January, 1996

Vol 3, Number 1

Orion's Quiver

Well, our hours have changed again! We will close at 7 pm now, at least for the winter. Also, we are now closed on Sundays.

WE'RE HAVING A SALE IN THE STORE beginning after Rustycon. After our big Christmas/Solstice season, we always consider what new lines we'd like to go into and what new directions we'd like to take the store. Also, we go to two gift shows in January looking for new lines and suppliers. So, to find room on the shelves (and raise a little extra capital!), we have a sale. Come in and see what's on the big table in the middle of the store.

We're looking for some lost customers. Sometimes the computer eats information (and they're supposed to make our life easier...), or info just gets written down wrong. Anyway, if you requested Wiccan Bardo or Celtic Design - Animal Patterns, please give us a call.

While you are housecleaning in preparation for Imbolc or recovering from the holidays, keep an eye out for books to donate to our sale on February 9-11. To benefit the North Puget Sound AIDS Foundation, we are holding GET READY FOR THE MILLENNIUM Used Book Sale of Science Fiction books. We will be accepting donations of science fiction (and metaphysical) books from now until the event. So far, most of the books will be coming from our personal paperback collections, but we hope you will find some you'd like to donate. Leftover books will be donated to other charitable organizations.

GIFT CERTIFICATES are available in the store. These are especially good for those hard-to-shop-for people in your life and would be a good idea for Valentine's Day.

We've begun getting newsletters from a New Age store called Blue Star Center at 5903B 196th St. SW in Lynnwood. They seem to have lots of classes on a variety of subjects, including angels, dolphins, meditation, Tai Chi, and a story time for the kids. They can be contacted at 206/672-8847.

We are continuing COUPON DAYS. On one Monday a month, anyone purchasing items for over $25 (total) will receive a certificate for a FREE TAROT OR RUNE READING. See WHAT'S HAPPENING for specific dates. An appointment is necessary for readings. Late afternoons and evenings are best for readings.

Speaking of coupons, you may have noticed that we have advertisers in our newsletter. They are part of what keeps this newsletter free to you all, so if you can, please use their services and tell them you saw them in our newsletter.

We will order books for you. We usually make an order on Monday or Tuesday and receive it later in the week We request you make a small down payment for the book before we can order it for you. Too often in the past we have ordered a book, never to see that person again.

Those vials of sand we have for sale? We have a hard time keeping the vials themselves in stock, so, if you bring them back, we'll give you $.10 off on your next sand purchase.

One of the things we are working on for the near future is punch cards. After the card is full, you will receive a discount on your next purchase. These will probably be available in February. (We're also working on decals or bumper stickers for OAT. Stay tuned!)

Hasn't the weather been odd lately? As I am writing this, it is HAILING outside! Windstorms, hail, rain, oh my!

What's Happening

Please remember that we are closed on Sundays now, and that we close during the week at 7 pm (except when we have Discussion Group).

JAN. 17 - DISCUSSION GROUP in the store, 7 pm. We discuss a wide range of topics that the members find interesting. Everyone is welcome. We usually end around 8:30.

JAN 17 - ATC Spirit Series Class "How to Stop Christian Bashing (and Get On With Your Own Religion)" This is part of the ATC Spirit Series of classes held at Edge of the Circle Books on Capitol Hill starting at 7:00 pm. For more information, call PAN-1999 or the ATC at (360)793-1945, or e-mail Blacksun at blacksun95@aol.com. Child care available on 24 hour notice. Call Lhiza Bell at (206)286-6310.

JAN. 19-21 - YULE FEAST has been rescheduled to this weekend due to power outages on the scheduled weekend in December. Registration is reopened until Jan. 12. Get registration forms in the store.

JAN. 20 - NEW MOON.

JAN 20 - ATC Diana's Bow Ritual. The ATC will be holding its regular Diana's Bow, New Moon Circle. Call the ATC at (360)793-1945 for more information, directions, and reservations.

