☞ WIN TICKETS to the MARCH MADNESS DINNER and DANCE!
WIN TICKETS to the MARCH MADNESS SPAGHETTI DINNER and DANCE!
Northern Tribes has 2 tickets to the MARCH MADNESS DINNER & DANCE, and we want YOU to win them! Not only is this a FREE meal, dance, and fun, but your tickets will be entered into a draw to win free tickets to this year’s SUNWHEEL PAGAN ARTS FESTIVAL, featuring the magical, mythpunk music of S.J. Tucker, Mojo- of THE WIGGLIAN WAY, Alberta’s own Raven’s Call, …and, meet Sparrow & Mojo, of THE WIGGLIAN WAY PODCAST, and more!!
“How do I win?”- Easy. Simply tell us why you’d love to go to the 2012 Sunwheel Festival in the comments section of this post, here at Northern Tribes, and one lucky winner will be randomly picked to receive 2 tickets to the March Madness Dinner & Dance.
But hurry!! Draw to take place Sunday, Feb. 26th. Winner to be announced here at Northern Tribes Sunday night.
Don’t miss out! Enter in the Comments below now!!
Tickets for the March Madness Dinner & Dance are available at Where Faeries Live- 10991 124 street, Edmonton. (780) 454-0187
and at Quantum Comics & Collectibles- 6416 28th ave, Edmonton.
-NORTHERN TRIBES is a proud co-sponsor of the SUNWHEEL PAGAN ARTS FESTIVAL
March Madness Spaghetti Dinner and Dance
March Madness Dinner/Dance
WIN TWO FREE TICKETS TO THE
☼ SUNWHEEL PAGAN ARTS FESTIVAL
at the
☞ MARCH MADNESS DINNER AND DANCE ☜
WHERE- at the Glengarry Community Hall 13325 – 89 Street.
WHEN- Saturday, March 3rd 2012
DOORS- 5:30 pm, cocktails at 6, dinner at 7 Dance to follow
TICKETS- $25.00 includes Dinner, Dance, Midnight Lunch, and the most fun you can have in a Top Hat!
Music by Double T Sound Productions.
Tickets available at Where Faeries Live -10991 124 Street, Edmonton
(780) 454-0187
Come one, Come all, to the March Madness Spaghetti Dinner and Dance, a fundraising event in support of the Sunwheel Pagan Arts Festival. This year’s festival, held the long weekend of June 29th-July 2nd, promises to be one of the liveliest festivals in Canada, featuring the musical storytelling of S.J.Tucker, Alberta’s own Raven’s Call, Mojo of The Wigglian Way, and more!
And you can win two tickets to the 2012 Sunwheel Pagan Arts Festival! Everyone at the March Madness Dinner and Dance will be eligible for the draw, so get your tickets to the dance soon, before you miss out!
*festival tickets refers to registration fees of $75.00 each. Everyone who purchases a ticket to the March Madness Spaghetti Dinner and Dance is eligible for the draw. You must be present to accept your prize. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets soon!
MEET SPARROW AND MOJO of THE WIGGLIAN WAY
The Wigglian Way
S.J. Tucker comes to Sunwheel Festival !
S.J. Tucker comes to Alberta’s SUNWHEEL PAGAN ARTS FESTIVAL
photo-Kyle Cassidy
This year’s Sunwheel Pagan Arts Festival promises to be one of the best, featuring the talent of recording/touring artist S.J Tucker taking the Sunwheel Mainstage Saturday night.
“She’s got Dar [Williams]‘s sardonic sincerity coupled with [Ani] DiFranco’s passion, Janis Ian’s vocal chops, and the deft guitar hands of Emily Saliers. Her lyrics swell up from the underworld where so many artists venture but few truly understand.”
Phil Brucato
NewWitch magazine
Fans of all ages come to see SJ Tucker for more than just the stories she weaves into her songwriting — her musical talents are second to none. Her style is classified, at times, as “Celtic Blues”, while her instrumental and vocal talents earn comparisons to Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Dar Williams, and Jeff Buckley. Not confined to one type of song or another, SJ spans opera, chant, and rockergrrl, employing deft guitar hands and the bluesy, powerful voice of a 300lb gospel singer–finely contained in a petite frame which earned her first band the name ‘Skinny White Chick’ by accident.
