Today I attended an Esbat - the first in a couple years, I think. It was put on by the local CUUPs chapter. There weren't as many people there as there were last time, but still some familiar and new faces. The ritual was very Wiccan, which isn't a problem, of course, but I've not been to anything like that since leaving Utica. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect and the ritual wasn't briefed very well beforehand so there were some awkward moments. We did get some energy flowing, which was fun. We made some holy water for spells and consecrations which will be nice to have. The ritual leader never lead us through a grounding which I believe helped trigger a headache. I did some grounding when I returned home which helped. So... all in all, pros and cons to the ritual. I really liked getting to know people, working with others towards a magical goal, and seeing new ways of doing things, but I think they could plan it better. In their defense, they did admit that they hadn't really planned well to begin with! I do intend to keep going for now. There was some good energy and the fellowship is nice.
I also did some shopping today. I bought some clothes, some art supplies to make more tree spirits, and the latest edition of Witches and Pagans. I have a lot to keep me busy!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Showing posts with label Watertown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Watertown. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Lovely Day Exploring the St. Lawrence River
I was recently diagnosed with bronchitis and prescribed medication. I need to be careful with regards to sex and booze, but my doctor told me that I can go out as long as I cover my mouth when I cough. Weretoad and I had planned for yesterday to be a "date night." He was going to take me to a bar I wanted to go to, but that probably wouldn't have been a good idea so we did sober activities.
First we had dinner at The Mustard Seed. As always they made delicious, meat-free meals. Weretoad let me have some of his ratatouille wrap and I shared some spring rolls with him. We each had some chili. We decided to drive to Cape Vincent next just to see what it was like. This included a detour to Tibbets Point where we saw gorgeous houses, a real light house, a mink cross the road, and the St. Lawrence joining with Lake Ontario. We witnessed some absolutely beautiful scenery there. Cape Vincent looks across to a wind farm. I understand that several residents are unhappy about that, but I find them serene and lovely in their own way*. I put my feet in the St. Lawrence for a bit and thought of the River Goddess.
Next we drove along the river until we reached Clayton. They have their farmers' market on Thursdays and I was delighted to catch it. We purchased some cookies, French bread, banana peppers, carrots, an onion, and a buttercup squash. We then had some dessert and sat by the river while a band played.
It was kind of funny, actually. Until I moved out of my parents' house, we used to go to Old Forge, NY almost every Sunday for a concert in the park. There were usually rock-n-roll bands (which I love) that played a lot of Beatles, Elvis, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, and such. As the concert in Clayton started with some old fashioned doo-wop, I turned to Weretoad and commented that someday, when we're old, bands will start to play our generation's music in parks for free concerts. Sure enough, this band played a number from Blink 182, Green Day, and several other contemporary bands. I was amused, especially with all the older people dancing to "All the Small Things." Heehee. I hope I never lose my sense of youth when I'm older.
We ended the evening by watching the sun set along the St. Lawrence, chased by speed boats and slow steamers. The rose and orange clouds piled up towards Canada, looking like the background of a majestic Thomas Cole painting. We looked into the waves and I thanked the Kindreds for such a beautiful place and a wonderful day. Even though our plans changed, we found joy by the life source of Northern NY in the presence of the River Goddess.
*Not to mention my appreciation for alternative energy!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
First we had dinner at The Mustard Seed. As always they made delicious, meat-free meals. Weretoad let me have some of his ratatouille wrap and I shared some spring rolls with him. We each had some chili. We decided to drive to Cape Vincent next just to see what it was like. This included a detour to Tibbets Point where we saw gorgeous houses, a real light house, a mink cross the road, and the St. Lawrence joining with Lake Ontario. We witnessed some absolutely beautiful scenery there. Cape Vincent looks across to a wind farm. I understand that several residents are unhappy about that, but I find them serene and lovely in their own way*. I put my feet in the St. Lawrence for a bit and thought of the River Goddess.
Next we drove along the river until we reached Clayton. They have their farmers' market on Thursdays and I was delighted to catch it. We purchased some cookies, French bread, banana peppers, carrots, an onion, and a buttercup squash. We then had some dessert and sat by the river while a band played.
It was kind of funny, actually. Until I moved out of my parents' house, we used to go to Old Forge, NY almost every Sunday for a concert in the park. There were usually rock-n-roll bands (which I love) that played a lot of Beatles, Elvis, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, and such. As the concert in Clayton started with some old fashioned doo-wop, I turned to Weretoad and commented that someday, when we're old, bands will start to play our generation's music in parks for free concerts. Sure enough, this band played a number from Blink 182, Green Day, and several other contemporary bands. I was amused, especially with all the older people dancing to "All the Small Things." Heehee. I hope I never lose my sense of youth when I'm older.
We ended the evening by watching the sun set along the St. Lawrence, chased by speed boats and slow steamers. The rose and orange clouds piled up towards Canada, looking like the background of a majestic Thomas Cole painting. We looked into the waves and I thanked the Kindreds for such a beautiful place and a wonderful day. Even though our plans changed, we found joy by the life source of Northern NY in the presence of the River Goddess.
*Not to mention my appreciation for alternative energy!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Living in Northern NY
As of August 6th, Weretoad and I have been residents of Northern NY for a year. We moved up here from the Mohawk Valley last year. It's been a bit of a transition. I've been meaning to write about it.
In many ways, the North Country is similar to the Mohawk Valley. It's still NY and therefore we witness similar plants and animals. Each area enjoys productive agricultural areas and lovely rivers and/or canals. We're a couple hours away from the Utica/Rome area, so I'm not seriously removed from my family and friends.
That said there are differences. Few people see wild bears in the Mohawk Valley, but they're quite common up here, as are bobcats*. There have even been lynx and cougar sightings. This is probably because life up here is more agriculture than in the Mohawk Valley which is heavily urban and suburban except for a few happy exceptions. The bigger animals haven't been driven out yet.
The rivers in the North Country seem more appreciated. They are a central part of life here and not just something discussed in 4th grade social studies. People celebrate our rivers. Schools incorporate them into their songs. The St. Lawrence is huge to our tourist industry, and many people who reside in this area enjoy it for sport, beauty, and sustenance.
The urban and suburban centers, while spread apart, have grown on me. Alexandria Bay is kitschy but the views are beautiful and the swimming area is great on a hot day. Clayton is one of my favorite places to go. It seems to be the artistic center of Northern NY with its textile museum, antique boat museum, studios, galleries, opera house, and art classes. The view of the St. Lawrence is just as spectacular there. The dining is also wonderful and vegetarian friendly.
Potsdam, an hour away from us, is a lovely college town full of cafes, international cuisine, boutiques, and access to the Raquette River. There is art and academia, and it seems very pedestrian friendly. I wish it were closer so I could live there!
Our city is Watertown. While smaller than Utica, it seems cleaner and more alive. There are many shops, restaurants, a huge and ornate library, and a thriving farmers market that is right in the middle of everything on Wednesdays (although parking is hard to find...) and a second, smaller one closer to the community college on Saturdays.
I am finding things to keep me busy outside of work and home. There are a lot of classes that I would like to take advantage of when I have a little more money - yoga, sustainable/organic gardening, tai chi, weaving, drumming.... I've even found belly dancing classes a few towns away. The CUUPs chapter is now providing me a place to practice Paganism more regularly with others. A second New Age shop just opened up here. The Mustard Seed in Watertown is my vegetarian cafe. We have an amazing Thai restaurant, a decent Indian restaurant, and now have hibachi! We are super close to the Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Ottawa, and Montreal. The military presence originally gave Northern NY a conservative feel, and I'm sure a majority of people here are very conservative, but the area is more diverse than that. I'm feeling happier here and more at home, and that's even without me waxing poetic about how I have an amazing job with wonderful people!
There are things I miss. The proximity to my family and friends is one of them. My parents, especially my father, keep talking about moving up here. They really like it. I wish they would. I miss seeing them as much as I used to. There are things about Utica I miss as well: the amazing Stanley theater and the art museum mostly. The Stanley gets Broadway shows and MWPAI has a spectacular collection as well as their affordable film series. Weretoad and I used to take advantage of that all the time. We also miss Minar, the Indian Restaurant in Utica. The place in Watertown isn't bad - it's quite good really - but the environment at Minar was special. The staff knew us and the decor was warmer feeling. Utica also had more independent cafes. I've found some in Clayton, Canton, and Potsdam, but Watertown only seems to have Paneera and the closest thin in my hometown is a Jrek's Sub Shop.
