From the Edge of the Circle

January 3, 2006 - First Show for the pagan podcast “From the Edge of the Circle.  Today, October 31st, 2013 - I have recorded and uploaded Episode 141 - the very last show for the podcast. Most of the material contained within is a retrospective look at the podcast - from the opening show sequence to some of the bumpers I played for other podcasts to my one favorite moment over the 7+ years that the podcast has run. As with most of my shows, I have a musical feature in the show.... Green and Grey by Damh the Bard, Just a Matter of time by Paul C. Newman, and Prometheus by Wendy Rule. Each song is a favorite of mine from three of my favorite musical artists. I have played many other artists over the course of the podcast - and have enjoyed finding ways to showcase independent musicians.  I would be completely negligent if I didn’t mention some of my pod kin brethren and sisters, some of whom sadly faded out of existence on the pod-waves, and others who continue to broadcast their passions

Musical Feature - "Artemis" by Wendy Rule from her album DIETY.  Wendy's music can be found at her website:  http://wendyrule.com/ ---- Pagan Pride Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area was held on Saturday, October 5th - and it was a blast!  I blather on about the event for a bit - including my view of the three rituals for the day.  Though I did not attend, my vantage point from the Welcome Table was absolutely awesome.  I also talk a bit about what volunteering for the event meant for me - and my hopes that you - the listener - will volunteer to help out for your local PPD. I also debut the new intro for "Upon a Pagan Path" - I will have the site's new location shortly....I am looking forward to starting the new podcast in November and hope you come along with me there.  I am sad about setting Edge to sleep, but am also excited to celebrate what Edge was with the next episode - 141 - which will be the last. Last but not least, I have two voicemails I received concerning DF

Everything has an ending.  My "official" announcement that the end is arriving for this podcast.  From the Edge of the Circle has been around for 7+ years - and I have had lots of time to talk about how I approach my own Pagan Path.  I have made many friends through the podcast - and had the chance to meet a lot of people who listen to the show as well.  But there comes a point, where the entire process has come to its conclusion…where the Circle comes to a completed point.  This is the beginning of that point. I talk a bit on the show about some of my memories with the podcast - there will definitely be more to come with the last two episodes as well.  I also talk (ok - its more like a ramble) about the upcoming Pagan Pride Day (Oct 5th), as well as some of my feelings about Pagan community.  I also talk about the podcast that will arrive in November of this year - a discussion show with other people on their Pagan Paths.  The show is - oddly enough - titled "On

Well, this is a first for the show -- I'm not doing the talking (aren't you glad?).  Instead, I will let John Beckett's voice cover the topic and show.  The segment "Spiritual Practice for Pagans" was a presentation that John gave at the DFW Pagan Pride Day event in 2010.  Incidentally, not only was I in attendance for the talk - it was also the first time I had ever met John face-to-face.  The presentation was recorded by David Pollard of the CUUPs Podcast. ----- John's blog "Under the Ancient Oaks can be found at:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/ The CUUPs Podcast can be found at:  http://cuups.libsyn.com/ The DFW Pagan Pride Day 2013 website can be found at:  http://dfwpaganpride.org/ ------ Edge of Circle Contact Information Email: elfster@gmail.com FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/TommyElf

The Spoken Word segment is back and leads off the show!  I read the Blackfoot Tale "The Dog and the Stick" from George Bird Grinnell's "Blackfoot Lodge Tales:  The Story of a Prairie People".  I'm really into the Blackfoot Indians...so I wanted to share a little something. Following that is the musical feature for the show - Emerald Rose's "Hills of America" -- which I thought to be a little fitting considering that I will be heading into the northern Rockies in about a week. The topic...well...ya'll know how much I change things as time goes forward.  This week's topic changed on the fly.  I've been reading a lot of blogs lately -- and was seeing a trend in those posts.  So, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about it.  I know that a lot of folks think the Pagan Community is going through a particular moment of maturation...and this is essentially my thoughts on part of that process. ----- I also talk a bit about the upcoming Pagan Pride Day here in DFW (YES!).  