She’s played at Burning Man, Faerieworlds, and most festivals across North America. Nominated for the 2010 Pegasus Awards for Best Performer and Best Writer/Composer, Tucker won the Pegasus Award for Best Writer/Composer in 2011. SJ Tucker provides musical storytelling at its mythpunk finest.
For more info on S.J. Tucker, or to buy cd’s, visit www.skinnywhitechick.com
The Community Quibbler
Here is the late February edition of the Community Quibbler. Once again, no fault of the author, Dina Hendzel, who always sends it on time. As many of you know, I was in New Orleans, and Honduras and only recently returned. My apologies to Dina, and our readers.
The Community Quibbler- by Dina Hendzel
Connecting You To Community Events
February 2012
Welcome to The Community Quibbler!
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Hello Everyone! We hope you have a fantastic and relaxing (and safe!) Holiday Season!
From Our Supporter: Where Faeries Live (10991-124 Street)
What’s New?
In stock…right now…2012 Llewellyn Witches’ Datebooks and Wall Calendars!
Please note that due to the timely nature of these items we are unable to put them “on hold” for anyone.
Remie has departed to a warmer climes and is expected back in March. WFL is taking advance bookings for her so feel free to give WFL a call and they will book you an appointment for when she gets back!
Also reading on Saturdays during her absence is Ed. If you would like to make an appointment with him, please give WFL a call at 780-454-0187.
On February 2, 2012 Where Faeries Live will be hosting a open circle. The only requirement is that if you attend, you participate in some aspect of the ritual. This is intended to help with your personal practice of ritual and everyone is welcome. If you have any question Call Ed at Where Faeries Live
Calendar-New Events
Women’s Drumming and Goddess Chanting Circle
This month we will invoke Tara, the brightly multicoloured Goddess figure of Tibetan Buddhism. Come and join us! No drum is needed — we have extra. No drumming or singing experience is required either.
Date: Wednesday, February 1st
Time:7:30 p.m.
Location:West Edmonton (phone for address)
Cost:voluntary donation
Phone: Debra at (780) 483-7310
The Psychic Connection
The Psychic Connection is a group dedicated to the understanding, sharing, learning and the passing of knowledge on all matters psychic, mediumship, clairvoyance, sensitive and empathic abilities.
Robert and Sylvia will lead members through a series of exercises, events, psychic workshops, and discussion groups that will help develop their abilities. We will cover such areas as: meditation, astral projection, dreams, visions, spirit guides, animal spirits, the universe, energy work, communication with spirits and many other topics.
By working together, whether you are just starting or an experienced psychic, you will find the experience enjoyable and challenging, yet very rewarding.
February’s topic will be on using your Psychic/Medium abilities while conducting paranormal investigations. What’s your role? How do you communicate what you’re experiencing to members and clients? How do I protect myself?
Date: Friday, February 3rd
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Where Faeries Live
Admission: $10.00
Contact: Robert & Sylvia at tpc@trilogy2003.com
Robert is also available for psychic readings, either individually or in a group setting. Please contact tpc@trilogy2003.com for more information or to book your reading.
Witchcraft 101 & 102
You will be introduced to concepts to enhance your personal practices and to explain things that you may have read about, but would be unsure how that would work in real life. You will be able to explore options and try new formulas in a safe environment. Meet and talk to other who are exploring and working on there own practice, a chance to compare notes. At the end of the year you will have the equivalent of a year and day dedicate class.
Witchcraft 101- This month we will be talking about Chakras and raising energy for your magical work.
Witchcraft 102- This month we will be practicing energy work for yourself and others.
Date: 101 – Friday, February 10th ; 102 – Friday, February 24th
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Where Faeries Live
Cost: $5.00 per class
Contact: Ed at 780-454-0187
Edmonton Astrological Society
This month’s topic is about: Roger’s Corner ~ Cosmic Forces in the News, Astro Tidbits ~ TBA, and Feature Presentation: Liz Swoboda
Date: February 10, 2012
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: 3880-74 Avenue
Cost: $5.00 for non-members (first time members attend for free)
Contact: inge@astrologyedmonton.com
Kama Sutra Workshop
Learn to create natural lovemaking products that smell and taste delicious.
