Yule 2000 Newsletter Yule

Welcome again to another edition of your state newsletter. As you can probably tell, I'm still here in the role of NSW Co-ordinator, until the Gods send someone to release me... Consequently, due to exams and assignments, this newsletter is a bit shorter than usual. If there's anyone out there who wants to help with the production of PAN, (e.g., typing and layout and some sourcing of articles), drop me a line (you're not likely to get me on the phone at the moment).

I spent a wonderful weekend at Town Hall over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of June, tending the Alliance's stall that we shared with the Pagan Awareness Network (the people that do the public full moon circles - which by the way, did you know have been going for 3 years now?). And I hope to be able to continue to attend the Manly markets that happen quarterly (next one's on the 17th June - come along if you haven't been before, it's a great day in the sun, listening to music, spending your money...).

Winter is certainly here! Did you get snow at your place at the end of May? The winds were so strong that trees were uprooted, and snow cut the road at Katoomba for a number of days. In Sydney we turned on the heater, pulled on warm jumpers and hid under the blankets. I think it's going to be a cold winter this year - a reminder of the variablility of the seasons. Sure the wheel turns, but to what degree are we influenced by each season, and how strong do we feel its pull from year to year? Connection with the season is a start, and learning how the seasons change from year to year, and how they interact with the others seasons is the next step (something I think would take a lifetime of observation'!!)

The wattlebird in our yard is growing stronger, his voice becoming louder and clearer (there was a period recently when he sounded like his voice was breaking!). The cuckoo has begun his long migration for winter and we will not hear his call again til spring returns to us. The apricot tree in our backyard has lost all of its leaves and stands now bare, naked and unadorned before nature, slowly dying.

Winter means less fish, less opportunity to fish, and many more hours spent inside keeping out of the bitter cold, but it does mean reviewing our methods, cleaning our gear. I am reminded of the times my ancestors would have mended their nets and told great fishing stories in front of the fire...

What's happening in your backyard, or on your balcony this season? How are you marking the seasons in your life?

Blessed Be
Adrianne Harris, NSW co-ordinator