Friday, September 23, 2005

Dead Can Dance

I went to go and see DCD last night in Oakland. It was so beautiful... even though they did not play my favorite song (Cantara) it was a magical and religious experience for me. Lisa Gerrard's voice, as always, is incredible and flawless... and Brenden Perry is nothing short of amazing. I probably could have done with a few less of Lisa's very slow droning solos, though beautiful, were beginning to trance me out to the point of sleep at times. Her final song, The Hymn for the Fallen was, I felt, an odd choice for a final piece, but hauntingly beautiful nonetheless. For those interested, you can read a recent interview that the SF Chronicle did with here here.

I have wanted to hear them live since I first heard them on the radio several years ago. Hearing just one of their songs, (The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove) inspired Chas and I to immediately go out and buy three of their albums on the hunch that we would like most of their stuff... needless to say we were not disappointed.) I'm so glad that the three of us were able to make arrangements to get out of the house together to go and be a part of this.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

There is no point to this post...

...other than as an excuse to display my new Colin Farrel icon. ;)



**EDIT: I changed it from an icon to just a picture... I mean, how many times will I really have cause to display an LJ icon of Colin Farrel simulating masturbation and giving head? Other than in my private time, of course. ;)

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Support Planned Parenthood: Pledge-a-Picket

I was made aware of this from my partner, Chas, who read it in the journal of blackthornglade:

Read about this ingenious plan to turn the protesters of a Pennsylvania Planned Parenthood into a positive force for choice!

It looks like perhaps a few locations are doing this now... So awesome!

Sunday, September 18, 2005

To Charge or not to Charge... Witchcraft and Capitalism

This is really simply a response to a post that elfwreck made in the  community. I am posting it here because it is rather long (too long for an LJ comment), because it has been an ongoing issue in the larger Witchcraft community, and also because my answers are personal to how I teach and conduct myself. If you are so inclined, read the original post before reading my response.

This is rather long because this is an ongoing issue that has come up before in several forums that I participate in, and as such I have given it a lot of thought. This is, obviously, directed at your #4.

I think you have brought up some valuable points. These are all things to consider when entering into a paid teacher/student relationship, whatever your role in that relationship may be.

I obviously have a different take on it, both because I paid for my training in the Feri tradition, and also because I am now a teacher in the tradition who charges money for classes. I will detail some of my own answers to these problems in order provide another view on them.

I do think that it is important to have some type of exchange for my time... most often in our society this comes in the form of money, but in recognition that there are many who simply cannot afford to pay I also offer work trade for the majority of my classes. In some cases I prefer it. I have also created a resource for students to find other teachers of the tradition, at least some of which do not charge money and whom I recommend highly.

The other potential problems that you identify are simply that... potential problems. If addressed consciously by the teacher then they need not manifest. For example, I have let paying students go because I felt that they were not willing or able to actually do the work, or simply because I felt that they were not a good fit for the tradition.

I am upfront with my students that even completion of my classes does not guarantee initiation of any kind. And I continue to stress that fact along the way.

I have also seen what happens to students when they stop classes (both paid and non) and how some have problems because of the lack of support from their previous teachers. There is no easy answer to this. The problem has less to do with paying and more to do about the teacher/student relationship at its core. My answer is to make myself available to *anyone* with questions about the tradition and the work, regardless if they are my current students or not. Obviously prior students would be in a better position to receive tailored advice from me as I would know their situation better, but even dropping out of my classes does not mean that I will never talk to you again. ;)

It dehumanizes the path by replacing social & personal ties and obligations with monetary ones.

This is by no means an absolute. For some people I suppose it can do as you say, but even to imply that this is automatic is to take a decidedly narrow view. My relationship with my teacher was genuine and heartfelt. I never felt that I was not personally tied to him simply because I was paying him money. I understood that he needed the money in order to make ends meet. I was happy to be able to contribute towards his living expenses, especially when I felt that I was getting so much more from him than he was getting from my $40-60 per month.

