The WCC is pleased to offer free online weekly classes Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:00 pm As well as a social Meet & Greet every Wednesday night via the ZOOM conferencing app. If you wish to participate, please email LPH.WCC@gmail.com with your email address.
The Wiccan Church of Canada
The Wiccan Church of Canada has offered open Wiccan temples facilitating classes, rituals, and training to the public since 1979. Drawing on resources available in our own communities and temples, we are a diverse, accepting, caring group of people united by our love of the Gods and our own journeys. W.C.C. classes and rituals are open to one and all, regardless of one's level of experience in the Craft. We offer an open, and accepting place to worship as an experienced practitioner or someone who's vaguely curious, all are welcome. We encourage you to check out the F.A.Q section on our website or contact us if you have questions. We hope our publication will reflect the diversity of our membership in offering a local pagan magazine written by the community for the community. Our articles are the voices of our community, those with knowledge and resources to share. Herbs and seasonal recipes we've tried and keep bringing back to our feast tables.We'll keep you abreast of pagan events, vendors and local artisans, as well as WCC classes & rituals.
The Summer Solstice has come. The longest day of the year. It is the day when the Sun Gods and Goddesses are at their greatest power. Celebrate! With all that we have gone through this year (or two), this is the perfect Sabbat to celebrate. It has been a trying time, with many people fighting dark moments in their life. We have all felt it. But this Sabbat brings us brightness, a light that casts all darkness from our souls. Take this time to soak in the energies of the sun while it is at its strongest – a day when we will have more light than any other day this year. Let the strength of the Sun burn away all those things that hold you back, burn away the clouds blocking your vision, so you can see clearly a direction to move you forward. Sunrise is a time of transition. Rise early and welcome the dawning of the day, watch the sky brighten, and listen to the birds sing up the sun. What rises within you? The awaking and re-charging of your spirit? Or do you have a song in your heart to sing up the sun? Mid-day is the sun’s strongest time. Glory in the life that is around you. All of this made possible by the very same sun that warms your skin and fills your heart. Give thanks for the blessings. Consider a Summerpole: much like a Maypole but add flowers and leafy branches and dance in the heat of Summer Solstice. At sunset, another transition. A time to say farewell to the Sun. Did you spend the day wisely, soaking in all the rays of healing, rejuvenating energy? As the light fades from the sky, give thanks for all that the Sun gives to us. And as the darkness of night envelopes you, light a small bonfire or even just sit outside with a candle. The sun hasn’t left you to the dark, it is in the flames and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of fireflies piercing the darkness of the night. Lie back in the heat of the Solstice night and gaze up. In the dark velvet of the sky, look for the stars, little orbs that reflect the blaze of the sun and know that the Gods’ light watches you always. As you prepare for your journey through Solstice day, look for things that cross your path that remind you of the sun. Gather them, decorate your altar or shrine. With the solstice and thereafter, take the time to celebrate through all the elements of your day. Wear bright colours or red, orange, yellow or gold – colours of the Sun; make some wonderful feast food, for yourself and for the Gods (remembering to give back to Nature’s creatures) – round, sun-coloured fruits and vegetables, or food grilled on an open flame capturing the essence of the sun; take in all the beams of glorious light and let it inspire you to create – make a craft, a tool relating to the sun, paint a picture, write a story, all with the energies of the day. Spend a day doing something you love! And take the time to say to someone “Hello Sunshine”. It will make their day! "HAIL THE SUN! HAIL THE GODS!
Xylia's Wheel of the Year
Community Happenings
Toronto Pagan Pub Moot "It is an open and friendly social event that meets in person every Third Calendar Monday of every month and virtually every Fourth Calendar Monday of every month. It is open to Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Druids, Asatru, etc of ALL ages and those who are new and would like to learn more, to those who have been walking the path for decades." TPPM dates 2023
On this Summer Solstice we say good bye, and pay our respect to Richard James, High Priest and co-founder of the WCC. Richard, along with his wife and High Priestess Tamarra James, opened the Occult Shop in Toronto and formed the Wiccan Church of Canada in 1979. They opened up access with their public rituals and introduced many to the world of the Gods. Richard was a man of many talents. As a High Priest, his love of the Gods was displayed for all to see in the rituals he performed. He mentored and influenced many a Pagan, both within the WCC and the Pagan community at large. The knowledge he shared, inspired a Pagan presence, not only in Ontario, but across Canada. He fought for Pagan rights, educated non-Pagans, and helped develop and support those in the Federal Prison system with their connection and worship of their Gods. Richard, along with Tamarra, opened their home to a budding Pagan community in the late 70’s and 80’s, allowing us to meet in a open and safe place as we grew. Richard trained some of the best Priesthood that we know, carrying on his dedication and love for the Gods. We will miss him deeply.
