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A Journey through the Ogham: Third Aicme

A Journey through the Ogham: Third Aicme

I am currently working my way through the Ogham in terms of a journey to initiation and spiritual development. The first aicme, as well as a little more information on the project can be found here: https://thecirclecrow.wordpress.com/2022/06/01/a-journey-through-the-ogham-first-aicme/ In the first aicme, we take our first steps towards initiation and find that it is a path of connection. At the…

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A Journey through the Ogham: Second Aicme

A Journey through the Ogham: Second Aicme

As mentioned in my previous post, I am currently working my way through the Ogham in terms of a journey to initiation and spiritual development. The first aicme, as well as a little more information on the project can be found here: https://thecirclecrow.wordpress.com/2022/06/01/a-journey-through-the-ogham-first-aicme/ In the first aicme, we take our first steps towards initiation and find that…

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A Journey through the Ogham: First Aicme

A Journey through the Ogham: First Aicme

One of my current projects is to re-examine the Ogham, particularly how they work with me and how they interact with a journey towards initiation and self-discovery. In many ways, the Tarot can be seen as a journey, and I feel as if the Ogham can be seen that way as well. I used a number of resources as a researched the Ogham. Two that resonated a lot with me were Erynn Rowan Laurie and Rev.…

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The End is the Beginning is the End

The End is the Beginning is the End

In Druidry, you come to appreciate the cyclical nature of all existence. Upon close inspection, all life is in movement. Everything in nature exists in cycles of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Once you have grasped that, you begin to see that those cycles can be applied to almost anything in life. Out in the world, nature begins anew with the beginning of Spring. Within my spiritual growth, I…

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The Blessings of Alban Eiler

The Blessings of Alban Eiler

As I write this, the sun is rising in the East, the birds are singing in my backyard, and my dog is snoring at my feet. Perhaps the last one isn’t as pleasant as the first two, but as Meatloaf sang, two out of three ain’t bad. Today, is Alban Eiler, the Spring Equinox. The phrase Alban Eiler is “Light of the Earth” in the Welsh Druid Revival Tradition that supports the Ancient Order of Druids in…

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Theological Uncertainty in Druidry and The Gnostic Celtic Church

Theological Uncertainty in Druidry and The Gnostic Celtic Church

In one of my roles at the Ancient Order of Druids in America, I am the Preceptor of the Gnostic Celtic Church. Part of that calling is to work with new clergy who are interested in nature-based spirituality expressed as a religion. During a couple of recent calls, I was asked what to do if you aren’t certain on your personal theology. I offered advice in the calls, but I want to share some here,…

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Embracing the Light of Spring in a World of Darkness

Embracing the Light of Spring in a World of Darkness

We are coming up on the Spring Equinox, when light and dark are at a balance. There are times in your life when even the balance of the two is a welcome reprieve from the darkness. We’ve seen a lot of dark, as of late. Pandemic, politics, war…there are times when it seems like the darkness surrounds you. Just when we need it, the Earth comes through with Spring. Druids, historically according to…

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A (Winter)'s Snow, and A New Purpose for My Poor, Neglected Blog

A (Winter)’s Snow, and A New Purpose for My Poor, Neglected Blog

Large white flakes fall heavily outside my sliding glass door as I write this. Classes are cancelled. Businesses are closed. We are locked in a very Midwestern sequence, the advance and retreat of Spring. It’s only grown worse with climate change, as seventy degree spring days are immediately followed by sub-zero, dead-of-winter storms. Perhaps this is the last snow of the season. Perhaps…

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Lessons from An Morrígan 1-10

Lessons from An Morrígan 1-10

WARNING: The following contains massive amount of UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis). Since I first began journeying to contact An Morrígan, I have have been somewhat frustrated with a lack of specificity in Herself’s requests. First, there was “learn.” That was the state for months. Then, there was “listen.” Again, months with no real explanation, other than I wasn’t ready for what was next and…

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A Solitary ADF-Style Spring Ritual to Olwen

A Solitary ADF-Style Spring Ritual to Olwen

Olwen is a Welsh goddess whose footsteps give rise to Spring flowers, best-known for the myth of Olwen and Culhwch. It is the sort of cyclical captive myth that is fairly common throughout the world around this time of year. Olwen is imprisoned by her father Ysbaddaden, who it is said will die should Olwen marries. Culhwch comes to court her and is send on a number of nearly-impossible errands,…

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Rhiannon's Forgiveness, the Law of Attraction, and Initiation, Part 4

Rhiannon’s Forgiveness, the Law of Attraction, and Initiation, Part 4

And so, Badger in the Bag was played by the warriors until Gwawl begged for mercy. At this moment, Pywll is left with the choice between granting mercy and extracting revenge. It is Rhiannon, goddess of sovereignty, that advises Pywll to offer mercy in exchange for fealty.

That, in itself, is an amazing thing. Consider Rhiannon, who has been pursued in the past by Gwawl, who desired her…

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Pwyll's Mistake and Rhiannon's Plan (Dolmen Arch)

Pwyll’s Mistake and Rhiannon’s Plan (Dolmen Arch)

Oh, how confident newfound power can make us. Drunk, even. That is the state of Pwyll, having returned from The Otherworld, having caught Sovereignty Herself in Rhiannon. Now, feeling his own authority, he offers to give his guests anything and everything he desires.

Sure, this is a admirable thing. Charity and hospitality are important, particularly for a Welsh chieftain. In terms of…

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Pwyll, Rhiannon, and Initiation Part 2

Pwyll, Rhiannon, and Initiation Part 2

Having received the support of his people by following Arawn’s rule, Pwyll is prepared for his next adventure, going to the top of a mound from which every person who comes there either receives a grievous blow or sees a wonder. There, he sees Rhiannon, goddess of sovereignty, the most enchanting woman he can imagine. He sends his man running after her, but he cannot be caught, not by his fastest…

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Pwyll, the Prince of Dyfed, Part 1 (Dolmen Arch)

Pwyll, the Prince of Dyfed, Part 1 (Dolmen Arch)

I am beginning work on the Dolmen Arch and have been meditating on the story of Pwyll, the Prince of Dyfed. I’ve read the story several times before, but this, in particular, is about working through the story on a symbolic level. There will probably be a couple of these posts so that they don’t get too long.

John Michael Greer sets up the Mabinogi as essentially tales of initiation or…

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The Many Paths of the Independent Sacrament Movement (Book Response)

The Many Paths of the Independent Sacrament Movement (Book Response)

It’s amazing how writing these things can get away from you. I have definitely been bad about updating this site as I continue along my path.

As a Deacon in the Gnostic Celtic Church, I’ve read The Many Paths of the Independent Sacrament Movement a couple of times. The Gnostic Celtic Church is a part of that movement through a couple of successions, most recently John Michael Greer’s consecration…

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A World Full of Gods (Book Response)

A World Full of Gods (Book Response)

I recently finished reading A World Full of Gods and it has generally cemented my perspective of myself as polytheistic. John Michael Greer essentially makes a logical argument for the existence of multiple gods, as well as for the compatibility of polytheism with modern world views.  It’s a really good read, and I recommend it for anyone struggling with that hard/soft polytheistic line.

While…

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An Unexpected Gift for My Altar

An Unexpected Gift for My Altar

I’m writing this the same day as my previous post, but am separating it, since this was a separate experience. Since my lesson in devotional reciprocity, I’ve been unshakable in my daily practice. I’ve studied every day. I’ve meditated every day. I’ve performed the sphere of protection to attune to the holy powers, and I’ve given small offerings of coffee during morning prayers every day. I have…