Silver Chalice Wicca 'Zine #51

Wiccans Who Love Jesus
and
The Wiccan Gods
and
Tips for Garden Witchery
and
A Tarot Card for Happier Families

June / July 2016

Editor's Note

Merry Meet! Welcome to the Silver Chalice Wicca 'Zine!

Well, it's been an interesting 2 months, over here. My computer has been broken for most of that time... it was starting to look like there wouldn't be a Silver Chalice edition this month, either!

Thankfully, we're able to scrape by long enough to produce this issue.

Unfortunately, this has seriously hampered my online presence, including replying to emails, even from A Year & A Day: 53 Weeks to Becoming a Wiccan students — which I try very hard to keep up with. I appreciate your understanding, as I try to get the technical side of things back to full functioning!

I'd like to thank everyone who wrote after the last issue, to offer support and healing Energy, as well as to say how much they missed reading the bimonthly ruminations when the Silver Chalice #50 didn't come out in the usual way.

It's nice to know that people look forward to the 'Zine! Sometimes, as a writer, you work long and hard to put things out, and never really know how it's received... whether people like it or love it or hate it or (worst of all!) just simply don't care.

And it was really heart-warming and uplifting to feel the love coming in from caring readers. It helps a lot!! So thank you!

Anyway, this month we're back on track (more or less), and we've got a great issue for you! In fact, I feel this is one of the best Silver Chalice 'Zines yet!

I'm pleased to bring you some novel offerings —

• The Energy Field Barometer column will focus on a specific Tarot card for the times
• Instead of the usual Ask the Priestess column, we'll have a contributed article from a Wicca Spirituality Facebook fan
• And a brand new article on Wiccans who love Jesus! (Sparking the theme for this issue)

Especially exciting for me are the tips on forging strong, loving, supportive relationships and families! I think it's particularly exciting because it's been a long time since I've been able to Catch new material (this must mean I'm starting to recover from burn-out). I hope you get as much out of it as I got Catching and writing it!

I'm sure you don't want to waste any time, when Summer is calling. So let's get right to it, shall we?

I wish you the best of the season!

With Bright Blessings,

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Table of Contents

Events & Announcements	Wiccan Training for the Southern Hemisphere
Wicca Students Speak Out	"I Never Expected..."
Feature Article	Wiccans Who Love Jesus
What's New on the Site	Now You Can Share your Comments on Wicca-Spirituality.com!
Website Highlights	From Christian to Wiccan
Sabbats & Esbats & Other Wiccan Rituals	The Wiccan Gods
Ask The Priestess	Tips for Garden Witchery
Fave Quotes	Jesus Speaks
Word on the Street	"Truly Talking To My Spirit"
Energy Field Barometer	Tarot Card Reading: Inspiration for Families/Relationships
Silver Chalice Details

Events & Announcements

Wiccan Training for the Southern Hemisphere

If you live south of the equator, you're coming up to Imbolc (aka Brighid) on August 1st.

This is the perfect time to begin your Wiccan training.

The Wicca Spirituality online course, A Year & A Day: 53 Weeks to Becoming a Wiccan, was created especially to guide you through the seasons and the Sabbats, leading you to what you need to know and how you can celebrate the Earth at each stage.

And, unlike most other training or books, it answers the questions specific to practicing Wicca in the Southern Hemisphere.

So if you've been waiting
to do your Wiccan training in sync
with your Southern Hemisphere seasons,
late June or early July is the perfect time
to start your Year-And-A-Day!

You’ll want to start by July 7th at the latest. (Unless you don't mind doing some quick catch-up — in which case, be sure to email me and let me know that's your plan.)

This is a perfect opportunity to find out everything you ever wanted to know about being a Wiccan, and lots of things you never thought to ask!

Please see this page for more details on what's in your Year & a Day.

Or read on, to see what other students are saying about the course. . .

Wicca Students Speak Out

Want to hear what our students
are saying about
A Year And A Day:
53 Weeks to Becoming a Wiccan?

*   *   *   *   *  

"In all my thoughts as to what we would experience during the year of lessons, I never expected to find my inner child again... I felt like a kid in a candy store every Wednesday when the lessons arrived.

"I was awed as I could feel Goddess energy filling my body’s Chalice in a great wave. I delighted in an ever deepening closeness with nature...

"This past year there have been moments where I can feel myself a part of the beating heart of Mother Earth.

"It is an absolutely joyful beginning and it is your lessons that have made it so... encouraging me to take a tentative step and then another and another into the heart of the Great Goddess.

"The lessons have changed me. They’ve given me confidence again... confidence in the Divine’s Desire to be close to me, the unfathomable unconditional love, and confidence in myself too as I look more kindly on that little girl... my inner child.

"We couldn’t ask for a better teacher. And as one on the receiving end of the AYAAD lessons, know that though they flow great distances from your heart to ours, the warmth arrives just as assuredly. It is like you are with us, even answering the questions that appear in our heads. We are blessed."

