Page of Pentacles

W W... 9458 67 Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta C.C.C. AAA... T6E 3J9 www.cwaalberta.com #79, May 2015 c.e. Plans and Plots in CWA: CWA Alberta ran was a great success, with likely 50 At the Canadian National Pagan or more of the 74 people in attendance (66 all Conference/Gaia Gathering weekend, 8 on day passes) spending some time visiting with us, getting a free coffee, eating a snack, chatting; clergy members participated formally on 8 panels (or more?); and there was a great deal of discussion and information exchange, friendly exchange of contact information and networking. I am so proud of us, so pleased with all that was accomplished this weekend - a few hundred bucks, a lot of volunteer hours, and I think it will be very good for us for years to come. I want to praise by name Reagan Bartel, Jessica and Eric Schatull, Ali Hammington, Sam Wagar, Erin Wood, Coreen Dupré, Jay (GreenMan Jrt), and Sable (Diane Morrison). Now, to build on our successes and Getting together before the Conference: Jay (CWAS Saskatoon to deepen our communication with one clergy), Eric (CWAA clergy-in-training), Jessica (CWAA Board), another as well. Jessica (CWAA CIT), Joe (CWAA member), Sam (CWAA clergy), The highlights for me (Sam) were Jon (CWAA member), Erin CWAS Regina clergy), Brad (CWAA Sable’s brilliant keynote speech on Board), Coreen (CWAS-R clergy), Ali (CWAA clergy), Reagan “Reawakening a Pagan Theology”, (CWAA member) which makes me really want her second book as soon as it’s finished; the “Big Tent / Little Tent” discussion about Dear sisters and brothers, diversity and community unity, which was addressed in several forms in the weekend; some very valuable I deliberately delayed the publication of this issue discussion of community growth, clergy roles and of our newsletter so that I could share news from the training, and the development of a learning culture in 10th anniversary Canadian National Pagan our communities. There was some blunt and honest Conference/Gaia Gathering here in Edmonton on the talk, and a little bit of open disagreement, around the 15th-18th of May. history and future of the Canadian Pagan Well, a "coming out" to the national Pagan communities. communities and a tremendous success for CWA on Although a couple of people questioned whether lots of levels: eleven of our members from all three there was, or should be, a Canadian Paganism, when provinces attended and actively participated in a proposal came forward to change the focus of the discussion and networking; the Hospitality Suite that event to include an International (American) keynote speaker and stream, it was overwhelmingly defeated. I was very disappointed that two features of Merry is overseeing the training of the woman in previous CNPCs, the academic stream of Aldergrove as she has moved to Langley. She is still presentations of current research, and the networking clergy with us but expect her to eventually transfer panels of specific Pagan religions (the Druids, the over. Alexandria has a good handle. She is going to Asatru, the Wiccans) were both not part of this one. be ready for ordination possibly this fall. I also have But, in positive notes, and there were many, the a young man starting training in Port Alberni possibly event frequency has been reduced to biannual, which when I return and my newest CIT is a serving will, one may hope, give communities more time to member in the Navy presently stationed in Esquimalt. prepare and fundraise, and a Board was elected which This is going to open up a whole new area and we are brought new voices into the conversation, largely really excited. Two areas we haven't touched have western - Jen Taylor (Chair), Jarek and Riane been the forces and the prisons. The young woman (Members at Large) from Calgary, ByThor (past local fully believes she will have the support of her committee chair) from Edmonton, Leesa (Treasurer) commanding officer and says that there are other from Kamloops, Gualter (Promotions) from Wiccan/Pagan people around her. I will keep you Winnipeg, and Sheena (Secretary) from Ottawa. posted as to relations with the forces as we go along.

The Cauldron has survived all the temple splitting and everything that our opponents in the Pagan News from the Temples community have tossed our way. We remain solvent and still attract new people. I still search for young Green Cauldron - Nanaimo people to train and take over.

