Our 1st Annual Harvest Can & Bottle Drive Fundraiser

Face Your Fears & Have Faith by: Linda

(Photo by Shawna Weidenbach)

Guest Post Written by: Linda (First Degree Dedicant, Coven of Sangha-Sho)

So.... I've been thinking about fear a lot. I think it's been on my mind watching the affiliates now, remembering all of my own fears I had at that time. I'm thinking about things I'm confronting during my own First degree studies. I'm thinking about conversations I've had with people recently. 

There is so much fear of the unknown... all sorts of "what if". There's fear in "What if they find out ______?"  "What if I can't _______?" "What if I never_____?"  (Fill in your own blanks) Or the Grandaddy of them all, "What if I make a mistake?" And I just laugh ruefully at myself and say, "You're the one who signed up for this." Yup. I did. I'm the one who told myself there has to be a different way, a better way, a more loving, compassionate, spiritual way to live my life. And I get so pissed sometimes when I have to call myself out on it. And the reason I can call myself out on it is because in the time I have spent with you, I have revealed my secrets, I have said "I can't do this" or "I don't understand", I have made mistakes, and I may never ever in a million years become the person I think I want to be, or the person you want me to be. That is scary stuff. 

And, when all of these things happened, did anyone laugh at my suffering, cackle with glee over some minor infraction in Coven Protocol? Nope. Has it all been sunshine and roses? Nope. But it has NEVER been as bad as I could have imagined it to be. It is still scary as hell. Because the fact is a lot of us have been/still are scared. Scared from trauma, abuse, malice, abandonment, loss, betrayal... the list is unbearably long. But something I realized recently is that, if I'm scared, I recognize SOMETHING there that's making me scared. And if you know there's a "thing", I've at least recognized it. If I  recognize it, I can put a name or a feeling or a face to it. By doing that, I've acknowledged it. And if I acknowledge it, I can at least make a decision- fight, run, or ask for help. None of these decisions are wrong. No one is better than another. Whatever the decision, it's mine, and it is what I need to do at that moment. 

What I decide in that moment is indicative of trust. Do I  trust that the worst will happen or trust that I am stronger than I thought? Trust is faith. Our faith is what brought us together, it is our bond. That bond guarantees you will never be alone in your fear, or your pain. There will always be a hand to steady you, to help you find your balance. 

It is always within reach. 

And I trust myself to always remember that.

2nd Annual Circle of Tribes Community & Family Picnic

The Coven of Sangha-Sho announces... 

The 2^nd Annual Circle of Tribes Community & Family PicnicTop of Form

Bottom of Form

 

When: Jun. 18th. 2016 
Where: Rochester, New York 

2nd Annual CoT Pagan Community & Family Picnic

Event Details: Join us Saturday, June 18th, 2016 for our 2nd Annual  Circle of Tribes Community & Family Picnic.

This Rain or Shine Event is open to the entire Pagan Community!

Bring your Picnic Lunch and enjoy the company of our community, or just come to socialize!

Charcoal provided for those who wish to bring Burgers, Hot Dogs, or other Yummies to grill.

So come on down to Durand Eastman Park, along Lakeshore Blvd, and look for our group under a tent near one of the grills. :) 

Event Location: Durand Eastman Park in Rochester along Lake Shore Blvd
Event TIME Details: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Directions: From Points West of Irondequoit:

Option 1: Take Lake Ontario State Parkway heading East, Continue onto Pattonwood Drive, Turn Right onto St. Paul Blvd, Turn Left onto Lake Shore Blvd., continue down Lake Shore Blvd to the area near King's Hwy, look for us on the left side of the road.

Option 2: Take NY 104 E to the Goodman St Exit, at the light Turn Left onto Goodman St., Continue across E. Ridge Rd onto Kings Hwy S., Follow Kings Hwy to Lake Shore Blvd. Turn Right onto Lake Shore Blvd and look for look for us on the left side of the road.

From the South West:

Take 390 or 490 to 104 E and then follow directions above.

From Points East of Irondequoit:

Take NY 104 W to the Culver Rd Exit, Turn Right onto Culver Rd toward Sea Breeze, Turn Left onto Sweet Fern Rd, Continue as Sweet Fern Becomes Pine Valley Rd, Continue as Pine Valley becomes Lake Shore Blvd, Continue down Lake Shore Blvd we will be located on the Right side of the road in the Horseshoe Rd/Kings Hwy area of Durand.

From the South/South East:

Take 490 to 590 N to 104 W, and then follow directions above. 

