The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain

Celebrate Holi!

2010-03-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrate the Hindu holiday Holi at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Go on an adventure through the Museum’s Southeast Asian and Indian galleries before celebrating with music, dance, art activities, and more!

For more information, go to http://www.artsbma.org/events/family-programs

"Victory of the Goddess" Lecture at Birmingham Museum of Art

2010-02-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

The Defeat of the Gods and the Victory of the Goddess
Gerald J. Larson, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Religious Studies, UC Santa Barbara, and Tagore Professor Emeritus of Indian Cultures and Civilization, Indiana University

Dr. Larson examines the role and function of the goddess in South Asia in both religion and art during the 11th Annual Callahan Lecture. He will explore the idea of the goddess in relation to the current women’s movement and feminist thought in South Asia. Dr. Larson is the author of 12 books and many articles on cross-cultural philosophy of religion, history of religions, classical Sanskrit, and South Asian history and culture.

Birmingham Museum of Art
Saturday, March 6, 6pm
FREE

Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Follow the Dragon Team from Linn Park into the Boutwell Auditorium for one of the southeast's largest celebrations of Chinese New Year. Sample authentic Chinese food, play games, take pictures in luxurious silken robes and try your hand at ancient Chinese games of skill and luck. See the best in local, regional and international Chinese entertainment including singing, dancing and acrobatics.

For more information, go to http://www.bhmchinesefestival.org/

Happy Imbolc!

2010-01-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

A Scottish story tells how the young Brigit (or Bride) is imprisoned in the icy fortress of the Cailleach through the cold winter until she escapes with the help of the Cailleach’s son, with whom she elopes. In another version, the Cailleach herself drinks from a magic well on the first day of spring and is transformed into Brigit. In either case, it is the return of Brigit that ushers in the promise of spring.

The myth of the descent and return of the Goddess is central to the religion and experience of Wicca, so much so that Gardner called it simply “The Myth of the Goddess.” Told and retold in many forms throughout history, the story is an ancient one -- already old when it was recorded in Sumeria.

My version of the story is available onlne at http://www.freewebs.com/eclecticcoven/Mythology.html#imbolc

The Tale of the Iron Man

2009-07-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Brown Bag Lunch program at Birmingham Public Library to tell the story of our very own Vulcan.
Wednesday, July 22, noon

The Seasoned Readers is a spin off from the local acting troupe The Seasoned Performers. They will be reading/performing "The Tale of the Iron Man," the “up and down and all around” saga of Vulcan's first 100 years. The story is an original creation by local author and storyteller Lee Shackelford.

For more information, go to http://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2009/07/brown-bag-lunch-program-tale-of-iron.html

Clover Crawl Green Expo March 21st @ Vulcan Park

2009-03-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Come to the Clover Crawl green home/garden expo, hosted by the Green Resource Center for Alabama and Vulcan Park and Museum. Come learn about green products and services that will help you make your home and garden beautiful and lasting while saving you money, reducing energy and water usage, and reducing waste. There will be kids activities, food and entertainment, free electronics recycling and a silent auction benefiting the nonprofit Green Resource Center.

Location: Vulcan Park and Museum
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Website: http://www.greenalabama.org
Price: Free

Art, Science To Unite At Vernal Equinox

2009-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Samford's Christenberry Planeterium will host a combined poetry reading and astronomy presentation at 7 p.m. on March 20--the astronomical vernal equinox, marking the arrival of spring.

The event, Vox Equinox, will feature Birmingham's Big Table Poets reading work from their forthcoming anthology Einstein at the Odeon Caf. Planetarium director George Atchley will place the vernal equinox in its astronomical perspective, inviting an exploration of the common obsession of art and science beneath a dome of stars.

The Big Table Poets take their name, literally, from the large table at a Birmingham bookstore where they meet to critique their work and, figuratively, from the wide range of approaches to poetry their work represents. The "Big Table" accommodates free verse and poetry in traditional forms, the lyrical, the meditative, and the narrative, low humor and high seriousness, all drawn from the diverse lives, experiences, interests, and even obsessions of the Big Table Poets themselves.

The Vox Equinox event is free of charge and open to the public.

Get in Touch with the Universe: Public Viewing of Space Images Feb. 17

2009-02-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected Samford University's Christenberry Planetarium as one of 100 sites in the United States to display two spectacular images Feb. 17 from its Great Space Observatories: the Hubble Space Telescope, The Spitzer Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

This selection is in response to the United Nations declaring 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, and is in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first observance of the solar system through a telescope.

The Birmingham Astronomical Society will host the free event with live presentations and telescopes for people to look through at 7 p.m. that night. Spectacular globular star clusters and star-forming regions called nebulae will be visible, according to George Atchley, Samford planetarium director.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Birmingham!

2009-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Linn Park and Boutwell Auditorium with Chinese Food, Music, Art, Crafts and Games

Follow the Dragon Team from Linn Park into the Boutwell Auditorium for one of the southeast's largest celebrations of Chinese New Year. Sample authentic Chinese food, play games, take pictures in luxurious silken robes and try your hand at ancient Chinese games of skill and luck. See the best in local, regional and international Chinese entertainment including singing, dancing and acrobatics.

