Cauldron of the Gray Witch

CGW-Monthly Newsletter January Issue 2012

An eclectic gathering of Witches, Pagans, Wiccans and other, alternative spiritual paths. An eclectic gathering of Witches, Pagans, Wiccans and other, alternative spiritual paths.

Mystics Mystics We are of various paths and ways We are of various paths and ways

New Year Resolutions

By Lady Hekate Every year, same thing as we tell ourselves and friends, I have made a new year resolution" to lose weight, to volunteer, to be a better person etc; the list goes on. We make promises to ourselves and others, which sound good, and even wonderful. However, many, many of us end up not keeping these. Why do we not keep these? As there are many reasons for making promises for the New Year, there are also many reasons we do not keep them.

Promises are serious things, like oaths, and really should not be taken lightly, or just to say because everyone is, or to impress other people. We as Witches are to keep our words in order. Think before speaking. Be true to your words. Remember you are your word. 13 Goals of a Witch, 13 Moons of the year. Maybe choose a goal to work on from full moon to full moon. Keys to success: 1. Make only resolution promises that you can keep, yet challenge yourself. 2. Do not make too many; focus on one or two. 3. Make reminders of your resolution promise. 4. Get the family involved if you can. 5. You must really want to, for in truth we do what we truly want to do. 6. Do not refuse to get discouraged; if you have a bad day, begin again. 7. Anything worth doing is worth work and time. We can do anything we set our will and mind to. Ask yourself how serious are you, and why did you make this resolution promise.

Upcoming Events

Jan 4th Jan 9th

Priestess Training Wicca 101

Community Chat In chatroom

Teacher Lady Shadow Teacher Lady Foxglove Hostess pluralone

January 12th, 19th & 26th 6am to 8am GMT

Jan 9th 915pm est

2:15am GMT

Tarot Class In Chatroom

Teacher Rev William Greyowl Snodgrass

To find what time that is for you, go to:

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

-- In 'Select Time and Place to Convert From', put in the date and time shown on the Events Calendar. In 'Select Time and Place to Convert To', put your location. The site will show your local time for the event.

Featured Groups
Ossurary of the Necromancer The Magick of Shape shifting Star Circle Necromancy Shapeshifters and shapeshifting Group to discuss star brothers & sisters Discussions on Prophecies, beliefs, and the awakening Promote education of bullying and what is being done for the victims A fun group for holidays. Discussions on Santa, myths, and much more.. A group for Walk-In Souls, those who experience other aspects of the Walk-In phenomenon The Old ways A look at various sacred and ancient texts

2012 The International Bullying Awareness The North Pole Walk in Souls Rebirthed!!

Traditional WitchCraft Sacred Texts

CGW CafePress
http://shops.cafepress.com/Shop/ShowNingShop/TheGrayWitchCafePress#

Top of Form

Table of Contents
The Crossroads Winter Activities Oracle of month Moon in January
Moon Names for the Year

Lady Shadow Lady Shadow Lady Shadow Lady Shadow

CGW Members

Poetry Corner Includes Poetry of others Maidens, Mothers,and Crones Pagan /Wiccan Monthly Cause Associated Sites

Maryrose Columnist Sophie Rev MoonChild CGW and In the Dark Various

Pluralone's Mindfulness and Spiritual Awareness series will continue in February with the topic, Establishing a 'Home Base'.

The Crossroads
By Lady Hekate Hecate Trivia - Goddess of the three way crossroads where She is honored as Goddess of the Crossroads. Her sacred day this month is January 8th, Her feast day. The word 'trivia' is the Latin term for a place where three roads meet (tri + via). Hecate ruled over the realms of earth, fertility rituals, and childbirth. I wrote this just before Her sacred nights; I have been thinking much and meditating at the Crossroads. Below is just my thoughts and reflection... We all have been there and will again be there again; it is a place often visited. The crossroads is more than just two or three paths crossing. In ancient times it was believed to be the place that spirits and ghosts would travel at mid night or early morn before dawn. It also was a place of

