I give offerings that are genuine and generous.
When I approach the altar of the Goddess, I bring offerings from my heart, that show my devotion to Her. They might be flowers, incense, artwork, or a variety of other items. My offerings are returns to Her for Her abundance.
Genuine and generous offerings can be in the form of donations to humanitarian causes, whether organizations or individuals. The offerings can be monetary, or in the form of my own labor and time, volunteering as my offering to the Goddess.
When I donate, is it out of the stirrings of my heart of compassion, or out of guilt or a case of the "shoulds"? My offerings should be made from love and abundance and gratitude, and the desire to thank Her for Her gifts.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Just-a-Minute (JAM)
http://www.gvnr.com/113/3.htm
Global Village News and Resources Issue 113 - August, 2006
A dynamic new campaign to create personal peace in an ever-increasing global climate of chaos and change is being launched at Wembley Arena on Sunday 17th September.
Organised by the Brahma Kumaris, a global women-led spiritual organisation, the initiative introduces regular one-minute periods of silence into people’s lives, whether stressed out city executives, busy mums or high profile public figures.
Entitled just-a-minute (j-a-m), the worldwide campaign includes multi-media tools, such as one-minute spoken meditations to download onto computers or podcast; a creative viral campaign; events in major cities across the world, including Rio, Moscow, Sydney, Johannesburg and Madrid plus a simultaneous minute wave of peace to be linked live on the internet to over 100 countries.
The audience will also experience the love, peace and wisdom of three women, who between them have the combined power of 200 years of spiritual study and meditation. Now in their senior years, these three yogis, Dadi Janki, Dadi Gulzar and Dadi Prakashmani, who had no formal education and who set aside the constraints of social convention in their homeland of India, to become renowned world spiritual leaders, will be appearing for the first time together on the international stage.
The just-a-minute launch event is dedicated to the United Nations International Day of Peace and celebrating 70 years of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
Influential personalities, leaders and community heroes, including the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks and leading environmentalist Satish Kumar are lending their support for the campaign and sharing their stories of the impact of moments of silent reflection on their lives, to be featured in the just-a-minute DVD and website.
Visit the website at www.just-a-minute.org and click on the link to view an animated presentation of j-a-m: http://www.just-a-minute.org/movie.html.
Global Village News and Resources Issue 113 - August, 2006
A dynamic new campaign to create personal peace in an ever-increasing global climate of chaos and change is being launched at Wembley Arena on Sunday 17th September.
Organised by the Brahma Kumaris, a global women-led spiritual organisation, the initiative introduces regular one-minute periods of silence into people’s lives, whether stressed out city executives, busy mums or high profile public figures.
Entitled just-a-minute (j-a-m), the worldwide campaign includes multi-media tools, such as one-minute spoken meditations to download onto computers or podcast; a creative viral campaign; events in major cities across the world, including Rio, Moscow, Sydney, Johannesburg and Madrid plus a simultaneous minute wave of peace to be linked live on the internet to over 100 countries.
The audience will also experience the love, peace and wisdom of three women, who between them have the combined power of 200 years of spiritual study and meditation. Now in their senior years, these three yogis, Dadi Janki, Dadi Gulzar and Dadi Prakashmani, who had no formal education and who set aside the constraints of social convention in their homeland of India, to become renowned world spiritual leaders, will be appearing for the first time together on the international stage.
The just-a-minute launch event is dedicated to the United Nations International Day of Peace and celebrating 70 years of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
Influential personalities, leaders and community heroes, including the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks and leading environmentalist Satish Kumar are lending their support for the campaign and sharing their stories of the impact of moments of silent reflection on their lives, to be featured in the just-a-minute DVD and website.
Visit the website at www.just-a-minute.org and click on the link to view an animated presentation of j-a-m: http://www.just-a-minute.org/movie.html.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Laws of Ma'at - 5
I affirm that all life is sacred.
In this time of unrest around the globe, and comments like "there is no moral equivalent" between the deaths of Israelis and the deaths of Lebanese civilians, this Law of Ma'at is particularly timely.
All life is sacred - not just human life, but ALL life - the four-leggeds, many-leggeds, no-leggeds, feathered, scaled and rooted. Each person must determine for themselves how this belief plays out in their own life. Will you choose to be a vegetarian? or a vegan? or only eat free-range, wild-caught, organic foods? Will you choose to kill the spider in the bathtub, or catch it and release it outside? Will you choose to be a pacificist or to defend yourself?
All life is sacred - no life is to be considered as one's property. No life should be taken indiscriminately or just for pleasure. Life that is taken should be consciously honored as a gift from the Goddess/God.
All life is sacred.
In this time of unrest around the globe, and comments like "there is no moral equivalent" between the deaths of Israelis and the deaths of Lebanese civilians, this Law of Ma'at is particularly timely.
All life is sacred - not just human life, but ALL life - the four-leggeds, many-leggeds, no-leggeds, feathered, scaled and rooted. Each person must determine for themselves how this belief plays out in their own life. Will you choose to be a vegetarian? or a vegan? or only eat free-range, wild-caught, organic foods? Will you choose to kill the spider in the bathtub, or catch it and release it outside? Will you choose to be a pacificist or to defend yourself?
All life is sacred - no life is to be considered as one's property. No life should be taken indiscriminately or just for pleasure. Life that is taken should be consciously honored as a gift from the Goddess/God.