I’m back!  Bet ya’ll thought I was dead!!  ;)~ ----- On this show, I talk about my perception and ideals for a Pagan Community.  I know that I’m just a single individual - and that my perceptions may be at odds with what other people may perceive of a Pagan Community…but I thought I would go ahead and toss this out there as my own personal opinion. There is no Spoken Word segment in this show, because I plan on a much longer Spoken Word segment in the next episode.  I will be doing a reading of a Blackfoot Tale. I didn’t remember to mention this during the show - but I wanted to thank John Beckett (his Patheos blog “Under the Ancient Oaks” can be found at:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/ ) for showing me through his posts what a community oriented individual should be like.  He’s quite the selfless leader - and I honestly believe he needs to be recognized for the hard work he puts into adding his vision to our collective

00:00-6:25: Opening Segment Short opinions and perspective on various topics. 06:25-08:20: Celtic Myth Podshow Promo The Celtic Myth Podshow can be found at http://www.celticmythpodshow.com 08:20-38:10: Topic Segment - Let There Be Peace Throughout the Entire World In the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (http://www.druidry.org), there is mention that Druids are looked upon as peace-makers. In fact, parts of the ritual ceremonies utilize the phrasing "let there be peace throughout the entire world". Over the past few years, I've noticed a trend towards the desire to be offended at the smallest slight. I first noticed it in the world of politics, and slowly, I've started to notice it within the Pagan community. I, for one, desire a world of peace - and while it may be overly idealistic and somewhat "hippy" of me (a term I wholeheartedly embrace) - I'm seeking that peaceful revolution - where we can talk with one another about our differences, accept that we all think differently as individuals - and walk awa

00:00-15:15:  Opening Segment Announcements Talking about the new podcast schedule Short perspective on what's in the news 15:15-17:14:  Podcast Advertisements CUUPs Podcast Promo DruidCast Promo Texan Heretics Promo 17:14-40:12:  Topic Segment I talk about how I came onto the Pagan Path, as well as where my travels have taken me to this particular point.  I discuss some of the successes I have encountered, as well as some of the pitfalls. 40:12-46:13:  Musical Feature - Wendy Rule Wendy Rule's "Singing to the Bones" from her album World Between Worlds is the musical feature for the show.  Wendy's material can be found at her website:  http://www.wendyrule.com  Please support your independent Pagan musicians!!  46:13-48:04:  Spoken Word Segment One of my older poems - "Skipping Stones Across the Sands of Time" - is featured for this segment. 48:04-51:52:  Closing Segment --- Contact Information Email:  elfster@gmail.com FaceBook:

Meditations are a huge part of my daily practice.  In this episode, I spend a little time talking about how I go about meditational exercise.  I also talk a little about the (hopeful) changes coming to the show.  Musical feature for the show is Leslie Fish. ---- Leslie Fish's information and albums can be found at her website:  http://lesliefish.com/ Support your indepdent Pagan musicians!! ---- Email:  elfster@gmail.com FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/TommyElf

Yeah, its been a little while.  I talk a bit about the big outdoors and how it plays into my own personal belief system.  There's a ton of information in the very beginning of the show, including an upcoming show by Sharon Knight (along with my confessed ignorance of who she is) at Denton UU Fellowship.  Musical feature is the AWESOME Susan Garlick (of Dragonfly Moon) with the title cut from her album "The Ragged Crows". ----- Susan Garlick's music can be found at: http://www.dragonflymoononline.co.uk Sharon Knight's music can be found at: http://www.sharonknight.net Tickets for the Sharon Knight concert at DUUF can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/275929 ----- Podcasts and Blogs mentioned in the show include: The Secrets in Plain Sight! -- found at http://secrets.libsyn.com Druidcast -- found at http://druidcast.libsyn.com CUUPS -- found at http://cuups.libsyn.com Celtic Myth Podshow -- http://celticmythpodshow.com/ Texan Heretics --  http://texanheretics.blogsp

