COUSINS ISSUE #5 - April 1992 A place for the Witches, pagans, nature spirits, fey-folk, and assorted elder kin of Sherwood to share ideas, challenges, dreams, and projects, and to stir up a little magic of our own. for more information about Cousins, contact Susan Gavula, sjgavula@terminator.rs.itd.umich.edu This Issue's Fun Word: SYNCRETISM Attempted union or reconciliation of diverse or opposite tenets or practices, especially in philosophy or religion; specifically the system or principles of a school founded in the 17th century by George Calixtus, who aimed at harmonizing the sects of Protestants and ultimately all Christian bodies. (Almost always in a derogatory sense.) C'mon, Cousins! Got any good ones? If there's a word shortage in this fandom, I'm the Sheriff of Nottingham! LETTERS Julianne Toomey Dear Cousins, Back again, with a severe case of "be careful what you wish for, you might get it." Goddess, working 9-5 as an editorial assistant in a children's non-fiction publishing house wasn't quite what I had in mind when I asked for a job... *Sigh* Kitty - originality. Perhaps we've all tuned into the same archetype, the same series of meanings behind the Robin Hood legend, which could be why many writers come up with the same general ideas. Could be collective unconscious - giggle! I'm afraid I may have to agree to disagree with your opinion about making the characters more (or other) than they were on the show. Exploring and developing character is where the fun is - to me, at least. There are many aspects of the band's personalities that Kip probably had neither time nor the budget to show. As an author, I really want to try and get inside the band's heads, try to dig a bit and come up with the unusual. Who started this discussion anyway? Seems to me, I may be agreeing with the originator. Note: Arrow Flight is gone, along the lines of "I shot an arrow into the air/It fell to earth I know not where." The editor never answers her mail, even when you include a SASE. I think it's a bit impolite of her. Your discussion of Robert's motivations is really neat! Please continue! As for Lady Marion, I have my own pet theory (don't we all?) for her apparent breakdown in Herne's Son. Owen said that he takes what he wants. We know he wanted Marion. She apparently wasn't in any condition to fight him off. I think such an attack is a perfect explanation for her behavior. Any responses? On a totally different topic, divining with a pendulum is something I've done for years. I use an ancient owl ring affixed to heavy thread. Before beginning, it's wise to establish the responses for "yes," "no," "I don't know," because they differ for different people. I've never tried using it for waterwitching, but it works just dandy for answering yes/no questions. Morgana: Someone once told me that green in the early Middle Ages was the color of criminals...I think. Can anybody help out here? Another possible derivation of Robin in the Hood is "Robin in the Wood" or "of the Wood." Think I found that one in Caitlin & John Matthews' The Western Way: Vol. 1. Puts a slightly different slant on the Hooded Man. Laura Woodswalker: Howdy! I have a copy of Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets. It's out in paperback, but still expensive. Folks, this book is WORTH THE MONEY! It says some fascinating things - a pity copyright won't permit us to reprint the article. In short, it calls Robin "God of the Witches," equates him with "Robin Redbreast," probably so named from the sacred king with blood runes carved in his chest [now there's a Saxon image! -H], as well as with the Lord of the Hunt. The authors suggest Robin Hood, Wizard of the Greenwood, was a real person who led Sherwood's 14th Century covens, along with his consort, who became Mother of the Grove. [...and a Celtic image! -H] I dunno about that. I can't get any other info on the titles. Oh, and for those of you who subscribe to the faery-Robin theory, this book quotes a legend which says Robin was born of a virgin impregnated by Oberon. Sound like any other sacred king to anybody? A thought I'd like to toss out to anybody: In most of the traditional ballads, Robin swears often "by our Lady." Would anyone like to argue, er, discuss with the notion that this Lady was not the Blessed Virgin Mary? If so, what would this imply? It could be later Christian gloss, but according to Robin Hood by J. C. Holt, the very earliest Robin Hood ballads were written down in the 1200's, and since we know that the folks who could write back then were mostly monks, I have trouble believing monks would bother to record the tale of a man who threatened their lifestyle. Anybody else? Laura again - Thank you for pointing out some of the idiocy in Cromm Cruach. If you really look at this episode, it doesn't make much sense. If it was a village of ghosts, as Elena's return would seem to signify (but what was Meg doing there and how did Elena end up in a Celtic afterworld?), then why didn't Loxley show? And why would Much imagine himself a blacksmith's apprentice? Of course, I tend to watch this one because it digs into Will's character. Just can't resist. As for the Silver Arrow...No, I promise I won't, Hilda. Most of us think we know what it does! Seriously, though, I never thought to wonder about the Arrow as a talisman. Some fan authors have used it (me for one, Jenni for another), but we never find out what it does. As for Albion, do we have any proof that Loxley know about the sword's powers? The only thing he seems to use it for - besides killing opponents - is that marvelous oath-taking scene in Swords of Wayland. Well, Albion is virtually the main character of that episode. It ought to be important. Sure, it's the sword of Herne's Son, but physically speaking, it went through at least two incarnations - or was it 3? I think it was three; one for each season. We never find out that those runes mean anything until "Power of Albion," which is where the sword presumably shows Marion a vision, although perhaps she was just tuned into the greenwood, because she sees a vision in Witch of Elsdon, too. Gosh, am I making any sense? As for Herne, check out Just Who Is This Herne Anyway? Hilda has it on file. [Don't be lazy, send a SASE! -H] I'd love to do the "writing pen pal" thing, but I haven't written anything new in ages. I'm stuck on the third adventure in my "Anna of Hadley Hall" series, which is 120 pages now and I don't know if it's ever gonna see the light of day. Todd: Another note on 13. The Knights of the Garter in England form two covens - 12 plus the heir to the throne and 12 plus the king! Also, they say that 13 is the maximum for a decent working circle with good interpersonal relationships, but I don't know that for sure. I'd be fascinated to know more about the secret Mormon belief in the goddess with which you tantalized us. A note about Christians - I'm not going to defend the indefensible. Christians of various sects did - and still do - some pretty awful things, but I think you may have misunderstood something you read about Christians uniting and representing the negative - or perhaps I misunderstood you. What I think you meant was that the various Christian factions needed to be united, so someone in the hierarchy decided pagans as a common foe would do the trick. Am I right? Because that's pretty much what happened. Personally, I don't trust any religion which claims to be the "one true way." Christ might've said "I am the way, the truth, and the life," but he didn't say he was the only way. Yeah, I know most of you can probably finish that quote with "no one comes to the Father except through me," but I'd point out that he didn't mention the Mother and that there's some evidence that Judaism did have a Goddess figure. [Asherah, or the Shekhina. -H] Can y'all tell I'm a Libra? The Scales of justice. Question - like Todd, I've heard and read the remarks about the garter's meaning. Is this true in current Craft or in Craft tradition? Does anybody know anybody for real who still subscribes to this idea? You're right about modern paganism being encompassing. I believe that villages in the Middle Ages were so isolated that each one could conceivably have celebrated its own festivals under regional names, but since Kip uses some Celtic names like Samhain, I'd assume we're working under the broad umbrella of Celtic stuff. On the other hand, as near as we can determine, RoS calls Beltain the "Time of the Blessing..." The Spiral Dance is one of the first books I read when I got seriously interested in Wicca. Starhawk tells you the real basic stuff - grounding and centering, for example - which you need to know if you're gonna take this stuff off of a theoretical level and put it onto the practical level. Even if you're not, she's written a book full of wonderful, neato information. Don't miss it! Phil: Your description is poetic! Beautiful! And I wouldn't argue with any point you made. Hilda - I'm not going to try to convince you that the pun on "masses" was unintentional - but it was. Freudian slip, maybe? Janet R. - Hi! You've just proved how much we have in common - Lord of the Trees, Michael, Gulnar-yuck!, a passion for Celtic/British archaeology... but you have a way of putting it all together in new and unique combinations. I'd like to draw your attention to Kurtz's Lammas Night, if you haven't already read it. It gets one of my highest recommendations ever! I didn't know the details about Rufus, though. He sure fulfills criteria for a Sacred King, doesn't he? Glory of Elves - now where have I run across that? Hilda - You seem to be urging tolerance of differences in regards to fanfic. I heartily agree. I admit there are some themes I never want to see again - the "Gisburne turns out to be a good guy," for instance - but there must be something there for all those people to keep writing those stories. The Loxley-is-perfect genre or the let's-get-Marion-out- of-Halstead theme or the Robert-tells-Gizzy-they're-brothers series really seems to strike a chord in new and old viewers. I freely admit that I've added to the stock literature portfolio, but I think it was because I had something I needed to say, and although I'm probably the last person who should mumble this, I'm going to speak it our clearly - let's give people a chance to explore characters in ways that they choose. You can always write a LoC if you disagree, right? I hope I haven't just stuck my foot in my mouth...I'm really not trying to offend anyone, but I seem to have decided that I feel strongly (stronger than I even knew) about this one. I loveJyour cultural cauldron analogy! Can I toss some vervain in there? (Hallucinogen, isn't it?) P.S. Cath borrowed my copy of Conway's book, so I can't reread it in light of your comments. I, on the other hand, remember disliking Murry Hope, which Cath has also borrowed, so I can't get specific. *Giggle!