conflict or battle; people were known to be attacked or robbed there. People took a risk going there especially at night. The Crossroads is about choices: Life choices. Personal choices. They are also about opportunity presenting itself to you. You can keep going on the path you have, doing the same things the same old way, or now go a new path, a new way, with its own challenges, but you will have to make some new changes. Like the Fool in tarot are you willing to take some risks to begin anew? The Crossroads are also about Magick. Hecate: Goddess of the Crossroads. She is the Wisdom we need for hard choices only we can make. She cannot nor will She make them for us, but She stands with Her wisdom available if we hush and listen.

I looked and saw the pyramid.... > The Witch's pyramid... > Path 1 -To know- The path of Air: > To know yourself, your higher self, your true self. > To know your strengths and weaknesses, and what your heart truly desires.

> Know your divine and human self. Know your spirit. > To know: > Know your Craft, > Ever learning and growing; never stop seeking knowledge. > Knowledge is Power. > Know the Goddess, Know The Powers you call. Upon. > > Path 2 -To Dare- The path of Fire: Do you have the Courage to stand the test of fire? Dare to go deeper. Do you have the courage and no fear to do the work needed to see it through to the end no matter what? Courage to face the truth of your shadow self. Path 3 -To Will- The path of Water: >Our Will is everything in Magick. >Do we desire it enough that we can see it before it is? >Do we truly believe in ourselves? Do we believe in what we do, without doubt? Do we Will it - desire it - enough to not give up? > As I will So mote it be! > Do you will to overcome? > Do as you will and do not doubt. Do as you will to be powerful. > Do as you will to learn; do as you will to complete your course. > Your will in life will be tested by the storms. > Do as you Will it truly. > Path 4 -To know when to keep the Silent Path of Earth- The Crone. We learn best by listening. Wisdom does not show itself in many words or in loud noises, but is whispered in Silence, revealed in the darkness. The Crone commands respect, and Silence is a great way to show Her that. As many will take a time and fast from speaking -- fast with silence. It is a discipline but has its rewards too. As a Witch, We will walk all four, and then we at some point come to a place of a fifth road. Fifth Path -Spirit- Kuan Yin (if I am right on this) >Where all things are One, All things come together. The Path Of Oneness, unity, interconnectedness. >Completeness: Where Spirit and the mundane evenly mesh. >Kuan Yin was said to be a human and had reached the place of Spirit - of Completeness - and was offered to, or was just able to, Ascend but chose to

stay in the realm of Earth for She had compassion on all humans and was willing to still teach, aid and guide others till they all reach Nirvana. > The Crossroads challenge and call us to: > Knowledge. Courage. Desire, Will, Imagination, Faith and Silence.

Winter Activities

Winter Activities By Lady Hekate For those of us in the North, and where snow comes to us, there is much complaining, Aww snow again. I understand; I do not like driving in it. However, snow has a beautiful side. It can be calming, especially when it first falls. It is also beautiful. If you have a family or not, there are some fun things you can do when snowed in. Snow angels: When I was younger, I used to love going with my cousins, creating snow angels and sledding in the back yard. A good time for family bonding: Snowball fights, creating snowmen. One winter we created an igloo, which was very cool. No pun intended. Did you know there are other things you may do inside, when snowed in? Golf: Golf can be played indoors on a miniature level. You can set up a golf course in your home and even make a tricky golf course by playing around your furniture. "Play through" under your sofa or chairs. Make the golf ball out of aluminum foil so if you forget you're inside and hit a little too hard you won't break a window or the television. Movie Date: An indoor activity for adults could be a movie date. Whether alone or with other adults, choose your favorite movies to watch, make popcorn and junk food and indulge for the night. Puzzles: Fun for family and individuals. Charades: Invite friends, have a sleep over. Maybe time to work on some crafts. See no reason to let winter get you all blue

Oracle of January
By Lady Hekate

Isis Aset, Her name means Throne Universal Mother, Goddess of 10,000 names, Goddess of Magick, healing, fertility. Isis reminds us today that all is connected and interconnected. Today's decisions will affect your tomorrow, and you are where you are now because of past choices. Each day is a new Beginning if we want it; life is not just about you or just about me. Some live as hermits, but in truth none is an island to themselves.

