation, the no longer mine. I was rushed first to Blackburn and then tohospital staff, our dear, Preston, where I was to stay for two weeks undergoing testsdear friends and family… before being moved to Marsden Ward of Pendle CommunityWe have met so many new Hospital, a stroke rehab ward. I have been told that mypeople over this last month brain has stopped communicating with the rest of my bodyand I would thank you all old and I now need constant help as I have lost my long-termfriends and new individually memory and cannot do the basic tasks such as tie my shoes,but there are so many and make a cup of tea, or even wash myself. I cannot read orI wouldn’t want to miss any write properly and doing this is really difficult as my wordsof you. So to you all – thank are coming out backwards and Tasha is having to show meyou!! where the letters are. The following poem was written while ISo here we are; it’s time for was lying on my bed in Preston and it is about the dark time IYule. I hope you all have a am feeling right now.wonderful time with yourfamilies and enjoy the In Darknesscompany of all those around In Darkness there is no light,you.The staff of The Pendle And I am blind of sight.Craft have all been doing All hope lost,a fantastic job throughthis difficult time and have And at what cost?helped pull together this In darkness I have no words,fantastic edition. I hope you And my dreams sore like birds;all enjoy it. I must apologiseto anyone if we have missed With wings open and free,an interview or a story in this High above roof and tree.edition. Who am I in this darkness,If you wish to add your With no contrasting starkness;stories, moots, poems or Who is this man I want to be?events please write in to: Who is this man in the mirror I [email protected] In this darkness, I walk the longest mile, In this darkness there is no grace or style; In this darkness I see a spot of light, Finally, it gets so bright.

WinterSolsticeand theOrigin of theYule Treeby Raquel M Reichert referred to as the Yule Log. and winter was said to bring The Log had been decorated numerous evils and maliciousThe traditional purpose of the with symbolism representing spirits that stalked theWinter Solstice in the Pagan their collective intention to shadows of snowy forests,tradition is to celebrate the welcome Warmth and Light. It the Pagan people would turnlongest night of the year. In was by this fire’s power, their to magic and ask the aid ofthe days of Old, the people collective intention was sent nature spirits.felt so profoundly connected as a prayer in the Smoke to Mistletoe, holly and evergreento the Earth and its seasons the Lord of Warmth and Light, were believed to have specialthey felt it their responsibility additionally known as the powers against the darkto increase delight to entice Nordic Tradition, Odin. magicks of winter; as theythe Sun, so as to ensure its were the only plants thatreturn back and nourish them Ways to celebrate Winter stayed green throughout Solstice included making the year. Throughout theand the land all through the masks and head dresses winter, to clear their homes ofupcoming half of the year. decorated with feathers and malicious winter spirits, theGreat fires were lit and a things found thriving in nature Pagan Germanic people hungspecial log placed inside it, during this time of year. Like wreaths and placed heaps of pinecones, evergreens, holly, evergreens over their doors and windows, believing the and mistletoe. spirits that were present in them were enough to ward off It’s said anything that thrives winter evils. in this types of condition does The evergreen decor would so by sheltering good and also be brought indoors as protective spirits that share their scent would refresh their spirit with you when the dark, medieval homes you keep it close. Also, the of otherwise stagnant straw merriment of making generous and thresh. Pinecones and and silly toasts with mead or needles would be burned as a wine; feasting traditionally form of incense; allowing the on bread and honey or the protective spirit magic of the sacrificial hogs and/or goats. evergreen and its smoke to fill When the seasons turned the home.

YULETIDE AND MULTIFAITHby Adele Sutcliffe 1. What does act of worship. The key thing Christmas or Yule for us is to put Christ at theWhen we start to discuss faith, mean to you? centre of Christmas. We knowit can conjure up all sorts of 2. What traditions do that Jesus wasn’t born onimages; as we each have our you and your family December 25th, but that is notown paths, from pagans to have at this time of important. The holiday or HolyIslam to Buddhism and so on. year? Day is a time to remember andWe each are free to practice celebrate when God becamewhat we believe, but at Bob: London human and lived among uscertain times of the year these and started the most importantsometimes intertwine. And “To me Christmas is as it says 33 years in the history ofto see just what other faiths on the tin. Christ Mass, Mass mankind.do at Yule and Christmas, I for Christians and Catholics in “So how does this affectset about asking a few how particular is the most relevant how I and other Christiansthey would celebrate Yule or celebrate? Well, we do all theChristmas and what it means presents and the turkey andto them. I asked a couple of booze thing but we also go toquestions to each:

church as well. The Christian did when we were children. sad cruel world. Col loves toperiod starts with Advent, We all sat down to watch it. hear the songs of old, not allleading up to Midnight mass So in a way I suppose that’s a this modern Christmas songsand Christmas day services. Christmas day tradition to us. you get now.”It’s a happy time with lots of It’s more Boxing Day where “Christmas eve we used tocarols which most people will we have our traditions of going make homemade sausage rollsknow. But there is another to the sales – that’s a must in and mince pies and get all theside to Christmas, a time to our house. Things are different veg ready for Christmas day;be thankful for family, friends now. As a child, my mum and plus we used to get a bar ofand what God has blessed you dad would hang Christmas soap and write on the mirror awith. card up that they had revived. wee message from Santa, like“You also remember those Even now they still do this thank you for the whiskey andthat are no longer with us, and buy their Christian friends sausage roll, scatter a carrot orbut we also and should think gifts. two about, and put the turkeyof others. Try to be a servant “But on the other hand, my in about midnight on a lowto the needs of others, which children will not give out cards heat. Now it’s just Derek and I.is anything from helping the or gifts at this time of year, We usually cook on Christmashomeless to paying a visit not even to their teachers or day.”to the lonely neighbour, and friends. Just goes to showjust taking time to have a how times have changed and I Merry Christmaschat. Spreading the love find it really sad. to you all.and friendship are practical “At Christmas time I buythings that Christians like to friends gifts and those who THE FAITHdo anyway but more so at know me will sent me gifts at SYMBOLChristmas. Eid, but I’m not offended if I“We mainly have a tradition in receive Christmas cards or a A Universal Symbol ofour home putting a tree up, gift at this time of year.” Affirmation (Interfaithdecorating the home, buyingpresents and storing under Col and Derek: Aberdeen Emblem).the tree. We go to church “We feel it’s a time for family Information on thisChristmas morning, a good fry and friendship, to be with the symbol can be found atup breakfast on Christmas day, ones you love. Although we http://www.faithsymbol.followed but a Turkey dinner are not religious as such, wearound 3pm,and we open believe in God and the birth org/presents at anytime. Then it’s of Jesus. Col loves Christmasa salad tea on Christmas day and all the decorations. Ievening.” llove all the hymns and the music that we got taught asYas: Yorkshire a child. We both love to hear them now. Even at our age,“As a Muslin 25th December Christmas morning is stillmeans nothing to us; it’s just special, because you haveanother day. Our Christmas picked the gift for your familyis after Ramadan, which and friends, even though yourmoves every year. And we just children may be grown up andgive gifts to the children and you may have grandchildren.family. I will buy and send my It’s so nice to see their faces,Christian friends a small gift and that special gift for yourand send cards. Also, if I am partner: to see this makes meinvited to a Christmas party, I happy. It’s a day of love andwill go. happiness, and I think it’s what“We always watch the Queen’s Jesus would have wanted in aSpeech on Christmas day;something my Dad always

The Singing, Ringing TreeBurnley by John Robinson

The Singing Ringing Tree can be found on the moors overlooking Burnley in Lancashire.This sculpture got its name because of its shape which is a series of different lengths ofhollow tubes which are similar to a tree. These tubes capture the ever-present wind whichcomes across the moors, making a very eerie, haunting musical sound.In 2006, the tree was completed from a design by award-winning architects Mike Tonkinand Anna Liu.In 2007, thesculpture won thenational awardof the RoyalInstitute of BritishArchitects (RIBA).Since then thisiconic sculpturehas been chosenas one of thetwenty-onelandmarks thatdefine Britain inthe 21st Century,coming aboveYork Minster,the Shard andHighclere Castle.As well as beinga top landmark,the SingingRinging Tree hasalso been named as one of the top ten strangest musical instruments in the world.

I am lucky enough to live just two miles from this amazing landmark which can be found at Crown Point, an area of natural beauty. To get there couldn’t be simpler...for anyone interested, just park up in the car park and there it is just a short walk away. To see this iconic panopticon is breath-taking and, as you get nearer, the haunting sounds become louder and louder. If you add this experience to the spectacular views from on high, it really makes a visit very special. The Singing, Ringing Tree can be found just off Crown Point Road. Further information and details of how to get to site and also information of events at the SRT can be found at: http://www.midpenninearts. org.uk/panopticons-singing- ringing-tree by John Robinson Photographer at Pendle Craft and Frameousfotos  Bespoke photography. Portfolios, Family shoots, Portraits, Landscapes, Calendars, special occasions. All at extremely competitive rates.FRAMEOUSFOTOSBespoke Photos, Portfolios, and Family ShootsFind Out More At: http://www.frameousfotos.weebly.com/or email: [email protected]

Soul Dolls -Wild Doll Medicine to Nourish Your Soulby Claire Gerrard contemporary doll artist’s.... time I was deepening into doll making and playing is in Earth based spirituality. In an Soul Dolls : Flights of fancy our DNA. alchemical process; spirit, created from twigs and clay, As well as for decorative creativity and matter fused feathers, tatty fabric, wool, in a magical way and soul metal, bones and Gaia’s dolls were born, a form of bounty, moon magic and assemblage art. soul sighs. Working with them continues to be an exciting and mysticalEnchanted Anam Caras made journey of exploration andby your Inner Child to light insight, bringing me home toyour path through the Forest. my own Intuition and wisdom and extending my practiceFrom the Palaeolithic 26,000 Spirit of the forest of visionary art and making.year old Dolni Venus Goddess It is my joy to share this withartefact, to Brigid’s Dolls, the reasons and imaginary play others along the way.Shamans Ongun, Witches Dolls have also been made to The Making of a Soul Doll is aPoppets, Hopi Katchinas, animate and personify power spontaneous , meditative andGuatemalan worry dolls, in different ways . intuitive process. TherapeuticMatryoshka nesting dolls, Soul Dolls evolved organically and relaxing in itself, but alsoCorn Husk dolls and, Frozen out of discarded bits and bringing hidden depths andCharlotte’s ,the Health pieces leftover from my work treasure from the primordialGuardian of the Delaware as a jewelery maker, at a realms of fantasy, myth,and Ekeko ‘peddler doll ‘ of symbol, archetype and fairyBolivia to Barbie, Bratz and tale.

