Archive for the ‘Ritual’ Category
Yule 2015
Posted in druidry, Other, Pagan, religion, Ritual, wicca, witchcraft, tagged christmas., feast, ritual, Salt Lake Pagan Society, utah, Winter Solstice, yule on December 13, 2015| 2 Comments »
Samhain Ritual and Feast 2015
Posted in Pagan, Ritual, Sabbat, wicca, witchcraft, tagged Ancestors, dead, kindred, paganism, Salt Lake Pagan Society, Samhain, samhain 2015, wiccan rites on October 19, 2015| Leave a Comment »
4th Annual Moab Pride Festival 2015 An Exciting Adventure
Posted in esbat, LGBT, Ritual, Tarot, Vending, tagged Arches National Park, Balanced Rock, Colorado River, Courthouse, Delicate Arch, desert magic, Double Art, Eclipse, Equaity Utah, Grand County Library, Grand County School District, Hiking, Human Rights Campaign, Kali Ma, La Hacienda, LGBT, Love Muffin Cafe, Milky Way, Moab, Moab Diner, Moab Pride 2015, Moab UT, Moab Valley Multicultural Center, Mormon's Building Bridges, National Forest Service, Native American Student Club, nature, Navajo Tacos, Nefertiti's Headdress, Obatala, Ochun, Oshun, palmistry, Petrified Sand Dunes, Price UT, QSaltLake, Quesadilla Mobilla, Quesadillas, Rio, river magic, skyline arch, Supermoon, Supermoon Eclipse, Swanny City Park, tarot reading, Tostadas, Trevor Project, Two Spirit, utah, visibility march, Window Arch, wolfe ranch on September 30, 2015| Leave a Comment »
What a wonderful adventure! The excitement keeps on coming at every turn. SLPS had a terrific weekend attending the 4th Annual Moab Pride Festival Saturday and Sunday September 26-27, 2015. The group drove down Friday evening, staying at the Days Inn motel. After a mix up with only one king sized bed for three people, the readers finally got some rest for the big day in the morning. No time for the the Pre-Pride Party at the Rio bar that the pride crowds were attending.
Saturday morning September 26, breakfast was at the local Moab Diner, but due to the tourists, had to be taken to go. The festival started at 10:30 at Swanny City Park. The vendor booths were placed in a semi-circle around the stage in the park. Various vendors included Equality Utah, Human Rights Campaign, The National Forest Service, The Grand County Library, and the Trevor Project.
A visibility march took place at 11:30 am, marching a few blocks east, south, then west before circling back around to the park. Groups such as Utah Naturalists, Mormons Building Bridges, the Moab Valley Multicultural Center and the local fire department participated with their fire engine bringing up the rear.
The day was very hot, upwards of 95 degrees F. Various bands performed through the day, with drag shows scattered throughout the programming. SLPS’ booths was busy, bringing in many customers who had never had a reading. The Native American Club from Grand County School District sold Navajo tacos. The Moab Valley Multicultural Center sold tostadas, and the mobile vendor Quesadilla Mobilla sold various quesadillas.
Dinner was at the local restaurant La Hacienda. Enchiladas were in order, with shrimp and chicken. The guacamole had to be spiced up somewhat with pepper sauce, but the food was pretty good overall. The staff continued to check on us throughout the dinning experience and even gave us tips about the parks in the area.
The Pride after party was held at the Rio, same place as the Pre-Pride party next door to the park. Door fee was $15, which went to help fund the local youth center. Filled with Pride attendees, people drank, partied, and danced the warm night away.
Since SLPS was so successful, we decided to stay another night. Because of the trouble the night before, Days Inn gave us a discounted room, with two beds this time! Sunday morning, September 27 brought a chance to do some shopping and eat breakfast at Love Muffin Cafe, reinvesting the money from the community back into the local economy. The Love Muffin Cafe turned out to be the spot where all the hung over Post-Pride Parties came to get their fill of breakfast burritos, coffee, and muffins.
