Yule (Winter Solstice) 2013 - Pagan Federation Devon and Cornwall

Dark Mirror no. 75
Dark Mirror
Yule (Winter Solstice) 2013
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Dark Mirror no. 75
Contents
Behind the Mirror .................................................................................................................................. 3
Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
District managers report......................................................................................................................... 4
Messages of the season .......................................................................................................................... 5
Halloween (by Myghal) ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
The Interrupted Journey (by Myghal) ................................................................................................................................... 6
The White Lady of Seaton Delaval Hall (by Fiona) ......................................................................................................... 7
News and events .................................................................................................................................... 8
Cornwall............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Devon .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Museum of Witchcraft................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Forthcoming events.............................................................................................................................. 10
Articles ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Voodoo – a much maligned tradition? (by Wendy Trevennor) ............................................................................. 12
Gundestrup Cauldron (by Michele) ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Moots .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Cornwall (Kernow)...................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Devon (Dumnonia) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Dorset (PF Wessex) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Members advertisements ..................................................................................................................... 21
Who is who locally ............................................................................................................................... 22
Your District Officers .................................................................................................................................................................. 22
PF Products ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Webmaster ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
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Dark Mirror no. 75
Behind the Mirror
Dear readers,
Welcome to the Dark Mirror -this edition covers the darker part of the year as we await the
return of the sun at Solstice. The cover shows our dark mirror surrounded by holy and ivy
gathered from local woods, and illuminated by the cool winter sun. This issue carries news of
the season, ghost and mystery tales for Samhain, and articles on Voodoo and the Gundestrup
Cauldron. Enjoy!
The editor welcomes news from local moots about their events and activities, directly or via
their RC. News from our local moots encourages others to join and demonstrates just how
active the pagan community is in this region, so please share your news.
Thanks to all contributors to this issue.
Blessed Be
Harvey – DM Editor
Dark Mirror submissions
Dark Mirror (DM) is read by Pagan Federation District Members and most likely any other
Pagans. The aim of the Dark Mirror continues to be to reflect the work of the local PF (PFDCI)
and its members, illuminate news and events in our area, and to provide a platform for local
pagans to share their thoughts, poems, prose, stories, recipes, craft items, views, and articles
of general pagan interest. Articles can be ca 3-4 pages of A4 (inc. images).
Send your submissions in any digital format to the DM editor via email
[email protected] or by mail to:
Dark Mirror c/o Pagan Federation DCI, Torcroft, Commons Lane, Shaldon, TQ14 0HN.
Copy deadlines
Please get your articles in by the deadline and the editor will do their best to get them into the
newsletter that aims to be with members by the relevant festival.
ISSUE
Spring Equinox (Ostara)
Summer Solstice (Litha)
Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
Winter Solstice (Yule)
DEADLINE
21st February
21st May
21st August
21st November
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Disclaimer
Dark Mirror is the District Newsletter of the Pagan Federation - Devon, Cornwall and the
Isles (PFDCJ) and is only available to members of the Pagan Federation. The views and/or
opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, printers,
PFDCI or the Pagan Federation. Mention within this publication should not be seen as an
endorsement of any events, meetings, moots or products, and no responsibility can be
accepted by us for such items.
Copyright - items remain copyright of authors and artists, and are reproduced here with
their kind permission. All other items are copyright PFDCI.
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Dark Mirror no. 75
District managers report
Dear All,
What a fascinating Dark Mirror we have this quarter, I have just read the draft and could not
put it down – read on and be well fed. We are so blessed with our members’ talents.
As Yule is fast upon us, I reckon we Pagans have to work twice as hard – doing our own
celebrations according to our tradition, and then we are swept up in the expectations of
everyone else! At least it feels more like the 12 days we sing about, especially if we observe
Saturnalia with the Lord of Misrule abound from the 17th December. Even though it was
introduced by ‘those Italians’, I love the idea of fun and abandonment in the dark days (and
quite partial to an Italian on the quiet)….
It is all about the light; our old ones knew it was vital to be attuned to the solar cycle. I visited
Newgrange in the Boyne Valley this year, and inside the Neolithic mound with the help of
modern technology and a beautiful softly spoken guide, we experienced a re-enactment of the
first light of the year passing through the passageway to light up the incredible spirals on the
stones in the chamber. It was absolutely fantastic and I can well recommend it. But to see it
for real in the cold and snow of the Irish solstice is a dream to be realised.
The big news of the year for us in Devon, Cornwall and Isles District is the Museum of
Witchcraft collection being transferred into the care of the Museum of British Folklore. For
those who are anxious about ‘losing’ the museum, be reassured that Graham King will
continue to house the collection for a while longer, and it would be natural for the main
collection stay within our District. The exciting part is that we have always had so much more
material in store than Graham could show, which will now be liberated by Simon Costin (of
MoBF) and displayed in other parts of our District reaching a wider audience and the
collection will be even more accessible to us (see page 9).
Now is the time to book your ticket for your Conference. The ever popular Spring Conference
in Bude will have happened before the next Dark Mirror comes out. Do not miss the chance to
have a great time at “the best pagan conference ever” – and that is a genuine quote (see page
11). I still cannot believe we do so well for you and keep the ticket price so little. Actually I do
believe it because I know it is all done with Pagan Love and Belief and Trust.