In this episode I talk a bit about the vacation I took through Colorado and Wyoming - including a bit of discussion the Numina that I experienced at Red Rocks.  I also discuss the Pagan pride Day issue for Dallas Fort Worth, as well as announcing that I will be at this year's Austin Pagan Pride Day.  For the spoken word segment, I read an older piece of work called "Wistful Dreams of Freedom".  Musical feature for the show is Wendy Rule's song "Singing to the Bones" from her World Between Worlds album. --- Information concerning the Austin Pagan Pride Day, including directions to Zilker Park, can be found at their website:  http://www.austinpaganprideday.org.  The event takes place on 9/22 (a Saturday) from 10am to 6pm. --- Wendy Rule's music can be purchased through her website http://www.wendyrule.com or through Amazon.com.  Support your Pagan musicians!! --- John Beckett's blog "Under the Ancient Oaks" can be found at: http://johnfranc.blogspot.com/ --- Contact Informatio

On this episode, I discuss my desire to enter into the fray known as "event organizing" -- specifically the DFW Pagan Pride Day event.  Since I've seen nothing and heard nothing about this year's event, I've decided to look into the possibility of putting some kind of an event together - even if its just a picnic where people can get together, talk and enjoy an afternoon.  I'm hoping that my desire to step forward - even with the lousy skills I have as an organizer - will inspire others to step forward with me. --- I also talk a bit about the political spectrum, and why I don't pay much attention to it - along with some perspective on the podcast itself, and some information on a new direction that the podcast will hopefully move towards. --- Musical feature for the show is "The Cutty Wren" by Damh the Bard.  Damh's music can be found at his website:  http://paganmusic.co.uk/ --- Podcasts mentioned: The CUUPS Podcast -- found at http://cuups.libsyn.com/ The Wigglian Way -- found at&nb

For today's podcast, I wanted to talk about why I don't like debating the concept of what is or isn't Paganism.  I start off the show with a rant on politics, particularly on why I feel its not right to determine a person's "patriotism" in relation to their desire to participate (or not) in the election process. ----- Musical Feature:  "Kiss Me Soft" by Wendy Rule.  Wendy's awesome music can be found at her website:  http://www.wendyrule.com . ----- Podcasts mentioned in the show: The CUUPS Podcast.  Found at http://cuups.libsyn.com/ DruidCast.  Found at http://www.druidcast.libsyn.com/ ----- Blogs mentioned in the show: From the Edge of the Circle.  Found at: http://edgeofcircle.blogspot.com/ Under the Ancient Oaks.  Found at:  http://johnfranc.blogspot.com/ ----- Spoken Word Segment was a reading of the Grateful Dead song "Days Between" from their album "So Many Roads" ----- Contact Information: Email:  elfster@gmail.com Website:  http://edgeo

Welcome to 2012...I'm a little late to the party though.  :) In this particular episode, I talk about how Magick permeates every single moment of Life (at least from my perspective).  Prior to that, I answer one of a flurry of Emails I have received over the past few months concerning the upcoming American Presidential election.  I also discuss my pleasure at the rising number of Pagan podcasts in the Podosphere, as well as my perspective on why this is a great things for the Pagan community as a whole. Musical feature is Wendy Rule's song "Radiate" from her live album "Live at the Castle on the Hill".  Wendy's music can be found through her website at http://www.wendyrule.com .  Remember to support independent Pagan artists by purchasing their music!! The Spoken Word segment returns as well, with my poem "As Promised". --- Promos Played: Texan Heretics - http://texanheretics.blogspot.com/ DruidCast - http://http://druidcast.libsyn.com/ --- Email:  elfster@gmail.com Facebook

