Ye Olde Witches Brew Magazine
Embracing the Vintage Witch

Issue : Samhain 2009

Samhain Blessings Gentle Readers!

It's that wonderful, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful time of year again! Autumn! The Season of the Witch! Days are shorter, nights getting longer and the Thinning of the Veil can easily be felt as we draw closer to All Hallow's Eve; Samhain!

It's a time for trick-or-treating,  pumpkins, witches, scarecrows, cinnamon, vanilla and other comforting aromas permeating throughout the house. We begin our decent into the Darkest part of the Year and in Honor of Samhain this Issue focuses on the Crone Goddess. Mysterious, full of Wisdom and a time for Death. Death of our gardens as we continue to prepare for Winter, in addition to old patterns, and old behaviors and old ways that no longer serve our Highest Good.

As quoted from Ellen Lorenzi-Prince from her website Croneways.com, "The Crone is the ancient holy one. She is grandmother, witch and hag. She has been ignored, trivialized, blamed and feared, for she holds powers that others deny. Powers of time and transformation. Powers we may fear, but would do better to understand.

 The Crone is the Mother of all Mothers. She knows all your bedtime stories, and all your worst nightmares. 

 She is the One Who Knows Death. She will introduce you to your shadow. She can free you from your fears. The Crone is She Who Has Gone Beyond.

She has lived many years and many lives. Her feet know the paths of the Ancestors. Through her we can touch those who have gone before. She has lived for love, for power, for grace. Now she lives for herself and her journey. She travels new roads and dares the unknown.

She is ancient, but not always aged. She may be beautiful, but she's not pretty. She Who Has Gone Beyond goes beyond our idea of what a deity or a woman may be." ~Tarot of the Crone

Our Cover Story written by Lady Abagail delves into the Path of the Crone with her beautifully written article, "Autumn: The Croning Time". Lady Abagail  has also contributed a few more articles within this Issue that Honors the Crone and this Season of the Witch. What a mesmerizing writer!

Our Gallery of Witch Artists is filled with all New Artists to Ye Olde Witches Brew and what an amazing journey it was to find these eclectic, talented and warmhearted people. From Grim, to Vintage, to Eccentric; it's all here awaiting for your visit into the Gallery.

Ye Olde Witches Brew would like to welcome Author, Jacqueline Ciminelli Korda  to our Writer's Den Department. See what's brewin' with this Gothic/Erotic/Horror Author!

Read about the Baba Yaga, an informative and beautifully written article about this Russian Folktale which is probably where the infamous sterotype about witches eating small children came from.

Don't forget to browse and read our Columns and Other Departments filling your Samhain Holiday with everything from Crafts, Recipes, Rituals, Magick and Beautifully Haunting Tales from our amazing Writers and Contributors~

Have a Very Blessed Samhain!

Issue : Litha/Lammas 2009

The Butterfly:                       

Transmutation, Dance of Joy

The butterfly is the symbol of change, joy and color.
It is the symbol of the soul.

They remind us that life is a dance,
not to take things quite so seriously.
They also remind us to get up and move.
Dance brings the sweetness of life.

 Transformation, Joy, Dance, Life! Here we are, coming close to Mid-Summer and although a lesser Sabbat, it still brings forth abundance, passion and fire. The fires of Summer, as well as the Fire in Your Soul. What are your Passions? What Transformation are you wanting to Welcome into your Life? Change does not have to be painful, it can bring Joy, unsurpassed Happiness, even with some of the trials and tribulations change can sometimes hand over to you. Paying attention to what is right in front of you sometimes brings the deepest of revelations. Being grateful for what you have and where you are right this very moment is a Gift in itself! You are exactly where you are supposed to be and the Universe has an Endless supply of resources and Love! What are you waiting for?

