Altar Ego's Livejournal Community

The Yuletide season isn't just about giving or receiving presents. It's about discovering what you already have inside of you. Gifts such as talent, intelligence and kindness. Many more exist within us all. Many are waiting to be discovered.

Now is the time when the Earth below our feet rests, waits, preparing to grow in the Spring. Now is the time to reach inside of you and use your inner gifts to help others.

Giving and receiving is fine. But doing something can be better.

Blessings on Samhain!

[Oct. 31st, 2008|08:31 am]

Now is when the veil between the worlds grows thin. As the sun falls on this All Hallow's Eve....

What do you see?

Autumnal Equinox approaches

[Sep. 16th, 2008|02:48 pm]

A balance of light and dark. Day equals night. Night equals day. The time for planning and planting is over. Now begins the Harvest, reaping and sowing.

How will you celebrate?

Holiday: Lughnasadh / Lammas

[Aug. 1st, 2008|11:45 am]

The turning of the wheel now brings us to Lughnasadh, also known by the name of Lammas, named in honor of the Celtic god Lugh, a name which means "light" or "shining." Although somewhat confusing, we are not celebrating the death of Lugh (the God of light does not mythically die until the autumn equinox), but rather the funeral games that Lugh hosted to commemorate the death of his foster mother, Taillte.

Lughnasadh is the first of the three harvest Sabbats, Mabon and Samhain being the others, which celebrates the ripening grains and corn. With the harvest so prevalent, we see many themes of the sacrificed god motif emerge. His death is necessary for rebirth of the land to take place.

In old times, it was the duty of the King to sacrifice himself for the land, an idea that has been seen in the many legends of cultures both new and old. The gathering of the first crops of the year is also used to symbolize the success and extent of the power raised from the Beltane rites when the Sacred Marriage of the Lord and Lady took place. The theme of sexuality and reproduction is carried over into Lughnasadh as well to ensure the remainder of a good harvest.

This sabbat is also known as the celebration of bread. As bread was one of the main staples of our ancestors, the ripening of the grain was the cause for great celebration. The reaping, threshing and preparation of these breads spawned great ritual and ceremony to ensure bounty for the following year.
This time of the year finds us with fields to harvest, the first of a bountiful crop that will hold us through the winter months. Even though the hottest days of summer are upon us, we have but to observe to see that fall is just around the corner. Shadows are growing longer as the days slowly become shorter. Squirrels are busily gathering food for the coming winter. It is a time to begin canning produce from the garden, a time to save and preserve.

What does this time of year mean to you?

Up coming Ritual: Midsummer

[May. 18th, 2008|02:27 pm]

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008

Location: Occult Book Store, 1164 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois

A Midsummer Night's Dream Ritual
a ritual by Altar Egos, at Earth Spiritualists Chicago Summer Solstice Event

Timing:

7:00pm--Gather and socialize

7:45pm -- Introduction and explanation of evening

8:15-8:30pm--Questions, answers, social interaction, assigning of parts
8:30-9:30pm -- Ritual

9:30-10:00pm -- more socializing, eating, shopping, whatever. Clean-up begins at 10...

DRIVING: Occult Book Store is located at 1164 N. Milwaukee Ave., just south of Ashland and Division. If you'll be driving in, take I-90 E to Division, exit 49A. Turn right from the off ramp, but then get into the left lane as you head west on Division. Milwaukee Ave. is the third traffic light. Turn left on Milwaukee, and the Occult Bookstore is about a half block south from Division. It will be on your right hand side (i.e., the west side of the street) as you turn left on Milwaukee.

CTA: Take the Blue Line, exit at the Division/Milwaukee stop and the store would be about 2.5 blocks southeast of the subway stop.

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Blessings on Beltane

[May. 1st, 2008|07:39 am]

It's been a long, hard winter for some. However, Spring has arrived.

Celebrate the union of opposites by sharing a moment with another.

A hug. A kiss. A touch. A taste.

Merge for a moment and remember that there is still a lot of good left in this World.

Blessings on Beltane, everyone.

Blessings on Yule

[Dec. 21st, 2007|11:08 am]

We are at the time of the shortest day and longest night.

Now is the time for reflection, resting but celebrating as well. Not to mention a little eggnog for those so inclined.

My Yule tree it up, with handmade ornaments covered with the dreams and wishes of many.

