Ashoroak: A magazine for the Pagan.

Welcome to the domain of Wild Wood Ways.
The love of nature, is our main objective. The old tradition and ways of the land need to be kept alive. This is our intention, to keep and revive old practices of our ancestors. This is a place of friendliness, working in harmony with the land.
The hope and aim is for like-minded folk to come together, with a friendly and positive attitude.

Introductory article
A saying from the folk of old, which gauged their forthcoming year:
“Oak before Ash, expect a splash,
Ash before Oak, expect a soak”.
This gifted us a name for this site.

If you turn your mind back into the centuries past, the imagination would give you a scene of people living without the comforts we now take for granted. For instance, a scene of a family sitting down to view their favourite television show, a regional magazine with it's local weather, does not come to mind, now does it!
People were more attuned to the place they inhabited. In affect, the land and it's elements would give us indications....trees and animals feeling the localized climatic changes, can do such a thing if observed carefully enough. This ash & oak gauging tool, can and will vary in differing locations. One example of a location affecting the result of such a thing, is a pine cone....one in the comfort of your home would tell you it was nice and cosy weather on way, due to the conditions you dictate, but a cone left in the open surroundings would give a true reading. The same would be true when attempting to use the oak & ash gauge: a tree too confined by surrounding trees, therefore protecting, would give a false reading.   For best results, a lone or sparse gathering of trees will ring true. There are other tools of nature to behold. See if you can discover one. Enjoy the wonders of the land.

About us:
This magazine is for those of you that have an interest in nature, and the ways of old.
Monthly articles will be available for anyone that visits the above address.
The articles will represent the interests of what 'Wild Wood Ways' is about.

"Wild Wood Ways?"....I hear you say! "What is it?"........
We are a group of Pagans or another term, folk that believe in the ways of nature.
Basically, we like to live in harmony with the things naturally provided to us.
Most of us are still finding our way in a given belief or way of life....making sense of how things really work in life outside of the busy working world.

It is hard to really explain the details of what we are, but we will be happy to give further information to anyone that shows genuine interests.
A starting point of anything you may discover about us, is the animal, and how it interacts with it's surroundings and how it affects our own lives....a three-way interaction: the animal, it's general habitat (which is also ours), and the third ingredient......Us.

You can read about how we see things, ask us questions, and interact with the page.

Imbolc Celebration
From within the sleep of winter, the earth no longer lies still. A stirring of life starts to show, the fertilized seed begins to grow. An easy way to remember what this celebration stands for, is to remember it as the old meaning,
'In belly'.
So now, the seed is progressing within the mother, be it in the ground, in the animal or a sprouting upon a tree.
This is, 'The season of awakening'.

Gather friends at a specially chosen location site. One with flowing water is fitting, as water can be used to bring fertility and healing to any aspect of our life.....for example, any project we may be working on.
Traditionally and ideally, this celebration would be at the first New moon of the year, when the energy of that moon is fertile and rising.
The gathered, can bring candles to symbolize the returning light . Personally made chants, can also be hailed to the spirits of the elements. Sprinkle a food offering, with thanks.
And now is the time to offer an intended change in your life.....yes a resolution.... one of out with the old, and in with the new.

All this can be done as solitary, as is quite common. So don't worry if a lone practitioner.... many of our ancestors would have been the same, and felt very comfortable with that way of doing things. Feeling comfortable is the main aim. Conduct your ceremony as it feels well with you....the spirits will feel more comfortable with you.
Feel at home, because that is where you are, no matter the location.

What is Pagan?
A short explanation is the respect of nature and all living things.

Paganism covers a wide range of beliefs and people may be forgiven for thinking that it is just another environmental group of people that get together to plant trees and clear ponds. Obviously, this is a very important task if we want to look after the planet and you don’t have to be a pagan to involve yourself in this.

Pagan is really an umbrella under which there are many paths. There is Druid, Wicca, Asatru (Norse) and many others. The one thing that connects all these is a belief in the old ways. All of these are known as Polytheist, a belief in multiple deities. This was typical in the Bronze and Iron ages, when our ancestors worked within the landscape, in sacred groves and waterways. These ancient people would have associated their deities very strongly with nature and the animals within it. This can bee seen in the way cult animals were attributed to particular deities, such as the bear, boar, bull, horse, raven and serpent.