The Dawning of a New Year brings light and hope, This is a new day; it is time to begin again. Lady Hekate

Januarys Moon

By Lady Shadow

Ice Moon or Wolf Moon comes to us in January. Native Americans and the Medieval Europeans titled January's Full Moon after the howling of hungry wolves lamenting the midwinter scarcity of food. Other names for this month's Full Moon include old moon and ice moon. This Moon also cautioned hunters of falling ice on trees, as Januarys weather was often mixed of snow and ice. This Moon calls us to focus inward on us, not on others. Capricorn is the zodiac sign associated with this Moon

Moon phases Moon Phases for Jan 2012 Full moon January 9, 2012 12:32:14 AM Last quarter January 16, 2012 02:09:22 AM Dark moon January 23, 201212:41:40 AM First quarter January 30, 201209:11:43 PM

CGW Moon Names of the year

This is from various members January- Reflection Moon or Quiet Moon
January now height of winter, most of our activities are within

We have just celebrate Yule, the birth of new light

February - Bridget's Moon

Imbolc Feb 2nd and Bridgid is the honored Goddess during this month

March -The Maiden's Moon

Birth of spring, new life awakens, birth, New beginnings

April -The Fool's Moon

April 2nd April fool . Temperatures warming, people getting out more. Time too kick of new journeys, new projects

May-Lover's Moon
May brings us Beltane, fertility, fire festival, The Great Rite. Celebration of love Also called Blossom Moon, when flowers begin to bloom

June -Juno's Moon

Juno/ Hera Both Mother Goddesses A common time for Marriages. Family vacations.

July -Lilith's Moon

July 4th in the USA is independance Lilith stands for independence and freedom

August-- The Serpent Goddess

The Serpent Goddess is invoked at Lammas because of her rolein rebirth and in protection of grain. Serpents used to be kept in households to safeguard the domestic food supply from rodents. Even today, serpents protect grain crops.

September's Moon -Karmic Moon

One of the end Harvests, what we sow we reap.

October's Moon- The Witche's Moon- or Hecate's Moon

The high time for Witches, and Pagans. Color is black . Also high time of Hecate, who many do honor and evoke during this time,

November's Moon -Thanksgiving

Time to count one's blessings

December's Moon- Crone/ Elder Moon

The end, and death of the year The darkest hours before the new dawn

Poetry Corn

By Maryrose

Full Moon Blessings..... the wind is bitter cold coming in from the far north blowing inland on the tides of the oceans far away shores the wolf runs majestically with the wind and howls his mournful cry the raven and the owl are neck and neck in their speed of lightning fly by the moon is full on this bitter cold and windy December eve bringing within it is this Glorious Full Moons Blessing a time to lean back, rest and reflect on the year that has just passed checking off our lists of what we created, nurtured and brought to pass we have lived, loved, and laughed to the very best of our ways sharing each special gift we have that comes from a most sacred place through out the year, no longer did we just exist nor merely survive we grabbed our besoms, flying to the moon, we have learned to happily thrive we thought with our hearts, learned to feel with our ego's logical mind knowing we have created balance within harmony leaving unneeded strife far behind love has been our seed that we planted deep within the earth in the early Spring fertilizing it with peace in darkness, we watch what within the shadows it shall forth bring Summer it grew bigger and stronger, adding link within link of life's circle, never breaking swaying, bending in the Autumns breezes it took on a life of its own, though the past it is not forsaking for we remember the words

and ways of the Ancient Ones on Goddess's gentle but firm breath as Winter covers us for a long needed rest, we reflect on the circle of this life and begin another death

