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Archive for March, 2014

It is with sad hearts that we report the folding of our wonderful sister group Utah State University Pagan Alliance. Over the last two years since Kassie Cressall graduated, USUPA has had periods of inactivity, and as SLPS reported last year, had come back from the void under a new president. The old president Kassie posted on March 19, 2014 on their “We are no longer an active club on campus. If you are interested in joining the USUPA or renewing it please contact Kassie at kjcressall AT gmail DOT com. She is happy to answer all questions, point you towards currently active groups, and guide you thru the USU club process. Thank you to all club members, leadership, and supporters over the past three years. You made USU history by being part of the first Pagan Alliance in Logan, Utah”

Being such a small place, we hope all the members of USUPA find a new resource and group for spirituality in Logan, UT

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A few select members of SLPS meet under the auspicious second dark moon of March, known as a black moon on Saturday, March 29, 2014. The members worked dark moon magic together, set goals, and went on a vision quest by the beating of the drum by President Muad’Dib who guided the quest. With each beat of the drum, whip of the flame and shake of the rain stick, the travels to the astral realm were accomplished. Offerings included orange and chocolate brownies and juice.

March 2014, Black Moon Ritual altar, Saturday, March 29, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

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Ostara shining face was seen this past Ostara 2014. SLPS held Ostara 2014 on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 6pm. The ritual was done in the New American Tradition by SLPS president Muad’Dib.

With the opening of the ceremony by the LBRP and other rites, the ritual quickly moved to the story of Ostara or Easter. Centering around the Goddess Eostre and her blessing of the bunnies to spread her name, a guided journey to meet the Goddess was performed. Afterward, wildflower seeds were spread in a barren patch of land, to bring new life as spring rolls forward. President Muad’DibĀ  performed a druid rite of spring to Coel. The cakes and ales included bunny bread rolls made by Rhiannon Watters that were offered up to the Goddess in thanks for the return of Spring, with the song “The Earth is Our Mother” by Libana being chanted in remembrance of our ties and duty to care for the land. The ritual ended peacefully with spring poetry.

The feastings included vegan lentil soup, potato rolls, grilled chicken, spinach and cucumber salad, and enchiladas. With the wine and juice flowing freely, the feastings continued into the night and ended with a few hands of five card poker!

Ostara 2014, East altar with Winged Isis, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, South altar with Apollo, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, West altar with Hades, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, North altar with Gaia, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

2014-03-22 18.04.50

Ostara 2014 main altar, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

2014-03-22 18.05.01

Ostara 2014, main altar center, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Goddess Ostara acrylic on board plaque by Kurth Shoopman, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Cheyanne Opheikens, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014 l to r: Rhiannon Watters, Yuriel Lizardi, and Donna Watters ,Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Bunny biscuits made by Rhiannon Watters, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, fire, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Muad’Dib (l) and Cheyanne Opheikens, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Muad’Dib behind main altar, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Steven Wellington, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Woman Between the Wolves (l red) and Steven Wellington in circle, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, wildflower seed area, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014 l to r: Cheyanne Opheikens, Steven Wellington, Rhiannon Watters, Yuriel Lizarid, Shy Fox, and Donan Watteres in circle, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014 Feat, l to r: Steven Wellington, Rhiannon Watters, Donna Watters, Cheyanne Opheikens (middle right) and Shy Fox, (bottom right), with vegan lentil soup with ladle, water, apple juice and grilled chicken, potato salad, tomato soup, potato rolls (by Steven). Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Muad’Dib with poker chips for eyes, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Ostara 2014, Poker game with Shy Fox, Saturday, March 22, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

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A few members and guests of SLPS gathered last night Friday, March 21, 2014 to prepare the eggs for Ostara 2014. At first the brown eggs appeared to present a challenge of if the dye would stick, but it sure did! Some beautiful eggs are now waiting to be presented to the Goddess and eaten in sacred Ostara egg salad! There was even a black egg! The other plastic eggs hold wildflower seeds read to be sown into the barren Earth in symbol of the returning life of spring time.

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, Rhiannon Watters, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, Donna Watters, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, cage free eggs and dyes, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, Wildflower seeds, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, Wildflower seed package, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, colorful died eggs, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, more colorful died eggs, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, yet still more color died eggs, Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Egg Dying for Ostara 2014, plastic eggs with wildflower seeds Friday, March 21, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

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The Society exhibit ā€œA Look at Paganism: Beliefs and Culture of the Neopagan Communityā€ that was held at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah ran from January 17- March 16, 2014. It was an enormous success! All the hard work paid off. 8 people came together donating items or approving of their use for display in the wall cases at the library. It was headed, organized, and proposed to the exhibition committee by President Muad’Dib. All the explanatory cards were also written by President Muad’Dib. Sections included (As pictured in level one) music, art, literature, crafts, (as pictured in level 2) films, Pagan deities, Magical Arts and Sciences (top), Jewelry (bottom), ritual items and elementals.

Louise Poulton of the exhibition committee and Rare Book Division of Special Collections said the application was ā€œvery well written and put together.ā€ A few of the members of the committee said they were very impressed with the display and that it received only positive feedback. Many students and guests stopped to look at the different displays and contemplate Paganism. It was one of the highest trafficked exhibitions to date!

The reserve desk on level two, which is next door to the display cases also reported many people stopping to look at the displays. SLPS is so happy that it succeed that there is a plan in the works to have the exhibition go to other schools and universities to teach people about Paganism. Currently Salt Lake Community College Library and the library at Utah Valley University are the best places.Ā  Here are photos from the exhibition.