SLPS headed over to the mighty Colorado river to performing a morning ritual. After meditating and collecting some special water, a trip to Arches National Park was in order. The $10 fee was a good price to spend a day hiking and viewing sacred nature!
With many pictures, selfies, and group shots, SLPS did the whole circuit. Balanced rock, Double Arch, Skyline Arch, and Window Arch before heading off to hike to the famous Delicate Arch which is on the Utah license plates. The hike was arduous, in the heat of the day, with a difficult trail up a 45 degree slickrock face and uneven terrain, little shade was in sight, but the members of SLPS completed the trail in 2 1/2 hours with the help of a Venezuelan family after running out of water. We spent some time at the arch and headed back down the mainly descending trail. A drive back to Moab for water, food, and gas came as a relief.
Sucking down a gallon of water and eating pulled pork from Wendy’s, SLPS got back on the road for the return trip to Salt Lake City. The sun set over the western desert, illuminating the red rock, and we watched the supermoon eclipse on highway 6 outside of Price, UT. We pulled over to perform some quick eclipse full moon magic and take in the stunning view of the Milky Way Galaxy that can be seen in the wild desert away from the city lights.
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton arrived in Moab at 2am, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, l to r: Ashton Longhurst, Lauren Holman, Daniel Cureton having to share a king bed, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, breatkfast at Moab Diner, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, view from Moab Diner of a Mesa looking south west, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Moab Valley Cultural Center in visibility march, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, visibility march at main street and 100 N, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, visibility march heading west, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton and Mormons Building Bridges in visibility march, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, visibility march with Utah Naturalists in purple roabs, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, rainbow flag in visibility march, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, pride banner, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, SLPS booth with Ashton Longhurst, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, National Forest Service, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, vendor booths, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, vendor booths, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, vendor booths, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, vendor booths, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, vendor booths in a half circle, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, stage, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Quesadilla Mobila food vendor, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Native American Club of Grand County School District, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, L to r: Lauren Holman, Ashton Longhurst, Daniel Cureton, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Kali Ma, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, view of the festival looking west, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, stage from wine and beer area, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, attendees listening to music, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, after pride dinner- shrimp enchiladas at La Hacienda, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, after price dinner-restaurant menu, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, moonbeam flowers outside of La Hacienda, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Pride after party- electric car charging station at Best Western, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Pride after party at the Rio, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, dancers at the Pride after party, Saturday, September 26, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, the long motel corridor at Days Inn, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, view from Days Inn- Mesa looking south weset, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, the Days Inn, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Love Muffin Cafe, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, La Poutine breakfeast the Love Muffin Cafe (potatoes, sausage gravy, two eggs, bacon, blue cheese, pico), Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, the mighty Colorado River, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton at the Colorado River, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, l to r: Daniel Cureton, Ashton Longhurst, Lauren Holman at the Colorado River, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Sunrise Ritual at the Colorado River, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, entrance to Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park- La Sal moutain range in back, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Petrified Sand Dunes sign, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Petrified Dunes with Le Sal Moutan Range in back, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton with cigar, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Balanced Rock info, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton at Balanced rock, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton balacing Balanced rock, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, balanced rocks at Balanced rock, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Lauren Holman, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Skyline Arch info,Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, sign, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, sign for trail, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton at Skyline Arch, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Double Arch trail passes, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, formation along Double Arch trail, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Double Arch trail, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton on Double Arch trail, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Queen Nefertiti Rock, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Courthouse, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Wolfe Ranch InfoArches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch info, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Wolfe Ranch, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Wolfe Ranch house, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail river, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail dried river bed, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Petroglyphs trail, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Petroglyphs, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail with Lauren Holman, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail slickrock face, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail slickrock, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail slickrock climb, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail mesas, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail rock strata, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch trail rock layers,, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, bird perched at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Moab Pride 2015, Daniel Cureton (l) and Lauren Holman at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Sunday, September 27, 2015, Moab, Utah
Mabon 2015- Welcoming the Dark Times
Posted in Ritual, Sabbat, wicca, witchcraft, tagged 2nd Harvest, Alban Elued, Bast, Dark Times, fall equinox, ganesh, mabon, Mabon 2015, paganism, ritual, sabbat, Salt Lake Pagan Society on September 22, 2015| Leave a Comment »
SLPS meeting under sacred pine on Monday, September 21, 2015 at 9pm to celebrate the Fall Equinox. The crickets were in unison, the breeze calm as the altar was dedicated and the candles lit. Ganesh and Bast joined the circle of the ancestors and took in the offerings of pears, watermelon, juice and cookies. Mabon being the second harvest, the fruits were pulled from the Society Garden.
