Schedule Update

I will be teaching some new classes this quarter.

I just created a new email update list which I will send out every so often with updates to my events schedule. If you would like to join then please send a blank email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to: list@faerywolf.com

In the meantime...


Prosperity Magic
Sunday, Dec. 7
1-3pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$25

The basic premise of true magic is that all things are connected and can be interacted with. By using certain herbs, stones, and symbolic ritual we can learn to tap-into the particular forces in our lives and then consciously direct them toward our own Will. In this class we will learn different magical techniques to attract prosperity and abundance. Learn about colors, candles, chants, and more to bring more money into your life!

Intro to Witchcraft
Sunday, Dec. 14
1-4pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$25

Witchcraft is a word that means different things to different people. To some it is something sinister, to others it is a nature-celebrating religion of life. At its core Witchcraft is a practice; a series of techniques that enable the practitioner a deeper access to their own spiritual and psychic abilities. In this class we will discuss the different forms of witchcraft, and then participate in a witchcraft ritual.

The Winter Solstice Ritual – with Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf
Sunday, Dec. 21
4-6pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
FREE! Please bring a small food item to share.

To witches and Pagans, the solstices and the equinoxes mark some of the holiest times of the year. As we approach the Winter Solstice, the nights are getting longer, but on this day the powers of the sun are returning! Come and join us as we celebrate the return of the sun king with stories, ritual, and a little feast!

Foundations of F(a)eri(e): The Iron Pentacle
Saturday, Dec. 27
7-9pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$20

The Iron Pentacle is one of the most important tools of self-transformation that the Feri tradition has to offer. In this class we will delve into each of the five points of Sex, Pride, Self, Power, and Passion, to see how they play out in our lives, as well as invoke this symbol in ritual to see how and where we are in or out of balance so that we may then begin to reclaim our lost power.

Foundations of F(a)eri(e): The Three Souls
Sunday, Dec. 28
1-3pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$20

Many cultures espouse the multiplicity of the human soul. From Polynesian Huna, to traditional Jewish & African beliefs, an awareness of our three souls has manifested in many ways through time. Modern spiritual systems often recognize and encourage communion with our “higher self”, but this is but one of the facets of our existence. In this class we will explore the three souls as taught in the Feri tradition of witchcraft and learn how to commune with each of them in order to bring them into alignment, assisting us in one of the most vitally important foundational steps toward our own spiritual evolution.

Journey into Faery
Sunday, January 11
1-3pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$20

Faery is a particular place within the underworld, that realm which mirrors our own. In some forms of the Faery-Faith it is said that part of our own soul exists there, connecting us to that place where the stars shine within the earth, and the ancestors dwell. Come and experience a trance journey into this twilight realm, and work with some of the faery beings connected to the land as we work to deepen our connection to the earth, to the shining lands, and to our fey nature.

Reiki I
Sunday, Jan. 18
3-6pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$100

$25 non-refundable deposit required prior to event.
Please give your name as you would like it to appear on your certificate.

Reiki is an initiatory form of Japanese spiritual energy practice. A Reiki practitioner has been energetically attuned to channel a spiritually guided form of universal life-energy which facilitates the healing process and quickens spiritual evolution. Learn some of the history, as well as the practices of Reiki. Class will culminate in a Reiki Level One attunement, complete with certification.

Candle Magic
Sunday, Feb. 1
4-6pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$25

The use of candles in magic has a long and rich history. Witchcraft, Hoodoo, Ceremonial Magic and even Catholicism enjoy the use of candles as a means to bring about a desired result. We will learn how to choose and properly “dress” a candle for magical work, as well as different techniques for burning them for different purposes. Each participant will receive a 7 Day candle which will be dressed and charged for your particular purpose for you to burn at home.

Reiki II
Sunday, Feb. 28
7-9pm
Location: The Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA
$200

$25 non-refundable deposit required prior to event.
Please give your name as you would like it to appear on your certificate.

A Reiki Level Two practitioner has had traditional symbols ritually placed into their energy-body, thus widening their channel for the Reiki life-force energy, and giving them special tools for working with the Reiki energy in deeper ways. This class will culminate in a Reiki Level Two attunement, complete with certification. Reiki Level One certification required to attend. Only those who have pre-registered will be admitted to class.

I signed. Have you?

Repeal Prop 8!

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/repealprop8

It has only just begun...

A Poem from my book

Because a friend was talking about it today:

The Forgotten Ancestors
by Storm Faerywolf

They are without name and number
without face or memory
Or shade
Or form
But still they live
As hungry ghosts
feeding on the crusts of bread
And the kindness of strangers.
But they are not unknown to us
Not completely.
The men and women of secret passions
The man who wore a dress and was arrested
Taken away in a wagon of queers
The woman
With hair cut short and wearing slacks
Like any gentleman on the town.
They are still here with us
Wandering lost.
Wander no more for we remember
Though we know not your names, we remember!
You who lived your lives on your own terms
Who broke the molds and lived
And suffered
And laughed,
And died
All in the name of love.
We honor you.

Triumph over Marriage Inequality Spell

Several people have offered to assist me with any magical workings that I might be doing to help defeat the oppression of Proposition 8. What follows is a spell that I wrote based on one that I performed along with Chas and a good friend of ours prior to the election. Since the central modality of the spell is that of the thing "rotting away" it is a decidedly "slower" spell in terms of time for results, although it is also a much more thorough one. (I figure that "fast" is less important than "effective"... I'm confidant that the spell we did is still working as the petition paper rots in the ground, but the more power lent by other practitioners the better.)

I call for a lot of ingredients in this spell, but feel free to use your own intuition. Nothing is written in stone. Feel free to adapt or change this spell completely. Use in accordance with your personal deities or practices. (We opened the Western Gate in our rite, and asked the Queer Ancestors to assist us.)

Triumph over Marriage Inequality Spell
©2008 Storm Faerywolf

Items needed:
A Black Candle, anointed with Destruction Oil
A White Candle, anointed with Uncrossing and Victory Oil
Two Lavender Candles, anointed with Uncrossing, Court Case, and Lavender Love Drops Oils
Focal Image/Petition paper (You may use THIS, if you like.)
Black Arts Incense
Fiery Wall of Protection Incense
Rose petals
Marriage Sachet Powder
Graveyard Dirt
Coffin Nails
A small, inexpensive jewelry chain
Some white silk
Some Salt

On a waning moon (Nov. 14th through the 26th), just after midnight, go to some secret place where you will be undisturbed, preferably a crossroads. Light the Black Arts Incense and smudge the petition paper. Focus on how this paper is the physical manifestation of the social current toward oppression of GLBT persons. Anoint the paper with destruction oil and say:

Voices of oppression and inequality;
you have now fallen silent.
Though you tried to suppress the tide of freedom,
now you suffer the impotence of death.

Sprinkle some of the Graveyard Dirt over it's surface and then turn the image 90 degrees counterclockwise and fold in half away from you. Then turn and fold again in the same manner, three times in total. Pierce it through three times with the Coffin Nails, and then burn the black candle on top of it, allowing it to burn down completely.
The next night, take the remnants to a crossroads (or other place of power) and dig a small "grave". Place the petition paper and the remnants of the black candle (if any) into the grave and say:

As you rot in your grave
so too the power of your supporters does rot away.
Let Freedom ring,
Let the chains now be broken.

On the last line, break the small chain and throw it into the grave along with a small handful of salt. Fill-in the grave and walk away without looking back. Perform a cleansing/uncrossing rite.

On the 8th day before the full moon (Friday, Dec. 5) sometime between 6pm and midnight, set an altar with the white candle in the center, and the two lavender candles 8" away from it on each side. "Dust" each of the candles with the Marriage Sachet Powder. Light the Fiery Wall of Protection Incense and smudge the altar and the working area. Sprinkle the rose petals in a circle around all three candles. Light just the lavender candles, saying:

You are man and man
You are woman and woman
You are alike
And you are in love
And your love is a sacrament unto all nature.
In love be you drawn
In justice be you joined.

Burn them down part way (at least for several minutes) and then snuff them out, thus keeping the energy contained in the candle. Do this each night until the Full Moon, moving them closer and closer to the white candle each time. On the final night, the night of the Full Moon, use them to light the white candle and say:

True love shines with the fires of victory!
I now pronounce you married in the eyes of the law!

Allow all candles to burn down. Wrap up the spell remnants in white silk and bury in your yard or otherwise hide it in your home, perhaps in the soil of a large houseplant, or in a box.