WINTER

Author Valarie

Outside, its a cold winter wonderland Looks so pretty and white, but its not bland The frost on the glass, snow in the trees Its so perfect, the best you will ever see The air bites right through you, so cold But still winter is a sight to behold The kids are sliding on their sleds All bundled up, with faces red Have lots of fun making snowmen Haven't had this much fun since I was ten

Ice skating on a frozen lake While at home, the oven is set bake Gramms home making pies The outside is blue-gray skies Winter can be fun for a child But they are not often mild Memories of time gone by are dear Makes me feel you are still near

I wrote this a couple of years ago, thinking of my mom and grand mom, missing them on a cold winter day and some kids were playing in the snow

Maidens Mothers, Crones By Sophie ,

Where is your resolve?
Author Sophie

Every January 1st you hear the same thing. "This year my resolution is to... [Insert whatever thing you wont follow-up on here after six weeks]." Whether it be to lose weight, exercise more or to get out more, we seem to fizzle out somewhere around the first week of February when the novelty wears off and the inner fires burn down. A resolution is to resolve to do

something. To resolve means to make an earnest, heartfelt decision to do something. As Witches our words have power and responsible Witches do not throw power around without thought. Our word is our will and our will is our power. If we say we will do something, then we do it. If you do not want to do something or have reservations about doing something then, you should not say you will.

Perhaps this year you should 'resolve' to monitor your words. Let your yes's' be yes's and your no's be no's and your maybes be "let me think on that and I'll get back to you on it". However, if you say you will get back to them then you must get back to them about it. If you are the non-confrontation type then your maybes might be "Hmmm, I'll have to consider that at some length" and then change the subject. At that point you can consider it and act or consider it and not act. You have not given your word that you'll get back to them about it and, therefore did not obligate. Why does this matter? If your word/will means nothing, then perhaps that is why you have not seen power in your magickal workings. Perhaps that is why your spells fizzle to naught or have a severely diminished effect . It does not matter if its big things or little things. Your words have power. Why not make this year the year you 'say what you mean and mean what you say'. That you will do all you can to fulfill your word and all the Universe will know that your word is your will and when YOU say, "So mote it be" then it is. , .

Pagan or Wiccan? By MoonChild Many people are under the impression that all Pagans are Wiccan. This, we the believers and followers of the path know not to be true. Paganism is the umbrella term for many different faiths and practices, and Wicca is one specific Pagan faith. Like being a Christian does not denote which particular denomination you follow being a Pagan does not define one's individual practices. So what is the difference? Paganism set the foundation of the belief for all other paths. Paganism is a spiritual way of life whose roots are from the old religions of Europe, believing in the sacredness of all things that can be found world-wide. Pagans see this as their heritage, and many retain the beliefs and values of their ancestors adapted to suit modern life. Pagans celebrate the sanctity of Nature, revering the Divine in all things; the vast, unknowable spirit that runs through the universe, both seen and unseen. Paganism is a religion of nature; in other words, Pagans revere Nature. Pagans see the divine as immanent in the whole of life and the universe; in every tree, plant, animal and object, man and woman, and in the dark side of life as much as in the light. Pagans live their lives attuned to the cycles of Nature, the seasons, life and death. Unlike the patriarchal religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) the divine is female as well as male and therefore most pagans acknowledge that there is a Goddess as well as a God, deities that are within as well as without (immanent); to many, they are us. They are not simply substitutes for the Muslim or Judeo-Christian God; this is because the Gods of the major