Finally, please welcome our new volunteer Regional Coordinator for Cornwall, Eve. I am
delighted to tell you that we have found someone with the right skills and commitment to the
path of Paganism today. She is recognised for her amazing record of interfaith work and I am
really pleased to have her on board. Our outgoing RC Fiona has worked tirelessly to put the
Region’s administration in order, and I am truly grateful that she will continue to participate
in our activities in other local roles. On behalf of us all I thank Fiona for her major
contribution to our work in the District and beyond. Blessings on both, and I now believe in
miracles!
Long live the Oak King! Lord of the Greenwood hear us now. Reach into or hearts and find the
hope that springs eternal.
Maia
District Manager
Pagan Federation Devon, Cornwall & Isles
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Dark Mirror no. 75
Messages of the season
Halloween (by Myghal)
In Kernow, the time of Halloween or Samhain, is known as Nos Calan Gwaf and is widely
celebrated.
Popularly linked to St Allen or Arlan a little known Cornish Saint, it is also known as Allan day.
A 19th century account informs that “the shops in Penzance would display Allan apples, which
were highly polished large apples. On the day itself, these apples were given as gifts to each
member of the family as a token of good luck. Older girls would place these apples under their
pillows and hope to dream of the person whom they would one day marry. A local game is also
recorded where two pieces of wood were nailed together in the shape of a cross. It was then
suspended with 4 candles on each outcrop of the cross shape. Allan apples would then be
suspended under the cross. The goal of the game was to catch the apples in your mouth, with hot
wax being the penalty for slowness or inaccuracy."
With a substantial Pagan community in Cornwall, the age old, pre Christian rites are
commonly observed. In a short story written by My Ha’m Ros, a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow,
many of the traditions of the season are recorded.
Calan Gwaf - gans My Ha’m Ros
Yma Calan Gwaf ow tos nes, pan fleghes doth awra omguntell adro an tan whyflyn, dhe glewes
an whethlow aga thus coth,
Haneth yu nos, oll an spyryjyon a wra gas achy, ha mos tramor dhyworth aga fow, Annown, ha
slynkya dre an tewlder, dhe dhonsya aga dons gwyls y’n kelgh an bobel vyghan.
Bedheugh war an son garhanus aga menestrouthy whek! Gwra degea dha dhewscovarn rag
dowt why a wra mos war stray.
Yma’n lewgh owth ascendya, shapys ancoth ow nyja yn ha mes a wel; levow dygelmys a wra
dryftya yn uthek rybon. Bukkyas wyn ha tebel vestas a wra whylas aga gwyth hynwys, an gwyth
a wothvos a’n da hag a’n drok.
Tn uskes! Treleugh dha gotta tu aberveth yn mes! Nys us forth nahen onwytha!
Halloween – by My Ham’ Ros
Halloween is drawing nigh, when sensible children gather around the roaring fire to hear the
stories of their elders.
Tonight, all the fairies move out and go abroad from their country, Annown, and creep through
the darkness to dance their wild dance in the fairy ring.
Beware the beguiling sound of their sweet music! Close your ears lest you shall go astray.
The fog is rising, strange shapes floating in and out of sight; disconnected voices drift alarmingly
near. Ghosts and evil monsters seek out their sacred trees, the trees with knowledge of good and
evil.
Quickly! Turn your coat inside out! There is no other way to protect yourself!
Myghal Map Serpren (Member of PF & OBOD)
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The Interrupted Journey (by Myghal)
Déjà vu, out of body experiences, seeing things just out of the corner of your eye? I wonder
how many of us have experienced such things? Well, I have and just a week or two ago. Let me
explain...........
I was driving at the time and alone in the car. I was making the short journey along the busy
A3047 road which runs between Redruth and Camborne and it was just after 2PM on a
Tuesday afternoon. It was a fine day and traffic was particularly heavy. I had just pulled up to
the red traffic lights at the top of East Hill which heads down towards Tuckingmill into a
valley and then up towards Roskear just before Camborne.
I looked in my mirrors. There were cars behind me. There were also cars alongside me and to
the front.
But I could feel something strange happening. A floating feeling, a feeling of being pulled out
of my car straight up, almost through the roof.
I felt weightless, almost without form. I could no longer feel the seat beneath me or the
steering wheel in my hands.
A few moments later, I found myself probably a quarter of a mile or so further on and at the
bottom of the hill. I had passed through the traffic lights and remained in a queue of slow
moving traffic.
I felt heavy and firmly seated in my car and things began to return to normal.
It was what I had seen in those few moments, which was even more remarkable.
I had a view, be it a mere glimpse, of a sepia world, a world where I was on the same road but
a long time before in an earlier age. The houses were still there but were different. The road
was still there but it was not full of traffic. I felt as though I had gone back in time for a mere
second or two.
I know of other people to whom this has happened.
A very close friend of mine headed off on a journey and experienced something very similar to
that which I had and ended up on an unrecognised road somewhere else. She was astonished.
More surprisingly, she was accompanied by a friend who had undergone the same experience.
Interrupted journeys, are the stuff of UFO reports and stories, but on these occasions,
happening not on dark, isolated roads but in broad daylight with people around.
Does where we live cause these things? Are there many others who have similar things
happen? I wonder.
Myghal Map Serpren (Member of PF & OBOD)
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The White Lady of Seaton Delaval Hall (by Fiona)
Once upon a time, when I was a child in the North East, we used to drive often to the seaside
and back. On the way back, I always asked my father if we could go past the Hall so we could
see the ghost. "That's not a ghost" my father would grumble, "that's just a shadow on the
window from something inside the room". But he still drove past it, while my mother
reminded my sister and me of the story.
