anotherdedicantjournal

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Vision

Vision, like piety and wisdom, can be hard to pin down.  ADF defines vision as, “the ability to broaden one’s perspective to have greater understanding of our place/role in the cosmos, relating to the past, present and future.”  (Introduction).  Whereas Webster’s Dictionary defines vision as, “a : the act or power of imagination; b (1) : mode of seeing or conceiving (2) : unusual discernment or foresight” as in “a person of vision” and “c : direct mystical awareness of the supernatural usually in visible form.”  (Webster entry on Vision).  I personally like ADF’s definition much better.  It is specific, easy to understand, and short, all of which make it easy to remember.  I do think that one thing missing from ADF’s definition is something about imagination, because everyone I would describe as being a “visionary” usually has a great imagination.  The people I think of when describing this virtue are Albert Einstein, J.K. Rowling, Steven Hawking, and Amelia Earheart.  All of them had the understanding and imagination to dream of something much bigger than themselves, plus the willpower to make it come true.  All of them have made a large and lasting impact in our culture, one way or another.  I believe this should also be included in the definition.  If you have the understanding to truly know your place in the cosmos and the impact you can make, then I believe there is a sort of responsibility set upon such a person to use it to change the world for the better.  Additionally, it is this last point that I believe makes this a true virtue and worthy of striving towards.  

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Indo-European Studies Book Review

The book that I chose for this class of book reviews was J.P. Mallory’s In Search of the Indo-Europeans.  This work was originally published in 1989 and updated in 1991, which because of that there are many terms the author use that are simple no longer in use.  However, there is still much useful information to be gleaned from these pages.  This was a pleasant throwback to the days of studying archaeology and the three other disciplines of anthropology.  Keeping that in mind, I found this book to be very technical and I do not think anyone but a student of anthropology, particularly linguistic anthropology and archaeology, would or could truly appreciate the author’s take on the subject of Indo-Europeans.  

The author begins his, very objective, foray into the Indo-European world by explaining that they are very hard to study due to various reasons such as a lack of physical writing evidence.  (p. 7).  Very soon after, the author uses the term ‘Soviet’ to describe a pair of linguists that he continually refers to throughout the book.  (p. 7).  As previously mentioned, this is one of the terms no longer in use that, had I never seen when the book was published, would instantly reveal to me the era in which this was written.  

Chapter 1 begins with a good introduction on the history of Indo-European study, mentioning that such things began in the 18th Century.  (p. 9).  The author continues his history lesson by introducing us to all of the major thinkers that have appeared throughout the years, leading up to the introduction of the Indo-European Hypotheses.  (p. 22).  The hypothesis is frequently referred to throughout the book and is the premise behind much of the research that has been gathered by the author.  

After explaining the hypotheses, the author uses the next two chapters to discuss various Indo-European cultures starting from the farthest point of Indo-European presence in the East in Asia and then moving West and ending with Europe.  His reasoning is that the earliest Indo-European presence in the historical record is found in the East with the Anatolians in the 19th Century BC and tries to move chronologically West in the order they appear in the historical record.  (p. 24).  Since this book uses mostly archaeology and linguistics as the basis for much of the reasoning found in later chapters, I find this a little odd since I would have expected it to go in the order of the earliest dated artifacts to the latest.  However, this may be beneficial for the inexperienced anthropology reader since it is in the order that would be presented in most history lessons.  

Next, the author continues in Chapter 4 by explaining how we have reconstructed Proto-Indo-European culture and what it may have looked like.  The Proto-Indo-Europeans, as the name suggests, are the ancestors to the Indo-European cultures discussed in the previous chapters.  What I found most interesting in this chapter is how much we have been able to reconstruct with what little information we have.  For instance, we know from extrapolating Proto-Indo-European words from historical Indo-European languages, that the Proto-Indo-Europeans lived in a region where they encountered mountains, plains, forests, rivers, and lakes. (p. 114).  

