Society for the Celebration of Earth & Spirit

Another Day

2010-02-24T16:34:00.001-08:00

Well, as I have been doing many days of late, I awaited the mailman's arrival. Though recently it has been a bit half-hearted.
I ordered my Navigator's Tarot of the Mystic Sea deck and book from a seller with a great reputation on eBay. They shipped it January 16th. I KNOW I'm in Canada, but truly, five weeks is longer than I have ever had to wait for any American order. (and I have ordered from the US many times)
The seller has offered to send out a new deck, and if the original ever shows, or if it comes before the new shipped one does, just 'refuse' the item and it will get sent back to them. I'm okay with this, and I am very appreciative of the eBay seller's helpful nature. The only problem is, they have sold out of the book that one would use to go along with the deck. So they have simply refunded me the money for the book and told me if it arrives, to just keep it free of charge. (I guess they really think the order is lost at this point)
I searched through eBay for a replacement book, but there is only one that is out of my price range. Chapters.ca online has one for a good price, but it is not in stock and will take 3-5 weeks to ship. It looks like this is the only option, as the Amazon.ca one is really expensive... though I guess I can check out Amazon.com. WHY are us Canadians so left out of the product loop? *sigh*
Ok, better news (and really, the former was not BAD news, as at least the sellers are being very helpful) the rain was here, but it let up completely at lunchtime, so I was able to take the little one's out for a walk. By the time I got back, the bread was ready to take out of the bread machine and slice for a post lunch time, pre-nap time snack.
My hubby's work has tall cardboard cylinders from the product they make, that simply go into the recycling bin, so he is going to bring two home so that we can make the Pillar of Mercy and Pillar of Severity for our Temple project.
By this weekend, the bags of clothes and stuffed animals will be gone, the box of old comp parts (broken) and other weird little odds and ends, hopefully my mom will take the portable air conditioner. She bought it for us two summers ago but it does diddly squat for a two level home in 35+ C in the summer, so I'm hoping she, or someone she knows can use it. I have a broken dishwasher that is going to the dump also, and once those things are gone, other than some neatly stacked camping gear, the garage will be empty!
I was thinking of going to a Church supply store in town and getting some images for the Altar Room/Temple/Prayer Space.... I would love some pictures or thing-a-ma-jigs of the different Archangels.
I am enjoying the evening Compline in there. I like being able to sing/chant through part of it without being disturbed or overly mindful of possibly wandering teenagers in the house. The two youngest of course are sleeping by then, so they aren't an issue, but the older ones are always lurking about when I least expect it.
I THINK that there may be good news in regards to my application to the seminary. But I am still waiting... to be sure.
*fingers crossed*
It's really strange how fluidly the mingling of Witch into Esoteric Christian/Hermetic Gnostic has taken place. At first I felt that combining the two wasn't feasible. I'm so silly. (ok, wait, did I say TWO? )It was one or the other. But I realize that that is not quite true. Mainly because the Craft has always been alot about Myth, and also about a Divine Energy which pervades all. Of course, it depends on who you talk to in the Gnostic Community, or in the Magic Community, but for the most part, both perspectives can co-exist quite well. In fact, especially in the area of Hermetics,there are many connections with Gnosticism. And let's face it, the Craft, in the form of good ol GBG is a DEFINITE version of Golden Dawn type workings. Just more earth based and slightly watered down. (a bit less work-actually, a LOT less work).
I was reading The Hymn of the Pearl last night, after my Compline. There really are alot of beautiful writings in the Gnostic Bible. I'm glad I decided to get it. It really does make for a nice read.
All for now, off to tidy up before the kids wake up from their naps!

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What's New?

2010-01-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well, along with revamping the terraspirit.ca site, we have moved all posts from here at Blogger over to my hosted wordpress.org. Everything has been imported over there.
So, the main site is http://terraspirit.ca with the blog there, link to the forum as well as Society information.
Blogger is easy and convenient and is almost always up and running, but I just love the ability to create actual pages and not just tag them and categorize them. So, if you have found yourself here at this page, and you're still interested in reading more, then come see us at terraspirit.ca.

In Love & Light!

New Terra Spirit Forum

2009-12-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

Terra Spirit took a bit of a break, in order to re-find its direction. Well, it is back up and running, the url has been redirected again, but unfortunately we lost the member list and all old posts! Ack!
Please take a look http://terraspirit.ca
Feel free to join!

