Seems like the Heathen community has two sides,the community side and the individualistic.On this Odin Brotherhood discussion forum,they talk about being heroic,yet,they acted apathetically when I bring up social problems that threaten the Community.Seems like no one really means their words at all.Shouldn't we do something about threats before they become problems?

 Today I start my first steps towards quitting. I'm trying not dread it. The garden is waking up. The tansy, garlic, and monkshood are all making an appearence. I think I even saw the start of a hops vine. Speaking of gardening, I found out about a few really awlful bill that Congress will be working on soon. H.R. 875 and S. 425 are two bills that are so vague they will literally make backyard gardening illegal! These bills are disguised as food safety bills. I can see large Agribusinesses hands all over this bills. What's at jeopardy? Organic farming, small, family farms, roadside veggie/fruit stands, herb growers, etc. If you want a choice other than irradiated, chemically, gmo foods, take action! Just type in the 2 bill numbers and read about them. I really think our ancestors would be up in arms if someone tried to impose such laws on them.

Just thought I would post a note about my son Jake. Last night at our Blue and Gold Cub Scout Banquet Jake was awarded Cub Scouts Highest award, The Arrow of Light. He has been working real hard on it and last night his hard work came to fruit. Now he is on his way to Boy Scouts, and the shock of going from the top of the heap to the bottom as a Boy Scout is going to be fun to watch!!.

This was the most emotional speech I ever read, I have read it many times for other Arrow of light earners, but this time I got to read it for my son.

WHEN AKELA WAS A CUB SCOUT

CUBMASTER: Tonight we are recognizing ________ Webelos Scouts from our pack who have earned the Arrow of Light award, the highest in Cub Scouting. They bring honor not only to themselves but to our pack as well. Let's go back and review the Cub Scout trail over which these boys have traveled. Will the Arrow of Light candidates please come forward?

When these Webelos first joined our pack, they learned the meaning of the Cub Scout colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above. (Light blue candle). Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness. (Light gold candle) When the two are joined together only then do we have the Spirit of Scouting. (Light white candle from both blue and gold) We all know that the Cub Scout advancement follows the life story of Akela, an Indian brave of the mythical Webelos tribe. As we follow the Cub Scout trail, we follow in the footsteps of Akela and, like Akela, Learn many things so that someday we, too, may become brave Scouts. The first thing that Akela had to learn was the Law of the Pack. (Light first red candle to audience left with white candle.)

When Akela was of Bobcat age, he was taken on short trips into the forest by his

father. Here among the great trees and streams he became acquainted with the

animals. From the Wolf he learned the Language of the ground, the tracks, and the ways to food. Much the same as Akela, our Cub Scouts worked and Learned and

received the rank of Wolf. (Light 2nd red candle).

Later, Akela learned from the big kindly bear the secret names of trees and from other friends, the calls of birds and the language of the air. Just as Akela learned new things that required a little more skill, so too, do our Cub Scouts earn their Bear badges. (Light 3rd red candle).

From his father, Arrow of Light, Akela learned the speech and calls of the Webelos tribe. After Akela had learned the ways of the Wolf and the Bear, he was admitted into the lower ranks of the young braves. Thus, he became a Webelos Scout. He had to work very hard to keep up with the young braves because they were very skillful and there were many new areas of learning. So, too did our Webelos learn new skills. But, most important, they began to learn more about the ways of the Scout. Only after passing the required achievements did they earn their Webelos Badge.... Here we should stop and think of the inner meaning of the word Webelos. It means "We'll be loyal Scouts". Loyal to our country, our home, and to God. (Light 3 white candles - 1 for each preceding loyalty).

Now, as we look back down our Cub Scout trail, we see how bright the pathway is, Bright because you Cub Scouts have helped make it so. You light the pathway through Cub Scouting by doing your best, and giving good will.

The ultimate dream of Akela, to become a brave Scout, was very close now but there were many tests to be passed and he worked even harder than before to achieve that dream. Our Webelos, too, worked very hard. They began to learn the laws of the Scouts, some of their skills, and participated in many of their activities. They have reached the end of the Cub Scout trail and have found that it is not and end at all, but only a beginning leading onward and upward to the great brotherhood of Scouting, a new adventure. (Light 4th red candle).

The Arrow of Light has a special meaning. It is a sun over an arrow with seven rays - one for each day of the week. They remind you to do your best every day as you follow the arrow that leads to Scouting. By earning and wearing the Arrow of Light award, you show Cubs and Scouts that your are ready to be a Scout. Because your parents have helped you along the path, they deserve your thanks for their help. As I call your name, will you please step forward, with your parents, so we can present you with your award.......

Chuck Hudson
Cub Master Pack 640 Edgewood NM

As tonight will be the last night of Iulzît proper (I know that a lot of Heathen like to equate New Years' Eve with Zweliftonaht-and that's all well and good-but we Irminen are sticklers for accuracy) I've been thinking a lot about 2008. This past year has been an emotional roller coaster for me. The highs were really high, and the lows were really low; but there were more lows than highs.

It was at the end of 2007 that I left my former kindred and, a month or two later, announced that I could no longer call myself "Asatru" in good conscience anymore. I'd been straddling the fence between Asatru and Irminenschaft for some time; but certain events told me where I really needed to be. I thought-and still think-that my decision was the right one. But going into January I was coming to learn how many of my "friends" called themselves that either because they saw me as a fellow Asatruar or because I was a well-recognized member of a popular kindred. To date I can count the number of Asatru friends I've kept on my fingers; and these are because we're real friends, brands of Heathenry notwithstanding. Time spent with folks from Irminic and Odinist circles has been stepped up, though, and I've discovered that I have some better friends than I previously knew! It looks like I may be finding some new friends within the Urglaawe community as well.

February was no less dramatic, as my wife & I decided to separate. Thinking that the sooner I move out the less painful it would be on everyone involved, I was moved out by 1 March. Within a matter of months I'd divorced my kindred, much of my community, and now my family. Despite the friends who had stuck by me, the friends & family on the other side of the country that have been as loyal as a pack of dogs, and the constant support I received from the Irminen-Gesellschaft I was beginning to feel lonely.

To add to the sting, whilst I've maintained a fairly good relationship with my stepdaughter, the relationship between me & my stepson was severed around the same time my ex- and I separated. And with him goes my granddaughter.

The next few months, trying to find appropriate ways to start life over again were completely insane! Because I had to re-do all my household budget and because my work hours are inconsistent I'd find some periods where I'd be sweating my bills and others that I'd be going on spending sprees. I dated a whole slew of women which, while good for my ego, wasn't really finding me anyone the way I'd hoped-at least not at first. I'm really picky when it comes to women... My work schedule and work responsibilities changed a number of times as much of my company's management has been replaced. It seemed like every time I thought I knew what was going on in my life something changed!

What do you know; I met a certain lady that I was very excited about! Because of work schedules & geography we didn't get to see one another that often. But we talked on the phone virtually every day and whenever we did get together it was like taking a breath of fresh air! Long story short, though, it wasn't meant to be. I guess it was more of a ‘summer romance' than anything else.

I tried stepping up my contributions to the IG. I came to appreciate that I'd become a lot more emotional that I'd previously realized, as I couldn't even stay focussed enough to complete one of the many articles I'd started writing.

The recession hit. Advice for anyone who can accept it: DO NOT separate or divorce during a recession! Starting life over is difficult enough as it is when your dollar has the same value week after week!

My ex- and I decided to finalize our divorce. It should have been a very amicable, easy divorce, as neither of us as asking anything from the other, we weren't fighting over anything, usw. But because I refused to cooperate with the invasive courts here in the People's Republic of Massachusetts our case was dismissed. We'll start 2009 by filing for divorce again.

Then became more involved with another lady. Am still with her, and thus far things look good between us. Ich drücke dir die Daumen!

In November the new GF & I hit some real drama. Without going into too much personal stuff for an online forum, she lost her younger sister in a car accident. We were not only the last ones to see her alive, but were also the ones to have to identify the body at our local hospital. I've never had to identify a body before. I hope I never have to do that again.

A week or so later our area was hit with an ice storm and the damage was literally at historic levels. I had no electricity, heat or hot water for nearly a week! So many trees & power lines had been knocked down across streets that for the first couple of days it was difficult just finding a way out of town! My GF invited me to stay at her place for the duration. She didn't have any of those things that I lacked-but she does have a gas stove (my electric stove was useless). That meant we could cook food. Running the oven helped heat her small apartment. I'd just stocked my freezer two days before that storm, too! All that food had to be thrown away.

In between all these major events I've learnt how to fix a bunch of things on my computer; I've found ways to save money on my utilities; I'm re-learning how to cook; I've made it my goal to move to New Hampshire within the next 2 years and... Wow! I can't even remember it all!

Welcome 2009! While everyone's lives have their ups & downs and I'm certainly not unique in that I can only hope that the upcoming year will prove to be more stable and less dramatic. If nothing else, 2008 has given me the opportunity to weigh my priorities, answer some questions about myself, and to start solidifying some direction. But what a way to get there!

I've written about a number of topics pertaining to Heathendom over the years. But one I've never really touched on is Magic. I haven't written much on the topic because I don't think of myself as a particularly magical person and I certainly don't think of myself as any sort of Runenmeister, Hexenmeister, or what have you. But I have dabbled in some things and done a lot of research on the topic; so I'm not completely ignorant in this area.

First a bit about my magical background. Before coming to Heathenry 18 years ago I did try a number of magical systems in earnest. I was young, and may have to be forgiven for my youthful exuberance-but at least I was objective. Experimenting with Wiccan, Thelemic, and chaos magic(k) proved fruitless. I could argue that I had some success with Lucumí/Santería influenced magic, but that could be chalked up to a series of lucky coincidences as well. I could never claim any spectacular event to make me think, "Wow! I've discovered the secrets"!

Years go by.

Long story short, I've found 2 systems that I believe have proven to work well for me.

 
The first is Runen=Magie (often anglicized as: "rune magic"). The Sacred 18 I predominantly use as a meditational tool. But on occasion I have been able to employ them in actual magical work such as in reducing back pain, building physical stamina, and in divination. No, I haven't calmed any storms. But when my back hurts that pain is very real, and if I can reduce it by invoking the energy of UR...

The second method I've found useful is Conjure or folk-magic. I'm fully aware that there are numerous historical/cultural variations of folk-magic. But I would argue that most if not all of these have become so intermingled that except for a few key methods (z.B. the use of hex signs by the PA Dutch) that any other differentiation died out years ago. A red candle is used for the same purposes and in the same manner whether one refers to their method as 'English witchcraft', 'American hoodoo', or 'Mexican brujeria'. Most of what I've picked up in this area is derived from hoodoo sources-not because I was specifically seeking these, but because most of the more reliable resources I could find came out of this tradition.

This being said let me explain what I mean by "magic". I am not talking about "positive thinking" or "creative visualization". I am not talking about "drawing down the moon" (Wicca), "reciting the Gnostic Mass" (Thelema), "crossing the abyss" (Satanism) or "transubstantiation" (Roman Catholicism). Whilst these may all be powerful religious rituals to their respective devotees, these are not "magic" as they do nothing to alter reality in an objective manner. Nor is the alleged spákona who offers all kinds of fortune-cookie style philosophy and paraphrases from the Hávamál to a gathered crowd. When a Voodooi-sih claims to be possessed and can prove it by eating a large glass bottle, though, I am sufficiently impressed.

From what I've seen in the world of sorcery ("ceremonial magic" to apologists) and neo-paganism the greatest magic performed is naught but self-delusion. But I have seen a root-worker bring someone's spouse back! Now this is not intended to flatly state that all sorcery and neo-pagan magic is impotent. I am not enough of an authority to make such a brash statement. I will only state that in my experience I have never seen either one offer objective results.

Why do so many would-be magic workers fail? My belief is that it has to do with our culture. Most Americans come to Heathendom from backgrounds such as christianism or some sort of neo-paganism. These traditions-despite claims to the contrary-are not friendly with what we might call "the supernatural". As it is human nature to carry a certain amount of baggage from our previous Weltanschauung it takes an awful long time before we are really ready to grasp and digest certain ideas. I'll be the first to admit it... Show me some believable poltergeist phenomena and I'd be positively spooked! Many people in our host society are rather freaked out by the idea that a Heathen would invite a god into our homes. It's not the ceremony that shocks them--it's the very idea of invoking such a power into your kitchen!

But there's an even more profound reason why these holdover notions inhibit the would-be magic worker: attitudes about a number of issues related to magic use haunt us which proves to impede-if not prevent-one's efficacy.

One of the biggest inhibitions Heathens suffer in this area is an inaccurate notion of what is and is not "ours". We might learn of certain methods, for example, and think of them as some sort of witchery or what have you that is foreign to the ways of our altmâgâ. History, though, tells us otherwise. Whether it be stories about the witches on the Brocken, the spells described in Galdrabók--or even some of the notions hinted at in the more christianized Lacnuga and the Nine Worts Charm--we see forms of magic that are not significantly different from methods we might easily dismiss as "foreign" or "witchcraft".

Folk magic from virtually any culture is based on the assumption that different natural materials (herbs, roots, stones, animal parts, usw.) offer their own innate power(s) that may be utilized by the practitioner. Manufactured items may be used magically, but since they lack these innate powers they must be "charged", "named" or "consecrated". We see this reflected in mythic accounts. One might find a staff made of a particular wood from a significant location no further effort needs to be made to instil its effectiveness. On the other hand, even the sons of Ivaldi had to name their gifts before attempting to impress the gods with their worth.

Attached to the notion of certain items possessing inherent clout, of course, is the question of how to obtain these times. "I was all ready to cast this spell but it's been so hard to find red robin's eggs this year!" Many people have difficulty accepting the idea of purchasing these items mail-order, online, or from a store. It is well-known that people in tribal and feudal cultures all over the world have gone to the marketplace in order to obtain useful items ranging from foods and tools to magical supplies and medicines. Does the fact that the proprietor now sells his/her wares online somehow reduce the potential of, say, a certain root? This pointless argument is like asking whether a frozen TV dinner is a real meal or fast food! Folk magic did not end whenever urbanization began!

Many magical supply houses put goods on the market with funny names that might sound ignorant or even childish to many of us (z.B.: "hot foot powder", "come to me" attraction oil, or "high john the conqueror root"). We may allow ourselves to be put-off by these names. If one researches the history of these names, however, and comes to understand the culture and marketing associated with these items one learns that these items may not be so hokey after all!

Along with the taboo against purchasing alleged magical items is the taboo against paying for magical services. If I need my car fixed, I want a meal that I don't have the skills to prepare, or would like somene to sing at an event I would pay someone with more skills in these areas than I possess. Paying for magical services is different how?

We may find ourselves disconcerted by terminology. I've come across a number of people, for instance, who are off-put by FB Marby's works simply because his analogy of collecting runic energies like a radio antennae attuned to a certain frequency sounds inane to modern readers. I would argue that Marby was attempting to describe a observable fact through an analogy with the cutting edge technology of his time. How is this different from the many Heathens today who describe spiritual principles by making analogies based on the internet?

As Heathens we pride ourselves as being "a practical people". We are not being practical if we allow our own prejudices and our own ignorance to impede our goals.

Magic is not for everybody. For that matter, magic is not for most people--Heathen or otherwise! But for those that would work in these areas I would advise keeping an open-yet cautious-mind. Don't be afraid to experiment. Thomas Edison experimented with literally thousands of filaments before he was able to get his incandescent light bulb to work. But he did it! How many tries would it take you?

I know that a lot of Heathens have difficulty with their political ideals. On one hand, Asatruar tend to be a bit conservative. Our faith focuses on family, we respect hard work, and military experience is common. On the other, we have a faith that conflicts at its very core with many of the teachings of Christianity, and therefore we find ourselves at odds with Christian teachings and the influence of Christians in politics.

It's difficult being a Republican when that party has, in recent years, leaned more and more toward Christian groups and agendas. Conversely, it's difficult being a Democrat when that party doesn't focus on personal responsiblility. The extreme edges of both parties tend to turn many Asatruar off; it's not surprising to discover that more than a few heathens disavow politics entirely. I can agree with the primary reason I've heard: no one is getting it right, so what's the point?

I personally think of myself as Independent with a Libertarian bent. I believe people should live up to their responsiblities, and that the government's primary role is to protect its citizens. Your rights end where mine begin. It's served me well, though my moderate tendencies have led to me being called both a right-wing warmongering wingnut and a left-wing socialist whackjob. I used to find it fun to debate with the fanatics at both ends of the spectrum. Lately, it's not been so much fun. Rather, it's been disheartening. Perhaps because the rancor has grown so intense and the rhetoric so outlandish that I no longer feel comfortable talking with people about politics. I hate it when someone I thought of as a rational, reasonable person begins spewing shit that they clearly heard on talk radio or in a chain email.

I've often figured that things will eventually right themselves and that people will start realizing that things aren't black and white, but lately I begin to question that. Especially as more and more people begin to treat politics like they do sports: they choose a team and they cheer for that team, regardless of how they're doing, what they're doing, or if it's in their best interests. For Democrats, President Obama can do no wrong. For Republicans, he can do no right. I draw the line at that kind of thinking, and I discourage it in my friends when it rears its very ugly head, but the fact remains that many people still toe the party line and repeat the talking points they've heard, regardless of the truth.

I hate politics. It surprises me to admit that to myself now. For years I had a vague idea of someday getting into politics at the local level, but I value my privacy too much, and I'm not a very diplomatic person. Far from it, like most heathens I find it difficult to not call out an idiot when I hear one. Still, I keep track of ongoing political issues, and I find myself wondering every day whether I will ultimately end up not giving a shit. So far that hasn't happened, and I pray it won't, because we need every heathen voice we can muster. To protect our faith and our families, it is important we speak up for our rights, and forego the bullshit rhetoric of those who could care less about us.

(Heuuimanod = Hay Month)(E.R.E. = Eternal Roman Empire)   

Plans:  Audie off on her own, me study...

NOTE:  WOOfuckingHOO!!  Perhaps THE BEST Audie time EVER!

A.M. Prayer:  Thursday, we pray to Donar/Thor, and lighting a red candle:

Donar/Thor, thunder forth in our lives. When we would hold back, let us advance. When we would be weak, help us be strong. When we would shun life's pleasures, sharpen our appetites for that which is lusty and good. Help us grow from strength, and teach us, elder brother, how to throw our own Hammer, and slay the giants who appose our will. HAIL DONAR/THOR!!

Rune Summons:

Born of Fire, born of ice,

Life is lived at such a price.

Holy Runes send my way

Advice on how to spend the day

A.M. Rune:  Laguz (U):  A body of water, life ever-flowing; seen and unseen, the leek (a healing herb) the feminine, Nirdu/Njord, Nerthus, Ing Fro/Freyr and Uualburga Frouua/Freyja, potential for life, personal growth.

Outcome:  Audie said (with her approval) she saw personal growth on a personal level...ROFLMFnAO...She also said she has the most adventurous lover (that being me) she has ever had (blows the smoke off Dexter).  Hey, I honored her femininity the best I could!

Audie at Town West

Online time

My workout continues to be challenging due to a rotor cuff injury: can't stop, gotta keep it moving.

