So much has happened in the past 3 months, large quantities of "life" crammed into such a short space. School ended for the year and the summer is almost over. I've spent my time working on the school's PTA (what can I say, I was "volunteered"!), trying to drum up business to survive in our little corner, and enjoying what we can from a rainy few months. I went camping for the first time at the age of 41, and survived to tell about it. A very close family member surprised us all with a new job - and a move that puts her an additional 13 hours further away. A very busy summer indeed.
As we're currently renting, there's not a lot we've been able to do in the way of gardening here. However, a friend let many of us have space in her yard for a small garden. As space was limited, I kept it simple. I'm waiting for the corn to ripen, and so far have canned 4 qts of green beans and frozen a gallon. I located a supply of elderberry juice at a local store (still looking for actual elderberry plants in our area) and have started making elderberry cordials for the fall and winter. My mate and I ventured into the world of mead making last spring, and right now we have about 6 types working in our basement with plans for many, many more. It's a cheap hobby and one that is MUCH appreciated by our Pagan friends!
This weekend we will celebrate Lammas. It's definitely a celebration of reflection, of the crops and harvests of the year - both physical and in our lives. I'll be making corn dolls, bread, and many other things I think. When I have a chance, I'll post more about that. But for now, travel safely and may the sun light your path.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The NRC and other occurrances
Well so far it's been quite the year. Ended up sick with bronchitis for a total of 2 months, then was ok for about 2-3 weeks and promptly fell a whopping 6" on my elbow and jammed my shoulder making it impossible to type, write or function for the past 2 weeks or so. Not a good start to the year!!
My mother came down. Suffice it to say she's not a stupid person and figured out that our path had changed pretty quickly! At first she thought Wiccan, but was delighted to discover I was studying to be a druid. Go figure, who'd have thought? So she asks me if I'll eventually be an ordained priestess. I cautiously answer that that's a possibility to which she immediately responds "Lose weight first!". Guess she was envisioning me dancing naked around a fire! Of all the possible reactions I have to say that wasn't the one I was expecting!
My druid studies are going well. I've also started a new project I guess you could call it. It's odd really, I've never felt "called" to do something until I came up here. I've come to the conclusion that I need to open a nature preserve and spiritual center in the area. While there are other nature preserves, there's no spiritual center at all. It's a huge undertaking and I'm not trying to do it alone, but I think we'll be able to get it off the ground. I just need to come up with a name for it (as well as a thousand other things).
This week is treasure mapping week. Can't wait, hopefully it will make a difference! In the meantime, I keep moving forward.
My mother came down. Suffice it to say she's not a stupid person and figured out that our path had changed pretty quickly! At first she thought Wiccan, but was delighted to discover I was studying to be a druid. Go figure, who'd have thought? So she asks me if I'll eventually be an ordained priestess. I cautiously answer that that's a possibility to which she immediately responds "Lose weight first!". Guess she was envisioning me dancing naked around a fire! Of all the possible reactions I have to say that wasn't the one I was expecting!
My druid studies are going well. I've also started a new project I guess you could call it. It's odd really, I've never felt "called" to do something until I came up here. I've come to the conclusion that I need to open a nature preserve and spiritual center in the area. While there are other nature preserves, there's no spiritual center at all. It's a huge undertaking and I'm not trying to do it alone, but I think we'll be able to get it off the ground. I just need to come up with a name for it (as well as a thousand other things).
This week is treasure mapping week. Can't wait, hopefully it will make a difference! In the meantime, I keep moving forward.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Out of the Fog
I feel a bit like Frankenstein in that old movie where you hear the dr exclaim "It's ALIVE!!!" Six weeks of a sinus infection and bronchitis will do that to a person. And while I was too wiped out to focus as much as normal on my druidry studies, I did learn a few key things in one of my chosen paths of study, herbalism. Echinacea is a powerful and effective herb and one of nature's own antibiotics. Side effects are minimal. However, one key side effect that seems to be underreported is that it is considered a weed, and if you have allergies to say, ragweed, it may not be a good choice for you. Wondered why it made my ears itch! LOL! Elderberry syrup (from black elderberries only!) is some sour tasting stuff. However, if you mix it with a small amount of grape juice you really can't taste it. Which made me realize that it basically tastes like really sour grape juice on it's own. It's another one of the powerhouses offered by nature, especially for respiratory and sinus. However, to be most effective you have to start taking it early on. If you wait until you've been ill for 3-4 weeks and are pretty sick, it basically will keep you from getting worse. It may help you get better, but it takes a while. I admit after 6 weeks I got fed up and went back in to the dr for antibiotics.
The husband and I have tried our hand at making mead. It should be ready around April 25th, just in time for Beltaine! Hopefully it'll be decent!
Lot's of good discussions with our local Pagan friends. One other has followed the Norse Gods, but not really the tradition. Since my mate and I arrived he's been looking more into it and would like to start up a kindred. Also, the local Pagan organization has some changes coming up and a lot of potential. Not sure how involved I'll get, but right now I'm trying to look up various grants they may be eligible with given their 501 (c)(3) status. They talked a bit about having their own place. I could totally see a large building on about 10-15 acres, a 2-4 acre grove, a large fire/ritual circle, gardens to wander through, a decent greenhouse and a large community garden area. We'd like to get speakers in like Diana Paxson and John Michael Greer, but no idea how to go about that, what they'd charge or when we'd even have the facility up. But I'm working on it!
This is a short one tonight. I still have a blasted headache I can't seem to shake.
Yours from the wind in the trees
Soifra
The husband and I have tried our hand at making mead. It should be ready around April 25th, just in time for Beltaine! Hopefully it'll be decent!
Lot's of good discussions with our local Pagan friends. One other has followed the Norse Gods, but not really the tradition. Since my mate and I arrived he's been looking more into it and would like to start up a kindred. Also, the local Pagan organization has some changes coming up and a lot of potential. Not sure how involved I'll get, but right now I'm trying to look up various grants they may be eligible with given their 501 (c)(3) status. They talked a bit about having their own place. I could totally see a large building on about 10-15 acres, a 2-4 acre grove, a large fire/ritual circle, gardens to wander through, a decent greenhouse and a large community garden area. We'd like to get speakers in like Diana Paxson and John Michael Greer, but no idea how to go about that, what they'd charge or when we'd even have the facility up. But I'm working on it!
This is a short one tonight. I still have a blasted headache I can't seem to shake.
Yours from the wind in the trees
Soifra
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
It's not a ritual it's a "celebration"!
My husband and I have been in a bit of a quandry as to what to teach the children about our path. We both come from Christian families, heck I have a relative who ranks pretty high in involvement among other things, and well, to say things could get sticky is an understatement. We believe that a person's spirituality is important just as many other facets are, so we don't want to take the road of teach them nothing and let them decide when they grow up. We firmly believe in the path we're following and really, why shouldn't we teach them the values that we believe in as well and why? We WANT them to have the same appreciation for the earth that we do, to know the value of honor, to understand why we believe what we do. Funny, if we were Christian or Jewish or Muslim this wouldn't even be in question. Why so different with being Pagan? The answer is simple and yet complicated. We hesitate to teach them our path as a way to protect them, to shield them from those who would choose to warp our spirituality into something it isn't, who would choose to use this against them, against us and against our family. Until we could figure this out, we've been sheltering them from much of it, downplaying things in their eyes.
I've been realizing this is a huge mistake. For one thing, these two are not stupid and in fact are considered gifted. They miss nothing. Ever. During the week of Christmas after the Solstice celebration, they had a lot of talk at school about different celebrations that take place in December (Solstice being noticeably absent). I asked both of them if they had told their teacher about the celebration we'd gone to; it was a fun time and a big deal for them. Neither one had said a word at school about it, and our son told me "I didn't think it was ok to tell anyone about it". Clearly he had picked up on the undercurrents between my husband and I. Tonight we had the Disting/Imbolc ritual. Unsure what to tell them about it, I've been more than a bit vague. They know *something* is going on. In talking with my mate today, we realized that by trying to shelter them all we're doing is giving them the impression that what we are doing is a secret, something to be hidden away and probably something "wrong".
Today we decided no more. We're not going to let this grow into something shameful, how ridiculous is that?? However, we also realize we have to tread carefully. Can you just see the reactions of grandparents, teachers and CPS when our 5 year old daughter announces that mommy and daddy do rituals and use a dagger and candles? Given the negative connotations with all of that, I see no good coming from that! LOL! So we have decided for our family's protection that we will not use the word "ritual" in front of the children. The word doesn't make the ceremony, and "celebration" is much safer at least until they are older than 5 and 7 and better able to understand. We also had a frank talk with them about what we believe, why others may have issues with it due to wrongly perceived notions of Paganism, and that we should respect everyone's chosen religion, etc. It was good, and they both looked visibly relieved. This shouldn't be such a tough one!
Tonight we had the ritual, um I mean celebration. A couple of friends ended up coming over for it as well. One, a fellow druid in training, was highly impressed with the written ceremony (though he pointed out I'd transposed the north and south positions - hey, I'm still learning!). It went well overall, though I need to make sure the kids are either better occupied or involved next time! But for a first try, yeah, I think it went pretty well. And as a bonus, we have moonflowers planted waiting to grow and transplant when the ground thaws!
I've been realizing this is a huge mistake. For one thing, these two are not stupid and in fact are considered gifted. They miss nothing. Ever. During the week of Christmas after the Solstice celebration, they had a lot of talk at school about different celebrations that take place in December (Solstice being noticeably absent). I asked both of them if they had told their teacher about the celebration we'd gone to; it was a fun time and a big deal for them. Neither one had said a word at school about it, and our son told me "I didn't think it was ok to tell anyone about it". Clearly he had picked up on the undercurrents between my husband and I. Tonight we had the Disting/Imbolc ritual. Unsure what to tell them about it, I've been more than a bit vague. They know *something* is going on. In talking with my mate today, we realized that by trying to shelter them all we're doing is giving them the impression that what we are doing is a secret, something to be hidden away and probably something "wrong".
Today we decided no more. We're not going to let this grow into something shameful, how ridiculous is that?? However, we also realize we have to tread carefully. Can you just see the reactions of grandparents, teachers and CPS when our 5 year old daughter announces that mommy and daddy do rituals and use a dagger and candles? Given the negative connotations with all of that, I see no good coming from that! LOL! So we have decided for our family's protection that we will not use the word "ritual" in front of the children. The word doesn't make the ceremony, and "celebration" is much safer at least until they are older than 5 and 7 and better able to understand. We also had a frank talk with them about what we believe, why others may have issues with it due to wrongly perceived notions of Paganism, and that we should respect everyone's chosen religion, etc. It was good, and they both looked visibly relieved. This shouldn't be such a tough one!
Tonight we had the ritual, um I mean celebration. A couple of friends ended up coming over for it as well. One, a fellow druid in training, was highly impressed with the written ceremony (though he pointed out I'd transposed the north and south positions - hey, I'm still learning!). It went well overall, though I need to make sure the kids are either better occupied or involved next time! But for a first try, yeah, I think it went pretty well. And as a bonus, we have moonflowers planted waiting to grow and transplant when the ground thaws!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Imbolc Ritual (Disting Blot)
Greetings and well met! It's funny how quickly things can change sometimes, isn't it? I was all set to do an Imbolc ritual with our group and now that's done a 360. I was at a meeting on it Saturday night, and it just didn't "feel" right. It was "here's the script, stand and watch". I don't generally have issues with that, however this is something I'm planning on devoting at least the next 5 years to to master, and I just feel I should know WHY we do something in a ritual and have some input into it if that makes any sense. I expressed this to one of the leaders of the ritual, more to explain why I wouldn't be there (no, I'm not upset, etc. and all that) and was surprised he kind of felt the same. I've written a Disting/Imbolc ritual for my spouse and I to share that feels much more personal I guess. The one person would like to attend, which is fine, and there's another couple we thought to invite, so our little family only ceremony has just expanded. Which is kind of nice. Anyway this is what I think we're doing. It's my first try, so I'm sure it's far from perfect. Also, those of the Northern Religion celebrate Disting/the Charming of the Plow at the same time, so this is kind of a compilation of both. Please note that while much of it is my own creation (as well as the compilation), the Call for Peace in the 4 corners was borrowed from another source with minor modifications. (Source to be added directly)
Blot of Disting/Ceremony of Imbolc
• Close the circle
• Call for Peace in the 4 corners
o I call to the spirits of air, the breath of life; to the spirit of the eagle who brings the gift of vision far and clear, the spirits of the wild east wind, of sunrise and of spring, of new life and new growth. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the east (turn to the east and hold the dagger, sheathed)
o I call to the spirits of fire, of energy of passion; the spirit of the wild wolf, who kindles within us the strength and beauty of the untamed places; spirit of the noonday sun, the heat of summer, vitality and abundance. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the north (turn to the north and hold the dagger, sheathed)
