Today was a stressful day. It was, as I told my husband, the Monday of Mondays. Getting to work was not difficult, but once I was there it was one thing after another. There was a lot of absenteeism today. Many people are out with whooping cough which is kind of uncomfortable. I took my lunch break to run some errands. I sent my grad school application off which was good. The rest is in the hands of the administrators and the Gods. I then took some time to make what I thought would be a quick business call. It turned into a very long and stressful exchange, but supposedly everything was rectified. A second time. Gods willing, everything is fine and I will get my bloody certificate of authority so I can legally sell at the upcoming craft show! Everyone was very kind, patient, and helpful so I can't fault them too much...
I've come to accept that it's going to take me awhile to finish my Initiate Study Program. Hell, it took me at least a year to delve into my DP, and three years after that to finish. I took my time. Who can blame me? I was working on my first degree while working part time and maintaining various hobbies. Working full time while attending grad school? I know I'm going to have my hands full.
I am finding myself less resentful and guilty for my limited Druidic studying. I do what I can. I do my short daily devotionals, I pray, I make offerings to Brighid when I sew, and I do my weekly ritual complete with ogham reading. I practice bits of kitchen magic here and there. I try to make time for meditations and walks in the woods. I listen to Pagan music and podcasts. I alternate fiction with Pagan studies when I read before bed. I get in touch with my inner self and the spirits through my art. That is how I am living and experiencing Paganism now. Do I feel like I could do more? Sure. But I'm not beating myself up over it now.
( For My LJ and FB Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Showing posts with label ADF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ADF. Show all posts
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
An Dagda Chant - By Grey Catsidhe
There's been a lot of discussion about An Dagda on the lists lately. Most of it has been about pronouncing his name. All the same, I've really enjoyed the discussion. An Dagda is my patron, which may surprise some people because he is, in many ways, a pervert. Still, he has firmly become a huge part of my life and continues to remind me to have a sense of humor.
Anyway, I was driving home from dinner today and a chant entered my head. I tweaked it a bit from its original wording, but I really like it and can't stop singing it!
An Dagda is the Good God
An Dagda is the Good God
The laughing God
The lusty God
The God of plenty!
I sang it for my husband at home. He isn't sure about the final line. While I'm open to suggestions, it sounds fine to me! I'm not sure what I could change it to but I'm sure there could additions!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Anyway, I was driving home from dinner today and a chant entered my head. I tweaked it a bit from its original wording, but I really like it and can't stop singing it!
An Dagda is the Good God
An Dagda is the Good God
The laughing God
The lusty God
The God of plenty!
I sang it for my husband at home. He isn't sure about the final line. While I'm open to suggestions, it sounds fine to me! I'm not sure what I could change it to but I'm sure there could additions!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Letter to the Kindreds
Dear Kindreds,
I know I've been a bit distant recently. My ritual last week was tired and rushed. I forgot my usual peace offering for the Outdwellers. I forgot to honor the bardic spirit until after I made an offering to the ancestors. I forgot the ale but, luckily, had whiskey on hand. It felt like one of my first rituals. I was embarrassed and felt defeated. My daily devotionals have been lackluster. I've waited until the last moments to do them before I lazily drag myself to bed far too late. I speak in hushed tones or in my head because my husband is often there getting ready for sleep. The altar is in the bedroom and I feel exposed and/or distracted at times. I know I should do my rituals and devotionals earlier when my husband is at work or busy in the living room, but I spend my time doing other things. There are things that need to be done, like cleaning. There are things that I feel called to do, like sew. There are also huge wastes of time... Most days, I just want to sit and relax after a long day of work.
I would blame leaving home and visiting family over the weekend for my disrupted routines, but it's really my own lack of discipline.
I hope you know that you're never far from my thoughts. I see you in the trees, feel you on the breeze, hear you in my dreams, and experience you in my art. I try to keep close, but sometimes I feel like a boat that, while tethered to the dock, has floated lazily away. I don't know how others do it. How do they complete their study programs so quickly? How do they meditate so regularly without falling asleep? How do they write articles and books? How do they do all that while having a job and social life?
Great Kindreds, I will work harder to spend more time with you. I will work on taking better care of myself and getting to bed sooner. I will try to waste less time online. I will try harder...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I know I've been a bit distant recently. My ritual last week was tired and rushed. I forgot my usual peace offering for the Outdwellers. I forgot to honor the bardic spirit until after I made an offering to the ancestors. I forgot the ale but, luckily, had whiskey on hand. It felt like one of my first rituals. I was embarrassed and felt defeated. My daily devotionals have been lackluster. I've waited until the last moments to do them before I lazily drag myself to bed far too late. I speak in hushed tones or in my head because my husband is often there getting ready for sleep. The altar is in the bedroom and I feel exposed and/or distracted at times. I know I should do my rituals and devotionals earlier when my husband is at work or busy in the living room, but I spend my time doing other things. There are things that need to be done, like cleaning. There are things that I feel called to do, like sew. There are also huge wastes of time... Most days, I just want to sit and relax after a long day of work.
I would blame leaving home and visiting family over the weekend for my disrupted routines, but it's really my own lack of discipline.
I hope you know that you're never far from my thoughts. I see you in the trees, feel you on the breeze, hear you in my dreams, and experience you in my art. I try to keep close, but sometimes I feel like a boat that, while tethered to the dock, has floated lazily away. I don't know how others do it. How do they complete their study programs so quickly? How do they meditate so regularly without falling asleep? How do they write articles and books? How do they do all that while having a job and social life?