About TerraSpirit.Ca

2009-12-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

If you found this blog by typing in TerraSpirit.Ca, I apologize. If you are/were a member of Terra Spirit, and did not receive an email update, I'll share here as well.
Although I love TerraSpirit dearly, it has SLOWED to a crawl. The past few months have been the same. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that Social Networking sites are becoming more popular, and people use things like Facebook as a way to stay in touch.I had thought of moving terraspirit to a Facebook group, but it isnt very customizable, and not everyone wants to share their real names.
If you are Canadian and Pagan/Wiccan, http://wiccanweb.ca is a fantastic site. I can't recommend it enough.
For myself, I can not really identify myself as Pagan anymore. And although I am quite interested in magic, it is more from a Hermetic angle. As of late I am also very interested in Gnosticism and am immersing myself in Gnostic Gospels. I love the earth, and I see the earth as a reflection of my inner self through the elements etc. But to run a message board for Pagans/Wiccans, it just isn't my prerogative anymore, and I can not give it the attention it deserves.
If you are interested in joining us at TerraSpirit.Org (terraspirit.ning.com), and you were previously a member of terraspirit.ca, then feel free to check it out. It is non-denominational, and is primarily a site for The Society for the Celebration of Earth and Spirit , and our friends. Pagan, Christian, Jewish, etc... anyone is welcome, as long as they are open to the fact that there is more than just their path. There is more than just their views. If one is a literalist when it comes to their religious dogma, then the Society & Friends site may not be the correct place.
But if one can be focused on the purpose of honouring our earth, and celebrating our indwelling spirit, then it could be the right place!

November Round up

2009-11-29T23:50:00.000-08:00

Well, we re-racked our first batch of mead yesterday. It is pretty much done. Down to 1.000 and DRY as can be. Really no sweetness to it whatsoever. Just about time to add a finishing agent to it and then into bottles to age.
TerraSpirit.ca is going to be no more. The decision has been made.
We will keep in touch with those members who want to keep in touch via http://terraspirit.ning.com . It works better for the size of group that we have. It can be more personalized than a general forum, more social. For the most part our forum was just a place where we'd pop in and say 'hi' from time to time and that's about it. The same old threads over and over... just time to move on.
I think Ning will work fine. Granted its odd to go back to an advertising supported platform, but oh well. It's nice to share pictures and interact more socially.
I missed the Open House for the Medicine Lodge at Chilliwack River today. Family came over though, so it was a good enough reason to miss it. Definitely would have liked to go though. Hopefully there is another opportunity.

1 gallon batch of mandarin/clove

2009-11-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

Nov 20th

about a half gallon of water heated and 2.5-3lbs honey.
1 mandarin orange , pinch of cloves,drop of vanilla extract (pure)
pinch of yeast energizer (had no prepared nutrient)
1packet of lalvin 1118 yeast, rehydrated and added to cooled must.
Shook it like crazy.
Tossed it into a 1 gallon glass jug and put a piece of cheesecloth over top to allow air for fermentation.
SG.. app 1.120 (I think)

By the second day I noticed an odd smell, not BAD necessarily, but the non citrusy aspect of the mandarin... an aftersmell of sorts.
Today, day 4, I decided to get it off the fruit and into a plastic one gallon milk jug.
The syphon hose wouldnt fit, so unfortunately I had to POUR it in, through a sieve.... a big no-no I know due to the air... hopefully because of the rapid fermentation at this point, all will be ok.
Today's reading was 1.070, but this was not de-gassed first, so it could have possibly been even a tad lower.
Upon tasting, it actually tasted nice. Certainly did not taste as it smelled.

An Idea for Spring

2009-11-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

I had hoped we could do this for Winter, but time is short and therefore it isn't going to happen. I was thinking that come spring, SCES should put on a craft fair/flea market with a 'celebration of earth and spirit' theme. Natural products, handmade items, canned goods, used things that fit into the theme, crystals, used books on spirituality etc. This could be open not just to local crafts people, but independent business/proprietors also, home based businesses.
We could procure a hall or venue, and rent out tables. A portion of the table rental can go towards a charity or local cause. Maybe hubby could entertain with his music and perhaps we can get some other pagan/folk type musicians to play, or perhaps some who are proficient on the hand drums.
The vendors can make and keep their own money and at the same time, SCES can help support a worthwhile cause. Vancouver has Pagan Pride,and that is a bit of a trip for most of us Upper Fraser Valley folk, and there is the local farmer market in Chilliwack, but something out here, that focuses more on our emotional , physical, and spiritual well being would be great.
If anyone reading this is interested, email me, or join us at Facebook. (search Society for the Celebration of Earth and Spirit).