Comments are welcome.

In addition, please support the ACLU.

** EDIT: Permission granted to share. Please provide a link back or at least my copyright notice. I'll likely be including this (or some form of it) in my book.

The Death of Prop 8

A friend of mine posted this in his Facebook and I thought I would share. It is from the original CA Supreme Court decision from May 08 that struck down the same-sex marriage ban. This will ultimately be Prop 8's undoing. Pay particular attention to the last two paragraphs.

"In recognizing, however, that the right to marry is a basic, constitutionally protected civil right -- "a fundamental right of free men [and women]"...--....this right embodies fundamental interests of an individual that are protected from abrogation or elimination by the state. (p. 61-2)"

"None of the foregoing decisions -- in emphasizing the importance of undertaking a " 'careful description' of the asserted fundamental liberty interest..." -- suggests, however, that it is appropriate to define a fundamental constitutional right or interest in so narrow a fashion that the basic protections afforded by the right are withheld from a class of persons -- composed of individuals sharing a personal characteristic such as a particular sexual orientation -- who historically have been denied the benefit of such rights" (p. 71)

"...by reserving the historical and highly respected designation of marriage exclusively to opposite-sex couples while offering same-sex couples only the new and unfamiliar designation of domestic partnership -- pose a serious risk of denying the official family relationship of same-sex couples the equal dignity and respect that is a core element of the constitutional right to marry" (p. 81).

"In sum, we conclude that statutes imposing differential treatment on the basis of sexual orientation should be viewed as constitutionally suspect of the California Constitution's equal protection clause" (p. 100).

"On the contrary, under "the constitutional theory of 'checks and balances' that the separation-of-powers doctrine is intended to serve"...a court has an obligation to enforce the limitations that the California Constitution imposes upon legislative measures, and a court would shirk the responsibility it owes to each member of the public were it to consider such statutory provisions to be insulated from judicial review" (p. 109).

"The question of access to civil marriage by same-sex couples 'is not a matter of social policy but of constitutional interpretation.' It is a question for this Court to decide" (p. 110)

Pay special attention to these:

"Although California decisions consistently and vigorously have safeguarded the right of voters to exercise the authority afforded by the initiative process..., our past cases at the same time uniformly establish that initiative measures adopted by the electorate are subject to the same constitutional limitations that apply to statutes adopted by the Legislature, and our courts have not hesitated to invalidate measures enacted through the initiative process when they run afoul of constitutional guarantees provided by either the federal or California Constitution" (p. 112).

"As the United States Supreme Court explained in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943): "The very purpose of a Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials and to establish them as legal principles to be applied by the courts. One's right to life, liberty, and property, to free speech, a free press, freedom of worship and assembly, and other fundamental rights may not be submitted to vote; they depend on the outcome of no elections." (p. 113).

This gives me some more hope. That, and the spell I'm working. ;)

Vote NO on Prop 8

Even if you have already done so... if you can, please make a donation to help defeat Prop 8.

Oooh... can't you just see it?

You will either laugh or cry.

http://palinaspresident.com/

Umm... wow

I knew I mostly agreed with him... but really?

You preferred Obama's statements 100% of the time Voting purely on the issues you should vote Obama Who would you vote for if you voted on the issues? Find out now!

Well... I already knew how I was going to vote. ;)

And while we're talking politics:



If you haven't already (or even if you have) please consider donating to put this ad on the air.

Vote NO on Prop 8!

Marriage equality in California is now losing by 5 points, according to the latest poll numbers, and I'm barely even back from my honeymoon. I just made a donation to fight the bigotry and lies that the right-wing anti-LGBT groups have been spreading. Even if you are not in California, please join me in standing up for equal rights by donating to the Human Rights Campaign California Marriage PAC. If you donate TODAY then your gift will be DOUBLED. Just click the link below:

https://secure.ga3.org/03/caequalpac_match

Here's some other (free!) ways that Californians can help:

Download and print a No on 8 bumpersticker!
Download and print a No on 8 Window Sign.

Not registered to vote? It's not too late! You still have a few days left! (Deadline: October 20, 2008) Click HERE to get a form to mail in. (At this point you will likely want to print out the form yourself so that you will have time to mail it in by the deadline.)

And probably the most important step that each of us can take is to simply speak out. Be visibly progressive. Don't accept intolerance as being inevitable. It is up to each of us to make a stand and embody those values that we hold dear. Because if we don't... who will?

She's a wonder...

Lynda Carter on Sarah Palin

BlueRose and a political happy

How cool is it that on the very first meeting of the BlueRose Open Feri Circle we would find that Sarah Palin has been found guilty?

Well... enough of that. Thank you to everyone who showed up tonight. We began with a little introduction, then moved into a Three Souls alignment/grounding, followed by a circle casting (by the fabulous Puck) and then I did a little BlueRose rite we call "Opening the Crossroads". The Guardians were invoked and then we moved into a trance-telling of our Creation Myth, followed by a blessing with Oil in the presence of the Goddess (by Chas) a cone of power, and then... feasting!

It was a great turn-out and there was some great food and conversation afterward. I look forward to this evolving as we move into the future. Remember... we will have one on the 2nd Friday of every month. Mark your calendars! Bring some food!

Open Feri Circle
2nd Friday of Every Month
7-9pm
Location: The Mystic Dream
1437 N Broadway
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 933-2342

I hope to see some of you there next month. Next circle: Nov. 14!

No on Prop 8!

Sleeping through the Coup...

I just saw this on my friend's list and found it quite chilling. Has the coup already happened? I'm inclined to think so. I think a lot of us have seen various signs over the past eight years. Is she right? Is she wrong? What do you think?



And if you agree with her... what then?

Yup... more "straight talk"!

All aboard the "Avoid-Talk Express"!

Um... wow.

I'm sorry, but Sarah Palin is a blithering idiot. It makes me want to throw up in my mouth a little to think she could be just a heartbeat away from the presidency.


Watch CBS Videos Online

It would appear that the Republicans have decided that they don't give a flying f--k about national security, or the economy if they are willing to stand behind such utter nonsense. Strange days indeed...

Political Comics revisited...

A Short Story I Love

They're Made out of Meat
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/TheyMade.shtml

Yup... pretty much.

Because I said I was going to do it...

My Dog for V.P.!

Buffy Quote Meme!

Taken from technocowboy:

When you see this, post another Buffy quote in your own Livejournal. Let's see how long we can make it.

Buffy: "Well, I'm not exactly quaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots, but there's definitely something unnatural going on here, and that doesn't usually lead to hugs and puppies."

Meme!

* Take a picture of yourself right now.
* Don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair...just take a picture.
* Post that picture with NO editing.
* Post these instructions with your picture

Nice!

Probably the best picture of Chas and I. Ever. Courtesy of andragon from this year's BTW (and with just a smidge of airbrushing from your's truly. What? You don't think I want to look shiny, do you???)  ;)

Back from Between the Worlds...

I'm back from this year's Between the Worlds Queer Pagan Men's gathering and still getting acclimated to my normal life at home in California. We were delayed a day getting back because the remnants of hurricane Ike shut down the Columbus airport a few minutes after we got there. After waiting in the airport for a couple-few hours they scheduled us for an early morning flight the next day, and so we stayed at what was probably the skankiest hotel I've ever stayed at. It was fine, though... I just needed a roof and a bed anyway. I was appreciative for the shelter.

This was my 2nd time attending BTW. Last year was such a life-changing event for me and while this year was more subtle, it certainly provided me with good opportunities to grow, to celebrate, and to open up.

I was grateful to be able to spend some more time with queerpaganquill (to whom Chas took a particular liking!) ;) Quill, you are a very special spirit and I am glad to know you. I also had an opportunity to connect a little bit more with world famous author Christopher Penczak (torcboy). (Sorry... but I figured I can get away with poking you from a few thousand miles away, Christopher, without fear of impalement.)  ;) It was also nice to talk a bit more deeply with garan_du, even if I probably was making a drunken fool of myself, but at least I hope I was entertaining. It's always a pleasure to see lonespiritwolf2 and technocowboy, even if we didn't get much time to spend together due to everyone's duties, and such. It was also good to connect a bit more with gillshallows, dewinblaidd, drakematrix (even though we didn't get much time chatting), illious, devinswords,grey_twolf & jrtheotter, and the adorable jeffinthebox (thank you for serenading us at the campsite). There are others, but my brain is preventing me from finding LiveJournal names right now, so perhaps I should just stop there.

This was Chas' and my "official-pseudo honeymoon", having been legally married just over a week before the start of the event. I was also teaching a couple of classes along with the keynote speech, which was a new experience for me. (For those that know me in person you might note that I generally am comfortable speaking with large groups of people while we are all together... me being up on a huge stage with a sound system and spot lights was a little... disconcerting, at first. To the extent that when I realized that I couldn't easily see my notes --and was blanking out on how I was to begin!-- I just started talking, which I'm hopeful didn't sound like babbling. ;) I think I caught my stride, though, and am grateful to have had the experience to hone my skills a bit more.

I talked a bit about life passages for the queer practitioner, and drew from the Amethyst Pentacle that Chas and I wrote some time ago. Of particular interest (to me) is the concept of resonance (i.e. like attracts like; I see myself in you) as an alternative to polarity (i.e. opposites attract; I see other in you), as well as the idea of finding ones personal godhood and living from that, as opposed to unconsciously adopting traditional roles. I decided that instead of just another talk, that I would include some meditative elements as well, since that's what I think I do best. Included was a brief journey into the Faery realm, and then a Three Souls alignment, with an emphasis on love and sexual longing being a catalyst for the three drawing together in union. Hopefully this inspired some hot spirituality later on. ;)

Upon arriving, it was great to see some familiar faces. And during my stay it was wonderful to make some new friends. I feel such a connection to this community, unlike anything that I have felt before. While I do feel deep connections to certain individuals within my various Craft and spiritual communities, this is really the first time that I have felt connected to a community as a whole. Why? I think it might be because this is an intentional community and not one that is based on automatic inclusion due to markers such as initiatory status or who's famous. BTW and the Green Faerie Grove are genuinely interested in creating a space for individuals to come together to celebrate, to laugh, to share, and to grow. While other communities have tried to market themselves as a "family" (sometimes to the extent that if you do not feel the same way then you are sometimes told you are not really a true member!) this is the first time that I would feel comfortable using that word for a group overall. It is a common queer experience that we create "families of intention", seeing as how we are often strangers in our own homes; likely the only one in our biological family unit who is queer, thus left with feelings of separateness or isolation. To fulfill the need of familial intimacy, we often choose others who are like ourselves to whom we feel a special bond. This even goes so far as to find its way into our slang, referring to other queer people as "family", to highlight this intentional communion.

So this was a family reunion for me. And I was even more excited to be able to share this with Chas, who was unable to attend last year due to care issues for his mother. I was a bit concerned about how we would react to all of this, as this is unlike anything that he had experienced before. I think it was all summed up upon returning home when he turned to me and said, "Once a year is not enough!"

A big thank you to everyone who participated in making this event successful. Your kindness, your generosity, your conversations (and your kisses!) were all an important part of the exquisite tapestry that is BTW. I already can't wait for next year!

Sarah Palin

I'm not sure if I know the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull... but I can tell the difference between a vice president and a Jesus freak.

I especially like that part about how the war in Iraq is "God's will"... Oh, and a pipeline in Alaska is God's will, too.

Enjoy!





EDIT: More, from the Huffington Post.

Our Wedding

This past Saturday I had the tremendous honor of handfasting and legally marrying Chas, my partner of over 15 years. While we have been married in our hearts for most of that time, it was a very moving experience for me. I got all teary-eyed during the ceremony, which I didn't expect.

I am so very grateful to those who came to witness our ceremony, and to those who played an active role in defining it. To Thorn (yezida), Morpheus (heartssdesire), Mitchell, and Jose for calling in an element... thank you. You helped t make the ceremony exactly what we wanted and needed, as you each spoke from your hearts and that means more to us than we can express.

To Anaar (anaar) who officiated the rite, bringing all the elements to center and tying our handfasting cord: Thank you so much. You were the first person to come to mind when we talked about having someone perform the ceremony and we are both so honored that you did this for us. I am proud to call you a sister and a friend.

And to everyone who came to witness and to have a slice of our Black Heart Cake... thank you. You all made this day extra special for us. I am honored to know each and every one of you and to call you friends.

My mom and sister prepared an impressive spread of food which included smoked salmon bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, beet and goat cheese turines, spinach dip, seviche, little caprese salad balls, watermelon-strawberry-mint salad, Swedish meatballs, lamb sausages, assorted fruits, nuts, Humboldt Fog (our favorite cheese) and a bunch of stuff I can't even think of right now. It was beautiful, and I hope someone got some pictures of the buffet table.

The cake was a three-layer heart cake, red-velvet with a layer of raspberry, covered with a dark chocolate/raspberry chambord ganache... decorated with flowers, and topped with blue roses... and made entirely by my very talented sister. And because I'm such a little kid I had to have ice cream with my cake... white chocolate raspberry truffle. :)

There were like a million bottles of champagne of which I had way too many glasses. :-/ I think I smoked a couple of cigarettes in there somewhere but it's hazy. ;) The next day I rested. And drank lots of water. ;)

It was such a beautiful day! I'm still flying high!

And now... some pictures (more will come after we get the disposable cameras developed):

Pictures (EDIT: You have to log-in to Flickr to see them because apparently I am a "loose cannon", according to them.) ;)

and VeeDub posted some, too:

VeeDub's Pictures

EDIT: Onyx posted even more pics.

Our Vows:

With silver ring,
In a circle of our friends...
To you I pledge my heart,
To you I pledge my soul,
To you I pledge my life,
For now, and for always,
I do.

The Wheel continues...

Universal Pictures has obtained the movie rights for "The Wheel of Time" fantasy series by the late Robert Jordan. And the final book is slated to be released in Fall of 2009. Squee!

She Changes Everything She Touches...

We have been working over the past year at the store (OK... well.. almost a year) to bring in more items from across the spectrum of diversity in terms of spiritual traditions. We have been bringing in a lot more Pagan and magical items, including hoodoo oils, herbs, incenses, candles, etc. And there is still more to come. But I can't help thinking that perhaps the name of the store --Dolphin Dream-- is a barrier to the more... um... well, discerning spiritual customer.

Well... we've thought a lot about it and now we are ready to announce that we are officially changing the name of the store. Please join me in a collective sigh of relief as we usher in the next 20 years of the East Bay's spiritual supply destination:

We're still making changes here and there.. we need to get new signs on the building, and do all that... but we're happy to make this change more official now. 

Let the mysticism begin. :) 

Between the Worlds!

Just a reminder that Between the Worlds, a Pagan gathering for Gay, Bi, and Questioning Men, will be closing registration on August 17th!

If you have been toying with the idea of attending (and believe me... you want to go) then toy no longer! Go to their website and get all the information you need to register before it's too late!!!

Secrecy, Copyrights, and What's Underneath

Recently I was fool enough to enter into an online discussion regarding material used within the Feri tradition. To the casual observer it would appear that this discussion centers around copyrights of said material, and the moral implications of ignoring them, but as I have been in other venues where different manifestations of this discussion have arisen, my perception is somewhat different.

What follows, is basically a rant. All comments will be screened because this is my journal, and I shouldn't have to deal with people yelling at me here, or otherwise being rude... if you don't like what I have to say then don't read my journal. Simple, yes? ;)

While it would appear on the surface that her "request" is a politely worded one, it comes with some insidious "malware". There has consistently been the expectation that others tow the line in terms of what material is secret and what is not. (This is actually where the conversation began, on the Feri initiate's list, when she brought it up in regards to Chas' request for material that he and I are planning to put up on FeriTradition.com regarding the Goddesses of the Elements.) You see, Chas had posted a link to the site in question ("The Land of the Feri", sometimes called "The Road to Faery") as a means to inspire people who might decide they wanted to contribute. She posted a polite comment in Chas' LiveJournal post (which I now see has been quietly deleted by the moderator of ) asking people to not link to that site as it contained copyrighted material from her teacher.

Sometime after that, veedub posted a link to her Dustbunnies Big Damn Handout Book, vol. 1, which is a collection of her Feri training handouts. This immediately caused a stir amongst the online initiate's surrounding issues of secrecy and "respect". (i.e. 'if you are not as secret with the material as we are, then you are "disrespecting" us'.) Immediately people started rallying around the idea of shared secrecy as a common Feri value (which it is not) and making demands in the guise of requests that everyone else treat Feri material in the same way as they do, or else be considered disrespectful by the "community". This conversation quickly turned to Chas and myself because of our plans to provide more art and information around our work with the Goddesses of the Elements. Suddenly we were the bad guys because we were about to post "secret" (sic) information and it will "ruin" future initiations. I have now been told that I am doing this to "spite the community". (!)