WCC Meet & Greet Meet the Wiccan Church of Canada community every Wednesday evening @ 7 pm via Zoom. Open to the public across Canada, as our members across the country sign on for our online Community Get Together. A time to meet new friends, see the faces you have been missing. Whether the conversation is around sharing how you honour your Gods, your magics, or just to soak up the support of community during a tough time, it is a great get together. Come on out and join in the fun! Email lph.wcc@gmail.com for the link
Bellas' Book Nook
We’re having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave…. And we sit at the beginning of the Summer. Perfect time to sit in the shade or hug the sunshine and, you guessed it… Read! Recently, I was asked about books centered on the Wheel of the year, and as luck would have it, found a few books on that very subject.If you haven’t noticed, I’m a fan of Pagan Portals, as they are well researched books that have a bibliography that can lead to further studies. The book that intrigued me is from Melusine Draco, entitled – Breath of Spring – How to Survive (and enjoy) the Spring Festival. Moon books, priced at $12.95, and ISBN: 978-1-80341-188-0. You would think that Spring would refer to the Spring Equinox, but in this case, Spring is marked with…Candlemas, (not with Imbolc.) While we are still dealing with cold and snow others in warmer climates are rejoicing to the sight the crocus and daffodils blooming. The first chapter is filled with lore, and old Victoria rhymes about Candlemas:Down with the rosemary, and so.Down with the bays and mistletoe.Down with the holly, ivy and all….and so forth.From this delightful beginning, this book moves to Vernal Equinox, Ostara, Beltaine, and finally an ongoing chapter with a short but sweet description of the rest of the year.As with the previous chapter, it is filled with recipes, trivia, lore, family activities, games and such.Easy to read, and a lot of information packed into 81 pages. Maureen Murrish is the author of The Wheel of the Year – A beginner’s Guide to Celebrating the Traditional Pagan Festivals of the Season.Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014, 157 pages with the ISBN: 9781497571594. At indigo Books it costs $16.95CDN, but also on other platforms including Abebooks.com., and available as an eBook. Beginning with Samhain and ending with Mabon, taking into consideration that many are solitary practitioners, and that some may live in the Southern Hemisphere. Each chapter is a 101 on the Sabbat with suggestions on ways to celebrate, correspondences, meditations, chants and spells. Each chapter also contains a blank page for your own personal notes. Part two contains a list and explanation of the various tools used. Part three explains how to set up an altar, casting a circle, creating your own spells, correspondences for gemstones, herbs, trees and wand cutting. The third book is by Deborah Blake – Circle Coven and Grove – A year of Magical Practice. Published by Crossed Crow Books in 2023.ISBN: 978-1-959883-18-0 with 202 pages including the index. Indigo has this priced at $34.95. This book starts of with the basics in terms of how to read this book, basics of wicca and working within a group. But, unlike the previous two books, this begins with January and the blessing of your groups book of shadows, rituals for the new and full moon, as well as a group dedication. Each month thereafter follows a similar pattern but changes according to the Sabbat that falls within the month. The final chapters are centred around ritual etiquette, ritual element such as casting the circle, calling the elements, Invoking the Gods and Goddesses and Thanking them, correspondences for spell work, and my favourite chapter – Suggested Further Reading.This book is well worth adding to any collections because the rituals that are contained within it are well written and can be worked to suit a solitary practitioner. Whatever you choose to do on the upcoming hot lazy days of summer, relish the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies, give yourself some quiet time for reading, and enjoy celebrating the Summer Solstice with the Gods and Goddesses all around us. Until next time, Stay Happy and Healthy! Happy Reading! Bella!
Stones with Sorcha
Pyrite was considered a stone of power and great magic, and frequently used by the medicine people of Indigenous culture in amulets, for divination, and in the attire and objects used during their healing ceremonies and incantations. Before the 1800's, it was popular in England during the Victorian Age for its use in jewelry, shoe buckles, rings, snuff-boxes, and carved into rosettes. Element:Fire & Earth Energy:Projective Planet:Mars & Pluto Chakra:Sacral & Solar Plexus Zodiac:Aries & Leo Tarot:The Chariot, The Devil & The Moon Sabbat:Litha Magical Properties:Concentration, Creativity, Deceit, Divination, Emotions, Energy, Focus, Happiness, Luck, Memory/Memories, The Mind, Money, Perseverance, Prosperity, Protection, Psychic Ability, Relationships, Skills, Spirituality, Strength, Success, Vitality, Wealth, Will power Magical Uses Pyrite is excellent for protection, shielding and deflecting danger. It guards against ongoing control, criticism and manipulation from a partner, parent or employer, giving us the power to resist without becoming agitated or angry, thus changing the balance of power. You can place a piece of pyrite in the home or workplace to energize, bring harmony, and increase the vitality in the area around it. It will help you overcome brain-drain and tiredness of the nervous system by stimulating blood flow to the brain, increasing mental clarity, focus and recall. It enhances the protective and assertive male energies in both men and women, allowing women to feel a boost of self-worth, and helps overcome tendencies of servitude and inferiority. For men, it instills a felling of confidence in one's masculinity and supports the expression of male eroticism. It also assists a person in seeing behind facades, promoting understanding of that which lies beneath words and actions. If performing dangerous work, carrying a piece of pyrite will help keep away all forms of negative vibrations and aids in working to protect from physical danger. Place a piece of pyrite in front of a mirror you are using for scrying to help in channelling work for psychic protection, and in all fire and candle rituals. To cleanse Pyrite, bury it in earth or salt, pass it through the flame of a candle, or smudge with a cleansing herb such as sage. Do not get Pyrite wet as it will rust. Healing Uses Pyrite can inspire the universal energies to kick-start the nourishing energies of our bodies. It can be used to help treat issues with the structure of bones and the composition and formulation of cells. It has been helpful in treatment of bronchitis and lung disorders, and has been used to lessen fevers and to reduce inflammation. It also aids in improving digestion, and helping the body fight infections and viruses. Pyrite helps protect the body from EMF, which is crucial in today’s age. We can use Pyrite at Litha in rituals paying homage to the Sun Gods. Feel the masculine, empowering energies encompassing your body, giving you the strength, determination, and commitment to achieve your goals for the summer months. Catch a glimpse of the Sun’s rays reflecting off your piece of Pyrite, knowing the Gods are with you in this time.
PYRITE
Herb Lore with Glenys
St Johns Wort
Summer Solstice is always a bittersweet Sabbat. As we rejoice in the length of the day, we must also acknowledge from this day forward the days will begin to shorten as we move forward in the Wheel of the Year. One of the most well-known herbs for this Sabbat is used in many folk traditions associated with the Summer Solstice. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a beautiful, bright, and happy perennial plant in the Hypercaceae family. Interestingly enough the Hypercaceae family has up to 9 genera and 700 species are collectively known as the St John’s family of plants. This family of plants are located throughout the world except in the coldest or dryest parts. H. perforatum is the most commonly known and is native to temperate parts of Eurasia and North Africa but is widely introduced to East Asia, Australia and New Zealand as well as many parts of the Americas. There is a North American variety(Hypericum canadense) that can be substituted for any magical endeavour but is not as commonly known. It’s common names are Canadian St. Johns-wort, lesser St. John's wort, and lesser Canadian St. John’s wort. The name St. John’s wort come’s from the Christian cultural tradition harvesting the flowers and buds for the St John’s Feast Festival on June 24th. This practice dates from an earlier practice of the harvesting the herb for the Midsummer festivals. Other common names for H. perforatum are St Joan’s Wort, Sol Terrestis, amber, goatweed, hardhay, hypericin herba, Klamath weed, and Tipton weed. Some lesser-known regional names are witches herb, fuga daemonum(demon flight), devil’s scourge and penny John. St John’s Wort is a tall plant with multiple five petalled bright yellow flowers with an equal number of smaller green spear head shaped sepals under them. The petals edges are ringed with small dark spots. From the centre there are many bundles of tall yellow stamens with the grainy pollen heads at the end that are a brown to orange colour. The flowers, when pinched, will leave a red stain on your fingers. The stems are woody at the base. It grows in drier places such as woods, meadows, grasslands, and roadsides. St John’s wort has been in use in folk medicine since the first century C.E. The Order of St John, Knights Hospitaller would use the oily red extract to treat wounds. The flowering blossoms would be dried and crushed, to be used as “herba hyperici” which would be used to treat mild depression, menstrual disorders as well as inflammation of the skin and wound treatment. Note that St John’s wort can be contraindicative to many medications, so it is not advised to use it without consultation with a medical practitioner. Magically, St John’s Wort is masculine and associated with the Sun, the element of fire and the astrological sign of Leo. It is sacred to Baldur. It is an herb of protection. People would collect St John’s Wort at Midsummer and dry it over the festival fires. They would then place the dried flowers and leaves above windows and doors to protect against negativity and unwanted ghosts. People also believed that it would protect their homes against lightning strikes. They would also burn the herb in fires to banish demons. People would gather the herb at Midsummer and wear it to ward off melancholy. Unmarried women would place the dried herb under their pillow in hopes of dreaming of their future husband. As a herb of health and protection it is a wonderful herb to include as we celebrate the longest day or any time of year. It would also add brightness to your Midsummer altar.
WildFlute on Spotify brings you music inspired by wild spaces, and places. Jaye Marsh offers Classical, Rock and everything in between compiled for your pagan moods.
Supporting pagan arts, music and knowledge
WILDMOOD
A Meeting of Cultures – The Story of Niibin Jaye Marsh flutist, recording artist, writer, graphic designer Niibin (Summer) is a new instrumental work of music that I asked a dear friend and composer, Richard Mascall, to write me for my recording project. He has a long and deep connection to the Ojibway in Canada, enough so that they honoured him with a name, Singing Beaver on Water. This is no small honour and it was in this light, in the meeting of two cultures in joy and sharing, that I asked him to write me a concerto for flute and Indigenous storyteller. A piece that would illuminate the place that he and co-writer John Rice knew best, Manitou Gumee (Spirit Lake). We have come to know it as Georgian Bay, and it is a special place for my family as well. John Rice is the storyteller on the recording. He is also known as Zahgausgai “Sun Ray”, Mukwa “Bear Clan”, is an Ojibwa Anishinaabe and a 3rd Degree member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Society. John’s home community is Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. He has made it a life passion to study the “MIikaans” Teaching which is about the whole development of the human before, during and after life. John’s childhood was rich in the stories of his people. Stories from his childhood included the migrations of the Anishinaabe, creation stories of his people and various sacred items. John generously shares his knowledge throughout the Central Ontario Region. He currently works as part of the Counselling and Wellness Team at Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team in Barrie, Ontario. John employs Anishinaabe stories and teaching as a narrative to guide individuals through life events and mental health struggles. He travels internationally and is a well respected teacher and elder in the Anishinaabe Nation. John is a Story Teller, Big Drum Carrier, Ceremonialist, Singer and Dancer. His greatest joy is watching Ojibwa youth learn and practice the culture. Niibin (Summer) is a work that tells of the traditional summer activities of the Anishnaabe and is constructed of several small sections, each beginning with the story and then the music comes to the fore and intertwines the tale. The recorded work is a short suite for flute, storyteller, and piano but the entire work will be staged with orchestra and have many more tales and teachings to offer! It is quite challenging for both flutist and pianist! Parts of it was premiered in Chicago last August and there is a full video of the first Ontario performance on YouTube. As it was during a lockdown, there is a live performance of the full suite planned for the Parry Sound High School and will be accompanied by a learning workshop for the students, perfectly in keeping with John’s purpose. I hope you’ll give the piece a listen and perhaps you’ll try some of the activities he describes yourself this summer! Miigwetch, Blessed Be ~jaye/willow
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‘John Rice and Jaye Marsh’ credit: Robert DiVito;
If you do any kitchen magic, honey can come in very handy. Use it in dishes to bring about sweetness, fertility, or prosperity. You can even use honey in rituals as an offering to deity–many goddesses and gods seem to appreciate it. You can also use a blend of milk and honey to asperge a sacred space if you're holding ritual outdoors. Add some into a bath scrub for a ritual bath prior to working for love or romance, or anoint a candle with it when you're doing candle magic. Finally, include it in spellwork for bringing and keeping two things together.
DIRECTIONS: 1.Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a 9” cake pan (I used my cast iron skillet, however it’s slightly smaller than 9” and took longer to bake). 2.Beat butter and honey until blended in a large bowl. Add eggs, beating until well combined, then beat in yogurt and vanilla. 3.In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and sea salt. Then add to butter mixture and mix together. Grate in your zest of choice. 4.Pour batter into pan or cast iron skillet. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. It will brown around the edges and top nicely. 5.Drizzle with extra honey and sprinkle with bee pollen, serve with lemon or blood orange gelato, or vanilla ice cream would be delicious
Honey cakes bake up like the summer solstice in a pan. Golden, sweet and almost glowing, this beautiful, honey cake sweetens any Litha or Solstice ritual.
INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup honey 2 eggs 1/2 cup yogurt or sour cream (can replace with coconut yogurt) 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt zest of 1 lemon or orange
The Sabbat Table
Summer Solstice Honey Cake
I know that the weather is beautiful out there and we've got magical stuff to do out there but a few of you might be thinking but i haven't a thing to wear;) What garment screams mystery, magic and courage? You guessed it It's the timeless classic cloak. The most versatile and useful thing you'll probably want is a cloak. Don’t panic - yes they can get expensive but if we recycle. We can reinvent an old blanket into the most beautiful and useful garment. If that blanket has sentimental value - omg even better! Ok Let's get started. We will be prewashing and drying as the fabric requires. Don't know the content of the fabric? Further research? Or just go for it. Now would be a great time to smudge it, acknowledge that it had a former life and dirt. Anyways it’s a quick sew peeps release any uncomfortable energy from that time - and any and worth the effort. There are of course a few ‘no sew’ options Youtube : diy cloak under 30$ under 30 min by jess of the shire You can get as fancy or as basic as you like. It’s intention. Its the invisible intent behind the making that counts most. Here's a thought, I bet you already have magical garments in your wardrobe. That lucky t shirt, the sundress your children adore because of who you are when inside that fabric. Perhaps you wear a uniform that empowers you or have a dress you wear only to special events. Those are magical if you haven't noticed before I hope you do now. So as you pull on those scrubs, that apron, that linen robe or that cloak you made. I hope you shine brightly and feel empowered and protected inside all your clothing but especially the ones you've recognized as magic.
Magical Threads by Cissy
LOCAL RESOURCES
Looking for ritual or metaphysical supplies for your Craft? Check out our local favourites and support the stores in our communities.
The Occult Shop www.theoccultshop.ca Your one stop shop for quality occult, Pagan, Santeria and Wiccan spiritual supplies & gifts. Specializing in custom incense sticks and cones, herbal blends, bath salts and over 2,000 magical oil blends. All made in house. We also carry a variety of books, candles, herbs & roots, jewellery and much more.
Madame Phoenix Esoterica madame-phoenix-online.myshopify.com Madame Phoenix produces top quality spiritual and occult supplies using only the highest quality, all natural ingredients from beginning to end. Madame Phoenix products are hand made in Canada. We use only the highest quality, earth friendly, fair trade ingredients.
Obskurah Bazaar www.obskurahbazaar.com Candles, Tarot & Oracle decks, magical curios, ritual supplies, spiritual self-care items, herbs, books, incense and occult inspired accessories are available online or at our retail shop in Hamilton, Ontario. Our goal is to provide ethically sourced, sustainably made, fair trade and ecofriendly products that support fair wages and working conditions for the makers and honor their traditions.
Wiccan Church of Canada
Windsor
Hamilton
–"To see the summer sky is poetry, though never in a book it lie–true poems flee." Emily Dickinson e
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Looking to find out whats going on in your local temple? Perhaps you have questions regarding classes and rituals. Maybe you're a new seeker, or a solitaire looking for company or to share favourite seasonal fare; all are welcome. Our online communities are rich with diverse experience, skills and pagan knowledge. WCC Facebook groups strive to be safe spaces to discuss the Wiccan Craft and explore ideas of paganism in general without politics or proselytizing. Come see what we get up to between the sabbats!