religions tend to be super-natural and above nature, whereas Pagan deities are natural, symbolizing aspects of nature or human nature. The Goddess represents all that is female and the God represents all that is male. Since nature is seen as female, the Goddess has a wider meaning. She is seen as the creator and sustainer of life, the mother of us all, which prompts most Pagans to feel that all the creatures on the planet are our siblings. There are sub-groups of named Gods and Goddesses called Pantheons, drawn from the distant past, for example Isis and Osiris from Egypt or Thor, Odin, Freya et al from Norse religion and mythology. Ancient Pagans would have worshiped one or a small number of Gods and Goddesses whilst often recognizing the validity of other people's deities. The concept of an overall, un-named Goddess and God, the sum totals of all the others, appears to be a recent one but individual named deities represent particular human qualities or archetypes and are often used as a focus for celebrations and spiritual rites, although not all Pagans associate with Gods or Goddesses. Paganism has developed alongside mankind for thousands of years; as cultures have changed so has Paganism, yet it is believed to be grounded in deep rooted genetic memories that go back to Neolithic times and before. Thus Paganism is considered not just a nature religion but a natural religion. Paganism in the west takes a number of forms including Wicca, Druidism, and Shamanism. To many Pagans the four ancient elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water have special significance. The importance of these is hard to define because they have so many correspondences; for example they are associated with the four directions, North, East, South and West. Each element is a kind of spiritual substance from which all things are made, especially ourselves,

and at the same time are Guardians both of ourselves and of the Goddess and God, and guarding the gateways between this world and the other world. Many Pagans believe in reincarnation in some form. It gives Pagans a substantially different view of life. Early Christians saw Karma as a kind of treadmill, trapping people in endless reincarnations, never free. But most Pagans see reincarnation as, at best, a chance to improve or to continue unfinished work, and at worst just a simple re-cycling of souls. This is the general basis of the foundation of Paganism but not limited to what has been stated here. Now, as mentioned in this article, there are different variations of this belief system. This will be explored more in depth in the upcoming monthly articles. I felt it prudent to start with basic foundation beliefs and take it from there. There are many common beliefs in the different paths of paganism, one of which is the Wiccan Rede. As many say, "No matter your path or belief, we all heed the Wiccan Rede!" THE WICCAN REDE -Anonymous (Tune: "Leatherwing Bat" aka "Celtic Circle Dance") Bide the Wiccan laws you must, When ye have and hold a need, In perfect love and perfect trust: Harken not to others' greed. Live you must and let to live, With a fool no season spend, Fairly take and fairly give Or be counted as his friend. Form the circle thrice about When misfortune is enow, To keep unwelcome spirits out Wear the star upon thy brow To bind your spell will every time, True in love you ever be,

Let the spell be spake in rhyme Lest thy love be false to thee. Soft of eye and light of touch, Merry meet and merry part, Speak you little, listen much; Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Deosil go by the waxing moon, Mind the threefold law you should Chanting out the baleful tune, Three times bad and three times good. When the Lady's moon is new, Nine woods in the cauldron go, Kiss your hand to her times two, Burn them fast and burn them slow. When the moon rides at her peak, Elder be the Lady's tree, Then your heart's desire seek; Burn it not or cursed you'll be. Heed the north wind's mighty gale When the wheel begins to turn, Lock the door and trim the sail; Soon the Beltane fires will burn. When the wind comes from the south, When the wheel hath turned a Yule, Love will kiss thee on the mouth; Light the log the Horned One rules. When the wind blows from the east, Heed you flower, bush and tree; Expect the new and set the feast; By the Lady blessed be. When the wind blows from the west Where the rippling waters go, Bardic words be at their best! Cast a stone, the truth you'll know. Bide the Wiccan laws you must In perfect love and perfect trust. These words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: "An harm you none, do what you will." Unity, Trust & Knowledge, Love MoonChild