The Wheel of the Year is also something that is still celebrated. Particular seasons that represent things like the harvest and the coming of spring. Also the two Solstices, summer and winter. One held on June 21st, the other December 21st. There are eight celebrations on the wheel but depending on what path you follow, not all are celebrated by everyone.

There will be separate articles every month to do with each season and also the Gods and Goddesses associated with these special times.

The legend of the Holly king & the Oak king
In many of the Celtic-based Pagan traditions, there is the legend of the eternal battle. The Holly king and Oak king, stand toe to toe, in a constant struggle. They wage war upon each other throughout the year, as the wheel turns its steady circle. Upon the arrival of the Winter Solstice, the Oak king reigns supreme, taking the 'Throne of Yule' from the Holly king. Come the Summer Solstice, the Holly king has his revenge, battling the Oak king into submission. He then announces his sovereignty upon the 'Throne of Litha'. They battle, so they may rest alongside The Queen....The Goddess.

In some of Wiccan traditions, these kings are seen as twin aspects of the Horned god. Both halves take their place with the Goddess, over a given six months. The defeated, retires to lick his wounds for six months......
Then restored with vigour, the defeated returns to be the victor.

Poetry for Imbolc

Two kings

I smite thee down o' Holly king,
your reign is at an end.
Your dying crown adorns my house,
and welcomes the Oak king again.

( by Ali )

Spirit of Imbolc

Feel the spirit of the trees,
beneath the Earth a different breeze.
As we dance where roots entwine,
feel the spirit of the Great Divine.
As we drink from deep below,
their strength is there, will help us grow.
Be as one, enjoy be free,
for man and tree, are one with thee.

(by Lynnette)

Trust

A milky winter sun,
drenches over hidden buds on boughs.
Naked and sharp, their arms 'till,
spring, breezes in on March winds.
Trees wait in patient solidness,
their roots reminding them,
soon becoming is the blooming and the flowering,
that dresses their eager waiting to be rewarded in summer sun

( By Mary )

Herbal lore

Mention the word 'witch', and many people conjure up the typical picture of an old woman in a pointed hat, riding a broomstick. The truth is quite different . Many years ago, back in medieval times and before, these women (and men) were the 'wise one's' of the village, using what nature had to offer in the form of herbs, to cure illnesses by making medicines and potions.
In medieval times, these 'wise folk' were not popular, especially women, with the patriarchal way of living.
New doctors and surgeons took over the job of healing and midwifery. This era was known at the Burning Times and spread right across Europe in the name of the Church.
Today, we realise that many herbs have properties that benefit us whether used in homeopathy or used in the old way which involves picking herbs at the right time during the moon phases, incorporating a ritual to bring out the 'magic' of the herb and all it's uses, medicinal or magical.
To start, the different parts of the herb are strongest depending on whether the moon is waxing or waning.
At waxing, the juices come to the top and it is in the stem, leafs and flowers. At waning, the roots have the energy.
It is interesting to note that according to plant biology, the plants have their highest drug content at night in the full moon.
Every month, there will be an article of herbs including their medicinal and magical properties.

Chamomile.
Medicinal: A relaxing and soothing herb. Mixed with peppermint, makes a nice tea which aids digestion and relaxes you.
It can also be used as a compress for sore eyes A good aid for children who suffer from vomiting or have nightmares.
Magical:
To heal and regenerate the spirit within. Relaxation, sleep, love and purification.
Associated Deities
Cernunnos, Ra, Sun Gods.

Rosemary
Medicinal:
A very aromatic herb, used a lot to flavour food. It is a good drink to have before dinner as it aids digestion.
It also stimulates the circulation and the oil is used for massage and aching muscles. Do not use it before bedtime.
Good for headaches and makes a stimulating massage for the head. A rinse made with Rosemary washes off dandruff.
Magical:
Use for cleansing, healing, love, mental powers, purification, exorcism and Rites of Passage.
It repels negativity and is used to attract fairies.
Associated Deities
Faeries

The Imbolc tree
Willow

This is the season of fertility. A time when the germinated seeds begin to show.
Willow, is sacred to the time of Imbolc. The association is evident in that, the willow is very fertile at this time, with its quickness to grow. In the overall European mythology, it symbolized the death of old, and is seen as a force for change and new growth.... out with old and in with the new.

Certain goddesses, such as Brigid and Blodeuwedd, are known as 'Water maidens'. They coax out the 'Oak king', using the sacred element of the willow. The arrival of the Oak king, gives rise to the fertility of the new growth.

