As the broken bodies of children are recovered in a savage bomb attacks in Manchester and Bangkok, a car bomb in Syria, across the ocean the Maute Group waged a full out assault on the city of Marawi in the Philippines. Flames and gunfire occupied the streets as homes, businesses, and schools suffered arson and destruction by the group. After releasing prisoners en masse, attackers set ablaze the jails. Their havoc included burning down
MANCHESTER WAS BOMBED YESTERDAY. NOW MARAWI, PHILIPPINES UNDER ATTACKED BY ARMED MEN WITH ISIS FLAGS. BURNED DOWN A CHURCH. #PrayForMarawipic.twitter.com/Y2MUpKw9Rx
The black flag of the group rose above the city early this morning. Pledging allegiance to Daesh (ISIL), they seek to create a stronghold. Horrified residents reached out on social media with real time distress and messages. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in effect on the island of Mindanao.
THEY ARE CURRENTLY BURNING DOWN SCHOOLS AND BUILDINGS. where tf is the philippines. why isnt news talking abt this rn?? #PrayForMarawipic.twitter.com/tgGkmXzN7s
The President returns from his trip to Russia, originally slated to end on May 25. He was to meet with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. This trip was to usher in a new level of working together for trade and other enterprises for the two nations. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, revealed his change in plans in wake of the fighting in Mindanao.
Cayetano, who was recently appointed as chief of the Department of
Foreign Affairs, said that Russian government officials understood the
situation and the need for Duterte to fly back to Manila as soon as
possible to oversee government operations against fighters of the Maute
Group, a local terrorist organization allying itself with the so-called
IS. - PhilStar
Constant unrest moved President Duterte to warn of Martial Law in the past. Increasingly bold attacks culminated in this offensive on Tuesday. The order now is in effect across the entire island.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella issued the statement on his behalf as follows:
In order to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and for public
safety, it is necessary to declare Martial Law in the entire island of
Mindanao, including Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi for a period of 60 days.
The government is in full control of the situation and is fully aware
that the Maute/Isis and similar groups have the capability, though
limited, to disturb the peace; these have shown no hesitation in causing
havoc, taking innocent lives and destroying property. - Republic of the Philippines, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Malacanang, Manila
U.S. Citizen Emergencies During Office Hours
+63 (02) 301-2246
U.S. Citizen Emergencies After Hours
+63 (02) 301-2000
acsinfomanila@state.gov
Military forces face this action within the same month as their completion of Balikatan 2017. This year's special emphasis training on counter terrorism and humanitarian response is expected to be implemented in this situation. This year saw the U.S. infuse $400, 000 USD into "emergency readiness equipment and aid" to the nation. This annual training hones the skills of both nation's forces.
By Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/392424, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39244485
The Republic of Philippines is also currently in negotiation with the Ukraine regarding weapons systems, military controls, and increased cooperation in technology. This same month, the government announced it would no longer be relying on the European Union for these concerns. This week saw meetings going forward toward new policy
The potential for the military and technical cooperation between Kyiv
and Manila has been discussed during the talks with Secretary for
National Defense of the Philippines Delfin Lorenzana during a working
visit of First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense
Council of Ukraine Oleh Hladkovsky to the Philippines, as well as
meetings with the country’s top military leadership, the press service
of state-run foreign trade enterprise SpetsTechnoExport reported. - KyivPost
It is unknown if the recent tack in course that sees closer ties to the enemies of terrorists in the vein of Daesh (ISIL) was, in any way, a catalyst toward the increase in violent actions. The increased pressure on these radical terrorist groups has seen violence before now. The next 60 days will set the stage for what comes next, as the expiry of the Martial Law order is set to expire or be renewed.
It is happening. Humans beings beaten, tortured, detained in camps
and prisons, and murdered by strangers and families in the Republic of
Chechnya. Here is a quick break down of what is going on in the Chechen
world regarding the systematic campaign to exterminate and entire
portion of the human population. The facts are grim.
The seeds of this reign of terror started to bloom in the early days of this March, when an application submitted by the group Caucasus, members of the GayRussia.ru project.
The request was denied. However, this gave the authorities the impetus
to begin their move toward the eradication of an entire segment of
people.
In all, a total of four marches in North Caucasus Federal District.
