The Presidio Chapel sits on a knoll just off the Main Post Photo: Presidio Trust

There will be no peace among nations unless there is peace among religions. And there will be no peace among religions unless there is authentic dialogue among religions.
– Hans Kung, Catholic theologian

In an age when religions the world over are literally at war with each other, there is a gem in the Presidio that houses a little-known program perpetuating the words and concepts of Hans Kung.

Located in the Presidio Chapel, the Interfaith Center has worked with multiple interfaith agencies in the Bay Area since 1996, two years after the United States Army turned the Presidio over to the National Park Service. Its mission is to bring people of many religions together to foster understanding and peace among the peoples of the world.

A tall order? Certainly. But religion has been a guiding principle ever since the Spanish built the first Presidio chapel on the Ohlone Indian tribe’s sacred space in 1776. When the Mexican government claimed the land, it too created a chapel, and finally in 1864, after the land became American property, the United States 6th Army built its own chapel. The Spanish and Mexican chapels were Catholic with a priest leading the services. The American chapel welcomed the Christian, Jewish and Muslim families who were represented in the U.S. Army. In 1931 during the Depression, Congress gave the Army $39,000 to build the current-day Presidio Chapel. The charming building, sitting on a forested hillside overlooking the San Francisco Bay, is flanked by the veterans’ cemetery and a colorful garden. The sanctuary seats 175 and displays no religious symbol other than an eternal light. Plaques honoring fallen military Americans adorn the walls.

“The U.S. Army personnel were smart enough to know that there were families of different faiths stationed at the Presidio and they needed a chapel to serve everyone,” said Rita Semel, a founder of the San Francisco Interfaith Center.

Presidio Interfaith Center

In 1992, Bay Area religious leaders began talking about bringing together people of different faiths who would share ideas and learn from each other. The Presidio Chapel became home to this group and in 1995, the Interfaith Center of the Presidio was born.

There is no permanent chaplain at the chapel but the Interfaith Center does have a board of directors. “Between 15 and 20 religions have been represented on the board over the years,” said Linda Crawford, campaign and project director. Among the Center’s extensive affiliations are the North American Interfaith Network, the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and the United Religions Initiative.

Celebrations, guest lectures, conferences, and workshops take place throughout the year at the Interfaith Center, which is also popular for interfaith weddings.

Rita Semel recalls escorting six Jordanians who were invited to observe the Center by the U.S. State Department.

“I took them around and talked to them about our freedoms. They were blown out of the water. They had no provision for freedom of religion,” she said. “When we talked about how freedom of religion as well as freedom of speech and the right to assembly is part of our constitution, they were amazed. They haven’t experienced these kinds of rights in their home countries.”

The Interfaith Center at the Presidio and all of its affiliate organizations represent a microcosm of a larger goal, where all religions respect each other and education, not arms, is a common denominator. The Center notes that “the San Francisco Bay Area is known for its flourishing interreligious community, and the Interfaith Center serves as this region’s spiritual heartbeat.”

“The Peacetime Activities of the Army,” a WPA-era mural by Victor Arnautoff inside the chapel (Photo: Interfaith Center)

The Chapel’s Unique Features

For each war since World War II, the Presidio Chapel has set aside an area to honor those who have fallen. When an area was designated for casualties of the Vietnam War, there was enormous controversy due to strong anti-Vietnam War sentiments in San Francisco. It is believed to be the first military base to honor those involved in the Vietnam War, according to Crawford.

Another key ingredient in the story of the Presidio Chapel is its unique and significant artwork. In 1935 as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, artist Victor Arnautoff painted a 34-foot mural depicting peacetime activities of the Army and early Presidio history. Arnautoff, who painted the Coit Tower murals and studied with Diego Rivera, worked on the mural with his team of artists. The San Francisco Examiner published this description:

“The design will measure approximately 13 feet by 34 feet. In the central panel, which will be devoted to religion, will be the figure of St. Francis surrounded by trees. On the left side will be depicted the early history of California; on the right, the Army today occupied in the development of science, the radio, Army engineers examining the project of the Golden Gate Bridge, and approving the construction.”