It sure is quiet around here with out her...

After I picked up Audie from Town West we went out and about.  In a parking lot I encountered a tiny bird that made no effort to move as I approached it.  Neither did it struggle as Audie picked it up.  It's definitely in need of something.  We made a trip to a couple of places in an effort to make the little bird comfortable and see if it will eat or drink.

MLS Match http://web.mlsnet.com/index.jsp

New England Revolution 1:0 Seattle Sounders FC (on ESPN2)(pulling for Seattle)(damn, good match though)

I'm just not excited about this class/mod.

P.M. Prayer:  Scata/Skahdi:

Scata/Skahdi, fleet on your skis and let me be the game you bag with you bow.  Stun me with your grace and beauty, tuck me in the skin-sack at your side, and then take me to your home where wolves howl. There, teach me to know the pleasure of the hunt, the joy of exertion, and the crisp freedom of winter and wilderness. Brand my soul with wind-burn, so that even in the tedium of daily life, I will feel your warm breath, warm on my check, telling me to be strong, able and worthy of you. SCATA/SKAHDI, HAIL!!

P.M. Rune:  none

Comments:  Audie tended to animals, Meeka inside

Alaf Sal Fena

Today is my last day smoking. Tomorrow, when I wake up, I will not get a cigarette. Instead, I will find something else to do. It has not been easy. I am now smoking half of what I used to, but the urge is still there. I have learned I have many habits as far as smoking goes. I smoke while on the computer, while driving, and before and after I eat. Work will be the worst, as smoking alleviates the boredom during breaks. I have not cut back on the amount I smoke there. In addition to all these habits. I have happy memories associated with smoking. For example, I can remember sitting on the front porch back home in Little Elm smoking and talking to my former wife or friends over for faining. Then there were all those times when you could smoke in a restaurant that I spent with friends. Even just relaxing after dinner is a fond memory. Those times would have been happy without smoking though. The cigarettes may have relaxed me a bit, but that is all. I do not think I will miss smoking once I quit. It has become an expensive habit, not to mention it would be nice not to huff and puff when doing something strenuous. I will smell better, the house will be cleaner, and the car too. No more burn holes in clothes this year alone I burned a hole in a brand new shirt and my favorite pair of jeans. And I will not look as old. Smoking speeds up aging of the skin. Anyhow, things should go well enough. I plan to throw away my remaining cigarettes, clean the ashtrays, and store away my lighters for my camping trips. What keeps me going on this, is I keep telling myself I am doing it for my son. He has breathing problems, and is not to be smoked around. If he is to live with me this summer, I need to quit. Too, I do not want him going through what I did when I was 24 losing a father to lung cancer. I wish that on no one. So no heart attacks, no lung cancer, no dying young for me. I have to live to an old age for Oswin.

As far as other things, I may be losing my job. They are laying off. I expected as much when I heard a rumor they were eliminating my position. I will know Friday. If they do, I will survive. It will mean looking for work in an area with too many folks unemployed, but I am confident with my experience I could find one. And my bills are such that I can survive on unemployment until I get another job.  Anyway, I guess I will know Friday. March 7th I see my son again. I am looking forward to it. We had so much fun last time. And he is looking forward to it too. It was all he talked about one phone conversation. And on a sad note, I found out a friend of mine died. He was a heavy smoker and drinker, so I was not surprised. But he was also an excellent mechanic and one of the nicest men I know. I regret not having seen him these last two years. I regret not having called. I will miss him I know

I think in this time of economic crisis we should push attitudes towards people on government assistance aside. I, myself, have never been on government assistance and hope I never will have to, but there are many people who are going to need it, or at least some kind of help, and we should not judge based on that. 180,000 jobs have been lost in Canada alone in the past few months, all in the automotive sector. I can only assume that many Heathens have been affected as well. This is where community comes in, and the virtue of Hospitality.

The Havamal says the following:

He hath need of fire, who now is come,
numbed with cold to the knee;
food and clothing the wanderer craves
who has fared o'er the rimy fell.

This is where Heathens are lacking. We are quick to dismiss people who are in need as being "lazy", when there could have been other factors. What if the person got laid off? Government assistance may be their only option until they find another job or get their old one back.

But if you don't like government assistance. why don't you do something to keep people off of it? Like, say, helping people? Being a person who works in an industry that has not been greatly affected, I have, along with many of my (non-Heathen) colleagues, taken it upon ourselves to help those in our communities. IT workers and computer vendors in many cities in Canada have donation boxes set up in their offices and shops, where people can leave donations of warm clothing, non-perishable food items, school supplies, toys, and of course, money. It is the least we can do because we are not only thankful that we are not suffering, but we wish to help those who are. I feel, unfortunately, that I am the only Heathen doing this.

I see this economic crisis as a great opportunity when Asatru can shine and be seen in a positive light. Not only in that we can help people in our communities (tribes), but we can also take advantage of the cheap land available where we can build places of worship, and take advantages of cheap stocks which will grow when things get back to normal. Hard times are when millionaires are born. We need to seize it.

Well, I had a good time yesterday. We held faining at James' place. The weather was excellant so I wish we had done it at Chuck's. It would have been nice with the weather to have been in the country. But it went very well. The faining its self was excellant as was the symbel that followed. Anyway, I cannot wait for the next one March 21st.

I am quitting smoking. It is long overdue. I am using Chantix to do so. I am tired of smelling of smoke, having ash dirty up the house, and having money go up in smoke. I do not want to end up like my father with lung cancer either. I do have concerns. I enjoy smoking for one thing. A lot of why I smoke is out of boredom. It gives my hands something to do. These are things I will have to adress as I quit. I am also concerned with the psychological changes. Smoking increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and has many functions relating to behavior and cognition. It seems to be very important in rewarding behaviors, that is in learning to repeat behaviors that earn one's self some sort of reward. Chantix increases dopamine like cigarettes do. I will not feel the effects of lower dopamine until I go off the drug which will be in 12 weeks. But I do look forward to not having nicotine control my life.

In a little under a month, I go to visit my son in Dallas. If anyone there wants to get together, drop me a line. I cannot wait to see him again. He was saying yesterday how he wished I could come down there. I told him I was going to visit in a month and that seemed to satisfy him. I truly do miss seeing him everyday, waking in the morning to him, and putting him to bed at night. But a lot of that will be solved when I move this summer. Then I will see him every weekend.

2009:

  Here we all recovered from the celibrations and it is time to put our shoulders into the load once again. I have been doing a bit of skeeming lately (the good kind), and even given the difficulties that lie a head I am going to do it Steve. For the rest of you, on Dec. 24th as I had mentioned before Steve and I had some discussions. One of the topics that we discussed was the fact that I just can't seem to find a Kindred where I "fit in" so to speak, I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I reside in a space that for lack of a better name I will call the middle where I do things different than others though we share the same basic faith, think of it as if you are standing on a hill and every direction you look in you see a different town. I have made it a point to visit each town and though I find things that are very appealing in each, none of them quite fulfill my expectations so I always return to the hill top. The interesting thing is that in every town I find commonalities as well as stark differences but I can't get past the commonalities, so whats a guy to do, after all at it's core heathenism is a community faith and I know that one can be solitary in the practice of our faith but it occures to me from watching the happenings in these towns that there is something more enriching in the communities that I seem to be missing. So there I am talking to Steve about this and I mention starting my own and Steve says why don't you?

  After my frustrating sets my mind in motion as he is very good at doing, so beware!   I find my self thinking of the things that actually bother me about the Kindreds, Theods and other Heathen groups I have encountered. Now don't go thinking I am bashing any of them because I have not met a group of Heathens I don't like. But I am sure it is safe to say that we have all seen the subtle and not so subtle in fighting that goes on between Asatruar, Irminics and Theodish. Well I was thinking that if Folks looked at what was the same rather than what was different then maybe there would be less quibbling, resulting in a Healthier overall Heathen Community, this is where Steve's council came into play. Steve pointed out that there are in fact some very stark differences in the different practices. Ok, I can accept this, but I think of the gods and the Lore and I come to the realization that The Gods are not of a single mind or personallity yet they still manage to live and work together and I keep hearing the question, What did our Ancestors call their Faith?

 Given the difficulties in accomplishing this effort I will not be too suprised if I am a Fellowship of one forever, but the door will always be open. What I am thinking of is a Fellowship based in Boston, open to Asatru, Odinists, Irminics and Theodish folks whether you are tribal, traditional or other, who without reguard to race, (as I understand that the Gods may call who they choose and I am not about to second guess them), would like to come together in a Fellowship to Honor our Gods, Ancestors, and Families. As I feel that Open discussion between the ideologies in an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship would be far more healthy and educational than flame wars over the internet.

 All this being said out of the discussions I have had with Steve, I have begun putting together the Hammer Troth Fellowship, it should be interesting to see where, if any where this might lead.

Wassail!

Tim

2008 has come and gone, looking back on the last year I see that I have made some major strides in my life and it reminds me that it is only the beginning. The past few years have taught me a lot  about my self and my ability to adapt. I had a forced move in 2008 that put me in a good position and I have been working like a slave ever sence.

I found that I have some simply amazing friends over the course of 2008........They are truly the high point of the year. I had the oppertunity to spend an evening with two of them on the 24th and though we had made plans to accomplish certain things that evening, though very few of them actually got accomplished. As both of them arrived later in the evening what was intended became something different, it turned out to be a great evening of companionship as friends who rarely come together simply enjoyed some good food (as I try not to injure myself as I pat my self on the back, lol)and conversation. Thanks Friends! 