*The Circle of Tribes is a network of established covens that believes in fostering healthy community and practicing open, direct, clear, and tactful communication.

The Covens of the Circle of Tribes are:

Circle of the Green

Daughters of bast

Sisters of Medusa

Path of Eternal Light

The Coven of Sangha-Sho, Inc.

The Circle of Tribes Community & Family Picnic!

You are all invited to join us for a fun filled afternoon of food & fellowship!

That's right! This coming Saturday, June 13th, is The Circle of Tribes Community & Family Picnic (coordinated by The Coven of Sangha-Sho).

This Rain or Shine Event is open to the entire Pagan Community!

Bring your Picnic Lunch and enjoy the company of our community, or just come to socialize!

Charcoal provided for those who wish to grill Burgers, Hot Dogs, or other Yummies.

So come on down to Durand Eastman Park, along Lakeshore Blvd. near the beach! Look for our group near one of the grills. :) 

Again, the Info you require is...

Date: Saturday, June 13th 

Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm 

Location: Durand Eastman Park (Near Lakeshore Blvd. & Kings Hwy)

Directions: Check Mapquest here - http://mapq.st/1L00fEb  

We hope to see you there!

*The Circle of Tribes is a network of established covens that believes in fostering healthy community and practicing open, direct, clear, and tactful communication.

The Covens of the Circle of Tribes are:

Circle of the Green

Daughters of bast

Sisters of Medusa

Path of Eternal Light

The Coven of Sangha-Sho, Inc.

Join us for Lammas! - 2014 Gathering of the Tribes

Come One Come All!!!

Every Lammas is special, but this year it's EXTRA special! Why? Because it's a Gathering of the Tribes event, THAT'S why!

What does that mean? Well, it means that the ritual is a collaborative effort between the covens that are members of The Circle of Tribes.

Who's going to be there? When is it? How do you RSVP? Where is it? All the info worth knowing is provided below:

Covens of The Circle of Tribes ( Daughters of Bast, Sisters of Medusa, Circle of the Green, Path of Eternal Light, and The Coven of Sangha-Shō) Solitaries & Visitors Friends & Family Neighbors & Earth Friendly People! 

When:

Saturday, August 2, 2014

1:30 pm- Gather, organize food, and socialize
2:00 pm- Ritual
3:15- 5pm- Buffet dinner/fellowship

How to RSVP:

RSVP by 8/1/14 via your HP/HPS or, if not part of a group, directly to sanghasho@hotmail.com

Provide the following information:

1. How many in your group that are attending

2. What type of dish you are bringing based on your LAST NAME!!!

Last Name A-H: Main Dish or Casserole Dish

Last Name I-P: Salad and 1 liter beverage

Last Name Q-Z: Appetizer or Dessert

> PLEASE if you are bringing a Vegetarian or Gluten Free dish, please label it as such.[Dishware, cups, napkins, etc., provided]

Where: 

The Coven of Sangha-Shō Covenstead in Irondequoit, NY (If you are unfamiliar with where we are located, the address will be provided after you RSVP)

Other Particulars: 

Dress - Where whatever you wish, please be comfortable! If part of a coven, check with your HP/HPS as to their preference; ritual garb is always welcome! 

Parking - With such a large group, parking will be at a premium, so PLEASE CARPOOL! Use driveway spots, if available, or road and side road parking. 

Chairs - If you have sturdy folding chairs, please bring them.

Rock Your Chakras: Part 6, Events, & Newsletter #10

Hello, hello! The warmer weather has finally started to show it's lovely face to us here in Western NY and we all couldn't possibly be happier about it!

There's a lot in the works at the Covenstead including: Open Beltane Ritual on Saturday May 3rd, Open Dyad Moon Esbat on Friday May 16th, and the continued planning of our Trip to Europe for Lammas 2015! There's updated information regarding the 2015 trip as well as several informative articles in Newsletter Issue #10.

And NOW it's time for part 6 of the Rock your Chakras series!

Part 6 - Opening the Eye

Powers of insight, imagination, and intuition are gathered in the Brow/Third Eye Chakra. These energies are collected between the eyes in the center of the forehead.

Opening the gates of spiritual perception is the job of Sodalite. This stone aids in silencing mundane thoughts so the mind may receive information from higher planes of existence.

Gaze at the streaks of white running through the deep blue sodalite. Close your eyes but continue picturing the stone. Watch as the white streaks begin to glow and spark, dancing like lighting across the rich blue surface. Bring the stone to your brow. Feel the lightning energy strike your third eye, creating a clear pathway for divine wisdom and energy to flow into you. Listen and be the conduit of Spirit.