I also miss how close everything was in the Mohawk Valley. Unless living in the extreme outskirts, it only took 15-20 minutes to get anywhere. Up here, we have to drive 30 minutes to Watertown, 30 minutes to A Bay, 40 minutes to Clayton, 40 minutes to Canton, 1 hour to Potsdam... It's annoying and stressful to someone who wants to be more environmentally friendly. But even if I were to move to Watertown so I could be closer to everything there, I would then be 30 minutes from my job. I can't win, aside from moving in between - which is what we'd like to do. But, as the author of F that S says in her latest blog entry, living in the North Country comes with a lot of driving. Her entry assuaged my inner guilt, reminding me that the little things one does to help the environment do add up. Thanks for that!
While I'm certainly not close-minded to moving elsewhere down the road, I am finding myself happy here. I have days or moments when I am annoyed by the driving, but that's really the worst part, and I want to focus on the best parts, of which there are many.
Here's to another year of exploration and growth in the North Country!
* I've not seen either yet, but my place of employment was on lockdown due to a bear once.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
In many ways, the North Country is similar to the Mohawk Valley. It's still NY and therefore we witness similar plants and animals. Each area enjoys productive agricultural areas and lovely rivers and/or canals. We're a couple hours away from the Utica/Rome area, so I'm not seriously removed from my family and friends.
That said there are differences. Few people see wild bears in the Mohawk Valley, but they're quite common up here, as are bobcats*. There have even been lynx and cougar sightings. This is probably because life up here is more agriculture than in the Mohawk Valley which is heavily urban and suburban except for a few happy exceptions. The bigger animals haven't been driven out yet.
The rivers in the North Country seem more appreciated. They are a central part of life here and not just something discussed in 4th grade social studies. People celebrate our rivers. Schools incorporate them into their songs. The St. Lawrence is huge to our tourist industry, and many people who reside in this area enjoy it for sport, beauty, and sustenance.
The urban and suburban centers, while spread apart, have grown on me. Alexandria Bay is kitschy but the views are beautiful and the swimming area is great on a hot day. Clayton is one of my favorite places to go. It seems to be the artistic center of Northern NY with its textile museum, antique boat museum, studios, galleries, opera house, and art classes. The view of the St. Lawrence is just as spectacular there. The dining is also wonderful and vegetarian friendly.
Potsdam, an hour away from us, is a lovely college town full of cafes, international cuisine, boutiques, and access to the Raquette River. There is art and academia, and it seems very pedestrian friendly. I wish it were closer so I could live there!
Our city is Watertown. While smaller than Utica, it seems cleaner and more alive. There are many shops, restaurants, a huge and ornate library, and a thriving farmers market that is right in the middle of everything on Wednesdays (although parking is hard to find...) and a second, smaller one closer to the community college on Saturdays.
I am finding things to keep me busy outside of work and home. There are a lot of classes that I would like to take advantage of when I have a little more money - yoga, sustainable/organic gardening, tai chi, weaving, drumming.... I've even found belly dancing classes a few towns away. The CUUPs chapter is now providing me a place to practice Paganism more regularly with others. A second New Age shop just opened up here. The Mustard Seed in Watertown is my vegetarian cafe. We have an amazing Thai restaurant, a decent Indian restaurant, and now have hibachi! We are super close to the Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Ottawa, and Montreal. The military presence originally gave Northern NY a conservative feel, and I'm sure a majority of people here are very conservative, but the area is more diverse than that. I'm feeling happier here and more at home, and that's even without me waxing poetic about how I have an amazing job with wonderful people!
There are things I miss. The proximity to my family and friends is one of them. My parents, especially my father, keep talking about moving up here. They really like it. I wish they would. I miss seeing them as much as I used to. There are things about Utica I miss as well: the amazing Stanley theater and the art museum mostly. The Stanley gets Broadway shows and MWPAI has a spectacular collection as well as their affordable film series. Weretoad and I used to take advantage of that all the time. We also miss Minar, the Indian Restaurant in Utica. The place in Watertown isn't bad - it's quite good really - but the environment at Minar was special. The staff knew us and the decor was warmer feeling. Utica also had more independent cafes. I've found some in Clayton, Canton, and Potsdam, but Watertown only seems to have Paneera and the closest thin in my hometown is a Jrek's Sub Shop.
I also miss how close everything was in the Mohawk Valley. Unless living in the extreme outskirts, it only took 15-20 minutes to get anywhere. Up here, we have to drive 30 minutes to Watertown, 30 minutes to A Bay, 40 minutes to Clayton, 40 minutes to Canton, 1 hour to Potsdam... It's annoying and stressful to someone who wants to be more environmentally friendly. But even if I were to move to Watertown so I could be closer to everything there, I would then be 30 minutes from my job. I can't win, aside from moving in between - which is what we'd like to do. But, as the author of F that S says in her latest blog entry, living in the North Country comes with a lot of driving. Her entry assuaged my inner guilt, reminding me that the little things one does to help the environment do add up. Thanks for that!
While I'm certainly not close-minded to moving elsewhere down the road, I am finding myself happy here. I have days or moments when I am annoyed by the driving, but that's really the worst part, and I want to focus on the best parts, of which there are many.
Here's to another year of exploration and growth in the North Country!
* I've not seen either yet, but my place of employment was on lockdown due to a bear once.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sunday, August 15, 2010
CUUPs - Take Two
Last Tuesday I gave the local CUUPs chapter another chance. I stopped going after my first visit because 1) I was ill for their next meeting, 2) scheduling with Weretoad complicated travel and 3) I was honestly unimpressed with the meeting. They spent most of it discussing the food to serve - an activity better relegated to a sign-up sheet or an online forum. I was disgruntled and returned to my solitary den, emerging only to celebrate with Muin Mound in Syracuse.
I decided that I had enough of being so alone. I love my grovies and cherish the time I spend with them, but it's not enough. I need to make friends up here as well. CUUPs, with its open, bi-monthly meetings seemed like the best bet. Only...for a few weeks it seemed they had disbanded. The organizer's computer was at the 'puter doctor, hence the poor communication.
My most recent foray into the CUUPs world was more enjoyable. The meeting was held outside where I was able to admire the lovely church grounds. There were more people than last time. We all discussed our experiences and/or research on lunar rituals and traditions. I was called a living book because of my knowledge on Celtic lore. This amused me because, compared with some people in ADF, I'm such a noob. Weretoad was at work so I didn't feel like I had to leave right away in sympathy for his boredom. I stayed and chatted with several people about Druidism, green/hedge/kitchen witchcraft, auras, and local shops. It felt so good to talk with like-minded people in my new hometown. Perhaps I just wasn't ready last time... Or perhaps the group has progressed in their organization?
I guess we'll see how it goes. :)
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I decided that I had enough of being so alone. I love my grovies and cherish the time I spend with them, but it's not enough. I need to make friends up here as well. CUUPs, with its open, bi-monthly meetings seemed like the best bet. Only...for a few weeks it seemed they had disbanded. The organizer's computer was at the 'puter doctor, hence the poor communication.
My most recent foray into the CUUPs world was more enjoyable. The meeting was held outside where I was able to admire the lovely church grounds. There were more people than last time. We all discussed our experiences and/or research on lunar rituals and traditions. I was called a living book because of my knowledge on Celtic lore. This amused me because, compared with some people in ADF, I'm such a noob. Weretoad was at work so I didn't feel like I had to leave right away in sympathy for his boredom. I stayed and chatted with several people about Druidism, green/hedge/kitchen witchcraft, auras, and local shops. It felt so good to talk with like-minded people in my new hometown. Perhaps I just wasn't ready last time... Or perhaps the group has progressed in their organization?
I guess we'll see how it goes. :)
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Monday, August 9, 2010
Hospitality and Piety
I love having company over. I so rarely get to see the people I consider my tribe, so it was a real treat to have friends visit. We had a lot of fun in Alex Bay and Watertown, but we mostly stayed home for chatting, snacking, and playing copious amounts of games. If only there had been more time for more fun.
Having guests is always a test of virtue. I try my best and take pride in being a hospitable hostess. I love to cook fresh meals and share my drink. Hospitality aside, my piety to the Kindreds is also tested.
