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```*+*``` Triple Wedding ```*+*```

An unprecedented event took place in Heathfield on the 15th.  Three couples were married in a ceremony conducted by Captain Alaina McKenna, held on Adrian Frasier's ship, The Wasp.   The three couples were Adrian Frasier and Aelia Lascaris, Kyle Frasier and Esmeralda Gibson and Michael Saxton and Keriann Frasier. Along with the Frasier family, guests included were Cassie along with Jessamine, Malcolm and Ette Douglas, James Callihan, Michael McAndrews escorting Abigail as well his brothers Seamus, Joe, Eddie and Jon. Draven MacShire and Tara Shawnesey along with Maurice McDonough and Ian McCormick, representing heads of certain well established families in the lands. Guests of honor were Queen Honeee and King Karl, King Chadrick and Queen Danielle.

The Wasp was decorated appropriately with ribbons and wild flowers.  It was a perfect summer day with just enough of a breeze to cool the guests.  Adrian and Kyle Frasier wore the Frasier kilt, tartan - plaid of red with smaller green and navy squares along with white threaded through -and sporran. Michael  Saxtorn wore a suit of deep midnight blue, with a sash worn about his waist in the Frasier Clan colors to honor the family of his wife-to-be.  Captain McKenna wore a gown of ivory  with the rosette and sash of the MacKenna clan, pinned to her left shoulder with a gold brooch set with an emerald.

The brides wore gowns that were as unique as they. Keriann's gown was of a white organza with an overlay of silk lace in a floral pattern. The neckline was scooped and off the shoulder lacy cuffs. A sash of the Frasier plaid was worn around her waist in honor of her clan. Her hair was done up in swirled curls with small butterfly shaped pearls, leaving a length of hair to curl down the scooped back that went midway. Silken slippers beneath. Her bouquet was made of wild flowers in various colors offset with a few ferns and baby's breath all tied together in a white silk ribbon and bow.  Aelia's wedding dress was the traditional costume of a bride of Cyprus. She wore the silk embroidered with gold symbols made by her own hand, to bring good luck, good fortune and good life to the marriage. The veil was made of sheer silk with gold woven into the borders, anchored in place with the fine gold and bejeweled chain worn along her part where a jewel rested upon her forehead. The costume, as it was, was the short-sleeved blouse over a full skirt made of many silken layers, her feet in golden sandals, then the sheer silk pashmina and veil to over lay it. Golden bells adorned the hems of the veil and pashmina, ringing out with the bangles on both wrists, and earrings dangled from her lobes. Though the traditional color was red, Aelia sought to match the other brides and wore ivory. Instead of a bouquet of flowers  she carried a small, velvet bag tied with silk cords, redolent with a rich scent.  Esmeralda wore a gown of pale peach and white silks, a scooped neckline with florets in peach that matched those scalloped along the hem. Her hair was done up in twisted curls wound through white and peach cording. She carried a modest bouquet of wild flowers.

