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| Capricorn 2001 Edition | |
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| About Capricorn |
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How
many Capricorns does it take to change a light bulb? CAPRICORN: I don't waste my time with these
childish jokes. |
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| Inga's Celebration Calendar |
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December 17th Hanukkah ends December 21 the Winter solstice for 2001 will
occur at 11:21 am PST - This is the shortest day of the year as well
as the traditional Yule Festival. This is the time when the people of
the Northern Hemisphere celebrate birth and renewal. Egyptians
celebrated the birth of Horus, the Greeks celebrated the birth of
Apollo, the Persians celebrated the birth of Mithras, and the Romans
celebrated the birth of Sol Invictus. The festival of Sol Invictus
lasted until December 25th. Christianity eventually
supplanted the Solar Cult and in the fourth century, the Christian
Emperor, Constantine, issued a royal decree making December 25th
the commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ.
Learn more about the Solstice at Religious Tolerance.org. December 21st the Sun enters
the part of the sky ruled by Capricorn - Capricorn's time of year is
winter. This is when we celebrate the traditions of our families and
religions by gathering together. Unfortunately, many of our gatherings
can take on an air of duty rather than enjoyment. This too is a symbol
of Capricorn. We collectively look back on the past year and forward to
the New Year. Discovering more about our traditions and celebrating our
own family heritage is very much a Capricorn activity. Go ahead and
enjoy all the parties that happen this time of year but take some time
to make some traditions with your own family, too. December 25th is Christmas Day December 26th to January 1 is Kwanzaa - Doctor Maulana Karenga, Professor at the California State University, Long Beach, California, started this African American holiday in 1966. The seven-day celebration encourages people to think about their African roots as well as their life in present day America. Kwanzaa is based on African festivals. The word means "the first fruits." Learn more about Kwanzaa at The International Kwanzaa Exchange website. December 30th is a Full Moon and a
Lunar Eclipse - The Moon and Sun are opposite each other in the sky
with the Earth exactly between them. The Moon reflects all of the Sun's
light except for the short time the Sun's light is blocked by the Earth
during the eclipse itself. This is the time to perform rituals for
protection, clarity of vision and consecration. December 31st is New Year’s Eve January 1st is New Year’s Day January 4th is the first Friday of the month,
the IEM Get Together. This particular gathering happens to fall on
the exact night that Inga and I met synchronistically twenty years ago.
We'll be sharing twenty years of pictures and stories. Please come join
us! Click here to learn more. January 13th is a New Moon - The
Moon and Sun are conjunct in the sky. The moon is dark and gradually
increases to a crescent. This is the time to begin a ritual involving a
new project, to ask for new vision. January 19th The Sun Enters Aquarius |
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| Stone of the Sign - Jet |
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Jet is appropriately worn for Capricornian purposes such as funerals, honoring achievements, government or business matters, matters of reputation and dignity. Jet can be supportive for those taking on new roles of authority such as supervision or parenting. Wear Jet when you want to look sober, responsible and mature. Click here to learn more about purchasing Inga's Earth Magic Jewelry. |
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| Book Review |
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Anna recommended this book. This, like the Red Tent, is a novel drawn
from biblical characters. It is an excellent read and I could barely put
it down. The story follows the character of Mary Magdalene and tells her
story using the traditions of the day as well as apocryphal and mythic
sources. I found the reactions of other readers to this character to be
extremely interesting. Just like
The Red Tent, this book brings out the most vehement
vituperation in those who lack historical perspective or are not open to
alternative viewpoints. Most people have predisposed reactions to the
name of Mary Magdalene without ever realizing that much of her
reputation, like Queen Jezebel’s, came from legends growing up around
the Bible and not from the Bible itself. The finding, translating and
publishing of some of the Dead Sea Scrolls should serve to make us aware
that there were many more “gospels” than just the four that were picked
by the church to be part of the Bible. Early Christians used all of them
until the Council of Nicea conveniently disowned any that disagreed with
their own views. This book remedies the situation in many ways: It gives
Mary a place as a full member of Jesus’ retinue (which the gospels