It is no real coincidence, that St Valentine's day, is close on the calendar to Imbolc.... For this is a time of love and binding, for
discarding negativity, and replacing it with the positive and fertile energy of the willow, the tree of water.

Love & fertility charms: These are bind-charms, as in binding the two hearts & souls of a loving couple or potential couple.
Willow charms, can also be draped in chosen places around the home. There are specific designs for some charms, but your own design will do just as well. The willow-spirit, will be grateful of your effort. That personal effort will bring to rise, the fertile energy of the willow.

The fertile energy of the willow, is used to bring good luck in childbirth. That energy is bound to the female energy, both sacred to the moon and the watery emotion of women.

Don't worry ladies! This doesn't mean you will be with child if not requested. Fertility, also comes in other forms. For you, it can be the renewing of a aspect in your life....the bringing to fruition of something you either intended to start or the finishing of a certain project, so you can then move on to the next.

No matter which path of Paganism you follow, this will be the time to honour your deities of fertility & love.

Pendle witches
( Latest News )
Statue of Pendle Witch
A statue of one of the Pendle Witches is to be commissioned.
Alice Nutter was one of the women accused of being a witch and lived in the village of
Roughlee in Pendle, Lancashire, before being taken to Lancaster Castle for her trial.
This year is the 400th anniversary of the trials and the statue will commemorate the anniversary of her death.

Witches cottage unearthed near Pendle Hill
Engineers have unearthed a 17th century cottage complete with a mummified cat, near Lower Black Moss reservoir in the village of Barley in the shadow of Pendle Hill.
Archaeologist think it could well be the famous Malkin Tower, the most significant building at the centre of the witch trials. The engineering project has been put on hold while archaeologist complete their investigations.

Brighid

Deity of Imbolc

The name means High One or Exalted One. Her original place of origin and worship was Ireland. Other names are Bride and Brighit and St. Bridget.
She is represented as both a single Goddess and a triple Goddess. She is patron of crafts, including brewing, dyeing, smithing and weaving, medicine, poetry and seership. She was also particularly connected with childbirth.
Her feast day is Imbolc (Feb 1st-2nd) and the month of February was named after her, being called 'Mi na Feile Bride' or ' The month of the Festival of Brighid'
Wells were commonly associated with Brighid, though they were to become St Bridget's wells. These are mainly in Ireland. Many of the subsequent attributions to Brighid such as fire and virginity come from St Bride, so care needs to be exercised not to accredit the Christian associations onto the earlier Goddess.

Recipe for February

Thick Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Soup

This soup is quick and easy and served with thick fresh bread, is a meal to warm the bones.

1 Medium Sweet Potato
2 Small/Medium normal potatoes
1 Red Pepper
1 Medium Onion
1 1/2 Pints Chicken or Veg stock cube
Pepper to taste

Chop all the ingredients roughly and put in a large pan with the stock.
Bring to the boil them simmer for about 1/2 to 3/4 hour (depending on size of chopped veg).
When the veg is cooked but not too mushy, put into a blender. This will thicken the soup.
Put back in pan and heat gently and serve with the bread.

This will make 2 large servings.

   Animal Totem
The Mouse

If people are asked to say what they think of a mouse, most would usually think either along the lines of filthy vermin, or a small timid creature. There are very few people who would see the mouse as being powerful in any way.

In many belief systems around the world, both ancient and modern, it is common for someone to take an animal as a totem. The details vary, but generally the person will identify with this animal on a deeply spiritual and psychological level. Such a person will work with the power and abilities of this totem and will integrate these traits with their daily life. This being the case, why would anyone ever want a mouse as a totem?

First let me address some of the main misconceptions about mice. Vermin are animals that are regarded as pests or nuisances, especially ones that carry disease. Mice are often associated with their cousin the rat, the carrier of the infamous plague. In reality though the spread of disease is usually caused by the conditions we create ourselves, not by another animal. Contrary to popular belief, many mice are actually incredibly clean animals. Yes, it's true that mice can cause problems in houses or store rooms, but again, this is largely our own fault. Give any animal the opportunity to get a good food supply and it will take it. If we don't want to share our supplies with other critters we shouldn't store them in a place accessible by them! The ability of a mouse to enter our 'secure' store is a measure of the mouse's skill.