Handcraft:
- Honey Sprinkles
- Natural Lubricant
- Massage Bar
- Essential Oil Blend
- Aphrodisiac Sachet
- Tea Light Candles
Date: Sunday, February 12th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $75.00
Contact: 780-432-7955
Edmonton Pagan Learning Circle Fellowship (EPLC)
Edmonton Pagan Learning Circle Fellowship – EPLC, is an interactive pagan spiritualist discussion group that is family friendly, focusing on shared pagan learning, The EPLC invites everyone to join the monthly circles and annual events to meet other pagans and their families, while sharing different traditions within pagan spirituality. The EPLC is not a coven, nor is EPLC a religious society; the EPLC is a fellowship dedicated to pagan spirituality and fostering growth within pagan family traditions. The EPLC exists to share experiences, learn from others, build community, havefun and teach each other and our children acceptance for different spiritual paths and lifestyles. EPLC offers pagans a safe place to start or continue their spiritual journey with a group of accepting individuals. Each month members cast an interactive circle, participate in a presentation on a topic chosen by the group, and children are given pagan friendly activities to keep them occupied during circle time. EPLC is proud to host meetings at the Pride Centre of Edmonton, 9540 111 avenue, the 3rd Saturday of each month as a way to foster acceptance in all people regardless of culture, race, religion or sexuality. Everyone is asked to please bring a snack to share during social and clean uptime; please bring enough for at least 15 people.
This months themes is candle magick bring your traditions to circle and share with the group how you incorporate candles into your spiritual practice and what kind of candle magick does your family practice.
Date: Saturday, February 18th
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: 3808-119 Avenue
Cost: By donation
Contact: Kaldra & Lupine
E-mail: EdmontonPaganLearningCircle@gmail.com
Website: www.eplc.webs.com
Phone/Text: 780-994-6373
Wheelchair Accessible Location
Kaldra is also available for “talking stones” divination sessions ($40.00/session). “Talking stones are a unique divination tool that tell a story about the questioner and can offer guidance on life issues.” Contact Kaldra at the above for details.
EMPATH 101
Explore your empathetic gifts in this unique program. Connect with other gifted Empaths who prepare to focus on embracing perfection, instead of relying on outdated protection techniques. Rather than trying to develop a thicker skin enjoy your life more fully as a skilled Empath.
Date: Sunday, February 26th (February 23rd is a free talk), bookings for private sessions will be done for February 23-25
Time: Contact the store for more information
Location: Unique Perceptions, Spruce Grove
Cost: $325.00
Contact: Unique Perceptions at 780-960-2166
About Eagle Spirit…
A Contemporary Shaman from Moncton, New Brunswick, has empowered hundreds to learn to live each moment from their deepest truth. When doing energetic balancing soul retrieval and journeying Eagle spirit’s intent is always to help the person relax their body release limiting beliefs and radiate their most Authentic self. Her website is eaglespiritjourneys.com
Supplies
A Sense of Serenity
10342-81 Avenue N.W. Edmonton
The sales at Sense of Serenity are as follows:
1. Singing bowls – 30% off for small bowls; 50% off for large bowls
2. Egyptian statues are 25 % off.
3. Nordic statues are 30% off.
Also as per usual there are the 2 racks of books and CDs.
Silver Cove’s Spring Gem Show
Central Alberta’s largest gem, mineral and wholistic show and encomasses everything from rough rock to finished stones, to metaphysical supplies. The Gem Show will include guest speakers, courses and classes, practitioners, and the largest selection of rocks, gems and more that Central Alberta has ever seen! We run extended hours for the event, and people can check out the website for more details. www.silvercove.biz
Date: February 23 – March 4th
Time: contact the store for extended hours
Location: Lacombe Mall, 5230-45 Street, Lacombe
Contact: 403-789-1308 or at www.silvercove.biz
Calendar – Ongoing Events
Shaman’s Journey Drumming Circle
Join us with your Divinatory tools & toys for Divination Night. Come give some readings, get some readings, and possibly explore a divination technique that is new to you.
