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"by Salman Hameed"
The US presence in Afghanistan is becoming an embarrassment with every passing day. I was already planning on writing about the outrage over the burning of the Quran when we heard about the massacre of 16 people, including 9 children, by a US soldier. The reaction to Qur'an burning was much more severe than the latter incident. How do we make sense of that?
I think a perfect starting point is something that biologist Jerry Coyne wrote last month. He had a post about the Qur'an burning incident, titled Eight dead because four Qur'ans burned. He ended his post by stating "It's just pieces of paper". This is an interesting comment and it got me thinking about how a society attributes value to things or actions. I actually agree that human lives should be paramount and not be wasted for any such offense (and that is why it was and still is lunacy when people threaten Salman Rushdie). But that doesn't mean that "it's just pieces of paper". It might be for Coyne - but Afghans (and other Muslims) value the Qur'an differently. If the US forces are in Afghanistan - then they should respect the culture they are in. Such a respect for other cultures is also part of liberal thinking. However, this appreciation of "value"becomes even more important when there is an asymmetric power relation, and it is the powerful that is accused of violating the local customs. The US forces are inAfghanistan - and they have to learn and respect the local culture.
But let me bring up two other cases:
1) Freedom of speech and the Danish cartoon controversy: Here, I the Muslims over-reached and showed insensitivity to the local customs. The issue of freedom of expression is not without problems, but it is an important one. Muslims threatening cartoonists for drawing pictures of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is equally insensitive to the local values. If one doesn't want to see the pictures and is offended by them - don't see them. But one cannot enforce his/her values on to the local Europeans (or on to the South Park creators in the US) simply because one is offended by them.
We are seeing more and more of these clashes because different value systems are colliding due to global connectivity - and we have to understand and appreciate the different viewpoints.
2) The destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas: Talking about values, how do we think about the Bamiyan statues statues destroyed by the Taliban? Of course, the destruction of the 2000 year old statues by the Taliban was insane. But then the Taliban almost used the same logic as Coyne's: These are just pieces of rock, they are located in their territory, and they didn't like them. What is the big deal? But of course, this is a big deal. We associate value to them and deem them important for historical and cultural perspectives. Similarly, we can argue for the immense value of Mona Lisa or the pyramids of Giza, etc.
But of course, there is a balancing part. I don't think any of this is meant to be a defense of any loss of lives or any form of cultural practice. I do think that some of the cultural customs of Taliban
"How can you compare the dishonoring of the Holy Koran with the martyrdom of innocent civilians?" said an incredulous Mullah Khaliq Dad, a member of the council of religious leaders who investigated the Koran burnings. "The whole goal of our life is religion."That many Americans are just as surprised that what appears to be the massacre of 16 people at the hands of an American soldier has not led to mass protests or revenge killings speaks volumes about a fundamental disconnect with their Afghan partners, one that has undermined a longstanding objective to win the hearts and minds of the population. After more than 10 years, many deaths and billions of dollars invested, Americans still fail to grasp the Afghans' basic values. Faith is paramount and a death can be compensated with blood money."To Muslims, and especially to Afghans, religion is much higher a concern than civilian or human casualties," said Hafez Abdul Qayoom, a member of Afghanistan's highest clerical body, the Ulema Council. "When something happens to their religion, they are much more sensitive and have much stronger reaction to it."
...
Mullah Qayoom is surprised that anyone is surprised.
"Humans were sent here to worship and protect religion," he said. "That is what the purpose of a Muslim's life is."
Also, Afghans were very much aware that burning a Koran under American law normally would not be a crime, any more than burning a Bible would be - so those responsible were not going to suffer anything that Afghans would view as appropriate punishment.In the case of murder, the military does have capital punishment, at least in theory - though no American soldier has ever been sentenced to death for acts committed in Afghanistan, including murders.
"In your laws there is the death penalty, so we are hopeful," Mullah Qayoom said. "With the Koran burning, your people do not even respect your own
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**original photo from The Sage Goddess on Etsy**
CAVANSITE
Cavansite is a rare mineral that forms deep blue crystal structures on other minerals. It gets it's name from a combining it's chemical composition, calcium, vanadium and silicate. It was first discovered in 1967 in Malheur County, Oregon. It's found primarily in India, but has also been found in New Zealand, Brazil and the United States. Depending on the area in which it is found it's color can vary from a gorgeous deep blue to a sparkly light aquamarine.
