Gleanings:
Merry Meet!
It has been ten years since Scot and Judith Rhoads of Mystic Moon in Southern California started publishing the Rose and Quill, a Journal of Magick and Wicca which was soon became New Moon Rising. The Journal has had many emerging authors' grace its pages as well as many established in the field. Scot Cunningham wrote for NMR regularly from its humble beginnings until his tragic passing in 19??. Donald Michael Kraig and Terry Lamb have also graced our pages from the beginning and continue to contribute with their wit, insight and understanding.
And what can be said of our first ten years? In looking through the back issues I see a celebration of diversity in which a variety of traditions and viewpoints have been regularly presented and explored.
Magick and Paganism are two very broad fields that sometimes blend and sometimes are quite distinct from one another. Magick on one hand is a practice and discipline somewhat akin to scientific research. (Which is not surprising since science grew out of magickal inquiry.) It has its methodologies and distinct objectives. Whereas Paganism is an area of philosophical inquiry and, for many, a harbor for their religious expression, aspirations and needs. Regardless of its many manifestations, Paganism nurtures a healthy worldview that can bring healing to a people and planet so abused by the tyrannical rule of religions obsessed in a reward/punishment dichotomy.
Collected in these pages are an eclectic sampling of the art, poetry, articles and rituals that have appeared in NMR We try to nurture a spirit of inquiry and maintain a sense of joy in positive celebration of diversity, and challenge the mind and spirit to new frontiers. Then as now, NMR is a journal of people sharing their ideas and experiences. I hope you enjoy them again or for the first time.
While this is the tenth year for NMR, it marks the first year of my tenure as editor. It has been quite an experience to say the least. Although I have been deeply involved in magick and paganism for the past thirty years, the art and mechanics of publishing a magazine is new territory. Through this first year some dynamic changes have been accomplished in the look and format of the Journal. We have learned the most rudimentary skills of dealing with printers; distributors and all that goes behind the issue you are now reading.
A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to NMR through the years, both known and unknown, without your quest New Moon Rising just would not be the same. Thank you. I have tried to give credit to all the artists whose work appears in this issue. This has presented some obstacles due to the change in publishers. If we have omitted giving credit where due, please let me know. Now, on to next ten years!
Bright Blessings!
Nuin
Editor | 