Then, when the author has reconstructed the culture as much as he can, he discusses what evidence we have for Proto-Indo-European religion.  I found this very intriguing as much of what we can reconstruct for their religion is very similar to ones that claim the majority of believers.  The Sky-Father archetype that is found here clearly resembles the Christian God who rules the Sky or Heaven as it is usually referred to. (p. 129).  The repetitive appearance of the number three also resembles Christianity as they think of their God as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  (p. 130).  The author also discusses the importance of sacrificial animals, human sacrifice, and the theme of dualism.  While this chapter was one of the most interesting ones in the book, I was very disappointed in how short it was as there is very little information to discuss.

The next three chapters discuss the arguments surrounding the placement of the Proto-Indo-European homeland, the archaeology and linguistic information that plays a role in those arguments, and finally the arguments surrounding the expansion of the Proto-Indo-Europeans.  The author is very truthful here as he is in previous chapters and discusses the leading arguments, and some minority opinions, illustrating how the little we know of this culture is far from settled on.  One very fascinating tidbit the author gives us in Chapter 9 is in the discussion of how Indo-European languages took over other languages, saying that the prerequisite for any language shift starts with “societal bilingualism.”  (p. 258).  I found this a very thought provoking statement in the context of current immigration issues in the United States.  The last chapter is devoted to the concept of the Aryan myth often espoused by Nazis and Nazi sympathizers, as well as the legacy of the Indo-Europeans.  I found this extremely informative.  I had never previously known that some of the earliest studies in Indo-Europeans and their ancestors were used in justifying such thoughts as the superior race myth.  (p. 269).  

Overall, I found this book to be very informative.  Although I am a former anthropology student, I still found the book to be very dry.  This makes me reluctant to recommend this book to any reader that is below the college reading level, but I do think anyone could potentially read this book so long as they have access to a dictionary.  A quick Google search of various theories and facts reveal that much of this book is current, but I would still want an updated version that got rid of the Soviet language and updated some of the dates that have been narrowed down somewhat.

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Summer Solstice Ritual

For this High Day I went to the ADF proto-grove, the Gathering Waters, in O’Fallon, Illinois for their Summer Solstice event.  The celebration was held on June 24, 2018 at 3:00pm.  The ritual involved about fifteen people and lasted for an hour.  Ritual was led and planned by Mike Kaan, while three other members (Heather, Kris, and Shannon) helped perform the ritual.  The deity of the occasion was Sol and our gatekeeper was Wotan.  The hearth culture of the proto-grove is Germanic, but the ritual was done in ADF style.  The main working involved asking for Sol’s blessing, to let us take in her light so that we would be protected and be allowed a measure of prosperity.  Our omens, taken by rune, led the leader to conclude that our blessing was a success.  The rune drawn for the question of whether the blessing worked was Mannaz.  Then we asked what other blessings we may expect from the Ancestors and our answer was Tiwaz.  We also asked what blessing we would expect from the Noble Ones and our answer was Fehu.  Finally, we asked what blessing to expect from the Gods other than the blessing from Sol and our answer was Uruz.  In my interpretation of the runes, I believe Uruz indicates the other Gods will help bring Sols blessing to fruition.  There was one oath performed in ritual, by Heather, which was to reaffirm her previous oath to her patron Wotan.  Overall, I really enjoyed the ritual and the potluck after.  This was my second ritual with this group and I think I am starting to come out of my shell and really get to know the people.  I think my favorite part is in opening the gates to the three realms and the symbol, the round of toasting and boasting this group does after, is starting to grow on me.

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Summer Solstice

The sixth High Day on the ADF calendar is the summer solstice, which is celebrated on June 21st of each year. The summer solstice has evidence of being celebrated for thousands of years. In the northern hemisphere, the solstice marks the longest day of the year and for many cultures,

this time marks a very significant occasion. (History.com Staff). For a few ancient Greeks, this time marked the beginning of a new year and a time for festivals. (History). Celtic peoples also celebrated this time of the year, believing that magic worked during this time was most potent and often used bonfires as a magical way to ensure a good harvest later in the year. (History). For more modern cultures such as the Native American tribes, this time is also of special significance as a period of renewal and rebirth. (Scutti). Today, many neo-pagans mark this time with rituals, festivals, and feasting. (The Huffington Post).