The ceremony was traditional with each couple speaking their own words of love and devotion to one another before the vows were given and rings exchanged and the three couples were presented as man and wife:  Adrian and Aelia Frasier,  Kyle and Esmeralda Frasier and Michael and Keriann Saxton. Following the ceremony, a reception was held on The Wasp.  Once the guests disembarked, the ship sail away with the three happy and newly married couples waving from the deck as they began their honeymoons..   A perfect ending to a lovely and historical day! --submitted by Abigail Frasier

```*+*``` Allied and Friends Events ```*+*```

The O'Gawd-let: A hot summer's night on July 9th was the perfect timing for the water Gauntlet. Hosted by the Innis Daingneach knights under King Peter O'Neill. From balloons breaking, seaweed sliming, cream whip blowing, geyser dousing, barrels rolling, gel coating, feather covering and shoots into the lake or troughs, had everyone laughing as each contestant did their best to make it through. Those from Faolan Tower, a few independants, Ravenwood, Stone Crossing. and of course many from Heathfield where present where it was hosted. Lancely Caster the inventor of this fun contraption that was a take off on the regular Gauntlet. Only two made it all the way through, Jas Scarlett and Maureen McLoughan with a swim across the small lake to determine first place. Jas taking that honor. Mo in second. Lancely waved his third place standing to those that tied for making it through three stages: Morgan Murray, Kizzie Cohen, Ian Waincross and Moon SilverEagle. Queen Honeee also donated some to that pot as well consolation prizes for those brave enough to attempt this new beast. Tarro, Gabirel and Mysia. We hope to make this a traditional event each summer as well we look forward to the fishing contest and canoe race which have become standards. --submitted by Gabriel Vaughn

Joust: Nine jousters took the field this week at the Joust honoring the Children of the QCC's various Independents and Houses. Each bore a favor given them by a child, in whose name they rode; many of the riders were also accompanied by their youthful sponsors, who were treated to a very exciting joust with a record five unseatings over two nights. Presided over by the tiny Queen of the Joust, Tamara McDonough, and her youthful court of gallants, who included Davin and Duncan McDale, as well as Cory McAndrews, Kaylah McDale, Kenzie McDale, and Damien McAndrews, Myles and Laoise McAndrews also were present to enjoy the fun and cheer on their knights. The little Queen granted her favor to Sir Cole Lachian of Innis Daingneach, the riders included Tarro the Bull of Green Canyon, Lady Moonbreeze Silvereagle, formerly of the Kingdom of Telarus, Lord Justin McDale of Faolan Tower, and a number of King Peter's knights, including Sir Calhoun Quinlan, Sir Aiden Collins, Sir Ian Waincross, Lady Maureen McLoughan and Sir Gabriel Vaughn.

Over the course of the Joust, the young Queen granted additional gifts to reward the Riders for their excellence on the field. Master Tarro received the first of this largesse, being the first to have an unseat. Upon being awarded his prize, the kindly Minotaur requested that it be donated to those children in need. He was joined in this generosity by the Joust's next rider to unseat his opponent, Sir Cole. Despite a number of injuries acquired during the course of the joust, none of the riders was seriously hurt, and those who took casualties were immediately treated by Lady Angel, who willingly provided her assistance as a healer. At the end, the spoils of victory went to Sir Ian Waincross, followed respectively by Sir Cole Lachian and Sir Aiden Collins, as Champions of the Children, and all congratulations go to them, as well as fervent thanks to all who showed their respect and care for the children at the joust. --submitted by Cordelia Sandrine

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Healer's Touch
by Samantha Golden

Cascara Sagrada - The 16th century Spanish explorers who first visited Northern California had a problem - constipation. The local Indians had the solution - a tea made from a healing herb they held sacred. The herb worked, and the Spanish named it cascara sagrada, 'sacred bark'. It has been the answer to millions of prayers ever since. The Spanish recognized it as a relative of buckthorn, the powerful laxative herb used in Europe since ancient times. But cascara sagrada was much gentler. The explorers sent some back to Spain, where its comparatively mild action was hailed as a wonder of the New World.

But the Spanish explorers were more interested in finding gold than in spreading laxatives around the newly discovered continent. For a long time cascara sagrada remained a West Coast folk remedy known as 'chittem bark,' a polite variant of the Gold Rush '49ers' name, 'sh-tin bark'. In Appalachian folk medicine, cascara sagrada has also been used to treat cancer. It was an ingredient in the popular, but highly controversial, Hoxsey Cancer Formula, an alternative therapy marketed from the 1930s to the 1950s by ex-coal miner Harry Hoxsey.

Healing with Cascara Sagrada:

Constipation - Modern herbals recommend cascara sagrada for constipation and endorse the Eclectic physicians' assertion that it 'restores bowel tone.' It is the ingredient in dozens of over the counter laxatives. Cascara Sagrada contains chemicals (anthraquinones) that stimulate the intestinal contractions we know as 'the urge'. And the Spanish were right in believing that is milder than the other anthraquinone laxatives, which includes aloe, buckthorn, rhubarb, and senna. As a result, cascara is less likely to cause nausea, vomiting and intestinal cramps. On the other hand, these reactions are possible. If they occur, use less or stop using it.

