The Pagan Community is one filled with diversity and individuality - characteristics we celebrate. Our religious beliefs are often quite disparate. Yet, although we walk different paths, we do so in harmony with one another. We connect - often deeply - on a spiritual level. And it is through our spirituality that we become more than just a community. We become a family.

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Rebirth, Renewal, and Regeneration
By Axiom

....But I'm walking an ecclectic path. I'm not specialising in Asatru or Wicca or or whatever. I don't need/want to spend a couple of months studying all that history. I just want to learn about Frigga and calling the Valkyries. And pick up a bit of the herbalism. Then I want to do some candle magic, and maybe read some Celtic myths - what do you mean which region? They're all the same. Celtic, you know. Anyway, that'll give me a feel for the Celtic pantheon so I can call on them 'cause you know I really like Brigit. Very drawn to her. Oh, and I want to do some tarot. But I'll grab a reference book - I don't have time to spend a couple of days learning each one. I'll just read the book as I go.

Oh and I'm teaching my friend. I've read so much on being Pagan over the last three months but I still remember what it's like to be just starting out.

Anyway, what with work and my life in general, I don't have the time to read that stuff you wanted me to. And I haven't really looked at those study questions - I mean I looked, but they don't apply to me, because I'm ecclectic. So I don't need to know that stuff....
Extract from Myth, Magic and Madness

Seasonal Festival - Saulegriza
By Katya.

....Before I talk of Saule, let me offer you a brief introduction to celebrating Christmas Lithuanian style! Why? Because this is not really Christmas they celebrate, despite what some may say. They are honoring the sun and her renewal. They may call it Christmas and talk of the Christos, but in reality it is the Saulegriza, the solstice. And (as I have said) many of the customs are unabashed in their mention of the sun's rebirth - even the priests will participate in the old customs. Christmas is the quilt worn today by the Saulegriza. It does not take much effort to lift aside a corner and see Saule shining bright....
Extract from Festivals and Holidays

The Right Path
By Rev. C. Palmer.

....The Gods talk to us every day whether we realize it or not. They are the Mother and Father and the greatest gift they have given us is life. Just the simple act of breathing is an affirmation that they exist. For some, like myself, within a dreamscape I actually walk and talk with two wondrous beings that comfort me, chastise me or advise me. Are they a figment of my imagination or are they real? That is a personal interpretation and one that with my faith I can answer definitively. They exist and they do interact with me. There is no imagination to it but a true experience that I bring forth every morning after I have been with them....
Extract from Editorials

Whispers in the Dark
By Axiom.

Since I don't talk about "god" to my children, but rather about concrete terms like "Mother Earth" or "Sister Moon" or "Father Sun", god needed explaining. Which got me thinking - how do I explain my understanding of the divine to my children? How to encompass all that it is without being too complex, and yet refrain from being too simplistic and dumbed down....
Extract from Editorials

Midsumarsblot
By Crystal

....I am a practicing Asatruar down in Australia and wanted to share my upcoming Midsumarsblot with your readers. Since the season's are reversed we are well into summer and Solmaudr, the Sun-Month unlike you all up there with winter looming close.

The solstice approaches with the longest day of the year. Right now Suna is at her most powerful, sharing her heat and warmth with us all. We mimic her by lighting fires of our own and celebrate throughout the short night, keeping vigil until the dawn - following which Suna will begin her decline towards the winter solstice in June....
Extract from Festivals and Holidays

Empty-Handed
By NiteSage.

....Creating thought forms is simple. So simple in fact that there is quite a bit of literature written about the unintentional ones we create and how to deal with them. Suffice it to say for now that the unintentional ones are created through our worry and fretting, or fear, or hatred; in other words by our concentrated repetitive thoughts and emotions. Also later on in our practice we are often called upon to deal with those that have been left behind by others. So while the techniques for creating them are simple, thought forms are an important area of study for us....
Extract from Tools of the Trade

Memories
By Bill Wolfe

....The wheel turns and I find myself standing in a dark hall, fragrant with incense, lit only by the sparkling light of many candles, and filled with people who have come to celebrate the solstice. My children stand with me and my wife, and our family is held close within the beating heart of our community....
Extract from Memories Over the Years

The Great Mother and the Holly King
By Anne S.

....The Darkest Night comes - when the Sun-Father has turned his face away and the people pray and sing to him, calling him back from the darkness.
They gather around large bonfires, and tell stories about the sun, beneath the silvery starlight.
The Holly King listens as they ask the Great Mother to wake from her sleep, to remember them....
Extract from Mythology for Children

From the Desk of
Albineus Equinus

This is the anniversary issue of The Pagan Heart. How appropriate that it falls during the solstice, a time for reflection and looking forward.

I have spent the last month looking back through the issues and seeing how the magazine has developed and progressed, and the thing that has struck me most is the love and commitment shown by the regular writers for this endeavour. The intent to share with and increase the knowledge of the Pagan community, to learn from others out there, to encourage people to join in and reveal their thoughts and ideas is visible in each issue.

It has not been an easy 12 months, especially for some of our staff who have worked extra long hard hours to get the material written, collated, coded, and published issue after issue. This is very much a labour of love � no payment, no reward beyond seeing the magazine go out and reading the occasional letter of feedback. But the commitment we feel is unchanged � if not strengthened. To provide a community-driven publication that provides a resource for all Pagans from all paths. We are not there yet � providing material for the variety of Pagan paths is not a simple or quick task after all. But the journey is one we are privileged to be taking.

This magazine is still a baby in many ways, but the effort put in by everyone is incredible. And the result is a publication that does manage to offer something for many of the different Pagan faiths. I know this next year will bring further growth and more contributions from our readers as well as the staff. Having seen the magazine improve with each issue, I am excited at the thought of what 2006 will bring.

Thank you for helping us to make this magazine a success.

In light and love,
Albi
Managing Editor
   

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