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5/15 - 6/19/18

5/15:  6 minutes 35 seconds in Seeking the Fire of Piety by Michael J. Dangler.  Was super confused by this meditation, specifically the part about holding my arms out.  It was very hard to focus, the drums were really relaxing though.  Will try this one again.

5/22:  6 minutes 30 seconds in Seeking the Fire of Piety again.  This time was much better.  I had a much easier time envisioning the fire.  My fire is blue with green and purple tips.  Seeing it reflected in my heart and head shows me that, for me anyway, piety comes from both my heart and my mind.  II love the 9 breaths at the beginning and end, but the end felt rushed.  

5/24:  5 minutes in two powers led by Shana French in a recording.  I was so stressed today it was very hard to concentrate.  Afterward, I cleaned and rearranged the shrine and did a small prayer to consecrate my new portable shrine.

5/31: 6 minutes 14 seconds in two powers.  I felt very calm and relaxed.  Though when I connected to Earth, I immediately had to sneeze.  I don’t know if that was just a coincidence or a result of my connection to the Earth.  I really feel the Earth as a calming force and the Sky as an energizing one.

6/5:  5 minutes 11 seconds in Seeking the Inner Gates with Echo and the group.  We still laugh at “loins,” but otherwise it was a very enjoyable experience.  Got off track once or twice, but quickly recovered.

6/12:  5 minutes 11 seconds in two powers with Echo.  Really felt Sky’s energy today and I’m happy to have the balance from Earth to even it out.

6/19:  7 minutes 12 seconds in two powers.  I was alone this time.  I almost like it better doing it by myself, but I love the insight that the group brings too.  Had a headache this morning, but feeling a lot better after meditation.  Today I got the feeling of being connected not only to Earth and Sky, but also to Body and Spirit.  I feel like there is a good correlation between the two pairs.

[anotherdedicantjournal]

Updated home shrine.

[anotherdedicantjournal]

Finally got my travel altar together. I decided to use the altar cloth to wrap the stone and water vial in rather than keep them in the little blue bag. Everything fits in the black bag, super easy for quick setups at work or wherever.

[anotherdedicantjournal]

Spring Equinox Ritual

(Also forgot to post this one as well, where was my head that day!)  For this High Day I went to two celebrations, one in an eclectic Wiccan style and the other was based on the ADF Core Order of Ritual. The first High Day celebration I went to was on March 24, 2018 at 7:00pm in Carbondale, Illinois and it was held by the Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance (SIPA).  The ritual involved about fifty people and lasted about an hour.  No particular deity was honored as they only called upon the ‘Lord and Lady.’  Our working that night was to inscribe an egg with runes that matched our intention for what we wanted to come in with the spring season and to visualize energy going into the egg so that our intention would come about.  Overall, I really enjoyed going to this event regardless of differences in ritual.

The second ritual I went to was at the Gathering Waters protogrove and it was held in O’Fallon, Illinois at 2:00pm on March 25, 2018. The ritual lasted for about an hour and fifteen minutes.  The leader of the ritual was Mike Kaan and was attended by about twenty people.  Our Gatekeeper was Heimdal and the deity of the occasion was Idunna.  We spent a considerable amount of time in ritual toasting our drinks to various Gods, Spirits, and Ancestors.  Some of the Gods mentioned were Odin, Tyr, Freya, Friga, and my personal contribution, Hekate.  Our omens were:  Raidho, Wunjo, Berkana, and Fehu.  Raidho was drawn in response to whether the offerings were accepted and he determined from this rune an affirmative.  The other runes were drawn in response to what blessing with the Kindred offer us in return.  Overall, I would call the ritual a success and enjoyed getting to know fellow ADF members.