Date: Friday, February 3rd & 16th
Time: doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event starts at 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Location: The Unitarian Church (10804-119 Street)
Admission: $5-10 you decide what you can afford in that range
Contact: Visit us on Facebook or send us an e-mail at shamansjourneydrumming@gmail.com
Edmonton Paranormal Interest Club (EPIC)
This group meets every first and third Saturday of every month. Its main goal is to provide a physical social network of people who have an interest in the unexplained. The meetings are always free to attend and every opinion is always respected. This group also works in co-operation with other divisions of Edmonton Paranormal Society to give members an opportunity to learn and even go on ghost-walks and investigations! Also it will give help to people dealing with paranormal activity, want to share experiences, or even wish to teach lectures! Everyone is always welcome, so come and enjoy the future of paranormal exploration!
Hot drinks are provided by Edmonton Paranormal Society. Baked goods are always welcomed. Hope to see you all there!
Date: Saturday, February 4th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Where Faeries Live
Admission: $5.00
Women’s Mysteries
Women’s Mysteries is a monthly meeting of Pagan and Pagan-friendly women. We meet to celebrate the Wheel of the Year together and to discuss a variety of topics. Our purpose is to create a community of women and share our lives, joys, grief, triumphs, and challenges. Participants need to be 18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent.
Date: Sunday, February 5th
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Where Faeries Live
Admission: By donation
Facilitator: Sokende Sanndru
Lotions, Toners, & Face Serums
Learn various ways to mix carrier oils, essential oils, floral waters and nutritive botanicals to promote healthy skin. In this session you will handcraft light lotion emulsifiers, moisturizing toner, nutritive serum, thick cream only using whole botanicals
Date: Sunday, February 5th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $75.00
* This workshop is also offered on Monday, February 27th.
Exfoliant Class
To use natural ingredients such as salt, oatmeal, sugar and pumice to create the perfect exfoliant to remove dead dry skin.
Handcraft:
- Salt body scrub
- Green coffee cellulite polish
- Honey scrub
- Pumice foot scrub
- Gentle face exfoliant
Date: Monday, February 6th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $70.00
Contact: 780-432-7955
* This workshop is also offered on Tuesday, February 28th.
Congregationalist Wiccan Assembly of Alberta
The Congregationalist Wiccan Assembly of Alberta hosts monthly Open Circles on the second Sunday of each month from 6-8 p.m. These events are open to all adults with an interest in Wicca/Paganism, and to minors accompanied by a parent. There is no cost to attend, although donations are accepted to help cover the cost of space rental. Please bring a contribution for a potluck snack to follow.
Date: Sunday, February 8th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Ritchie Hall (7727-98 Street)
Admission: By donation
Contact: cwaalberta@gmail.com
Melt & Pour Soap Making
Learn how to make various soaps that do not use lye, or take a month to cure. An absolutely fun and creative class. In this class you will handcraft soaps using the following techniques: embedding charms, soap on a rope, layering colours, infusing a botanical exfoliant, and creating and embedding soap cut outs.
*Note: The price includes a soap and mold of your choice.
Date: Thursday, February 9th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $75.00
EPLC Study Group
This learning/study group is a self directed year and a day pagan course. The topics and dates will be listed on the eplc.webs.com site and the cost would be free. This course is a self-guided path with facilitated discussions and to allow individuals to challenge their beliefs and gain a better understanding of daily spiritual living, offering ideas to other study group students. We ask that anyone interested in signing up for the study group, be committed to attending as many dates as possible, EPLC understands that people are busy and some study group meetings may have to be missed occasionally. There is a level of commitment and respect for the people who are committed to the group as well as for those facilitating and we believe everyone’s time is valuable, therefore please ensure that you really want to commit to a YEAR of personal learning for no other reason than to grow spiritually within yourself.