2009-11-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well, in my internet journey today, I found a great site. In The Wack. This site is found at-of course- www.inthewack.com. It's like a social networking site for the peeps in the area, with multiple blogs, and more. It is from a platform called Wordpress Mu , and added to this is a nifty thing called Buddy Press. All in all, it makes for a very nice site.
Lots of local info about stores and there are blogs/articles written by locals. I came across it while searching for Chilliwack wi fi for a friend.
And, while browsing through, I found a link for some Fraser Valley moms who make laundry soap and diaper wipes for an awesome price. Green Gals. Check them out!

Mead and More

2009-11-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well, today the reading was at 1.085, so it is SLOWLY dropping down. I wish I knew what caused this really slow fermentation! We must get it into the secondary asap.
I was thinking that a Spring fair/market might be a good idea. Keeping the theme on celebration of our earth and spirit. Home made items, or used items such as books, art, or new items such as crystals and incense. Eco-friendly products, natural products etc. This would take place near the Spring Equinox as a Welcome in the Spring sort of thing... maybe some drummers and musicians. I would like for it to take place in the Chilliwack area, as it is easily accessible by our neighbouring communities in Mission, Agassiz, Hope, Abbotsford. There is not enough of that sort of scene out here, and this could be a starting point :)
I've posted it to fans at our Facebook page, so hopefully some others will have some ideas also.

More Mead!

2009-11-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed!
Started a 3 gallon batch yesterday.
I must say, the five gallon batch we made was a bit short of water. Should have been 2 gallons (8 litres) of water with the honey, then after it had been poured into the bucket another 2-3 gallons added ( 8-12 litres) to bring the total water to about 4.5 gallons. I added far too little with the last bit of mead and ended up having to add another gallon when it came time to put it into the secondary.
This time the recipe is as such.
3 gallons of water (2 with the honey and then another gallon, previously boiled , added to it when it was poured into the bucket)
orange and lemon sliced.
pinch of cloves
split vanilla beans (from the home made vanilla extract from Shannon)
5kg - 11lbs of honey (heated with the 2 initial gallons of water in enamel hot-water bath pot)
6tbsp of bee pollen
6tbsp of strong, earl grey tea.
1 package of Lalvin 1118 Champagne yeast.

Additional Mead Notes

2009-11-07T13:54:00.001-08:00

Nov 2/09

Reading on the hydrometer is 1.05 (10%)= must is currently at 8% alcohol content.
Continued skimming the gunk off the top. Then figured it too much of a pain in the ass with all that fruit floating on top and just took to giving it a quick swirl to allow some air access to the surface.

Nov 4/09

First racking
Used sulfite to sterilize carboy, siphon, hose, air stop and plug.
Hydrometer reading 1.062 (8%)= must with 10% alcohol content

Tasting- fizzy! the yeast is still active
a lovely fruit sweet taste
still very cloudy, a dark pinkish colour

Nov 5/09

Added 4 additional litres of bottled spring water

Mead Making Notes

2009-11-07T13:53:00.001-08:00

Oct 29/09
*sorry for the mixed use of degree designations, it's just now i had it written down...

started with 6kg (=2gal) of honey, with 2gal of water, heated until honey dissolved then brought to a boil for 20mins to sterilize.

removed from heat, let cool to 70-75F before adding yeast (temp approx 175F or 77C when removed) and added:
15tbsp of air dried bee pollen (yeast energizer, recommended 1-5tbsp/gal);
1/2 each blood orange and lemon, sliced (one whole citric fruit);
7tbsp very strong tea (steeped 6 Earl Grey teabags in average sized teapot)- recommended 2tbsp/gal.

at 50C, added 1 additional gallon of cold water

added 900g frozen mixed berries raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry (75.5C).
Oct. 30 added additional 500g frozen blue berries

started yeast (lalvin 1118) in 1 cup warm water, let stand for time indicated on package
added to must at 110F

initial hydrometer readings,
1.135 (18%)
1.1 (15%) after yeast added

*notes
fill sink with cold water and place pot of boiled must into this cold water to speed cooling ;)
3kg honey =4L= 1gal
1kg= 2 2/3 cups/ 650ml

The Seasons Turn

2009-11-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today when going for a walk with the boys, I realized that we truly are in the season of Earth.

Samhain,The time between no-life, and life.

The seeds have fallen...
We are climbing inside ourselves... thinking, preparing.
Like the womb preparing its lining for a fertilized egg, spiritually we prepare ourselves. We cast off all the excess baggage that no longer serves us.
The trees have tossed down their dying fruit to rot, in order for seeds to embed themselves and grow.
Death is necessary for life.
But nothing is every truly dead. Just transforming.