that works. have been found in the flow and imagination of making, Making The creative however, the finished dollThere are no rules, recipes process holds up a mirror to ouror ways of doing – you and seems to souls, inviting us to ‘mine ouryour Dolly Muse find your involve many shadow for gold” (C.G. Jung).way together – that’s part of moments of The finished doll symbolises athe enchantment. Free to be synchronicity soul fragment, survivor self oras wild, free, weird, strange with just character from our inner tribe,or unconventional as you want the right a quality, fear, hope or desire– there is no judgment here meaningful we have hidden in our shadow,: ugly/ pretty/ nice /not nice - element locked away from ourselves.It’s all good. popping up to A couple of simple questionsThe Dolls could be made with be included. such as ‘what part of me doan intent; healing and blessing When your you represent’ or ‘what wouldfor example, but often the Anam Cara is you like to be called’ helprichest gifts come from dolls complete, let us to dig deep. Everyone’sthat are allowed to evolve with her rest for a process, projections andeither no conscious agenda while before the deeper work experience is unique and it’sor having been inspired by a begins. important to honour whatdream, wish or vision, letting It would be fine of course comes up for you. My ownthe materials at hand and to stop here and value will experience has been full ofspirit of the doll assemblethemselves, with just a tweakand little encouragement hereand there.Suggested materials :driftwood, twigs roots air dryor oven bake clay, wire, fabricscraps, paint , PVA and superglue, ribbons, charms, crystals, feathers , stones , bonesand found objects. Herbs andspices to add; if for healing/blessing. Be as eclectic asyou like, and prepared to useanything you resonate with

surprises, uncovering lost a ‘girly pursuit’ plasticising of the Soul Dolls and Soulsoul fragments, embracing them and stripping their Animals I have made recentlypoignant moments where power. The real magic is in the and a few ofunexpressed sadness and making and bonding with your the insights gained. I hope youpain has arisen for healing, own creation. will feel inspired to make yourcelebrating and redeeming own.strengths and gifts contained I’d like to end with a passage Keeper of the Mysteries.within. The dolls can embody from Clarissa Pinkola Estes Named Magdala.our own energy, holding a book ‘Women who run with This spellbinding lady in redtemporary mirror to our souls the Wolves’; carries a vintage key fromand by their symbolism, “The doll is the symbolic an old fob watch, implyinghelp us externalise and find homunculi, a little life. A arcane knowledge of timelessresolution to trauma, desires symbol of what lies buried wisdom. A mystical andand conflicts. in humans that is numinous. elusive Blue Rose is also closeA lovely doll to make is an It is a small and glowinganthropomorphic ‘power facsimile of the original Self. to her heart. Her silver Moonanimal ‘ doll to honour your Superficially it is just a doll. face has been hand craftedpower animal and connect But inversely, there is a little from fine silver, with the Bindimore deeply. Dolls could also piece of soul that carries all placed at the brow chakrabe made for guides and deity. the knowledge of the larger representing her awakenedOften as I’ve completed the soul – Self. In the doll is the state and intuitive abilities. Herwork with a Doll, a poem will voice, in diminutive, of old 2.5” tall body is made from asurface that seems to tether La Que Sabe, The One Who small piece of Iona driftwooditself to that work. Knows”. and her dress is the fine goldSoul Dolls are for boys too of Please remember, when your organza of a butterfly’s wingcourse. A great way for a man doll journey is complete, to with her deep midnight redto connect with their Anima integrate and ground these cloak made of pure raw silk,and vice versa. In some of re owned self – projections symbolising her connectionthe great plains Indian tribes, and wisdom, letting them with the feminine mysteries. empower and bless your A creature of the liminalonly boy’s who had undergone onward journey. The dolls can spaces, she may grace youra purification ritual could stay around as quiet witnesses dreams and imaginings,make the sacred Sun Dance and companions, placed in a encouraging the re wildingDoll. Sadly our culture has sacred medicine bundle/Mesa of your deepest self with‘feminised’ dolls, labeling them or Crane bag, or gifted as an her healing and knowing heirloom piece accumulating presence..... Manna with every loving look and touch. I would like to share a few

Admit something: Doll Opposite: Moon Cat.“Everyone you see, you say to A tribute to Bast andthem, “Love me.” reconnection to my ownOf course you do not do this instinctual nature. In theout loud, otherwise ancient world were well knownSomeone would call the cops. for their mystical attributes.Still, though, think about this, Some feared them, somethis great pull in us to connect. revered them, but all in theWhy not become the one who ancient civilizations agreedlives with a that cats have a special place.Full moon in each eye that is Creative thought for thealways saying, day: “Creativity is about theWith that sweet moon relationship of the self tolanguage, what every other the Self - of the embodiedeye in ego, who moves through theThis world is dying to hear?” daily world earning a pay check, pushing a groceryHafiz cart, grooming the dog, orDoll below: Known as the mulching the garden; to theBone Mother or Wolf mother, higher Self, that person inradiating her ancient beauty harmony with spirit. Creativeand deep wisdom. She self-expression is a tool forgathers the bones of grief and the process of what C.G.Jungsuffering and singing her song calls individuation”with compassion and mercybrings forth the new. from ‘Faces of your Soul: Rituals in Art Mask making, and Guided Imagery’ by Elsie and Kaleo Ching. More inspiration for making can be found on the Soul Dolls face book page : https://www.facebook. com/Soul-Dolls- 351600881710356/?ref=aymt_ homepage_panel. Claire offers one to one sessions of Soul Doll Making and can be contacted above. With many thanks to Mike Williams, author of ‘Prehistoric Belief’, ‘Follow the Shaman’s Call’ and ‘Shaman’s Spirit’ for his enthusiastic and insightful input into the process.

Do We Have Time For Ritual?by Andruid little things that don’t take further from the truth. The truth long to do and people can use is slightly different; I have aOver the last few weeks I when time is short (watch this black cloak (why would I wanthave had conversations on space). a white one when walking overFacebook and face-to-face We all have to deal with hills and through woods etc?),with people feeling guilty the real world in our daily usually with normal clothesabout not having time for ritual practice and feeling guilty underneath (although I nowor worried that they don’t have because life gets in the way have a kilt). The only ‘Pagan’the right ‘bling’. So I thought is silly (our Gods or whatever jewellery I wear is an AwenI would do a piece on these will understand this). I recite pendant. My staff is a plainthings from my point of view the Druids’ Prayer everyday birch one made by very goodand I hope it will help others. but I say it looking out of friends of mine from tree fall;First of all the guilt about not the kitchen window whilst the only thing that decorates ithaving the time to thank their waiting for the kettle to boil is an Awen symbol, no crystalsdeities, ancestors or spirits. I in the morning. At any point or jewels or fancy stuff at all,wrote a little Samhain ritual for in the day you can just find no intricate carvings depictinga few people on a Facebook two minutes to give thanks magical things.page and some of their to whoever you feel the need Now I know people who mayfriends. It was part of a bigger to (even sitting on the toilet). read this have staffs coveredritual I had written for a few Whoever your thanking won’t with all that stuff and all theyears ago that our group used. care; all they care about is the jewellery and fancy clothesI told them all they needed intent and that you mean what and if that’s what they wantwas some incense, a tealight you say. then there is nothing wrongcandle and a cup with mead or Now let’s talk about the ‘bling’: with that. I just don’t believe Idrink of their choice in it. Just ritual tools, clothing and need it for what I do.light the candle and focus on jewellery. As a Druid some I have only come across oneit and then recite what I had people would expect me to person in all the events, ritualswritten (I can’t print it here as it wear a white robe and cloak, and functions I have attendedhas some bits taken from other have long hair and a beard, telling someone “you are notsources found around the and a fancy carved staff with dressed correctly for thisinternet.) I am creating more crystals on it. Nothing could be ritual”. The person who was

told this was embarrassed What about an old ashtray orand upset (the person who an egg cup? As long as it issaid this was not a Druid but waterproof it will be fine. Aanother Pagan path). I am fancy statue of a God/dess,part of an OBOD grove even Deity or whatever? What aboutthough I am not doing the a piece of stone or an oldcourse and there is no dress ornament that means a lot tocode as such. I know that you? (I have known someonein OBOD there are different use a piece of Yorkshire stonecoloured robes for the different from their garden). An altargrades Bard, Ovate or Druid cloth? What about a piece ofbut this has never been a material that means a lot toproblem at our grove rituals. you? A piece of your child’sTo me what you wear or carry first school uniform, a bit ofis not important during ritual. clothing that you wore on yourThe only thing that matters is first date with your partner?the intent. You can dress as Anything that has someflashy as you want but if the meaning to you. Do you needintent is not there prepare to fancy incense? (I’m lucky asfeel the boot of your Deity, my wife makes all that weAncestor or spirit on your use). But what is wrong withbackside. just an incense stick? They areI have seen people ask on cheap and do just as well associal media and at events expensive handmade incensewhere to buy an altar kit (and (although we can sell youthere are people out there who some if you wish).will willingly sell you one that’s I’m not saying that we shouldas flashy as you’re prepared all have homemade ”Blueto pay). Again, if that’s your Peter” style altars made fromchoice and what you want to toilet rolls, plastic tubes andbuy then that’s up to you (I sticky back tape. All I’m sayingwon’t judge you). I personally is please don’t feel guiltyhave a little ‘altar’- it’s a shelf about not having the rightnext to my computer. It has ‘gear’ or the time for ritual, anda painting of Morrighan done if you want to buy all the gearby a friend of mine; it has an you need for ritual there areornament that belonged to my some great stockists out there.dad; and a stick made from But all I ask is that you gethawthorn that I peeled and recommendations from otherssanded down myself. That’s as there will be people outit, that’s all I need. A Druid I there who will try to rip you off.respect very highly once told The real world is not all loveme that you carry your altar and light.with you wherever you go: the Remember it’s all aboutearth you stand on , the air in intention as all the fancy stuffyour lungs, the fire that is your in the world will not matter topassion and the water that your chosen Deity if you gomakes up most of our body, about it half-arsed and, believesimple isn’t it ? me, they will let you know.So ask yourself what do Ineed? An athame? What Peace, Loveabout a piece of tree fall like anda twig? Sand it down if you Blessings /I\wish, or even use your finger Andruidand it will do just as good as a£30 knife (unless you’re cuttingthings). A fancy offering bowl?

The Pole Star. and heat. Stars rise above the awesome power that burns at Earth, beckoning our searching the heart of these stellar giantsPosition on the Wheel: minds to reach beyond our and yet that they are only theThe Pole Star is placed at own solar system and grasp sentinels of our own visibleImbolc, on February 1. It is the vastness of space. The reality. The Pole Star remindsassociated with the new moon swirling clouds of stellar us that there is a greater,and universal lore, and stands dust that formed the heart of unseen power in the Universe;between the elements of Earth the stars spiral outward into one that can manifest andand Air. infinity and turn with the cycle balance the enormous gravity, of the Universe. The blessing light and energy that form theDescription: of the Pole Star radiates to heart of a star and yet alsoThe pure white light of the Pole the Earth across the abyss weaves the subtle interactionsStar illuminates the dark void and reminds us that the same between the subatomicof the universe and casts its stuff of creation that fuels and particles that exist in multi-radiance upon the Earth. The binds these mighty sentinels dimensional states that westars represent the remotest of the night sky burns within can only theorize about. Sincepower in the celestial sky and us. Latest research shows that the dawn of time, stars havethe interaction and fusion of stars are initially formed as a been revered and studied asparticles that produce light sphere within a ring or circle they traversed the sky. For the of matter, echoing the cup and first travelers, the Pole Star ring symbols found carved on offered a constant navigation the stones of prehistory that aid as the star fields wheeled may represent the dead of around its fixed position. Long manifestation and the source range calendar predictions of creation itself. The blessing and mathematical equations of the stellar world bathes the also developed from these Earth and the human spirit first attempts at Astronomy. with healing and regenerative Research suggests that the energy. pyramids were laid out in the shape of the constellation of Meaning: Orion and ancient peoples The Pole Star symbolizes saw mythical beasts, Gods universal law, higher spiritual and history laid out pictorially knowledge and power. The in the twinkling star patterns first breath of creation formed of the night sky. Like the the stars and binds them Sun and Moon, the stars together as constants within moved through the heavens the visible Universe. Our own in a regular, predictable cycle; star, the Sun, reminds us of the some vanishing beneath the horizon during the summer