At first sight it might appear that the humble mouse is no match for other, larger animals. Notably it's predators. But, is this really the case? Try comparing, for instance, the number of mice to owls. Where any predator needs prey, the prey will always vastly outnumber the predator in a well balanced ecosystem. There will usually be hundreds or thousands of mice for each owl. Although on a one to one basis, the mouse is indeed weaker.
The mouse population as a whole will actually be larger and stronger than any of it's predators. Also, consider that the mouse population as a whole will largely dictate the population of it's predators (no animal can survive long term without a replenish-able food supply).
There are many other ways that the mouse can be shown as being powerful in a very real sense, but the ideas touched upon above, should illustrate the point sufficiently. So, maybe the mouse is more powerful than we think after all? Maybe we can delve a little into the mouse's life, to discover some of it's powers and attributes which could be called upon if the mouse were our totem.

Modesty: The individual mouse is not strong, but his community is. A mouse does not wallow in pride or show off it's abilities. A mouse will instead do it's personal best quietly and often in secret. He does not seek reward for his actions. Because of this the community is strong.
Grounding: It is rare for a mouse to overstretch his abilities. It will always try it's best, but is usually well aware of the boundaries, especially those of safety. He's happy with what he is. A mouse is associated with the Earth in a very practical way, often within it, teaching us the true value of our Mother.
Resourcefulness:  The mouse is very good at finding resources within his territory. For example, I mentioned above how good the mouse is at entering our stores! He's also fairly good at solving new problems, and needs this ability to survive in the wild.
Adaptability: Mice can be very good at adapting to changes, and have a knack of surviving seemingly impossible situations. It can seem almost magical how a few mice can survive such things as a fire or flood, when larger animals perish.
Shyness:  The mouse will hide behind cover and observe rather than be in the spotlight. If you want a good lesson in a Mouse's shyness, try counting the number of mice in any given area!
Innocence: A mouse has no secret agenda. He always does the best he can. Loyalty and honour are valued by the mouse, and he has no time for deceit or greed.
Awareness:  Being the prey for many other animals, the mouse needs to be constantly aware of it's surroundings.
It will alert the community to any changes it sees. The community as a whole is very aware of it's surroundings, arguably more so than most other animals.
Scrutiny:  A mouse has a keen eye for tiny details and can spot a crucial thing which could be missed by other animals. Again, this is key to his survival.
Determination:  Once the mouse has set it's sights on a goal, it's hard to divert it from that goal. If a food source is known, the mouse will try again and again to get there, which is why mice are so hard to get out of a house once they've been in there.
Cleanliness:  As mentioned above, many mice are very clean. Their home is well organised, even if it seems chaotic to an outsider. And they are well groomed.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. With a little imagination and observation, you'll discover many more attributes.
So, are all of these associations recent “New Age” inventions, or is there any evidence of the importance of mice in ancient times? Here are just a few examples...

The mouse is sacred to Apollo. In the Iliad, Apollo is called Smintheus, which means the mouse. Mice were fed at his alter. There were a number of Sminthian temples, and a number of related places were named after mice.
Even today, it's common to find a mouse as a local badge or crest in Greece.
The mouse was believed to have the power to transport the souls of the dead to the otherworld, and therefore to have the ability to cross between realms.
Mushika, the mouse, is Lord Ganesha's ridden-mount, which is traditionally associated with abundance in family life.

In some parts of South America, the mouse was revered and mouse idols have been found in temples.
Totemic animals are often found on ancient coins, and the mouse is no exception. For example, the mouse appeared on the coins of The Argives, Tenedos and Metapontum. In addition the mouse can be found on some Roman medals.

In the 3rd branch of the Mabinogi (an ancient Welsh text).... When a field is destroyed by mice, Manawydan catches and decides to kill the lead mouse. He is persuaded not to by the bishop, because the mouse is his wife.

The Navajo, associate the mouse with the south quadrant of their medicine wheel, which represents the macrocosmic view of life.

This short article, can not hope to teach you the true strength and power of the mouse as a totemic animal, but hopefully it will help open your eyes to this truth. The next time you are fortunate to encounter this amazing animal we have, take a few moments to watch him more closely.... for he has so much to teach us!

( by Robin )

Monthly issues will be published on this page.
Please visit soon to read the next monthly issue. We hope you will feel free to comment to us about subjects mentioned.
If you have a suitable poem, we would publish it using your tastefully and respectful name.... either real name, username or just first name....whichever you wish to use to identify by.
Please contact us at this email address:- ashoroak@yahoo.co.uk

Please take a look at this page:- http://www.wildwoodways.com/