Though it is not something we see , we know that the earth holds those seeds. In preparation. Everything benefits from a dormant season.
Eventually, tiny miracles will occur, explosions of cells under the surface, like a woman newly with child... and then, as the season turns to Spring, that of Air, life takes it's first breath...

But for now, we wait.

Mead Making!

2009-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we had been wanting to make a batch of mead for awhile. Hubby, and Shannon and myself had made a batch a few years back, but had retained very little of the actual instructions, as much of it was done for us, by a great mead maker that we know. We were to watch, take notes etc., but alas... the notes are long gone, and so we really had almost no idea what to do.

We borrowed information from a few sources. WiccanWeb.ca has a download section with great Mead information, so armed with that and a few other sources, we began.

(Click on any of the pictures below to see them full-size)

First off was the honey.
Although I would have loved to buy some fancy local honey from our local Bee Keepers (hey, out here in the Fraser Valley, we have some of the finest honey! Definitely check out Chilliwack River Valley Natural Honey), but alas, for the 6 kg that we needed to buy, we had to go cheap and bought no-name natural unpasteurized liquid honey from Superstore.
However, I DID purchase some Bee Pollen from Chilliwack River Valley... fresh and yummy. Perfect as a yeast energizer.
Okay.. sooo what we did was emptied 6kg of Honey into a big enamel pot that is intended for use as a water bath canner. Perfect for this task. To the honey we added 2 gallons (8 litres) of water.
We heated this to a boil, and let it bubble for 10-20 minutes. (Shannon did 20, I did closer to ten)
Here's a picture of Shannon happily stirring this combination (called a must)
And here is a picture of the must getting all foamy. If not stirred, this must can boil over if you arent paying attention, and as well, the foam can become scorched if left to sit on top and touch the sides of the pot.
So, after the boiling was done, it was removed from the heat. Shannon thought to pour this into her 5 gallon bucket in order to free up the pot for myself or our other partaker to use. However, she found out that 3 gallons of freshly boiled hot liquid does funny things to plastic buckets... so she promptly poured it back into the big pot for cooling..
At this point we added about 1.5 kg of frozen and thawed fruit. The freezing of the fruit helps the cell structure to break down more easily. We also added the equivalent of one citrus fruit... have a lemon sliced, and half a blood orange, sliced.
We also added the bee-pollen. We read that 1-5 tbsp per gallon was the ideal amount, so we opted for an even 3tbsp per gallon.

We had read that the yeast could not be added until the temp had reached room temperature of the must... but this could have taken hours, and we couldnt recall it taking that long before, when this part was done for us, so we waited until it lowered to about 100 F, and then added a final gallon of cooler water to the bucket, which by this time we had poured it into.
So, one package of Lalvin 1118 Champagne yeast was added to a few ounces of warm water. Oddly, when I did one package of the yeast with water at the recommended 104-109F, it did not react. Even after the fifteen minutes. When I did another pack with slightly warmer temperature, it did indeed have a reaction. (Shannon had also used a higher temperature)
Also at this point, we put in our Triple Scale Hydrometor (about 9.00) and took a reading of the level that it floated at. It floated at 1.2, which means there is a potential alchohol content of about 15%, based on the amount of available sugar. We will check that in time to see if its starting to fall and to see if we need to add some more sugar (in form of honey or juice)
So, the following are pictures of the Mead in the bucket, with fruit and everything all added, and then, there is a picture of that same Mead today, after a night of fermenting. Hooray for Fermentation!
So, about 10 days in this bucket (covered with cheesecloth and tied round so that bugs cant get in) and then it will be syphoned using a 12.00 syphon called The Thief, easily found at any Beer/Wine making shop, into a 21 litre Carboy. These can be bought used from the same shop for less than 20.00. You will also need a bit of hose for your syphon, this is about 3-5.00, then a rubber cork for the top of your Carboy (under 2.00) with a corresponding Air Bung (under 2.00 as well).
The most costly part of this whole process is the Honey, the rest is very affordable.
Also, make sure that you ask for some sterilizer, because you want to have everything sterile that will come in contact with the mead.
We sterilized our home depot bucket, and before we transfer it, we will soak the hose, syphon and anything else, in the bathtub with sterlizer added. Also cheap and purchased from your favourite Wine/Beer making place.
We purchased from La Brewhouse . So if you are out in the Whack, then this might be a good place to check out. Knowledgeable staff will answer any questions about using their products, although like most wine/beer places, they are NOT mead experts. But they are friendly, and the equipment is used the same way regardless of what you are making. (I had many silly questions that he happily answered :D)