This notice of intent struck the chord. Though it is doubtful that the
projected 300 marchers was an accurate reflection of the actual amount
of attendees that would risk such a public demonstration, the
government’s response seemed based upon a literal acceptance of the
veracity and accuracy of this number.
Government.ru
In a letter on Russian social media platform VKontakte , the horror that was unleashed under a wave referred to as “honor killings” makes it plain.
MESSAGE FROM VKONTAKTE
(Original spelling and punctuation) ” Salam alaykum all! I never thought that I would write again here but now, when the
topic of one chain and substituting one is being tortured as long as it
does not pass, and still others it may concern, and I think it would be
right if I warn. There often appear posts about the bases ( refers to provocations to identify people of homosexual orientation -. Approx. EM )
and I some time ago trying to find these victims of the bases. When you
do not find one, I thought it’s not true. Now I understand why I could
not find one, which was framed in Chechnya. Unfortunately, many killed. Killed not just young children and even grown men who are over 50 years old. Among them are well-known personality in Chechnya. At various events, television releases, participated in the
contest. I do not want to call them names. Most mladschemu 16 years. He
was our village. Just the other day he was brought all beaten, just a
bag of bones. They were thrown into the courtyard and said that he was
killed. He still say he came to himself and hardly come. I do not know
how they explain why they do so, they will be asked to present proof
that our son or brother is. In Chechnya, because strictly defame anyone whatsoever without
tangible evidence. It is possible and to remain without pants.
Especially to lay hands on the guy, and accuse him of homosexuality is
generally a disgrace for many centuries. I do not know how they explain
it but it’s crap happens. Source middle, military cousin of mine who
just this morning told me about it. I was wrong when I said here and
wrote that of the bases there. They never have and how they are now free
hand. Be very careful and remove its dubious connection. Importantly, do not remove the daily rent is probably all
realtors are forced to put the camera in the apartments and in this way
they get the dirt on the victims. And realtors with Chechnya will do
anything just to avoid losing their business and who would dare to
object to our military. Be very careful please. This is my last post
here. ” –
https://www.novayagazeta.ru/articles/2017/04/01/71983-ubiystvo-chesti
The republic is semi-autonomous, and has its own laws. In theory, the
sanctioning of murder of persons completed an anal sex act is
officially suspended, though codified by law in article 148 of the
Chechen penal code. The penalties include caning in the first two
instances, then execution upon the third. This same article has a
history of being used to punish practitioners of alternative faiths.
In practice, it continues to rise. The current head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov,
maintains a very supportive stance of honor killings and the view that
persons of genders other than heterosexual males being rightfully
subjected to the practice. The following actions occurred at the
beginning of the following month.
On and before April the 1st, men were rounded up, it was
coined a ‘prophylactic sweep’ in Chechnya. At first, the region’s
officials denied that any such roundup and detention was “lies and
misinformation”. A spokesman for the leader of Chechnya, said to the
Interfax news agency –
Rachel Denber,Deputy Director, Europe and Central Asia Division, American Magazine
On April 3, mass rally expressed outrage at the reporting done by news agency Novaya Gazeta’
on the current situation. Kadyrov made clear his hostile stance toward
media coverage of the current human rights situation in his country,
even going far enough to declare them “enemies of our faith and of our
motherland.”
Retribution was promised, with stress being on the lack of limitation
for the time period that might be necessary to exact such reprisals.
The news outlet lost two reporters to murder in the past years, and Investigative Journalist Elena Milashina is in hiding following death threats for covering this story. http://google-maps.pro/satellite/Argun.Chechnya.Russia#43.293028,45.891570,17
“Any homosexual Chechen can tell the story with the bases – if it happened not with him, then with his friends. One of the acquaintances of the interlocutor of the RS, Grozny businessman, sold the car to pay for the silence…” –Sergey Khazov-Kassia, Chechnya: The Gay Outcome, Radio Liberty, http://www.svoboda.org/a/28417768.html
The 10th of April saw the international media begin to use the term
“concentration camps” for the alleged detention centers in which
detained gay men were housed. Stories of torture, and killings in wooded
areas, or by families emerged. The world turned its eyes toward the
very real consequence of living as a gay person in the nation, and its
fatal implications.