and reappearing during winter. Card 2 knowledge it can in order toMythical stories of great do so. It works hard and trapshunters and slain warriors a bountiful harvest.honored by the Gods and My Thoughts:placed forever in the night sky The wren is so small but yetwere handed down through so mighty and at times ourthe time and developed into looks can deceive us. We thinkancient religious practices. because of the size it can’t do much. It is amazing to seeReading Points: Page of Arrows---Wren. such a little tiny thing workingThe power of the universal lore so hard with determination.is at work here, either within Moving from the Spring The determination that tellsthe individual or permeating a Equinox towards Beltane. him “do not give up” andweb of circumstance that will letting him know that upbring profound change and Meaning: ahead as he works and gainsnew spiritual hope. The Pole The colors of the gold crest the knowledge he needs andStar of prophetic guidance – red, white, green and black the harvest he needs thatand inspirational knowledge – were once held to be sacred the bounty is much. The sizehas risen and will guide you and the common wren was of one does not matter; it ison your forth coming journey considered a guardian of the what and how hard they workthrough the forest. If you hold winter mysteries. Druids kept to reap what lies ahead forthis basic and ancient truth wrens as totem animals of them...near the core of your being augury and prophecy and Blessings...and navigate by it, you cannot ritually sacrificed them on St Mysticalwindsgo far wrong. It is there as a Stephens Day (Dec 26).talisman as well as a symbol of Tarot cards used are Wildthe universal cycle of nature. Reading Point: Wood Tarot and can beWhenever you are feeling lost Study and application bring found at:in the dark labyrinth of life, wisdom and understanding http://www.remember that the same laws which can be applied to most thewildwoodtarot.com/and primal matter that bond situations. Your youth and Picture to left is: Thethe Pole Star and fuel its giant determination will carry you Flammarion engraving byheart also formed you. forward and your nascent an unknown artist, first skills bring you to a dynamic documented appearanceMy Thoughts: realization. is in Camille Flammarion’sAs we journey on our paths, 1888 book L’atmosphère:even in the darkest of night météorologie populaire.or the darkest hour that is putbefore us, we can be assuredthat up above us there is thateverlasting burning star thatlights our way and shinesso brilliantly. It will guideus on our life’s journey asall the heavenly Gods andGoddesses watch over us...Blessings... Strongest before Beltane, the wren is the guardian of mysteries and alone holds the secrets of winter having lived through it unlike many other birds. It is a studious creature, learning quickly and gaining wisdom. It is determined to survive and will gain all of the

BeingThe wood brings togethertime past and time to come,the hour-glass pivot-pointof shifting sand;this moment where I standeyes closed, letting time fuse.A meeting place of roots and feetwhere Autumn roars its furydrowning out all soundsave for itself and the hoarsekaahr, kaahr of rooks;black rags that swirl and diveand make the wind their own.I am caught in this apex,crossed-road of time and spacewhere all things meet and meldwhere all befores and afters disappearbecome this now, this moment,this herein of being.BY JANE HARLAND

Anwen Elemental Guardian Of Danu’s Spring by Vicky MacLeanWoolston near Oswestry is the remains were laid on the arrangement continues intothe location of a site named ground at Woolston and a a second stone pool whichafter the Welsh Saint, Winifred, miraculous well appeared. The in turns flows out throughknown generally as St declaration of a miracle lead to another hole into a shallowWinifred’s Well. It stands at pilgrims arriving at the well for reed bordered pond thatthe end of a woodland path. healing. empties to the North overThe Christian story of the well A lesser known fact is that a small waterfall and into ais that during the 12th Century just below the site of this well lively little brook presumablythe monks of Shrewsbury a natural spring bubbles to to connect to the River Mordajourneyed to Flintshire to the the surface and these waters close by.shrine of St Winifred charged had healing properties, which I have visited this site awith bringing the saint’s would cure eye troubles. number of times and haveremains back to their Abbey. Over this spring stands a small always been enchanted by theDuring the journey home black and white building from energy of the spring. Sadly, it around the late 15th Century. is now rather neglected, and The building seems to have seems to have few ‘pilgrims’ in had multiple uses depending these modern times. on which story one follows. At the end of October 2015 Perhaps a well house, and two friends and myself later a Court House for the decided to visit the spring as local area, and even a cottage one of them was visiting from dwelling. More recently it Devon and had never heard of has been converted into a the healing spring. Both of my holiday let. The spring rises friends follow the Pagan Path right below the structure and and are male. The reason I a stone chamber encloses mention this fact will become it. There is a small door-like clearer as I write. opening with steps down to We arrived at the spring just the spring head itself. The after lunch and it was a crisp water is crystal clear and warm autumn day. Birds sang flows gently upwards and and the sun shone, but the air out through a hole in a large of sadness and neglect was sandstone block and into a palpable, and all three of us manmade sandstone bathing commented on the low energy. pool which has steps down It is usually a very uplifting into it at both sides. The

energy by the flowing water. companion whom I shall only Mother to a small groupOur Devon companion call Wolf, as he may not desire of attendant Priestesses.is clairaudient and very publicity, spoke: eyes still Anwen told us that she hadknowledgeable on many closed. He described being been forgotten along withsubjects, My second aware of a Guardian Spirit her Goddess and the springcompanion is a Reiki Master attached to the spring. She neglected. In her life as itsand Practitioner of Nemeton was intrigued by what I and Guardian she had passedEnergy; he has a sound my other companion, whom into Spirit at a “good age”.knowledge of herbs, oils I will refer to as Draco, were Over time she had becomeand raising energy and ritual doing at her spring. What the spring’s Elemental Spiritpractices. then followed was around Protector in the absenceWe decided to light some an hour of amazing dialogue of any more Sisters or acandles and incense that we and information. In all my High Priestess to serve thehad brought with us to honour 30 years of being involved in Goddess.the Goddess of the spring energy work, Earth magic and This is the sadness we feltwhich obviously pre-dated the Spiritual practice I have never when we arrived and what hadwell site of the 12th Century. been as overwhelmed as I was motivated us to work togetherWe had also planned to invoke that day by the information to offer devotions and to clearthe Goddess Nemetona of the and insights that poured out out the fallen leaves from theSacred Groves there amongst via Wolf and his channelling water.the trees. ability. All the time Draco and I worked at clearing andOur friend from Devon seated The story has energising, Anwen talked on.himself at the side of the its beginning She said it had been 563 yearslower bath and closed his long before since she last communicatedeyes; in meantime the two of the Christians directly with a human. It mightus continued our devotions arrived in explain her desire to chat fordoing our best to clear the the Marches so long. She was moved bysad aura and raise the energy. between the attention we showed butWe were both standing in Wales and was a little surprised by a manthe shallow water when our England. In working words and spells. She fact according also kept referring to Draco to our narrator as “One of those”, meaning Druids came his Druidic connections. She to Her spring was not enamoured of Druids and took Her or indeed men in general; water, her however, she apparently very own words. much liked my energy and told Our guide’s Wolf that I was a natural-born name as near healer. I simply said “Thank as Wolf could you, Mother for your kind tell because words” out loud. Apparently of her ancient this pleased her greatly and accent was through Wolf she replied and still “Daughter, had you lived in my remains time I would have initiated you Anwen. She to the Goddess right away on once had meeting you”. I said to Draco human form that I wanted to come back and dedicated soon to continue cleaning her life as the algae from the spring and High Priestess to the Earth tidying away leaf fall. The and Water Goddess who we response from Anwen took us believe was most probably all by complete surprise. She Danu/Anu mother of the said that She would always be Tuatha De Danann the Fey at the Spring to watch over it, people of the Bruna Boinne but that She was passing the area of Southern Ireland. Guardianship to me: it was Anwen was also the Spiritual

blade and usually covered. However, when I showed it to him he told me it was the triple spiral form of the Goddess Danu. He believes that Danu marked me seven years ago as her own, even though at that time I had not taken the Pagan Path.now in my charge, but she I am approaching 63; Anwen I know that the “Muggles” ofwould forever offer guidance said the English version of the world will probably thinkwhen I needed Her. her name equates to Ann, my me insane, but those of usWe all just looked at each middle name is Ann. During with a deeper understandinother. Wolf then explained my weekly healing group will appreciate how amazingAnwen felt a kinship with me my four regular ladies were this journey of empowermentand knew I would honour working with the water energy is for me. The rising of thethe role as a daughter of the and using water from the Divine Feminine since theGoddess and keeper of the spring. One of them heard a Millennium shift in awarenessspring. I could only tell her woman clearly say “I have all has seen the awakening ofI accepted. She then told my daughters again”. The so many women as theyme I must bring back the final piece seems to be my come into their true powerhealing herbs that once grew tattoo done when I visited and purpose. These thingsthere and planted by her and friends in New Zealand after having been taken fromthe Sisters. I fully intend to my husband passed over. New them over hundreds of yearscomplete that task as I have Zealand is a truly beautiful of patriarchal control andmany of the old wild and and spiritual land, and I was in subjugation. Balance in allhealing herbs in my seed desperate need of its healing things in Heaven and Earth,collection, and with the help of energies and hot springs. At male/female, God/Goddess.Draco and my younger sister 56 I decided I wanted/needed I am humbled and honouredJane next year we will begin a tattoo. My friend Jane, also and realise this has been mythat work. a healer and intuitive, helped destiny since I began myThere are a number of other me to draw up a design and healing path so many yearsthings that connect me to a close friend of hers, a Maori ago, everything was leadingAnwen and the sacred spring: Artist and Shaman, created it me to my Pagan road andI am a water element; Anwen for me. I love its energy. service to the Divine Femininehas not spoken for 563 years, Wolf had never seen the tattoo and the healing arts. I have as it is on my right shoulder so much yet to learn and it is exciting. I hope you have enjoyed reading about Anwen,Danu’s Spring and my wonderful companions, Wolf and Draco. May the Goddess watch over each of you. Blessings, Love and Light.

