It is our obligation as members of the Henge to honor our patron deities and allied ancestors on their days. Most times we will do this individually – occasionally we will do it together.
Vashti Woodring
Vashti Woodring – photo from an SCA website
Vashti’s feast day is November 4. Honor her with strawberries, red wine, and dances. She is for us the Herald, the Crafter, and the Dancer.
Honoring Vashti Ruth Woodring
by Cynthia Talbot
Vashti was my friend. More than that she was fundamental in helping me become the witch that I am. She was a founding member of the Caeleigh Circle with whom I first began practicing Paganism some three decades ago now.
Vashti was also a founding member of the regional SCA kingdom here in North Texas. Her major role in that organization was that of a herald, so I frequently invoke her as an intermediary when I am traveling the other world. She has agreed to “Announce our coming to those with whom we would meet,” across the Veil.
Her second most interesting work with the SCA was as a dance instructor. She loved all types of dancing and singing. She was an accomplished belly dancer among other achievements.
When she agreed to be an ancestral ally of the Henge, she asked me to teach the dances she taught me. Which I will do as soon as we have enough members to do it!
The second thing she asked was for me to recall her with joy. Vashti tried very hard to do everything with joy. She was a bisexual, polyamorous, multi-ethnic, witch in the late seventies and early eighties right up until her death. So she was also rather brave.
The best way to honor Vashti on her day of remembrance is to go outside (or inside if you need to be safe. She was brave, not stupid) and pour her a glass of red wine if you have any, or Strawberry anything. And then announce yourself to her, yourself and the universe as who you truly are. Be brave in that announcement. And then, find some lovely Bollywood or Arabic dance music on your phone and play her a song. (You don’t have to dance, but if you like to and can please do!)
James Stevens
James Stevens
Bio: James Stevens was born in Decatur, Texas November 25, 1944. He grew up on land his family has owned for several generations. He joined the Navy out of high school and served several tours of duty. While stationed in Britain he developed a love for the ancient stone circles. He also met and married Carolyn (Jose). After his final enlistment, he moved home and became a mail carrier.
James considered himself a solitary Wiccan. He joined Denton CUUPS in 2006 and soon opened his land to its members – Denton CUUPS’ first camping trip was for Mabon 2006. He also opened it to his friends in his motorcycle and frontiersmen clubs. After he retired, he built the Summerlands stone circle and intended for it to become a gathering place for Pagans from around the area.
James developed cancer in 2008 and died June 16, 2010. Rev. Don Fielding led a UU memorial service for him at DUUF; David Sparks and John Beckett led a Pagan funeral for him at Summerland. Several of us participated in scattering his ashes there a few months later.
Denton CUUPS has maintained our relationship with the Stevens family, who have continued to allow the group to use their land. We remember James every time we’re there (and at other times) and we often pour offerings to him.
Why we asked him to be an ally: James’ first career was in the military (protecting our wider community) and his second career was as a mail carrier (connecting community). Outside of work, he was at his best building community by facilitating connections. While those of us who were at his funeral were certain he quickly moved on into the Otherworld, his presence has been felt at the campground and at Summerlands – death changed our connection with him, but it did not end it. This is the kind of Pagan project James would have supported in this life – it is reasonable to expect him to support it in his current life.
James is for us the Royal Messenger, the Protector, and the Builder of Community.
Our obligations: James’ feast day is November 25. He made no specific requests in our Ancestral Alliances ritual. Call his name, thank him for his work in this life, for the legacy he left behind (of which we are a part), and for his continued presence in our lives.
James was fond of whiskey and good beer. If you have either of those, pour an offering to him. If you don’t, offer what you have. James always appreciated hospitality no matter what the form.