All life is sacred.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Mary Magdalen Event July 30th
An Invitation for a Mary Magdalen afternoon
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach
on Sunday, July 30th
Celebrate with an MM workshop, an MM playday, MM serious and laughing, humming, singing, dancing.
The theme is Myriam the Questioner. Do you have questions for her?
Does She have questions for you? Do you have questions for you?
She is Goddess of Paradox.
She is the One Who Asks Too Many Questions, but she did not sit down
and remain still. And she is Divine Silence, Stillness.
She is the One who arises and Returns: Divine Woman, Passionate
Female, Dancing, Questioning, Knowing, Being.
Time: 1:30PM to 5:00 PM, ending with celebration of Gnostic Rite @4PM
Address: 5450 Atherton Blvd, Long Beach
Donation: $15-25 or whatever you can do--no one turned away
Bring food or flower if you so desire.
Contact: Catherine Wright,
Event co-sponsored by Temple of Isis/Los Angeles and the Spritual Practices Committe of UUCLB
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach
on Sunday, July 30th
Celebrate with an MM workshop, an MM playday, MM serious and laughing, humming, singing, dancing.
The theme is Myriam the Questioner. Do you have questions for her?
Does She have questions for you? Do you have questions for you?
She is Goddess of Paradox.
She is the One Who Asks Too Many Questions, but she did not sit down
and remain still. And she is Divine Silence, Stillness.
She is the One who arises and Returns: Divine Woman, Passionate
Female, Dancing, Questioning, Knowing, Being.
Time: 1:30PM to 5:00 PM, ending with celebration of Gnostic Rite @4PM
Address: 5450 Atherton Blvd, Long Beach
Donation: $15-25 or whatever you can do--no one turned away
Bring food or flower if you so desire.
Contact: Catherine Wright,
Event co-sponsored by Temple of Isis/Los Angeles and the Spritual Practices Committe of UUCLB
Monday, July 10, 2006
Sisters of the Sea Ritual
Isis! Aphrodite! Mari! Yemaya! Nephthys! Kwan Yin!
All Hail the Sisters of the Sea!
It's time to celebrate Isis' Birthday and the Sisters of the Sea once again. Bring offerings of flowers, herbs, fruit, chocolote, and whatever else you hear the Sisters calling to you to bring.
All such offerings should be able to go in the Ocean!
Bring your non-organic Goddess images as well
for one of the Beach Blanket Altars.
Please RSVP to isishazel@yahoo.com
Saturday, July 15 2006
8AM, Dockweiler Beach (LAX area)
click here for pictures from Iseum of Isis Pelagia's 2005 Ritual
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Laws of Ma'at - 4
I respect the property of others
This seems like a no-brainer to me. Do not destroy or damage or take anyone else's property. Not just physical property, but intellectual property as well. Do not take credit for another's work.
Sometimes people forget that public places are also the property of others - the property of all of us. I am amazed by the amount of litter I see everywhere today. There seems to be little respect for shared spaces, for highways and sidewalks. My father used to tell us "always leave a place cleaner than when you found it".
This seems like a no-brainer to me. Do not destroy or damage or take anyone else's property. Not just physical property, but intellectual property as well. Do not take credit for another's work.
Sometimes people forget that public places are also the property of others - the property of all of us. I am amazed by the amount of litter I see everywhere today. There seems to be little respect for shared spaces, for highways and sidewalks. My father used to tell us "always leave a place cleaner than when you found it".
Monday, June 05, 2006
Laws of Ma'at - 3
I am non-violent
This is not an easy statement to make, and indeed, I humbly admit to seeking to be non-violent. I believe my actions are non-violent, but my thoughts when driving down the freeway most definitely are not! I do believe that non-violence is the key to the survival of the human race, its siblings of the other living species, and to the Earth itself.
The following information is from The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. If you ever get the chance to visit the Center, please do so. It is an awe-inspiring and tranformative place.
Six Principles of Non-violence
1. Non-violence is a way of life for courageous people.
2. Non-violence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
3. Non-violence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.
4. Non-violence holds that suffering can educate and transform.
5. Non-violence chooses love instead of hate.
6. Non-violence believes that the Universe is on the side of justice.
Six Steps of Non-violence for Social and Personal Change
1. Information gathering
2. Education
3. Personal commitment
4. Negotiations
5. Direct action
6. Reconciliation
As Dr. King said, "Non-violence or non-existence". The choice is clear.
This is not an easy statement to make, and indeed, I humbly admit to seeking to be non-violent. I believe my actions are non-violent, but my thoughts when driving down the freeway most definitely are not! I do believe that non-violence is the key to the survival of the human race, its siblings of the other living species, and to the Earth itself.
The following information is from The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. If you ever get the chance to visit the Center, please do so. It is an awe-inspiring and tranformative place.
Six Principles of Non-violence
1. Non-violence is a way of life for courageous people.
2. Non-violence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
3. Non-violence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.
4. Non-violence holds that suffering can educate and transform.
5. Non-violence chooses love instead of hate.
6. Non-violence believes that the Universe is on the side of justice.
Six Steps of Non-violence for Social and Personal Change
1. Information gathering
2. Education
3. Personal commitment
4. Negotiations
5. Direct action
6. Reconciliation
As Dr. King said, "Non-violence or non-existence". The choice is clear.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Summer Solstice Faire
JoinLong Beach WomanSpirit
and the Temple of Isis/Los Angeles
at the annual
Summer Solstice Faire
Saturday, June 10, 2006
10AM to 5:00PM
Unitarian Universalist Church
5450 Atherton, Long Beach
just west of Bellflower, south of the 405 F'way, north of 7th Street
$5 Donation - includes one free raffle ticket
COME SHOP, PLAY, STAY ALL DAY
Over 90 Vendor Booths
Networking Table (bring your flyers to share)
Hourly Raffle of Vendor Donated Items
Come see us at our Reiki Booth - Menhir Mysteries!
ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT
10:00 Opening Circle with Ella Reed
10:30 Miranda Rondeau
11:15 Kahena and Banaat al-Qamar
12:00 Liqdzunshine
1:00 The Cloverfields
2:00 Miri Hunter Haruach
3:00 The Nubian Divas and Closing Circle
Event co-sponsored by
the Spiritual Practices Committee of UUCLB
"We are always coming into being" Letecia Layson, Priestess of Morphogenesis
and the Temple of Isis/Los Angeles
at the annual
Summer Solstice Faire
Saturday, June 10, 2006
10AM to 5:00PM
Unitarian Universalist Church
5450 Atherton, Long Beach
just west of Bellflower, south of the 405 F'way, north of 7th Street
$5 Donation - includes one free raffle ticket
COME SHOP, PLAY, STAY ALL DAY
Over 90 Vendor Booths
Networking Table (bring your flyers to share)
Hourly Raffle of Vendor Donated Items
Come see us at our Reiki Booth - Menhir Mysteries!
ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT
10:00 Opening Circle with Ella Reed
10:30 Miranda Rondeau
11:15 Kahena and Banaat al-Qamar
12:00 Liqdzunshine
1:00 The Cloverfields
2:00 Miri Hunter Haruach
3:00 The Nubian Divas and Closing Circle
Event co-sponsored by
the Spiritual Practices Committee of UUCLB
"We are always coming into being" Letecia Layson, Priestess of Morphogenesis
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Laws of Ma'at - 2
I benefit without conflict.
There are two interpretations of this one.
I benefit without causing conflict. I do not have to step on anyone else in order to improve my circumstances. I can earn a living without causing conflict. I can build my personal power without taking it from someone else. I can have a spiritual life without criticizing anyone else's spiritual life or religious beliefs. When I do not exude the energy of conflict, it benefits others around me as well as myself.
I benefit when conflict does not exist. Without the stress created by conflict, my life is more stable, more peaceful, more healthy. I benefit when the conflict of rival gangs does not invade my neighborhood. I benefit when the conflict of rival nations does not create war. I benefit when my religious beliefs and spiritual path are not the target/source of conflict with another religion or spiritual path.
Either way, averting conflict is the most beneficial path.
Is this the same as avoiding confrontation? I don't think so. Confrontation comes from misunderstanding, and if clear communication occurs, the confrontation can be the path to understanding, and a means of averting conflict. When we avoid confrontation, we are acting out of fear, and we lose our personal power. We can speak the truth to power without creating or participating in conflict.
There are two interpretations of this one.
I benefit without causing conflict. I do not have to step on anyone else in order to improve my circumstances. I can earn a living without causing conflict. I can build my personal power without taking it from someone else. I can have a spiritual life without criticizing anyone else's spiritual life or religious beliefs. When I do not exude the energy of conflict, it benefits others around me as well as myself.
I benefit when conflict does not exist. Without the stress created by conflict, my life is more stable, more peaceful, more healthy. I benefit when the conflict of rival gangs does not invade my neighborhood. I benefit when the conflict of rival nations does not create war. I benefit when my religious beliefs and spiritual path are not the target/source of conflict with another religion or spiritual path.
Either way, averting conflict is the most beneficial path.
Is this the same as avoiding confrontation? I don't think so. Confrontation comes from misunderstanding, and if clear communication occurs, the confrontation can be the path to understanding, and a means of averting conflict. When we avoid confrontation, we are acting out of fear, and we lose our personal power. We can speak the truth to power without creating or participating in conflict.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Magdalene Beltane
Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 3:30 PM
Wylder Hall - Unitarian Universalist Church
5450 Atherton, Long Beach CA
Come celebrate Beltane with the Magdalene,
with She Who is container of the Mystery of the Two-in-One.
Come to dance in surging Fullness,
One-ness,
Wholeness;
come to dance YOUR Living Fullness.
Bring a taper to light from flame (to be blown out right away)
and take home with you,
Bring a rose, or other flower,
Bring your joy, bring your openness to joy.
Bring a noisemaker and/or snack food ad lib.
Event sponsored by Spritual Practices Committee of UUCLB.
Wylder Hall - Unitarian Universalist Church
5450 Atherton, Long Beach CA
Come celebrate Beltane with the Magdalene,
with She Who is container of the Mystery of the Two-in-One.
Come to dance in surging Fullness,
One-ness,
Wholeness;
come to dance YOUR Living Fullness.
Bring a taper to light from flame (to be blown out right away)
and take home with you,
Bring a rose, or other flower,
Bring your joy, bring your openness to joy.
Bring a noisemaker and/or snack food ad lib.
Event sponsored by Spritual Practices Committee of UUCLB.
Monday, April 03, 2006
How Fire Came to the People
For Joanne: The Beginnings, Part I
Long ago. The breath of the Goddess blew gently over the waters and the heat of the sun began to dry the land that Turtle and Duck had brought up from the ocean depths. The People went to bed with the sun, shivering in the darkness until the sun awoke again. It was hardest during the month of the long nights, when the People weren't tired but it was too dark to be up and about.
One night as the sun was going to bed over the waters, Raven perched on the top of a tree preening her beautiful white feathers. She was very proud of her plumage, and didn't like having even a drop of mud on her wings. Pausing for a moment, she overheard the People complaining about the short days, wishing the sun would leave a part of itself behind for light and warmth in the night. "What a great idea!" thought Raven. Only a small girl saw the flash of white as Raven took off from the tall cedar and flew to the West.
Raven flew a long way, stopping briefly on a small island for a drink of fresh water. She sighed as she watched a small animal scamper away from the creek, wishing there was time for dinner; but she was determined to follow through with her idea and so she flew off again.
Finally, Raven caught up with the sun and explained her plan. The sun happily obliged, taking a small bit of fire and placing it on Raven's white back, balancing it carefully so that it wouldn't interfere with her wings. Once again, Raven flew off, this time to the East, not even stopping once as she flew back into the darkness. Even though it was dark and the wind was cold, she felt a warmth from between her wingblades. She was sure she was overworking those muscles, and she would definitely be sore the next day!
She landed carefully at the foot of the cedar tree and walked slowly to where the People slept. She leaned back on her tail and the bit of the sun rolled down her back and off her tail and into a clump of dried cedar leaves. Just at that moment, a whisper of the breath of the Goddess floated down the valley, and a small flame arose from the blackened ember. Following the sun's instructions, Raven carried nest-building materials over to the flame and soon it was burning brightly, bright enough for the People to think that morning had come!
Soon they were all awake, watching this amazing thing called FIRE as it danced and crackled and warmed the air. Raven sat on a nearby bush, pleased that the People were enjoying her gift. After a few moments, that same little girl who saw her fly away approached her timidly. "What happened to your feathers?" she asked. "They were white when you left last night, but now they are black!" Startled, Raven leaned back to preen her wingblades, and sure enough! the coal had turned her beautiful white feathers a deep dark black. "You are still beautiful!" said the little girl.
And that is how Raven's feathers became black.
Long ago. The breath of the Goddess blew gently over the waters and the heat of the sun began to dry the land that Turtle and Duck had brought up from the ocean depths. The People went to bed with the sun, shivering in the darkness until the sun awoke again. It was hardest during the month of the long nights, when the People weren't tired but it was too dark to be up and about.
One night as the sun was going to bed over the waters, Raven perched on the top of a tree preening her beautiful white feathers. She was very proud of her plumage, and didn't like having even a drop of mud on her wings. Pausing for a moment, she overheard the People complaining about the short days, wishing the sun would leave a part of itself behind for light and warmth in the night. "What a great idea!" thought Raven. Only a small girl saw the flash of white as Raven took off from the tall cedar and flew to the West.
Raven flew a long way, stopping briefly on a small island for a drink of fresh water. She sighed as she watched a small animal scamper away from the creek, wishing there was time for dinner; but she was determined to follow through with her idea and so she flew off again.
Finally, Raven caught up with the sun and explained her plan. The sun happily obliged, taking a small bit of fire and placing it on Raven's white back, balancing it carefully so that it wouldn't interfere with her wings. Once again, Raven flew off, this time to the East, not even stopping once as she flew back into the darkness. Even though it was dark and the wind was cold, she felt a warmth from between her wingblades. She was sure she was overworking those muscles, and she would definitely be sore the next day!
She landed carefully at the foot of the cedar tree and walked slowly to where the People slept. She leaned back on her tail and the bit of the sun rolled down her back and off her tail and into a clump of dried cedar leaves. Just at that moment, a whisper of the breath of the Goddess floated down the valley, and a small flame arose from the blackened ember. Following the sun's instructions, Raven carried nest-building materials over to the flame and soon it was burning brightly, bright enough for the People to think that morning had come!
Soon they were all awake, watching this amazing thing called FIRE as it danced and crackled and warmed the air. Raven sat on a nearby bush, pleased that the People were enjoying her gift. After a few moments, that same little girl who saw her fly away approached her timidly. "What happened to your feathers?" she asked. "They were white when you left last night, but now they are black!" Startled, Raven leaned back to preen her wingblades, and sure enough! the coal had turned her beautiful white feathers a deep dark black. "You are still beautiful!" said the little girl.
And that is how Raven's feathers became black.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Gnostic Rite of Mary Magdalene
Come celebrate the Gnostic Rite of the Holy Order of Myriam of Magdala with Catherine Wright, priestess of TOILA and newly ordained in the Holy Order. This ritual re-enacts the myth of Sophia, Feminine Divine, and Logos in the Gnostic sacrament of the Bridal Chamber, with pagan and Isian mythic elements, with absolutely zero dogmatic or doctrinal content.
Saturday, April 8, 2006 3:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach - Wylder Hall
5450 Atherton St., Long Beach CA 90815
Bring yourSelf, snack food to share or flowers for altar.
Donations welcome.
Saturday, April 8, 2006 3:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach - Wylder Hall
5450 Atherton St., Long Beach CA 90815
Bring yourSelf, snack food to share or flowers for altar.
Donations welcome.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Return of the Maiden
We arrive at the cusp of spring
The Goddess beckons,
Calling forth the green freshness
the bright colors of new-born growth
The sun shines more brightly
higher on the horizon
warming the lengthening days
The birds emerge from their winter hiding
sending greetings to the Maiden
as she returns from the Underworld
Refreshed and renewed, a playful Youth
We greet the Spring
The Soul awakens from its slumber
praising the newness of creation
Stretching out the dreams of winter
Rising to the thaw of the spring sun
Dancing to the light of the clear full moon
Singing to the lambs and blooming hills
Praising the return of the Goddess
c. 1996 Bansagart
The Goddess beckons,
Calling forth the green freshness
the bright colors of new-born growth
The sun shines more brightly
higher on the horizon
warming the lengthening days
The birds emerge from their winter hiding
sending greetings to the Maiden
as she returns from the Underworld
Refreshed and renewed, a playful Youth
We greet the Spring
The Soul awakens from its slumber
praising the newness of creation
Stretching out the dreams of winter
Rising to the thaw of the spring sun
Dancing to the light of the clear full moon
Singing to the lambs and blooming hills
Praising the return of the Goddess
c. 1996 Bansagart
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Harita Meenee in Long Beach
Callistia Lee, Priestess of Aphrodite and LBWS Elder, and LBWS/TOILA are sponsoring the visit of Harita Meenee, Greek Goddess Scholar, to the Long Beach (CA) area this month. Harita is the author of The Women’s Olympics and the Great Goddess (available in English)and The Sacred Feminine and Mary Magdalene (soon to be available in English).
Harita Meenee’s Speaking Events, March 2006
For more detailed information, contact Callista Lee at Callista.lee@verizon.net or phone (562) 494-7565. This tour is sponsored by Long Beach WomanSpirit and the Temple of Isis/Los Angeles and by the generous support of hosting venues. The author is also available for interviews with the press. Please contact Callista Lee to make arrangements.
Friday, March 17th
– Welcome Party, 7pm-Midnight, pot-luck at a private home in Long Beach. By invitation only – please contact Callista Lee ASAP if you are interested in attending.
Sunday, March 19th
– Informal presentation/dinner topic: The Magdalene; 6pm-9pm at a private home in Long Beach. By invitation only – please contact Callista Lee ASAP if you are interested in attending.
Tuesday, March 21st
– California State University Long Beach, Lecture Hall 151?, 5-7pm, "Ancient Olympics" sponsored by the CSULB Women’s Center. This is not a "public" event, but community folks may attend. Nominal fee for parking on campus.
Thursday, March 23rd
- CSULB Women’s Center, invitation-only, small group discussion, "Mary Magdalene." Please contact Callista ASAP for an invitation and a chance to get a parking pass!
Saturday, March 25th -
Ritual and Pot-Luck Feast to celebrate Aphrodite,
6-9pm, co-sponsored by the Long Beach Unitarian Universalist Church (no admission fee but "love offerings" accepted to support Harita’s trip). Ritual by Long Beach WomanSpirit and the Temple of Isis/Los Angeles celebrating Aphrodite in all of Her Aspects with emphasis on Aphrodite as a Peace Goddess. UU Church Wylder Hall, 5450 Atherton Street, just west of Bellflower Blvd, in Long Beach. Open to the Public.
Sunday, March 26th
– 11am Sunday Service at the Orange County Goddess Temple, "The Divine Feminine & Sacred Sexuality" – Women Only. 17905 Sky Park Circle, Suite A, Irvine, CA 92614
http://www.goddesstempleoforangecounty.com/
Harita’s Books in print include:
The Women’s Olympics and the Great Goddess
(2004) - now available in English
The Sacred Feminine and Mary Magdalene
(2005) - soon available in English
A Feast for the Goddess
(2005) a cookbook she has co-authored - soon to be available in English
All are available through "Greece in Print."
Harita Meenee’s Speaking Events, March 2006
For more detailed information, contact Callista Lee at Callista.lee@verizon.net or phone (562) 494-7565. This tour is sponsored by Long Beach WomanSpirit and the Temple of Isis/Los Angeles and by the generous support of hosting venues. The author is also available for interviews with the press. Please contact Callista Lee to make arrangements.
Friday, March 17th
– Welcome Party, 7pm-Midnight, pot-luck at a private home in Long Beach. By invitation only – please contact Callista Lee ASAP if you are interested in attending.
Sunday, March 19th
– Informal presentation/dinner topic: The Magdalene; 6pm-9pm at a private home in Long Beach. By invitation only – please contact Callista Lee ASAP if you are interested in attending.
Tuesday, March 21st
– California State University Long Beach, Lecture Hall 151?, 5-7pm, "Ancient Olympics" sponsored by the CSULB Women’s Center. This is not a "public" event, but community folks may attend. Nominal fee for parking on campus.
Thursday, March 23rd
- CSULB Women’s Center, invitation-only, small group discussion, "Mary Magdalene." Please contact Callista ASAP for an invitation and a chance to get a parking pass!
Saturday, March 25th -
Ritual and Pot-Luck Feast to celebrate Aphrodite,
6-9pm, co-sponsored by the Long Beach Unitarian Universalist Church (no admission fee but "love offerings" accepted to support Harita’s trip). Ritual by Long Beach WomanSpirit and the Temple of Isis/Los Angeles celebrating Aphrodite in all of Her Aspects with emphasis on Aphrodite as a Peace Goddess. UU Church Wylder Hall, 5450 Atherton Street, just west of Bellflower Blvd, in Long Beach. Open to the Public.