JAN. 23 - BEGINNING ASTROLOGY CLASS at Vision Quest, 3602 Colby Ave. Taught by Dorene Carrel, lasts 6 weeks. Call 252-1591 for info.

JAN. 23 - MORE CLASSES BY GRANDMOTHER MOONLIGHT begin at Casa De Maria. Tarot ($25), Intro to Wicca (On-going, $25). Call 347-6833.

JAN. 24 - DISCUSSION GROUP in the store, 7 pm.

JAN. 26-28 - URSULMAS, an SCA event at the Monroe Fairgrounds that is open to the public. Come see our first SCA event of the year, with armored fighting, demonstrations of skills, merchants, and fun for all. Call the store for more details.

JAN. 27-30 - SEATTLE GIFT SHOW.

JAN. 30 - MORE CLASSES BY GRANDMOTHER MOONLIGHT start at Casa de Maria. See above.

JAN. 31 - DISCUSSION GROUP in the store, 7 pm.

FEB. 3-4 - NORTH END PSYCHIC FAIR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

FEB. 9-11 - GET READY FOR THE MILLENNIUM SCIENCE FICTION PAPERBACK BOOKSALE in the store, to benefit the North Puget Sound AIDS Foundation. All books are used and sell for $1. Donations from the public cheerfully accepted until that date.

FEB. 12 - COUPON DAY in the store.

APRIL 4-7 - NORWESCON, a LARGE science fiction convention, at the Red Lion Hotel in SeaTac.

APRIL 4-7 - SPRING MYSTERIES, a major Pagan event.

WHAT'S NEW

I know it's only been a few weeks since I wrote my last column, but still, there's loads of new stuff to tell you all about!

Most of you are familiar with the image of the Venus of Willadorf. We had Her image as an incense holder already. Now we have her in cast glass that is stunning. Rodney Michael Carr-Smith makes these, as well as a Green Man (and angels). They are shaped to hang from a cup hook in your windows so that the light shines through.

We have a new type of pouch on consignment from Paul Sterley. The body is made of rabbit fur, with the flap and straps of studded leather. The ties make it's contents very secure.

By the time you read this, they may be gone already, but for awhile we had tektites from Indochina and probably will have them again in the future.

Some of the new books we have in include: Ancient Christian Magic, Coptic Texts of Ritual Power, by Marvin Meyer; Emotional Clearing, Releasing Negative Feelings and Awakening Unconditional Happiness, by John Ruskan; A God Who Looks Like Me, Discovering a Woman-Affirming Spirituality, by Patricia Reilly; Magical Child, raising a child for his greatest potential, by Joseph Pearce; Falcon Feather & Valkyrie Sword, Feminine Shamanism, Witchcraft & Magick, by D.J. Conway; Glamoury, Magic of the Celtic Green World, by Steve Blamires; People of the Earth, The New Pagans Speak Out by Ellen Hopman; Secrets of Natural Menopause, A Positive Drug-free Approach, by Edna Ryneveld; Mythical Beast Tattoos; A Wisewoman's Guide to Spells, Rituals and Goddess Lore, by Elisabeth Brooke; Celebrating the Great Mother, a Handbook of Earth-honoring Activities for Parents and Children, by Cait Johnson and Maura Shaw; Magical Gateways, by Alan Richardson (a little book featuring the Qabalah, Egyptian magic, and the tarot); Llewellyns 1996 Magical Almanac; and Goddesses for Every Season, by Nancy Blair. Also, we just got the newest volume in the Celtic Design series, Tree of Life. Whew! I probably missed some of them and others will be in before this goes to press. In other words, check in with us every so often and just ask us what's new in the book department!

Remember our Silkie Wraps when you're thinking about Valentine's Day. Not only will you get a nice box to your present to your loved one, but the silk wrapping itself is part of the gift!

Calador Speaks Out!

In the process of saying my final goodbyes to my Grandfather recently, a vision came to me that I thought I would share with you. Imagine a wheel turning with four points. Birth, Youth, Maturity and Death. The wheel has always turned at a steady beat, except when one part gets too 'heavy' as it were, then because of the overbalance, the wheel slows, like it's going uphill. The only way to start the wheel turning again at it's steady beat is to hit a bump in the road. This throws the weight around and gets things moving again. Wars, Plagues, and Natural Disasters have served in the past as bumps in the road.

