Wheel of Wonder March 13, 2011

Sunday's Wheel of Wonder occurred on the date closest to the first ever broadcast of the show on the Olympia Airwaves. The first ever broadcast of Wheel of Wonder was on March 18th, 2009, as a "Rookie Radio" installment. So I chose this episode to be a "2nd year Anniversary Special ," went right back to the roots and re-created a Celtic Wheel of the Year show. I followed through song, information, and ideology the meaning of Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh (lammas) and back around to Mabon. I will hope to see posts and opinions around it soon.

The key purpose, the string of meaning through observing these ancient Holidays, beyond the harvest and fun, seems to be in living in closer awareness to the natural flow and energetic cycles of the Earth Mother. I am idealistic enough to believe this could very well be one recognizable path towards living in better relationship with the land and each other.

I think agrarian, indigenous, and environmentalist people know this, even if it does not fit their faith path to consider themselves "Pagan" or "Shamanic." That is the appeal of learning about ancient belief and perhaps even new age, ways of thinking.

I hope you have been enjoying Wheel of Wonder over the past few years, and the information I've tried to make available on this blog. The picture above and to the right is from my Garden.

Wheel of Wonder February 27, 2011

A Bard I once met would tell me "if a story's worth telling, its worth telling more than once!" and isn't that at the heart of the oral tradition anyway? I say, if its new music that fits into the Wheel of Wonder radio show's genre, it should be played there. So it is this week on Wheel of Wonder. Once again, like the virtual Troubadour, I've ventured out, sought the songs, and brought them back to share with all ye listeners. Songs inspired by the Mythic Cycles of Ireland. Together, this week by the LCD lights of your chosen radio or Internet device we'll visit through word and song Mythic Ireland and the Evils of Balor, the Heroics of Lugh, the Tragedy of the Children of Lir, and the sorrowful life of the beautiful Diedre. We'll be reminded of the miraculous birth of ChuChulain, and the transition of time between the Milesians and the Fianna. We will also hear of Finn McCool and of the son of he and Sadbh; Oisin.

Perhaps with some history from The Book of Conquests and certainly new music Classical, Celtic and even edgy Metal from Robert Lamb, Anuna, and Cruachan (watch for new Artist Links to appear soon in the list on this blog). So feel free to build a fire in your fireplace, picture yourself around a campfire and think of the radio waves as smoke carrying the medium of knowledge when you tune in today to Wheel of Wonder.

The Painting to the right is called "Ossian awakening the spirits on the banks of the Lora with the sound of his Harp"painted in 1801 by French Romanticist Francois Gerard. The character Ossian is a Scottish variation of Oisin, son of Finn McCool. There is some discussion as to whether Ossian is based in History or Scottish imagination. Either way, I like this work of Classic Art.

Wheel of Wonder February 19, 2011

This week on wheel of Wonder we'll be speaking about the craft practice called SpiritSong. This is also known as The Way of Song. "One important and often overlooked aspect of well-being is the unique mechanism known as the voice. the voice is built into our basic body kit for two main reasons: to release tensions and to communicate the unique expression of who we are." According to Shawna Carol, the wise woman who named it and seeks to spread the use of the Way of Song for people to find their own, powerful voice, through the use of sound. Spirit Song is about deep listening to perceive the inherent music of the universe and to remind ourselves to hear the music that represents ourselves, every heart can sing, and finding our own song is empowering. This week we'll be talking with Shawna Carol about her journey to the Way of Song and the Spirit song practice. Finding the voice of your soul.
This will also give us the opportunity to hear new music from song healer Denean, Tracks from Shawna Carol's epic sacred music work:Goddess Chant, and many other songs that come from the spirits of their singers. Expect chant, ambient, New Age, and even traditional music this week on Wheel of Wonder.

The painting above is entitled Spirit Song and was created by Mira M. White check out her work here.