As for the student's obligation after classes are at an end... this is largely in the mind of the student anyway and not-paying for classes no more guarantees ongoing loyalty then paying will guarantee said loyalties will abruptly end. You are correct that it is something to address, however. Here is where communication is of key issue. I also think that where class-time can be charged for, it becomes rather dangerous to charge for actual initiations. Those, I strongly feel, should be offered freely but I will not place myself in a position to judge another who might engage in the practice, other than perhaps refraining from recommending them as a teacher. I mainly prefer to worry about my own work and practice and let others do the same for themselves.

On the flip side of the issue, there are also problems that can be associated with NOT charging for classes... I know of at least a few situations in which teachers who adamantly DID NOT charge for classes (unwittingly?) created atmospheres in which students felt obligated to provide "other" forms of compensation, creating a rather co-dependent relationship. In some cases this has manifested as sexual favors. Not exactly healthy, IMO.

Now, this isn't to say that this will always (or even often) happen in classes that are provided for free... (I would suspect that the vast majority of free classes are not subject to such degradations) I just mention it to point out that there are potential problems in whatever we do and it is a good idea to be aware of that.

It's prostitution... something sacred sold to the highest bidder.

I think this was meant to be a jab against those who charge for teaching, but it actually came across to me as kind of amusing. I am recalling the sacred prostitutes whom I hold in high regard ;) I think, however, I know what you're getting at, but I do not necessarily agree with your statement. Charging for classes does not automatically equate to "selling to the highest bidder". If I actually sold my class time on auction then I would agree. But I have set fees for my time (well, sliding scale, anyway) along with a willingness to work with the individual should they not be able to meet those fees. A hardcore stance against charging for class time implies that only those individuals who are independently wealthy should be able to teach the Craft, ignoring the contributions that can be made by those teachers who still struggle to make ends meet. Were I not charging for my time, then I would simply not be able to offer the classes that I do. I, like most people, have bills to pay. I have to buy groceries and pay for electricity, and gasoline, and everything else that humans in our society are usually required to pay for. The insistence of some that I should offer my time for free or else be labeled a "prostitute" is, quite frankly, insulting. Or at least it would be if I didn't keep thinking about the sacredness of the world's oldest profession. ;)

In the end one main thing that I have done to try to alleviate these problems is to make sure that the fees that I receive from teaching do not represent the bulk of my income. I make most of my living as a writer and artist. But were I not able to change for the time that I spend preparing for and teaching the classes I offer, then I simply would not be able to offer them, plain and simple. It would be nice if I had enough money to offer them for free, but I'm just not there. I don't think that I should be judged as being "less than" based on my financial situation. This smacks of socio-economic bigotry, which I doubt you intended.

Friday, September 16, 2005

Touch Tone Democracy

Support Gender Neutral Marriage in California

I found the following instructions in a listing on Tribe.net... I did it and it was incredibly easy.

1. This will take you less than 30 seconds
2. Call the California Governor: 916-445-2841
3. Push: 2 (voice your opinion on legislation)
4. Push: 1 (gender-neutral marriage bill - Senate Bill 849)
5. And push: 1 to support marriage equality

It's that simple! :)

East Bay Fund raiser - The Pets of Katrina

If you are in town and would like to come and listen to some music, have a couple drinks, and know that you are helping out with the relief effort, then why not join us for this event? DJ D.O.M.G (nullzeit) will be spinning tonight and chas_bogan and I will be in attendance. Come by and say hello!

"Drink For Relief" @ Spoontonic Lounge - This Friday and Saturday

Spoontonic Lounge
2580 N Main St Ste A
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(925) 977-1888

Here we go! We got D.J. D.O.M.G. Friday night spinning & Dr. XeNo will helm Saturday night's tunes. Both will be playing 80s/indie/brit pop music.

This is a fund raiser for the people and pets that were affected by Katrina.