This is the One Year Anniversary of Ye Olde Witches Brew and I have seen this Magazine transform with each and every issue. I recently looked over the debut issue and can honestly say and feel that I, as Editor and Creator of this magazine have changed, grew and blossomed! It is still growing and forming and I am excited to see what the Next year is going to bring to The Brew!~

I have to take the time to Thank ALL of the Writers, Contributors and Artists who have spent their time with me, allowing me to present their hard work for all our readers to enjoy and see. You inspire me in my own creativity, however it forms and comes alive. I also Thank Our Readers! If it weren't for you, then I wouldn't have made it a whole year and this new year promises to bring much more for you to enjoy. I give to you much Love and Light!~

This Issue, Our Cover Story invites you into a true Witches Journey! My interview with Lady Bridwen is something to behold. This woman is amazing and proves that Witches Do Heal!~

We will also be re-visiting A Year in Art and Fantasy by looking at some of the Artists who have graced Ye Olde Witches Brew in addition to a couple of New Artists in Our Gallery of Witch Artists. Recipes, Rituals, and Crafts abound throughout this Issue, allowing you to truly Celebrate like a Pagan! Want to know how the Swedish celebrate Mid-Summer? It's very close to a Beltane Celebration! Our EarthWalk Column features an Article on how to Celebrate Mid-summer as the Swedish do~

We have a Brand New Column called WishCraft created and written by Jo Lynne Gianvecchio-Valerie. Within this Column, Jo Lynne gives you the tools in helping to create the Life you dream of, and the resources in which to achieve it!~

Without further adieu, let's get Transformed!~

This Issue's Cover is the Artwork of Ron Byrum from Byrum Art and Designs It is called Moonlight Meditation~Thank You, Ron Once Again For Allowing Me To Show The World The Beauty Of Your Work!

Issue : Ostara/Beltane 2009

Merry Meet Gentle Readers,

Spring is upon and as we gather to celebrate this season of renewal and rebirth stop for a moment to take notice of the changes going on all around us. Soon there will buds upon the trees just waiting to burst forth, opening to greet the Goddess and God in all it's splendor. The birds are beginning to make their way back to us, singing a most beautiful melody of Spring, Rebirth and Renewal. Days are becoming longer, the nights shorter and as we gather with friends and family always remember to say Thank You for all that we are given everyday on this Beautiful Place We Call Earth~

Are you sick and tired of the media portraying Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches as Evil? Jo Lynne Gianvecchio-Valerie is the author of our Cover Story; "Excuse Me, Witches Are Dirty and Evil? Yeah, About That..." Written with honesty and integrity, I am sure we can all relate to what the media has and is doing as well as what we can do as individuals and communities to counteract the media hype.

Have you ever dealt with someone telling you are not what you say you are? Labeling within the Pagan Community is more rampant they one might think and our Contributing Writer and Author, Dragonfly writes of an experience she recently had on another Online Group and her feelings of "What's in a Name?"

Ye Olde Witches Brew also covers the History of the Maypole and Firedancing, along with a wealth of information on rituals, gardening, crafts and recipes to fill your plate full of Springtime activities, lore and fun!~

Blessed Spring, Dear Readers! Live, Laugh, Love...OFTEN!~

Our Cover Art is called Ostara by the beautiful pagan and fairy artist, Sabrina the Ink Witch.

Issue : Yule/Imbolc 2008

Yuletide Greetings Gentle Readers!

It has been such a pleasure pitting this issue together. A Magickal and Peaceful journey filled with Love. As it should be, as this is the Season of Giving and of Love. Music is a large part of the Yuletide and Christmas Season bringing family and friends together. What are some of your favorite Classic Holiday songs and music? For me, this season is when I can shamelessly express my love for the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Our Cover Story takes you on a journey into this extraordinary musical sensation, including their video of *Christmas in Sarejevo* in addition to their famous Christmas Story which is highlighted in their Live Performances.

Unity, Love, and Peace is what this Season is all about, as it should be all year round, and to share in this Season of Love is one our Newest Writers here at Ye Olde Witches Brew; Mojo, detailing her evening with Deepak Chopra this past November 17th 2008. Included is her beautiful photography of the grounds at Unity Village.

As a Special Feature this Issue, I have had the wonderful opportunity to interview Pagan and Fantasy Artist Sabrina The Ink Witch as we delve a bit into her artwork, her charmed life as well as a brief history in the Ancient and Beautiful Art of Pen and Ink. Other Featured Artists Include Sue Miller and Authors Madelyn Alt and Yasmine Galnorn.

Also included in this Special Issue is Planning for a Medieval Christmas Gathering with all the trimmings, rituals, invocations, children's stories, and a Seven Part Series in Yuletide Feastings, giving you delectable recipes to make this Holiday Season a hit! Speaking of Series, Ye Olde Witches Brew Magazine has begun our own Winemaking Series, giving you the opportunity to learn to make your own wine. This Issue we begin with Making Your Own Blackberry Wine.