I wanted to touch base before we leave in a few Anyway, I am off on my holiday and wish you hours for our holiday with news about the Cauldron. well

Everyone knows that I want to cut back on things Hugs, Sally and I am now off the Board where I was covering as Chair for Merry while she was on mat leave. So that Ravenwood - Edmonton is one chapter of my life that has come to a close. I can now concentrate on the Cauldron and training. Again this year, the CWAA will be participating My goal for the Cauldron is to put three senior clergy in an interfaith service in recognition of Gay Pride. in place who will be the elders and available for Folks from a range of affirming churches, including helping where needed both with the temple and Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Wiccan community. They will not necessarily be holding organizations, will gather together to show our marrying credentials. I will put myself in this group support for this important cause. Please come and along with Ted and Nancy. Ted is an incredible 86 join us for interfaith reflection, music by Vocal and has a wealth of knowledge and Nancy has been Minority, and a Spiral Dance! 7th of June, 12:30, with us since the start and is now a CIT. Strathcona Community League Hall, 10139 87 Avenue, Edmonton. I will be looking for and training a couple of bright younger people to do the majority of the work. Wiccan chaplain Sam Wagar will be up at the I have had a couple of people start training and then University of Alberta on Tuesdays and Thursdays let them go as unsuitable or because they wouldn't do this coming school year (starting in July) and will be the work. hosting bi-weekly Open Circles and lunch-time chats for Wiccan and Pagan students, faculty, and staff and Sianna is turning out to be an excellent student our friends, every second Thursday starting August and I expect her to go far. Her rituals are very good 13th. and she is becoming more at ease in the role of Priestess. She is great with the people who come out The second annual CWA members-only and they like her, as do all the old-timers. religious retreat will be on the 17-19th of July. It’s Unfortunately, she will be working in Ucluelet for open to all members of any of our three provincial awhile and don't know if she will end up being clergy churches, is $45 for camping and food (dinners are with us or starting something over there in the end. provided). Ritual, workshops, discussion, and She has her First Degree with P4P. I expect to do her networking. Near Edmonton - contact Second later this fall. [email protected] for information or to register. Panfest 2015 July 31 to August 3, 2015

Online Registration is open.

Join us in Alberta's beautiful aspen parkland for PanFest's seventeenth annual celebration of Lammas! This year, our Friday evening Opening Ritual falls under the full moon.

Renew old friendships and meet pagans from across western Canada as we gather together for a weekend of ritual, relaxation, and fellowship.

This year, we welcome our featured guest Dr Brendan Myers. Brendan is a TED speaker, a suc- cessful Kickstarter (twice), and the author of fifteen books on Druidry and pagan philosophy.

With a PhD in philosophy from the National University of Ireland, Galway, he has taught at six different institutions in Canada and in Europe, and provided policy research for such diverse clients as government agencies, labour unions, and game design studios.

www.panfest.ca The Buddhist The Four Heavenly Kings protect Buddhist teaching and help create a better world

by CHANTAL FIGEAT

north represents winter, earth, and prosperity. Prosperity is the far-seeing dragon that observes and protects humanity. Komoku-ten in the West represents fall, metal, and awareness. Metal and wind is the blade of the sword that protects all sentient beings. Zojo-ten in south represents summer, fire, and harmony. The playing of stringed instruments creates harmony for the benefit of the world. Jikoku-ten in the east represents spring, water, and strength. Water is the umbrella of rain which subjugates demons. In the ancient Buddhist tradition there are often variations on these themes.