* Occasionally, being the local occult lending library comes in handy! Yes, Chris and Denise have been notified about the festivity planned for "Weekend." We are looking at a room party, fellow Cousins and interested parties. At Jan's slumber party for RoS fans, a bunch of us came up with the basics of the ritual. I'd like to open up the outline for comments from Cousins. Okay - here goes. 1. Casting the Circle - feather (or fan) & incense passed around. [Any allergic folks out there? -H] 2. Calling the Quarters: East - Nasir - nice flowers - Arabic bow or bell ringing South - Will - light candle (as strength) West - Much - water (standing in stream in the rain) North - John - rock or salt (roots winding down) Center/Spirit - Tuck (hearth, bits of fruit, cookies) 3. Invoking Deity - Herne's Son and Maiden - we're emphasizing balance/duality and trying to avoid partisanship. 4. Stating our purpose - Raising energy with Herne chant: Herne, Horned One Hunter 'neath the northern sun Watcher at the gates of winter Flame on the wind. (to the tune of "Hey, Ho, Nobody Home") Intentions for strengthening friendships, helping each other, harmony in the fandom. Or, as Herne said, "Defend the weak, protect the helpless, fight against tyranny." 5. Passing the blessing bowl to each other with "Herne protect us." 6. Possibility of Sherwood visualization and/or song 7. Ground 8. Say goodbye to God & Goddess 9. Dismiss Quarters - counterclockwise with gifts for each one Tuck - string of rosary beads John - staff/wand/something made from tree Much - crystal drop Will - candle lantern Nasir - medallion 10. Uncast circle (11. Food!) Anyone who wants to volunteer to take a part, let us know. Nasir is taken. Jan and I are fighting over Scarlet [and he's eating it up -H], but all of the rest are open. Well, I really must go. May Herne protect you and the Lady guide your way! (Replies to Issue 4) Dear Everyone, It's turning into l-o-n-g reply time from me, since I got the last letter out just after Hilda sent the...letterzine? Is Cousins a letterzine? [I think of it as a letterzine, but I don't call it one unless I'm asked, because Carol has so spoiled people with Herne's Stepchildren that folks might expect something similarly snazzy in format. -H] Janet V. - Hi! The two ways you mentioned of looking at the year cycle are both interesting. I've read about both myself, and now that you mention it, there is a violently confrontational nature to the Oak/Holly myths - but it's interesting. Also interesting is your other idea of cycle. I personally can't make up my mind between the two, but I really enjoyed your discussion of them. Adam Bell as a Hooded Man? Whatta concept! It makes so much sense, especially given the "am I like him" theme of the episode. Hey, cool! Thanks for sharing it! That poor garter. I'M SORRY, EVERYONE! I'm willing to admit there may have been more at work than a need to keep Michael's pants up. Goddess only knows what Kip had in mind. Serendipity is a wondrous thing. As for Robert, his legs obviously didn't need the help. Perhaps neither did he! Does anybody out there (this is in response to a comment of Chris Haire's) remember if Kip mentioned he'd used the Sacred King theme in "Greatest Enemy?" I seem to remember having heard him say that at Herne's Con 2. Was it just my imagination? P.S. Chris - I love the awful pun about "together wee." Tina: Thank you very much for the further info on the Matthews Robin Hood book. During the between-newsletters time, I spoke with a friend and mentioned the book. My friend then calmly informed me that "Caitlin and John always send me their books as soon as they're published. (*gasp,* I said.) I know you're into RH. You can have my copy (*gasp,* I said again) as soon as I get it." Nice friend. Let you know when I see it. Ritual masquing? Is that anything like a "masquerade," i.e. a ritual drama, like Hilda's Beloved of Arianrhod? Ariel: No good covens? I think we're going to enjoy disagreeing with one another in print. How 'bout the entire village of Wickham? The Time of the Blessing is fairly obviously Beltane and Robin "seals the bond between we of the forest and you of the village, between the outlawed and the oppressed...Blessed be." I believe in creative interpretation of series events and I don't have to stretch my imagination far to see most of Wickham as pagan (or paganoChristian, as someone recently called me). Opinions? I'm open to well-reasoned discussions. Does anyone out there know any specific sources for research (besides the obvious ones) on pagan beliefs in Saxon England? By the way, I've seen the theory about Jesus to which you referred. Historical researchers - people who have apparently gone back to the census rolls (you know, "Mary was with child when they went to David's city of Bethlehem to be counted") have found no references to Jesus, Mary, or Joseph. Other folks have researched Pontius Pilate and Herod and found nothing about Jesus. His name, itself, is symbolic. Christ simply means "Messiah." [I read "anointed one." -H] It's a title, not a name. As for his life, there's some really neat mythological stuff in there, linking his birth date to the birth date of Mithras. His death is reminiscent of...Tammuz, I think. It's been a while since I re-read this stuff. As for the gospels, 3 of them are synoptic, with Mark's being the earliest. Matthew and Luke apparently "borrowed" from him. These are stories aimed at specific audiences. Luke's was aimed at the Gentiles, for example. John's gospel is the mystical one (and my personal favorite). Biblical scholars think that there were probably hundreds of stories floating around in the first few centuries A.D.. The institutional church picked and chose only 4 of them as canon, to keep the people straight in their beliefs and to weed out "heresy." They threw out the others - although scholars are still studying the recently rediscovered Qumran scrolls, which have other gospels, some of which are esoteric and/or magical in nature. Is that enough info for you or should I go on? Biblical scholarship is a bit of a hobby of mine. Remind me to loan you Robin Hood by Holt. It traces the character/man historically. It's really interesting! You can read it in your "copious spare time" (*giggle*). Could you please elaborate on your comment that Gulnar goaded Owen to his death? I'd be fascinated to know what's behind your comment, since I always just assumed that Gulnar was attempting to fulfill his foreseeing of the portcullis in relation to Owen. I thought Gulnar thought that Robert was going to die beneath the 2 tons of metal. Now there's an interesting what-if. [Yuck! -H] I hope somebody takes a stab at your Round Table query. All I remember is that the Table came to Arthur through his marriage to Guinevere. Originally, it belonged to her father. I know it was seen as a symbol of equality, because no knight would be above another, and as a symbol of unity. None of this touches on the power of the Table, however. Does Robin become a font of knowledge for Robert because he's dead? (giggle) Note to Edward III's garter incident. As well as the 2 symbolic thingies you mentioned, it could also have been viewed as good old Edward setting himself up as the protector of the Old Religion, symbolic of the god - and we know what that means. Carol: Your comments are fascinating! Feel free to spout as much trivia as possible. I'm intrigued. Where can I find the info on Aelia Pulcheria? And did you realize that "pulcher" is Latin for "beautiful?" Laura and Hilda: Suggestion for Survey #2 - Do you think Marion stayed at Halstead? Why or why not? Personally, I don't think she'd last more than a month. Medieval cloisters were boring: pray every 3 hours, strict discipline, rules of silence, need to conform...I wouldn't make it there. Can you imagine Marion?! Hope you won't mind if I take you up on some of your comments about your unique perspective on Robin and Robert. Expect to see some of these ideas in the fanfic about a year from now - or sooner, if you decide you want to trade manuscripts. I finally finished the novel. My baby weighed in at 210 pages - ye gods! As for invoking the guys - Robin, stop looking over my shoulder - it's not so much a question for me of invoking them as of making contact with them. Fiction and poetry allow me to concentrate my energies on making contact. Once I'm in contact, they're there. Robin looks over my shoulder. He's been known to tell me I've just done something stupid. Subtle, these guys are not. Will is great for helping me be the opposite of timid. Nas has been known to put his hand over my mouth to shut me up. John is great for a hug when I'm feeling down. Tuck and I discuss religion. Much helps me be playful. Marion is so many things to me - mother, guide, sister - that I can't even define them all. I think this is what's meant by "contacting archetypes," but at the same time, they all have a life of their own! Am I making any sense? Kathy: re: pagan magazines. Ever seen Circle Network News, put out by Circle Sanctuary? Circle is run by Selena Fox and Dennis Carpenter and a host of other nice people. Issues are quarterly and usually have a theme. The last one was "Creativity" and it included articles on song, dance, rituals for creativity, poems, and generally neat stuff. Tara: Hi! Note on Celtic gods and goddesses. The Tuatha de Danaan were the Children of Danu, who is more or less the Earth Mother, Mother of All. she's very close to the Welsh Don (good luck with that accent mark, Hilda), in her role. I'd never heard that the De Danaan were Children of Nemed (who's Nemed?) descended from the Greeks. I think the idea of their god-like status was for the level of the things they could do. Hilda - help? You're better at the Celtic pantheon than I am. Cerridwen is Welsh, and I tend to consider her Crone. You can probably find her tale and Taliesin's covered in The Mabinogion. You have your facts straight there, but consider the pagan who was calling Arianrhod the "Earth Mother." Gulnar is one confused twit, to my mind. In the Mediterranean world, which may be the place from which the Celts migrated, the serpent was a symbol of wisdom. Perhaps I could stretch a point and suppose that it was occult wisdom? In which case the story of St. Patrick driving out the serpents from Ireland becomes a fine bit of symbolism. Ooooh! I love your nonchalant mention of Loxley fairy-leading Guy! It's