Hudson Valley Pagan Network, Inc.

The Year Ahead....2012

2012-01-13T16:54:00.002-05:00

2012 Events Calendar

Events have established as follows:

Beltane: Sunday, April 29^th

Midsummer: Saturday, June 23^rd

Paganic: Sunday, July 8^th, after the Community Meeting

Psychic Fair: Friday, Oct 12^th

Witches’ Ball / Samhain: Saturday, October 27^th

Yule: Saturday, Dec 15^th

Other area notable events:

Venture Inward: Psychic Fairs are February 9^th and 10^th

WE MISS THE Witches’ Ball!!!!!!

Group discussion has generated quite a bit of enthusiasm to revisit and hold a 2012 Witches Ball. The lovely Dee has offered to chair this event. When discussion pointed out that October was shaping up to be a very event heavy month, the idea to combine the ball with the Samhain celebration by including a short “ritual performance” was raised and well received. Stay tuned for more information!!

Yule Celebration

2011-11-13T12:54:00.001-05:00

This years Yule Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 17th from 4-9pm at the Horizon Ridge Apartments Community Room.

Bring a delicious dish to pass: there is a microwave, stove and oven to heat up or finish off your dish, if needed.

Feasting, song, and merriment will ensue :0)

Super Samhain

2011-11-08T12:59:00.001-05:00

Some terrific reminders of a fabulous evening! Thank you, Mandi, Claudia, Donna, Maryann, Sierra and everyone else who had a part in planning, hosting, and staging a really great ritual and feast!

*RESCHEDULED** A Stereotypically Witchy Good Samhain!

2011-10-10T12:58:00.006-04:00

Samhain

**Friday, November 4, 2011**
Arrive at 6:30, ritual at 7:30ish

**THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM 10/29 TO 11/4 DUE TO WEATHER PREDICTED.***

This year we weary old souls have decided to have some good-old fashioned seasonal fun!

Come dressed in your most ghoulish witchy garb - cape, pointy hat, broom in hand!! (Seriously, you will need a broom, it is how we will be casting circle)

Bring one large carved pumpkin for circle and several small gourds or pumpkins (the smaller will be your energy, wishes and prayers for the coming year)
Bring a dish to pass, and a serving utensil - potluck baby, the only way to feast!
Bring something to eat on and with - no plates, utensils or cups will be provided - BYO
Bring a lawn chair - we will hang outside if the weather cooperates!

If you are a member of HVPN's Yahoo Group, you are a member invited to this event. If you require directions, please email Mandi at hvpninc@gmail.com. Explain who are you are how you came to the group. I know this sounds a bit "dodgy", but there are many members who I am sure are lovely people, but we haven't met yet and I do not want to give out directions to my home willy-nilly

Spiritual Retreat

2011-10-10T12:54:00.001-04:00

Saturday, October 22nd
10am through about 6pm

We hope you’ll join us at the beautiful sanctuary known as Universal Pathways in Berne, NY. (www.universalpathways.com)

Rediscover the sacred within yourself and within nature in whatever way makes sense to you. Enjoy time reading in one of the many reading rooms, meditating in the gardens, walking the labyrinth, visiting the cave or finding your own path through the woods and fields. The agenda for the day will be very loosely structured and will offer a mixture of solitary and group activity with the accent being on personal time spent in the manner which you will find most meaningful:

10am: Gathering and Greeting
10:30 – 11:00am: Opening Ceremony
11:00am – 5:00pm: Free Time for Solitary and small group pursuits
5:00pm – Closing: Community Feast

Cost of admission is $25.00 per adult. Children and teens under the age of 18yrs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are admitted at no charge. However, donations on their behalf would be welcome. We will be happy to accept cash (please attempt to have correct change) or checks (made out to HVPN Inc.) upon your arrival. All proceeds collected to benefit Universal Pathways.

What to bring: The main feast will take place later in the day so bring whatever you’ll need for lunch. Light snacks and drinks to share throughout the day will also be welcome. The feast will begin at 5pm and will be potluck. Bring feast gear and a dish to share. There is a small kitchen and ample outlets for crock pots. Ritual wear is welcome and encouraged. Consider bringing drums, tarot cards, journals or other ritual items you may wish to use in the solitary time allotted. Consider clothing needs for both indoor and outdoor activity as the weather permits. Please be aware that cell phones and beepers often do not receive signals in this location. However, the office does have a phone for urgent calls.

This is NOT an HVPN member’s only event. We love to see old friends and welcome new friends as well! Any interested persons are welcome! Group activities are not tradition specific and no prior training or experience is needed. Please feel free to contact me, Allan, (artaios3@aol.com) for more information.

just sayin

2011-09-15T14:54:00.000-04:00

Memories of Summer Retreat

2011-09-14T12:29:00.005-04:00

I was thinking today about our wonderful summer retreat and was reminded that I was remiss in posting pictures of our beautiful Pagan prayer flags. They looked so great floating on the sunshine. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I can't wait for the next retreat, and I'm grateful that repairs have already begun on Mary's land at Universal Pathways after the hurricane/tropical storm.

September Community Meeting

2011-09-06T11:50:00.000-04:00

Our monthly Community Meeting is this Sunday, Sept 11th.

I would like to place a request and a call for any and all donations you can provide for the areas effected by the flooding of Hurricane Irene. I can transport all donations to the drop centers out this way.