Great Kindreds, I will work harder to spend more time with you. I will work on taking better care of myself and getting to bed sooner. I will try to waste less time online. I will try harder...
With love,
Grey Catsidhe
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Artist Trading Cards and Temporary Foot Tattoos
As previously mentioned, The Artisan Guild in ADF has started making and exchanging artist trading cards. It's such a neat idea - I had to be in on it! Here's the card I made and sent to Dohle.
The lighting wasn't the best when I took the photo (I should really get around to making a light box...) but you can see the important bits. Dohle expressed a fondness for rowan trees and the Goddess Epona so I tried to put them together. I usually don't do much appliqué or embroidery so this was fun for me. The edges were difficult... I decided to go with a simple repeated zig-zag stitch but I worry that it wasn't neat looking. Next time I shall try something new. That said, I'm very happy with how my first trading card turned out.
This is the card I received from Brighde. She knew I adore my patroness Brighid, so she made a beautiful collage featuring the Goddess. It's hard to see in the photo, but above her are the words "Tonight the world is dark but your flame burns brightly." I want to find a frame for it and place it near my Brighid altar!
Finally, here's something my husband did to me with a sharpie when I was fixated on something else. It turned out pretty well for something drawn free-hand! It's turned me on to the idea of getting a small tattoo on my foot. I already have a lovely triquetra on my back so I'm thinking about a triskelion.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
The lighting wasn't the best when I took the photo (I should really get around to making a light box...) but you can see the important bits. Dohle expressed a fondness for rowan trees and the Goddess Epona so I tried to put them together. I usually don't do much appliqué or embroidery so this was fun for me. The edges were difficult... I decided to go with a simple repeated zig-zag stitch but I worry that it wasn't neat looking. Next time I shall try something new. That said, I'm very happy with how my first trading card turned out.
This is the card I received from Brighde. She knew I adore my patroness Brighid, so she made a beautiful collage featuring the Goddess. It's hard to see in the photo, but above her are the words "Tonight the world is dark but your flame burns brightly." I want to find a frame for it and place it near my Brighid altar!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, November 5, 2010
In Which I Struggle Through Magic 1
I think I'm finished with exit question 1 of Magic 1. For now anyway.
I now believe that one reason I stalled on the essays is because the first question is, in my opinion, worded so awkwardly. "Discuss the importance of the action of the magico-religious function as it is seen within the context of the general Indo-European culture." Over the past few months, as I read book after book on magic, I would return to the first exit question to see if I felt confident to try it. It always felt jagged going into my brain. It always sounded convoluted coming out of my mouth.
I still worry that I don't know enough to answer the questions. I'm probably over-thinking things, but I realized that I now know a lot more about the Greek and Roman perceptions of magic than the Celtic. I tried to find some old Irish legal manuscripts dealing with magic, but they either haven't been translated yet or are buried in another law text concerned with something more general. I know from prior reading that the concept of a witch or a sorcerer who practices dark magic exists in Irish lore, but I don't know if those aspects are demonized through Christianity or not. If the ancient Greek and Roman Pagans allowed for conceptions of marginal, ethically questionable magicians, it's certainly possible that the ancient Celts felt the same way. That said, the Greeks and Romans were afraid of people who threatened the social balance. The Celts, on the other hand, have examples of public cursing resulting in the fall of kings - major social change! However, the cursing is usually justified because it was the king himself who threw the system out of balance!
Raaarg. I have a headache. At least I'm finally starting my essays.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I now believe that one reason I stalled on the essays is because the first question is, in my opinion, worded so awkwardly. "Discuss the importance of the action of the magico-religious function as it is seen within the context of the general Indo-European culture." Over the past few months, as I read book after book on magic, I would return to the first exit question to see if I felt confident to try it. It always felt jagged going into my brain. It always sounded convoluted coming out of my mouth.
I still worry that I don't know enough to answer the questions. I'm probably over-thinking things, but I realized that I now know a lot more about the Greek and Roman perceptions of magic than the Celtic. I tried to find some old Irish legal manuscripts dealing with magic, but they either haven't been translated yet or are buried in another law text concerned with something more general. I know from prior reading that the concept of a witch or a sorcerer who practices dark magic exists in Irish lore, but I don't know if those aspects are demonized through Christianity or not. If the ancient Greek and Roman Pagans allowed for conceptions of marginal, ethically questionable magicians, it's certainly possible that the ancient Celts felt the same way. That said, the Greeks and Romans were afraid of people who threatened the social balance. The Celts, on the other hand, have examples of public cursing resulting in the fall of kings - major social change! However, the cursing is usually justified because it was the king himself who threw the system out of balance!
Raaarg. I have a headache. At least I'm finally starting my essays.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Magic 101
I feel as if I've been working on this one portion of the Initiate Program forever! I'm very nearly done with Magic in the Ancient World by Fritz Graf. It's been an absolutely fascinating read thus far and I feel like I've learned more from it than I have any other book on the subject.
I still feel a bit intimidated by some of the questions. It's not that I don't understand them, but I feel as if I still don't know enough to answer them adequately! This is my problem. I keep reading, and reading, and reading. I really should get on with it and answer the questions!
