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So it's official, Pam and I are heading to Wellspring. This is a little weird for me, heading off to an unknown situation. But I and trying it out, stepping out there. Camping in May is like, well, camping in September. I.e. Risky and cold, but uncrowded.
We are likely bringing Erin along from the grove. Should be, might be, could be fun.
We borrowed extensively from the resources on the ADF website, did some additional research and wrote some stuff up together. It is fun writing ritual with you spouse.
If you are interested, I have posted the whole thing HERE.
- Location:Kitchen Table
- Mood:
tired
By my faith in logos, my trust in phusis and my hope of eudaimon, may I gain the courage to face the world and its visicitudes.
Through acting virtuously, towards virtuous ends, for virtue's sake, may I be granted the serenity of knowing that I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.
As I subject appearances to assent, acts to reservation, and practice to examination, may I receive the wisdom upon which to build my days.
I will be adding this to my morning prayers (which Pam and I say together before our shrine)Through acting virtuously, towards virtuous ends, for virtue's sake, may I be granted the serenity of knowing that I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.
As I subject appearances to assent, acts to reservation, and practice to examination, may I receive the wisdom upon which to build my days.
If anyone has any questions about what any of it means, I would be happy to explain (or come to my session at Summerlands!)
Cheers
- Location:Work
- Mood:
calm - Music:Bach: Symphony in D - Andante
Some time later we 'discovered' Stoicism and realized how well it integrated into our Pagan beliefs (we are both very big on Hellenism), and started stumbling through some of the key texts. Then one day, lo and behold, we came across a little volume called "Word of the Ancient Wise" This book contains daily readings from Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. We revived the coffee meeting and have been reading a passage each day since January. We don't always agree with the passages, but they always provoke interesting discussion.
Now recently (I do ramble on, don't I?) I came across a Blog where someone was posting the contents of Dracula (which is written in the form of dates letters and journal entries). She would post each passage on the day it was written, giving you a 'real time' feel to the story. This got me thinking. Hey I have something that has dates associated with it!! (See previous paragraph if you are confused)
So here it is, the Words of the Ancient Wise, in daily blog format. I am interesting in opinions, dicussion or whatever. Pam and I will be putting our 2 bits in daily, as comments, and all are welcome to join.
http://wordsoftheancientwise.blogspot.co
When this is done, I plan to create a new one with passages from Seneca, Diogenes Laetius, and others, depending on where I can find them.
Cheers.
Past
θ | Theta | 9 | “You have the helping Gods {Theoi} of this path.” |
I interpret this to mean that my work on the ADF requirements and other projects has the approval of the Gods. This is good news, because I am spending a lot of time working on various projects.
Present
Ϡ | ϡ | Sampi (Ancient) | 900 | “Like the sea { θάλαϡαν – thalassan} rushing over you, you will be overwhelmed by emotion.” Overwhelm [κατακλύζω]: overrun, inundate, deluge; Emotion [συγκίνηση]: thrill, pathos You will be feeling a new welling of emotion or begin to have some vivid dreams. Your emotions have no purpose yet, but are filled with raw potential, These initial passions, feelings, thoughts and needs that can be directed into something more. They represent hope, a possiblity, an action to take. You can use them, or leave them behind. |
To me this seems to follow the same path as earlier, I am filled with hope and energy for these projects, sometimes missing sleep to get things done. If I don’t take advantage of the time that I have them now, I will lose them (leave them behind)
Future
ψ | Psi | 700 | “You have this righteous judgment {Psêphos} from the Gods.” |
The Gods have made a righteous judgement on this path. I see now that all of these together may be talking about the Restored Greek Alphabet Oracle. The divination stone in the last, tied to the future, with the current energy to see it through, and the approval of the direction I have taken in the past, really means to me that I should follow this.
So, another project to do. First I finish my set (including instruction book, backed up with as much research as I can muster). Then I start purchasing a small set of supplies to make a couple of sets for sale.
- Location:Kitchen Table
- Mood:
pensive
http://sites.google.com/site/
- Location:In Bed
- Mood:accomplished
On another note, I came across someone on LiveJournal that has a pdf of Kerenyi's Apollo. Unfortunately the posts stating this are from 2007, so I am hoping that he/she is still checking the account and still has the pdf kicking around and is willing to share it. A lot of hope but other than spending $150.00 ish, that is the only way I will be getting this 74 page booklet that originally sold for $8.50.
Time to get serious about about the DP. It is the first step in the Path.
- Location:Kitchen Table
- Mood: calm
Things I have been up to.
Well I finished the Olympian Gods Photo Gallery.