Needed items include, but are not limited to:
Health and Beauty Items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc...)
Household cleaning products (bleach especially, brooms, sponges, mops, etc...)
Baby supplies (clothes, diapers, wipes, cribs, strollers, etc...)
Non-Perishable food items
School supplies (notebooks, bookbags, pens, pencils etc...)
Pet food and crates
Gift cards for supplies

I am also going to be putting in a call for HVPN to make a large donation to Universal Pathways, to help Mary with rebuilding of the bridge and the sacred space of the clearing we have all so enjoyed. The bridge was washed out, along with all the plantings Mary has worked so diligently to cultivate and make out spiritual visits wonderful ones.

I do hope to see as many faces as possible Sunday, for all to check in and decompress after a week of insanity.

Publication: Scribing Ibis

2011-08-17T18:23:00.000-04:00

Hi all -- Kate here! Just wanted to share a publication with you that I'm in that might be of some interest to folks:

The Scribing Ibis: An Anthology of Pagan Fiction in Honor of Thoth

Edited by Rebecca Buchanan and the Editorial Board of Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Foreword by Inanna Gabriel
Price: $15.99
Publication Date: 18 August 2011
ISBN/EAN13: 1466223278 / 9781466223271
Page Count: 192

He was Creation’s First Storyteller. To soothe a wrathful Goddess, ibis-headed Thoth spun tales of honor and greed, love and treachery, Gods and princes and pirates. Entranced, charmed, Her rage cooled, the Goddess returned to heaven. Order was restored. And so it is in His name that we dedicate this collection. Here, modern Pagans and polytheists continue that ancient tradition, weaving stories of creation and loss, death and rebirth, humor and courage, transformation and destruction. From the banks of the Nile to the icy north, from modern-day Kansas to far future alien worlds, these tales sing of the grace and glory of the Gods, and Their place in our lives.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication
The Fires of Thoth by Teresita Garcia
Foreword: Blessed Be the Mythmakers by Inanna Gabriel
Introduction by Rebecca Buchanan
Birth by Erynn Rowan Laurie
Persephone’s Travels by John Drury
The Story of Philemon and Baukis by Amanda Sioux Blake
The Gallisenae by Jhenah Telyndru
Balbilla’s Reply by Michael Routery
Sinikka Journeys North by KA Laity
Power of the Gods by Steven Gepp
Corrupting Influence by Brandon Cracraft
Anything for a Tale by Melia Suez
Yewberry by Alison Leigh Lilly
Like Herding Cats by Gerri Leen
Unlock by Ashley Horn
Aunty Zee by Diotima Sophia
Godwin’s Law by Jason Ross Inczauskis
Crossroads by Rebecca Buchanan
Reunion by P Sufenas Virius Lupus
Over the Rainbow by Eric Scott
Mother Blood Sky by JD Revezzo
The Myth-Shifter by Star Foster
The Resurrection of Samhain by Quincy Allen
Appendix A: The Nature and Functions of Thoth in Egyptian Theology by Edward P. Butler
Appendix B: A Pagan’s Inspirational Romance by Mary K Wilson
Appendix C: The Green Man and the Fool: Pagan Archetypes in the Fiction of Laurie R King by Literata
Appendix D: Select Timeline of Pagan and Polytheist Literature, and Related Texts by Rebecca Buchanan
Our Contributors
About Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Retreat & Treats

2011-07-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sure, it was hot, but the cave gave us some cool air. As always, there was some amazing food -- two kinds of potato salad! homemade pesto! squid salad! pasta salad! spicy black bean salad with fresh cilantro! tomato soup! -- but I think Niamh's creation took the cake, so to speak. :-) Mmm, chocolate stout. Another amazing day with Mary. Thank you all.

Midsummer recap

2011-06-26T10:49:00.001-04:00

OH MY what a wonderful day we had!!! Sunny with blue skies, a slight wind so no bugs, no humidity, no rain is sight. Excellent food with lots of people...about 30 or so. A great ritual with drumming and singing...the flowers wreaths and headpieces turned out lovely. Old and new friends everywhere!!

Thanks to all of those who helped!!

Love and Light

Claudia

Article Share from the Times Union

2011-06-22T07:36:00.000-04:00

Wiccans, astronomers and average Joes mark summer solstice

Tuesday's summer solstice draws attention of scientists, Wiccans

By Paul GRONDAHL Staff writer

Updates to our online presence!

2011-06-20T16:57:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone!! I thought I would shoot out a quick post to our blog and let everyone know of updates!

The site will now display on mobile devices, less any "filler" the blog possesses. The design of the blog now has a lighter, open look for the summer. And we will now have notices sent to the Yahoo! Group when we post to the blog! YAY!!!!

Hope to see everyone at Midsummer this weekend!!

HVPN’s Spiritual Retreat – Summer 2011

2011-06-09T00:45:00.001-04:00

Saturday, July 23rd
10am through about 6pm

We hope you’ll join us at the beautiful sanctuary known as Universal Pathways in Berne, NY. (www.universalpathways.com)

Rediscover the sacred within yourself and within nature in whatever way makes sense to you. Enjoy time reading in one of the many reading rooms, meditating in the gardens, walking the labyrinth, visiting the cave or finding your own path through the woods and fields. The agenda for the day will be very loosely structured and will offer a mixture of solitary and group activity with the accent being on personal time spent in the manner which you will find most meaningful:

10am: Gathering and Greeting
10:30 – 11:00am: Opening Ceremony
11:00am – 5:00pm: Free Time for Solitary and small group pursuits
5:00pm – Closing: Community Feast

Cost of admission is $25.00 per adult. Children and teens under the age of 18yrs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are admitted at no charge. However, donations on their behalf would be welcome. We will be happy to accept cash (please attempt to have correct change) or checks (made out to HVPN Inc.) upon your arrival. All proceeds collected to benefit Universal Pathways.