So I wake up this morning and poof it is 2009, so where does my path lead from here only the Norns know, all I can be sure of is that I have goals set and the drive to attain them. I do need to sit down and have an indepth discussion with Steve on a topic that is near and dear to him. So Steve pencil me in for a meeting, I'll bring the food you pick the Beer!!! For all thoes who do not know Steve he is somewhat of a Beer Snob, I say this with a great deal of giggleing.

My sister died this evening. It was not the peaceful transition we were all hoping she'd have but she has now crossed over and is not in pain. And I have to believe that she is in a better place than I can even imagine.

********************************************************************************************************************

"And at night you will look up at the stars. Where I live everything is so small that I cannot show you where my star is to be found. It is better like that. My star will just be one of the stars for you. And so you will love to watch all of the stars in the heavens...They will all be your friends. And besides, I am going to make you a present..."

He laughed again.

"Ah, little prince, dear little prince. I love to hear that laughter."

"That is my present. Just that...."

"What are you trying to say?"

"All men have the stars," he answered, "but they are not the same things for different people. For some, who are travellers, the stars are guides. For others they are no more than little lights in the sky. For others, who are scholars, they are problems. For my businessman they were wealth. But all these stars are silent. You--you alone--will have the stars as no one else has them--

"In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night . . . You--only you--will have stars that can laugh!

"And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend. You will want to laugh with me. And you will sometimes open your window, so, for that pleasure . . . And your friends will be properly astonished to see you laughing as you look up at the sky!"

~From The Little Prince

Thursday night I had to work late to disinfect the bicarb loop. Nothing new; I do this every Thursday (although we're finally changing my work schedule to something more sensible). We had some icy rain that night. Nothing new-that happens every year in MA. Whenever I got off work I scraped some ice off my car windows and drove a little slower in case I found a slippery spot.

Friday morning I awoke around 0100 hours to get a drink of water, and noticed that the power had gone out. "No biggie", I thought, "this happens all the time when we get storms. I'll have to remember to set the clocks whenever I wake up".
0300 hours the alarm goes off. Still no power. I tried playing with the circuit breaker. Nothing. I figured the whole building was probably out. No hot water either. Not a great way to start the day.
0415 hours I'm on Rt 2 heading for work. Damn! There are trees lying across the road in more places than I can count, and all the street lights are out. I almost hit one of those trees!
0530 I should have been at work already. But I had to try 4 different routes just to get to the clinic because every way I went the road was blocked either by fallen trees or power lines. I arrived an hour late,  and only got there that early because Garmin^TM helped me out a bit. When I arrived I found that there was no power anywhere in the shopping centre. It looked like a scene from one of those old TWIGHLIGHT ZONE shows with Rod Serling. Frau Holda certainly does have her nasty side!
On the way home later (after trying 2 routes, as the one I'd previously taken was now blocked) I listened to the news on the radio and learnt that the ice storm had devastated parts of 6 states, MA and NH getting the brunt of it. Long story short: from Thursday night until Monday I've had no heat, no hot water, no electricity, and no mail delivery. And I was not alone! As even the local newspaper had shut down, the only source of news was my car radio. The only communication with anyone outside of town I could have was via cell phone, as internet and land line phones were all down. Figures-I just reduced my cell phone minutes a couple of months ago.

In the 2 days before the storm I'd washed my car and stocked my freezer. I ended up tossing everything in my freezer & refrigerator and my car looked like... Well, let's just say that she's seen better days!
Karla (my GF) invited me to wait out the storm at her place and I accepted. She lacked the same things I did-but at least she has a gas stove. The stove allowed us to eat well and the oven also helped to heat her small apartment. My electric stove was useless.

The first day or so it was kind of fun! We joked about living like the Flintstones or the crew on Gilligan's Island. We marvelled at each other's resourceful ideas. By day 3, though, it wasn't fun anymore. I even had to drive all the way to Ayer (about 45 minutes down the highway) to find a laundromat to do my wash.

Only 1 gas station in town had a generator and could do business, and waiting in line for petrol could take up to 1½ hours. Only 1 grocery was open, and even their selection was limited as they couldn't refrigerate anything either. Karla's entire street was completely closed to traffic until Tuesday because of the felled trees & power lines. Obviously no sander or salter could do anything for the icy slope in front of her house with all those obstructions, so it is still terribly slick after last week's storm. But some hot food and a little José Cuervo will warm anybody up--and some good company certainly doesn't hurt either.
Monday, surprisingly, I ran out of work early so I got to go home at noon. Since it was already warm & empty-and I had nothing better to do-- I thought that today might be a good day to clean the shelves & drawers in the refrigerator. I opened the door and noticed this familiar sound: the motor was running! I found out later that I'd gotten home only a few minutes after power had been restored to our little piece of the grid! Karla still didn't have power, and she works 2nd shift. So I cooked up a big meal and made a giant-sized plate to stick in her ice chest with a note saying "if you want a hot shower or would like to sleep in a heated apartment please feel free to wake me up". She'd gone way out of her way for me and every gift deserves a gift, so... Besides, even after the week was over I wasn't done enjoying her company

I haven't visited Heathen Places in a long time. For that matter, I haven't been on any Heathen forums in a long time other than the IG lists which usually aren't all that busy as most Irminen and Irminic-friendly folks only really post whenever we think that have something worthy to say.

Anyhoo, I'm going to try to get back to Heathen Places more frequently. As happy as I am focussing on those Volk within the Irminen-Gesellschaft I like to at least keep a little something out there going on with the Greater Heathen community so...

Merrymoon (May) 20th

Although I do not believe that this holiday corresponds to any ancient historical event. As modern Asafolk many of us still celebrate today as a holiday with the modern Asatru Calendar. So here you go.

Frigga Blot,
Today we rejoice in the warmth and splendor of Spring. A traditional time for a Kindred camp-out, perform blot to honor the AllMother and thank Her for the health and vitality of the Family, Kindred and Tribe.

Glad Frigga Blot.

Hail to mother Frigga, Hail to the Kindred, and Hail to the Folk,
Vince
Chieftain, the Asatru Alliance
Chieftain, the Wanderer Kindred
vikingjack@wandererkindred.org
www.asatru.org
www.wandererkindred.org

As many of you know I have Bipolar II. I was diagnosed four years ago, and have been on medication ever since. My life has changed dramatically in that time. I moved back to Missouri, got divorced, switched theods, changed jobs, and gradually became more stable. It took them six months to get on the right medication mix, and another two years to get the dosages right. Thankfully, I am now stable. When I first went in for treatment in 1991, it was for depression. I took medication for six months and did not see a psychiatrist for another fourteen years, not until my ex-wife demanded I do so as she felt I may be bipolar. I am indebted to Tee for that for the rest of my life as I never would have known. Thanks to her, I am now stable. What does stable mean? Well stable for me means I am no longer emotional. I no longer have the highs and lows I once did. Indeed, I show very little emotion at all. The only things I react emotional to are those your average person would, pride in my son doing well in school, love for him, irritation at work because something is not going right, joy at being praised for some of my work. But none of it is extreme as it once was. Being stable also means I am no longer hypersexual. My sex drive is now lower than that of your average person, and as I do not plan to be in a committed relationship I am quite happy with that. I lost my marriage due to being hyoersexual. Being stable has meant I can mend fences in the general Heathen community, hold down a full time job with a minimum of stress, and write to my heart's content. It has meant I can be honest and logical.

Bipolar II is the milder form of the two bipolar disorders, but still can make one's life a wreck. It is characterized by mood swings, cycling from hypomania to depression, from highs to lows. A person with bipolar II never reaches full blown mania like someone with bipolar I instead they have hypomanic phases. Hypomanic phases consists of extreme energy, euphoria, restlessness, and a feeling one can take on the world. Sometimes, the hypomanic phase can have agitation and irritability as well. The depressive phases are typical of depression, extreme sadness, often thoughts of suicide, and general low energy. People with Bipolar II also often have hypersexuality or increased sex drive. It can be controlled with medication, and once medicated a person with Bipolar II can lead a normal life.

I am not the only Heathen with mental health issues. I know of several. Most are usually quiet about it however. There is a good reason for that in that there is a stigma associated with mental illness. Folks with mental illnesses are treated differently. I know that I have been handled differently prior to my announcing I had been diagnosed than I have been since. Oddly enough prior to being diagnosed I was given more leeway, folks were more willing to accept my behavior. After diagnosis there was, I feel, a need for folks to hold me accountable, this despite the fact that now there was a known reason for my behavior. It defies logic, but that is how it has happened. Many do not want to hear about my illness, as if they want to pretend it does not exist. Others play the, "but a mental illness is no excuse" card pretending that behavior can somehow be controlled (and to an extant it can, but no matter how hard one tries, the mood swings of Bipolar II cannot be controlled without medication). Still others want to blame normal behavior they disagree with on the mental illness i.e. they feel I am Theodish because I am mentally ill, or I love someone because I am mentally ill. And many simply do not want to associate with someone that is mentally ill.

Heathens with mental health issues are likely to be disruptive of the communities they are a part of. I know up until two years ago, I was emotional, prone to erratic behavior, and well, unstable. I would react to nearly anything and everything with emotional outbursts. Because of this, Heathens with a mental illness are likely to be shunned. This despite the fact they probably need a community more than your average person. I do not disagree with shunning someone that is not seeking treatment. The Gods only help those that help themselves. But most mental illnesses can be treated with medication, while others such as some of the personality disorders can be cured with medication and therapy. I feel if a Heathen with mental illness goes through the work of getting better, and shows marked improvement, in essence becoming stable, then they should no longer be shunned. After all, it shows an effort on their part to be an honorable and thewful Heathen. I am not saying folks with mental illnesses should not be held responsible, but that there should be an understanding that they have an illness which without medication is beyond their control, and that their responsibility is to stay on medication and in treatment, not to cater to the whims of a community that sometimes does not understand. Once a Heathen has been through treatment and on medication there is always time to pay scyld later. Due to the stigma of mental illness I have seen healthy individuals get away with certain behaviors, while someone that is known to be mentally ill that does the same exact thing is held accountable. Excuse my French, but this is ass backwards.