There is even a raffle with some great prizes:

2 Gold Passes to AMC
4 seat Box to Steve Miller
2 Roundtrip Southwest Tickets to ANYWHERE Southwest flies
2 Tickets to Niners vs. Cowboys Game on Sept 25th
Music Cd's
Comedy Cd's
Band T-shirts
Collectible Rock Posters
Autographed Rock Memorabilia

Doors open at 5pm Friday and 8pm on Saturday. The D.J.s start at 10pm.

Come down and join us!

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Sex and Creation Feri Intensive UPDATE

Crossposted to :

Hello, all... I just wanted to let everyone know that after much discussion between the teachers we have decided to open up eligibility for the upcoming Sex and Creation Feri Intensive to anyone who has worked with Feri, either with a teacher or on their own.

We realize that many of you have no access or connection to a Feri teacher and so have familiarized yourselves with traditional practices through available published materials. Since we sincerely doubt that those with just a passing interest in Feri will make the commitment (both in time and in money) for the proposed event, we have decided to allow everyone an opportunity to come and make connections with Feri teachers, and learn a little bit more about our path.

Because of this change in focus, we will now be offering choices of both foundational as well as intermediate and advanced workshops at the event.

Sex and Creation: an Anderson Feri Intensive
With Anaar, T. Thorn Coyle, Storm Faerywolf and Michele Jackson
May 4-7, 2006, Diana's Grove, Missouri

Come and dance with the Gods on the ribbon of creation. Bask in the beauty of the Star Goddess and make love with the Divine Twins. Explore the paths of Sex and Creation in Feri with four powerful teachers from different lines of this potent tradition.

We will spend a magical three days and three nights on the beautiful Ozarks land of Diana's Grove. Walk the labyrinth, eat delicious food, visit the sacred ritual groves and dip your feet into the rushing creek. Most of all, work Feri magic with other Feri practitioners. All who have worked with the Anderson Feri tradition (either alone or with a teacher) are invited to attend. Foundational classes, as well as intermediate and advanced, will be offered so as to accommodate all skill levels.

Mornings will consist of working with either Sex, taught by Anaar and Storm, or Creation, taught by Thorn and Michele. Afternoons there will be foundational to advanced workshops taught by individual teachers that reflect their specialties and their specific Feri Tradition knowledge. In the evenings, we will all gather together to work magic around a bonfire under the stars.

Are you ready? Enter the magic.

Cost is $285 for three days and nights of teaching, magic and food. Tenting space is available. Cabins are available for an extra fee. Diana's Grove is a drug and alcohol free space. We ask that all participants respect this parameter.

Interested parties should contact Hyndla Kensdottir (at hyndla53704@yahoo.com) for registration inquiries.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Evacuees?? Let 'em eat cake...

Let 'em eat cake?

From today's Chicago Sun-Times:

"What I'm hearing which is sort of scary is that they all want to stay in Texas. Everybody is so overwhelmed by the hospitality. And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this, this is working very well for them." -- Former First Lady Barbara Bush, in response to evacuees of hurricane Katrina relocating to the Astrodome, Sept. 5th.
It's all very Marie Antoinette... where's the revolution when you need it?

For more memorable quotes, read the full article here.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Tarot: I just can't stop!

Yet another addition to my Tarot project:


"The Empress" ©2005 Storm Faerywolf
Click image to purchase a signed print.

The Empress is the complete unfolding of the Divine Feminine; the powers of fertility, creation, and inspiration. She is the fecund earth, the primal womb of the stars. She is the flower that opens in innocence... yet she is not naive. Her foundation is that of the unconscious, symbolized by the crescent moon at her feet, and She is seen emerging from the cosmic sea; the primal waters of stellar creation. In the Feri tradition She is the Star Goddess in Her aspect of Mari, the Great Mother. Seven roses in the colors of the spectrum emerge from Her holy presence... representing beauty, openness, and completion. The red rose of sexual desire marks Her holy yoni; the great womb of creation, while the blue rose of mystery hides just out of reach behind Her. Those who approach Her with respect may yet grasp the rose... but deny Her power and risk drowning in the stellar waters of the abyss.