The mural was received with great enthusiasm and is as dramatic today as it was in 1935, the year it was completed. It is located on the wall of a reception area adjacent to the sanctuary.

In addition to the mural, the chapel highlights 11 stained glass symbols created by Willemina Ogterop, the first female artist accepted in a stained glass union on the West Coast. Each piece honors a virtue of military character.

One of the most fascinating artistic works is known as the McDonald Windows Project. In 1944–45, U.S. Army chaplain Frederick Alexander McDonald visited sanctuaries that had been blown up during World War II. Going through the rubble, he picked up shards of stained glass from destroyed churches and synagogues across Europe; he was an expert in stained glass but was not sure what he would do with the broken pieces.

McDonald, his family, and fellow artist Armelle Le Roux decided to create 25 new stained glass windows for a planned chapel addition. All will have the imprint of Fred McDonald’s specific memories of collecting what remained of houses of worship devastated by war. McDonald died shortly after the first few pieces were completed.

Plans to Expand

Because the number of visitors increases annually, the Presidio Chapel requires more space and greater accessibility, including an elevator and accessible restrooms. The Chapel is undergoing a capital campaign to raise $8 million to create a 4,000-square-foot addition; more than $3.5 million has been raised to date.

Working with the architectural firm of Page & Turnbull, which oversaw restoration of the Grace Cathedral and the Asian Art Museum, the Interfaith Center is looking forward to restoring the historic sanctuary. The McDonald collection of stained glass will be incorporated into the new design.

The Presidio Chapel is located at 130 Fisher Loop in the Presidio and is open for public viewing on Saturdays and by appointment. For more information about the Interfaith Center, services, tours, or donations, please call 415-561-3930.

I use a small kitchen scale and measure parts by weight rather than volume, hence the “ounce” measurements in the recipe.  I highly recommend this method.  In my experience, different crops of herbs and different suppliers can cause the essence of your blend to vary greatly if you go by volume parts alone.

you will need: mortar & pestle (or coffee grinder , clean airtight container to mix and store the blend in, kitchen scale

Mix/grind together:
.8 oz granular frankincense resin
.4 oz granular benzoin
.4 oz granular gum arabic
.4 oz granular myrrh
.4 oz powdered sweet cinnamon
.2 oz cedar
.2 oz powdered galangal
.2 oz powdered calamus root
.2 oz ground juniper berries
.2 oz orris root

Store these ingredients together in an airtight container for at least 1 week – many people say 2.

After at least 1 week, add:
3 drops Ylang-Ylang oil
.4oz of organic red wine,
a medium sized handful of raisins
agave nectar as needed

You might want to take this time to send positive energy or dedicatory prayers into the blend.  Mix the wet ingredients into the dry with your hands.  Tear and smash and mix the raisins in very well.  Add agave nectar as needed until the blend is the appropriate texture.    The blend should stick together and form reasonably well, but not be as wet and shapeable as clay.  When the texture and blend is correct you should be able to roll homogenous pieces into balls about a dime in diameter.  You should not have giant clumps of raisin or sticky patches of agave, but a very even mixture.

Store this blend together in an airtight container again for at least 1 week – again, many people say 2, because 4 total weeks is a moon cycle.  Many believe this will enhance the magickal power of the incense.

After this time, I recommend keeping your Kyphi airtight and refrigerated.  If you don’t refrigerate it, it will grow mold within 6 months.  Alternately, you can attempt to dry it and powder it.  Some people have had success with oven baking Kyphi pills but I don’t see the point in that.  Kyphi is so great that you’ll use it up before it goes bad anyway!

Now I know that traditionally corn meant grain, in the Old World. And technically this should be called recipes about maize, but bear with me. These are great recipes and regardless of semantics I am sure that you will enjoy them.