When dealing with someone that is mentally ill there should always be a plan with the aim of not only taking care of the problem, but also with the aim of making them healthy. When shunning someone that is mentally ill it should be made clear why they are being shunned. They should be told what they have done, and how what they have done has affected the community. Then they should be made an offer, seek treatment, and when you are better, you will be allowed to rejoin the community. If after treatment, the behavior resumes at some point then they the shunning should begin again. It has been my experience that most problem individuals are those that have never sought treatment. Those that have, turn out to be persons that add much to the community and are an asset to it. Often, persons with my illness for example are brighter and more talented than the average person. A few famous people with bipolar disorder are Dick Cavett, Kurt Cobain, Ray Davies, Mel Gibson, Margot Kidder, Florence Nightingale, Emil Post, Axl Rose, and Jean-Claude Van Damme to name a few. Even Albert Einstein suffered a mental illness. So shunning someone that is mentally ill for life probably is not in the best interest of the community. It is in the best interest of the community to make sure they seek and get treatment that leads them to a stable life.

It is not an easy road. My illness cost me friends, cost me my marriage, and I now only see my son once or twice a year. It cost me my name in the general Heathen community. There are circles in which I am not welcome. But I am now more stable than I ever have been in my life, and I am trying to pay scyld for wrongs I have done over the years. Other mentally ill Heathens have similar experiences. If you know someone you suspect is mentally ill, encourage them to seek treatment, and to keep with it until they know what is wrong. It took fifteen years for me to be correctly diagnosed, another two years to get on the right dosage of medication so I could lead a stable life. By no means should someone with a mental illness be ignored. You would be surprised at some of the "big name" Heathens that have contributed much to the general Heathen community have mental illnesses. Persons with mental illnesses if treated can be productive individuals that are an asset to Heathenry. There is a Yahoo Group for mentally ill Heathens. It is only for those that are care givers or are mentally ill. It is not an active group but is there for when folks need it. The address is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/heathenmentalhealth/

I have been Asatruar for 14 years. The vast majority of that time I have practiced my faith alone. Not because I chose to do so, mind you, but because it's been difficult to find a group or Kindred near me. And I have lived in many, many places in the last 14 years.

While I did happen to find some sense of community while living in Monterey (the Thor's Hammer Kindred happened to be nearby), it was intermittent at best. I enjoyed going to the various gatherings in Big Sur, but the mindset of the Asatruar in that area was somewhat different from mine. I've always been a very grounded person, even in terms of my faith. I find it difficult to discuss my beliefs even with others who might share them. And I've never been comfortable with the idea of magic, no matter what its form.

So when my wife came into my life and decided to share my faith, it felt good to have someone to discuss it with. It's been good raising our children in it and talking about the gods to them. Above all, it's finally given me some sense of spiritually belonging. Yet now my wife and I want more, and we find it very difficult to get anything other than a brief "maybe" from nearby heathens who seem to be burned out by lookie-loos and flakes.

I realize this isn't our fault, nor is it really the fault of these Kindreds who understandably want to protect their members from those who would injure their sense of community. Yet the struggle we've had to find a group is extraordinarily disheartening. Much of our belief centers on family and belonging; when groups are hesitant or outright hostile to the idea of new inclusions, we take a step back and ask ourselves if it's worth the effort.

I can't help but tell myself that of course it is. Our children need this even more than we do, to see and understand that others share our faith and acknowledge it. Yet with each step we take it feels we slide back two more, ever trying to climb towards that sense of community and belonging that seems should be within reach... but just isn't.

 Insofar as the online presence of the heathen community, I have found that there are a large number of individuals who place a rather large amount of time and energy into blaspheming and shaking down the "Abrahamic" faiths; typically Christianity. Remarks regarding the Christians and/or Christianity often start off cold and insensitive, which is fine, but they often become incensed with anger and, more particularly, wrath.

            To me, it seems quite obvious that those who expel this energy for the sake of the defamation of Christianity, et al., are doing so because they themselves belonged to the lot, and are fighting a sort of spiritual battle; not in terms of "holy ghosts" and what have you, but in the sense of personal freedom and individuality trying to find its way through years of programmed behavior, emotion, and thought. This is quite natural-indeed, worth applauding. However, it is dangerous to become stuck in this position, as it results in stagnation and the lack of spiritual progression and maturity. Many Ásatrúr believe that the way to gaining the favor of the Valkyries and Woden in order to gain admission to Valhalla, isn't just by being a warrior in the physical world, but of the spiritual world. If you are one of these, than you must consider that your ongoing battle with the faith that was instilled within you during your youth is still winning if you are continuously tormented by what lies within you. There is no favor to be won in this.

            Whether you believe Valhalla a real place, or a metaphorical representation of spiritual accomplishment and bliss, neither will be obtained if you are constantly tormented by the mere presence of the Abrahamic faiths.

            The existence of Christianity, et al., is altogether irrelevant. What should matter most, is that you do good work, grow, succeed, be good to and love your kinfolk, and conquer your enemies when necessary. Persistence of verbally ravaging those religions you disagree with will prove to be counter-productive, and in that sense, you are not living as Ásatrúar, you are living as rebelling Christians (Jews, Muslims). One does not need to defend these other religions, but the amount of energy spent condemning them could very well be redirected towards positive works.   

Originally posted at www.deopasatru.blogspot.com

July 30, 31, and Aug 1...........in the beautiful centeral Oregon woods. CONTACT ME FOR INFO befigard@yahoo.com

Horning (February) 14th
The Feast of Vali

Many of the people that read these listing that I post look for the historical reference to the holidays. I would like to point out that todays listing is a modern Asatru holiday and although there can be found minor historical references to an event at this time of the year there is no true reference to any specific deity that was worshiped or extensive details about community activities that may have occurred. The Feast of Vali is a modern Asatru Holiday brought about to to celibate one of the younger gods of our ancestors and his contributions to new community of Asafolk.

Many Heathens make blessing to the god Vali at this time and generally enjoy the day. Many use it to celebrate the death of Hodr by Vali, avenging Balder, the son of Odin, and beginning the cycle that starts the new world. It is considered a late winter festival related to the triumph of the sun over the dark days of winter. Noting the familial tie between Vali and Odin, it is held as a celebration of the family and Asatruar exchange cards and gifts with loved ones just like everybody else. It is also a time for the renewal of marriage vows and an occasion for marriages/handfastings.

Some modern Asatru contemplate, if Edred Thorsson is right and the "heart" shape really represents the buttocks and mons veneris, and is really an old symbol of Freya, that it might be more appropriate to honor her on this day?  Some see it more in keeping with the spirit and overall feelings of the holiday as well. To each there own.

On this day I will Raise a horn to Vali and remember both his and my family ties. I will share gifts with my children and my Wife. My wife and I will enjoy a great dinner together and I will thank Freya for the love that she has blessed me with in my life.

Hail to the Folk,
--
Vincent Enlund
Chieftain, the Wanderer Kindred
Chieftain, the Asatru Alliance
vikingjack@wandererkindred.org
www.wandererkindred.org
www.asatru.org

Better gear than good sense a traveler cannot carry,
Better than riches for a wretched man, far from his home.

The Gmeeschaftsege ("community blót") took place in Schlegelschteddel on January 15. Our purpose was to celebrate our community. We were fortunate enough to have Cody Dickerson visiting us from Idaho for his final Braucherei Weg class, and many of our folks who usually have to work were able to make it that night. We kept in mind our folks who are from outside of the local area as they are part of the Urglaawe community, too.

Hailed that night were Wodan for the community, but we also hailed Die Weisskeppich Fraa and Eer for spiritual and physical healing. We turned a blessing towards those suffering from loss in Haiti, and we also asked for strength for those who ran to Haiti to help with relief efforts. Hail to those who run into chaos to bring order!

Photo by Cody Dickerson

We had food... Lots of food... Chicken Corn Soup, Pot Pie, Dutch Cake, Potato Soup, food, you know. :)

A wonderful night with old friends and new friends.

Hail!

(Iulmanod = Yule Month)(E.R.E. = Eternal Roman Empire)   

NOTE: 1st day of Yule - Mother's Night

Mother's Night welcomes in the Season of Yule. As we encourage the return of Sunna (the feminine aspect of the Sun) we honor the feminine all around us. Honor the Idises, Asynjor, all Mothers, Great Grandmothers and your feminine ancestors. Raise a horn to the glorious women who give birth to us and to the feminine spirits that support us. Give this time in honor to all Mothering aspects.

Plans:  dunno

A.M. Prayer:  Sunday, we pray both to Sonne/Sunna and Paltar/Baldr, lighting a yellow candle (symbolic of the Sun):

Greetings to you Sonne, Lamp of Uuodan/Odin: newly risen! Hail to you who has shown on all our ancestors, who shines on us, and who will shine on our decedents yet unborn. Share with us some of your light, your energy, your power, so that we might better fight our battles and attain our goals. SONNE/SUNNA HAIL!!

Blameless Paltar/Baldr, shining god, let your goodness and your reconciliation smooth our paths on Earth. When our days here are over, light up death's darkness with the promise of rebirth. Help is to avoid evil, and seek the good. Inspired by you, we will keep our reputations spotless that our lives be proclaimed a victory of the Spirit, and out leaving this life a tragedy. PALTAR/BALDR HAIL!

Rune Summons:

Born of Fire, born of ice,

Life is lived at such a price.