one of those "why didn't I notice that?" things! Judi: Thank you for the wonderful info on Mu and Lemuria. It was very interesting. I've read that the knowledge of Atlantis survived in ancient Egypt, as well. Hilda: You had to go and put Will Scarlet into your example of "the Merries as ordinary humans doing magical things that ordinary humans can do, with their only advantages the fact that their culture has only partially brainwashed the people out of recognizing their own abilities." You just had to go and do that to me. Now I have this plot idea running around in my head, crashing into all sorts of other interesting notions. Wait 'til you see what comes of your chance comment, my friend! What's a Harry Stu?? Another opinion survey question: What nationality (and I use the term loosely) is Loxley? I agree with you. He makes a perfect dark Celt. Love the comment about Robert's Scottish stubbornness! Hmm. I have an idea. One of the original notions in Christianity was that Christians are "a priestly people." That is, that each and every single Christian is a priest or priestess. God only knows where the concept got lost, although I'd hazard a guess that it was when the institutional Church became an all-male hierarchy (because there's evidence that in the first couple of centuries A.D. - or C.E. {Common Era}, if you prefer - women were deacons, priests, and bishops in the un-institutionalized Church). Anyway, perhaps this mindset of seeing the Divine in each person is what we see in RoS brand paganism. Sounds like neo- could use some of that! This discussion of RoS and Tarot is really cool. I'm enjoying reading it immensely! Your comments on why we torture our favorite characters are insightful and truly beautiful. Gotta go. May Herne protect you! Janet VanMeter Merry Meet! What a nice surprise to receive Cousins 4 and see a LoC from Mark Ryan! How incredibly neat! I'm glad he is amused by all of this! I'd like to introduce some new topics for all of us to chew over. What happened with Simon de Belleme? I mean, he seemed very much alive at the end of The Enchantment. Did he have no interest in the new Hooded Man? (must have been a Loxley fan, right?) Also, what happened to the Silver Arrow? More on that a little later on. Another: was King Arthur - or more exactly, his power - precedent over that of Herne the Hunter? And why was the Round Table the "most precious thing in England," as opposed to, say, the Grail? Any comments on any of these things? While pondering over the Silver Arrow, I came up with some ideas on both the Arrow and also Albion. Except for The Swords of Wayland, Albion seemed to hold more power for Robert than for Robin. Could it be that the Arrow was the more powerful symbol of the Hooded Man as portrayed by Loxley, who personified more of the archer aspect of Robin Hood? And Albion was the symbol for Huntingdon, the swordsman aspect of Robin Hood? After all, the Arrow was said to be Loxley's 'protection' more than once. Even Marion didn't know about Albion's power before Huntingdon came along. So, to take this even further, since Ailric was the Guardian of the Arrow, was Robin of Loxley the Guardian of the Sword? To go even further, and really stretch the bounds of credibility, since Loxley died by arrows, would Huntingdon eventually die by a sword? Interesting theory - or total hogwash? Well, so much for stream-of-consciousness rambling...and on to firmer ground! The first mention of anything close to the idea of Robin Hood "robbing the rich to give to the poor" was in the 1510 Geste, and that was only a slight mention "of doing poor men good" in the intro and ending stanzas. The story of the impoverished knight - which would later become Sir Richard of Leaford in RoS - was the only story to touch on a similar theme. In 1521, John Major in his History of Greater Britain modified the intro of the Geste to include the "sparing of the poor and giving them what goods were taken from abbots and rich earls." Then we jump to the next progression of this theme starting with John Stow in the 1614 Annales of England. From there, and especially with Martin Parker's 1741 A True Tale of Robin Hood, followed by Ritson's 1795 Robin Hood, the "robbing of the rich to give to the poor" was to be considered canon as far as the Legend of Robin Hood was concerned. So that is where we stand. Herne protect. Morgana Dear Cousins: Hello and greetings to you all! As usual, the previous issue was filled with fun and information! Keep it all coming! Tina: The subject of shamanism is highly intriguing! It's literally the Earth's oldest religion. Its worldview holds that spirits rule and inhabit all things visible and invisible, and it was very important to be on good terms with them! The shaman was the tribe's spiritual leader, soothsayer, doctor, judge, artist, and "master of ceremonies." Visions resulted from days of fasting, sleeplessness, sweat baths, self- flagellation, and hallucinogenic herbs. The Shaman's magick was aimed at securing the tribe's survival. They were the true Earth magick workers! All weather aspects were viewed as manifestations of spirit powers, and tribal people felt duty- bound to keep these powers in balance through right living (honoring the spirits and ancestors, protecting the Earth and Her children). Shamans offered guidance in correct spiritual conduct, the methods of which varied according to situation, tribe, deity, etc. They chose and prescribed or conducted rituals for every eventuality. They derived authority not only from their knowledge but also from their impressive appearance, wearing ornate headdresses and robes decorated with hooves, tails, toes, and animal skins. They also relied on certain knives, rattles, and natural objects that symbolized their power (for this category Herne's silver arrow). These were handled with sacred ceremony and though too magickally potent for the uninitiated to touch. The shaman helped to provide game for the tribe and was seen as the chief hunter/magickal ceremonist for a bountiful hunt. Hope this helps you out! One or two things before I continue: Has anyone read Amber Wolfe's book The Truth About Shamanism (Llewellyn)? Any opinions? Also, do any of you have the April 1991 Fate magazine? The cover story is "Powers of the Shaman." I'd be willing to pay for a copy of the article. Figures it's the one issue I don't have! Laura W.: I've heard that an old Roman or Middle Easter writer named Josephus invented Jesus and made him into the Christian archetype (not "Marketype"! Sorry, Mark, I'm not the originator!) for their hero/god. The similarities between Christ and Pagan gods are striking, i.e. the healings, miracles, his part in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit equal the Triple Goddess; or Mary, Jesus, and Joseph equal Isis, Horus, and Osiris) and finally his ultimate sacrifice for his followers and the rest of humankind. Many of the New Testament stories regarding his works were written many years after his death by those who took the tales mostly from oral teachings and accounts of the miracles (read: psychic/magical deeds). Let's face it, the disciples didn't trail along after him with tape recorders or steno pads! So all we have to go on is what's written down in a book that's gone through numerous translations and changes for the last thousand or so years. There's also a theory that there were three Jesus', but that's another response...! There's a theory that Robin was real person (a theory I believe; I think someone said Robert Fitzsooth Earl of Huntingdon) and the Merries and their exploits were later added. If any of us are proficient time travellers, then divulge what you know, good gentles! Chris: In addition to Hilda's answer to the meaning of "cowan," I've understood it to mean one who's studying Wicca and Paganism but who isn't actually initiated into it. I studied the Craft for 6 years before doing a self-initiation in March of 1986 and up until that time considered myself a cowan. Tina and Judi: I never knew Murry Hope was a woman! Decent! Ariel: Lots of times "Wiccan" and "Pagan" are used interchangeably. But think of it this way: all Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan. Many modern-day shamans, ceremonial magicians, New Agers, and environmental activists are not practicing the Craft and really don't wish to be known as Wiccan. For Round Table info, read Practical Celtic Magic pp. 201-5. She writes about the religious and occult significances of the Table and sword Excalibur/Caliburn. The latter she explains as housing the power of Merlin manifest in matter, the same way I see Albion as the power of Herne manifest. Kathy: I've seen The Wicker Man a number of times. While actual sacrifice has been a part of our Pagan past, I didn't think it too accurate that modern Pagans are shown practicing it! I guess it was "needed" for the plot... Intriguing, nevertheless. If anyone wants to read the book, the authors are Robin Hardy and Anthony Shaffner (1978, Pocket Books, NY). Farewell, kind Sherwood-ites! If it weren't for Pennsic this August and a possible archaeological dig, I'd love to meet a bunch of you at "Weekend in Sherwood." My spirit shall celebrate with you! Nansi Loser Last week Issue #4 arrived and it (as well as the preceding issues) was a fascinating read. I have a couple of "source" notes that someone might find helpful: If you are interested in reading a wide-ranging pagan/neo- pagan/wiccan/whatever forum of articles, letters, ideas, ceremonies, etc., a good place to start is by subscribing to a zine called Harvest. I found a copy in an occult store in Salem, MA this past fall and subscribed. I believe that the folks who are responsible for putting it out live, primarily, in and around Boston (geography isn't a strong point of mine, but at least I know it comes out of Massachusetts!) Anyone interested in checking it out can contact the subscription people at Harvest, P.O. Box 378, Southborough, MA 01772. A novel that is an excellent read, as well as being a great explanation of the idea of the sacrificial king, is Lammas Night by Katherine Kurtz. I don't know if it is still in print - I picked up my copy in a used book store, and I have seen it in used book stores since. Also, the library probably has copies. Ms. Kurtz draws heavily on wiccan lore, mythology, and Margaret Murray for her well-paced, in-depth novel. At its core is the concept of "And the slayer shall be the slain..." etc., an endless cycle of death and rebirth. In one part of the book, she has a moving and chilling retelling of what happened when William Rufus was shot with an arrow while out hunting - coincidentally enough, on