o I call to the spirits of water, of the ebb and flow of emotion; to the spirit of the salmon, who fills us with the wisdom welling up from deep within the earth, of open seas and running streams, of cleansing rain; spirit of the evening sun, of twilight and of autumn. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the west (turn to the west and hold the dagger, sheathed)
o I call to the spirits of earth, those which nourish our bodies and lend our creation; to the spirit of the bear, who draws us into the nourishing darkness of the cave; spirits of the night and the snows of winter, deep roots and ancient stones. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the south (turn to the south and hold the dagger, sheathed)
• Invoke the blessings of the Gods and light candle
o We call to Nerthus, the mother earth from whom all bounty is possible, to share our hearth and bless our harvest in the upcoming year
o We call to Freyr, God of Sun and Rain, patron of harvests, that he may share our hearth and smile kindly upon us in the upcoming weeks of winter and the seasons of planting and harvest
o We call to Thor, mighty protector of Midland, that he may join our hearth and hold his hammer above it and shield our home from malice and misdeed
o We call to Frigga, wife of Odin and Goddess of marriage, motherhood and household, that she may come rest by our hearth and guide us with her wisdom in the balance of home and work in the upcoming seasons
o We call on Odin, the Allfather, that he may join our hearth and look favorably upon our endeavors
• Invoke the blessings of the Ancestors and light candle
o We call on our ancestors as they are ever-watching and ever-guiding our steps in this life
• Invoke the blessings of the elves and light candle
o We acknowledge the elves and seek their good fortune
• Comment on the coming spring
o We come together tonight to honor those we have invited here and to celebrate the lengthening days. Though snow may still lay on the ground, and the wind remain bitter, we are reminded that the turning of the season will soon again be upon us. It is now that we plant the first seeds of the year with the intent to nourish them as their growth and bloom will nourish our hearts and soul in the upcoming weeks.
Plant seeds
• Drink to deities
o We offer now, a toast to those who would join us and watch over our interests. (Drink after each name is said)
Hail Nerthus!
Hail Freyr!
Hail Thor!
Hail Frigga!
Hail Odin!
• Drink to ancestors
We offer a toast to those who have come before us, who’s footsteps we may follow. (Drink to the ancestors)
• Fill Blessings Bowl and dump
o Place small pieces of bread into the bowl and pour a drink over it
Take these, our offerings freely given
(Pour contents on the ground for the wights)
• Close the circle
o We release the spirits of the air, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the fire, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the water, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the earth, and thank them for their protection.
o Let the circle be opened and peace be with you.
We're not sure what night it will be on just yet, but probably midweek. Afterwards we'll all come inside (it's still COLD out!) and sit by the fire and share a traditional stew and homemade bread. YUM!
Ok have little ones to get into bed then a website to redo. It's not *all* fun and games! LOL!
~~~~~~~~~
Ok got it. The calling of the 4 quartes came from the Gorsedd Rite written by Philip Shallcrass and Emma Restall Orr and can be found Here
Blot of Disting/Ceremony of Imbolc
• Close the circle
• Call for Peace in the 4 corners
o I call to the spirits of air, the breath of life; to the spirit of the eagle who brings the gift of vision far and clear, the spirits of the wild east wind, of sunrise and of spring, of new life and new growth. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the east (turn to the east and hold the dagger, sheathed)
o I call to the spirits of fire, of energy of passion; the spirit of the wild wolf, who kindles within us the strength and beauty of the untamed places; spirit of the noonday sun, the heat of summer, vitality and abundance. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the north (turn to the north and hold the dagger, sheathed)
o I call to the spirits of water, of the ebb and flow of emotion; to the spirit of the salmon, who fills us with the wisdom welling up from deep within the earth, of open seas and running streams, of cleansing rain; spirit of the evening sun, of twilight and of autumn. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the west (turn to the west and hold the dagger, sheathed)
o I call to the spirits of earth, those which nourish our bodies and lend our creation; to the spirit of the bear, who draws us into the nourishing darkness of the cave; spirits of the night and the snows of winter, deep roots and ancient stones. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!