Holy Runes send my way

Advice on how to spend the day

A.M. Rune:  Jera (irreversible): OHG: jậr Harvest, the Rune of return, two halves of a cyclic whole, harmony-in-movement-in-balance, improvement, the number 12, cycles, the result of a previous action, reward for the right (or wrong) action.

Outcome:  Ah yes, once again Yule is upon us!

It seems that Audie and I have survived last night's fiasco.  Let's hope we're better for it.

Another shot with Audie at the plasma place...

Shopped for her

It didn't take long for her to call me telling me she's still a little bit shy on iron in her blood and is once again ineligible: damn!

Brought her home and went back shopping

When I came home I was teasing her with my Yule gift.  She was so persistent it was hilarious how she let me know she didn't want to wait she wanted it now.  I got her a knitted beret from Hatman Jack's http://www.360wichita.com/ClothingApparel/HatmanJacks.html: no bias or anything but IMnotsoHO she really looks good in it!

Thus far I have purchased for her for Yule; a pair of pajamas, gloves, blouse and the beret.  She WILL, however, have to wait for the highlight of her Yule gifts until RheinWood Yule.  I don't think I've done  too bad for being on unemployment. 

Audie got it in her head to vik some stonework a neighbor left when he moved.  She grabbed one piece and I grabbed the rest with the wheelbarrow.  We have lined a couple of edges on the patio done.  Then she got all energized and worked out in the front yard: I guess I just had to join her.

Grocery shopped for necessities...short on funds

Now she's making a roast?  SCHEESE!

In the front room we have pictures of both of our Mother's.  We shall light candles around them in remembrance of Mother's Night.  HAIL the feminine! 

P.M. Prayer:  All you gods and goddesses bless and keep your Holy Folk. From the cold shadows of the glaciers to the colder shadows of space, always, we have been your people. Guide and guard your North folk as you did in ages past. Uuodan/Odin, give wisdom and craft to wits shaped by ice and fire that our foes be foxed. Donar/Thor, give us strength and the will to use it. Ing Fro/Freyr and Uualburga Frouwa/Freyja, give full wombs so that bodies will be found for the souls of heroes. Let your Northern Folk grow in number and in power, so that our kind may live, love, survive and thrive, not just today, not for a millennium, but for ever and ever!

P.M. Rune:  none

Comments:  cared for animals, Meeka inside

Alaf Sal Fena

Everyone has heard of Santa, Saint Nicholas, and Father Christmas. But how many have heard of the Jólasveinar, Krampus, and Black Pete? These beings do not reward good children. Instead they punish bad ones. Much like the threat of switches and a lump of coal here in America, these Germanic beings either leave such presents for bad children, or punish them. Iceland's Jólasveinar or "Yule lads" are said to give gifts to good children and punish bad ones. They leave presents for children in shoes left out for that purpose. The mother Grýla and father Leppalúði though only punish bad children. Grýla comes down from the mountains to beg for food for Leppalúði who is bedridden. Along with her cat she is said to steal and eat bad children. According to some tales, all cats are sworn to guard their families from Grýla's cat who often travels along to retrieve children for Grýla.

Like Santa Claus, Black Peter or Zwarte Piet comes from the Dutch. He is a traveling companion of Saint Nicholas. But he does not come at Yule. Instead he shows up in the days leading up to the feast of Saint Nicholas on December 5th. For good children, he brings presents, but the bad ones he sticks in his bag, and whisks them off to Spain. Spain, perhaps because Black Pete was once seen as a Moor after of course a good beating with a birch twig. He has variously been said to have been a slave freed by Saint Nicholas to being a devil freed and forced into service by Saint Nicholas.

Similar to Black Pete in that he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas is the Krampus and comes on December 5th, the Krampus is a demon like creature with fangs, horns, and claws. The name Krampus comes from High German krampen which means "claw." Like Black Pete he carries a birch switch with which to punish naughty children. Yong men in Austria and Alpine areas of Germany dress up as the Krampus on December 5th and carry bells and switch. These young men are most often drunk and their aim is to scare young ladies and children, which they chase about. Generally, the masks are wooden, and the clothing made of black sheep skin with the horns coming from sheep as well.

The Krampus is interesting because he is a survival of masking, a custom that takes him back to ancient Heathenry. Masks have been found at Haithabu (Hedeby) in Scandinavia, and were made of felt. Yule was especially linked to masking and the custom is recorded Constantine Porphyrogenitus' Book of Ceremonies. He records that members of the Varangian guard did a dance dressed in skins and masks. And in the Liber Penitentialis dated to around 680 CE , Archbishop Theodore condemns "who on the kalends of January clothe themselves with the skins of cattle and carry heads of animals". Finally, on bracteates, helmet plates, and other items there is artwork that depicts men in animal masks in weapon dances.

While one cannot say for certain that the many masking traditions that appear to have survived into modern times derive from these customs, it is probably a safe assumption. In Switzerland and Austria, on the last week of December there was the Perchtenlauf of the procession of the Perchten Frau Perchta's procession. Frau Perchta along with Frau Holda and other female beings were associated with Yule. These processions consist of masked folk walking through the streets in a sort of a parade. In England, there is the custom of Hoodening. Hoodening is very similar to the German and Austrian customs. It consists of carrying the skull of a real horse or a wooden one from house to house on a pole. The jaws of the horse are rigged to snap with the pull of a string. At each house, they expect to receive money or food. The entire party is dressed in furs and skins, often with masks carrying handbells and singing. Many similar customs exist in countries of Germanic ancestry.

The spirit of these customs can be used to enhance any modern Heathen's Yule celebration. Masking can be made a part of any Asatru or Theodish festivities that a fellowship may take part in. Indeed, the creation of the costumes in the days leading up to Yule can be used as an excuse to get together. Finally, the threat of the Krampus or similar creatures can be used to make children behave.

Well, Yule is almost upon me again. It is my favorite time of yea, and as usual I am prepared. I bought my son all his gifts. He is the only one I buy for these days. I am not telling what I got him as well, he can read now, and may stumble across this with his half brother. I always try to get his half brother Dakota something too, but I think this year it will just be a gift card. He is at that awkward age when it is hard to buy for them. Not quite into big boy toys yet, and too old for little boy toys, and I am tired of buying him Playstation games. As for myself, I bought myself a new printer/scanner. It will be nice to be able to scan stuff again. And I still need to make presents for the fellowship. We have a long standing tradition that all gifts given at the Yule blot must be handmade. I am looking forward to our get together this year as I actually got off work for it, and will be able to attend.  In the past, I have only been able to get off for 12th Night, and missed the Mothers Night celebration. Anyway, here is wishing everyone a glad Yule.

(Nebulmanod = Mist Month)(E.R.E. = Eternal Roman Empire)   

Absolutely nothing of note happened today; didn't even make it into the Hof at all.  It was just a lazy mother-fucking day.

THis isn't a complaint blog post, its just informative, to let anyone who reads it (particularly webmasters) know what seems to be broken..

1. Polls -- Can't create Polls

2. Boards -- No boards, can't create boards.

3 Chat -- seems to only be on at specific times (why not all the time?)

Today I will receive the honour of attending Karah's high school graduation ceremony. We'll also get some time to discuss the apartment she's seeking and her plans for further education in more detail.

Was thinking last night about how much she's changed and grown up since I first stepped into her life (she'd just turned 7 years old whenever we met). Like most girls her age she's gone through some dramatic ups & downs; but she's grown up to be a responsible, trustworthy, educated, and attractive young lady. I'm really proud of her--although I have to admit that her mother & grandmother were more involved in raising her than anyone else, and am anxious to see where Wurt takes her over the next few years.

She still thinks more with her heart than with her head, often making it difficult for me to follow her trail of decisions. But somehow she makes things work, so she must be doing something right! Perhaps while she's going to college her Îdisi will help her to calm her muot and she will be better able to continue further than she's dreamed possible.

Yes, I know... Every parent-even a stepparent-wants to see the best for their kids. And I'm sure that I'm a bit prejudiced that way. But seeing the Runen that life has dealt her I'm convinced that her life can head to a wider variety of directions than most her age, leaving me to wonder about all the options she'll choose...

Looking over my website I've come to realize that the Irminic Lore Study Page is sadly in need of an overhaul. I plan to be updating quite a bit over the next few weeks. But as a teaser I've updated the page offering links & fonts. It may be seen at http://www.geocities.com/irminenschaft/Mittigart/linksfonts.html

I hope that everyone is investing in precious metals - I'm talking about tin & steel full of food.

We're in weird economic times and I hope that everyone is in true heathen mode in Self Reliance & Industriousness. We should be using every extra dime & penny we have - extra as in after we pay the regular bills but before we buy a new video game or other doodad - in items that will prepare us in these hard times.

If you've been one of the many who have lost their jobs I hope you've applied for every benefit that you're qualified for. It's not a matter of pride - it's a matter of survival. You've paid into these programs with your hard earned dollars all your working life and in your time of need you can benefit from it also. If you get food stamps you should be using every dollar they give you and spending it wisely on items you can stock up on. This isn't the time to be buying fast, easy food items. Shop the sales and put up the canned foods.

Also, don't forget what we call guerilla gardening. If the dope growers can do it, so can we, legally of course. Get out and take a walk in a nearby park. Check out your surroundings. Check out what other people notice or don't notice. we plant lettuces, spinach, potatoes (because they grow underground), lots of root veggies for the same reason and peas & beans. You'd be surprised at what people don't notice. Plant them random, don't just dig a patch! There's a little clearing off the main path where we walk that's moist, sunny and skipped over. There's a guide wire for some telephone poles. I planted beans around it last year and got lots of beans for free. Root veggies look like ferns & plants. We use a GPS to write down what we plant and where we plant but if you use landmarks and keep good track you can have a whole wild garden that no one notices.

