Wheel of Wonder December 26, 2010

This week's Wheel of Wonder will be a Healing Journey. After what some people may find a very stressful "Christmas" week, wouldn't it be nice to talk of Healing?

The Holistic healing movement: seeking to heal Humanity through energy use and the achieving of Balance between the Mind, Body and Spirit is a wonderful movement for the greater good of Humanity. There are in this world, practitioners of Crystal Healing, Reiki (energy) Healing, and Healing through sound. I'll try to cover all of these approaches to healing Cohesively, this week on Wheel of Wonder. There will still be lots of great music , and we'll try again this week to speak to Bard and Healer Jane Valencia. Tune in for a message of hope and possibility, this week on Wheel of Wonder!

I love this picture of the Healing Hands, but I've not yet found the artist who created it. Help me if you can.

December 19, 2010

Merry Silver Solstice from Wheel of Wonder! This week's broadcast is the one closest to Midwinter's Eve in the Northern Hemisphere, so you can expect a Yule program!

Whether its called Alban Arthuan, Yule, or the deep midwinter, it is also known as the Winter Solstice. The shortest day of the year when all seems darkest, but as in many different cultures , on the very darkest night the Sun is reborn as the baby sun king! Bringer of light and hope! Even while the land seems to lie sleeping and in the Northern Hemisphere, the brow of the Goddess has turned pale as frost and sometimes the wind is deathly cold. Light is returning. But Winter has a quiet beauty to it also and brings many people together around the fire or into our homes, as we celebrate the Holidays.

On this week's Wheel of Wonder, we'll talk about the beliefs of solstice recognized by the Druids and Pagans, and perhaps others as well, as I take us on a journey of Celtic, Holiday Music. Music that carries the beauty of the cerulean winter sky, the calm silence of the falling snow, and the festivity of the Troubadour.

This week we will also check in again with Jane Valencia, Bard and Healer, as our live holiday guest. Jane will speak with us about Healing Harp, Medicine Animal and Medicine Plant lore, and perhaps even Home Schooling one's children to include an understanding of Earth's Sacred Nature in their educational upbringing. Hear Hope and Joy this week on Wheel of Wonder!

The beautiful picture above is from the Crystalinks the science and metaphysics Website, artist unknown.

Wheel of Wonder December 12, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder its "Into the Starry Morn." Its a time of moonlight, starlight and early morning frost. These dark days of Washington winter one can wake up in the dark, even when its a normal morning wake-up time, go about one's day and come home when its dark again(about 4:30pm)!

Its the time of cold wind, Crows and the long , rainy, or starry night. How would the Ancients see such times? Would their views make sense to us, inform us now? This week we'll speak of Air Spirits, The symbolic powers of the birds, and awe of the starry night. What beings may dwell in them? You can also look forward to hearing Folk Music, Celtic Music, Appalachian Music, Bardic Stories, yes, Holiday Music and even New Age ambiant sound. Good for a cold Sunday morning. Please join me this week on Wheel of Wonder!

Wheel of Wonder December 5, 2010

Last week on wheel of Wonder we explored the concept of place spirits, especially in the sense of that experience many of us have had of being "watched" in the Forest and having a favorite tree we like to sit by. Well, from the place Spirit perspective Trees have their favorite Humans too!

I also put forth the idea that perhaps there is wisdom in accepting the possibility of place spirits for perhaps there is some truth in the idea that if people everywhere started seeing the earth as a place of sacred Spirits, we as a whole Human Race may see ourselves living in a world of greater social and environmental justice. I also shared a story of Merlin "the Prophet" by RJ Stewart from the book Celtic Bards, Celtic Druids by RJ Stewart and Robin Williamson (1996 Blandford, UK). I post this now to give opportunity to comment for those who may have tuned in to the show Sunday. Thank you for listening to Wheel of Wonder!

The beautiful picture to the right is: A Magic Photo – River Spirits
Do you see the spirit face….and the white bird….? RiverRest magic….and Rainbow Heart Healing Arts….sharing the magic with you! From Debra Rainbow Heart, healing Shaman.

Wheel of Wonder November 28, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll be talking about the Benandanti. Often characterized as an Agrarian Cult from Northern Italy; an area called Friuli; in the North easternmost corner of Italy. The Benandanti, or "Good-Walkers" are a group of Shamanic Dreamtravellers whose Beliefs are based on travelling during Equinoxes, Imbolc and Samhain, and Catholic "Ember days" as Spirit Warriors against the Malandanti, and other Malicious Spirits to protect the people in their community and assure the health of the crops that support them. Many Benandanti are said to exist in Baltic, Germanic and Slavic areas too, and it is believed that the legends from that region of the Benevolent Werewolves are actually stories of the Benandanti who travel the Spirit world and this world, in the form of Wolves. Of course, as always, we will also listen to great independent music. This week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture to the right was found on DeviantArt and is in Ink and Pencil and created by Artist "Komodo Vista" the artist calls this picture "Benandanti Elite"

Wheel of Wonder November 21, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll be talking about Urban Paganism. Often on Wheel of Wonder we speak about belief systems and philosophies that are believed to get one more in touch with nature and the natural cycles of the world, as well as advancing the spirit. Often I've spoken of Sacred Groves, Harvests and the rural living of the ancients. Truth is 40% or more of the Earth's population lives in cities and if current trends continue, that number is likely to increase. Honestly, most neo-pagans live in the urban environment as well. So how do the modern Pagans cope with living so close to the rest of Humanity, in an artificial environment separated from Nature by steel and concrete? Perhaps there's a different way of looking at the City in a spiritual fashion? I'll share writings from Neo-pagan and modern Druid sources this week that address just that. Also this week, we'll be having an Interview with musical, storytelling guest Celia Farran, a woman who herself has gone from Country Living to City Living and kept her spirituality intact. I will also try to fit in some information about the increase of green spaces we are seeing in American Cities these days and its effects on personal spirituality. This week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture to the right is of a rooftop garden in present day Chicago, there is an Evergreen Alumni who has been working on rooftop garden projects in Chicago and elsewhere since graduating from TESC!