imply), it puts Jesus and his sacrifice into a social context that makes
sense, it shows some of the religious origins of Jesus’ teaching and it
gives strength to his role as a founder. -- Inga Duncan Thornell >^..^< Here's a statement from the author, Clysta Kinstler, on Amazon’s Website: I was privileged to teach Philosophy of Religion and Comparative Religion courses at American River College in Sacramento, Calif. for fifteen years. The Moon Under Her Feet is my attempt to express the richness and harmony of spiritual insights I found expressed through world myths and their evolution into a symphonic whole. Writing the book and seeing it read and appreciated by so many people has been a continuous blessing to me. Two mornings ago, I got up just before dawn to let Annie, our Airedale in from the deck outside our bedroom where she sleeps. There in the eastern sky was the wonderful sign of the Goddess that Mari learned to watch for as a little girl, Venus, the Morning Star brilliant above the slimmest crescent moon. "...A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet." Ever since I began to write the book, I would just happen to see that sign in heavens before something significant in relation to the book or its progress toward publication would come about. I don't know why the Mother called me to awaken that morning-perhaps to write this note to you who are my readers, to thank you for your letters, and for the gift of our sharing. Blessed Be. Scott's review of The Moon Under Her Feet: This is the story of the birth, life, death and
resurrection of Jesus as witnessed by Mary Magdalene. In the Bible, she
is portrayed as an adulteress who washed Jesus’ feet and anointed them
with oil. In this book, we learn that she is Mary Anath, the High
Priestess of Isis-Ashera, or Magdalene. The author tells the Jesus story within its
cultural context by weaving back in the many elements of the Bible that
have been edited out by committees of men over the centuries. She shows
how primitive Christianity, the practice that existed before organized
Christianity, evolved from the holistic, matriarchal Goddess culture and
how it ran parallel to the relatively new patriarchal Judaism and Roman
cultures of the time. When viewed in this context, these male-governed, organized religions without the grounding, nurturing effect of the Goddess, become nothing more than methods of securing power over the masses. Conversely, the sacrifice of Jesus elevates the Goddess culture above the need for grandiose mass rituals involving corporeal sacrifices. Those are replaced by a simpler, internal ritual of self-transformation that results in purification and alignment with Father/Mother/God. Through Mary Magdalene’s eyes and heart, we experience her ego's need to preserve her identity and maintain a sense of security against the threat of domination by men. By undertaking such a transformative, internal ritual, she sheds the ego, layer by layer, only to learn that she still exists whole and that our true power is that of Love, the Law. Later in the book, when she joins up with Jesus as he roams the countryside performing healings, we understand the basis of his power because of Mary’s own spiritual journey. Click here to learn more about purchasing this book from Amazon.com.
This is a beautiful and useful item that you can use every day, created by Trevor Trifiro of Seattle! Scott and I have them next to our desks. Sensitivity to the moon’s phase and cycle thru the zodiac can do wonders for the effectiveness of your projects and rituals plus they just look cool on your wall! These obviously will also make distinctive and unique gifts for those special people in your life. The 2002 version features the Date, Time & Astrological Sign of every new, full and quarter (waxing & waning) moon, plus all the Pagan Holidays. I have information sheets on Using the Phases of the Moon and on The Moon thru the Signs posted in the Library on this website. Trevor is selling them for $8 each if you pick one up from him locally or add $4.50 for shipping in a Priority Mail tube. You can now order online via his website at www.infiniteloopdesign.com. -- Inga Duncan Thornell |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Everyone must have been busy with the holidays because we didn't get any questions for this issue. |
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| Letters from our Readers |
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We think of this newsletter as a community forum. You, our friends and clients, are welcome to participate. We celebrate diversity and we'll print whatever you send in be it Wiccan, Christian, Pagan, New Age, etc., as long as it reflects Love. You may choose a one-time holiday to write about or have a regular column. We'll give you space and a byline! Please send in your own book reviews, ideas for rituals, ideas about stones, your journal excerpts, your experiences and most of all, ask us questions. We love answering questions! This is from Laurie: Do know what would have happened if it had
been Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men? They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought practical gifts.