[anotherdedicantjournal]

Spring Equinox

(Forgot to post when I wrote this, but here we go)  March 21st is the fourth High Day on the calendar.  (Constitution, Article 4).  This feast day is largely known as the Spring Equinox and by many modern Pagans it is known as Ostara.  Unlike the previous High Day, the Spring Equinox has left few traces of its celebration in Pagan Britain or Ireland, except for a small passage written in 725 C.E. by Bede.  (McBride). Bede was a Christian monk who was writing a treatise entitled The Reckoning of Time in which he discussed a variety of subjects, one of which being the ancient Anglo-Saxon calendar.  (McBride).  In Reckoning, Bede renamed the fourth lunar month after what he said was an ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess named Eostre and that it was held in high regard by that culture, but no other evidence exists to support his claim.  (McBride). Today, Ostara celebrations have typically revolved around an idea of new growth or renewal and many celebrants do such things like plant seeds in ritual or inscribe eggs with symbols.  (Ellison).  The holiday is very similar to Christianity’s Easter with the use of the egg symbol, however since an egg is similar to a seed in that it has a potential for growth, it is very appropriately associated with the modern celebration of this High Day.

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4/25 - 5/11

4/25:  4 minutes spent doing two powers on my own.  I did not realize how fast it had went until I was done.  Thoughts stayed focused this time.  Feeling ready for the day.   Followed with prayer.

4/28:  Today was a very beautiful day.  The plants have come back and everything is green with patches of purple and white.  The wind brings a slight chill from the East.  The birds are in flights, looking for food and singing their songs.  I went for an our to pick up litter and filled up one entire 13 gallon garbage bag.  I have decided I must place limits on myself or I could spend hours upon hours picking up trash that ends up near my house.  Spent 5 minutes in two powers after.  I sat under the tree in the yard and drew up the cooling energies of the earth.  This time, I pulled in the Sun for the Sky power.  I feel revitalized after my exertion.

5/5:  6m 48s in two powers.  I swear I could feel something building up in my groin after filling the well there with Sky energy.

5/11:  8m 45s in two powers.  I used Ian Corrigan’s recording. After all this time, I find his voice one of the most soothing I have listened to thus far.  I kept yawning, but when I connected to Earth I felt even more relaxed.  I envisioned the energies of the earth strengthening me and when my mind flicked to the idea of my upcoming root canal, I fet as if those energies rushed there to give its strength to.  When, I connected to Sky, I felt a tingling in my hands as the excess went out and back up.  I was shocked because I’ve never felt that strong of a pressure coming through and out me.  Followed with prayer.  Since I was at work when I meditated and prayed, I just imagined myself back home in front of the altar and dong all the things I would normally do during prayer.

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Beltane Ritual

This High Day, I celebrated with the Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance again. We had three new volunteers to lead the ritual this time, but the main leader was Emily.  We celebrated on April 29th, 2018 and the event lasted from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.  Ritual Started at 1:30pm and lasted for about an hour.  We started with a very short meditation (three minutes total) and then began getting into the spirit of the festival by listening to other participants playing drums. Then we started with fire jumping. The purpose of this was to cleanse ourselves of everything we did not want to go the rest of the year with.  I envisioned my anger and anxiety going into the flames. As we jumped, we also asked to be blessed with things we wanted.  I asked for permanent employment since my position is in a volatile state at the moment. Finally, we got to my favorite part which was the May Pole dance.  Everyone brought a colorful ribbon and we tied it to a pole in the ground.  With the sound of the drums we danced around and around until we were forced to tie off the ribbon and step out.  We had over a hundred attendees, so it got very crowded fast, but I had loads of fun doing it.  Finally, we closed the circle, thanked the Gods for this day, and proceeded to eat.  Many people requested one of the Priestesses for fertility blessing ceremonies, which she happily obliged.  I made sure to give some of the ‘wine’ (which was really Kool-Aid) to Belenus since he rules this day, to the Noble Ones, and to the Ancestors.  