Lammas. The novel has other flashbacks, with the primary story taking place in Britain during the Second World War, just when everything looked blackest. There were rumors for years that Britain's covens and other pagan groups got together to raise the power and turn back Hitler from his intent of invading the island, and Lammas Night is one depiction of what might have happened. I highly recommend it - it is a darn good read. On the subject of the sacrificial king - I think it is a mistake to try to look at how medieval and ancient peoples felt about human sacrifice through late 20th century eyes. Our emphasis on the primacy of the individual over the group was not their worldview (it couldn't have been, or they would have died off even more quickly than they did anyway). I think Joseph Campbell says it best when he talks about the fact that the person being sacrificed did not necessarily think of themselves as doomed or a victim - there is ample evidence that it was a joy and a privilege to be chosen. Some tribe - I don't have Campbell's book here, but I believe it was the Mayans - used to sacrifice the "captain" of the winning team of their ball games, because by winning the game, he had earned this particular privilege. [I heard the same thing from our tour guide in an old Mayan ball court. -H] General Blather: Hats off to Spirit of Sherwood for producing On Target - an excellent zine. I really enjoyed the ones I had an opportunity to read. I wish we were able to make it to Weekend in Sherwood this year, but we just can't be two places at one time. [Even holographically? -H] I'm going to miss the con a lot, especially as the first (and only, to date) RoS con I've been at was Son of Herne's Con in Ithaca, New York last June, and it was the most enjoyable and interesting con I've been to in any fandom! All the people I met and got to talk with were extremely friendly and very knowledgeable on a huge range of subjects. I was sorry to go home at the end of the event. And Weekend in Sherwood sounds like more of the same delightful goings on. On People Getting Hyper, etc.: I do think, though, that Chris misinterpreted my comment in my and Nancy's first letter to Hilda/Cousins, when she says she can't imagine anyone in RoS being "hyper," etc., about who's pagan and so on... unless (I think this is the quote) "you were trying to convert them..." I have never and would never try to convert anybody to anything, [You've never tried to convert Todd's computer files! -H] especially religion in any form. Sometimes, when I see the latest craze blowing in from California (like some People magazine cover story on the popular and lucrative worship of ZATAL the chicken with a sunburst on its chest!!!) I wish I could bring myself to do it. I would like to own a couple of Mercedes and be interviewed by Barbara Walters. But what would happen when my non-profit organization came up for that dreaded IRS audit???? NAHHH. [Now here's a woman who can count to three! -H] Besides, the traditions I've trained in strictly forbid any proselytizing. Anyway, my comment was very general: "...a day or two before the Newsletter arrived, we were talking about the fact that it is so difficult to figure out who you can talk to about the Craft/Old Religion/myths, etc., and who is going to get all offended and hyper about the fact that we hold Pagan beliefs!" - RoS folk, please be assured I was not referring to anyone in RoS in particular or even in the specific. I just meant it is difficult in life in general, including different fandoms, to figure out who you can talk to, etc. I stand by the statement, though. I haven't been involved in RoS fandom long enough to have any idea who is who or what they believe, but I have found out the hard way that just because someone likes the same TV show I do or whatever, that doesn't mean they're tolerant of pagans, witches, "/" stories and so on. Unfortunately, it pays to be a bit careful. Hmmm...I read the comments about what is Robin of Sherwood and what is not with great interest, since I am a writer, but have not yet attempted anything in this fandom, though I've written for years in other fandoms and I actually got hooked on the show during its original run on Showtime in the 1980's. The writing bug to do a RoS story just didn't bite until recently. I would say that there certainly seems to be enough within the parameters of the aired series to allow any writer a lot of scope to carry on with. However, question (excuse the ignorance): Does this mean that extrapolation from or explanation of points raised in the series, but perhaps not really explored on screen, must be avoided? If that isn't avoided, does it change the story from being in RoS to being some kind of A/U hybrid that is Robin Hood, but not Robin of Sherwood? Is there a zine editor out there with some guidelines for a novice in this fandom???? Anyone kindly enough to lend a hand or answer my questions will be greatly appreciated. Ariel Hello everyone! It's nice to see that spring is finally beginning to grace the Northern Hemisphere with its presence! My latest acquisition is a copy of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon, which I bought used, in perfect condition, for $6.00 from a used book store. Janet V.: Your ides about Adam Bell are quite interesting. I can easily see him as a previous Hooded Man. As for Robert's not having a garter, perhaps he's still "in training" for one. (More on this later.) Chris H.: You make a good point about harmony in fandom. Let's not ruin a good thing. I've heard so many nightmare stories about internal dissent that has broken up clubs in other fandoms. As for historical questions: a good encyclopedia will have overall details on just about any topic. For more in-depth information, most libraries have good resources. Check out your local library! It's a wealth of information waiting to be discovered. I'm glad you liked my article. Your comment on people reading fanfic more recently than they've watched the actual series certainly rings true. Also, you bring up a great point about the "Guy turns good" genre. Isn't it okay to like a character because he or she is bad? I love the sheriff for that very reason: he's rotten and makes no bones about it! I agree that the "Saracen's Tale" is excellent, easily one of the best pieces of fanfic written in the past year. I agree with every point in your letter except one. I do NOT think Robin's disguising himself as Herne in "Lord of the Trees" is any indication of "natural progression." Robin does this because Herne is injured and can't walk. Robin's disguise is meant to draw Gisburne away from the villagers and into the forest, where Herne's power (fueled by Gisburne's own paranoia) gives the Norman a fright he'll never forget. I think that taking on a position like Herne's requires a lot of training and discipline that Robin just wouldn't have time for. Between being an outlaw and performing the tasks necessary for simple survival in the forest, Robin would hardly have time to be Herne's spiritual apprentice. (It's not like being a full-time employee of the 20th century and going for your degree at night!) In this light, perhaps the garter is a symbol of someone who follows the Pagan tradition, who has accepted the Old Ways, but is not a full- fledged priest of priestess (in the sense that Herne is). This, of course, is pure speculation. By extension, perhaps the reason Robert doesn't wear a garter is that while he follows Herne, respects him, and accepts his guidance, he hasn't fully accepted Paganism (that skepticism, again)? Maybe at a later date, after having some time to sort through what he really believes, Robert would feel comfortable wearing a garter. Laura W. Todd: I have a number of favorite quotes, but my all-time favorite has to be Tuck's line in Swords of Wayland: "Pacts with the Devil aren't legally binding!" I agree that Jason's and Michael's looks are enough to make any writer forget about the other characters. However, I have read piles of stories that focus around Marion. Among the other characters, I would have to guess that Gisburne probably comes in next (in terms of number of stories where he's a central character), followed by Nasir and Will. John, Tuck, and Much don't get much of a shake (although recently there have been a handful of stories about Much). Interestingly, the sheriff doesn't get much print time, and he's easily one of the best characters in the series! I agree with you on Marion's feelings about Robert. I would guess that by the end of Time of the Teeth she's pretty well shell-shocked and maybe doesn't know what she feels, so inertia (or at least a permanent state of numbness) is easier for her than trying to come to terms with her own emotions. I don't think it would take her long to realize that convent life would drive her batty! I utterly agree with you that so many TV series don't delve into the characters in a way that's really satisfying. For a good reason, too: it's the plot that sells the story. A series where the characters all sat around contemplating their navels would hardly do well in the ratings. I do, however, wish that series would have more consistency in their plotlines. I disagree with you that Robert's behavior in Herne's Son is irrational. He pretty much knows what he has to do to convince the band to follow him. First he tries verbal persuasion, and when that doesn't work, physical force. This serves two ends: making the outlaws realize he's not a sissy-pants nobleman (that he has the strength necessary to be Herne's Son), and giving the outlaws a chance to vent their anger and resentment. Once these two obstacles are overcome, he can then set about the serious business of planning to rescue Marion. According Anglofans Unlimited's guide to fandom, "get-em" stories were developed as a "requisite bit of character suffering" that heroes had to go through. Plot-wise, you can also create suspense by having your hero tortured as opposed to killed outright, so that an accessory character can then perform an elaborate rescue. This is why so many villains tend to be sadistic maniacs and why no "baddies" ever get mistreated in fanfic: nobody would care! Also, torture often leads to "hurt/comfort" situations. Kathy Allard: How do we know Robin was a Pagan? He prays for Herne's guidance a couple of times and "swear(s) by Herne the Hunter" in Lord of the Trees. He seems pretty pagan to me! Of course we don't know what faith, if any, the actual, historical Robin Hood followed, but in Kip's version, I would say that Robin is a Pagan. You're right about the anti- Christian vibes in fanfic: some people take it too