what-is-going-on

Catching Up

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:50:09 +0100

Yes, that's Raven Coven, catching up on all the good news that was lost in the shuffle of movement between the veil and the present!

The Midwest Michigan Witches Ball, in its 15th season, was a huge success and those of us who were able to attend had a wonderful time. Our HPS was unable to attend due to officiating at another handfasting, but we are told that the celebration was much like ours was at the ball (we hope not!). I don't know about anyone else but I had a terrific time meeting other like-minded souls & supporters who just wanted to peer through another looking glass at their grand reflections. Can't wait for next year's ball, which, we are told we will be sponsoring yet again. Woo Hoo! Par-tay!!!

Samhain was a swirl of leaves and mist for those who attended our invitation-only ritual. We would like to thank all who attended and count ourselves blessed by the magick brought forth and released. Our Samhain bonfire was a sight to be seen!

As we all know with all magickal workings, the intent we bring forth and place on the Altar of Life is what gives us the balance that we strive for in our own lives. We are reminded in little ways (and not just by our HP or HPS) that love resounds in us all--we are the gatekeepers in all of our workings, whether magickal or mundane.

So, as the days lead us into darkness we must remind ourselves that even in the darkest of night we, ourselves, are flame--full of brightness, passion, abundance, and resourcefulness. We are the light that beckons to others; we are the hope seen in another's eye. With this in mind, Raven Coven will be spending Thanksgiving in service to others, helping out at neighborhood food pantrys and soup kitchens throughout Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. We encourage others to help as well and hope that as you give of your time, so too does love grow.

Congratulations Winners of the Dark Moon Gathering Raffle!!

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:19:44 +0100

Raven Coven, one of the supporters for the Midwest Witches' Ball 2011, recently raffled off two free tickets to the Witches' Ball at their Dark Moon Gathering last month. The winners, who asked that their names not be published, were very overjoyed to have won the tickets. We hope that they enjoy their evening at the Ball!!!

The Midwest Witches' Ball, formerly known as the Michigan Witches' Ball, is now in its 15th year and still growing! The theme for this year's ball is "Through The Looking Glass", so don your regalia, costumes, or evening wear and join us as we celebrate a night to remember!

This year's ball will be held at The Met Hotel, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48098, from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

For more information on the ball, please visit http://www.midwestwitchesball.com.

~Passages Ritual & Gathering~

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:31:48 +0100

Please join the family and friends of Lord Cabal (Philip Kirsch) in an interactive Passages Ritual & Gathering on Saturday, June 4th, 2011, from 4p.m. until 12 midnight at 28643 Hanover Blvd, Westland, MI 48186.

One of Philip's last known wish was for everyone to embrace who they are and as such the family is asking that everyone come dressed as they are be it flower child, witch, or fae (no nudity, please). However, both ritual garb and street clothes are welcome as well, with comfort being the priority. Be prepared to have fun, enjoy yourself, and remember Lord Cabal (Philip) with love.

If you are able to come, please bring a dish to pass for the potluck dinner buffet that will be held both before and after the ritual. This ritual will be held outdoors, and chairs are very limited, so you may wish to bring your own to sit by the fire and, drums if you have them.

Also, please feel free to bring other friends that you think would like to join us as we celebrate Lord Cabal’s (Philip Kirch's) life and current journey to his final resting place at Fire Mountain, NV.

There will be street parking available as well as off-street parking. Also, please note that alcohol will only be allowed after the ritual as per the family's wishes and is BYOB. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and juice will be provided.

For those that are coming from a distance there is space on the grounds to pitch a tent & camp out. First come, first pick of area!

We hope that you can join us – Lord Cabal (Philip Kirsch) would have loved to circle with you one last time!

Blessings,
Talitha Ruatha, HPS

~ Passages: Lord Cabal ~

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:48:46 +0100

We are greatly saddened to report that a great loss has occurred in the pagan community. Lord Cabal, (Philip Kirsch), passed away Saturday, April 30, 2011, at his home in Adrian, Michigan.