What to bring: The main feast will take place later in the day so bring whatever you’ll need for lunch. Light snacks and drinks to share throughout the day will also be welcome. The feast will begin at 5pm and will be potluck. Bring feast gear and a dish to share. There is a small kitchen and ample outlets for crock pots. Ritual wear is welcome and encouraged. Consider bringing drums, tarot cards, journals or other ritual items you may wish to use in the solitary time allotted. Consider clothing needs for both indoor and outdoor activity as the weather permits. Please be aware that cell phones and beepers often do not receive signals in this location. However, the office does have a phone for urgent calls.

This is NOT an HVPN member’s only event. We love to see old friends and welcome new friends as well! Any interested persons are welcome! Group activities are not tradition specific and no prior training or experience is needed. Please feel free to contact me, Allan, (artaios3@aol.com) for more information.

Springtime Psychic Fair!!

2011-02-11T07:24:00.004-05:00

April 15, 2011 from 7-10pm

Come on out and join us at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd!!!

Several of the friendliest tarot readers in town will be on hand to read for you.

$20 for a full reading (in depth, explores your question on a bit deeper level)
$10 for a mini reading (simpler, usually "surface" questions)

Java's is a wonderful coffee house; you can come and have a leisurely night sipping your favorite latte or tea and enjoy your reading.

HVPN Celebration Update

2011-01-23T08:47:00.002-05:00

Welcome visitors!! You may have noticed that our events calendar is a bit lighter than in past years. It is not a typo or an error, simply a need to scale back a bit and branch out to visit with others events. The members of HVPN Inc decided to focus on the four Pagan celebrations that we enjoy the most, and that historically have the highest attendance: Beltane, Midsummer, Samhain and Yule.

If you are looking to celebrate with a group for any other holidays, please visit the Networking section to the left of your screen (below our Events list). We have included places that we have enjoyed and other events from around the Capital District for you to browse.

Hope to see you at an event!!!!

November Psychic Fair

2010-11-05T16:51:00.002-04:00

Friday, November 19th, 2010 from 7-10pm

Come on out and join us at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd
next Friday night!!!

Several of the friendliest tarot readers in town will be on hand to read for you.

$20 for a full reading (in depth, explores your question on a bit deeper level)
$10 for a mini reading (simpler, usually "surface" questions)

Java's is a wonderful coffee house; you can come and have a leisurely night
sipping your favorite latte or tea and enjoy your reading.

Blessed Samhain!

2010-10-29T15:50:00.003-04:00

Happy Samhain to everyone!

The veil is thin and the time for contemplation and reflection is upon us. We will celebrate the changes we have made as individuals, and as a community during this years gathering.

We will hold our Samhain Celebration this evening, Friday October 29th. Gather at 7, ritual at 8. Feast (as always) to follow. This is being held at a members home in Princetown, if you need directions please email hvpninc@gmail.com.

Bring a dish to share and a carved pumpkin for circle!!

Another Great Retreat

2010-10-24T12:18:00.001-04:00

Thanks, Jen, for a lovely welcoming ceremony (and for reading my cards!). Thanks, Donna, for singing "One Spirit" with me because I could never sing it alone! Everyone needs to learn this one :-D Thanks everyone for such wonderful food (as usual)! Thanks, Allan, for all the organising and reminding!

Mary's home gives us such a wonderful space, full of wildlife, hills, trees, the river, the pond -- and the donkeys!

And of course, there's the cave: I took a short video so I could take a little of that wonderful space with me:

A Little Pagan Getaway October 23rd

2010-07-21T21:42:00.001-04:00

The Agenda…
Our agenda will provide a larger chunk of unbroken "solitary / private time" in the middle of the day. We'll be doing a short communal ceremony to open the event and will move the feast to end of the day. That means everyone will need to think about bringing a lunch for themselves and / or snacks and beverages to share through the day.
A dish to share with the group is also advised, so as to partake in the closing feast.

10am: Gathering and Greeting
10:30 – 11:00am: Opening Ceremony
11:00am – 5:00pm: Free Time for Solitary and small group pursuits
5:00pm – Closing: Community Feast / Discussion

Cost of admission is still $25.00 per adult.
Children (anyone under 18) attending should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents bringing children are encouraged to make a donation on behalf of their kids, you will find it is well worth it!!

HVPN Paganic 2010!

2010-07-14T14:26:00.001-04:00

HVPN Paganic 7/17/10
12-5pm
Cook Park, Colonie, NY

The annual HVPN picnic will be at Cook Park in Colonie. You can go to the following link for directions (when you get to the page scroll down for that info: http://www.colonievillage.org/youth/index.htm)
Please bring a dish to share and feast gear. You are welcome and encouraged to bring any outdoor equipment or board games.
If you are interested in attending and have a few more questions, please email either hvpninc@gmail.com or purplemooncat3@gmail.com.
Thanks!

HVPN Garage Sale!!! - July 24th!!

2010-07-05T21:38:00.004-04:00

Come on out and join us at our annual garage sale. All proceeds benefit our organization!

Plenty to choose from, and you get to meet some really cool people!!!

750 Huntingdon Ave, Niskayuna NY

9am til 3pm ~ Saturday July 24th!

Beltane!