The Twentieth Century has seen several bumps. World War I and World War II were pretty big for their time, and they did the job back then. But after World War II, the biggest generation ever born came into the picture, and Birth and Youth started getting heavy. With medical technology advancements and life being prolonged longer and longer, and people doing everything in their power to extend their youth, or go back to their youth, that side of the wheel started getting heavy again. The ever increasing Birth Rate also did it's part worldwide. So, 20 years after WWII, the Vietnam War came upon us, and the wheel started to turn again. And medical advancements continued, lifespans got longer and people continued trying to extend their youth. But this time, peace reigned, generally. No one wants another Vietnam, or a Nuclear Holocaust, so plagues tried to cause the bump, but medical technology has steadily kept up with 'advancements' in the virus population, and the birth rate continued to rise no matter what was tried. So, without a war or a plague, the only thing left to try was (and is) natural disasters. We've had small ones, and a few big ones in various parts of the world, but so far they have never been enough to fix the imbalance.

The last part of my vision was a picture of the road ahead. Ever hear of the Grand Canyon?

Calador's Note: This is my own visualization of how things are working and proceding. Please write in with comments or come to our next discussion group on Wednesday nights, starting at 7 p.m.

Guest Speaker

Coming Out Together - An Opinion

by Sappho

My name is Sappho and for the most part it represents quite well who I believe myself to be. I am a woman, a writer and a lover of women. I am also a Pagan and a lover of men. That is enough to get me on a lot of people's hit lists, from the Christian Coalition to Queer Nation - go figure. It is truly a diverse and interesting world that we live in - a place where ONE religious group can run a country and a group of people who stand up for their own rights to love members of their own sex can tell other people who want to love members of both sexes that they are wrong. Do I have a point? A point that matters to Pagans? Yes, I do.

I have been a Pagan for a long time though I didn't know it until I sat down and really looked at my life and beliefs. Hmmm, that sounds like a "coming out" statement. Interesting. Pagans come out. Homosexuals come out. Bisexuals and polyamorists come out.

As a Pagan, I have been told by members of society at large that I was a deviant, a threat to the common good, a band, a threat to children, etc. Many people who live alternate lives are told the same things. The plot thickens. Does anyone see where I might be going with this? If not, I will spell it out... pagans and members of the alternative factions need to - no, MUST join forces. We all want our constitutional rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, there are Pagan groups that deny homosexuals the chance to lead or even actively participate; there are members of alternative lives groups that don't like Pagans because they talk about the Goddess too much, or balance or whatever. In a court of law where justice is supposedly served, and in governmental agencies where we supposedly have a voice for it is our government, too, we (Pagans and those who live alternative lives) all lose. We lose our children, we lose our jobs, we lose our hope. When my covenmate loses her child because she is Pagan, it is another blow to my hopes of being able to adopt a child. When my neighbors lose their jobs because they are gay, that is another loss to my life because it forces me to hide my differences. How many of us have really taken a look at the fact that the politics in and around both communities are very similar and that solutions to problems in one community can be used int he other with little or no alterations?

The Web of Life that we are all a part of is connected to you - Pagan, non-Pagan, straight, gay, bisexual, lesbian, polyamorist. The Human Rights Cambaign Fund and other groups like it are the political voice of the GayBiLes community. The various antidefamation leagues for Witches and Pagans are our political voice. Crying alone in the vast sea of conservatism that has overtaken our government, these voices are small. But if we should pull our voices together in one great choir, they would send waves of change from coast to coast, court to court, agency to agency and life to life. Yet, we fight against one another because we do not fight together. When we WE learn that different does not mean wrong?