“If such people existed in Chechnya, law enforcement
would not have to worry about them since their own relatives would have
sent them to where they could never return.” – Ramzan Kadyrov
In the United Kingdom, there came the declaration that a protest
would take place near to the Russian Embassy in London. This took place
on the 11th. Protests would continue to proliferate throughout the
world. Outcry from human rights organizations and activists were high. https://www.facebook.com/events/876760675796386/
A separate rally followed on April 22. Named “UK Rallies Against Homophobia in Chechnya” https://www.facebook.com/events/675146246011541/ , it sought to “get this extremely under-reported story in the news. They are peaceful demonstrations“.
Amnesty International puts the number of suspected missing and
detained at approximately 100, numbers confirmed by Human Rights Watch https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/04/04/anti-lgbt-violence-chechnya . Amnesty International created an urgent action petition,
Chechnya: Stop Abducting and Killing Gay Men
against these acts. This is the English Version for download.
International pressure is rising for Russia to act. The continued
lack of movement on the situation is a cause of moral outrage. The
United Nations called for action in April.
It is crucial that reports of abductions, unlawful
detentions, torture, beatings and killings of men perceived to be gay or
bisexual are investigated thoroughly – VOA News http://www.voanews.com/a/russia-urged-end-torture-killing-gays-chechnya/3809377.html
In Sochi, Russian president Vladimir Putin met with German chancellor
Angela Merkel. She expressed her concerns regarding the human rights
crisis in Chechnya, and the climate in Russia, for humans who are gay or
minorities. Her alarm over the human rights violations being reported
motivated her to speak out against the actions of the regime. She asked
the Mr. Putin to use his status to ensure greater protections for the
rights of the people of Chechnya, particularly those being affected by
the current actions of the government there.
“I asked President Putin to use his influence to protect these minority rights,” – Chancellor Merkel
A body that comes in with grass root material action in this situation is the Rainbow Railroadhttps://www.rainbowrailroad.ca/.
They are assisting the situation by aiding those fleeing persecution
and by extension seeking to save lives. They are working to facilitate
the escape of persons at risk for torture, death, and worse. Currently,
they count two completed “navigations” to safety, and have 30 more in
process.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named them as one of the
organizations the Canadian government with whom work is being done in
the effort to protect humans who are lgbtq. Their efforts help to gain
asylum. They are literally a life-line pipe-line.
Here in the United States, a group known as American Friends of Rainbow Railroad Inc set up a fundraiser to assist their efforts. The Facebook based campaign page is Helping Gay Men Flee Chechnya. The
donations are to be aimed toward assisting the Rainbow Railroad with
airfare, legal services, and temporary housing while the men are
awaiting the granting of asylum in Canada.
As Pagans we often ask how we can make a difference on a local and
world scale. The suffering of a single person is the suffering of
humanity. By spreading the news of this atrocity, we can become a
catalysts for action. Pagan activists are called to rally around this
crisis. Whether a vigil, a prayer, a petition, a donation, or protest,
all things are possible. All things are needful. All things make a
difference.
DISCLAIMER: ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN IDENTIFYING PLANTS. USE YOUR
FIELD GUIDES AND LEARN YOUR LATIN NAMES. WHEN IN DOUBT, FIND AN EXPERT.
NO ARTICLE IN THIS SERIES IS INTENDED TO GIVE MEDICAL OR ANY OTHER
ADVICE IN THE HEALING ARTS OTHER THAN THAT OF A LAY PERSON.
This article will talk about that beautiful and fleeting bloom that
graces the garden in clusters of heavenly hues known as the common lilac
or syringia (Syringa vulgaris). This flower means a lot to me, as it is
one of my quintessential flowers for mourning. Indeed, I lost my
Grandmother this last week as the sea of its colors are flooding the
Michigan landscape. She was 100 years old, so I shall take a special
moment to write on this flower in memory of her. We shall all wear
purple in her memory, as she was our queen.
The lilac is identifiable by its cluster of blossoms, four petals
each. A common folk belief among those from Ukraine and Russia is that
if you find a lilac with five petals, it is very lucky, like a four-leaf
clover. There are many hybrids, but all belong to the Syringa family.
Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), as the name implies, is the best
known of all the lilacs in the United States. This shrub can be as tall
as 20 feet, and the flowers are fragrant and usually
lilac-colored,although they can be of other hues. Leaves are somewhat
heart shaped and smooth. –
For the graceful gourmand, this is the time to gather your fleeting
flowers. A simple sugar made from the bruised petals is a wonderful
treat for spring teas. Lilac butter on scones is tasty, as well. But I
believe that for many, the syrups are the best known.