We have also added two New Additions to Ye Olde Witches Brew: *Follow Your Bliss*, A Brand New Column teaching you to follow your Authentic Voice to a Beautiful Journey through Life. The Writer's Den is a New Department that Features Seasoned Authors, their work, New Releases, a bit about them and where you can find them and their work. A Beautiful Spotlight on well-deserving Writers and Authors.

As we wind down the holiday cheer, we move into Imbolc/Candlemas, the seeds of renewal and rebrith.  Gardening advice for the winter months coupled with rituals, foods, and informative articles throughout our Columns and Departments will give anyone from the Beginner to Seasoned Witches, Pagans and Non-Pagns alike a great stepping stone into celebrating Our Mother Earth and keeping in tune with Mother Nature's Rhythm.

From All of Us Here at Ye Olde Witches Brew to You Our Dear Readers, We Wish Everyone a Very Merry and Blessed Holiday Season!

Issue : Mabon/Samhain 2008

Blessed Autumn Dear Readers!! With Summer at it's End, We Welcome and Embrace the Enchantment of The Autumn Season! Our Mabon/Samhain Edition of Ye Olde Witches Brew will take you on a Journey full of Beauty, Nostaglia and Magick as you explore the depths of this wonderous Season of Abundance!! Our Cover Story written by Davina Rush, 'The Autumn of Our Lives' is a Special contribution to what this season is all about. The Love, the Beauty, and the Enchantment.

We start off with beautiful articles on Celebrating Mabon; The Witches Thanksgiving; filled with rituals, altar ideas, and recipes. We have also included children's pagan stories laced with spiritual lessons to be learned about Mabon and Samhain. All of our Stories and Poems are found in 'The Witches Muse' Department as well as all our Rituals and Meditations.

All of Our Articles take you on a Path of Spiritual Beauty and Wonder. From the Beautiful Craft pages, Recipes, all the way through to Our Featured Artists Page which includes My Very First Interview with Fantasy and Witch Artist, JM Leotti!! How exciting it was to interview one of my favorite Artists!!! We have several Featured Halloween and Vintage Artists to Browse through; from Heather Millot from Witch Hollow Primitives to Cathy Obeshaw from Merelyadream!!

We also have an Advice Colmnist now ready to answer any questions you may have but were afraid to ask. 'Witch at the Crossroads' is our New Column found on our navigation bar on top of the web page. Please don't forget our other Columns filled with wonderful articles especially for the Autumn Season.

What is Halloween with out some of the Classic Ghost Stories as well as True Life Ghost Stories? We have quite a few of both that will send a chill down your spine, so don't read alone!!

Planning a Wedding? How about on Halloween? Then our Halloween Theme Wedding Reception has everything you need to throw the most Bewitching Wedding Reception Ever!!

This Edition of Ye Olde Witches Brew has everything to compliment this Season of Abudance and Celebration so without further adieu, Sit Back, Relax, Let's Get Bewitched!~

~Happy Reading and We Wish You a Very Blessed Mabon and Samhain Holiday!!!

From Our Cauldron to Yours,

Blessings From the Staff at Ye Olde Witches Brew Magazine!!!

Issue : Litha/Lammas 2008

Merry Meet and Welcome to the Preimere Issue of Ye Olde Witches Brew Magazine! We are excited about this new venture and we have gathered articles, artwork, poetry and more to give you a most unique magazine experience. Learn about the Beauty and Splendor of Litha, also know as Midsummer as well as the warmth of Lammas. Our Featured Artists this Issue are Ron and Sherry Byrum. Their Magickal World of Fantasy, Witch, and Fairy Art will transport you into another Realm...You just might not want to come back. You will also find seasonal crafts to compliment the Sabbats along with delicious menus to give you the most delectable meal that will also compliment the Ritual included inthis Issue as well. 

Our Pagan Parenting Column, "Spiritual Journeys" has a great article about Walking with your children through the Path of the Goddess, and don't forget to check out all of our other regular Columns filled with more Seasonal articles and information. Have a Wonderful Litha/Lammas! Blessed Be!