I started a Stoic readings blog called Words of the Ancient Wise.
Been working away. And possibly planning to attend Wellspring with my love.
As always, comments are welcome.
- Location:Kitchen Table
- Music:The clickety clack of my wife typing across from me
I also have my first three pieces to learn. For those of you not familiar with Classical Art Song, I have provided recordings of them, sung by the inimatable Beniamino Gigli. (clicking on the link will open Windows Media Player or some such) The recordings are from the late 40's so pardon the quality.
Per la gloria d’adorarvi from Griselda (Giovanni Bononcini)
Come raggio di sol (Antonio Caldara)
Il mio bel foco (Benedetto Marcello)
I still have to find a piano/theory teacher, but one step at a time.
(Transfered from my LifeDrive - Original Entry: 08-09-16 11:50 pm)
My first entry using my LifeDrive. I am going to try and centralize all my activities here, kind of a 'one ring to rule them all' affair.
Now I know this isnt regulation ADF, but at this stage, it isnt meant to be. It is just a very simple reminder of the commitments I have made.
Later, Pam and I met with Red Maple grove so that I can give my First Oath. I was really touched by their support.
There was a short pre-ritual, where Michael (our senior druid) briefly explaned the ADF cosmology to two new commers (one of whom was my son). I then explained the meaning and structure of my oath. Lee provided me with a huge pillar candle, so that could use it as the flame in the ritual. She also wants me to use it for my personal meditation every morning. She also set up the altar, with a bowl of water and a plant (tree and well) and a bowl of offerings (and a dish to transfer them too).
I read the oath facing east, transfered the offering to the bowl, then took the bowl outside. I then repeated the last lines of my oath as I scattered the offering to the trees.
We then shared a meal together. I received a tarot reading (thank you Erin), and gave three readings (Erin, Dot and Sadie). I also managed to fit in two additional readings for the kids. The readings occupied most of the night. In between the readings, we got together again in the kitchen and the grove toasted my begining on my path.
All in all, a wonderful night.
- Location:Living Room
- Mood: peaceful
I am studying with a renowned opera coach, with master class lessons with a Maestro (who a world class Operatic Tenor). I have know the coach for three years now, as my wife, son and daughter are all taking lessons with her already. I walked in last night and stated my goal. I am aiming for ARCT Performer. This is a Royal Conservatory of Music grade level (above Grade 10). It is going to be hard work. Vocally I am at a good start, being able to perform some Grade 9 pieces. I will however, need to learn how play piano ( I don't know how to at all right now) and theory (I haven't read a piece of music properly for 25 years). This is the work of several years, but really, why not excellence?
- Location:Home
- Music:Kyra Humming the Jeopardy theme
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d5hvnt4_62
- Location:Home
- Mood: calm
- Music:Seven Gates of Jerusalem, 'Symphony No. 7' - I. Magnus Dominus et laudabilis
THANK YOU!
I need to find time to get myself out the door more and walking. That being said, my wife and I have put the brakes on the fast food madness. Last night we actually had soup and sandwiches for dinner! NORMAL FOOD! Imagine, not premade, preprocessed and precooked. It was certainly nice.
Thanks again all.
Next step, coffee.
I am thinking, once the oath is written, of using it as a morning devotional. I can picture myself, before my altar/shrine (right now a metal owl, representing one of my patrons, Athene, a candle some incense, a bowl of water) reciting these verses. It would act as a reminder of who I am and what I have vowed.
The Senior Driud of my grove (Red Maple) has suggested we get together with other members of the grove this sunday, and I have asked if I can deliver my first oath in their presence, as witnesses. In anticipation of that, I have written the last couplet of the oath already. I realize that it may still need work.
This solemn pledge I bind upon my life
As witnessed here by Gods, and Grove, and Wife.
As witnessed here by Gods, and Grove, and Wife.
- Location:Work
For anyone interested, you can find the interview here (http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d5hvnt4_61
I will be adding this to my personal website 'The Journey' (https://sites.google.com/site/michelgdaw/H
Here is a link directly to the page (https://sites.google.com/site/michelgdaw/H
Cheers
- Location:Work
- Mood:Focussed
- Music:Beethoven - 'Fur Elise'
Now I am new to the idea of Augury, but I am studying Greek Divination, and I was wondering, does it mean anything. Could it mean anything? Could someone help me interpret it.
This morning we went to the local Pagan Brunch. It was great seeing everyone. It is a great event as all of the Pagans from every stripe and path comes by. We keep trying to attend to make sure that we are remain part of the larger community.
We then attempted to hit the book chat, but there must have been some crossed wires, as no-one was there. Oh well. Maybe next time.