far. It's not the beliefs, but the corrupt practices, that I think most people are opposed to. Like Robin's telling Hugo that he doesn't respect the Church "while you're in it." I'm afraid I take exception to your comment that Cousins should be a forum for magical discussions only. The "magic" of the series is so intertwined with the series itself that it's hard to separate one from the other, and a discussion of a magical aspect of the show could easily lead to a more general discussion of the series as a tangent. I would hate to see this newsletter get boxed into an "absolute" category. Judi Kincaid: Hi! Your thoughts on the script problems in the 3rd series are right along what mine are, with one exception. I don't feel that Robert's motivation for leaving Huntingdon is vague. He tells Little John that he "saw injustice everywhere," and it's obvious that he and his father have some differences in philosophy. I think the deep-down motivation is expressed between the lines of dialogue: watch Robert's expressions and reactions in that episode and you'll get an idea of what he's feeling. For a really great fictional account of Atlantis that ties in beautifully with the Arthurian legend, read Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, Taliesin, Merlin, and Arthur. They're well-written, with a great Celtic feel. Hilda: Hello! I think the reason you classify Robin as a Celt is that Michael Praed, as an actor, is rather Irish-looking. But his character is supposed to be a Saxon. (His father was leader of the Saxon rebellion, remember). Rache's Loss was printed in Albion 5. Her serious work is as compelling as her humorous work is hysterically funny. The remainder of your comments are so right-on that if I commented on each one of them, I'd fill up an entire column saying, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Your pun at the end was awful! Hilda, you get worse and worse (or is that better and better!) Who knows? Who cares? I'm off to print this and have some dinner. Merry Meet, Merry Part. Kate Raymond Dear Cousins: I wanted to write and thank each and every one of you who wrote and/or phoned with condolences on my Mother's passing. As many of you stated, it is "times like these" that one needs friends... I thank you all for your love and friendship. I feel I've been forced to take a new path, one not yet traveled, but it's comforting to know that I'm not traveling it alone. I know it's been used over and over, but somehow it seems appropriate to say... "Nothing's Forgotten, Nothing's Ever Forgotten" With Love and Magic, Kate Raymond Jan Fennick News from the Isle of Long: Merry meet, Cousins. Since this is my first time in these here pages, I'll try to make it brief. Besides, I'm still trying to digest what everyone else has said in the previous 4 issues. Would you believe I'm at a loss for words? Hilda, is that physically possible? Announcement to everyone: There will be a Cousins gathering/informal ritual held some time during Weekend in Sherwood. Time and place yet to be announced, but have no fear - it won't conflict with any other neat con stuff happening at the time. Assorted details following. A group of us had a brainstorming session in the midst of my first annual 29th birthday party and I, for one, was pleased with the results so far. Anyone who wants to give suggestions as to what they'd like to do/see there is more than welcome to speak up. I also hope that all our non-Pagan, non-Wiccan Cousins will come and join us, too. The circle is about Light and Love and we certainly want you all to share it! Julianne: First of all, it's so nice to think I'm so well known that I can go by the name of "Jan" now. Does this put me in the same category as other one-named wonders like Cher? Or Madonna? Wait...I dunno if I want to know the answer to that. Thanks for letting everyone know where we're going (I think) with the Cousins ritual. I've been told there's a coven of Herne the Hunter somewhere in the Washington, DC area, but that's about it. This I got from someone off Compuserve. He was going to try and give me a contact address, but so far no luck. I would like to revise what we're trying to do re: the "tradition." I don't like to use the word "reconstruct" because you can't reconstruct something that may or may not have existed. And even if it did, we're dealing with fragments at best. Besides, it sounds like all those stuffy people who claim they're practicing age-old traditions that are actually only a few weeks old. Next we'll have to say we were initiated by Herne in our kitchen at the age of five. A better way to state it is "we're creating a tradition based on historical background AND artistic license." At least that's what I think we're trying to do, aren't we? Woodswalker: Thanks for the utterly shameless plug for Forbidden Forest! I'm so glad you liked it. I guess I feel honored to be publishing a zine that "shows a side of him (Robin) that we didn't see on HTV." Actually, all sides, if you check out the illos, too. Without getting into a whole discussion about pornography vs. erotica, I will say that one of the reasons I wanted to put out that kind of zine was because of the Pagan and magickal elements of the show. A lot of Paganism is tied up with sexuality (i.e. fertility rituals) and I think we've proven we're grown up enough to handle that part of the show without giggling. There's also lots of room for sex magick (which Kip gave us a hint of in "The Enchantment") as well as other possibilities. Well, I'm back to being a passive observer! Merry part, everyone! Raven Dear Cousins: Have we really reached Issue #5 already? Wow! It just keeps getting bigger and better with every one. I finally have a chance to respond to all the conversations going on here...boy, you guys all type too fast. It seems like every time I sit down to answer you, another issue lands in my mail box. Really, Hilda, you're just too bloody efficient! Actually, I'm rather blown away by the level of intelligence and wisdom permeating the pages of this 'zine. I learn something new every time I pick up an issue. As it says in the Tao Te Ching, "The farther one travels, the less one knows." I, for one, am still travelling. Thanks to all who answered my previous questions...here go some more ravings. Issue #3: Kitty - Quite right about how RoS characters are handled in fan fiction. I don't like reading stories where the characters are so omnipotent or powerful that they lack all credibility. However, you have to be flexible because some artistic license is allowable. I'm sure there are quite a lot of good stories out there that Kip has read and thought "why didn't I do that?" If you tread on eggs and worry about how the series' writers would have handled a character in a given situation, you defeat the whole purpose of fan fiction. Herne as the last of a dying race? Do you read a lot of Michael Moorcock? (Sorry I couldn't resist that...) I have always seen him more as a Celtic Shaman myself. The God who "rides" him (yes, I know I'm mixing my practices here) just happens to be Herne the Hunter. We don't have to see the other Gods to know they're there. Otherwise, where would Gulnar presumably get his power? However, you did raise an interesting point about Gods-in-training. With the coming of Christianity, might it be that it's more difficult to find successors for the role of Shaman/Magician? Or have I just watched "Excalibur" one too many times? By the way, I recommend reading John Matthews' The Celtic Shaman. Really riveting reading. I also want to correct your statements about Black Magick. As far as I can tell, Dark Magick existed in all parts of the world, not just the Middle East. A lot of times it stemmed from the conquering of one culture by another. A perfect example is the name "Beelzebub." Ba'al was a perfectly nice ancient Sumerian God who didn't mesh with the Hebraic pantheon. The early Jews decided anyone who worshipped him (and not their god) had to be a worshipper of devils. Just to prove their point, they saddled poor Ba'al with the title of "Lord of the Flies." In Babylonian culture, Ishtar was originally the Mother Goddess. When the matriarchal culture was overthrown by a patriarchal one, Ishtar became the Dark Mother and the Great Whore of Babylon. However, her worship continued, but not necessarily as a positive practice. If you check esoteric Jewish texts, there are pages upon pages of the hierarchy of demons, most of whom were spawned by Lilith, Adam's first wife. Most practitioners of Black Magick are people out for personal power and personal gain when they have no other recourse (or no conscience). This is true no matter what society you're dealing with. Woodswalker: I'm into Tarot, too. It would be fun to design a RoS tarot and I like the correspondences you came up with in Issue #4. I'm still trying to think of some myself. I despise the Hanson-Roberts deck. Too cute for words! Have you seen the John and Caitlin Matthews Hallowquest Arthurian Tarot deck? It's absolutely beautiful. They also use their own Arthurian names and symbols in lieu of the "standard" interpretations which makes it quite interesting to read from. I know Mark Ryan has this deck from a conversation we had at Herne's Con. Has anybody else seen this or tried to use it? I think Gulnar was trying to kill off everyone in Cromm Cruac. I've always thought of Herne as a Shaman of the Lord of the Trees. Gulnar was trying to kill the man, not the God, perhaps knowing that there would be no one powerful enough to replace him. I don't believe Gulnar is powerful enough to kill a God, although he might not agree with that. Actually, I think Fenris can be killed because somehow in Norse mythology he's not quite a god but a godling (son of Loki by something or other, isn't it?) But it may be only by another Aesir. Anyone else up on their Viking studies? Todd: A Mormon? Way cool. I don't know much about Mormonism, so it will be enlightening to hear a very different viewpoint. Have you ever been to Rochester, New York? That's where John Smith had his first vision. I didn't know that until very recently. I'm also really fascinated by the mystical aspects of the religion as you describe them. Just an aside - I was told in my art history classes that the depiction of horns on the heads of certain Biblical characters was really a misinterpretation of "rays of light." An example would be Michelangelo's Moses. That would be an interesting explanation for why Lucifer is horned, wouldn't it? I don't know if this is true or my prof's pet theory (he was a very strange man) but it does make you think, doesn't it? Julianne: I have Celtic Magic by