Affirmation: I see with clarity and listen to wisdom. I trust my intuition. I am open.

~ The Crystal Lady aka Moria

Rock Your Chakras! (Parts 3 - 5), Upcoming Class, & A Special Anniversary.

It's been a busy couple of months, and I apologize for not posting in a while. We've all been right and thoroughly frozen to the core this Winter, and we are finally able to see that gradually warming light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Ostara is fast approaching, and with that brings another very special occasion. On March 20th, 2014 The Coven of Sangha-Shō will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary!

Many things have changed and developed since our inception. Faces have come and gone, but our dedication to The Goddess and the Community, both Pagan and Non-Pagan alike, has only grown and strengthened over the years. Blessed Be The Coven of Sangha-Shō, and Blessed be all those who have touched our hearts, and crossed our Paths as we've embarked on this prodigious Journey. We look forward to many more years of being able to Serve in whatever manner She calls us to.

Today I'm catching you all up with the "Rock Your Chakras" series of articles written by The Coven of Sangha-Shō's very own "Crystal Lady": Moria! After you've read about how to sufficiently rock some of your chakras, I'll fill you in on our upcoming "Spell Writing & Books of Shadows" class. So, let's get on with it, shall we?

Part 3 - Strengthening the Solar Plexus

Above your belly button sits your Solar Plexus Charka. It deals with personal power, strength of will, self-mastery, self-esteem, and individuality.

 

Highly energizing, Citrine is a great choice for working with this chakra. Citrine promotes and encourages creativity, self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and self-expression.

 

Stand in front of a full length mirror. Picture a flame in the middle of your solar plexus. This is your fiery spirit, unique to you. Watch it burn and flicker. Hold the citrine against your chakra and visualize it glowing with a yellow light. See the light pulse, growing bigger and brighter. Draw that light into your solar plexus, watch it feed the flame. As your flame grows stronger and brighter, say your affirmations out loud to your reflection.

 

Affirmation: I treat myself with respect, love, and compassion. I choose how I think and behave. I accept my power.

 

Part 4 - Healing the Heart

 

At the center of the body is your Heart Chakra. This is the chakra of compassion and love; governing all relationships and interactions.

 

Less common, but worth seeking out, Green Tourmaline is beneficial for opening the heart chakra. By dispelling fears and promoting compassion, patience, and empathy, this stone transforms negativity into positive energy.

 

Kneel with head bowed, hands in prayer position over your heart, cradling your tourmaline in your palms. Create a circuit of pulsing energy between your heart and hands. With each beat, "pull" energy from your body up to your heart and send it around the circuit. As it passes through the tourmaline, see any dark spots dissolve, leaving only bright white energy flowing. Share this energy from your heart with the world.

 

Affirmation: I grow through compassion. By giving and receiving love unconditionally, I am transformed. Love is the answer.

 

Part 5 - The Thoughtful Throat

 

The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra energy center. Sitting beneath your chin, this chakra is responsible for communication and creativity.

 

Turquoise is used in healing the throat chakra. It enhances all aspects of communication: between people, the body and mind, and the physical and spiritual planes. It releases inhibitions, allowing the soul to express itself.

 

Lay down and breathe deeply. Place the stone on your throat. Breathe out and make an "eeeee" sound. Listen to the sound vibrate your throat and the stone. Play with the pitch of your "eeeee" as you breath out. Feel how the turquoise's vibration changes, speeding up as your pitch raises and slowing as your pitch lowers. Feel your chakra absorb the now vibrating bright blue energy from the turquoise.

 

Affirmation: I speak my truth in love. I know when to listen. With truth I create my peace.

 

~ The Crystal Lady aka Moria

 

Upcoming Class:

 

Spell Writing & Books of Shadows:

In this 3 session class you will...

• learn the grammar of spell writing
• learn how rhythm & rhyme raise energy
• learn how to cast while solo or in groups through various methods
• reflect on how you would like to create your B.O.S. (Book of Shadows)
• learn how the Goddess guides you in this sacred act of making your book be an extension of who you are

Sessions are Tuesdays from 6-9 pm: April 22nd, April 29th, & May 6th

 

Most materials provided 

 

Fee: $15 (suggested donation)

 

To register: Email sanghasho@hotmail.com w/ Full Name, Contact Phone #, and Mailing Address.  
 