Also, on several groups, there's talk to heathen groups & communities. People are wanting to band together and I think that's a great idea. We've been working on a self-sufficient community for a long time through another group we're with. It makes sense and in these times it's a survival & safety issue. I think it should be discussed more openly and loudly! Especially if you're already an established kindred. It's defintely a buyers market right now.

Suz

Well, I flushed my last pack of cigarettes down the toliet. I had been sneaking a cigarette a day, and this morning I decided that was enough. It has been a month since I officially "quit." I do have herbal cigarettes which I will use for a while. Even then I do not see smoking more than one or two a day. It has been rough. I came to a realization at one point I really did not want to quit. I enjoy smoking. I liked the sensation it gave me, the feel of smoke going down my throat, the relaxed feeling I would get. Most of all, I used smoking to alleviate boredom. And that has made quitting hard for me. You can cite all the health reasons in the world, not to mention the monetary ones, but those do not seem to sink in. You would think having a father die of lung cancer and a son to live for would be enough. Anyway, I think now I have reached the point I can really quit. I know I will always be in danger of starting again. Which means I will never be able to smoke a pipe or cigarette again least the nicotine addiction kick in and then I find myself buying a pack (and then another and another). There are many good things about quitting. I can breathe easier. I feel better. Even my mind seems clearer.

My birthday was Tuesday. My son sung me happy birthday on the phone, and I had cake. I had taken off four days to go to Texas to visit my son, but that got rescheduled to the end of the month, but I took the days off anyhow. I had a good time even though I stayed at home. I considered visiting friends, but did not. Anyway, it was a very good birthday. I turned 46.

I've created a new Heathenry Wiki just a few days ago, which is  meant to cover absolutely all topics relevant to Heathenry: our history, beliefs, organizations, online groups, websites, organizations by location, even random miscellaneous things. All people are invited to help build it up and contribute to its growth:

http://heathenry.wikia.com

This post also appears on MySpace

Something I've thought a lot about for the past couple of years are the implications of one's faith. The whole purpose of religion is the find Truth (with a capital "T") and then to apply this Truth to one's life. Doing so helps us to become better individuals, to find our ‘place' in the world(s), and helps provide a guideline for everything from ethical questions to voting. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Of course, it isn't. It is a journey that takes a whole lifetime-and it still isn't completed when Scult cuts one's strand.

Should religion be a comfort? Of course--at times. At other times it should be a challenge. Sometimes one's faith should be very troubling indeed! If one's faith offers nothing but a social circle and a means of cheering oneself up when life gets sticky than it truly is nothing more than the opiate of the masses-or a hobby. But if it transforms us into better people, if it offers us a clearer vision than we would have had without it, only then religion has done its job; and this isn't always a fun process.

One of the greatest difficulties I think most of us have in our religious paths (and I include myself in this) is that in the effort spent seeking this Truth in a very platonic sense, our comfort zones and day-to-day lives often get in the way. I've said many times, "You cannot know Truth until you first learn to face facts". Again, this is easier said than done. Here's a simple example from someone else's tradition: most christians know on some level that Christmas is nothing more than the Heathen Iulzît celebration in a re-worked form as it was first usurped by the Church and later usurped again by corporations. Yet even the most devout, Bible-thumping Fundamentalist will "get into the Christmas spirit" going to church, exchanging gifts, decorating the house, making a feast... These, of course, being the same people who will hammer their pulpits the rest of the year screaming about the "threat" posed by the both the Heathen revival and the evils of the corporations! Maybe Christmas is their equivalent to Armistice Day?

Coming home, though, are we Heathens any better? Well, let's look at a few of the common contradictions that I guarantee anyone who's been around more than a couple of years has seen. To quote an old song by Talking Heads: "And you may ask yourself..."

For a group of religions that claims to be non-dogmatic it is absolutely amazing how people react when faced with an idea different from the accepted norm of their favourite Heathenry. Usually the most common defence of long-held ideas is, "Show me where you found that in the lore". Of course, the lore is a very vague term, as no Heathenry can claim a defined and accepted cannon. So once something is, in fact, cited suddenly the source is ‘irrelevant' or ‘secondary'.

I don't care what they told you at the neo-pagan shop... One cannot be loyal to the Ensi and be given to Locho at the same time. Read the stories boys & girls! Locho is the bad guy!

Similarly, Frô is not the patron of gay men. Yes, he's generally depicted with a big willie. That's because he's associated with fertility; something any 10-year old knows does not occur in gay sex. Ithypallic statues were not carved for your pornographic pleasure, fellas!

Neither Scata nor Wuldar bring snow. Yes, both are well-adapted to deal with it, but that does not mean that either forces it upon Mittigart. Who does? Aw, c'mon, we're Heathens, right? Read your myths and tell me again that Scata and/or Wuldar ought to be the patrons of Snow Board Village!

The ‘ethnic question' has long troubled Heathens. I'm not going to re-hash the völkisch vs. fólkish vs. universalist vs. racialist vs. tribalist debate, but here are a couple of thoughts toward the extreme views. On one hand healthy blacks, Mediterraneans, Asians, Hispanics and all the rest are not just darker-skinned folks bursting at the seams just waiting to "let their inner Icelander come out". Each of the world's different peoples has their own traditions that are just as proud, profound, and dynamic as those within Wodan's Nation and it is unhealthy to encourage other peoples to adopt a tradition alien to their own. On the other extreme, though, we must realize that there is no such thing as "white culture". Just ask a French Canadian how he feels about his English-descended neighbours! And yes, "Northern European" really is just a euphemism for "all the white folks" failing to recognize the differences between the various Northern European peoples. A Dutchman is not the same as a Lithuanian. Similarly, "Indo-European" is a language group, not an ethnicity. The term "Indo-European" has simply come to be used as the politically correct euphemism for "Aryan" because the latter term-despite it being more correct and accurate-has gained some baggage resulting from certain political goings on in the early 20th century. So some try to be PC by using this incorrect term-like reviving an ancient religious tradition under the noses of a predominantly christian society is somehow politically correct!

Speaking of Iceland... Iceland has left the single most complete body of lore of all the Heathen countries. Heathenry certainly wouldn't be what it is today without the Icelandic corpus, and for that we owe the Icelanders a great deal. However Iceland was never representative of Greater Heathendom. The island wasn't even populated until Heathenry was on the retreat in its established homelands. So a bunch of Scandinavian malcontents sell their farms, grab their luggage and their Scottish thralls, and set up camp in Iceland. Holding on to a dying culture and a dying religion as best as they could--even while christianism is making inroads to Iceland itself--one would be foolish to think that this sturm und drang wouldn't be reflected in the surviving Heathen lore of the Icelanders. The math is simple: no other Heathen nation started out as victims like the Icelanders did, and this is bound to be reflected in the attitudes of the locals. This is not the healthy, unchallenged Heathendom of England, Scandinavia, or the Germanys. We might also consider that, as much as modern Heathens enjoy praising the Icelandic form of government (the first libertarians!) theirs was again a Heathen anomaly. Everyone else, from England to Sweden and even as far south as the Germanys, all had sacred kings and this was an important part of their religion.

The Vikings did not, in any way, represent the Heathen ideal. The Vikings came into being as an economic necessity because Northern Europe became so terribly split in the conflicts between christians & Heathens that trade became increasingly difficult; not to mention the quarrels between petty kings. There were Vikings on both sides of the various political & religious divides. Remember, in Leif Erikson's crew there was only 1 Heathen aboard. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and this is precisely what gave rise to the brutality of the Viking Age.

It is not ‘cool' to practice soul-cunning (ON seiðR), nor do you want your friends boasting about such practices. Saga evidence is very clear: this was a malefic practice very much frowned upon by polite society. Does it have its place in Heathendom? Sure, somewhere-probably around the same place that the nidstång does.

Okay, how about the doozy of a question: what are the boundaries of the lore? Do the writings of Mathilde Ludendorff count as part of the lore? How about Paul Bauschatz or Peryt Shou? For that matter, what of the more modern writings such as those offered by Stubba or Gárman Lord? Or did the gods and goddesses simply stop dealing with mankind after the 13th Century?

All this and we haven't even considered the practical realities of practicing a minority religion of this character in our modern, urban world. Many Heathens have difficulties revealing their Heathenry to family, to co-workers, to neighbours or what have you. How do you explain to your Baptist girlfriend or your Mormon grandmother that you practice the same religion that her pastor was just rallying about? How does one deal with ethical questions knowing full well that most people we deal with will not share those same ethics?
We haven't even touched on the history of runic studies, on the interplay between Heathenry and academia, or on the relationship between Heathenry and various political movements.

For one's religion to do its job one has to be brutally honest with oneself. We have to take our triuwa seriously-sometimes to the point of extreme discomfort. Do we dare to take these steps? Wouldst thou knowest more?

  Saturday a couple of us got together to Honor Thor.

  The evening began with of course FOOD! Though we past on the Rotted Shark we did have Roast Pork Loin and Smoked Salmon among other tasty sides. We then moved to a more comfortable room for a discussion of the Alvismol, this resulted in some interesting thoughts on the deeper lesson which can be found with in the story.

  The Blot that followed was quiet with a couple of tears and a few smiles as the Horn was raised to Thor, thanks were also given to Freya and Odin along with Family past being remembered.

  I would like to thank thoes who came and offer a Special thanks to the Irminsol Heathen Fellowship for their support and assistance.

Till next time!

Wassail!

Tim

New Years is coming close once again; to think how fast it came this year. I had a horrible roller-coaster affect year, with things going good to bad to worse, then to good again. Which this year for myself, I have suffered a mysterious 5 broken ribs with no call -- as one healed another broke, so this year has been a painful one, but it lets you know you're alive for sure ;-). But the battle isn't over, lets see what is up for next year.

I like to wish all my friends a great New Year, and may all your oaths come true!

A friend mentioned that we get one wish, so.....:

I wish for my mother to have a better and easier time next year. She has seen more up and downs and have faced them with great courage and pride. She has faced the humility with adversities and if any wish I could ask for.... would be for this very beautiful woman. May the Gods and Goddesses smile upon her!

Heill ok vel!

The person who wrote this, wrote it in memory of his mother who died fairly recently but it I feel it is applicable to the Mother's of the elder kin who watch over us too.

Alter Bridge - "In Loving Memory"

Thanks for all you've done
I've missed you for so long
I can't believe you're gone
You still live in me
I feel you in the wind
You guide me constantly

I've never knew what it was to be alone, no
Cause you were always there for me
You were always there waiting
And ill come home and I miss your face so
Smiling down on me
I close my eyes to see

And I know, you're a part of me
And it's your song that sets me free
I sing it while I feel I can't hold on
I sing tonight cause it comforts me

I carry the things that remind me of you
In loving memory of
The one that was so true
Your were as kind as you could be
And even though you're gone
You still mean the world to me

I've never knew what it was to be alone, no
Cause you were always there for me
You were always there waiting
But now I come home and it's not the same, no
It feels empty and alone
I can't believe you're gone

And I know, you're a part of me
And it's your song that sets me free
I sing it while I feel I can't hold on
I sing tonight cause it comforts me

I'm glad he set you free from sorrow
I'll still love you more tomorrow
And you will be here with me still

And what you did you did with feeling
And You always found the meaning
And you always will
And you always will
And you always will

Ooo's

And I know, you're a part of me
And it's your song that sets me free
I sing it while I feel I can't hold on
I sing tonight cause it comforts me

I feel a little strange posting this - I usually don't put stuff like this out there this way.  But I did want to share this and I guess this is the way to go.

A strange thing happened back in the Autumn of 2004.  I had a strange, very severe pain in my rib cage.  It was very similar to the pain I had years ago when I had pleurisy, except it was mostly on my back.  Shingles?  Not likely - the pain was spreading to both sides and that's very rare for shingles.  And what makes this so strange that my sister - on the other side of the ocean had the exact same pain.  We both went to the doctor.  We compared notes.  I had Intercostal Neuralgia.  She had Intercostal Myalgia. We teased each other about our lack of originality and we debated over who got the best pain meds.

Over the next several weeks, I recovered.  She didn't.  She got worse, but I kept telling her that she would wake up one morning and it would be gone and she'd never know she had it.  The doctors didn't know why it wasn't going away.  She went to the emergency room a few times only to be told she was drug seeking.  And then one morning in February, she woke up, numb from the waist down.  The hospital found a number of compression fractures in her spine.  She was only 39 at the time - so it wasn't likely to be a result of osteoporosis.  After numerous tests, they found what was wrong.  The fractures and her pain were caused by Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells.

It is only recently that this type of cancer has been seen in younger people.  It used to be an 'old age' cancer and little research had been done because of that.  Most of the people who had it were to weak to withstand aggressive treatment so it was usually left to run its course.  They told her that the best bet would be a tandem stem cell transplant using her own cells.  They would do very aggressive chemo - do the first transplant and then she would have to be in an isolation room for quite a while, then she'd have to stay near the hospital for some time after.  She got to go home for a few weeks between the two transplants.  All of this was so difficult for her two kids - aged 5 and 10 at the time.

But it all paid off when the doctors announced she was in remission.  She had a huge party.  My husband and I flew over to celebrate with her.  And as part of her celebrating, she and her family started organizing a team for Relay for Life.  The morning of the event, she was scheduled for her three month follow up.  The cancer was already back.  But she made a commitment and she went to the event and raised more than $3,000.

The next plan of action was another, more difficult transplant.  She would need a donor.  Siblings are the first choice for testing.  My brother and other sister were not able to donate even if they matched, due to their own health issues which my sister would have developed from the transplant.  That left me.  It was not easy finding out how to go about the testing procedures across the Atlantic from her, but we worked it out - and I was a 10 for 10 match.  (I found this odd since we were not even the same blood type - but that changed from the transplant.  She went from being O+ to A+.  And she even developed all of my allergies!)

I had to be in Florida for three weeks for the procedure.  Two days before we went into the hospital, she had to have her head shaved (just makes it easier to deal with when the hair loss starts from the chemo) and I decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love to make wigs for kids experiencing medical baldness.  I had two 16 inch ponytails chopped off....and then I had my head shaved too.  I figured we should match if we were going to end up with the same blood.  And you know - never in our lives had anyone confused us for each other, but when we didn't have our hair they sure did.

A few days after the transplant, I was on a plane back to England, not feeling so wonderful but more from the stress of worrying than the procedure.  Of course we had a very teary good-bye.  We couldn't say it, but we both were thinking about the possibility that those hugs could have been the last we shared in person.

Recovery was far longer from that transplant than the others, but when they did the blood tests they were amazed at how well she was doing and how quickly my cells 'took over'.  (I've been told I'm pushy - guess it was a good thing my stem cells are too!)  And again, she was in remission.  For 6 weeks this time.  Damn that Myeloma is one aggressive cancer.

Even with active cancer, she trained for a half marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, with her son coaching her.   By the day of the marathon, she still hadn't managed to walk the full distance.  But the day of the event, she completed the course in just over three and a half hours.  She did that with a massive tumor growing on her hip.  She raised more than $3,700.

And a few weeks later, the doctors were telling her there was nothing else to do and that she was at the 'we'll keep you as comfortable as possible' stage.  They had the 'Mommy's not going to be here much longer' talk with the kids.  And then one of the doctors who treated her early on decided it was not time to give up.  She was sent to the Myeloma Research Center at the University of Arkansas.  She and my mother had to stay there for months while they did three different chemos at the same time and did another transplant - half using cells frozen after my harvest, and half her own.  She was finally sent home.  And her follow up showed complete remission.  This time it lasted a week.

And so here we are today.  She is in hospice.  And hospice is taking things one day at a time, and sometimes only a half day at a time.   It is so indescribably difficult to be across the ocean while this is going on and my whole family is coming undone.  My mother especially - she is facing the death of her youngest and that is just not 'the natural order'.  And her kids are dealing with all of this with the holidays and both of their birthdays being this time of year.  On top of everything, we have not had telephone service here for 6 days total in the past two weeks so keeping up on things has been even more difficult.  I feel like I am aging rapidly.  Stress doesn't even begin to describe this.

I don't know if I will be able to get there in time to say good-bye.  The whole situation is just so complicated and right now I need simple.  I will get there for her funeral, but I'm really hoping I am able to be there before that.  I am writing a letter to her (which one of her friends will read to her - she has rapidly developed cataracts from all the chemo.)  It is the hardest letter I've ever written.

So, initially I was spending lots of time here, reading and posting to keep busy.  But my brains have been officially fried and I think I will be a bit scarce for a while.  I see posts I'd like to reply to but I cannot focus on anything but this.  I'll have some catching up to do (and you'll all wonder when I'm going to shut up.)

I will try to update this when and if I can.  Until then, if you don't see me around here - well, this is why.

"The most I ever did for you was to outlive you.  But that is much."  ~Edna St. Vincent Millay 

I have never gotten a chance to celebrate Yule the way I want save one tiime perhaps. My ideal Heathen Yule would consist of the usual rites I do every year, but also wassailing, a Mummers Play, and perhaps even Morris Dancing. Now this may seem extreme, but one year we came close. It was the Yule gathering of the Great Plains Ring back in 1999. We gathered at the Sorenson's in Oklahoma City. We had wassail, performed a Mummers Play, and then sang wassails to the pagan neighbors. It was a joyous night. The Mummers Play was one from Yorkshire which I Heathenized. The players were members of the cental states community and we went in unrehearshed with home made props made that night. At the end of the play, Father Yule made his appearance. After the play, we all bundled up and went down the street to the pagan neighbors where we serenaded them with some wassailing songs. It was in many ways my perfect Yule. That is not to say it is my favorite Yule. My favorite was back in 2005 when it was 70 degrees in Little Elm. On Children's Day (Christmas for those unfamiliar with Children's Day) instead of the usual fare of turkey or ham we had grilled hamburgers. And I played football with the boys in the yard while Tee watched. It has been and remains my favorite Yule despite its break with every family tradition I have. This contrast of a very traditional English Yule with my Texian Yule should come as no surprise. Both had one thing in common, being together with ones I love. Most Yules since have paled in contrast. With my work schedule I do not get to spend Yule with the fellowship or ones I love beyond my brother and sister, though this year I will spend a day with my oath brother and his family. I will try to make this year as special as I can regardless. Next year I hope to be able to spend it with my son whether I am living here or in Texas. Making Yule special is not hard as long as one can do it with ones they love. It is the time spent together and not so much what one does that brings the feelings of warmth and gladness to the season. I have had the fortune of many such Yules. The two I have cited are just the best of the lot, but Yule is usually a happy season for me. Even last year with not seeing my son was special in its own way. I was with my brother and sister which was a special time. But being with the ones you love is almost guarnanteed to make a Yule special. So I encourage everyone, take some time out in your schedules this Yuletide to be with ones you love. Have a drink or two, share stories, have a laugh or two. Do not worry if you are keeping tradition or breaking it. It is the togetherness that makes it special.

I just wanted to put this blog up to express how proud I am that this site is gaining in members so quickly. I haven't gotten on in a few days. The last time I was on, there where only 5 members. I am glad to see so many finding intrest in this site. I know that I was on top of it when I heard about it, and I see that many others where as well. Thank you Swain. I appreceate your hard work in making this site. My hat's off to you my friend.