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

June, 2011

Happy June, everyone.

Summer solstice is coming, and early in the morning on Tuesday, June 21 I will be back among the sacred stones in SW Calgary for the sunrise vigil (only 4 more left until the Mayan calendar runs out!) If you’d like to join me, let me know. We’ll repair to Tim Hortons for breakfast before heading off to whatever we do with the rest of the day.

For those of you who have been wondering about Margarian, as of early May her condition had deteriorated to the point that instead of waiting for the peritoneal catheter, her kidney specialist decided to put in a central venous catheter (i.e. a tap from her jugular to her heart) for immediate hemodialysis. She’s been going in for dialysis at the Foothills on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, and will be seeing her specialist at the beginning of June about the peritoneal. In the meantime, she’s been feeling somewhat stronger and more clear-headed, and her appetite is coming back.

As for me, I’m facing the double-nickel in the middle of June, and definitely feeling over-the-hill. At least my father’s estate is finally probated, so that things are beginning to move ahead there.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Rikki and Gavin on June 21!

June's Birthdays: Nicole G, Bev T., Colleen W., Dawn, Joie, Sierra, Michelle B., Mimi, some browned-out HP, and probably some of his Facebook friends. Also Gerald Gardner (Jun. 13, 1884), Starhawk (Jun. 17), Janet Farrar (Jun. 24), Scott Cunningham (Jun. 27), and Stewart Farrar (Jun. 28). Let me know if I’ve missed yours.

June 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.

May 31- Jun. 6: Canadian National Environment Week.
Jun. 1, 3:03 p.m.: New Moon. Duir (Oak) lunar month begins.
Jun. 1, 7:00 p.m.: Crossroads Meetup. Info: http://www.meetup.com/CALGARY-CROSSROADS/
Jun. 4: COGCOA Coffee Cauldron. Info (at) cogcoa (dot) ab (dot) ca
Jun. 7-9: Mayor’s Environment Expo at City Hall Atrium.
Jun. 10-12: Spirit of the West Druid Gathering. Info: http://www.druidgathering.ca/
Jun. 10-12: Galaxyfest in Vulcan, Alberta, with Special Guest Garrett “Harry Kim” Wang. Info: http://www.vulcantourism.com/
Jun. 15, 2:14 p.m.: Full (Strawberry) Moon.
Jun. 17-19: Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo, with William Shatner, George A. Romero, and too many other big-name guests to mention here. Bring your wallet. Info: http://www.calgaryexpo.com/
Jun. 19: Father’s Day. Be nice to your Craft father!
Jun. 21, 4:45 a.m: Solstice Sunrise Vigil.
Jun. 21, 11:16 a.m.: Summer Solstice.
Jun. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Calgary Witches’ Meetup, hosted by moi, in south Calgary. Info: http://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Witches
Jun. 21: Zenith.
Jun. 25, 7:30 p.m. sharp: COGCOA Litha Ritual.

Blessings,
Hergest