Intriguing Possibility - Harry Hoxsey may have been on the right track. The herb contains aloe-emodin, which has been shown to have anti-leukemia action in laboratory animals, supporting its use as a cancer treatment. Unfortunately, aloe-emodin is also quite toxic, and scientists say more research is needed before it can be used to treat leukemia.

The Safety Factor - Anthraquinone laxatives are considered a last resort for constipation. First, ea a diet higher in fiber, drink more fluids, and exercise more. If that doesn't work, try a bulk-forming laxative such as psyllium, for example, and if that doesn't provide relief, try cascara sagrada. It should never be used for more than two weeks. It should be stored for at least a year, the fresh herb contains chemicals that can cause violent catharsis and severe intestional cramps.. Drying chances these chemicals. It should not be used by anyone with ulcers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids or other gastrointestinal conditions. It should not be used by pregnant women. For otherwise healthy, non-pregnant, nonnursing adults who do not have digestive disorders and are not taking other laxatives, cascara sagrada is considered relatively safe when used cautiously in amounts typically recommended. -- Excerpts Taken from The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman

Life Around Here

Barrett Memorial Zoological Gardens: Please allow me to begin this article by welcoming you to the Barrett Memorial Zoological Gardens.  No, you haven't missed any grand opening; the zoo has not officially opened yet.  There are still a number of details that need to be worked through before the gardens and exhibits are open, and there are some staff openings that need to be filled.

One of the details that needs the most careful consideration is the segregation of some species, and the integration of others.  The Barrett Memorial Zoological Gardens will feature creatures of the natural order, and creatures of the supernatural ,or mythical order.  While every effort will be made to make the exhibits as accessible as possible to visitors to the gardens, the safety of the visitors, the staff, and the creatures on exhibit will be of paramount importance.  One of the planned exhibits is an expansive representation and recreation of a Dark Continent savannah, an exhibit were several herbivorous species will co-exist alongside one another.  The savannah exhibit will feature zebras, gazelles and giraffes, primarily.  A particular area of consideration in planning the layout of the zoo is the necessary segregation of prey animals from their natural predators, and supernatural predators.  One of the mythical creatures that we hope to exhibit is the griffon.  Griffons, however, prey upon horses and other equine creatures, and will not hesitate to attack any other creature that seeks to deter it from it's preferred prey.  Therefore, one of the challenges that we will face encompasses providing the most natural and accessible areas of containment for the griffon, while preventing it from entering other areas, like the savannah for the purposes of predation.  The problem is one of containment.  How does one keep so majestic and powerful a predator as the griffon, which is well capable of flight, from attacking it's natural prey, while at the same time maintaining the natural habitat of the creature?

One way that we hope to prevent such predation is through an active training program for the griffons.  Griffons are highly intelligent creatures, and are therefore trainable.  Whenever possible, we hope to include such training sessions as part of the visitor's viewing experience.  The case of the griffon is but one consideration that the zoological gardens staff will be facing; there are numerous similar cases to be pondered, and planned for.  We sincerely hope to have these details worked out as expeditiously and meticulously as is possible, and we look forward to seeing you at the zoo. --submitted by Calum Creighton, Zookeeper, Barrett Memorial Zoological Gardens

Births:  none this month. Marriages: Adrian Frasier and Aelia Lascaris, Kyle Frasier and Esmeralda Gibson, Michael Saxton and Keriann Frasier, all on July fifteenth. Engagements: None this Month.  Deaths: None this Month. Citizenship: None this Month.

Lugh - was the God of Light or the harvest.  He was reputed to be the divine father of Cúchulainn whom he conceived with  Dechtire when he carried her away to his palace beneath Brugh na Boinne. His consort is the nature goddess Roismerta; both are celebrated during the month-long harvest festival to ensure fertility of field, home and hearth. He is often pictured carrying the Spear of Assal, one of the four great treasures of the Tuatha de Dannan.

