Yule Ritual and Revels!

The Concord UU Earth Centered Spirituality Group presents…
Yule Ritual and Revels!

When: Dec. 21st. 2009
Where: Concord, New Hampshire at the Concord UU Church

 The Goddess and the Oak and Holly Kings…

Cold shall kiss the winter sun, and hope is lost to all save one.
Dark shall fall and light shall rise, if Oak can cut Holly, down to size! 

Yule has always been a special time at the Concord UU and the ECSG, and this year will be no exception. This year, the Battle of the Oak King and Holly King will be fought once more. This ancient battle is the struggle between the Lords of the waning and waxing sun. If Oak can prevail against His brother, then the sun will turn and rise in the sky, and warmth and light shall return.

But if Holly prevails… Woe unto us! 

Dancing in the aisles? Wild drumming shaking the rafters? Song? Chants? Elemental spirits prancing about? It will all be MOST unseemly! But then that’s half the point isn’t it? As much revels as ritual, Yule is not to be missed. Oh, and don’t worry if you can’t dance. Just HOLD ON!

Afterward… stay and visit if you can (and catch your breath). You are invited to bring a snack or drink to share after the ritual if you would like.

Glenn & I are heavily involved in the presentation of this event – hope to see some familiar faces!

NOTE: We’re expecting at least 200 people! If the parking lot is full, park next door in the Concord Orthopedics parking lot, and walk across the path to the church lot.

Event Location: 274 Pleasant Street in Concord in Concord
Event TIME Details: 7:00 PM 
Directions: The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 274 Pleasant Street, Concord New Hampshire, two buildings west of Concord Hospital.

Happy Samhain

On the Wheel of the Year now does Winter begin 
The world is austere as we all turn within 
Solemnly vow that our lesson you hear 
Understand now that love’s always here 
We ask you invoke your ancestor’s relief 
And release what you’ve harbored in fear and in grief 
Give us your word as you mark this Samhain 
And vow that you’ll always honor your kin. 
Blessed be!

Trees

As a youth I was a voracious reader. I loved to read so much that when admonished to go outside and play, I’d take my book, find a tree, climb up as high into the canopy as I could and read there. Perhaps it was then that I first connected myself to trees, by strengthening the association between them and the activity that I loved so well. In fact, I still love to read with a tree, but being older, fatter and much less spry, I sit at their bases instead of in their branches.

Over the years, trees and I have become bosom companions. They have so much to teach that at times it is awe inspiring. It is easy to see that they embody power and vitality. When the going gets tough, I’ll often lean against one and soak up comfort and strength. (Ok, I’ll admit, I’ve been known to hug one from time to time… shhhhhhh, our secret.)

However, there is much more than that to be learned. Trees have music and mystery in their leaves, whispering singsong, barely heard and rarely understood. They show us that remaining uncompromising is destructive, but with a little bend and sway we can weather the more brutal storms. They show unbiased generosity, providing fruit, nuts or shade to anyone who asks, seeking nothing in return. They instruct us to look beyond the surface, for although we cannot see them, roots run deep and spread as large as the more obvious canopy. Is it any wonder that so many cultures revere trees or make them part of their spiritual mythos and traditions?

Despite my love for trees, I’m not overly skilled in identifying them. I can name the easy ones – oak, maple, willow, birch, apple, ash, cherry – but the more obscure I leave up to my husband who’s more practiced in these things. I find I look at trees on an individual basis, each one unique and with their own story to tell, as opposed to part of a larger species group. I suppose it is the same way I look at people. What I find interesting is that some trees invoke a need to get to know them better, while others I merely smile and pass them by. Again – very much like people.

What I find entirely unlike my interrelation with humans is that I’ve never met a tree that made me feel judged or debased. Don’t get me wrong, I am not so naïve to believe that all things in Nature are benign. (Far from it but that’s another topic.) I’ve met trees that are angry, sick, childish, frightened and a whole slew on non-benevolent characteristics. (Notice I don’t say malevolent.) Regardless the tree spirits I come in contact with seem to be incapable of judging. Even though they may not comprehend limited human perception, they accept… And therein is the most potent lesson!

