1/12/10

Move over lead, CPSC warning about kids' jewelry tainted with cadmium --Move over lead, CPSC warning about kids' jewelry tainted with cadmium

http://www.popeater.com/2010/01/11/dr-conrad-murray-manslaughter-michael-jackson/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-ndl2link5http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2010%2F01%2F11%2Fdr-conrad-murray-manslaughter-michael-jackson%2F--michael-jackson

http://www.gnn.com/article/prehistoric-building-found-in-tel-aviv/850069?icid=mainhtmlws-main-ndl1link5http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2Fprehistoric-building-found-in-tel-aviv%2F850069 --prehistoric-building-found-in-tel-aviv

What Cleopatra's Eye Makeup Was Good For Health
Cleopatra's Eye Makeup Had Medical Benefits Too
Sphere (Jan. 12) -- It seems the ancient Egyptians knew a lot more than we already give them credit for. And that includes more down-to-earth things than how to build the Great Pyramids or preserve bodies for thousands of years.

It turns out that the heavy eye makeup worn by Egyptians such as Cleopatra probably had medical as well as aesthetic benefits, because of an ingredient that most, if not all, women today would run from.

French research suggests that at very low levels, lead salts contained in the ancient makeup produce nitrous oxide, which, scientists today have come to realize, boosts the immune system to fight off bacteria that can cause eye infection.

"According to ancient Egyptian manuscripts, these were essential remedies for treating eye illness and skin ailments,'' said the chief researcher, Philippe Walter, in an abstract of the research published in the journal Analytical Chemistry. "This conclusion seems amazing because today we focus only on the well-recognized toxicity of lead salts.''

The makeup used by ancient Egyptians took up to a month to make, and today it would be considered a health hazard because of its lead content.

But Walter explained that "owing to the biological role" of nitrogen monoxide "in stimulating nonspecific immunological defenses, one may argue that these lead compounds were deliberately manufactured and used in ancient Egyptian formulations to prevent and treat eye illnesses by promoting the action of immune cells."

He said the research was based on chemical analysis of cosmetics samples found in Egyptians tombs "and the reconstitution of ancient recipes as reported by Greco-Roman authors."

The analysis carried out by scientists from the Louvre museum in Paris and the French Center for Scientific Research found that in very low doses, lead could actually have a positive effect.

"We knew ancient Greeks and Romans, too, had noted the makeup had medicinal properties, but wanted to determine exactly how," Walter said.

The researchers used a tiny electrode, one-tenth the thickness of a human hair, to look at the effect on a single cell of lead chloride salt synthesized by the Egyptians.

Their research may have been hanging by a hair, but it opened up secrets that the women of ancient Egypt had known for a long time and were more than pleased, apparently, to use.
Filed under: World, Health, Only On Sphere

7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Haiti
AFP / Getty Images
A hospital collapses and many other
buildings are damaged, while communications are cut and officials
fear the death toll will be very high.
'Total disaster and chaos'


http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/sams-club-closes-ten-stores-lays-off-1-500-workers/19313648/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl3|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Fcompany-news%2Fsams-club-closes-ten-stores-lays-off-1-500-workers%2F19313648%2F --sams-club-closes-ten-stores-lays-off-1-500-workers'

http://food.aol.com/healthy-kitchen/mood-boosting-foods?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl5|link1|http%3A%2F%2Ffood.aol.com%2Fhealthy-kitchen%2Fmood-boosting-foods-- Mood-Boosting Foods

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/googles-nexus-one-backlash-shoddy-service/19312087/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl5|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Fgoogles-nexus-one-backlash-shoddy-service%2F19312087%2F --Google's Nexus One Backlash: Shoddy Service

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/11/cat-called-to-jury-duty/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl7|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F01%2F11%2Fcat-called-to-jury-duty%2F --Cat Called to Jury Duty

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/01/08/new-clothing-could-make-you-sick-gma-research-shocking/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl7|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stylelist.com%2F2010%2F01%2F08%2Fnew-clothing-could-make-you-sick-gma-research-shocking%2F --New Clothes Could Make You Sick - 'GMA' Research Shocking

http://living.aol.com/morning-rush/hit-and-run-good-morning-america/61416970001?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl7|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fliving.aol.com%2Fmorning-rush%2Fhit-and-run-good-morning-america%2F61416970001 --Hit and Run

http://www.sphere.com/world/article/anne-frank-helper-miep-gies-dies-at-age-100/19312771 --Miep Gies, Who Helped Anne Frank, Dies at Age 100

http://247wallst.com/2010/01/12/google-goog-may-leave-china-completely/ --Google (GOOG) May Leave China–Completely


By-laws
of Star Coven of Wiccan



1.1 [The Coven] is a Wiccan coven which derives its power from the diversity and strength of each individual member, and exists to provide for its members a safe space in which to express their spirituality.

1.2 The Coven exists as an open forum for the members to share knowledge, wisdom, and ideas.

1.3 In all administrative matters, The Coven is egalitarian and reaches decisions by consensus of the members.

1.3.1 The founding High Priestess will facilitate decision making sessions/meetings. Everyone who is a member of the coven shall act as an advisor. If Consensus cannot be quickly achieved, the High Priestess will make the final decision.

1.3.2 In an emergency situation, the High Priestess may make a decision without council, or with council as she chooses. Emergency decisions made by the High Priestess without council will be brought to the coven at a later date with the option for approval or adjustment.

1.4 In all matters of spiritual training, a three degree system is honored and employed.

1.5 The Coven agrees to follow a common body of laws which protect the rights and well being of the coven as a whole and the individuals that compose it. The Laws apply equally to all, and is applied equally to all, regardless of position or degree.


BOARD OF TRUSTEES


2.1 FORMATION

2.1.1 The core group will be 4 individuals who hold offices within the corporate structure.

2.1.2 Corporate titles for these individuals are "TRUSTEE".

2.1.3 The Trustees are responsible for the execution of all corporate needs and management of fiscal responsibilities of The Coven.

2.1.4 The Trustees, as a group, bestow legal clergy rights and privileges on members of sufficient rank and merit.

2.1.5 The Trustees, as a group, may bestow these same clergy rights on a limited basis to those of merit but who have not yet gained the rank necessary to carry them indefinitely.

2.2 TERM OF OFFICE

2.2.1 The Trustees are set at the formation of this body and there is no set term of office.

2.2.2 The position of Trustee conveys a great deal of responsibility and may require more time than can be given by an individual. For this reason, a Trustee who finds her/himself without sufficient time and/or energy to fulfill his/her position may take a hiatus of up to six months and still retain his/her position as Trustee.

2.2.2.1 If a trustee takes a hiatus, the membership may choose from among the volunteers from the membership one of merit to fill the role and responsibilities of the missing Trustee, on the understanding that it is only a temporary position. If the remaining Trustees can effectively handle the work of the missing Trustee, they do not need to seek a replacement for the one on hiatus.

2.2.2.2 If after six months, the missing Trustee still feels unable to fulfill his/her responsibility as Trustee, s/he will no longer be considered a Trustee and may be replaced.

2.2.2.3 Elections will then be held to elect a new Trustee from among the membership. This new Trustee will have the same rights and responsibilities as the other Trustees, including no set term of office.

2.3 REMOVAL OF A TRUSTEE

2.3.1 If the Trustee has so violated the trust of the membership as to make some or all uncomfortable with the Trustee retaining their position, any of the membership may make a Motion to Recall. Motion to recall cannot be made until dispute resolution has been attempted.

2.3.2 If such a motion is made, a meeting date must be set and communicated to all members at least 1 week prior to the meeting date. This is necessary as all members are encouraged to participate.

2.3.3 At least 67% of the membership must be present (in person or by written proxy) at the time of the vote.

2.3.4 To recall a Trustee at least 60% of those present must agree by means of their vote to remove the Trustee. If less than 60% vote for the recall, the Trustee maintains his/her position, but is urged to look at the concerns of the membership and do her/his utmost to address the concerns and regain good faith.

2.3.5 Removal or resignation from the Board of Trustees in no way affects their status as members of The Coven.

2.4 ADDITIONAL TRUSTEES

2.4.1 If at some point the Trustees determine that there is a need for additional Trustees to meet the functional needs of the Board of Trustees, they may call for volunteers from within the membership to fill the new vacancy(ies).

2.4.2 The consensually accepted Trustee(s) have the same rights and responsibilities as the standing Trustees, including no set term of office.

2.5 REMOVAL OF ADDITIONAL TRUSTEE POSITION(S)

2.5.1 If it comes to pass that an established Trustee position goes vacant, either due to lack of membership or lack of interest, for a period of nine months or more, that position is removed from the structure and can only be reinstated by means outlined previously.


THE SECRETARY


3.1 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY

3.1.1 Every group will inevitably receive correspondence and requests for classes. For this reason, there needs to be a person who is charged with answering correspondence and questions about the group, and chairing meetings.

3.1.2 The Secretary represents The Coven to all outsiders and is responsible for responding to all inquiries, written or otherwise. The secretary chairs all meetings, and takes notes at meetings.

3.1.3 Though not required, it is strongly urged that the Secretary periodically check in with the membership to ensure that they are adequately representing The Coven and not just their own opinions.

3.1.4 The term of office shall be a period of twelve months beginning at or around the Sabbat of Spring Equinox (March 21st). One person cannot hold the position for more than two consecutive terms.

3.1.5 The Secretary is a volunteer position answering to the membership and the Secretary can also hold the position of Trustee concurrently, but the Secretary does not need to be a Trustee.

3.1.6 Volunteers should be sought by the Trustees at the annual meeting at or around Imbolc (Feb 2nd).

3.1.7 If more than one member volunteers for a given term, the volunteers will work out between themselves who will serve the next term with the remaining volunteers being pre-assigned for subsequent terms.

3.1.8 If the volunteers are unable to work out an amenable solution, the membership will vote for their choice of Secretary with a simple majority determining the appointee.

3.1.9 Once the Secretary for the coming term has been determined, the new Secretary must confer with the current Secretary in order to be briefed on current practices and pending needs of the position. Any significant changes desired by the new Secretary must be brought for approval to the Trustees.

3.1.10 The Secretary will keep on file copies of all incoming or outgoing correspondence, and will report significant correspondence at business meetings.

3.1.11 The business files, and all correspondence are property of the Coven.

3.2 REMOVAL OF THE SECRETARY

3.2.1 If the Secretary has so violated the trust of the membership as to make some or all uncomfortable with the Secretary retaining his/her position, any of the membership may make a Motion to Recall. Motion to recall can only be cannot be made until disputes resolution has been attempted.

3.2.2 If such a motion is made, a time and date for the meeting to vote on the motion is set. All members must be notified at least 1 week in advance of the meeting.

3.2.3 At the time of the meeting, at least 67% of the membership must be present, either in person or by written proxy.

3.2.4 To recall the Secretary, a simple majority of those present must agree by means of their vote to remove the Secretary. If the majority does not vote to recall the Secretary, the Secretary retains his/her position, but is urged to look at the concerns of the membership and do her/his utmost to address their concerns and regain their faith.

3.2.5 Removal or resignation of the Secretary in no way effects their status as members of The Coven.


THE MEMBERSHIP


4.1 FORMATION

4.1.1 Membership is voluntary and any may choose to terminate their association at any time.

4.1.2 The membership is composed of traditionally initiated Wiccans, initiated or aligned into the Reformed Celtic/eclectic Tradition.

4.1.3 Membership is by invitation or initiation into The Coven.(can be by email,e group, or coven meetings)

4.1.4 When a member wishes for an invitation to be offered to a Wiccan, he/she can bring any one at any time, but it would be polite to call or email the High Priestess and inform her of the new member or visitor. So, she can take the appropriate action I.E.: more snacks or materials

4.1.5 The presenting member may be questioned by the membership regarding the merit of the person they propose.

4.1.6 After all questions have been asked by the membership, an invitation should be issued by The Coven.

4.1.8 If the perspective member accepts the invitation to join,

4.1.9 A Candidate who is not of at least the First Degree or higher requesting initiation into The Coven could or should but does not have too ask a member for initiation.

4.1.10 The Coven will not initiate anyone under 10 years of age.

4.1.11 Petitioners accepted for initiation must complete all initiatory tasks including the initiation ceremony

4.1.13 If there is a termination of membership for any reason, Please leave on good note and go with the goddess and good by you side.

4.2 RIGHTS OF THE WHOLE MEMBERSHIP

4.2.1 All members are implicitly invited to coven meetings and are encouraged to voice their opinions in decision making.

4.2.2 All members are eligible to serve as Trustees and as Secretary.

4.2.3 Any member may call a meeting of the membership when they have issues that they need to discuss, including the desire to amend these bylaws.

4.2.4 Though The Coven is a family, all members are free to pursue their studies either within or outside of The Coven membership, insofar as such choices do not conflict with the Code of Honor and vows taken. I.e. use your good judgment stay to white side of things, and do make the Coven look bad.

4.2.5 All members are free to associate with whomever they find worthy of their time, regardless of any tension that may exist between the persons they choose to associate with and members of The Coven, insofar as such choices do not conflict with the Code of Honor and vows taken.

4.2.6 All members are at all times bound by the Code of Honor and the vows they have freely taken.

4.3 RIGHTS OF THE 1ST DEGREE

4.3.1 May cast circle for themselves.

4.3.2 May teach classes within and for The Coven if approved by the Clergy.

4.3.3 May lead rituals for themselves.

4.3.4 May consecrate their own magickal tools.

4.3.5 May attend 1st degree initiation ceremonies and other circles to which they are invited.

4.3.6 May refer to self as "A Wiccan".

4.4 RIGHTS OF THE 2ND DEGREE

4.4.1 May cast circle without restriction.

4.4.2 May teach classes within and for The Coven and workshops and classes outside of The Coven.

4.4.3 May train students in the Craft.

4.4.4 May form study groups/protocovens. They are strongly urged to work with a partner of the 2nd or 3rd degree in such endeavors, as the temptation/opportunity to misuse authority is thus greatly diminished.

4.4.5 May lead rituals for themselves, their students, and for members of The Coven.

4.4.5.1 Must lead at least one Sabbat ritual/celebration within the Wheel cycle.

4.4.6 May perform initiations with a partner of 2nd degree, or with a partner of 1st degree who has had clergy rights bestowed by the Trustees for the purpose of initiating, if a 3rd degree is present and in accord with the ceremony.

4.4.7 May attend 2nd degree elevation ceremonies and circles to which they are invited.

4.4.8 May refer to self as "A Priest/ess".

4.5 RIGHTS OF THE 3RD DEGREE

4.5.1 May cast circle without restriction.

4.5.2 May teach classes within and for The Coven and workshops and classes outside of The Coven.

4.5.3 May train students in the Craft.

4.5.4 May form their own covens. They are strongly urged to work with a partner of the 2nd or 3rd degree in such endeavors, as the temptation/opportunity to misuse authority is thus greatly diminished.

4.5.5 May lead rituals for themselves, their students, in the community (Wiccan and Mundane), and for members of The Coven.

4.5.5.1 Must lead at least one Sabbat ritual/celebration within each Wheel cycle.

4.5.6 May perform initiations with a partner of at least 2nd degree, or with a partner of 1st degree who has had clergy rights bestowed by the Trustees for the purpose of initiating.

4.5.7 May attend 3rd Degree elevation ceremonies and circles to which they are invited.

4.6 MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

4.6.1 All members shall abide by the Code of Honor, these bylaws, and the vows freely taken by themselves.

4.6.2 No member, student, or candidate shall ever be required to perform or submit to sexual acts as a condition of receiving teachings, initiations, elevations, or any other benefit, nor shall one be required to witness sexual acts, nor to broker sexual services, nor to acquiesce to the sharing of a spouse or sexual partner. No swearing, alcohol, drugs or sky clad we are a family coven

4.6.3 No member shall infringe upon the Constitutional rights of any member, student or candidate.

4.6.4 In all matters, members shall ever strive to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and in keeping with that which they were taught and that which they teach.

4.6.5 No member shall ever intentionally lie or distort information to another member, student, or candidate with the object of harming, exploiting, or otherwise taking advantage of that person. A Witch's word is his or her bond. If a promise cannot be kept, members shall not make such a promise.

4.7 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

4.7.1 An associate is reserved for those close to the heart of Star Coven of Wicca who live at such a distance that they cannot attend required coven functions.

4.7.2 Associate member status is granted High Priestess of the coven.

4.7.3 An associate is free to attend all coven functions.

4.7.4 An associate retains all the rights of a member, with the following exceptions:

4.7.3.1 Holding office within the coven, or

4.7.3.2 Decision making within the coven.

4.7.3.3 The immediately preceding exclusions do not prohibit solicitation and consideration of the input and opinion of associates on any matter before SCW.

4.7.5 Change of residence to within easy access of the coven transmutes associate to member without further action.

.

4.9 REMOVAL OF A MEMBER

4.9.1 If the member has so violated the trust of the membership as to make some or all uncomfortable with the member remaining within The Coven, any of the membership may make a Motion to Dismiss. A motion to dismiss cannot be made until dispute resolution has been attempted.

4.9.1.1 The seriousness of this potential action should limit this option as the very last resort considered. The following offenses shall constitute the whole for which this option may be invoked: VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF HONOR, VIOLATION OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE STUDENT, OR THE VIOLATION OF THE MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS OF CONDUCT.

4.9.2 If such a motion is made, a meeting date must be set and communicated to all members at least 1 week prior to the vote.

4.9.4 To dismiss a member, the member maintains his/her membership, but is urged to look at the concerns of the membership and do her/his utmost to address the concerns and regain their faith.

CODE OF HONOR

5.1 To consider your word sacred.

5.2 To love all things in nature.

5.3 To respect all paths to the center.

5.4 To honor Deity in it's many manifestations.

5.5 To abstain from harm when possible, pursuing resolution over conflict.

5.6 To share the Truths of the Wiccae only when authorized by Wiccan clergy.

5.7 To have the courage to stand firm in your convictions, ever taking counsel of your Highest Self.

5.8 At all times, to do the very best you can.

6.0 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.1 There will inevitably be disputes among the membership, and possibly there will be concern about the performance of Trustee or Secretary duties. As spiritual beings, we understand that frequently a dispute and its resolution reside within our own selves. Members are encouraged to look within for a resolution before pursuing any further conflict resolution.

6.2 All such disputes which one cannot resolve through inner exploration should discussed with those directly involved.

6.2 If resolution is not found personally, nor through discussion with the party(s) in the dispute, then the dispute or issue should be brought to The Clergy for resolution.


COVEN MEETINGS


7.0 BUSINESS MEETINGS

7.1 All members who have attained the degree of Priest/ess will meet when necessary to discuss matters of spiritual training and other matters of the clergy. It is expected that all members of the clergy will make every reasonable effort to attend these meetings.

7.2 All members of the Coven are required to attend an annual business/planning meeting, which is to be held at or about Imbolc, to plan events and issues for the upcoming year. It is expected that every member of the Coven will make every reasonable effort to attend this meeting.

7.3 Ad-hoc meetings may be called at any time by any member, as the need arises. All members are encouraged to attend these meetings.

7.4 The Secretary will chair and will take notes of all business meetings. If the Secretary is unable to chair a meeting, a Trustee will act as the chair.

8.0 SABBATS AND ESBATS

8.1 When possible, the Coven will gather to celebrate the eight Sabbats of the Wheel.

8.1.2. All members of the Coven are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend these Sabbats.
8.1.3. As the Coven's anniversary is celebrated at Lammas, it is expected that all members of the Coven will attend this Sabbat.

8.2 When possible, the Coven will gather to celebrate the thirteen Esbats of the Wheel.

8.2.1. Esbats may be held as circle, or as coven building/social time.

8.2.2. All members of the Coven are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend these Esbats.

9.0 INITIATIONS AND ELEVATIONS

9.1 All members of the coven are required to attend coven initiations. Each member will make every reasonable effort to attend.

9.2 Every clergy member of the appropriate degree is required to attend coven elevations. Each clergy member of the appropriate degree will make every reasonable effort to attend.
we borrowed these rule and such from another coven until such time we write or own. For they convey what and how our coven should be like.

Paganism / Wiccan

In the Spotlight | More Topics | Discussion Forums |
from Patti Wigington
In this week's news, we're looking at a Federal Express driver who dropped off more than just a package, some horrific tales emerging regarding Ugandan witch doctors, and a nifty look at the world of Harry Potter. Also this week, a witch gets a makeover, clearcutting reveals some cool stuff in the Amazon rainforest, and we look at Janus, the namesake of this month. Have a magical week, and watch for Friday's Special Edition, where we'll talk about how to live a magical life every day!
In the Spotlight
FedEx Driver Drops Off Extra Stuff
Trish Reynolds is a Wiccan high priestess and author who lives in Mt. Olive, New Jersey (not Wisconsin, as I had erroneously typed before). Back in December, she watched as a Federal Express driver dropped off a package for her neighbor. On his way back to his truck, the driver noticed a "Goddess Bless America" sticker on Reynolds' car. That's when he got a Chick tract out of his truck and...Read More

More Topics
Janus, the Two Faced God
God of prophecy and doorways
Salem Makeover Show Airs This Week
Catch it Friday night
Remnants of Amazon Civilization Uncovered
The only good thing about deforestation
Feminist Theologian Mary Daly Crosses Over
Author of "The Church & The Second Sex"
Sign Up for the Intro to Tarot E-Class
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Myths and Misconceptions About Paganism
What you might not know
2010 Pagan & Wiccan Calendar
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Child Sacrifice on the Rise in Uganda
Thanks to Lesley, Shivam, and several others who forwarded me this chilling article from the BBC. A recent investigation into the ritual killings of children reveals that the practice may be far common than anyone realized. Ugandan witch doctors say that there is a belief that child sacrifice can bring prosperity. I'll warn you ahead of time, the article is a disturbing one to...Read More


University Examines the Potterverse
This is a fun little bit of academia blending in with pop culture. The University of Alabama's Museum of Health Sciences is hosting a traveling exhibit which showcases some of the science that served as J.K. Rowling's inspiration in the Harry Potter series. If you've read the series, you know that magic in the Potterverse is treated not as supernatural phenomena, but as...Read More

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Blessed Be...High Priestess Char Norton