Wheel of Wonder November 13, 2010

This week on wheel of Wonder we'll talk about The Hunt and The Harvest. Are these two expressions for acquiring food products of the Male Polarity for "The Hunt" and the Female Polarity for "The Harvest?" Many people Pagan and not Pagan alike have very strong opinions about whether Hunting Animals is Right or Wrong. Well, its not the intention of Wheel of Wonder to resolve that debate. Personally, I'm glad that people are discussing it. Although I'm not a Hunter myself, this week we'll be trying to look at it from a unique perspective of Pagan Myth, History and modern sustainability culture. The Harvest of course, has a brilliant energy as well, one has to get food from one of these ways or another, or perhaps even both!

This week we will also hear new Music from Pegasus (The filk award)winner Heather Dale, and from Dolmen. We may even have KAOS "all strung out" DJ Bridgit in the Studio to add her energy to the Journey! This week on Wheel of Wonder!

This weeks picture is a photograph of the Hunter's Moon from the a great blog The Domestic Pagan, check it out if you can.

Wheel of Wonder November 7, 2010

What is this Pagan thing about anyway? This week on Wheel of Wonder we will focus on debunking misrepresentations of the Pagans by some of the more outspoken extremists of Monotheism past. Additionaly I'll share my observations on the real, not fantasy horrific actions and motivations of Modern Pagans. We'll also speak about the Wheel of the Year , as the Celtic New year has just begun. This week will also include new Music from Damh the Bard, Sharon Knight, and a new artist I've recently seen perform: Celia Ferran. Please tune in this week for Wheel of Wonder.

This Beautiful Golden Pentacle was created by Bradley W. Scheck, see more of/about his work at this link

Speaking of All Soul's Day and Samhain...

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a Super Samhain! Samhain, or All Hallow's Eve (Hallowe'en) is considered the last day of the Celtic Year, and begins at Sunset on the 30th of October. I realize I was negligent in not posting about the Taibhsear tunes of Samhain. It was a busy day of get togethers and artistic expression. I attended Strowler's Night in Seattle's Magnuson Park and had a simple performance of my own to attend to. Strowler's Night featured Sharon Knight, Tricky Pixie, Celia, and Alexander James Adams (Faerie Tale Minstrel), in a solo set as well. You can link to all of these Artists from here see "Artist Links" to the left. Strowleres Night also offered an opportunity to meet Independent Film Makers and see lots (and I mean LOTS) of attractive young women and strapping young men engaged in Fire Dancing and the swinging of flaming swords at one another (come to think of it both the young men and young women were strapping and attractive, and yes, in a good way). I hope there will be more Strowler Night events in the future!

On Wheel of Wonder I shared Ghost Stories and Tabhsear Tales with all the early morning listeners (well, unless they were catching the stream somewhere else in the world on kaosradio.org), with better results after that pesky gremlin got out of the computer machine. I also held a live interview with Paula Randall from the Bards of the Koad.

To feel the vibe of last week's Wheel of Wonder seek out these songs (this was the playlist):

All Soul's Night by Loreena Mckennit from The Visit

Holly Lord by Spiral Dance from Woman of the Earth
Samhain Eve by Damh the Bard from The Hills they are Hollow
November by Faun from Totem
Grimspound by Damh the Bard from The Hills they are Hollow
Danse Macabre arranged by Pascal Roge from The Work of Saint- Saens
Ancestor Chant by Sharon Knight from Songs for the Waning Year
Ornaments of Gold by Siouxie and the Banshees from Peepshow
Oracle by Gaia Consort from Vitus Dance
Spirit by Autumn Tears from The Hallowing
Watching you Without Me by Kate Bush from Hounds of Love
The Search for Lost Souls(Midnight) by Louisa John Krol from Alabaster
My Immortal by Evanessence from Fallen
Queen of Heaven by Sharon Knight from Songs for the Waning Year
Chu Chulain Set by Spiral Dance from Over the Nine Waves
Death's Illusions by Louisa John Krol from Alexandria
Spirit World by Douglas Blue Feather from Sacred Space
Ancient Mother by Bards of the Koad
Numbers by Bards of the Koad
Phoenix is Rising by Bards of the Koad
Hopeful People by Bards of the Koad
Shaman's Death by Terrel's Magic Flutes from Kokopelli: The Indian Legend
Lament by Priscilla Hernandez from Ancient Shadows
Prayer for the Dead by Sharon Knight from Songs for the Waning Year
Your Soul is a Lantern in the Dark by Wendy Rule from Guided by Venus

Picture to the right is an entry from Elfwood by Jade N Bengco. See more of her art here (do you see his Tork? I've got one too!)

Wheel of Wonder October 24, 2010

For the past year and seven months KAOS community Radio has been a wonderful medium from which to broadcast Wheel of Wonder. I'm thankful they gave a Pagan radio show a chance, and I am equally thankful for all of the calls and "thanks for doing this" mesages I've received from listeners and all folks who comment on this blog! This week on Wheel of Wonder I'll be joined in the studio by other fine KAOS producers, as we finish out our Fall FUNdrive! I Hope many listeners and people who appreciate this loveley local station, that amazingly streams on the Internet everywhere, will support the work we do, and the information we share by donating to this worthy cause: Local ,independent Radio voices!

You can call the Station during Wheel of Wonder to donate, or just go on line to kaosradio.org to do the same. Its your chance to thank KAOS for playing your music, or info about the alternate philosophies and interesting stories I always try to bring you on Wheel of Wonder!

Because it is the fall FUNdrive, this week I'll be bringing you the music of celebration! Music that makes you want to get up and dance! And because here in the Northern Hemisphere we're reaching the end of the Celtic Year and the late night and early morning sunlight, we'll also have some deeper music that inspires the inner Journey, maybe even music that reminds you of the approach of Samhain. Please join me and help us support KAOS radio, this week on Wheel of Wonder!

----Radio Ray

The picture to the right is a concept drawing of Cernunnos, by me, which probably explains why I don't post my art here very often.

Wheel of Wonder October 17, 2010

Listen in for another Bardic Byways episode this week on Wheel of Wonder! We'll have the lead singer of the Indy Music group from Seattle "Bards of the Koad" on for a live interview. The Bards of the Koad are a group of musicians who decided to pool their creative resources together in pursuit of music geared towards the hope and beauty found in Nature. i will also include music inspired by improving community and finding the joy that can't be measured in paychecks in the course of life. We'll speak some on the Bardic viewpoints and what the Bard's Awen really is (as well as I can interpret it). I hope to include some information on the myths and virtues of plants too, sharing information from the writings of Kate West and Phillip and Stephanie Carr-Gom. As always, fine independent music about the earth as sacred and inspirational too, this week on Wheel of Wonder.

