I am home as I write this, stuck in a blizzard. It is wonderful to be here inside with heat and food and all the comforts of life. The wild birds are happy in spite of the snow; I filled the feeders to bursting with seeds and suet. The cats are dozing on sofas and chairs.
As the moment of Solstice approaches I reflect on how this is a Spiritual occasion that falls on all peoples everywhere, on all races, creeds, and religions, equally. It is a time that the whole planet rejoices and celebrates the return of the light.
Last night I met with local Quakers, Christians and others of my interfaith group, in an emergency meeting to discuss what we can do to stave off another “pre-emptive” war with Iran. We put our heads together and came up with some simple actions that Americans everywhere can participate in, to get the message out to our legislators that another war is just not an option. In fact, another war is downright un-patriotic considering the cost to towns, schools, paved roads, bridges, health care for the poor and elderly, food and toy and product safety inspections, disaster relief during fires and floods. (If you want to know exactly how much the current war is costing your town or city, go to this site and enter your zip code. If the billions that have gone into fighting an illegal war had instead gone into retrofitting our cars and homes to take different kinds of energy, or had been put into subsidies for research and development of wind, solar, geo-thermal, bio-mass, and other resources (plus conservation of course) wouldn’t we be much better off today?)
So how do we stop the politicians who are currently in power from dragging us into yet another mess that will only destabilize the Middle East further? Think of Pakistan with its nuclear weapons, right next to Iran. India and Pakistan have gone to the brink three times in the last fifteen years. If we attack yet another Muslim country there are forces out there that will do everything they can to get their hands on nuclear weapons. Even a ‘limited’ nuclear war will kill a billion people due to the effects of “nuclear winter”(according to Physicians for Social Responsibility).
OK, so what are some concrete actions that we as citizens can do? At the meeting last night we all agreed that it is not enough to just let politicians know how we feel. We must also find ways to actually make them DO SOMETHING.
Here are things that every person and community can try in the next few months:

1. 1) Call your senators and ask them to sign on to Senate Resolution 356 (written by Durbin and Sanders). It states that any military action against Iran must be first approved by the Senate. Capitol Number 202-224-3121
2. Ask your member of Congress to open hearings about who knew what and when, and why is the administration deceiving the public again regarding the National Intelligence Estimate. “In October of this year Bush raised the specter of World War III with Iran, because of its pursuit of nuclear weapons months after he had been told by our own intelligence community it was likely Iran halted its weapons program in 2003”. – Senator Joseph Biden (Delaware) December 4, 2007 Capitol Number 202-224-3121
3. Ask your City Council to pass a resolution not to attack Iran. Local towns in my area have done this and it passed. (You can also ask your city or town to pass an anti-torture resolution while you are at it).
4. Write an op-ed in your local paper about how peace and diplomacy should be the goal of all people, especially this time of year.
5. Remind everyone that the Empire is stretched to the limit. These constant wars (now longer in duration than WW II) are driving the country into bankruptcy.
6. Ask vets who have actually seen war to speak publicly about the physical and emotional cost, the brain injuries, lost limbs, and life long repercussions of battle and especially of too frequent deployments.
7. Go to the National Priorities Project website and enter your zip code to see exactly what your community is paying for the current war and tell your friends and the local papers.
8. Organize letter writing campaigns at your church or Coven or Grove. Bring paper, envelopes and stamps to the next meeting. Remember that the Civil Rights movement, the anti-Vietnam efforts, and many other worthy causes were fostered in places of religious worship.

One more thing

Here is one more thing to think about this Solstice Season. The House just passed H. Res. 847. While this House resolution is seemingly harmless, now would be a very good time for everyone to call their reps and remind them that they have constituents who are NOT Christian who deserve deep respect, also.
The House passed this bill on December 12, 2007. The vote was 372-9, with 10 members also voting “Present,” meaning they took no position on the legislation, and 40 not voting. One of the “Present” votes was cast by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.). More Democrats -195 – voted for the bill than Republicans, 177.
The nine members who voted against the bill – Gods bless them! – are Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.).
Here’s the text of H.Res. 847, just so you know how important Christianity and Christmas are:

“Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world; Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population; Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population; Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible; Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization; Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity; Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ; Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God’s redemption, mercy, and Grace; and Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives– (1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world; (2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide; (3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith; (4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization; (5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and (6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.”

See how your Congressional rep voted on the Christians and Christmas resolution.
All wishes for a safe and cuddly Solstice season to all my readers!