For everyone who loved it at the December gathering, here is Gloria’s hot spinach dip recipe: + 1 package frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
I’ve learned to appreciate both masculinity and
femininity equally as an inequity of either can cause various
troubles. Today, inequities
are visible with evidence of many men often resulting to suicide because
they are urged too much to be something specific other than what and
who
they really are. In
American society, as well as in many other societies, men are all too
often encouraged not to show their emotions or express themselves.
Things like crying and dancing among men is not favored in most
societies’ eyes. For example,
if a pre-teen boy were to cry in front of his peers, he may be called a
“wimp” and if a boy dare take ballet, well, he’s surely
a “faggot”.
But why have these stereotypes and attitudes flourished?
This probably has something to do with the fact that for some
reason, men, in most all areas of our world, are favored, and women
and “feminine” actions are not, and it has been like this for quite some
time. Jesus was male,
“God”
is supposedly male, when a couple marries, the woman takes the man’s
last name, and for the longest time, men have just been the dominant
gender in many ways. With a
large percentage of the world’s population being male dominated, these
things can be expected. Being
raised mostly by women, I noticed this social flaw from an earlier age
than most. At home, I was
being taught to express myself, love, and be loved.
But at school, outside of my family, and on TV, I was unfortunately
being taught otherwise. On TV
and at school, where most socialization takes place today, I saw how men
are supposed to be tall, strong, and have weapons.
But I desired this not.
At school, when asked by the other boys to play football, and preferred
not to, I was regularly called things like “sissy” or “girl”.
At first, in elementary school and junior high, this bothered me,
but as time passed, I began to realize that they were wrong, and that I
was in the right. I had begun
to notice society’s harsh stereotypes, and realized that I had a little
bit deeper understanding than them.
After realizing this, that it’s okay not to like playing
sports or hunting and still be a boy, it bothered me no longer.
It’s things like this that show just what I was being taught at
home, even from this early age.
I was being taught, mostly indirectly, that there needs to be, and should
be a balance in life; a balance between mostly all things.
This is one of the most important realizations that a person must
come to know. Through out all the years, I learned many things from my female adults. I remember one night when I was about three or four. At that time, we were living less than half a mile away from my mother’s mother. My dad had gotten rather drunk, and was being very violent. That night, once he passed out from the alcohol intake, my mother and I escaped by the dark of the moon to my grandmother’s house. We would stay there for the night, until it was safe to return home the next morning. I can remember staying up late that night with my mom and grandmother making crafts, talking, joking, and drinking chocolate milk. From that special experience that sticks-out in my mind, I learned that there is always calmness after a storm, and that there truly can be an escape to freedom and comfort from the turbulent things of life. This, just one example of the many lessons I learned from my elder female kin. During the course of my childhood, pre-teen, and teenage life, I was both directly and indirectly taught many things by my mother, grandmothers, and aunts. These things ranged from manners, to giving, to how to listen to someone and be a true friend. I feel that I was truly protected by these women during the most influential years of my life from the negative influences that I was being exposed to. I probably could’ve very easily turned-out not so well if these strong, loving, and creative women hadn’t led me. They inspired and encouraged me to be observant, to be myself, to do what I like, and to stand up for my beliefs, my opinions, and for myself. There’s just something about the female spirit of natural giving, life, nurturing, and warmth that caused me to pick these things up. It is because of this, that I thank them ever so sincerely, and hope that my siblings, and other family members have and/or will gain the knowledge and understanding that I have gained simply by being around and loving these women. Scott received this Holiday wish and decided to pass it along: He says “It's seems very Capricorn to me!” From me ("the Wishor") to you ("the Wishee") Please accept without obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . I wish you a financially successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2002, but with due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures or sects, and having regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform or sexual preference of the Wishee. By accepting this greeting you are bound by these terms that this greeting is subject to further clarification or withdrawal. This greeting is freely transferable provided that no alteration shall be made to the original greeting and that the proprietary rights of the Wishor are acknowledged. This greeting implies no promise by the Wishor to actually implement any of the wishes. This greeting may not be enforceable in certain jurisdictions and/or the restrictions herein may not be binding upon certain Wishees in certain jurisdictions and is revocable at the sole discretion of the Wishor. This greeting is warranted to perform as reasonably may be expected within the usual application of good