The picture to the right is of course, from the cover of the book The Druid plant oracle, illustrations by Will Worthington

Wheel of Wonder October 10, 2010

Wheel of Wonder 10-10-10! This week on Wheel of Wonder I'm bringing you new music, well maybe with a few familiar favorites, but mostly all new. Also this week, in recognition of the autumn of the year, we will include brief memorandums for major twentieth century intellectuals of the Pagan Movement who have passed on, but had great impact on the Pagan Movement while living: Issac Bonewits and Gerald Gardner. Issac Bonewits just died this year,and was an author and Archdruid worthy of note, and of course Gerald Gardener had a huge impact on the rebirth of Paganism during his most active years of 1948-1958. We will also try to cover some of the information that is available on living Pagan Philosopher and Writer Raymond Buckland and his well known Pagan viewpoints. As of the time of this writing Mr. Buckland was not available for comment but I will share what can be found about his philosophies with you. On another episode I intend to share my findings and observations on the viewpoints of the leading women Intellectuals of the Pagan movement. New music and interesting viewpoints on Paganism, this week on Wheel of Wonder!

Picture to the right is "Celtic Deer Shaman" by Susan Seddon Boulet. Find more of her art here.

Experiencing Alban Elfed Gorsedd and Eisteddfod

Last Sunday I attended a Bardic Gorsedd and Eisteddfod. A Gorsedd is a gathering of Bards, and an Eisteddfod is their sharing of poetry, stories, and song. This Eisteddfod celebrated the turning of the Celtic wheel into the time of Autumn (Alban Elfed, as you may remember from last week's show).

It was a fine Autumn day along the shores of Lake Union in Seattle. The sun broke free of the Northwest clouds that sometimes hang like a silver canopy over the length of the region, its golden beams lit up the sacred space, never too hot as the Autumn breeze kept stirring the robes and clothes of all who were present.

I shared a few poems at Eisteddfod, one which I've composed music to, and received the incredible honor of being granted the Rowan Tree Tork for sharing some of the creative expression the season of Mabon inspires in me. I was humbled and amazed as the High Priestess set the Tork about my shoulders. It was wonderful to be recognized by a group of Bards and Druids I esteem so highly!

The picture to the right is the Rowan Tree Tork I hold in my possession. The talented metalsmith that created it can be found in Seattle's Pike Place Market and goes by the name of "Tink."

Autumn blessings to all!

Wheel of Wonder September 26, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder We'll explore the Druid's Autumn festival; Alban Elfed. Those on the Druidic Path also celebrate the Equinox, but fewer Druids look at the Autumn Equinox as a Minor Sabbat as is the case with many Wiccan and some Neo-Pagan Traditions. From the Druidic perspective it seems the equinox is about celebrating the balance of dark and light, which I suppose one would expect of a faith path seeming to focus on cycles of the Sun, rather than cycles of the Moon. It has always been interesting to me that the Druidic faith seems to attract men who are focused on the cycles of the Sun, and the Wiccan faith seems to attract women who are focused on the cycles of the Moon. A nice balance. Acknowledging of course their are great variations in the gender and motivations of both these faiths. This week on Wheel of Wonder we will also have the opportunity to interview the organizer of our local Pagan Pride Day Celebration, which is scheduled for later this same Sunday. We'll hear about the Pagan Pride (international) movement and our local celebration from Kate, the organizer. We will also hear new music from Castalia and The Moon and the Night Spirit, while exploring deeper into the Druids Equinox: Alban Elfed. This week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture to the right is another great work of art by Willow Arleanea, I call it PanDiana, not so very Autumnal, but gorgeous nonetheless.

Wheel of Wonder September 19, 2010

Mother Nature has turned the Star Wheel, Autumn is upon us. Or soon will be, here in the Northern Hemisphere. Mabon has come around again and Wheel of Wonder is still rolling, here to take you on the journey through the coming Darkness. This week of course will be the Mabon Show. Mabon is my favorite season! Its the time to harvest the wisdom of the last year of learning and the fruits (and vegetables?) of our labors. This is the time of the year when we will take brisk walks through the kaleidoscope of colours the trees have painted their leaves, dressing them up for their good byes before letting go of them to fly solo on the wind. Somewhere out there there are even some Human parents saying good bye and well wishing their own children, who as young adults on their own, are off to fly in the winds of their new adult world. You see, just as it is with all endings, it is also a beginning. Wheel of Wonder this week will both celebrate and try to shed some light on the historic myths and meaning of this season Mabon! I'll share some writing with you from various Pagan Authors (while we're at it, check the links in the left Margin of this blog for even more information) and of course the great indy music you expect from Wheel of Wonder! Please tune in.


This week's picture is an untitled work I like to call "Mabon" by Artist Jason Harrison.

Wheel of Wonder September 12, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll have another Bardic Byways episode. Our guest Mistress of Minstrilsy will be Wiccan, Neo-pagan Poet: Castalia, from Ontario Canada! We've heard her music many times on Wheel of Wonder, so its especially exciting for me to host a Live Interview with the Woman from north 8am this Sunday. We'll talk about the Celtic Wheel of the year, Traditional and Solitary wiccan paths, modern myths and legends and even spend some time discussing the modern Fables of what "is" we all live with at this time. Join myself and Castalia this week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture to the right is from the photobucket album of someone named dstorms. You would have to ask them who the original artist was, I didn't see them credited there. dstorm didn't credit Waterhouse for his pictures on that site either. If you learn who the original artist was please post here and let me know. Otherwise , admire dstorm's taste in art.

Wheel of Wonder September 5, 2010

I can't believe its almost another Mabon already! We've now made it through (or almost all the way through) a second summer on Wheel of Wonder, and although the weather is still warm here in the Northwest US, sometimes one can feel that subtle change of energy, slight cold , or see the stray (early) painted leaf riding on the breeze. Harbingers of the change of seasons.