It's deep blue hue and energy help you to receive clear insight and understanding. It works to open both your throat and your third eye chakra, also aiding in communication. This is a very spiritual stone and it's said that it can help one have spiritual breakthroughs. If you are a psychic or a lightworker this is an amazing gemstone to have as it can help facilitate the process and help you to recall more information on your spiritual journeys. It facilitates communication with the other side. It is said that it also can be quite helpful in gaining access to your Akashik records.
Cavansite is a very calming stone, helping to soothe nerves and gently control emotions. This soothing and uplifting energy makes it a stone of transition and it can help you move past any snags on your path to the next area on your journey. It's energy can help you to reconcile your past and understand the lessons you have previously been presented with.
Physically this stone is beneficial for the kidneys, bladder, eyes and throat.
Love and Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
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Oh the lilacs are in bloom, it's spring, and it's Friday and Beltane is just around the corner! What a great time for some faerie beauty magic! Today's spell in the 2013 Llewellyn's Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac is one that I wrote, it's a spell using a flower that's very much loved by faerie kind and my favorite flower (if I had to pick a favorite) the lilac. This is a spell to call upon the Queen of the Fae to assist you in bringing your inner beauty out so that it shines for all to see.
Photo by Mickie Mueller
I hope you enjoy it, here's the link for the spell on the Llewellyn Spell-A-Day website! Enjoy!
LILAC FAERIE BEAUTY SPELL By Mickie Mueller
Spell Date: Friday, April 26, 2013Color of the day: CoralIncense of the day: CypressCall upon the queen of the Fae to bring out your inner beauty with this lovely lilac spell.
If the lilacs are in bloom in your area, place fresh Click here for the rest of this spell...
Llewellyn's Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac, this is a great Almanac
full of spells from many of their writers, I read it all the time and
collect them year after year! Click here for more details!
I hope you enjoyed the spell. If you love the faerie art at the top of the page or want to work more magic with Tatiana, we have lots of faerie art in my official Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/MickieMuellerStudio
Light a candle in honor of Queen Tatiana, beautiful decor for you home!
Get yours here!
Please drop me a comment below on my old wooden art table and let me know how you liked the spell!
Brightest Blessings,
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THE WITCHES BALLAD
Oh, I have been beyond the town, Where nightshade black and mandrake grow, and I have been and I have seen What righteous folk would fear to know!
For I have heard, at still midnight, Upon the hilltop far, forlorn, With note that echoed through the dark, The winding of the heathe horn.
And I have seen the fire aglow, And glinting from the magic sword, And with the inner eye beheld The Horned One, the Sabbat's lord.
We drank the wine, and broke the bread, And ate it in the Old One's name. We linked our hands to make the ring, And laughed and leaped the Sabbat game.
Oh, little do the townsfolk reck, When dull they lie within their bed! Beyond the streets, beneath the stars, A merry round the witches tread!
And round and round the circle spun, Until the gates swung wide ajar, That bar the boundaries of the earth, From faery realms that shine afar.
Oh, I have been and I have seen In magic worlds of Otherwhere. For all this world may praise or blame, For ban or blessing nought I care.
For I have been beyond the town, Where meadowsweet and roses grow, And there such music did I hear As worldly-righteous never know.
Enjoy!
Blessed Be
Credit: http://master-of-tarot.blogspot.com
Here are some of the events of interest to pagans that are taking place in London and elsewhere in southern England from now until the weekend of the Summer Solstice.
Now - 22 June; Vikings life and legend. BP exhibition at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG. Open daily 10am-5.30pm, Fridays until 8.30pm. Tickets: Adults lb16.50, free or reduced prices for members and Art Pass holders.
Friday, 13 June; Unveiling of Gerald Gardner Blue Plaque in Highcliffe, Dorset, organised by the Doreen Valiente Foundation and the Centre for Pagan Studies in collaboration with Children of Artemis. Time: 2pm - 8pm. Meet at 2.30pm at the Clifftop Car Park off Wharncliffe Road, Highcliffe, for a procession past Mill House, where Gardner was initiated, to the house where Gerald Gardner lived for the plaque unveiling. There is an evening event at Highcliffe Castle. Day event free, evening event lb5. For more information and tickets, visit:
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Since I joined this church over a decade ago, I have thought of myself as a member. When did I become a member? It was at my first Spring Mysteries seeing the Gods appear at Parade to the Sea. Tears started streaming down my face, and I knew that I had found my Wiccan family. It wasn't about paying a membership or doing a certain service. It was about what happened in my heart when I saw the Great Work to which I could devote myself. It was my own decision that this was the family for whom I had been looking.