He was known as Ildánach which means 'master of all arts and crafts.'  The tale that is told of Lugh is this: when he first went to the palace of King Nuada he was stopped at the door by the sentry who said only those with a skill may pass.  Lugh said he was a wright but he got the reply that they had one already and so Lugh named all his professions in turn: smith, champion, harper, poet-historian, sorcerer, physician, cupbearer, craftsman in metal, only to be told the Tuatha Dé Dannan already had experts in these.  So then Lugh asked had they got one man who had the whole combination of skills and the reply was no and so he was allowed enter. He is credited with creating Fidhchell the classic boardgame of Celtic tradition, as well as ball games and horsemanship.

Lugh the Long-handed became a king after Nuada of the Silver Arm who was ruler of the Tuatha Dé decided to give the sovereignty to Lugh after seeing a display of his technical skills and feeling he was the one person who could overthrow the Fomorians.  Lugh organized everyone to their maximum potential against the Fomorians and killed their leader, Balor of the Evil Eye, with a slingshot through his eye which then turned its baleful gaze onto his own men, this occurred at the second battle of Magh Tuiredh.  Balor was his grandfather and his slaying fulfilled a prophecy which Balor's Druid had given him many years previously.

Lugh was killed by Mac Cuill, Mac Cecht and Mac Gréine in revenge for his killing of their father Cermait who had slept with one of Lugh's wives.  The attack occurs near the hill of Uisnech, Lugh flees from the combined might of the three gods and is drowned in Loch Lugborta, his cairn is located near the shore.  There are variant traditions which have him buried either at Newgrange or at Luglochta Loga the fortress of Forgall Monach in Co. Louth. (Taken from http://www.shee-eire.com/Magic&Mythology/Gods&Goddess/Celtic/Gods/Lugh/Page1.htm)

August

"August, the eighth month of the current Gregorian calendar and the third month of Summer’s rule, derives its name from Augustus (Augustus Caesar).  The traditional birthstone amulets of August are the peridot and the sardonyx; and the gladiolus and the poppy are the month’s traditional flowers.  August is shared by the astrological signs of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Ceres, the Corn Mother, Demeter, John Barleycorn, Lugh, and all goddesses who preside over agriculture.  During the month of August, the Great Solar Wheel of the Year is turned to Lammas, one of the four Grand Sabbats celebrated each year by Wiccans and modern Witches throughout the world." - Secrets of a Witch

"The Chinese also have a day devoted to love. Qi Qiao Jie, or the seventh eve, is often referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day.  While the annual gift giving commonly associated with St. Valentine's Day doesn't take place, there are several charming customs associated with this romantic day for lovers.  There are two legends surrounding the origins of Chinese Valentine's Day. Both involve the position of the stars on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar.  According to the first version  the seven daughters of the Goddess of Heaven caught the eye of a Cowherd during one of their visits to earth.  The daughters were bathing in a river and the Cowherd, Niu Lang, decided to have a bit of fun by running off with their clothing. It fell upon the prettiest daughter (who happened to be the seventh born), to ask him to return their clothes.  Of course, since Niu Lang had seen the daughter, Zhi Nu, naked, they had to be married. The couple lived happily for several years. Eventually however, the Goddess of Heaven became fed up with her daughter's absence, and ordered her to return to heaven.  However, the mother took pity on the couple and allowed them to be reunited once a year.  Legend has it that on the seventh night of the seventh moon, magpies form a bridge with their wings for Zhi Nu to cross to meet her husband." - Rhonda Parkinson and  Night of Sevens (Qi Xi, Qi Qian Jie)

Lammas - The Celts celebrate this festival from sunset August 1 until sunset August 2 and call it Lughnasad after the God Lugh. It is the wake of Lugh, the Sun-King, whose light begins to dwindle after the summer solstice. The Saxon holiday of Lammas celebrates the harvesting of the grain. The first sheaf of wheat is ceremonially reaped, threshed, milled and baked into a loaf. The grain dies so that the people might live. Eating this bread, the bread of the Gods, gives us life. If all this sounds vaguely Christian, it is. In the sacrament of Communion, bread is blessed, becomes the body of God and is eaten to nourish the faithful. This Christian Mystery echoes the pagan Mystery of the Grain God.

