Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Scent of Warm Beeswax

We're making another batch of Boo Boo Balm this afternoon, and I am reminded again of how much I love the aroma of beeswax.  Sweet and earthy.  Real.  Ancient...

I've decided to become a beekeeper.  Officially.  I've kept Mason bees for many years - they're wonderful pollinators, very gentle and fun to watch.  But, no honey.  And no beeswax.  And I use a lot of both.  So, I'm going to take a class offered by our local beekeepers society.  And this Spring, I'll put a hive in my garden...

Friday, January 6, 2012

Elements of Magic, a Course in Earth-based Goddess Spirituality


Elements of Magic
An introductory course in Reclaiming Tradition
Using the art of magic, we deepen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world.

In the tradition of STARHAWK & Reclaiming, this class will explore the Elements of Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit as used to develop the practice of Magic, Witchcraft, and Goddess Spirituality.

Working through each individual element, students will learn & refine techniques to include:  Creation of Sacred Space, breath-work, spell-craft, chanting, visualization & trance, and structuring rituals in an experiential format.  We will learn to sense, shift and move energy.  This is an opportunity to experience deep magic as we learn the skills on which to build our individual practices.  The concept of the triple self and its importance in magic will be introduced. Once aligned, we will open all of our selves to the beauty and love around us, creating rituals and practices that can transform us and the worlds about us.

Preparation:  Read the first six chapters of The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk.

This class is considered the first of the Reclaiming Tradition’s core classes.  Sarah, an initiated Reclaiming Tradition priestess and teacher, and Beth will facilitate class.  Please be committed to attending all 6 classes.

When:             Fridays, January 27 thru March 2, 2012, 6-9:30pm
Where:           Radiance, 9 W Grant St (across from Central Market)
                        Phone 717-290-1517 for more information
Cost:               $185 - $155 sliding scale, includes a copy of The Spiral Dance.
Stop in to register, or send a $50 non-refundable deposit with your registration & contact information to Sarah Preston at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA  17603.  Balance due at first class.  Stop in to pick up your book.  If you have previously completed Elements, you are welcome to join the class at no charge.

About the Cost:
In Reclaiming, we try to balance the need to be justly compensated for our labor with our commitment to make our work available to people of all economic levels.  By using a sliding scale, we hope that those who can afford to do so will pay on the higher end. No one will be excluded from the class for lack of funds.

Witchcraft is a growing tradition in our culture today. It is a call from and to the ancient Goddess and Her immanence. It is a call to know ourselves in all of our parts, so that we can create the powerful magic that changes all worlds. While we live in a culture of domination and control, worlds full of desire, beauty, love and grace surround us and the Craft opens them to us.  Witches honor the cycles of nature, the earth and the goddesses and gods that live within each of us.  Reclaiming is an ever-evolving tradition that is rooted in Eco-feminism and the Feri Tradition. It is dedicated to personal empowerment, teaching and unifying spirit and politics.