Beltane Fried Honeycakes

 

Happy Ostara

We All See The Same Moon

Regardless of our station in life, we are all under the radiance and influence of the same Moon.

The New Moon

How Do You Know If You're Pagan?

Well, if you’re asking yourself this you’re probably feeling some kind of connection towards paganism. 

Many Pagans will tell you they have always felt that connection and as they became more involved, they just knew.

We know by doing.

Pagan beliefs, opinions, ideas and thoughts are realized through practice, discussion, learning and simply by the results of living Paganism.

To learn more about Paganism visit the Pagan Federation and Pagan Dawn: 

Click Here

What are some of the signs?

Are you awed by nature?

If you are connected to the power of nature – the ocean, storms, waterfalls, the sun and moon and stars… you may be a closet pagan. 

Pagans are free spirits, and they rarely believe things at face value. 

We struggle to follow rules and we question everything we are told. 

The change of seasons and moon phases are almost sacred to you.

There's a sense of connection with the natural world.  

The Wheel of the Year, the cycles of the seasons, of the moon, our lives, they are all connected, and they are part of who we are.

Paganism is not a stale set of beliefs carved in stone.  

It’s a living set of beliefs and they evolve as our knowledge grows.

Paganism is not based in fear.

Pagans center our beliefs around nature.

The Old Religion is the magic of the Earth itself.

It is the essence which binds all things together.

Paganism is a big umbrella and we suggest you take a look and see what speaks to you.

If you feel drawn to Paganism, then it's speaking to you.

St Patrick’s Day and Pagans

The story is believed by many to be a metaphor representing St. Pat chasing the Pagans and Druidic priests (the snakes) out of the country. 

Even though many Pagans won’t celebrate this day, we have chosen to celebrate in defiance, because Pagans survived and St. Patrick was defeated.

Yeah, we’re still here.

Ostara Days Away

Coffee Is Black Magic

UPDATE:

New research, published in the journal Nutrients, says that coffee lovers can lower blood pressure.

What’s more, these cardiovascular benefits might be achieved by drinking just one cup of coffee a day.

Arrigo Cicero, one of the researchers, said: “The results are very clear. 

Peripheral blood pressure was significantly lower in individuals consuming one to three cups of coffee a day than in non-coffee drinkers.

We love our coffee, it's part of our morning ritual.
After all, it's the original Black Magic.

Drinking three cups of coffee a day cuts your risk of dying from heart disease by up to 17%, study shows.

• Semmelweis University experts explored how coffee might affect heart health
• They grouped 468,629 UK adults by their level of daily coffee consumption
• They found that drinking three cups of coffee a day lowered stroke risk by 21%
• Higher coffee consumption was also not associated with negative outcomes

Your risk of death from heart disease can be reduced by up to 17 per cent by moderate consumption of coffee — up to three cups a day — a study has found. 

Researchers led from the Semmelweis University in Budapest investigated the association between coffee habits and incidences of heart attack and stroke.

They found that moderate coffee consumption can also reduce your risk of stroke by up to 21 per cent over people who don't drink coffee at all.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF COFFEE?

Scientific studies into the health effects of coffee are being done all the time and have, in the past, claimed the drink brings fairly big health benefits.

Reduces early death risk 

Research by the National Cancer Institute in the US last year found people who drink six or seven cups of coffee each day were 16 per cent less likely to die from disease within a 10-year period than those who didn't. 

Less likely to get depression 

Another study, done by the Harvard School of Public Health, found that women who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 20 per cent less likely to suffer from depression. 

Women have higher pain threshold 

British scientists at Goldsmiths, University of London, found women who drank coffee – 250mg of caffeine, to be precise – tended to have a higher pain threshold than those who didn't.

Lower type 2 diabetes 

The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee last year said it had trawled through nearly 30 studies of almost 1.2million people to find drinking three or four cups of coffee each day could slash the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 27 per cent. 

Another study from BRAGA, Portugal offered some great news.

Researchers in Portugal say people who regularly drink coffee are not only more alert, but see more activity in their brains as well.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, moderate coffee consumption is typically three to five cups per day. 

And in yet another study, researchers from the University of Minho reveal consuming this much caffeine each day can make coffee drinkers more focused while also displaying greater memory and learning abilities.

Scientists examining MRI scans discovered differences in the makeup of the brains between regular coffee drinkers and those who don’t consume the beverage at all. 

Coffee drinkers had a more “efficient” brain, with quicker connectivity in the cerebellum, the right precuneus, and the right insular.

Even one cup of coffee can keep you sharp

These patterns show regularly drinking coffee may give people better motor control. 

Participants consuming caffeine were also able to stay focused better.

