tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21377458830053990872024-03-14T05:10:44.132-07:00Into the MoundDruidic Occultism and Religion in the Modern AgeIanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-38954808767181652962021-05-12T07:08:00.005-07:002021-05-12T07:08:59.078-07:00 Devotional Preparation For Magic<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREoKBXPtpJ1g1O-zS7fDlYWLOPv0dtryIXBbNObQ3VbIUGrGHyxya-XyqzkLgRc4MFybfQ-Y7wQUTzvx_PEqnG8VreVIvlFyzLESGYpaewj63Cil-VTH3-j-pqS0TZNCXwhSF-bAKs2k/s1500/desk+shrine+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREoKBXPtpJ1g1O-zS7fDlYWLOPv0dtryIXBbNObQ3VbIUGrGHyxya-XyqzkLgRc4MFybfQ-Y7wQUTzvx_PEqnG8VreVIvlFyzLESGYpaewj63Cil-VTH3-j-pqS0TZNCXwhSF-bAKs2k/s320/desk+shrine+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">While a year of pandemic inactivity has often slowed my brain to a crawl, I have continued to plod away at creating a series of Pagan devotional practices. Inspired by the form of Roman Catholic 'novena' prayers these practices involve a more detailed series of prayers, meditation, and offerings than most simple Shrine devotions, without the set-up required for a full Fire-sacrifice rite.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Having completed a set of eight seasonal Pagan calendar devotions, I have been writing works for various more practical purposes (as is the custom with novenas). The list of possibilities is endless, so my initial outline will include one devotional for prosperity and success, one for rescue from ill or danger, and one for preparation for other magical works.<br /><br />Traditional magical instruction, documentable back into pagan times, includes the idea that magic depends on a ritual relationship with the gods and spirits. Magicians are taught to regularly practice religious devotions, to pray for wisdom, love and power, and thus to come before the spirits in fellowship when we want to ask for (or even demand) something.<br /><br />Some of the traditional instructions provide prayer-texts and rites of purification for such preparation. More simply instruct the magician to attend the holy rites of the local religion, and empower themselves with the blessings available there. This can work for modern Pagans if we live near an organized Grove or public circle, where we can attend seasonal rites.<br /><br />However it is personal prayer in the focused zone of a personal shrine that is the heart of such preparation. So I offer these formal prayers and works, at least as fodder for creativity - tunes and themes on which to riff. For some they may serve well as written - that is my hope, after all.<br /><br />One element of these prayers that may be controversial is the 'confession'. I resisted the idea a long time, but it is simply undeniable that even the oldest traditions we have include such prayers. I wrote one to satisfy myself - may it serve for the spirits.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The work requires only a basic shrine, with a designated fire (candle or more...) and a bowl of ritual water, a censer and a small offering-bowl, and whatever idols or images are proper to your work. A cup of drink is a useful symbol for the Blessing.<br /><br />For those of us adapting traditional ritual magic to a Neopagan frame, devotions such as this are a firm step toward doing as the ancients seem to have done. Most instructions call for at least three days of preliminary prayer (along with the usual instructions to avoid pointless entertainments and the 'company of fools'), but it might often be the case that more is better in such things.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A Devotional To Prepare for Magic</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1: The Reading:</span></b> In Pagan magical arts, there is a teaching that is often concealed behind
instructions for ritual and practice. Those who succeed in speaking with the
spirits and gaining their aid are those who have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">become the kind of people that spirits listen to</i>! It is one thing
to know words of power, and to perform effective ritual, but the ancient wisdom
teaches that it is by a process of personal empowerment that the magician
becomes a conjuror. Tradition frames that process as a system of purification,
prayer and blessing that amounts to the preliminary work of magic art.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As human beings we are, or
possess, or express a spirit which is as much a part of the spiritual world as
any sprite or imp. Our involvement in flesh and the material world easily
distracts us from our place and standing as spirits, creating an ordinary kind
of forgetfulness. One intention of a round of preparatory work for magic is to
remind us of our spiritual presence, and recall us to the ability to act in
that power.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Through purification,
attunement to spiritual powers and focused direction of those powers in the
self we can approach magical operations as persons (as beings…) of power, luck
and will. Traditonal instructions often include monk-like ascetic measures –
refraining from meat, or sexual activity, or even from ‘foolish company’. Those
of us who do not bring the concept of ‘sin’ to our spiritual work can think of
such measures as ‘acts of will’ – we demonstrate to ourselves and to the
spirits that we are masters of our deeds. As a basic method we undertake a
series of prayers and contemplations such as this; may fortune favor, in the
work.<br />
So let us do the Work:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2: Blessing the Work:</span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Fire, the Well, the Sacred Tree<br />
Flow and flame and Grow in me.<br />
In Land, Sea and Sky,<br />
Below and on-high<br />
Let the Water be Blessed and the Fire be Hallowed,<br />
And Let my voice be heard by the Holy Ones!<br />
Now may the Powers of Underworld and Heaven bring their cleansing blessing.<br />
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anoint and cense the hands, and any
items proper to the work, saying:<br />
</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">By the might of the Water and the
light of the Fire, <br />
this </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(place/thing/work etc)</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">is made whole and holy.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3: Prayer of Intent</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>
This my will, now hear my voice. <br />
The fire is laid and the water filled, and I remember the Center of Worlds.<br />
Where the Wells of the Deep are full to overflowing<br />
Where the Fire of Sacrifice is my Hearth<br />
Where Nine Hazels grow, or one great Ash, <br />
And the Pillar-Tree of the Roof of the World upholds my holy work.<br />
It is I who come, I…</b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(and here, tell the spirits who you are)<br />
</i><b>Whose face you have seen in the Fire of Offering.<br />
Bless me in my intended work, I pray, </b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(and here describe the working for which
you are preparing)</i><br /><b>
Clarify my heart, honey my tongue<br />
and Let the rite be worked in truth and beauty<br />
In Wisdom, Love, and Power, be it so.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Prayer of Confession and Statement of
Virtue</i><br />
</b>Holy ones, in humility I seek wisdom.<br />
• It is true that I have failed in Wisdom, forgotten Piety, been blind to
Vision. <br />
These faults come to us all.<br />
• It is true that I have failed in Strength, forsaken Honor, been lost to
Courage. <br />
These faults come to us all.<br />
• It is true that I have failed in Diligence, slighted Hospitality, shorted Generosity.
<br />
These faults come to us all.<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">• (If there is anything specific to say,
it should be said here. )<br />
</i>• Yet I seek Wisdom, Piety and Vision; I seek Strength, Honor and Courage;
I seek Dilligence, Hospitality and Sensuality. For these good virtues I will
strive, though I might falter - I will strive. To that end, I seek the work of
wisdom.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4: The Vision</span></span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Antiphon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>of the Vision</i></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let the Inner Eye be open, let the
spirit eye be clear<br />
Wisdom speaks in spirit-vision, let the truth be on me here.</b><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sitting in your meditation seat, breathe
and seek your peace in silence.<br />
Let your bone uphold you<br />
Let your blood beat in you<br />
Let your breath flow through you<br />
For a moment, in silence…<br />
And let the Powers of Earth and Sky rise and shine within you… breathe deep,
and let roots draw up the Deep strength… let the bright lights of the heavens
be reflected in the Waters within you… Breathe deep, and let the flow of breath
move the Shining Waters, filling your whole form… feel yourself… as if you
could see yourself… filled with the Shining Waters, the Light and Shadow… from
toe to eye to fingertip…<br />
And so you bide… with the Powers in you… Now you will place a seal upon your
heart… a sign of power, that expresses your magic… conceive that symbol in your
mind… and compose it in vision, placed in the field of the Power of Earth and
Sky… When you know clearly what sign you will bear, envision it appearing in
the Light and Shadow of the Powers, over your heart… breathe deep, and let the
power grow in the vision, as you empower the sign, and the power of the sign
flows into your spirit…<br />
And so you bide… filled with your power, charged with your sign… and in such a
way you might speak even to the gods themselves… an empowered spirit among
spirits…</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Antiphon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the Vision</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Let the Inner Eye be open, let the spirit eye be clear<br />
Wisdom speaks in spirit-vision, let the truth be on me here.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Prayer of the Vision</i><br />
</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Fire, the Well, the
Sacred Tree; Flow and flame and grow in me. To the Three Kindreds I pray – know
me as I come before you. To The Fire in me I give the fuel of my heart. From
the Well in me I draw the strength of my life. See and know me, as I stand at
the fire and call. </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In wisdom, love, and strength, so be it.<br />
<br />
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>5: Offering to Your Allies</i><br />
</span>I come to the Shrine, calling!<br />
Fire Shining, Well Flowing<br />
Firm standing, gift giving<br />
I call to the allies of my magic!<br />
Mighty and beloved Dead, you I call<br />
You of my Blood, whose life gives me life<br />
You of my heart, who inspire and guide,<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Name any Ancestors or Heroes you wish to
remember…)</i><br />
Root of my Blossom, Source of Strength<br />
I give my offering, here at my Shrine.<br />
Spirits of Stone and Soil and Green<br />
Of Sea and Wind and Cloud<br />
And even of the Lights of Heaven<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Name any Landwights you wish to specify)</i><br />
Co-Walkers, Earth-Dwellers<br />
I give my offering, here at my Shrine<br />
Gods of My Altar, You I call<br />
First of the Spirits, Eldest and Wisest<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Name the gods fitting to your shrine, or
those proper to the intended work)</i><br />
Blessing-Givers, Lit by Flame<br />
I give my offering, here at my Shrine.<br />
All you spirits, I bid you welcome. Be warmed at my Fire and quenched by my
Well, and be at peace in my service. I make due offering to you with these
simple gifts, offering my love and reverence. Let it be as a thousand to you, a
feast and a flowing cup, as the silver and gold of my worship. Aid me in my
work, uphold me in my magic, as I (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">state
intention</i>)! So be it!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6: Antiphon of Blessing</span></i></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
With open heart and centered mind I seek the flow of blessing<br />
Shine from Above and Rise from the Deep<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Litany of Blessing</i><br />
Holy Ones, we remember you<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">response: Grant me the Blessing</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
All beings beneath the Fire of the Sun<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">response: Grant me the Blessing</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
You to whom I make these offerings<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">response: Grant me the Blessing</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
That there be blessing in our spirits, bright and deep<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">response: Let the Blessing be in me<br />
</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let there be
blessing in our minds, calm and clear</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
response: Let the Blessing be in me</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Let there be blessing in our Flesh, whole and strong<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">response: Let the Blessing be in me<br />
</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That Wisdom guide
me</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
response: That the Blessing be mine<br />
</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That Strength
empower me<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">response: That the Blessing be mine<br />
</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That Love sustain
me</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
response: That the Blessing be mine<br />
<b>Antiphon of Blessing</b></span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
With open heart and centered mind I seek the flow of blessing<br />
Shine from Above and Rise from the Deep</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Antiphon of Contemplation</span></i></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
In soul-peace I let light reflect, and shadow bide in the deep<br />
May my stillness reflect beauty, and <br />abide in wisdom<br />
</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now abide a while in silence, and let the whole Power
of your intended Working be upon you</span></i><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Antiphon of Contemplation</i><br />
In soul-peace I let light reflect, and shadow bide in the deep<br />
May my stillness reflect beauty, and abide in wisdom<br />
<br /><i>7: Final Prayer</i><br />
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So Oh Holy Ones, behold me as
I am purified, and empowered, and devoted to the Work. Grant me your Blessing,
and I will see the work through. In Wisdom, Love and Power, so be it!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><br /><p></p>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-7214774810991159972021-04-29T05:17:00.000-07:002021-04-29T05:17:00.976-07:00Your Church Is Not Your Religion<b>As an organizer in one of the
<a href="about:invalid#zSoyz">larger Neopagan church organizations in N America</a>
( ) and likewise an occasional contributor to the practice of Neopagan
Druidism as religion, I think it is valuable to make a clear distinction
between those two things. Let me try to start with simple descriptions or
definitions of what I think I mean. </b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> A religion is a method or set of methods by which humans manage our relationship
with the spiritual, or the numinous,
or whatever term one likes (even ‘God’… not a term I use). Religions arise
through a folk-process, like styles of music or art. Like those, major
practitioners can shape practice or invent ‘schools’ of practice. In religious
matters those often become more easily identifiable as ‘religions’. However
most traditional religions don’t have ‘founders’, but rather grow out of the
soil of their originating culture. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>People join religions when they actively
take up the practices of those religions, and play with approaching the world
through the assumptions of related philosophies.
Neopaganisms have been that
way, growing out of the culture of the late-20th c post-modern ‘West’. That
said, ‘Churches’ are organizations created to promote the practice of a
religion or religious tradition. Most churches do not contain all the members
of the religion it practices – that’s kinda the mark of a ‘cult’, perhaps.
Even the Roman Catholic Church is far from the only organization working the
religion of Western Sacramental Orthodox Christianity (if you will…
Christianity is complicated). There are numerous unrecognized apostolic lines,
funny little garage-chapels, etc, across the world. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> A church is a religion-club; a group of interested, even passionate folks
who want to pursue a spiritual work. People join churches because they are
identified with or interested in the related religion, or because of their neighbors, or
families. Like any club, just the interest in the topic may or may not be
enough to bind a group of strangers or acquaintances into a creative circle.
The same problems that attend a local arts group or little-league will exist
for attempted churches. Rules, by-laws, budgets… there’s more work in doing a
Church than just having a religion, and no degree of spiritual growth makes people suitable to keep the books.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Joining a religion-club is not the same as
joining a religion, nor is leaving the club equivalent to leaving the religion. You cannot ‘become a Druid’ by
paying your annual donation to ADF Inc. (my home club) You participate in
Druid religion by working Druidic spiritual methods for yourself. ADF has
placed our most recent basic instructions for working the religion outside our
paywall as our <a href="https://www.adf.org/hearth-keeper-way.html ">Hearthkeeper’s Way instruction</a>. Someone recently
called it the ‘D&D Starter-box’ for a home Pagan religion. Those looking for a
walk-in guide to establishing a Pagan practice should have a look. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> I suppose, then, that we expect (even hope) that our style of Paganism will be available
as religion regardless of individual membership in our club. Conversely since
we are the largest (though not only) fellowship for this style of Paganism we
hope that by generating more members of our religion we can, in turn, recruit
members for the club. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>But if someone takes up the work, creates a shrine,
offers to the Kindreds, studies the Old Ways and makes an effort to live by
virtue, they are practicing our religion, whether they ever join our
fellowship, or not. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> No big wrap-up, except maybe to say that joining or
leaving a church should not generally be equated with joining or leaving a
religion. The choices are separate. <b></b></b>
</div>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-69129042049300835202021-04-21T05:27:00.000-07:002021-04-21T05:27:36.722-07:00Non Mortui<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Hello...?<br />Yeah, I'm still 'here'. It's been nearly half-a-year since I've posted, but that's the result of the shut-down inertia finally catching up with me. I did do some writing and arting over the winter, but didn't do the extra steps of posting it here.<br />So as my brain stirs in its burrow for spring I will be back on this outlet as well. We plan a gradual re-opening of activities here at Tredara this year. The Wellspring Gathering is still virtual (post on that very soon) but we may be able to open to a careful public for Summer Solstice, if everyone stays with the program.<br />So, this is just Hello, and a preface to real content, coming directly...</span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcFejjFSyYkW7fn57FANbnvd8MpCEHBHsT8Wl_TeRnnFB0c7zHmWroqREHt04u-NvBQgsIgApfCO7uVvbF4QxipZSeugS8rtFqo9JrtLFhZJlhyphenhyphenUxcS3bLpqJy0PCcKdIwCvfrTmXK1o/s1200/april+21%252C+2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcFejjFSyYkW7fn57FANbnvd8MpCEHBHsT8Wl_TeRnnFB0c7zHmWroqREHt04u-NvBQgsIgApfCO7uVvbF4QxipZSeugS8rtFqo9JrtLFhZJlhyphenhyphenUxcS3bLpqJy0PCcKdIwCvfrTmXK1o/w563-h422/april+21%252C+2021.jpg" width="563" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The view from my back deck, facing East, as we did our <br />morning offerings today... <br />Ah, Spring by Lake Erie...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-5419223306126999502020-11-07T07:01:00.001-08:002020-11-07T07:01:16.128-08:00A Healing Cup of Brigid<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yl2HsNu6uZF3g6C85LCHJL2at4NWjnV9TPlvZt60ljGmHkA0jr6NMFapHsaXtAaydqeeqk-5BlKquXwhqqlQKhGrnTc3U7MIFJVD-vixI7VNJOggKNcR-gMxsCXw5uwRnZcowBnuufA/s320/cuach+Brigid+talisman.png" /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Have a pleasing wine-glass or chalice, filled with your preferred drink. Place it upon this sigil</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yl2HsNu6uZF3g6C85LCHJL2at4NWjnV9TPlvZt60ljGmHkA0jr6NMFapHsaXtAaydqeeqk-5BlKquXwhqqlQKhGrnTc3U7MIFJVD-vixI7VNJOggKNcR-gMxsCXw5uwRnZcowBnuufA/s1417/cuach+Brigid+talisman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><i>printed or drawn with its versicle. On one side place a lit candle, on the other a glass of Water</i> </span></span></a></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Calm your heart and prepare yourself with whatever bit of ritual you prefer, then begin by composing the vision…</span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">See, above you, first, the Great Hearth of the Heavens…Perfect and precise, yet true for you… as you see it… </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A great open space, clean and neat, with a warm, well-kept fire in the center…</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The light of that fire reaches out…Toward you, as a ray of red-gold light… That reveals a shining figure… Of the Goddess…</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Behold Her in vision, bathed in Firelight…Brigid of the Healing, dressed in clean white robes…Bearing in her two hands a radiant cup… a chalice… a Quaich…Filled with a steaming brew… Made of herbs and magic…That is Brigid’s Divine Medicine</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Let the vision of the Cup-Bearer grow clear in your mind…Be reflected in your heart…</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As you invoke:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Brigid of the Hearth-Fire, Brigid of the Forge</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Brigid of the Fire of Inspiration Send me your cup!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Brigid above me; Brigid below me;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Brigid on every hand around me;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Brigid, grant me your Blessing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Bríd thuas linn, Bríd thíos linn, </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Bríd maidir linn; Bríd inár gcroí </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>(Breezh hoo-uhs lin, breezh heeuhs lin,</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>breezh mahjir lin, breezh inor cree)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>and make a simple offering to Brigid.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Brigid of the Healing, Heart of Physicians, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Who heals by Fire’s light. Who heals by Water’s Might</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Who makes all pure, bear the Draft to (me)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cup of Brigid, come in!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cup of Brigid, Bear the Draft!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cup of Brigid, bring the medicine of the Goddess of healing!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To this Blessed cup</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Upon this Blessed cup</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With this Blessed cup</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For the relief of infection</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For the relief of fever</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For the relief of illness</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">By the Power of Brigid</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">By the Beauty of Brigid</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">By the Triple Mercy of Holy Brigid</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And the Grace of Brigid’s Cup.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In wisdom, Love & Power, so be it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>And behold the Power flow into the drink upon the sigil, in whatever way is true and real for you. </i></span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Drink reverently, and with a calm heart.</i></span></p><div><br /></div></blockquote>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-33481337196231766972020-10-02T09:23:00.001-07:002020-10-02T09:23:13.011-07:00A Samhain Devotional Practice<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The following introduction is edited from a longer text that will appear in ADF's 'Oak Leaves' magazine in the Winter issue. That issue will contain a Yule Devotional script, but I wanted to make the Samhain thing available in a timely way.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Pagan
Devotional Worship</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfdUjBUWm4qlOf8CozHwBG9EW15VBvKIZROAlZhDGZJWyg4v3Y_FBzY6_rFzYpJSPVBFHsWSpp9GTPDTflqRBjLzSS5sCz4kjdsMhjQSCJzm-UWOH72hvGUATtA-4CCV4lcu1LwQOZEs/s1500/desk+shrine+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfdUjBUWm4qlOf8CozHwBG9EW15VBvKIZROAlZhDGZJWyg4v3Y_FBzY6_rFzYpJSPVBFHsWSpp9GTPDTflqRBjLzSS5sCz4kjdsMhjQSCJzm-UWOH72hvGUATtA-4CCV4lcu1LwQOZEs/s320/desk+shrine+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Modern Paganism, at least as I’ve known it, is primarily expressed through
ritual performance. Our Paganisms are not, generally, contained in texts. Study
of the words of a founder or of seers or spiritual teachers is not a
significant part of Pagan practice, rather our ideas, understandings and
inspirations are often translated into ritual acts and speech. This is as true
for the Wiccan-styled segments of Paganism as for more traditional styles.
