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 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

Wheel of Wonder January 15, 2011

This week on Wheel of Wonder Bridget returns to co-host! Together, in the Spirit of Balance, She and I will share the leadership of the Journey. I'll be speaking of Druids and the importance of the Sun as the basis for their ancient knowledge of the cycle of things. An approach often believed to be drawn from the expansive and Masculine energy of Spiritual duality. The Druids see the male embodiment of nature as both Light and Dark and have been known to teach their lessons in triads. Bridget will speak of the rites of the Moon and the triple goddess, a spiritual approach often considered drawn from the more feminine and intuitive aspects of Human Spirituality. It is often observed that Goddess teachings move forward in cyclical fashion. Bridget and I will both bring you Classic Music, Indy folk rock, New age ambient and even Rock and Roll. This week on Wheel of Wonder!

Happily, with the Sun and Moon image above, you too can see where it came from "GeoImages Clipart."

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.

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 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 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"

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 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 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