Make a wish for the Yuletide season. What do you wish for?

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Blessings on Samhain

[Oct. 31st, 2007|08:03 am]

Now is the time when the veil between the worlds grows thin. When what is, was and will be all intermingle.

Now is the time of reflection. Of shedding old habits. Of finding new ones.

Now is the time of the "witches' new year", the final turning of the Wheel of the Year.

Do you have a resolution to share?

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It is now Fall

[Sep. 25th, 2007|08:27 am]

How did you celebrate?

And there is a Full Moon, a Harvest moon I believe, tomorrow night.

Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse

[Aug. 28th, 2007|11:45 am]

For those that celebrated last month's full moon creating a goal for yourself, where are you in your planning and dedication?

How else do you celbrate the full moon?

And did you see the lunar eclipse this morning?

August 2, 2007

[Aug. 2nd, 2007|11:11 am]

Blessings on Lughnasadh everyone!!!

Full Moon

[Jul. 29th, 2007|09:02 pm]

There's a Full Moon out tonight.

How do you honor it?

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Looking ahead.....

[Jul. 17th, 2007|08:46 am]

August brings with it the celebration of Lughnasadh.

What do you know of this holiday? How do you honor it?

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Happy Summer Solstice!!!

[Jun. 21st, 2007|02:37 pm]

Enjoy the summer!

Make a wish!

Altar Egos & Friends Present: Annual ECHO Midsummer Picnic

[Jun. 14th, 2007|10:48 pm]

Hello All Pagans and Pagan-friendlies! It is time once again for our annual communityfest!

Altar Egos has reserved Grove 4 at LaBagh Woods so we can all meet, greet and eat.

Here are the basics:

* Date: Saturday, June 23, 2007

* LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve, Grove 4, is located on the corner of Foster & Cicero Ave's in northside Chicago Click on link for grove area map:
http://www.fpdcc.com/downloads/labagh_woods_pg.pdf

* Gathering begins at 10 a.m.

* Opening circle at noon.

* Solstice ritual around 3 p.m.

People who want to give talks or mini-workshops (such as the nature walk that Rael used to do and hopefully will do again this year, discussions about Tarot and Astrology, etc.) are welcome to pick a time and place near the grove for anyone who is interested in participating.

We'll put out informal sign-up sheets when we get to the grove to set up.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) picnic:
things to bring:
* blankets and chairs for sitting,
* food and drink (to share if so desired),
* plates, utensils, cups, napkins -- preferably of the reusable type to limit the amount of garbage and our impact on the Earth.
* Drums and other instruments are most welcome.

Bring your Pagan-related stuff that you don't want for the white-elephant freebie table.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone from the community, whether you are in a group or practice solo. Kids, dogs (on a leash and if the weather isn't too hot for them) and games/toys are welcome, too.

No glass containers or alcoholic beverages are allowed at this event.

www.terani.org/pagan

A Reminder: A May Celebration

[May. 22nd, 2007|10:02 pm]

Greetings and salutations to you all, and welcome to the latest open ritual for Altar Egos! Come celebrate with youthful abandon at the “Pagan Prom”. See the first dance and first kiss of the May King and Queen. Dance the Maypole. Celebrate the arrival of Spring and the fertility of the season!

Date: Saturday, May 26th. 2007

Location: LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve, near Cicero & Foster. Grove One

Time: Gathering begins at 11 with the ritual starting at 1pm.

Yes, it will be rain or shine. Hopefully, we’ll have shine!

***This ritual is restricted to people 18 and over. No exceptions.***

*** Alcohol is not permitted at this ritual and glass containers are strictly prohibited. ***

Please bring:

* Pot luck offering for the Feast following the ritual. Veggie friendly is appreciated. Healthy food, desserts and drink also appreciated, as we feed the body as well as the soul.

* Drums: It's always groovy to have a drum jam during the Feast! Bring it if you wanna play! The more the better!

* Donations gleefully accepted to help cover costs of space (pavilion fee) and disposable items. $5 or more if you are able!!

Altar Egos is only possible through the help of people like you. And we thank you for your continued support.

Here is a map of the Forest Preserve

http://www.fpdcc.com/downloads/labagh_woods_pg.pdf

RSVP’s appreciated.

Your Hostess, Rani

Altar Egos: "Pagan Prom- A May Celebration"

[May. 8th, 2007|09:30 pm]