2010-04-30T09:41:00.000-04:00

Join us to celebrate Beltane!
Sunday May 2, Peebles Island State Park
Renaissance Theme
Gather at 1:00, Ritual at 2:00
Circle Dance
Maypole
Feast
Bring Feast Gear
(There is a parking charge of $6.00 which helps the State Park system)

Earth Day - For Your Consideration

2010-04-21T22:59:00.004-04:00

As Pagans, we are devoted to Earth. As such, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of how all of our actions affect the earth and our environment. While we have become good at recycling, using green products, and using energy-efficient light bulbs, another daily aspect of our lives affects the earth in a huge way – more than you probably think or ever would have guessed.

The source of your food has a huge impact on the environment. Consider these facts:

1. An area of rainforest the size of seven football fields is destroyed every minute to make room for grazing cattle;

2. Nearly half of all water used in the US is to raise animals for food;

3. Every pound of meat emits the same amount of greenhouse gasses as driving an SUV 40 miles as a result of the resources that were used to produce the meat;

4. You save more water by not eating a pound of beef than you do by not showering for an entire year!

5. The meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than all the SUV's, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world COMBINED;

6. Raising animals for flesh, eggs, and milk is one of the world's leading emitters of carbon dioxide. Animal agriculture is the leading source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which combined with carbon dioxide, causes the majority of global warming;

7. 70% of the grain and cereals that we grow in the US are fed to farmed animals. It takes up to 16 pounds of grain to produce just one pound of meat; and

8. 20% of the world’s population (1.4 billion people) could be fed with the grain and soybeans fed to U.S. cattle.

You can have a bigger impact on the environment by what you choose to eat rather than what you choose to drive, or by what light bulbs you use. A single meal can make an enormous difference. Picture this: it is better for the environment to eat a salad in a Hummer than a hamburger in a Prius.

Once or twice a week, add more “green” to your plate than just vegetables – and help preserve our environment and our precious Earth. There are plenty of environmentally friendly sources of protein aside from meat, such as nuts, legumes, beans, and soy-based foods.

For more information on these statistics and other facts, go to: http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp

For Kathy

2010-04-12T09:41:00.004-04:00

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)

-- with love and fond memories from the members of the Hudson Valley Pagan Network.

April Psychic Fair!!

2010-03-23T07:18:00.002-04:00

Come on out and join us at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd!!!

Several of the friendliest tarot readers in town will be on hand to read for you.
$20 for a full reading (in depth, explores your question on a bit deeper level)
$10 for a mini reading (simpler, usually "surface" questions)

Java's is a wonderful coffee house; you can come and have a leisurely night sipping your favorite latte or tea and enjoy your reading.

Ostara

2010-03-18T09:22:00.005-04:00

Ostara will be at my place (Kate's) this Saturday at 1pm. Bring your drum if you have one as we will be playing. Our theme is Finnish Easter witches, like the one in the postcard above (yes, I think this was the inspiration for Miyazaki's Kiki). Around Easter time in Finland and Sweden little girls dress as "witches" with kerchiefs on their heads, drawn on freckles and go around begging for treats with their copper kettles. It was believed that witches departed on Maundy Thursday to go to a distant mountain to dance and sing with the magpies, not returning until Easter Sunday morning. Postcards with witches and Easter letters are still popular to send for the holiday.

I'm going to be making some mushroom soup; feel free to bring whatever you like (I know egg dishes will probably be popular). Don't forget, there's no parking at my building, so park on Manning Blvd and come around to the side door. See you there!

Eco Challenge

2010-03-15T08:43:00.003-04:00

A couple of HVPN's younger members are involved in a project for school. The contest is sponsored by LEXUS car makers and is known as the Lexus Eco Challenge. The Lexus Eco Challenge is a life–changing opportunity for teens across the nation to make a difference in the environmental health of our planet, one community at a time. Teens are challenged to raise awareness of conservation and support protection of natural resources.

For the Final Challenge, eight First Place winning Teams will each receive $15,000, while two Grand Prize winning Teams will each take home $30,000. These amazing prizes will be put toward scholarships and school supplies -- so please rally your friends and help these girls win this challenge and put all of their great ideas to work!

They have created a web site for their team, called GoffGoneGreen.org

Thacher Park to be Closed!

2010-02-19T12:17:00.002-05:00

The governor's list of park closures has come out: the news is not good. All Over Albany has good coverage on the closures and links to action groups and petitions. We need our green spaces!

February Chanting and Drumming group

2010-02-15T17:36:00.002-05:00

This months meeting of the chanting and drumming group will be held at Lou's home in Guilderland (please email hvpninc at gmail.com for directions)

We will meet this Wednesday from 7-9pm.

Hope you can come join us!!!

Psychic Fair tonight!!

2010-02-12T10:15:00.002-05:00

Come on out and join us at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd this Friday night!!!

Several of the friendliest tarot readers in town will be on hand to read for
you.
$20 for a full reading (in depth, explores your question on a bit deeper level)
$10 for a mini reading (simpler, usually "surface" questions)

Java's is a wonderful coffee house; you can come and have a leisurely night
sipping your favorite latte or tea and enjoy your reading.

Oh Noes! Mercury Retrograde!

2009-12-26T08:22:00.004-05:00

It's that time again! A time so many of us brace for with a lot of angst: mercury retrograde. I'm not sure I have a lot of knowledge about or faith in astrology, but I do prepare for Mercury's retrograde periods because they do always seem to have an influence on my life. Rob Tillet, editor of Astrology on the Web, writes:

In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travelers, tricksters and thieves.

Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry.

It is not exactly wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!

There always seem to be more misunderstandings, computer glitches and travel mishaps during this time, which makes me even more wary because I am traveling -- with my computer, of COURSE -- to go see friends next week, and already feel anxious.

Tillet suggests meeting the unexpected with deliberate preparation:

Mercury's retro phase tends to bring unforeseen changes and blockages, but the aggravation and frustration that many of us experience during these periods is often due to our own inability to roll with the punches.

Forewarned is for-armed! Read the rest of Tillet's post for more details.

Chanting TONIGHT!

2009-12-16T13:30:00.001-05:00

I'm hosting chanting tonight at my place: if you need directions, email me or check the messages on the Yahoo group. See you there!

Kate

Yule!!

2009-11-22T22:05:00.003-05:00

HVPN is having its Yule celebration!!

December 5th at 4pm
In the Community room at Horizon Ridge apartment complex in East Greenbush.

There will be feasting, caroling & unwrapping the Wraparound.

We ask everyone to bring a dish to pass & feast gear (your own dishes and utensils).
Musical instruments are welcome!

Please join us for a night of good food, good people & lots of fun!

Bonus Psychic Fair!!!

2009-11-06T12:46:00.002-05:00

Fun Announcement! HVPN will be hosting an extra, bonus Psychic Fair this fall. Normally, we only hold two in the fall, but we just can't get enough!!

Friday, 11/13/09, we will be ringing in Friday the 13th in proper form with a night of tarot and psychometry readings.

Come join us at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd. from 7-10pm! Tarot readings are a wonderful way to spend the evening. Come relax, grab a cup o' joe and enjoy a reading!

10$ for a mini reading, 20$ for a full reading.

HVPN Samhain Event

2009-10-30T10:40:00.003-04:00

Hey there! We are hosting a Samhain event Friday, October 30th at Mandi's house at 7pm. Barring rain, it will be an outdoor ritual around a bonfire. This year's meditation theme is a reflection on our lives so far, what we have done with this life and where we want to go.

There will be chanting and drumming, so please bring a drum and your voice! And of course, there will be a feast! We ask everyone to please bring a dish to pass.

If you have any questions, please email me at purplemooncat3@gmail.com.

Thanks ~ Maryann

Psychic Fair

2009-10-20T12:59:00.001-04:00

Don't forget the second of our fall Psychic Fairs this Friday at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd.

Friday, October 23th 7-10pm

Tarot readings are a wonderful way to spend the evening. Come relax, grab a cup o' joe and enjoy a reading!

10$ for a mini reading, 20$ for a full reading.

Why We ♥ Mary Browne & Universal Pathways

2009-09-26T21:52:00.008-04:00

The books,
the art,
the fields,
the forests,
the labyrinth,
the temple,
the pond,
the creeks,
the donkeys,
the cave,
the music,
the food,
the reconnections,
the grins,
the rituals,
the peace,
the magic,
the laughter,
Mary's smile.

Retreat at Universal Pathways: joyful restoration.

[Photo © Edith Lester]

Mabon Ritual

2009-09-18T19:18:00.000-04:00

Date: Sunday, 9/20/09

Time: Gather at 1pm. Ritual at 2pm.
Potluck Feast of harvest foods to follow. All are welcome.

Theme: Honoring the Earth Mother / Celebrate the Harvest

Location: Peebles Island State Park. We'll be located in the open area off the hiking trail just behind the buildings.
We'll have white balloons to mark the table.

Bring: Folding chairs, feasting supplies and a dish to share.

Weather: Should cancellation be necessary due to weather, information about this will be found at the HVPN Yahoo site and the Albany Magick Yahoo site. Any cancellations will be posted no later than 10am on 9/20.

From I 90 take 787 north to Cohoes. At 4th traffic light take a right onto Ontario Street, proceed east. Just before the Hudson River bridge to Troy, turn left on Delaware Avenue. The bridge to Peebles Island is at the end of Delaware Avenue.

Fall Psychic Fairs!

2009-09-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to announce that we are booked for our fall Psychic Fairs at Professor Java's on Wolf Rd.

The dates are:
Friday, September 18th 7-10pm
Friday, October 23th 7-10pm

Tarot readings are a wonderful way to spend the evening. Come relax, grab a cup o' joe and enjoy a reading!

10$ for a mini reading, 20$ for a full reading.

Chanting Change: 3rd WED

2009-09-17T23:07:00.003-04:00

At tonight's chanting gathering, we decided to try to change the night to third Wednesday's of the month. With luck, this will accommodate some of the folks whose schedules have changed. The change is on the schedule, so don't forget in October (such a busy month!) because we'll need to practise those Samhain chants!

Walking Among The Elders

2009-09-13T22:09:00.006-04:00

[This is a reprint of an article I wrote for Circle Magazine 82 (2001): 6-7. After a chance comment at the Community Meeting today, I decided to share this. If you all are interested, I can post more of these articles I've written.]

Go to Avebury. Tread beside the giants. Change your perception of time and timelessness. Lay your hands upon the standing stones and feel the summons of history. Know you are part of something older than yourself, your grandparents, their grandparents’ grandparents. Older than the human will that brought these behemoths forth are the stones themselves--patient, seemingly still.