In , the Indian deity Lord Indra is known as Taishaku and he resides at the top of Mount Sumeru. However, Japanese Buddhists interpret the Four An inter-faith meeting is held annually in May or June at the Truc Lam Monastery in Edmonton to Heavenly Kings as being higher deities than Taishaku. celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Tamon-ten, the guardian of North Sumeru is considered to be the most powerful due to his acute awareness, keen hearing, and his extensive knowledge In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are of the Buddha’s teachings. protective male deities safeguarding the (Buddhist teachings). Dharma addresses the causes of In 12th century Japan, Buddhist monk human suffering and how these sufferings can be Daishonin sought to address natural disasters and effectively dealt with. Compassion and respect for life military conflicts by developing a more effective form are strongly stressed. of . Nicherin decided that Buddhists should follow the highest teaching of the Buddha, the Lotus The Four Heavenly Kings originated in India as , to achieve enlightenment or infinite wisdom and celestial gods who protect Lord Indra. Around 6th happiness. century AD they were adopted by Buddhist sects east of India including those in China and Japan. They Following the devastation that Japan suffered reside on Mount Sumeru which is the mythical centre during WWII, Nicherin Shoshu Buddhism was of the Buddhist world. These deities create a good revitalized in an effort to bring about lasting world climate to suppress demons and ward off evil spirits. peace. Today International (SGI) is the lay organization which follows Nicherin’s teachings. My Buddhist background is in the Nicherin On page 36 of Treasures of the Heart, present SGI Shoshu tradition originating in Japan. As I am most President Daisaku Ikeda relates the story of Lord comfortable with this particular sect of Buddhism, I Taishaku and the Fine Feathered Bird: am writing from this perspective. Taishaku’s army was engaged in a battle against Each of the Four Heavenly Kings is linked to a the demon and his followers. They were at the cardinal direction on Mount Sumeru. In Japan they foot of Mount Sumeru and Asura and his soldiers are known at Tamon-ten (north), Komoku-ten (west), were winning the fight. Taishaku found the nest of a Zojo-ten (south), and Jikoku-ten (east). beautifully feathered bird and heard the chirping of a baby bird inside it. The Four Heavenly Kings are also linked to divine attributes, seasons, and elements. Tamon-ten in the If Taishaku went forward he would kill the baby kiva?fref=ts and https://www.facebook.com/events/ bird, but Asura’s army was close behind. 374917739346483/?fref=ts Taishaku ordered: "Turn back the carts and chariots; you must not kill the baby bird." Then he CWA Temples and Activities: lead his turned his shocked soldiers around to advance into the path of the enemy. The Congregationalist Witchcraft Association of Canada is a federal umbrella organization for several Shocked by the audacity of Taishaku’s move, provincial and local bodies in three provinces (at Asura and his soldiers fell back. Asuru’s army was present). All of our provincial affiliates are seized by fear and was thus easily moved into a congregational associations of self-governing Temples retreat. united by a common set of basic theological, ethical and organizational agreements. The baby bird symbolized the sacredness of life. By respecting this Buddhist virtue, Taisaku was able turn the demon Asura's victory into a defeat. Alberta Nicherin Shoshu Buddhists around the world recite the in which the Four Heavenly Edmonton - Ravenwood Temple Kings vow to protect those who believe in the Clergy: Ali Ravenwood and Samuel Wagar Dharma. The Four Heavenly Kings also figure Contact: [email protected] prominently on the four corners of that we Website: focus on while chanting. www.cwaalberta.com Facebook: https:// Any comments and questions are welcome. You www.facebook.com/ may contact me at [email protected]. groups/ 143215692628/