Sunday, March 26th
– 11am Sunday Service at the Orange County Goddess Temple, "The Divine Feminine & Sacred Sexuality" – Women Only. 17905 Sky Park Circle, Suite A, Irvine, CA 92614
http://www.goddesstempleoforangecounty.com/
Harita’s Books in print include:
The Women’s Olympics and the Great Goddess
(2004) - now available in English
The Sacred Feminine and Mary Magdalene
(2005) - soon available in English
A Feast for the Goddess
(2005) a cookbook she has co-authored - soon to be available in English
All are available through "Greece in Print."
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Book Review: Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare: Encounters with Power, Authority and Mystery by Starhawk. Published by Harper & Row, 1987.
Starhawk is a well-known pagan author, activist and speaker, and one of the founders of the Reclaiming Collective. In Truth or Dare, she weaves the story of the Descent of Inanna with stories about challenging the structures of power-over that permeate the modern world. This book is a wonderful resource for those who want to understand how society become one of power-over, what the difference is between power-over and power-with, and how we can find ways to re-create our world as one of interdependence rather than dominion.
Starhawk also challenges the culture of war as a tool of the power-over model, and offers ways that we can deprogram ourselves from the internalized Judge, Conqueror, and Censor. Included are exercises, rituals and meditations that can be used by individuals and groups who want to understand how their encounters with Mystery can lead them to create sustainable communities of empowerment.
I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to take the dare and face the truth!
Starhawk is a well-known pagan author, activist and speaker, and one of the founders of the Reclaiming Collective. In Truth or Dare, she weaves the story of the Descent of Inanna with stories about challenging the structures of power-over that permeate the modern world. This book is a wonderful resource for those who want to understand how society become one of power-over, what the difference is between power-over and power-with, and how we can find ways to re-create our world as one of interdependence rather than dominion.
Starhawk also challenges the culture of war as a tool of the power-over model, and offers ways that we can deprogram ourselves from the internalized Judge, Conqueror, and Censor. Included are exercises, rituals and meditations that can be used by individuals and groups who want to understand how their encounters with Mystery can lead them to create sustainable communities of empowerment.
I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to take the dare and face the truth!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
A Gnostic Prayer to Isis-Sophia
A Gnostic Prayer to Isis-Sophia
Praise you, Mother Sophia;
Praise you, Great Goddess –
Hail to you Aset, Holy Virgin, Mother of God;
You who birth souls to the Infinite and Eternal,
Whose grace is the Light of the Day of Be-With-Us!
Yea though I walk in the day of your mourning,
Yet with your Forethought I behold your joy,
And with your Afterthought I gaze into your heart –
The perfection of Light and Love, Life and Liberty!
Placing lotus blossoms upon your alter, and
making offerings of incense and lights;
Envisioning the offering of everything good,
in the heavens and on earth,
I worship in your Light-presence and
call forth your Light-power,
Send the Opener of the Way before me,
Let the Spiritual Sun shine from within me:
O Mother, give birth to your Holy Child –
Empower me to go forth in the Divine Light!
There is Light and there is Fire,
and your Great Spirit passing through;
One Aeon dissolves and another arises,
but all is in you as in a Holy Womb –
You, the Portal of All-Worlds;
You the Life of All-Worlds:
You giving birth!
I pray, Holy Mother,
that you might part your veil,
that I might see you in all your forms,
And perchance glimpse into the In-between
to behold your True Essence;
Such is my prayer, such my inmost heart's desire,
To know you and to love you,
To be at-one with you!
Ave Sophia!
--Tau Malachi
Praise you, Mother Sophia;
Praise you, Great Goddess –
Hail to you Aset, Holy Virgin, Mother of God;
You who birth souls to the Infinite and Eternal,
Whose grace is the Light of the Day of Be-With-Us!
Yea though I walk in the day of your mourning,
Yet with your Forethought I behold your joy,
And with your Afterthought I gaze into your heart –
The perfection of Light and Love, Life and Liberty!
Placing lotus blossoms upon your alter, and
making offerings of incense and lights;
Envisioning the offering of everything good,
in the heavens and on earth,
I worship in your Light-presence and
call forth your Light-power,
Send the Opener of the Way before me,
Let the Spiritual Sun shine from within me:
O Mother, give birth to your Holy Child –
Empower me to go forth in the Divine Light!
There is Light and there is Fire,
and your Great Spirit passing through;
One Aeon dissolves and another arises,
but all is in you as in a Holy Womb –
You, the Portal of All-Worlds;
You the Life of All-Worlds:
You giving birth!
I pray, Holy Mother,
that you might part your veil,
that I might see you in all your forms,
And perchance glimpse into the In-between
to behold your True Essence;
Such is my prayer, such my inmost heart's desire,
To know you and to love you,
To be at-one with you!
Ave Sophia!
--Tau Malachi
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
42 Ideals of Ma'at: First is Virtue
The 42 Ideals of Ma'at (formerly known as the 42 Laws of Ma'at) were created by nine priestesses of the Temple of Isis in 1995, and were based on the Negative Confessions. Each week, we will be looking at one of these ideals.
I honor virtue.
Virtue is defined by the Oxford dictionary as "moral excellence; uprightness; goodness". Wordnet defines virtue as "the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong".
The values of "right" and "wrong" often vary in different cultures, different times, and even in individuals. Even doing something that is considered "wrong" can be right for that particular circumstance. Knowing the difference between "right" and "wrong" can be taught at young ages, but as we mature and develop, we must establish an internal meter for measuring moral decisions, based on our own understanding of morality and virtue.
How can we honor virtue in ourselves and others?
We honor virtue when we have made a difficult moral choice, basing our decision not on our own ego desire, but on what furthers our Higher Purpose and helps us connect more closely with the Goddess.
