Sahmain 2000 Newsletter Editorial |
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Welcome again to PAN, the state newsletter for our members. I hope this season finds you all well. I apologise for the delay in the production of this newsletter, and ask that you bear with me while I'm finding a replacement co-ordinator. I haven't received any nominations to take over the role of NSW Co-ordinator as yet, so I'm still looking for someone willing and able! The Yule newsletter will contain an update about what's happening. The Yule newsletter will also contain information regarding renewals for the next year.
I hope you have all had a chance to get out and enjoy some of the local Pagan happenings in your area. There are plenty of open groups and meetings all around NSW now, and it's a great chance to get out and meet others of like mind! If there's not a group in your local area, start one! It can be as simple as a discussion group (discussing books etc..), or can be as complex as the Full Moon Circles hosted by the Pagan Awareness Network. And if you can, get along to the Magick Happens event at Sydney Town Hall on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th June, this event will be huge!
Winter comes soon, and the mornings are already chilly, in Sydney we've had some spectacular fogs recently. The days are getting noticeably shorter, and it's dark when I get home now. Have you had a chance to see the spectacular autumn sunsets this season? Autumn is one of my favorite times to watch the sunset, as the old sun ages and retires each day.
Another sign that winter is on it's way is the changing play of light and shadow in our back yard. The sun is on an ever changing course, and after the Autumn Equinox, there is little afternoon sun playing in the garden. Consequently, the zygocactus know it's time to flower, the begonias have grown far and wide, and the sweeping of apricot leaves is almost a daily occurrence. I haven't heard the cuckoo for a week or two now, and suspect he's begun his annual migration to the north for the cold months of winter. I keep one ear listening for his call through the long winter months, for his song heralds the promise of the return of spring.
It's hard for me this winter, as I've no footy team to support this year. L Footy season would mean piles of scarves, jackets, coats, beanies, socks, gloves, raincoats, lots of yelling, lots of mateship, and warm foods on the return home. It was Sunday's of standing in the rain, yelling til I was hoarse, urging the team on, and hoping the seed would find its mark in an unfertile winter soil. It culminated at the Spring Equinox, and announced the return of the summer half of the year. But no more.... And now I wander through a long dark winter, with no light to guide me. (This may sound all rather melodramatic, but for someone who really did mark the year in half with sport (as well as the traditional methods of observing the seasonal changes), it can be difficult to reposition yourself. I'd love to hear from members who have methods, other than the seasons, for marking the year, and how you have adapted if those seasonal markers were removed.)
I've been incredibly lucky over the last season to get out into the bush and go for some short and long walks. Cuddling trees always brings me back to earth, brings me closer and reconnects me to the world. I thoroughly recommend it.
On a bright note, thanks to anyone who contributed a submission for the Southern Forests Regional Forest Agreements. Bob Carr announced recently, the NSW position. It is pleasing to note that the resulting decision does not constitute a RFA, which would have been binding on the government for the next 20 years. For more information, please see the Wilderness Society Web page at: http://www.wilderness.org.au
For those without web access, here is a summary of the decision, as reported by the Wilderness Society on the 14th April 2000.
"The Wilderness Society warmly welcomes the decision by the Carr Government to substantially protect very important areas of forest in the Southern Region of NSW, but is dismayed that important areas of wilderness have been sacrificed to woodchip giant Daishowa.
Local communities, state and national conservation groups alike will rejoice at finally achieving protection for Greater Murramarang, Croobyar, Dignams Creek, Greater Conjola, Five Lakes and most of Monga and Tallaganda. Thankfully these biologically highly productive forests can now be restored.
Sadly, however, the decision has a number of serious flaws.
The Wilderness Society will never accept that rare and precious areas of wilderness in the Deua, Badja and Wandella can be logged and will commence planning now to protect these priceless parts of our natural heritage.
Thank you to everyone who wrote or faxed Mr Carr recently expressing their support for the protection of the South Coast forests - your action helped bring about the protection of the important forest areas included in this decision. "
What's happening in your backyard, or on your balcony this season?
Blessed Be
Adrianne