If Pagans want legitimacy for their lives then they must help fight for legitimacy for all lives. Yes, there are some activities that are unethical and which should be illegal; but those that are of a private nature and do not affect others, like religious choices and personal lifestyles, need ALL of us to stand united so that not only I, as a bisexual polyamorist Pagan, but you, as a straight Pagan or you as a Gay Unitarian Universalist can have the lives we desire and deserve - lives with no shadows like social services, the Religious Right, social intolerance - lives full of jobs, homes, children, family and friends, but mostly lives full of peace.

The Sorceress' Apprentice Reviews...

BOOK OF MOONS: A Bast Mystery, by Rosemary Edghill
(Tor/Forge Books, 220 pp, $20.95 in hardcover, ISBN 0-312-85605-9)

As a third-degree Gardnerian Witch, Bast (mundane name Karen Hightower) can't abide unanswered questions. When (a) friends and acquaintances report lost or stolen Books of Shadows, she gets suspicious. When (b) a sweet elderly bookdealer is brutally murdered, Bast sees an ugly pattern emerging. It seems that someone wants one very old, very special book - and the'll kill to get it.

Rosemary Edghill neatly combines a compelling mystery plot with an honest, from-the-inside view of modern Pagany. (The accuracy shouldn't surprise anyone - Ms. Edghill's technical consultants include Margot Adler.) More interesting still are Bast's thoughts about the Pagan community; as she goes through her paces as a detective, she can't help questioning just where Pagany is headed (collectively and in its constituent parts). They're the sort of questions we should all be asking of ourselves - and never mind that such pamphleteering is coming out of detective fiction. Through the device of Bast's investigations, Ms. Edghill puts an honest yet compassionate light on our subculture. It's not just good mystery fiction; once you overlook the body-count and dramatic narrative, you'll find some pertinent commentary. In any event. BOOK OF MOONS is good and lively reading.

Additional Note: Bast's first literary appearance was in SPEAK DAGGERS TO HER, now available I paperback from TOR Books. Highly recommended.

Rock Hound

CRYSTALS - CLEANSING

Some of you have asked, as you selected and bought crystals and other stones from OAT, "How do I cleanse my stones?" Well, it is a fact that you SHOULD cleanse your stones, since, by their very nature, they absorb energies both negative and positive as they pass through various hands on their way from where they were created to our shop and you.

Following are examples of ways to cleanse your stones, quoted from as new book in the store, The Mystical Crystal; Expanding Your Crystal Consciousness, by Geoffrey Keyte.

"1) Hold your stone in either your left or right hand and say these words, "I will and command that this stone be self-cleansing". As you repeat these words, either out loud or in your head, you should visualise the negative energies falling away from the stone and only the natural, pure energies remaining.

2) Hold your stone under cold or tepid, but never hot, flowing water from the tap. Again, visualise all the negative energies and 'vibrations' being washed away and only the natural, pure energies remaining. When drying your stone after cleansing in water never use a towel or cloth. Always allow your stone to dry naturally - preferable from the rays of the sun. The sun is a powerful energiser and should be used whenever possible.

If, however, there is little or no sun around then allow your stone to dry as naturally as possible nthe warmth within your home.

3) Immerse your stone in salt water for several hours. Dry as in (2) above.

4) Bury the stone under the earth in your garden. Our planet consists of at least one third quartz and the powerful magnetic energy field found in the earth will cleanse your stone of all its negativity very effectively...

5) Place your stone on a large quartz crystal cluster for a few hours. The strong crystalline energies present within the cluster will soon neutralise any negative energies within your stone."

I've heard it recommended that you use sea salt when cleansing with salt water. We acquired a crystal and copper wand several months ago in the store. Unfortunately, it gave Kyros and Beth, our tarot readers, headaches. So, we soaked it in sea-salt water - which boiled of its own accord, not once but through three baths before its negative energy was neutralized. Learning where the wand came from confirmed the idea that crystals do soak up negative energies.

CANDLE LIGHTS

An interesting candle in the store is the mini-taper. Truthfully, we thought they'd be bigger when we ordered them. We were at a loss as to what they'd be used for. Some ideas did occur: designer birthday candles? Use them in dollhouse candelabra? Send them to a friend in the mail?