Born December 7, 1955, to Robert John and LaVern Marie (Green) Kirsch in Garfield Heights, Ohio, Philip was employed with the L.I.S.D., at the HOPE Center in Adrian, Michigan. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Philip is survived by one brother, Sam Kirsch of Northfield, Ohio; also by many people who loved him and considered him family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert, Jr.

Per Philip's wishes, cremation has taken place. The HOPE Center in Adrian, Michigan will be holding a memorial service, "A Time of Remembrance and Storytelling of Philip’s Life" on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at 4 p.m. The HOPE Center is located at 431 Baker Street, Adrian, Michigan.

A Passages Ritual Gathering is being planned and will be held at a later date per his family's request. Notices will be sent out upon finalization.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomeadriantecumseh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the HOPE Center.

ON A PRIVATE NOTE:

Lord Cabal is and was a very good friend to our coven; a friend, advisor and Elder of the pagan community who shall be missed greatly. Words cannot express the depths of feelings we wish to express to Lord Cabal's family and loved ones. Though our hearts are grieving, our souls dance in the ethers as Lord Cabal begins his journey home. We repeat the loving words of our High Priestess: "Lord Cabal, thou art beloved and thou art missed. May the journey be swift as you take wing toward your destiny; May the Universe dance with you; and May the Mother welcome you Home."

Raven Coven Supports Midwest Witches' Ball 2011

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:00:50 +0100

Raven Coven has just announced that they will be supporting the Midwest Witches' Ball 2011!

The Midwest Witches' Ball, formerly known as the Michigan Witches' Ball, is now in its 15th year and still growing! The theme for this year's ball is "Through The Looking Glass", so don your regalia, costumes, or evening wear and join us as we celebrate a night to remember!

This year's ball will be held at The Met Hotel, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48098, from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

For more information on the ball, please visit http://www.midwestwitchesball.com.

Also, news has it that Raven Coven will be raffling off two free tickets to the ball later in the year....we will keep you informed!!

Raven Coven supporting TSF at Convocation 2011

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:29:24 +0100

Raven Coven is pleased to announce they will be providing a Faery Altar to The Tempest Smith Foundation that will be raffled off at Michigan's ConVocation 2011!!

Tempest Smith was 12 years old when she committed suicide due to bullying and religious persecution. The behavior she was subjected to began when she was in the second grade, and increased with intensity until Tempest could no longer dispel the torment through non-violent reaction. She left written words indicating her decision. Tempest hung herself on February 20, 2001.

In September 2002, after more than a year of meditation and inner contemplation, Tempest’s mother, the late Denessa Smith, stepped out into the community with a mission and a message, and in January 2003, the Tempest Smith Foundation legally began. The debut of TSF was at the Tempest Smith Memorial Ritual held at ConVocation 2003. The ritual was performed by several prominent figures of the Pagan community to honor Tempest, ensuring that her convictions would not go unnoticed.

Today, The Tempest Smith Foundation is an organization dedicated to fostering tolerance and eliminating teen bullying. The Foundation provides education programs for schools and community organizations on anti-bullying and discrimination, as well as helps provide networking opportunities through social events throughout the community. The Foundation also offers scholarship opportunities to students who demonstrate a commitment to the foundation’s goals.
For more information, see www.tempestsmithfoundation.org.

Since 2003, the Foundation has hosted a raffle during Michigan's ConVocation. The raffle consists of handmade items, clothing, statuary, jewelry, author-signed books, services, and more donated by presenters during ConVocation, visiting authors, vendors, covens, groves, groups, artisans, and individuals. Proceeds from the raffle benefit and support the Tempest Smith Foundation.

This year's ConVocation is being held at The Met Hotel, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48098. For more information on ConVocation 2011, please go to http://www.convocation.org.

We hope to see you there!