Purpose: to learn from others and share knowledge to further a personal path of spiritual choices and increase personal knowledge of inner beliefs and how to live a spiritual lifestyle
Topics: there is a tentative schedule of topics listed on the website www.eplc.webs.com
Concepts: allowing all participants to
~Think out loud
~Share ideas
~Learn from one another
~Charting a learning plan for the group
*one topic at a time where each member gives their input about their beliefs and traditions
~Confidentiality of personal experiences disclosed within the group
This course does not:
1. initiate or dedicate anyone to any specific pagan path
2. provide history of paganism or witchcraft or cater to one specific pagan path such as Wicca, Druid, Shaman or otherwise
3. initiate or designate anyone with a ‘degree’ of title of priest/priestess
Prerequisites: Commitment to attendance and group work
Families Welcome: as with all EPLC Fellowship activities – children are always welcome.
Date: Friday, February 10th
Time:7 pm -9:30 pm 15 minutes to set up, two hours for work, and 15 minutes to clean up.
Location: Suite 217, 11520 100 Ave., Academy Place, Edmonton
Cost: By donation – requests will be made if specific items are needed
** shared experiences are for learning from and discovering new paths and new choices, they are not to be shared outside Study Group**
As the intent of the EPLC Study Group is more formalized than an EPLC Fellowship Circle, minors aged 13 + will be asked to behave in a manner conducive to adult focused learning, open discussions – some that may not be family focused, as well as various types of presentations or activities with study group members or quest speakers.
EPIC Presents: Interactive Clairvoyant Understanding
This is a group started by the Edmonton Paranormal Society to help people with paranormal sensitivities learn, progress, and cope with their abilities. It is a peer to peer networking club dedicated to connecting people with psychic, clairvoyance, clairaudience, claircognitive, clairsentience, clairalience, and clairgustance abilities.
The Edmonton Paranormal Society will be working closely with this group to create a confidential environment where sensitives can learn from one another without public access. It will also allow for people who wish to help the paranormal world by being verified and certified to work with paranormal investigational groups.
Hot drinks are provided by the Edmonton Paranormal Society. Baked goods are always welcome.
Also the Edmonton Paranormal Society will be accepting donations in the form of money or Canadian Tire money. Don’t forget to help us add to our community social board that will be set up at each EPIC and ICU meeting.
Date: Saturday, February 18th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Where Faeries Live
Admission: $5.00
Body Balms
There are many ways to moisturize the body, but nothing beats the silky intensity of pure oil, beeswax and botanical butters. In this class you will create 4 variations of waterless moisturizers that vary in consistency from light to heavy. By the end of the class you will have a comfortable understanding of how changing the ratios of ingredients create very different products.
Date: Saturday, February 18th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $75.00
Contact: 780-432-7955
Home Spa Class
Learn to make natural mixtures for a perfect spa night at home that relax, detoxify and nurture the skin.
Handcraft:
- Cocoa butter bath truffles
- Botanical face mask
- Aromatic shower gel
- Body oil infused with essential oils
- Clay based face cleanser
Date: Tuesday, February 21st
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $75.00
Contact: 780-432-7955
Essential Oil Blending
Essential oils release extraordinary scent and offer potent therapeutic effects. Come learn the basics of blending multiple essential oils together and see how they change when added to different bases. In this class we will be making a combination in a cream base, a therapeutic roll on oil, a solid perfume, and an Eau de Toilette. Mingle logic, intuition, and enjoy!
Date: Thursday, February 23rd
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Earth’s Aromatique (#2, 7115-109 Street)
Cost: $75.00
Contact: 780-432-7955
Prairie Faeries Edmonton
Prairies Faeries Edmonton is a group who intent is to help GLBT people explore the sacred for a body and soul that is Gay. Currently we are hosting A Faeries coffee and a Faeries Heart Circle. We are working on meeting to share ritual. If you have question or would like to contact us go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/206050672778989/ or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prairiefaeries/
Avalon College Wiccan Seminary
Rit 601: Graduate Seminar on Ritual Theory. This will be a revised version of the seminar from 2011 and will be a reading and discussion seminar at an advanced level. This challenging seminar will involve reading one book every two weeks (14 books in total) and discussing it, writing three short book reviews and an original paper on some aspect of ritual applying these theoretical models to some real-world problem or idea. Participation in discussion is required. There are no pre-requisites but it is highly recommended that students have a background in ritual and some background in theory. Some post-secondary education would also be helpful. The course will be limited to confirmed maximum enrolments of six students with a minimum of two. This course will begin in April 2013.