Grain has always been associated with Gods who are killed and dismembered and then resurrected from the Underworld by the Goddess-Gods like Tammuz, Osiris and Adonis. The story of Demeter and Persephone is a story about the cycle of death and rebirth associated with grain. Demeter, the fertility Goddess, will not allow anything to grow until she finds her daughter who has been carried off to the Underworld. The Eleusinian Mysteries, celebrated around the Autumn Equinox, culminated in the revelation of a single ear of corn, a symbol to the initiate of the cyclical nature of life, for the corn is both seed and fruit, promise and fulfillment.

Honoring the Grain God or Goddess - Bake a loaf of bread on Lammas. If you've never made bread before, this is a good time to start. Honor the source of the flour as you work with it: remember it was once a plant growing on the mother Earth. If you have a garden, add something you've harvested--herbs or onion or corn--to your bread. If you don't feel up to making wheat bread, make corn bread. Or gingerbread people. Or popcorn. What's most important is intention. All that is necessary to enter sacred time is an awareness of the meaning of your actions.

Shape the dough in the figure of a man or a woman and give your grain-person a name. If he's a man, you could call him Lugh, the Sun-King, or John Barleycorn, or the Pillsbury Dough Boy, or Adonis or Osiris or Tammuz.  For females,  She of the Corn, She of the Threshing Floor, She of the Seed, She of the Great Loaf (these come from the Cyclades where they are the names of fertility figures), Freya (the Anglo-Saxon and Norse fertility Goddess who is, also called the Lady and the Giver of the Loaf), the Bride (Celtic) and Ziva or Siva (the Grain Goddess of, the Ukraine, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia).

Feast - Like all holidays, Lammas calls for a feast. When your dough figure is baked and ready to eat, tear him or her apart with your fingers. You might want to start the feast with the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the words "Give us this day our daily bread." The next part of the ceremony is best done with others. Feed each other hunks of bread (or gingerbread people or popcorn), putting the food in the other person's mouth with words like "May you never go hungry," "May you always be nourished," "Eat of the bread of life" or "May you live forever." Offer each other drinks of water or wine with similar words. As if you were at a wake, make toasts to the passing summer, recalling the best moments of the year so far.

Corn Dolly - Another way to honor the Grain Goddess is to make a corn doll. This is a fun project to do with kids. Take dried-out corn husks and tie them together in the shape of a woman. She's your visual representation of the harvest. As you work on her, think about what you harvested this year. Give your corn dolly a name, perhaps one of the names of the Grain Goddess or one that symbolizes your personal harvest. Dress her in a skirt, apron and bonnet and give her a special place in your house. She is all yours till the spring when you will plant her with the new corn, returning to the Earth that which She has given to you.

Food for Thought - Lammas is a festival of regrets and farewells, of harvest and preserves. Reflect on these topics alone in the privacy of your journal or share them with others around a fire. Lughnasad is one of the great Celtic fire-festivals, so if at all possible, have your feast around a bonfire. While you're sitting around the fire, you might want to tell stories. Look up the myths of any of the grain Gods and Goddesses mentioned above and try re-telling them in your own words.

Regrets: Think of the things you meant to do this summer or this year that are not coming to fruition. You can project your regrets onto natural objects like pine cones and throw them into the fire, releasing them. Or you can write them on dried corn husks or on a piece of paper and burn them.

Farewells: What is passing from your life? What is over? Say good-bye to it. As with regrets, you can find visual symbols and throw them into the fire, the lake or the ocean. You can also bury them in the ground, perhaps in the form of bulbs which will manifest in a new form in spring.