Herb Worldby Adele Sutcliffe This wonderful resin is tapped is also a resin too? They are from the scraggy but hardy evergreens and an enduringHere we are again. My, hasn’t trees by slashing the bark symbol of winter, growing upthe time flown. How are you which is to 80m tall. The bark of mostall getting on with making your called stripping, and allowing pine is thick and scaly. Theseown incense? the exuded resin to bleed out trees are long living trees,Yule is fast approaching now and harden. These harden reaching ages of 100 andso this month we are going resins are called tears. Soil up to 1000 years old. One ofto focus on Yule incense and and climate differences can the world’s oldest pine treesherbs that we may have or buy create a diversity of the resin is in the white mountainsfor Yule. within the same species. of California. It is dubbedAs we covered Cinnamon last Tapping is done two to three Methuselah, which is 4,600month, we don’t need to revisit times a year, and generally years old, and an older treethat one but it will be used in the last tapping produces which has been cut down wasthe Yule incense this month. the higher quality and more dated 4,900 yrs old. opaque resin. The finest resin The scent of the pine isFRANKINCENSE is produced in Somalia; this unmistakable: sweet, slightlyThis is a resin that is used to is where the Catholic Church woody and spicy. It is brilliantmake the incense burn slower buys most of its stock. for strength, purification andand it has a wonderful aroma. Frankincense is used for cleansing.This resin has been traded protection, as well ason the Arabian Peninsula and consecration, purifying and GINGERNorth Africa for more than healing. It is also good to Most will know this spice. It is5000 years; a mural depicting blend with others for a good mainly used in cooking curries,the sacks of frankincense deep meditation. Parkin, Yule or Christmastraded from the land of punt cakes. But this little beautyadorns the wall of a temple PINE is an herbaceous perennialof Ancient Egyptian Queen, We all know pine trees, and and grows about 1 meterHatshepsut. the needles that they drop, tall, having narrow green but did you know that Pine leaves and yellow flowers. It is indigenous to South China,

and was later spread on the 1/2 part sandalwood juniper berries; cinnamon;Spice Islands and other parts 1/2 part benzoin (resin) ginger powder and root;of Asia. It was exported to 1/4 part myrrh, sandalwood; benzoin (resin);Europe via India in the 1st 5 drops each of cinnamon oil frankincense; myrrh; mistletoe;century AD, as a result of the and orange oil. orange peel; chamomile;very lucrative spice trade. The Do the same as above, but bayberry; mixed spice powder;Romans used it extensively. make the blend slightly nutmeg; holly leaves andIndia is now the largest smaller. Add the oils after, berries; sage; all spice powder;producer of ginger. taking care to count each spruce needles and/or oil.Fresh ginger and dried ginger: drop. If you are short of timethe aromatic smell is one of (sometimes I have been), youthe nicest, I think. Not only is YULE 3 can make an oil blend instead.this used a lot in my kitchen, I This is a long one and can be Pick out your favourite herbsuse it for wealth and prosperity made now or later in the year from the list and if you don’tin incense blends, but it can for next Yule: have the oils, go buy some.also be used for love and lust. 2 parts pine needles You done have to get them all,As always, please be careful 1 part cedar maybe one or two, such asusing oils and herbs if you are 1 part cloves cinnamon and clove, or orangepregnant! 1 part juniper berries and pine. The choice is yours.After Samhain has gone, I’m 1 part cinnamon Hope you have all enjoyed thisbusy again making the incense 1 part ginger edition; see you next time.for Yule. Here are some simple 1/2 part sandalwoodblends for you to try. Yes, 1/2 part benzoin (resin) HAPPY YULEthere’s time to make one. 2 parts frankincense TO YOU ALLThis is a simple loose one with 1/4 part myrrh,no oils: 1/2 part mistletoe Here is a reminder of howAs always I work in 1/4 part orange peel to prepare and test theteaspoons: 1 part = 1 tsp; 1/2 5 drops each of cinnamon oil incense from last issue:part = 1/2 tsp. and orange oil As before, set out a piece 3 drops bayberry oil of tissue paper, get all yourYULE 1 Quite a lot in that one. As herbs and resins and oils2 parts frankincense always, please take care using out, then begin making you2 parts pine needles oils and some herbs. incense. once you have1 part cedar As I keep saying, these are them in little piles in front1 part juniper berries not set in stone. There may of you, begin mixing themMix these together. If you have be something you really don’t together, omitting the oilsa pestle and mortar then crush like. That’s fine; just don’t use till last, when you are happy,slightly. If not, use two large it. take a small amount andspoons. You want this slightly a charcoal disk, and testchunky as it is to be used I have listed below everything burn, this will give you anmore or less straight away. that can be used to make your indication of what the smell Yule blend: will be like, This is whereYULE 2 Pine needles; cedar; cloves; you can add more if you2 parts frankincense wish, you may decide that2 parts pine needles sandalwood is good and1 part cedar wish to add more of that,1 part juniper berries you may prefer to make a larger quantity, that’s fine, make sure that if you do it needs to be stored in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and label well, but for smaller amounts its fine to wrap in tissue paper and label it.

Nemet on Energy System NES, symbols were channelled for the tree and plant energiesby Vicky MacLean rebalance, ground and energise not just by myself or Wendy their own centres. Jackson but by all the studentsMy first article about the Trees and plants each have who began working with theNemeton Energy System their own distinct signature discipline.described its origins and Patron and personality, and to To find yourself “called” byDeity Nemetona. communicate with those Beith is truly a blessing. energies is life-changing. I Oak (Duir) energy is entirelyI would like this time to outline have a beautiful Silver Birch different, most definitelythe practical application of tree, Beith is her Celtic name, masculine. Oaks providetree/plant energies, and how outside my bedroom window. shelter to so many livingwe can benefit both ourselves She always fills me with a creatures, and acorns as foodand others through their use. sense of renewal, ethereal in and medicine. The tree of life, the moonlight, a tree of new deep rooted, strong and sacredFirstly, can I say that I believe beginnings. She seeded herself, to Thor. Place your handsone simple truth - All Healing The White Lady of the woods, on the Oak, close your eyes,is the same: it comes from the some 17 years ago and we reach out with your heart andheart, it is the desire and intent have become close friends. Her mind to sense the spirit within.to channel healing energy that grace and strength inspire me. Sacred to the Druids andcreates positive changes. It She shares the gentleness of Ancient Celts, oaks are seen asdoes not matter what name we her Spirit leading me to devote protectors or guardians. A sprigapply, Reiki, Spiritual Healing, my time to healing, teaching of Oak protected babies andLaying on of Hands or indeed and encouraging spiritual infants from being swapped asNES. It is in the desire to work growth and understanding in Faerie changelings. It likewisefor the Highest Good that we others. protects us from glamour orconnect to those beneficial Taliesin son of Cerridwen is charms.energies. identified with Beith. Use the Use Oak energy to protect energy of Beith to initiate new energetically “weak” individualsWe may follow certain beginnings, fresh starts, to and aid recovery from illnessdisciplines on the path to change negative patterns and which leaves one psychicallybecoming Healers but the to drive out negativity ready for vulnerable, fatigued and withoutcome is always the same. a new start. Protective Beith low physical energy.I use Usui, Shiki Ryoho and was used for cradle making for Go to any tree which calls toTibetan Reiki, Nemeton, newborns to protect them from you, place your hands on theCrystals, Radiothesia, any negative psychic energy bark and focus. CommunicateKinesiology, whatever I am which might attack them. with its Spirit, always beguided to employ. The energy This is the essence of NES respectful. Close your sessiondictates and works with the to use each energy to correct by thanking the tree spirit, leaveneeds of the receiver. I do dis-ease in the human energy a token in exchange, and usenot heal anyone; I am simply field. During the birthing of the same method with plants.the conduit that enables the Sit in a wood or garden withindividual to open themselves your back against a tree andto what they need in order to connect to the Spirit in this way too, feel the rise of the sap, the wind in the branches, and the warmth of the sun. Follow the energy of the roots deep into the Earth. This method is also very discreet if you are at all concerned by any passers-by staring at you in “tree hugging” mode. Enjoy

G 13, my father who encouraged i me sent in some work I did to l London Art College. I won first l prize. I went through some tough times a few years back; art helped me through it. I did a portraits course and studied the pencil, as I love to draw in black and white .I love doing children as fantasy pieces. Always try and put a lot of feeling in my work. I would class my style as fantasy artist. I tried cats,dogs, landscapes but they don’t work for me. S Q: Do you find fantasy art a w de-stressor and a means of a escape for you? A: Yes I think I do. My favourite piece I have drawn is ‘Winds of Change’. it symbolises moving on away from tough times, hence the name.Gill Swain Interview i Q: That sounds beautiful. Isby Tasha Cark n this then a way of you saying this is how I was and this isQ: Firstly, I want to thank you Q: Ironing round? Can you how I am now? Is it then afor agreeing to the interview. explain more? And how does case that you find and enjoyFor the readers, can you that combine with your art? having a story behind eachintroduce yourself? A: The ironing supported me piece of work?A: I live in a village, and I am while I was waiting for my art A: Yes, spot on. Most of myseparated with two grown-up to sell. Now my art is selling. pieces are about life - eitherchildren and six grandchildren. Q: Ah ok. I used to be paid to things that move me or thingsI have been drawing all my life do ironing with family friends; that have been part of me.but never did anything with it. now I only iron if the clothingCircumstances came about needs it. Q: My partner’s mother wonso I decided to do something How did you get into art? What a scholarship to the Royalmore with my life - set myself would you class your style as? Academy of Art in London; sheup with an ironing round to A: I was five and I won first learnt through her teachers tosupport my art and both are prize for drawing a portrait of draw what she sees. Where docombining well. a man in class. When I was you take this from with being a fantasy artist, where do you see your subjects? How do you draw what you see? A: Yes, I think all artists do. Some for hairstyles, legs, even pictures in the woods near me for leaves and trees. Q: The Pendle Craft is a

Q: When creating your work, you’ve already said black and white and pencil, but what do you prefer to work with - oils, acrylics etc.? What works best for you? Or is it a case of as you do the work you get that feeling as to what you need to use? A: Pencil work is my favourite. I am only just going back to using water colour and acrylics. I always draw the subject then decide. Oils I just don’t have patience to wait for drying time.magazine serving the Pagan What advice would you give to Q: How can people buy or findcommunity. With fantasy art, up and coming artists in this your work?do you find you have similar area? A: I have just opened a shopbeliefs or ideas, i.e. Nature, A: I know myself and my on Etsy. They can contact mefae etc.? daughter definitely do as I through the Facebook page,A: Yes I do. My daughter is think it comes from my father. I Gill Swains Studio. And I amvery much the same. I have think as an artist it’s important about to go on Red Bubble.just paintedher a Green to find your style of art. Don’t Q: With theMan picture be afraid to try anything new. piece ‘Winds ofwith a But once you have found Change’, if youworking your style, the rest will come don’t mind, canclock for together and importantly never you tell us theChristmas give up. story behind.I spend a that piece andlot of time in how you’vemy woods; grown from it?I love it in A: The ‘Windssummer and of Change’especially representswhen the strength,leaves coming to termschange with some hardcolour. I also times in my life.made my The throwingdaughter back of thea ‘Book of hair representsShadows’ the release ofwhich she change within;loves. I breathing new air; startinglove watching the moon; my life over with courage andsometimes it helps to draw believing in myself again.inspiration. Thank you Gill for your timeQ: Would you say then that today.you and your family or some ofthem follow a Pagan tradition?