tidings, for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first. The Wishor warrants this greeting only for the limited replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the Wishor. Any references in this greeting to "the Lord", "Father Christmas", "Our Savior", "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" or any other festive figures, whether actual or fictitious, dead or alive, shall not imply any endorsement by or from them in respect of this greeting, and all proprietary rights in any referenced third party names and images are hereby acknowledged. This greeting is made under US Law. Scott also submitted this little gem: This is an article submitted to a 1999 Louisville Sentinel contest to find out who had the wildest Christmas dinner. This won first prize. It is titled: CHRISTMAS WITH LOUISE As a joke, my brother used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them. What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings were overflowing, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty. One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don't sell those things at Wal-Mart. I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown. If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, "What does this do?" "You're kidding me!" and "Who would buy that?" Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section. I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane during rush hour. Finding what I wanted was difficult. Love dolls come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled for "Lovable Louise." She was at the bottom of the price scale. To call Louise a "doll" took a huge leap of imagination. On Christmas Eve, with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life. My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours, long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louise's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours. The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more. We all agreed that Louise should remain in her panty hose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner. My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. "What the heck is that?” she asked. My brother quickly explained, "It's a doll." "Who would play with something like that?” Granny snapped. I had several candidates in mind, but kept my mouth shut. "Where are her clothes?” Granny continued. "Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran," Jay said, trying to steer her into the dining room. But Granny was relentless. "Why doesn't she have any teeth?" Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny! Hang on!" My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, "Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?" I told him she was Jay's friend. A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home. The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise that sounded a lot like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the panty hose, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa. The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants and Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car. It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember. Later in my brother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louise's collapse. We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh. Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her to perfect health. Louise went on to star in several bachelor party movies. I think Grandpa still calls her whenever he can get out of the house. |
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| The Monthly IEM Get Together |
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We've always wondered what would happen if we got the friends we've made through Inga's Earth Magic (IEM) into a room together. Why? Because every one of us has a unique gift to offer to the world. And if we get enough of us in one place at the same time, something magical is bound to occur.
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 The
Duncan Domain
Scott is on vacation and will return in Aquarius 2002. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! */:-) |
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| New and Updated Pages on our Website |
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Click here to check out our auction items on Ebay! Click here to check out our items on World's Best New Age Auction!
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Distribution via e-mail is free of charge. We feel the Internet is a great way to share knowledge and information and very compatible with the environment. Distribution via US mail is also free but if you'd like to help offset the paper, postage and envelope costs, please send $12. That pays for 12 issues for one year. Please send a check and your name and address to the address listed below. Thanks! We certainly hope you enjoyed our newsletter. If you are not interested in this information and would like to be removed from this mailing list, please click the e-mail link below and place the word "REMOVE" in the subject line of your message. This message is being sent to you in compliance with the Federal legislation for commercial e-mail (H.R.4176 - Section 101, Paragraph (e)(1)(a)) and Bill s.1618 Title III passed by the 105th US Congress. |
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The
Moon Under Her Feet by Clysta Kinstler
The
picture is of the three Kings from the Fontanini Nativity Collection.
If they seem familiar it’s because these are the type of figures that Inga
collects and displays all over the house. You can see more pictures at the 
The
Female Spirit - An Essay by Donald Neel
Click
on this link to visit the Amazon home page.