Harvest: What have you harvested this year? What seeds have your planted that are sprouting? Find a visual way to represent these, perhaps creating a decoration in your house or altar which represents the harvest to you. Or you could make a corn dolly or learn to weave wheat. Look for classes in your area which can teach you how to weave wheat into wall pieces, which were made by early grain farmers as a resting place for the harvest spirits.

Preserves: This is also a good time for making preserves, either literally or symbolically. As you turn the summer's fruit into jams, jellies and chutneys for winter, think about the fruits that you have gathered this year and how you can hold onto them. How can you keep them sweet in the store of your memory? from http://www.egreenway.com/months/monaug.htm and http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/lammas.html --submitted by Mary Colleen McAndrews

A Night-Rain in Summer
by James Henry Leigh Hunt

Open the window, and let the air
Freshly blow upon face and hair,
And fill the room, as it fills the night,
With the breath of the rain's sweet might.
Hark! the burthen, swift and prone!
And how the odorous limes are blown!
Stormy Love's abroad, and keeps
Hopeful coil for gentle sleeps.

Not a blink shall burn to-night
In my chamber, of sordid light;
Nought will I have, not a window-pane,
'Twixt me and the air and the great good rain,
Which ever shall sing me sharp lullabies;
And God's own darkness shall close mine eyes;
And I will sleep, with all things blest,
In the pure earth-shadow of natural rest.

--submitted by Morgan Murray

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August
by Mary Oliver

When the blackberries hang
swollen in the woods, in the brambles
nobody owns, I spend

all day among the high
branches, reaching
my ripped arms, thinking

of nothing, cramming
the black honey of summer
into my mouth; all day my body

accepts what it is. In the dark
creeks that run by there is
this thick paw of my life darting among

the black bells, the leaves; there is
this happy tongue.

--submitted by Anneliese Harper

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August
by Elizabeth Maua Taylor

"August rushes by like desert rainfall,
A flood of frenzied upheaval,
Expected,
But still catching me unprepared.
Like a match flame
Bursting on the scene,
Heat and haze of crimson sunsets.
Like a dream
Of moon and dark barely recalled,
A moment,
Shadows caught in a blink.
Like a quick kiss;
One wishes for more
But it suddenly turns to leave,
Dragging summer away."

--submitted by Kaylea McKay

Harvest
by Mary Naylor

August, with its clouds of scented blooms,
August, with its great stacks of giant clouds,
August, with corn plants standing like rows of soldiers,
August, with watermelons, full and heavy, dozing in the sun,
August.

August, remember swimming in the lake?
August, remember baby Alice daintily eating berries from the vine?
August, remember Richie playing with the goat?
August, remember Donald practicing on his new saxophone?
August.

August, and its lightening laced sky,
August, and newlyweds Pat and Chet decorating their first home,
August, and Billy the Brave, Billy the Fearless, on his two wheel bike,
August, and shimmering memories hanging like drops of dew,
August.

August, the bountiful, August the full,
August, Mama hot, but smiling, over a platter of succulent roast chicken,
August, Daddy mixing her a frosty mint julep,
August, blessed harvest of memories,
August

--submitted by Deirdre Callihan

Did You Know?

Land of the Dreaming - Until the arrival of the Europeans in the late 18th century, the Aboriginal culture of Australia had remained uninterrupted by conquest or invasion for about 25,000 years. This provided the Aborigines with an immensely long period in which they could study and adapt to their environment. Thus they came to conclude that the natural world embodied profound metaphysical principles relevant to all existence. Like the peoples of other ancient cultures, they recognized, in the various natural formations of the earth, a wise, all knowing quality that they interpreted as divine.. To them , the land had to be understood to be sacred. If true wisdom was to be attained. They believed that the land itself is the Great Mother, Kunapipi, provider and helpmate, ritual womb and procreator. Such beliefs are in part derived from the land itself. Australia is an ancient continent. It is more geologically settled than topographies created more recently such as those of the Himalayas or the Rocky Mountains. As a result the land itself seems almost inert and therefore believed to be permeated with a certain 'power,' which, the Aborigines say, can be felt by anyone who walks through it. The Aborigines call this power, djang.