Nature of Nature

I’ve been challenged recently in several places to think about how I view nature, which in itself is the basis of my spiritual beliefs. The word itself is reasonably straightforward; I highly doubt that anyone reading this will have to look up “nature” in Webster’s. 

 

Despite the fact that we all know what nature means, it may be surprising to learn that Dictionary.com has 20 different definitions in the first entry alone. I isolated these two for the sake of the following discussion:

1. The material world and its phenomena;
2. The universe, with all its phenomena.

 

My husband likes to remind me that this definition encompasses human beings, and hence all that humans create, as part of nature. While most of us can accept that people are part of nature, the popular connotation rarely includes skyscrapers, asphalt, petrochemicals, nuclear power plants, microchips or hotrods. However, all these things are natural components and compounds combined in such a way that they create tools. (Regardless of societal and ecological consequence) Is the rock an otter uses to crack open shellfish or the sticks of a beaver lodge any less part of nature because they are being used as tools? No. How about the wood pulp and saliva that the wasp uses to construct his paper nest? It might be harder to see “nature” in the asphalt or the microchip, but it is more or less the same thing, just manipulated in a way that it is no longer recognizable.

 

So when we say that we venerate nature, that we must protect nature, perhaps it needs to be more clearly defined.  An acquaintance wrote about the value of the “Wild.” However, I’m not sure that wilderness is the word I am looking for either. Wilderness is the rawest, purest aspect of the natural world. Untouched, pristine places the hush and weight of centuries, unknown to human interference. This hinterland can be awe inspiring. However, I live in New England and that is nearly unheard of – the first European settlers decimated the hardwood forests they found here, clearing the way for crops and pastures. While we do have lots of forests, “old growth” in New England usually means a miniscule 2 or 3 generations. Still, seeing what the natural order has done to reclaim those spaces can be impressive.

 

 

I was introduced to what I perceived as wilderness as kid, camping in the summers at a picturesque Canadian island with an unpronounceable French name (and equally un-spell-able!) It lives in memory as that perfect, immaculate, wild place, accessible only by boat, where we fished, hiked and ate blueberries right off the bush. We swam in the lake without worrying about the water quality and kept our eyes peeled in hopes of seeing the camper’s nemesis – the northern diamond back rattle snake. As a kid it seemed to be such an adventure into the vast, feral wilds of the Canadian backwoods. However, when I focus the memories there was a dock, outhouses, a covered pavilion and chained trash barrels (that never deterred the raccoons for very long.) So much for the romanticized ideal I prefer to recall – the unspoiled, unsullied wilderness. However, it was an introduction that formed the basis of how I view and value nature to this day, for which I will ever be grateful to my parents for providing.

 

That being said, I appreciate nature in the garden as well. In his book, “Second Nature,” Michael Pollan remarks that gardeners are constantly waging out and out warfare with the forces of nature; where Mother Earth’s soldiers are in the forms of shock troops (weeds) and cavalry (woodchucks.) While I understand his frustrations, the garden too can be a place to cherish nature. Hands deep in rich humus, carefully tending plants that will become the basis of our sustenance, we can learn to better understand the cycle of life and attune to the rhythms of the biosphere we live in. We learn what plants are native to our region; we become reconciled to our weather patterns; we become intimately involved with organisms both large (like the lettuce sampling woodchucks) and small (like microscopic bacteria.)   

 

We must remember though, that the garden is a direct result of our control – we sow, we weed, we harvest. We decide which plants should thrive and which should be called weeds, to be yanked out by their tender roots. We introduce ladybugs and lacewings to prey upon insects that we have decided are “pests.” Imitation is a sincere form of flattery. However our gardens are not a more ordered replication of Nature, despite what they may teach us about it. Nature is about survival and a little bit of luck; it does not nurture and coddle a straggly tomatillo that really isn’t designed for zone 5.