This week on Wheel of Wonder one of KAOS' wise women of world music; Anch (she's actually more mother than crone, but still very wise) has gracefully agreed to pilot you through the journey. I'll be covering the Friday Morning Breakfast Special. Tune in to hear me there, if you like. Its a different format, but still great fun.

The "Autumn - is- coming -Wanderlust" is taking me out of town this weekend, but I'll be back from the road next Sunday for Wheel of Wonder. Enjoy Anch's take on the music and enjoy your weekend!

Wheel of Wonder August 22, 2010

Glad to be back after a fine journey across this country! This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll be talking about Wicca. We'll compare and contrast the many different approaches modern pagans travel on their Wiccan Path. There is Tamaran Wicca, Celt-Eclectic Wicca, Gardenarian Wicca, the Wiccan reclaiming Tradition made well known by the work of Starhawk. There is even Solitary Practitioners within Wicca. this week we'll try to cover all of these approaches to earth-centered spirituality. It may even prove easier than understanding all of the different variations of Christian Protestantism (has anyone ever written a work of reference on that?) This week's Wheel of Wonder will include sourcepoint info from practitioners of Wicca or "The Craft" as sometimes it is called. Also, all the great music you expect the majority of the Program to include!

the picture above is one of the very popular works of original art by Australian Artist Selina Fenech. Link to her website here.

Wheel of Wonder August 1 -15, 2010

Starting with Lughnasadh, Wheel of Wonder will have many, very talented guest hosts! We'll start on August 1st with a special Lughnasadh show, hosted by Breakfast special DJ with a love for Celtic Music Bridget. On the 8th, hear a new spin on Wheel of Wonder by Brettilicious. Then on the 15th of August we'll welcome back Aba, DJ of our Wheel of Wonder around the world episode, sharing some tales and philosophies, while including her own unique perspective on things. I'll be back on the 22nd with a new Wheel of Wonder show.

Now, a bit on Lughnasadh. Lughnasadh is the last harvest of Summer and the time of the year when the oak king of summer, the green man, the corn king, whichever name you know him by, symbolicaly dies to secure next year's harvest, when he'll be reborn as the new sun king, leaving the male polarity of nature for the dark part of the year in the strong, paternal hands of the Holly king. It is also the time of the year when the maiden aspect of the goddess moves into her aspect as the Mother. Lughnasadh begins a time of change, leading us into the time of harvesting and reflecting on the wisdom we've acquired through the experiences of the year. Happy Lughnasadh from Wheel of Wonder!

The Incredible picture to the Right is by Jessica Galbreth, see more of her work at this link.

Wheel of Wonder July 18, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder, if you've been listening to Wheel of Wonder you'll notice we've travelled through the Elements: Air; Including a news article on Wind Power by Winona La Duke. Water; including Selkies and some news on the Gulf Oil Disaster, and Even Fire and how it relates to the Fourth of July. This week we'll continue in that vein by focusing on Earth, Forest and some sustainable practices in their use. I would also like to introduce a new song by SJ Tucker in recognition of the release of her new CD Mischief. Legends abound of "the people within the Earth" whether it be the Sidhe of the Hollow Hills, or the Ant people, described in some indigenous American legends as the Progenitors of the Human Race. We'll dedicate some songs t o these legends. Also within the Element of Earth are the legends of the great Tree of Life, it is easy to step closer to understanding these legends if you've ever walked within the Old Growth Forests of the Northwest, or any other places in the world were the old Trees still stand, and we'll even try touch on Sustainable Logging news. Gnomes, Whorls, and Woods on Wheel of Wonder!

The Picture to the right is from DeviantArt by a Berliner Artist named Engelszorn.

Wheel of Wonder July 10, 2010

It is the time of the year when the sun is at its hottest and most powerful again, as shown by this past week's weather. From the Celtic/Earth centered perspective we've come back to the time of Cernunnos, the horned (or I should rather say"antlered") God. It many pagan belief systems, it is believed that the male aspect of Nature's divinity is at his strongest now, before his symbolic death at the end of summer, or his transformation into the Holly King. This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll focus on the myths and stories of Cernunnos, the non-violent masculine force and his aspect as Herne the Hunter, master of the Hunt. I'll try my best to keep our info to the Celtic cosmology, though in some traditions Cernunnos is an off shoot of the famous Greek god Pan. Pan, who was later re-defined by some who chose to scare people into following their Christian Leaders, by making him the anti-god, or the Devil. I won't be focusing on the Devil though, I'll be focusing on the Celtic God of Nature in his Western European Manifestations. Sharing these myths and pieces of information with you, punctuated by music with a Celtic flair! This week on Wheel of Wonder.

The Picture above was created by Fabiola Vargas from Costa Rica. Her art is often posted on Elflands Workshop.

Wheel of Wonder July 4 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder: A pagan perspective on the Fourth of July. I've been trying to look at our major national holiday: Independence Day. The Fourth of July is like a fire festival as the Celtic Wheel of the Year would see Lughnasadh, Imbolc, Beltane, Samhain. It is also considered a celebration of the United States' independence from British rule. This makes it much like a right of passage ceremony; the new, young nation standing alone, separate of its British forebears. That's not to say that since then the United States government have done everything right. No, I think these administrations, past and present, have done some things that are very wrong.

From the Pagan perspective though, one could see Independence Day as a mixture of fire festival and rite of passage ceremony. Barbecues, fireworks, celebration feasts drawn from the harvest now in season. Very much similar to a pagan fire festival. While also celebrating a "parent country's" "off spring" choosing to stand up as their own self-governed authority. A message from the Wiccan reclaiming tradition's way of engaging the world that seems to apply here is: The spirit of revolution and declaring independence can still be celebrated in these times not necessarily by calling up the old ghosts of British and colonial bloodshed, but in the spirit of declaring self-sovereignty and revolution. Today's revolution, to improve things in our very own country, nonviolent actions taken to ensure greater social and environmental justice, that is a good reason to celebrate the United States of America, a land with potentially more freedom to dissent from the injustices of the sitting government. People of America taking control of their own destinies as opposed to blindly following leaders who do not seem to have our best interests at heart, that is my pagan take on this holiday. I'll speak of fire festivals and rites of passage from different cultures and hopefully we'll connect the dots to how some modern social/political movements reflect a similar purpose to those intended by these rituals from the past, and how that applies to the present.