**sigh**

Now here's the thing... "community" is a tricky thing. I remember this issue being brought up when I went through all of that stress several years ago with Gabriel. Here we had a sexual predator priest and very few people did anything about it and you want to know what reason I was given? That we weren't a community and so we couldn't do anything. We were powerless, it seemed.

And now some of these same people are invoking the word community because they believe it will serve them in keeping everyone else in line. Oh sure, it all sounds nice and polite on the surface, "Out of respect I request that you not go public with that information." And that would be fine... if it were actually a request. But it's not. Because to make a REQUEST means that you are willing to accept "no" as an answer. If you are NOT in a space to accept anything but compliance then what you are actually making is a DEMAND, which is also fine, but let's not hide behind false niceties, OK? And don't expect that everyone is just going to roll over and go your way, either.

Just to be clear: The Goddesses of the Elements are not secret in my line. They were passed to us before (WELL before) initiation, and recently I even went back to my teacher to ask his opinion on it, just to make sure that I hadn't gone crazy and mis-remembered anything important. He confirmed that they were not secret, that he learned them very early on in his training with Gabriel and he was surprised to learn that anyone else considered them to be secret. (Especially since they appear in The Spiral Dance and have for almost 30 years now.)

I was using these Goddess names for years before I came to Feri. I had been teaching Witchcraft 101 classes and a series on the Elements using those names precisely because they had been made public. I developed  a relationship with them, and one that certainly grew in new directions when I was properly introduced to them in a Feri context. But to assume that's it's anything short of egotistical to passive-aggressively demand that others not use them publicly just to suit their own comfort zones is absurd in my eyes.

It should go without saying but I feel compelled to spell it out: I have never --nor do I have any plans to ever-- post or write about any of the information or experiences that I have had that were passed to me as secret within Feri. I have also received some lore from other initiates outside of my training and after my initiation that was also passed to me as secret. I will continue to honor the agreements that I have made in relation to that material.

OK... back to the issue at hand: About three-weeks after Chas' call for submissions, she brings it up on the initiate's list, saying that she had already given Chas ample time to "respond" (um... there was no question to respond to) and what happened was pretty much more of them same: A select group of people rallies together to decide what is secret and should be secret! "Let's all take new Oaths to make SURE it stays secret!" (Ahem... not all Feri take Oaths to begin with... Cora said there are NO Oaths in Feri which should give us at least a moment's worth of pause before we start ranting about the universality of them). Oh, let's form committees, and sign contracts, and throw initiate autonomy out the window... because, dammit, people are DISRESPECTING our secrets and therefore DISRESPECTING US!! Let's act like bureaucrats and Christian prudes instead of the wild Feri witches that we claim to be! No, thank you. Not today, please.

As for the copyright issue: I've been told that it plagiarizes "some material", but that's as much as anyone will say. One of the tricky problems, however, is that I remember Gabriel himself trying to claim that every exercise that had to do with Blue Fire in connection to Feri was under his copyright, whether or not he had actually written it. (He claimed ownership of a lot of material, actually, that has been found in published writings that pre-dated him, according to a couple of my sources.) Up until recently I honestly thought that this was the only problem, but am now told that indeed there is material there by Steve Hewell that he would like removed. OK... but here's the thing... I'm not in charge of that website. I did not post it. I certainly can't take it down. I do not post or reprint other people's material without their permission.  I DO honor people's copyrights. But I am not interested in joining a boycott because quite honestly it would appear to me that the copyright issue is merely a convenient foot-hold for those who would prefer that less information about Feri be publicly available. People are always upset when Feri stuff is "out there". People were up-in-arms about Thorn's book, for Gods sakes... "How DARE you put the Guardians in there?!" I also hear they were upset about The Spiral Dance, back in the day... "How DARE you put the Pentacles in there?!" I'm so over that argument. Be secretive if you want, but the second you start telling others that they need to be as secretive as you are then you have fallen off your self-made pedestal and fallen into dogma. All I can say is I hope you're happy there. I'm certainly quite happy where I am.

I'm an artist. And an author. And I run a magazine. I have a lot of work that is copyrighted. I have even seen some of my work used without my permission and so I have worked to get it removed or credited. (It's actually REALLY EASY to get stuff taken down from a Yahoo site... I'm just sayin'.) That is my right as the holder of the copyright. But I do not feel that it is my right to expect that others will stop linking to websites that might be using said material. That is between me and the violator and it would be inappropriate for me to try and coerce others into taking up my cause. I would feel that to do so would be a form of censorship. Your mileage may vary... but that's where I am coming from. (So hopefully it tells you a little bit more about my position on the subject.)

Incidentally, that website is a piece of Feri history at this point, as it's been online for almost 10 years, and so I feel it is relevant to the overall community, whether you agree with it or not. It causes discussion. It's relevant. It's news. Much in the same vein as we carry books in our store, or allow fliers to be posted for groups that we do not necessarily agree with, but they are part of the overall spiritual movement, and so we feel that it is important to make them available. People should have all of the information available to them and be able to make their own decisions about it.

Steve is apparently taking legal steps to have his alleged material removed. Good! I hope he succeeds, if indeed it is his material. I really only have the ranting insistence of one of his students to back that up, and based on how she has conducted herself (and been unwilling to talk about any specifics) I just don't believe her at this point. No... I'm not calling her a liar... but I think that people who are that zealous can easily be mistaken. Either way we will see what happens.

I'm going to keep doing my own thing, which includes practicing and teaching Feri as I learned it: a path of individual spiritual evolution and personal power. Real community will happen organically around that path. False community, based on ego and initiatory status will inevitably breed more of the same venom and I just don't have time for it anymore. It's old. It's tired. And it bores me.

In other news, Chas and I would like to invite anyone who wishes to engage in respectful Feri-related discussion to check-out our LiveJournal community: . Not much has been posted there yet, but we're hoping to start discussions beginning with the various Gods, Goddesses, and Spirits that populate the Feri continuum. We've begun with a post about Nimue. I'd like to get people actually talking about how they work and practice Feri... not just in abstract or theoretical ways... but in how we are actually doing the work that we are called to do. Then we can see where it goes from there. We are planning on embedding it on FeriTradition.com since we get about 10,000 visits per month and this might make a good place for a wider discussion and certainly a good way to promote the various classes and happenings that are cropping up in various places.

**EDIT: As of a couple days ago the copyrighted material has successfully been removed from the website and contrary to popular belief I am glad for it. :)

Iron Pentacle Class - TOMORROW NIGHT!

Crossposted to: :

Just a little reminder that I will be teaching an introductory class on the Iron Pentacle at my store in Walnut Creek, CA tomorrow night. Class starts at 7pm. Cost: $20.

The Iron Pentacle is one of the most important tools of self-transformation that the Feri tradition has to offer. In this class we will delve into each of the five points of our beloved pentacle to see how they play out in our lives, as well as invoke this symbol in ritual to see how and where we are in or out of balance so that we may then begin to reclaim our lost power.

Limited street parking available. Parking validated for 2 hours at the nearby Cypress St. garage. Call the shop at 925-933-2342 for more information.

Meme's Pawn to Meme's Pawn 4

Your result for Which Chess Piece are You Test?...

The Queen's Rook

The Queen’s Rook is a pensive, analytical individual. They don’t mind spending long periods of time on their own to work through problems. They may venture so far into thought they appear vacant or detached; often they really are oblivious of the world at that moment. These wayward princes are precise about descriptions and by habit correct others (or feel sorely tempted) if the shade of meaning is slightly off. This is annoying to the less concise, but this is what gives the Queen’s Rook a gift for gab, especially in writing.

This Rook is relatively easy going until their principles of truth, knowledge and justice are violated. Because of this they hate the formalities of bureaucracy, politics, and authority – which tend to mask the truth of operations. They will respond with a flip of the switch and become outspoken and inflexible. They will eventually drop the issue, because they do prefer a reserved and benign ambiance. The problem with the Queen’s Rook is when they are debating a point; they may be convincing themselves as much as their opponent. They spend a considerable amount of time second-guessing their abilities and may come to multiple conclusions that offer plausible solutions.