Wheel of Wonder February 13, 2010

So what are the Pagan origins of St. Valentine's Day anyway? Could this be a holiday that is completely and totally Catholic in origin? Not like Yule/ Christmas, Ostara/Easter, Samhain/All Saint's Day? Not a chance! According to historians, the myth in Valentine's Day is very likely that there never was a Valentine marrying people covertly when it was illegal to be Christian at all. The pagan origins of the holiday are found in ancient Rome in a festival called Lupercalia. We'll speak a bit about that this week on Wheel of Wonder, as well as, sharing songs of love, and perhaps passion.

We'll even hear new music from Celia, who will be in concert Sunday night in Olympia (see entry below). Celia may even make a guest "appearence" on Cottleston Pie between 3 and 5pm on KAOS to share with you an Irish Tale, or one of the stories she shares in her children's shows. Please join me on a journey through history and passion, this week on Wheel of Wonder.

The picture to the right is of pink bleedingheart flowers from my garden

Wheel of Wonder January 30, 2011

Welcome to the Imbolc installment of Wheel of Wonder! This week I'l of course be speaking of Imbolc; the first festival of the returning light. Not only light like the light of the returning Sun King, but also Brigit's light. The Sacred flame of Bridgit, fire of wisdom, creativity and inspiration. The 10th century Cormac’s Glossary describes Bridgit as the daughter of the Daghda, the “Great God” of the Tuatha de Danaan. He calls her a “woman of wisdom…a goddess whom poets adored, because her protection was very great and very famous." Since the discipline of poetry, filidhect, was interwoven with seership, Brigid was seen as the great inspiration behind divination and prophecy, the source of oracles. (source: "Chalice Centre for Celtic and western magical traditions" Mara Freeman;chalicecentre.net)

Additionaly, this week we'll have a live, pre-recorded interview with Kellianna Chanter, singer, and priestess. She'll talk about ancient stories and the modern Pagan Path, as well as share some explanation of her take on Imbolc and the meaning behind some of her songs.

Also, in relation to the celebration of light I'll try to fit in a bit of information on a new and interesting belief system in the craft of Spirit growth the Lightworkers movement. I hope you find the time to tune in this week for Wheel of Wonder!

The Image to the right is a very popular design by Wendy Andrew, see more of her art at this site

Celia Concert in Olympia!

Celia Farran, singer, songwriter, storyteller and comedienne, brings her unique and multifaceted performance skills to Olympia, Washington on February 13th for an entertaining and endearing performance to raise money for The South Sound Pagan Pride Day Celebration. Celia! Earthy, Enchanting and talented, walking the balance between the silly and the sacred, it will be a performance you won't soon forget! Sunday, February 13th, 2011 6:30 pm door, 7:00 pm performance in the sanctuary of the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Sponsored by Olympia CUUPS and the Olympia Green Theater. Tickets: $10.00 in advance,$12.00 at the door. Tickets available now in Olympia at Earth Magic and Rainy Day Records! Pagan Pride challenges religious intolerance through educational outreach. Support this worthy cause and an independent artist while having a great time!

Wheel of Wonder January 23, 2011

This week on Wheel of Wonder we'll explore the Neo-pagan Witch's solitary path. It seems that one of the main ways many Neo-pagans begin their Journey is as a Solitary practitioner, not part of , or involved with, any group or Coven, but on their own spiritual journey to wisdom and growth, according to their belief system. A witch's journey? What kind of a Journey is that? Tune in to Wheel of Wonder and I'll share some of the info I've uncovered with you. We'll speak of the rituals intent, as best as I can describe it, the Labyrinth and the rebirth to Wisdom, The Spiral Dance, a bit on Imbolc, Otherworld Journeys, and of course, the Mother Goddess belief, all with some help from Marian Green and her book: "A Witch Alone, thirteen Moons to Master Natural Magic" 1991, Aquarian Press.

I'll also share new music from Kellianna, in consideration of the interview we're planning next week for Imbolc. Please join in on the journey, this week on Wheel of Wonder!

the picture to the right is from an iinet.net.au website