Blessings,
As the days grow shorter and, for some, the temperature drops let us take a moment to pause and consider the energies of the season. With all of the hustle and bustle of the winter holidays, with their sparkling lights and seasonal soundtracks, it is important to remember that this is also a time of darkness and stillness for the Earth. While our social world quickens with a flurry of activity and seemingly endless demands on our time, energy, and resources the natural world instead takes a deep breath in, exhales, and simply stops … simply IS.

Because it is so easy to lose sight of our personal needs when we are caught up in holiday preparations and having to face the expectations of others — especially when times are so difficult for so many — it is even more important to take any moment we can and follow the example of the natural world. Take a deep breath in, exhale and simply stop … simply BE. Sit in a stillness like that of the Earth and listen to your own breathing … connect with your own heartbeat. Then, with consciousness, send your energy deep down into the ground and connect with the breathing and heartbeat of the Earth. Become aware of how very slowly it moves at this time of the year, and match your own breath and heartbeat with the rhythm of the Earth. Stop, and simply BE.

The fundamental essence of the winter holidays, no matter your path or tradition, is to find warmth in the love of your family and community no matter how low the temperature may drop, and to find light in the promise of life’s renewal even in the depths of the darkness. Connecting with, and working to maintain, a calm, still center will keep you anchored in the things that truly matter at this time of the year. The natural cycle is one of our greatest teachers and one of our most powerful allies for growth and transformation. When it is hardest to hear the rhythm of the Earth, it is also the most important time to stop and listen to what she is trying to say.

Be still and simply be.

Bendithion Afallon,
The Council of Nine

A Journey through the Sacred Landscapes of the
Avalonian Tradition: Presented by the Sisterhood of Avalon June 21 through July 1, 2009

Come join with Sisters of the Spirit on a ten-day Pilgrimage where we will explore both inner and outer landscapes and balance conscious sightseeing with ritual, Imram and Avalonian teachings. We will immerse ourselves in the energies of the sacred landscapes of the Avalonian Tradition, bringing to life the legendary lands of The Mabinogion and connecting with sites held sacred to the ancient Britons. Stand in Druid Groves and chant in Stone Circles. Bathe in holy springs, explore ancestral barrows, and climb ceremonial hills. Experience first hand the mystical energies of Cymru and the Sacred Island of Avalon, portal to the Otherworld and Temple Center of Holy Women.We will spend five days in Wales, visiting sites associated in literature and ancient folk memory with Ceridwen, Blodeuwedd, Rhiannon, Arianrhod, and Branwen. We will then travel to Glastonbury, believed by many to be Avalon of old, where we will spend the next five days of the pilgrimage visiting this “holiest erthe in Englande.” Time will be spent in experiential workshops, sharing in ritual amidstthe sacred landscapes, and immersing ourselves in the spiritual energies of sites associated with the Goddesses of Avalon and the priestesses of old who are our spiritual foremothers. For more information and a detail registration packet, please contact our Pilgrimage Coordinator:

pilgrimage@sisterhoodofavalon.org

SOA Hearths and Learning Circles
The Sisterhood of Avalon fosters a growing number of Hearths, Novice Hearths and Learning Circles. These groups of sisters gather to celebrate the Divine, to support each other in their growth and transformation, to learn the ways of the Avalonian Tradition, and to serve their greater communities in many ways. If you would like to find out more about joining or starting an SOA Hearth, Novice Hearth or Learning Circle, please contact our Hearth Matron for more information. Most groups sponsor Informational Teas locally to connect with women interested in making the journey to Avalon in safe sister space. Watch this list for periodic announcements for the dates and locations of these Open Teas.

 Members of the Afal Iachaol hearth and Cainc Arian Hearth
meet up for a Calan Gaeaf Ritual weekend

Afal Iachaol Hearth mother Bobbi Hollars hosted a Calan Gaeaf ritual weekend November 7-9 at her home in Lizton, Indiana just outside Indianapolis. Eight sisters from Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan gathered Friday night for drumming, chanting, getting to know new sisters (and baby Caden who wowed us with his lovely smile) and reconnect with others. Not to mention there were lots of yummy, homemade eats. On Saturday morning we crafted cauldrons from Sculpy clay, as well as yonis and goddess figures. Later Kim attuned us for Celtic Reiki and Rhonda showed us how to card wool, spin yarn and use a drop spindle. More tasty foods followed and we spent a lovely, chilly evening warmed by sharing space in ritual and with the needfire. On our last day together we shared in a sister exchange then hit the road together for a breakfast and shopping at a local pagan shop.

The Cainc Arian Novice Hearth would like to welcome Sylvia, our newest Learning Circle member! If you live in the Cincinnati area and are interested in the Sisterhood of Avalon and would like to join our Learning Circle, please contact Hearthmother, Kim D. at avalonwomon@hotmail.com. Cainc Arian meets weekly and at each full moon. Our hearth is a way for SOA members to gather in community and to share our spiritual journey. Our next open tea will be in February 2009. Please look for the announcement on Witchvox or on the SOA-Updates group.