An indicator that a friend may be a Queen’s Rook is an obsession with logic. If a mistake is made, it is because there wasn’t enough data or it was placed out of context. Another indicator you’re friend is a Rook, throw a strategy game at them. They enjoy Risk, Bridge, Chess, and word games. Never rush the Rook. They don’t draw conclusions very quickly. If one were to gather a bunch of Rooks together to form a group they may debate:

1.) Whether or not there should be a group.

2.) Exactly what name should the proposed group choose?

3.) Which of the persons in the group should take responsibility or should they rotate?

Take Which Chess Piece are You Test? at Hello Quizzy

Jumping the Broom...

As Chas posted yesterday, we're getting married.

Actually we've been married in our hearts for 15 years (yes... that's us way back then in the user pic), but only now has the state of California decided to wake up and smell the equality.

We've set the date: August 30th. I wish I could invite a million people... but we have decided to keep it rather small and somewhat casual. Even after all these years of living as married, I'm really excited to have a ritual confirmation. Thank you, Anaar, for agreeing to perform the ceremony for us!

I'm the luckiest warlock in the world... I get to be handfasted to my best friend. :)

Part Time Job?

Before putting a sign in the window, I thought maybe I'd post here first that we are looking for a part-time employee at the shop. I'd really like to get someone who has customer service experience, who is familiar with spiritual practices, and who is comfortable providing customers with advice for their magical operations. I'm specifically looking for people who will NOT gives lectures to customers who may be coming in looking for advice on how to perform love spells and the like. (It's been a problem in the past... Ugh.)

A big part of the job is what Francesca De Grandis calls "Frontline Priest(ess)ing". You will need to be (or will need to become) familiar with the spiritual properties of stones, herbs, and hoodoo condition oils, to name but a few of the regularly selling items at the store. You may be called upon to suggest spiritual practices, in addition to books, music, and classes. You may be called upon to listen to someone's problem and then give (reasonable and certainly non-medical) advice. You will need to be pretty secure in your boundaries and also be able to tell people "no". Politely.

I really want to continue to change the vibe of that place.... under the previous ownership things got... well... you could've gone into a sugar-coma, is all I'm saying. We're trying to balance it out. :)

Interested parties should hand in a resume to the shop detailing both your customer service skills, as well as your spiritual/magical interests. You may either turn it in at the shop, or snail mail it to us at:

1437 N Broadway
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Or you can fax it to us at 925-933-9250.

We're still working out the exact scheduling details, but it looks like we will want someone 3 days per week.

In other news... we purchased the new business name today. More will be revealed...

Back to Earth...

I am now officially back from the New Hampshire  and am happy to report that it was a huge success. I met so many wonderful people and I learned a lot. My classes were well received, even when during my Amethyst Pentacle class I completely blanked out on one of the pathways! Thank goodness for ryanfirewitch who was able to invoke the power of technology to summon the page from my website to fill in my blank! I even got an opportunity to learn from the other fabulous teachers and now have some more pieces to inform my own practice. As has been tradition, Michele (mrj15) and I stayed up all night on the last night, much to the chagrin of Thorn (yezida) who apparently didn't believe us when we warned her that it was our intention. Next camp: separate sleeping/hanging-out areas for the teachers, or barring that, earplugs. ;) (Sorry, Thorn! I hope you have recovered nicely.) Karina (loveandpower) did a great job of staying up until 3am, falling asleep while laughing, as is her custom at these things. What an exercise in BlackHearted joy!

I had a great time teaching with Karina again.. upon arriving at camp, and comparing notes, we realized that we were about to offer what pretty much amounted to the same class. So we decided to combine our talents and our efforts to present one class together. We have such similar approaches that at times it's scary, as if we are living in each other's heads.

My Daemon Lover class went really well. I read some Rumi (a common theme for this camp) and we did some energy exercises based on projecting the fetch-body and infusing it with the presence of our holy daemon in the context of the Pearl Pentacle. Tingly!

Michele's Creating a Feri Retreat at Home class was very well presented and it provided the impetus that I needed to get back on track with my visual art. As a result I will re-visit my Tarot art project starting in the next few days. Stay tuned!

I am also going to be re-opening my Feri classes. After seeing so many talented and dedicated people who are really doing the work, I just can't sit back and keep things as small as I have been. I'm also going to be starting a new in-person class as soon as I have enough people. If anyone is interested please send an application and cover letter.

Faerywolf
1437 N Broadway
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

I am really grateful for this work. I was blessed to be in the presence of so many people who are really invested in doing the hard (and joyous!) work necessary to become fully possessed by their own divinity. Every once in awhile I hear murmurs of discomfort from the more secretive factions of our community that these sort of things are being publicly offered. But each and every time I see the level of sheer commitment and wild power that these people demonstrate I am even more convinced that this is the right direction for myself, my community, and my tradition.

So... to each and every one of you who is doing this work... whether you are secretive, open or anywhere in between... thank you. You make this tradition the most powerful and beautiful thing I have ever known. Together we will move forward and learn the deep magics. Together we will claim our divinity and our power. Together we will change the world.

Ask and you shall meme...

Liberated from the journal of xomec:

Leave a comment and I will:

a) Tell you why I friended you.
b) Associate you with something - fandom, a song, a color, a photo, etc.
c) Tell you something I like about you.
d) Tell you a memory I have of you.
e) Ask something I’ve always wanted to know about you.
f) Tell you my favorite user pic of yours.
g) In return, you must post this in your LJ.

The Gay Chemical Wars

Forwarded from a list I'm on:

http://www.slate.com/id/2193841/?from=rss

Scary.

On Dandelions and Faeries

Dandelion
thou strange and beautiful weed!
That spreads aloft on wings of air
by chance to rest and go to seed
to grow with golden plumage soft and fair.
When you as angels gowns have turned
We make a wish and set you free
Words take flight with tufts of white
to land unknown just beyond our our sight.
Fear not the seeds that spread so wide
though suburban lawns shall scorn your sprouts
For all the scorn in all the world
Shall hinder you not
thou fairy seed, thou wild flower.

Website Update: New Article

Because of recent discussions going on in the Feri community I have decided to post my article from Witch Eye #15 concerning my take on the Wand system.

So, for those who may be interested, I offer The Colors of Power: Exploring the Wands of the F(a)eri(e) Tradition.

Class Schedule Update

I have updated my schedule with a few more classes, located at my shop in Walnut Creek.

Parking can be validated at the Cypress St. garage across the street. Call the shop at 925-933-2342 for more information or to register.

In Honor of GLBT Pride Month:
The Amethyst Pentacle
with Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf
Sunday, June 22
6-8pm
$20

Meditation is a powerful tool that we can use to gain awareness and to live our lives more fully, but many of the tools and models employed by the main-stream religions are heterosexist, if not blatantly homophobic. The Amethyst Pentacle was created with this in mind, providing a symbolic map of some common experiences of the queer practitioner – regardless of sexual identity.

The Amethyst Pentacle seeks to illumine certain experiences and to show them as a healthy part of a larger whole. Each point on the pentacle embodies these concepts in such a way so that we may then approach them from a place of balance and clarity, seeing our experiences as necessary catalysts for transformation. We will journey in trance to each of the points on the pentacle so that we may cleanse our relationships to them and reclaim our birthright as queer spiritual beings.

Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf are both initiated priests of the Feri tradition and have been partnered for over 15 years. In addition to his spiritual pursuits, Chas is an artist and craftsman, and Storm is a poet and visionary artist. For more information, visit their websites at www.carnivalia.com and www.faerywolf.com.

The Three Souls of the F(a)eri(e) Tradition
Tuesday, June 24
7-9pm
$20

Many cultures espouse the multiplicity of the human soul. From Polynesian Huna, to traditional Jewish & African beliefs, an awareness of our three souls has manifested in many ways through time. Modern spiritual systems often recognize and encourage communion with our “higher self”, but this is but one of the facets of our existence. In this class we will explore the three souls as taught in the Feri tradition of witchcraft and learn how to commune with each of them in order to bring them into alignment, assisting us in one of the most vitally important foundational steps toward our own spiritual evolution.

Foundations of Feri: The Water Cleansing Rite (Kala)
Friday, July 11
7-8pm
$20

Cleansing rites are an important part of any spiritual path, and especially so in the Feri tradition. In this class we will discuss different methods of cleansing, and especially the Water Cleansing rite (Kala). We will then perform a version of the rite together to help assist our transformation of weakness into power.