Well, yes, all of these, as well as this candle celebration suggested by Luminart, a candle maker.

Gather together a 2" deep pan, a pint of water, mini candles, and matches or a lighter.

Make a circle of your friends and family. Call the directions or ring a bell to signal your beginning of the ceremony. Pour the sand into the pan and moisten it with the water. Share your intentions for the ceremony with the others, and perhaps sing a song or two in harmony with the occasion.

Now, ask each person to make a wish on her candle, such as "I wish you prosperity in the coming year." Place the lit candle upright in the pan and proceed around the circle.

You might now tell stories or hold hands or make music together. In essence, enjoy being together.

When all the candles are gone, strew the sand outside, with good wishes for the success of the candle wishes. Give thanks for the ceremony and share cake all around.

TRADITIONS, RITUALS, AND CELEBRATIONS, OH MY!

Imbolc

One of the things new Pagans find mysterious is the Sabbats or celebrations of the Pagan wheel of the year, or calendar. Therefore, I offer this information on the upcoming Sabbat, IMBOLC, celebrated February 2.

Traditionally, it's a time of purification, renewal and initiation, in celebration of the noticeably longer days presaging Spring. Purification come in the form of pre-Spring cleaning; renewal involves vows and dedications.

Fire was also part of the celebration, in its light-giving aspect. From this came the custom or candlemaking and lighting. From the Norse tradition came the following custom: A young girl enters the ritual circle carrying or wearing in her hair a circle of lit candles which represent the return of the light after Winter's darkness. (See Sabbats, pg. 89 for instructions on making the candle circle.)

The early Christian church, in an attempt to convert Pagan followers into the new religion, incorporated the ideas and customs of Imbolc into a celebration called Candlemas. Also, the festival honoring Brigid or Brigantia, the Celtic goddess of fire, fertility, healing and inspiration, was converted into the Feast of Saint Brigid.

Following are crafts, decorations, and other activities associated with Imbolc, from various sources listed at the end of this article.

One tradition is of the Grain (or Corn) Dolly, made of straw, corn, wheat or barley stalks saved from harvest and woven into a human shape, usually. Once made, these dollies were dressed up especially for each Sabbat. For Imbolc, she is dressed as a bride and laid in a doll's bed or corn crib called the Bride's Bed, there to await her husband, the sun. (Store her in a place of honor between Sabbats.)

Another symbol is the Sun Wheel, an equal-armed cross with a wheel and woven of vines. This represents the Wheel of the Year and is also used at Midsummer. Smaller ones can be hung on the Yule tree, also. A shortcut to making a larger one is to get a grapevine wreath already made and add cross bars. In Ireland, these are made of rushes or straw and called Bride's Crosses. You can make a Sun Wheel of bread dough, too. After the final rising, divide the dough into 4 parts, shape into long strings, fold over and intertwine like the straw crosses, then bake. Serve it at a regular meal or reserve it for sharing during your Imbolc ritual.

A symbol you can also use for decoration on Imbolc is the dragon. According to Chinese lore, a large dragon turns the Wheel of the Year.

A tradition for Imbolc is the gathering of stones for use in new magick circles and other magickal uses. You may wish to paint them with the colors associated with the quarters of your circle and mark them with symbols that have meaning to you, such as zodiac signs, runes, and other magical letter, for a start.

Here's a "game" for you that brings omens for the coming season. Each person brings a bag of miscellaneous small objects, dumping them all into one pile. Then each person, blindfolded, draws the first object touched, three times for three objects. These represent the Body, Mind, and Spirit. (You could also put the objects into a bag or box with a hand hole in it.) Interpret the omens/prophecy yourself or let others share in it (from Women's Rituals by Barbara G. Walker, pg. 122).

A side note for the season: An interesting connection is made between Lupercalia, a Roman holiday celebrating the wolves' mating season, and our Valentine's Day, two weeks after Imbolc. Since wolves mate for life and their mating was a sign of spring, this was seen as a symbol of the eternal union of the Goddess and the Sun God.

Suggested Reading List:

1. Celebrating The Great Mother; A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities for Parents and Children, by Cait Johnson and Maura D. Shaw.

2. The Family Wicca Craft for Parents & Children, by Ashleen O'Gaea.

3. Pagan Family, Handing the Old Ways Down, by Ceisiwr Serith.

4. Sabbats, A New Approach to Living the Old Ways, by Edain McCoy.

5. Wiccacraft for Families, by Margie McArthur.

FUN STUFF for Imbolc

With Imbolc, we feel the first intimations of Spring and the approaching end of Winter's inactivity. It's a time to begin thinking about projects and new beginnings.

Two rituals I found in Celebrating the Great Mother that I think kids (and adults, too) will enjoy are associated with fire.

First is the Light Garden. As Imbolc celebrates the approach of Spring and the energy awakening in the Earth, so does this ceremony start us thinking about our own creativity and changes ahead, and reminds children of their own capacity for growth and change.

Go outside and dig up some earth (or buy some potting soil), enough for a lasagna sized pan. Now, indoors, sit in a circle around the pan, taking a few moments to silently consider what you'd each like to create in the coming months. Learn an instrument? Make your own clothes? Ride a bike? Next, write the ideas on separate scraps of paper, as many as you need.

Crumple each scrap into a tiny ball (really a seed). Taking turns, plant these seeds in the earth-covered pan. When all are done, each person puts a birthday candle over her own seeds. Either burn them now, together and hold hands or sing sons, feeling the energy blessing your plans and dreams, or place the pan on your altar and burn the candles during your Imbolc ritual.

When you are done with the dirt, save it for your spring garden or as potting soil.

Another activity could take place during your Imbolc ritual. Have everyone write on scraps of paper things she wished she had done differently in the past year, such as an unkind word, hurtful action, bad reactions to situations, all those little nigglers that whisper at us in the quiet of the night. Keep these bits private and personal.

Then, crumple and burn them, releasing the regrets, worries, and negative energies. Next, to banish these further, sprinkle the fire with smudge, salt or herbs to revitalize the atmosphere, while visualizing the bright and shining new future opening before you all.

Two other activities suitable for the season are making and using homemade instruments to symbolize the energy rising from the earth and making rainsticks from mailing tubes, mails, and dried beans. This brings and symbolizes the rains that presage the new growth in Spring. Of course, in our area, this isn't strictly necessary, but it's a fun activity, nonetheless.

Mailbox

From:AraneaPNN@aol.com

Greetings!

I always enjoy reading OAT Hightlights; however, there was something in the October issue that I wanted to point out to you.

In "Rock Hound", the writer says that the astrological sign for October/November is Pisces, the Fish. This is incorrect. The correct astrological sign for this period is Scorpio, the Scorpion. Its birthstone varies, depending on who you talk to, but I believe it is either opal or topaz. (Mine is opal, being born in the latter part of October.)

Just thought I'd mention it... :)

Blessings,

Aranea, editor/publisher

PagaNet News

Editor's Note: Ok, ok, we're not perfect. I probably should have known that because my mother is a Scorpio.

Editor's Note: The following letters were sent to the WIDDERSHINS newspaper, with copies sent to us. We have seen the article in question, and have a copy in the store if you are interested in seeing it, or it is available on the World Wide Web. I'll give the address and the URL after the letters.

DEAR WIDDERSHINS EDITOR:

THANKS WIDDERSHINS! FOR A SEEKER LIKE MYSELF A PAPER LIKE YOURS IS A JOY TO FIND. AFTER SPENDING YEARS CULLING THROUGH THE SELF HELP, POSITIVE THINKING, NEW AGE GENRE, STUMBLING ONTO PAGANISM AS AN ACCEPTABLE BELIEF SYSTEM HAS BEEN A GREAT ENLIGHTENMENT TO ME. A PUBLICATION LIKE YOURS CAN BE A GREAT ASSET TO THE PAGAN COMMUNITY AND THOSE WHO ARE STILL SEEKING THE FULFILLMENT TO BE FOUND THERE.