Date: January 31, 2009
Location: Linn Park and Boutwell Auditorium
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Website: http://www.bhmchinesefestival.org/
Price: Free

New Hands, Native Lands

2009-01-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday Topic Tour, January 11 @ 2pm
Birmingham Museum of Art

BMA is offering a 30-minute highlights tour of the New Hands, Native Lands exhibition, which presents recent Navajo pictorial textiles and Pueblo pottery from the American Southwest as a compelling blend of tradition and innovation in both craft and design.The Pueblos are a group of 30 Native American villages,including the well-known Hopi, located primarily in New Mexico and Arizona. The ceramics tradition in the Pueblo area began more than 2,000 years ago.For the Navajo people, who live adjacent to the Pueblos, weaving is an important part of their identity, history, culture, and economy. Traditional weavings include blankets and robes featuring geometric motifs, but weavers responded to the new market opened up by the railroad and began to create pictorial textiles. Once created for tourists, pictorial textiles have become their own important Navajo tradition, and their subject matter reflects all aspects of Navajo life.

For more information, see http://www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/new-hands-native-lands

The History of Christmas

2008-12-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

The History Channel maintains an informative minisite on the history of Christmas, full of fun facts about the holiday and its pagan and Christian origins.

Check it out at http://www.history.com/minisites/christmas/

George and the G-men to rock Avondale Library!

2008-10-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Performance Details

Who: George and the G-men

Where: Avondale Library

When: Tuesday, October 21st

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Originally created as a blues band, the G-Men have brought their eclectic mix of blues, rock, soul, and funk to venues throughout the Southeast, including this year's Stokin' the Fire BBQ Festival at Sloss Furnace and the 2008 Jazz on the Grass Concert and Labor Day Festival at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Gardens.

George and the G-Men was formed in 1997 by Birmingham area singer/songwriter George Griffin. The G-Men are known for their high-energy shows containing a mix of original material and creatively modified cover songs. The band has released two CDs, Caught Between The Sun And The Moon in 1998 and 22nd Street Live in 2003. Check out the George and the G-Men myspace page for show dates, music, pictures and performance videos!

BPL@Night performances are free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. BPL thanks Compass Bank for its generous support of BPL@Night. BPL@Night is also made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

New Hands, Native Lands exhibition at Birmingham Museum of Art

2008-09-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

October 5th - February 8th, 2009

The exhibition New Hands, Native Lands presents recent Navajo pictorial textiles and Pueblo pottery from the American Southwest as a compelling blend of tradition and innovation in both craft and design.The Pueblos are a group of 30 Native American villages,including the well-known Hopi, located primarily in New Mexico and Arizona. The ceramics tradition in the Pueblo area began more than 2,000 years ago.

For the Navajo people, who live adjacent to the Pueblos, weaving is an important part of their identity, history, culture, and economy. Traditional weavings include blankets and robes featuring geometric motifs, but weavers responded to the new market opened up by the railroad and began to create pictorial textiles. Once created for tourists, pictorial textiles have become their own important Navajo tradition, and their subject matter reflects all aspects of Navajo life.

For more information, see http://www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/new-hands-native-lands

Food for Fines in September

2008-08-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

Now you can donate food for those in need and cut down on your library fines!

The 39 Public Libraries of Jefferson County will accept donations of canned or boxed food during September 1-30. One dollar in fines will be waived for each item of food donated for up to $10 per library card holder. Expiration dates must be visible on the food containers and the waived fees apply to fines only. The food drive is open to anyone, even if they do not have overdue materials.

The public libraries wanted to do something for their communities and also provide an incentive for library users with overdue fines to return to the library. At this time of year, food pantries are getting low and need to be replenished with the holidays just around the corner. Libraries will be collaborating with the United Way Food Bank, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and Magic City Harvest. Individual libraries also can decide to give their items to a local church or charity of their choice.

“Food for Fines” is held in conjunction with the annual National Library Card Sign-up Month. The annual card campaign, in its 10th year, reminds parents that “your public library card is your most important school supply!” In September, cardholders can also trade in their old card for a keychain card or receive a replacement for a worn out card free, without paying the usual $3.00 fee.

Call your local library for more information or questions or go to http://www.jclc.org/foodforfines.aspx

Blood Drive at Birmingham Public Central Library

2008-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Give the gift of life—give blood. LifeSouth Blood Bank will be in the Youth Department Story Castle on the second floor of Central Library to take your blood and give you a cookie. What a deal! A valid I.D. is required to donate. Wednesday, August 27, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

For more information, see http://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2008/08/bpl-blood-drive-at-central-library.html

Vanishing Worlds: Art and Ritual in Amazonia

2008-07-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Topic Tour at the Birmingham Museum of art this Sunday, July 20th, focuses on the Vanishing Worlds: Art and Ritual in Amazonia exhibition showcasing spectacular and rare works of Amazonian material culture, including full body costumes, masks, feather headdresses, body ornaments, baskets, weapons, pottery, and textiles.