Comments, as always, are welcome.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Long Distance Feri training

Cross posted to :

Long Distance Feri Training
(Course length will be determined by the pace of the individual)
$20-40 per month

For those individuals who wish to participate in my Feri classes but are unable to attend due to mobility, location, or other issues, I am now offering a long-distance alternative. This foundational class is based on my two-year Level One in-person Feri training course. Using email lessons, group discussion, and occasional phone sessions, the student will be guided through various aspects of Feri, culminating in the establishment of a Feri tradition spiritual practice. Students who complete this course will be eligible for enrollment in the Level Two in-person Feri training class.

Potential students should download the Class Application and mail it to the address below.

Covered topics include:

  • History of the Tradition
  • Meditation
  • Working with Energy
  • Cleansing/Kala
  • Aligning the Three Souls
  • Basic Feri Ritual
  • The Iron and Pearl Pentacles
  • The Black Heart of Innocence
  • The Elements of Feri
  • Working Tools
  • The Guardians
  • The Divine Twins
  • The Infinitum (Gods of the Feri Lemniscate)

For more information, visit my website or send SASE to:

Faerywolf
PO Box 3736
Antioch, CA 94531

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Latest image: The Hermit

Wow... I sure have posted a lot today! ;)

Here is my latest installment for my tarot project:


"The Hermit" ©2005 Storm Faerywolf
Click image for more info
or to purchase a signed print.


Comments welcome.

Time line of Katrina Events

This is just appalling.

Link lifted from the journal of veedub

http://thinkprogress.org/katrina-timeline/

Sex and Creation: an Anderson Feri Intensive

Just putting the word out for an event I will be participating in next year...

Cross posted by yezida to :


Sex and Creation: an Anderson Feri Intensive
With Anaar, T. Thorn Coyle, Storm Faerywolf and Michele Jackson
May 4-7, 2006, Diana's Grove, Missouri

Come and dance with the Gods on the ribbon of creation. Bask in the beauty of the Star Goddess and make love with the Divine Twins. Explore the paths of Sex and Creation in Feri with four powerful teachers from different lines of this potent tradition.

We will spend a magical three days and three nights on the beautiful Ozarks land of Diana's Grove. Walk the labyrinth, eat delicious food, visit the sacred ritual groves and dip your feet into the rushing creek. Most of all, work Feri magic with other Feri practitioners. All who have worked with the Anderson Feri tradition (either alone or with a teacher) are invited to attend. Foundational classes, as well as intermediate and advanced, will be offered so as to accommodate all skill levels.

Morning will consist of working with either Sex, taught by Anaar and Storm, or Creation, taught by Thorn and Michele. Afternoons there will be workshops taught by individual teachers that reflect their specialties and their specific Feri Tradition knowledge. In the evenings, we will all gather together to work magic around a bonfire under the stars.

Are you ready? Enter the magic.

Cost is $285 for three days and nights of teaching, magic and food. Tenting space is available. Cabins are available for an extra fee. Diana's Grove is a drug and alcohol free space. We ask that all participants respect this parameter.

contact Hyndla Kensdottir <hyndla53704@yahoo.com> for registration inquiries.

In support of Equal Rights...

Most of you probably have heard that last night the California state assembly (barely) voted to pass AB 849 which provides gender-neutral wording for the definition of marriage in our state. While this is indeed a great victory for gay and lesbian people in California (and for ALL people who are concerned with equal rights) there is still a battle to be fought in terms of making this law. The next step is the approval by Gov. Schwarzenegger, who now has only 30 days to decide to approve, ignore, or veto the bill. If he ignores the bill then it will become law by default, but he has hinted that he may veto it and faces much opposition to the bill.

What is needed now is action. Magick, prayers, spells, as well as the more traditional phone calls, letters, and speaking out. Today I emailed the governor as well as sent him a "snail mail". I have included a copy here so that others might then be inspired to take their own action.