For the more adventurous, might I suggest a little bit of a nip? Holly and Flora have an intriguingly easy recipe for a drink called Lilac Haze. Imagine a spring mixer with this unusual refreshment. Perhaps it could be the highlight of the Mother’s Day afternoon brunch.
Those who know me personally, know I make herbal honeys. It is a
sweet way of remembrance of springtime. I shall make a honey for my
Grandmother to remember her, also. I shall also include it in what I
place in her coffin. Sweetness among the sorrow. Here is a simple recipe
at Feral Botanicals.
True story: Grandma was a bit of a germ free person. You had to
wash your hands all the time, boil her water before she drank it, and
so on. However, when my daughter, Brenna, gave her an orange mint honey
she made as a gift, Grandma stuck her finger right in and ate it. She
doted on her great-granddaughter that much. It was her favorite gift
from us. So honey shall be my gift to her. She was very fond of honey.
She even used to feed a pet Raccoon from its own honey pot, as a child.
My honey jars – Kenya Coviak, All Rights Reserved
For our healers, the lilac has been said to be a good massage oil
infusion. Especially for those prone to redness. It allegedly also helps
with rheumatism. Making an infused oil would be a great addition to
your healer’s kit. But remember, always check for allergies. There are
other uses as well, and a naturopath could be a source of training in
these.
Lilac leaves can also be used for fever treatment and numerous
children diseases, liver congestion, weak digestion and diarrhea, cough,
bronchitis, increased body temperature, kidney stones, high blood
pressure. – Health Tips Source
Ok, now folklore is out there. It is not hard to find the story of Pan chasing a nymph
named Syringa who changed herself into the lilac. She was not having
any parts of Goat God Boy. When he thought he was grabbing her, he wound
up holding a bunch of reeds.
He sighed then, and when the sound of it merged with the wind in
the reeds, it made music. Hermes suggested he make an instrument, and
this became what we now call the Syrinx, or Pan pipes. You probably have
guessed what hollowed out wood is traditionally used for them by now.
Yep, the lilac.
You can also carve other things out of lilac wood, you
know.
Here is a sweet article on the lilac by Olga Ikebanova at Frangrantica. It
is not surprising that in aromatherapy, the scent of lilac is also used
to treat depression. It is often through stories and allegories that we
remember the properties of a herb, flower, plant, or tree.
Let us speak of magick now. This is an interesting plant. On one
side of its story, it is used for flirtation, beauty, and love. On
another face, it is used for protection and banishment. Still another
property is that of transitions from life to death, remembrance, and
dealing with ghosts. This sweet shrub is truly a precious gift.
Jennifer Shepherd at the Lipstick Mystic shares
some useful insights in the use of this shrub for protection of the
home. I know a witch who planted it specifically at her home due to a
ghost problem, so it seems to be a tried and true measure against
unwanted energetic invasion. It can also be made into a wreathe for a
ward (that is my suggestion).
Because my Grandma was a lover of dolls, I shall share with you an
activity for this flower. Take it as you will. I give it freely here, in
memory of her.
Gather up two pillow cases full of the flowers. From one, boil the
blooms until they reduce to half in a large pot of water. Then use this
liquid to dye a white pillow case. The color will surprise you.
Reserve a small saucer of the flowers from the other pillow case to
make into an oil. Fill a small glass jar with them and cover with
grapeseed oil, or some other oil without a heavy scent. Let sit for
about 2 weeks. OR place into a double boiler on low for a few hours
until the scent is strong in the bottle.
Next, dry the other blooms until brittle. Do this in brown paper bags. That way the moisture will wick away.
Now, get out your sewing kit. cut a simple doll pattern from half
the pillow case, a front and back, and sew it together – leaving the top
open. Stuff the doll with the dried flowers, which you will scent also
with the oil.
Make an apron, or dress, and a bonnet for it from the rest of the
pillow case. Now give it to a child, or keep it yourself. This is a good
protection against unwanted dreams. It is also a pick me up from
sadness. Enchant as you would any other object, with good energy and
wishes.
Here is a lovely rendition of a “Lilac Wine” cover performed by Miley Cyrus.
This piece is dedicated to the memory and life of Earlene Bentley North-Horner (1917-2017).