Foundations of Feri: The Iron Pentacle
Friday, July 18
7-9pm
$20

The Iron Pentacle is one of the most important tools of self-transformation that the Feri tradition has to offer. In this class we will delve into each of the five points of our beloved pentacle to see how they play out in our lives, as well as invoke this symbol in ritual to see how and where we are in or out of balance so that we may then begin to reclaim our lost power.

I hope to see some of you there!

Preview of my latest project

I have been toying with the idea of doing a poetry reading project for awhile now... and when Onyx asked me and several other Feri initiates to read Victor's poetry for the A Jewel for Cora project, I decided it was time to start getting busy. So here is a preview of my latest poetry project.

Black Heart Thrum (MP3)

Spiritual Bigotry

I've been seeing a strange trend lately... well, strange to me. Since acquiring the store a few months ago, we have heard a few times that people were concerned that the energy there would become "too dark" now that we have taken over. Now, in general the response has been overwhelmingly positive... but as for the negative responses, I can only assume it's because of our involvement in the Craft.

For example: A woman came in a couple months ago and said, (with a definite tone of sharp concern) "The store's not going to become more WICCAN is it???"

I let her know that, yes, it WAS going to become more Wiccan... and more Buddhist, and more Christian, and more Native American, and more Voodoo, and more Thelemic, and more everything else, to boot.

I am wondering how that would have gone over if she was concerned about the store becoming more Jewish, or more Buddhist, or more <fill-in-the-blank>? Certainly there seems to be a disconnect here. These people honestly believe that they are part of the open minded elite, and I'm sure would be shocked to learn that they are just as small-minded as those fundamentalists that they look down their noses at.

Anyway... I think it's a good thing, actually. Mamma always said if you weren't pissing somebody off then you weren't doing anything important. Our goal has been to change the clientèle of the place and I think it's happening organically. Even just the colors we have chosen to paint the place changes the vibe dramatically... and I'm sure will contribute to some feeling that the store has changed too much for them. That's fine. We know that change is good... and let's face it... the place had gotten so damned saccharine that I'm surprised no one ever went into a sugar-coma.  We've been working hard to ground the place. And I am finally really happy with how it is turning out.

So if you are one of those people who is out there reading my blog because you are concerned about how the store might change... that it might become "too dark" for you... then don't bother coming back in. The store is not for you anymore. We are more Pagan... more Santeria, more Hoodoo, more Islam... we are more Taoist, more Feng Shui, more everything. We are a bit more enlightened (and yes, a bit more endarkened!) now. And if that scares you well, good. We are a mirror. The demons that you see are your own.

Need help With Stellar Myths!

I was hoping that someone (or several someones) could help me with a little project I'm working on... as part of our remodel and restructure of the store, we have decided to rename the suites (what are currently used as reader or massage rooms) after constellations. I wanted each name to reflect what type of thing generally goes on there, so I was thinking that the main reader room could be named Delphinus (connecting it to the Dolphin; the mediator between Gods and mankind in Greek Mythology as well as connecting it to the Oracle at Delphi) and the main massage room Ophiuchus; after the celebrated healer... although I'd be open to something else here. I still need a name for another reader/massage/whatever room, as well as a name for our classroom. Also, a name for our office would be nice, too... but I'll take what I can get.

Does anyone have any star trivia bouncing around their heads? Anyone inclined to make any suggestions? Thanks in advance...

Next Feri Camp, Dates Announced!

crossposted to :

Feri Camp '08: Sex, Love, and Power
With Thorn Coyle, Storm Faerywolf, Michele Jackson, and Karina
June 26 - 29, 2008
New Hampshire

Join Feri students and practitioners for Summer Camp in New Hampshire this June as we explore the mysteries of Sex, Love and Power in the Feri Tradition. Cost of camp is $350 and includes all workshops, intensives, rituals, meals and lodging. There is a discount for tenters, but due to limited space this is on a first come, first served basis. This is a drug and alcohol free event. For more information and a registration form, please email chelidon@mythosphere.com. Space is limited to 40 and is filling fast!

Post-Pantheacon Thoughts

It's taken me a few days to sum up enough clarity to be able to chronicle my experiences at this year's Pantheacon. Things have been rather busy for me this month... a major business trip right before the con... getting sick right after returning... the con itself...  performing my first Feri initiation... and then getting sick all over again! I'm still pretty tired, but I wanted to make sure to at least jot down some bullet points of the major experiences that I had at the con:

• The Feri Ethics panel

Friday night we had a panel on magickal ethics as seen by various initiates from different lines of Feri. Panelists were  Morpheus Anima (heartssdesire), Michele Jackson (mrj15), Thorn Coyle (yezida), Deborah Oak, Valerie Voight, and myself.

Some of the issues that were addressed included the supposed amorality of Feri, and the difference of morality (an external code of conduct to be applied evenly to every situation) and actual ethics (an internal relationship that is forged over time that can change and adapt depending on the situation; which I believe encompasses the warrior ethic of our tradition.)

One of the major points that I expressed was that religion doesn't have ethics, but people do. Sometimes people become distressed that Feri does not hand out a pre-conceived set of ethical guidelines that everyone must follow, to which I drew inspiration from something that Kathy Griffen said about Madonna on her show My Life on the D-List; when talking about her involvement in Kaballah, Madonna recited a version of the Golden Rule, talking about how whatever you put out in the universe comes back to you which is why you should be kind to others... to which Kathy replied something to the effect of, "You shouldn't need a religion to teach you not to be an asshole."

Some very profound things were said by the participants on that panel. Morpheus talked about ethics in connection with the teachings of folkloric Faery teachings; most notably the lore of the three roads as revealed to Thomas the Rhymer. Deborah Oak talked about how in Reclaiming Feri, they incorporate the Three-Fold Law of Wicca (something that most Feri don't connect to, but it was nice to hear another perspective) and Thorn talked about the necessity of being in alignment. I also revealed that --while there are many differences in practices throughout the larger body of Feri-- that there does exist a central Feri ethic which is: Shut the fuck up and listen to your Godself! ;)

• Ascension Magick with Christopher Penczak (torcboy)

Christopher's class was pretty powerful for me. As many of you are aware, Chas and I bought a metaphysical supply store here in the Bay Area last November, currently named Dolphin Dream (end shameless plug!) I found Christopher's class to be very helpful in coming to terms with some of the concepts of the "New Age" movement, such as the "Ascended Masters" which he expertly compared to the witchcraft concept of "the Mighty Dead". This also included a discussion of "the Seven Rays" (which even after having worked in a New Age store for 10 years I still erroneously equated to the chakras) as well as a powerful meditation to connect with them. Very potent stuff and now I have to read his book!

• Feri Ritual: Catching the Promethean Spark

I am very pleased with how the ritual unfolded. It was definitely a powerful rite, and one that was designed to help each participant cultivate a personal relationship with that spark of divinity within us that is the gift of the Gods. It began with a storytelling by Medusa, who expressed the story of how the Nephilim came from the four directions to grant us the gifts of civilization and magick. From there I led a trance in which we connected to those gifts by invoking the sacred crossroads into our own centers, and then we danced that Promethean fire into a frenzy (led by Thorn, Anaar, and Morpheus with sacred bellydance) taking it inside ourselves so that we can then pass it on to others, making sure that these teachings are shared widely to assist in the spiritual evolution of the world. Once again it was a very powerful ritual, and I am already hearing stories of powerful transformation that has been happening as a direct result of it.

• Self-Possession and the I AM with Thorn Coyle (yezida)

A more recently talked about aspect of Feri witchcraft is the idea of self-possession. Thorn talked about this particular aspect of spiritual practice and led a powerful meditation of soul alignment involving voice work, from her upcoming book Kissing the Limitless. Very good stuff!

• The Guardians of the Feri Tradition

I was very pleased to offer my very first presentation at Pantheacon. In it I talked about my connection to these powerful beings, as well as passed some of the lore that I have received about them. Then we invoked them in order to have a personal relationship with them. I've had some good feedback about it and look forward to seeing how this work develops for some of the participants in the future.