One thing is for certain: even when I've finished the course, my appetite for magical knowledge is greater than ever before. Along with the history books, I've been looking through old grimoirs here and there. I'm intrigued by the history of magic, who used it, why, and where the modern methods came from. I think too many people attempt magic without enough study.
There was a time when I found magic to be too much for me. I practiced it but had results that were simply too effective and in ways that I did not intend or desire. I didn't fully understand the symbolism involved, the deities they were connected with, or the cultures who had nurtured them. I decided I would stop doing it except through prayer and offerings. Maybe some divination here and there. That was when I was dabbling with Wicca and eclectic Paganism. Now that I'm older, more educated, and have better guidance, I feel more confident in myself and the craft. I find myself looking in places that would have made my younger self nervous. It's not that I take it lightly or feel myself "ready" for anything in particular - I am just less ignorant of it.
To move forward, I feel that I really must develop my meditative and trance skills. I've been far too lax recently... I'm kind of disappointed with myself, really. I must get back on track and strengthen my mental discipline.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I still feel a bit intimidated by some of the questions. It's not that I don't understand them, but I feel as if I still don't know enough to answer them adequately! This is my problem. I keep reading, and reading, and reading. I really should get on with it and answer the questions!
One thing is for certain: even when I've finished the course, my appetite for magical knowledge is greater than ever before. Along with the history books, I've been looking through old grimoirs here and there. I'm intrigued by the history of magic, who used it, why, and where the modern methods came from. I think too many people attempt magic without enough study.
There was a time when I found magic to be too much for me. I practiced it but had results that were simply too effective and in ways that I did not intend or desire. I didn't fully understand the symbolism involved, the deities they were connected with, or the cultures who had nurtured them. I decided I would stop doing it except through prayer and offerings. Maybe some divination here and there. That was when I was dabbling with Wicca and eclectic Paganism. Now that I'm older, more educated, and have better guidance, I feel more confident in myself and the craft. I find myself looking in places that would have made my younger self nervous. It's not that I take it lightly or feel myself "ready" for anything in particular - I am just less ignorant of it.
To move forward, I feel that I really must develop my meditative and trance skills. I've been far too lax recently... I'm kind of disappointed with myself, really. I must get back on track and strengthen my mental discipline.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Bulleted Update
- I'm working on a fairy costume for Samhain. I scrapped my original idea which involved a laced vest. I'm going to try and make myself a chemise type dress with a girdle/faux corset thing around the chest. I'm trying to go for an elegant but wild look, if that makes sense. I bought ear tips and need to paint them...
- I'm signed up to participate in an artisan trading card exchange through the ADF Artisan Guild. I'm excited about it but need to figure out what to do... The deadline is approaching...
- I really, really need to finish reviewing a DP that was resubmitted to me...
- Work is draining me. It was a short week and everything, but I return home and feel so out of it. I just want to sit, watch things, and sew/crochet. So...it's not like I'm being a total lazy bum, but there are definitely other things I need to work on.
- Still chugging along on Magic I.
- Still chugging along through "The Two Towers."
- I've been slowly working on two dolls. Their clothing is coming into existence. I'd like to get a felting needle to help me with some accessories. I also started another tree spirit yesterday.
- I've been really horrid about meditation recently. My discipline gets completely out of sorts whenever I visit family. I don't blame them at all - I blame myself. Still, I see them so infrequently that I can't justify pulling away to be by myself when I'm down there. I'm hoping to attend a meditation class at a local yoga center this coming week. I hope it helps reenergize and refocus me.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Blurb
My spirit really wants to take a walk in the woods but my body is very much against it. For starters, I had a long and wearisome work day. Second, and most influential - it's dreadfully hot today.
I think it will be a good night for trance. Maybe. *crosses fingers*
It is also a good night to work on study programs and catch up with my mentoring and reviewing...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I think it will be a good night for trance. Maybe. *crosses fingers*
It is also a good night to work on study programs and catch up with my mentoring and reviewing...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, August 27, 2010
More Crafty Goodness
And finally, what you've all been waiting for - another tree spirit! Here she is - a lovely little apple tree. She was made with recycled felt and stuffing. Her eyes are plastic beads but the apples are red stones. She has a wire armature and is definitely not for children. Weretoad claims that she looks more mature than the first tree I made. I'll have to photograph them together sometime and get opinions on that!
I'm already working on a third tree. I emailed Skip today about ADF consignment and whether or not he needs any help getting things on the site because I'd really love to sell these guys through ADF. I'm planning to make a simpler and more complicated variation so I can vary the price a bit.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Rolling in Books
A new book arrived for me in the mail today: Magic in the Ancient World by Fritz Graf. It's recommended reading for Magic 1 in ADF's Initiate Program. I've read many titles about the history and folklore of magic in Europe - mostly focusing on the north-eastern parts. This latest book focuses on the Mediterranean world. All I know about magic from Greece and Rome is the mythological side - the famous witches like Circe and Medea. I'm excited to delve into it... as soon as I finish Celtic Heritage: Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales by Rees and Rees towards my Indo-European Mythology class.
I've also been reading from my massive art history book every night. I finished the chapter on the Egyptians a couple nights ago and am about to explore Aegean art.
Aaaaand while doing all of that, I also picked up The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring finally. I read and immensely enjoyed The Hobbit when I was in fifth or sixth grade, and I always meant to read the trilogy... I'm loving it so far!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I've also been reading from my massive art history book every night. I finished the chapter on the Egyptians a couple nights ago and am about to explore Aegean art.
