Matrifocus: Imbolc 2008 issue

The cover of the Imbolc issue of Matrifocus is a wonderful "Labyrinth Goddess" by Sarah Teofanor.

Feral wrote the editorial for this issue, "Differences of Opinion," in which she discusses how we are the same, how we are different, and how we can make a difference.

"Shauska and "Ain Dara: A Goddess and Her Temple," by Johanna Stuckey, introduces us to a relatively little-known ancient near eastern Goddess and Her Temple in northern Syria. Her imagery is similar to Ishtar's. Stuckey tell us that according to Hittite texts, 'Ain Dara wore "clothes of both sexes," could alter a person's sex, and provide sexual healing. With lots of pics.

"Machig Labdron's Cave" by Vicki Noble, is Part III of "Pilgrimage to Nepal and Tibet." Did a dream Noble had foretell her pilgrimage to Tibet? Did the Dakini practice of "Chod" play a part? Read this remarkable account and see what you think.

In "A Small Seed of Rebellion" by Mary Swander, a gardener plans her spring planting in front of a woodstove while outside the wind howls at 14 degrees below zero fahrenheit.

Harita Meenee explores the gardens of classical northern Greece and the ancient near east in "The Sacred Garden, A Sensual Place of Rebirth." Women are excluded from one of them: "The Orchard of the Virgin Mary," at Mt. Athos in northern Greece.

In "Clay," Nancy Vedder-Shults, Ph.D. tells us how to use sculpting as an oracular technique.

Susun Weed shares tips for preventing or recovering from different types of colds and flu in "Hot Colds and Cold Colds: Winter Health."

Poetry in this issue includes: "The only piece of truth," by Siobhan; "One Way into Night," by Feral, and "Good Luck Litany" by Elizabeth Cunningham.

This month's photo-essay, "Darkness Becoming Light," by Gwyn Padden-Lecthen has two magical pics of Wisconsin, with a poem.

There are reviews of Making the Gods Work for You:The Astrological Language of the Psyche by Caroline Casey (audiobook, paperback, e-book), reviewed by Madelon Wise; the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (young adult fiction) by Rick Riordan, reviewed by Dahti Blanchard; and The Mistress of Spices (fiction) by Chitra DivaKaruni, reviewed by Staci Schwarz.