 

I guess that is the gift of nature that I so revere. It is the unexpected lady slipper that grows in a shaded bower. It is the tenacious, cheery black eyed susan that grows on the roadside, oblivious to all the traffic roaring by. It is the rockslide that opens a small glacial cave, providing the perfect shelter for a small animal that wouldn’t have survived the winter without it. It is that life begets life; it may not be pretty but it is a miracle, every day.

 

It is the perspective one can find, sitting behind a waterfall, looking out at the world…

 

Glenn at Sandwich Notch

Becoming a Daily Spiritual Practitioner (II)

I’ve been published again in The Witches’ Voice.  It is a rewrite, expanded version of the blog I wrote on the topic some time ago.

I will not re-print the article here, but you can see it at The Witches’ Voice online, here.

Tolerance Article

This is a re-print of an article that I wrote for The Witches’ Voice.  It came out today and I thought I would share here.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As per Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
tol·er·ance [tol-er-uhns]
-noun 1. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry.

Tolerance. This is a reasonably straightforward and comprehensive definition.

As per Synonym Collection v1.1
Main Entry: tolerance
Synonyms: compassion, endurance, fortitude, hardiness, indulgence, leeway, leniency, mercy, patience, steadfastness, sufferance, sympathy, threshold, understanding

When scrutinizing the list of synonyms, it is unlikely that anyone will dispute that tolerance is an essential attribute for harmonious human interaction. Patience and understanding are proven attitudes that lead to the most productive communication. Leniency and indulgence show the way to acceptance of diversity. Compassion, possibly the most important of the list, allows us to move forward in the spirit of camaraderie and amity, even when we do not fully comprehend our differences. On the contrary, the antonyms – bigotry, prejudice, narrow- or small-mindedness, fanaticism – all have undoubtedly strong negative connotation and are clearly counterproductive for any interpersonal relations.

In a world where opinion, culture, gender, nationality, sexual identity, and spiritual path are combined in incalculable variation and permutation, it would seem that tolerance should be everyone’s primary concern. However, it appears that intolerance and narrow-mindedness abound with an exponentially growing rate.

Bigotry can be painful in any avenue, but it can be particularly agonizing when one’s most fundamental (and often ardent) belief structures are assailed or demeaned. Denying the validity of a person’s religious choice is often taken as a debasement of the person themselves and their most personal, sacred self. People identify closely with their spiritual path and can become emotionally distraught when that path is attacked, defiled or ridiculed. Whether one is a member of a Wiccan Coven, a Catholic Church, the Imperial Order of the Holy Knights of Turpentine, or some personal spiritual path outside established traditions, it matters not – the knee-jerk reaction to derision or degradation is the same and all are equally legitimate feelings.

It is not uncommon as a Pagan practitioner to come in contact with intolerance for (what is often assumed to be) their belief structure or spiritual practices. The community as a whole has been painted with a brush that is largely undeserved. Most people that identify themselves as some form of Pagan, be they Wiccan, Witch, Druid, Heathen, Shaman, Eclectic or one of the abundant other paths, have had personal experience with discriminatory or bigoted behaviors.

The incidents can range in intensity from an unconscious or flippant remark to terrifying hate crimes. Regardless of the severity of the episode it can lead to a range of complicated, negative emotions from disillusionment and cynicism, anger and resentment, to despair and despondency; all things that destroy harmonious human interaction, sowing discord and animosity. Whether born of ignorance, fear or megalomania, the behaviors are inexcusable.

For some time now, “Tolerance!” has been one of the loudest war cries of the Pagan community. The First Amendment of the US Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” By that measure, tolerance and acceptance are not merely requested by Pagans, but demanded as a fundamental, Constitutional right and appropriately so.