The picture to the right is from the Vancouver Fireworks Show, as posted on the blog Boga Yoga by Donna K. I hope to include some of this wise woman's quotes this week on the show.

Wheel of Wonder June 27, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder we''ll drift and dive into the songs and tales of The Selkie. Selkie are the Seal People. They are well known in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, Ireland and even the Faroe Islands and Iceland have legends of them. The Selkies are the people who come to shore from the Sea on some moonlit nights, they remove their seal skins, and dance as Humans upon the moonlit shore. If ever one should have their skin taken, then they become human for a time. This continues for a while until they retrieve their skin from the Human who caught it. The clear relation to life and legend is in that perspective where the Selkie themselves is a fully realized being capable of travelling to the Spirit world and to the in between world where the Human and spiritual meet. The shore is a threshold between this world and the other. The Selkies cannot help but feeling incomplete without their seal skins, as they hear the calling of the Sea to go beyond the limits of the everyday.

This week we'll include these stories as well as new music from Damh the Bard and Iona Leigh. Hear the Song of the Selkies this week on Wheel of Wonder.

The Picture to the right is the work of James Browne. To see more of his art follow this link

Wheel of Wonder June 20, 2010

And so the wheel turns..... It was one year ago this weekend that we heard the first 6am-9am broadcast of Wheel of Wonder. Many things have changed since that weekend last year, I've met wonderful new people, talented artists, and my own Journey has certainly been something to write about too! I have been honored to be recognized as a Bard among our local Bards. I'm not writing exhaustively about myself here though. Wheel of Wonder is about a philosophy of seeing the Earth as sacred, and truly worth protecting by living more sustainably. Its about finding that magic that is all around us, all the time, following our myriad paths to greater wisdom and balancing the natures within ourselves.

In modern lore, we walk the line between the feminine and masculine, the two of equal importance. Litha, The Summer Solstice, celebrates the power of the masculine polarity and the path of the feminine polarity as she changes like the seasons and moves from Maiden/ Lover to the Mother/Wise Woman, and the male polarity moves towards the Father/Sage. In this weeks Wheel of Wonder I'll try once again to bring you some interview footage from Fremont Solstice parade; a celebration of the change of seasons, and we'll speak more of the meaning and traditions behind the celebrations of the Sun and midsummer's eve throughout History and place. Wheel of Wonder the dawn before Litha, 2010!

This time, I'm afraid I do not know who created the picture to the right and above its called "Litha Pixies"

Wendy Rule is Coming to Olympia! (cancelled)

Beautiful and talented Australian singer Wendy Rule's house concert in Olympia has been cancelled.

The concert was intended to benefit Olympia Pagan Pride Day Celebration which is scheduled for September 26th: 10-6pm at Yauger Park. The best benefit this event could receive though, is for all those interested and reading this blog to go ahead and get involved in this important work for the pagan community.

The mission of the Pagan Pride Project is to foster pride in Pagan identity through education, activism, charity and community.
This not-for-profit organization strives to keep their purpose balanced through the inspirations of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth:

Air: Education We're never going to be able to practice our spiritual paths openly if we don't give the public accurate information about what we do and do not do.
Fire: Activism People aren't necessarily going to go out of their way to find out what Pagans really do. We have to have the courage to act on our convictions and do what we need to do.
Water: Charity We know that what we do returns to us. We need to demonstrate this by offering compassion to our communities where it is needed. When we share our own abundance, we show that we trust the Gods to share abundance with us in return.
Earth: Community We're never going to be able to practice openly if we don't know anyone else in our local Pagan communities. We need to weave networking webs in our cities, in our towns, in our rural areas. We need these webs to support one another. That support will also show those who would restrict our practice that we are not just a few isolated wackos, but are a growing congregation of people who adhere to a faith that, while different, is as valid as their own.

Wendy Rule's two newest CDs The Wolf Sky and Guided by Venus are both very good albums though so go ahead and check those out! For updated news on Wendy Rule, feel free to click on her link to the left on this blog.

For more information on the International Pagan Pride Project and other Pagan Pride Day celebrations around the world, check out Paganpride.org

Wheel of Wonder June 13, 2010

After the unexpected interruption last week, I'll pick up right where I left off, finishing out the Water element and then moving right into our exploration of the element of air. Water health and Water spirituality, the deep thinking and deep emotion element. Water physically connects us all, from the ocean's perspective we are all living in one homeland, this must be why cultures throughout the world all have their traditions and mythologies of Sea and River Gods and Goddesses. From Salish lands to Celtic shores, the salmon fish is considered the carrier of Wisdom, and many past tribes have stories of meaning. Then where the Water meets the Air, we here the creative voice and songs of life are carried to us mouth to ear, across the wind and breath. This week we will also have new music from Bone Poets Orchestra and new news from the advocates of alternative energy. I will even share some of the research I've discovered about the maybe not so mythical land of Atlantis. tune in to Wheel of Wonder!

The painting to the right is a Dreamscape by Lori R Avramis, a self-taught artist. check out dreamscapes studio for more of her art!

Wheel of Wonder June 6, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder I'll begin a several part series on the Five Elements: Water, Earth, Air, Fire, Spirit with Water! The series may be interrupted by our annual Litha special on June 20. This week though, we'll explore some of the myths and legends and eco-news of the life giving Element of Water.

The photograph to the right was taken at Deception Pass

Wheel of Wonder May 30, 2010

The Sunday before Memorial Day. Well, this Sunday before Memorial Day on Wheel of Wonder, I'll share a story and a bit of information of a Spirit's Journey on the Warrior Path. I may not necessarily see the purpose of War in the 21st Century, but I do respect those committing their lives to such a path. Let us just remember those brave enough to fight for Peace without killing are Warrior Spirits too.