These docent-led tours on a variety of topics related to the collection or current exhibition meet in the Eighth Avenue lobby at 2pm. They are free and open to the public.

The Vanishing Worlds exhibition will be here only through July 27th. For more information, see
http://www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/vanishing-worlds/14-general-exhibition/120-vanishing-worlds-art-and-ritual-in-amazonia

Free lecture on Composting and Organic Gardening this Saturday

2008-07-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

William Edward Cureton, better known as 'Captain Compost' will speak at Smith and Hawken this Saturday, July 19th. He will be lecturing on the benefits of composting and organic gardening. He will have organic compost available for purchase as well as his book "The Captain Compost's Way to Sow and Reap Naturally." Smith and Hawken is located at The Summit next to Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

For more information, see http://www.activeculture.info/eventsDetails.asp?ItemID=14367

Free Courses in Gardening

2008-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Gardening is a wonderful way to explore our connections with nature. This summer, free horticulture "short courses" will be offered at Avondale Library. The first class is scheduled for Monday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m.

The gardening course will cover how and what to plant; animals, insects, and diseases that can cause problems; vegetable and container gardens; turf grass; termites; care of trees and shrubs; and much more.

These classes are sponsored by the Jefferson County Library Cooperative and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Sign up by email at cwcamp@bham.lib.al.us, or by calling 205-226-4000.

For more information, see http://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html

Summer Block Party this Sunday!

2008-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 22, 2008, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Starbucks @ 700 Montgomery Hwy at City Center (Vestavia)

Here's another great way to celebrate Midsummer: George and the G-men are headlining a free summer block party on the patio at the Vestavia City Center Starbucks.

You may remember George and the G-men as the band that rocked the original Magick City Witches' Ball. For a sample of their music, check out their myspace page at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=113044308

There will be free food, drinks & music. Families and leashed pets welcome.

Call 205-978-2892 for more information.

the ECRM website has a new permanant home

2008-06-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the temporary cancellation, but the website has a new
permanant home:

http://www.freewebs.com/eclecticcoven/

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Summer Solstice Concert

2008-06-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 22nd, 3 p.m.
Steiner Auditorium, Birmingham Museum of Art

The Red Mountain Chamber Players will present a concert of works for smaller ensembles. Two early works for solo instruments and continuo will open the program─ one by Johann Pepusch and another by George Fredric Handel. The second half of the event will consist of a Sextet by Beethoven for 2 violins, viola, cello and 2 horns.

Free and open to the public.

Visit www.rmco.org for more information.

Film at Birmingham Museum of Art

2008-06-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the exhibition Vanishing Worlds: Art and Ritual in Amazonia, The Birmingham Museum of Art is offering a tour and film presentation this Sunday, June 8th.

2pm, Main Lobby: Topic Tour Vanishing Worlds: Art and Ritual in Amazonia
2:30pm, Steiner Auditorium Film: The Burning Season, 1994, 123 minutes

Raul Julia won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild award for his portrayal of Brazilian rubber tapper Chico Mendes. The film is based on the true story of Mendes, who led his people in protest against government and developers who razed the rainforest for a new road and ranch land. Also starring Edward James Olmos.

Vanishing Worlds and its companion exhibition Children, Let’s Protect Our Forests will be on display through July 27th. For more information, see the website at http://www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/vanishing-worlds

Stones, Gems and Jewelry!

2008-06-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

The 35th Annual Tannehill Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show is scheduled for this weekend, June 7th-8th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission to the park is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.

For more information, see the Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society's website at
http://www.lapidaryclub.com/pages/show.htm

Happy Birthday Vulcan!

2008-05-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Birmingham's very own cast-iron patron deity is celebrating his 104th birthday!

If you're interested in partying with the big guy, Vulcan's birthday bash is scheduled for Sunday, June 1st, from 1 - 4 pm at Vulcan Park and Museum (Admission $3 for all ages 5 and up).

For more information see the event website at http://www.visitvulcan.com/birthdaybash.html

Interesting Brown Bag Program at BPL

2008-05-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Climate: Concepts and Personal Choices ~ Wed. June 4th @ 12 noon

Personal choices we make each day affect our air, water and climate -- You might be surprised! Dr. Joyce Lanning shares insights into the world in which we live and breathe.

BPL Brown Bag Lunch Programs are held at 12:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Arrington Auditorium of the Linn-Henley Building of the Birmingham Public Library. The library provides beverages. For additional information call (205) 226-3604.

2008-05-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Inhale

Exhale

Inhaaaaaale

Exhaaaaaale

Inhhhhhhaaaaale

Exxxxhhhhhhhaaale

Be aware of the peace inside of you.

ximena

Great Idea!!!

2008-05-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic idea. Kudos to whoever thought of it.

This blog is a good idea!

2008-05-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Marion with All Things Pagan Radio is here and happy you started this blog!
I look forward to reading ECRM's blogs
Many Blessings!
Marion

ECRM launches blog

2008-05-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

As we flow with the times, The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain is launching the ECRM blog. We'll be posting periodic updates and information on upcoming events.

Blessed be!