Tamales - You can always leave out the chile pods if you don’t want the extra spice

Ingredients

• Tamale Filling:
• 1 1/4 pounds pork loin
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 dried California chile pods
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Tamale Dough:
• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup lard
• 1 (8 ounce) package dried corn husks
• 1 cup sour cream

Directions

1. Place pork into a Dutch oven with onion and garlic, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the meat is cooked through, about 2 hours.
2. Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then remove from heat to cool. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture, stir in salt, and set aside. Shred the cooked meat and mix in one cup of the chile sauce.
3. Soak the corn husks in a bowl of warm water. In a large bowl, beat the lard with a tablespoon of the broth until fluffy. Combine the masa harina, baking powder and salt; stir into the lard mixture, adding more broth as necessary to form a spongy dough.
4. Spread the dough out over the corn husks to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Place one tablespoon of the meat filling into the center. Fold the sides of the husks in toward the center and place in a steamer. Steam for 1 hour.
5. Remove tamales from husks and drizzle remaining chile sauce over. Top with sour cream. For a creamy sauce, mix sour cream into the chile sauce.

Yes, it is that time again. The weekly recipe series continues. This time with recipes that include meat. I hope that you all enjoy these recipes. Blessed Be!

Baked Polenta with Sausage and Mushrooms
courtesy of katiehodges.com

1 tb olive oil
1 sm Yellow onion; chopped
2 lg Garlic cloves; minced
1 md Red sweet pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1/2 lb Mild Italian sausage, loose
1/2 lb Fresh mushrooms, (white or brown), trimmed and thinly sliced
2 1/2 c Milk, broth or water
3/4 c Yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
1 tb Chopped fresh sage
1 tb Chopped Italian parsley
1/4 ts Ground cayenne pepper
1 c Ricotta cheese
1/2 c gruyere or swiss cheese
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 tb Butter or margarine; melted
4 tb Grated parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, and sweet pepper until hot through. Add crumbled sausage and continue cooking just until meat changes color. Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid. Drain excess fat and set mixture aside.

Place milk or other liquid in a large, heavy saucepan over moderately high heat. Slowly add cornmeal, stirring briskly with a wire whisk to prevent lumping. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes or until mixture is very thick and smooth while stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove pan from heat and stir in herbs, cayenne pepper, and ricotta and gruyere cheeses. Add sausage and sweet pepper mixture. Combine all parts well and then season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into two 9-inch pie plates lined with plastic wrap. Cool on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate at least an hour, or as long as three days.

When ready to serve dish, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut polenta in wedges and place on an oiled shallow baking pan large enough to hold polenta in one layer without crowding. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until polenta is lightly browned and very hot when tested with a small knife in center of wedge. Serve with a topping of Tomato Sauce and sprinked with more parmesan cheese.

Game Hens with Rosemary and Garlic
courtesy of magickalmusings.net

3 Cornish Game Hens, halved
3/4 cup Olive oil
4 Garlic cloves, crushed
3 Tablespoons Dry sherry
1 Tablespoon Fine chopped fresh rosemary
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Split each bird in half. Set aside.
Using a very large bowl mix the remaining ingredients together. Marinate the bird halves in this mixture for 1 hour, turning often. Broil in oven 7 or 8 minutes on a side, or on a charcoal barbecue. I prefer the charcoal, but be sure the coals are not too hot. Cook to your liking.

Although sometimes it is still to hot at this time of the year for me to cook bread, I usually manage to bake some bread to celebrate Lughnasadh with. Many people seem to be turned away on the idea of making bread. They either consider it to difficult or just to many steps, which I guess could be the same thing.
But there are only four steps to making bread; Preparing, Letting Rise, Kneading and Baking. Most yeast you buy in the stores don’t require a second rise. So after you prepare the mixture you leave it alone until it is finished rising (this usually means it doubles in size) then you break it down by folding it until it becomes tough to manage. Followed by baking and then of course enjoying.
I hope that you enjoy this recipes that I have shared below. Happy Baking!