AUTHENTICITYby Amy Lynn White one’s entire life. They must confront, acknowledge,To find balance in one’s soul, battle, accept and in someone must first find peace way befriend every facet ofin their world and come to themselves - the good, theaccept oneself. bad and the in between!To establish this peace and One must do whatever theyachieve this acceptance, one must to come to peace withmust embrace the light of everything.love, the pitch of darkness andeverything in between. This process is well worth the effort and brings interesting revelations about oneself.One must find and maintain Put into mindful practice, ittheir own balance, which is can change one’s world andhighly individualized. hopefully have a ‘ripple effect’No two souls are the same and with any others one maywhat’s right for one may not be associate.for another. One becomes the wonderfullyIn the maintenance of one’s unique soul that one wasbalance, one must not forget meant to be.to accept others as one One discovers that it’s reallycannot successfully practice not that hard to have theone without the other. courage of their convictions.Coexist! Honesty. Loyalty. Integrity.One must find their own form Then one becomes authentic.of peace. This part is far from Blessed Beeasy.One must objectively survey

Making Magic Kristen: Kristen: It honestly came after I with Kristen I’m not started making my earrings. Jarvis really Sam: So you were your own religious inspiration, would you say?Hey folks, I present to you in any Kristen: I’d say nature, inall for this Yule edition, an way. general, more so is.interview with Fairy Artist Sam: Ok,Kristen Jarvis. It was a lovely brilliant. ‘Kristen Jarvis - Fairyexperience interviewing Do you Raccoon Skull’her and I hope you all get mind Sam: Wonderful, and howsomething out of this interview telling us long ago did you find thisbecause I sure learnt a lot! about the inspiration and start yourSam: To start, how old are you, work you business?Kristen? do? Kristen: About a year ago.Kristen: I’m 19! Kristen: Sam: Was it easy starting up I make the business?Sam: And where are you from? tons of Kristen: I don’t think so. LikeKristen: Gastonia, North different anything else in life, you haveCarolina, United States. creations to work hard to make it, and I that are continue to work hard to try toSam: Awesome! Do you all fairy make my business grow wherehave any religious or spiritual themed. It I could flourish off of it.inclinations that you’d be all started Sam: Excellent, I’m glad it’scomfortable sharing with us? If with my going well for you. Have youyou’re not, don’t worry about fairy wing always wanted to be an artist?it! earrings Did you see yourself going made down any other path? with real Kristen: Yes, I have always cicada wanted to be an artist. I wings. I also make art from struggled as I went through animal bones and decorate high school because everyone skulls with crystals. All cruelty- was figuring out what they free and ethically sourced. wanted to do for college and I never could figure it out. Kristen Jarvis - Aurora Sure, I was good at anything Borealis wing earrings I applied myself to in school, Sam: Amazing. What made but I wasn’t passionate about you want to be a fairy artist? it like I was in art class. Where did your inspiration come from?

magazine is a British Pagan magazine and I’m the youth/ student correspondent, and I was wondering if you had any advice for young pagan entrepreneurs? Kristen: My best advice for any pagan entrepreneurs, or just anyone really is, do not let others pressure you into changing who you are. Do ‘you’; don’t be afraid to do ‘you’. Most importantly, always follow your heart because that’s the only chance you’ll ever have at making your dreams come true.‘Kristen Jarvis - Blue Fairy Sam: I hope it all works out for Sam: Thank you for such anBox’ you. There is definitely a place inspiring message. I hope our in the world for your work. As readers get something fromSam: Are your family and you may, or may not, know, this! Last question I have forfriends supportive of the work The Pendle Craft ‘Kristen you is where can our readersyou do, and are there any find you and your work?particular moments you could Kristen: They can find me in ashare with us about that? multitude of places!Kristen: My mom says I’mnot applying myself and that I Etsy: http://need to go to college. My dad kristenjarvisart.helps me with things I need Etsy.comhelp with like drilling things Facebook:sometimes, but I do think he http://only tells me to keep doing Facebook.Com/this because he doesn’t want kristenjarvisartto help pay for college. Instagram @ kristenjarvisartSam: I can understand their Tumblr: http://concerns, but your work is kristenjarvisart.fantastic. Where do you see Tumblr.comyourself in three years fromnow? Sam: Brilliant,Kristen: Honestly, I really thanks Kristen.don’t know. Basing my life off That’s all myof my art is still being tested questions. It’sout, and I’d love if it could been wonderfulwork. But if it doesn’t, I really talking to you!don’t know what I would do. Kristen: And thank you! Jarvis Rabbit Fairy Skulls’

YULE RITUAL by Claire Moone This is a quick and simple your own scared grove. Feel nourishes life, without which ritual for the Yule season. It the protection, energy and love we would not be and allows can easily be adapted for of it. Feel your energy reaching us understanding of emotions. being a group or solitary down and stretching upwards, Hail and Welcome. ritual, and can also be connecting you to the land North: Guardians of the north, amended to suit your own below and the sky above. place of Earth. For which I am paths. Take it, change it, ever of and linked to the Gods, use it. Yule Blessings! Intent granting stability. Hail and Welcome.Preparation For a few months the days Goddess: Goddess of all have been growing shorter, seasons, we see you now as · Yule Log (created by and the nights longer. After mother with child. Be with us your own fair hands – today, little by little, the hours tonight. Hail and Welcome. a thick log with holes of light will increase. The days God: God of all seasons, we drilled in for candles. will grow longer until once see you now as the dying sun, Can be decorated if you again it is Summer. and yet also as a tiny baby, the wish. Make it your own) We celebrate now the time of Sun reborn. Be with us tonight. Winter Solstice which is called Hail and Welcome. · Tea lights and candles Yule. It marks the birth of the Ancestors: It’s the blood of (coloured if you have Sun, and brings new and hope the Ancients that runs through a specific intent or just to the world. As we join the our veins. And the forms may plain if you’d prefer) Goddess in greeting the new change but the Circle of Life Sun, we also welcome the new remains. To the Ancestors who · Fire (optional) light within ourselves. We are have gone before us - join us present here to welcome the as our honored guests in this new light. holy place. Hail and Welcome!Before starting any ritual, it is Ritual As the darkness increased, weimportant to relax and ground felt the death of the Sun-Godyourselves: East: Guardians of the east, approach. But in the darkest ofIf you are in a group – Please place of Air. Breath of the winter, He is reborn as the lighttake hands and centre your Gods which gives us life, of the infant son. It is the Lordenergies. Imagine a seed of inspiration and clarity of of Light and Life who is bornlight flowing down through thought. Hail and Welcome. again! Let us aid his passage.your body, into the ground. South: Guardians of the south,Feel it linking with the energy place of Fire. The flame that ALL REPEAT:of the person next to you. Feel warms our hearts and souls, The night is dark, the Sun isthe tendrils flowing, expanding and grants us passion and goneand joining with the energies intuition. Hail and Welcome. Yet we know the wheel turnsof the space, the earth and the West: Guardians of the on.Universe. west, place of Water. TheIf you are on your own – Take ever-changing cycles thatthe time to imagine yourself in

Through midnight’s hour, solid retakes his throne at the end of of clarity. Hail and farewell!dark, this Solstice night! HAIL! Goddess: Great Goddess,Within our hearts remains a May the spirit of Yule remain Mother Earth. We thank youspark with us all for the whole of the for your presence in ourAnd as the morning Sun greets next year. May our obstacles celebration of the Sun’s return.us and snares vanish. May our Stay if you will, go if you must.As we celebrate in his name seeds take root and flourish. Hail and Farewell!We’ll take the heavy Yule log May we be blessed by the God: O Horned Lord ofAnd set it to spirits and ancestors of old Winter’s Darkness. We thankthe flame who watch over us all. you for your presence as we North: Spirits and Guardians rejoice in Solstice joy. Stay if*Place theYule log on of the North, we thank you for you will, gothe fire and your presence here and for if you must.take a time your gift of stability. Hail and Hail andto meditate, farewell! Farewell!make a wish West: Spirits and Guardians Ancestors:or cast a of the West, we thank you for To thethought to the your presence here and for ancestorsUniverse, so your gift of empathy. Hail and who havethat they be farewell! walkedempowered South: Guardians of the this pathby the South, we thank you for your and join usreturning light. presence here and for your gift here todayIf you don’t of purity. Hail and farewell! – we thankhave a fire/ East: Spirits and Guardians of you forunable to have the East, we thank you for your your everone, light the presence here and for your gift presence.candles within We shallthe Yule log.* remember. Stay if youAs you light the Yule log fire, will, go ifAnd the candles are all a-glow, you must.Be thankful for what you’ve Hail andreaped this year, Farewell!And all you’ve grown to Know! Take handsGreat God of the Sun, we again (orwelcome Your return. May if you’re on your own, standYou shine brightly upon the in your mind’s eye grove) andGoddess; just feel the energy releasingMay You shine brightly upon around you. Flowing back intothe Earth, scattering seeds the earth. Soaring above youand fertilizing the land. All into the air. Connecting youblessings upon you. with the surroundings. Release your energies byHail the Oak King as he calling the Awen. *Chant the Awen three times* The Circle is open but not unbroken. If in a group, please use the space for any personal time needed.

CRAFT CORNERA simple “Fairy Necklace” Necklace chording of your that necklace.by Raquel M Reichert choice* (silver, gold, leather, Take your eye pin and insert twine, the list is endless) into the bead cap, and trimThis is possibly the easiest Bead caps* the end of the pin. You willcraft I’ve done, and the need to leave enough “pin”quickest… I love how they Eye pins* to create a loop. Using theturned out. I’m thinking these Jump rings* fine-tipped pliers, turn thealso would make beautiful Needle Nose pliers trimmed section of the eyebracelets, earrings, or even A pre-heated 500 degree F pin into a loop. With bothring. An important note on (260 degree Celsius) oven ends of the eye pin securethe marbles: They MUST be A METAL bowl or pot filled in the bead cap, apply someclear or single colour; not with ice water (the colder the adhesive to the inside of theswirly colours like you find better) cap (E6000 works great). Nextin children’s play marbles. I To start: adhere the cap to the marble.purchased mine from the Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees Set aside to dry. Next you willdollar store. I purchased a bag F (260 degrees Celsius). attach the marble pendant toof blue and one bag of clear. Open bag of marbles, place your necklace cording thatThese make great gifts, or to them on the baking sheet. Let you have selected…. You aresell at fairs, or keep for your them stay in the oven for 20 DONE!littles or yourselves. minutes. NO PEEKING. Once *all jewellry items can be the 20 minute time is up, pull found at your local craftWhat you will need: the baking sheet CAREFULLY store or online. They arePlain old marbles, like the kind from the oven and immediately very inexpensive and youyou would fill in a decorative slide the marble into the ice will be able to make severalvase. water bath. Let them sit about necklaces.A baking sheet 10 minutes to completely coolE6000 glue (or any very strong, and crack. Remove from the clear drying glue) water and get ready to make

Orange BirdFeeder CraftYou will need:2 envelopes of Knox Gelatin1 cup waterHollowed out navel oranges or mandarin oranges2 cups of birdseedString for hangingEmpty contents of gelatin in medium size pot andadd 1 cup of water. Heat on low, until gelatin iscompletely dissolved. Remove from stove top andstir in 2 cups of birdseed. Prepare the orange bycutting an end open just enough so you are able toget in and scrape the rind clean. Poke a small holeon each side (use a metal skewer) and thread apiece of string on each side for hanging.Once the orange is clean, and holes made, packthe orange with the birdseed mixture recipe. Placein the fridge for 2 hours. Once this has set up, itwill be hard to the touch and ready for you to hangfrom your favorite tree branches for the birds toenjoy….*Recipe can be doubled to accommodate thenumber of hangings bird feeders you’d like tocreate.