The ritual included music by Lisa Thiel, “Mabon” off the album Circle of the Seasons. Spoken word and poetry were performed in honor of the seaons. Bast and Ganesh came down and spoke to the attendees and accepted the food. He will open the way for individuals to succeed in their inner workings. Each person chose a habit to banish in the Mabon fire.
The feast afterwards with the Gods was beef and barely stew with oreo bards for dessert. A bowl was left out for the Gods to enjoy.
Mabon 2015, altar, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, altar center, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, Daniel Cureton calling the spirits, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, l to r: Daniel Cureton, Lauren Holman, Ashton Longhurst, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, Daniel Cureton selfie with Ganesh, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, Goddess Bast, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, altar with candles, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, Beef and barley stew for feast, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, oreo bars for dessert, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015, feast offereings to the Gods with apple juice, Monday, September 21, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Mabon 2015
Posted in Ritual, Sabbat, wicca, tagged Alban Elued, fall equinox, Mabon 2015, paganism, sabbat on September 20, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The Dark Times have arrived! The sun lessens in light and beings its descent to the dark lands till it will rise again at Yule. The 2nd harvest, season fruits now are pumpkin, gourds, berries, mushrooms, and pears. The Goddess will soon enter her Crone phase at Samhain, when the God dies.
New Moon Ritual August 2015
Posted in esbat, magic, moons, Ritual, wicca, witchcraft, tagged Artemis, Chili, Chocolate Cake, India, New moon August 2015, new moon ritual, Salt Lake Pagan Society on August 17, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new moon was upon us! SLPS met under the watchful eye of Artemis on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 10pm, to meditate, set goals, and welcome back a member who had been away for the summer. The ritual was dedicated to the new moon goddess of the hunt, Greek Artemis. Her arrows will hit the target of our goals and let them wax full as the moon does. The offerings included Martinelli’s apple cider and chocolate, in honor of Lauren Holman’s return from India. Midnight Moon chili was the after ritual treat for Lauren, being one of her favorite dishes.
New Moon Ritual August 2015, skull ancestral candle, Saturday, August 16, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
New Moon Ritual August 2015, Lauren Holman (l) and Ashton Longhurst, Saturday, August 16, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
New Moon Ritual August 2015, meditation fire, Saturday, August 16, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
New Moon Ritua, altar,l August 2015, Saturday, August 16, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
New Moon Ritual August 2015, chocolate cake offering, Saturday, August 16, 2015, Salt Lake City,
New Moon Ritual August 2015, Midnight Moon chili, Saturday, August 16, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Lughnasadh 2015-Lugh was Honored.
Posted in Pagan, Ritual, Sabbat, wicca, tagged Banana bread, celtic, Corn, harvest, John barleycorn, Lammas, Lugh, lughnasadh, Lughnasadh 2015 on August 3, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The sun was setting in the west when SLPS celebrated Lughnasadh. The ritual took place Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 8pm. SLPS is fond of honoring the Celtic Sun God Lugh, as he’s been so good to us. Corn was in order, and bread the offering. A simple ritual giving thanks, creating sacred space, and discussing what we are all thankful for took place. Ears of corn and chrysanthemums decorated the altar, and the song “Heart Beat of Harvest” by Cernunnos Rising was sung in honor of Lugh. John Barleycorn was burned in the fire, and the feast included bowls of hardy chili and mango nectar.