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May 1st/May Day/Beltane

The next High Day on the ADF calendar is May 1st. (Constitution, Article 4).  In pre-Christian Ireland and Scotland, this day was called Beltane.  (Britannica). The Irish marked this time as the middle of the year since, for them, the start of the year began in November rather than January as in modern times. (Britanica).  People celebrated this time by dancing, lighting bonfires, and cutting flowers.  (Britannica). For Romans, this time was celebrated as Floralia, or the Festival of the Goddess Flora.  (Grout).  Flora was a Goddess strongly associated with flowers and the people who celebrated at her festivals often wore colorful garments, played games, and the local prostitutes were known to dance naked to the public.  (Grout). Some of these traditions may have survived well into the 20th Century America as May Basket Day, where youths would gift baskets of flowers and other items to their intendeds.  (Weeks).  As a child, I remember playing the May Day game with my friends.  The object was to gather flowers and to leave them on someone’s door step.  After knocking or ringing the door bell, we would run as fast as we could and then hide to see if they answered.  One time we got yelled at by an older woman for doing so to her doorstep.  Today, modern pagans have brought back many traditions I have mentioned like bonfires, gathering flowers, and dancing. (Lambert).  

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Piety

Piety is similar to wisdom because it can mean many different things to different people.  ADF defines piety as the virtue of “correct observance of ritual and social traditions; the maintenance of the agreements, both personal and societal, that we humans have with the Gods and Spirits.  Keeping the Old Ways, through ceremony and duty.”  (Introduction).  Dictionary.com defines piety as having “reverence for God or devout fulfillment of religious obligations.”  (Piety). Both definitions focus on the actual practice and observance of religious rules and ritual.  To that I would include reverence for the Gods, because to practice and observe religious principles and rites without reverence for a god would be empty of meaning.  Additionally, to revere something is to respect it and I don’t think even the highest ranked priest can be pious without respecting the deity or deities they serve. However, I do not think that piety would be viewed as a virtue by everyone.  Since the word is so tied up in religion and there has been a large shift away from religion in the United States recently, I would think that many people would view this as an archaic trait.  Those who have had bad experiences with a religion may even view piety as something contemptible.  Overall, I think piety is a virtue so long as it does not crossover into zealotry.  Piety is something that should be done with humility.

[anotherdedicantjournal]

Wisdom

           Webster’s definition of Wisdom is as follows:  an “ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; good sense; generally accepted belief; [and] accumulated philosophical or scientific learning.”  (Wisdom). Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) defines wisdom as “. . . the ability to understand people and situations correctly.  It is the ability to think about different solutions and decide on the correct response.”  (Introduction).  While both definitions are an adequate description of Wisdom, ADF’s definition seems to be focused more on good judgment.  The ability to judge things accurately and fairly is an admirable trait, particularly since very few people seem to have it.  I also believe its value lies in the promise that a wise person makes less mistakes because if you are able to make good decisions then they are less likely to become big missteps on the path of life.  However, I personally would write the definition of wisdom as the ability to discover hidden meanings, to make sound decisions, and/or the accumulation of knowledge through experience.  The reason I think discover hidden meanings should be included is because when you are able to read the emotions in people well, or to find things that are useful, but not obvious, is highly beneficial.  This is especially true when faced with practical situations, such as getting hired at an interview.  This is also very beneficial when looking for signs and omens from the Gods that may not be readily apparent to all.  Finally, Knowledge should also be included, since it also increases the likelihood of making good decisions by giving the decision maker a permanent store of information to draw upon in times of need, which may help direct their course of action.

[anotherdedicantjournal]

4/3-4/24

4/3

5m 11s in two powers by Michael J Dangler.  This version is very short and sweet.  After doing the full script for so long, I was thrown off by some things that have been edited in this version.  I think I will stick to my personal style that I’ve developed so far.  I did feel relaxed and connected by the time I was done which is what is important.  Followed with prayer.