In the great struggle that all Wiccan institutions face of keeping the lights on and paying the bills, this church has been through many incarnations of membership and what it means. In this endeavor, I have learned something really important about membership to a church. It's not about how much money you pay, or how often you attend, where you live, or even the people involved. It's about how you feel about the work being done and your desire to be a part of that Great Work. It's a commitment you make in your heart. It's something that can't be given or taken away.
Membership to a church is between you and your Gods.
So, we have reorganized the membership program, where we asked for you to offer 10 a month to the church. By making membership based on a flat 10 a month rate we have discouraged those that would give more from giving more, and caused those that found 10 a month to be a hardship to feel undervalued. It was another great attempt at solving a huge problem. It's just not working.
Instead, what I am asking you now is to donate what you can to the Mother Church and her many affiliates and subsidiaries. There are so many hands doing the work of the Gods, and so few dollars to support this work. Most of our Priests and Priestesses have no other choice but to fund their ministry completely out of their own household budgets. The average Christian family donates 80 monthly to their church. With those kinds of donations we could create budgets that would allow us to host more open circles, and public temples, and in the future provide schools, women's shelters and hospital ministries.
Let me introduce what I hope is a solution: a website that allows you to donate on a level that is comfortable for you. You can give easily online - a dollar now, and a dollar later, or a monthly donation that fits into your own personal budget. If all you can give is a few dollars here and there, then please consider that if everyone who reads this letter gives a few dollars here and there, we will have the funds to operate the church for another month. Give what you can, anything you can.
With a little financial planning you will be able to choose a monthly gift and work it into your budget. 5 or 10 dollars a month goes a long way when there are many people doing it. Larger donations go even further. Many of you support the church's ministry, but don't have time to serve. Instead, support those who do. Let those who do have time know how important their work is to you by giving financially, so that our generation of witches can do more for the Goddess and Her people.
Here's the link: https://aquatabch.infellowship.com. If you're not already signed up as a member, please do so. We need the information should you need the proof in the future (such as for taxes). This software makes it easy to received a tax letter, and allows you to choose to donate your money to several different ATC ministries. If your ATC Ministry isn't listed and you would like it to be, please email me.
Guys, this transition has been difficult on all of us. The bank accounts are showing it. Please help us out. Thank you for your generosity, and thank you so much for being a member of this great family.
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This year's blue moon, or thirteenth full moon, will be August 31. This can be a time of personal cleansing, or a time to seek the Goddess's blessing. Here is a blue moon cleansing ritual!
BLUE MOON RELEASE RITUAL
Items you will need are:
Floating candles (If done in a group everyone should bring their own)
Water
Cauldron or large bowl
Matches
Pen or Athame for carving the candles
*This ritual should be done under the full moon outside if possible*
Begin by ritually cleansing the area and yourselves with a sage smudge stick.
Set up your altar.
Cast your circle and call the quarters as usual.
Invoke the Goddess.
Place the water filled cauldron in the middle of the altar.
Everyone should write what they wish to release on their candles and place them into the cauldron.
As the candles are placed into the water each person should declare what they are releasing.
Light the candles.
Feel what you wish to release flow into the candle and out of you.
After all candles are lit everyone should chant 3 times:
"Blue moon full and bright,
Thirteenth moon of lunar light,
May triumph reign upon this night,
As change begins by sacred rite!
So mote it be!"
Now is the time for cakes ">Release the circle and dismiss the quarters as usual.
Cleanup!
Allow the candles to continue to burn in the water. The flame is a symbol of cleansing and release. Celebrate this release with a feast under the full moon! Be sure to remember to place an offering to the Goddess outside from the feast! Stay focused on who you wish to be and who you are becoming!
Blessed be,
Lady Alice
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List of items needed;
Dirt (or potting soil)
Lasagna (or cake) pan
Small slips of paper
Pens or Pencils
Birthday candles
At Imbolc, energy begins to return to the earth after long months of resting
and waiting. The light garden celebrates this feeling of potential in the
air and starts all of us thinking about our own potential to create and make
necessary changes. It reminds us of our own awe-inspiring ability (like the
Earth's) to gestate new growth, abilities, and projects.
First, go outdoors and dig up some good rich dirt to fill a lasagna pan or
sheet-cake baking pan. (If you don't have access to a yard, buy some
potting soil.) Then come back inside and sit in a circle with the
dirt-filled pan in the center. Take a few moments to think about what
particular ideas, projects, creative ventures, or changes you would like to
manifest in the coming months. Would you like to learn how to play a flute?