Newsletter #6, Featured Article: Rock Your Chakras (Part 2)

Hello again, everyone! This issue of the Sangha-Shō News is being posted a little late, as I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, that I almost forgot about it! I do apologize.

In This Issue:

-- 2014 Open Esbat Schedule (Tentative)
-- Some info on Mistletoe
-- Ideas for Pagan Kids
-- A Sneak Peak at Future Classes
-- Others Misc. tidbits worth checking out

We're also featuring Part 2 of the 8 part series: Rock Your Chakras, written by our very own Moria, aka: The Crystal Lady! Enjoy!

The Sacral Chakra is located below the belly button. It deals with emotions, sexuality, and pleasure.

One of the most beneficial stones for strengthening the sacral chakra is Carnelian. It's influence can stabilize the emotions, restore vitality, encourage creativity, enhance courage, and stimulate sexuality.

It is important for the piece of carnelian that you choose to be visually appealing to you and comfortable for you to hold.

Gaze into the carnelian. Become entranced with the colors and shape, take joy in its sight and feel. "Hear" in your mind your favorite pieces of music. "Taste" your favorite meal. As you take pleasure from your senses, place the stone to your sacral chakra, and see the carnelian pulse with orange energy. Draw that energy into your chakra.

 

Affirmation:  I am healthy and strong. My feelings are stable. I deserve pleasure in my life.

~ The Crystal Lady aka Moria

Keep an eye out for our next Issue of the Sangha-Shō News & Part 3 of 

this series. In the meantime, check out the rest of Issue #6!

Newsletter #5, Featured Article: Rock Your Chakras (Part 1)

Hello again, everyone! The cold is finally upon us here in the North East, and so is the latest issue of the Sangha-Shō News.

In This Issue:

-- A look at Hecate
-- Some info on Pine
-- A Yule craft to do with the kids
-- A Sneak Peak at Future Classes
-- Others Misc. tidbits worth checking out

We're also featuring Part 1 of the 8 part series: Rock Your Chakras, written by our very own Moria, aka: The Crystal Lady! Enjoy!

The Root Chakra 

is located at the base of your spine. It deals with home, family, health, finances, trust, nourishment, security, survival and stability.

Red Jasper 

is the stone to use for this chakra. It's extremely protective. It rectifies unjust situations, grounds energy and calms the emotions. It is a stone of health and strength. 

Hold the stone in your hand or against your root chakra. Visualize a beam of red light projecting from your root chakra. It touches and envelopes the stone, creating a link between them. See yourself in your "safe place", surrounded by friends and family. The light surrounding the red jasper grows. Feelings of safety and security wash over you. Pull the energy back from the stone and into your root chakra.

Affirmation:  I am vibrant, aroused with life-force. My strength grounds me. I will survive.

~ The Crystal Lady aka Moria

Keep an eye out for our next Issue of the Sangha-Shō News & Part 2 of 

this series. In the meantime, check out the rest of Issue #5!

Celebrate the Return of the Light With The Coven of Sangha-Sho

Come and Join The Coven of Sangha-Sho on Saturday, December 21st to Celebrate Yule and the Return of the Light!

The evening will be filled with many festivities including our Open Yule Circle, followed by a late meal and our optional Ornament & Gift Exchanges.

There will even be gifts for the kiddies from Papa Sun! (Be sure to include them in your RSVP so he knows they'll be there!)

All details are included in the image below. 

Please RSVP by Friday December 20th - 

• Via email: sanghasho@hotmail.com 
• Via text: 585-300-3148

 

Don't Forget About Our Holiday Party & Cookie Exchange!

(RSVP for the Holiday Party By Dec 13th)

Holiday Party & Cookie Exchange

 

The Coven of Sangha-Shō, Inc. presents our annual:

Holiday Party & Yule Cookie Exchange!

Come celebrate the Yuletide Season with

 Cheer, Fun, Good Company & Good Food!

 

Date: Friday December 13, 2013

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

Place: Sangha-Shō Covenstead

**Please use back door **

RSVP by December 10th

By phone/text: (585) 300-3148

By email: Sanghasho@hotmail.com

Bring Your Holiday Spirit & an Appetite!

Cookie Exchange is OPTIONAL! If you want to participate- read below!

  

COOKIE EXCHANGE

Bake a few dozen of your favorite Holiday cookies!

Bring your cookies and the recipe to the cookie exchange-

TRADE and go home with an assortment of cookies and new recipes!

For Cookie Exchange Please Bring:

• Cookies to share 
• Recipes to share 
• Stories about where your cookies came from 
• A box to pick out your own assortment of cookies to bring home