We honor virtue when we speak our Truth, even in the face of confrontation or derision.
We honor virtue when we develop an understanding of how people make moral decisions, based on their own level of development, and encourage them to take the next step. Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development is a wonderful tool in learning how morality -- and virtue -- develop.
We honor virtue when we continue to seek a life in harmony with our Higher Purpose and the Goddess.
What are some specific ways you can honor virtue?
I honor virtue.
Virtue is defined by the Oxford dictionary as "moral excellence; uprightness; goodness". Wordnet defines virtue as "the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong".
The values of "right" and "wrong" often vary in different cultures, different times, and even in individuals. Even doing something that is considered "wrong" can be right for that particular circumstance. Knowing the difference between "right" and "wrong" can be taught at young ages, but as we mature and develop, we must establish an internal meter for measuring moral decisions, based on our own understanding of morality and virtue.
How can we honor virtue in ourselves and others?
We honor virtue when we have made a difficult moral choice, basing our decision not on our own ego desire, but on what furthers our Higher Purpose and helps us connect more closely with the Goddess.
We honor virtue when we speak our Truth, even in the face of confrontation or derision.
We honor virtue when we develop an understanding of how people make moral decisions, based on their own level of development, and encourage them to take the next step. Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development is a wonderful tool in learning how morality -- and virtue -- develop.
We honor virtue when we continue to seek a life in harmony with our Higher Purpose and the Goddess.
What are some specific ways you can honor virtue?
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Imbolc
It has been six weeks since the solstice – winter is half over. The days are growing noticeably longer even as the weather here in Southern California grows colder and damper. In many areas, the first bulbs are beginning to break through the snow, but here, we are gearing up for the rainy season, the return of earth’s waters that will make our land green and bountiful again.
If we pay attention to the world around us, we see tiny buds beginning to appear at the ends of tree branches, and new shoots of green grass breaking through the soil. The birds are beginning their mating flights and nest-building. Winter is half over, and they must fly further afield and look harder for food. Other animals are starting to stir from their hibernation, and are hungry too.
February 2 is Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil will poke his head out from his underground home to see if his shadow will tell him how much longer winter will last. We already know the answer: spring is still six weeks away.
Our inner journey reflects the season. We too are beginning to stir from our winter hibernation. We begin to ask how long the winter will last within us, while we begin to feel the first stirrings of new life. We start to plan for the coming months, our plans based on whatever we have discovered about ourselves during the winter’s reflections in the darkness.
This season was first celebrated in ancient lands as the lambing season: Oimelc, or Imbolc, meaning “ewe’s milk”. As the winter dragged on, food supplies would run low and the ability to have fresh milk and cheese saved lives.
In Celtic lands, this feast was also known as Là Fhéill Bhrìghde, sacred to the Great Goddess Brighid, who appeared at Imbolc after the Cailleach, the hag of winter, danced upon the snow-topped hills. One of her titles was Brighid nam Brata, or Brighid of the Green Mantle, the green hills of the islands and her power of healing. Fire and Water were sacred to Her. In fact, there was a perpetual flame dedicated to her in Kildare for at least a thousand years, first tended by 19 priestesses in a 20-day rotating cycle, with Brighid Herself tending the flame on the 20th day. The priestesses were eventually replaced by a group of Christian nuns until Henry VIII had the abbey destroyed. The flame was left unlit until 1993 when a group of nuns returned to Kildare and rekindled the flame, where it is again kept perpetually burning. People around the world have since joined a group called Ord Brighideach, and we each take a shift every 20 days to light the flame of Kildare and tend it so that the flame is burning 24 hours a day around the world.
The Goddess Brighid was later transformed into St. Brigid, who was called Mary of the Gaels, midwife to the Virgin, and foster-mother of Jesus. The Christian church took the feast of Imbolc and rededicated it to the Virgin Mary as Candlemas, the celebration of Mary’s purification in the temple 40 days after Christmas.
In many other cultures, such as the Aztec, Iroqois, and the cultures of Asia, this was the time of the New Year celebration, the second new moon after the solstice. Chinese New Year was just a week ago, at the new moon, and we have entered the Year of the Monkey.
It is said that “studying nature is learning divinity”. One way to connect with the earth and its seasons is to take nature walks, learning to identify the plants, animals and birds that are active at different times of the year. Another way is to support environmental causes, adopting wildlife, and participating in beach clean-ups. Growing your own garden is of course another way!
What signs of new life are emerging in nature? How does the energy of the earth feel?
What signs of new life are emerging in you? How does your energy feel?
What can you do to encourage new growth in your life?
What steps can you take now that will help your dreams to quicken?
What can you do to help your connection to the earth grow?
When we respect the earth, the land itself becomes a magic cauldron, full of abundance. The Earth is the Great Mother of all life. The health of the Earth is reflected in the health of our own physical bodies as well.
This is the time to focus our energies on sending healing to the Earth and honoring her gifts to us: water, fire, soil, wind, food, shelter….
Together let us send healing and thanks to the Earth for her gifts.
c. 2004
If we pay attention to the world around us, we see tiny buds beginning to appear at the ends of tree branches, and new shoots of green grass breaking through the soil. The birds are beginning their mating flights and nest-building. Winter is half over, and they must fly further afield and look harder for food. Other animals are starting to stir from their hibernation, and are hungry too.
February 2 is Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil will poke his head out from his underground home to see if his shadow will tell him how much longer winter will last. We already know the answer: spring is still six weeks away.Our inner journey reflects the season. We too are beginning to stir from our winter hibernation. We begin to ask how long the winter will last within us, while we begin to feel the first stirrings of new life. We start to plan for the coming months, our plans based on whatever we have discovered about ourselves during the winter’s reflections in the darkness.
This season was first celebrated in ancient lands as the lambing season: Oimelc, or Imbolc, meaning “ewe’s milk”. As the winter dragged on, food supplies would run low and the ability to have fresh milk and cheese saved lives.
In Celtic lands, this feast was also known as Là Fhéill Bhrìghde, sacred to the Great Goddess Brighid, who appeared at Imbolc after the Cailleach, the hag of winter, danced upon the snow-topped hills. One of her titles was Brighid nam Brata, or Brighid of the Green Mantle, the green hills of the islands and her power of healing. Fire and Water were sacred to Her. In fact, there was a perpetual flame dedicated to her in Kildare for at least a thousand years, first tended by 19 priestesses in a 20-day rotating cycle, with Brighid Herself tending the flame on the 20th day. The priestesses were eventually replaced by a group of Christian nuns until Henry VIII had the abbey destroyed. The flame was left unlit until 1993 when a group of nuns returned to Kildare and rekindled the flame, where it is again kept perpetually burning. People around the world have since joined a group called Ord Brighideach, and we each take a shift every 20 days to light the flame of Kildare and tend it so that the flame is burning 24 hours a day around the world.
The Goddess Brighid was later transformed into St. Brigid, who was called Mary of the Gaels, midwife to the Virgin, and foster-mother of Jesus. The Christian church took the feast of Imbolc and rededicated it to the Virgin Mary as Candlemas, the celebration of Mary’s purification in the temple 40 days after Christmas.
In many other cultures, such as the Aztec, Iroqois, and the cultures of Asia, this was the time of the New Year celebration, the second new moon after the solstice. Chinese New Year was just a week ago, at the new moon, and we have entered the Year of the Monkey.
It is said that “studying nature is learning divinity”. One way to connect with the earth and its seasons is to take nature walks, learning to identify the plants, animals and birds that are active at different times of the year. Another way is to support environmental causes, adopting wildlife, and participating in beach clean-ups. Growing your own garden is of course another way!
What signs of new life are emerging in nature? How does the energy of the earth feel?
What signs of new life are emerging in you? How does your energy feel?
What can you do to encourage new growth in your life?
What steps can you take now that will help your dreams to quicken?
What can you do to help your connection to the earth grow?
When we respect the earth, the land itself becomes a magic cauldron, full of abundance. The Earth is the Great Mother of all life. The health of the Earth is reflected in the health of our own physical bodies as well.
This is the time to focus our energies on sending healing to the Earth and honoring her gifts to us: water, fire, soil, wind, food, shelter….
Together let us send healing and thanks to the Earth for her gifts.
c. 2004
Tending Brighid's Flame
Brighid, bean-oirdheirc Lasrach grad
Fetaim lasrach soillse
Thoir cuireadh sinne
ris a' bheatha
mhaireannach`
Brighid, Sublime Woman
Quick flame
Long may you burn bright!
You give us the invitation
to life everlasting.
Cill Elm, Fourth Shift
Ord Brighideach
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy Hogmanay!
Hogmanay began in the Scottish Highlands as a celebration of the New Year. Because of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, it was illegal to celebrate Christmas (it was seen as a Papist - aka Catholic - holiday) until the 1950s. In fact, Christmas was a regular work day for most people. In order to get around this law, Scots began to add in their Christmas celebrations to their New Year's Eve celebration, exchanging gifts for Hogmanay.
One of the traditions at Hogmanay is known as "First Footing". The first person to cross the threshold after midnight (or more traditionally, after sunset on New Year's Eve) should be a "tall, dark stranger" bearing gifts of bread, meat and drink, bringing prosperity to the home for the coming year. It could be a little difficult finding someone to perform the First Footing - it had to be someone with no red or blond in their hair (in Scotland?!?!) - but this was for a good historical reason: if the stranger was dark-haired, it wasn't likely that they were a Viking raider, was it?
Bonfires were also a part of the Hogmanay tradition, a continuation of the bonfires that once celebrated the Winter Solstice, driving away the darkness and assisting in the rebirth of the sun as its path once again turned toward the northern hemisphere.
You won't find a traditional Hogmanay celebration in the streets of Glasgow or Edinburough. Hogmanay celebrations in the larger cities more closely resemble the parties held in New York's Times Square.
Beannacht leat!
One of the traditions at Hogmanay is known as "First Footing". The first person to cross the threshold after midnight (or more traditionally, after sunset on New Year's Eve) should be a "tall, dark stranger" bearing gifts of bread, meat and drink, bringing prosperity to the home for the coming year. It could be a little difficult finding someone to perform the First Footing - it had to be someone with no red or blond in their hair (in Scotland?!?!) - but this was for a good historical reason: if the stranger was dark-haired, it wasn't likely that they were a Viking raider, was it?
Bonfires were also a part of the Hogmanay tradition, a continuation of the bonfires that once celebrated the Winter Solstice, driving away the darkness and assisting in the rebirth of the sun as its path once again turned toward the northern hemisphere.
You won't find a traditional Hogmanay celebration in the streets of Glasgow or Edinburough. Hogmanay celebrations in the larger cities more closely resemble the parties held in New York's Times Square.
Beannacht leat!
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