Academic courses will have fees of $200 each for the general public, $100 for members of CWABC and CWAA. The College is not formally affiliated with either CWABC or CWAA.
Blessed Be
Sam Wagar
Priest, Vancouver-Burnaby Temple
CWABC
February Moon
February Moon is also known as Ice Moon, Storm Moon, and Hunger Moon. At this time of the year, the waters of the earth are beginning to flow once again. This is still the time of blizzards, and being snowed in. The time of growth and looking ahead towards the future. An excellent time for setting goals. The zodiac association is Aquarius.
Reference: http://www.angelfire.com/de2/newconcepts/wicca/moonsexp.html
THE COMMUNITY QUIBBLER- JANUARY 2012
The Community Quibbler
by Dina Hendzel
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First Foot
by Ali Ravenwood
The British Isles are a treasure trove of folklore, a place where monuments to the Old Gods still stand, where wood spirits still roam the forest, and local folk traditions retain the flavor of the ancient Pagan rituals from which they sprang. In small towns and villages all across western Europe, unique and curious local customs persist, relics of the region’s Pagan past. Some, like Morris Dancers and the Maypole on the first of May, are common practices across the four isles even in modern times. Other customs are less well known, remnants of a much older culture whose history has been lost in time, but whose rituals remain part of the collective unconscious of the land and its people. One of these is the Yuletide custom of “First Foot”, a quaint practice found in rural areas of Scotland even to the present day. In recent years it has been performed on December 31st, but historical sources trace it back to Twelfth Night (January 6), and even further to the long night before the winter solstice.
The custom is based on principles of sympathetic magic; the focus of the rite is to end the festival season in a position in which one wishes to remain for the coming year. Every house in the village is turned out and scrubbed from top to bottom. New clothing is purchased, and cupboards and larders stocked with food, including traditional Yuletide treats like fruitcake and shortbread. Each member of the household procures a bottle of good liquor (whiskey for the gentlemen, sherry for the ladies) to be used for the occasion. Pockets and purses are filled with as much cash money as possible, to safeguard the omen for a prosperous year.
Preparations become frantic as evening approaches, for everything must be ready before midnight. At twelve o’clock, villagers must be inside their warm and spotless homes, dressed in their finery, coiffed and perfumed. Anyone caught out of doors runs the risk of being swept up in the terrible Wild Hunt, a winter phantasm described in myth and legend all over western and central Europe. Those who ran afoul of the Wild Hunt risked being kidnapped and carried off to the Land of the Dead. When the clock strikes twelve, the house is considered to be magically “sealed”, and no one is permitted to leave until the arrival of the First Foot.
The First Foot is, simply, the first person to step over the home’s threshold after midnight. Usually, this individual is pre-selected according to a specific set of criteria: a young man, with dark hair and a muscular build, is considered preferable for the job. In fact, it is exceedingly unlucky to be first-footed by a fair-haired person! The description of an appropriate First Foot matches that of the mythical character Old Nick, a trickster-like spirit closely tied to the Christian devil, but widely believed by modern historians to be based on the Pagan deity, the Horned God.
Once the First Foot has crossed the threshold, he is greeted with a glass of liquor by the host, and offers a drink from his own bottle in return. He then lays bread, coal and salt upon the hearth, traditional offerings to the Goddess for blessing the household. Once this ritual has been satisfactorily performed, the magical seal is broken and members of the household are free to go out and First Foot their neighbours.
As the rite involves the consumption of many glasses of liquor by the First Foot, it is not completely surprising that he would sometimes fail to complete his rounds of the village. Therefore, other physically suitable males, once freed from the spell in their own homes, will take it upon themselves to First Foot their neighbours. Occasionally, some household might be forgotten in the excitement; after a period of time has passed, the most suitable member of the household will sneak out the back door and come round to the front to perform the honours himself. Even in modern times, traditional folk continue to honour the Old Gods in the old ways.