She said "a long time ago, the young man of the house had gone off to war and asked his
sweetheart to wait for him. He never came back, and so she still waited, looking out of the
window on the first floor."
Last year the National Trust opened the Hall to the public. In May this year, I was able to visit
it and finally get in to see the room on the first floor where the ghost's window was. The Hall
is a sad place: the main section had been gutted by fire in the early 20th century, which is why
it was never open when I was a child. Bit by bit it is being painstakingly restored, but upstairs
in the east wing, the ghost's room - still sadly elegant though faded - was being used as a store
room for paintings and furniture. The ghost's window, as it were, was covered by a blind.
I was a bit worried when I hadn't seen the ghost from the outside, as before, but in the room
there was a faint presence. I waited until I was alone and then asked
"Are you there? I used to see you as a child and would love to know your story. Some people
say you're just a maid, some the young squire's sweetheart, some a young girl who he seduced
and jilted."
"Why should I talk to anyone, after all these years?" came the reply. "I've been silent for so
long, it doesn't really matter now".
"Oh, but it does! I used to come past here as a child and always felt so sad at the sight of the
lady in white at the window, it made me want to cry. My father said it was just a reflection
from a mirror in the room, but now I'm here, I know that can't be right."
A group of people came into the room, so I waited patiently till they had gone.
"My name is Daisy", the soft voice continued when the others had moved away. "I was
employed here as nursemaid to the youngest child. She was much younger than her brothers
and sisters, so the old nursemaid had left the family's employ. The eldest son was so
handsome and so kind and friendly that I gave him my heart - and my body too. We really
loved each other and he promised that he would marry me when he gained his majority. Then
the war came and he had to go - we said our farewells in this very room and from that window
I watched him ride off. He never came back. The family were told that he had been killed
somewhere abroad. They didn't know of our love, so there was no help or comfort for me;
and when it became obvious that I was expecting a child, I was dismissed from my post. But I
could not bear to leave the Hall where I had been so happy, and so I wait here at the window
in memory of our last moments together. I will be here for all eternity."
After more than 50 years, it was good to know what the story actually was and I thanked
Daisy for sharing it with me. When I left the Hall, I looked up at the first floor and she was
back at her window, waiting in vain for her lover's return.(Fiona)
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News and events
Cornwall
RC Report (by Fiona)
First of all, a big welcome to our new members in Cornwall. I hope to meet you all at our
wonderful Conference next March, if not before then on my travels.
Speaking of which, at the beginning of September I was very glad to visit the Bodmin Moot
once again and listen to Wendy Trevenor's excellent talk on voodoo. As ever, I was made very
welcome at Pagan Paths, and was seriously tempted by the goodies they had all brought along
for a small sale. Special brownie points for Nigel's cucumbers! Also in September, I went to
the Penwith Moot, where we reluctantly decided to go into hibernation for the winter.
Attendance for this large, long-standing and successful moot had been low for some time, so
it's back to the drawing board during the dark months.
Mabon found me in Falmouth, attending a ritual magick workshop with Oliver St John - part of
the interesting programme of events at Know Thyself in Falmouth. A particularly impressive
ritual followed, and I am sorry that I won't be able to get to the next one for the Winter
Solstice (Further information on https://www.facebook.com/events/578269715574285/).
I'm also glad to report that a good number of people have indicated their interest in a new
Falmouth Moot and hopefully this will be up and running soon - thanks Harri!
It was good to see lots of PF members at the Friends of the Witchcraft gathering & AGM on 9
November - lots of exciting things going on there, with Graham passing the reins over and the
post of manager being advertised. As ever, some really interesting talks, including Cornwall's
own Steve Patterson - watch out for his book, coming next year!
Finally, observant readers will have noticed that I seem to have stopped ranting about
needing a successor - that's because some people indicated interest! And I will leave it to our
DM, Maia, to report further, but in any event, I will be around till Conference.
Festive Blessings to all - Fiona.
Devon
RC Report (by Michele)
What no moot? Why not start one? Building Pagan Community.
Connection to other Pagans is very important to our diverse and widely spread community.
Holding Pagan views can cause feelings of isolation in everyday life. Online chat sites serve
some requirements but not everyone is able to or even wants to use internet services. Often
people just need to meet up with like-minded souls in person to chat socially, to discuss Pagan
issues, to visit sacred places, to take part in open ritual and to build community.
One of my tasks as RC is to reply to enquiries about the availability of local groups and events
to Pagans (both PF and non PF). Unfortunately, I have to disappoint a number of people.
Some areas in Devon just do not have any obvious community for these disconnected folk to
interact with and others find themselves travelling long distances. Yet there are Pagans in
these areas.
Shortly after joining the Pagan Federation, I was encouraged to assist others in running moots
and seasonal rituals. After a while, the opportunity arose to start my own moot, which was
held in both public places and private houses. Be reassured in starting a Pagan group the
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desire for like minded and motivated community is more important than experience or
extensive knowledge. I did make use of the advice and support of the RC, other moot leaders
and friends. The latest incarnation is the West Moor Moot hosted mainly at our home and is
now in its fifth year. The main objective (and reward) for Harvey and myself is to facilitate a
space for connection and community building. This is an important part of our devotional
service for Pagans and Deity alike.
So, what things do you need to consider if you want to start a group?