Unfortunately, there seems to be an alarming precedent of prejudice against non-Pagans, more specifically Christians, in Pagan circles. Detailing the ghastliness of Christian ideology, history, and dogma with malicious glee or self-righteous assertion is often the theme de jour in Pagan circles, discussion groups, and online forums. Frequently Pagans refer to themselves as “Recovered-Christians, ” as if Christianity is a disease like alcoholism that can be cured with willpower, a little incense and some chanting. It should be kept in mind that Christianity is also a valid, devout Spiritual path; regardless that Christians follow a theology completely divergent to most Pagan beliefs.

However, more often than not, Christians are portrayed not as individuals on a legitimate Spiritual path, with unique assets and imperfections, but are lumped together into the category of sexist, materialist, controlling, bigoted, Witch Burners. With these overwhelming attitudes of animosity and intolerance, is it any wonder that we Pagans are treated in kind? While respect often begets respect, the converse is also very true – contempt breeds contempt, fueling a vicious cycle of resentment and retaliation.

Often Pagans justify their anti-Christian sentiments by saying that the communal “We, ” as a religious collective, never burned anyone for their Spiritual beliefs or participated in a bloody Crusade. This is very likely true. However, it is just as unlikely that anyone alive today has either. The Crusades lasted from 1101 to 1272, the European Burning Times were 1450 – 1700, and the Salem Witch Trials were in 1692.

For exactly how long do you maintain a grudge – three centuries, four, half a millennia?

Is it permissible to hold an entire religious organization responsible for what their distant ancestors did? For that matter, a large majority of Pagans can claim some of those ancestors as their own! Should we ostracize everyone who has a questionable predecessor, regardless of his or her impeccable character? Are the sins of the father, truly the sins of the son?

There will always be slavering fanatics, in all walks of life, who will speak against our personal paths (be they Spiritual, Sexual, what have you.) Their perceptions of Pagans, no matter how calmly refuted and clearly explained, cannot be changed, so why allow them to make us angry and indignant? It should be a sign of our Spiritual maturity to recognize those who refuse to acknowledge our religious differences as valid and merely steer clear. Spirituality should bring serenity and delight into our lives, not irritation and anger or malicious riotousness.

It is often said that we should stand up and take responsibility for our actions. It is high time that the Pagan community stood up and took accountability for our vocalizations. Words, spoken and written, have consequences, sometimes more dire and lasting than actions. There is no reason not to indulge in theological debate, as long as respect reigns paramount. In fact, inter-faith discussion often provides an opportunity for growth and deeper spiritual perspective by examining personal truths more closely.

We should lead by example, not sit around and complain that others are prejudiced against our specific Spiritual choices. If we expect, nay – if we demand tolerance, we should reciprocate in kind.

Re-locating

This is just a FYI – I am no longer going to be posting gardening & farming entries on this page. 

The Silverwolf Sanctuary blog will remain a combination of my spiritual & personal insights, ponderings and musings.

Gardening and farming blogs can now be found at Maggie Mae Farm.  (No, that wasn’t a hint of narcissism – the hubby named it.  He thinks it’s cute.)

Prayer

prayer   /prɛər/ [prair] –noun

            1. a devout petition to God, gods, or an object of worship.

            2. a spiritual communion with God, gods or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession

 

I thought about this today because of a comment on a friend’s blog, but have noticed in the past as well that people of conventional religions tend to think that Pagans do not pray.  I was kind of taken aback since most Pagans I know pray rather frequently, whether it is to a specific god to goddess of innumerable pantheons, to the Fates, to a Universal Divine, it matters not.  Prayer, by definition, is an act of spiritual communion with the Divine and that is not restricted to doctrine or creed.

 

I’ve also been asked (usually by those of Christian persuasion) if I would be offended if they prayed [to the God of Abraham] for me.  Why would that affront me? I’m a firm advocate of the idea that prayer is an act of love, a sign of compassion and an earnest desire for enrichment in my life. How can that be distasteful?

 

I pray for you….

 

We tune the hearthsong of our souls, loving words upon our lips…
light-giving songs upon our hearts…
life-bringing praises upon our eyes…
The music of comfort resound in the souls of all beings,
Preserving them in peace,
As the sun and moon renew themselves this night.