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Wall display cases l to r- music, art, books, crafts, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Wall display cases l to r- movies, deity statues, divination and jewelry, ritual items and elementals, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 2, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Art, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Art- Oak and Holly King plaques by Kurt Shoopman of Kentucky, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Ganesh painting by Lunar Oak Spirit, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Art-Horned God Plaque by Kurt Shoopman of Kentucky, Digital print by Lunar Oak Spirit, The Sorcerer (Cave Art) plaque, and Green Man mug by Remembrances Potter of Sarnia, Canada, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Green Man mug by Natalie Dufort Sheldon of Remembrances Pottery in Sarnia, Canada, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, literature, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, tradition literature, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, The Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, tradition literature with Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart open, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Crafts, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Crafts-witches’ bottle and hand carved pork bone runes made by Muad’Dib, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Crafts-river wood wand by Muad’Dib, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Crafts-apothecary herbs, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Crafts-Wheel of the year, beading, and Lughanasadh corn dolly, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, beaded owl pendant necklace by Shy Fox and sunflower table cloth by Woman Between the Wolves, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Wall display cases l to r-movies, deity statues, divination and astrology, elements and ritual, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 2, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, movies, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 2, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, movies close up, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 2, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, deity statues, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, deity statues l to r-Gaia, Thoth, and Ganesh, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, deity statues l to r-Lugh, Kwan Yin, and Eostre plaque by Kurt Shoopman of Kentucky, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, divination and jewelry, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, divination-Dragon Tarot by Terry Donaldson, Ogham on river stones, Faire Oracle by Brian Fraud, and a Citrine crystal ball, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, jewelry l to r- Oak leaf circlet, Thor’s Hammer, Awen and skull bead necklace made by Muad’Dib, First Nation necklace, Pentagram Wicca ring, Copper and peridot Ankh, and right is an ancestral rosary made by Muad’Dib, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Ritual items and elementals, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, Ritual items l to r: Dugway UT geode, drinking horn, smudge stick, wand made by Muad’Dib, silver chalice for water, pentacle for earth, and ancestral skull, J Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

A Look at Paganism Exhibition, ritual items elementals l to r-feather for element air, oak leaf offering tray, athame for fire, and incense, J Willard Marriott Library Level 1, January 17- March 16, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

Student exploring the literature in level 1 of the exhibition, University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library, February 13, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

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And St. Patrick got in the car and drove the snakes to the SLPS full moon ritual! The snakes of Ireland came to the SLPS full moon to honor the Moon Goddess and give a snaky eye to St. Patrick.

On a rare Monday ritual, Monday, March 5, 2014, at 9pm, the altar was decorated with a shamrock tablecloth made by SLPS adviser Woman Between the Wolves, and seated on the sides of the Goddess were live shamrock plants. Other attributes adorned it such a post of gold and corned beef and cabbage.

The members of SLPS were cleansed, charged, and worked magic by the full moon. Thanks in the form of green macaroons were given to the Goddess for her continual blessings as Indian temple incense wafted about the room. St. Patrick descended to watch as SLPS celebrated their ancestral kin, the druids. Truly a great blessing this St. Patrick’s Day!

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, Moon Goddess Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, altar center with offerings, Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, altar, Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, burning prayer flags, Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, fire magic, Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, St. Patrick in the fire, Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

March 2014 St. Patrick Full Moon Ritual, altar with fire, Monday, March 17, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

2014-03-17 21.28.22

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The wheel has turned and it’s time to get the candles and eggs out for the Germanic Goddess Ostara, one of spring and the equinox! This year’s Ostara will be performed in the Wiccan fashion by President Muad’Dib. Ritual will be Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 6pm with feasting around 7:30pm. We will be dying eggs the day before on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 7pm in preparation for Ostara. You can find the ritual outline here! It will be held outside so dress warmly for early spring weather! Only those who came to Witches’ Tea may attend since this is a private ritual.

ostara

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SLPS had a wonderful time doing $5 tarot at the 13th Annual Belly Dance Festival by Thia at the Utah State Fairground on Saturday, March 1, 2014, in North Salt Lake. The festival ran from 10am to 10pm. It included various vendors, belly dance troupes, music, and shows. As the day went on, the more well know and advanced troupes performed, leading up to the grand performance at 10pm. SLPS though, after nine hours of tarot and forty readings, dancing, and music, packed up and headed to dinner at the Rio Grand at 8pm for the cilantro chicken!

13th Annual Bellydance Festival by Thia, L to r-(faces) Woman Between the Wolves, Muad’Dib. Lunar Oak Spirit, Saturday, March 1, 2014, Utah State Fairgrounds, Salt Lake City, UT

13th Annual Bellydance Festival by Thia, Muad’Dib with the Deviant Moon tarot deck, Saturday, March 1, 2014, Utah State Fairgrounds, Salt Lake City, UT

13th Annual Bellydance Festival by Thia, Muad’Dib with headscarf, Saturday March 1, 2014, Utah State Fairgrounds, Salt Lake City, UT

13th Annual Bellydance Festival by Thia, Lunar Oak Spirit and Woman Between the Wolves (r), Saturday March 1, 2014, Utah State Fairgrounds, Salt Lake City, UT

Cilantro Chicken Dinner after the 13th Annual Bellydance Festival by Thia, Rio Grand, Saturday, March 1, 2014, Salt Lake City, UT

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