July, 2011

Happy July, everyone.

We had about 6 people up for sunrise on the 21st. The sky was clear, and the ravens were cawing, the robins were chirping (one sat on a stone in front of us, enjoying the view), and something (reportedly a pheasant) was even trying to crow that morning. Much thanks to those who came!

Margarian finally had her surgery on June 23. She still feels like she’s been kicked in the stomach, but is looking forward to five days of training in mid-July (I’ll need to join her myself for a day or three). Generally, her colour is good and she has more energy, though the surgery has been a bit of a setback in her recovery. Thanks again for all the good wishes. As for me, it looks like my Toronto trip will be postponed until mid-August, by which time she should be settled into her new regimen.

Condolences to Caroline, on the recent loss of her father.

Happy anniversary to Christine and Michael on July 25!

July's Birthdays: Tash L., Leanne, L.S., Jill H., Liz L., Sean, Caroline, Kerri, Jen T, and probably some of my Facebook friends (another busy month!). Also H.P. Blavatsky (July 31, 1831). Let me know if I’ve missed yours.

July Events:
Note these events are listed for information purposes only. Dates and locations may be subject to change; see the source for details. If I’ve missed anyone and you’d like to add to this listing, please contact me.

Jul. 1: Canada Day
Jul. 1, 2:54 a.m.: New (Father’s) Moon. Tinne (Holly) lunar month begins.
Jul. 2: COGCOA Coffee Cauldron. Info (at) cogcoa (dot) ab (dot) ca
Jul. 6, 7:00 p.m.: Crossroads Meetup. Info: http://www.meetup.com/CALGARY-CROSSROADS/
Jul. 8-17: Festival of local god, Ia-hu, marked by sacrifices of cattle and the occasional horse.
Jul. 15, 12:40 a.m.: Full (Buck) Moon.
Jul 15-17: COGCOA Summerfest Campout: “Hallowe’en in July”. Info: http://www.cogcoa.ab.ca/events/summerfest.php
Jul. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Calgary Witches’ Meetup, hosted by moi, in north Calgary. Info: http://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Witches
Jul. 21: Simmer.
Jul. 21-24: Calgary Folk Festival. Info: http://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/
Jul. 23, 7:30 p.m. sharp: COGCOA Lammas Ritual.
Jul. 29 – Aug. 1: PanFest: “Air Moves Us”. Edmonton-based pagan festival, on a lake in central Alberta. Info: http://www.panfest.ca/
Jul. 30, 12:40 p.m.: New (Nesting) Moon. Lunar month of Coll (Hazel) begins.

Blessings,
Hergest

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

Happy March, everyone. Well, March, anyway.

The squabbling couple is a staple of comedy shticks, from radio’s “The Bickersons” to Archie and Edith of “All in the Family”, to… name your favourite sitcom. Perhaps among the Norse gods and goddesses, none are more mismatched than the Vanir Sea God Njord, and the Frost Giantess Skadi, who were betrothed on the original blind date, and who subsequently could never reconcile where to live: she hated the sea; he hated the mountains. I’ve been thinking about them this winter, as we at the edge of the fescue grasslands suffer their bickering over what weather to send us. Not to mention suffering from colds, the flu, and Chinook migraines every time the weather changes.

On the bright side, I just saw the Sun come up during my morning commute the other day; unfortunately we’ll lose it again in ten days when we convert to Daylight Savings Time. We just have to keep telling ourselves that the rollercoaster won’t last, and that hope is in sight.

Just a head’s up that Evergreen is planning our Ritual Leadership Workshop for the weekend of May 13-15. This workshop is open to both beginning and experienced Wiccan/Pagan ritualists; minimum experience level required is that you’ve attended at least three group rituals of some sort. Solitaries with solo ritual experience may be admitted with consent of instructor. Focus will be on the creation and leadership of Wiccan rituals for both small and large groups. If you are currently studying with a teacher, their consent is required. Contact me for details.

As many of you know, we finally received an answer to Margarian’s recent medical problems: kidney disease. Her kidneys are down to 15% function, and she’s looking at various forms of dialysis, and hopefully a kidney transplant. This promises to be a big and permanent change in both of our lives, and we’re both pondering and waiting for the next steps in the process. Thanks everyone, for your kind words, hugs, energy, and prayers; they mean a lot to us.

March's Birthdays: Jan R., the “wicked awesome” Tracy P., and probably some of my Facebook friends. Let me know if I’ve missed yours.

March Events:
Note these events are listed for information purposes only. Dates and locations may be subject to change; see the source for details. If I’ve missed anyone and you’d like to add to this listing, please contact me.

Mar. 2, 7:00 p.m.: Crossroads Meetup at the Unicorn. Info: http://www.meetup.com/CALGARY-CROSSROADS/
Mar. 4, 1:46 p.m.: New Moon. Nion (Ash) lunar month begins, sometimes called Seed Moon.
Mar. 5: COGCOA Coffee Cauldron. Info (at) cogcoa (dot) ab (dot) ca
Mar. 8: International Women’s Day. Info: http://www.internationalwomensday.com
Mar. 13: Daylight Savings Time begins. Spring ahead!
Mar. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Calgary Witches’ Meetup, hosted by moi, in north Calgary. Info: http://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Witches
Mar. 17: St. Patrick’s Day.
Mar. 19, 12:10 p.m.: Full (Worm) Moon.
Mar. 19, 7:30 p.m. sharp: COGCOA Ostara Ritual.
Mar. 20, 5:21 p.m.: Vernal Equinox. Trill.
Mar. 22: World Water Day. Info: http://www.worldwaterday.org
Mar. 26, 8:30 p.m.: Earth Hour. Info: http://www.earthhour.org
Mar. 30: Mercury Retrograde (until Apr. 22).
Mar. 31, 7:00 p.m.: Haiti, Voodoo, and You: A Fundraiser to Benefit Haiti, at Coast Plaza Hotel.

Blessings,
Hergest