Wheel of Wonder May 23, 2010

Gaia Theory: Where science and magic meets. This week on Wheel of Wonder Gaia is exactly what we'll be speaking of. What is gaia, in that place where science and belief meet? According James Lovelock, the scientist who first proposed the Gaia Hypothesis, now often referred to as the Gaia Theory "Most of us sense that the Earth is more than a sphere of rock with a thin layer of air, ocean and life covering the surface. We feel that we belong here as if this planet were indeed our home. Long ago the Greeks, thinking this way, gave to the Earth the name Gaia or, for short, Ge. In those days, science and theology were one and science, although less precise, had soul. As time passed this warm relationship faded and the life sciences, no longer concerned with life, fell to classifying dead things and even to vivisection. Now at last there are signs of a change. Science becomes holistic again and rediscovers soul, and theology, begins to realise that Gaia is not to be subdivided for academic convenience and that Ge is much more than just a prefix for Geology and Geography." (from the writings on his website; see the entire statement here) All scientific theorem begin with a hypothesis which when proven through observable facts becomes a theory. This theory is based on the idea that the biomass self-regulates the conditions on the planet to make its physical environment (in particular temperature and chemistry of the atmosphere) on the planet more hospitable to the species that constitute its "life." Life supporting life, so much like a function of spirit. Indeed what other function does spirituality (not dogma) serve? Though of course, even though I'll be speaking of Gaia Theory and quoting some of the work of James Lovelock and others, as you would expect we will still have much music this week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture above is one of the amazing creations of British artist Josephine Wall. Please visit her gallery its worth it.

Wheel of Wonder May 16, 2010

Taivaannaula! This unique word is Finnish for Finnish paganism, which is what this episode of Wheel of Wonder will be about. Although, by request we may re-visit some of the Icelandic eddas too! Finland is officially a Lutheran country, but has been recently seeing a resurgence of Finnish pagans. Perhaps do to a book called "Finnish Magic: A nation of Wizards, a World of Spirits." By Robert Nelson? No, not so much. The research put into this book is not considered A-list Quality by most Taivaannaula. In the Finnish Pagan world view you of course have the Animism one would expect, but The Finns believe each person has several souls, or soul selves. These break down into the life force, the "ego" or concept of self, and the persons guardian spirit, which was also attached to the person and their soulselves, sometimes it was even ancestor. The Finnish Pagan family unit seems to include the spirits of the ancestors as well as the people living. There are a few key gods who also occur as characters in the Finnish National Epic The Kalevala. Although unlike The Icelandic Eddas are to the Asatru, the Kalevala is not considered the source for the taivaaanaula. Nonetheless, the cultural impact of the Kalevala has existed through all time that has passed.

We will also hear new mythic music on Wheel of Wonder this week from Värttinä, and Suden Aika (time of the wolves) skilled rune singers. We will also see what we can do about introducing some new tracks by Gjallarhorn. A trip to the bright North, this Sunday on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture above came right off the site Taivaanaula.org

Wheel of Wonder May 2, 2010

HAVE A BLESSED BELTANE! Beltane is an important fire festival celebrating the turning of the year from the cold time to the warm time. Beltane Celebrates Sunshine and Fertility and is a Passionate and Wonderful Holiday. People dance around the Bonfire and celebrate the turning of the year. I hope the music reflects the feelings of the year. The Beltane Broadcast will be included in the Wheel of Wonder Archival project too!

Wheel of Wonder April 25, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll explore transformation. As in, transformation of the Human Spirit. Maybe I'm inspired by Olympia's Procession of the Species this week, or perhaps its the way the land is transforming into Lush and Verdant Spring, perhaps it is the transformational experience of having the honor of being present at our most recent Artesian Well Blessing by Dr. Emoto on invitation from the Lummi elders, and the Saturday Morning blessing of our inland sea. But Transformation is afoot, and I've never seen both the blessings of the people of European Ancestry and the people of Salish Ancestry occur in the same place at the same time, as I did at the blessing of the Well. This is an important transformation into unity, I believe. Some of this week's content includes quotes from Charles Eisenstein's book The Ascent of Humanity. This episode also gives me an opportunity to look into New Age philosophy as well, and wonderfully, we will have a full Interview with the Australian Angel Louisa John Krol this Sunday on Wheel of Wonder. I hope you'll join me, and let the Transformation begin!

The beautiful Picture above is called: Aquarian Awakening: The Perfection and was created by Jack Haas. More of his incredible work can be viewed at Celestial Art.net

Wheel of Wonder April 18, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder, as the episode falls between Ostara and Beltane we're going to speak about the second and third branches of the Mabinogion involving Branwen and the Welsh embodiments of the goddess: Virgin, Lover, Crone. The virgin in this case is a pure hearted woman not owned or enthralled with any partner, but self-sovereign and in control of her own life, ready to pursue her own destiny. The lover is also the mother in this Welsh point of view. The crone is as always the woman of courage and Wisdom living her own life by her own rules, with so long a life behind her and death as an obvious future friend that she no longer needs to follow rules of custom that don't make sense to her, or don't serve her plans. Your eccentric old Auntie or Grandma. Blodeuwedd, Branwen/Rhiannon, and Arianrhod/Cerridwynn, will be the goddesses of the hours. One for each hour if all goes well.

The photo above and to the right is a picture of the plant meadowsweet, from the Internet site Wildflowers of Ireland, with pictures by Zoe Devlin. Scotch Broom, Oak, and Meadowsweet were three of the nine herbs and flowers from which the May Queen Blodeuwedd grew in Welsh Legend.

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Wheel of Wonder April 4, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder will be focused on the Wiccan Reclaiming Tradition. Many of the public Spiral Dances one might attend in your area are drawn from this Tradition. Some of the traditions' leading advocates and teachers include Starhawk, Macha Nightmare, Vibra Willow, and even T. Thorne Coyle. we will have some installations of their thoughts and writings this week. A great deal of what is defined as Neo-paganism today can trace its roots back to the Reclaiming Tradition. One thing that is a very important part of the reclaiming tradition is that one's path of faith and political action are both integral parts of this tradition. So this week's music sets will include some straight American Folk Rock, not necessarily pagan, but definitely about political viewpoints. You'll hear Arlo Guthrie and Holly Near, as well as our usual amazing miscellany of independent label Pagan Musicians. Please tune in to Wheel of Wonder this week as we rock and rotate our way through the Reclaiming Tradition!

The picture to the right is called "Triple Goddess by Lady of Gaerdon" and came from the ever popular photobucket site, whether that is to say Lady of Gaerdon created or just uploaded it, or both I don't know. Lady of Gaerdon has many excellent pictures in her online album.

"Rock on Water!" Benefit Concert Success!