Ingredients

• 3 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup honey
• 5 cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
2. Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky – just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.
3. Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
3. In a bowl of mixer, cream butter on medium speed, adding sugar gradually. Add vanilla and egg. Add flour mixture gradually, stopping frequently to push down from sides of bowl. When flour mixture is thoroughly combined, mix in chips.
4. Drop dough by scant spoonful onto baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart, flattening slightly with back of spoon. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) 10 to 12 minutes or until beginning to brown. Allow to cool completely on cooling rack. courtesy of allrecipes.com

Full Moon

Saturday, May 25th

Closed Ritual

Feast to follow ritual

e-mail lunafyrecoven@gmail.com for more information

The old story teller paused for a moment to collect his thoughts and puff on his pipe. He looked around at the audience before him, all his grandchildren and he smiled. Then he said, “Now the kiss has wakened the sleeping maiden, but the Earth has been sleeping with her too long. So together the God, King of Sun and Oak and his consort the Maiden of Spring prepare to work the magick required to bring about the springtime and the growth of the plants and animals.

“After deep thought the Goddess and God gathered together the Faeries of the land and made plans to gather together all the eggs in the land. Then, the plan was, they would boil and color the eggs to draw upon the magick of the eggs. Which they would then spread among the lands, bringing new life and springtime.

“But as they gathered the eggs and colored them, they didn’t realize, until to late, that the Trickster was stealing the eggs a little at a time. So before they knew it that sly fox, the cunning coyote had stolen all the eggs and hidden them all over the land.

“As often happens though, the plans of the Trickster wind up tricking and fooling him in the end. For as he scattered the eggs so did he scatter the magick all over the land. Now as you can guess this made the magick work better than the original plan. For the magick was scattered pure all over the land.

“So you see children this is why we hide the eggs after we color them to take the role of the Trickster. We help the Gods spread and work the magick of Springtime.”  “But, grandfather,” asked one of the the children at his feet. “Did they ever find the eggs?”

Laughing the grandfather nodded and answered, “Why yes they did. Then they had a great feast. But the strange thing was that the only people in all the land that could find the eggs were the little children and the Faeries themselves. So that is why you children look for the eggs.”
“But grandfather,” asked one of the children, “what happened next?”

“Well now the eggs, once lost and now found, were cleaned and polished to a high gleam. Almost like gems they looked their, laid out at the feet of the Sun King and the Goddess. Then all kinds of creatures from all across the land, from the birds that fly high into the sky to the moles that burrow within the earth, joined hands and began to dance a circle dance around the Goddess and God and the newly shined eggs. Faster and faster they spun, raising the energy of love and light and of new hope. Around and around the animals spun crying out in their voices both small and large songs of joy until at last, when they could no longer keep dancing, they fell down laughing and magickally around them the Earth turned green and fertile. The last of the snows that were upon the ground melted and finally Spring was here. And for a moment peace rested upon the Earth, the lamb laid down with the lion and was safe. And the children marveled to see all of this. Knowing that they had seen the sacredness in nature.

“Seeing them, the Sun King gathered the little children to him and blessed them and told them about the magick that they had just witnessed. That this magick must be done each year by not only the animals of the Earth but by the people of the Earth also. And if the children will look closely when they dance they may just see Faeries darting between them in joy. Then the Goddess spoke and said that if the children worked this magick, then they would receive the gifts of the season on the morning of Ostara.

“Now you see children this is why when you wake on Ostara morning that you will oftentimes find a basket with gifts of candies and the such that represent Springtime. You see the chocolate bunny represents new life and young children, the hope that the Earth will continue on. The hot cross bun represents the balance of the Seasons, for you see Spring is a midpoint between the cold of Winter and the heat of Summer. And if you get any eggs then they represent the promise of new life that comes with each new Spring.
“So be thankful on Ostara morning and dance for joy. Dance the circle round and hunt for eggs and know that if you look closely then you too may see Faeries dancing around you. Go now little children play and let me rest. I will tell you another story tomorrow.”

And with this the little children went off in search of faeries in the woods around their home.

Preparation

Start this ritual in silence and darkness lit by a single candle, black or a dark color would be good but is not necessary. Have your children take a moment to still themselves and focus on their breath. Guide them if needed. Breath In, Breath Out. Breath In, Breath Out.