May there be peace in the south (turn to the south and hold the dagger, sheathed)
• Invoke the blessings of the Gods and light candle
o We call to Nerthus, the mother earth from whom all bounty is possible, to share our hearth and bless our harvest in the upcoming year
o We call to Freyr, God of Sun and Rain, patron of harvests, that he may share our hearth and smile kindly upon us in the upcoming weeks of winter and the seasons of planting and harvest
o We call to Thor, mighty protector of Midland, that he may join our hearth and hold his hammer above it and shield our home from malice and misdeed
o We call to Frigga, wife of Odin and Goddess of marriage, motherhood and household, that she may come rest by our hearth and guide us with her wisdom in the balance of home and work in the upcoming seasons
o We call on Odin, the Allfather, that he may join our hearth and look favorably upon our endeavors
• Invoke the blessings of the Ancestors and light candle
o We call on our ancestors as they are ever-watching and ever-guiding our steps in this life
• Invoke the blessings of the elves and light candle
o We acknowledge the elves and seek their good fortune
• Comment on the coming spring
o We come together tonight to honor those we have invited here and to celebrate the lengthening days. Though snow may still lay on the ground, and the wind remain bitter, we are reminded that the turning of the season will soon again be upon us. It is now that we plant the first seeds of the year with the intent to nourish them as their growth and bloom will nourish our hearts and soul in the upcoming weeks.
Plant seeds
• Drink to deities
o We offer now, a toast to those who would join us and watch over our interests. (Drink after each name is said)
Hail Nerthus!
Hail Freyr!
Hail Thor!
Hail Frigga!
Hail Odin!
• Drink to ancestors
We offer a toast to those who have come before us, who’s footsteps we may follow. (Drink to the ancestors)
• Fill Blessings Bowl and dump
o Place small pieces of bread into the bowl and pour a drink over it
Take these, our offerings freely given
(Pour contents on the ground for the wights)
• Close the circle
o We release the spirits of the air, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the fire, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the water, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the earth, and thank them for their protection.
o Let the circle be opened and peace be with you.
We're not sure what night it will be on just yet, but probably midweek. Afterwards we'll all come inside (it's still COLD out!) and sit by the fire and share a traditional stew and homemade bread. YUM!
Ok have little ones to get into bed then a website to redo. It's not *all* fun and games! LOL!
~~~~~~~~~
Ok got it. The calling of the 4 quartes came from the Gorsedd Rite written by Philip Shallcrass and Emma Restall Orr and can be found Here
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It has been a while
That sums up many things right now. First off, obviously it has been a while since I have posted. It has been a while since I've been this involved with other people in my community. It has been a while since I've been this hesitant before.
We brought in the new year, as did everyone. We spent some time at a friends house, then made a fairly early departure as we had little ones with us. One thing that I've done for this year is adopt Words for the New Year. Progress. Positivity. Health. Direction. Perserverence. A few to start with.
Progress. As a family and as an individual, we have goals for this year. After many big changes last year, though not all positive, I felt that "progress" was not only continuing change but movement in the right direction - forward. Direction and Perserverence tie nicely into that, while being significant enough to merit their own position. Health. I am sick, again. In the past 3 years my health has been worse than ever. In the past six months alone I've had the H1N1 virus (thankfully mild!), several sinus infections and now a plain old headcold I think. Part of it is from the change in location with all the stress added to the new germs. Part of it is cumulative, and I need to retake charge of my body. So Health is another good word for the year. Positivity is probably going to be my greatest challenge. It seems everywhere I look I'm bombarded with negativity. I was raised in a culture where if you say anything positive you are considered boastful. "I'm so happy the sun is shining!" can be rubbing it in for others who are under rainy skies. So instead you say "I'm so glad the sun is FINALLY shining for us!". See that little complaint in there, that the sun hasn't been shining? Yeah, silly. But very insidious and a hard one to break.
In April it will be time to make a Treasure Map. I've not done one before though I'm excited about it. It coincides with the Aries moon, a time for new purpose and new beginnings. I'm already thinking what I'd like to have on it, though I've been warned those ideas may change with the energy of the moon cycle that month. I think my mate may even be considering one!