Be able to paint with oils? Is there a book inside you waiting to be
written? Or would you like to start your own neighborhood newspaper? Make
your own clothes? Run a mile? Learn how to drive? Ride a bike? Paddle a
canoe? Both adults and children will come up with lots of wonderful ideas.
Then have each person write a few words about each idea - or draw a picture
of it - on a small slip of paper. Do as many as you like.
Crumple the papers up into tiny pellets or seeds. Then, taking turns, plant
the seeds in the pan of earth. When all the seeds have been planted, each
person takes a small birthday candle and sets it into the dirt over the
spots where their seeds are buried. Place the pan on the altar where the
seeds (and candles) will lie waiting. After dark on Imbolc, light the
candles and feel their energy blessing your plans and hopes. You may save
the dirt and seeds to plant in your outdoor garden in spring.
From: "Celebrating The Great Mother" by Cait Johnson and Maura Shaw pg. 142
Origin: http://i-love-witchcraft.blogspot.com
The October full moon is known as Hunter's Moon. It is also called Falling Leaf Moon and Blood Moon. As the 2012 October full moon falls on the 29th, it is in the sun sign Taurus. A full moon in Taurus is an ideal time to cast spells promoting creativity, prosperity, better family relationships and practical planning.
In my eBook "Simple Wiccan Magick Full Moon Spells & Rituals", I show you how to create an Abundance Amulet, a round disk full of prosperity-drawing herbes. The ritual focuses on family happiness and a life of abundance.
OCTOBER CORRESPONDENCES FOR SPELLS
Stones associated with October are morganite, pink emerald, opals and tourmaline. Decorate your altar with calendula and marigold flowers and use lavender oil and incense.
As the Wiccan festival of Samhain, the Witches' New Year falls two days after the full moon, you may wish to reuse your altar flowers.
HUNTER MOON MENU SUGGESTIONS
After your spellwork, feast on a vegetarian three-bean chilli, made with the usual spices but with kidney beans, chick peas and black beans - an ironic twist for the Hunter Moon! Add a mixed green salad with earthy balsamic vinaigrette and a fresh fig claufouti for dessert. Recipes are included in my full moon eBook.
Blessed be!
(c) 2012, Holly Zurich. All rights reserved.
(c)2013 Simple Wiccan Magick Spells. All Rights Reserved..
Source: http://wizard-notes.blogspot.com
*
We live in a wholly "worldly" public sphere; and what the modern world shows is that worldliness does not, apparently "cannot", defend the world.
A focus on 'this world' by those who believe only in this world, is leading to the utter loss of this world.
*
Throughout the decades of atheist adult life, I used to worry that belief in other-worldly religions (especially among political leaders) would lead to neglect of this world.
That 'crazy Christians' would lead us into terminal wars over imagined spiritual conflicts, would lead to mass poverty in pursuit of delusional spiritual goals, would destroy this actual planet and most of the people on it because their attention was focused on an imaginary afterlife.
*
I feared that a concentration on the salvation of souls would lead to a neglect of bodies and minds.
I feared that seeking happiness in heaven would lead to the neglect of preventible misery on earth.
*
However, it turns out that the worldly neglect by the worldly is far, far worse than the unworldly religious have ever attained: blinder, more perverse, more lacking in worldly wisdom.
And for this there is neither reason nor excuse.
*
The reckless, futile squandering of this-life by people who supposedly believe there is "only" this-life.
The utter lack of common sense by those whose religion is common sense.
*
It seems that to believe there is only this world and only this life is in practice to render "everything futile"; to encourage recklessness by the absence of any conceivable strategic good.
*
What a paradox! That the irreligious for whom the world is everything yet accept and actively assist in the destruction of this world; and that the religious - who are trying to focus on the next world - are among few who perceive that this world is on the verge of destruction.
The paradox is not new - the Old Testament has examples of prophets who fortell the destruction of cities of corruption; who simultaneously "approve" this destruction as merited by sin, yet also try to "prevent" it.
The worldly cannot see this approaching collapse - it is only the "spiritual" prophets who realize the incipient reality of "physical" destruction and its "physical" terribleness.
So holy and spiritual prophets seek to terrify worldly sinners with prophecies of wordly consequences - how could it be otherwise?
*
The paradox is thus apparent, not real; the prophets seek not to save the world for more worldliness; but to bring the wicked to "repentance" using the only language which the wicked understand.
And if there "is" repentance then destruction is delayed.
*
Origin: http://way-of-witch.blogspot.com