The creation of the land - To the Australian Aborigines, djang is an emanation from the Sky Heroes, the mythic creatures who made the land at the time of the Dreaming. In Aboriginal belief, the Dreaming is a mythological period with a beginning but no foreseeable end. It continues even today. Through their actions the Sky Heroes shape and humanize the natural environment. Some of the Sky Heroes were responsible for creating human life. The Sky Heroes are eternal, it is believed. Although, in Aboriginal mythology, some of them are killed, or disappear, or are changed into natural features, such as a rocky outcrop or waterhole, their essential quality remains undiminished indeed, they are considered to be as spiritually alive today as they ever were. Places where the Sky Heroes performed some action or were transformed into something else became sacred and it is around these places that Aborigines focus their rituals.

The Rainbow Snake - The Sky Heroes may take the form of mythical animals, such as Mrlu, the Great Kangaroo, or Maletji, the Law Dog. They may also be supernatural entities such as the Great Snake, or Rainbow Snake, which, known by various regional names, is a popular icon throughout Australia. But the supernatural Sky Heroes known as Wandjinas can be found only in the Kimberley region of northwest Australia. They are depicted in local rock paintings as huge cloudlike beings with eyes but no mouths. Thus, when an Aborigine points out a rocky outcrop and tells you it is Marlu, the Great Kangaroo, he is describing the natural feature, its iconic presence, and its mythical implication all at once. Land, Sky Hero, and myth become one. Tribal lands embody Aboriginal beliefs - not to revere the land is to desecrate it. And to treat it outside the framework of the human and celestial predicament is to condemn the earth to a diminished existence. For example, when a piece of country loses its traditions and rituals (either by death of its guardians or because of cultural decline), Aborigines are often reluctant to visit the area, as they regard it as 'rubbish country.'

Totemic lifestyle - The Australian Aborigines have devised a complex and extremely diverse ritual life to embrace all that they feel is part of them. The most poignant expression of the relationship an Aborigine has with the Dreaming is his totemic identity. A man's totem is both his alter ego and a metaphysical landmark that orients him throughout life. Not to have a double or shadow in this world is to be condemned to an inferior existence. Being linked to the Dreaming by way of a totem is a vital part of the Aboriginal way of life. This intensely spiritual and traditional way of life imposes a range of duties and responsibilities upon each individual. He or she must look after any family territory that lies within its boundaries, as well as memorizing hundreds of different songs, the details of myths, dance steps, and ritual acts. Ceremony and song are thus integral parts of Aboriginal spirituality; they ensure the well-being of the land just as much as do the sun and rain.

The travels of Jarapiri - Many of the Aboriginal myths describe the travels of characters who play a creative role - naming various places, altering the form of landscape and establishing customs. Such a Dreaming Track runs between the mountain know as Winbaraku and the cave at Ngama in the Haast Bluff region of central Australia, northwest of Alice Springs. Winbaraku, for example, was the birthplace of Jarapiri, the Great Snake. Here, too, the First People were though to have emerged from the earth at this time to carry the Great Snake northward. The mountain itself is made up of several Sky Heroes: Jarapiri; the Nabanunga, a group of women in love with Jarapiri; blind Jarapiri Bomba, a lesser snake who stayed behind when Jarapiri ventured north; the Wanbanbiri, or woodgall people; Mamu-boijunda, the barking spider, the hare-wallaby people known as the Jukalpi; and the Latalpa snake-women. These creatures are the world-creators that the local Walbiri people worship in their rituals and songs. -- submitted by Samantha Golden (taken from the book Earth's Mysterious Places, Reader's Digest)

RECIPES of the MONTH