The Magic of Nature is crowd for a while and retreat. another. She wraps her winter How many of us kick against cloak around us and calls us toan oracle card deck based this? How many of us ignore slumber deeply and recogniseon British wildlife for spiritual the voice of Nature when she that a greater plan lies beneathand healing guidance. Inspired speaks to us? We do so at our the surface of all things. Eachby the spirit of the Crone, the peril. She tells us that without cycle passes from one phasecards were created with the a season of rest we dishonour to the next and nothing everintention to connect with this ourselves and our bodies. really dies as the circle of lifemagical thread of wisdom and Our lives mirror everything continues.weave it into our everyday back to us. Winter is a time Transformative times bringlives. to reflect and recognise this healing and change; the natural dying back of old essence of all Magic. If we canWinter ~ Rest energy, a time to cast off and see it in Nature, then we canAt the moment, for those of build up the new. The womb- see it in all things. We can seeus in the Northern hemisphere, like presence of the Earth it and feel it in ourselves. WeWinter pokes her head round Mother offers us a resting can recognise it at work in ourthe corner and cries: Stop you place, and in retreating we own lives and we can use it tolot! find comfort in the dark and empower everything we do.Are we going to heed her call? the stillness. The darkness is a Reflection helps to understandWeariness can lead us to rest great teacher if we can learn to where you have been, all that’sand stillness; we may feel the face it without fear. been learned along the wayneed for personal space, to Why must we always be and all that has determinedwithdraw from the madding doing? A life full to the brim who you are now. Remember with activity needs punctuating that change signifies all that with resting points… When has been outgrown as you we are feeling disconnected conserve your energies, and stressed with too much prioritize your time and rest up busy-ness; re-aligning with fully. the Earth’s energy brings us Relax deeper into the self, back into balance. Stopping to stretch and grow. ground and centre will stabilize The spirit of Winter is a gift and re-orientate us. The soul from Nature. She brings her still grows in dormancy, but healing energy to revitalise, to in the peace and quiet of an restore all that has been lost environment better suited to and directs you to find again - its needs. the Magic within. The regenerative energy Magical Mantra ~ I rest and of the Crone teaches the renew ~ acceptance of endings as a I hope this resonated in some natural passing of one thing to way for you and look forward to choosing a card and sharing its message in the next issue... Winter Blessings! Sheena )O( © Sheena Cundy 2015 Artwork by Tania Copsey www.sheenacraftycrone. blogspot.com www.sheenacundy [email protected]

APPLE CIDER HOT BUTTERED RUMWASSAIL WITHSLICED APPLES adapted from Emeril Lagasse  Serves 161 gallon apple cider, 1 teaspoon cinnamon3 TBSP brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg2 cinnamon sticks, 1/4 teaspoon cardamom¼ teaspoon ground mace, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon anise seed, 1 stick unsalted butter, soft1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 cup dark brown sugar1 teaspoon ground nutmeg,  1 teaspoon ground ginger, Cream together the butter, spices and sugar.1 thinly sliced orange, At this point you can roll up the mixture1 thinly sliced lemon, with parchment into a log. Cover well and6 cored apples cut in 1 inch pieces refrigerate or freeze for later use. In theAdd cider, apples, and cinnamon sticks to fridge the mixture will keep for two weeks; ina large pot and bring to a boil over medium the freezer, a couple of months.heat. Reduce heat and add remaining In a mug add a tablespoon of the butterspices and brown sugar. Stir to dissolve and sugar mixture (the original recipe calledsugar. Simmer 20 minutes. Add orange for 2 tablespoons but we found 1 wasand lemon slices. Simmer 5 more minutes. great). Top with a couple ounces of rum andServe in mugs with fruit. roughly 1/2 cup of hot water. The ratio of the ingredients is really preference. Raquel Reichert **conversion chart located at http://www.convert-me.com/en/convert/ cooking/

Celtic Tree Calendar PaganismELDERby Vicky MacLean Paganism is not goats to the slaughter It is welcoming the returning lightAs I covered the Yule period Guidance through a darker nightof the calendar in Samhain’s Giving thanks at seasons’ endissue because the Celtic Tree Remembering the passing of a friendCalendar does not start on the Paganism is not sacrificing your daughterfirst of each month I thought It is burning of the Yuletide logwe might look at some of the Sending my wishes into the fogqualities Elder brings to those Following one’s own true pathborn under her influence. The Striding proud on life’s helping staffElder Mother 25th November to Paganism is not as the media portrays21st December is called Ruis It is delighting in the simple thingsin Ogham, the Faery Tree and Admiring all that Nature bringshas a huge medicine chest of Holding hands with fellow manbeneficial uses. Helping those who I canThe Elder child is freedom Paganism is not evil in its waysloving, always living life at It is visiting monumental stonesa faster pace than most. A Feeling the Earth’s very bonesdeep thinker of ten interpreted Enjoying every moment in pleasureby others as somewhat Being with those who I treasureintroverted, perhaps even Paganism is not worshipping the devilmoody. However, underneath It is jumping Beltaine fires for lovethis exterior they are often Lasting protection from the ancestors aboveconsiderate and helpful souls, Tying hands in blessed hopebut maybe just a little too Never being alone to copehonest and straight from the Paganism is not blood-filled revelshoulder for some to cope with. It is watching the world pass byYour frankness can be harsh at Feeling humbled gazing at the skytimes. Being a part of the Universe’s planThe Elder often brings out Understanding what I amthe visionary aspect in those Vix Furmingerunder her influence, they likea challenge and will pursueenergetically any quest forknowledge. They often choosecareers in the military or otherstructured disciplined roles.The totem animals associatedwith Elder are the raven, ablack horse and the badger.The stone of Jet complimentsthis energy.

AstrologyAries Astrology (March 21 to April reliable to think and plan alone now. Sagittarius Astrology (November20): You must communicate. You will Another’s reality assists you with 23 to December 22): You arehave no choice. So observe yourself clarity and perspective. You will also attempting to create a balanceand assess just what it is you are assist them too. All intimate talks are between yourself and the rest of thecommunicating about. Observe supposed to occur now. Whether world. In order to feel more harmonyalso the quality of your words, your the subject is love or difficulty, the in your life this is a good time totone, and how you are speaking. Try results will be the same. Harmony. express affection to everyone, bothto unite things, create bridges, and Virgo Astrology (August 22 to professional and personal. Makingsynthesize. September 23): Assess your peace with everyone would be ofTaurus Astrology (April 21 to May monetary situation. Place as much great benefit. Don’t be put off by21): You have the ability to attract as possible in a savings account. anyone who is hostile. Maintain yourmoney and resources this and next You need to travel soon in order equanimity.month. You can also attract people, to balance the vicissitudes of your Capricorn Astrology (December 23too, important to your endeavors. home life. You need new resources to January 20): It is time to discussDo not be extravagant and be extra for your eyes and heart and mind openly any difficulties you have withcareful with money. Notice that you to see. This will create new dreams anyone because the outcome willare not practical and that your tastes and a greater appreciation of what’s be smooth, clearly understood, andmay be over the top. Negotiate now. at home and what you already have. favorable. Careful with too manyIt will be to your benefit. So you can realize you live the “life sweets and/or carbohydrates. AnyGemini Astrology (May 22 to June abundant”. overindulgence may create a slight21): Relating to others will be most Libra Astrology (September 24 yet continuing health problem.significant and meaningful. You will to October 23): You may have Do your duty each day. You willeven make compromises, much a Venusian encounter. Either it’s be rewarded with organization,to your surprise, even stepping someone you’re attracted to or constancy, and care.back from what you consider your it’s concerning the art world. Aquarius Astrology (January 21 topersonal rights. There is so much Concentrating on art and music February 19): All activities shouldwarmth within you that it would be is most advisable, creating less concentrate around things thatsadness not to project and radiate strain on your heart and mind. What amuse you, a new love affair, andit. Making peace with others is you really need is some sort of children. Perhaps you seem to haveadvisable now. But most of all have a enchantment, things different, but no more self-discipline. You’re notgood (better) time. most of all beautiful. A loved one supposed to, actually. What creativeCancer Astrology (June 22 to July presents new yet strange realities. things are you doing? If nothing, then22): Begin a manifestation of money You assess. do something, especially with art andand resources that clearly articulates Scorpio Astrology (October 24 to music. No surrendering your identitythe elimination of debt and the November 22): You may continue anymore. And don’t pretend to.creation of a savings account. to be behind the scenes for about Pisces Astrology (February 20Thriftiness is most important now a month or more, tending to the to March 20): It would assist yourand will, during the next few months, ill, the homebound, the sad, and health if you spend quiet hoursbecome a resource to you. Conserve perhaps the disillusioned. When you alone, perhaps at home. This isall spending as you conserve your have moments to yourself, either a sensitive time for you and timeenergy. A new talent arises. read mystery novels or do research. alone would allow you to understandLeo Astrology (July 23 to August Things secret are still about and only inner feelings. Do nothing lavish or21): You have two months left to you know about them. The feelings extraordinary. Be practical, tend todiscuss important matters with of limitation are actually teachings on digestion, and work in solitude andthose you work and live with. It’s not discipline. Don’t fret. in nature as much as possible.

TOTEM ANIMALSby Raquel Reichert esteem. They represent our 21 May – 20 June (S.December Birthday Totem dark side – the aspect of our Hemisphere)Animals soul that we have a tendency Owls require freedomNative American and Celtic to ignore or suppress due of expression. Owls areshamanistic beliefs are strong to the implications that they energetic, self-sufficient, andon animal symbols, referred to signify and the accountabilities courageous birds, with an eyeas “totem animals” or “power that they impose upon us, for detail. Both inquisitive andanimals”. For those who follow forcing us to look at ourselves, malleable; they tend to over-traditional Native beliefs, it is stand before our weaknesses exert themselves.explained that a totem animal and honor and accept those GOOSEis one which is with you for life. weaknesses as stepping- 22 December – 19 January (N.An animal with whom you share stones to power. Hemispherea connection, either through When we come across certain 21 June – 21 July (S.interest in that particular animal animals in our lives it can be aor its similarity to or common sign that they have been put in Hemisphere)characteristics of the animal. our path to give us messages  Goose people are perceptiveThe power animal is a spirit in or guidance idealist who are eager toanimal form that comes through from the Spirit explore the unknown. Theirwith a precise lesson for you, on what we overt perfectionism can causeand will change throughout the need to becourse of your life. focused on at them to appearTotem animals are your spiritual that present unduly serious.allies. We do not choose time. Some The Gooseour totems: they choose us. animals will be approachesOffering confirmation when with us for our life withnecessary, support when whole life time, passion andinvoked and as a choice when while others an unwaveringthey offer confirmation. The come in for a drive to fulfilltotem is anything of Nature that short period their dreams.we feel a strong bond with. Not to help us deal all will notice their animal totem, with a specificbut instead feel a gravitation situation.toward the inorganic kingdomor the world of plant life. OWLShadow Totems are animals 23 November – 21 Decemberthat we fear. And are equally (N. Hemisphereas significant and equallyas important as one’s totemanimal to teach and guideus. Representing the aspectsof ourselves that we elect toignore: our secrets, fears, darkthoughts. They depict ourpersonal boundaries, thoseself-imposed limitations andparts of ourselves that rejectimpulsiveness. They are a partof the development of self-

fast food at the end of the world BY NIMUE BROWN PART ONE

Fast Food at the Centre of the taken it didn’t look clever and life running along the edgesWorld staying around dumb people between sensible and insane wasn’t her style. Dumb people to make a living, Hazel trustedOriginally written, read and turned into dead people so her instincts. They kept herrecorded in a cupboard by very easily. This nutter looked alive. Stupid risks were notNimue Brown as a nerdbong interesting, because he made part of her plan. Not veryproduction. For nerdbong. no immediate sense. Curiosity often. Hardly at all really. AndMay or may not contain either remained one of Hazel’s big after all, it wasn’t a huge risk,nerds, or bongs. weaknesses. That, and being just a lone nut job in a big a soft touch. He might be in empty place with no one elseEpisode 1 trouble. around. What could possibly She moved in closer, keeping go wrong?Hazel to the buildings and alert for Getting closer, Hazel saw theAcross the road in a vacant signs of possible threats. man was crying. Not yourparking lot, a man was down It might be quiet now, but regular understated bloke withon his knees. Arms spread there were no guarantees the leaky face scenario either.wide like he’d just been shot. street would stay that way, This looked serious. HisAs he didn’t fall over, it rapidly the disused car parks and whole body shook with it, low,looked more like theatrical empty buildings sometimes agonised sounds coming outpraying. Hazel couldn’t see got themselves inhabited. of his mouth in short bursts.anyone else around. She Currently this dead zone Hazel revised her opinion ofstopped at a safe distance made a good short cut on the whole setup. Less likely ato take a look. It might be a her rounds, but it never paid drug fiend, more likely he wassurrender. No sense running to get over confident. The sick or injured.into a gang war. There were no overconfident people were “Hey mister, you in some kindshots, no warning sounds. If usually second in line behind of trouble there?” Hazel asked.anything, the lot was too quiet. the dumb ones, when it came He straightened up, wiping aStill the man hadn’t moved. to getting dead at short notice. sleeve across his tear-streakedNo blood pooled. He didn’t fall Or worse. Hazel had spent face. The intensity of his gazedown. The situation no longer nineteen years successfully startled her. He didn’t lookstruck her as dangerous, so not becoming dead, and hurt or wasted. Which left thelong as she moved on. There meant to continue that way. possibility of him being justwere packages in her pockets Mister crazy car park man plain loopy. Hazel took a stepthat needed delivering. dropped right down, hands back, very casually.The man on his knees raised on the cracked tarmac, long “I’m fine, thank you for yourhis head, and even at this hair falling around his face. concern.”distance, locked her gaze He looked thin and odd, but That sounded coherent, ifwith his. Straggly hair fluttered not like he was street. Too weird.around a narrow face. He clean. Too unshredded in the “You appear confused,” hehad the emaciated build of clothes department. So what continued.a druggy, and being here, was he doing? Hazel had “Oh yeah, well, I saw you....like this… did not bode well watched people in the throes wondered... though you mightfor him. Still she lingered, of all kinds of insanity, from need some help.” She tookfascinated by the scene. just about every mad making another step back just to beHer first take on him was chemical a body could take. on the safe side and well out‘trouble’, but ‘nutter’ came Not one of them had ever of arm’s reach.a close second. Substances done anything quite like this The man said nothing for whatseemed likely. Rapture before. He seemed too still seemed like a long time. Hemaybe, or delirium. He could and quiet to be off his face. just kept staring at her. Hazelhave picked a better place. However, straight, clean, had the uncomfortable feelingMaybe he’d done a blend. normal guys did not, in her he was looking a lot deeperThat could fry your mind experience, lie face down in than her mop of tangled hair,no trouble. Whatever he’d empty parking lots, unless piercings, war-paint and tatty someone killed them first. clothing. Lifting her chin, she She knew it would be sensible to walk away and forget all about it. Spending her whole

returned that searching glare a few things, but I should the nine shedding nuts into theas best she could. Looking move in tonight, before anyone sacred pool for the salmon ofdown on him was a plus, but else does.” wisdom to consume.”not a big one. The weird man “Move in here?” She looked Hazel continued to stare atcould have been in his thirties, around, reassuring herself him.plus or minus a bit. Gaunt, that there were absolutely no Dunsany looked perplexed.and fierce looking, but not, habitable buildings. Not even “What?”she decided, mean. There was by her low standards. At the “I’m still trying to figure outsomething about his mouth very least you needed a door what you’ve taken. I thoughtthat struck her as generous. to bar. I was hot on the scene, youNot a man who smiled much “I can rig up a tent for tonight know? But you’re spoutingthough. and start on something more weirder shit than a poet on“You’ve a good head and a ambitious in the morning, delirium.”decent heart,” he observed. when I’m fresher.” “I shall take that as a“You know the area? Live “A tent?” Back to the compliment.”round here?” possibility that he was off his “So, give, what are you on“Round about.” She offered no rocker. mister?”details. “Here and there, you “Yes, a tent. I do hope you He opened his arms slightly.know how it is.” aren’t going to keep repeating “Hazel, I am drunk with“I don’t, but I mean to learn. I fragments of everything I inspiration and the future. Iget the feeling that you’d like say. It won’t make for very have taken a hearty dose ofto help me.” interesting conversations, and true reality. I am inebriatedA warm feeling pooled in her patience is not my greatest with optimism.”stomach. The man’s lips were virtue.” “Ok, that’s three I’ve not heardstill moving, but no sound “Oh!” She tried to think of of. You’re on three differentreached her ears. She had something to add, and failed. pills at once? No wonderthe vague feeling there were “Well, I suppose that’s you’re barking.”words, somewhere beyond progress. Do you have a name “Not drugs my girl. I havethe reach of her perceptions. at all?” taken nothing. I am simplyDancing, joyful words full of “Yes.” The overwhelming urge alive, and a man of the craft. Igood things to come. Words to be helpful had gone, leaving need no chemicals.that promised safety and a Hazel with no idea what she’d “Well mister man of the crafthome. For a moment, Hazel got herself into. The regular Dunsany, what was it youbecame aware of all the many instincts to keep her secrets wanted me to do?”things she wanted and didn’t and stay on guard kicked in “For now? Stand guard while Ihave. The moving lips said so again. source a tent and fetch a fewmany things, but through and “But enough sense not to things.”between the words, she heard, hand over such a powerful This did not sound like much“I will give you the world if you thing to a total stranger. That of a plan. “Is that going to takehelp me out here.” is well. So I will offer my name long?”“Yes. I’m a helpful sort of first, and then you will know “Probably, but I’m sure thatperson,” she said. “What is it that I can be trusted.” won’t give you any trouble atthat you need?” She stared at him, trying to all.”The guy wiped his eyes again get his words to make sense. The warm feeling was back,and frowned. “Still working on They didn’t, not in any kind of making her nod and agree.that one. Stick around, yes?” logical way. Power in names? Dunsany took off at a jog,Again that warm, melting And yet... she felt something leaving her the guard duty.feeling caught her, the need as he spoke. In an hour or so it wouldto say ‘yes’ stronger than her “You may call me Dunsany.” be dark and there were nousual good sense. It seemed “Ok Dunsany, you may call me working streetlights in thislike he couldn’t possible ask Hazel.” abandoned part of the city. Itanything bad. “What, around “A good name. Tree of myth,here? This parking lot?”“That’s the one. I need to fetch



would not be safe for her to anonymous figures paused at beds? That’s because you’vebe here then, not in such an the end of a street, and then got a friend coming and youexposed spot. How on earth hurried on, away from her. The don’t need me anymore, right?was she supposed to guard sky grew thicker, heavy with Please?”such a place? And from who, approaching darkness. Theor what? There would be night nearest place she could doss “I thought you would prefer itpeople about, but none of down was ten minutes away to sleeping on the ground.”them would be fussed unlesssomeone muscled in on their on foot, but that was Creepy “Steaming arse, I don’t wantown particular game. You Dave’s pad, and a shelter of to stay here.” Hazel folded herdidn’t guard places, you found last resort. Things had to be arms across her chest. “I don’tsafe places to hide. What the very bad before Creepy Dave’s know what you’ve done to me,hell was this Dunsany about? digs seemed worth thinking but give it up already. I’ve gotTry as she might, no answers about. Preferable to a slow places to be and you’ve hadoccurred to her. He certainly and painful death, but that was more than enough of my time.”wasn’t any kind of crime lord about all you could say for it.in the making. She had stayed there twice “No you don’t.”On the whole, she felt it wouldbe better to be somewhere before, and each time came “Ok, maybe I don’t haveelse. Slip away into the night, away feeling soiled and sticky. anywhere else I actually haveget on with her rounds, forget As though Creepy Dave had to be right at this moment, butthe whole bizarre incident. been sniffing her boots while that’s not the point. It doesn’tGetting her feet to move she slept. He seemed the type mean I want to be here. I don’tproved hard though. Her body for that. The sort of man who want to be here, as it happens.didn’t want to go. Like her would steal your underwear, Let me go!”shoes had been glued to the and talk to it.road. Holding the thought of He looked like he was going toleaving in any clear way wasn’t Right now, the prospect of apologise. “I can’t.”easy. Like he’d somehow put creepy, lecherous Dave anda device in her mind that was his sweaty palms seemed “You what?”messing with her thoughts. preferable to being stuck here. “I’m not the one keeping you“What the buggery is this?” All she had to do was figure here. You are.”she asked out loud, just for out how to get off the freakingthe reassurance of hearing her lot, and the greasy discomfortown voice. of Dave’s home could be “Oh right, mister wise arsedFortunately, nothing from the hers to enjoy. Not the most craft man. Very good. Nowderelict surroundings offered cheering line of thought in the stop bullshitting me and let mean answer. world. go.”“He’s done something to me.”It made sense. After all, Hazel Before the light entirely Dunsany shook his head.knew she was too canny to disappeared, Dunsany “I see you are going to bedo something this suicidal. returned with a mound hard work. You are still hereShe wanted out and couldn’t of fabric that looked as because you pledged to servego. But what did that leave though something had died me. Your oath binds you.”by way of options? Dunsanyhadn’t touched her or given all over the outside of it, “No way. I didn’t promise youher anything, so how could he about fifty years ago. There anything.”be controlling her? were metal poles, which heI’ll just take a walk, she engineered into an unstable “Way.” He pronounced thedecided. She headed out to shape, before throwing the word slowly, and with care.the edge of the lot and verycarefully walked all the way mouldering fabric over the “But... then I ought to be ablearound its edge. Moving was top. The construction’s one to go when I feel like it.”fine, going any further, just window was torn and fluttered Dunsany sat down on one ofdidn’t happen. A couple of free. Once he had the pitiful the camp beds and gestured structure up, he weighted the for her to take the other. He flighty edges down with bits rolled out an ancient, tatty bit of rubble. Hazel watched the of carpet between them, put entire process in disbelieving a stove down on it and set a silence. kettle boiling. “It’s a palace,” she eventually “We will drink tea, and I will said as he rolled out a second explain.” portable bed. “Hang on, two

“Oh good. Because this is Dunsany seemed untroubled still, barely breathing andstarting to do my head in, by this. “On the plus side, it listening for a clearer senseyeah?” should be an interesting sort of of the threat. Her last thought“Oh dear. If I am ‘doing your life. More tea?” before it all went crazy was,head in’ already, as you so Hazel had no idea where Oh yeah. Walls made out ofeloquently put it, I think you the first cup had gone, but cloth. Clearly that was a goodare poised to spend a great accepted a refill. “So what idea.deal of your time feeling have I got myself into? What’s The tent lasted about fiveconfused.” your bag?” seconds. Instead of protecting“Great.” “My bag?” Dunsany looked them, the aged cloth becameDunsany made her a bitter perplexed. He lifted the bag a trap, wrapping around hertasting brew that inclined her the tea things had been in. limbs and threatening tothink of gutter flowers, and “This bag? What does my bag smother her. From outside,the bottoms of trash cans. He have to do with anything?” blows knocked her about –drank as though it was good. She got a kick out of having hard enough to hurt but not“The words you spoke bind wrong-footed him. “What’s doing too much damage. Notyou in service to me. You can’t you gas? Your mojo?” being able to see, drove herundo that.” He remained blank. nuts.“I didn’t say any such thing!” “What are you doing camping “Wake up!” she shouted at“I’m afraid you did. You didn’t in an old parking lot, you Dunsany.even limit your pledge, you just numpty?” The knife from her boot cut asaid ‘yes’. Twice.” “I’m saving the world. Or at rapid hole to freedom and sheHazel sipped the tea, and least, the city.” rolled out. Up on her feet intasting it again, wished she “Oh well, I suppose that a trice, she prepared to fighthadn’t. “So now what happens should have been obvious whatever had started this.to me?” from the moment I saw you. There were four grey shapes“I’m not sure. Any other place Do I get any more details of visible in the moonlight.and we might have been the grand plan, or do I have to They were slow moving andable to unpick it, but this guess?” deliberate, but the tent stillis… an unusual spot, which He smiled. “I’m going to save held their attention. Apparentlycomplicated things. I’ll admit this city from itself, by building they couldn’t tell what wasI was a bit distracted at the a fast food restaurant. That will a person, and what wastime, or I’d have been more show them.” Dunsany’s array of randomcareful with you.” “Well, obviously.” Hazel came items. Four on one did not“Are you saying sorry, mister?” to the immediate conclusion look like good odds, and there“For unthinkingly allowing there was no point even trying was also Dunsany to thinkyou to bind yourself into my to figure this one out. about. What would happenservice for the rest of your to her if he died? No time tolife, if not longer? Well, yes, I Something woke her. Just a wonder about that right now,suppose so. It never crossed small sound but enough to best to keep him in one piece,my mind that you would.” set off all the self preservation she figured. With a bit of luck,“This life or longer?” Hazel instincts. Adrenaline jolted these were just your run ofwas somewhere on the far through her body, bringing the mill lightfingered Joes,side of stunned. her to full awakeness. looking for cash or a chemical“You are repeating and Hazel always knew where blast. The kinds of reasonsechoing again. Please don’t. she was on waking and you hid at night. One of themIt’s off-putting.” never experienced any kind turned her way, and a secondShe growled at him. There of disorientation. Waking followed.weren’t words angry or filthy unexpectedly to strange Hazel decided to gamble onenough to express how she sounds was a regular part of being right. “Hey, dickwads,felt. life. Sometimes it meant hitting looking for jollies?” she the ground running. She kept shouted. The two who previously hadn’t noticed her, now turned as well. She couldn’t make out their faces, which made it

harder to guess how to play and the stench that wafted up nose. “What is that smell?”them. from the mess made her gag. She gestured towards the“I’ve got a whole packet of One of the remaining three one whose head she’dhighride, a couple of whiz and seemed up for fighting, but stomped on. Now the lightsome blast. You can have the the other two took shuffling had improved, it looked evenlot.” steps in retreat. The third worse – a mix of decaying“Food,” one of them said in a opted not to have a go alone, meat and slime, roughlylow voice. and followed. Hazel advanced arranged into the shape of a“Not on me, no. Take one of on the trio, and they backed person.these and you’ll forget about off again, until she had thembeing hungry. Really. Works out of the lot and beyond her “Oh, that is beyond gross,”like a dream.” reach. Gasping for breath and she said, looking down to see“Food.” unable to follow, she didn’t just how much dead stuff sheIt wasn’t a question. More like have the energy for another had on her boots. There werea statement. Three of them round. Hopefully they didn’t nasty splatters on her denimsmoved towards her, gestures know that. It took them a long as well.slow and malevolent.“Food.” time to disappear from view, Dunsany crouched down to“Om nom nom,” said the vanishing into the greying pre- examine the putrid mess. “Ifourth one. “Oms and noms.” dawn. Once they had gone, take it this walked in all byHazel ran, sprinting round so Hazel returned to see if there itself?”that the line of four were in a was anything left of Dunsany.row heading away from her. “No, while you were asleep IShe hit the first one at full tilt, Viewing the trampled remnants went out cruising for corpses.kicking high. Heavy boots of the tent, the odds of him It’s what I do for kicks. Whatconnected with flesh. There being unscathed seemed slim. do you think?”Dunsany’swas a squelching, crunching She paused, surveying the expression remained sosound and the figure toppled wreckage. If he died, would serious that she opted to ditchback. She landed and moved that free her from this weird the sarcasm. “Ok, there wereaway quickly as the remaining kind of slavery? Or would four of them, all pretty muchthree tried to flank her. They she be bound to serve him like this. I took this one outkept coming, but at no great even then? Would she die and the other three took off.”pace. The one she’d knocked if he did? Hazel didn’t havedown, got up again. Given much opinion either way as “What are they?” He stood,how hard she’d kicked, that to the existence of a possible looking at their surroundingsfelt wrong. He should have afterlife, but right now, the with a thoughtful expressionstayed down longer. on his gaunt features.The knuckleduster on her right length of his hold over herhand slammed into flesh. It made that seem like a verygave under her blow in very pertinent issue. “Well, you know what theymuch the way living tissue say,” she offered. There wereshouldn’t. She couldn’t afford things she didn’t want toto think about that right now. “Some kind of problem?” consider right now.An elbow jab met with far too Dunsany asked, brushinglittle resistance where ribs shreds of tent from his blackshould have been. She kicked jacket as he clambered out. He “I’m not from this part of theagain, and one of the four glanced around and sighed. world Hazel, so no, I have nowent down. Rather than take “Looks like we won’t get a idea what anybody says, muchany chances about it getting great deal more use out of the less the all important ‘they’.up, she jumped, both boots tent.” Please enlighten me.”slamming down on the pronehead. The skull collapsed like Hazel glared at him, torn “You hear stories. Things thata cardboard box beneath her, between relief and disbelief. eat people. Especially anyone “You slept through all of that?” who dies on the street. Of course it could just be packs of dogs. Some of the guys I “All of what, precisely?” know swear cannibalism is “Oh, nothing much. Just on the up. Too many hungry be thankful you survived.” people. But even so, this Joe’s She didn’t expect he’d say not like anyone I ever hang out anything nice at this point. with, right?” Dunsany wrinkled his long TO BE CONTINUED...

Hunters GamePart 2by Lorraine Ellison Hunger took over the vampires entered. Her face was covered quickly. They feasted heartily, in blood; she had eaten plentySara watched from behind the blood dripping from their and felt her strength returning.bush as a light shone from the fangs. Horrible sucking and The girl flew at Sara. Saraopen front door. Parents and squelching noises could be pushed the girl away, knockingchildren were coming out; they heard, but only if you were still over a dining room chair aswere all yawning and looking awake! she did so.tired. Sara crept under the window. The parents looked up at theirThe girl had managed to drop She knew where to find the daughter had been attacked.the sleeping potion into the spare key. She lifted the mat They both lunged towardspunch. She smirked as she and placed the key into the Sara. The mother was on topsoon as she saw the effect it keyhole, and slowly snuck of Sara, scratching her madly,was having on the adults and through the door. She crept trying to get at her neck. Thechildren. into the lounge, took out her father had hold of Sara’s feet.People were falling asleep silver dagger and marked a She grabbed the silver daggerwhere they were; some circle around the sleeping and plunged it deep into themanaged to make it to the children; one by one she mother vampire’s heart. Shesofas and chairs. Many of the managed to get everyone into twisted the dagger and pulledchildren were fast asleep on the circle. it out swiftly. Sara felt for thethe carpet. Sara watched them She placed a silver strand holy water and sprayed a fineclosely. around them all, and marked mist over the mother vampire.The vampires dragged Molly the circle again with magick The latter let go of Sara andand her father and one other salt. With that she said, “Silver started to scream. Her fleshadult into the dining room. strand and salt, hold these started to peel away from herPlastic had been laid all over people here for their own face; her bones started tothe floor; people just thought it protection”, before moving crumble. Within minutes, thewas going to be a party game towards the dining room. mother vampire turned to dust.later. The girl looked up just as Sara The vampires had made their

way around the dining room the bed. to open. Sara took theirtable towards the stairs. Sara coats and hung them up. Herfollowed them. The vampires The girl jumped onto Sara’s husband gave his parentshid themselves. When Sara back and wrapped the scarf a glass of sherry each andreached the top of the stairs, tightly around Sara’s neck. Sara watched them from theshe was knocked back by the She pulled hard. Sara tried doorway. A tear slid down herforce of the father vampire. to get the girl off her but the face. Just then her husbandThe glass went deeper into more she did it, the tighter the put his arms around her andher shoulder. She managed to scarf became. Sara stumbled kissed her teary cheek; shepull herself up by the banister and knocked the girl into the smiled at him.railings but the father vampire door. The door knob caughtlunged again at Sara. This the girl; she let go of the scarf Sara’s husband carved thetime Sara moved out of his and fell to the ground. Sara turkey as they all sat aroundway. The father vampire went unwrapped the scarf from the table. Sara’s daughterover the railings but didn’t around her neck. got down from the table andland on the ground. He floated walked around to her mother.back up and over the railings; The girl crawled out onto the In her hand she held thehis eyes red with anger. He landing near the open window. dragon tooth. The girl hadgrabbed Sara by the throat She knew this was her only found it. As she handed itand squeezed. She felt the life escape. Sara could see what back to her mother the dragonforce going from her. The girl the girl was thinking. With all tooth turned red. Sara gaspedwas yelling, “Go on, squeeze the strength she had left she as she saw the mark imprintedher.” sprayed the holy water onto into her daughter’s hand; theSara could feel the chair leg the dagger and hurled it at the same mark that she had onthat she had picked up. With girl. It caught her just as she her palm. She took the dragonthe strength she had left she jumped out of the window. tooth and kissed her daughter.lifted it up and struck the Sara managed to get to the She looked at her husbandfather vampire straight into window and watch as the large and whispered, “So, I’m nothis heart. He gasped and black shape took off towards the last.” He nodded andsuddenly let go of Sara. She the moon. As she looked smiled.took a deep breath of air; the closely she could see strandsgirl screamed as loud as she of dust in the moonlight. Everyone picked up a glasscould. Sara rammed the silver and said “Merry Christmas anddagger into the father vampire; People were beginning to blessings to those who cannothe too was turning into dust. wake. Sara could hear parents be here with us”.The girl fled into a bedroom. and children chatting amongstSara needed some air. She themselves. “Awesome party,” Merry Christmas and Happyopened a window and took they all said, making their way Yule.in the cool breeze. The moon home.was still full but somehowlooked big outside the Months went by and nobodywindow. Sara’s shoulder was really mentioned Molly andhurting like mad; the throbbing her dad. They just thoughtwas making her feel sick. She they had moved, or even theslid down the wall and stayed strange girl who would sit bythere for a moment. her window.The girl had hidden herselfunder the coats that were piled Sara placed the laston the bed; a scarf was in her decoration on the Christmashand ready for Sara. tree. The table was set, foodSara opened the bedroom was cooking. Just as shedoor. She crept in and opened basted the turkey, the doorbellthe wardrobe but nothing rang. Her husband yelled, “I’llwas there. As she got closer, get it.”the dragon tooth glowed andburnt her neck – she knew she Her husband’s parents stoodwas close. Sara looked under on the doorstep loaded up with Christmas presents. As they entered the living room, the children gave a scream of delight – more presents

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