I've been continuing my studies with the AODA. Among the regular things I'm tasked with learning, I've been delving into what we know about the druids. Quite fascinating, both in the wealth and lack thereof of information. One story in particular has caught my attention though. It is the tale of Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni's. Her husband the king ruled in the times of the Roman invasion into Britton. He was what's termed an "independent ally" of Rome - meaning he didn't get in their way, paid some taxes, and they left his people alone for the most part. He also traded heavily with them and so on. Upon his death he left his kingdom split, half to the Roman Emperor, half to his family. The Roman Emperor was not accustomed to sharing, and most certainly not with a woman. In the Roman empire, women were not even considered citizens, let alone property owners! Word was sent to Boudicca to turn over her daughter's inheritance to the Emperor. Boudicca evidentally told the Roman Emperor where to stick it for his audacity, an admirable but ill advised move. She was flogged and her 2 daughters raped, while their assets seized and her people treated like slaves.
Now this wasn't the only tribe this happened to, and while the Romans were off fighting another area, the tribes in the Iceni area voted Boudicca to lead their revolution. She did eventually lose, but not before she destroyed three main Roman strongholds (London anyone?) and took out a sizable chunk of their armies. I'm telling you, don't piss off a woman and do not harm her children! Yowza! The twist to the story is though unproven, there is enough evidence to speculate that she may also have been trained as a Druid. Neat stuff.
I've been working to reconcile the Northern Religion with the Celtic, and have finally gotten it mostly figured out. It helped to learn that the Norse traded for years with the Celts, from as early as 1500bc, and that they settled all through the Celtic lands as they invaded. It's starting to gel together, the overlaps and the similiarities. There are still a few differences, but it at least has more logic to it for me now.
As for my druid studies, I'm progressing slower than I'd like, but at a respectable pace. I'm impatient, I want to know it all NOW. And that is something I have to work through in all aspects of life.
I'm learning about the different wildlife in our new area, as well as the trees, foilage, etc. I've found just a treasure of information in a series of books by a local naturalist. I've also begun working with Norse Runes, with some degree of success to this point. Funny really on that one, I picked them up and it was like I'd always been using them. One thing that I have not kept up on is my study of the Icelandic language. I need to get this knocked out so I can move on to Scottish Gaelic. Thankfully I'm fairly adept with languages!
I may have mentioned that we've become active in the wonderful Pagan community up here. Most Friday evenings we spend time with a group of friends at the weekly fire circle. One of our goals for hopefully this year is to buy a house with decent acerage where we can host the Friday Night Fire Circles. The place we have it now is starting to get crowded, and in temperatures like we've been having, it's moved inside. Our hosts house is cozy, but they've mentioned they'd prefer to gather in a place with a fireplace and more space. We're also looking for trees, preferably enough for a small actual grove of my own, perfect for rituals. At some point I'd love to ascend through the AODA ranks and be able to help others with their rituals (as well as my own of course) in a place that I knew was safe. Anyway, as I believe I also mentioned previously, 2 of the members of the fire circle are following the OBOD path. Honestly, I wasn't sure which organization to affiliate with for my studies, and it was a hard call. However, after getting into the AODA program and "comparing notes" if you will about the OBOD program, I'm very glad this is the path I've chosen. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not about to insult the OBOD; it's a solid organization with good information. But what I'm seeing is that all of the information is handed to you each month, and while you may be encouraged to delve deeper into some topics, there's no real incentive to do so. AODA on the other hand tells you a defined scope of what you need to focus on and then let's you loose on it (they do have a good reading list to reference as well as the message boards if you have questions). That suits my personality much better. As one of the OBOD disciples stated "It seems like the OBOD teaches you to talk the talk assuming you'll begin to walk the walk, whereas AODA does it in the reverse". I can live with that!
From the wind in the trees,
Siofra
We brought in the new year, as did everyone. We spent some time at a friends house, then made a fairly early departure as we had little ones with us. One thing that I've done for this year is adopt Words for the New Year. Progress. Positivity. Health. Direction. Perserverence. A few to start with.
Progress. As a family and as an individual, we have goals for this year. After many big changes last year, though not all positive, I felt that "progress" was not only continuing change but movement in the right direction - forward. Direction and Perserverence tie nicely into that, while being significant enough to merit their own position. Health. I am sick, again. In the past 3 years my health has been worse than ever. In the past six months alone I've had the H1N1 virus (thankfully mild!), several sinus infections and now a plain old headcold I think. Part of it is from the change in location with all the stress added to the new germs. Part of it is cumulative, and I need to retake charge of my body. So Health is another good word for the year. Positivity is probably going to be my greatest challenge. It seems everywhere I look I'm bombarded with negativity. I was raised in a culture where if you say anything positive you are considered boastful. "I'm so happy the sun is shining!" can be rubbing it in for others who are under rainy skies. So instead you say "I'm so glad the sun is FINALLY shining for us!". See that little complaint in there, that the sun hasn't been shining? Yeah, silly. But very insidious and a hard one to break.