Elements of Wiccan ritual speech, such as the ‘Charge of the Goddess’ come as
close to scripture as Neopagan ways get. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">In ADF our rites have enshrined elements of our cosmologies, attitudes toward
the gods and spirits, and toward one-another. Very little of that is overt and
very little recitation or teaching usually accompanies those works. Rather we
depend on group energy and the use of more grand ritual work to generate
spiritual experiences for participants. Those working alone at home, or perhaps
in a micro-group of family or friends, may need a different style of spiritual
practice. It is certainly possible to mount the full production of a High Day
sacrifice in living-room or backyard, but there are other methods that may
serve better. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The
following text draws on elements of both the Indic ‘Pooja’, and the Roman
Catholic ‘Novena’ The latter is a tradition of undertaking nine consecutive
days of dedicated prayer focused on a particular spirit (i.e. saint or person
of the Trinity) or on an intention. Authors compose formal novena-prayer texts
for such things. I fell upon the text of modern RCC Novena prayers, and
immediately saw what might be a useful model.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Taking what might be the easy road, I am beginning by creating Devotionals for
the eight High Days of Neopagan tradition. For those who attend liturgical
celebrations of the Days such a home-rite can serve as preparation, focus and
personal work. For those working solitary a Devotional can serve as one’s
primary celebration of the spirit of the Day. While these practices don’t
follow our OoR closely, they do generally use the traditional formula of
offering and blessing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8FS5_jKi_KMyx-Uwz43ZXbmRI2Smq5QnbCvgGFrDDCuog39Jt-x8oFXQnSrK-LpOl3B9vQhgI2laYOxzDpV0tq7otGH6fJcU3YgicucXzJVs-pNMawA9s1rJ35SHcrsTkCaK9V76GQw/s2048/home+shrine+layout+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8FS5_jKi_KMyx-Uwz43ZXbmRI2Smq5QnbCvgGFrDDCuog39Jt-x8oFXQnSrK-LpOl3B9vQhgI2laYOxzDpV0tq7otGH6fJcU3YgicucXzJVs-pNMawA9s1rJ35SHcrsTkCaK9V76GQw/w400-h300/home+shrine+layout+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Practice Notes</div></span><b style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Order</span></b></div></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The basic order under which I am writing these is thus:</div>
</span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">1: - Opening Charm: </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Blessing of Fire and Water, and
acknowledgement of start</span></i></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">2: - Water and Smoke Cleansing: </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">As
usual – always a valuable ritual moment</span></i></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">3: - Hymn of Intention – </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">a versified statement that both clarifies
intention and inspires the proper feelings.</span></i></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4: - The Vision - </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">simple text to induce the vision of the target
principles</span></i><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">This rather replaces the scripture-reading in
the RCC texts.</span></i></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">5: - Prayer of the Vision – </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Affirmation of the vision-contents<b>. </b>A reflective reading followed by
affirmational prayer is a sequence I like.</span></i></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">6: - Invocation of the Powers – </span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">calling and offering to the gods and spirits of
the intention</span></i></div></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>7: - Litany of Blessing – </b><i>reception of the Power</i></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>8: - Final Prayer </b><i>of Thanks or Petition</i></div></b><i style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</i></span><b style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Shrine</span></b></div></b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This practice requires the usual Fire & Water, along with the means to make
offerings – a censer and a plate or bowl for food offerings. Unlike liturgical
rites offerings can be small, or token amounts of the lists called-for. If no
offerings are specified in the text then an incense-offering is always proper.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As always, images of the gods and decorative symbols of the season are proper.
Those who enjoy decorating seasonal altars and displays in their homes may find
this worship-form useful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"> Allow me to give a serious
(if pro forma) warning about the single greatest ‘danger of occult ritual’ –
burning down your house! Treat live fire as a tricky guest – do not trust your
luck to leaving live fire unattended.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Offerings</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of these practices call for food offerings that will spoil if left sitting
unattended. Offerings made in ritual should be disposed of respectfully no
later than the next morning. The best is to leave perishable or edible
offerings at the foot of a tree. Those with minimal tree-access need not
hesitate to dispose of offerings at home. I, personally, find flushing to be a
more respectful and direct disposal than the house garbage-bag. If you find
your censer with a dozen sticks in it, a window-sill or balcony may be in
order.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Work</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">The text is meant to be read-through, making offerings as you
go, as called for. Each begins with an informative reading, which can be read silently before
beginning the formal ritual sections. I have not included detailed
trance-involvement instructions, but I encourage you to find your center and
your basic trance before beginning, and return to that position as needed. The
work includes a ‘vision’ – a ‘guided meditation’ segment in which you are asked
to imagine or envision specific patterns relevant to the holiday’s themes. Visualization
while reading need be no more complex than the internal visuals which accompany
fiction for many of us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ‘Novenas’ in the RCC, may
be done at home, or be led in church for group work, often leading up to a
major calendrical feast. They use the ‘litany’ form, in which a reader recites
the various lines of prayer, and the group responds with an affirmation. I have
retained the form in just one place; it can be read through alone, or used as a
responsive reading if the work is done in a small group.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"> Another such trope is the ‘antiphon’
a framing mechanism used to begin and end sections of the work. These will probably remain consistent from text to text for my eight High Day devotionals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Hallowing
the Shrine</span></i></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Fire, the Well, the Sacred Tree</b></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Flow and flame and Grow in me.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>In Land, Sea and Sky,</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Below and on-high</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Let the Water be Blessed and the Fire be Hallowed,</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And let my voice be heard by the Holy Ones!</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now may the Powers of Underworld and
Heaven bring their cleansing blessing.</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Anoint and cense the hands, and any items
proper to the work, saying:</i></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>By the might of the Water and the
light of the Fire, </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>this (place/thing/work etc) is made whole and holy.</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And/or, slightly
more detailed:</span></i></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fire and Water, earth and Sky</b></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Rooted deep and crowned High</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ill be gone and good draw nigh</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fire and water, Earth and Sky</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></i></b><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Hymn<br /></i></b><b style="font-family: georgia;">The year begins,
the year must end<br /></b><b style="font-family: georgia;">The road of life to death must bend<br /></b><b style="font-family: georgia;">As mortals we go on our way<br /></b><b style="font-family: georgia;">Our fate is but our course to stay</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In elder days the year was broke</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In two by poetry bespoke</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Hallowed night, the ancient time</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The spell was rightly made by rhyme</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">To gather on the high place bright</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The folk would come on Samhain night</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">To light the sacrificial flame</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And feast the Dead of ancient fame</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Remembered, still, at this, my shrine</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Where this small spirit-fire does shine</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In Samhain-tide the cup I raise</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And give the Holy Ones due praise.</div></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Antiphon
of the Vision</span></i></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Let the Inner Eye be open, let the spirit eye be clear</b></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wisdom speaks in spirit-vision, let the truth be on me here.</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sitting in your meditation seat, breathe and seek
your peace in silence.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let your bone uphold you</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let your blood beat in you</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let your breath flow through you</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>For a moment, in silence…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>And let the Gate of the Season be open, and let the Fall of the Fall flow into
your mind…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The Edge of Winter…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Where in such latitudes the trees go bare, and beasts burrow deep…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>And mortal folk look toward the barren season.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let the feel of the land’s season be over you</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>As you contemplate three doors.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let the first door be in the Halls of the Dead,</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Where the Great Feast is served, and the Hosts sit enthroned</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Yet in season a door is open, and the Dead go forth into mist</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Toward the Fires lit for them.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>And let the second door be at the end of the long hall of cold stone…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Deep in the mound on the Edge of Beneath</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>An arch of giant stones, one upon the other… </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>that opens into the Samhain season night</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Upon green Earth.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>To walk in the living Green… with wind and stars…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Toward the Fires lit for them,</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Brings your vision to the Third Door – the homely Threshold</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Of a family…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Warm fire light…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Scent of the boiling pot</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Where kin welcome kin</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>And love welcomes love</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>At the feast of Samhain-tide.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Abide for a time in the Vision, and conclude with the antiphon.</i></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Antiphon of the Vision</b></i></div></b></i><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b>Let the Inner Eye be open, let the spirit eye be clear</b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b>Wisdom speaks in spirit-vision, let the truth be on me here.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Prayer of the Vision</i></div></i><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So I open my heart to the Holy Ones, in this season of the gates. May I walk in
harmony with the tide, and gain the season’s blessing. Holy Ones in the Deep,
who keep by right the Throne of the Hall of the Dead, hear my prayer in this
season. Most Ancient Dead, hear me, Wise Dead, hear me, Beloved Dead,
especially you my kin, hear me please.</div></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh Mighty Ones, as you loved life so bless me with life; as you loved your kin
let me know the love of kinship; as you endured death so may I endure life and
death with Grace. In Wisdom, Love and Strength, so be it.</div></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Offeratory Invocation</i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Samhain Charm </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>End of Summer, summoned</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Herd Culling; Head Taking</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mead Making; Dead Calling</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I keep the Feast of Samhain!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>First of the Fallen, you I call</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Son of the Warrior; Eldest of Brothers</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lord of the Feast in the House of the Dead.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Take now this offering here at my Fire.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wrathful Red Goddess, you I call</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Queen of the Spirits, Daughter of Danu</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mare of the Stallion, Crow of the Corpses</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Take now my offering, here at my Fire.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Host of the Ancestors, this is your feasting.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Apples I give you, fruit of the Gods</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bread I give you, flesh of the Land</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ale I give you, blood of the Cauldron</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Come you from the Isle of Apples</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Come you from the Dark One’s House</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Come you through the Door of the Hinge</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And give your blessing to our year!</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So, all you Powers, I
give you welcome at my Fire. Let your light be reflected in my spirit, let your
ale flow in my veins. I raise this glass to you, and drink to your divine
power. Let me know the health, wealth and wisdom of the Gods and Spirits on
this holy feast of Samhain! So be it!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Offerings: For the
Deities, oil or incense, for the Dead as specified: Apples, bread and ale. Work
the rite close to your hearth, or at a tomb. </span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Blessing cup: Prepared before beginning, to be drunk as the text calls for, and during the following litany.</span></i></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Antiphon of Blessing</span></i></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>With open heart and centered mind I seek the flow of blessing</b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b>Shine from Above and Rise from the Deep</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Litany of Blessing</i></div></i><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Holy Ones, we remember you</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: Grant me the Blessing</i></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>All beings of the Great Way of Things</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: Grant me the Blessing</i><b> </b></div></i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>You to whom I make these offerings</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: Grant me the Blessing</i><b> </b></div></i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>That there be blessing in our spirits, bright and deep</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: Let the Blessing be in me</i></div>
</i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Let there be
blessing in our minds, calm and clear</b></div></b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: Let the Blessing be in me</i></div></i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Let there be blessing in our Flesh, whole and strong</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: Let the Blessing be in me</i></div>
</i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>That Wisdom guide
me</b></div></b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: That the Blessing be mine</i></div>
</i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>That Strength
empower me</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: That the Blessing be mine</i></div>
</i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>That Love sustain
me</b></div></b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>response: That the Blessing be mine</i></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Antiphon of Blessing</b></i></div></b></i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>With open heart and centered mind I seek the flow of blessing</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shine from Above and Rise from the Deep</b></div></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Antiphon of Contemplation</span></i></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>In soul-peace I let light reflect, and shadow bide in the deep</b></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>May my stillness reflect beauty, and abide in wisdom</b></div>
</b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Now abide a while in silence, and let the whole
Blessing of the coming Feast be upon you</i></div></i><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Antiphon of Contemplation</i></b></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b>In soul-peace I let light reflect, and shadow bide in the deep</b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b>May my stillness reflect beauty, and abide in wisdom</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Final Prayer</i></div></i><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So I remember the work of the Wise. Let the Fire be lit again, let once again
the Well give forth, when I return to this shrine and work. Let the Holy Ones
be praised, and the Great Dance of All Things be a turning of joy. Let Blessing
carry me, and mine, and bring comfort to all the world. In Wisdom, Love and
Strength, so be it!</div></span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></p>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-11572390488052307502020-09-13T09:54:00.002-07:002020-09-13T09:54:52.411-07:00The Druid's Gate Seal<p><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpUHyoiMDEBn7U41nP3VwAvtq0mI8cT61ryO2oOIupL7jczRWqHpArHZqYTefDJY6cMQvKLQZeRlyPeABHC8ZOiNJT-jgRj1M-oQVFzDPE83YMU570Yh_4964Xo7UHhNiswMTiR04rSY/s320/G%2526K++2019+core.jpg" /></span><span style="clear: right; display: inline !important; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><i>The second of two new Druidic sigils or lamens that have gotten a bit of traction out in Pagandom. Posted largely so that I can reference it, and in case you've wondered what your buddy's t-shirt means...</i><br /><br />The Druid’s Gate is a telesmatic design shown by inspiration to Ian Corrigan –
an expression of the core ritual power of Druidic spirit-magic. By bringing
together symbols of this entire complex we create a figure filled with power
and awe for use in further magic</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">
At the base of the figure we see the sigils of Water and Fire. The Primal
Powers, reflecting the cosmic powers of Earth and Sky, Underworld and Heavens. From
the Two arises the Three, and the Triskelion might represent the Three Worlds,
of Land, Sea and Sky, as understood by the ancient Celts and their Druids. In
this triskel the sacred Center, the Place Between is held by the ritual fire. By
bringing these powers together a liminal place is created, neither/nor; the
Boundary Between; and above the combined fire and water the Gate appears. I
might have chosen to express this ‘crossing-place’ as a cross-road symbol of
the usual sort, but chose instead to harken to the truly archaic forms of the
stone trilithons and gates of the pre-Celtic world, which were mysteries even
to Druids. From such gates Otherworld beings emerged.<br />
<br />
And so we see the sigils o</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">f the Three Kindreds of spirits emerging from or
arriving at the gate. The Flaming Countenance of the Gods, the Skull of the
Dead, and the Serpent to represent the power of the Landspirits all appear
surrounding the Gate and the Center.</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So this synt</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">heti</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">c glyph manifests the proper order of Summoning, that the gate
arise from the Between, and the Spirits come to our presence through the gate.
So to display the sign, properly enchanted, is to declare one’s place as a
K</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">eeper of the Ways, a person to whom the respect of spirits is due.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTiMZ2QHJnSB586wVIQnea6MkQ9oQZqGcLwV_e2HSU42YBAV3D7FMstV1purey4vX2LlEByqSHiyRBjKgvvG_lhmVn0mQxrOWQgu-nz1UD1K860iEuin-4Xqn5kWgbWTd2-H-XViD04s/s900/G%2526K+w+sigil+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTiMZ2QHJnSB586wVIQnea6MkQ9oQZqGcLwV_e2HSU42YBAV3D7FMstV1purey4vX2LlEByqSHiyRBjKgvvG_lhmVn0mQxrOWQgu-nz1UD1K860iEuin-4Xqn5kWgbWTd2-H-XViD04s/w200-h200/G%2526K+w+sigil+2016.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because this is the internet age, you'll find occasional products branded with this symbol - t-shirts, cups, gee-gaws, etc.<br />I should note that the ADF clergy order has adopted a variant of this seal as the symbol of our Senior Priesthood. You'll see priests of that rank wearing this variant as we please, on raiment or jewelry. The variant with the triskelion remains my own, the variant with the ADF sigil is used for the Senior Priesthood... just to be real clear.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOHkYbn2IZirB0KziSKwiZzMG8AtpbkCTVGmV-lZdSVtYoBiT-yTKMHM5GeqlTT4CA2EkChUhbwa1_G0PvTa375dahJHhDeERlb0TqYUDv3MC5aK3jv96UDyWkkklHyoRtxyJ0qjrvEE/s900/G%2526K+new+color+5-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOHkYbn2IZirB0KziSKwiZzMG8AtpbkCTVGmV-lZdSVtYoBiT-yTKMHM5GeqlTT4CA2EkChUhbwa1_G0PvTa375dahJHhDeERlb0TqYUDv3MC5aK3jv96UDyWkkklHyoRtxyJ0qjrvEE/s320/G%2526K+new+color+5-15.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Fire and water, shine and flow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Meet and Join, above and below</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">At the Sacred Center, stand</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sea and Sky, and Holy Land</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Gods and Dead and Spirit Kin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">By this sign, now, come ye in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">By these Holy Powers all</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Open the Gate! I make the call!</span></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-49708015876981243452020-08-19T11:59:00.002-07:002020-08-20T09:37:34.648-07:00The Magical Companion<div class="separator"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfONYJhtdRndsRX_gCYpB3mIeHvz8JJ8JFflfe1jFx26vUKZ7966W7pExcJr9nIpO938PElfuenf3Tk0jOYR_smghso4p5FRYzsjwlDHz8dPxgzaJB0F8AAsVxZFCHw8K-KpQlHvR_78M/s1500/magical+companion+three-part.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfONYJhtdRndsRX_gCYpB3mIeHvz8JJ8JFflfe1jFx26vUKZ7966W7pExcJr9nIpO938PElfuenf3Tk0jOYR_smghso4p5FRYzsjwlDHz8dPxgzaJB0F8AAsVxZFCHw8K-KpQlHvR_78M/s640/magical+companion+three-part.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Magic isn’t about products. This basic truth is often
repeated on the internet, in between waves of advertising for occult products.
But it’s true – the effective work of magic does not rely on cool stuff,
whether blades or jewelry or books.</div></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ah, books… </span><i style="font-family: georgia; mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I admitted I was powerless
over books, and that my shelves had become unmanageable…</i></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, books are, for many modern occultists, the real gate and road to
learning magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personal teaching is
rare to locate, and rarer to find without strings attached – books respond as
reliably as they are used. Certainly if more students actually did what the
books told them, we’d have more competent magicians. But, I’m already rambling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In my own desire to own the sort of books of magic I imagine, I have produced collections
of my own rituals and spells, most notably the<a href="https://intothemound.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-book.html "> Leabhar Mor </a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(”Big Book” in Irish) a full-sized Wizard’s Tome
which I have made available over the years. I love the copies I have, and it
did fulfill some basic “I want a wizard-book” fantasy. The big book on the
podium in the library or ritual room is one of the core images for me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But there is another facet to the archetype of the Magical Book. So often in
recent centuries magic has been “forbidden knowledge”, either frowned-upon
socially or actually outlawed by authorities, and suppressed by violence. From
another angle there was a long period in which books themselves – each book –
were treasures. Paper, even parchment, was rare and valuable, and the skill of
bookbinding produced items that were intended to be of lasting value even when
not embellished with gold and gems. So some books were intended to be concealable,
or as handbooks on a busy workbench, or as a light load for a scholar’s luggage
and might be bound in small size… the ‘octavo’, or even smaller. Prayer books
and missals were commonly bound so, as were grimoires and books of sorcery.</div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In my very own head, where all the attics and shadowy glades of my magic are
found, two fictional models of powerful occult books in small sizes stick out.
The first is the curious cypher book in John Bellair’s “The Face In The Frost”,
which fascinates the attention of a sequence of scholars and magicians, and the
Book of Calls, from Fred Mustard Stewart’s “The Mephisto Waltz”. Both were
written in such a way as to present a powerful (and spooky) book of magic in a
small, portable, concealable way.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So I was quite pleased when, at last, Lulu.com began offering on-demand
hardback books in their ‘pocket book’ size – the size of the old standard
paperback book. As usual Lulu’s standards for their work are good, and the
experimental copies I’ve received are holding up to some carrying and use. They
offer only a couple creative options in covers, but I’ve done something I like…</div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zXtMuOOYJ0_XDqQ6McUr85FeloJw8pIDjiEvxkdLW0wpVEdFlpTStCpBV5RcMi3fpfR_ktPueOX3bYnMBeNoOn-Ohz9GOzGjoc1aFqZgc_T-JXgchlEJOOdnVxZtz582IYQW1SzHiHY/s1500/pocket+grim+2020+title+page+graphic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="934" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zXtMuOOYJ0_XDqQ6McUr85FeloJw8pIDjiEvxkdLW0wpVEdFlpTStCpBV5RcMi3fpfR_ktPueOX3bYnMBeNoOn-Ohz9GOzGjoc1aFqZgc_T-JXgchlEJOOdnVxZtz582IYQW1SzHiHY/w249-h400/pocket+grim+2020+title+page+graphic.jpg" width="249" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Pagan Magical Companion</i></span> </b>is my effort to assemble a hand-book of modern
Pagan magic and spirit. It contains material mostly written since the
compilation of the Leabhar Mor, along with some repeated material, tables, etc,
which I thought necessary for a useful portable reference. My intention is to
create a book that is useful to the working magician, as well as inspirational
to those pursuing Pagan spirituality.</div></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">
The book begins with material useful in beginning and maintaining a simple
house-cult of local gods and spirit – which can be the basis for a lot of more
esoteric magical work. The book presents a method of formal theurgic invocation
of the gods, and offers a model for using it in context of a yearly cycle of
seasonal rites. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In this handbook format I have not included articles of
technical explanation of basic magical methods, such as trance-vision
journeying. I do present a ritual framework that can help unite vision-journey
workings with one’s larger ritual-magic practice, but the method will have to
be acquired by the reader. Likewise divination is discussed, and some simple
methods given, intended to be especially useful for the magical rites
described.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Central to the book’s magic is the Pagan system of spirit-arte it presents.