D.J. Conway. The cover is very pretty and there are a few useful bits of information in there, but I tend to agree with Hilda on the validity of her work. Thank you for the recommendation of the Matthews book. I will hunt that one down. Your associations with the Quarters are definitely "easy and fun" and it works, too. I have more problems with the associations of Robin and Marion, but that may stem from the fact that I don't see either of them as God and Goddess. Have you decided on which Robin you're using? Hilda: You're getting overprotective of free speech in fan fiction! Raven say RELAX! You're right that we shouldn't pigeonhole the RoS characters to such a degree that they can't breathe, but certain writers tend to go overboard, too. Yes, "what if" is our life blood, but if I wrote a serious story where it turned out that Robin was really from Planet Skyron in the Galaxy of Andromeda, I would HOPE that people would take offense. Making him a Sidhe is just as outrageous and in my opinion just as offensive. Do you really like the Fantasy Showcase deck? I think it's lovely to look at, but terrible to read from. The diversity in the cards makes that impossible. Not only did the Jews have Shekinah (who still shows up in the Saturday night Havdalah service as "The Sabbath Queen") but they also had "Asheera" a.k.a. Ishtar/Astarte. Like many other Middle Eastern societies at the time, Judaism went from matriarchal to patriarchal. The dual nature of God/dess was pared down into one masculine deity, but in the Torah one can still find occasional feminine nouns for the name of God. Not the best way to cover up your past. Check out The Hebrew Goddess by Raphael Patai for more intriguing stories... I've seen The Wicker Man. My circle and I used to go to all the showings at the local arts theater and root for the Pagans. Yes, we were very mature. If there IS defamation in it, it's on both sides. Detective Sergeant Howey isn't exactly painted in the best light either. Bit of trivia for you: Jason's mum, Diane Cilento, is in it. She's the school teacher. The screenwriter, Antony Schaefer, is her husband (Jason's step-father). As far as I know, Christopher Lee is not a relative! Issue #4: Christine: I don't like the idea of putting labels on people or the Us vs. Them mentality either. However, I have known many Pagans who think themselves spiritually superior to non-Pagans, just as I've known Christians, Moslems, and Jews with the same attitude. I hope that Cousins is a place where we can all share our diverse beliefs and learn from one another rather than saying "my god's better than your god." Unfortunately, there are a few fen who do "get all offended and hyper about the fact that" we "hold Pagan beliefs" in RoS fandom. Not everyone is as open-minded and knowledgeable about Paganism as you. While I haven't encountered any overt prejudice, I do have some friends in fandom who would be VERY upset if they learned I was a Witch. Rather a case of Open Minds vs. Closed. I agree with you about Janet Van Meter's explanation of just where the Goddess is RoS. Kind of like "Home is where the heart is" or something equally lofty. Our Lady of Sherwood? Has a nice ring to it. And thank you for telling Janet Reedman exactly what I was going to say about Marion and Robert. I love both Robins, but it amazes me how often I wind up defending Robert these days! To add to your comments: Robert didn't even SEE Marion at the end of Greatest Enemy, yet he took up the Hood and saved Nasir, Will, and John. How do you explain his actions if he "only did it for Marion?" Considering the fact that she goes BACK to her father at the end of Herne's Son with no intention of rejoining the band, why didn't Robert just do the same? He could very easily have wooed her as Robert, the Earl's Son. Perhaps even demanded her hand in marriage as his "payment" for saving her. (That's a move more worthy of Gisburne, but it's a thought.) If those ideas still haven't sunk in, I suggest reading a few books on Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama was also a noble who gave up everything he had to help the downtrodden. [While sitting under a bow tree? Hey, yew started it! -H] Mark: Welcome! Knocked MY socks off to see you listed alongside the rest of the Family. I know who is responsible for "Marketypes" but I'm not telling. I'm anxiously awaiting the Wildwood Tarot. Any hint of a release date? If it's anything like The Hooded Man, I'm sure we'll all be quite satisfied with the results. I'm still struggling through Foucault's Pendulum myself. I feel like I need a stack of occult and esoteric dictionaries to look up all the references, though! Phew. By the way, do you know anything about the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail and the other books by the same authors? The subject matter seems to be right up your alley. And yes, what is a ritual masquing? Ariel: Hello! I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes Gulnar! I know he's mad, but he's not atypical of other people I've known. Mainly the ones who claim to be Satanists! There's a certain strain of insanity that goes along with the territory. Good point about Robert's portrayal in stories. Vulnerable is one thing; a spineless weepy adolescent is another. Are there any stories written where Robin is that wimpy? I once went to a Catholic Nuptial Mass (all in Latin and 2 hours long, mind you) and the only thing that kept me awake was the artwork. I suddenly noticed the figures of the Virgin Mary were all standing on a crescent moon! Isn't it the Magdalene who is usually depicted in Red? I've never read any Arthurian legends that state that the Round Table actually has any power. (As compared to Excalibur, the Holy Grail, and the like.) It usually is depicted as a wedding present from King Leodegranz to Arthur and Guinevere. Leodegranz was her father. The standard symbolism is that it was circular in nature so that "no knight would stand above another" while in council. If you want more insight, read The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and/or the Merlin series by Mary Stewart. Regarding the Gospels: they were most certainly written at different times by different people! In fact, there are inherent discrepancies between all four of them AND others that have been uncovered since then. Actually more like recovered after being rejected by the Church's compiler of "official canon," Bishop Anthanasius of Alexandria, in 367 CE. The Gospel of St. Mark is considered to be the earliest (about 66-74 CE). Mark was said to be from Jerusalem and a friend of St. Paul's. The earliest version appears to have been composed in Rome and written for a Greco-Roman audience. The Gospel of St. Luke dates from about 80 CE. Luke was a Greek doctor who wrote for the Roman population of Caeseria, which was then the capital of Palestine. The Gospel of St. Matthew was derived from Mark's gospel about 5 years later. It was written in Greek, but the author may have been Jewish. The information in those three gospels is fairly congruous with enough overlapping to have come from a single source. However, the Gospel of St. John doesn't match with any of them. There is no explanation of who John was or when it was written, although the earliest version was from Epheseus in 100 CE. It has stories no other Gospel has and there is no mention of the Nativity or Jesus' early life. Some biblical scholars think that this is the reason it may have been written earlier and be the closest to the truth! If you're interested in the historical background of Christianity, try reading Holy Blood, Holy Grail. It was written by three English journalists who have some very interesting theories regarding the accuracy of the bible and Christ's life. The title stems from the possible misinterpretation of "Sang Real" (Holy or Royal Blood) and "San Greal" (Holy Grail) (Pardon my French there.) There is quite a lot more to the story than that, but any more information would give it away. There's quite a bit about the Templars in it as well. I'm sure there's lots more to respond to, but I want to leave room for everybody else! Blessed be and welcome to all our newest Cousins. Hilda Julianne - Your theory about Marion's breakdown in Herne's Son is utterly disgusting and the best guess I've heard so far. It neatly mops up the erstwhile character discrepancy. I read somewhere that wearing green pegged a woman for a wanton and a man for a walking target for otherworldly meddling. Didn't Janet in Tam Lin wear green? Or how about the Padstow May Song: Arise up Miss *** all in your gown of green You are as fine a lady as wait upon the Queen. Pardon the expression, but...which Queen? By the time that the more guttermouthed ballads in which Robin (and, it seems, just about everybody) swears constantly "by our Lady" were actually written, it was probably safer and certainly more common to swear by the Blessed Virgin Mary than by any Lady more appropriate to Robin's times and lifestyle. Besides, it rhymes with so many things! "By Christ who died on a tree" was another favorite, for the same reason. I'm sure the Church really appreciated this sort of "gloss," incessant and gratuitous swearing for the sake of a rhyme... In many ballads, Robin was portrayed as a hero who prayed often to Mary and would harm no woman because of his love for the Blessed Virgin. It certainly suited the ballads' time well enough, and wouldn't get you kicked out of a tavern or off of the fairgrounds (unless you sang like Alan A Dale.) I never thought of Cromm Cruach as being populated so much by ghosts as by illusions, specifically those most able to elicit despair. I don't think Gulnar created those specific illusions, but just set up a "panic field" in which the outlaws would see situations which would manifest their deepest fears, drawing on the evil generated by the slaughter of the original village. Gulnar then observed exactly what those situations were and played off of them. About garters - ask a Gardnerian, or perhaps an Alexandrian. I know better than to pry about such things, at least with a Press card pinned to my dress! VERVAIN - Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, as well as Maude Grieve's Modern Herbal, extol vervain's magical virtues far more strongly than its attributed medicinal qualities as an astringent, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, etc., but neither mentions hallucinogenic properties. Rodale's cautions you not to toss too much in, or you might make us all sick to our stomachs! Vervain is said to have sprung from Isis' tears for the fallen Osiris, and to have staunched the wounds of Jesus Christ. Its Latin name means simply "sacred boughs." In Wylundt's Book of Incense, Steven R. Smith informs us that vervain is sacred to the planet Venus and to the element of Earth; and logically concludes that it's an aphrodisiac. He suggests using it for consecration, creativity, inspiration, knowledge, love, magic, and about a zillion other things. I expect that vervain's ability to enhance vision is more magical than biochemical - but like they say in New Hampshire, whatever works... Regarding the circle at Weekend - I'd like to do 4, 5, 6 in the order 6, 4, 5, so we can place ourselves in our hearts' home, then charge the blessing mead and water with the Herne chant and pass it. Sigh - ritual by committee is always interesting! I'd welcome changes and reorderings but caution against additions. It's already huge and complicated, and I'm afraid of two possibilities: losing our purpose in all of that form, and making people who've never worked ceremonally before feel out-of- place or stupid. We're trying to live an ideal better suited to farmers than to students, and I'm really worried that our ground-in competitive culture will make people nervous about not understanding every little bit of a rigid structure. I'll handle the grounding and, unless somebody else wants to, the Sherwood visualization. What's your opinion - should we have the Cousins party first, and mention the circle at the party; or should we have the circle quietly (with only a "Cousin Jennet" announcement on the con board) and have an official party later? I lean toward the second option, but I'm wobbling. On the one hand, this is the Midwest we're talking about, and it's a first-time con. Discretion is paramount. On the other hand, I don't want anyone who's out of the mailing loop to miss what could be a very healing circle, and I definitely don't want to publicize the ritual on- site. Chris! Help! The answer might be in our bannerhead, which I just found out is a horrendous pun. The Gaelic word for vine is "muin." Maybe we'll just have to jump-start the grapevine! But as anyone who's ever played "Telephone" will know, it's a shaky form of communication at best, with almost no mechanism for quality control. I don't know what we should do. "Ritual masquing" usually refers to the use of an actual mask to help you take on an archetype. If you can get your hands on a copy of Doreen Valiente's An ABC of Witchcraft, look up "the Dorset Ooser" as a good example of a magical mask. Humans respond most strongly to a person's face as an indicator of that person's identity, far more so than, say, their scent or their voice. You can use a mask to try on another "face," another self. Nowadays, when most women's selves are unacceptable as is, many a woman can hardly function until she's got her "face" (makeup) on. Changing your facial appearance is a very strong strategy for changing your self- concept. A few swipes of "mascara" (!) can make a huge difference. The matter of whether Wickham counts as a coven may hark back to your letter in Issue #3, where you describe the Paganism depicted in Lord of the Trees as "... relaxed and easy, natural, part of their lives." The residents of Wickham are religious people who live their beliefs, but I'd stop short of calling them a coven. A coven is largely defined by its closure, and anybody born in Wickham (or even just there visiting a Cousin!) would be welcome to celebrate the Blessing with them. Also, covens meet for Sabbats and Esbats, and many have complex internal structures and hierarchies of responsibility and training. Wickham is a village. Another side of that matter is that we may have seen very few "good covens" or good Witches in RoS because people don't tend to recognize beneficent magic as magic at all! It often tends to get written off as superstition or "white light." The movie Sorceress, aside from being an engrossing bit of entertainment, explores this phenomenon beautifully. On names that are really titles: how about Robin? Robert becomes the Hooded Man, and therefore (hope it's not too Cornishly corny) the generative principle "Robin." At least I think so. Birthday boys: "The birth of the Son, the birth of the Sun..." Sometimes a pun is more than just fun. I'll leave the "Did Marion stay at Halstead" replies within the text of people's letters, as they're bound to be lengthy. For the record, mine is: "Only as long as it took her to get her bearings and realize that she didn't want to dishonor Robin's memory or betray his love by becoming something he couldn't even respect." Outright fear, philosophic resignation, or an honest feeling that there was nothing she could do, Robin could have accepted - but not simple denial. I think Marion knew that, as well as she knew that her impractical love of honest folk was an integral part of her. Frank Delaney tells us in Legends of the Celts that Nemed arrived in Ireland with four more men and four women in the only one of 32 boats to survive the journey (whence, Mr. Delaney doesn't say.) A plague had already wiped out all of the island's original inhabitants except Tuan and the troublesome Formorians. These latter eventually killed all but thirty of the Nemedians, some of whom fled east to settle on the next island with their chief Britan (!) and some of whom ended up in Greece, whence they later returned to Ireland. King Mil from Spain and the Milesians eventually conquered the Children of Danu, their conflict ending not in slaughter or exile but in a pact: that the Milesians (whom we now call Celts) would live above ground, and the De Danann below. I don't think we're dealing so much with a god/mortal discrepancy here as a schism between two cultures that remain separate by choice. For the record, I think of the Celts/Gauls as originating in Central Europe, not Spain, and that anyone whose deeds have survived into legend gets promoted to god or demigod status sooner or later. This green-eyed fellow is feigning a headache, but I think he's getting used to the situation. He'd better put on another pair of socks, or those bigger boots will fall clean off! Will charged into that example of "everyday magic" himself. Will can't be "put" anywhere without a lot of ale and a lot more sneakiness. A "Harry Stu" is a character through whom a writer puts herself in a story - but he's a he. I made it up. Ariel pointed out that Loxley's father is the leader of the Saxon rebellion, but we know nothing of his mother. And unlike some folk, I enjoy reading stories that portray her as a descendant not of the Milesians, but of Danu Herself. Janet V. - I think that King Arthur's power wasn't necessarily stronger Herne's, but his motives and Herne's seemed to more or less coincide in The Inheritance. England as a nation (Arthur) and England as a living entity (Herne) would both be served by the preservation of England as a self- defined people, rather than an extension of the Roman Empire or yet another Norman conquest. Also, Herne may well be (as I believe you mentioned before) a more localized spirit, or He may simply not concern Himself with the matter of nationality and defer to Arthur in this purely human matter. Perhaps the Table was "the most precious thing in England" because the Grail had been removed from England, or at least from the spatial/ temporal England. You can take the Grail out of England, but you can't take England out of the Grail! I love your theories regarding the Loxley/Arrow and Huntingdon/Albion correspondences! It also suits the difference in their backgrounds. The bow is a working man's weapon, and the sword that of a nobleman. Human rights in England were rock-bottom when Loxley was chosen, and the people had to fend for themselves from hiding and then flee; but Loxley laid the groundwork and bolstered the people's spirit so that their next champion could face down the oppressors on their own ground. Rutterkin says that your theory about Huntingdon's death by sword is not hogwash, but I'm not sure if he's on about swine defamation or actually trying to tell us something. Seriously - if Loxley was the Guardian of the Arrow (which is kind of like a spear), Huntingdon of the Sword, and Isadora of the Table (round, flat thing made of wood), what would Marion's cup be? Drowned if I know! The mead bowl? Something less symbolic? Does this mean she is pregnant? Anyway, it's an interesting riddle. Morgana - can you or anyone else tell me more about the Celtic trinity of Taranis, Hesus, and Teutates? The middle one with the funny name has me curious. All Wiccans are Pagan, but there are some people whom I would consider Witches who aren't particularly Pagan. People who work magic and just aren't religious at heart might fall into this category. In a way I sometimes envy their independence, but in the long run their disconnection from The Big Picture tends to make me nervous. Perhaps the folk you consider "non-Wiccan Pagans" are more like "non-Pagan Witches" in my book - people who acknowledge their part in the universe's makeup, but stop short of considering it participation in the Divine. I tend to think of Albion as something entrusted to Herne, but (being a weapon) something that He had to adopt a son to wield for Him. Herne is, above all else, a champion of balance. When England and Her children were endangered, Robin needed to carry the power to destroy and Marion the power to endure. In this way, Herne can remain in balance without endangering England through inaction. Also, having been taught to consider the sword a tool of the mind and of separation, I often think of Albion as the edge that cuts away the comfortable illusion of patronage, the desperate and finally insane hope that the Norman invaders have any interest at all in protecting those off of whom they grow fat. Nansi - You believe in coincidence? Oh, that's so quaint! I must tell Dunkin' (the friendly little black cat of indeterminate gender who greets me on my way home from the bus stop and runs around my feet in ecstatic circles). Why, we were just sitting under a ladder the other day, discussing... I completely agree with your analysis of the cultural abyss between modern Western society and any culture that truly valued the whole over the individual. Human sacrifice, heck! It's hard enough to get my officemates to rinse their soda cans so I can bring them to the recycling drop! The paucity of RoS conventions makes me wonder: could this cross- continental crowd conjure a Cousins con? Whoa - Don't tell the EPA I'm being alliterbug! Seriously, if we could find some place outside the Bo$ton price zone that even a respectable and civilized Cousin might enjoy, it might be worth a go! We could continue our