We give thanks to the Wise Powers of the Universe that have protected us this day, this season, this year; may their blessings attend us wherever we go, and a special blessings to those who have touched our lives, who are now in need.

We look to the unfulfilled places in our lives, may the Ancient Wisdom Teachers show us how best to prepare these as fields where we may sow seeds of hope. We ask, both for ourselves and others, may self blame, disappointment, disappear, self-doubt be transformed by self-confidence, hopefulness, an awareness of our potential, and Love.

Joyous Yule

 

May the return of the Sun bring joy and comfort to your hearts.  Many blessings to you all…

Sacred Space

I had the opportunity on Friday to celebrate the Gemini Full Moon (or the Cold Moon) with a great group of people.  It was an evening filled with prose, song, laughter, beauty and a sense honesty and intimacy that in my experience only a few groups truly share (though many struggle to create.) 

 

Despite the fact that the circle was magical, the setting was less than inspirational.  The venue had a number of other groups that night and we were relegated to a vacant classroom; stacking preschool sized tables and chairs out of the way, turning off the lights and desperately encouraging ambiance by sitting in a circle on the floor surrounded by a number of halfhearted, guttering candles. 

 

It got me thinking about the idea of sacred space.  What is sacred space and how does it come into being? Many theologians say that one of the most important elements of religion (or spiritual path) is sacred space ­ how it is identified and how it is created.  There are, however, innumerable perspectives on what exactly qualifies something as sacred space. For the sake of this discussion, we’ll say that sacred space is any location that is “apart” from the mundane that is dedicated for religious or spiritual activities, or invokes some sort of communion with the Divine.  (Of the two the second is my preference – anyone can create sacred space through ritual, prayer and faith, but to discover a place of mysticism and Divine energy that just spontaneously exists is a miraculous treat!)

 

As an advocate of a Universal Divine, I certainly believe with the appropriate intent anywhere can be transformed into a place of Divinity and glory.  Perhaps these settings do not hold the mystery for much longer than it takes to perform our rites, but even an empty classroom can be a place of power for a time.  I also believe that if the power is awakened repeatedly in these commonplace areas, a residual sense of mystery will remain, transforming them into permanent sacred space over time.  (This explains the longstanding reverence of old churches and sacred wells – the repeated petitions, prayers and rites leave an incontrovertible impression of faith, hope and Divine love in these places which were made by the hand of man.)

 

Then there are the places that you walk through and are immediately struck by their innate power.  Whether it is a church or a forest grove, a ring of standing stones or a solitary tree these kinds of places are denominationally impartial, but spiritually rich.  I do not mean to say that these locations cannot have connection to any named doctrine, but merely that you need not follow the particular path to feel the spiritual energy that resides there. I have been in churches that have power to inspire me with awe and reverence, despite the fact that I do not follow their specific doctrines.  I’ve known churchgoers to come across a lone monolithic willow that embodies the Divine, emanating her joy and love to those who dare to open their hearts to her. 

 

Once I walked rather indifferently into a small clearing I had passed through many times before and was rooted to the spot by the unpredicted, palpable Divine energy. Perhaps it was the play of light through the trees just at that unrepeatable instant, for despite many return visits the sensation was never recreated in such intensity.  Was the space scared only for that brief moment? Or was I only receptive that day? (Going back to my theory of Universal Divine, I would have to support the latter theory.)

 

Whether it is created or found, sacred space is filled with wonder and mystery. It holds a poignant connection to the Divine and creates a venue for peace and joy to flow into our hearts.  Without dedicated sacred space our most sanctified rites would feel somehow uninspiring and commonplace.  It allows us to remove the fetters of everyday experience and look beyond into the measureless grandeur of the universe.

 

Walk with wisdom, from this sacred place

Walk not in sorrow, our roots shall e’er embrace

Let strength be your brother, and honor be your friend

And luck may be your lover, until we meet again.