Based in my research and experiments over the past decade, here I have tried to
boil-down and present the method in an easy outline that can be worked with a
few proper tools. The work presented in the book includes all the needed rites
for making the tools, preparing the mind and opening relationships with the
spirits. With those things in hand, spirit-arte is the next logical step. The
book contains a set of rites for making basic alliances that can serve for
practical magic of all kinds.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally I collect a set of experiments based on the book’s methods, along with
many one-off charms and ‘prayers’ for a variety of spiritual and practical
purposes. These needful charms help make the Companion a source of inspiration
and support through our common lives.</div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">
So the Magical Companion is <span style="background-color: black;"><a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/ian-corrigan/a-magical-companion/hardcover/product-1y59r5r4.html">available now at my store on Lulu.com</a>.</span> It is a pocket
hardcover, the cover image-printed on gloss (which I find more durable than their matte
stock). It is printed in full color on sturdy stock, with red and black text throughout, and
many color illustrations and plates. I find it has a satisfying heft while
suiting the desire for a portable resource.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvymSjuyUQzcBugJWIXCAwFGe46menZSh8_dQ1mdIqEiBJw7t2mKq3aQL_8DNa2JD1fpP41bozb-6MG0TN_OtptYPyAMdSOXqC5m74bm3Ibf3yYcTuY7NlFxWHZD8C-0ATLkFbg5XbHg/s1500/Mag+Companion+toc+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvymSjuyUQzcBugJWIXCAwFGe46menZSh8_dQ1mdIqEiBJw7t2mKq3aQL_8DNa2JD1fpP41bozb-6MG0TN_OtptYPyAMdSOXqC5m74bm3Ibf3yYcTuY7NlFxWHZD8C-0ATLkFbg5XbHg/s640/Mag+Companion+toc+graphic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-26938288395228851622020-07-02T11:11:00.000-07:002020-07-02T11:11:46.113-07:00Starwood 39.5<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Your Festival Staycation.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0vap7ySpWnoouRihlcp15bECz4OhAutXARnnH_ueWDVqfYH5F3fe6mb7xtZn6BFdLLSW1dSMdNbVDmal-GuhhsvASwxTMwZsLloD-U5T6S8L6tk9Q71CQ50KX_8ka2dcv53cHZTvtRw/s1600/SW+3-9+virtual+poster+1+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1159" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0vap7ySpWnoouRihlcp15bECz4OhAutXARnnH_ueWDVqfYH5F3fe6mb7xtZn6BFdLLSW1dSMdNbVDmal-GuhhsvASwxTMwZsLloD-U5T6S8L6tk9Q71CQ50KX_8ka2dcv53cHZTvtRw/s320/SW+3-9+virtual+poster+1+small.jpg" width="247" /></a>So, here in Ohio we continue to face Covid-related caution advisories. None of
them have been Draconian – we’ve gone out for supplies as needed, but
socializing here at Tredara has been minimal, and all spring/early summer
events have been cancelled. As a result we have been learning how to use the
internet for our work – our Druid Grove has offered our rites on live feeds,
and we’re all meeting on various meeting-platforms.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As most of you know I’m a founder of and organizer for the Starwood festival,
which is approaching its 40<sup>th</sup> opening this year. Things being what
they are, this year we felt it wise to cancel our Big Camp-out. Instead we are
producing a virtual event that we hope will be as interesting and engaging as a
live Starwood.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Attendees will receive a link to the “Lobby”, where scheduled programs can be
accessed. Beginning with the Opening Circle meditation on Tuesday evening, we
will offer four days of workshop program. Each day will open with a “coffee at
Camp” chat-meeting, where folks can get face-time, test their connection, ask
questions, etc. We will often offer two, three or more choices per scheduled
slot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5pXrsBm2Zpj22yJ9LsbzS0iDpqYTJz4Iil1UD2D3YaaUVksEGeZOz9CKqrEtibyuGcdnlDldkMDRo88qWHP-nXnxdT2fupACKnVxAkay3maBIcb3_RywCDJ3P6nEu8eEiQkYBW5dI9o/s1600/SW+3-9+virtual+poster+2+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1159" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5pXrsBm2Zpj22yJ9LsbzS0iDpqYTJz4Iil1UD2D3YaaUVksEGeZOz9CKqrEtibyuGcdnlDldkMDRo88qWHP-nXnxdT2fupACKnVxAkay3maBIcb3_RywCDJ3P6nEu8eEiQkYBW5dI9o/s320/SW+3-9+virtual+poster+2+small.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I invite you to review the schedule and speaker list at the link. Selena Fox, Jeff
McBride, Vermin Supreme, and so many of our favorite folks (we couldn’t
possibly have them all…). Workshops will be interacting, tough our monitors
will work to keep things organized, prevent extraneous noise, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Musical guests will play at lunch-time and post-dinner slots each day, and
various unusual overnight feeds will be accessed. We will maintain a non-themed
chat-room, and offer unique programs from our 40-year archives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There’s some fire-tribe building a Pretty Big Fire in my back meadow as we
speak. Saturday night, after concert, we will light it and join our eyes and
hearts together, even if we can’t all dance in the same place.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So if you have the cabin-fever, a persistent nagging itch to do something cool,
and an ache in your bones for the fam, consider pitching in the measly fee.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then get yer wi-fi in order, with a good screen, arrange some camp chairs (or
your fave chairs…) around a fire – even a little bitty one, maybe get a cooler
full of your fave cold stuff. You can
meet friends and like-minded mutants from across the planet (probably), while
relaxing with your very own plumbing.<br />You can register at this page:<br /><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-starwood-395-tickets-105711453804">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-starwood-395-tickets-105711453804</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It’s the 2020 thing to do…</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-50369544314385290222020-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:002020-03-30T08:31:32.907-07:00Two Charms Against Disease<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sheltering in place, here in Ohio, in a county not too hard-hit (yet) by the Covid infection, I contemplate how to apply magic to the situation.<br />In my personal work I have a long-practiced, nearly-unconscious pattern of applying the Two Powers (as some Druids say - the Underworld and Heaven Powers) to cleansing myself and maintaining a healthy pattern. For those not immediately in Our Druidic work, let me expound a little.<br />• One can approach the impersonal spiritual energies of the cosmos as the powers of Underworld and Heavens. Allow me to quote myself, from my "Basics of Pagan Worship":</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>... the
‘energies’ of the spiritual world. Most common is the work called ‘grounding
and centering”. In that technique we make ourselves aware of a flow of
“spiritual energies” in the cosmos, and balance those energies in our own
bodies and spirits. ...</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the basic
level we address these energies as the Light of the Heavens and the Waters of
the Underworld. The Underworld Power is envisioned as the Waters Under the
Earth, in which all the wisdom of the past is dissolved. The Power of the
Heavens is seen as the Light of the Turning Sky, which brings order, pattern
and growth. This duality corresponds to cosmic principles, poles of cosmic
structure between which the manifest world appears. ...<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Working with
the Fire and Water can be a core technique of practical magic, ... The Fire and Water are the primal powers of creation. When we take
conscious control of the Two Powers, through imagination and will, we are doing
in the microcosm what the Gods and Spirits do in the greater cosmos. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The standard of proficiency in this technique of
energy-work is to learn to bring (awareness of) the Two Powers into the self
quickly and surely. ... From that base any number
of specialized forms and applications of the energies can be devised.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The 'Fire and Water' healing charm here is precisely that sort of specialized application. I'm sure it could be worked with any sort of 'grounding and centering' but it is designed for the Two Powers work of Our Druidry.<br /><br />The second charm here is a direct invocation of the Goddess brigid, who I look to as a primary healer goddess. It calls upon Her Three Powers - immediate daemons of the goddess who I know as the Cup, the Harp, and the Hammer. Details of that concept can be found in the<a href="http://intothemound.blogspot.com/2011/08/court-of-brigid-phase-two.html" target="_blank"> Court of Brigid material</a>. Even if not familiar with those ideas, following the images and poetry of the charm should get you close to the goal.<br /><br />So here's my wish, for strength to our flesh, skill to our physicians, and the comfort and protection of the spirits on us all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Healing by Fire and Water</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>A charm to prevent infection and strengthen wholeness</i></span></b><br />
<br />
If desired you may work with a candle-flame and a small bowl of water. The
charm can be worked in vision, conceiving the left hand as the Water and the
right hand as the Fire.<br />
<br />
• Begin by centering yourself in the Two Powers, establishing the Flow and
Shine of Underworld and Heavens in your body. When you are ready:<br />
• Extend the left hand (holding the water, or with a small amount in the palm,
or only in vision), and understand the Underworld Power as flowing up through
you, to concentrate in that hand. Breathing strongly and maintaining that
vision, recite:<br />
<b>Deep Water rise, <br />
Dark water bright<br />
Strength from the Deep<br />
All-Cleansing might</b><br />
(and incant this nine times, charging the water)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• Then anoint the forehead,
chest and belly or loins with the water, or place the hand on them in turn,
from top to bottom, saying:<br />
<b>Flow, Oh Power, from the deep, through
my heart, to my hand, that I may be cleansed,<br />
that I may be rinsed, that every ill be
washed away.<br />
That bonds be broken, and washed away.<br />
That hooks be released, and washed away<br />
That every bit be cleansed, and washed clean.<br />
For the Blessing of the water I give thanks</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPxwFcj2ZNRIdPv56ZL2SsGDwXN3aj4bkuKTvPgq9QwhANcaN9tYoBWCcs3LmdjV_QNS7UgXk3xQN6_S4vF6tEZVso_bDeWfbx-sJyhxV7w_A8739HVpppcB732j4Zt3LBX7XBCaUpLM/s1600/Fire+%2526+Water+Healing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPxwFcj2ZNRIdPv56ZL2SsGDwXN3aj4bkuKTvPgq9QwhANcaN9tYoBWCcs3LmdjV_QNS7UgXk3xQN6_S4vF6tEZVso_bDeWfbx-sJyhxV7w_A8739HVpppcB732j4Zt3LBX7XBCaUpLM/s320/Fire+%2526+Water+Healing.jpg" width="247" /></a>• Abiding in your cleansed
state, extend your right hand, holding the flame, or lit incense, or only in
vision, and understand the Heaven Power shining down into you, to concentrate
in your hand. Breathing strongly in that vision, recite:<br />
<b>Fire of heaven, Fire of the Sky<br />
Moon’s white Silver, Sun’s bright gold<br />
Shine upon me, shine within<br />
That your power I may hold</b><br />
(and incant this nine times, charging the fire)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• Then use your hand to warm or brighten the belly or loins, heart and forehead
in turn with the flame, from bottom to
top, saying:<br />
<b>Shine, Oh Light, from the heights,
through my head, to my hand, that I may be made whole.<br />
Let the Light of Formation fill every empty space, and restore me to wholeness<br />
Let the Light of Knowledge fill every empty space, and restore me to wholeness<br />
Let the Light of Illumination fill every empty space, and restore me to
wholeness<br />
That I may be whole, and healed, and well.<br />
For the Blessing of Fire I give thanks.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• And clasp the hands before the heart, understanding the whole work, the
cleansing and restoration, and affirming.<br />
<b>
So by Fire and Water<br />
Let me be cleansed and whole.<br />
So be it.</b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6aPH9Z-SFxF1JrfgagKnM2FyK7C3X1_XqY8vAa_CflQrr2hpUQM8q4wuE2B6_5I8KfJ0DLxkHXaKFhRCZNwyHt7CG7ug18aW0Iqq-kVEYaoo0H9n5CZR24tfkiJlZ8apDbXcU_zWIas/s1600/against+disease.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6aPH9Z-SFxF1JrfgagKnM2FyK7C3X1_XqY8vAa_CflQrr2hpUQM8q4wuE2B6_5I8KfJ0DLxkHXaKFhRCZNwyHt7CG7ug18aW0Iqq-kVEYaoo0H9n5CZR24tfkiJlZ8apDbXcU_zWIas/s320/against+disease.jpg" width="182" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Brigid’s Protection Against Disease</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>By the Might of Brigid, Daughter of Danu</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b>
By the Mercy of Brigid, Flame in the Hearth<br />
By the Flow of Brigid, Water from the Well<br />
Spirit of the Hammer, Warm the Forge<br />
Spirit of the Quaich, Bear the Draft<br />
Spirit of the Harp, Sing Beauty<br />
So ring, Oh Hammer, in the Cauldron of Warming<br />
Let my furnace burn warm, my power be strong, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b>to keep me from all ill.<br />
Be full to spilling, Oh Cup, into my Cauldron of Movement<br />
Let your healing flow through every course, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b>to keep me from all ill<br />
Sing like the Birds of Dawn. OH Harp, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b>with words of understanding<br />
Let me hear the Song in my Cauldron of Wisdom</b><b>to keep me from all ill</b><b><br />
Mighty Goddess, make strong flesh and bone <br />
Loving Goddess, make clean blood and wind <br />
Wisest Goddess, Make clear mind and will<br />
In my heart and at my hearth<br />
For my kin and for my folk<br />
That we may all be well.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-46760948287918562702020-03-18T06:53:00.000-07:002020-03-18T06:53:39.775-07:00A Solitary Spring Equinox Rite<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvN4Ei7JgpRXom1iRO1dvIIYEPcZkDPnowJchavo5ZCPi_pHdB1Nd9nXzB_Kv8CT66QET6tw3Us7EAzB4FeAr0H2rymmQ4OXJPhonsf84owoDkShj3oyeEyNOtpM2j7oj0ExGra_oUCE/s1600/Crocus+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1500" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvN4Ei7JgpRXom1iRO1dvIIYEPcZkDPnowJchavo5ZCPi_pHdB1Nd9nXzB_Kv8CT66QET6tw3Us7EAzB4FeAr0H2rymmQ4OXJPhonsf84owoDkShj3oyeEyNOtpM2j7oj0ExGra_oUCE/s320/Crocus+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This season our local ADF Grove cancelled our public seasonal ritual performance for, I think, the first time in our history. We've had a couple of weather-related close calls, but this is the first time that we simply won't hold a rite, thanks to the COVID 19 problem.<br /><br />Here is a reasonably simple rite that can be done at a family dinner table, or alone. It requires a few candles, a bowl of water and a couple of simple symbolic props<br /><br />I will take the strength of the land for our own, and let growth and the rising light overcome ill.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A Family Table Rite <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for Spring</span></b><br />
<br />
In addition to service for the food, arrange the Center of the table, as
desired, with four good candles, one shorter than the others, and an attractive
bowl of clean water. If desired a decorative Tree symbol completes the array. A
piece of silver or quartz crystal might be present to drop into the water, and
incense is good, if tolerable for a meal-table. Also have present a preferred
beverage, or two, to receive the Blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
• With all prepared, the kin join hands, and breathe together in silence for a
moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Head of the Table lights the short candle, drops the silver
into the Water, and speaks:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We
come together to celebrate the turning of tides, the rising of light, the
balance of the rolling wheel. In the name of the Earth Mother and the Spirit of
the Grain, Let us seek blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• All recite:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Fire,
the Well, the Sacred Tree<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Flow and
Flame and Grow in me<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By Land,
Sea and Sky, Below and On High<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Let the
Water be blessed and the Fire be hallowed.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• It is good to formally cleanse– pass the water, or sprinkle all
– pass incense if do-able; this may be light-hearted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One simple charm (spoken three times) is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By
the Might of the Waters and the Light of the Fire<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let
this meal/table/gathering be blessed!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">An offering is given, saying:</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">•
Where Fire and Water Meet, Where Land and Sea and Sky are joined<br />
There is the Sacred Center, The Crossroads of Worlds.<br />
We light the Fire of Welcome, we draw water from the Holy Well,<br />
And to the Gods of Crossroads we offer, <br />
That this place be a sacred place, a between place,<br />
A place of meeting for mortals and the spirits.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the Roads be open, let the voice be
heard, let the Gates be Open!</i></b><br />
<br />
• The Head, or another, lights the three tall candles in turn as all recite: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh
all you Holy Beings of the Worlds, In all your might<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We
call you, whether unnamed or by name, By these three lights<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(light one tall candle)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beloved
Dead, you travelers, gone before, To you in love<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(light one tall candle)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh
wond’rous spirits of this land we call, To you in awe<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(light one tall candle)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And
every shining god, in every heart, To you in honor true<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,
awe and honor, these we light<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With
these three flames here, burning bright<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And
bid the spirits bide with us in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Spring Charm:<br />
For this charm have a stone from the surrounding land (or a small bowl of
dirt), a handful of seed-wheat or corn, Two offerings of incense are also ready<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Head, or another, begins:</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">•
Light and Dark in balance, turning; Year comes forth from Winter, changing<br />
Shoots come forth from mud and soil, kits and young are birthed, as well<br />
Sing we springtime one and all, as all the land rejoices.<br />
Unto the landfolk we give honor, remember we your sleep and waking<br />
Give us your blessing in the planting, and multiply it in the reaping<br />
As spring brings summer and the harvest<br />
</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The stone or soil is taken up and held as
the charm is said. The stone or soil may be passed around the table for each to
contemplate, if desired.</i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">• To
the Mother of All we make our prayer, and likewise give this offering.</i></b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An incense offering is made</i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Many
named, who upholds every path, womb of grain and final tomb<br />
Let your power be growth in the season of growth.<br />
Let water run free, and soil be rich and quenched<br />
Let sun be warm and winds kind, and the storm bring the protection of the
Thunderer<br />
Earth Mother, you are the Womb of Spring<br />
Be for us the Mother of Peace<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Corn,
in a bowl, is elevated, or passed around the table, saying:</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">• To
the Spring Thunderer we make our prayer, and likewise give this offering</i></b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An incense offering is made</i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thunder-wielder,
who wakes the seed and guards the corn<br />
Let your power be growth in this season of growth.<br />
Shake the sky, rumble the ground, and let no good seed stay sleeping<br />
Lightning charge the air, and guard against all ill; keep safe the Beloved
Mother.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
Thunderer, you are the Hammer of Spring<br />
Be for us the Shield of Protection<br />
</i></b><br />
This charm can be said or sung three times, or until all the tokens have
returned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So
turn, turn, from dark to light<br />
We stand in place ‘tween left and right<br />
One hand is winter, one is spring<br />
Between is each and every thing.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All recite
or sing the prayer of sacrifice, and a final offering of incense might be
given.</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">•
Hear us Holy Ones<br />
Offering we give to all<br />
In Honor, Reverence, and Joy<br />
Accept our sacrifice, we call</i></b><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A daring and confident host might choose
to draw an omen at this time. Many will be happy simply to proceed to the
Blessing:<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Head
of the Table, or another recites:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">•
The lights are lit, and the feast is ready. Let the blessing be poured for us
all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
prepared drinks are poured, and a single passing-cup is raised, or everyone
raises their cup, and recites:</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let
this be blessing, poured for us, from the Holy Powers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let
it be wisdom, let it be strength, let it be love, between us, true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let
the World be soil, in which our hearts sprout and bloom and bear.<br />
Let the Season be life, and energy, and strength for the growing<br />
Mother of All, Thunder-Champion, we ask your blessing on these cups.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• All
drink, then bide a moment in silent unity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
• The Head begins closing, saying:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">•
So we accept the blessing of Spring! <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To
all those who have come at our call, All who have given us their blessing, to
all those who bide with us in Spring, we give thanks. We bid you go in peace,
if you will, or stay at our sides in blessing. Spirits, we thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Gatekeeper is thanked and the gate closed, saying:</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">• Keeper of Gates, Lord of Ways, for keeping the crossroad, we give you
our thanks.</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now let the
Fire be but flame; Let the Well be but water<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let all be as
it was before; Save only for the magic we have made.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let the gates
be closed!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Then all recite the Great Blessing:</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We offer our thanks to the Mother of All.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We offer our thanks to the Gods, Dead and Spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May the Three Sacred Kins bring joy to all beings, and renew the
ancient wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To the Fire, Well and Tree we offer our thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May Wisdom, Love and Power kindle in all beings, and renew the
ancient wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To the Earth, Sea, and Sky we offer our thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May the ancient wisdom be renewed, and may all beings know peace,
joy and happiness<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>In all the worlds. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
be it!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">• The Head
concludes, saying:</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let
us keep gratitude in our hearts for this blessing, for this labor, for this
good food we are about to eat, in the light of the Holy Ones.<br />
Holy Ones, we thank you (all repeat)<br />
Let’s Eat!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-27985726369545295142020-02-04T08:14:00.000-08:002020-02-04T08:14:01.616-08:00Cleansing and Banishing in Pagan Ritual<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>(a basic replacement for 'smudging')</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dwIxw3JLSjxJttTbWOf033qxnCUY2BpvptrpcE60u4YL0XeE3pEFqM1nN08CzGwr-xsyt3bcjaQEKhk7IHVOVJOXRdUClpLfkNVSfe2LFLFzwxlbKei0aNPBLWl_g9QX6ItIiSll_zI/s1600/cauldron+two+powers+black+bkgrd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1244" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dwIxw3JLSjxJttTbWOf033qxnCUY2BpvptrpcE60u4YL0XeE3pEFqM1nN08CzGwr-xsyt3bcjaQEKhk7IHVOVJOXRdUClpLfkNVSfe2LFLFzwxlbKei0aNPBLWl_g9QX6ItIiSll_zI/s320/cauldron+two+powers+black+bkgrd.jpg" width="248" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pagan social-media conversations often circle back to the
use of herbal smoke for cleansing material spaces, and ‘banishing bad vibes’.
In my summary opinion the notion of ‘sage-ing’ or ‘smudging’ has reached the
level of superstition, in which people imitate gestures without understanding,
seeking an effect. This trend has bumped-up against efforts by native peoples
to preserve their own ways, and prevent their dilution by misappropriation.
Recent internet notices have warned us against depriving native people of
revenue and recognition in our sources of specific plants, and reminded us that
merely imitating a picture of a ritual action does not mean we’re actually
doing it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> When I was coming up in
the craft in the 1970s we never spoke of ‘smudging’. The first time I saw the
‘shell-and-fan’ set-up was probably in the mid-80s, at a festival. Traditional western magic performs cleansing
of space with a dual approach, using water and fire. That is how I learned to
clear a space, whether casting a circle or giving a basic cleansing to a house.
Water-and-fire cleansing is also used in western magic to cleanse and pre-bless
objects used in magical ritual, whether the ‘tools’, or the physical basis of
talismans, charm-bags, etc. While each of these symbols deserves a full
research-report, let me say a little about the traditions surrounding ritual
fire and water:<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ritual Water</b></div>
</b><div style="text-align: justify;">
The central symbol of
cleansing in Euro spiritual ritual is water. The work of finding, bearing, and
protecting safe water sources is always central to the lives of early people,
and such matters make their way from the mundane into the sacred in a variety
of customs. Evidence for the use of specially-dedicated water and water-sources
extends as far back as written sources allow.</div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Greek Magical
Papyri of the turn of the first millennium ritual water is gathered from
different sources for different intentions. So for work with celestial gods,
and various blessings one might collect rain-water, while for Underworld work,
fertility, etc water from underground springs is preferred. For modern
practitioners this offers a chance to consider the sources of water in your
region, and to pay direct attention to weather as a concern in magic.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
If you choose to bring
water directly from a natural source, try to choose places where you can gather
clean, clear water. Water pure enough to drink seems to have been the basic
standard for traditional ritual water, and great care was taken to insure its
cleanliness and purity. There is no reason to avoid using the tap water from
most modern water-systems – ritual water is always formally consecrated.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">The summary of the method of making
ritual water is to bring pure water, add some further agent of purification,
and speak intention over the water. The added element is often salt, though
some Celtoids have the custom of ‘silvering’ water – silver has active
anti-microbial properties, so that’s cool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The western traditions of ritual magic (what is often called the ‘Solomonic’
style) use this basic formula with its usual lengthy ritual recitations.
There’s a very complete set of such consecrations at the <a href="https://digitalambler.com/rituals/blessing-of-water-chalk-candles-and-fire/" target="_blank">Digital Ambler</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A simple working consecration is given below.<br /></span><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Fire and Smoke</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Ritual flame is the
traditional center of much Euro-Pagan ritual. In archaic forms the central fire
receives the offerings of the people, and may represent the very presence of
divine power. Its lore emphasizes ritual purity, spiritual power and the Right
Order of wholeness and wellness.</span></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Among Indic ritual
traditions the fire retains most of this archaic power, and stands at the
center of what remains of Vedic ritual. In Persian religion (‘Zoroastrianism’)
the fire becomes the only idol, the very image of the divine. In Hellenic and
Roman religion the sacrificial fire consumed the portion of the offerings given
to the gods, and was treated as a deity.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Ritual fire has the same
emphasis on ‘purity’ as does ritual water. Fire can be employed to burn trash,
cleanse illness, even consume corpses. Ritual fire is to be made with clean,
dry materials, carefully laid, with no unintentional or incidental contents. It
receives equally-pure offerings of food, oil, etc.</span></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In many traditional
cultures the ritual fire is connected directly to the hearth-fire. Hearth-fire
is kept burning perpetually, the spark carefully preserved over each night, for
months at a time. Hearth fire was, in many places, renewed annually or
bi-annually, to allow for cleaning and purity. In such cases the hearth was
extinguished, and new fire brought into the home from one of the blessed ritual
fires. For the rest of the year all ritual fire was lit, in turn, from a
hearth-fire.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Some sects of modern
Paganism are attempting to establish the keeping of a perpetual tended flame in
homes. The old 20</span><sup style="text-indent: 0.5in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> century dodge was to bless the ‘pilot light’ of
a gas stove. (If you don’t know what that it, it’s because the tech has largely
passed away, and I don’t think anyone blesses their piezo…). On modern Pagan
shrines and altars a flame can be kept in a succession of seven-day candles, in
an oil-lamp, or even a gas fireplace or lamp. Such a light is carefully kept
through the year, and ritually snuffed and re-lit in a sacred occasion – often at
Spring Equinox or Beltaine. In the many circumstances where a ritual fire
cannot be lit from a good hearth-fire, then custom calls for a proper
incantation recited over proper fuels, and lit at a proper moment.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blessing by Smoke</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
The central formula of
cleansing by water and incense is that it is the water which first rinses away pollution,
and the incense smoke which then confers blessing on the clean thing or place.
In ancient days bad smells were associated, not unreasonably, with ritual and
physical uncleanliness, and smells themselves were considered to transmit
disease. Thus perfumes were used to drive off such impurity, and to fill the
air of a ritual space with scents attractive to good influences, especially those
proper to the rite at hand. Thus it was ordinary to clean a room with water and
brush, and then to burn pleasant woods, etc, in the hearth, even in cultures
that didn’t use ‘incense’ as such. Both Gaelic and Scandinavian cultures
preserve very little trace of the use of formulated incense for either religion
or household perfume, but might burn boughs of pine, or apple, or juniper to
scent their rooms, especially after sickness.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
ritual magic of the late classical and medieval days evil spirits, as such,
were banished by the burning of ill-smelling smokes. No sense of ‘opposites’
involved – burning asafetida and pepper will drive most beings out of a room.
Resorting to such measures today would be for the most extreme matters, I
suppose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the core of this formula, I
think, it is the sacred power of the spark of ritual fire that serves to bless and
purify, much more than the effect of any specific herb. Of course there are a
variety of herbs used for banishing ill in European tradition, <a href="https://www.ilmypsychicjane.com/single-post/2017/12/09/30-Sacred-Herbs-for-Smudging-and-Cleansing-Purposes" target="_blank">lists</a> are <a href="https://aminoapps.com/c/pagans-witches/page/blog/13-herbs-for-purification/j0ow_vJ8IKuJmXEkKjlogmx4rVRdd05Xw66." target="_blank">easy to find</a> Any combination can be burned on charcoal (maybe mixed with some nice
frankincense) to good effect. If you find yourself unable to use smoke in an
apartment or public space simply blessing a candle or (more dramatically) a
fire in a bowl will be fully in keeping with the core symbolism of the work.
Even the light of an electric candle can serve, especially if the space is dark
enough for the light to be visible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Refer
to the ‘digital Ambler’ link above for the full Solomonic version of the
consecration of Fire. For small ritual fires a simple prayer or charm is the
usual method. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• It is usual to arrange a token
ritual hearth indoors. This is easily done by placing a circle of candles
around an incense-burner, allowing incense offerings to be made in the center
of the symbolic flames. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Such a Fire should be lit with a proper charm or
incantation, such as the one given below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Purification By Water
and Fire:</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3To6ViX7FzR33qFSugB8RQ0EjzpWTsio8nadDMQVMcAwNfPCSSK3s15RF-2l94znXcGTXfqYYceAmgLKQso_znfRIQkpfmrS0644kXr_9fORivhenvCzADTHH8DjKOGp7yeJNAcfKpw/s1600/home+shrine+layout+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1425" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3To6ViX7FzR33qFSugB8RQ0EjzpWTsio8nadDMQVMcAwNfPCSSK3s15RF-2l94znXcGTXfqYYceAmgLKQso_znfRIQkpfmrS0644kXr_9fORivhenvCzADTHH8DjKOGp7yeJNAcfKpw/s200/home+shrine+layout+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Druidic-style 'altar' arrangement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These simple customs can be used to spiritually cleanse a
house, a room, or a person or object. Choose a proper place for the altar – at your
home shrine if you keep one. For cleansing a house consider starting at the
highest reachable point and working downward and out the doors. In a single
room an altar might be on the eastern wall or at an eastern window. In any case
the simple tools can be arranged as needed, with consideration as to beauty and
harmony.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• Bring clean water, and a little salt.</i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• Prepare a fire, whether a true wood fire or a ring of candles surrounding a
censer. If you are clearing a space, be sure the censer can be easily lifted and
moved. If purifying an object the censer can be stationary. Have a good supply
of incense – enough to last for the whole area you intend to bless.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHXqF2QlWD29BA7q-6DUTUNzSt2er0SV_wyDyIf88_Nn068HiDcOkr4OAOZSTtNd-o8raru0QeHn-noR4C9mvyqegRgE141Q5o1r_NC1ZsfxhzZ-vyVLcRuVutFnjYQjSZPZ9IpdOAYM/s1600/shrine+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHXqF2QlWD29BA7q-6DUTUNzSt2er0SV_wyDyIf88_Nn068HiDcOkr4OAOZSTtNd-o8raru0QeHn-noR4C9mvyqegRgE141Q5o1r_NC1ZsfxhzZ-vyVLcRuVutFnjYQjSZPZ9IpdOAYM/s320/shrine+1.png" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Druidic arrangement in detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• On an experiential note, if I am not using herbal incense on charcoal I have
come to prefer good, fresh cone incense – Indian brands are usually nice and
oily. Cones can be lit at the tip, and will often burn with an open flame for a
minute or three, making a dramatic visual and a literal magnification of the
ritual fire before snuffing into fragrant smoke. Setting such a cone on
charcoal insures the cake will light, as well.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• As a performance note, a full house cleansing will benefit from having two
operators – one for water, one for fire. In this way the elements can move
through the house together. It is entirely reasonable for a single operator to
do the two phases sequentially, but takes more time.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• With all arranged in the chosen starting-place, take up the salt, and conjure
the water, saying:</i></div>
</i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The water is poured into the vessel,
and/or the full vessel is raised, saying:</i></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Here we bring the Waters of the Land, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clean from the deep, borne by the pure, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So that everything it touches may be made pure. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Let this Vessel be the Spring of the Deep for our rite, from which we draw
purification.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>On Land</b> <i>(add a tiny pinch of salt)</i></div>
</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beneath the Sky</b> <i>(add a
tiny pinch of salt)</i></div>
</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>And within the Sea</b> <i>(add a
tiny pinch of salt)</i></div>
</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Let the Water make pure the earth,
make pure this (place), </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Make it whole and Holy, and free from every ill.</b></div>
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• Light the incense, preferably from
an altar-candle or fire and as the initial flame rises, conjure it, saying:</i></div>
</i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I kindle this fire</b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In the presence of all the spirits</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Upon the Land, within the Sea, Beneath the Sky</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>At the Center of Worlds</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I kindle this fire in Wisdom</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I kindle this fire in Love</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I kindle this fire in Power</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To be the Light of the Heavens upon this Earth.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To be a Fire of Welcome to all of good-will</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>And a blessing to all beings.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So be it!</b></div>
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>(• The above is a ‘long form’ for
consecrating the Water and Fire. It is best for new students and beginners to
us the long form, paying full attention to the intent of the words. When you
have some experience, it can be more convenient to use a short for, such as:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• Salt the water, light the flame, and recite three times:</i></div>
</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Fire, The Well, The Sacred Tree</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Flow and flame and grow in me</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In Land, Sea and Sky</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Below and on high</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Let the Water be blessed and the Fire be hallowed.)</b></div>
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• The elements having been blessed,
we can use them to purify objects or spaces. In Pagan ritual preparation the
space in which ritual is about to be done is cleaned with water and fire. Objects
which are being dedicated to sacred work are cleansed, and the materials which
are used for talismans, as well. Such things can simply be sprinkled with the
blessed water, and held in the smoke of the fire or incense.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• The work can be supported by proper visualizations – see the water rinsing
away a layer of dirt to reveal shining; see the fire sparkle on and within the
item.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• To cleanse a space, start at one corner or position in a room, and go sunwise
around the space (right shoulder to the center), first with the water, and then
with the smoke.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• To cleanse a house thoroughly start at the highest room in use and cleanse each
room in turn, finally cleansing the front door. Doors and windows can be
specifically cleansed around their frames.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• For a single-story house one might start at the front door and go sun-wise
through the place, cleansing each room in turn.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• It is traditional to speak one’s intention aloud. If you wish you might speak
to the work without script, politely instructing (don’t ask – tell) all
inharmonious influences to depart. It is also traditional to repeat a charm.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• In our Druidic ritual, we incant, simply:</i></div>
</i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>By the might of the Water and the light of
the Fire, this (place/thing/etc) is made whole and holy.</b></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>And slightly more detailed:</i></div>
</i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Fire and Water, Earth and Sky, </b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Rooted deep and crowned high,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ill be gone and good draw nigh, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Fire and Water, Earth and Sky</b></div>
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• If cleansing a house, the elements
might be returned to the original altar, or taken out the final door and spilled/extinguished
at the boundary of the property. Sometimes it is proper to take the live
elements out the door and work the edges of the property itself, though often
this is impractical.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>• When finished return to the original Altar or work-spot, and envision the
whole work, solid and complete. Conclude with an affirmation of success and
blessing, such as</i></div>
</i></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Blessing of the Holy Ones</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be on me and mine</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Blessing on all beings</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And peace to thee and thine.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Fire, the Well, the sacred Tree</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Flow and flame and grow in me.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thus do I affirm the work of the wise!</span></b></div>
</span>
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-90709593140747220882020-01-28T06:09:00.000-08:002020-01-28T06:10:44.542-08:00Druidism Intro Article<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>There is a new wave of Pan-Pagan organizing happening here in Ohio, and while it seems mainly focused on the SW corner of the state I became involved through social media. Typically, I volunteered for the 'education' committee, and volunteered to write a short briefing on the modern Druid movement in Paganism.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Unlike some Pagan traditions, which maintain a single line of history, initiation and/or practice Druidry in modern times is a patchwork of several lineages, each with fairly unique origins. I have made an effort in this simple document to summarize each in a concise way. If the reconstruction movement gets short shrift it is only because that movement has been generally hesitant to create 'Druids' or involve itself directly with self-described Druid work.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By all means inform me of substantive errors. Differences of interpretation can be worked out in chat :)</div>
</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Druidism in the Modern Earth-Spirit Movement.</span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Ancient Druids and the British Revival</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLsUKRyNFa-Jn_7d-dFOqtfXn9YQnitsiG9zmZxoE5qSDvQTekqryM9_8jgLeHCKYrrmst1uRjMkV59PzhJb9aKWlGoI__li8VerxPKc4Ep1sZ9u_YUwkcpTaGfE-Aif4D6x07Cfq1Vk/s1600/fall+eq+13+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLsUKRyNFa-Jn_7d-dFOqtfXn9YQnitsiG9zmZxoE5qSDvQTekqryM9_8jgLeHCKYrrmst1uRjMkV59PzhJb9aKWlGoI__li8VerxPKc4Ep1sZ9u_YUwkcpTaGfE-Aif4D6x07Cfq1Vk/s320/fall+eq+13+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A modern Druid ritual array</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• The term ‘Druid’ comes into English from the writings of Greek and Roman
historians prior to the rise of the Church. The Celtic-language cultures of
central and western Europe featured a class of professional priests, healers,
and judges called the Druids (Drui in Gaulish, Draoi in Irish). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• The rediscovery of these figures in early-modern scholarship intersected with
the Fraternal/Masonic impulse, and with Welsh and Celtic ethnic and cultural
revival/maintenance. From this stew the first reconstructed Druid ‘Orders’
arose.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Modern British or English Druid Orders include the Ancient order of Druids,
the British Druid Order, and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. This last
group has produced a very successful and useful correspondence course for
building Druidic Spirituality.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYn06xuef-ywf2OgfQVZ_UWhDxlIdcjRjfCw-7t6cunMQpxJ6BeMCmP1tK0NE8E5I35PYgmGmL89qXmaGMROQfQTzFKWSNwxjxgD6x0Qy3Dr1sbZVk0S7YERk8SWuyc5SgqtIEeW8DI4/s1600/awen+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYn06xuef-ywf2OgfQVZ_UWhDxlIdcjRjfCw-7t6cunMQpxJ6BeMCmP1tK0NE8E5I35PYgmGmL89qXmaGMROQfQTzFKWSNwxjxgD6x0Qy3Dr1sbZVk0S7YERk8SWuyc5SgqtIEeW8DI4/s1600/awen+badge.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Awen' sign, a central symbol used by british Revival Druidry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
• The British Druidic movement, coming from a culture with a
legally-established Christianity, has resisted describing its work as
‘religion’ or their groups as ‘churches’. The OBOD plainly describes itself as
a ‘philosophy’ which can be applied inside many religions – they welcome
Buddhist Druids and Christian Druids, though much of their membership would
identify as neopagan .</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.druidry.org/druid-way/what-druidry/brief-history-druidry/longer-history-druidry" target="_blank">• A nice OBOD article on Druid history</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>North American Druidry</b></div>
</b><div style="text-align: justify;">
• A few of the British Revival groups found extension in the New World. The Ancient Order of Druids In America still has a few visible lodge-halls and chapters. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">• </span>However North American Druidic Pagan groups mainly arose with the invention of Neopaganism in the middle and late 20th century. The discovery (by amateur Pagan hobby-scholarship) of Celtic myth and folklore produced multiple
interpretations and ideas, often led by Robert Grave’s mytho-poetic work ‘The
White Goddess’ (first published in ’48.
With an important edition in ’61). Early versions of self-described Druidism and Celtic ways usually mixed closely with
‘Wicca’.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">• The Reformed Druids of North America was formed in 1963 at Carleton College,
Northfield, Minnesota as a humorous protest against the college's required
attendance of religious services. Catching on, and catching the wind of the
growing counter-culture, RDNA produced various overtly Neopagan expressions,
and is the direct ancestor of Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) the largest N American
Druid Church.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">• Ár nDraíocht Féin (an Irish phrase meaning ‘Our Own Paganism’ or ‘Our Own
Druidism’) was founded in 1983 as an effort to apply modern scholarship, and
the experience of decades of public ritual, to the work of creating working
modern Pagan ways. Choosing to leave aside both Wiccan ritual forms and the post-Masonic
style of many British Druid rites, they used the skeleton of RDNA custom and drew on
models from the ancient world and from living polytheisms to create a ritual
form that now serves dozens of local Groves across the world.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• <a href="http://adf.org/" target="_blank">ADF</a> was founded with the
intention of creating a large-scale Neopagan ‘Church’, serving multiple
congregations. To quote the ‘vision statement’:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) is a Pagan church based on ancient
Indo-European traditions expressed through public worship, study, and
fellowship.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8w1eJRYweAduVdan1HfMRA1JcL2UhqIMVeTw4oXyWehFqO5chzkedIsshbwlNB8lHjml7HcLkfHFA7ljAEbpyw2JlU6dpOBtCY0sc4kaC9xbIO-VTuKqlGCqUFUky23nRAPCsELHzvY/s1600/ADF+sigil+rondel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1417" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8w1eJRYweAduVdan1HfMRA1JcL2UhqIMVeTw4oXyWehFqO5chzkedIsshbwlNB8lHjml7HcLkfHFA7ljAEbpyw2JlU6dpOBtCY0sc4kaC9xbIO-VTuKqlGCqUFUky23nRAPCsELHzvY/s200/ADF+sigil+rondel+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Druid Sigil' of reform Druidry,<br />
as expressed by ADF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our vision is that the Gods and Spirits are served in the
modern world through:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Public temple worship with a skilled priesthood</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Accessible religious training for all</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A spiritual relationship with the Earth</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sustainable Pagan institutions</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A flourishing family and community Pagan culture”</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">• ADF takes advantage of the American freedom of religion to
claim the advantages of ‘church’ status for its groups and members. They are a
registered tax-exempt church, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and assume
all the duties and privileges that go with that status.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• A third strain of influence on Druidry is the “Celtic Reconstructionist”
movement. Reconstruction Paganism arose during the 1980s, as a reaction to the
often sub-amateur understanding of Celtic myth and culture which had become
common in Wicca and even in some self-described Druids.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Reconstructionist paganism is an effort to draw on the most reliable
scholastic sources to create modern Pagan practices that accurately reflect the
Old Ways. More of a style than a spiritual movement, reconstructionism has
produced a few organizations and worship groups, most of them remaining local
to their founders.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Some reconstructionist groups reject the creation of ‘Druids’ in their
systems. The title is considered to be one of the great things of the ancient cultures, and discussion seems ongoing about whether it should be 'retired'. Nevertheless the real work of
sifting through ancient sources to find what Druids may have truly done has
helped to deepen and inform the entire Druidic Movement.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Druidic Spirituality</b></div>
</b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtmF12YqhUgpJK8dKmgKLvXPxc69tHELyKhYkoHT5jTZqZ5pYpSZuJZTlb9FV4DQH_ITVqSUgAFaQ54EWquMr0PG8sN8cWdDzlZLrF3hbjLiyy9Nz6-GfjncYnYL19Qjm50iNRucmRN8/s1600/meditator+with+cauldrons+on+black+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1110" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtmF12YqhUgpJK8dKmgKLvXPxc69tHELyKhYkoHT5jTZqZ5pYpSZuJZTlb9FV4DQH_ITVqSUgAFaQ54EWquMr0PG8sN8cWdDzlZLrF3hbjLiyy9Nz6-GfjncYnYL19Qjm50iNRucmRN8/s200/meditator+with+cauldrons+on+black+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Three Cauldrons', <br />
drawn from Gaelic symbolism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Druidism is at least as likely to be a solitary practice as is Wicca. While
ADF creates local congregations (Groves) that observe the seasons and work
other blessings, many students work their path alone at home, or with their
family. OBOD functions largel;y through its correspondence lessons, which
encourage solitary practice, though OBOD also supports study and ritual groups.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Drawing on the remnants of what is known about the ancient Druids, we could
say that all modern Druids seek to know the divine, to speak the Truth, and to
face life with courage. The interpretation of these broad principles varies
widely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• We might say that Druidic spirituality draws on three principles:</div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
That nature is the
manifestation of the Divine</div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
That human nature is one
with all of nature</div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
That human skill allows us
to build relationship with the divine.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
• Druid spiritual practice extends from direct experience of nature, personal meditation, and small personal ritual to larger community rituals and seasonal
celebrations. All are likely to be performed outdoors when possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Many Druids draw on the myth and culture of the ancient Celtic-language
cultures. The pre-Christian traditions of those countries are fragmented, and a
great deal of study has been devoted to combing out clues to the spiritual ways
of old. For this reason Druidry is sometimes called a “Path with Homework”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Also central to any understanding of Druidry is the search for inspiration.
The ancient Druids seem to have considered artistic inspiration to be a light
of divine power. Druids were poets, and poets were seers and magicians. So
modern Druid groups and students take the remnants of ancient ways, and seek
the inspiration to use them in ways that are useful to modern seekers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• There is a core difference between the spiritual paths of OBOD and ADF. OBOD
emphasizes personal mysticism, while ADF’s basic teaching emphasizes a
devotional relationship with the Gods and Spirits. Their introductory instruction:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“to devote yourself to the basic work of druidry - to welcome the gods and
spirits to your hearthfire, to keep the holy days simply, and to integrate
paganism into your daily life. “ </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Druidic Practice</b></div>
</b><div style="text-align: justify;">
• Druidic practice is both focused on living nature, and based on ritual observance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Many Druids center their personal practice on a shrine or altar in their
home. Such a place becomes the focus of attention given to the spirits. ADF Druidry
describes the spirits in three great families or ‘Kindreds’ – the Gods, the
Dead, and the Landspirits. By offering to those great categories, new students
can begin a practice without addressing specific beings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Many Druids use a ‘circle-casting’ ritual to establish sacred space – a ritual
form drawn from Wiccan tradition. Reform Druidry has a unique ritual style,
while ADF works with a ‘fire sacrifice’ outline that resonates with
ancient Pagan ritual.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Individual students may follow scripts and traditional ritual forms and
language, but inspiration and personal experience is central to Druidic work.
In general Druid groups do not police member’s personal practice.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgesC9hAoWjWJt5Fav1mGuVwcg8eMHnJizSZV91i9cE1S8UPDfsIYmVLoDfrHofjEeGXuHxSBIurnE1yvNlcgH4kYpD23NZjKUsSHckb8QEKxkgsK4gE5ZK5sxl11OOrQDRup4edlWf9M/s1600/Main+rite+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgesC9hAoWjWJt5Fav1mGuVwcg8eMHnJizSZV91i9cE1S8UPDfsIYmVLoDfrHofjEeGXuHxSBIurnE1yvNlcgH4kYpD23NZjKUsSHckb8QEKxkgsK4gE5ZK5sxl11OOrQDRup4edlWf9M/s320/Main+rite+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A public Druid Rite of Offering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Most Druids observe a sacred calendar of seasonal rites. Usually this is the
typical eight-fold Wheel of the Year, using the same dates and core symbolism
as Wicca. Celtic Reconstruction efforts may focus on the four distinctly Gaelic holidays, and de-emphasize the solstices and equinoxes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• OBOD offers detailed and complete correspondence courses for its three levels of
learning. The three 'grades' are Bard, Ovate and Druid, based on Late-Classical observations of Celtic culture. ADF offers deepening levels of introductory instruction, with study
for ordination and initiation available. In most cases Druids consider study to
be an active element of our spiritual work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ancient Druids were the spiritual specialists, the ritual leaders, the
living memory, the operative healers, and the supreme courts of the ancient
Celtic peoples. Those of us who take on the name today can only do our best to
bear a spark of their ancient wisdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OBOD main site: druidry.org</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
ADF main site: adf.org</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Celtic Reconstructionism FAQ, and more: <a href="https://www.paganachd.com/faq/whatiscr.html">https://www.paganachd.com/faq/whatiscr.html</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Ancient Order of Druids in America maintains some traditions of British
Revival Druidry, and offers a program of training: aoda.org</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-66593569167486745212020-01-02T06:45:00.000-08:002020-01-03T10:44:21.856-08:00Three Occult Books for Pagans<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am an occult hobbyist as
well as a Pagan religionist. In fact my entry into Neopaganism was entirely
through the ‘occult’ reading of the 60s and 70s, in which ‘witchcraft’ made the
short walk from academic study of medieval beliefs to modern Pagan worship and
spellcraft. Worship and spellcraft – those two things were never far apart in
my understanding of how this stuff works. To call and speak to a deity is to
use a spell of invocation. Traditional Paganisms and surviving polytheisms freely
combine simple devotional worship with esoteric specialized spiritual
practices. The latter are what I understand as ‘magic’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So I
read widely in modern occult literature, as well as in the anthropology and
archaeology of ancient religion. I hope to learn from ancient religions the
models and methods that sustained those spiritual patterns for millennia, and
which ought to work for modern folks as well. From modern occult literature I hope
to learn the technical details of how to successfully connect with the spirit
and spiritual worlds.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
classics I read as a new student are now being well-supplemented by new
material from the current generations of magicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Modern
occultism seems to be trending in directions compatible with traditional
animism and polytheism. Many modern students are approaching magic from the
assumption that a multitude of spirits inhabit the spiritual world, and that
both spirituality and practical magic grow from relationships with those
beings. The thinking is moving far beyond the spirit-catalogs of early-modern
grimoires, driven by both ‘shamanism’ and by reference to such surviving
systems as the post-West-African sects of the New World. By gaining a
vantage-point from outside the west, magicians are discerning the spiritist and
animist base beneath the heavy layers of Christianization in western magic. In
application, we see magicians creating methods of building relationship with
spirits, employing styles of conjuring and esoteric practice that draw on
ancient and traditional European sources while learning from living systems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here
are three publications that illustrate the trend, and which provide a great
deal of practical guidance as well as useful modeling for your ongoing magical
practice. They all are products of the ‘occult’ community more than of the
Neopagan, and each has a particular focus, but all of them offer many lessons
and clues for anyone seeking to develop a practice in modern magic.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Holy Daimon - Frater
Acher; Scarlet Imprint, 2018</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> Students of western
occultism are likely to be familiar with the concept which turn-of-the-20<sup>th</sup>-century
occultism called “the Holy Guardian Angel”. The notion proceeds most directly
from the famous “Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage” – an early-modern
treatise of mystical and ritual magic. In the hands of that culture the HGA
(often so-called) resembled a Roman Catholic or Anglican Angel of the common
type. Pagan students may be less familiar with recent research which
demonstrates that the conjuring of and communion with a personal spirit-ally who
connected the magician with the divine is a technique traceable to the very earliest
remnants of Pagan magic available to us.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
front section of Frater Acher’s book summarizes quite a lot of legwork on the
topic. He describes the place of ‘supernatural assistant’ or ‘personal daimon’
beings in three Indo-European (mostly) cultures – the Chaldeans, the Zoroastrian
Persians, and the Greeks. He teases out both the thread that intends to conjure
a ‘familiar’ or ‘supernatural assistant’, and that which seeks contact with an
appointed agent of divine wisdom. Both of these threads are spun together in
the notion of the HGA. Students with a solid foundation in ancient cultures
will be shown some unusual by-ways, seldom examined by mainstream mythography.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The second
section of the book is the author’s journal of the magical working by which
they established formal contact with their Holy Daimon. His process is a
retreat similar to that recommended in the famous Book of Sacred Magic –
several months of increasingly monastic withdrawal from common life and company
(including, it seems, his wife) and formal purification, invocation, and
mystical meditation. He recounts both his interior process and some practical
details of how he managed the retreat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
third section amounts to the author’s mystical and spiritual understandings,
and advice to students. The stages of the work are listed as “trust; joy;
darkness; encounter”. The chapter provides a suggestive map of the author’s
understanding of the psycho-spiritual process of the work. There is precious
little formal thought about mystical and spiritual internal process in context
of western occultism – nice to read some, whatever one thinks of the
assertions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If this
book does no more than inform on the lore of the Holy Daimon, it is worth the (original)
price (watch for paperback re-issues, or buy the e-editions). If it inspires
some to undertake the spiritual work it describes, so much the better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Living Spirits: A Guide to Magic in a World of Spirits -
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">BJ
Swain</span>; independently published, 2019</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
book may be the most paradigmatic text I have yet seen of the sort of New Magic
I’m discussing. It combines modern understandings of grimoire magic,
familiarity with traditional Wiccan and Neopagan forms; world magic and Spiritism,
and modern Pagan reconstruction, polytheism and animism. It does so in a
well-ordered outline, packed with detail both scholastic and experiential. Can
you tell I like it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book begins without apology by
addressing spirits as essentially objective beings with which the magician
builds relationship. The author uses the European Grimoires of the
Solomonic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>family as a default for
discussion, and early chapters directly address the vocabulary and methods of
that school. However this runs parallel with discussion of the devotional
approach to spirits, and the author generally rejects coercive or oppositional
approaches to the spirits, even if conjuring those that old books call ‘demons’.
As to that, the author provides ongoing discussion of the nature and
classification of spirits, without attempting any organized hierarchy or chart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chapters discuss work with
Ancestors, and with elementals and ‘nature spirits’. There is a chapter on the
idea of intermediary spirits or ‘gatekeepers’, about which the author reaches an
interesting conclusion based on grimoire spirit-charts. The Holy Guardian Angel
gets a discussion, which pairs well with the above book. Chapters discuss other
categories of spirits that have traditionally been conjured by magicians,
including a chapter of ‘Fairy’ conjuration. The author focuses mainly on what
felt to me like a Pagan sensibility, but does not limit himself to
pre-Christian forms. Be prepared to encounter discussion of traditional
Christian ritual and magical forms as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">The ‘theory’ chapters in the front
of the book also include a few full ritual scripts –for conjuring the
gatekeepers to send a spirit for your will; a rite to install a devotional
image; and a necromantic rite based on the tale of Tiresias. These are
presented in such a way as to be adaptable to a variety of framing rites and
ritual styles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">The theory chapters end about halfway through the book’s 390+ pages, and the
remainder is filled with a spellbook using techniques referenced in the text.
This begins with spells and talismans drawn from grimoire tradition, including
seven planetary talismans. The section on ‘Southern Conjure’ (a nicely
culturally-neutral designation…) applies the book’s ideas on spirits to several
central techniques of traditional spellcraft. The ritual section concludes with
two group-rituals, including a formula for a scrying-by-conjuration group rite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Whether you’re a devotional Pagan
interested in magical arts, or an occultist seeking to build relationship with
spirits, this book provides a solid modern guide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ferocious – A Folk Tantric Manual on the Sapta Matrika Cult;
Theion Publishing 2019</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Far
from being the ‘Yoga of Sacred Sex’, or whatever, traditional Tantra in India
offers systems of worship, meditation and ritual magic comparable to the best
efforts of western magicians. Tantra is one of the trunks of the great tree of
Indic religions often called “Hinduism”. It is often secret, often
transgressive, but always present even if in the background of Dharmic
spiritual work. While ‘Tantra Yoga’ may be presented in a high-minded way by
some teachers, in popular culture ‘a tantra’ is often ‘a grimoire’ or spellbook
– a popular manual intended to allow householders to use its magic. The authors
describe this book as an effort to produce such a manual in English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
book lists no personal author – rather it presents itself as the result of a
circle of Tantric practitioners. It is an eminently practical book, undecorated
by elevated prose, with which a student could begin a practice with the spirits
it presents. Unfortunately for some readers it is available only in a quality
hardback edition, for some tens of dollars. The edition is lovely in fact – my habit
is to try to spend such money only on quality editions of information I find
truly valuable – in this case I got a win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
book opens with chapters introducing and contextualizing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Tantric tradition. The spirits of this
text – the Seven Mothers – exemplify Tantric moral ambiguity – they are
wrathful goddesses, some fearsome in form, some beautiful. The book discusses
the place and meaning of wrathful entities, and the work of Tantra as something
stranger than the common devotions of religion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
authors are at pains to discuss the cross-cultural and open nature of tantric
practice, and of the Sapta Matrika cults in particular. Acknowledging the
concern for cultural misappropriation, they point out that the work they
described is, within Indic culture, open to all regardless of caste, social
position, gender or ethnic heritage. It requires no initiations, and the
mantras circulate freely in written form. It is clear that the authors have
been careful to offer material that is legitimately available to all readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
chapter on ritual forms and practice offers a good general introduction with
some details specific to the tradition. Once again, familiarity with the
previous book in this review would help students set up the kind of practice
that is taught in this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
bulk of the book is given to the descriptions of the Seven Mothers. These
tantric goddesses present an interesting study in how polytheism expresses
itself in practice. In Tantric metaphysics the male aspects of deities are
accompanied by their ‘shakti’ – a womanly expression who is considered the ‘active
force’ of the deity – the power that actually acts in the world. For that
reason such shaktis are often invoked by magicians. So here we find Aindri, the
Shakti of Indra; Vaishnavi, that of Vishnu; even Brahmi, the Shakti of Brahma.
Some of the Seven have freestanding cults, while others occur mainly in the set
of seven. Some are ‘acceptable’ to mainstream religion, others far less so. The
text often ventures into interesting discussions of how these figures express
apparently ‘other’ deities, and about the distinction/bond between a Shakti and
the various ‘wives’ of the gods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each of
the Seven is introduced in detail, with lore and discussion of how she is
worshiped/worked-with in the traditional setting. Notes are provided on proper specific
symbolism and ritual customs. Four mantras are provided for each – a simple
name-mantra, a slightly longer offering mantra, a ‘Gayatri’ mantra in the
proper 24-syllable metre, and one more. This last Mantra is called a ‘dhyanam’
mantra, meaning ‘for meditation’, and it is a formal description of the visualization
of the Matrika. This is one of the most clear examples I have seen for the
formalization of a visualized image of a spirit in ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
been dipping into Tantric studies for some while. ‘Ferocious’ is one the most
clear and straightforward introductions to practical Tantra I have yet seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-85127383590726736342019-09-30T05:26:00.000-07:002020-02-25T05:43:59.400-08:0013 Books To Introduce Modern Paganism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMDUQJr6VjnjNq4K8nNP3PVMbgHH8-c9TUMAZjmfrpT2jXzHSPJkI8YMFNBgnmQ0g8ntQxVwB1vY7kcNrgiM7QjJN-_i5-EYWwc5GxCGZmEZWCQwUBHmCfZVRkOdIAxDOhEAUusEO3R4/s1600/spooky+library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="540" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMDUQJr6VjnjNq4K8nNP3PVMbgHH8-c9TUMAZjmfrpT2jXzHSPJkI8YMFNBgnmQ0g8ntQxVwB1vY7kcNrgiM7QjJN-_i5-EYWwc5GxCGZmEZWCQwUBHmCfZVRkOdIAxDOhEAUusEO3R4/s320/spooky+library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Out on the Internet there is a constant clamor by new students for direction, advice, and first-steps maps of the route into Pagan spirituality. It remains simply true that reading books is the primary door to Pagan ways. The ever-flowing streams of modern Pagan books can be, in turn, puzzling for new students.<br />
<br />
So I'll do another archival article, setting down my recommendations for a basic reading list. This list is focused on general-purpose Paganism, neither Wicca as such, nor any specific ethnic or reconstructionist path. I've tried to keep it practical - most of the titles give ideas and instruction on actually doing Paganism home and life. The list isn't about magic and occultism, though several of the listed titles give good instruction. Rather it concerns Paganism as spiritual and religious practice in personal life.<br />
<br />
I might suggest reading one title from each category for a start, then working through the rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A: Survey and Background </span></b>Two
books that introduce general concepts and outline major traditions and styles
of Paganism<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1: The Path of Paganism</b>; John Beckett: Beckett is a UU member
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Druid. His book introduces basic
concepts of Pagan ways such as Sacred Space, Gods and Spirits, and the Seasonal
Calendar. Very cross-traditional, well-thought-out and readable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2: Pagan Paths</b>; Pete Jennings: A survey of multiple named or nameable
Pagan systems, paths and traditions, including witchcraft and Wicca, Northern
Mysteries, Womyn’s Religion, etc.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">B:
Non-Wiccan Basic Paganism</span></b> Three books that teach broad basic themes and
practical approaches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3: Basics of Ritual Worship;</b> Ian Corrigan: A simple method of
establishing home altars and shrines, beginning work with the spirits of nature
and the gods, and establishing one’s Paganism in one’s life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4: To Walk A Pagan Path;</b> Alaric Albertson: Covers much of the same
material – home temple, family ritual etc. Albertson is a Saxon Pagan, and the
book has that slant, but is widely applicable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5: A Book of Pagan Prayer</b>; Ceisiwr Serith: A huge compilation of
original prayers and invocations for Pagan worship. Most of the Prayers could
be used in almost any traditional context.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">C:
Traditional Wicca:</span></b> Wicca (Neopagan Witchcraft) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as developed in the mid-20<sup>th</sup>
century was private, small-group-centered, and based on initiation and focused training.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6: Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide;</b> Thorn Mooney: a discussion
of what traditional Wicca is, and how to find your way to a traditional,
initiating coven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7: Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft</b>; Raymond Buckland: An
at-home how-to for those who would like to practice Wicca in a traditional
style, but haven’t found initiation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">D: Eclectic Wicca and Paganism:</span></b>
In the 1980s, Pagan festivals and public groups developed an eclectic style of
Pagan ritual based loosely on traditional Wicca. Many modern ‘Wiccans’ work in
this style.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8: Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary
Practitioner;</b> Scott Cunningham: Simple instructions, few rules, little
connection to tradition, but very accessible, very doable. A book that changed
the movement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9: A Book of Pagan Rituals</b>; Pagan Way (credited to Herman Slater, falsely): A full round of lunar
and seasonal ceremonies designed for solo or small-group practice. This text
has created countless small Pagan groups.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">E:
Non-Wiccan Witchcraft:</span></b> ‘Witchcraft’ is a broad and indistinct
category, and Wicca is far from the only style of it. I’ll include one good book,
which will be made easier to understand by the other reading here.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10: Treading the Mill;</b> Nigel Pearson;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a grimoire of English traditional Craft-style
work. With rituals clearly related to those of Wicca, it brings a greater
attention to the field and forest, to landspirits and ancestors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">F: Traditional Euro-Paganisms: </span></b>Many
Pagans find inspiration in a specific culture, such as Irish/Celtic, Hellenic
or Norse.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">11: Sacred Fire, Holy Well; Ian Corrigan</b>:
A review of Irish Gods and myths, with a full, non-wiccan style of ritual,
Seasonal rites and works of magic and vision.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">12: Hellenismos</b>; Tony Mierzwicki:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introduction to the Paganism of ancient
Greece, home worship, invocation of the gods.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">13: A Practical Heathen’s Guide to
Asatru:</b> Patricia Lafayllve: Norse Paganism is one of the most popular
traditional paganisms today, and this presents a simple introduction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-76861534357659354162019-09-04T07:38:00.000-07:002019-09-04T07:44:42.816-07:00The Hearth Keeper's Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFWNcchYq6bwShHTJ9GF9QvLBXnYcn1FxKKJ3plfN7Wnf9MplG7B3P2MPjR_Ibybli0h0hJK-lt1xBGmkQBnrLYzajCHj115u2GjFbVL4EuWLl1I9D0ayTPNX5kKpqNLwTQUq5xeyUX0/s1600/adf+logo.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFWNcchYq6bwShHTJ9GF9QvLBXnYcn1FxKKJ3plfN7Wnf9MplG7B3P2MPjR_Ibybli0h0hJK-lt1xBGmkQBnrLYzajCHj115u2GjFbVL4EuWLl1I9D0ayTPNX5kKpqNLwTQUq5xeyUX0/s1600/adf+logo.webp" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm very pleased to be able to announce the public release of the Hearth Keeper Way, a new expression of basic training in modern Pagan ways as understood in ADF. You can download a free 94pp book, offering complete instructions in the basics of home Pagan worship, <a href="https://www.adf.org/hearth-keeper-way.html." target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In it we teach a method of establishing a home devotional and spiritual practice based on a polytheistic and animist view. We offer outlines and support, and encouragement to customize personal work according to personal need.<br />If the links here don't work, the PDF is at https://www.adf.org/system/files/public/training/the_hearth_keepers_way.pdf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ADF is one of the formal Pagan 'church' organizations. We have a cost for membership, collect donations at local rites, and in turn rent actual community locations for Pagan rites. We are working to build Pagan spiritual institutions that will survive our current generation and carry the work into the future.<br /><br />As a result, perhaps, we have had a tendency to retreat behind the pay-wall of our membership. It is fair to say that we have always offered a thick file of free material on the public portions of our web-presence, and of course ADF local public rites are free. Our training has always been members-only. The Hearthkeeper Way is ADF's extension of our training - a gift to the Pagan community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And building a personal practice is what the method is about. While the guide offers some pre-packaged ritual speech, outlines, etc, we know that individual home altars will grow and develop in individual ways. All of ADF's traditional advice and game-rules may apply - Indo-European focus; one-culture-at-a-time preference, hard-ish polytheism and spiritism, etc. The org has barely ever policed such things for our Groves - it will not (I predict) attempt to do so for Hearths.<br /><br />It also represents development in ADF's vision and the implementation of our vision. Founded strongly around the notion of local Pagan ritual-group congregations - "Groves" - the reality of post-internet Paganism has produced a large percentage of solitary members, whether by circumstance or inclination. The Hearth Way is a new support for solo and family micro-group Pagan practice, and we hope it will encourage folks who wish to identify as Pagan to build an effective home practice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CKRfa2yAgM2mPdBz_JvoPYPWXn3zEAYLinQhJtksc4D_J6JJyapWNKEN84U3OKpV3Oi7jGsb4xHZToPP16aZ8E9RtgWNtt_ZSdvB76I6khyphenhyphens_plIHi4kvT2ZAghSCm5hHe75ZwVTzVo/s1600/winterstar1+229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CKRfa2yAgM2mPdBz_JvoPYPWXn3zEAYLinQhJtksc4D_J6JJyapWNKEN84U3OKpV3Oi7jGsb4xHZToPP16aZ8E9RtgWNtt_ZSdvB76I6khyphenhyphens_plIHi4kvT2ZAghSCm5hHe75ZwVTzVo/s320/winterstar1+229.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full array for a solo or Hearth ritual..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On another level the creation and content of the HKW marks a coming wave of ADF leadership. While I can fairly say that the notion and preliminary outlines were mine, the text as we offer it is new material, and in no way a re-tread of previous text. They younger leadership handled the matter with very little input from me, and that is, itself, a marker of the progress we're making toward transgenerational survival. May wisdom be increased!<br /><br />I encourage you to <a href="https://www.adf.org/hearth-keeper-way.html." target="_blank">have a look at the PDF </a>(which is still in some need of some editing, though complete). We offer these methods in whole, or as a vocabulary of ritual forms to be made into the poetry of your own Hearth-Paganism. May it be a blessing to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-3639920950203123962019-05-31T08:05:00.000-07:002019-05-31T08:05:01.576-07:00A Declaration of Pagan Religious Rights and Duties<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3hMS8YG_pWi40YnCDap6eq70WuGkAsGzEETyxEkf78k4NSLP7PUJesDO2SMdQiL5Lu_TwGUTqFlO9itW_fylCFi3UPhmmBuMg2IEjBaLTgLiN4VImhhPE_E3jdB70HE6c9sQpVHBAVA/s1600/Cathbad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="745" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3hMS8YG_pWi40YnCDap6eq70WuGkAsGzEETyxEkf78k4NSLP7PUJesDO2SMdQiL5Lu_TwGUTqFlO9itW_fylCFi3UPhmmBuMg2IEjBaLTgLiN4VImhhPE_E3jdB70HE6c9sQpVHBAVA/s320/Cathbad.jpg" width="264" /></a><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is a draft of a
statement of progressive socio-policy principles based on my understanding of
basic Pagan religious choices and spiritual inclinations. While I have expressed it in the plural, it is my own
reasoning and rhetoric, and no others’ – most notably <b>it does not represent the
opinion of ADF or any other group or whatsis with which I am associated</b>. It is
me at the end of a plank, neck stuck-out, right next to <a href="https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2019/05/a-pagan-creed-for-non-creedal-pagans.html?fbclid=IwAR29l8WewlI3FWdhH1_GZ8QmYDsjjZzRM9QCRpnUQr8d35vlSQHrAidW1jo" target="_blank">John Beckett this week.</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2019/05/a-pagan-creed-for-non-creedal-pagans.html?fbclid=IwAR29l8WewlI3FWdhH1_GZ8QmYDsjjZzRM9QCRpnUQr8d35vlSQHrAidW1jo" target="_blank"> </a> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I invite critique. I have not attempted to fine-tune for obvious exceptions to
these guidelines, which are many. I do not believe that setting simple rules
and sticking to them without exception is generally wise, and so all this is
offered only as an example of the kind of theological and values-thinking of which
our movement is yet rather short.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I: Principles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1: Axiomata <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• We declare that individual humans contain a worthy spark
of the divine flame, a pure spring of the divine waters, and that the
individual mind and will embody the divine will in those sparks and springs.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• We perceive that individuals are naturally entangled in the web of both
nature and society (human nature). Therefore just as we owe honor to our own
divine nature we owe conscious participation to our networks and the duty to
ensure to individuals full and equal participation in all aspects of civic and
religious life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• We assert especially a holy sovereignty of the body, mind and will of living
humans. Barring an unarguable need, it is not the business of community or individuals to
intrude on the choices of the flesh or spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• We assert the divine freedom-of-action of every being as a
primary Good. When such freedom is reduced the good of all is reduced, so let
us be wary of responding to fear with restriction.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Likewise we observe the interdependence of living things
and systems, and acknowledge that individual will must often conform to larger
need. In this we pray to wisdom for guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Because wellness and good outcomes are cumulative in a
system we therefore undertake to seek wellness, wholeness and harmony in our
lives and work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Thus we describe these principles, that we may seek that
harmony for ourselves and our communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2: Property</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• We perceive that the world and its beings belong each to ourselves. All being
is holy life, and all life proceeds on its path as our interactions allow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• It seems fair that individuals should claim such resources
as are needed for their own life and work. When such claims are done in the
public eye and with community consent we call such claiming ‘property’ and ‘ownership’.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We assert the spiritual right to claim a hearth on the
land, and take our spiritual place among the beings of the land. In this we
follow the customs of our community, but we stand, at last, on our spiritual
right of claiming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Such claiming bestows an equal responsibility for the
well-being of the beings and communities of the land, balanced with our right to use resources
according to our need. In this let us seek wisdom and balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Therefor we also advise against greed. To hoard resources
in private is to deprive community of its life-flow, for little beyond imagined
benefit. Let wisdom teach the difference between prosperity and greed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3: Gender, Love, and Pair-Bonding<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Perceiving gender-presentation to be a social construct,
we affirm every individual’s holy right to be who they are led to be, according
to their will and work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We assert that sexual and intimacy expression and the
pursuit of sexual and intimate pleasure are of equal value to the bearing of
children; that they develop and deepen the human person in ways otherwise unobtainable.
We assert a religious right to seek sexual and intimate pleasure for our own
sake, and that of the greater good of our communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Therefore we acknowledge and celebrate the joining in Love
of all people who are drawn together by true and holy Eros, or by Caritas, or
even by Agape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Specifically we feel bound by religious duty to honor all
bonds of loving union made between consenting persons. In this we again may
take advice from the community, but we assert our religious right to sanction
unions regardless of statute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4: Duty to the Land<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We perceive the ‘ecosystem’ of the world around us as a
direct expression of holy spiritual persons and powers, present in and as the
land. A major part of our spiritual work is to establish and maintain
relationship with those beings and systems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We choose to live as participants in the ecosystem in
which we reside, doing our best to do good for both ourselves and for whole
systems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Therefore we assert that human society has a collective duty
to protect and maintain local and planetary ecosystems. We see a religious duty
to pursue this work in our own lives, and in public policy, as we are able.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5: Duty to our
Fellow-Humans<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• We assert the individual sovereignty, as equally-noble
spirits, of every mortal born. While fate and strength may set us all in our
several places, we find no spiritual cause to see greater merit in one human
ethnic clan, lineage, gender-group, or circumstance than in another.
Individuals rise and fall according to our fates, and our heritage or biology
need not be our destiny.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• We assert that it is contrary to harmony and beauty to grant privilege to one
sort of human, or place restriction on another, based on the fate of their
birth.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Especially we hold that the gods and spirits are
unconcerned with the family, ethnic, or gender heritage of their worshipers.
Those who assert such things deform the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Therefore we welcome to the Hearth of Kinship and the Fire
of Worship all who come with a guest’s heart, regardless of ethnic or gender
presentation. We affirm a core of relationship with all humans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6: Duty to the Gods
and Spirits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We perceive the divine in and as the uncountable beings of
myth and lore, from the Ancient First Ones to the nearest garden-spirit. These
beings great and small entwine in the webs of spiritual ecosystems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• As ‘religion’ it is our work to help establish and
maintain the relationships between mortals and the spirits. Therefore it is our
religious duty and right to perform ceremonies of worship and spiritual craft,
as our traditions teach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• In this we claim all the customs and ways of those
traditional religions; the raising of idols as presences of the divine; the
establishment of Altars and Fires of Offering and worship; the honoring of the
features and wonders of nature as the presence of the divine; the keeping of
the Sacred Calendar, and the words and songs and deeds of ritual. Likewise we
claim as part of holy tradition the practices of divination – sortilege,
mediumship, and the seeking of omens; also the work of spiritual healing, and
of spiritual methods of seeking luck, prosperity and blessing, which are often
called ‘magic’.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>II: Specifics</b></div>
</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In light of these principles we claim these social and
spiritual rights and duties of our religion, without disallowing any others
which might reasonably follow from our premises:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• We assert the right to keep public and private rites of
worship and offering without hindrance, and with the accommodation offered any
religious body. This includes all the common works of religion – marriage, funeral,
sacrament, and other personal-passages.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• We assert the right to make private spiritual services of the kind called
divination and magic available to our folk and the community.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• We declare that every member of our society is kin, worthy
of maintenance and the chance to contribute to the people’s good. We support
societal effort to prevent and relieve disadvantage, hunger and want.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• We see that we, individually and collectively, owe the land the honor due a
parent – to care for it as we would an aging Elder. We support careful
restriction of commerce in service to those goals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• We affirm the social equality of ‘queer’ sexual natures and gender non-conformity
with the common norms. We affirm the value of personal sexual expression as
greater than that of social conformity or regulation.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• We affirm reproductive autonomy and body sovereignty for
all people. We support responsible reproductive planning for all people, and ready
access to birth and pregnancy management for women and their doctors.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• We affirm the right to compose families and affection-groups as life and
choice lead.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Centrally we affirm both the sovereignty of individuals
and the obligation of individuals toward the human collectives that sustain us,
and likewise to the spiritual collectives existing in the worlds around us. Let
us each keep our own flame, and come to the Fire of Sacrifice together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-56121868748015354452019-04-08T10:40:00.001-07:002019-04-08T10:40:38.449-07:00Concerning Offering, and Offerings.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>(One of these ‘FAQ’ articles…)</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77YkeL4czXdAseVe-6n5hHkOK34iXBN5Fxn3X71GTX38zDFk0JbmeVBoRkg3HLjOcnHUyYdQrIdTmYskBmwyPbG_OU3PoMUPZHbjyIc29hX_BbC1hniSc0jbBVrfKmdRawHF90si0NOU/s1600/altar+from+above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1390" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77YkeL4czXdAseVe-6n5hHkOK34iXBN5Fxn3X71GTX38zDFk0JbmeVBoRkg3HLjOcnHUyYdQrIdTmYskBmwyPbG_OU3PoMUPZHbjyIc29hX_BbC1hniSc0jbBVrfKmdRawHF90si0NOU/s320/altar+from+above.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full shrine prepared for a formal offering-rite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the most important new
developments in Pagan and even ‘western’ occult/magical ritual in the past
decades has been the adopting of material offerings to the gods and spirits as
part of invocation and welcoming. Continuing research into the actual practices
of ancient polytheisms, combined with observations of modern surviving systems,
has led many modern Pagans to offer food, wine, silver, etc to the Powers. Many
of us have experienced significant results, comparing previous work done
without offerings to work that includes them.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Traditional Pagan ritual was/is
centered on the making of material offerings to the Gods and Spirits. The
business of pouring flammables or food into the fire, of dropping silver into
the earth forever, of viewing incense as a burnt offering and not just a way to
perfume the space were not a part of early Neopagan ritual, though they were
central to ancient Pagan ways. Perhaps it was remnant Christianity,
transmitting the notion that ‘sacrifices to daemons’ were improper, that
prevented early witches and Pagans from adding offerings to our rites. Certainly
the notion of animal sacrifice was rejected from the outset, and that rejection
carries over into most modern Pagan restoration work. In Our Druidry we are
specifically forbidden from offering an animal’s life in our rites.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHql4miq7OhRKxJ_qZgZ7vSCuCP3h-ludQ0TtK9IghFmoXXNvt8fOfl6Df_7eoeFtp-6Pa3lKl-0psa-JX6yWBmb3iVuT4gaqVgYFs0WheuuBPeH9hF6d6yOub4QfXKQF27DmRgnMtdCk/s1600/Main+rite+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHql4miq7OhRKxJ_qZgZ7vSCuCP3h-ludQ0TtK9IghFmoXXNvt8fOfl6Df_7eoeFtp-6Pa3lKl-0psa-JX6yWBmb3iVuT4gaqVgYFs0WheuuBPeH9hF6d6yOub4QfXKQF27DmRgnMtdCk/s320/Main+rite+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making an oil offering to a full fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For many Pagans this prohibition
would certainly be a moral one. Many (not all, and probably not a majority)
Druids are vegetarian or vegan, and some are concerned with the modern idea of
animal rights. However many Pagans are meat eaters, and meat is sometimes
offered in ritual, as a food offering. This has led to discussions, over the
years, about the moral unclarity of eating factory-butchered livestock while
refusing to be involved in the work of killing. Some people find no moral
objection to the idea of offering an animal to the gods, butchering, cooking
and eating it in ritual. However the practical obstacles to successfully
killing, butchering and cooking a small animal for sacrifice are considerable.
Simply put, and taking all into account, it is easy to make powerful, significant
offerings without taking the life of an animal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we have developed a style of
ritual in which invocations are almost always accompanied by offerings. The
most common offerings used are either vegetable oil (olive oil burns best) or
powdered incense or herbs given to the fire. (At this point I imagine most any ritual
centered around a fire, real or token.) At home shrines incense sticks make a
convenient, if modern, adaptation. Also common are offerings of drink –
frequently ale, mead or whiskey. These may be spilled directly on the ground,
poured into an offering bowl to be given to the ground later, or sometimes
poured over an image. Food offerings are often given, bread, honey and butter
being common. Other common offerings often include flowers, clear water and
precious metals and stones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whenever possible burnable
offerings are given directly into the Fire (or burned in the censer if you’re
working at a candle-ring Fire). Silver, metal and stones are often offered into
the ritual water – the ‘Well’. Some Groves and Hearths allow silver to
accumulate in the Well, occasionally offering much of it into some place of
water or earth. Others deposit such offerings following every rite. In general
all offerings should be deposited outdoors when the rite is complete, no later
than the next sunset unless special reason dictates otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh9lGHg6aXrzRz1B6E8dNg0vf3K1CvK3CdfN22LpYE3QkeXHPu26lXnFHtOBpR9J_Blu5ToaP9v_OJ6mKigRqZKD4kGYu5ahakOGSgSr5VaKA05dBetqAR4fq_0hEsg8RZDvY15alpWc/s1600/Dagda+working+1-15+captioned+offerings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh9lGHg6aXrzRz1B6E8dNg0vf3K1CvK3CdfN22LpYE3QkeXHPu26lXnFHtOBpR9J_Blu5ToaP9v_OJ6mKigRqZKD4kGYu5ahakOGSgSr5VaKA05dBetqAR4fq_0hEsg8RZDvY15alpWc/s320/Dagda+working+1-15+captioned+offerings.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those who live in the concrete circumstances
of some cities will benefit from finding a way to take their offerings to bit
of bare earth. Offerings should never be taken back into your own use – once
given they must be discarded or destroyed entirely. The exception to this is
whatever portion of a food offering is shared in turn with the participants in
a rite as a part of the Blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">AS you study the Old Ways you may
find rules about offerings held by specific ancient cultures. For instance
among the Hellenes offerings to the Celestial and Underworld Powers were
separated, made in different ceremonies in different ways. Such cultural rules
are a matter of choice for modern observances.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One small technique borrowed from Eastern methods is helpful for those working
indoors on a small scale. While offerings made entirely in one’s imagination
may not be worthless the grounding of mental effort in even a token material
basis seems to generate more connection. So do not hesitate to let your small
piece of bread and butter or honey serve for a feast, and a small offering of
ale or wine for drink. Offer such things with an open heart, and the vision of
that which you would give a king in your eyes. Such a token might be left on an
altar a little longer than a larger offering.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let me also say that making such token offerings at a home shrine seems more
effective if/when you have previously made more substantial offerings. When we
have come to the Fire and made offerings, poured our gallons over the stones,
etc, we are more believable when we offer by the ounce.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bullet-Points:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">• Offerings are usually either to
be burned or given into earth or water.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
• Incense is a fit basic offering for indoor rites. Don’t be stingy – send up a
good smoke.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Keeping offering-vessels filled with clean water is a basic as well. The
water-offering can be basic to any further work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Use food items of a simple kind that you would eat. Bread, fruit and tasty
treats are common choices. Full formal meals may be offered as proper, but
token gifts can be placed before images and left for a time before disposal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Use an offering bowl to collect earth-offerings for disposal. This is helpful
even if those offerings are left at a shrine for a time. Bread, wine, bits of
crystal, whatever, all can go in the bowl for the Earth in their time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• To make offerings, decide where
and how you will make them; light your fire, true or in token, and bless the
Water with a simple prayer; Invoke as you wish, proclaiming your offerings as
you make them; Many modern invocation texts include moments for offerings. Oil to
the fire, or incense, can always serve if you do not have a special offering for a
spirit.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• If you wish a more complete list of fair offerings for a noble guest: Clear water;
bread and honey; ale, wine or other drink; silver or copper for precious metal,
clear quartz crystal for precious stone, incense, flowers, etc…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Modern Paganism, in adopting the
custom of material offerings hopes to develop a sense of reciprocity with the
Powers, which seems to have been central to ancient spirituality. Worship is a
mutuality among allies, in which the Powers acknowledge the worthiness of our
welcome, and we welcome the worthiness of their generosity in turn. In this way
the flow of exchange is maintained, which is said to be the life of all beings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-14484260170366154062019-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:002019-03-29T12:09:00.838-07:00Receiving Blessing; Getting the Good from Group Ritual<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU5_dfLhiQq2-Dlm9ALaBVUxS6IxGxp0cFcB3c62seEIfO5IGpySvV9tQIGJzoKkrebd148z5m7Vodi60FxZESgYjFgj4x4n4ii6z5_yLZavymNC5LbcfAXnG1ZC9KE39AbnVXoc0eE4/s1600/clergy+ret+2016+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU5_dfLhiQq2-Dlm9ALaBVUxS6IxGxp0cFcB3c62seEIfO5IGpySvV9tQIGJzoKkrebd148z5m7Vodi60FxZESgYjFgj4x4n4ii6z5_yLZavymNC5LbcfAXnG1ZC9KE39AbnVXoc0eE4/s200/clergy+ret+2016+6.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My spiritual life has included a slow move from private, often solo ritual to
ever-larger group rites. Literally beginning alone in the attic of our community house I found my
first circle of 8 or 9 people, and spent the next years working in ‘covens’ of
no more than that number of folks. However the 1980s saw the invention of Pagan
Festivals and soon I found myself involved in efforts to do magical work, or
produce spiritual results, for randomly assembled groups of 50, and 100 and
more people, using methods developed for those smaller groups.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> But this article is not about how to do ritual for big groups. More often than
I found myself leading such rites I found myself as one of the folks in the
circle, trying to open myself to whatever magic the operators intended.
Somewhere between the operator’s skill and my own willingness and ability to
participate in receiving, lies the answer to the question “am I wasting my
time?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> This article is about the latter – the skills and methods that allow an
attendee at a public rite to make the hour into a personal spiritual and even
magical experience, and not that of an ‘audience member’. I think that being
present at the Sacred Fire, as we Druids do, or coming into the Magic Circle is
an opportunity for blessing. However it requires effort, and even skill, to
best receive that blessing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLINko3iO9UWX-uy12N4q79IDnbBhz_W-jqEgqOCtepXEq2axwBzsWWp0LQ49BuRfwRSpK1vldTV8FDxZ3QZSAQIgHas9xrp6AhYeTGPtNvBioT37jeaOpyGHclE5_J6KalGCZ2ls5Sk/s1600/opening+Om+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLINko3iO9UWX-uy12N4q79IDnbBhz_W-jqEgqOCtepXEq2axwBzsWWp0LQ49BuRfwRSpK1vldTV8FDxZ3QZSAQIgHas9xrp6AhYeTGPtNvBioT37jeaOpyGHclE5_J6KalGCZ2ls5Sk/s320/opening+Om+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> By Blessing I do not, incidentally mean only the sweet calm
and excitement of coming out of a rite with the Fire and Water in you. Rather
(or in addition) I want to talk about how a regular round of such ritual and
spiritual world can help (by ‘magic’, as some might say) to create a magical
life of weal and wisdom for those who participate in our Pagan religions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> So, my reader, I’ll assume that we enter into participation in a group ritual
with the intention to help the ritualists achieve their goal, and thus to
obtain for ourselves the portion of the rite’s result available to us. If you
attend a Pagan group’s rites as an observer, or an inquirer, and are not
committed in that way, I still suggest that adopting these ideas as an
experiment will help you understand what is being done.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Let me begin with a core assumption that positions all the rest of the work:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I Am Not The Audience</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A formal group seasonal or spiritually-thematic rite (even a wedding or
funeral) can be very like a theatrical. This is no accident, of course –
theater grew from the performance of ritual. However the modern Pagan lives in
a world where information parades before us almost non-stop, competing for our
slim bank-accounts of attention to be paid to them. We ignore vast quantities
of signal, triage inputs, and are used to critically assessing all efforts to
hold our eye.</span></div>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> All that needs to be set aside upon entry to someone else’s
rituals. As I see it we must all come together the way a village might have
done, all confirmed in our earnest desire for that good harvest and peace. It
is not the job of the ‘priesthood’ or celebrants to ‘entertain’ the assembled
folk. A rite of this kind is performed both </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">to</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">for</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> the Gods and Spirits, and it
is performed </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">by</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> everyone whose face
can be seen in the light of the Fire. So even if one is two rows back in the
gathered folk, it is good to begin by understanding that you are a player in
the work at hand, even if not a central one.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Just to belabor this a bit, we can hope that when the Gods and Spirits come to
our fire, in answer to our calls, they will be presented a scene of dignified
ritual, with a dedicated company that includes all of the folk. It has become
my custom to assert that the Holy Ones “see our hearts and know our thoughts”,
so it seems proper to encourage us all to join mutually in the focus of the
rite. Together we will offer a good sacrifice (sacred work) and seek, in turn,
a good blessing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trance Participation</span></b></div>
</b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the primary ways of accomplishing that mutuality is through group trance
and vision. It is fair to say that ancient ritual did not include periods of
focused or directed meditation or guided mutual thinking. My opinion is that
lacking the mutual cultural hypnosis of a group of villagers, raised in the
ways, we must compensate through deliberate effort.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Successful
participation in group ritual requires first the clear intent to participate,
and then the willed effort required to do so. Settling one’s mind into
concentrated entrancement in a church-basement or backyard, as a distant train
rumbles on by and the celebrants rattle papers is precisely such willed effort.
Make it your work to listen closely to whatever voice is guiding such work, and
allow your inner process to be guided like a caller guides a dancer’s steps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Participation
is enhanced by what I call Basic Trance – a combination of physical relaxation,
mental focus, and the suspension of the critiquing impulse for the duration of
the rite. This latter is key; a willingness to dive in, to refuse aloofness, to
ignore the criticizing voice is one of the primary efforts of will of the work –
especially if the ‘performance’ is less than polished. Holding firm to your
Center, reminding yourself of your trance by patterned breathing, and
deliberately constructing the intrinsic visual forms of the rite (the Circle,
or Gates, the forms of the spirits, etc) will help bring a more powerful
result.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Projected Awareness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m uncertain what to call the technique of identifying
yourself with the words and ideas of a ritual, even when you are not performing
them. In this work it is good to be familiar with the experience and feel of
personal, solitary ritual – of speaking one’s will firmly into the air, or
displaying the mystery-symbols to yourself. As a participant in group ritual
all that experience is conferred on the performing celebrants, and must be
inferred in turn by the observing participants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So as
participants we make the words of the ritual script, of the celebrants, our
words. We can recite them quietly, in affirmation, in our own minds, saying
again what was said by our own voice. The ‘speaking part’ ritualists become the
representatives of each individual in the company, and all join their intent
together around the worlds and images of the rite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Receiving Blessing<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM3eyWE69LrLFycwCfpdRo5OMUxcv17NmiTB0XM1R3zbgvT6r2PDX73nHEKp_Ib8aap7QYcYAfzFa4A5YpaoTW0DyjjaHEY1lLDMYrbiYNcHwjdJUPWrJ8UFtkyQqqaKF_e8Sf5aIXlQ/s1600/blessing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM3eyWE69LrLFycwCfpdRo5OMUxcv17NmiTB0XM1R3zbgvT6r2PDX73nHEKp_Ib8aap7QYcYAfzFa4A5YpaoTW0DyjjaHEY1lLDMYrbiYNcHwjdJUPWrJ8UFtkyQqqaKF_e8Sf5aIXlQ/s320/blessing.jpg" width="217" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the Order of Ritual (OoR) used in Our </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Paganism (ADF Druidiry)
special attention is payed to the work of invoking and receiving the Power of
the Powers, once the invocations and offerings are done. We teach that ‘a gift
calls for a gift’ and the Holy Ones give us their various good things in
response to our worship. Most magical religion includes such work, but
sometimes it can pass with less emphasis than other sections. Our Order of
Ritual includes a specific invocation, usually a litany shared with the whole company,
which calls on the Powers to give their Blessing. As a participant it is
worthwhile to note this moment in the rite, and be certain to employ it
personally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our OoR Invokes the presence of a
number of spiritual Powers in every rite. Along with the Earth Mother and Fire
Gods, we call the hosts of the Three Kindreds, and the specific persons of the
occasion. Other traditions will have a different ‘constellation’ of Powers, but
in general it is valuable to open one’s awareness to those presences. A
Visualization of the assembled Holy Ones is a fine way to open oneself to their
blessing. This is followed by conscious participation in the visualizations of
blessing the Drink, or the Flames, or whatever symbols the ritual is using. We
have never formalized such visions. Many find that our vision of the Blessing
has grown and changed over time, but one can always begin by seeing the flow of
the Nectar or Mead descending into the cups, even as the material ale or water
is poured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Internalizing the Blessing is a
moment that is usually private an individual. Some ritual scripts may include
some meditative guidance for it, but often one is left to quietly feel the
material blessing, drink, etc, in us physically, and open up to the power of
the Powers we have helped to invoke. ADF’s OoR usually includes at least an
affirmation that the Blessing has been received.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Group Ritual, Personal Magic</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the moment when the combined power of the group’s
work becomes available for the individual mind. A deliberate effort can make it
useful for specific desires or boons. However in my opinion the best use for
such magic is to flood the whole body, whole self, in whatever pattern of
energy-flow one has used for centering. The Blessing requires very little
detail beyond “Let me be whole, and well, and let every good thing that is
proper to my way be mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The work of gaining the good of
these blessings, in our Pagan ways, relies on persistence. We are offered the
Blessing of the Season, each in turn. If we consciously and deliberately accept
each in turn we can hope to be blessed with life, strength, beauty, gain,
reward, and rest, each in the measure our fate allows. But it all happens at
the pace of the sun and seasons, perhaps with Lunar occasions for more detailed
work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some corners of our modern Pagan
scene seem to want to use spellcraft as a method building a blessed and whole
life. The use of spiritual power for personal, specific goals (fix my car,
chill me boss, etc) can be valuable, but it can also bring us to a point where
we have too many lamps to tend, and possible cross-purposes in our several
intentions (be rich, or have leisure?) I think that the persistent, slow-burn work
of Pagan ‘religious work will eventually result in the Health, Wealth and
Wisdom we might seek, and do so in gentle harmony with the turning of the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-57476777775913407382019-03-17T15:20:00.000-07:002019-03-17T15:20:05.127-07:00Tredara Good News<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48kSceAq3v3GryoWOPXIdgEAvy1pBrfn_JEpNbBjrgmcM5CD74At4_2OeldQ7rQJgExkcjhkNQ0xgzVOlnTeY9gso5Qj5RBemiCAk3-EwIEl-628s3dVeASzl4og7T3ucFkWHaz4tdm0/s1600/tredara+logo+fancy+color+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48kSceAq3v3GryoWOPXIdgEAvy1pBrfn_JEpNbBjrgmcM5CD74At4_2OeldQ7rQJgExkcjhkNQ0xgzVOlnTeY9gso5Qj5RBemiCAk3-EwIEl-628s3dVeASzl4og7T3ucFkWHaz4tdm0/s200/tredara+logo+fancy+color+2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spring 2019</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh my friends, I have a story for you. It’s a good story,
because it has a good ending, and being near the end of it makes me Very Happy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many of you know that I and my partner have, for many years, been using and
developing our patch of land as Pagan sacred space. Starting with an 8-acre lot
that Sue has been on since 1975, and expanding in 2013 to include 8 additional
acres to our north. Along with a small patch on the other side we now work with
17ish acres. The tale begins following the expansion.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The new acreage was, when we purchased it, a disused
satellite growing-field for the nursery-stock, shrubs, etc that is a common
local agriculture. On our early inspections it was serene, with shoulder-high
grass, overgrown shrubs and a variety of lovely flowering trees. It was a
lovely acquisition, but with it we also acquired new neighbors. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNNebMgGBYKRYIaRnqUGNw7_6xmgq7beEyCMk9S93WWo8TVrz2Qosv4WMDhQ4bok0xYVSvFzg2h1RoKHGkYeIryFvLRKv6cUoiuGMl5YZCUkeNS-HalRpTWUEFC8cO3qo-01uJadIbV8/s1600/unmowed+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNNebMgGBYKRYIaRnqUGNw7_6xmgq7beEyCMk9S93WWo8TVrz2Qosv4WMDhQ4bok0xYVSvFzg2h1RoKHGkYeIryFvLRKv6cUoiuGMl5YZCUkeNS-HalRpTWUEFC8cO3qo-01uJadIbV8/s320/unmowed+montage.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just north of the northern boundary of this new property a
family keeps their several acres of small agriculture, horses, etc. We seem to
have frightened them. It was certainly the case that for as long as they had
owned the property that patch had been quiet, even deserted… flowers, deer and
bunnies, nice place for the dogs to run – I get that. Then comes us. The grass
is mowed, the roads regraveled, regular tractor action, and people – our people.
(for details on the progress, click the Tredara tab on the blog front-page, and
recall that articles are reverse-time-line order)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9YAmY5YqIjudPaFwnjWPvhXUfKcClOXY91cq17MWWLyM8UUY4mGy3xvqFYUFJ9kgyzKW35rBSBAGvD8H1XG2j_m0pTdjcbgZEriVUQeqCKmp2fP7YRk_regGXIPZwXlwPzj1PCXtS8c/s1600/nemeton+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9YAmY5YqIjudPaFwnjWPvhXUfKcClOXY91cq17MWWLyM8UUY4mGy3xvqFYUFJ9kgyzKW35rBSBAGvD8H1XG2j_m0pTdjcbgZEriVUQeqCKmp2fP7YRk_regGXIPZwXlwPzj1PCXtS8c/s200/nemeton+entry.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having acquired the acres in 2013, we immediately began building a new, larger
worship space, and by the following spring we were holding our Stone Creed
Grove seasonal rites in it during the summer. That fall we built a new 30 x 50’
pavilion-roof and attached shower-house. With that in place we hosted the ADF
Wellspring Gathering at Tredara in May of 2016. This modest, 120-ish-person
event had previously been held at the Brushwood folklore center, but this moved
it into our full management. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even prior to that we had our first visit from our local
zoning inspector, who mentioned some neighbor concern and wondered just how commercial an operation we were
running. He explained that some complaints about our activity (and some
presumptuous youtube vid claims by me...) had brought him out, but was satisfied that we were making incidental use of
our personal back-yard to host our church events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZXTTSrFMmYAie_rD0b1QKT_tqJcWThHBowB63MTPRepPoXhqWhhCL4DkySZ0slo6jbtevWAktIlUh_tritHGturcYJ_kUPHpODm2GVval-wv5bw8wUSQULrm9BpP4CVjTBbBVmgEBI0/s1600/Pavilion%252C+SW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZXTTSrFMmYAie_rD0b1QKT_tqJcWThHBowB63MTPRepPoXhqWhhCL4DkySZ0slo6jbtevWAktIlUh_tritHGturcYJ_kUPHpODm2GVval-wv5bw8wUSQULrm9BpP4CVjTBbBVmgEBI0/s320/Pavilion%252C+SW.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The fact is that Tredara is not and has never been a ‘campground’.
We do not charge by the night to camp, nor advertise ourselves in that way. We
are, and have always been a sacred space for Pagan worship and spiritual
practice. From the days in the 80s when our coven met in the woods, through the
evolution of our public Druidic work the place is the private project of Lia
Fal and I. We build in service to the Gods and the folk, and with honor to the land.
While we have been blessed with donations we seldom seek them, and we’re just
not in it for the money, as they say. Nevertheless, the place has been a buzz
of construction, campers, hippies, pagan drumming and chanting and the
installation of idols in the five-ish years we’ve owned it. I can understand a
degree of culture-shock for the closest neighbors.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So this past fall the zoning inspector returned to our door, and had a look
around. I’ll keep the details simple – our ‘agricultural’ zoning forgives a
lot, but we’re not really doing agriculture. The decision was that our uses
were ‘permitted’ under ‘conditional uses’ in the local ordinance. That began a
process of determining the ‘conditions’ under which we would be permitted to
continue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course I was prepared to stand on the first amendment. I was allowing my
church to use my farm for services and our annual reunion-campout. However in
the USA if anything overrides the bill-of-rights it’s local land-use
sovereignty. I hoped to avoid the employment of attorneys in the matter, and in
the end I was able to do so. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have also had my faith in the culture of my corner of NE Ohio affirmed by the
lack of passionate Christian opposition to our efforts. The offended neighbors
held back from any religious reference, and we debated noise and imposition. Early
on there *were* people at the podium with concerns about “what kind of church”
was being permitted, but the members of the Board of Zoning Appels plainly said
that such a topic was not at issue in the discussion. At no time past the very
first speakers were our ways mocked or belittled – mainly they were
accommodated. In the end there was no outcry from either Evangelical or
Catholic local churches, may they be blessed by the spirits of America.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The offended neighbors leaned on issues of noise and property-security. It seems
they had had a distressing random visit or two, which they wanted to attribute to our guests. We agree that good fences make good neighbors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My kin, this all-winter process has had my brain just Parked! Our goal here has
been to make a sacred space for the sake of our folk, and now we faced an
external authority’s mandate on whether we would have to undertake a serious fight
to keep our dream alive. Discussion happened only on the record at live meetings,
so we were simply suspended for weeks at a time. By the final meeting quite a
groove had been worn in my patience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However the process was, I must judge, fair and right. The bureaucrats were
helpful, the board members cooperative and neutral-to-neighborly. They all
toured the place for an eyes-on judgement, and listened in fact to our needs
and plans. It seems plain that they had never seen anything quite like us,
before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the end we were granted our conditional use permit as a ‘place of public
assembly’! The only bad news is a mandate to install a big, damned-expensive
fence along the boundary with the offended neighbors. We’ll do it, fulfill a
few other simple requirements, and be free to flow as a working Pagan sacred
forest and worship garden here in NE Ohio.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Magic? Well, some… we’re not done with every little thing, but I’ll say that I
began asking Certain Others for their aid last fall, and various measures have
been taken over the months. I give thanks, of course, to all those who have
aided us.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSjQL-oJOD0ujtajyHwuO9gp82m1dZKlY6fgXHYG4MZGILv43MU9bLS5rZ9g4uAVfpmCjpl89bDqO_pjtVPDDP1yifOvnGo4GPPl8cZgHndr2_G9gKEI6QrLUI1hC-1ol0x-qZ_LLThE/s1600/THS+button+good.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSjQL-oJOD0ujtajyHwuO9gp82m1dZKlY6fgXHYG4MZGILv43MU9bLS5rZ9g4uAVfpmCjpl89bDqO_pjtVPDDP1yifOvnGo4GPPl8cZgHndr2_G9gKEI6QrLUI1hC-1ol0x-qZ_LLThE/s320/THS+button+good.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All in all this is the public birth of the Tredara Hearth Farm & Shrine. Now
we can actually put up a sign (must do, in fact…) and publicly be what we have
been. At this time we’re not soliciting new events, or looking to expand our event
program. Rather we’ll focus on our facilities for worship, and making our
occasional camping guests even more comfortable. Our sacred work will continue,
teaching and incidental ceremony will probably increase, and we can begin
really fitting ourselves into this thing we’ve built, and growing into the
corners.</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-62444036331366986102019-02-11T07:21:00.000-08:002019-02-11T07:21:14.646-08:00I "Work With" the Gods<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hello, readers - yes I, and el bloggo, are still alive. Been a hibernatious winter, but the creatures are stirring, and we'll start seeing some life here again. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll start with a short archived-answer post on a topic that recurs often in recent Pagan discussion:</span></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQv2vMQRClMBDltZPA48WSjf5paJp1OJ2UB0R5_hXqVewblVBLGNesYmRv841fgfWlDf2376ghrWQWdnXefF5BQrUPYc5zXh0sJAh4l2HgX1ytbcXy49NJdAzHR0cineWc_f1tXs4L7Sc/s1600/CoB+Brigid+offerings+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQv2vMQRClMBDltZPA48WSjf5paJp1OJ2UB0R5_hXqVewblVBLGNesYmRv841fgfWlDf2376ghrWQWdnXefF5BQrUPYc5zXh0sJAh4l2HgX1ytbcXy49NJdAzHR0cineWc_f1tXs4L7Sc/s320/CoB+Brigid+offerings+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranging a full working can be, well, work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As is so often the case
for modern Pagans we find ourselves somewhat stymied by attempts to apply
standard popular religious vocabulary and understandings to our ways. Nowhere
is this more evident than in discussions of worship and our relationships with
the divine in the persons of the Gods. One common Pagan turn of phrase, often
used to avoid less-agreeable characterization – is to speak of ‘working with’ a
deity. This phrase has been offensive to some polytheists, who find it
inadequately respectful. Myself I find it apt, so let’s have a look into the
idea…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First, I do not 'follow'
deities, I am not a 'follower' of my gods. I think that the image of Jesus as
wandering teacher, and the church’s presentation of Christianity as a set of
prescriptions for how to live, has over-emphasized ‘following’ as a religious
model. But my Gods don't teach me how to live, or make rules. They aren't
leading a movement of which I am a member. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do worship the Gods and
Spirits. All of them, really. I use the term ‘worship’ to mean ‘ritual
reflection of relationship’. I intend to build and keep my kinship and
friendship with the spiritual world. There are many facets to that project, and
one of them is the formal politenesses of ritual. My own aesthetic is fairly
High Church – I like good art employed consciously to bring spiritual forces
closer to the mortal world. So I enjoy making Shrines and devotional corners in
my home and life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So my spiritual practice
takes me from the handicraft bench out to the woods and back to the
meditation-seat at my shrine. When I’m being observant it can be rather a lot
to do. So I refer to my religion/spirituality as my 'spiritual work', not as my
'faith’. I conceive spirituality as rooted in practice, not belief, and
consider a ‘religion’ to be defined by its method more than by its doctrine. I commonly
say that I 'work' a ritual (I like that better than 'perform'), and refer to
the material props of ritual as 'tools'.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To digress, I do not
consider ‘worship’ (nor ‘work with’) to imply rank or hierarchy, nor expect it
to be a one-way, bottom-up transaction. Worship operates precisely because
human effort is worthy. We greet the gods as honored guests, give the kind of
worthy gifts that mortals give. One core principle is that a gift calls for a
gift, and each ought to give according to their nature. So the spirits, in
turn, give us the gifts spirits can give – the blessings we seek in our work.
In this we each – mortals and the gods and spirits - ‘work’ according to our
nature, each for the good of the other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So to say that I ‘work
with’ Brigid is simply to say that Brigid is included in (is a part of) my
spiritual work. The form that part takes is or includes worship, and I’m
willing to refer to the relationship as ‘devotional’, implying that I approach
Her with love, not merely as a transaction. It says nothing about the relative
status of me and Brigid. I do not count her as my ‘Lord’ in the sense of
“-and-master”; she is a noble being, who inspires awe. Likewise it would be
just silly to think of myself as her ‘equal’ – can I be the equal of a river or
mountain? I make myself available to ‘work with’ her will, and I ask her aid in
working my own will. So far that has all been good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So then, I find 'work with' to be a reasonable, neutral usage
for describing polytheist practice, one that describes what really happens without
any connotation of disrespect for the gods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-22541959780479717392018-11-27T05:46:00.000-08:002018-11-27T05:46:51.884-08:00What is a spell?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL7RLYtRgOSUingiIBLMUi99DOZXGTmzL6vJqwm9G5pZIfCS4IW239Sm5VRHCjyxs7Og2faDsAq5jQl_MOOQjlRpjhV9JbOa5Y56qKnbCc5SLpSjEkbYlz8HkLyev33vektasi_RU6hs/s1600/DSC00916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL7RLYtRgOSUingiIBLMUi99DOZXGTmzL6vJqwm9G5pZIfCS4IW239Sm5VRHCjyxs7Og2faDsAq5jQl_MOOQjlRpjhV9JbOa5Y56qKnbCc5SLpSjEkbYlz8HkLyev33vektasi_RU6hs/s320/DSC00916.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">In the ongoing series of long answers to frequent questions. Pardon my formatting difficulties, please:</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;">The word ‘spell’ travels with a lot of baggage, and is used with
very little technical consideration. It has been redefined especially by
fantasy writers in so many ways that sorting nonsense from tradition, and determining
a useful technical definition for our modern magic art is a project worth
doing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linguistically the word means 'a spoken charm or incantation',
and so we could limit its meaning to 'the spoken component of a magical rite'.
That isn't what people mean, these days, though.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Allow me to begin at the end, and attempt a definition of a spell – we’ll see
whether it’s the same at the end.:</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“A spell is magical or spiritual work with a specific intended effect and
usually a specific target”</span></div>
</span></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In traditional
magical literature ‘spells’ are most often small ritual patterns, involving a
combination of natural objects, spoken words, proper timing, ‘occult’ symbols
and often the aid of specific gods or spirits. Folk magic tends to quietly bury
these elements in traditional rules, that often don’t accompany the
transmission of spoken charms – one is supposed to know the rules. More formal
ritual magic instructions may make a spell seem like a complex working of its
own, by listing the work in detail and sequence. Both of these approaches can
be practical and correct. I tend toward the latter.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The whole business of using magic to obtain a specific goal may involve
multiple smaller sub-rituals, offerings etc. All these ‘spells’ together are
often described as a ‘working’.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In our post-European, post-Christian USA
there is that tendency to want products neatly packaged and labelled with
instructions. So many who ask for ‘spells’ in internet forums seem to want the
proverbial ‘magic words’, that make things change in the blink of an eye. This
is, in fact no more likely in magic than in medicine, and spellcraft can
involve multiple ‘appointments’ to accomplish a goal. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here it may be useful to quote and discuss my favorite definition of ‘magic’.
It comes from the Greater Key of Solomon</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Magic is the Highest, most Absolute,
and most Divine Knowledge of Natural Philosophy, advanced in its works and
wonderful operations by a right understanding of the inward and occult virtue
of things; so that true Agents being applied to proper Patients, strange and
admirable effects will thereby be produced. Whence magicians are profound and
diligent searchers into Nature; they, because of their skill, know how to
anticipate an effort, the which to the vulgar shall seem to be a miracle.”</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Allow me to paraphrase:</span></div>
</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>“Magic is the study of the secret and spiritual forces of nature, their
character and powers, so that by applying proper force at the proper place and
time effects can be produced which have been called ‘magical’. So magicians
learn to predict effects by knowing cause, which makes them seem to be
wizards.”</i></b></div>
</b></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Can I tighten it up?:</span></div>
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>“magic is the knowledge of the hidden (occult) powers of things, and of the
spirits, and the application of those powers to produce effects.”</b></span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So spells are a specific application of
this principle – the application of the occult powers of natural and spiritual
things to work personal will.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spellcraft Inside Polytheist Religions</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In many world traditions of polytheism and animism the use of religious
symbols, rituals and skills for the immediate personal gain of worshipers and
their families is a normal part of the work. These traditions teach rites for
prosperity, health, fertility and inspiration, much the same as the desires of
modern magic-users.</span></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--[endif]--><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C4%81dhan%C4%81%20)" target="_blank">Sadhana</a> </i></span></b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9N25WBRxIxwB-q9L6c9jcerskXTEYrQkHvtLD3OjqVqV1_Z0Fs5RML2U_Y2iSvALzAT8N731KlV5VwtXAtbn3LmR4B_rou6tKXdex9qQp9AqOTqBRFg-3K-QlwtmhAC81AM68FnQSzk/s1600/sadhana+Sri-Rama-Navami-1024x683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9N25WBRxIxwB-q9L6c9jcerskXTEYrQkHvtLD3OjqVqV1_Z0Fs5RML2U_Y2iSvALzAT8N731KlV5VwtXAtbn3LmR4B_rou6tKXdex9qQp9AqOTqBRFg-3K-QlwtmhAC81AM68FnQSzk/s320/sadhana+Sri-Rama-Navami-1024x683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A symbolic arrangement for a sadhana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Sanskrit term ‘sadhana’ can be translated as ‘a specific practice or form’. In
dharmic religions the term is used both for the prescribed spiritual practice a
teacher might set for their student, and also for specific sets of practices
intended to produce results. The latter are patterns that may include proper
herbs, proper colors and numbers of candles, proper offerings of incenses,
flowers, etc and of course a proper spoken incantation (i.e. ‘mantra’ in
Sanskrit). These patterns are often transmitted through what amount to
spellbooks, and are an orthodox part of Hindu and some Buddhist religion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/(http://soulmindbody.net/esu/2016/06/what-is-an-ebbo/%20)" target="_blank"><i>Ebbo </i></a></span></b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx8-hjnvtlShsn2p4oi4zPAsBdjGzlk4rpbMhU3MuJujUUP5tBCdGEhldWDx3egTPedesC-n89XOOFxHyjG0SicSsK8o3Ay29O6Q4byMGiDuetDd3k0wZuCAPNuN8RXgSVQ6Onae4Gyg/s1600/ebbo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx8-hjnvtlShsn2p4oi4zPAsBdjGzlk4rpbMhU3MuJujUUP5tBCdGEhldWDx3egTPedesC-n89XOOFxHyjG0SicSsK8o3Ay29O6Q4byMGiDuetDd3k0wZuCAPNuN8RXgSVQ6Onae4Gyg/s320/ebbo+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offering array for an Ebbo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
the post-African religions of the New World ‘Ebbo’ is a word meaning offering
or sacrifice. It can be applied generally to religious offerings to the
spirits, but it also refers to specific patterns of practice intended to
produce specific outcome – i.e. spells. The forms of some such ritual offering
are determined by the spirits themselves, but there are also specific
traditional forms, including arrangements of specific numbers, types of fruits,
colors of candles, etc., arranged in the proper way, place and time, with the
proper invocations. Again, by the terms of western magic, this amounts to a
‘spell’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Late
Classical Paganism</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remnants of traditional
Euro-middle-eastern polytheism and spiritism were preserved in the important
proto-grimoire called the Picatrix. This ritual manual focuses primarily on the
Planetary powers, themselves remnants or reflections of Olympian Gods. The rites
usually center around an image or idol of the spirit, and then use number,
color, type, etc, to determine a proper set of offerings. This style of
offering-ritual, preserved for us in text over the past 2,000 years or so,
bears a remarkable resemblance to other forms of spirit-based devotional spellcraft.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRX2OKlgoQtR9h7oVm7107z5vbLoj4YLnJL-HR_BYKbXFNZImBqddUDWZrDWjA7JCSucHzi83_n3WKvX_xRxZ69_ebDoKUI7AJGkbj148kXxUNUATlCvS4c88X425ZUwttCt7jSiwAuQ/s1600/picatrix+ritual+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRX2OKlgoQtR9h7oVm7107z5vbLoj4YLnJL-HR_BYKbXFNZImBqddUDWZrDWjA7JCSucHzi83_n3WKvX_xRxZ69_ebDoKUI7AJGkbj148kXxUNUATlCvS4c88X425ZUwttCt7jSiwAuQ/s320/picatrix+ritual+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A planetary rite of offering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This style of devotional, offering-based
ritual seems ready to introduce into our modern polytheist efforts. Drawing on
lore, tradition and the inspiration of the spirits rites of this style could be
devised in nearly any ethnic system. Of course ethnicities will each have their
distinct customs, which can add to the depth of such designs.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Folkloric and Popular Spellcraft</i></b></div>
</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Offering-based spells that draw on the spiritual power of core cultural gods
and spirits are one side of the coin of traditional spellcraft. The other is
the vast body of lore that employs the ‘occult' (i.e. hidden or little-known) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> powers of natural things’, along with the
basic principles of mechanistic spellcraft.</span></div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The latter were defined by Frasier as
“sympathy” –like affects like; and “contagion” – that which has been in contact
continues to influence the contact. These are not so much the actions of
spirits but natural principles, which operate regardless of the spiritual
environment in which they are used. These techniques, plainly called ‘tricks’
in some traditions, become dressed in the mythology of whatever culture takes
them up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For instance, the ‘packet talisman’ – a small bag or wrapped packet containing
herbs, stones, seals etc. can be identified in the 16</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> century
scholastic occultism of Agrippa, yet it also arrives in the New World through
Congo ethnic custom, producing the ‘gris-gris’ or mojo-bag of the hoodoo
tradition. Such a charm-bag employs sympathy by using herbs and stones of the
proper resonance, and employs contagion by the wearing of such a charm next to
the user’s skin. Charm-bags are made with prayers to saints, invocations of the
polytheistic gods, or even animistic address to the aggregated spirit of the charm
itself. This is icing on the basic mix that makes the spell.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXArVjsUyg6DJOLDRevJVcXQsajndndn_VoQEGhCz_WMFP9Cju7zyUM_X03YDcxYC3v5GKd8csdedAwHZ-L4fW9s7nVGo-6sosZ6ggwa_-rVSnICoAGyHa1G8_CQKLgUdMqwCc13R9GA/s1600/crystalgrids1-1050x700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXArVjsUyg6DJOLDRevJVcXQsajndndn_VoQEGhCz_WMFP9Cju7zyUM_X03YDcxYC3v5GKd8csdedAwHZ-L4fW9s7nVGo-6sosZ6ggwa_-rVSnICoAGyHa1G8_CQKLgUdMqwCc13R9GA/s320/crystalgrids1-1050x700.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal 'grids' use the powers of semi-precious stones<br />to accomplish specific goals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Colored candles or lights, proper incenses and perfumes, traditional or
discovered magical sigils and seals, all of these are part of this category of
spellcraft. Image-magic, the old hair-and-fingernails gag, the use of
photographs, drawings or even the written name of a target, all of these use
sympathy and contagion to ‘transmit’ the intention of a practical spiritual
work. Often these methods are employed along with offering and invocation to
direct the power of whatever spirit is offered to.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wrapping Up</b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, then, <i>a spell is a ritual or set of rituals intended to employ spiritual or
occult power for a specific practical goal</i>. This sort of practice may exist as
part and parcel of a religion or spiritual tradition. If it doesn’t it almost
certainly exists just outside of it, relegated to some category like
‘witchcraft’. In my opinion our Neopagan religions, as we construct them, can
benefit from making such techniques integral to our spiritual work.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-72757483402912289622018-11-21T04:42:00.000-08:002018-11-21T04:43:50.785-08:00A Pagan Family Dinner-Table Rite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kfNlg02vHO7-38eIOl7toZfPp9p333ClqRmI1YzsSg7qVRRWlAx_CkKBERv_cd65ad9mgewickVHmvfraVA1E2rySNWJvZOYvCWpt1Su-5uTtfFQR48L2u0RS866eoDDz40DDkushNU/s1600/22+-+Family+Table+Rite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kfNlg02vHO7-38eIOl7toZfPp9p333ClqRmI1YzsSg7qVRRWlAx_CkKBERv_cd65ad9mgewickVHmvfraVA1E2rySNWJvZOYvCWpt1Su-5uTtfFQR48L2u0RS866eoDDz40DDkushNU/s640/22+-+Family+Table+Rite.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Output from the prayer-a-Day challenge continues, and I manage to rack up some posts for the annual count on el bloggo. Hopefully this might be useful for families over the holidays</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A Family Table Rite of Blessing</b><br />
<br />
<i>In addition to service for the food,
arrange the Center of the table, as desired, with four good candles, one
shorter than the others, and an attractive bowl of clean water. If desired a
decorative Tree symbol completes the array. A piece of silver or quartz crystal
might be present to drop into the water, and incense is good, if tolerable for
a meal-table. Also have present a preferred beverage, or two, to receive the
Blessing.</i><br />
<br />
<i>• With all prepared, the kin join hands,
and breathe together in silence for a moment.</i><br />
The Head of the Table lights the short candle, drops the silver into the Water,
and speaks:<br />
<b>
Let us seek blessing.</b><br />
<br />
<i>• All recite:</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Fire, the Well, the Sacred Tree<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Flow and Flame and Grow in me<br />
By Land, Sea and Sky<br />
Below and On High<br />
Let the Water be blessed and the Fire be hallowed.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>• It is good to
formally cleanse all if the company wills it – pass the water, or sprinkle all
– pass incense if do-able; this may be light-hearted. One simple charm (spoken
three times) is:</i><br />
<b>
By the Might of the Waters and the Light of the Fire<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Let this meal/table/gathering be blessed!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>• The Head, or
another, lights the three tall candles in turn as all recite: <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Oh all you Holy Beings of the Worlds<br />
In all your might<br />
We call you, whether unnamed or by name<br />
By these three lights</b><br />
<i>(light one tall candle)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Beloved Dead, you travelers, gone before<br />
To you in love</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(light one tall
candle)<br />
</i><b>Oh wond’rous spirits of this land we call<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>To you in awe</b><br />
<i>(light one tall candle)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And every shining god, in every heart<br />
To you in honor true<br />
Love, awe and honor, these we light<br />
With these three flames here, burning bright<br />
And bid the spirits bide with us in peace.</b><br />
<br />
<i>• Any readings or songs the family enjoys
might be done.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>• A daring and
confident host might choose to draw an omen at this time. Many will be happy
simply to proceed to the Blessing:<br />
• The Head of the Table, or another recites:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>
The lights are lit, and the feast is spread. Let the blessing be poured for us
all.</b><br />
<i>The prepared drinks are poured, and a single
passing-cup is raised, or everyone raises their cup, and recites: </i><br />
<b>
Let this be blessing, poured for us<br />
From Holy Powers true<br />
Let it be wisdom, Let it be strength<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Let it be love, between us, true.<br />
Let this meal be blessed!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>• The Head concludes,
saying:</i><br />
<b>
Let us keep gratitude in our hearts for this blessing, for this labor, for this
good food we are about to eat, in the light of the Holy Ones.<br />
Holy Ones, we thank you <i>(all repeat)<br />
</i>Let’s Eat!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-59911185267879280312018-11-18T06:39:00.001-08:002018-11-18T06:39:38.265-08:00Three Charms to Open Vision-DoorsHot-diggity-doggerel, here are three rhyming charms meant to set one's course for the Underworld, Heavens and the back-side of the Middle-world. Real text article coming before month's end...<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasdbGZkFZxGLfAysdQzU7h0HWQmXaqv2ClJN0I3u0VgoZ1r1ggiSE0n1CzKJ5hfSlsN_Jj70uX7yYfXKY-PPuYV3lLfXSL58DNWTSLYkuf9FjzDW4mF2Jq2sNU6A_LjZcNdaZuTA3EPc/s1600/16+-+To+Pass+Into+The+Underworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasdbGZkFZxGLfAysdQzU7h0HWQmXaqv2ClJN0I3u0VgoZ1r1ggiSE0n1CzKJ5hfSlsN_Jj70uX7yYfXKY-PPuYV3lLfXSL58DNWTSLYkuf9FjzDW4mF2Jq2sNU6A_LjZcNdaZuTA3EPc/s640/16+-+To+Pass+Into+The+Underworld.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVAKyl1N2LZPZNAw4lgSSBk4KritzdT4RKyLihvswArxCShWFiq2F0PeHZgpHHRJnYlZB70wsZvYKgsw6NzxgvBYeIPjE9n8EXzGCXq63_4DCziMBNZvVjU8sRYD0GGwtcg0ci0V2BVo/s1600/17-+to+pass+into+the+heavens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVAKyl1N2LZPZNAw4lgSSBk4KritzdT4RKyLihvswArxCShWFiq2F0PeHZgpHHRJnYlZB70wsZvYKgsw6NzxgvBYeIPjE9n8EXzGCXq63_4DCziMBNZvVjU8sRYD0GGwtcg0ci0V2BVo/s640/17-+to+pass+into+the+heavens.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbDvs_9EUND_UtXKsMQ3lupCqTDy7gn41dqY5I_GeS9EhOolNDGIr_P-UW-C7EpLHuZJ9P9tfy2KvsWOuGGyT6956fYOygi44xLaN_e9yNAs2yyozRhdun7pO6tzKmCIDu1CFShIsIXo/s1600/18+-+To+Pass+Behind+The+World.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="992" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbDvs_9EUND_UtXKsMQ3lupCqTDy7gn41dqY5I_GeS9EhOolNDGIr_P-UW-C7EpLHuZJ9P9tfy2KvsWOuGGyT6956fYOygi44xLaN_e9yNAs2yyozRhdun7pO6tzKmCIDu1CFShIsIXo/s640/18+-+To+Pass+Behind+The+World.jpg" width="431" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-78308288921986248722018-11-16T07:31:00.001-08:002018-11-16T07:31:49.875-08:00Prayer-a-Day Project, Pt 3A few from week 2. These tend a bit toward 'high church' - formal invocations for formal occasions.<br /><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQGcv-pzaPhf_cIsxzfyt54-mHUM3AzeEgPud3tmBkZs558lTXxcXbmwGj4gWsiJlKRv0VlSLBONFmEC2jUk8fcEEE6cqvEwB5uJBDap1bN7tNLIF6iGGF_u03bjk5B9QmEQ9Ki03h2s/s1600/8+-+a+preliminary+Invocation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQGcv-pzaPhf_cIsxzfyt54-mHUM3AzeEgPud3tmBkZs558lTXxcXbmwGj4gWsiJlKRv0VlSLBONFmEC2jUk8fcEEE6cqvEwB5uJBDap1bN7tNLIF6iGGF_u03bjk5B9QmEQ9Ki03h2s/s640/8+-+a+preliminary+Invocation.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGPlolVuGP8yTpU1777dRcQqGcK1UzZ-ch1NT7v23pKSyZUkTF7B77vTmIf8Rc4CE13WgrxfDHlWUTDwgMnihyojV_CV5iVbfXRFqiuHsrHAl3d7n5JGn4o-oJYPw0AAQqyaCOMJtBTA/s1600/9+-+a+fire-charm+to+claim+a+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGPlolVuGP8yTpU1777dRcQqGcK1UzZ-ch1NT7v23pKSyZUkTF7B77vTmIf8Rc4CE13WgrxfDHlWUTDwgMnihyojV_CV5iVbfXRFqiuHsrHAl3d7n5JGn4o-oJYPw0AAQqyaCOMJtBTA/s640/9+-+a+fire-charm+to+claim+a+dwelling.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMQ6ZnsBZvJujZGbfctgVUX35KbVpbuUE6evubu7XiE4Wf4jRm9UMDXxtg0ez2eTeM884lnSk96kejbAWX8LrbHaN3KD28T2_N4bZEkxPj6ifMH343DdGoTop7a-g_wqO6cOX0CS3Izo/s1600/10+-+A+Charm+for+Rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMQ6ZnsBZvJujZGbfctgVUX35KbVpbuUE6evubu7XiE4Wf4jRm9UMDXxtg0ez2eTeM884lnSk96kejbAWX8LrbHaN3KD28T2_N4bZEkxPj6ifMH343DdGoTop7a-g_wqO6cOX0CS3Izo/s640/10+-+A+Charm+for+Rain.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LsOOOeaDXQKaAFe0Nc1gIOaY6UBt05CnBzXKbGKHTJZOkYYqYSzQqEKAUJm6itIwoym5DQa16990380CmNkWFXYxpnTN_HS6y3U3FgXcYc5_latmF2LsLT8CqEA-qUZ82HevKwWjL88/s1600/14+-+a+Funerary+%2527Send-off%2527+Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LsOOOeaDXQKaAFe0Nc1gIOaY6UBt05CnBzXKbGKHTJZOkYYqYSzQqEKAUJm6itIwoym5DQa16990380CmNkWFXYxpnTN_HS6y3U3FgXcYc5_latmF2LsLT8CqEA-qUZ82HevKwWjL88/s640/14+-+a+Funerary+%2527Send-off%2527+Prayer.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137745883005399087.post-40837247284835010642018-11-13T10:29:00.000-08:002019-01-07T04:39:31.697-08:00How Do I Become A Pagan?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadq6hKiD5UChtLFa88ONNvKoFHzRuUoGkaHsrUia5XX88Lkqra-fHq4oG57_WP9t2EB6tRzvht8Wq40PbM-l3_TyZ87e8Y_X1pl5Eg8SuZEcXHjhMqmqxUp4wTMlXrG_1jB4rZEvsxRk/s1600/desk+shrine+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadq6hKiD5UChtLFa88ONNvKoFHzRuUoGkaHsrUia5XX88Lkqra-fHq4oG57_WP9t2EB6tRzvht8Wq40PbM-l3_TyZ87e8Y_X1pl5Eg8SuZEcXHjhMqmqxUp4wTMlXrG_1jB4rZEvsxRk/s320/desk+shrine+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A direct question, from a Facebook Pagan group. Let me just fizz about it for a
minute, and I’ll offer some direct answers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course the fashionable answer, among all those who imagine themselves woke
from the yoke of “religion”, is that one may do as one pleases and call that
Paganism. Sigh… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In my opinion there is simply no real thing in the world that
can be whatever one decides it should be. To start at that point is simply to
assume that one’s spiritual work is not real, but rather a game or fancy,
devised by a whim. While I suppose that might be enough for some people, I
assume that when someone asks how to ‘become’ a Pagan, they mean more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Several answers seemed to recommend a set of “beliefs” as definitive of being
Pagan. Often these were very general – “believe in the Earth”, etc. Nobody
seemed prepared to offer any systematic set of ‘beliefs’, which I suppose is
just as well.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My own opinion is that Pagan religious participation is not defined by beliefs.
Beliefs, in religion, are mandatory opinions, and modern Pagan religion has
very few of them. Some specific sects may have their own little lists, but even
that seems the exception rather than the rule in Pagan sub-groups. There is no
organized agreement among Pagans about what ideas must be a part of a system in
order for it to be Pagan.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My opinion is that in order to “be Pagan” one must be doing Pagan religious
activity. Ancient Paganism was defined by participation in traditional action –
in the sacrifices, and festivals and events of the local community. In ancient
ways nobody seems to have asked one another what they though the Gods “really
were”, nobody tried to exclude (or include) other people based on their
enshrined opinions (i.e. beliefs) about the gods and spirits, or about the old
stories. Myths and old tales were not mandatory objects of belief, nor taken as
literal fact. Many such things would have had the unspoken presumption of fact
in the local culture – e.g. “of course there are spirits – we’re just talking
about what kind…”. Skepticism of cultural norms is seldom popular, but those
norms were not usually codified into scripture or statements of belief.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Practice was another matter. Many ancient polytheist traditions kept ‘scriptures’
that were essentially records of hymns, invocations, spells and other specific
ritual elements. The Indic Vedas are the most famous of these, but examples are
found in Persia, Greece, and Rome, as well as from the city states long prior
to those nations. Some ritual traditions were as tightly-regulated as any
modern ideology. In Rome if an error in the traditional work was made, or a bad
omen occurred one simply cancelled the rite and tried again another time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While most modern Pagan systems don’t take such a formal approach to ritual, our
ways are often defined by the practice of formal rites, in which words, symbols
and natural forces combine to seek a spiritual effect. In many formal sects of
neopaganism, such as traditional initiatory Wicca, or some forms of Druidry, a
formal outline of ritual has been developed, that defines the sects the way a
colors of a bird’s wing define its family. One becomes a part of that tradition
by being taught the ritual form, and learning to do it effectively.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like many elements of tradition this emphasis on ritual and deliberate
religious action has been greatly watered-down in the post-internet Pagan
world. The same hipster-philosophers will explain that we do not ‘need’ formal practice
in order to interact with spirit, and that we can do ‘whatever feels right’ as
we develop our personal practice. While these assertions may be true in some
circumstances and for some people, I find them to be very bad advice for new
students. Spiritual practice is a set of skills, and it is sensible to approach
learning any new skill by following the instruction of a skilled teacher.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both ancient and modern Pagan religious tradition is characterized by a variety
of teachers, schools and methods. Modern schools tend to descend from two or
three major styles of ritual work, but local groups often have major variations
and specific customs. This too directly resembles the ways of the ancients. At
the most individual end every household, every private altar, may have our
special ways and specific beings. The gods are not jealous, and our own home
ways never need stop us from joining with our neighbors for community practice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So – How does one become a Pagan? </span></b></div>
</b><div style="text-align: justify;">
My short answer is:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>By learning how to keep ways of Pagan spirituality, and then keeping them.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This means that it is a bit of work to actually become Pagan. You can’t do it (in
any meaningful way) while reading this, simply by deciding to apply a new label
to yourself. Instead you must take up the work as you would any skill, whether
guitar-playing or spiritual devotion.<br />
<br />
For some people it can be a short-cut to choose one of the
public Pagan teaching groups and simply practice their ways for a year or
three. Groups with long-time, tried and fixed methods can prevent wasted time
by providing a coherent outline of learning. There are a number of such
schools, allowing students to find which of them best suits. Some traditions of
ritual and practice are also well-preserved in modern published materials.<br />
<br />
Many modern people seem to have been conditioned against ‘joining’. For those
who demand to do-it-themselves there are a number of activities that I think add
up to actually doing Pagan ways. Being Pagan means, to me, actually doing Pagan
ways.<br />
<br />
Here’s a list of categories of work that can add up to a Pagan-style spiritual
practice.</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1: Good Reading.</i></b> Popular Pagan publishing has a very
hit-and-miss record of providing real information about the ancient ways. Find
some good academic reading lists from on-line resources, and commit yourself to
reading whole big, dry books, cover to cover. Look, Paganism will almost never
ask you to fast for days, or crawl up a mountain on your knees… read some
books!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2: Spend time in Nature.</i></b> This needn’t be any fancier than you
like. Simply getting yourself out of the straight lines and machine hum of
human life is a teacher about Pagan spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>3: Choose a simple ritual form. </i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are choices – learn to
cast a circle, learn to bless the Sacred Center, or any of a dozen similar
methods in print. Simply find one you like, or write one, then learn to do it
smoothly and with a sense of inspiration. Having simple ‘start and finish’
prayers can be enough, though the fact is that tradition usually prefers
complexity.</span><br />
<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">3a: Consider keeping a Calendar: </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Setting
yourself to do ritual work based on the course of the moon or the turning of
the seasons can help provide an ‘excuse’ for actual practice.</span><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">4: Learn Simple Trance & Meditation.</i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Oh yes you can. It’s
like exercise – you can’t do it until you’ve done it a while. You have to just
do it. If you don’t do it, you end up a couch-potato warrior.</span></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><i>5: Find a Local Pagan Temple.</i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"> These days there are often public
organizations making worship and teaching available to the general interested
community. Attendance at such rites can help a solitary Pagan meet community,
and work the seasonal blessings on a scale often unavailable at home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">So, life is busy, and very few people really manage to keep busy with all five
of these all the time. But if your goal is to have a Pagan spirituality then
trying to keep at two or three of these going in your life will keep you
developing and growing. In time you will probably come to have close feelings
for some Gods, perhaps know the affection and protection of your Ancestors, and
deepen your wonder at the non-human beings of the spiritual worlds. In that way
we hope to walk in harmony with all things, without strife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
IanChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091029307945473759noreply@blogger.com2