Druid Studies

   So... it has been awhile... But I am making progress!!

  I have set up a morning routine of waking and prayers before eating. It's definitely helped me to get myself up and going, and to feel like I am connected with Brighid. I am also doing a lot of random teaching, which has been interesting. I don't necessarily feel qualified, but so far I don't think I have steered anyone wrong. 

  I haven't done as much DP work as I would like to do. I want to complete that level very badly, but I just haven't gotten my routine down hard yet. Starting with the morning routine was a huge step, and I am glad I have that part down.

So, I was watching this (still need to finish it), and I think I may subscribe to the series. It helps to have a solid grounding in the factual when doing any kind of faith path.

 Lecture 79: Ogham and the first writing in Ireland 

 

  So, this is currently where I am at, and I hope to be using this blog a bit more to get my head cleared up and ready for what's coming up. 

Bright Blessings!

Omens, Paths, and Starting Over

Greetings and Salutations! It's been awhile since I have written anything at all, especially Pagan related. This pandemic has gotten everyone in a tither, unsurprisingly, and it's been difficult to focus. When we first moved here, I became involved with the local Pagan soldier community, and for a brief time I was getting along quite well. Now, with lockdowns, stay at home orders, mask wearing, etc, there hasn't been the ability for anyone to gather. And those that do (looking at certain mega church type groups) end up very ill... So, we wait.
  May 1st is a Big Deal in most Pagan cultures. To my knowledge, it's the Celtic beginning of the summer half of the year. I haven't been practicing much lately. So, when the first rolled around, I cleaned my altar, reset it up, and actually drew cards for a summer omen. I got the Eagle, the Hind, and the Salmon. If you know the Druid Animal Oracle deck by Philip Carr-Gomm, that's the one I used. It is my favorite deck (granted, I only have 2, lol), and I can always get a good, honest reading from it. After that draw, I knew it meant I had to get back into my studies. I need to complete the Dedicant Path for ADF, and get myself going. So, today I renewed my membership, and will create a syllabus for studying.
  This will be a short post, as I don't have much to say at present. I am hoping to write weekly on this blog, so will be working hard at that.

Bright Blessings,
White Raven

Its almost March...

...and I haven't done too much with my private Hearth practice, or restarted the DP. However, I have joined the Open Circle here on base. It's been wonderful connecting with fellow Pagans again. As this is a training base, the soldiers don't stay too long, so it's hard when they leave, even though most of them I have only known for a couple of weeks. I did start a study group here, and so far not a lot has been done with it. Our space was taken from us before I could even start it, so just waiting to hear where we can actually do things at. I will be teaching ritual basics this coming Sunday, even though I feel rather ill qualified for it. I did pick up Ann Moura's Green Witchcraft series, and will be basing lessons off of her class structure.
  So, Paganicon is less than a month away! I will be flying home for it, visiting family, etc, and of course seeing my Grovemates again! I miss them so much. They were kind enough to "lay ordain" me for the purposes of the study group, so that the two NCO's (non commissioned officers) aren't forced to drive in from an hour or more away to do it. I am humbled by that trust from them.
  I threw out my back yesterday, and I am trying to keep myself from being upset that I cannot do the things I think I need to get done. I will be ok, already halfway better, just annoyed.
  I think I have delayed my work on the class for Sunday enough, haha! I will try to get more done on here, keep myself going on my Path... I would like to not lose my focus again.

Bright Blessings,
Alyssa

Post move blues

We have moved! So far, Virginia has treated us well, but it's been literally a week. We shall see what the future holds.
  Right now, I have had to make some tough decisions. I have un-enrolled from the Devotional Polytheism class that I was participating in. I am almost 2 months behind, and right now can't find the energy or time to get caught up. I will start the Dedicant Path at a later date. I still wish to do it, and even though ADF is currently in an uproar, I still feel this is the group I need to be with. I will continue my membership for the time being, and hope to help with change.
  I will keep this little blog, and hopefully will remember to write in it a bit more often. I am still an "Urban Druid", haha! Living on base doesn't change much of that, although I am a bit more surrounded by woods and such... and a golf course...ugh.
  So, hopefully by Imbolc I will have some things set up, and will be able to get some more energy for my faith path. Clann Bhride has a "9 Days of Brighid" that we do for Her holy day, and I want to do that this year.
  With that, I will sign off for today, and hope everyone has a joyous, blessed year.

Bright Blessings,
Alyssa