Modern Witchcraft School

One Last Vent

2009-06-29T03:47:00Z

I have mentioned this so many times that I am feeling like a broken record. But here we go one more time. Let's see if this time it works.

Most students know the protocol of how and where to write for advice, questions, scores, billing and general questions. But then we have those few that no matte how many times they are asked, told nearly begging they refuse to write to the correct email addresses. So, for those of you that insist upon doing things your way we are now putting a new rule that will go into effect July 1st.

Any and all emails (unless you are told otherwise) must go to the appropriate department of the school. IF these emails go to any other email address they may not be answered.

A decision had to be made on this new rule otherwise I was getting ready to start throwing door knobs at people. Yes, I do have some antique crystals ones laying in the office

Another thing. PLEASE include your student account number. Trying to locate you by email address takes so long to do. Everyone has one so use them. By not using them there will be a delay.

OK, now that I have vented once again anyone wish to make a bet that there will be the same offenders write with score or page problems????

What Is Your Favorite Toy?

2009-06-29T03:34:00Z

OK, we all have something that we all love to play with. I am not speaking about any electrical gadget but a tool, a talisman something like that.

So, what are your favorite toys that you adore playing with? Think about that and let us know!

I know that some of my all time favorite things to play with are my Moqui marbles or Shaman Balls as a lot of people commonly know them as. Using them for clearing energy and I also love to use them at night while I sleep. I find that they help with astral travel and a few other things while using the planes for explorations.

There are so many things that we are able to use and experiment with! Some we may use all the time while others just as fun. I know that I have so many of these special toys that I need a room just for them! haha

So, share what you 'play' with

What Tool Fits?

2009-06-29T03:13:00Z

While we are all learning everyday those that are on the path seem to always have questions about what tool of divination should they use. Truthfully, there is no correct answer to this at all.

For many the Tarot is the #1 choice. As it is easy to pick up and it seems that bonding time is shorter. Now, it is not always easy to do. Sometimes our cards are stubborn, may give false reads or the worst that I have found sharing nothing at all.

Runes is another choice. I tried the runes years ago and truthfully it just was not me at all. But many love this tool to use. I have had many discussions with those friends and associates that go on and on about the greatness of the runes. I swear one time at a party I nearly feel asleep listening while sitting on the comfy patio furniture but I remained a trooper and listened.

No matter what you choose take your time. Just because you have chosen a specific path does not mean that you HAVE to choose something to use like tarot or runes.

University Search Is On

2009-06-15T04:14:00Z

With my son graduating from high school we began the discussion of what he wants to do. Since he is already working he wants to go into something that he finds interesting yet is something that he feels is stable.

He really does not want to spend his entire study time in a classroom so he and I began looking into the various Universities that have the distance learning capabilities. One such school is that of Lewis University. Not only do they have in class studies but they also have distance studies as well.

A well rounded study program, especially in the area of obtaining an online Masters of Science in Information Security which is something that he is actively interested in. One point that he found interesting was :

the focus on the impact of information security on individual lives and personal privacy and the growing information security risks facing business and government.

This will not only add to his curriculum but the information that he will obtain is priceless to say the least. He was very excited about the program. So much so that he is patiently waiting for the online open house that they are having. Imagine that! An open house that you do not have to physically travel to!

We have both placed the date and time on our calendars so we shall try to attend together. That date is:

June 17th at 6PM (CST)

Just to share with you the courses that are included in the Science of Information I thought that you might like to see a sampling:
68-500 - Computer Organization (3)
68-501 - Principles of Programming (3)
68-505 - Introduction to Information Security (3)
68-510 - Data Networking (3)
68-515 - Operating Systems and Distributed Systems (3)
68-520 - Intrusion Detection, Response and Recovery (3)

WOW! And there is a lot more that goes with this Masters. It is a full degree program not like a lot of the others that we saw. Which was a large relief to me if this is the school of his choice.

Don't forget that date and time and drop in for the open house!

May Round Up

2009-06-01T04:13:00Z

May was a pretty good month for one and all. Of course towards the end we are all hustling to finish up things so we may move forward into June.

A few things that need to be pointed out.

Emails: Please be sure that when you are writing the school you always use your student numbers & log in names. A communication should look like this:

Student Account #
Log in name
It makes it so much easier for the staff to locate who you are quickly!

Emails should be sent to: admin@modernwitchcraftchool.com
All others will be delayed in responding. This has been said time and time again.
Please allow time in answering. We have a lot of students!

Office is closed: Weekends
Corrections begin Mondays and may not be logged until Friday depending upon how many there are. This is not an automated service it is done by real people.

Student of the Month: Announcement on June 12th

Another warning: Please be careful if using candles outside as outdoor lights! NEVER leave them unattended. We had a few people tell us of near fatal mishaps lately so please use common sense!

Thanks for a great month!

Low Cal Peach Desert

2009-05-17T04:22:00Z

Memorial Day is coming up really soon. So are other holidays and events. Are you wondering what to take that is totally yummy and yet low in calories? Using the fruit that is being put out in the stores this is one of the best tasting, low cal peach recipes that I have had the pleasure of using. It is not all that hard and it is a smashing hit!

Each serving is 122 calories which is really not all that bad. For a BBQ, party or special treat this is the way to go! So try this Peach Upside Down cake!

Ingredients:

6 large fresh peaches
2/3 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup low fat buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
Score the stem end of each peach and place the peaches in the boiling water. Boil for about 1 minute, or until the skins soften. Transfer to a bowl of cold water to cool, then peel, halve and pit the peaches.
In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet, combine 1/3 cup of the sugar with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sugar begins to melt. Add the peaches to the skillet, cut-side up, in one layer (the fruit should fit tightly). Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the remaining 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon butter with the oil until combined. Add the egg, beating until smooth, then beat in the vanilla and almond extract. With the mixer at low speed, add the buttermilk and the reserved flour mixture, beating until just incorporated.
Spoon the batter evenly over the peaches in the skillet, place the skillet in the oven and bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Transfer the skillet to a wire rack to cool for 3 to 4 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cake with a knife. Invert the cake onto a serving plate. If any of the peaches stick to the skillet, remove them with a knife and replace them on the cake.

Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 159mg
One thing you will find that even those with mesothelioma will be able to gobble this up!

Finding Time & Space

2009-05-17T04:08:00Z

One thing that we do not have is a lot of time. Running here, there and every where we run out of steam. Talking with a few of the staff and students I asked how they would suggest others to find that time for their special space. We all have that one place that is our sacred space. The place that we go to for our workings, meditation or just energize.

There are many sacred spaces that we have set up. Some are more unconventional than others, like one of the students in the group has set up a space in the bath area as that is the only place they can lock the door and have time alone. With the giggles you could hear a couple others also admitted that the bath area has been theirs as well in the past. Does not matter as long as you are comfortable and able to do what it is you wish to do.

Any space, whether big or small can be made into that space that is just yours. Even if it is for 30 minutes, it is your sacred space and time. And you may have more than one place to call your own.

Choose that place that brings you comfort and inner peace. Take the time each day, no matter what is on that list of to do's to spend at least 15 minutes to reflect, ground and energize. You do have the time, you just may not realize it.

Of course, one thing that while discussing the bath area space our resident smart alec had to ask Maiden Jay if while she was in there she was tempted to clean out her medicine cabinet throwing out things like old or outdated fat burner supplement and other nasty things stored in the cabinet. I will tell you if looks could kill! haha

Everyone deserves that special place and time. Start with 5 minutes and work your way up to 30 minutes a day. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results. It may also help your workings as well!

Open To ALL

2009-05-14T01:41:00Z

In our normally abnormal email and postal letters that we get we are often times asked about accepting gays. I know that sounds so stupid but it is true. Now, these are from the so called liberals that are so open minded.

One thing that I ask is why wouldn't we???? Is there something that we do not know? I somehow doubt that. but gay travel on our paths is very normal and accepted with open arms. I just can not imagine being that narrow minded in even thinking let alone asking us that stupid question.

The way that I am thinking is, please do not write asking things like that. If anything I might start not letting narrow minded, idiots not enroll in our school. Now, that would be something, wouldn't it???

Of course we get all types of letters that are worse than this. But I wanted to point this area out as it really pissed me off!

Beltane Event

2009-05-14T01:34:00Z

We have a lot of students that are in the Ohio area. We found this event that you might be interested in visiting. Instead of looking at those wholesale lingerie shops start looking into getting more involved with events that relate to your path!

fifth annual Celtic Beltane Festival
a Scottish Celebration of Spring

at Maize Valley Winery,
6193 Edison Street NE (S.R. 619)
3 miles East of Hartville, OH

Saturday, May 30, 2009 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
View Schedule of Events

Enjoy family fun featuring Celtic music, dancers, two pipe bands,
Highland athletics, vendors, food, and Maize Valley wines.

Admission cost is Age 8 and under: Free
Over age 8 : $6.00
Family : $20.00

For information contact Margaret Frost, mfrost@nls.net

Proceeds will be donated to Pegasus Farm, a non-profit organization
providing therapeutic horseback riding experiences for people with disabilities.

Student Of The Month: White Star

2009-05-14T01:18:00Z

It is getting harder and harder to choose The Student of the Month for us. Phone calls, emails are shooting back and forth on who and why it should be this or that student. It is nerve wracking but so much fun! This month though I put my dainty little size 7 down and said who I felt deserved it the most and the reasons why. So here we go. I won!

One thing that I do not have to check is the ever raising annuities that we have in order to say that this student totally deserves to be recognized. Not only does her work excel for a first year student but she is a doll!

White Star is one of those people that has the most infectious personalities that when you are talking to her she brightens the most dismal of all days. Trust me she has done that to me on more than two or three occasions. It is as though she has this radar and will call right when I personally am a little down or even annoyed. And BAM! There she is, making me laugh so hard sometimes I want to cry.

She even texted me on Mothers Day to wish me a happy day! I returned the text so I hope she got it!

So this month goes to White Star. My student and now good friend! OH I am still bitter about the time off by the way! haha

Great Diet Drink!

2009-05-03T15:22:00Z

No time to start that diet yet you are seeking easy recipes to fix? Well instead of using adiet pill we found some great drinks that you can make in a snap. You are able to make these drinks quickly and they are filling. Not to mention low in calories!

Sometimes we are so busy that we feel that we do not have the time to make a great meal. Skipping breakfast seems to be the most popular meal by people. Instead of making a breakfast how about drinking one? Here is a recipe that I tried and it was yummy!

Diet Oatmeal Recipe

4 cup water
2 cup oatmeal, cooked
1 banana
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Blend and process until smooth.
Refrigerate
Shake before using

Ref: Diet Recipes To-Go

Spring Clippings

2009-05-03T15:12:00Z

Spring holds such beauty to behold. Along with that beauty are the flowers, herbs and foliage that you only see during this time of year. It is ending soon so you might give some thought as to doing some clippings this month.

Many use the foliage and flowers in their workings that are seasonal. If you do not begin a list of what it is you want to trim and dry the moment might pass you by. I know that with all the bad weather we have been having here I have given it as much thought as I would to purchasing New York Yankees tickets. Which I do not think about.

So, it dawned on me that some of the flowers and such that I use will soon bloom and die. Never to be seen again until next summer. I sat down and made a list of what it is I needed. Where did I find these things? In my own back yard. One thing that is a real chore but well worth the trouble is the dandelions. Oh, you see them all over your lawn. Instead of ignoring them, dig a few up by the roots. Use the flower and the root after they have dried. Some yards are abundant with these and a large harvest is in store for you. Plus they are easy to pull up by the root!

Flowers are the same way. Trimming those bushes? Keep some to dry for later on in the upcoming months.

Time is ticking. Get out there and get some fresh air and items you will need later!

Communication Problems?

2009-05-03T15:02:00Z

Over the course of two weeks we have had students claim that they are not receiving email information from us. We receive the emails, send the information and well, call it a day until we get the what I call 'Banshee email'. The screaming (if we could hear the words would be) that nothing has been sent.

We send copies of copies of copies. All of which are copied and placed in the students file with notations of failed contact. Now, AOL is infamous for claiming that our site emails are spam, which we all know they are not, so they are sent to the spam folder. Who looks there? We do but that is only because sometimes student emails are set as spam by our filter as well.

IF this happens do not write those all caps letters as usually it can in fact be explained, copies of all past emails will be sent to you.
All information is sent as out quickly as humanly possible just like the proud parents of a new born babe sending birth announcements to friends and family!

Recently we had one young lady that this was happening to. She was so nice and sweet about it. Some info was getting to her while others were not. Never did figure that out, but the point is, her attitude was so pleasant that it was a pleasure working with her. Personally, I appreciated it as I was so frustrated!

Push comes to shove call! Leave a message explaining what is happening on your end. Simple to do, right?

BELTANE FESTIVAL

2009-04-27T11:56:00Z

2009 BELTANE FESTIVAL
May 1-3
Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
in the forested hills north of Barneveld 30 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin
www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane

Learn about English Folk Tradition
with Guest Author Bronwen Forbes,
author of “Make Merry in Step and Song”

Create a Minoan Labyrinth with Bella Mahri & Sky Cat, Founders of the Earth
Spirituality Education Center of Lima, Ohio

Festival Activities also include
* Morris Dancing by Oak Apple Morris Dancers
* Maypole Weaving
* May Queen & May King & May Court Selection
* Magickal Merchant Faire
* Silent Auction & Raffle
* Candlelit Spiral Labyrinth
* Extensive youth programming
* Ordination of Joey Bunbury as a Circle Sanctuary Minister
* Music by Celtic bard Michael Doran
* Bagpiping by Laura Moy
* Memorial at Green Cemetery to honor Gloria Villanueva
* Balefires with Reed
* Facilitated Drum Circle with breeze
* Rituals by Georgette & Bob Paxton & Selena Fox
* Feasting, Merriment, Music and Dance!

For the complete schedule & details of program activities:
www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane

For the schedule & details of youth activities:
www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane/kids.htm

Pre-registration is required – Register at our secure on-line site:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/beltane

A Degree Online

2009-04-20T00:23:00Z

We have come so far in our day and age. No longer are we tied to the old fashioned class room setting for our education. Yet when you are thinking about getting or even finishing a degree you want to make sure that you are going to attend a school that is accredited or it is a waste of time for you.

ST. Xavier's online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is just one of the courses that fits the bill completely.For those that are doubtful, The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). So rest assured this is one of the best schools to get your degree from. They have a very high standard in the MS Curriculum that they carry.

Preparing you for the best possible career by the educational resources that they have. All the while you are able to study at your own leisure, taking the courses that you need on line in the comfort of your own home. Completion of the accredited online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction will prepare you for continued development as a master teacher in schools or other instructional settings by enhancing your understanding of curricular issues and their impact on instructional practice.

For complete details and the areas of study you should really go the site and look over everything that they have to offer.

Staff Member's Engagement

2009-04-20T00:18:00Z

Well, it was destined to happen sooner or later. One of staff members finally has become engaged.

Now, I know this is something that is a big deal but he drove us bats with looking at the different
diamond rings he was thinking about buying for his lovely lady. They were all gorgeous and we are just happy for them and that he FINALLY chose the right one!

The wedding will be in August of this year. It is about that time to start looking for the perfect gift for them. I say pay back time! haha

Information on Dentist

2009-04-20T00:14:00Z

A couple of weeks ago one of our students asked us about finding a dentist. Since that is not what we usually do we did ask around.

It appears that one dentist in the area they were looking for might be the right one for them.
The Frisco Dentist comes with very high recommendations so you might want to check your local telephone book to get his phone number to set up an appointment!

Lighting Candles

2009-04-20T00:09:00Z

With the nicer weather that is just around the corner for some and actually here for others, we would like to remind you about taking safety precautions with any and all rituals that you will be using a
candle in.

Sometimes people will light the candles and wander off to go outside, this is a big time NO NO! Nearly anything can and will happen. Remember never leave a candle burning un-attended no matter what!

Pagan Spirit Gathering June 2009

2009-04-15T18:06:00Z

This year's Pagan Spirit Gathering will be held June 14-21 at Camp Zoe in
Salem, Missouri. Our theme is "Old Traditions * New Beginnings" and already
more than three hundred Pagans from around the USA have registered.

We hope that you can join us!

PROGRAM PROPOSALS: Want to do a workshop, ritual, or other presentation at
PSG 2009? Remember to register and then get your program proposals in by
MAY 1 for PSG 2009. If you would like to submit a proposal please go to the
website http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg and click on the Workshop
Proposals link. You must be registered in order to submit a workshop
proposal. Please note -- we are not able to accept program proposals after
May 1.

REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS: If you have not yet registered, register by FRIDAY,
APRIL 24 for discounted rates. Our final deadline for all registrations is
June 4.

MERCHANTING: If you wish to be a merchant please get in your registrations
right away. Final merchant deadline is June 1 -- however there is only a
limited amount of merchanting slots available and they are fast filling up.

NETWORKING: Please help us get the word out about this year's festival --
forward this email to lists, blogs, websites, others you know who may be
interested in taking part. Free brochures and flyers are available upon
request for distribution to festivals, classes, centers, and other places.
We also have web banners you can place on your website -
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/banners/index.html.

For more info and to register, go to: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg

Earth Day Festival

2009-04-13T13:37:00Z

Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 18
10 am - 6 pm
Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
near Barneveld, Wisconsin

* Connect with a Turkey Vulture and learn its lore & natural history with
wildlife biologists Lisa Hartman & Mike Mossman
* Take Nature walks & join in Tree planting
* Learn how to identify & deal with the invasive tree pest, the Emerald Ash
Borer, with Anna Willow of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
* Enjoy music by Celtic bard Michael Doran & bagpiper Laura Moy
* Take part in an Earth Day ceremony with Selena Fox & other members of the
Circle Sanctuary Community
* Join in a restorative prairie burn with naturalist Reed Cockrell
and more

Schedule & details: www.circlesanctuary.org/earthday

FREE and open to the public.

Come for some or all of the day. Bring food for potluck snack table at
midday and potluck dinner in late afternoon.

Plan to come? email: events@circlesanctuary.org or call (608) 924-2216.
pre-registration is not required, but appreciated.