I was still thinking about the mountain seen in the pool after I finished yesterday's post, and was not satisfied with how I described things. My focus is usually elsewhere, so I never really thought about it in such specific terms before. The mountain is and is not there... like a vision that appears in the pool. Verdant and waiting. Perhaps it's time to go visit it.
Cyfnos Gwynt mentioned listening to the music of nature, and I'm so glad to know people who are aware of this!
Talking about adventures of younger days with another friend some time ago, I told him about a group of us going for a walk at a nearby cemetery, and that I had danced on one of the lawns under the full moon. The cemetery had a space that was away from where all the graves are, with a beautiful soft lawn, not a stick or stone to hurt the foot. He wondered at how I could do that, as he assumed - rightly - that we hadn't brought any music player or instruments with us. It's simple enough, really. You just have to be still and listen. You'll hear the heartbeat of the land, the little songs of small plants and creatures, the greater songs of the trees that sweep through you, the far-off stars even, and the very air itself. No need to fear the spirits of those who have passed and whose material bodies rest nearby, if you dance with respect.
Speaking of respect, I should take a walk up the hill today. We have a cemetery up around the corner from us, and the other night as we were walking back from Stop & Shop, we passed several presences, including the one that's been inviting me to walk up the hill. There's quite a bit of trash accumulated on the sidewalk where it is, and it's a bothersome thing, so I need to do a little cleanup there.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
A walk or two on the other side
Back when L and I went to reiki classes, we would usually meditate as part of the sessions, and always before the attunements. Our instructor liked to do guided meditations and would try different things, to expose us to different possibilities and such.
Elements of my attunement meditations/visualizations definitely stayed with me, and I'm going to try to write down one of them down here. One of the advanced participants said we shouldn't describe our "spirit guides" in too much detail. I have no fear that I'll leave some things out anyway, if that is a true concern. As far as my occasional spiritual partner in healing is concerned though, it isn't.
Guided meditations make suggestions about how you're getting to a place and what you might see there, but they are only suggestions, and much is left to the individual's discretion and personal experience.
I started by walking a path through a narrow way. I had come out of a forest and walked upon a roughly-formed path of stone, through a narrow fissure in the high stone walls that enclosed a secret valley. The stone is a mix of red, pink, and light golden beige tones. The path goes up a little, curves slightly here and there, then gently descends. Stepping off the path, there is a small valley, verdant and vibrant with life. Off to the left there is a clear, bright waterfall, cascading straight down from the top of the valley's wall. It falls into a deep, clean pool of water. The sun is shining brightly, the sky a clear, intense blue -- the color of sky turquoise.
Walking over to the pool, I meet a man. Tall, lean and fit, long dark hair, dark-eyed, tanned skin. He has an antlered deer head on his head, with the skin falling down over his shoulders and back. He's wearing some sort of decorative items across the chest, a loin cloth, and knee-high moccasins. On top of the deer's head is a lotus flower, and although it never has any fewer petals, there are lotus petals falling and settling around his feet.
We dive into the pool and swim in the lovely darkness. Dark, and yet we can see. I can see that sometimes his hands are deer hooves, his limbs and body those of a stag. He is both a man and a stag, and if you are paying attention, you can see both at once. Yet he swims just as fluidly as a fish for all that. Eventually we come up in another pool.
Here it is deepest, darkest night. The stars are brilliant in the sky, and the moon shines down on the circular space, stars and moon reflecting in the pool. There is a shadow over part of the pool if you look closely -- perhaps a distant mountain? It gives a slight aspect of yin yang to the water. Surrounding the pool is a strip of meadow-like grass. Mixed plants, not just grasses, but soft and gentle to the foot. The kind of lawn meant for dancing! Or as easily for thoughtful meditation or quiet conversation and/or work. And surrounding that is a grove of mixed trees. Oak, beech, alder, rowan, hazelnut, some sugar maple further out perhaps. Here we are far away from all city lights, and all country lights too. Only the light of the heavens shine in this place, for we are high above the rest of the world, if not the rooftop, then in the rafters.
***
There is also a place beyond and through the trees; a high plain. I've been there with the deer/man, learning to shape myself, running with the deer as the wind blows through the high blond grasses trying to catch us, and the sun and blue sky look down on us. The first time was when I was working doing some reiki/energy work, and wondered if he wouldn't mind helping me out a little. His hooves resting on my hands and his hands on my shoulders, we were able to work together to flush out the person's system, clearing out the stagnant energies, and bring in fresh clean energy. Reiki practitioners are but conduits for energy anyway, but even that can be a large task at times, as there is much to observe, balance, and sometimes ground, and I definitely welcome the assistance. I can picture in my mind also the lotus petals falling on the person's body, helping to keep the healing energies gentle.
***
In one of the other visualizations we were supposed to receive a feather and fly. She didn't mention the terrain at all, but I was definitely in the same world, although over the more canyony-part at first, with the high plains in the distance. I've had people (like Cyfnos Gwynt) tell me about changing into different birds, but I didn't do that. I held the feather I received, a hawk feather, in one hand, and there were some women with me who flew with me, but we were all in human form. Mind you, we were gliding, supported by the wind and all, but perhaps because I never flew as anything but myself as a child, it never occurred to me to try it before. I did give it a thought, looking at to my left and giving the arm the form of a wing, but as far as the physical flying sensation went, it made little difference whether or not my arms looked like human arms or bird wings. I'm more empathic than visual anyway, feeling what is rather than seeing it. Although they were very pretty feathers :)
I have a real feather now, btw, that matches the one from the visualization. A gift from someone dear, who moved further away last year.
Elements of my attunement meditations/visualizations definitely stayed with me, and I'm going to try to write down one of them down here. One of the advanced participants said we shouldn't describe our "spirit guides" in too much detail. I have no fear that I'll leave some things out anyway, if that is a true concern. As far as my occasional spiritual partner in healing is concerned though, it isn't.
Guided meditations make suggestions about how you're getting to a place and what you might see there, but they are only suggestions, and much is left to the individual's discretion and personal experience.
I started by walking a path through a narrow way. I had come out of a forest and walked upon a roughly-formed path of stone, through a narrow fissure in the high stone walls that enclosed a secret valley. The stone is a mix of red, pink, and light golden beige tones. The path goes up a little, curves slightly here and there, then gently descends. Stepping off the path, there is a small valley, verdant and vibrant with life. Off to the left there is a clear, bright waterfall, cascading straight down from the top of the valley's wall. It falls into a deep, clean pool of water. The sun is shining brightly, the sky a clear, intense blue -- the color of sky turquoise.
Walking over to the pool, I meet a man. Tall, lean and fit, long dark hair, dark-eyed, tanned skin. He has an antlered deer head on his head, with the skin falling down over his shoulders and back. He's wearing some sort of decorative items across the chest, a loin cloth, and knee-high moccasins. On top of the deer's head is a lotus flower, and although it never has any fewer petals, there are lotus petals falling and settling around his feet.
We dive into the pool and swim in the lovely darkness. Dark, and yet we can see. I can see that sometimes his hands are deer hooves, his limbs and body those of a stag. He is both a man and a stag, and if you are paying attention, you can see both at once. Yet he swims just as fluidly as a fish for all that. Eventually we come up in another pool.
Here it is deepest, darkest night. The stars are brilliant in the sky, and the moon shines down on the circular space, stars and moon reflecting in the pool. There is a shadow over part of the pool if you look closely -- perhaps a distant mountain? It gives a slight aspect of yin yang to the water. Surrounding the pool is a strip of meadow-like grass. Mixed plants, not just grasses, but soft and gentle to the foot. The kind of lawn meant for dancing! Or as easily for thoughtful meditation or quiet conversation and/or work. And surrounding that is a grove of mixed trees. Oak, beech, alder, rowan, hazelnut, some sugar maple further out perhaps. Here we are far away from all city lights, and all country lights too. Only the light of the heavens shine in this place, for we are high above the rest of the world, if not the rooftop, then in the rafters.
***
There is also a place beyond and through the trees; a high plain. I've been there with the deer/man, learning to shape myself, running with the deer as the wind blows through the high blond grasses trying to catch us, and the sun and blue sky look down on us. The first time was when I was working doing some reiki/energy work, and wondered if he wouldn't mind helping me out a little. His hooves resting on my hands and his hands on my shoulders, we were able to work together to flush out the person's system, clearing out the stagnant energies, and bring in fresh clean energy. Reiki practitioners are but conduits for energy anyway, but even that can be a large task at times, as there is much to observe, balance, and sometimes ground, and I definitely welcome the assistance. I can picture in my mind also the lotus petals falling on the person's body, helping to keep the healing energies gentle.
***
In one of the other visualizations we were supposed to receive a feather and fly. She didn't mention the terrain at all, but I was definitely in the same world, although over the more canyony-part at first, with the high plains in the distance. I've had people (like Cyfnos Gwynt) tell me about changing into different birds, but I didn't do that. I held the feather I received, a hawk feather, in one hand, and there were some women with me who flew with me, but we were all in human form. Mind you, we were gliding, supported by the wind and all, but perhaps because I never flew as anything but myself as a child, it never occurred to me to try it before. I did give it a thought, looking at to my left and giving the arm the form of a wing, but as far as the physical flying sensation went, it made little difference whether or not my arms looked like human arms or bird wings. I'm more empathic than visual anyway, feeling what is rather than seeing it. Although they were very pretty feathers :)
I have a real feather now, btw, that matches the one from the visualization. A gift from someone dear, who moved further away last year.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Summer Solstice
An interesting week... originally we were thinking of going to the Sunwheel at UMass Amherst again, but ended up tonight deciding not to, or at least not tomorrow. Everything seems for us seems to be centered here, right around home... although it wouldn't surprise me if Lyle takes a little time on Saturday to go up on the hill if he gets a break. I'll be with some folks wandering through the garden at Sturbridge Village that day.
We did the Summer Solstice/Alban Heruin ceremony starting at sunset today. I made a few small adaptations to what's in the Druidry Handbook, like using lavendar instead of vervain. Lavendar I have, and quite a bit of it. Vervain will take some looking for at different garden centers, and I haven't had the time for going shopping. Lavendar as an herb has some antiseptic and astringent properties, and also helps to keep moths away. It's also used to help with headaches, and aid in relaxation (good for stress and for meditation!). The other variant is the book suggests red and gold for the altar colors. I had a yellow napkin I could place as a diamond across the white foundation cloth, but no red readily to hand -- esp. with all the rearranging and packing I've been doing. But I have a ceramic bowl that I usually put on the altar... beautiful sort of peacock blue, mottling out to green and gold near the rim, into a warm brown on the rim itself. Usually I have another small bowl inside that, with crystalline glass gobs in it that are clear/white, blue, green, and amber. So I took the small bowl out, filled it half full of water, and put some red roses in it from our flourishing rose bush.
I gathered both the lavendar and the roses during a light rain, the solstice waters infusing them with their blessings. I prayed over the lavendar in particular, as I was gathering some for later use as well as for the ceremony. It's my hope and intent to work on making something that will be a protection of our spirits and bodies, that can go into our crane bags. Like most things, the true protection is always a more immaterial matter, but I think the energy and scent of such an item can be a reminder to the carrier to maintain a open, balanced, and alert state of being.
***
We performed the rituals together, as is our wont. I did most of the speaking, with Carw Gwynt doing most of the actions, but there were times when we both did some of them. It's probably a good thing we work well together, since there isn't a lot of space where we work. Plus the cats sometimes like to contribute their efforts.
It was wonderful welcoming in and feeling the presence of Beli. A light presence, not weighty or oppressive, warm, open, like a brother or comrade.
After the ceremony we were both very relaxed, and in fact it took some effort to stir ourselves to come upstairs.
***
We chatted about the ceremony a bit before coming up, and discussed spending even more time looking over the next ceremony than we did this time. Both of us read through it a number of times, and although we both really like the text for opening and closing a grove, for the ceremonies themselves I think we're both more comfortable with using our own words, and using the text as a framework to build on. And we may experiment with other ways to do the words and actions, too. Like maybe we could open and close the grove alternating who's at each quarter, e.g, I could do East then he does South, then I do West, then he does North... kind of like an interwoven circle. I'm sure we'll come up with other things as time goes on!
We did the Summer Solstice/Alban Heruin ceremony starting at sunset today. I made a few small adaptations to what's in the Druidry Handbook, like using lavendar instead of vervain. Lavendar I have, and quite a bit of it. Vervain will take some looking for at different garden centers, and I haven't had the time for going shopping. Lavendar as an herb has some antiseptic and astringent properties, and also helps to keep moths away. It's also used to help with headaches, and aid in relaxation (good for stress and for meditation!). The other variant is the book suggests red and gold for the altar colors. I had a yellow napkin I could place as a diamond across the white foundation cloth, but no red readily to hand -- esp. with all the rearranging and packing I've been doing. But I have a ceramic bowl that I usually put on the altar... beautiful sort of peacock blue, mottling out to green and gold near the rim, into a warm brown on the rim itself. Usually I have another small bowl inside that, with crystalline glass gobs in it that are clear/white, blue, green, and amber. So I took the small bowl out, filled it half full of water, and put some red roses in it from our flourishing rose bush.
I gathered both the lavendar and the roses during a light rain, the solstice waters infusing them with their blessings. I prayed over the lavendar in particular, as I was gathering some for later use as well as for the ceremony. It's my hope and intent to work on making something that will be a protection of our spirits and bodies, that can go into our crane bags. Like most things, the true protection is always a more immaterial matter, but I think the energy and scent of such an item can be a reminder to the carrier to maintain a open, balanced, and alert state of being.
***
We performed the rituals together, as is our wont. I did most of the speaking, with Carw Gwynt doing most of the actions, but there were times when we both did some of them. It's probably a good thing we work well together, since there isn't a lot of space where we work. Plus the cats sometimes like to contribute their efforts.
It was wonderful welcoming in and feeling the presence of Beli. A light presence, not weighty or oppressive, warm, open, like a brother or comrade.
After the ceremony we were both very relaxed, and in fact it took some effort to stir ourselves to come upstairs.
***
We chatted about the ceremony a bit before coming up, and discussed spending even more time looking over the next ceremony than we did this time. Both of us read through it a number of times, and although we both really like the text for opening and closing a grove, for the ceremonies themselves I think we're both more comfortable with using our own words, and using the text as a framework to build on. And we may experiment with other ways to do the words and actions, too. Like maybe we could open and close the grove alternating who's at each quarter, e.g, I could do East then he does South, then I do West, then he does North... kind of like an interwoven circle. I'm sure we'll come up with other things as time goes on!
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Weaving, talking, readings
Much good discussion with L yesterday. Also did some research online to answer a question and locate some farming resources.
Wove this morning and again this afternoon. Will probably do some more tonight. First scarf is coming along nicely.
Did two more I Ching readings today. Conversations with various people in Ashfield will be happening this weekend, if not sooner. But probably this weekend. A schedule of sorts may be attainable, which would be nice. Not a strict day-by-day sort of thing, but a general timeframe.
Part of me would much rather be moving this year, and despite the physical havoc of packing and potting, because I know it would be easier on us in some ways than doing this next year. Yeah, next year will be even more 'interesting'... But it's highly unlikely.
Meantime, I get to continue sorting and packing and putting our house into readiness. And also reading, studying, practicing of knowledge and skills - dowsing, weaving, writing, fitness, gardening, meditation, healing (self and others). Continue work on making connections between things.
That's another thing I like about druidry... I can be me and no one things it's odd. In fact, it's practically written into the study plan :D
Contentment.
Wove this morning and again this afternoon. Will probably do some more tonight. First scarf is coming along nicely.
Did two more I Ching readings today. Conversations with various people in Ashfield will be happening this weekend, if not sooner. But probably this weekend. A schedule of sorts may be attainable, which would be nice. Not a strict day-by-day sort of thing, but a general timeframe.
Part of me would much rather be moving this year, and despite the physical havoc of packing and potting, because I know it would be easier on us in some ways than doing this next year. Yeah, next year will be even more 'interesting'... But it's highly unlikely.
Meantime, I get to continue sorting and packing and putting our house into readiness. And also reading, studying, practicing of knowledge and skills - dowsing, weaving, writing, fitness, gardening, meditation, healing (self and others). Continue work on making connections between things.
That's another thing I like about druidry... I can be me and no one things it's odd. In fact, it's practically written into the study plan :D
Contentment.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Weaving and Readings
The loom is threaded but not fully warped; have to wind it on, then wind some bobbins for the shuttles, and then I should be ready to rock and roll. Warp is mostly Shetland "Pearl", with Shetland "Birch" (light grey/green) on the edges. 13 yards, which should give me enough running room for 5 scarves and possibly a pouch/purse.
It was interesting moving the heddles into place and threading the warp yarns... sitting there, sort of straddling the side of the loom, leaning over to the side to see the heddles, I was reminded of when I used to work on playing/tuning my old harp...
Did a couple of I Ching readings last night. No real surprises there, for me anyway. More discussion/communication needs to happen. Now. What results from that may not take effect immediately, at least as far as physically moving to Ashfield, but the talks will be happening over the next week or so.
Meantime, I contemplate 'worst case' moving scenarios, like having to spend the summer potting up the garden so that we can put the lawn back in.... grass takes time to grow, and July/August isn't the best time to try to start that... Fortunately we have a big driveway, so I have somewhere to put pots until their final destination is determined, should that come to pass.
Best case (laziest and least nerve-wracking, anyway) would be to work out whatever it is we're going to do, and time it to happen next spring, after sugaring season. I would still have potting to do, but not as much.
More thinking to do. Best go and wind the warp on the loom...
It was interesting moving the heddles into place and threading the warp yarns... sitting there, sort of straddling the side of the loom, leaning over to the side to see the heddles, I was reminded of when I used to work on playing/tuning my old harp...
Did a couple of I Ching readings last night. No real surprises there, for me anyway. More discussion/communication needs to happen. Now. What results from that may not take effect immediately, at least as far as physically moving to Ashfield, but the talks will be happening over the next week or so.
Meantime, I contemplate 'worst case' moving scenarios, like having to spend the summer potting up the garden so that we can put the lawn back in.... grass takes time to grow, and July/August isn't the best time to try to start that... Fortunately we have a big driveway, so I have somewhere to put pots until their final destination is determined, should that come to pass.
Best case (laziest and least nerve-wracking, anyway) would be to work out whatever it is we're going to do, and time it to happen next spring, after sugaring season. I would still have potting to do, but not as much.
More thinking to do. Best go and wind the warp on the loom...
Monday, 11 June 2007
Restless, Meditation, Readings
Went to a family wedding on Sunday. Great time there, but both Lyle and I had some interesting and unexpected conversations regarding the farm and Ashfield. Can't say more than that at this time, but these talks led to a long conversation between us on the way home, and then between that, some other things, and the data migration Lyle was working on for a client (router problem of some sort perhaps), neither of us slept well.
On the plus side, since I was mostly awake I spent much of the time doing self-healing work, as well as some for Lyle. Then at 4:14a.m. I had to get up to use the facilities and just outside the bedroom door was Roselynde, sitting waiting for me. So, petted her, did my business, wandered into the East front bedroom wondering if I should go upstairs and do some sorting. She followed me so I petted her again, then decided that we should go downstairs. Since my mind was going in circles anyway, I figured I might as well walk the first floor circuit, alternating counter- and clockwise (easier on the knees and more balanced anyway). Did that for 1/2 and hour, while Roselynde mostly sat in one place and observed me go by. Then sat down and read a little of the Druidry Handbook. Around then L came downstairs and let me know that the download (to his PC instead of the client's because of the disconnect problems) had completed, and we went off to bed for another hour of rest. And actually did, yay. Someone from the client site came by at 7:00 a.m. to pick up a CD with the database migration stuff on it; we used to work with him, so it was nice to chat for a few minutes before he had to take off.
Tried getting more sleep but the legs said no. So, got some things ready to mail (mantle to one person and application for Ashfield Fall Festival to another), had breakfast, walked to the post office, then brought in yarn, warping board and the Mountain (our 8-harness table loom). Did some winding and chaining warp, break for lunch, winding and chaining warp, nap, then started the warping of the loom. Taking a break now to make dinner, but hoping to get the warping done tonight. I have to have a bunch of stuff made for the festival next fall, and also we're helping out at a demo in NY this coming Saturday and I'll be doing some weaving there. Also bringing the rats and sheep to sell, on request from Anne de Chevbois. Apparently they need some rats for the kids to play 'rat toss'.
This morning we got a call from nephew Curtis, asking where we were in our thoughts on moving to Ashfield, too. So, rather than a general reading, I'll be doing some specific work in this regard tonight. And of course L and I will have more discussion. We'll see what happens, but I'm beginning to wonder if my initial intuition that we'd be moving this year was correct...
And why is this all here instead of in my regular journal? Well, aside from the healing and meditation work (weaving's part of that, for me, as well as being a time-honored craft that's quite suited to the druidic path), I have been feeling a great need for increased time for meditation since last week. And after the discussions at the wedding yesterday, I now know why. The results of the I Ching reading I did a few weeks ago is definitely making itself known, full force!
On the plus side, since I was mostly awake I spent much of the time doing self-healing work, as well as some for Lyle. Then at 4:14a.m. I had to get up to use the facilities and just outside the bedroom door was Roselynde, sitting waiting for me. So, petted her, did my business, wandered into the East front bedroom wondering if I should go upstairs and do some sorting. She followed me so I petted her again, then decided that we should go downstairs. Since my mind was going in circles anyway, I figured I might as well walk the first floor circuit, alternating counter- and clockwise (easier on the knees and more balanced anyway). Did that for 1/2 and hour, while Roselynde mostly sat in one place and observed me go by. Then sat down and read a little of the Druidry Handbook. Around then L came downstairs and let me know that the download (to his PC instead of the client's because of the disconnect problems) had completed, and we went off to bed for another hour of rest. And actually did, yay. Someone from the client site came by at 7:00 a.m. to pick up a CD with the database migration stuff on it; we used to work with him, so it was nice to chat for a few minutes before he had to take off.
Tried getting more sleep but the legs said no. So, got some things ready to mail (mantle to one person and application for Ashfield Fall Festival to another), had breakfast, walked to the post office, then brought in yarn, warping board and the Mountain (our 8-harness table loom). Did some winding and chaining warp, break for lunch, winding and chaining warp, nap, then started the warping of the loom. Taking a break now to make dinner, but hoping to get the warping done tonight. I have to have a bunch of stuff made for the festival next fall, and also we're helping out at a demo in NY this coming Saturday and I'll be doing some weaving there. Also bringing the rats and sheep to sell, on request from Anne de Chevbois. Apparently they need some rats for the kids to play 'rat toss'.
This morning we got a call from nephew Curtis, asking where we were in our thoughts on moving to Ashfield, too. So, rather than a general reading, I'll be doing some specific work in this regard tonight. And of course L and I will have more discussion. We'll see what happens, but I'm beginning to wonder if my initial intuition that we'd be moving this year was correct...
And why is this all here instead of in my regular journal? Well, aside from the healing and meditation work (weaving's part of that, for me, as well as being a time-honored craft that's quite suited to the druidic path), I have been feeling a great need for increased time for meditation since last week. And after the discussions at the wedding yesterday, I now know why. The results of the I Ching reading I did a few weeks ago is definitely making itself known, full force!
Saturday, 9 June 2007
What is Druidry?
Interesting question that came up on the AODA discussion list. Someone wanted to know more about structure for AODA's take on druidry. It was an interesting discussion to follow. I didn't get involved because I wasn't quite sure where the original querant was trying to go at first. Also, I'm not really into discussing high theological subject matter generally speaking. I was an acolyte for a few years in the Anglican Episcopalian church (American), helped found and maintain a coven, and worked on my own. But never went to a seminary or similar pagan line of study; closest to that has been joining AODA.
So, what is druidry? Well, it isn't a religion. It's more a framework within which people can find a way to include their religion. It' s a way of thinking, a way of life. It's about respect for all life.
A lot of folks these days seem approach that which is in the world as being put there for their convenience. Some folks include other people in that way of thinking. This is the sort of attitude that has helped to lead to the fine state of affairs we currently find ourselves in. When plants, minerals and animals are not respected and valued in and of themselves, the world falls out of balance. When people fail to understand where the place of each thing and creature, including themselves, stands in the world, poor decisions are made and everyone suffers.
Folks seeking balance find a lot of different ways to do that. For some that means becoming vegan. For some it's moving to the country. For others it's finding a way to have a lower impact on the environment no matter where they live. Many different ideas are out there, like the 100-mile diet, getting more exercise paired with not driving as much, finding other entertainments besides watching tv or movies, snowshoeing instead of snowmobiling, etc.
For the thoughtful person, eventually the entire way of life comes to be viewed under the microscope. The whole way of life is reviewed and if found wanting, then the search begins for creating a way of life that makes more sense.
I've looked at a few different ways, and am working on making changes at every level. Buddhism and Taoism (the philosophy not the other thing) have some interest for me; more the latter than the former perhaps, hard to say. What I was looking for in my way of life, was something that affirmed my personal respect for the spirit within each thing or creature within the universe. Certainly you can find that in Buddhism, although most of the people I found seemed to emphasize meditation and in general more people-oriented inner spiritual paths. As an artist I found that incomplete, that folks were often missing what is said in the books, that a life only of the mind is not the true path to oneness with the universe.
In the local Wiccan community I've found some pretty interesting people, but once again, more dreamers than doers. Some are more flexible and open-minded, some more conservative -- much like you'll find in any religious organization, but in general they lacked the focus and balance I was hoping to find. When I was younger I would have dug deeper, but now I have it within me that I need to work at a more intense pace, so either I work alone and with my husband only on what I want to make happen, or find people who are on the same track.
This is not to say that there aren't some great Buddhist and Wiccan groups, only that they weren't to be found on or near the path I'm on, in my little part of the world. Indeed, I think my path will eventually include people from many other paths, in a different context.
Anyway, I started talking with a friend of mine about various things last year, and AODA came up. I'd read some of her posts, think about things, ask questions. Then I went and checked out the web site. I really liked the tone of the thoughts and ways of thinking, and so did my husband L. So after some contemplation, we joined and are on the druid revivalist path.
I find that although I still mostly pursue things on my own, that having a connection to a community of people who are all seeking lives in balance with the world is a great support. The guidelines for study call for more time outdoors and exercise (if possible), both good things. Also meditation, but generally the directed focus type, not the no-mind type. There is a place and time for doing, thinking, observing, and celebrating. Much of it is up to the individual, which suits me just fine.
This flexibility on all levels was key to my interest in druidry and in particular to the AODA. There are a lot of things I do regularly, but going to weekly services hasn't been one since high school. I enjoyed the monthly circles when the coven was still in the area (almost everyone moved to NH eventually), and I eventually fell out of the practice on my own, especially as my partner who I'd met after the move wasn't comfortable with it, and I was foolish enough to give up more than I should have. S'okay, I got over it -- part of finding my way back to the path I'd been on. And fortunately along with that I found a new partner, someone who was also seeking his way home.
Nowadays, I don't at all mind celebrating the holidays at the times appropriate to them, because they're combined with things that are special and unique to our whole solar system, and it's a joy to be a part of it. On a smaller scale, I like to celebrate spontaneously, whenever some treasure of the world is revealed to me. This is not the sort of thing that fits very well with going some place on a weekly basis... creation is on its own timetable and we would do well to pay heed to that, or we'll miss out on some important things.
I'm only a member of AODA at this point, so I don't know much about the other druid groups aside from having met people who are members of some of the others and they're all great people. Within AODA there are a lot of variations in faith - mostly poly-/pantheist, but I believe there's at least one atheist, and there are Buddhists, Wiccans, a variety of types of Christians, and I'm sure others as well.
The Druid revival comes originally out of the U.K., and has a strong Celtic influence. This would be at least in part because most of the early writings that have survived are Irish and Welsh, with some scattered Scottish and Anglo-Saxon references. I've always loved reading the old stories and plan on going through some of them again this year.
I'm planning on getting some books on ogham this year, although I'll be keeping my I Ching sticks and coins too. I'm half Chinese and half English(mostly) so a bit of a blend is a good thing in my book :) Also, a sense of humor. You can learn a lot from reading the old tales, whether Celtic or Chinese, glean bits of wisdom, advice, and practices. But also, they had a sense of humor and humanness, and that's good to remember too.
So, what is druidry? It is a way of thinking that is open to the many possibilities and events of past, present, and future. It is a respectful, balanced, and joy-filled way of life. It is about service to the environment and so to the community. It is a call to see, be, and do.
So, what is druidry? Well, it isn't a religion. It's more a framework within which people can find a way to include their religion. It' s a way of thinking, a way of life. It's about respect for all life.
A lot of folks these days seem approach that which is in the world as being put there for their convenience. Some folks include other people in that way of thinking. This is the sort of attitude that has helped to lead to the fine state of affairs we currently find ourselves in. When plants, minerals and animals are not respected and valued in and of themselves, the world falls out of balance. When people fail to understand where the place of each thing and creature, including themselves, stands in the world, poor decisions are made and everyone suffers.
Folks seeking balance find a lot of different ways to do that. For some that means becoming vegan. For some it's moving to the country. For others it's finding a way to have a lower impact on the environment no matter where they live. Many different ideas are out there, like the 100-mile diet, getting more exercise paired with not driving as much, finding other entertainments besides watching tv or movies, snowshoeing instead of snowmobiling, etc.
For the thoughtful person, eventually the entire way of life comes to be viewed under the microscope. The whole way of life is reviewed and if found wanting, then the search begins for creating a way of life that makes more sense.
I've looked at a few different ways, and am working on making changes at every level. Buddhism and Taoism (the philosophy not the other thing) have some interest for me; more the latter than the former perhaps, hard to say. What I was looking for in my way of life, was something that affirmed my personal respect for the spirit within each thing or creature within the universe. Certainly you can find that in Buddhism, although most of the people I found seemed to emphasize meditation and in general more people-oriented inner spiritual paths. As an artist I found that incomplete, that folks were often missing what is said in the books, that a life only of the mind is not the true path to oneness with the universe.
In the local Wiccan community I've found some pretty interesting people, but once again, more dreamers than doers. Some are more flexible and open-minded, some more conservative -- much like you'll find in any religious organization, but in general they lacked the focus and balance I was hoping to find. When I was younger I would have dug deeper, but now I have it within me that I need to work at a more intense pace, so either I work alone and with my husband only on what I want to make happen, or find people who are on the same track.
This is not to say that there aren't some great Buddhist and Wiccan groups, only that they weren't to be found on or near the path I'm on, in my little part of the world. Indeed, I think my path will eventually include people from many other paths, in a different context.
Anyway, I started talking with a friend of mine about various things last year, and AODA came up. I'd read some of her posts, think about things, ask questions. Then I went and checked out the web site. I really liked the tone of the thoughts and ways of thinking, and so did my husband L. So after some contemplation, we joined and are on the druid revivalist path.
I find that although I still mostly pursue things on my own, that having a connection to a community of people who are all seeking lives in balance with the world is a great support. The guidelines for study call for more time outdoors and exercise (if possible), both good things. Also meditation, but generally the directed focus type, not the no-mind type. There is a place and time for doing, thinking, observing, and celebrating. Much of it is up to the individual, which suits me just fine.
This flexibility on all levels was key to my interest in druidry and in particular to the AODA. There are a lot of things I do regularly, but going to weekly services hasn't been one since high school. I enjoyed the monthly circles when the coven was still in the area (almost everyone moved to NH eventually), and I eventually fell out of the practice on my own, especially as my partner who I'd met after the move wasn't comfortable with it, and I was foolish enough to give up more than I should have. S'okay, I got over it -- part of finding my way back to the path I'd been on. And fortunately along with that I found a new partner, someone who was also seeking his way home.
Nowadays, I don't at all mind celebrating the holidays at the times appropriate to them, because they're combined with things that are special and unique to our whole solar system, and it's a joy to be a part of it. On a smaller scale, I like to celebrate spontaneously, whenever some treasure of the world is revealed to me. This is not the sort of thing that fits very well with going some place on a weekly basis... creation is on its own timetable and we would do well to pay heed to that, or we'll miss out on some important things.
I'm only a member of AODA at this point, so I don't know much about the other druid groups aside from having met people who are members of some of the others and they're all great people. Within AODA there are a lot of variations in faith - mostly poly-/pantheist, but I believe there's at least one atheist, and there are Buddhists, Wiccans, a variety of types of Christians, and I'm sure others as well.
The Druid revival comes originally out of the U.K., and has a strong Celtic influence. This would be at least in part because most of the early writings that have survived are Irish and Welsh, with some scattered Scottish and Anglo-Saxon references. I've always loved reading the old stories and plan on going through some of them again this year.
I'm planning on getting some books on ogham this year, although I'll be keeping my I Ching sticks and coins too. I'm half Chinese and half English(mostly) so a bit of a blend is a good thing in my book :) Also, a sense of humor. You can learn a lot from reading the old tales, whether Celtic or Chinese, glean bits of wisdom, advice, and practices. But also, they had a sense of humor and humanness, and that's good to remember too.
So, what is druidry? It is a way of thinking that is open to the many possibilities and events of past, present, and future. It is a respectful, balanced, and joy-filled way of life. It is about service to the environment and so to the community. It is a call to see, be, and do.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
First REAL Post
I've been contemplating a second blog where I can write mostly about druidic studies and anything I think is related, and decided to go for it today. I really debated it for a while because I prefer everything to be integrated in my life. But the additional thinking required for whether or not I should put something through the druid filter, separating parts of thoughts into public or private, etc., was getting in the way of my thought processes.
I have a lot going on now, especially having just added the 90% Reduction challenge. So most everything else will stay over in my LJ.
***
Been doing tons of reading today and the first part of the week. Mostly The Archdruid Report (including his stories from last fall/winter), Casaubon's Book, stuff on Cyclone Gonu, and Earth Path stuff.
Tomorrow I need to spend most of my time offline. Way too much time online today, even though I learned a lot and thought a lot.
I'm thinking of doing another I Ching reading tomorrow. I did one yesterday... I'd been thinking of doing them daily, but really the I Ching is better suited (and so am I) to having more time between readings. Twice in one week, since yesterday's reading was a general "what's up?", is all right.
I'm not a big tool user, so it's an interesting experience using any tool more than a few times/year. Some good coming out of it though.... but in general my feeling about tools is that they're just there to help you focus on the work at hand.
I'm not much for regular formal rituals either (I'm more of a whatever feels right at the time person), but doing the SoP has been a good experience also. I try out different things, and how much time I spend on formalities generally depends on my schedule and how things are feeling that day. I like to be leisurely at times -- seems more polite, you know? Other times I have a lot of work to do, so I pretty much do the Elemental Cross and the SoP simultaneously, visualizing the deities, lines, rotating spheres, symbols, gates, awen circles, and intent at once. It's kind of like flying and/or like swimming underwater. Hm, not sure that explains it very clearly. One is grounded, but not burdened by the weight and worry of the world, even when that may be specifically what you're going to be working on.
***
Today Carw Gwynt came into the house and as he was going up the stairs, something startled him. Said it was dark colored and flew very quickly, sort of toward our bedroom... could be we have new 'company'.
***
That's it for now.
I have a lot going on now, especially having just added the 90% Reduction challenge. So most everything else will stay over in my LJ.
***
Been doing tons of reading today and the first part of the week. Mostly The Archdruid Report (including his stories from last fall/winter), Casaubon's Book, stuff on Cyclone Gonu, and Earth Path stuff.
Tomorrow I need to spend most of my time offline. Way too much time online today, even though I learned a lot and thought a lot.
I'm thinking of doing another I Ching reading tomorrow. I did one yesterday... I'd been thinking of doing them daily, but really the I Ching is better suited (and so am I) to having more time between readings. Twice in one week, since yesterday's reading was a general "what's up?", is all right.
I'm not a big tool user, so it's an interesting experience using any tool more than a few times/year. Some good coming out of it though.... but in general my feeling about tools is that they're just there to help you focus on the work at hand.
I'm not much for regular formal rituals either (I'm more of a whatever feels right at the time person), but doing the SoP has been a good experience also. I try out different things, and how much time I spend on formalities generally depends on my schedule and how things are feeling that day. I like to be leisurely at times -- seems more polite, you know? Other times I have a lot of work to do, so I pretty much do the Elemental Cross and the SoP simultaneously, visualizing the deities, lines, rotating spheres, symbols, gates, awen circles, and intent at once. It's kind of like flying and/or like swimming underwater. Hm, not sure that explains it very clearly. One is grounded, but not burdened by the weight and worry of the world, even when that may be specifically what you're going to be working on.
***
Today Carw Gwynt came into the house and as he was going up the stairs, something startled him. Said it was dark colored and flew very quickly, sort of toward our bedroom... could be we have new 'company'.
***
That's it for now.
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