Aaaaand while doing all of that, I also picked up The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring finally. I read and immensely enjoyed The Hobbit when I was in fifth or sixth grade, and I always meant to read the trilogy... I'm loving it so far!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Oath Ring
When I performed my oath rite as part of ADF's Dedicant Program, I decided to wear a ring as a sign of my commitment to the Kindreds. I found a lovely silver spiral ring and used that. It weakened and broke. I decided to replace it with a spiraly ring that had belonged to my mother. I performed a ritual to renew my oath and transfer the energy from the first ring to the next. Life goes on.
Today I discovered that the ring from my mother, my second oath ring, is starting to break. This saddens me because it is doubly special. I have decided to take it off in an effort to preserve it as I love having a trinket from my mum's girlhood.
I am now seeking a more solid oath ring.
I like this "I am of Ireland" ring but I'm not sure if it's the most appropriate. I am very proud of my Irish heritage, but I've never even been there... To say I am of it... I don't know...
I also like these Druidic triad rings but I can't seem to choose just one and I'm not sure about wearing three rings at once. Two on one finger seems like enough! lol
In the end I'll probably go with a nice spiral or Celtic knot. It seems to be what I love most.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Today I discovered that the ring from my mother, my second oath ring, is starting to break. This saddens me because it is doubly special. I have decided to take it off in an effort to preserve it as I love having a trinket from my mum's girlhood.
I am now seeking a more solid oath ring.
I like this "I am of Ireland" ring but I'm not sure if it's the most appropriate. I am very proud of my Irish heritage, but I've never even been there... To say I am of it... I don't know...
I also like these Druidic triad rings but I can't seem to choose just one and I'm not sure about wearing three rings at once. Two on one finger seems like enough! lol
In the end I'll probably go with a nice spiral or Celtic knot. It seems to be what I love most.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Hail to Isaac!
I never had the pleasure to meet him in person, but like many others in the Pagan community, I was profoundly influenced by his work. When I was a complete novice, I understood that he was a VIP*. It wasn't until my friend Parallax lent me her copy of Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism that he truly inspired me. At the time I was searching for something. Wicca wasn't it for me** and I was feeling a pull from my Irish ancestors. Through his vision of modern Druidism, and the organization he founded - Ár nDraíocht Féin - I found a spiritual home. With that came a real sense of belonging and community. I wish I could have met him in person on this plane to thank him.
His other books I read, NeoPagan Rites: A Guide to Creating Public Rituals That Work, The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers, and most recently Real Magic: An Introductory Treatise on the Basic Principles of Yellow Magic were all incredibly influential on my spirituality. NeoPagan Rites facilitated my understanding of the importance of well-thought-out liturgy and the effect that good theater can have on one's psyche. My husband originally wanted to read The Pagan Man and, while I don't think he got very far, I read the whole thing, reveling in the exploration of the spiritual male in a Pagan world that seems so focused on the female. It's probably strange for a woman to say that, but hey - I'm just as drawn to the Gods as I am to the Goddesses! I loved that Bonewits created such an important resource for men seeking spiritual guidance within Paganism. Finally, I picked up Real Magic at the most recent Wellspring Gathering. As some of you may remember, I'm working though ADF's Initiate Program, and am trying to complete Magic 1. Isaac's first book really changed the way I thought about magic. His exploration of magic as divided into a spectrum of skill rather than morality was especially formative for me.
One of my Live Journal friends, prophet_maid, commented on the awkwardness she feels about mourning a celebrity, and that's very much what Isaac was/is within the Pagan community. I never met him and yet I felt profoundly moved by his life and death. It seems strange to mourn for someone I never met, but to those of us in ADF, he was an elder - a spiritual father, even. He shared his vision and paved the way for us. I can't exactly articulate what that means to me, but it was powerful enough that I lit candles and prayed for him to my patrons. I now consider him one of my ancestors to be honored. As prophet_maid said of herself, Isaac shaped me into the woman I am today and that cannot be ignored.
If any of you weren't able to participate in the rolling coins movement to help pay for his medical costs, I urge you to make a donation. I couldn't give much during the rolling coin drive, but I did what I could because I respect him as an elder and know how hard it is for a family when someone passes away due to cancer. My aunt died at 40 from bone cancer, and it was an expensive ordeal, in part because she spent her last months at home with the help of Hospice. Giving a tiny bit to his family is probably the best way to honor him as an ancestor at this point.
Isaac, I thank you for your influence and inspiration. May you continue to guide us as an ancestor and may we honor you in all we say and do!
* "Very Important Pagan," of course!
** Bonewits was a practicing Wiccan, I believe, and also authored a book or two on the religion. He was actually very educated on numerous forms of Pagan religion.
[ Photo from ADF's website. It was taken by Ava Francesca.]
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Moon in Modern Druidism
I'll begin by looking at the ancient Celts. As always, it is important to note that we have little information on what the ancient Celts believed due to a limited amount of pre-Christian documentation. Most of what is known comes from artifacts, the contemporary writing of antagonistic leaders or outsiders, and Christianized Celts. Details from the last two sources, especially, must be taken with a grain of salt.