I MUST TAKE UMBRAGE THOUGH WHEN AN OBJECTIVE VIEW OF THE COMMUNITY BECOMES LOST IN THE OBVIOUSLY SUBJECTIVE PETTINESS OF THE COLUMNIST. SPECIFICALLY I AM REFERRING TO THE "TOP SHOPPER" COLUMN IN YOUR YULE ISSUE. IT DIDN'T TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO NOTICE THAT ONLY THOSE SHOPS WHO SUPPORT YOUR PUBLICATION WITH LARGE ADVERTISEMENTS GOT GOOD REVIEWS. FURTHERMORE YOUR BERATING OF OTHER SHOPS WAS CARRIED OUT IN SUCH A VICIOUS AND PETTY MANNER AS TO MAKE IT OBVIOUS EVEN TO THE CASUAL OBSERVER THAT THE COLUMNIST HAS LOST THE OBJECTIVITY REQUIRED OF AN EFFECTIVE JOURNALIST.

SINCE MY EXPOSURE TO WICCA HAS BEEN THROUGH "ORION AT TWILIGHT" I WAS ESPECIALLY BAFFLED BY YOUR REMARKS ON THIS FRIENDLY, ACCOMMODATING, AND GENUINELY WELCOMING SHOP. I FIRST VISITED "ORION AT TWILIGHT" IN LATE OCTOBER, INTRIGUED BY CERTAIN "NEW AGE" IDEALS, BUT REALIZING THAT THERE WAS MORE I NEEDED TO LEARN. ORION WAS VERY HELPFUL IN POINTING ME TO PUBLICATIONS THAT ADDRESSED MY QUESTIONS IN DETAIL. SOME DAYS SHE WAS SIMPLY AVAILABLE TO TALK AND LISTEN WHILE I TRIED TO FIT PIECES TOGETHER. THE DISCUSSION GROUP ON WEDNESDAY EVENING HAS ALSO BEEN A GREAT HELP TO ME.

IT SADDENS ME TO SEE A WELL ORGANIZED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND WELCOMING BUSINESS ATTACKED IN SUCH A MANNER. I KNOW THE PROPRIETORS AND THEY ARE VERY DEDICATED TO THEIR CRAFT AND THEIR BUSINESS, THEY DEFINITELY DESERVE ANOTHER LOOK. IT IS ALSO ALARMING THAT A POTENTIALLY BENEFICIAL PUBLICATION SUCH AS YOURS SHOULD ALLOW ITSELF TO BE SACRIFICED ON THE ALTAR OF PETTY PERSONAL VENDETTAS. I AM SURE THAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD AGREE THAT SUCH FACTIONAL ATTACKS WITHIN ARE COMPLETELY COUNTERPRODUCTIVE AND DO NOT BELONG IN A PUBLICATION SUCH AS YOURS.

SINCERELY:

KEVIN WALDER

Dear Board of Editors,

In reading the recent review given by Silvana Silverwitch of several area "Pagan"/"New Age" stores I am struck by how much this entire article belongs on the editorial page of your publication, if in fact it has a place anywhere in a piece of work that presents itself as an ethical publication by and for pagans. I must wonder at the saying I so often hear bantered about in the community about all that you put out coming back to you. This being the case can you folks all afford the Karma this type of attack on people may bring?

I have had occasion to shop in both of the Everett stores mentioned as well as Tenzing Momo. They each have their own ambiance, each fills a different need for me and I have never been treated rudely in any of these shops. Help has been offered in a timely manner by all of the employees in each. Answers to my questions were either honestly given or I was directed to a different resource as was appropriate. With friendly and helpful people in each store I cannot imagine what prompted the angry words put forth in the review of Orion at Twilight. I have had no experience in the other shops which were poorly reviewed but my empathy is with these people as they find themselves under attack by a publication that uses them as an outlet for it's paper. I would imagine they feel much like the rabbit who invited the fox into his burrow.

The only defense I can even begin to see for this article is that the author tells us it is "Subjective". My question would then be could we please have a more useful "Objective" and journalistically ethical article done on these small businesses? If you cannot maintain your journalistic integrity and objectivity then mayhaps you should first give pause to release any negativity you bear these folks.

In hopes that this is not a trend towards biased attacks on the little guy for personal reasons, I look forward to your next issue and some of the more informative pieces of the type I have seen from you in the past.

Sincerely,

E. J. Broglio
Editor's Note: Widdershins is published by Emerald City/Silver Moon Productions, 12345 Lake City Way NE, Suite 268, Seattle, WA 98125, (206) 363-7896. The World Wide Web pages are: www.widdershins.org. Unfortunately, even though the newspaper lists OAT at a distribution point, they chose not to bring us any papers this month, I assume for obvious reasons.

View from the Other Side

The Wheel Turns

1996! Time flies when you're having fun! I found a bit of verse, written in 1984 (significant if you're into Orwell!) The last verse was added in December of 1995. Those of us who are of the Baby Boomer generation or older will probably remember and look back fondly at it, yet the message is valid for the younger ones as well. I thought you might enjoy it.

DECADES
(A Tribute - and a Warning)

Child of the 60's, who are you? Peace Marcher, Flower Child,
Hater of war, non-conformist? Who knew then what was to come?
Child of the 60's, do you remember, panic in the streets and 'burn, baby, burn'?
'If I had a Hammer' and 'We Shall Overcome'?
How is it you are what you are today?

Child of the 60's was it so long ago? Vietnam and Civil Rights,
The War on Poverty? Make Love, Not War! What happened to those high ideals?
Child of the 60's do you remember? One dark day in Dallas
When the light was extinguished, and we could only wonder why?

Child of the 60's, what is all that noise? Only the Beatles and Stones emerging.
Rock and Roll was born again. All was new and good and free.
Child of the 60's, do you remember ... Apollo, Mercury and Liberty Bell, too?
One small step for mankind? Even way back then, some of us knew.

CHILD OF THE 60'S - THE DECADE HAS PASSED.

Child of the 70's - how things have changed. Vietnam's done, some even made it home.
Civil Rights and Watergate - Was it all so very long ago?
Child of the 70's - Do you remember ... Lost in Space and Irwin Allen?
We were just beginning then, weren't we?

Child of the 70's, can you still remember, 2001, Star Trekkin', Voyager and Saturn?
The world had just begun to understand what we'd known all along.
Child of the 70's - the decade was closing, when Star Wars came upon us,
and the Empire struck back.
Our gather was increasing, and it was time to move along.

CHILD OF THE 70'S - THE DECADE HAS PASSED.

Child of the 80's, you think you know it all. Look back 30 years, foolish ones.
You'll see how wrong you are - we knew it all along.
Children of the 80's, May the Force be with you. Your horizons are expanding,
Your limitations lifting. There's no solid end in sight.

Children of the 80's, the Century is folding.
There's a new world out there. It's just ripe for the taking.
But take it gently, please.
Children of the 80's, Don't forget us! We paved the way for you,
With space walks, Starship Enterprise, the Force. Without us, you'd be nowhere.

CHILDREN OF THE 80'S - THE DECADE HAS PASSED.

Children of the 90's. Millenium is dawning. Information Superhighway, Internet and More.
10 centuries come and gone, since they started counting.
I wonder what will happen when you enter Twenty-One.

A century's milestone is now within your grasp. Will you seek forever forward,
Or just keep looking back?
Will you celebrate your future, or simply mourn your past?
Coming out, free to choose, with dignity and respect.

The year 2001, the odyssey approaches. Will it be an end or a brave new beginning?

Stargazers, dreamers, thinkers, schemers. Children of the 90's the century is closing.
We ask you, please, make sure you leave us something.

Don't blow it all away.

Remember, it was ours first!

Well, there it is, for better or worse. There's almost 30 years (maybe more) of information crammed into a few lines. I hope it gives you something to think about and consider as we look forward into the next century. Thanks for listening.

Robin White