Study authors add the effects of this brain boost can be immediate. Results show non-coffee drinkers could start seeing benefits for a short time after a single cup of java.

The findings appear in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

Studies show that people who drink coffee regularly may have an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers, thanks to ingredients in coffee that can affect levels of hormones involved in metabolism.

In a large study involving tens of thousands of people, researchers found that people who drank several cups a day—anywhere from two to four cups—actually had a lower risk of stroke. 

Heart experts say the benefits may come from coffee’s effect on the blood vessels; by keeping vessels flexible and healthy, it may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which can cause heart attacks.

It’s also high in antioxidants, which are known to fight the oxidative damage that can cause cancer. 

That may explain why some studies have found a lower risk of liver cancer among coffee drinkers.

Coffee may even help you live longer. 

Another recent study involving more than 208,000 men and women found that people who drank coffee regularly were less likely to die prematurely than those who didn’t drink coffee. 

Researchers believe that some of the chemicals in coffee may help reduce inflammation, which has been found to play a role in a number of aging-related health problems, including dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some evidence also suggests that coffee may slow down some of the metabolic processes that drive aging.

• Coffee, through its caffeine content, acts in the same way as over-the-counter asthma medicine. 
• It helps to open the air ways of an asthmatic patient. 
• Taking one or two cups of coffee should help to relieve symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and breathlessness.

So there it is, we love coffee and enjoy it every morning.

The History of Coffee

No one knows exactly how or when coffee was discovered, but there are legends about its origin.

An Ethiopian Legend

Coffee perhaps, can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. 

There, legend says the goat herder Kaldi first discovered the potential of the coffee beans. 

The story goes that that Kaldi discovered coffee after he noticed that after eating the berries from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night. 

Kaldi reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who made a drink with the berries and found that it kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer. 

The abbot shared his discovery with the other monks at the monastery, and knowledge of the energizing berries began to spread.

As word moved east and coffee reached the Arabian peninsula, it began a journey which would bring these beans across the globe.

The Arabian Peninsula

Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula.  By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey.

Coffee was not only enjoyed in homes, but also in the many public coffee houses — called qahveh khaneh — which began to appear in cities across the Near East. The popularity of the coffee houses was unequaled and people frequented them for all kinds of social activity. 

Not only did the patrons drink coffee and engage in conversation, but they also listened to music, watched performers, played chess and kept current on the news.  Coffee houses quickly became such an important center for the exchange of information that they were often referred to as “Schools of the Wise.”

With thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca each year from all over the world, knowledge of this “wine of Araby” began to spread. 

Coffee Comes to Europe

European travelers to the Near East brought back stories of an unusual dark black beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent. 

Some people reacted to this new beverage with suspicion or fear, calling it the “bitter invention of Satan.” The local clergy condemned coffee when it came to Venice in 1615. The controversy was so great that Pope Clement VIII was asked to intervene. He decided to taste the beverage for himself before making a decision, and found the drink so satisfying that he gave it papal approval.

Despite such controversy, coffee houses were quickly becoming centers of social activity and communication in the major cities of England, Austria, France, Germany and Holland. In England “penny universities” sprang up, so called because for the price of a penny one could purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation.  

Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drink beverages of the time — beer and wine. Those who drank coffee instead of alcohol began the day alert and energized, and not surprisingly, the quality of their work was greatly improved. (We like to think of this a precursor to the modern office coffee service.)

By the mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London, many of which attracted like-minded patrons, including merchants, shippers, brokers and artists.

Many businesses grew out of these specialized coffee houses. Lloyd's of London, for example, came into existence at the Edward Lloyd's Coffee House.

The New World

In the mid-1600's, coffee was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York by the British.

Though coffee houses rapidly began to appear, tea continued to be the favored drink in the New World until 1773, when the colonists revolted against a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III. The revolt, known as the Boston Tea Party, would forever change the American drinking preference to coffee. 

"Coffee - the favorite drink of the civilized world." - Thomas Jefferson

Plantations Around the World

As demand for the beverage continued to spread, there was fierce competition to cultivate coffee outside of Arabia. 

The Dutch finally got seedlings in the latter half of the 17th century. Their first attempts to plant them in India failed, but they were successful with their efforts in Batavia, on the island of Java in what is now Indonesia.  

The plants thrived and soon the Dutch had a productive and growing trade in coffee. They then expanded the cultivation of coffee trees to the islands of Sumatra and Celebes.

Coming to the Americas

In 1714, the Mayor of Amsterdam presented a gift of a young coffee plant to King Louis XIV of France. The King ordered it to be planted in the Royal Botanical Garden in Paris. In 1723, a young naval officer, Gabriel de Clieu obtained a seedling from the King's plant. Despite a challenging voyage — complete with horrendous weather, a saboteur who tried to destroy the seedling, and a pirate attack — he managed to transport it safely to Martinique.  