Although it has been a time since Tricky Pixie performed in town, I feel I owe it to them and others who may read this blog to say something about "Rock on Water!" The Artesian Well Benefit Concert recently performed in Olympia. The performance venue was great (if a bit cold) with fine acoustics and a good sound system, the staff at The Loft where great, and very gracious in helping the event go smoothly. Not only did Danny Kelly perform for the benefit, but he brought with him local musicians from Olympia bands High Ceiling and Knot Pine Box, and I believe, another of his past collaborators from Helliotroupe. Even KAOS DJ (and occasional Wheel of Wonder sub) Aba was there, ready to play guitar! With more forewarning, as MC, I would have given her appropriate stage time. Check her out in Olympia when you can!
Tricky Pixie was of course, great too, and kept the place hopping until 10:30 pm. Together we raised over $300 USD to protect Olympia's beloved Artesian Well! Over all, it was a great community event, like only Olympia, Washington can do!

Coffee was donated by Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters, Cookies were donated by Blue Heron Bakery, and More home made cookies donated by folks who came to see the show! Additionally, good healthy and organic fruits and vegetables were donated by the Olympia food co-op, and incredibly beautiful, backlit Batiks and water-esque banners from the Procession of the Species! Even Professor Diamant, from The Evergreen State College was there, sharing a set of beautiful slides from the Water Crystal pictures of Dr. Emoto (water crystal pictures of "what the bleep do we know?" fame) they looped beautifully through the projector for the whole length of the concert. Dr. Emoto will actually be in Olympia doing a blessing for the Olympia Artesian Well and the Puget sound, on request of the Native people's elders this month. He will also be doing a talk about the innate intelligence of water, as partially shown through water crystal photography, at The Evergreen State College on April 21.

I'm also very grateful to the folks at SidheHaven for creating the event posters and to the Evergreen Americorps people for printing out the tickets And of course every single one of you who spent the money or donated some funds to make this Benefit Concert a success!

---RadioRay

The picture above and to the right is a photographic still from the New York Performance "Fuerzabruta" created and directed by Diqui James. The waterdancers in this show perform their choreography within a huge, clear, water tank suspended just inches over the audience's heads!

Wheel of Wonder March 21, 2010

Happy Ostara from Wheel of Wonder! This Week on Wheel of Wonder we'll be celebrating Ostara; The Spring equinox. I'll bring you information about the Holiday, its symbology and new music from Telling The Bees to make it even better! This is the time of the year when all life begins to reawaken after the long winter. You can see it the budding of the trees and the flirting of the Squirrels and Birds. The sun will start to feel warm and we'll begin to put away our coats. The planting of new seeds has begun. Its time to sew the seeds of the promises we made on Imbolc. Join in me in the Dance of early Spring on Wheel of Wonder!

The Picture to the right is the work of Helena Nelson Reed. To see more of her goddess art follow this link.

Wheel of Wonder March 7, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder, we'll go back to the forest with songs of the fay! We'll have tales and stories of the fay and perhaps a little information you may not have already known about these evocative creatures and their place in the myth and philosophy of the modern Pagan movement. Some say the fairies are about waiting to help the humans because it is these actions that helps them to evolve as well. I will also speak a little on the Anderson Feri tradition and how this is different than other faerie belief systems out there today, beyond the fact that it is spelled differently. This week on the faeriefolk music episode of Wheel of Wonder!

The picture above and to the right is an older peice of fantasy photography from photographic artist Dale D. Zlemic.

Wheel of Wonder February 28, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder, we'll share the stories of some of the great mythic works of northern and western Europe. We'll hear words and music from the great poetic Eddas of Iceland. If you were like me when you were a kid, you may have read some of the amazing stories of the Norse gods and giants. Or you may remember earlier Wheel of Wonder references to the Egil Saga. All these things come from the Icelandic Eddas. We'll hear new music this week inspired by these great works, classical and folk rock in the sound they'll carry across the airwaves. We will also hear new music drawn from the great Finnish epic, The Kalevala, actual sung runos this week! Plus more music from Gjallahorn, and songs and tales from two of the three major mythic story cycles of Ireland. Let us not forget tales and songs from the Welsh myths of the Mabinogian and new and wholly American retelling of classic tales by the very talented Tricky Pixie and SJ Tucker! Why have these legends carried through time still inspiring the spirits of human beings for so many thousands of years? Listen and decide this week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture above and to the right is Finn Mac Cumhail as interpreted by Hannah M Friedrichs. For more great work by such artists checkout elfwood.com.

Wheel of Wonder February 14, 2010

This week KAOS dj ABA will take you on the "Wheel of Wonder World Tour" without you ever having to change the radio dial, or hope for a good reception from some portable machine trotting about the globe. As the virtual world travelling bard, I've put together music to take you from the neo-pagans of the Netherlands, to the ancient Finnish rites of the stone Labyrinth, and through the Kalevala Melody, introducing new music by Gjallarhorn. Then we'll go to the UK, meet Tricky Pixie in Scotland, then Ireland Celtic France, Spain, Macedonia and Greece, Egypt, India, Australia, Africa, over to South America, the Caribbean, the Us, probably ending in the Northwest, all through song and music, and some stories and legends along the way. How do we fit this all into one episode of Wheel of Wonder? Well, I'd like to say "Shoot for the Moon, cause even if you miss, you'll end up in the stars!" (mind you, this doesn't mean I support bombing the actual lunar surface to find water, or anything like that). We may make it around the world yet. Join ABA this week on Wheel of Wonder!

Also worth noting: for those of you reading this entry on Friday the 12th of February: Bone Poets Orchestra performs tonight at Soulfood Books in Redmond, WA. and the concert is streaming with live video and audio feed across the Internet, 8pm, Pacific Standard Time!Watch them at this link. Unless you can get a ticket and commute to Soul Food Books, then pay money and go see it , because supporting indy Musicians is a great for your Karma!

The picture above is of our Earth as seen by people known as the Space Brotherhood, who have a yahoo group. I don't know much about the Space Brotherhood, but I sure liked the picture.

TRICKY PIXIE IS COMING TO OLYMPIA!