1) What type of group you want to offer, a monthly moot, social gathering, a book club, a
Pagan parenting group for adults and their children, a Grove, or a Coven? Many successful
groups focus on topics common to the heart of the various Pagan paths. You may wish to
specialise but this can lower a group's potential attendance. Established moots will often
have a separate group that gathers for ritual or perhaps adheres to a certain Pagan tradition.
2) What will attendees want to focus on? For ideas on topics there are some great books out
there to help the fledgling moot find their way through the Wheel of the Year together and
come into a cohesion. A balanced group will help its members to progress with support and
confidence on their individual spiritual paths. As a moot leader be proactive and ask others
what they do in their Pagan practice and if they have skills and experiences to share. Enlist
help and delegate! Community is an opportunity to work together.
3) Where will you meet, a cafe, a pub, a hall, or a private house? Venue is a top concern.
Public places offer a neutral meeting place for people to get to know each other, the trade off
is little opportunity for anything other than light Pagan discussion. Private houses are
excellent for open and frank discussion but new people can be justifiably concerned about
what they are walking into and the host cannot be certain who is coming into their home.
Halls cost money, cafes can be noisy and the wrong night at a pub can be full of loud,
intoxicated people. Once you are there how will you recognise each other? Some people have
a copy of the Pagan Dawn on the table or some other symbol.
4) What time of day? What time is most convenient time for you to keep? Most moots and
groups meet at night but it needn't be that way. Morning or afternoon groups work better for
some and attract people who have various responsibilities and cannot get out at night.
The Yuletide holidays allow a quiet space to consider resolutions of the forthcoming New
Year. An important part for myself is to reflect upon the functioning of the moot and the
weaving of themes for the year to come. Could you resolve to build stronger links with the
Pagan community? If you feel you could and want some advice and support I am only an
email or phone call away!
To the Oak, the Holly and the Lady! A Blessed Yule to All!
(Michele)
Museum of Witchcraft
Exciting Times at the Museum of Witchcraft (Harvey)
Ownership of the Museum of Witchcraft (MoW), Boscastle changed on the 31st of October
(Samhain) 2013 and the entire collection was gifted to the Museum of British Folklore
(MoBF). In this exciting move, the Museum of Witchcraft came under the care of the Museum
of British Folklore, ensuring the collections' survival, future care and expansion.
Museum of Witchcraft has grown and developed significantly under the direction of Graham
King and his team, since he first took over the museum from Cecil Williamson in
Samhain1996. Today the Museum boasts a secure and catalogued collection, online search
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tools, and a library of the rare and unusual, open to researchers worldwide. In addition, the
Museum of Witchcraft is a major tourist attraction in Cornwall, earning the rank of top
museum in Cornwall from 'Tripadvisor'.
The 'Friends of the Witchcraft Museum' have helped considerably over the years with
fundraising and hands on assistance. And the 'Friends' will continue to support the museum.
So at Samhain 2013 Graham King stood down and the trustees of the Museum of Witchcraft
Ltd resigned, with the new trustees being those of the MoBF and a new director Simon Costin.
Simon is currently Director of the Museum of British Folklore. The rest of the Museum of
Witchcraft team remain the same. The Museum of Witchcraft will remain where it is, in
Boscastle, for at least 5 years. The Museum of Witchcraft Ltd still forbids the sale of the
museum or its assets for profit. Both museums will benefit from their forthcoming charitable
status next year, with the tax benefits that entails.
"I am so pleased to have found a body of people that have the skills and passion to take the
museum on into the future. I am sure that it will continue to thrive. I am also sure that its
collections will continue to be preserved to educate and inform future generations."
Graham King
"I am hugely honoured to have been asked by Graham to take the reins of the museum and
greatly look forward to working on its growth and future over the coming years. The museum
holds one of the most unique collections of witchcraft related material in the world and to be
able to play a part in its ongoing development is hugely exciting. I will do my utmost to ensure
that my passion and understanding of the museum's collection will hold me in good stead for the
next phase of its life'.
Simon Costin
Further information is available from the MoW blog http://museumofwitchcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
Forthcoming events
Please make at note of the following events for your diary:
PF DCI Conference 2014 - Saturday 8th March at Penstowe Manor
The full conference programme is now confirmed - overleaf
PF DCI Lammas/Lughnasadh Picnic 2014 - Sunday 17th August at the Hurlers
Join us for the Annual Lughnasadh Games!
Games include the Welly Boot Hurl, Discus Challenge, Skilful Quoits, & Creative Crafts.
Join us as we Honour the Champion of the Goddess& Celebrate the Lammas Harvest.
Families and well-behaved dogs welcome! Bring food to share and leave no trace.
FFI [email protected]
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Articles
Voodoo – a much maligned tradition? (by Wendy Trevennor)
What goes through your mind when Voodoo is mentioned? You probably have a quick flash of
a doll stuck with pins, a slaughtered black chicken or that
painted bad guy from Live and Let Die. This tradition is an
open secret that has intrigued, attracted and frightened
people outside it for centuries. Voodoo has had a bad
press over the years, being chiefly associated in the
popular mind with black magic, grave robbing and curses.
People fear the unknown, as because Voodoo has always
been practised secretly, like witchcraft and Wicca it has
acquired a frightening reputation which may not be
deserved.
http://www.scaryforkids.com/voo
doo-dolls/
Is this most intriguing of traditions a meaningful spiritual
path, or is it really as portrayed in cheap horror movies
and Victorian novels?