Pliny the Elder wrote about the Gaulish Druids. His work includes the famous piece about Druids harvesting mistletoe on the 6th day of the moon (Ellis, Celts 54). Jean Markale analyzed the symbolism of the harvest ritual, noting that the sickle used to cut the plant would have been reminiscent of the crescent moon (Markale 131). Modern Druids from the Henge of Keltria equate this with the first quarter and celebrate the Mistletoe rite on such evenings. They explain that "mistletoe was known as `all heal,'" and take advantage of such evenings to perform remedial ceremonies. They have a second lunar ritual, the Vervain Rites.
Our other lunar rite is the Vervain Rite. The time of this rite was also chosen from classical descriptions of ancient Druidic practices. It was written that vervain was gathered when neither sun nor moon were in the sky. This occurs sometime during each night, except when the moon is full. We generally celebrate this around the 3rd quarter. This gives ample time for the rite during the evening hours. It also places this rite opposite the Mistletoe Rite in the lunar cycle. Vervain is said to be of aid in working magic. Thus, the Vervain Rite is our time for working magic. The purpose of magic in a Druidic sense is more like prayer. We work magic to help effect change in our lives. Druidic magic may involve contemplation, meditation, ritual or ecstatic dance (The Henge of Keltria FAQ).Pliny's writing aside, there is more evidence that the moon was important to the ancient Celts. The Welsh Goddess Arianrhod may have been a lunar deity. Some look to Proto-Celtic linguistics and argue that her name means silver wheel - an obvious reference to the moon (Wikipedia). Others are less convinced due to the variability of her name (Mary Jones).
Cerridwen is another possible Welsh deity with lunar associations. Etymologically speaking, her name may mean "bent white one" (Mary Jones), a possible reference to the crescent moon. When considering the symbolism of her transformations, a lunar link could be possible.
The Coligny Calendar may be the most concrete example we have of lunar observation among the ancient Celtic tribes.
Produced before the Roman conquest of Gaul, this calendar is far more elaborate than the rudimentary Julian calendar and has a highly sophisticated five-year synchronisation of lunation with the solar year (Ellis, Druids 230).Peter Berresford Ellis also notes that Caesar and Pliny the Elder both commented on how the Gauls measured time according to nights and the moon.
Thus we have strong evidence for the moon as a time piece, but less on other ritual or magical significance. I am assuming that Carmina Gadelica will have more moon lore, albeit Christianized. The moon continued to play an important role in surviving folk magic which has inspired a plethora of modern magical traditions. The moon seems central to magical thought and I am hopeful to learn more.
Works Cited
Aranrhod ferch Don. 2009. Mary Jones' Celtic Encyclopedia. 10 Aug. 2010
<http://www.maryjones.us/jce/cerridwen.html>.
Arianrhod. 13 April 2010. Wikipedia. 10 Aug. 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianrhod>
<http://www.maryjones.us/jce/cerridwen.html>.
Arianrhod. 13 April 2010. Wikipedia. 10 Aug. 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianrhod>
Berresford, Ellis. The Celts A History. New York: Carroll and Graf, 2004.
---. A Brief History of the Druids. New York: Carroll and Graf, 2002.
Bonewits, Isaac. "Questions and Answers about ADF." Ár nDraíocht Féin. 10 Aug. 2010
<http://www.adf.org/about/basics/qa.html>.
Cerridwen. 2004. Mary Jones' Celtic Encyclopedia. 10 Aug. 2010
<http://www.maryjones.us/jce/cerridwen.html>.
<http://www.adf.org/about/basics/qa.html>.
Cerridwen. 2004. Mary Jones' Celtic Encyclopedia. 10 Aug. 2010
<http://www.maryjones.us/jce/cerridwen.html>.
Frequently Asked Questions. The Henge of Keltria. 10 Aug. 2010
Markale, Jean. The Druids Celtic Priests of Nature. Rochester: Inner Traditions Int., 1999.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh started yesterday for me. Weretoad had to work but I still wanted and needed to attend Muin Mound Grove. I had committed myself to make the main offering - a doll of Tailtiu, Lugh's foster mother. It is because of her that we celebrate Lughnasadh. The story goes that she cleared the fields for agriculture and, after that, died*. Lugh declared Lughnasadh as a feast day in her honor. It was a day when the tribes gathered, judgements were made, and games played.
Because Weretoad worked, I drove all by myself to East Syracuse. I'd never done that alone before. It was a harrowing experience for me. I even managed to get lost and called my husband, sobbing out of fear. Pathetic, I know. Worry not! I reached my destination alive and well**! I made it to the business meeting (where I was officially elected to be the new secretary) and played some games with the other ladies***. I won the contest of strength but that's only because I was able to hold a yoga pose for a long time. Candee was the ultimate champion, however, because she was able to accurately answer the most riddles and toss a nice, if modified, caber.
The ritual went well. It felt faster than usual, but that was probably because we had such a small turnout. Tailtiu was placed in the sacred fire and we all grew quiet as she burned. It's always very moving to watch as a piece of art is willingly given to the Gods, but this is the first time that I sacrificed a piece of my really elaborate art. I put a lot of work into her and everyone thought she was lovely, for which I was grateful. I'm really proud of how she came out.
I had to leave shortly after the ritual to make it to Watertown in time to fetch Weretoad, so no yummy potluck. Hubby and I came home pretty late and crashed into bed.