• The Spiritual Birthright of Men-Who-Love-Men with Hyperion (revhyperion)

I was very pleased to have finally met Hyperion, whose work I have been aware of for awhile. He gave a wonderful talk and simple (yet powerful) ritual for connecting to the Ancestors of Men-Who-Love-Men in a framework of an ancestrally revealed practice that he calls the Unnamed Path. We descended into the Underworld in order to search for the ancestors --not of our specific bloodlines-- but instead those of our sexual family; the ancestors of Men-Who-Love-Men. When in communion with them several of us received messages from these ancestors and we shared them with the rest of the group. In general they seemed to want us to live our lives to the fullest, and I was touched by both their deep wisdom, and fierce compassion. It is definitely work that i would recommend that gay, bi, and queer men look into, and you can listen to Hyperion's podcasts on the subject by visiting his website.

I was also struck by his process of creating sacred space, which is not "casting a circle" (which tends to be a type of container or barrier) but is instead "Raising the Great Crossroads" which is practically identical to what I was taught in my Feri training (without it being called that). (In a nutshell, I was trained to orient myself to the six external directions, taking their powers and gifts inside me to find my own center, the 7th direction.) Chas and I have been talking about and working with this recently as a ritual alternative (or at times a "supplement") to casting the circle, as the Crossroads construct is more about connection and orientation to the various worlds in which we walk as witches and warlocks. It was striking to hear how similar Hyperion's practice was to our own and I am looking forward to connecting more with him and his work in the future.

• The GLBT Hospitality Suite

Another high point was the GLBT suite in which the promo video for this year's Between the Worlds was unveiled. I am both proud and humbled to have been chosen to be the keynote speaker there this year and was happy to meet this year's musical guest, Mac Apodaca of Sevenrepeat. He was a sweetheart and I'm looking forward to seeing (and hearing) him at the retreat.

The GLBT Suite was a welcomed safe-space and retreat from the intensity of the con... a nice place where we could all just hang out... get a drink (or a few)... and maybe kiss some hot men. I found myself there every night of the con and only got slightly scandalous. ;)

• And last but not least, Shopping!

I found some really incredible finds this year. It was extra fun because I was not only searching for pretties for myself, but also for our store. I found some great jewelry, some great clothing, and these really wonderfully carved wooden staffs. I purchased a large one that is carved in the form of a ram's head, and Chas got a smaller one carved like his raven totem. We also got some fine handcrafted leather masks and bracelets and are looking forward to being able to purchase some for our store.

There were also some things that I wanted to go to but couldn't: Morpheus' talk on the Three Souls (which happened right as we needed to check-out of the hotel!) and Valerie Walker's (veedub) class on the Iron pentacle, which coincidentally was at the only time that I could meet with my own students for some much-needed face-to-face time. I heard that it was great, though.

All in all it was a great experience. It was the first time that I have been able to be there for the whole time, and with Chas, no less! We both had a great time hanging out together, and we celebrated an early 15th anniversary there (which was lucky, since on our actual anniversary we were both sick!)

I was very happy to see some old friends, and to make some new ones. It is certainly an experience that i would recommend to everyone who is interested in Pagan spirituality, as there are so many different types of people and presentations there that there is certainly something for everyone. I already can't wait for next year.

But for now I am tired and am going to bed... for all of those whom I saw at the con (and probably didn't have near as much time to hang out with as I would have liked): I miss you already.

Initiation Announcement

I am pleased to announce that last night, in the presence of the Old Ones and blessed by the auspice of a blood red moon, my apprentice, Puck D. Coyote (puckdecoyote), was brought into the inner circle of the Feri. He has studied with me for several years and I am proud to now call him a Feri initiate, priest, and brother.

Welcome to the wild dance, Puck. I know that you will make us all proud.

Coyote howling at the moon
A primal song that stirs the blood
Sacred laughter is thy gift;
To let it flow forth as a flood.

At the crossroads stand you now
Dancing wild with inner flame
The bluest rose above your head
Nourished by Her Secret Name.

Between the Worlds we dance and sing
The faery ring is now complete
Together now beneath the mound
Drumming to the Black Heart's beat.

Schedule Updates

I just updated my teaching schedule with three four six new events for the coming year:

Beginning with events I will be participating in at Pantheacon 2008 (San Jose, CA): Magical Ethics: Feri Tradition Perspectives with various Feri initiates Friday, Feb. 15 9pm Location: Pantheacon: San Juan Room A panel discussion on ethics in the Craft as understood and practiced by witches of the Feri Tradition. A discussion on the meaning of honor; warrior spirituality; ethics in practice; the Middle Road to Faery; Kala practice; healing and hexing, and more. Ritual: Catching the Promethean Spark with Feri Priests — Doors Closed at Start Sunday, Feb. 17 7pm Location: Pantheacon: Fir Room In this devotional Feri rite our intention is to catch the Promethean Fire of Creation and then pass it on. We will hear the lore of the gifts brought to us, dancing and singing in celebration of our inheritance and great promise. It is our hope that this ritual will spark the fire within us all, opening us to pass that spark to all that we touch and all that we do. The Guardians of the Feri Tradition with Storm Faerywolf — Doors Closed at Start Monday, Feb. 18 9am Location: Pantheacon: Pine Room An important aspect of various forms of witchcraft is working with discarnate beings. In the Feri tradition we work with many, but those known as the Watchers or Guardians are perhaps among the most important in terms of their impact on our personal evolution. We will discuss these ancient and mighty beings and then perceive them directly through invocation and simple ritual. And now on to my regular schedule: The Elements of Witchcraft Fridays in May 2008 (2, 9, 16, 23, and 30) 7-9pm Location: Dolphin Dream, Walnut Creek, CA $25/class, or $100 in advance for entire course The powers that witches call upon are anything but supernatural. Through training we can learn to see beyond the limits of everyday reality, and begin to weave our own threads into the Pattern; to make magick. In this five week course we will open ourselves in trance and experience the five elemental powers of the magickal arts: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit, and discover how this ancient model can connect us to the land on which we live, and also to the deepest levels of ourselves. We will experience each of the elements in turn and see how they unfold in our lives, bringing us closer to balance, strength, and alignment to our power. Feri Camp: Sex, Love and Power New Hampshire with T. Thorn Coyle, Storm Faerywolf, Michele Jackson, and Karina June 2008 Details Forthcoming Between the Worlds: An Alternative Spiritual Gathering for Gay & Bi Men Sept 9-14, 2008 In scenic Southeastern Ohio Registration begins Mar 01, 2008 Registration ends Aug 17, 2008 Keynote Speaker: Storm Faerywolf Musical Guest: Mac Apodaca of Sevenrepeat

As more details are finalized I will post more here.

Mindless Memeage

Shamelessly stolen from my buddy lonespiritwolf2:

Rules

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on the page is the name of your band.

2. www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.


Ring of Darkness
"No Guarantee of Maturity"

Album cover image edited by haphazzard

Too funny...

This came my way on a list today...

What's in a Name?

What Storm Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Living the Dream...

Well, it's been quite awhile since I have posted. We've been working hard over at the shop to "re-paganize" the place, as well as simply bring it back up to what we consider to be a higher standard. We immediately increased the witchcraft section to over three times its previous size and have been busily stocking athames, statues, and ritual tools. We've also been working hard to give the place a make-over, which it was sadly in need of. (The major stuff, like carpet and paint) will come later, but for now we have contented ourselves with re-arranging some of the current fixtures, and doing general decor and cleaning.)

It's been quite an experience. We've worked many, many hours, and are pretty happy with what we have done so far. But there is still so much more coming! Our plans include carrying more herbs, oils, and incense, as well as increasing the book and music selections. The store is certainly more full than it has been in years, so those of you in the bay area are invited to stop by and take a look at what we've done so far. Those of you who are interested in crystals and gemstones will be happy to find a wide range of selection which will only grow after we visit the Tucson International Gemshow this coming February.

And our class selection will change. I will be offering some classes in the future and am in negotiations with some other teachers (both Feri and non) to do events there as well. Offerings include Chi Gong, Sacred Dance, Working with Crystals, Meditation, Yoga, Tarot, Astrology, Witchcraft, and much, much more.

So please visit us. Drop by and say hello!

Dolphin Dream
1437 N Broadway
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-933-2342

We have extended our hours for this month for the holidays. M-F, 10am-9pm, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm. (We will close on Monday, Dec. 24 at 6pm)

Chas and I hope to see some of you there soon!

Combat Card Meme

OK... just 'cause everyone else is doing it (and I don't wanna get left out of all the fun!!)  ;)

COMBAT CARDS 2.1

to fight faerywolf enter your username below

CREATE YOUR CARD

Worship the KoK!