They are never far from my mind to begin with, and I pray a lot - especially before eating and while traveling. Yet when people share my home, my routine is always a bit disrupted. (Truthfully, it already was thanks to my infernal, cough-inducing allergies...) My devotionals are shortened because I need to be a good hostess and it is too loud for me to meditate. I am proud of myself for getting up and doing my full, formal ritual yesterday, but even that was not as usual because of my need to assist my guests. I felt self-conscious chanting, as well. I found myself whispering the songs. It was not a very powerful ritual but I am glad to have done it. I like showing the Kindreds that I care, and I think they understand the strained ritual when I so rarely entertain.
I believe that ritual, trance, and meditation aren't the only ways that we show honor to the Kindreds. When we find joy with our tribe, treat others with love and respect, and celebrate life - even in a non-religious context - the Kindreds are there. Strengthening bonds with the tribe is just as important as ritual on my Druidic path.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Having guests is always a test of virtue. I try my best and take pride in being a hospitable hostess. I love to cook fresh meals and share my drink. Hospitality aside, my piety to the Kindreds is also tested.
They are never far from my mind to begin with, and I pray a lot - especially before eating and while traveling. Yet when people share my home, my routine is always a bit disrupted. (Truthfully, it already was thanks to my infernal, cough-inducing allergies...) My devotionals are shortened because I need to be a good hostess and it is too loud for me to meditate. I am proud of myself for getting up and doing my full, formal ritual yesterday, but even that was not as usual because of my need to assist my guests. I felt self-conscious chanting, as well. I found myself whispering the songs. It was not a very powerful ritual but I am glad to have done it. I like showing the Kindreds that I care, and I think they understand the strained ritual when I so rarely entertain.
I believe that ritual, trance, and meditation aren't the only ways that we show honor to the Kindreds. When we find joy with our tribe, treat others with love and respect, and celebrate life - even in a non-religious context - the Kindreds are there. Strengthening bonds with the tribe is just as important as ritual on my Druidic path.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Today was busy but in a good way. I went to Massage Works in Watertown for my monthly massage. My therapist says she noticed I didn't have as many knots this time. I asked her about lomilomi massage, because I was curious, and she did some on me. It was interesting but not something I would want for an entire session. It's very intense and, in some ways, rough. She only did a little bit, and I definitely felt like she was breaking through something. My lower back feels really limber now! Next time I might reserve a longer period and have her do some reflexology on my hands and feet. They always seem to cry out in jealousy after my back and neck get so much attention! Perhaps I'll practice some reiki on myself later to make up for it.
I also bought fabric for a cloak I'm going to make for Wellspring. I hope it turns out well! The fabric store in Watertown is just not as good as the one in Utica. It's very disappointing and I hope it improves... They didn't have enough of most fabric, so I decided on a moss green velour and a gold faux satin for the lining.
Speaking of stores in Utica, I heard a rumor that Accents of Ireland closed. Is that true? If so, that is very sad.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
I also bought fabric for a cloak I'm going to make for Wellspring. I hope it turns out well! The fabric store in Watertown is just not as good as the one in Utica. It's very disappointing and I hope it improves... They didn't have enough of most fabric, so I decided on a moss green velour and a gold faux satin for the lining.
Speaking of stores in Utica, I heard a rumor that Accents of Ireland closed. Is that true? If so, that is very sad.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Sunday, May 2, 2010
"It's May! It's May! The lusty month of May!"
My Beltaine was wonderful. After a delightfully amorous morning, hubby and I went to The Mustard Seed in Watertown to enjoy their Earth Day celebration. We got to try a plethora of products, including some eco-friendly perfume, organic cat treats (which our babies really enjoyed), soaps, and a micro-brewed kombucha. My husband is not a fan of the drink in general, but it was probably the best batch I ever had! We also had some delicious local baked goods and a grilled portobello sandwich. Yummy!
We headed to Syracuse to attend Muin Mound's Beltaine celebration. Yesterday was actually my three year anniversary of going to Muin Mound. I made a point to make it to a business meeting. I want to be more involved, especially as I'm going to become an official Folk of the Grove next month. My grove mates have become such a spiritual family to me. It's so easy to talk to them now, and I have so much fun.
The men went into the woods to find a tree for the maypole. My husband went reluctantly at first but ended up having a lot of fun finding, sawing, and constructing it with Skip. Hubby is one of those men who almost always has a knife on him and it was quite handy yesterday! Muin Mound's tradition is to attach last year's Yule tree to the top of the maypole. We dance around it to celebrate the fertility all around us and leave it standing in the yard to fill the land with more creative energy. Come Samhain, when the harvest is over, the maypole is chopped up and placed in our bonfire. It's a lovely tradition that really connects us to the land. I wish we brought the camera to get a photo of our maypole this year. It's probably the best I've ever seen!
The ritual was beautiful. The usual nemeton was already infested with mosquitos so we opted to use the area closer to the home. We've been using it a lot, actually, and the larger nemeton is generally bug free for Samhain. It's sad, in a way, because the nemeton is so visually striking with the large central bonfire and bridge lit by torch-light, but the newer, less-infested nemeton is also lovely and is growing on me. The second bile (sacred tree) looks quite proud with some offerings hanging from it. There's also a lovely pond which works as the well!
As the ritual began, the sky lit up a few times and thunder rolled around us. It was really something to acknowledge the three realms and chant "may the sky not fall down upon us" in such weather. I took two larger roles in the ritual this time. We have a member who always welcomes the Nature Spirits, but she wasn't there last night, so I took the part. I felt so confident and just said what was in my heart. It was an amazing feeling! I also welcomed and honored the Goddess of the rite, Bláithíne. I had an idea of what I could say, but in the end I read something prepared ahead of time. I usually don't like to do that, but I've really never worked with Bláithíne before and didn't want to stumble or get her story wrong, even though I'm fairly sure I know the basics of it. I felt a lot of wonderful things while calling to her. I felt the strength of an independent woman who knows what she wants. I felt the awe and joy of the plants all around me. I also felt compelled to learn more about her and make a doll inspired by her to give to the grove next Beltaine.
At the end of the rite, the sky could no longer hold and it began to rain. It felt cool after a humid day dancing around the maypole. We were finishing our right so it didn't spoil our fiery fun at all. We went inside and had a wonderful potluck feast.
It was such an enjoyable day and I hope everyone did something as wonderful!
May the Kindreds bless you this season!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
We headed to Syracuse to attend Muin Mound's Beltaine celebration. Yesterday was actually my three year anniversary of going to Muin Mound. I made a point to make it to a business meeting. I want to be more involved, especially as I'm going to become an official Folk of the Grove next month. My grove mates have become such a spiritual family to me. It's so easy to talk to them now, and I have so much fun.
The men went into the woods to find a tree for the maypole. My husband went reluctantly at first but ended up having a lot of fun finding, sawing, and constructing it with Skip. Hubby is one of those men who almost always has a knife on him and it was quite handy yesterday! Muin Mound's tradition is to attach last year's Yule tree to the top of the maypole. We dance around it to celebrate the fertility all around us and leave it standing in the yard to fill the land with more creative energy. Come Samhain, when the harvest is over, the maypole is chopped up and placed in our bonfire. It's a lovely tradition that really connects us to the land. I wish we brought the camera to get a photo of our maypole this year. It's probably the best I've ever seen!
The ritual was beautiful. The usual nemeton was already infested with mosquitos so we opted to use the area closer to the home. We've been using it a lot, actually, and the larger nemeton is generally bug free for Samhain. It's sad, in a way, because the nemeton is so visually striking with the large central bonfire and bridge lit by torch-light, but the newer, less-infested nemeton is also lovely and is growing on me. The second bile (sacred tree) looks quite proud with some offerings hanging from it. There's also a lovely pond which works as the well!
As the ritual began, the sky lit up a few times and thunder rolled around us. It was really something to acknowledge the three realms and chant "may the sky not fall down upon us" in such weather. I took two larger roles in the ritual this time. We have a member who always welcomes the Nature Spirits, but she wasn't there last night, so I took the part. I felt so confident and just said what was in my heart. It was an amazing feeling! I also welcomed and honored the Goddess of the rite, Bláithíne. I had an idea of what I could say, but in the end I read something prepared ahead of time. I usually don't like to do that, but I've really never worked with Bláithíne before and didn't want to stumble or get her story wrong, even though I'm fairly sure I know the basics of it. I felt a lot of wonderful things while calling to her. I felt the strength of an independent woman who knows what she wants. I felt the awe and joy of the plants all around me. I also felt compelled to learn more about her and make a doll inspired by her to give to the grove next Beltaine.
At the end of the rite, the sky could no longer hold and it began to rain. It felt cool after a humid day dancing around the maypole. We were finishing our right so it didn't spoil our fiery fun at all. We went inside and had a wonderful potluck feast.