The Temple hosts Open KIVA Club Circles the second Sunday of each month (except August) at Ritchie Hall, Some members of the CWA Alberta have formed a 7727- 98 St., Edmonton, starting at 6 pm. Doors lock Kiva Club, with the enthusiastic leadership of Board at 6:15, and there is no admission once the ritual has member Jessica Schatull. KIVA is a microlending begun. Services are open to all adults 18+, and to association that focuses on making small low-interest children accompanied by a parent. There is no cost to loans to people (principally women) in poor countries attend, although donations are accepted to help cover to help them start businesses or do home the cost of space. Please bring a contribution for a improvements - buying a sewing machine, for potluck snack to follow. For more information, example, to start a small tailoring business can lift contact [email protected]. someone, and their family, out of dire poverty. Our popular series of workshops is opened up to Here is our official Kiva lender page; the general public again, although our members get http://www.kiva.org/lender/cwaa2333 priority in registration. Space for each workshop is limited, and pre-registration is required. To register If you really want to make a donation to Kiva but for a workshop, please contact us directly on don't have any cash or bottles to donate to our bottle Facebook or at [email protected] and reserve drive and have a credit card, you can send us a Kiva your spot. Your donation of $10 is appreciated to help card by clicking on the link at the bottom of our us cover costs. We send out reminders about a week lender information and we can use that money to in advance of each event and they will be posted on make a donation in the CWAA's name. our Facebook page. The Board wishes to encourage non-clergy members of the congregation to present The KIVA Club has made their first loan, to a goat workshops in their areas of expertise as well. farmer in Pakistan, who has already begun to repay it and will be getting together occasionally to decide The Provincial Council is open to assisting with on future loans - contact Jessica or visit the Facebook any new organizing effort in the province. Priest Sam page for more details;https://www.facebook.com/ Wagar of Ravenwood Temple remains available to help with any groups or individuals interested in The Temple of Mirth and Reverence in Vernon starting new Temples around the province. are still hosting four rites a year under their own name. British Columbia Central Cariboo (Williams Lake/McLeese Nanaimo South- Cottage Lake ) - Temple in the Grove of Ancient Ways Clergy in Training: Daedryn Young Clergy: Roxanne Allen Contact: [email protected] Contact: Temple of the Grove provisional Temple has [email protected] Facebook: https:// begun in central Cariboo area - Williams Lake and www.facebook.com/groups/ McLeese Lake area. 179755885446830/ Langley- Lower Mainland The Cottage of Ancient Ways is Sabbat rituals with a strong ‘kitchen Witch’ flavour, Earthy And a restart to the Vancouver Temple, as a and grounded in Nanaimo. These happen on the Wiccan study group, is happening, supervised by Sabbats in the evening. Each Sabbat ritual is Meredith Tremain of the Green Cauldron Temple in preceded, a week before, with a workshop on the meaning of the Sabbat and its ritual markers. Nanaimo. Nanaimo North -Green Cauldron Kamloops

Clergy: Sally Kimber and Meredith Tremain A provisional Temple is in the works in Kamloops, Phone: 250-758-8332 overseen by Priestess Ivannia Halls. Contact: [email protected] Website: www.greencauldron.org In both BC and Alberta clergy are licensed to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ perform legal weddings, and some also are available greencauldron/ for hospital chaplaincy and prison visits.

Temple of the Green Cauldron is offering a full Saskatchewan schedule of Sabbats and several public esbats in Nanaimo. The Congregationalist Wiccan Campbell River- Aurora’s Grove Association of Saskatchewan is new but well-organized, with two active Temples, in Regina and Clergy: Lucy Dinney Saskatoon. It is drawing from a Contact: [email protected] pool of long-time community Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ organizers in the province. The aurorasgrovetemple first anniversary was April 26th! Information on what they’re up to at https:// Family friendly, everyone welcome. Join us and www.facebook.com/pages/Congregationalist-Wiccan- celebrate! Blessed Be. For further info please email Association-of-Saskatchewan/ [email protected] See you there! 635239809907919?ref=ts&fref=ts

Vernon- Mirth and Reverence Sky River Temple (Saskatoon)

Clergy: Myranda O’Byrne This temple is planning to put on six public rituals Contact: [email protected] this year. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Website: http://mirthandreverence.webs.com/ 683274068408661/?fref=ts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 40326656279/ Sage Wind Temple - Regina For listings of First Nations’ cultural events: A local temple committed to perform a minimum http://drumhop.com/capowwow.php of four open rituals, open to the general public, each http://www.ammsa.com/ year. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ http://www.yagotta.ca/activities/powwow.htm 445762262229181/?fref=ts Toon Town's Pagan Summer Fest.