~ Sandra Barnard, Australia

*   *   *   *   *  

"I see through all people even more vividly now through their words & actions; I can feel, hear & see their inner dialogues, know if they're speaking the truth or not.

"I feel so much more protected and powerful — it's beyond amazing and I'm so thankful and grateful!"

~ Raven Moon, Canada

*   *   *   *   *  

"I love this course even if I am doing it slower than most. I have been in the Craft since I was 16 — I am now 62 and I have never seen it laid out so plainly.

"I am loving relearning some things, finding out new reasons for doing things, and learning brand new things."

~ Linda Cassidy, USA

*   *   *   *   *  

"I've been wanting to tell you that having started the course last year and re-enrolling this year, I've noticed the changes, upgrades and additions to your lectures that you've made. And I appreciate it.

"It fortifies my trust in you and your ethics to see that you do not just let the course go on autopilot (as many college campuses do... wink,wink). Thank you so much for you."

~ Sara, USA

Feature Article

Wiccans Who Love Jesus

Sounds strange, perhaps, but Jesus-loving Wiccans are a growing phenomenon. And one that, I believe, is inevitable.

In these times of spiritual maturation, more and more people are dissatisfied with the religious rules that were given in humanity's spiritual infancy (or, at best, adolescence).

People want more than living out religious doctrines, bound by archaic rules. We want more than merely thinking about, talking about, bowing to, and praying to Someone distant and obscure. We want to actually experience the Divine in our lives... and even to integrate ourselves into the Oneness that is the core truth of reality.

Sadly, it's impossible to do that while bound by the rules we were taught as children — the spiritual equivalents of "Don't cross the street; don't talk to strangers," etc.

There comes a time in everyone's development when we MUST do those things (at least to be free to make up our own minds about them), or else be psychologically and spiritually stunted... even crippled.

So we see people streaming from the ranks of Christianism¹ and seeking a more advanced spiritual path, like Wicca Spirituality for example — one that teaches and encourages direct personal experience of the Divine.

But can Jesus come along with them?

Why would anyone even want Him to? . . .

  See the Whole Article Here...

What's New On The Site

Here's an exciting addition to the Wicca Spirituality website — Now you can post your own Comments about the articles!

Try it out here, on the new Wiccans Who Love Jesus article...

I'm super-excited to open up this new level of dialogue with you!

And now you’ll be able to discuss things among the many readers of Wicca-Spirituality.com, as well... almost like a forum. As you may know, I've long dreamt of having a forum for readers to communicate with each other. I haven't been able to make one, but this is a pretty good substitute.

So when you read an article now, please take a moment to share your thoughts with me… and other Wiccans!

I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Website Highlights

Spotlighting some of the Wicca Spirituality articles you may not have seen yet!

From Christian to Wiccan
Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions & Worries

Are you going from being a Christian to Wicca Spirituality?

You may be having some doubts, or even terrible fears.

You need answers.

Well, this article is for you!

Here are a few things you should know, to help you through this challenging time. And in the second article — what you can do to overcome the fear and doubts. . .

  Continue...

The True Jesus Teachings: 
Christ's Core Message

Centuries of confusion, mistranslation, and outright forgery has obscured the true Christ.

But thanks to dedicated scholars and daring writers, the real teachings are coming to light at last.

And at the core, we find a Christian spirituality that transcends religion, intolerance, greed, and violence... a spirituality that anyone can respect... a spirituality that offers hope to the world.

And it's a spirituality that has much in common with the philosophy of Wiccan belief.

Here are the authentic sayings of Jesus, distilled down to their essence, as agreed upon by most scholars. . .

  Continue...

Why Jesus Would Like Wicca

If Jesus were around today, I think he would look at much of "Christianity" and shudder. And I think he would look at Wicca, and say, "That's closer to the mark!"…

I regard the man we know as the Christ as a wise prophet and a saint — one who had embodied divinity... that is, one who was with the Divine, walking and talking in the world. And the heart of his teachings were not substantially different from Wicca beliefs.

Wicca Spirituality is, in fact, much closer to his authentic teachings than Christianism.

Which makes a lot of sense, since the roots of Jesus’ teachings were Pagan mystery religions! . . .

  Continue...

Sabbats & Esbats & Other Wiccan Rituals

The Wiccan Gods

Excerpt from Wicca Course In Progress
(Please Note: This material is protected by legal copyright)

	loving,
	protecting,
	nurturing,
	passionate,
	grounded,
	devoted to the Mother/Lover Goddess,
	in command of Himself,
	in service to life.

The divine masculine wants
to make love to the world.
It wants to care for and protect what is beautiful.
It wants to explore new territories
and play beyond the edge of old boundaries.
It wants to put its gifts in service with,

not domination of,

the Divine Feminine.

. . .   To learn more, please enrol in
A Year & A Day: 53 Weeks to Becoming a Wiccan...

Ask The Priestess:

Tips for Garden Witchery

Instead of Asking the Priestess, this issue, let's hear from someone sharing info with the Priestess.