Cause Of The Month

The Wolf 692F was not attached to any specific pack in Yellowstone National Park. She was known to roam the south flank of Bunsen Peak. She was among the founding females of the Blacktail Peak Pack and was eventually ousted by her sister 693F, and then became a lone traveler often seen alone in the Greater Yellowstone area. On November 5th, 2011, Branson Mace was hunting in the area of Jardine, MT and came across 692F as she was roaming the area, and he shot and killed her illegally as the area had recently been closed to hunting. Mace claims he didnt know the season was closed, but it is clearly the responsibility of the hunter to know what areas are open and for what species. Ultimately the life of this wolf resulted in a simple fine of $135.00 to Mace. Nothing more. The penalty for what amounts to poaching need to

be reviewed. Claiming that he did not know the season was closed does not give one a free ride to unlawfully kill , and this is certainly no exception. We are calling for penalties of this nature, resulting in the loss of life, to be far more severe than a slap on the wrist. We ask what type of deterrent does this serve? Wolves of Yellowstone are dear to many of us. We have the great opportunity to watch them in the wild, and while they roam and do what they do as an integral part of the ecosystem as the apex predator, they simply dont know boundaries, and are in grave peril should they wander outside the Parks protection. It is never accepted lightly when an episode like this happens and a wolf is illegally killed, and especially one that is known so well by many of us. To 692F, she will long be remembered as a wolf that had a lasting impact in Yellowstone National Park. Now when we see the Blacktails running through Hell Roaring and Blacktail Peak, we will forever remember 692F. Like 642F killed earlier in the hunting season, Yellowstone wolves live forever in our hearts. National Wolfwatcher Coalition http://wolfwatcher.org/news/all-news/692f-of-yellowstone-this-wolf-... Take Action for Yellowstone Wolf 692F By your comments, messages, phone calls and private emails we hear you loud and clear. While we pursue our strategy to bring about a just closure to what we feel is a gross violation of Fish and Game laws, we need your help. Starting Monday morning (5December2011) we are asking that you contact the Director of Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks in Helena, Montana. We at Wolfwatcher do not want to influence your opinion. Please tell Director Joe Maurier in your own words how you feel about what happened, about Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and about Montana in general. Director Joe Maurier Telephone 406.444.3186 or emailjmaurier@mt.gov National Wolfwatcher Coalition http://wolfwatcher.org/news/all-news/take-action-for-yellowstone-wo... Thank you SunKat, as she has brought this to our attention

Causes

As the wolf is pushed to the brink of extinction She looks back on those who have pushed her there There is no malice in her eyes Just a kind of grim understanding For she knows that, it is not her that is lost But the tame humans Who have lost their true spirit The wild calls to her, and she follows She follows, knowing where her path will lead her But she follows none the less For she can no more ignore her spirits Than she could not be a wolf And she knows that when she is gone from this world Her legacy will forever live on For even if her species is forever gone The true spirit of a wolf can never die by:Cheyne Highwind, 1999 Shared by SunKat whose passion is the Wolf .SunKat also host a group here on for the love of the

Coven of the moon

Coven Of the Moon CGWs Coven

We are an eclectic working coven We are both Sisters and Brothers We are Witches of various paths drawn together by the Moon Goddess Hekate, Isis, Diana, and by many other names Our focus is on the Gray Path.

Cauldron of the Gray Witch birthed Aug18th, 2011 However in September we really began growing. We are truly an eclectic gathering We are a community of various paths and beliefs We have together birthed our newsletter, we have earned together. 2 awards We have developed a Witches Council of owners and creators, and together we support causes, as well as have grown to near 200 members. From Dec- Jan 1st a portion of all donations have been given in the name of our community to help the Wolves. We are Witches, Wiccans, Pagans, and Mystics, we are a real community who care for one another, our Earth and Her creatures.

Our Associated Sites

In the Dark http://darknessclosesin.ning.com/ Broomriders http://broomriders.ning.com/ Blazing Universe http://unicorn4agoddess.ning.com/

Pagan Underworld http://pathsofpaganunderworld.com/ The Secret Moon Garden http://thesecretmoongarden.ning.com/ Associated Services and resources CGW Psychic Services http://cauldronofthegraywitchpsychicservices.blogspot.com/ Willow Witches Custom Jewelry http://stores.ebay.com/willow-witchs-pagan-supplies Our Magickal Shoppe http://astore.amazon.com/cauldronofthegraywitch-20

To visit us
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Now Let us begin 2012 !!