June 19 - 21 2015 Hosted just outside of Saskatoon Saskatchewan at http://www.ancientspirals.com/ A three day camp out event to celebrate midsummer: Meals, circle dances, guest speakers, drumming, chants, crafts, campfires, games, and more: ALL inclusive.Plus Merchant's Row!! http://toontownspagansummerfest.yolasite.com/

Bringing Race to the Table Exploring Racism in the Pagan Community Edited by Taylor Ellwood, Brandy Williams, Crystal Blanton

Bringing Race to the Table: Exploring Racism in the Pagan Community is a very timely anthology which explores the topic of racism (and other forms of privilege) and how it shows up in the Pagan communities, principally but not exclusively in the United States, as well as what we can do to discuss it and bring it out in the open, in the hopes of eliminating it. Each section of the anthology explores different facets of racism and how the Pagan communities respond to it. Section 1: People of Color's experience with racism shares candid stories of how people of color in the Pagan communities have experienced racism in both subtle and overt forms, as well as how they have handled it. Section 2 Historical/Mythological Racism focuses on how racism has shown up in mythological and historical contexts, as well as how it continues to show up in counter cultures. The final section: Being an Ally focuses on sharing suggestions and ideas on how white people can be better allies to people of color and how to be more aware of racism in both the Pagan and mainstream communities. “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.” (Marx, Theses on Feuerbach XI)

With essays from Xochiquetzal Duit Odinsdottir, T. Thorn Coyle, Crystal Blanton, Clio Ajana, Erick Dupree, Amy Hale, Lilith Dorsey, Lasara Firefox Allen and many others, this anthology explores racism and offers opportunities for us to engage this topic and proactively work to change our communities for the better. http://www.immanion-press.com/info/book.asp?id=472 action, and ritual, cause change in the world in accord with our Wills.

Every woman and every man is an embodiment of divinity.

All acts of love and pleasure are acts of praise of the Goddess. This specifically includes all noncoercive sexual orientations.

An ye harm none, do what ye will.

CWA Membership Info: Statement of Ethics:

Membership requirements: All members of this Society must bind themselves by agreement with the following: People qualify for membership in our provincial affiliated churches, not in CWA nationally, which is Although there are many Goddesses and Gods and purely an umbrella organization whose voting many Paths to their worship, our path does not members are the members of the provincial Boards of involve; Directors. a/ animal sacrifice, b/ any coercive activities, c/ charging fees for teaching the Craft beyond the CWA is not a coven or an association of covens and recovery of costs, or for Initiation. (Members of so we do not require training or Initiation of people groups may reasonably be expected to share in the who wish to be members. We do not expect “perfect expenses of events sponsored by the group, or agreed love and perfect trust” but a much more normal level to as part of its obligations as members of this of trust and mutual respect of our potential members. Society, and voluntary donations will be accepted). d/ malfeasance, e/ breaking Priestly confidentiality, Potential members must be legal adults, must attend subject to the law, f/ oath-breaking. at least three of our Open Circles over the course of a year, sign the attendance book at each of them, People who wish to become further involved in our signify in writing that they agree with our statement church need not be members to volunteer for of beliefs and our ethic statement (below) and pay committees (although nonmembers cannot vote) or to our annual membership fee (currently $25). attend basic Religious Education classes (which will be taught by members and clergy). Just contact the Only voting members may vote or be elected to Secretary of CWA in your province or your local congregational councils or the provincial council, congregation’s clergy or congregation council may vote to confirm a clergy person to hold our Summoner / Secretary. credential, or train for our clergy. Clergy training takes a minimum of one further year, regardless of Groups or individuals in prvinces where we do not yet the amount of previous training or experience which have provincial affiliate, please contact our national a person may have. Secretary for contacts and help.

CWA Statement of Beliefs: The Secretary of CWA for 2014-15 is Sam Wagar and he’s at [email protected] The members of this Society believe: a/ that the divine is multifaceted and that it is appropriate to SEND SAM NEWS. LOTS OF NEWS, Name and worship a variety of Goddesses and Gods PICTURES, TOO! GET PUBLISHED, TALK in a variety of different ways, b/ that the divine is primarily immanent, c/ that there are a variety of WITH YOUR FELLOW PAGANS. guardian spirits and levels of divinity, d/ that we generally shape our liturgy and theology around the worship of the Goddess or the Goddess and the Old Gods, e/ that the divine is ever-present and ever- active in the world, f/ that we can through petition,