Ali Ravenwood is a local Priestess, writer, mother, and “Elder” in the Edmonton Pagan Community. Learn more about Ali in Northern Tribes’ Interview With Ali Ravenwood
UPDATE- Canadian Polygamy Law
On Wednesday, Nov. 23, B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Bauman ruled to uphold Canada’s existing Polygamy Law. Section 293 of Canada’s Criminal Code, the section of Canadian law in question, adopted in 1890, was, in it’s original form, intended for Mormons moving in to Canada from the U.S.
It seems that Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, wanted religious diversity in the newly opened west, but wanted no part of the Mormon polygamous lifestyle, and in the original wording, this section was directly aimed at Mormons.
Today, the law simply refers to “any form of polygamy”…
293. (1) Every one who
(a) practises or enters into or in any manner agrees or consents to practise or enter into
(i) any form of polygamy, or
(ii) any kind of conjugal union with more than one person at the same time,
whether or not it is by law recognized as a binding form of marriage, or
(b) celebrates, assists or is a party to a rite, ceremony, contract or consent that purports to sanction a relationship mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii),
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
“I have concluded that this case is essentially about harm,”…“More specifically, Parliament’s reasoned apprehension of harm arising out of the practice of polygamy. This includes harm to women, to children, to society and to the institution of monogamous marriage.”
Sam Wagar, of The Congregationalist Wiccan Association of British Columbia, and the only Wiccan Priest to file an affidavit in this case, clearly disagreed with the ruling;
“The judge made the error of equating the norm of monogamy with all good things and the practice of polygamy with all bad things.”
Court documents filed on behalf of the CWABC by Mr. Wagar make clear the position that section 293 of the criminal code restricts religious freedom;
[467] Mr. Wagar deposes that since he is prohibited from performing a marriage ceremony that involves more than two adults, he is unable to act freely in accordance with his religious beliefs when approached by people involved in polygamous or polyamorous relationships.
I spoke to Mr. Wagar about his reaction to this decision;
“First, from the legal POV: the charter arguments were sound, that polygamy is allowed or encouraged as an article of faith in several faith traditions and that restricting it is an infringement on religious liberty…a core value of society must be to encourage lasting and honourable committed relationships between adults…”
“I agree that Patriarchal polygyny as practiced by such as the FLDS is harmful to women and children. However, that is not the only form that multiple adult families take. This is a point which the judge acknowledges and then chooses to ignore in favour of a bias for monogomy.”
“All acts of love and pleasure are acts of praise to the Goddess. This foundation statement of belief in Wicca means nothing if it cannot be acted upon”, said Wagar.
“We grow as human beings and survive as a society by making committed relationships with others that are not based on immediate gratification but on love and honour. The number of partners is not important, the quality of the commitment is.”
“I anticipate it being overturned on appeal.”
The group Stop Polygamy in Canada welcomed the decision;
“Chief Justice Bauman has sent a message around the world that Canada’s laws protecting the equality rights of women are to be protected. This decision also honours Canada’s international agreements protecting the rights of women and children. Canada’s doors are closed to polygamists and the practice of polygamy within our borders is still a crime.”
The Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association points out that the decision applies specifically to those “Poly” relationships which officially sanction their bonds with public/religious ceremony;
“Polyamorists are relieved they can be in loving egalitarian conjugal relationships without criminal sanction,” said CPAA legal counsel, John Ince, “Common law relationships are clearly not prohibited. Polyamorists who are dealing with immigration or family custody issues for instance now need no longer worry about being considered to be criminals”.
Over at The Wild Hunt, Jason discusses the implications of this decision for Polyamorous Pagans;
“Considering how many Canadian Pagan polyamorous families have had public marriage/handfasting ceremonies this interpretation of the law places them on the same legal footing as a polygamous Mormon (or Muslim) household. This, in essence, forces consensual multi-partner arrangements to stay in the closet, and avoid anything that might be interpreted by a “sanctioning” event within their community.”
We want to know how you feel about this. In this case, is society justified in limiting religious freedom to ensure the safety of the women and children involved in places like Bountiful, B.C., an FLDS (Fundamentalist Mormon) stronghold, which practices Patriarchal polygyny?
COMMUNITY QUIBBLER -DECEMBER 2011
The Community Quibbler
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- The Community Quibbler
The Community Quibbler Connecting You to Community Events- November 2011
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The Wild Hunt
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