***
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I am a gay man who has been partnered for over twelve years. I have lived in California all my life. I am a business owner, a tax payer, and a person of religious faith. I am also a person who has been denied a basic right that many others are able to enjoy in California and across the country. As a citizen and voter in California who is concerned about civil rights in our state, I am writing to urge you to lend your support to AB 849; the bill that would make the definition of marriage in California gender neutral.

The opposition would have us believe that the right of legal marriage should only be available for heterosexual partners, variously citing both legal traditions as well as religious ones. It is important to understand, however, that these points have no place in a secular society that is said to value freedom and the rights of individual expression. Citing Biblical and religious reasons to deny a segment of Californians basic human rights represents the fears and ignorance that stem from religious extremism. Citing legal tradition as justification to oppress a minority is simply wrong, both morally and factually. As you know the definition of marriage in California was not gender-specific until 1977, so the argument that "this is how it has always been" (apart from being surprisingly backward) is also simply false.

This is an important issue to take a stand on. While there have been needed improvements in recent years, right now in California gay and lesbian people are still forced to be second-class citizens in the eyes of the law. Until ALL Californians are able to enjoy the same rights and privileges regardless of race, religion, creed, AND sexual orientation, then the freedom that we claim to be fighting for amounts to little more than political lip-service.

While many might think of this issue as being a minor one, I feel compelled to point out that as long as segments of society are disallowed civil rights then it sends the message that it is acceptable to oppress and to deny them. This mentality lends itself to both discrimination and to violence. I have been the victim of both and I strongly feel that this needs to be addressed for the health and safety this often oppressed minority.

This is not an issue that should be decided by a majority vote of the people. Civil rights should never be something that can be denied or taken away from citizens of this country. The constitution, while imperfect, is supposed to guide us through these issues in part by protecting the rights of minorities from the tyranny of an often ignorant ruling class. The majority can be (and often has been) simply wrong. History will judge the actions of today through the eyes of tomorrow. Just as interracial marriages were once illegal (and opposed by the majority of the populace) historical hindsight shows us that the actions of a few brave people were able to transcend the fear and the ignorance of the ruling mindset to usher in a new era of change, tolerance, and freedom so that we could take yet another step toward realizing those lofty goals of the founding fathers when they put pen to paper to declare that "all men are created equal" and that our government would represent "justice for all".

I fervently ask that you sign this bill and lend it your full support. I ask that you take a historical stand and protect the rights of so many Californians who need you right now. I ask that you speak out in support of this bill, knowing that by doing so you are standing tall as a beacon of hope and freedom, not only for gay and lesbian Californians, but for all people who strive to realize those freedoms that so many have fought and died for.

This wont be easy. There is fierce opposition who will try to discredit you. But I have faith in you. If you have half as much faith in yourself as I do then you will be able to stand up and do the right thing. We stand at a crossroads between intolerance and freedom. The decision is yours. It is time for you to lead California into a new era. I pray that you make your decision based on what is right and good, and not on what is popular. I believe that eventually all citizens will enjoy equal rights. When that happens how will history judge us? We have a golden opportunity to help to ensure that freedom is a reality in California. Please take it. Please support AB 849 and make freedom a reality for ALL Californians.

***

Please take a moment to call or write (or both!) Gov. Schwarzenegger's office at:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633

This issue is bigger than just California. Let the fires of freedom rise and spread! This is MY spell. So must it be!



**EDIT**
Schwarzenegger has announced that he will veto the bill, a move that was not unexpected.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2005/09/07/1206282-ap.html

Please still send your letters, make your calls, and tell him exactly what you think of him.

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow night my boyfriend Daniel (nullzeit) will be spinning at his very own club...



So if you are in the San Francisco area then consider checking it out. I'll be there along with Chas alternating between dancing and siting in the corner talking. It's always nice to meet new people, so come and say hello!