This is the funniest thing I've seen all week. Look what came to our PO Box today:


(click image for larger view)

**EDIT: Yes... this is real. It is a church in Pittsburg, CA, not far from where I live.

Oh, the memeage!

And here is another meme! Comment on this post. I will choose seven userpics from your profile and you will explain what they mean and why you are using them. Post this along with your answers in your own journal so others can play along.

I responded to grey_twolf and he asked me to explain the following icons:

 Peacocks: This is from one of my pieces, "The Love of Gods and Men". Drawing form imagery from the Feri tradition, it's about same-sex male love, and pride... things that I'm totally into. ;) I tend to use it when I am talking about something sexy, compassionate, or dealing with my relationships.


 Bluegod: Again with the Feri! The BlueGod is the spirit of eroticism, as well as spiritual enlightenment. As a priest of the BlueGod I tend to scatter his images about me wherever I go. Again, I use this when speaking of things sensual, or spiritually erotic.


 Bloodrose: This is a tip-of-the-hat to that lineage of the Feri tradition in which I was originally trained and initiated. The rose is the Western equivalent of the Lotus, signifying enlightenment, and the continuous unfolding of awareness. The five petals are reminiscent of an inverted pentacle, representing spiritual energies mediated down to the physical. The oroborus surrounds it all, signifying the ever-presence of the Goddess. I usually use this when talking about Feri, especially things specific to my original lineage.


 BlackHeart: In the Feri tradition (are we seeing a theme here?) the term The Black Heart of Innocence  is used to poetically refer to the natural state of the soul, unfettered by outside social restrictions. I use this in Feri posts, especially those centered around freedom, or just when I want to draw particular attention to the post, since it is animated. ;)


 Wonder Woman - Bracelets: She was my original Goddess figure. A spirit of truth, compassion, and non-patriarchal power, I use this when speaking of woman's rights, spirituality in pop-culture, or just when I'm feeling sassy. ;)


 Melek Ta'us: The Peacock Angel, a representation of the Blue God as described in Middle Eastern myth. This particular image I based on Paul B. Rucker's piece of the same name. Again, I use this primarily for Feri related posts.


 Bluerose: A reworking of Bloodrose (see above) and used to represent posts that have to do with my unique lineage of Feri also called Bluerose. In various myths, the blue rose is a symbol of that which is just beyond our reach... a spiritual goal that exists not in the physical, but perhaps in the otherworld. It feels very Faery to me.

News that should have come on Coming Out Day...

I'm sure I can't be the first to post this, but...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071020/ap_on_en_ot/books_harry_potter

I'm in ur Hogwartz...

...teaching ur children tolerance.

[Sex Filter] 1st Post

Awhile back I announced that I was going to start a sex filter in which I would talk about... well... sex, really. Specifically the sex that either I'm having... or want to be having.

And then I did nothing with it.

Well, I decided that needs to change. My intention is to make this filter unsafe for work (!), so anything of that nature will be behind a cut... so if you DO NOT want to be on this filter, then send me a note to storm@faerywolf.com and let me know and I'll take you off right away.

This is heavily filtered.

This post begins at BTW last month. While there I met someone and fell madly in love. What a minute, you ask... isn't this about sex? Yes... we're getting to that. But first... background...

I was attracted to him immediately but since every time I saw him he was busy I kept my flirting to a minimum and then went on my way. Truth be told there were a few others at the event that I also found attractive (some distractingly so!) and since no one really acted on anything I chalked it all up to friendly flirtation but, sadly, that no one was interested and I would just have to put up with people telling me that they loved my writing and my art but that I would get no play. It's all good.

Oh, I'll admit it... I was rather hopeful that being out in the woods with 90 gay pagan men that I might get some sacred sex out of the deal, but I certainly wasn't expecting it. Or at least I tried not to. When it became apparent to me that either people weren't interested, or (as I was told by a couple folks) that those who were interested were actually intimidated by me because of my perceived status as a public witchcraft teacher (I suffer from the big fish/small pond syndrome, apparently) I just decided to relax and put it all behind me... have a few too many glasses of good wine... and enjoy the ride.

Friday night there was a ritual dance... Komos, in which Dionysus was invoked and the spirit of orgiastic revelry ensued. Wearing my finest leather pants, I enjoyed sights of cute boys in jockstraps, and hunky guys wearing everything else from Renaissance wear, to leather fetish gear. Needless to say, it was my type of party.

Then I saw him. Behind the counter looking my way. We made eye contact, smiled, and I made a beeline for him. Now believe it or not, I'm usually shy when it comes to this sort of thing. If I like someone, then I'm usually much more on the quiet side. Unless I have my "way in". I had been casually flirting with him for a few days, and I guess that (and the couple glasses of mead I had downed just minutes earlier) did the trick because within a few minutes he and I were making out, hot and heavy, and I was in bliss. Each timer I came up from air I was legitimately surprised to find that there were other people in the room... as the whole world fell away with every kiss. I knew that this was much more than just a sexual attraction for me, but I didn't think about it because I was 2000 miles away from home... in a magickal space... charged with erotic energy... and so how could I expect that whatever connection I thought I was feeling be returned?

I was a bit sluttier than I would probably like to admit at that party, but I have it on good authority that I was not alone. I was told that blowjobs were being traded amongst the crowd, but I honestly never saw any of that (dammit!) because I was too far engaged in my own sexual fantasy come true, in which I was taken behind the counter where we continued making out... just a little heavier that we had done in full view of everyone. My head swimming with alcohol, and sexual frenzy, he and I made our way to his camp, where we proceeded to take things to the next level.

This is where the story really begins, at least in terms of a sex filter. He was am amazing kisser... I mean incredible. And looking into his eyes was an experience in transcendence all in itself. But naked, pressed against him, I found myself in a space that was at once primal, spiritually engaged, and heart-centered; a state that I honestly can't recall ever having experienced before. That night it has started to rain a bit, and while we panted and writhed together I recall flashes of lightning exploding overhead... it was as if nature were making love with us.

Whatever shields I might normally have up during a first encounter were not there. I felt my heart pouring into his, and vice versa... which really just made the sex all the hotter. I don't know how long we spent there... touching each other's bodies... tasting each other's skin... though it was cold (he didn't have a tent but one of those Element truck things... the back with a hard cover but open at the end) and the breeze would wash over us from time to time, we were covered in sweat. Eventually we were covered in each other's seed, as well... and usually this is the time in which I say, "shower time, honey!" this time it just felt so good to draw him close to me, our slick skin pressed together, and spend untold time kissing him and praising the Gods who brought him to me. Holding each other we fell asleep, and the first thing we saw in the morning was each other... smiling those goofy grins that you have when you have just fallen in love, and all is right in the world because of it.

For the next couple of days we managed to spend as much time together as possible, some of it clothed, thankfully some of it not. And I was glad to find that the incredible sex of our first night together was not a fluke... no blurring of perception because of alcohol... no trick of the light... each time a celebration of primal love, culminated in the merging of not only our bodies, but of our hearts and our spirits. Probably sounding a bit cliché, but there ya go.

When we left each other, saying our tearful goodbyes, we admitted to each other that we were not good at the regular communication thing. So we agreed to keep in "irregular communication" with each other. So far that has meant a message or an often lengthy call every day. I had no intention of starting up a long distance relationship. (I usually think that they are rather absurd)... but then again maybe I am absurd, so maybe that makes it all OK. He's moving from Ohio to Missouri in a week or so (13 hours closer to the West coast, as he put it) and he's coming out to stay with me for a week next month. I'm excited about him getting to meet Chas, since that's a necessity in my book. And then we'll take it form there. Both of us are definitely sprung on each other. My 14 years experience with polyamory has taught me that all loves are different... but I was not prepared for this one. He engages me on every level that I can think of... we are alike in many ways... and different enough to make sure that it will not likely get stale any time soon. I feel very blessed to have so much love in my life... and very fortunate that some of the hottest sex I have ever had in my life has decided to come along with it. I love my life...

In other news someone at BTW mentioned to me that a Prince Albert piercing never completely closes up... so I tested it out today and learned that's true! I took my jewelry out 4 1/2 years ago and was missing it lately... today I am happy to report that there is now a nice (if small) circular barbell through the end of my cock. Yay!

OK... so yeah this had sex stuff in it, but i guess it was more about relationships, and stuff. I promise next time I'll talk about something more dirty. Any ideas? ;)