Once planted, the seedling not only thrived, but it’s credited with the spread of over 18 million coffee trees on the island of Martinique in the next 50 years. Even more incredible is that this seedling was the parent of all coffee trees throughout the Caribbean, South and Central America.

The famed Brazilian coffee owes its existence to Francisco de Mello Palheta, who was sent by the emperor to French Guiana to get coffee seedlings. The French were not willing to share, but the French Governor's wife, captivated by his good looks, gave him a large bouquet of flowers before he left— buried inside were enough coffee seeds to begin what is today a billion-dollar industry.

Missionaries and travelers, traders and colonists continued to carry coffee seeds to new lands, and coffee trees were planted worldwide. Plantations were established in magnificent tropical forests and on rugged mountain highlands. Some crops flourished, while others were short-lived. New nations were established on coffee economies. Fortunes were made and lost. By the end of the 18th century, coffee had become one of the world's most profitable export crops. After crude oil, coffee is the most sought commodity in the world.

Source    

Coffee Coffee Coffee

Book of Shadows Book of Mirrors

A Book of Mirrors is different from a Book of Shadows where we keep useful information such as recipes, rituals, correspondences, and learning materials.

Recipes, lore, and wisdom are great for sharing with others, but the Book of Mirrors is unique to each practitioner of the Craft. 

It can become a important influence in your personal spiritual growth. 

Throughout history Witches kept their journals in code and secret.

They did so to protect themselves and the craft.

Even though the use of a code may not be necessary today, below  is an example of a secret code you could use if you so desire…

Book of Shadows

Many Pagans keep a journal of all their magical and spiritual thoughts and secrets, it's called a Book of Shadows.

This book is primarily for a witch because it's important for every witch to create and keep a book of records. 

These are a witches personal notes, a journal of your spiritual experiences, dreams and desires.

Regardless if you are practicing Witchcraft or not, your book is a great way to keep things remembered and organized.

For instance, write down how you’ve celebrated the Wheel of the year, that way, when the holiday comes around again you can look back and reflect on what you did.

Keeping track of the moon phases and how they affect us and our pets is something many people do.

You can also record your tarot card readings, you can go back and look at it later and see how accurate it was. 

If you are doing your own dreams interpretations, your Books of Shadows is a good place to record those as well.

Record how you work with the elements, the music you listen to and use for rituals, include everything that is important to you.

It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, homemade is wonderful, it's all up to you.

Here are a few samples:

So, even if you are not a witch, a Book of Shadows for your life's journey is a wonderful way to record who and what you are.

The History of Cinnamon Goes Back Almost 5,000 Years

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), sometimes called true cinnamon, has a long history. 

It originated in Asia, mostly Sri Lanka and India. 

Now, cinnamon shrubs are grown in almost every tropical region of the world.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known.

Ancient Egypt. Cinnamon was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. 

It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold.

Ancient China. About the same time, cinnamon also received much attention in China. 

It is mentioned in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated back to around 2,700 B.C. Cinnamon’s popularity continued throughout history. 

Cinnamon was often added to food to prevent spoiling.

Ancient Rome. Cinnamon was used on funeral pyres in Ancient Rome. In 65 AD, Nero burned a year's supply of cinnamon at his second wife Poppaea Sabina's funeral in order to show the depth of his grief.

History of Cinnamon: Medieval Europe. Due to its demand, cinnamon became one of the first commodities traded regularly between the Near East and Europe. 

It became one of the most popular spices in medieval Europe.

During the Bubonic Plague, sponges were soaked in cinnamon and cloves and placed in sick rooms, and it has also been burned as an incense. 

During the explorations of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, cinnamon was the most sought-after spice.

In the Middle Ages, cinnamon was only affordable by the wealthy elite of society. 

A person's social rank during that time could be determined by the number of spices they could afford.

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, there were power struggles among European nations over who would control Ceylon and the lucrative cinnamon industry. 

In the early part of the 19th century, other countries began growing cinnamon and it became available to everyone.

History of Cinnamon: Modern Cinnamon Production. Today, Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean, while Cassia cinnamon is mainly produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia. Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets in North America comes from the less expensive variety, Cassia cinnamon.

The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem witch trials have been discussed and re-discussed over and over. Why?  So we never forget and hopefully it never happens again.

The whole thing began during the spring of 1692, after a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft. 

As the hysteria spread throughout colonial Massachusetts, a special court convened in Salem to hear the cases; the first convicted witch, Bridget Bishop, was hanged that June.