SJ Tucker, Alexander James Adams, and Betsy Tinney together create Tricky Pixie! You've heard them on Wheel of Wonder, and some other KAOS shows as well. This terrific trio will be in town performing at a benefit concert to raise money for the grassroots nonprofit movement to protect and secure free public access to Olympia's artesian well water forever! Tickets are available now at buyolympia.com for $10!

Any of you familiar with the Fourth Avenue artesian wellhead? The place in that parking lot where the clean, naturally occurring, drinkable water comes to the surface. It's a great free source of potable water available to anyone in Olympia (one of the sources for the "...It's the Water" slogan of Olympia Beer).
On warm summer days people will gather at this water source. It comes out of a pipe in the ground between the performance venue Manium and the Olympic Outfitters, a bike, and sports gear store. People from all walks of life talk to each other there. Some folks will bring their guitars and harmonicas and play music, everyone gathering to collect free, natural water for drinking.

Surveys conducted show that about 1000 people a week visit that well to collect fresh water for drinking, but the wellhead is located on private property and the owners of the parking lot can cap off the well with little notice anytime they want to. So could another investor they sell the property to. This has caused great concern throughout the community. So steps in a nonprofit organization interested in protecting free public artesian well water access in the City of Olympia through outreach, education and grassroots advocacy. It's even been suggested they buy the water rights to protect it.

These actions take money though so Earthbound Productions and the Olympia Green Theater are working with Tricky Pixie and well-loved local artist Danny Kelly (formerly with Heliotroupe) to put on a benefit concert to raise money for FREE, OPEN, PUBLIC ACCESS, ALWAYS to clean, naturally occurring water.

The "Rock on Water!" benefit concert will occur on March 19, 2010 at The Loft on Cherry at 508 legion street in Olympia, WA. Doors open at 6:30pm; concert is at 7:00pm. Come see a great show and support the natural human right for clean, drinkable water in OlyWa!

You can also give a tax deductible donation to make this an even more successful event! Send your tax deductible donations to Earthbound Productions (the people who bring you The Procession of the Species) and be sure to specify that it is for the Artesian Well Advocacy Benefit Concert! Pre-sale tickets available now for "Rock on Water!"at buyolympia.com cost $10 in advance $15 at the door on the night of the event. Tickets are also available locally at Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art as well as Rainy Day Records.

Wheel of Wonder February 7, 2010

Indigenous belief and Celtic mythos, we'll be continuing in that vein this week on Wheel of Wonder. This week's Wheel of Wonder takes us to Australia to visit its earth spiritualist population. With so many wide open spaces in the land of Oz, as some affectionately call it, how could there not be some who experience all its wild spaces as a reflection of the divine? The Celtic tradition is strong there due to many years of immigration and settlement, and great Pagan and new age artists like Spiral Dance, Wendy Rule, and Louisa John-Krol come from Australia. We'll be running an interview with Adrienne Piggot and Spiral Dance on this week's show, and even including some of their tracks not yet played on Wheel of Wonder! I'll even take us on a journey through the concepts of the songlines and the sacred geography believed in by the Aboriginal Australian peoples, a still stalwart race, living on their ancestral lands. This journey will include new tracks by contemporary Aboriginal artists, who, like the Yorubans, have adapted some to using modern musical instruments and mediums to express the beliefs of their culture. "Wheel of Wonder Down Under" on this week's installation, come travel it with me!

The picture to the right and above is a photograph of the "Fairy Tree," a 300 years dead tree that has been turned into a great medium for art in the Fitzroy Gardens area of Melbourne, Australia.

Wheel of Wonder January 24, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll talk about African Traditional Religion and its "New World" counterparts. Have you been wondering about Yoruban Religion, Santaria, and Haitian Voodoo, or American Hoodoo? Surprisingly these faith paths will be the closest to Catholicism, we've ever spoken of on Wheel of Wonder! I'll share some information from the Phoebe A Hearst Museum of Anthropology, as well as some Ju Ju music you've likely never heard before! Don't expect much European music in this week's Wheel of Wonder! Although surprisingly, I'll be able to introduce a new track to you from Spiral Dance. Moreover, expect some King Sunny Ade and Chief Ebenezer Obey. An interesting and informative African/Afro-Cuban themed show, this week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture to the right is one of the Incredible paintings of Sandra Stanton, placed here with her permission. Its Yemaya, Yoruban mother goddess of the sea . In Yoruban belief, all life came from the sea. To see more of Sandra's Work follow this link.

Wheel of Wonder January 10, 2010

This week on Wheel of Wonder is another installment of the Bardic Byways series within the series. Like the virtual Minstrel I've travelled the world (albeit mostly through the Internet) to connect across cultures and collect not so much dreams forgotten, as tales untold. I'm sure the Moon and The Night Spirit would be so proud of me, and we'll have new tracks by them this week too. This weeks episode will mix the spoken word with the music, as we share stories from the Ulster Cycle of Ireland and other tales from the Mabinogian, and tales from Scotland as well, all brought to you by modern day Bards. This week I'll introduce you to the work of Hugin the Bard and we will hear a live (pre-recoded) interview with Damh the Bard and some tracks from his new album "tales from the crow man." A mostly Celtic journey of tales and tunes, this week on Wheel of Wonder!

Who created the Bard in Henna above? I don't know. I can tell you it wasn't me.

Wheel of Wonder January 3, 2010

Happy New Year! This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll launch off a ways from our usual Celtic Flavor and journey to Egypt to explore Kemetic Paganism. Though most Kemetics would not likely refer to their religion as Pagan, considering it is far older than such a term. What I can tell you though, is that is about achieving Balance and evolving into a perfect enough entity to achieve divinity. There is also a form of Wicca known as Tameran Wicca, which , while still observing the wheel of the year, pray to the family of Osiris and his wife/sister Isis, and their falcon-headed son, Horus. This is called a trinity. Sacred symbols such a the Ankh (Egyptian symbol for life), and the Eye of Horus, or The All Seeing Eye are very popular in this sect. We will speak about both this week on Wheel of Wonder, and even try and find time to speak about the Ennead, the Kemetic Tree of life. This week also features new music from Telling the Bees, and other music from the TESC world Music stacks; music coming straight from Egypt. Tune in for Wheel of Wonder this Sunday Morning!

The gorgeous picture above was created by the member of KMT Ancient Metaphysical Egypt known as "Metaphysics" and has created many more beautiful pictures for that site as well.