It was such an enjoyable day and I hope everyone did something as wonderful!
May the Kindreds bless you this season!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A lovely day exploring the North Country!
My vacation is nearly at an end. We decided to busy ourselves today, get out, and explore a bit more. Many people I know have taken advantage of their free time to enjoy Myrtle Beach or the like. Lacking the funds (or, in my husband's case, the time), we've stayed in the state, making the most of it.
Today we visited Clayton, NY. What a lovely village! The view of the bay was impressive. It was a cold, rainy, and windy day so we weren't exactly comfortable so near the Thousand Islands. How marvelous visiting will be on the warmer days! We stopped at the Thousand Islands Art Center, home of the Handweaving Museum. They had a lovely exhibit of pieces made by local women. Hubby was equally entranced and we discussed taking a weaving class together sometime. We spoke with one of the curators who took our information and promised to send us a catalog of summer classes. I'm very interested in the natural dying class she told me about! Truly, the whole Center excites me! I already feel like my understanding of the fiber arts will increase tenfold thanks to my proximity to these classes! They even have a center totally devoted to pottery and are willing to rent kilns! This means I can dapple with porcelain in the future!
After that we went to the Lyric Cafe where we enjoyed vegan chai lattes and quesadillas. My husband, who has not given up dairy entirely, had cheese with his. The staff were very accommodating to me. I basically did not have a quesadilla - I had grilled veggies wrapped in a spinach tortilla. It was absolutely delicious all the same! I can't wait to take classes at the Art Center and follow it up with dinner at the cafe! Apparently there is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings.
We headed back to Watertown and decided to visit the Thompson Park Zoo. It was our first time there and we were not disappointed. Many people have lamented the absence of more "exotic" specimens, but hubby and I delighted at seeing so many local or semi-local nature spirits - including fishers and wolverines! My husband was absolutely enamored with them. To be true, so was I! I've never seen them in person so it was a real treat to think that they are related to our beloved ferrets! I also loved seeing my spirit guide, the Lynx. I feel compelled to sponsor them in the near future. It feels right. We also saw an albino snapping turtle, various examples of venomous NY snakes, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, bald eagles, snowy owls, ravens, and, some of our favorite buggers, otters! There were many more as well. I can't wait to go there again, hopefully with visiting friends and family!
Following that we ran some errands in Watertown. We've started to prepare for Wellspring. Gander Mountain was having a sale on camping equipment. We bought a cooler, a waterproof tarp to put under our tent, a tent repair kit, biodegradable shampoo and soap, eco-friendly insect repellant, and a waterproof bag to carry extra blankets in. (I've heard Wellspring can get pretty chilly at night!)
We're going to spend the end of the evening with some neighbors. They've tried inviting us over in the past but we've always been down in Utica. Today the cards are in our favor and we can actually get to know them. I hope we don't come across as too weird... Brighid, Goddess of the bards, grant me eloquence and the knowledge to hold my tongue when needed tonight! Dagda, Good God, give me humor and acceptance of my self and others! Now... to wake my husband from his nap...
Today we visited Clayton, NY. What a lovely village! The view of the bay was impressive. It was a cold, rainy, and windy day so we weren't exactly comfortable so near the Thousand Islands. How marvelous visiting will be on the warmer days! We stopped at the Thousand Islands Art Center, home of the Handweaving Museum. They had a lovely exhibit of pieces made by local women. Hubby was equally entranced and we discussed taking a weaving class together sometime. We spoke with one of the curators who took our information and promised to send us a catalog of summer classes. I'm very interested in the natural dying class she told me about! Truly, the whole Center excites me! I already feel like my understanding of the fiber arts will increase tenfold thanks to my proximity to these classes! They even have a center totally devoted to pottery and are willing to rent kilns! This means I can dapple with porcelain in the future!
After that we went to the Lyric Cafe where we enjoyed vegan chai lattes and quesadillas. My husband, who has not given up dairy entirely, had cheese with his. The staff were very accommodating to me. I basically did not have a quesadilla - I had grilled veggies wrapped in a spinach tortilla. It was absolutely delicious all the same! I can't wait to take classes at the Art Center and follow it up with dinner at the cafe! Apparently there is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings.
We headed back to Watertown and decided to visit the Thompson Park Zoo. It was our first time there and we were not disappointed. Many people have lamented the absence of more "exotic" specimens, but hubby and I delighted at seeing so many local or semi-local nature spirits - including fishers and wolverines! My husband was absolutely enamored with them. To be true, so was I! I've never seen them in person so it was a real treat to think that they are related to our beloved ferrets! I also loved seeing my spirit guide, the Lynx. I feel compelled to sponsor them in the near future. It feels right. We also saw an albino snapping turtle, various examples of venomous NY snakes, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, bald eagles, snowy owls, ravens, and, some of our favorite buggers, otters! There were many more as well. I can't wait to go there again, hopefully with visiting friends and family!
Following that we ran some errands in Watertown. We've started to prepare for Wellspring. Gander Mountain was having a sale on camping equipment. We bought a cooler, a waterproof tarp to put under our tent, a tent repair kit, biodegradable shampoo and soap, eco-friendly insect repellant, and a waterproof bag to carry extra blankets in. (I've heard Wellspring can get pretty chilly at night!)
We're going to spend the end of the evening with some neighbors. They've tried inviting us over in the past but we've always been down in Utica. Today the cards are in our favor and we can actually get to know them. I hope we don't come across as too weird... Brighid, Goddess of the bards, grant me eloquence and the knowledge to hold my tongue when needed tonight! Dagda, Good God, give me humor and acceptance of my self and others! Now... to wake my husband from his nap...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Still Waiting on the Massage
I said I would tell you how my massage went. Well, I would if I had had one. The directions Google Maps gave me were, surprisingly, wrong. I've never, ever had a problem with it before, but apparently this has happened more than once for the massage therapist. The address on her website has taken GPS devices to a completely different location than the one Google Maps sent me to, and both are wrong. She gave me explicit directions for my rescheduled appointment on Thursday. I cannot wait!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Exploring Watertown and Sewing a Skirt
I had a lovely day with my husband and parents yesterday. I showed my parents the Paddock Arcade, where I broought my mother Moontide Arts, the New Age shop, while the men waited outside. She really loved all the clothing there. We also went to some boutiques on Court St. like the fair trade/thrift shop and the new "Spinning Wheel." It was nice to walk around the city on such a gorgeous day. I bought myself a sun dress, a locally made soy candle, some incense, and a dragon soap dish for the bathroom*. We had lunch at The Mustard Seed where my mum bought me some yummy vegan cookies. Later I served my family a homemade meal of shepherds pie, bread, and deviled eggs from the local farmers. My mum provided the wine and my dad brought us some dill mushrooms. Mmm!
Hubby and I are having a fun day today. We went outside to throw a football around, then walked our ferrets which was fun.
I finished assembling my sleeve skirt**. It was super easy. My husband had some button-down shirts that didn't fit him. Most of them are going to charity but I selected a couple to construct this fun and simple piece***.
I have to iron it again but I'm happy with it. I was thinking of adding some sort of trim but hubby thinks it looks fine as is. I may add some jingle bells but we'll see...
* Some of you may think that's awfully kitsch. Just remember that taste is relative!
** I got the idea from this Thread Banger tutorial.
***For my lj friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
Hubby and I are having a fun day today. We went outside to throw a football around, then walked our ferrets which was fun.
I finished assembling my sleeve skirt**. It was super easy. My husband had some button-down shirts that didn't fit him. Most of them are going to charity but I selected a couple to construct this fun and simple piece***.
I have to iron it again but I'm happy with it. I was thinking of adding some sort of trim but hubby thinks it looks fine as is. I may add some jingle bells but we'll see...
* Some of you may think that's awfully kitsch. Just remember that taste is relative!
** I got the idea from this Thread Banger tutorial.
***For my lj friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Great Outdoor Expo and a Different Perspective on Ancestor Veneration
As I said in my last entry, my husband and I saw "How to Train Your Dragon" this afternoon. After that we went to the Watertown Great Outdoor Expo.* The entrance fee was only $3 per person so I figured it would be a fun thing to check out. It's true that my husband and I are both vegetarians and not hunters, but we have an interest in other outdoor activities. My husband has also become quite interested in (and good at) target practice after going a few times with other family members and friends.
There were a lot of interesting things to see: animal calls (an old interest of mine), baby ducks, a giant, hand-carved chess set, rock climbing demonstrations, some small animals from the local zoo, and even a scuba pool! My husband took scuba classes several years ago in Syracuse but was never certified. It's something we'd both like to do one day. I tried to convince him to try the scuba gear with me but he didn't feel like it and I didn't want to do it alone. I got some information, though. I would love to take a class. The North Country is a good place for scuba diving so we should take advantage of that sometime! I also got information about white water rafting, another activity to try on the local Black River. Any of my friends want to try it out?
There was also a chiropractic table set up and I was asked if I wanted a free screening. I basically said, "oh what the heck, why not?" and the lady said I had some problems, including swelling in my lower back. I do get a lot of aches there. They were offering a low price for further consultations, but I decided that I want to go in to the local doctor for a full check-up first and see what he or she says. It is discouraging to think I have some back problems that could become more serious as I age... When I went to the reiki workshop last week, a lot of people who practiced on me said they felt a weird energy around my lower abdomen but I don't recall anything specific about my back. Hmmm... I'll have to see what another doctor says and then I'll consider a regime of chiropractic consultations, massage, and reiki.
In other news, a new blog I've been following, Flame in Bloom, has a great post about ancestor veneration among heathens and what that means when you have little respect for recent ancestors. It's a perspective I've not thought much about. Ancestors are just as important in Druidism and Celtic Reconstructionism, and I've been blessed with a family I feel close to despite their idiosyncrasies. Those who have passed are still cherished for the lessons learned and the positive impact they had on me. Michelle Daw, an ADF member and practicing stoic, kind of touched on this is his recent video chat on stoicism. I remember him discussing family members who were not very kind or responsible. They taught him how not to behave. The lessons may have been painful, but they were important and he thanks them for that. Anyone having difficulty forming a relationship with their ancestors should definitely check out Flame in Bloom's most recent post** and/or start a conversation with Daw. He's very approachable and willing to help.
That's all I have for today! Again, I'm working on some book reviews which I should post soon. Remember Earth Hour tonight! Turn your lights off from 8:30 to 9:30!
*For my lj friends: http://www.greatoutdoorexpo.com/
** For my lj friends: http://flameinbloom.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/on-ancestors-and-our-bodies/
There were a lot of interesting things to see: animal calls (an old interest of mine), baby ducks, a giant, hand-carved chess set, rock climbing demonstrations, some small animals from the local zoo, and even a scuba pool! My husband took scuba classes several years ago in Syracuse but was never certified. It's something we'd both like to do one day. I tried to convince him to try the scuba gear with me but he didn't feel like it and I didn't want to do it alone. I got some information, though. I would love to take a class. The North Country is a good place for scuba diving so we should take advantage of that sometime! I also got information about white water rafting, another activity to try on the local Black River. Any of my friends want to try it out?
There was also a chiropractic table set up and I was asked if I wanted a free screening. I basically said, "oh what the heck, why not?" and the lady said I had some problems, including swelling in my lower back. I do get a lot of aches there. They were offering a low price for further consultations, but I decided that I want to go in to the local doctor for a full check-up first and see what he or she says. It is discouraging to think I have some back problems that could become more serious as I age... When I went to the reiki workshop last week, a lot of people who practiced on me said they felt a weird energy around my lower abdomen but I don't recall anything specific about my back. Hmmm... I'll have to see what another doctor says and then I'll consider a regime of chiropractic consultations, massage, and reiki.
In other news, a new blog I've been following, Flame in Bloom, has a great post about ancestor veneration among heathens and what that means when you have little respect for recent ancestors. It's a perspective I've not thought much about. Ancestors are just as important in Druidism and Celtic Reconstructionism, and I've been blessed with a family I feel close to despite their idiosyncrasies. Those who have passed are still cherished for the lessons learned and the positive impact they had on me. Michelle Daw, an ADF member and practicing stoic, kind of touched on this is his recent video chat on stoicism. I remember him discussing family members who were not very kind or responsible. They taught him how not to behave. The lessons may have been painful, but they were important and he thanks them for that. Anyone having difficulty forming a relationship with their ancestors should definitely check out Flame in Bloom's most recent post** and/or start a conversation with Daw. He's very approachable and willing to help.
That's all I have for today! Again, I'm working on some book reviews which I should post soon. Remember Earth Hour tonight! Turn your lights off from 8:30 to 9:30!
*For my lj friends: http://www.greatoutdoorexpo.com/
** For my lj friends: http://flameinbloom.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/on-ancestors-and-our-bodies/
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Bits and Bobs on a Tuesday Night
First off, a doodle I've been toying with tonight.* I was experimenting with some charcoal. Not really done but thought I'd share.
I was really hopeful to get one of my books on magic in Northern Europe today. I can't wait to start the ISP! In the meantime, I'm slowly working my way through some online drawing tutorials while coming up with sources for my muse essay.
In other news, I decided not to attend the Watertown CUUPS ritual tonight. I'm really congested and I can't participate well in a group meditation when I feel like I can't breathe. I hope they enjoy themselves!
Finally, I thought I should mention that I found my missing oath ring! It was hiding in a laundry basket. My hand feels less naked! Out of curiosity, do any of you have spiritually significant jewelry? What is it, where do you wear it, and what is the symbolism behind it?
* For my lj friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
I was really hopeful to get one of my books on magic in Northern Europe today. I can't wait to start the ISP! In the meantime, I'm slowly working my way through some online drawing tutorials while coming up with sources for my muse essay.
In other news, I decided not to attend the Watertown CUUPS ritual tonight. I'm really congested and I can't participate well in a group meditation when I feel like I can't breathe. I hope they enjoy themselves!
Finally, I thought I should mention that I found my missing oath ring! It was hiding in a laundry basket. My hand feels less naked! Out of curiosity, do any of you have spiritually significant jewelry? What is it, where do you wear it, and what is the symbolism behind it?
* For my lj friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happy Sunday, readers! Did you remember to spring forward?
North Country Goes Green
I wanted to start off by apologizing if I sounded *really* negative about the Watertown Irish Festival. It really wasn't that bad. I was mostly annoyed by the difficulty we had finding parking and how crowded the building was. I tried to say this last night, but I must have been too tired to finish the thought. (Wow that really reflects well on my blogging, doesn't it?!) Utica, as I was saying, has their Irish Festival on some fairgrounds which offer ample space for vendors, performances, and various cultural activities. There's also a lot of parking. I understand that Watertown wants to have the event closer to St. Patrick's Day, but that means it's cold, possibly raining, and probably muddy out. Utica waits until around Lughnasadh, the traditional gathering of the Celtic tribes. This means it's usually pretty comfortable out and the fairgrounds make sense. So... either Watertown should plan their festival later in the year or find a larger building with better parking. Otherwise, do go! If you're a proud Irish descendant, it's always fun to celebrate your heritage, and the money is going to a good cause - Project Children, an organization that aims to promote peace between Protestant and Catholic Ireland.
So, back to my regularly scheduled blogging*.
Art Guild and Initiate Study Programs
As you know, I'm working on the above study programs. I've only just dipped my big toe in. I'm starting to sketch again. I'm thinking of making drawing my second medium. My friend Parallax encouraged me to look to something less three dimensional. A lot of the sewing I do, dolls and costumes, a lot like sculpting. While I still want to learn more about sculpting with materials such as porcelain, furthering my drawing skills could be very helpful in the design aspect of sewing. I studied drawing in high school and college but, unfortunately, a lot of my previous work has gone missing. It's the unfortunate side of frequently moving. I found some of my old supplies and have started to study things and sketch them. Last night my husband's Xbox controller graciously modeled for me. This morning I started to sketch my tea cup.
As far as sewing goes, I've been busying myself this morning by taking apart old garments that don't fit or are worn out. I'm going to repurpose the fabric in some other sewing projects eventually.
The book I've been reading, The Rites of Brigid Goddess and Saint, has given me a lot of ideas for my essay on her relationship to the arts. I've learned a lot already, especially in regards to the folk practices that existed throughout Celtic countries. I'm also inspired to learn more about Irish textiles. I know they used linen and wool most of the time. I've been researching their clothing and it's really fascinating.
In regards to the Initiate Study Program, I'm trying to figure out where to start. It's kind of daunting when you get right down to it! At the very least, I want to get back into a more regular meditation routine. As I was telling my mentee, I have an on-again-off-again relationship with meditation. I feel that it's vitally important to my health and spiritual relationship to the kindreds, but my dedication comes and goes in waves, usually interrupting by my stress and energy levels. Learning how to get past that so that my meditation is just as uninterrupted as my daily devotional: that is my goal for the ISP. I need to develop some sort of schedule.