4/10

9m33s in Meeting with the Ancestors by Michael Dangler.  I loved the visualization, again I am not let down by these meditations.  It felt very reassuring to think that my mother is waiting for me on an island somewhere.

4/17

5m41s in two powers mediation.  My headphones cut out right when Echo hit play on the Convection meditation, so instead of worrying about it, I just did my normal two powers routine.  My thoughts distracted me though, but I did feel somewhat relaxed at the end.

4/19

5m 20s in Convection meditation.  I see now what the others were saying about it.  I couldn’t help but envision fire when the speaker called it magma and ice when they described cold space.  I disliked the lack of taking the time to envision the ice going through all three wells, but the transition out was very appreciated.  Felt refreshed after.  Followed with prayer.

4/20

Prayed and offered apple pancake to the Gods and Spirits.  I asked for their blessings and protections before thanking them for the gift of employment.

4/21

Earth Day Eve.  I was inspired to go out into the neighborhood and pickup trash.  After 4 hours, I had six 13 gallon bags full of trash.  Since I am at a dead end I fear people have no care and toss whatever refuse they have in their hands or cars into the grass at the end of the road. 

4/24

Meditated with Echo and friends.  6m 30s in Dryad two powers.  Hard to focus tonight.  I loved the imagery once again.  I am relaxed somewhat, but I felt a little rushed.

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3/30 Time: 9:15pm. Today is the 2nd moon of March, making it a blue moon.  This is the last blue moon of the year.  I felt like I needed to do a ritual to recognize this and I used “The Druid Moon Rite” found in “A Breviary for Cranes” by MJD.  Since it was a blue moon, I used the Antaranos variant of the ritual.  I performed this all outside under this tree in my backyard.  I had the Moon to my left shining down on me as I performed it.  Rather than worry about what direction I was facing, I chose this spot because of the level ground in the nook of the tree roots.  I began the ritual with two meditations, “Dual Voice Two Powers” and “Ogromios Druid Moon Mediation.”  I then moved on to the ritual.  I offered oats to the Shining Ones and all the Gods listed in the Antaranos section, tequila to the Ancestors, and lavender flowers to the Fae and Nature Spirits.  The working for the ritual was to set fire to a pool of alcohol with an ice cube in it, but I had to improvise as I didn’t have 180 proof liquor or 90% rubbing alcohol.  Instead, I used a bottle of cheap frankincense essential oil and mixed a fair amount of that with tequila.  I also used my censer rather than the cauldron it called for since I use mine to drink and dab water onto myself for other prayers.  The stuff refused to light until I dropped in one match, it went out, and then lit fire to the old match with a new one.  Once the oil and alcohol had a chance to burn for a second it finally caught on.  The flame was beautiful and entrancing.  I also took omens and these are the questions and answers I got:  1.  What is my path for the foreseeable future?  Answer:  Wunjo, joy/happiness.  I interpreted this to mean I’ll be happy for the foreseeable future.  2.  What should I focus on?  Answer:  Fehu, wealth.  I interpreted this to mean, find a job.  3.  What else should I focus on?  Answer:  Kenaz, Flame/creativity.  I took this to mean that I need to keep being creative.  Altogether, I take these to mean that I will be happy for the foreseeable future, if I can find a job and keep being creative.  Sounds very positive overall.  I felt the entire vibe of the night was incredibly positive.  I also find it really interesting that Wunjo, Fehu, and Kenaz are all runes that I have taken the time to memorize and study.

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3/17 - 3/29/2018

3/17

8 minutes 53 seconds spend in “Sitting like a Mountain” meditation from the previous days album I found on Amazon music.  I like the idea of visualizing myself becoming a mountain to connect with Earth, but I found the rhythm to be very fast paced for me.  I felt as if the guide rushed me through and the track did not end with a transition out of meditation.  The lack of a transition is something I find frustrating and instead the track abruptly ends.  Perhaps I will adapt this for my own uses.  Followed with prayers and offerings to Hecate for guidance, to the Fae and Noble Ones for their strength, and the Ancestors for protection and a long life.