This article was submitted for the Silver Chalice Wiccan 'Zine by Wicca Spirituality Facebook fan Jes Fabian.

Being a garden Witch is one of the best ways to connect with Mother Nature, but there are a few things you should make sure to do...

1. When you’re harvesting herbs or taking cuttings, always make sure to thank the plant after you’ve made damage to it.
   Bring a little water bottle full of natural fertiliser and pour some near the ground of the plant so it can grow big and strong after the pruning.
2. Know what herbs are toxic when eaten, touched, or inhaled.
   This is very important because you don’t want any spells to make you sick after!
   A good list of herbs that are dangerous is here: http://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/herbal/toxic-herbs.php
3. Buy organic and GMO-free whenever possible, not only for your own health but for the bees, butterflies, birds, and the rest of Mother Earth.
4. When buying plants from garden centers or anywhere that you are not familiar with its always useful to clean the plant, spiritually and physically.
   What I do is mix 4 drips of lavender oil in 500ml of water and water the surface of the plant to remove dust, repel bugs that can harm the plant, and energise it with good intent.
5. Remember that all plants have feelings, so make sure you don’t over-water them. Also remember to water them too!
   Fertilise them with homemade herb tea that can be made by a cup full of fresh herbs boiled for 10 minutes and then strained. This mix, especially when lavender is involved, gives the plant useful nutrients and makes the soil smell great!
   Just remember to fertilise every other watering between March and November only, because plants need sleep too!

Happy gardening!

*   *   *  

Do you have a question you'd like answered? Email the Priestess and your question could be answered in a future issue.

(Note: questions may be edited for brevity or clarity. No real names will be disclosed. For reasons of legality, all questions become the property of Wicca-Spirituality.com.)

Fave Quotes

To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables; so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven.”

~ Mark 4:11, 16-17

Jesus said, "If those who lead you say, 'See, the Kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the Kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living Father.

~ Gospel of Thomas

Jesus said, "If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you."

~ Gospel of Thomas

Albert Schweitzer said, "the Gospel of Paul is different from the Gospel of Jesus... which does not continue the Gospel of Jesus, but displaces it."

Thomas Jefferson called Paul "the first corrupter of the teachings of Jesus."

~ Rex Weyler, The Jesus Sayings: The Quest for His Authentic Message

“After the day of rest, Sophia [literally, “wisdom”] sent Zoe [literally, “life”], her daughter, who is called Eve, as an instructor to raise up Adam . . . When Eve saw Adam cast down, she pitied him, and she said, “Adam, live! Rise up upon the earth!” Immediately her word became a deed. For when Adam rose up, immediately he opened his eyes. When he saw her, he said, “You will be called ‘the mother of the living’, because you are the one who gave me life.”

~ On the Origin of the World 115.31-116.8, in NHL 172

Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of Knowledge and hidden them. They themselves have not entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to. You, however, be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."

~ Gospel of Thomas

The Lord said, "You have understood all the things I have said to you, and you have accepted them on faith. If you have known them, then they are yours. If not, then they are not yours."

~ Dialogue of the Saviour (Gnostic Gospels)

Word on the Street

What People Are Saying About Wicca-Spirituality.com:

I LOVE THIS SITE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!! Thank you.

I am so happy to have found this. I am soaking up as much as I can.

This is the first site that is truly talking to my spirit and I thank you for that and addressing going from Christian to Wiccan. I'm a little nervous, as you stated. I can remember the "hell and damnation" we were preached and how I felt as a child. Fearful is not the word.

My thoughts are we have a loving, honorable God (energy, light, love etc). Jesus was a wonderful teacher. I honestly cannot give up his teachings or those pure core beliefs but THE CHURCH seems corrupt to me.

Anyway, when I can figure it out, I want to do the studies. I'm so new but have moved to more eastern philosophies over the years...oneness with nature, God in / is everything; moving away from EGO and such.

I've missed seeing myself in my religion as we, as women, are not given the power and rights that was in the original works...lost books, removal of the feminine (God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit...which is what I and others believe is actually The Goddess). My religion was hijacked as others are, too, I'm sure.

Anyway, I really just needed to show gratitude to you for this site. Thank you so much. ~ R. in USA

Thanks for writing!! I appreciate hearing from you! : )

Energy-Field Barometer

This month I'd like to share with you a Tarot card reading. There's an issue that is perfectly demonstrated by this Tarot Card that's important right now... and will be even more so in the near future.

What might your family be like, though,
if everyone went into it with Conscious Intention?

Together Building Something of Great Value . . .

*   *   *  

Notice or suspect an energy field going around? Can you confirm this reading, or shed more light on it?

I'd love to hear what's happening for you! Please let me know.

What to do about being caught in an unpleasant energy field? Click here for tips.

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© erin Dragonsong 2016. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprinting any of this is forbidden unless you obtain my written permission: karma and the law agree on this one. And Copyscape is keeping an eye on these things.