Today was very relaxing. To celebrate Lughnasadh, we had a picnic lunch under a couple trees followed by a short nature walk. We studied the local plants and observed some lovely insects. I later went out by myself and took a short trek in the forest. I left an offering for the local spirits, gathered some small pine cones, a few rocks, and some sticks to practice carving. I also found this lovely specimen. It looks like a variety of fly agaric, perhaps amanita formosa or amanita guessowii. I have always wanted to find fly agaric in the wild, and to find it when my interest has been most intense and on a high day was truly a blessing. I felt little guilt taking this one as it was half-eaten and unlikely to reach maturity as a result. I wanted to bring it in, properly identify it, and sketch it in my journal. I'm pretty certain it is fly agaric, but being that I have next to no experience in mycology, and have not done enough research on using it in trance, I only sketched it before putting it back outside as an offering. I am so grateful for the opportunity to see a fresh fly agaric in person. I've been able to look at some dry specimens before, but this was a real treat. After I dug it up, I left a small offering to its spirit and built a little dolmen in the area where I found it. There are likely to be more and I would love to take a photo of a fully formed mushroom (if it isn't devoured by the slugs first...)
So I think I had a very blessed Lughnasadh indeed! I hope all of my readers had a lovely, fruitful day.
*As much as a deity dies, of course. ;)
** The experienced must have really upset me, though, because shortly after getting there, I had a coughing attack.
*** Strangely, no men came to the ritual. Skip was away at a meeting, so it was just us hens! There was something strangely witchy and gratifying about an all female ritual...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Because Weretoad worked, I drove all by myself to East Syracuse. I'd never done that alone before. It was a harrowing experience for me. I even managed to get lost and called my husband, sobbing out of fear. Pathetic, I know. Worry not! I reached my destination alive and well**! I made it to the business meeting (where I was officially elected to be the new secretary) and played some games with the other ladies***. I won the contest of strength but that's only because I was able to hold a yoga pose for a long time. Candee was the ultimate champion, however, because she was able to accurately answer the most riddles and toss a nice, if modified, caber.
The ritual went well. It felt faster than usual, but that was probably because we had such a small turnout. Tailtiu was placed in the sacred fire and we all grew quiet as she burned. It's always very moving to watch as a piece of art is willingly given to the Gods, but this is the first time that I sacrificed a piece of my really elaborate art. I put a lot of work into her and everyone thought she was lovely, for which I was grateful. I'm really proud of how she came out.
I had to leave shortly after the ritual to make it to Watertown in time to fetch Weretoad, so no yummy potluck. Hubby and I came home pretty late and crashed into bed.
Today was very relaxing. To celebrate Lughnasadh, we had a picnic lunch under a couple trees followed by a short nature walk. We studied the local plants and observed some lovely insects. I later went out by myself and took a short trek in the forest. I left an offering for the local spirits, gathered some small pine cones, a few rocks, and some sticks to practice carving. I also found this lovely specimen. It looks like a variety of fly agaric, perhaps amanita formosa or amanita guessowii. I have always wanted to find fly agaric in the wild, and to find it when my interest has been most intense and on a high day was truly a blessing. I felt little guilt taking this one as it was half-eaten and unlikely to reach maturity as a result. I wanted to bring it in, properly identify it, and sketch it in my journal. I'm pretty certain it is fly agaric, but being that I have next to no experience in mycology, and have not done enough research on using it in trance, I only sketched it before putting it back outside as an offering. I am so grateful for the opportunity to see a fresh fly agaric in person. I've been able to look at some dry specimens before, but this was a real treat. After I dug it up, I left a small offering to its spirit and built a little dolmen in the area where I found it. There are likely to be more and I would love to take a photo of a fully formed mushroom (if it isn't devoured by the slugs first...) So I think I had a very blessed Lughnasadh indeed! I hope all of my readers had a lovely, fruitful day.
*As much as a deity dies, of course. ;)
** The experienced must have really upset me, though, because shortly after getting there, I had a coughing attack.
*** Strangely, no men came to the ritual. Skip was away at a meeting, so it was just us hens! There was something strangely witchy and gratifying about an all female ritual...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, July 30, 2010
Just a Few Things
1) Here's an interesting if brief article on "spiritual blockage."
2) The incessant coughing I have is apparently caused by seasonal allergies - something that I've never officially been diagnosed with until now. Bugger all. I was always so happy to be in the minority of adults who didn't have to deal with allergies. Why do I suddenly have them? Did I not spend enough time outside? Now I have all these bills and a nasal spray... Bugger all. I'm happy that I should find relief but I'm displeased with yet another medicine. I'm really motivated to get a neti pot and make my father's infamous but effective tincture now. I don't want to be part of the drugged up majority... As it is, I would love to get off birth control but am uncertain of the medical implications that would have on me (I was put on it for medical reasons to begin with). Too much environmental damage from the packaging alone!
3) I found a toad-shaped button to represent my husband on the grove's quilt patch. For those out of the know, the Artisan Guild is encouraging all groves, proto-groves, guilds, SIGs, and Kins to create a quilt patch that will be added to a larger piece. The point is to have something representative of ADF to display at festivals. I found a cat button to represent me weeks ago.