I first went to Avebury in a cold November. I was helping to marshal a gaggle of American undergraduates on a trip from London to the West of England. Our first stop paid homage, of course, to Stonehenge. Even the students were excited--after all, these are famous rocks. Everyone was smiling and laughing, snapping photos of each other. I tried to disentangle myself from the group for a time; to listen, to learn, to know I was really, finally there. I closed my eyes and imagined the chanting of Druids--whether two weeks ago or two millennia, it did not matter. We were blessed with a sunny day, so the group was inclined to dawdle and I took advantage of its languor. Reluctantly I followed the last of the students into the way out--naturally, it led through the gift shop. Although I bought a guidebook to monuments around the isles, most of the tchochkes for sale didn’t really appeal to me. Most were too ordinary, the same towels, keychains, and paperweights found at every other Heritage Museum Shop dotting the British countryside, only emblazoned with STONEHENGE and various depictions of the stone circle. I found myself charmed at last by an extremely tacky plastic tumbler with a cartoony representation of the circle and which, when shook, glittered with sprinkles and glow-in-the-dark moons and stars. Naff, as my London friends would later say, but somehow it captured the magic that Stonehenge still radiates.

Our next stop was Glastonbury--another Mecca for magical folk, whether as the center for healing and New Age arts or as the true home of Avalon. First order of the day was to climb to the top of the Tor. We soon left behind the small town blanketing the sides of the hills and crossed green fields and winding country lanes, until at last we reached the foot of the hill. It’s quite a climb! Roughly cut and winding, the narrow path rises rapidly, littered with obstinate cows who challenge the mettle of climbers with some rather alarming trumpets of sound (not bucolic lowing at all) and a blank refusal to move out of your way, preferring instead to lower their heads and shake their horns in warning, as if to dissuade the faint of heart. But to finally reach the top! On that amazingly crisp November afternoon, we could see for miles across the crisscrossing farmlands below, a panorama of gold and green and cows and sheep, as the wind slapped our cheeks and buffeted our backs. I sought shelter for a time in the ruins of the tower and listened to the symphony of blasts, discordant echoes clashing between bricks, earth and sky. We slept well in nearby Bath that night, although our accommodations at the Y were spartan. I walked the quiet night streets of that old town reflecting on the amazing day I had had among the ancient stone monuments, unaware that the next day an even greater adventure lay ahead.

Our morning itinerary in Bath covered the Roman legacy as well as the Austen one. We threw offerings to Sulis Minerva in the baths and twirled with imaginary partners in the Assembly Rooms. By the time we settled on the bus after lunch, the students had begun to grow tired and listless, ready to return to London. A light rain had finally begun to fall as the bus twisted down the impossibly small country roads, arriving quite suddenly in the car park outside the small village of Avebury. A number of the students elected to wait on the bus, dozing in the afternoon light while the rain pattered weakly overhead. The select few trotted off, our individual paces opening space between us as we hurried on, heads down, trying to stay dry. I took advantage of the quiet to slow down further and separate myself entirely from the group.

At Stonehenge, crowds surround you almost all the time. Carefully strung ropes keep tourists at a safe distance from the monuments, so you cannot wander at will amongst the sentinels. Awesome as the experience is, it is somewhat remote. One longs for those few times of the year that British Heritage opens the area to all--even among the masses of people at the Solstices, it must be possible to feel more of the magic held within these stones. And even in Glastonbury, I had been surrounded by many people, the students with whom I was traveling, but also many other tourists, winded by the climb, chattering eagerly about the incredible view, or planning their next foray into the countryside.

At Avebury I was at last alone, and when I turned off the main street of the village to the enclosed pasture where the first stones stood, I felt again the elation I had felt at Stonehenge, just to see these improbable monuments. But this time I could let that awed breath out and walk up to the stones--and touch them. The great sarsens proved to be impassive giants, seemingly mute, seemingly still. But as I laid my hand on the first one, I could feel my mind come alive with their history, their past. Countless winters, countless summers, they had stood and fought the elements. Moss and lichen covered their sides, tenaciously seeking a foothold on the craggy surfaces. The persistence of the plants was no match for the patience of the rock. Mutely they stood, marking the passage of the sun with their shadows, sculpting a rough circle around the town center. How strange that the village too grew, like the lichen, from the stones. Though the fourteenth century brought plagues and men who would tear the stones down--perhaps fearing their power, foolishly thinking them ‘devils’—most of them yet remain whole. Those who sought to disturb the giants sometimes paid a terrible price: in the early part of the twentieth century, researchers dug up a barber crushed by the attempt to bury one of the ‘evil’ stones--buried himself with his scissors and coins minted in 1307 still in his pockets. The weight of the stones is great.

I walked from one giant to the next. Each had a personality, a story to tell: How the wind had shaped it, where the rain had beat its tattoo, where its weaknesses lay, and where its strengths. Although still, I knew that they all vibrated, each molecule of their make-up busy turning, each sub-atomic particle in endless, swirling motion. All stood silent, watchful, under the careful protection of the townspeople, whose lives intertwined with their impassive protectors. Sheep grazed within the circle of stones and also in the deep cut of the henge, apparently comfortable nibbling despite the steep slopes. What people were drawn here to live in community with the great circle of giants? Did their magic become commonplace after a lifetime--or grow ever stronger? Were they drawn by the power, the human attempt to channel the great sarsens’ energy into the circle their ancestors had created? There was no one to ask--only tourists abroad on this dark drizzling day while the wind whinged its complaints to the trees.

I walked down the avenue to see the more distant stones. Avebury contains the largest stone circle in Western Europe. The current avenues mirror the ancient processional roads and as I walked along, I saw in my head the glories of those times about four thousand years ago--yet as present as today because the sarsens still stand, as if awaiting the arrival of the next pageant. What ceremonies did they hold? I imagined men, women and children decked in their finest clothes, perhaps crisp white bleached linens in the height of summer, perhaps dark wool cloaks in the depths of winter. Did they wear bright colors, perhaps sticking bird feathers in their hair, perhaps painting their bodies with blue, red or yellow paints? Were they solemn or raucous, stiffly hierarchical or buoyantly anarchic? We have so little to tell us. Yet part of their legacy remains long after their own bones have returned to dust. As I walked along the lane into the surrounding fields, I thought I could hear the murmur of voices long gone, the laughter, the connecting, the storytelling and the sharing. Their celebrations were probably much like our own--some gatherings more serious than others, some folks there for the spectacle, others for the spiritual connections. But so much of a populace coming together--not only for the gatherings, but for the massive undertaking of moving all these stones here, cutting the deep henge around the circles, erecting the sentinels in carefully measured positions. How were they able to mobilize such vast resources? I feared it might be power--people forced to work as slaves--but wondered if it could not simply be ‘community.’ When humans work together for the greater good of the planet, amazing things happen (as we have all seen in the wake of the 9/11 attacks). Whose imagination conceived of this extraordinary plan? Who mapped out the specifics of this monumental task? What beliefs could have drawn this population together those millennia ago to form this memorial of such lasting strength? How could those beliefs have been so utterly and irretrievably lost?

I was the last one back to the bus, wistfully taking my leave of the silent giants. I wished so much that my husband could have been with me, to share my awe at these elderly monuments. I wished I could stay and walk among them for days, not mere hours. I would have liked to see them in the sunshine or topped by snow. But I did have that day, I was grateful. I stopped a the Heritage Shop and found it far different from the touristy nook outside Stonehenge. The walls were decked with local art and small press editions of books on the stones and their history. I even found a book I had never seen before on Kali, the Hindu goddess of whom I am particularly fond. One of the postcards I bought that day still hangs beside my computer even now. On the ride back to London, I was relieved that even the most boisterous of the students had quieted. A few spoke regretfully of coursework still undone. Many of them dozed the entirety of the journey. I closed my eyes and wandered back among the stone circles, happy that I had been there--hoping to return.

Go to Avebury. Walk among the giants. Feel their rough history under your hands.

References:

Aubrey Burl. A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany. Yale UP 1995.

Avebury Stone Circle Panoramic Home Page: If you can’t get there in person, this site gives you a wonderful view from different locations in the center of the town. A wonderful virtual experience!

Pagan Community Retreat 9/26/09

2009-08-25T14:49:00.004-04:00

Please join us for an Autumn Pagan Community Retreat

cosponsored by Hudson Valley Pagan Network Inc. and Pagan Alliance Church

Saturday, September 26th, 2009 from 10am till 5pm.

All are welcome to this celebration of spirit within nature and our community being held at the beautiful sanctuary at Universal Pathways in Berne, NY, located about 15 minutes south of Altamont. (http://www.universalpathways.com/)

Cost for general admission is $30.00 per person and for members of HVPN and Pagan Alliance Church is $25.00 per person. Payment will be due upon arrival on the day of the retreat in cash or by check made out to HVPN Inc.

When you arrive at 10am you should come to the house nearest the parking area. Please remove footwear when indoors. Everyone will be asked to sign in upon arrival.
The agenda for the day will be loosely structured and will offer a mixture of solitary and group activity as we seek to celebrate and deepen our awareness of our spiritual connections with the Earth and our wonderfully diverse community. It includes:
10am Gathering and Greeting
10:30-11:30am: Community Discussion
11:30am – 1pm: Free time
1pm – 2pm: Communal Feast
2pm – 4:30pm: Free time
4:30pm – Closing: Communal Ceremony

What to bring:

The feast will be potluck so bring a dish to share. There is a small kitchen and space for eating indoors and out.
Ritual wear is welcome and encouraged.
Consider bringing ritual items you may wish to use in the solitary time allotted and clothing needs for both indoor and outdoor activity, weather permitting.
Please be aware that cell phones and beepers often do not receive signals in this location. However, the office does have a phone for urgent calls.

Lughnassadh is coming!

2009-07-25T22:18:00.001-04:00

Don't forget!!

Lughnassadh is coming!! Sunday, August 2 at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland.

Gather at 1, ritual at 2

2009-07-13T09:19:00.002-04:00

Saturday, July 18th 1-5pm, Cook Park in Colonie
Look for us, we will have a bundle of white balloons at our table!!

Potluck-bring a dish to share and a drink
Bring a folding chair and dishware for yourself.

Directions to Cook Park are here:

http://www.colonievillage.org/youth/index.htm

Midsummer

2009-06-02T12:32:00.006-04:00

Saturday - June 27th 2009

Hawaiian themed fire celebration: drumming, chanting, circle dancing!

CHANTING circle Friday night, instead of our regular Thursday night. 6-11pm

Sunset Ritual

Opening Ritual at 1pm
Midsummer Ritual at Sunset
Bring:
food and drinks to share and grill a bundle of flowers for garland
Come for a bonfire, grilling, merriment

***$5 per person cover for Port-A-Potty usage

Not a public venue; members and invited guests only please.

For more information and directions

Contact HVPN at hvpninc@gmail.com

HVPN Spiritual Retreat June 6th 2009

2009-05-13T19:27:00.001-04:00

HVPN Inc. is pleased to be sponsoring our first of two Spiritual Retreats in 2009 this June on Saturday, the 6th, from 10am till 5pm. It will be held, as in the past, at the beautiful sanctuary at Universal Pathways in Berne, NY. If you haven’t been there before, Universal Pathways is located about 15 minutes south of Altamont via Rt 156 and then Rt 254 (Pleasant Valley Rd.). From this direction it is on the right side of the road. (www.universalpathways.com)

Cost of admission is $25.00 per person. We are very grateful to our hostess, Mary Browne, for keeping the cost of attending this event so very reasonable. Unfortunately we cannot offer a discounted admission fee for HVPN members this year. However, if you are an HVPN member and you’d like attend the retreat but cannot afford the admission fee there will be a limited number of scholarships available. Please contact me (artaios3@aol.com) to RSVP if you’d like to attend the retreat and if you will be bringing any guests so that we can get an estimate of how many attendees to plan for. HVPN members should also contact me for more information about the scholarship plan. We strongly encourage pre-payment of the admission fee to allow for less time spent on administration duties on the day of the retreat. I am happy to accept cash or checks (made out to HVPN Inc.)

The agenda for the day will be very loosely structured and will offer a mixture of solitary and group activity in the same manner as previous retreats. Our goals are simple. We will seek to renew and deepen our awareness of our spiritual connections with the Earth and our community.

When you arrive at 10am you should come to the house nearest the parking area. Please remove footwear when indoors. Everyone will be asked to sign in upon arrival. We will take some time to introduce new attendees to some of the wonderful features of the space, both indoors and out and we’ll discuss the outline for the day’s activities.

What to bring: The feast will be potluck, in our usual fashion so bring feast gear and a dish to share. There is a small kitchen and ample outlets for crock pots. Ritual wear is welcome and encouraged. Consider bringing ritual items you may wish to use in the solitary time allotted. Consider bringing a change of clothing (in case of rain) and consider clothing needs for both indoor and outdoor activity, weather permitting. Please be aware that cell phones and beepers often do not receive signals in this location. However, the office does have a phone for urgent calls.

Chanting & Drumming 04/16/09

2009-04-05T19:43:00.003-04:00

Chanting will be held this month on Thursday, 4/16/09, from 7-9 pm at Donna Fennelly's house. Please email for directions, if needed.

Thanks!!
The Chanting Committee

Spring Psychic Fair

2009-04-05T19:36:00.002-04:00

Beltane Celebration, 2009!!!

2009-04-02T10:12:00.003-04:00

Flowing, changing, steadfast water is our theme this year
-Come dressed in your watery finest (hues of blue are encouraged, but not mandatory)
-Bring a bouquet of flowers to scatter to the river in blessing

As usual, a round of “what to bring”:
-A dish to share for the feast
-“Feast Gear” - plates, napkins, utensils for yourself and guests
-Drinks for yourself and guests
-A bag for your garbage - carry in, carry out!

Ostara

2009-03-18T13:51:00.003-04:00

Come celebrate the season with us: Ostara at Venture Inward, Sunday March 22 at 1pm. Bring a dish to share and your best hopes for spring renewal!

Chanting 3/19/09

2009-03-11T09:45:00.001-04:00

Hello All!!

Sending out a message for Chanting this month.

Chanting will be held Thursday, 3/19/09, from 7-9pm.

Claudia and I have decided to host it out here at my place:
email for directions if you have not been here before.

See you then!!!
~Mandi & Claudia

March Community Meeting: Clothing Swap!

2009-03-03T21:39:00.003-05:00

Bring your clean, gently used clothing to the March Community meeting and swap them for new clothes from other members. The more, the merrier! As usual, we'll have a brief ritual and lots of conversation and networking.

Feb Community Meeting & Reiki Share

2009-02-04T13:11:00.004-05:00

As usual, our monthly community meeting will take place at Venture Inward this Sunday at 11 am. Our short ritual will be followed by both socializing and a Reiki (and other kinds of healing! all welcome) share.

All are welcome to come!

Imbolc

2009-02-02T22:55:00.002-05:00

Imbolc Tonight!

2009-01-31T11:53:00.001-05:00

From Jen:

Imbolc at Venture Inward:

Gather at 7, ritual when we think everybody's there!

Bring a dessert or an hors d'oervre (finger food, snack, whatever!). And a drink for yourself [Donna--can you bring the coffee maker? Does anyone have an electric kettle for tea?]

Drummers, bring your drums. Tarotists bring your cards (just in case the mood strikes--I always have mine!!!). Anyone and everyone--bring your favorite board game. I'm bringing a conversation game that I think will be fun (think of those endless getting to know you e-mails, but face-to-face) and Cranium if I can find it and the play-doh is still usable.

I hope to see you there. Given how tough this winter has been weather-wise (economy-wise, any kind of wise-wise), I think we could use a little community right now!

Imbolc Update: Location

2009-01-26T16:23:00.002-05:00

The location has been set for our Imbolc celebration: Venture Inward in East Greenbush, NY. Everything else still applies. See you there!

Imbolc Jan 31

2009-01-19T21:17:00.002-05:00

We will be celebrating Imbolc January 31st at 7pm (location ~~TBA~~ Venture Inward). We will be doing a candle ritual and there will be fun and games, chanting and drumming. Bring your favourite hors d'oeuvre or dessert to share.

Contact Jen Simon for more information via the Yahoo Group.

Welcome to the New HVPN Blog!

2009-01-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

Stay tuned for more!