Once upon a time, a young woman went off into the woods to pick mushrooms and with her she took her new hope chest. While she was searching for mushrooms it began to rain very hard. She quickly removed her clothes and placed them in her hope chest; then stood naked under a tree, until the rains subsided.
Later, she dressed and continued picking mushrooms, until she was spotted by Velnias, (Lithuanian Horned God of the Underworld). Velnias asked if she had been picking mushrooms during the rainstorm, and if so, how had she remained dry?
The young woman replied that she had a secret that prevented rain from touching her.
Velnias was intrigued and pressed the woman for her secret. The young woman agreed to tell Him, but only if He revealed all His magical arts. So a bargain was struck and Velnias taught the woman all that He knew of magic and healing.
It was then that the woman told Velnias how she had avoided the rain. Velnias spit and flew away, raging and screaming that He had been tricked.
Thus, the woman became the first witch and passed on her teachings to others from that time on. And so, witches flourished.
This is a traditional story from Lithuania ethnic religion called Romuva. Being part Lithuanian, and a witch — this story always appealed to me. It’s a great one to use for bardic circles and other sacred storytelling events with Pagans. It always gets a great response.
The version here was found at: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/2810/witchorigin.html
Welcome to OU.ORG’s Chanukah Celebration! - OU.ORG
More Chanukah (Hanukkah) goodness from the OU website. It may seem odd for me to keep referring people to the Orthodox Union website, but they have really great stuff. I mean seriously — the candle blessings in Sign Language? How cool is that?
This site has some seriously great stuff, and will help you learn more about this holiday.
Media Matters - Fox’s Gibson: Christians tolerate those who are “following the wrong religion … as long as they’re civil and behave”, and now see John Stewart’s response to Bill O’Reilly.
There is no war on Christmas. Why does Fox news feel the need to whip up old hatreds and anger? People are just trying to be inclusive — yes they are doing silly things like having a Winter concert program and excluding Christmas songs. But, I applaud the sentiment.
I sang in my school choirs for years, and they called it a “Winter Concert.” We only sang Christmas songs — but it was “inclusive.” One year they said they were adding a Hanukkah song. It was “El Shaddai” by Amy Grant. As the token Jew, I felt the need to point out that this is not a Hanukkah song — and I even made a seen about some of the lyrics that — well — see for yourself why:
“Through the years you’ve made it clear,
That the time of christ was near,
Though the people couldn’t see
What messiah ought to be.
Though your word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of your son.”
I may have been the only Jewish girl in choir — but to be asked to sing those words as a Hanukkah song. Give me “I Have a Little Dreidle” at least! Can you see why schools and others may be erring on the side of the feelings of the minority?
There is no war on Christmas. There’s just well meaning people going too far. We don’t hate you. Please don’t help them hate us. Use a little common sense. If you want to teach your kids about other religions that’s great! Take the middle road — there’s really enough room for everyone.
Happy Hannukah.
Forward Newspaper Online: Jewish Paganism: Oxymoron or Innovation?
Great article! Read it! Normally they interview people like me for these articles. We’re so mainstream they’re interviewing Rabbis now!
Jill Hammer is someone I really look up to, so it’s nice to see her and her site, www.telshemesh.org, mentioned here.
Pope John Paul II Cultural Center — Discover the Cultural Center
It may seem like a strange place for me to be visiting, but my husband is Catholic. We went because he wanted to see an international nativity (chreche) exhibit that they were doing. It’s a very interesting exhibit. There are small chreches from all over the world. It’s interesting to see how the figures are represented. What’s similar and what’s different?
What we didn’t know was there, was this exhibit about JPII and his relationship with Jews. Despite obvious and not so obvious differences with many of his positions — I really respect the work he did in this area. He did something shocking for a Pope. He apologized for the church’s actions. His apology at the Kotel was a beautiful moment, and always makes me tear up. This exhibit is one that all Jews and Christians should see.
There is also an exhibition of sculpture representing famous scenes from the Torah. The sculputers are by Phillip Ratner, who is Jewish and a Christian sculptur. Ratner’s work is truely inspiring and seeing it in person is more than worth the effort. To get a sample of his work you can go to http://www.ratnermuseum.com
These are not the same ones I saw, but they are the same style. I especially like “Tree of Life” which is quite similar to the version on display at the JPII cultural center.
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