Topic: #9 Newsletter Entry 8/08
August 2008 Newsletter h
Lunabar Moon Phases
First Quarter falls on Friday, August 08, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Full "Lightning" and "Corn" Moon falls on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Last Quarter falls on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 7:51 PM
New falls on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Holidays for August 2008
Happy Lammas/Lughnasadh: August 1st
Horoscopes for August
Aries
(Mar. 21- April 20)
Sudden trips may take you by surprise; try to include your mate, mixing business with pleasure. Catch up on any correspondence you've neglected. Try to spend time with those having similar interests. Try not to say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
Taurus
(Apr. 21- may 21)
You may have personal problems, but professional duties might be pressing. Look for something entertaining to do. You've got that competitive edge. Follow through on some of the good ideas that come up, and you could have a real winner of a deal. Don't put all your cash in one place.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
Gemini
(May 22-June 21)
Don't forget to let your mate know how much you care. Work quietly on your own. Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. Draw up contracts regarding your personal situation.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
Sudden disruptions will cause upset and a change of routine in your home environment. Lend an ear to children; it can make a difference. Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely. Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
Leo
(July 23-Aug 22)
They will not be in the right frame of mind to put up with tactless comments. Travel opportunities should be your first choice. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
Virgo
(Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
You can meet potential new mates, but make sure that they aren't already committed to someone else. You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions. Visit friends you don't get to see that often.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
Libra
(Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Dig deep to find out how costly a new venture will be before you sign on the dotted line. Your mate may want to pick a fight but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. Opportunities to meet new lovers will I come through pleasure trips or social events. You can make successful moves.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
Scorpio
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do. You will enjoy getting together with friends. Your competitive nature will enable you to win any contest you enter. Your creative ideas will be put to good use if you dig in and do things around the house that will make your family happy.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
Sagittarius
(Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Travel will lead you in new directions. Draw up contracts regarding your personal situation. Your ability to get the job done will result in added responsibility and possible promotion. Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.
Capricorn
(Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Don't forget family obligations. A little rest will do wonders. A romantic dinner, followed by a quiet evening with the one who is enticing you, should be most satisfying. If you act with anger you may blow the relationship.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
Aquarius
(Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
Remain calm and you'll shine. Passion should be your goal. Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. You need to do more things that you enjoy. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
Pisces
(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Coworkers may not be on your side. There's lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you'll be in your boss's good books. Travel will be fun and entertaining. Unexpected visitors will be a welcome surprise.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
Wicca Term of the Month
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh, pronounced "Loo-nus-oo" is the Celtic festival of Lugh. Lughnasadh means the commemoration of Lugh who is a fire and light God. He is also a God that undergoes death and rebirth in a sacrificial mating theme with the Goddess. During this time, the Hlly King is the God that undergoes the death and rebirth. During this time, again make the corn dollies to represent the "dying" God and keep it until the following year when you burn it and make a new doll. Lughnasadh is the first harvest, Autumnal Equinox is the second and Samhain the final and third harvest. Grain and corn are predominate at this time because they symbolize the fertility and abundance of the Earth. The God is beginning to wane during this time and the Goddess is changing into Her crone aspect.Lore -
This is the time to plant seeds from the fruit consumed in ritual. If they sprout, grown the plant with love and as a symbol of your connection with the God and Goddess.
Wheat weaving (make corn dollies and etc), is an appropriate activity for Lughnasadh. Visit the fields, orchards, lakes and well.
Honor the Parient deities, Honor the Sun Gods, Celebrating first harvest.
Colors -
Red, Gold, Yellow, Green, Orange & Citrine.
Symbols -
Corn, All Grains, Bread, Full Moon, Wheat.
Deities -
Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses.
Stones -
Yellow Diamond, Peridot & Citrine.
Ritual Oils -
Eucalyptus, Corn and Safflower.
Food -
The foods of Lughnasadh include bread, blackberries and all berries. Acorns, crabapples, all grains and locally ripeproduce. A cake is sometimes baked and cider is used in place of wine.
Craft of the Month
Learn how to make a corn husk doll
Corn husk dolls were first made by Native American children. Learn how to make a corn husk doll.
Corn husk dolls have been around for centuries. Early arrivals to the United States admired the beautiful, simplistic dolls that Native American children made from corn and fashioned to resemble members of their tribe. Some of the first Americans were taught how to construct these tiny, colorful playmates at the first ever Thanksgiving dinner. Since then, thousands use corn husk dolls for decoration and play. They're a perfect craft and activity for children of all ages, and make for unique and lively decorations.WHAT YOU'LL NEED
9-12 pieces of green corn husk
String or twine
Decorative pieces
Scissors
Bowl of water
Glue
A WORD ABOUT CORN HUSK The corn husk you use to construct your doll should be green and not dried. Green corn husk can be purchased from any craft store. You can also use green corn husk you peel from a corn cob yourself. If you must use dried husks, before beginning the construction phase, soak all corn husks in a large bowl of warm water to make them more pliable. Corn husks which are purchased or fresh can be treated in this manner also, though it isn't usually necessary. INSTRUCTIONS
1. Take a small handful of husks and bunch them together so that they are of equal length. Once this is done, use twine or string to hold them together. Approximately 1/2 inch from the top of your husks, wrap two layers of twine and knot tightly. This will serve as the body for your doll. Once you've completed this step, set aside.
2. Take 1 or 2 small pieces of husks and roll them together to form a ball. (If husks are too dry or stiff, soak them for about 30-minutes in a large bowl of warm water.) This "ball" will serve as your doll's head, so you can play with its size until you are satisfied you've created the look you want.
3. Once you have the right size for your head, take a single piece of husk and drape it over your head, gathering the two loose ends at the base of the head. Pull the single piece of husk tightly around your ball (so that you can draw or design a face on it later), and twist the loose ends once and tie tightly with a single piece of twine. Set aside.
4. It's time to make arms. Grab your first group of husks (which you've already tied together on one end in step 1). From the loose end, gather one husk and pull upward (as if peeling a banana). Cut two small pieces of twine. Use one piece of twine to tie the arm off near the center stalk of husks. (This will help to keep it separated from the body of your doll.) Use the other piece of twine or string to tie the loose end of the husk, forming a wrist for your doll. Repeat on the other side so that you have two distinct arms on your doll. If the arms appear too long or disproportionate, cut the husk to the proper size or find a husk more to your liking.5. Take your dolls head and position it on top of the body so that your two loose pieces of twine drape themselves over the neck of the doll. Using a small piece of string or twine, attach the head to the body. (If the head does not seem to want to stay in place, you may dribble a small amount of glue on the underside of the head before securing it with twine to the body or add a pipe cleaner to it. Allow glue to dry completely before proceeding.)
6. Take a small piece of twine and tie a waist on your doll. It will be located near the center of your stalk of husks. Tightly knot the string or twine.
7. To make the legs for your doll, split the husks which have not yet been tied off, in half. (Right below the waistline you've just made.) Use several small pieces of twine to tie off the legs on each side. Make one knot just below where the legs separate and a second knot near the foot of your doll. Repeat on the other side until you have formed two distinct legs.
DECORATING AND DRESSING
Your new corn husk doll can be decorated to your liking. Small children will be able to decorate with colored construction paper, crayons and markers. You can attach paper clothing, jewelry, facial features and other items with a small dot of household glue. Older children and adults can make clothing from fabric, additional pieces of corn husk or many other items. Facial features, such as eyes, ears, noses, and mouths can be drawn on with permanent markers or crayons. Craft eyes, yarn mouths, and more can also be attached to your doll with glue.TIPS, TRICKS, AND HINTS
MAKE A SKIRT for your corn husk doll out of a fresh piece of husk. Simply wrap around the waistline and tie off with a piece of twine or colored yarn. You can decorate your skirt beforehand with markers or crayons.COLORED yarn can be bent in the shape of a smile or ears and glued into place for instant facial features.
CORN HUSKS can be soaked in food coloring to make colored clothing or skin. Soak husks for 30-minutes in a large bowl containing warm water and several drops of your desired color. To make vibrant browns, soak husks in a large bowl of coffee or tea. DIP the feet of your doll into a small bowl of
acrylic paint to make brown or black shoes. Allow to air dry and repeat, if necessary.USE small doll clothes to decorate your corn husk doll. SEQUINS, buttons, glitter and other
craft supplies can be glued to your corn husk doll to make jewelry, eyes, colored clothing and more.INSERT a pipe cleaner into the back of your doll to put them on display, help them bend into a variety of positions, or hang them.
MAKE instant hair for your doll with corn silk, yarn, or twine. Attach with glue.
WATERCOLOR paints will soak into corn husks, and give a deep, rich color to your doll.
USE a plastic bottle cap for a doll hat.
YOU can make a perfectly round head for your doll by placing a few cotton balls inside a piece of husk, instead of rolling husks. Decorate first, and then attach to the body using the above instructions.
Taken from http://www.essortment.com/all/learnhowtomak_rkhq.htm
Receipt Of the Month
Corny Corn Bread
INGREDIENTS
2 cups cornmeal
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1 cup vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Stir in the eggs, milk, oil and onion just until blended. Fold in the corn. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm.
Blessed Be! This whole month's Newsletter was centered around our first harvest! Soon will be the Fall again. There is also two New moons this Month. Use them well! Hope to see you next month!