discussions in person, have lots of cool rituals, and perhaps set in motion some set- spell work (fellowship within the fandom, translation of Robin Hood's ideals into "mundane" life, whatever). Given our nearly universal peasant status, I wouldn't want to have invited guests, but rather keep costs to a minimum so that as many of us as possible could attend. Perhaps a medium-sized Bed and Breakfast somewhere near an airport? If someone better schooled in subtlety (and driving) will handle the locale, I'll handle registration and try to assemble a schedule. Does A/U mean "alternate universe?" Ariel: Pity the series didn't hold out long enough for Robert to be awarded the Initiate's garter. But earning it would probably entail as much courage as Jason Connery would require to simply attend a convention! Well, if such an eventuality should arise, Ariel, we're going to have to figure out who'll tie the thing on him. I expect it'll have to be someone brave. Robin dressing up as Herne in "Lord of the Trees" was a last-ditch strategy that only the most presumptuous creature would attempt under the worst of circumstances. Even "Cock Robin" couldn't possibly have construed this clever bit of masquerade to be any indication of things to come. But having put on a silver wig and picked up a cane in an attempt to "portray" One as close to the human heart as Herne, I can vouch for the fact that such "costuming" is surprisingly educational! Sometimes you can serve One whom you have no hope of understanding yet by bumbling along the straight but dizzyingly speedy path of Trust. Your comments on exactly how much time Robin would have to spare for the mastery of such abilities as emptying oneself for spiritual occupation make me wonder: Exactly how much time did it take to perform the tasks of supporting everyday life in a group of seven? Mary Ann? Judi? How many daylight hours might have been spent on the necessities of survival in the late 12th/early 13th centuries by a small/medium hunter-gatherer group? Pen's poem Stolen Moments comes to mind, but I'm not dead sure of the title or even whether she's the author. You know what I'd like to see? More stories involving Abbot Martin of Croxden. He was a well- defined character and a true Christian - I'd love to see him collaborating with Herne! I think they'd get along very well. Cousins is a forum for the discussion of the magical and Old Religion aspects of RoS and related topics. I like to think of it as a safe place to discuss things that might be considered offensive elsewhere, and a garden for plot ideas. I agree with Kathy that Herne's Stepchildren is a better place for general RoS discussion simply because people with no interest in the magical side of RoS will still see it there and be able to participate. Magically-oriented people have a unique way of seeing characters, situations, and the patterns of plots, and our biggest (and possibly only!) piece of undisputed common ground is RoS. We choose this particular universe in which to work the magic of cooperation and creativity. Honestly, Ariel, can you see any of our Cousins sitting still for being "boxed into" anything? Jan - Welcome! Saracen got your tongue, eh? Hope he likes it. That's about all that would shut you up. I'd add to your description of the sources for our "tradition," besides historical background and artistic license, divine inspiration and the will to do good. We make things up left and right and look things up back, front, and center, but our very willingness to give each other the slack we need to work with such a diverse group is a precious gift and not something you see every day. And we have a clarity of intention that I've never seen elsewhere. Raven - I tend to give the most credence to those who consider themselves travelers. Those who feel that they've "arrived" usually just have a flat tire. I thought Ba'al was the Lord of the Flies not because the early Jews thought it would be an insulting title, but because the fly is a psychopomp, a conductor of souls. If you're ever in the vicinity of someone who's recently released their soul, especially in a warm place like Sumer, this looks perfectly logical. I had also heard that "horns" and "rays of light" are easy to confuse in old Hebrew, and that the original story had Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai with a horned head! So maybe what he had when he reached the bottom was a simple case of competitive anxiety... Perhaps someone named "Light-bearer" was just a natural for the things. Or maybe your prof missed the point(s) - but this is getting corny. I still think that telling people directly, or through LoC's, that their stories don't make sense after the fact is a much smarter strategy than trying to tell people what they should or shouldn't write. An important part of me would still be asleep and undiscovered if I hadn't read a couple of specific "Robin-as-Sidhe" stories that were blatantly untrue to Robin as a character, and I shudder to think that had this conversation taken place but a few years ago, Cousins might not exist. Besides, I'm always happy to read just about anything in which the English doesn't look like something from Planet Skyron! That's what really gets me. I'd just get a good laugh out of Robin Hood: Illegal Alien. I don't even try to read the Fantasy Showcase deck. I just use them as meditation foci, or simply gawk at the art. Here in Somerville, the innumerable "Mary in the Bathtub Trampling the Serpent of Sin" lawn sculptures are actually enclosed by Mari's ocean wave or sea shell, and she's attended by the serpent of wisdom and rebirth. The one nearest my house even has the serpent carrying the Apple of Aphrodite...I mean Eve's apple, of course. I think that, rather than Mary Magdalene wearing the red of her profession in classical art, her color became associated with prostitution later because that's the closest word they had to "sexual priestess." Aside from the obvious intent of defamation, I really don't think that Hebrew culture by Mary Magdalene's time had any non- insulting word at all for a woman who had sex but wasn't married/owned. Barbara Walker goes into this concept in her explanation of the Six of Pentacles. Speaking of pentacles, there's that Table again! Which came to Arthur through his marriage to Guinevere. Now I want to X-ray the thing and trace all of the old scratches and joints in the wood... Wasn't Cerridwen's concoction that Gwion Bach did such a bad job of minding called "greal?" Where the heck did I read that? Gosh, take the Three out of it and it blows up, poisoning everything it touches! That does seem important somehow... Editor's Notes More Favorite RoS Quotes: Ariel: "Pacts with the Devil aren't legally binding!" Ecumenicon, a celebration of learning and religious diversity, is being held in College Park, MD July 29-August 2. This year's theme is Feminine Aspects of the Divine, and invited guests include Otter and Morning Glory Zell, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Jane Sibley, Elspeth and Nybor, Doug Rosentrater, and Alexei Kondratiev. For information and registration forms, write to ECUMENICON Foundation, Box 249, 15106A Frederick Road, Rockville, MD 20850. Trendbusters take note: Just because so many of us tend to run on at length, it doesn't mean that you have to compose a doctoral thesis to participate in Cousins. Something along the lines of "Was Jennet a Witch or what?" is fine too. Which Merrie's words always got the most attention? Nasir's, because you knew that if he opened his mouth, something desperately needed to be said. Julianne's and Raven's mention of the Hebraic Goddess reminds me of Barbara Black Koltuv's The Book of Lilith. Dr. Koltuv is a clinical psychologist who treats the Zoharic Lilith as a Jungian archetype, a piece of womanhood woefully split off from most women's consciousness by a skewed culture. Anybody interested in feminist psychology, Jewish culture, the name Lilith, or just getting to know Adam's "dark and comely" first wife will enjoy this book. If you can't find it, you can borrow my copy; but it's small, recent, and quite affordable. Try the Psychology section of your library, or maybe Judaica (darn it, Julianne, which aisle is that?) A few tidbits on dizzy stone circles: in The World of Megaliths (New York, Facts on File Inc., 1990) Jean-Pierre Mohen informs us that: "Other stones have the power of movement, animated by fairies, the Devil, or some other supernatural being. The Saint-Martin-d'Arce menhir turns round at the stroke of midnight, and that at Culey-le- Patry in Normandy rotates several times during the night, stopping only at the first cock-crow...while the Pierre des Demoiselles at Mesnil Hardray raises itself to let out a file of white-clad girls who dance in a circle. At the instant that the Mass begins the Virgin appears on the highest flat stone of the Pierres Folles at Nohant-en-Gra ay..." He goes on to describe various megaliths' forays for drinking water, assistance to spouse- seekers and childless couples, leaping at cock and cuckoo calls, ringing, singing, groaning, sighing, everything but doing the laundry. The illustrations are marvelous. This book would be a lovely gift for anyone with a passion for the Neolithic. From the poor to the poorer: Your not-so-humble Editor will be participating in Project Bread's Walk for Hunger on May 3, 1992, walking with the EarthSpirit Community. Any Mass. Merrie who'd like to walk with us, let me know and I'll send you a sponsor sheet. Or you can sponsor me for any amount you choose! Pinch your boss' wallet and send me a check (made out to Project Bread - The Walk for Hunger), and take a bite out of hunger in Massachusetts! Anything will help. (This tidbit is the reason I'm putting this issue out so early - that and astonishment that I actually got the typing caught up!) Write to Tara O'Shea. She writes a lovely letter (and a fine story), is stranded far away from her fellow Merries, and is great about sharing her passion for Celtic folklore. Must Read Department: The Fantastic Adventures of Robin Hood, edited by Martin H. Greenberg. I haven't even read all of it, but I'll tell you right now that Clayton Emory makes up for his previous work and then some, and both Midori Snyder and Nancy Holder...see things the way we do, and write with grace and brilliance. It's put out by Signet, a division of Penguin Books, 1991. Don't deprive yourself of this one! Beltane is just around the corner! Pull those weeds, plant those seeds, and stockpile Maypole safety needs... May Herne protect you, but be sure to hold up your end of the bargan! Have a wonderful holiday. Blessed be.