~ THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL ~
WALPURGISNACHT / BELTANE
2008

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A. von Rautmann (aka Magda), the co-creator, editor, content director, and news gatherer, has decided to leave Hex in order to spend more time with her family. Please wish her luck and love on her journey! She will be missed.

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As the earth finally begins to warm in earnest, a quickening starts to run in the veins of all living things. In the age old struggle between dark and light, stillness and movement…Summer will soon be victorious! Days become longer, we venture out more often, and amorous thoughts force their way up through the cold ground of our minds and hearts. The earth gives herself over to a frenzy of growth and bursts forth in bloom. Longer, warmer days, promise not only a stirring of the blood, but also an increase in work and activity of all sorts.

Soon after the industrial revolution changed our relationship with work, the observation of May Day transformed from a celebration of fertility to become synonymous with labor reform. The collision of seasons was mirrored in a clash of social forces. The maypole became the “Tree of Liberty.” Protesters gained victory in the form of an 8-hour work day.

To honor both traditions, take some time out this May Day to consider your relationship to work and productivity. What is the price of progress that we all pay? In the past, winter was generally taken as a time to slow down and recuperate from a long season of work. In these busy modern times, we often find ourselves working just as hard all winter long. So, in the moment before the exhale, before you join the May fray, reflect on your own priorities and the wise use of your resources to achieve them. Maybe its time to stop and smell the roses…

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DANDELION TEA

Spring is the traditional cleansing time. In many healing systems Spring governs the liver and gall bladder. At this time of year dandelions emerge bold as brass and proliferate. Why fight them? Enlist them to your cause instead! Dandelions are, naturally, extremely beneficial to the liver, gall bladder, and the body's elimination system as a whole. Here is a recipe for Dandelion root tea which is an excellent blood cleanser and tonic:

INGREDIENTS
4 C. pure water
6 T. dried dandelion root
6 T. dried dandelion leaf (double amount if fresh)

Simmer the dandelion root in the water, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid over the dandelion leaf. Cover tightly and steep for another 20 minutes; strain the tea again.

~ Recipe taken from The Seasonal Detox Diet: Remedies from the Ancient Cookfire by Carrie L'Esperance

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• SOWILO •

[SUN] is the shield of the clouds,
and a shining glory,
and the life-long sorrow of ice.

~ Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme

Sowilo, naturally, represents the full power of the sun. You can see in its form, the rotation of the seasons, and the jolt of electricity. A mutual attraction between earth and heaven, which creates the spark of the divine. 'S' is a rune of will, power, illumination, and victory. All beneficial forces, though when sought in excess, they can lead to willfulness, arrogance, and oppressiveness, not to mention global warming ;) Its force is best used to empower rather than overpower. To quote Paxson, “…will is neutral, its spiritual value depending on the ethical principles that define its goals.” Victory is always good, right? No, it depends on the cost—at what price is it achieved? Power and will are best focused with a guiding principle. Trust in that which is nurturing and life-affirming, the sun will light your way.

Yes, sowilo was covered in the last newsletter, but it asserted itself again. willful as ever!
~Arrowyn Craban

Until Summer Solstice, may you and your
household be blessed and kept. Hail!
~HEX Magazine

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Due date for Spring 2009 submissions
is Fall Equinox 2008!
submissions@hexmagazine.com

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