The big news this month is that two of my new books are now available on Amazon.com. (Number three is still in progress and should be out late in 2008 or early 2009 – on Scottish herbs and magic…)

Priestess of the Forest – A Druid Journey

In the tradition of Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Mists of Avalon, Ellen Evert Hopman weaves Druid history and spirituality into an engaging love story. This Bardic teaching tale is set in a fictional third-century Ireland when Christianity is sweeping across the Celtic Isles. During this time of crisis, love blooms between Ethne, a Druid healer, and her patient, a Fennid warrior. Their passionate affair suffers a tragic blow when Ethne is called upon to become the high queen.
Told from the Druid perspective, Hopman recreates the daily life, magical practices, politics, and spiritual lives of the ancient Celts during this historic turning point. Druid holy days, rites, rituals, herbal lore, and more are brought to life in this Celtic fantasy-illuminating Druidic teachings and cultural wisdom.

Notable Features

A historic fantasy that weaves Druidic teachings into a Celtic tale of love Highlights details from Druidic history – daily life, class system, torcs, triskells, and crafts
Features a glossary of significant Celtic/Druidic terms and an interview with the author about modern Druid-ism Suggested sources for further study of Druids throughout history, Druid ritual, and modern Druidism.
ISBN 978-0-7387-1262-8
US $18.95 CAN $21.95
Trade paperback
6 x 9, 360 pp. (with glossary & epilogue)
Available on this site, with a personal signed note.
Your local bookstore
Online from Amazon.com or Llewellyn Worldwide due out February 1, 2008
You can also pre-order book number two which comes out in May, 2008

A Druid’s Herbal – For Sacred Tree Medicine

An in-depth look at the history, herbal uses, and spiritual aspects of the sacred trees in the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet.
Details the 20 trees of the ogham alphabet and their therapeutic and magical virtues
Examines the Forest Druid practices associated with each tree as well as the traditional uses in Native American medicine.
Describes the Celtic Fire Festivals and how each tree is featured in these holy days
By the author of A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year (42,000 copies
sold)
The Druids used the ancient Ogham Tree Alphabet to work magic and honor the dead, surrounding each letter with medicinal and spiritual lore. Poets and bards created a secret sign language to describe the letters, each of which is named for a tree or a plant. For centuries this language was only orally transmitted in order to protect its secrets.
Combining her extensive herbal knowledge and keen poetic insight, Ellen Evert Hopman delves deeply into the historic allusions and associations of each of the 20 letters of the Ogham Tree Alphabet. She also examines Native American healing methods for possible clues to the way ancient Europeans may have used these trees as healing agents. Druidic spiritual practices, herbal healing remedies, and plant lore are included for each tree in the alphabet as well as how each is used in traditional rituals such as the Celtic Fire Festivals and other celebrations. Hopman also includes a pronunciation guide for the oghams and information on the divinatory meanings associated with each tree.
Destiny Books / Inner Traditions Bear and Company
ISBN-13: 978-1-59477-230-6
ISBN-10: 1-59477-230-4
$14.95 (CAN       ) Paper
224 pages, 6 x 9
Available at this site, with a personal signed note.
Already available for pre-order from Amazon.com, Inner Traditions Bear and Company and from your local independent book seller!

Here is where I share my monthly musings.
As Samhain, the Celtic New Year (Halloween), approaches it feels as if the winds of war are blowing again. A group of Pagan leaders recently issued a historic joint-statement expressing our mutual desire for peace.
We sent it out to major news media such as The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Boston Globe, The Miami Herald, The Washington Post and the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as to major Pagan media outlets such as Witchvox.com and The Wiccan Pagan Times. So far we have been ignored by all these media. Apparently we Pagans have a lot of work ahead before we are taken seriously regarding ethical statements! Here is what we sent out:

Press Release
Pagans Oppose Military Intervention in Iran

We are an ad hoc group of Americans who practice diverse Earth-based religions.  We affirm the wisdom of peace, tolerance, and justice.  These principles are consistent with the values and beliefs of our Pagan religions.  We seek to exist in goodwill and fellowship with all peoples, cultures, and nations.  In so doing, we express our love for the Earth and acknowledge our interconnectedness with all living things.
In the face of escalating international tensions regarding Iran, we urge the use of diplomatic actions for a peaceful resolution of differences.  We reject any rush to military action, since we believe that diplomatic means will lead to a safer, more just, and more constructive solution.  Therefore, we call on our political leaders to use diplomacy to create goodwill, peace, and harmony among nations, religions, and peoples.
Respectfully:
Maureen Duffy-Boose, Rainbow Chalice CUUPS Salt Lake City, UT Board of Trustees, Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS)
Ellen Evert Hopman, Co-Chief, Order of the WhiteOak Massachusetts
Nancy Machin, Pagan Educational Network Indiana
M. Macha NightMare, P&W San Rafael, CA
Cairril Adaire, Founder, Our Freedom: A Pagan Civil Rights Coalition Bloomington, IN
Rev. H. Byron Ballard, Coalition of Earth Religions (CERES) Asheville, NC
Jo Carson Fairfax, CA
Phyllis Curott New York, NY
Max Dashu Oakland, CA
Gus diZerega, Ph.D. Sebastopol, CA
Ivo Dominguez, Jr., Elder, Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Delaware
Holli S. Emore Columbia, SC
Cerridwen Fallingstar Forest Knolls, CA
Celia Farran Ashland, OR
Kenaz Filan, Managing Editor, newWitch Magazine
Rev. Sean W. Harbaugh California
Caroline Kenner, Board Member, Chesapeake Pagan Community & Sacred Space Foundation Washington, DC
Lady Passion, High Priestess & *Diuvei, High Priest, Coven Oldenwilde  Asheville, NC
Rev. Robert Lee (Skip) Ellison East Syracuse, NY
Sabina Magliocco, Ph.D. Northridge, CA
Rev. Patrick M. McCollum, Director, Our Lady of the Wells Church Moraga, CA
Michael McDermott, M.D. Black Earth, WI
Katrina Messenger, Founder, Connect DC Washington, DC
Nava Mizrahhi Oakland, CA
Ariel Montserrat, Editor, Green Egg Zine Tennessee
Anne Newkirk Niven, Editor in Chief, PanGaia Magazine California
Penny J. Novack, Elder, Step by Step Tradition Buckland, MA
Rev. Rayna Ardren Owens, PhD. Miami, FL
Beth Owl’s Daughter, The Dragon’s Cauldron, Reclaiming Durham, NC
Lynn Pacifico New York, NY
Ludmilla Pavlova Amherst, MA
Lauren Raine Tucson, AZ
Angela Roberts Reeder Baltimore, MD
Vibra Willow, P&W, Reclaiming California
Rev. Rose Wise, Ozark Avalon Church of Nature Boonville, MO
Michael York, Ph.D. San Francisco, CA
Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, Church of All Worlds Cotati, CA
“The opinion expressed by the above named leaders of the Pagan community does not necessarily represent or agree with the organizations with which they are affiliated.”

Druidic Peace Statement

I am pleased to add that the Druid Order to which I belong, The Order of the Whiteoak (Ord na Darach Gile) has also issued a statement and we welcome you to sign on;

Statement on the Build Up to a Possible War with Iran

The Druids of old were known as peacemakers and were once so respected that when they stepped onto the battlefield all hostilities immediately ceased.
It is in the spirit of reverence for these ancient ways that The Order of the Whiteoak (Ord na Darach Gile) wishes to affirm its support of peace and justice in the world.
War is properly the option of very last resort and pre-emptive war is both immoral and unethical. We urge our political leaders to use diplomacy to create goodwill, peace and harmony between nations, religions, and peoples.
Signed:
Ellen Evert Hopman (Saille), Co-Chief of Order of the Whiteoak, Massachusetts, USA
J Craig Melia (Mhaille), Co-Chief of Order of the Whiteoak, Lancashire, England
Dr. Kenneth Proefrock, Surprise, Arizona, USA
Justin Fisher, USA
Cairril Adaire,  Founder, Our Freedom: A Pagan Coalition, Indiana, USA
Daniel Greywolf (Spiritunicorn), Hastings, East Sussex, England
Dr. D.J. Gainey, Greenville, SC, USA
Edwin Vanmontfort, The Netherlands
Raven Finley, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Robert Bestwick, Massachusetts, USA Anakooomk – Peace (in Mic Mac)
Diane L. Gaw, Worcester, MA
Tricia Gill, Brighton, England
Rev H.C. Kamerman, Druid Resident of the Netherlands
M. Macha NightMare, San Rafael, CA
Lady Vivien Alba, Hps/Elder of the Avalon Moon Circle, Gainesville, FL.
We welcome Druids from all Orders and other friends and supporters to co-sign this document. Should anyone wish to add their name to this Peace statement please email your details to membership@whiteoakdruids.org.

The Tara Road

Another concern of the moment is the hideous road that the Irish government is attempting to build right through the heart of the Tara landscape. The road will only bring tolls, light and noise pollution, and urban sprawl of the kind that we have so sadly had to endure here in the United States. All at a time when oil is on the way out and priority should be given to rail lines, not roads.
Those who are opposed to the road in Ireland will be lighting beacon fires on the hill tops on Samhain eve, to express their love for Tara. We who are in other countries can also participate by lighting fires at home. Here is a beautiful ritual you can do from anywhere on the planet (if you read this too late for the October 31 fire lighting why not do it on November 11 which is the date of Old Samhain?)
Take the time to write a letter to the media and to MEP (Member of European Parliament, representing South Ireland) Kathy Sinnott.
Write letters to the editor of the Irish Times.
I wish peace, health and happiness on all Celtic Pagans and their friends in the Celtic New Year.
“Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground”