Central Regional Newsletter
Fall Equinox 2014
- Page 2 - Regional Druid Welcome by Amber Doty
- Page 3 - (photo) Ozark Druids Protogrove Lughnasadh Altar by Tressa Disney
- Page 4 - 5 Dill by Rovena Windsor
- Page 6 - (photo) Tree Books for Children by Hera Lakeshore
- Page 7 - Bibliography: Children's Books About Trees by Hera Lakeshore
- Page 8 - Midnight Flame Festival by Amber Doty
- Page 9 - (photos) Photos of Midnight Flame by Amber Doty
- Page 10 - Central Region Leadership Council Listing
- Page 11 - Contact Us!
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Flowers at the Omaha Farmers Market
Regional Druid Welcome by Amber Doty
Good morning Central Region. Sitting at my desk, watching the dark clouds roll across the sky, it's quite clear that fall is already here. Before long, the leaves will start changing, the jackets will have to come out, and all thoughts of summer will be forgotten. This fall has been very busy, and there doesn't seem to be a sign of it slowing down any time soon. It doesn't seem possible that 2014 is nearing its end, but it will be over before we know it.
For the first time in quite a while there are no big announcements to include in this newsletter, and I'm ok with that. It shows that we have reached a time of steadiness within our region. I can't even begin tell you how much praise the Central Region has received over the past few months. The hard work of all of you has made this region an amazing place to be. Thank you all for your dedication, and for making the Central Region of ADF something I am proud to be a part of. I hope you all enjoy this newsletter. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions I would love to hear them.
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Ozark Druids Protogrove - Lughnasadh Altar by Tressa Disney
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Dill by Rovena Windsor
Dill (Anethum
graveolens) is from the Carrot Family. The name has many possible
origins; it could be from the Norse dilla
for “to lull” or the Anglo-Saxon
word dylle for “to soothe”. Its zodiac
sign is Sagittarius while its planetary influence is Mercury. Dill is an annual herb that originated in
Eastern Europe and the Middle East but has been naturalized in the Americas.
It usually grows between 19” and 49” tall. The stalk ends in abundant
yellow umbels as large as 6” across. It looks like a broader version of fennel.
Dill oil can be extracted from the leaves, stems and seeds
of the plant. The flowering season
is July through September. Do not grow near fennel or they will hybridize. Dill
is a good companion plant for cabbage, onions, and lettuce. Plant in a
protected area or you will need to stake the stalks to prevent wind damage.
Dill loves the sun and prefers warm climates. It needs rich, moist but
well-drained soil. If you want a constant supply, then reseed several times
from the spring through the summer about every ten days. It is easy to grow
from seed. Use dill is if you want to attract butterflies and ladybugs. Due to
its height, dill makes a nice background plant. If grown it in containers then
choose a deep one to accommodate the deep tap root. The
seed is harvested by cutting the flower heads off the stalks when the seed is
beginning to ripen. The seed heads are placed upside down in a paper bag then
left in a warm dry place for about week. The seeds then separate from the stems
easily for storage in an airtight container.
Its beneficial effects has made it popular as a culinary herb. These
include sleep promoting tea, combats flatulence and nausea. It is used to
season sauces, fish dishes, salads, and any thing using cucumbers or tomatoes. If
using fresh, use a pair of scissors to achieve the fineness you want. If using
dry, grind them with salt in a mortar. The fresh plant has a delicate flavor;
the seeds have a stronger flavor. Once dried, it can lose
its strength rapidly. This problem is solved by freezing the fresh plant or
freeze-drying the leaves. It is
also prized for its pleasant but spicy aroma. To maximize the aroma just soak
the fresh plants in a bowl of water. It you steep them do not permit them to
boil. Fresh or dried, dill gives a feathery appearance to floral arrangements.
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Dill Continued...
Although several twigs of dill were found in the tomb of Amenhotep II, they report that the earliest archeological evidence for its cultivation comes from late Neolithic lake shore settlements in Switzerland. Traces have been found in Roman ruins in Great Britain. The Bible states that the Pharisees were in the habit of paying dill as tithe. The Talmud requires that tithes shall be paid on the seeds, leaves, and stem of dill. To the Greeks the presence of dill was an indication of prosperity. In the Middle Ages it was used as a love potion and to keep witches away. Protection herb; aids in a clear mind and strengthen reasoning; used in blessings.
References:
Beyerk,
Paul. The Master Book of Herbalism. Blaine, Washington: Phoenix Publishing, 1984
Editors. Rodale’s
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.
Rodale Press. Emmaus, PA: 1987
Editors. 1,001
Gardening Secrets the Experts Never Tell You. FC & A Publishing. Peachtree, GA: 2007.
Gabriel, Ingrid. Herb
Identifier & Handbook. Sterling
Publishing Co, Inc. New York: 1979.
Huson, Paul. Mastering
Herbalism. Madison Books. New York:
2001.
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Tree Books for Children by Hera Lakeshore
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Tree tops by Amber Doty
Bibliography: Children’s Books About Trees by Hera Lakeshore
Peterson First Guide to Trees by George A. Petrides
My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America by Diane Iverson
Spotter's Guide to Trees of North America by Mitchell & Ruggiero ; illustrated by Stebbing, Milne & Giles edited by Jacquemier, Goaman & Geffen
Celebritrees : Historic & Famous Trees of the World by Margi Preus illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon
Cloud Formation Over Nebraska
Who Will Plant a Tree? by Jerry Pallotta, Illustrated by Tom Leonard
Tell Me, Tree : All About Trees for Kids by Gail Gibbons
Trees, Leaves, and Bark by Diane L. Burns, illustrations by Linda Garrow
Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees by Jim Arnosky
Trees : A Guide to Familiar American Trees by Zim & Martin, illustrated by Barlowe & Barlowe
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Midnight Flame by Amber Doty
Midnight Flame Festival by Amber Doty
The Midnight Flame Festival was my very first ADF festival, and I was blessed to be able to return to this festival again this year, along with a few of my amazing friends/grove mates. The environment itself is worth the 12 hour drive, but the community makes it one of the most amazing experiences that I have encountered. There were numerous, versatile workshops offered this year, including workshops on the Nature Spirits, the Voyage of Mael Duin, Crocheting, Agricultural Festivals in a Suburban Environment, and Meditation. There was definitely a little something for everyone. In addition to this, there were several rituals held throughout the weekend, including a sumbel, full ADF ritual in a Norse style including the ordination of Matthew Rutledge, the newest ADF priest, and a full COoR ritual done by Jan Avende in a Hellenic style as the one of the completion requirements for her Initiates Program.
Needless to say, the days went by too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to come home again. I'd love to be able to express to everyone just how amazing this festival is, but honestly, there are no words to express just how much it means to me. You show up in Michigan as a relative stranger, and leave feeling like you've met your family. Strangers spark conversations, hugs are abundant, and no matter where you are at on your path, you are welcomed, appreciated, and loved. Thank you to the Grove of the Midnight Sun. You put on a fantastic event, and are truly an inspiration to all of us smaller groves!
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Midnight Flame has been lit!
Even as we hid from the pouring rain in the comfort of the pavilion, the Midnight Flame would not be extinguished.
Pleasant company in the pavillion
Beautiful trees surrounding Midnight Flame
Drum led us in a workshop about connecting with the ancestors, including an actual tree-hugging meditation. How can you not love these trees though?
Drum shares the beauty of the Nature Spirits
Jan Avenda discusses her Intiate's work
We also got to watch as Jan Avende completed her Initiates program, as one of the most beautiful ritualists I have ever encountered. And the fire is so well loved that everyone takes a moment to work with it, including Kirk Thomas.
Kirk Thomas works the fire.
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Caption
ADF Central Leadership Council Roster
Amber Doty - Regional Druid, GO Prairie Shadow Protogrove
Rovena Windsor - Regional Deputy
Amanda Nielsen - Senior Druid, Ad Astra Grove
Christian Young - Senior Druid, White Hawthorn Grove
Penelope McFadin - Grove Organizer, Protogrove of the Live Oaks
Chris Godwin - Senior Druid, Hearthstone Grove
Amanda Graham - Grove Organizer, Blackland Prairie Protogrove
Tressa Disney - Grove Organizer, Ozark Druids Protogrove
Erien Haddock - Iron Horse Protogrove
Steven Windsor - Grove Organizer, Thistle Protogrove
This is a list of the Leadership Council within the region. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please don't hesitate to ask any of them for assistance.
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CONTACT US!
The ADF Central Region now has several different options on how to follow us online learn more about us. For additional information, please visit our website: adfcentral.org
Follow Us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ADF-Central/172743519541962
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100623665008357613601/posts
Chat with Us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/116488051727502/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/108335504001172455533
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