Lughnasadh 2015, altar, Sunday, August 2, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Lughnasadh 2015, altar center, Sunday, August 2, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Lughnasadh 2015, burning the john barleycorn in the fire, Sunday, August 2, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Lughnasadh 2015
Posted in Pagan, Ritual, Sabbat, wicca, tagged celtic, Lammas, Lugh, lughnasadh, Lughnasadh 2015 on July 29, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The Wheel has turned and Lughnsadh is upon us. The first of three harvest holidays, also known as Lammas, Lughnasadh is the time of Thanksgiving and to honor the Celtic Sun God Lugh.
June 2015 Full Moon Ritual to Columbia
Posted in moons, occult, Ritual, wicca, witchcraft, tagged America, columbia, goddess, Goddess Libertas, Goddess of America, Independence day, July 4th, Patriotic, Salt Lake Pagan Society on June 28, 2015| Leave a Comment »
July 4th brings a unique opportunity to honor one of the lesser worshiped goddesses, Columbia. Hailed as the patron of America (U.S.), she watches quietly and stately at the bay of New York City. Her image has been on currency of the United States for well over two centuries. She has always welcome the tired, the poor, the hungry, and weak, and the oppressed, who yearn to be free. A symbol and beacon of freedom, she welcomes and bids all to rest in her presence.
The altar was decorated in traditional patriotic memorabilia. SLPS honored the Goddess on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 8pm. The offerings included traditional July 4th food, hot dogs. Other traditional dishes at this time are hamburgers, baked beans, grilled chicken, potatoes salad, and green jello to name a few. Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa was the song of choice for the music.
The offerings were accepted and petitioned to continue her blessings on the USA.
June 2015 Full Moon Ritual for July 4th to Goddess of America Columbia, Goddess Columbia, Saturday, June 27, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
June 2015 Full Moon Ritual for July 4th to Goddess of America Columbia, altar center with hot dog offerings, Saturday, June 27, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
June 2015 Full Moon Ritual for July 4th to Goddess of America Columbia, altar, Saturday, June 27, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Midsummer 2015-The Gods were Honored
Posted in druidry, magic, Pagan, Ritual, Sabbat, wicca, witchcraft, tagged Litha 2015, Midsummer, Midsummer 2015, Pagan rites, salt lake city, Salt Lake Pagan Society, Solstice Celebration, Utah Living on June 22, 2015| 2 Comments »
Midsummer, also known as Litha, was celebrated on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 8pm. The sun was setting in the west, but plenty of light abound as the longest day of the year doesn’t see a sun set till 9:30 pm. The ritual began with the song “Midsummer” by Heather Alexander.
The Gods and Goddesses were honored as Midsummer poetry was read. Each person set a goal to accomplish by Lughnasadh. The Holly King overtook the Oak King as the ruler of the next six months. This is because the sun reaches its zenith on Midsummer. Thus the power of the Oak King grew strong as all life returned after Yule. Now, as the days grow shorter and nights longer, life will peak and then begin to wane before dying and going to sleep during winter. This is the period of rule of the Holly King and natural dominance over the Oak King at Summer Solstice. The inverse is true at Yule, when the Oak King takes over to rule again.
Offerings included strawberry lemonade and fruits of the season. All were blessed of the Gods and feasted on bratwurst by a Midsummer fire.
Midsummer 2015, altar, Saturday, June 20, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Midsummer 2015, altar center with Queer God painting-Holly King dominating the Oak King, Saturday, June 20, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Midsummer 2015, feast-bratwurst Saturday, June 20, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Midsummer 2015, fire, Saturday, June 20, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake Pagan Society 