The white man’s horror of what his black slaves might be capable of has moved down the
centuries and created a whole tradition of horror films and stories. The legendary zombie, an
animated corpse that has to do the bidding of the priest who raised it, is part of this
mythology. There are people in the world today who will swear that zombies are real, and
actual cases of people supposedly found alive but confused years after their burial. A well
documented if controversial case was that of Felicia Felix-Mentor, who in 1936 wandered into
her village, some 30 years after her burial and was recognised by her family.
So what is Voodoo and how did it originate? Voodoo is a name that
has come to be used by outsiders to describe a whole raft of
traditions that have their origins in sub-Saharan and West Africa.
These beliefs in native deities were brought to the New World by
slaves who came to combine these beliefs with Christian practices
and with Native American ideas to create the unique blend of
names and ideas that is modern Voodoo. This is called religious
syncretism.
Voodoo is spread across the United States, Latin America and the
Caribbean, anywhere slaves were once owned, and thanks to the
African diaspora is now also found in European countries,
including the UK. The best known traditions are Haitian Vodou,
Santeria, Candomble, Orisha and Obeah.
“Felicia Felix-Mentor” –
It is difficult to say how many adherents the traditions have.
photograph by Zora Neale
Hurston.
Estimates vary up to 80 million, but as with paganism, it is
impossible to ascertain accurate numbers because of the secrecy of http://blueruins.tumblr.com
/post/13728086864
those involved with these controversial paths. But Voodoo
followers actually outnumber a far better understood modern
Afro-Caribbean religion, that of Rastafari, which has just 100,000 followers.
The term Voodoo derives from the West African word Vodun, a widespread religious tradition
from Togo to Nigeria in a number of ancient kingdoms including Yoruba, Bantu, Dahomey and
the Congo. Vodun includes shamanism, sorcery and ancestor worship. The Africans believed
in a one God who was too far away to take any notice of his creations, or perhaps was
displeased with them. In Haitian Voodoo this God is called Bondye, and he is benign but not
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interested in human affairs, but lesser spirits and ancestors are approachable. These are the
Loas and Orishas of modern Voodoo, not strictly Gods, but beings who can be reverenced and
petitioned for help. Organised into families with a common surname, they generally wear a
very human face and concern themselves with day to day issues such as death, love and
making money.
There are around 16 strands of Voodoo practised today, all with their own deities, as well as
sub-cults and other religions that resemble Voodoo or use syncretism, and there are modern
Voodoo-type religions founded over the last few decades. Often strong parallels can be drawn
between Voodoo and European paganism. Those of you who do magical work will appreciate
the use of correspondences, which Voodoo practitioners use just as we do to invoke and to
cast spells, though of course the correspondences differ a little. As in European Wicca,
spirituality and magic are both contained within the tradition, yet they may be quite separate.
Let’s look at the Haitian Loas, which are probably better known than some in the more
obscure cults, with a few examples of what they are like and how they are reverenced and
invoked.
Baron Samedi looks very much like a deity of the dead, but he is a
benign Loa who protects the dead from harm and can heal the living.
He is also a sexual Loa noted for indecorous behaviour and filthy
language, and is fond of rum, black coffee, tobacco and young ladies.
The Baron likes the colours black, white and purple, his days of the
week are Monday and Saturday, and his number is nine.
Damballah corresponds to Jupiter, Odin or any other pantheon head.
Syncretism has linked him to St Patrick because of his association
with snakes. He is the sky god, and protects the weak, children,
cripples and albinos – because his colour is white. Priests offer him
any white food such as flour, salt, coconut or sugar, and he also likes
water.
This is Erzulie, another of the more important Loas of Haitian Vodou.
She equates to Venus or Aphrodite, overseeing matters of the heart,
love, sex, beauty and
desire. She is a bit
girly, loves the colour
pink and appreciates offerings of pretty things
like silk scarves, lace, perfume and flowers,
although she also has fiercer faces and even a
Crone aspect.
http://powerlisting.wiki
a.com/wiki/File:Baron_S
amedi_.jpg
The two images shown are both of Erzulie.
Religious syncretism, which is a hallmark trait
of all strands of Voodoo, has blurred her image
in many cases so she often resembles or is
strongly linked to the Virgin Mary. Although
she is Dahomeyan in origin, she is generally
shown with a white skin.
http://www.rootswithoutend.org/emporium/fredase
rv.html
http://www.thaliatook.com/AMGG/erzulie.php
Voodoo also includes the worship of nature spirits – Loas that inhabit springs, waterfalls and
even stones. These places often have a set feast day once a year, with worshipers gathering
with food and offerings to bathe in the sacred water.
Priests may be called Houngans or Mambos in Haitian Voodoo, Olorishas in Santeria or pai-desantos in Candomble. What they all have in common is their shamanic practice of journeying
and accepting possession by the Loas during the course of complex and ecstatic rituals. Lois
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Bourne describes taking part in a ritual at the invitation of Mother Tomas, an Obeah mambo
she visited, and her ecstatic experience as a result. Lois was given a plain white dress to put
on, and although she was careful to eat and drink nothing and to refrain from smoking, she
describes something remarkably like a drug induced state – possibly those around her were
smoking ganja.
Slaves right across the Americas developed their own religious traditions based on their own
African culture, gradually incorporating ideas and themes from the Christian people they
worked for. Let us just take a quick look at some of the other traditions:
On sugar plantations in the Caribbean slaves brought their Yoruba religion and introduced
Catholic saints into it, along with influences from native Americans to create Santeria. The
colourful resulting mix includes trance work, animal sacrifice and ecstatic dance and music.