4) Tailtiu, the doll and main offering I'm making for the Lughnasadh ritual at Muin Mound tomorrow, is nearly done. I'm finishing the details. To be honest, I don't think she's the best doll I've ever made, but she's also not the worst. I'm not using any metal armatures because she will, I believe, but placed in the bonfire. She's stuffed with fabric scraps which gives a lot more weight. This is what's allowing her to sit properly without the armatures. Her fingers, however, are not the same without them. Also, her head is longer than most of the dolls I've made. I'm not sure how that happened but oh well. Expect photos at some point.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
2) The incessant coughing I have is apparently caused by seasonal allergies - something that I've never officially been diagnosed with until now. Bugger all. I was always so happy to be in the minority of adults who didn't have to deal with allergies. Why do I suddenly have them? Did I not spend enough time outside? Now I have all these bills and a nasal spray... Bugger all. I'm happy that I should find relief but I'm displeased with yet another medicine. I'm really motivated to get a neti pot and make my father's infamous but effective tincture now. I don't want to be part of the drugged up majority... As it is, I would love to get off birth control but am uncertain of the medical implications that would have on me (I was put on it for medical reasons to begin with). Too much environmental damage from the packaging alone!
3) I found a toad-shaped button to represent my husband on the grove's quilt patch. For those out of the know, the Artisan Guild is encouraging all groves, proto-groves, guilds, SIGs, and Kins to create a quilt patch that will be added to a larger piece. The point is to have something representative of ADF to display at festivals. I found a cat button to represent me weeks ago.
4) Tailtiu, the doll and main offering I'm making for the Lughnasadh ritual at Muin Mound tomorrow, is nearly done. I'm finishing the details. To be honest, I don't think she's the best doll I've ever made, but she's also not the worst. I'm not using any metal armatures because she will, I believe, but placed in the bonfire. She's stuffed with fabric scraps which gives a lot more weight. This is what's allowing her to sit properly without the armatures. Her fingers, however, are not the same without them. Also, her head is longer than most of the dolls I've made. I'm not sure how that happened but oh well. Expect photos at some point.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, July 15, 2010
You know what...
I logged into Blogger and saw my last post about Kirk wearing a mask and nothing else. I was suddenly struck by inspiration. That would make a spectacular doll... I would probably have the doll wearing a sarong (I've not mastered fabric penises yet...*). I will have to get on that...
* I have made one fabric penis. It's one of my cats' favorite toys.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
* I have made one fabric penis. It's one of my cats' favorite toys.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
ADF's Chief at the Starwood Festival
I don't think he's wearing any underwear...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Ants as Outsiders
I believe the mystery of the ants in the ritual room has been solved. What drew them to my den, you wonder? Why, an offering to the Outsiders!
First, for my readers who are unfamiliar with Druidism, in Ár nDraíocht Féin's Druidic tradition, the Outsiders are the forces of chaos. Often, in myth, they were the beings who had confrontations with our deities. In Irish legend, they are the Fomorians. In Greek myth they are the Titans. They are also, I believe, any spirits, both corporeal and numinous, who are disruptive of our households or tribes*.
This brings me to the ants. While not an infestation, my invertebrate intruders were a tad nettlesome. As you know, they took it upon themselves to use me as a hiking trail during meditations. Although I welcomed it as a practice in focus, and recognize that combatting such intrusions while meditating in forest or field would be in vain, it was a challenge to deal with. Most irksome were the moments of contact just as the links between body and mind were at their fuzziest. One little ant and snap - back to "reality". This says something about my experience, I'm sure.
I said that an offering to the Outsiders had attracted the ants to my home. What I am about to relate should stand as further proof of the ditziness of this Druid.
As stated, in ADF we believe in the Outsiders as forces of chaos. In ritual, we present them with an offering of sorts. Every Druid seems to have his or her own interpretation and methodology for this interaction. Some would say the purpose is to make momentary peace so that the rest of the ritual may be executed without disruption. Others would explain that the offering is to keep the Outsiders distracted. I use this part of the liturgy to acknowledge the powers of chaos in the world. I recognize their importance as part of the cosmic balance, but I request peace for my ritual.
Since moving to my new home, I have been using a green, glass votive holder for my offerings to these forces. There is no reason for the color or material - it's simply what I had on hand. I pour a little ale or other alcohol into it, say a few words, and place it on a windowsill away from my altar. Well... I seem to have forgotten about it following my most recent rite. The Outsiders, in this case ants, took advantage of my long-standing hospitality and started to use my sacred space as a watering hole. I discovered this last night while cleaning.
The moral of the story? Given that I want the Outsiders outside of my house, I should really take the initiative to place the offering outside. As it can be disruptive of my mental state to exit my ritual area during a rite, I think it will be most conducive to open the window by the offering as a symbolic gesture. "You - yes you. Take this outside and let me be. Here's the exit." Having to shut the window will remind me of the offering which I will promptly move outside.
*My latest experience is another good example of how the dividing line between the Kindreds and other cosmic forces can often be fuzzy.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
First, for my readers who are unfamiliar with Druidism, in Ár nDraíocht Féin's Druidic tradition, the Outsiders are the forces of chaos. Often, in myth, they were the beings who had confrontations with our deities. In Irish legend, they are the Fomorians. In Greek myth they are the Titans. They are also, I believe, any spirits, both corporeal and numinous, who are disruptive of our households or tribes*.
This brings me to the ants. While not an infestation, my invertebrate intruders were a tad nettlesome. As you know, they took it upon themselves to use me as a hiking trail during meditations. Although I welcomed it as a practice in focus, and recognize that combatting such intrusions while meditating in forest or field would be in vain, it was a challenge to deal with. Most irksome were the moments of contact just as the links between body and mind were at their fuzziest. One little ant and snap - back to "reality". This says something about my experience, I'm sure.
