Why does Weird Sisters West come out 8 times a year?

Instead of coming out 12 times a year, Weird Sisters West magazine takes its cue from the Celtic or Solar Earth calendar. We publish 8 times a years in celebration of the 4 "quarter days" (Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox and Fall Equinox) and the 4 "cross-quarter" days in-between (see below).

We chose this 8-week cycle (once-every-6-weeks) because it just made sense to us. It also provided a symbolic framework for our creative efforts. As one presiding Elder pointed out to us when we began this magazine, 8 is a symbol for eternity - and when one's goal is to build a community where everyone is valued, thinking about longevity keeps the temporary setbacks in perspective.

In a pleasant piece of serendipity, our name Weird Sisters West similarly corresponds to older ways of knowing. The three "Wyrd Sisters of Fate" (you may remember them in their most unflattering role as the three witches in Shakespeare's play MacBeth) were once revered goddesses. The Fates appear in Greek and Roman mythology and reappear in Celtic lore as the Wyrd Sisters. The Wyrd Sisters of Fate wielded awesome power -- most clearly displayed in their ability to foresee and shape the future. See menu item, "Why Weird?" for more details.    

Each issue of Weird Sisters West comes out in advance of the following 8 SOLAR EARTH HOLIDAYS it honors:

* February 1 IMBOLC Candelmas, Brigid celebrates marital union, the home's fire, waxing or the sun's light, time of discarding, purification, initiation.

* March 20-22 VERNAL EQUINOX Eostar celebrates conception, the sprouting seed, rejuvenation, feeling the balance to begin anew.

* April 30 MAY EVE Beltane, Walpugisnacht celebrates growth and fecundity, fertility, time of planting seeds both physically and mentally.

* June 20-22 SUMMER SOLSTICE Litha the ancient's midsummer, celebrates the longest day, peak of light, time of strength, energy, fire and passion.

* August 1 LAMMAS Lughnasadh celebrates earth's pregnant phase and 1st harvest, loaf-mass, festival of first fruits, time of rejoicing and thanksgiving.

* September 20-22 AUTUMN EQUINOX Mabon celebrates 2nd harvest, day of thanksgiving, preparation for winter, time of balance.

* October 31 ALL HALLOWE'EN Samhain, Day of the Dead celebrates the final harvest, death of the vegetative god/dess, time to honor the deceased.

* December 20-22 WINTER SOLSTICE Yule celebrates the longest night, return of the unconquered sun, time of appeasement and humility.

(Solar Earth Holiday descriptions are adapted from Lunaria Lunar Almanac, a locally produced, elegant, women-centered lunar calendar; find out more at Lunaria Day Journal and Lunar Almanac, Friday Press, PO Box 1306 Westminster CO 80036-1306. www.fridaypress.com)

FYI: In general, Weird Sisters West is distributed 10 days prior to the major Solar Earth Holidays. To find out the specific day each issue of Weird Sisters West will hit the street, please go to "Display Advertising" on the menu, and look at the section listing upcoming deadlines.)