ADF Store
In other news, the ADF store, despite the message on the home page, is once more opened for business! They have a large assortment of publications, jewelry, and clothing. I'm thinking about getting a hoodie. I've heard that Wellspring is cold at night, and I could use a nice warm sweatshirt.
* Actually, my blogging is not scheduled. It's sporadic and seems more frequent on the weekends.
North Country Goes Green
I wanted to start off by apologizing if I sounded *really* negative about the Watertown Irish Festival. It really wasn't that bad. I was mostly annoyed by the difficulty we had finding parking and how crowded the building was. I tried to say this last night, but I must have been too tired to finish the thought. (Wow that really reflects well on my blogging, doesn't it?!) Utica, as I was saying, has their Irish Festival on some fairgrounds which offer ample space for vendors, performances, and various cultural activities. There's also a lot of parking. I understand that Watertown wants to have the event closer to St. Patrick's Day, but that means it's cold, possibly raining, and probably muddy out. Utica waits until around Lughnasadh, the traditional gathering of the Celtic tribes. This means it's usually pretty comfortable out and the fairgrounds make sense. So... either Watertown should plan their festival later in the year or find a larger building with better parking. Otherwise, do go! If you're a proud Irish descendant, it's always fun to celebrate your heritage, and the money is going to a good cause - Project Children, an organization that aims to promote peace between Protestant and Catholic Ireland.
So, back to my regularly scheduled blogging*.
Art Guild and Initiate Study Programs
As you know, I'm working on the above study programs. I've only just dipped my big toe in. I'm starting to sketch again. I'm thinking of making drawing my second medium. My friend Parallax encouraged me to look to something less three dimensional. A lot of the sewing I do, dolls and costumes, a lot like sculpting. While I still want to learn more about sculpting with materials such as porcelain, furthering my drawing skills could be very helpful in the design aspect of sewing. I studied drawing in high school and college but, unfortunately, a lot of my previous work has gone missing. It's the unfortunate side of frequently moving. I found some of my old supplies and have started to study things and sketch them. Last night my husband's Xbox controller graciously modeled for me. This morning I started to sketch my tea cup.
As far as sewing goes, I've been busying myself this morning by taking apart old garments that don't fit or are worn out. I'm going to repurpose the fabric in some other sewing projects eventually.
The book I've been reading, The Rites of Brigid Goddess and Saint, has given me a lot of ideas for my essay on her relationship to the arts. I've learned a lot already, especially in regards to the folk practices that existed throughout Celtic countries. I'm also inspired to learn more about Irish textiles. I know they used linen and wool most of the time. I've been researching their clothing and it's really fascinating.
In regards to the Initiate Study Program, I'm trying to figure out where to start. It's kind of daunting when you get right down to it! At the very least, I want to get back into a more regular meditation routine. As I was telling my mentee, I have an on-again-off-again relationship with meditation. I feel that it's vitally important to my health and spiritual relationship to the kindreds, but my dedication comes and goes in waves, usually interrupting by my stress and energy levels. Learning how to get past that so that my meditation is just as uninterrupted as my daily devotional: that is my goal for the ISP. I need to develop some sort of schedule.
ADF Store
In other news, the ADF store, despite the message on the home page, is once more opened for business! They have a large assortment of publications, jewelry, and clothing. I'm thinking about getting a hoodie. I've heard that Wellspring is cold at night, and I could use a nice warm sweatshirt.
* Actually, my blogging is not scheduled. It's sporadic and seems more frequent on the weekends.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Watertown Irish Festival
My husband and I went to the Irish Festival in Watertown this afternoon. I went to it with low expectations thanks to what other people had told me and, even though it wasn't quite as bad as they made it seem, it wasn't as good as the Great American Irish Festival near Utica.
I'll start with the good. I got to see Merry Mischief perform and I really enjoyed seeing them. They're a favorite pair of minstrels that frequent the Sterling Renaissance Festival and have been to a few Pagan festivals as well. I love a good Irish ditty, and its even better when there are Pagan themes snuck in! I also enjoyed seeing the local Irish step dancers (I should try that sometime...) and listening to new Irish bands. There were a few vendors and it's always nice to see Pagan wares - tarot, ogham sticks, fairy statues, etc... It was fun to get out and go to an event in my new home city.
That said, there was a lot to be desired from something in its 25th year. The location was crowded and it was really, really hard to find a parking place. GAIF, near Utica, has its Irish fest on fair grounds, meaning there's ample parking and plenty of room. I understand that Watertown probably wants their festivities close to St. Patrick's Day, but Utica has theirs near Lughnasadh, the traditional gathering of the tribes in Ireland. There are more cultural activities at the Utica event, including language lessons, Irish dog breed exhibits, dance lessons, and even an Irish mass.
Really, I think I would have liked it better were it in a more convenient location. The building was just too small. The main stage, on the 11th floor, felt so claustrophobic that we decided not to stay for the main act. Will I go next year? Maybe. It's okay for a few hours and, like I said, it's always fun to get out and do *something*. I hope there are improvements in the future.
I'll start with the good. I got to see Merry Mischief perform and I really enjoyed seeing them. They're a favorite pair of minstrels that frequent the Sterling Renaissance Festival and have been to a few Pagan festivals as well. I love a good Irish ditty, and its even better when there are Pagan themes snuck in! I also enjoyed seeing the local Irish step dancers (I should try that sometime...) and listening to new Irish bands. There were a few vendors and it's always nice to see Pagan wares - tarot, ogham sticks, fairy statues, etc... It was fun to get out and go to an event in my new home city.
That said, there was a lot to be desired from something in its 25th year. The location was crowded and it was really, really hard to find a parking place. GAIF, near Utica, has its Irish fest on fair grounds, meaning there's ample parking and plenty of room. I understand that Watertown probably wants their festivities close to St. Patrick's Day, but Utica has theirs near Lughnasadh, the traditional gathering of the tribes in Ireland. There are more cultural activities at the Utica event, including language lessons, Irish dog breed exhibits, dance lessons, and even an Irish mass.
Really, I think I would have liked it better were it in a more convenient location. The building was just too small. The main stage, on the 11th floor, felt so claustrophobic that we decided not to stay for the main act. Will I go next year? Maybe. It's okay for a few hours and, like I said, it's always fun to get out and do *something*. I hope there are improvements in the future.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Spring is Coming
I heard geese today! That's a sure sign of spring!
It feels so comfortable outside. I love these transitionary moments. I can feel the energy and the potential in the air. Things are stirring. Life is stirring.
In other news, I finally attended a CUUPS meeting. It was held in the Watertown UU (Huge, lovely building, by the way. I was surprised at how large it was!). My husband came because I was nervous about meeting new people - Pagans in particular. You see, as much as I love my religious community, it can't be denied that we attract some folks with questionable stability and, sometimes, morality. I was delighted to find a group of inviting, intelligent, sane people. Really, I've only had a couple of freaky experiences - both relatively minor to others I've heard of. But still. It doesn't hurt to play it safe, especially as a woman in an area full of testosterone, economic uncertainty, and a pool of people potentially dealing with PTSD.
Anyway, first impressions are everything and, as I said, these seemed like good people. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and prepare for the Spring Equinox. I was a little put off by the use of an Edain McCoy book, but otherwise the research was pretty spot on to a lot of history books I've read. Of course there was the usual duotheistic slant I've come to expect from most eclectic groups, but I am fine with that so long as they understand (or try to understand) the cultures from whence the holidays came. I was even more impressed that the group was attempting to have a casual ritual open to people of all paths. There will be no calling of quarters, no main deity called, no offerings given, etc. Basically, the point of the ritual is to welcome spring and raise some energy that will be put back into the Earth. Following that there is to be a potluck. I offered to bring quiche.
I am looking forward to the ritual but also have some minor trepidations with the group. Again, it is not their personalities or anything of the sort. I think, more than anything, I feel really new but also really experienced. The two women doing most of the talking have been Pagans longer than me, and that's awesome. But everyone else seems really new and quiet. I felt that I had a lot to say but was really reluctant to open my mouth for fear of overstepping boundaries. I'm also uncertain as to their true feelings about ADF. I was impressed that they knew about it, Muin Mound, and some of our beliefs. They said they had done some ADF rituals in the past but I got the feeling they really weren't keen on them. Something about being too complicated (they're long but logical, in my opinion). They're not for everyone, but I definitely get something out of them and I would hate to work with people who turn their noses down on my tradition. I guess I'll just see how things go next time and consider whether or not I go back... It's hard being the newbie. I'm uncertain how they see me and what they really think.