The divinities or saints are called Orishas.
Candomblé is found in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama; and in
Europe in Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Worshippers traditionally wear white for the
rituals, in which ecstatic dance can lead to the priests or the congregation members being
possessed by a Loa and speaking in his or her voice. Most of the time spent on rituals is in
setting up and preparation, which may take up to a week before the event itself. As with
European pagan rituals, the rite is followed by feasting and drinking.
Obeah is widespread across the Caribbean and refers to a loose raft of folk magic and beliefs,
as well as more organised religious practice. The stilt walkers which have become a tourist
attraction have their origin in watchmen who protected the village from their vantage points.
Obeah was particularly associated with the use of black magic against the white slave owners
who forcibly Christianised their slaves.
In Umbanda ancestor worship has combined with Christian ideas to produce a complex
hierarchy of Gods and spirits, from deceased children to the ghosts of cowboys, all of whom
can counsel and protect the believers. The religion was founded in Rio de Janeiro and also has
a dark side, Quimbanda, which includes black magic practices.
The priests of Voodoo may be men or women, but what they mainly have in common is a long
and difficult initiation process. Wiccan writer Lois Bourne, who spent some time with a
Jamaican Obeah priestess in the 1960s, says this lady told her of some of the challenging tasks
these priests and priestesses had had to go through, including drinking the ooze of garbage,
spending the night alone in the cemetery and going for many nights without sleep.
These initiated Voodoo priests are found in all Voodoo traditions and some have been quite
famous, for example Marie Laveau, the famous Witch Queen of New Orleans, in the 19th
century. Marie and her daughter, also called Marie Laveau, were Creole women who were
acknowledged to be top of their game and therefore given all the trade by local believers who
wanted spells, divination or healing. Marie often saw 12,000 people turn up for her rituals.
In all strands of Voodoo the priest or priestess is the highest authority – there is no central
authority such as a Pope. As with Wicca, each person is responsible for their own spiritual
development and the priests and priestesses are quite autonomous.
When I set out to research this subject, it was with genuine interest in another type of
paganism and with a belief that these semi-secret traditions were benign and deeply spiritual
practices that had been maligned by outsiders. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Lois
Bourne was assured by Mother Tomas in the 1960s that human sacrifice, usually of a girl child
– the “goat without horns” – had once been a common element in Voodoo worship, but that no
human sacrifice had been made for at least 50 years.
That may be the case in Jamaica, but here in Britain human sacrifice has been recorded as
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recently as 2001. This little boy was for many years believed to be the child whose ritually
mutilated torso was found in the Thames near the Globe Theatre. Horrified police named him
“Adam” as his identity has never been established.
His body was cut up, drained of all blood and the head and limbs
removed – these were never found.
His stomach contents included a paralysing drug commonly used by
African witch doctors in Voodoo rituals, derived from the poisonous
Nigerian calabar bean. Adam would have been fully conscious but
unable to move as his murderers worked on him. The missing parts
of his body, including his genitals, would have been used in
separate rituals.
As late as the 20th century there were sects connected with Voodoo
that practised cannibalism. The Cochon Gris or Secte Rouge hid
their grisly doings under the guise of Voodoo rituals, but were
known to steal freshly buried bodies or even live babies to eat.
The black writer Zora Neale Hurston encountered this when she
visited Haiti in the 1930s and wrote about it in her book Tell My Horse. Some websites seem to
think this practice continues today.
In modern Europe, animal sacrifice has not been part of the magical or religious scene for
centuries. With many modern pagans vegan and vegetarian and all holding (I hope) animal
welfare causes close to their heart, this is an aspect of Voodoo we might all prefer not to think
about.
Voodoo curses and black magic seem to be readily accepted by practitioners as part of life,
with no “rule of three” or other karmic warnings about harming others. Most bocors, as
Voodoo sorcerers are known, will cast curses for payment, and expect no harm to come to
them karmically or otherwise as a result of their business. The Loas or Orishas themselves
are seen as whole people, with bad parts to their natures as well as good.
Some curses take the form of balls of materials called gris-gris – often including graveyard dirt
and animal or even human body parts – tightly tied and poked into furniture or other hiding
places in the home of the person to be cursed. Some Voodoo practitioners claim that the
belief in and fear of a bocor’s powers may be enough in itself to frighten the victim into illness
or death if they hear he is cursing them.
Worryingly, voodoo dolls – complete with cursing instructions – are readily available online
or even in some department stores. There are even sites online where you can buy curses or
create them digitally.
To return to zombies, the writer Wade Thomas did some research into the phenomenon, and
in his books The Serpent and the Rainbow and Passage of Darkness he put forward a case for
zombies as a product of drugging. The victim, he believed, was given a cocktail of drugs
known to the bocor which would start by producing a convincing appearance of death. The
victim was duly buried, only to be dug up by the sorcerer, but was brain damaged by the
drugs and the trauma and could only obey the commands of the bocor. The zombie state was
maintained as long as the bocor wished by the repeated drugging of the victim.
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The most recent documented case of an alleged zombie is
within living memory. Clairvius Narcisse died in 1962 in
Deschapelles, Haiti after exhibiting what seem to be tubercular
symptoms. He was buried under a heavy concrete slab. 18
years later Clairvius approached his sister Angelina in a market
place, asking for help. She was not pleased to see him: the
family had quarrelled with him and paid for a zombification
curse to be placed on him. Clairvius’s family refused to help
him and he died in poverty, an outcast, a few years later.
