This is the very best time of year. In my childhood memories of golden shafts of light wafting between swirls of smoke scented with burning leaves there is always a cat or dog walking by my side or curled up on my lap. Animals have continually played a significant part in my life, both magickally and mundanely. Inspiring, soothing and keeping me company when I was lonely. Teaching me everything from shapeshifting to how to always land on your feet to unconditional love. In this issue of Widdershins we begin with the end by saying goodbye to a friend who has passed on. We are saddened that Beaver Chief is no longer here with us and we wish him speed and loving travel companions on his journey.
We have a tale of one kitty's search for and training of a family and another of lessons learned by dreaming and leaping large. We have an account of a vision quest to meet animal spirit guides and the subtle principles that they teach. We have a touching lesson in love from the king of the fey Oberon, who pretended for a time to be a sweet little dog.
On a lighter note we have a whole bushel basket of reviews this issue. A veritable harvest of opinions on everything from pagan music to a dining experience and a book about magickal gardening, a very apropos Lammas subject. New astrology, the calendar, resources and classifieds round out this issue, a bountiful harvest indeed.
Beaver Chief used to tell my favorite of his stories (forgive me BC and correct me if I am wrong. With all respect, if I am slightly off it's because my memory is not as good as it once was.) I can almost hear his soft voice..."a long time ago, a long time ago, a long time ago... the rocks thought they were people, a long time ago the trees thought they were people, a long time ago the animals thought they were people, and the wise ones say that one day we will tell a story... a long time ago the humans, thought they were people." We are all the mother's children, human, plant, animal, rock, water... be kind to one another.
I hope that your memories of this harvest time are as wonderful as those of my childhood. Remember, when you bite into the wild northwest blackberry and taste the succulent black richness, give thanks for the splendor that we enjoy, the green earth, the blue sky, our human, plant and animal friends.
May your harvests be abundant, eager, and scrumptious! Lammas blessings -- Sylvana and the staff.