Tell them that tonight you are going to call on the Goddess. Not as the Mother but as Her Mother, the Grandmother. That tonight is a night to listen. For the Grandmother loves to tell stories and through them provide wisdom to the people of the Earth. Take a moment to answer any questions that they may have.

Circle Casting

Have all join hands and still their thoughts. Let the first to speak say;

From Me to You; followed by the next person saying
From You to Me
and repeat until all have said both lines.
For the purpose of tonight’s ritual have the chant move widdershins (counter-clockwise) around the circle of people.

Then when it gets back to the first let them say;

The Circle is Cast and the Temple is raised.
So Mote It Be! (All can repeat)

Quarter Calling

Start tonight in the West the direction of sunsets and endings. Have a cup of water there and have all take a small drink. Have all think about the water and how much we need it.

In the West we call Water.
May we have the vision tonight
To see inside its murky depths.

Now move to South where you have a candle ready to be lit. Light it now. And have all focus on its flame. Carefully let them feel its heat.

In the South we call Fire.
May it light our way
To find wisdom tonight.

Next we come to the East. Have a fan here and wave it at all present so that they can feel the presence of air.

In the East we call Air.
May it clear all obstacles that seek
To block us in our search.

Finally we come to the North. In my practice I like to have a bowl of patchouli here so that we can smell it and be reminded about the Earth.

In the North we call Earth.
May it grant us the strength
To face the wisdom granted us.

Ritual Body

Now you can read the Song of the Grandmother. Feel Her join you in Circle this night as you read.

Song of the Grandmother

Come nearer my grandchildren. Gather in close and listen to the words of my song. I sing of my life. Long has that life been yet its end is near.


My names are many. I have been called Cerridwen, Baba Yaga, Hecate, Morgana and by many other names. I am wisdom embodied and all of life’s knowledges resides with me. Be heartened and know that I watch over you always.


So if you seek wisdom, advice, or knowledge come and ask. But do not mock me because I am old. For once was I young and beautiful. Once was I the Maiden daughter and the Mother. And to some I am those people still. So listen well and learn my lessons.


Listen for my stories in the wind. Look for me in the weaving of the winter bare branches and hear my ancient voice singing in the crackle of the fire.

If your children are old enough, you can spend some time scrying whether it is with the candle on the altar or a fire, if you are lucky enough to have a yard or space to have one.

To finish up have a goblet full of some dark juice. And hold it up the sky and say:

Grandmother, Grandmother shine on us
Imbue this goblet with your darkling rays
So as we drink we can find answers
So Mote It Be!

Then all can drink after asking, silently or aloud, the question(s) that they need answers to.

When all have finished you can do Cakes and Juice to ground or feast afterwards.

Cakes and Juice

Touch the plate of cookies or cakes and say; Flesh of my Flesh
Then touch the juice in the goblet and say; Blood of my Blood

We are of Them as They are of us.
Joined in Love and Light
Married in Strength and Truth
Showered in Power and Blessings
We Drink from Her womb
We Eat from His hand

Drink from the chalice and then eat from the plate of food feeling Their Love and Strength.
So that we always remember our Love for Them and Their Love for Us
Pour out a libation and leave some food for the Earth and for the Gods.

Closing

Grandmother we thank your for your presence
This evening as we came to honor you
And to seek wisdom.
Hail and Farewell! (All can repeat)

Return to the North;

Element of Earth we thank you for your presence
Hail and Farewell! (All can repeat)

East

Element of Air we thank you for your presence
Hail and Farewell! (All can repeat)

South

Element of Fire we thank you for your presence
Hail and Farewell! (All can repeat)

West

Element of Water we thank you for your presence
Hail and Farewell! (All can repeat)

To close circle have all join hands. And the first to speak at the casting releases his grip on his left hand and says; We open the Circle.
Moving deosil (clockwise) have each member repeat until the chant moves back to the first person. Who says; But we remain a Circle. Family united in spirit. Circle open but unbroken.

Then have all have a group hug. Remembering that we are all one family.