Wade Davis researched the case while Clairvius was still alive
and interviewed this recovered zombie, who claimed he had
been used as a slave on a sugar plantation after being dug up
from his grave the night after burial.
http://scissortits.tumblr.com/post/559696765
2/clairvius-narcisse-was-a-haitian-man-said-tohave
All religions develop, and as Mankind rises bad practices are often left behind. For all its
faults, mainstream Christianity, 500 years older than Islam, no longer kills or tortures people
for having different beliefs. In the timeline of Man Voodoo is a relatively young tradition,
whose adherents have not always had the benefit of a good education or exposure to other
cultural influences, and it is evolving to fit in with the modern world and to meet the
challenges of modern society.
Maybe one day the followers of Voodoo may one day leave darker practices far behind and
move towards the light of civic acceptance as European paganism is doing.
Gundestrup Cauldron (by Michele)
The ubiquitous cauldron once hung over the fire in the Celtic tribal home, a vessel to cook
nourishing foods, to brew beverages, and to create healing potions. From its place of power in
our ancestral psychic and heart of the home, the cauldron sings ever loudly to the hearts of
the people who remember.
The Gundestrup Cauldron is a ceremonial silver panelled vessel comprised of five inner and
seven or eight outer plates (it is assumed one is missing). A heavy circular plate covers a hole
in the base; this is a repair patch that was possibly part of an original lid. The silver plates are
gold gilded, with inlayed glass eyes. Cornish tin has been used throughout in the soldering of
the vessel. It was made during the Roman Iron Age around 200BCE. The dimensions are 69
cm wide by 42 cm deep.
The Cauldron was found in a dry peat bog in Jutland, Denmark in 1891. Original dismantling
and stacking of the silver panels indicated a deliberate concealing of the precious vessel.
Dating evidence suggests it was deposited in the 1st or 2nd century BCE. The damage and
repair on the base of the cauldron indicates it has seen significant use before its deposit.
Artwork on the cauldron reveals a fusion of cultures. The methodology of forming decorative
iconography in such high relief from sheets of silver is typical of Thracian silver work and
smithing. The rich images clearly relate to common mythologies of Teutonic and Celtic
peoples.
The Scordisci were an Iron Age tribe centred on present day Serbia, their indistinct ethnic
origin appear to be the result of a ruling class who subsumed survivors of various Celtic
invasions. According to Wikipedia the Scordisci 'had the custom of drinking blood' and
'sacrificed prisoners to (the War Goddess) Bellona'. The important point here is after the
death of Alexander the Great in 323BCE they moved southwards and dominated several tribes
including those in western Thrace (northern Greece). Such a melting pot of cultures and
conquest could just be the catalyst required to create the remarkable Gundestrup cauldron.
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To end up as a concealed deposit in a Danish bog indicates gift exchange, tribute or more
probably war booty.
Jutland was the native soil of the Cimbri tribe, they are described by Strabo as 'a wandering
and piratical folk'. From 113BCE in alliance with the other Jutland tribes the Teutones and
Ambrones they attacked the Romans and won a great victory in 105BCE in southeastern Gaul
(France) killing up to 120,000 Roman troops. Afterwards they raided extensive areas of Gaul
and Hispania (Spain). At some point before 101BCE, prior to their defeat whilst attacking
Italy, they possibly encountered the cauldron. We will never know.
Cauldron and the fallen warriors panel.
One of the internal panels features a large
godlike figure who plunges warriors headfirst
into a vessel. The soldiers walk to the left
along the bottom beneath a plant/tree of life
motif towards this giant figure and a dog, and
then ride away on horseback to the right.
Pair Dadeni is the cauldron of rebirth from
Welsh myth. King Bran gave it in
compensation to the Irish King Matholwch
after the mutilation of his horses in order to
cement the marriage alliance between Wales
and Ireland. During the later conflict between
these nations when Bran seek to save his
abused sister Branwen, the Irish used the
cauldron to revive their dead. Bran's half
brother hides with the corpses, is thrown in
the cauldron and destroys it and himself from
within.
The various plant motifs upon the Gundestrup cauldron are often described as generic 'ivy'
but I don't agree. The dotted pattern surrounds only the vegetation indicating something
special about the nature of the plants. On the above panel, the foliage resembles the flowers
of the Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade or belladonna) and comparable leaves of this
plant decorate others. Atropa belladonna is a highly toxic perennial herb that grows in central
and southern Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa. A. belladonna causes memory
problems, confusion, deep sleep, paralysis of the respiratory system and death.
Dylan and plant motif from the 'Cernunnos'
panel.
Deadly nightshade - Atropa belladonna
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Anna Franklin notes on her webpage (see below) that the priests of the War Goddess Bellona
drank an infusion of A. belladonna before invoking her; a practice and a Goddess in common
with the Romans. The Goddess was believed to inspire violent frenzy and enthusiasm, and
favour those warriors who invoked her. Belladonna is just one possible herb of life and death,
but the motif should not be overlooked as purely 'ivy'.
The cauldron at a deep level symbolises the power of the Great Goddess's womb. Magical
cauldrons are often placed in the care of a male deity as revered protector. Problems arise
when sacred duties are neglected, cauldrons become possessed by the disrespectful and the
power is abused. It is reassuring that the Restorative Cauldron and the later Holy Grail,
feature regularly in both ancient and modern day stories as magical healer and restorer of the
slain: Enchantingly Otherworldly, Brimming with Mysteries and Potent with Power.