3/20

5 minutes in Breathing Meditation with the weekly check-in group.  Very hard to focus tonight.  Felt relaxing to just breathe though.  I didn’t care for the lack of background music, as I usually depend on that to drown out background noise and unwanted thoughts, but it was great practice for circumstances involving a lack of music.

3/21

8 minutes and 53 seconds spent in “Sitting Like a Mountain.”  Again, I felt very relaxed with this one.  My back got slightly uncomfortable and distracted me towards the end.  Followed with prayers.

3/23

6 minutes and 23 seconds spent in “Golden Orb” meditation, also found on the same album as yesterday’s.  This one is designed to bring healing energy into my body.  I really liked this visualization of a golden ball above my head, but I felt restless today.  Followed with prayer. 

3/24

Went to the Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Ostara celebration.  I loved the relaxed atmosphere and everyone I met was very friendly.  They called on no specific Gods, but used the standard Wiccan “Lord and Lady” salutation.  It was strange jumping back into Wicca after studying Druidry for the past few months.  I really missed the taking in of Omens, easily that is one of my most loved parts of ritual now.  We started ritual by being cleansed as we walked in the door, they used sage smoke.  Ritual leaders used chants and stories to connect with the day.  As individuals, we worked a spell by inscribing eggs with Runes symbolizing our intention for what we wanted to see change or grow in our lives.  The ritual ended with another chant and the dismissing of the quarters.

3/25

Today, I went to the Spring Equinox ritual hosted by the Protogrove of the Gathering Waters in O’fallon, IL.  The ritual was preceded by an hour of socializing and ritual debriefing.  We started by doing the two powers meditation and cleansed ourselves by walking through two flames (tiki torches).  It was a little harder to get into the two powers standing up, but I did still enter a nice relaxed state.  This ritual followed ADF COoR and was centered around a Norse hearth culture.  We held a symbel, a circle of toasting and boasting, which was my very first experience in such an activity, but I found it to be very uplifting and enjoyable.  I like how alcohol was offered, but it wasn’t mandatory and my personal preference is to drink water in ritual and trance work rather than imbibe alcohol.  Overall, I had a really great experience at this ritual.  Everyone was friendly, though my social anxiety got the best of me at some times so I regrettably didn’t get to know as many people as I should have.  Perhaps now that I have went to this one, it will be easier for me to get to know those in the group. 

3/26

5 minutes in two powers.  Followed by a rite to cleanse and consecrate my runes.  Since I have half of them memorized, I felt it was the right time to dedicate them to my use.  I mixed three drops of my blood in with some clear glaze and painted each one with the mixture.  They are now a ruddy color instead of the bright bone white they were.  I then followed the instructions found in “Taking up the Runes” by Diana Paxson.  I really liked this ritual as I felt it definitely ties the Runes to the person who performs it in a very permanent way. 

3/27

5 minutes and 12 seconds in Crocus two powers with my check in group.  Felt very different, but very interesting and relaxing.  I love the duality of hot and cold found in this one.

Reflections on all the past events on my path to Druidry:  I’ve noticed prayer and meditation is beginning to have an unexpected effect on me. I now catch myself thinking about the Kindreds and giving them offerings out of thoughtfulness instead of a strict reciprocity.  I have also grown more confident, as I have been more active in the community at large, and the Pagan community as well.  I have started a Dungeons and Dragons session that happens every Sunday, I go to another one every Wednesday, I do my check-ins for the Dedicant path every Tuesday, and then this past weekend, I went to two religious services.  This is very unlike the normal me and I am enjoying it.  I hope this change continues.  I have also never kept a journal for this long.

3/29

6 minutes and 24 seconds in Dryad two powers found on threecranes.org/meditations.  I love the very different way of connecting to Earth by melding with a tree instead of becoming a tree.  I merged with an apple tree in the first stage of blooming since it is the start of Spring.  I love how quick it was too, I wish there was more background music, but I was still relaxed by the end.