In April it will be time to make a Treasure Map. I've not done one before though I'm excited about it. It coincides with the Aries moon, a time for new purpose and new beginnings. I'm already thinking what I'd like to have on it, though I've been warned those ideas may change with the energy of the moon cycle that month. I think my mate may even be considering one!
I've been continuing my studies with the AODA. Among the regular things I'm tasked with learning, I've been delving into what we know about the druids. Quite fascinating, both in the wealth and lack thereof of information. One story in particular has caught my attention though. It is the tale of Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni's. Her husband the king ruled in the times of the Roman invasion into Britton. He was what's termed an "independent ally" of Rome - meaning he didn't get in their way, paid some taxes, and they left his people alone for the most part. He also traded heavily with them and so on. Upon his death he left his kingdom split, half to the Roman Emperor, half to his family. The Roman Emperor was not accustomed to sharing, and most certainly not with a woman. In the Roman empire, women were not even considered citizens, let alone property owners! Word was sent to Boudicca to turn over her daughter's inheritance to the Emperor. Boudicca evidentally told the Roman Emperor where to stick it for his audacity, an admirable but ill advised move. She was flogged and her 2 daughters raped, while their assets seized and her people treated like slaves.
Now this wasn't the only tribe this happened to, and while the Romans were off fighting another area, the tribes in the Iceni area voted Boudicca to lead their revolution. She did eventually lose, but not before she destroyed three main Roman strongholds (London anyone?) and took out a sizable chunk of their armies. I'm telling you, don't piss off a woman and do not harm her children! Yowza! The twist to the story is though unproven, there is enough evidence to speculate that she may also have been trained as a Druid. Neat stuff.
I've been working to reconcile the Northern Religion with the Celtic, and have finally gotten it mostly figured out. It helped to learn that the Norse traded for years with the Celts, from as early as 1500bc, and that they settled all through the Celtic lands as they invaded. It's starting to gel together, the overlaps and the similiarities. There are still a few differences, but it at least has more logic to it for me now.
As for my druid studies, I'm progressing slower than I'd like, but at a respectable pace. I'm impatient, I want to know it all NOW. And that is something I have to work through in all aspects of life.
I'm learning about the different wildlife in our new area, as well as the trees, foilage, etc. I've found just a treasure of information in a series of books by a local naturalist. I've also begun working with Norse Runes, with some degree of success to this point. Funny really on that one, I picked them up and it was like I'd always been using them. One thing that I have not kept up on is my study of the Icelandic language. I need to get this knocked out so I can move on to Scottish Gaelic. Thankfully I'm fairly adept with languages!
I may have mentioned that we've become active in the wonderful Pagan community up here. Most Friday evenings we spend time with a group of friends at the weekly fire circle. One of our goals for hopefully this year is to buy a house with decent acerage where we can host the Friday Night Fire Circles. The place we have it now is starting to get crowded, and in temperatures like we've been having, it's moved inside. Our hosts house is cozy, but they've mentioned they'd prefer to gather in a place with a fireplace and more space. We're also looking for trees, preferably enough for a small actual grove of my own, perfect for rituals. At some point I'd love to ascend through the AODA ranks and be able to help others with their rituals (as well as my own of course) in a place that I knew was safe. Anyway, as I believe I also mentioned previously, 2 of the members of the fire circle are following the OBOD path. Honestly, I wasn't sure which organization to affiliate with for my studies, and it was a hard call. However, after getting into the AODA program and "comparing notes" if you will about the OBOD program, I'm very glad this is the path I've chosen. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not about to insult the OBOD; it's a solid organization with good information. But what I'm seeing is that all of the information is handed to you each month, and while you may be encouraged to delve deeper into some topics, there's no real incentive to do so. AODA on the other hand tells you a defined scope of what you need to focus on and then let's you loose on it (they do have a good reading list to reference as well as the message boards if you have questions). That suits my personality much better. As one of the OBOD disciples stated "It seems like the OBOD teaches you to talk the talk assuming you'll begin to walk the walk, whereas AODA does it in the reverse". I can live with that!
From the wind in the trees,
Siofra
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