Shining in the darkness the immense and enduring cauldron,
Sumptuous silver glowing in my eyes,
How you have filled my shadows with your opulent light.
My dreams are rich with your otherworldly mysteries
My thoughts are lush with your consuming passion.
You lay just beyond my touch but not my vision,
Suspended brightness in the gloom,
Telling resplendent tales of what was and will be.
Ever-hungry vessel of the Gods
References and further reading
http://www.native-science.net/Gundestrup-Cauldron.htm
http://www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/Gundestrup/kauldron.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gundestrup_cauldron
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimbri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scordisci
http://www.merciangathering.com/belladonna.htm
Schultes, R.E, Hofmann, A. Ratsch, C. (2001) Plants of the Gods. Healing Arts Press.
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Moots
Cornwall (Kernow)
Betwixt Moot (Redruth, Camborne,Truro, Falmouth)
Meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month.
FFI contact Ann: 01872 863970
Bude Moot
Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month in the Conference Room at the Parkhouse Centre, Ergue
Gaberic Way, Bude, EX23 8LD. Tea or coffee provided or vending machine. We ask for a £2 per
person donation to cover room hire. Meet from 7pm to start talks/ceremonies at 7.30pm.
FFI Contact [email protected] or call 01409 254144
The Dolmen Grove Ivy Moon Moot
Meets on the 1st Wed of every month, 7.30 pm, St Austell area. We hold talks, workshops,
have outings and celebrate the Sabbats. Options to attend Camps, Larger Rituals, Stonehenge
access & Samhain/Yule Ball. Friendly like-minded people, all spiritual paths welcome.
FFI contact: Lucy & Karen tel: 07754165193m Fb page: http:/www.facebook.com/pages/IvyMoon-Group
Liskeard Moot
Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 for 7.30pm, The Long Room, The Public Hall, West Street,
Liskeard PL14 6BW.
FFI Contact Jane 01579 340796 email: [email protected]
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/271716272934061
Pagan Paths
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Bodmin area. Warm and friendly group.
Sabbat celebrations, sacred sites outings, workshops and talks.
FFI contact Wendy on 01208 832977 or email: [email protected]
Penwith Pagan Moot
Meets on the 2nd Tuesday each month but is in hibernation until Imbolc.
Moots are for news, information and a different topic each month. We also assist the Cornish
Ancient Sites Protection Network with clear-ups at Ancient Sites in Penwith.
FFI contact – Eve email: [email protected]
Website www.penwithpaganmoot.co.uk
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Devon (Dumnonia)
Devon Pagans
Meets the last Monday of the month from 8pm at Ye Olde White Lion, Bradninch. Our egroup
can be found at http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Devonpagans
FFI Sophie 07970566161 or email [email protected]
Exeter Pagan Circle
As well as regular social moots, the circle is a learning circle that holds regular discussions,
and attends open rituals at the cardinal points of the year. Check our Facebook page for
details and updates: http://www.facebook.com/groups/EUPAGANCIRCLE/
South West Devon Moot
Meets in the Stoke area of Plymouth, held on 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. We are
a friendly moot run in a private house in the Stoke area of Plymouth.
FFI contact Patrick on 01752 562769 (answer phone) 01752 338292 (evenings) email
[email protected]
Tavistock West Moor Moot
Meets on 2nd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. A place to share news and topical Pagan
discussion. Simple ritual, Wheel of the Sacred Year, meditations and interaction with the
Spirits of the Land. Occasional visits to sacred sites and ancient spaces of Dartmoor and
beyond.
FFI Michele 01822 617903, or email [email protected]
Teignbridge Pagans
Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at the Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteignton, 7.30pm.
FFI Tania 07812724213 email [email protected]
Three Moors Pagan Moot
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month, at The Highwaymans Inn, Sourton, nr Okehampton, all are
welcome. FFI please call Shadowlea on 01837 659656
Torbay/South Devon Pagan Moot
Meets on the first Thursday of the month at Epicenter Cafe, Torbay Road, Paignton 7.309.30pm.
FFI Tania 07812724213 email [email protected]
Dorset (PF Wessex)
Bridport Pagan Moot
Meets on the 1st Thursday of every month at The Ropemakers Pub (at the back of the pub)
West Street, Bridport, from 8pm. People of all paths are welcome.
FFI Ben 07539316595 email - [email protected] See
www.bridportpaganmoot.moonfruit.com
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Retail
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Opens again for visitors on 29th March 2013 until 3rd Nov.2013 Details of opening times,
online shop + other interesting info can be found on the Museum website.
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Who is who locally
Pagan Federation Devon, Cornwall & Isles
District Website:
www.paganfederationdevonandcornwall.co.uk
District Email:
[email protected]
District Address:
PF Devon Cornwall & Isles, Torcroft, Commons Lane, Shaldon,
TQ14 0HN.
Your District Officers
District Manager:
Maia Miller:
email: [email protected]
Tel: 07747016220
Regional Co-ordinators:
Devon:
Michele
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Eve
Isles:
Oak Leaf
email: [email protected]
Tel: 01822 617903
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email [email protected]
Tel: 07970 566161
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Levannah:
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Interfaith Liaison Officers:
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Contact via District Administrator, Sophie:
email: [email protected]
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