Eighteen others followed Bishop to Salem’s Gallows Hill, while some 150 more men, women and children were accused over the next several months. 

By September 1692, the hysteria had begun to fade and public opinion turned against the trials. Though the Massachusetts General Court later annulled guilty verdicts against accused witches and granted indemnities to their families, the damage was already done and the painful legacy of the Salem witch trials would endure, even until now.

ORIGINS OF THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS

Belief in the devil’s practice of giving certain humans (witches) the power to harm others had started in Europe in the 14th century, and was widespread in colonial New England. 

By the way, a scientific study published in Science magazine in 1976 cited the fungus ergot (found in rye, wheat and other cereals), which toxicologists say can cause symptoms such as delusions, vomiting and muscle spasms.

So maybe that could explain a few things, who know?

In January 1692, 9-year-old Elizabeth (Betty) Parris and 11-year-old Abigail Williams (the daughter and niece of Samuel Parris, minister of Salem Village) began having fits, including violent contortions and uncontrollable outbursts of screaming.

A local doctor, William Griggs, diagnosed bewitchment as the only explanation, other young girls in the community began to exhibit similar symptoms, including Ann Putnam Jr., Mercy Lewis, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mary Walcott and Mary Warren.

SALEM WITCH TRIALS IS OUT OF CONTROL

The three accused witches were brought before the magistrates Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne and questioned, even as their accusers appeared in the courtroom in a grand display of spasms, contortions, screaming and writhing. 

Though Good and Osborn denied their guilt, Tituba confessed. Likely seeking to save herself from certain conviction as an informer, she claimed there were other witches working with the devil against the Puritans. 

As hysteria spread through the community and beyond into the rest of Massachusetts, a number of others were accused, including Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse–both regarded as upstanding members of church and community–and the four-year-old daughter of Sarah Good.

Like Tituba, several accused “witches” confessed and threw others under the bus, and the trials overwhelmed the local justice system.

In May 1692, the newly appointed governor of Massachusetts, William Phips, ordered the establishment of a special Court of Oyer (to hear) and Terminer (to decide) on witchcraft cases for Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex counties. 

The judges including Hathorne, Samuel Sewall and William Stoughton handed down its first conviction, against Bridget Bishop, on June 2; she was hanged eight days later.

Five more people were hanged that July; five in August and eight more in September. In addition, seven other accused witches died in jail, while the elderly Giles Corey (Martha’s husband) was pressed to death by stones after he refused to enter a plea at his arraignment.

SALEM LEGACY

In January 1697, the Massachusetts General Court declared a day of fasting for the tragedy of the Salem witch trials; the court later deemed the trials unlawful, and the leading justice Samuel Sewall publicly apologized for his role in the process. 

The damage to the community was already done however, even after Massachusetts Colony passed legislation restoring the good names of the condemned and providing financial restitution to their heirs in 1711. 

The church was the cornerstone of 17th century life in New England. Most people in Massachusetts were Puritans—colonists who had left England seeking religious tolerance.

But the strict Puritan code was far from tolerant.

It was against the law not to attend church—where men and women sat on opposite sides through long services. The Puritan lifestyle was restrained and rigid: People were expected to work hard and keep their emotions or opinions to themselves.

Individual differences were frowned upon. 

Even the dark, somber Puritan dress was dictated by the church.

Since Puritans believed that all sins should be punished they also believed God would punish sinful behavior. When a neighbor would suffer misfortune, such as a sick child or a failed crop, Puritans saw it as God’s will and did not help.

Puritans also believed the Devil was as real as God.

Even though everyone was faced with the struggle between the powers of good and evil, Satan would select the weakest individuals—women, children, the insane—to carry out his devilish work. Those who followed Satan were considered witches. Witchcraft was one of the greatest crimes a person could commit, and as we know, punishable by death.

In keeping with the Puritan code of conformity, the first women to be accused of witchcraft in Salem were seen as different and that God had abandoned them.

As a result, the church was extremely instrumental in the manifestation of the witch trials. “Ministers were looked to for guidance by the judges, who were generally without legal training, on matters of witchcraft.

The trials would continue for as long or as short as the ministers wanted them to. 

Evidence like hearsay, gossip, stories, unsupported assertions were generally admitted.

The church and the court had the people to a point where they would do anything to avoid getting on the wrong side of the powers including accusing their own friends. “

Fear of magic and witchcraft was common in New England, as it had been in Europe for centuries. 

Over 100 alleged witches had been tried and hanged in New England during the 1600s. 

But the hangings in 1692 Salem would be the last ones in America.

The painful legacy of the Salem witch trials has endured and ought to be a lesson to warn of the dangers of intolerance and religious extremism.