In this episode, I spend a little time talking about the transitions that take place in the cycle of birth-death-rebirth.  Death is not a place of ending nor is it a place of beginning - it is a place of transition.  Where change takes on a personal form, not just for those passing beyond the veil, but also for those who remain here.  Musical feature is "Wolf Song" by Omnia. --- The next podcast, which was already recorded for this particular episode, will be out on December 15th and focus on Equinoxes, Solstices, and the Wheel of the Year.  I will also include some observations I have concerning the "war on Christmas". --- Email:  elfster@gmail.com Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-the-Edge-of-the-Circle/116817775667 Blogspot:  http://edgeofcircle.blogspot.com/ Skype:  tommyelf22 GoogleTalk:  elfster@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk a bit about the first time I used an Apple computer...and remember one of my heroes a bit (Steve Jobs).  This show's topic is on gardening.  I touch a bit on the entire aspect of legal issues concerning medicinal plants.  Granted, my understanding of this is somewhat limited - and I point that out during that part of the topic.  I also talk about my last two years of trying to grow jalapeno plants -- and the fact that I seem to be the Dr. Jack Kevorkian of the plant world.  ;)  I also discuss how I've tried to incorporate some of my gardening into the ritual part of my life and how that has fared. Musical feature is "Speak to Me" by Dallas-based Celtic-Rock band, The Killdares!!  Everytime I go to the State Fair of Texas, I MAKE time to see this great band live!!  Support your independent musicians and purchase their music, so they can make more great stuff!!  You can find the Killdares music for sale at http://www.killdares.com.  :) --

Didn't really have much of a topic for the show.  So I spend a little time talking about the trip to Colorado, a little on the "Dominionist" BS that's been floating around on the 'net.  I also talk for a bit on my poor Cincinnati Reds now that the major league season is coming to a close.  Like I said -- I didn't have much in the way of a topic - so the show functions more of an update on how things are going at the moment.  Plus, I already have a lot of the recording done for the next show -- which I plan to have out in about two weeks, so I can put the show back on its regular schedule as I had originally planned. --- Google Voice - (972)-514-7315 Email:  elfster@gmail.com Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-the-Edge-of-the-Circle/116817775667 Blogspot:  http://edgeofcircle.blogspot.com/ Skype:  tommyelf22 GoogleTalk:  elfster@gmail.com --- ----

For this month's show, I talk about the power of thinking positive as it relates to magick, ritual and (most importantly) life in general.  I talk a bit about the news of the day - and place my own personal perspective on each topic (everyone's mileage will vary).  For the spoken word segment, I pull another of my own pieces of work:  "The Journey:  My Path" which I wrote back in 2006 during a much less positive period in my life.  Its interesting to read that and reflect where I am today.  The musical selection is "The Water" by Wendy Rule from her phenomenal album "The Lotus Eaters" -- I picked this song as a hopefully rain dance of sorts for the current drought conditions here in Texas. ---- Podcasts Mentioned in the show: The Celtic Myth Podshow -- http://celticmythpodshow.com Druidcast:  http://druidcast.libsyn.com ---- Music Feature in the show is "The Water" by Wendy Rule from her album "The Lotus Eaters".  You can purchase this album and many of her other fantas

Utilizing a visualization concept centered around the intersection of circles - I take a peek at how to observe similarities between belief systems instead of differences.  I also provide my take on the latest news - and handle some viewer mail.  Also, there's the return of the spoken word segment with my poem "The Journey Begins". ---- Podcasts Mentioned in the show: The Celtic Myth Podshow -- http://celticmythpodshow.com The CUUPs Podcast -- http://cuups.libsyn.com (CUUPS home page is at http://www.cuups.org) Wicked! Podcast -- http://www.wickedpodcast.com/ ---- Google Voice - (972)-514-7315 Email:  elfster@gmail.com Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-the-Edge-of-the-Circle/116817775667 Blogspot:  http://edgeofcircle.blogspot.com/ Skype:  tommyelf22 GoogleTalk:  elfster@gmail.com ----

Changes are coming to the show! And I spend some of the time explaining the reasoning behind the changes, as well as what is in store.  I also spend a short amount of time talking about the recent "post rapture looting parties" and why I declined all the invitations on FaceBook. ---- Musical Feature:  "Radiate" by Wendy Rule from her album "Live at the Castle on the Hill". Wendy's music can be found at her website:  http://www.wendyrule.com Wendy's music can also be found at CDBaby.com:  http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/WendyRule ---- Google Voice - (972)-514-7315 Email:  elfster@gmail.com Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-the-Edge-of-the-Circle/116817775667 Blogspot:  http://edgeofcircle.blogspot.com/ Skype:  tomyelf22 GoogleTalk:  elfster@gmail.com ----