You see, I'm struggling with wanting to find a local community and friends that I can feel safe with, and feeling like I already have too much going on. Whenever I participate in ADF chats or attend Muin Mound, I feel really fulfilled. I like being on a similar wavelength to others, and it's not like I've severed ties with my eclectic Pagan friends in Utica. I just... I don't know. I'm lonely but then I'm not. Growing pains, I suppose. I guess I'll just see what happens! At the very least, I would like to give the CUUPS a chance and maintain a positive relationship with them.
It feels so comfortable outside. I love these transitionary moments. I can feel the energy and the potential in the air. Things are stirring. Life is stirring.
In other news, I finally attended a CUUPS meeting. It was held in the Watertown UU (Huge, lovely building, by the way. I was surprised at how large it was!). My husband came because I was nervous about meeting new people - Pagans in particular. You see, as much as I love my religious community, it can't be denied that we attract some folks with questionable stability and, sometimes, morality. I was delighted to find a group of inviting, intelligent, sane people. Really, I've only had a couple of freaky experiences - both relatively minor to others I've heard of. But still. It doesn't hurt to play it safe, especially as a woman in an area full of testosterone, economic uncertainty, and a pool of people potentially dealing with PTSD.
Anyway, first impressions are everything and, as I said, these seemed like good people. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and prepare for the Spring Equinox. I was a little put off by the use of an Edain McCoy book, but otherwise the research was pretty spot on to a lot of history books I've read. Of course there was the usual duotheistic slant I've come to expect from most eclectic groups, but I am fine with that so long as they understand (or try to understand) the cultures from whence the holidays came. I was even more impressed that the group was attempting to have a casual ritual open to people of all paths. There will be no calling of quarters, no main deity called, no offerings given, etc. Basically, the point of the ritual is to welcome spring and raise some energy that will be put back into the Earth. Following that there is to be a potluck. I offered to bring quiche.
I am looking forward to the ritual but also have some minor trepidations with the group. Again, it is not their personalities or anything of the sort. I think, more than anything, I feel really new but also really experienced. The two women doing most of the talking have been Pagans longer than me, and that's awesome. But everyone else seems really new and quiet. I felt that I had a lot to say but was really reluctant to open my mouth for fear of overstepping boundaries. I'm also uncertain as to their true feelings about ADF. I was impressed that they knew about it, Muin Mound, and some of our beliefs. They said they had done some ADF rituals in the past but I got the feeling they really weren't keen on them. Something about being too complicated (they're long but logical, in my opinion). They're not for everyone, but I definitely get something out of them and I would hate to work with people who turn their noses down on my tradition. I guess I'll just see how things go next time and consider whether or not I go back... It's hard being the newbie. I'm uncertain how they see me and what they really think.
You see, I'm struggling with wanting to find a local community and friends that I can feel safe with, and feeling like I already have too much going on. Whenever I participate in ADF chats or attend Muin Mound, I feel really fulfilled. I like being on a similar wavelength to others, and it's not like I've severed ties with my eclectic Pagan friends in Utica. I just... I don't know. I'm lonely but then I'm not. Growing pains, I suppose. I guess I'll just see what happens! At the very least, I would like to give the CUUPS a chance and maintain a positive relationship with them.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Happy Times!
Three things to mention before a busy evening:
1) Spring! Spring! Spring! The sun is shining, the earth is getting warmer, I hear birds singing, and I see buds on the trees! (I'm sorry if this exceeds my bubbly quota.)
2) I'm actually going to go to a CUUPS meeting tonight. I'm dragging my poor husband because I'm nervous about going by myself.
3) I was officially accepted into the Initiate Study Program! EEEE! I need to order more books!
1) Spring! Spring! Spring! The sun is shining, the earth is getting warmer, I hear birds singing, and I see buds on the trees! (I'm sorry if this exceeds my bubbly quota.)
2) I'm actually going to go to a CUUPS meeting tonight. I'm dragging my poor husband because I'm nervous about going by myself.
3) I was officially accepted into the Initiate Study Program! EEEE! I need to order more books!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Hoping to try CUUPS
Ok. I emailed the liaison for CUUPS in Watertown. According to the website, they meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. I would hate to go and find out it was rescheduled, though, so I wanted to email and get some details about what the topic of discussion will be and if I'm expected to bring a dish. I'm really dedicated to going this time. If people really rub me the wrong way, I just won't go back. If it's iffy, I'll take my friend Katrina's advice and go a few times just to make sure.
Quite simply, I would really love some Pagan contacts up here. I would love to make a friend. I cannot find anyone on my own it seems. There's the store Moontide but the shopkeeper is New Agey - not Pagan. Meetup.com doesn't list any groups. Facebook yields similar results. I'm not about to send private messages to complete strangers on Witchvox. I want to meet in the relative safety of a group. Something sanctioned by the UU puts me at further ease.
Sooo... Here's hoping (if the meeting is on) that my husband is willing to go with me (I am SO not going alone) and that it is mostly positive.
Quite simply, I would really love some Pagan contacts up here. I would love to make a friend. I cannot find anyone on my own it seems. There's the store Moontide but the shopkeeper is New Agey - not Pagan. Meetup.com doesn't list any groups. Facebook yields similar results. I'm not about to send private messages to complete strangers on Witchvox. I want to meet in the relative safety of a group. Something sanctioned by the UU puts me at further ease.
Sooo... Here's hoping (if the meeting is on) that my husband is willing to go with me (I am SO not going alone) and that it is mostly positive.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
In case any fellow Northern NY Pagans didn't know...
North Country Goes Green” Irish Festival From March 11-14, Watertown plays host to their annual “North Country Goes Green” Irish Festival, at the State Office Building. The festival, promising three days of constant musical entertainment, supports Project Children, raising money to bring children from Northern Ireland to Northern New York for four weeks in the summer. This year’s festival features a lineup that includes the very popular Dublin City Ramblers, The Glengarry Bhoys, Cliudan, Searson, Tartan, Seanache and The Terry Mostyn Band. Admission to the festival is $6 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free if accompanied by a parent. For additional information, visit http://www.ncirishfest.com/
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ancestors
When we look back at our past, it's often easy to see the obvious sign posts we passed on our way to the present. I'm one of those who believes that I was always a Pagan - I just didn't realize it until the age of 17 or 18. My father raised me to be respectful of fire, an independent thinker, and a survivor. My mother raised me to be a third generation feminist, to believe in magic, love nature, and appreciate the world around me. They both taught me how to be creative. They planted the seeds of animism and nature worship in me. The Catholicism they raised me in, with its archaic rituals and saints, acted as a gateway to polytheism. My mother kept a small altar to St. Theresa of the Roses in her room, prayed to St. Francis to protect animals, and encouraged me to ask St. Anthony for help whenever I lost something. Though conversion can naturally have a certain amount of uncertainty and fear attached to it, I'm sure it helped make praying to the Old Gods easier.
My Catholic, genealogy-obsessed grandfather would probably never understand if I attempted to tell him how much his interests impacted the conversion I went through in my late teens. Only, it would take me a few years to understand the importance of ancestors. As I studied Wicca, I thought of my ancestors as much as I would in Catholicism. They came before me. Some of them lived a long time ago practicing a foreign, ancient religion and I had a vague idea that this was somehow important spiritually. They died. They went somewhere else. Wicca and Catholicism honored them once a year - Samhain or All Souls Day. Pick your faith and pick your holy day.
Druidism looks at ancestors a bit differently than Wicca. We strive to remember them daily. We venerate them. We may even set up altars to them - and not just on Samhain (when we believe the ancestors are able to return to this realm for a time). Their importance to us lasts all year long. Many of us believe that, given their connection to us, ancestors are sometimes more concerned with our wellbeing than the Gods. The Gods may be busier than the ancestors. Ancestors may be in the Otherworld/Spirit World most of the time, but I and others believe we share some sort of emotional/psychic link with them.