I said that an offering to the Outsiders had attracted the ants to my home. What I am about to relate should stand as further proof of the ditziness of this Druid.
As stated, in ADF we believe in the Outsiders as forces of chaos. In ritual, we present them with an offering of sorts. Every Druid seems to have his or her own interpretation and methodology for this interaction. Some would say the purpose is to make momentary peace so that the rest of the ritual may be executed without disruption. Others would explain that the offering is to keep the Outsiders distracted. I use this part of the liturgy to acknowledge the powers of chaos in the world. I recognize their importance as part of the cosmic balance, but I request peace for my ritual.
Since moving to my new home, I have been using a green, glass votive holder for my offerings to these forces. There is no reason for the color or material - it's simply what I had on hand. I pour a little ale or other alcohol into it, say a few words, and place it on a windowsill away from my altar. Well... I seem to have forgotten about it following my most recent rite. The Outsiders, in this case ants, took advantage of my long-standing hospitality and started to use my sacred space as a watering hole. I discovered this last night while cleaning.
The moral of the story? Given that I want the Outsiders outside of my house, I should really take the initiative to place the offering outside. As it can be disruptive of my mental state to exit my ritual area during a rite, I think it will be most conducive to open the window by the offering as a symbolic gesture. "You - yes you. Take this outside and let me be. Here's the exit." Having to shut the window will remind me of the offering which I will promptly move outside.
*My latest experience is another good example of how the dividing line between the Kindreds and other cosmic forces can often be fuzzy.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sunday, July 4, 2010
4th of July
The latest post on The Wild Hunt inspired me. Today I did a formal ritual to honor, well, the spirit of America*. Most people who know me realize I'm not the most patriotic person in the world. I'm proud of my country, but not blind to its offenses. I also don't fly a million little flags around my yard like some of my neighbors **. That said, I'm not afraid to say that I feel lucky to live where I live. I read a lot of environmental and human rights news and, frankly, so many people have it way worse than us. We have our faults, that's for sure, but at least most of us are relatively comfortable and, well, safe! It's a shame that we have corporations who exploit developing nations and our own environment, and it's a shame that some of our ancestors did unspeakable things to the indigenous people who lived here first, but there's also a lot of good in America and I can think of that and celebrate it today.
Just as in my ritual, let me post it to my blog:
Hail to the spirits of America!
Hail to its Nature Spirits! Hail to the high-flying, majestic bald eagle! Hail to the forest turkey! Hail to the river otters, moose, white tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and bobcats! Hail to the kangaroo rats, the coyotes, the scorpions, and roadrunners. Hail to the great blue herons, the salmon, the monarch butterflies, the black widow spiders, and the alligators. Hail to the sea turtles, the dolphins, the tuna, and the pelicans. Hail to the ants, the bees, and the bats! Hail to the unseen spirits who were here first and who came over with our ancestors! Hail to you all and may we live in better harmony with you!
Hail to America's ancestors! Hail to the Native American ancestors! May we grow in friendship. Hail to our immigrant ancestors! May we remember where we came from. Hail to the friends and family we knew in America, and hail to those who fought for our country - especially those whose intentions and actions were honorable. May we learn from your triumphs and mistakes.
Hail to the Gods of America! Hail to the Gods of the Native Americans, and hail to the Gods of our ancestors! Hail to Lady Liberty! May we bring honor to you in all we say and do.
May we admit to our faults and work to improve them. May we help the less fortunate, and welcome them to our country. May we celebrate our diversity and learn to live together in peace. May we develop better technologies so that we can live in harmony with nature.
So be it!
* As you may recall, I've been doing one formal ADF ritual a week. I was cutting it close by leaving it until today, but I made it!
** Ahh...military towns...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Just as in my ritual, let me post it to my blog:
Hail to the spirits of America!
Hail to its Nature Spirits! Hail to the high-flying, majestic bald eagle! Hail to the forest turkey! Hail to the river otters, moose, white tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and bobcats! Hail to the kangaroo rats, the coyotes, the scorpions, and roadrunners. Hail to the great blue herons, the salmon, the monarch butterflies, the black widow spiders, and the alligators. Hail to the sea turtles, the dolphins, the tuna, and the pelicans. Hail to the ants, the bees, and the bats! Hail to the unseen spirits who were here first and who came over with our ancestors! Hail to you all and may we live in better harmony with you!
Hail to America's ancestors! Hail to the Native American ancestors! May we grow in friendship. Hail to our immigrant ancestors! May we remember where we came from. Hail to the friends and family we knew in America, and hail to those who fought for our country - especially those whose intentions and actions were honorable. May we learn from your triumphs and mistakes.
Hail to the Gods of America! Hail to the Gods of the Native Americans, and hail to the Gods of our ancestors! Hail to Lady Liberty! May we bring honor to you in all we say and do.
May we admit to our faults and work to improve them. May we help the less fortunate, and welcome them to our country. May we celebrate our diversity and learn to live together in peace. May we develop better technologies so that we can live in harmony with nature.
So be it!
* As you may recall, I've been doing one formal ADF ritual a week. I was cutting it close by leaving it until today, but I made it!
** Ahh...military towns...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, July 2, 2010
ADF Veggies
Huzzah! ADF Veggies, a group just for the vegetarians and vegans of ADF, has a few new members! Things are starting off slow, but at least there is *some* interest! :) If you're a veggie, please join!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
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