I've never asked my grandfather why he's so interested in genealogy - I really should. I suspect he would say something about how the past is important because it's where we come from. I agree. However, I'm going to bet that it would end there. Maybe -maybe- he has some spiritual ideas about it as well. Maybe he looks forward to meeting them in heaven, impressing them with what he knows, and interrogating them for all the missing links. Why have I become interested in it? I feel that our ancestors are connected to us spiritually. They want to help us and, maybe, they've "been there and done that" and don't want to see us make similar mistakes. Grandparents care about their children so, if you believe in an afterlife, it makes a lot of sense that a great, great grandparent would care about you as well. To our ancient ancestors, family and tribe were extremely important. They meant survival. We're linked to them - perhaps they're even in us. Perhaps we are them reborn. I have small intuitions about these things but, in the end, I must remain largely agnostic.
Still, it's strange how the ancestors reach out sometimes. Over the Yule/Christmas season, I visited my family near Utica. I made a point to visit my grandparents and I found out that my prolific grandfather was working on yet another history book - this one more personal than the rest which investigate the annals of small, Upstate NY towns. He showed me the massive pile of pages chronicling his research on our ancestors - my ancestors on my father's side. We talked for some time about it. All these years he's been talking about the earliest recorded male in our family, John, and suddenly I started to learn about his wife, Susan(a). Why hadn't I ever thought about her before? At the time, he told me where she was from but I wasn't familiar with it - I only knew that it was in Northern Ireland. (That's where John met her while he was serving military time in British occupied Ireland.)
A month went by since learning of her. The other night I decided to email my grandfather to see how his project was going. I also wanted the name of Susan's hometown for further research. Today, in the mail, I discovered a CD version of the book. Can you imagine my amazement at receiving such a gift a few hours after inquiring? It is as if we were on a similar wavelength or Susan was guiding us. Here it all was - every known record of my family, including my most recent Irish foremother.
Here she is, Susan (at some point she dropped the "a" at the end of her name). At least, this is believed to be the only photo of her. *
She looks so ghostly in the blotchy, black and white photo, but it's not a fearful feeling for me. It's more like... I sense her looking back at me through the ages.
The more I read, the more the pieces click into place. She's from Armagh which, according to what I've been reading, was the ancient capital of Ulster. Ulster! To someone who is enamored with ancient Ireland, that's a big deal. I'm not about to spout nonsensical claims of being related to Cúchulainn or anything daft like that - it's simply exciting to find some small connection to the place I've been reading about, loving, and yearning to see. I can claim some small connection to that magical land!
What makes the story even more interesting to me is that Susan and John immigrated from Ireland to Canada and, form Canada, settled in Watertown, NY - meaning they lived around my new home turf! My grandfather found her gravestone a few years ago. I intend to find it myself this summer. I would also love to go to Armagh when my husband and I finally get to Ireland. I would love to bring a stone back and build a small cairn on her grave. Would my presumably Christian ancestor appreciate veneration from a Pagan descendant? Who knows. I remain agnostic about the afterlife and whether or not it transcends religion or accommodates it all. Perhaps she would just be happy to have a bit of her home turf and some attention from someone who still finds her wisdom important.
* LJ friends, check my blog at http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
My Catholic, genealogy-obsessed grandfather would probably never understand if I attempted to tell him how much his interests impacted the conversion I went through in my late teens. Only, it would take me a few years to understand the importance of ancestors. As I studied Wicca, I thought of my ancestors as much as I would in Catholicism. They came before me. Some of them lived a long time ago practicing a foreign, ancient religion and I had a vague idea that this was somehow important spiritually. They died. They went somewhere else. Wicca and Catholicism honored them once a year - Samhain or All Souls Day. Pick your faith and pick your holy day.
Druidism looks at ancestors a bit differently than Wicca. We strive to remember them daily. We venerate them. We may even set up altars to them - and not just on Samhain (when we believe the ancestors are able to return to this realm for a time). Their importance to us lasts all year long. Many of us believe that, given their connection to us, ancestors are sometimes more concerned with our wellbeing than the Gods. The Gods may be busier than the ancestors. Ancestors may be in the Otherworld/Spirit World most of the time, but I and others believe we share some sort of emotional/psychic link with them.
I've never asked my grandfather why he's so interested in genealogy - I really should. I suspect he would say something about how the past is important because it's where we come from. I agree. However, I'm going to bet that it would end there. Maybe -maybe- he has some spiritual ideas about it as well. Maybe he looks forward to meeting them in heaven, impressing them with what he knows, and interrogating them for all the missing links. Why have I become interested in it? I feel that our ancestors are connected to us spiritually. They want to help us and, maybe, they've "been there and done that" and don't want to see us make similar mistakes. Grandparents care about their children so, if you believe in an afterlife, it makes a lot of sense that a great, great grandparent would care about you as well. To our ancient ancestors, family and tribe were extremely important. They meant survival. We're linked to them - perhaps they're even in us. Perhaps we are them reborn. I have small intuitions about these things but, in the end, I must remain largely agnostic.
Still, it's strange how the ancestors reach out sometimes. Over the Yule/Christmas season, I visited my family near Utica. I made a point to visit my grandparents and I found out that my prolific grandfather was working on yet another history book - this one more personal than the rest which investigate the annals of small, Upstate NY towns. He showed me the massive pile of pages chronicling his research on our ancestors - my ancestors on my father's side. We talked for some time about it. All these years he's been talking about the earliest recorded male in our family, John, and suddenly I started to learn about his wife, Susan(a). Why hadn't I ever thought about her before? At the time, he told me where she was from but I wasn't familiar with it - I only knew that it was in Northern Ireland. (That's where John met her while he was serving military time in British occupied Ireland.)
A month went by since learning of her. The other night I decided to email my grandfather to see how his project was going. I also wanted the name of Susan's hometown for further research. Today, in the mail, I discovered a CD version of the book. Can you imagine my amazement at receiving such a gift a few hours after inquiring? It is as if we were on a similar wavelength or Susan was guiding us. Here it all was - every known record of my family, including my most recent Irish foremother.
She looks so ghostly in the blotchy, black and white photo, but it's not a fearful feeling for me. It's more like... I sense her looking back at me through the ages.
The more I read, the more the pieces click into place. She's from Armagh which, according to what I've been reading, was the ancient capital of Ulster. Ulster! To someone who is enamored with ancient Ireland, that's a big deal. I'm not about to spout nonsensical claims of being related to Cúchulainn or anything daft like that - it's simply exciting to find some small connection to the place I've been reading about, loving, and yearning to see. I can claim some small connection to that magical land!
What makes the story even more interesting to me is that Susan and John immigrated from Ireland to Canada and, form Canada, settled in Watertown, NY - meaning they lived around my new home turf! My grandfather found her gravestone a few years ago. I intend to find it myself this summer. I would also love to go to Armagh when my husband and I finally get to Ireland. I would love to bring a stone back and build a small cairn on her grave. Would my presumably Christian ancestor appreciate veneration from a Pagan descendant? Who knows. I remain agnostic about the afterlife and whether or not it transcends religion or accommodates it all. Perhaps she would just be happy to have a bit of her home turf and some attention from someone who still finds her wisdom important.
* LJ friends, check my blog at http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Trying Not to be Lazy
The terrible fatigue I've been feeling lately has spread to my spirituality. My rituals are suddenly shorter and lack any real meditation. I've tried to meditate in bed but I always fall asleep and have strange dreams that I can't really remember in the morning.
I keep thinking about and seeing foxes everywhere. My inner teacher is calling out to me. I really should get down to business later. And I need to do it in my ritual room. I'm too programed to sleep when in bed. Meditation doesn't come easy there.
I'm attempting to be more physically active in the hopes that it will improve my health and my energy. I started doing some aerobics yesterday. Perhaps I'll do some yoga today - something not too jarring but also strenuous. I do love stretching...
Speaking of exercise, I've looked for belly dance instructors in and around Watertown. It seems that the closest are across the border or in Syracuse. With one car between myself and my husband, neither is really feasible at the moment. In the meantime, I'm hopeful that the local BOCES will get one down the road.
I keep thinking about and seeing foxes everywhere. My inner teacher is calling out to me. I really should get down to business later. And I need to do it in my ritual room. I'm too programed to sleep when in bed. Meditation doesn't come easy there.
I'm attempting to be more physically active in the hopes that it will improve my health and my energy. I started doing some aerobics yesterday. Perhaps I'll do some yoga today - something not too jarring but also strenuous. I do love stretching...
Speaking of exercise, I've looked for belly dance instructors in and around Watertown. It seems that the closest are across the border or in Syracuse. With one car between myself and my husband, neither is really feasible at the moment. In the meantime, I'm hopeful that the local BOCES will get one down the road.
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