The blessings we received were:

• From the Ancestors: the sow–generosity.
• From the Nature Spirits: the swan–parenthood and parents.
• From the Shining Ones: the fox–wildness.

As always, we followed the ritual with a pot-luck, where we were able to get to know each other better and talk about our future plans (especially with Harvest Nights Gathering).

The festival will be taking place at Camp Bonnie Brae in Otis, MA on October 14-16, 2011, and it is the only festival in New England.

We will offer workshops and a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow ADF members in the region.

More information will be available here as our plans finalize!

Please describe briefly your Path:

I’m a druid in Ár nDraíocht Féin. My home practice is Gallo-Roman, with an emphasis on my relationships with the Goddess Cathubodua as well as a few other Gods and Goddesses. In my group practice with Charter Oak Grove I work with the Gods and Spirits of a variety of Indo-European cultures.

Please describe briefly how you practice it:

My practice focusses on worship and relationships with the Gods, Goddesses and Spirits rather than the magical side of things.

Mostly it involves:

• Daily meditation (usually with offerings) at my home shrine.
• Full rituals at my home shrine about once a week. More often if I am seeking guidance, or building a new relationship.
• Group rituals with my grove at our public high day rituals and once a month at our more private meetings.

When did you first commit to your Path?

I started in 1988 at age 14 with an eclectic wiccan practice, but I would say that I committed myself in June of 1990 when I swore an oath to my patron Goddess. I discovered ADF Druidry in 2009 and saw how closely it matched what I was already doing, so I joined up. I renewed my vows, this time in a Druidic context, in 2010.

How is your practice different now than it was then?

Mostly my practice is more precise. I am more careful to know who I am addressing, and I have a more firm understanding of my own cosmology. I don’t bounce around between cultures and groups of spirits anymore, and I tend to feel very uncomfortable when I am in rituals that do.

Over the first few years on my path I dropped most of the ceremonial aspects of wicca and began working through a relational model–building relationships with specific Beings and working at a greater depth. Over that first decade my practice morphed along with my understanding of paleo-paganism to something that fit very well into ADF Druidry (so well that I was actually stunned when I read an ADF ritual for the first time and realized that aside from the Earth Mother portion, I was already doing everything like that). Independent evolution for the win!

Is your practice different today than how you thought it would be back then?

Of course. The biggest difference from the early days is that I am working in a Gallo-Roman culture, rather than Irish. What can I say? It’s what I was told to do.

Does your Path and core belief system differ now than how it was when you first started?

The values (integrity, reciprocity, courage and commitment) have remained constant. My beliefs have matured. I moved from soft polytheism towards a much harder polytheism, so I no longer feel comfortable with ambiguity of identity.

What is your heritage and how does this inform your Path?

My ethnicity? My ancestors were from Western Europe, mostly in the Netherlands and Ireland. At this point, I would say that it doesn’t have all that much to do with my path, although it did at the beginning.

What are your main influences for your Path?

My main influences are from my Spirit work. My relationships with Patrons among the Kindred, as well as with other allies have shaped my current practice and Path.

Which do you do more: practice or research?

At the moment, I do more practice, but that comes in waves. When I’m doing research I do more research. What it comes down to for me is usually what’s going on in my life in general. Right now, I’m calling in chips (so to speak) rather than giving out gifts.

Do you feel that one is more important than the other?

I think that they are of equal value to me. Other people may find that one is more important than the other.

What values and ethics are important on your Path and in your practice?

Integrity and reciprocity are the keys to my understanding of the values of my path. Integrity leads to self-knowledge and courage, and reciprocity encompasses my understanding of hospitality and piety. Other than that, it’s really all about making the world I live in a better place.

What sort of cycles do you feel your practice goes through?

I mentioned this above. There are times when I feel able to delve deeper and learn more, and there are times that I have to pull energy out of the bank (so to speak) because of what is going on in my life. Those cycles usually last seasons or months.

Other cycles are more subtle. I may work with a particular Being for months and then watch the practice taper off as we no longer have anything new to share with each other. Then I come back to that Being at a later time and we begin exploring again. Or I sometimes take a break from trance work for months at a time. Mostly the changes in practice are based on what’s important in my life from moment to moment (or month to month).

What is one of the greatest obstacles or struggles you have had to over come?

My greatest obstacle as a pagan? Learning to doubt my instincts enough to move beyond the basics.

How do you see yourself practicing in ten years?

Much the same as I do today. My practice has been relatively stable (even though I’ve changed affiliation) over the last decade, just more active. I expect that I will have a deeper understanding of some things, and be more confused by others. That’s the nature of personal growth, in my experience.

How do you incorporate your practice into your life?

Very well, thank you.

(For me, It’s all about the constant contact. I pass my home shrine dozens of times each day. I greet the Beings represented there. When I am out, I say little prayers when the need arises. I would say that my practice is fully integrated into my daily life.)

Has walking your Path changed you as a person?

It’s hard to say. As a person, I can’t say that I could imagine myself without the ‘pagan stuff.’

Do you consider yourself to be a priest/ess? How so?

I’d say that I take on the role of priest/ess in group ritual readily enough. I don’t see myself as clergy though.

A witch? How so?

Oh no, not at all. I tried to fit myself into that mold. It didn’t work for me. I just don’t care enough about magical spells or potions and such.

A shaman? How so?

No. I do some of the things that shamans do, but I don’t have the right world view for that label to fit well with me. I would call myself a Druid and Spirit worker (if I wanted to be pretentious) or just a Good Host™.

Which matters more: getting the vocabulary right or the actual practice of what we are trying to define?

Probably the practice, but I would say that the vocabulary is intimately linked with the practice so it should not be ignored. We need shared meanings so we can understand one another.

One of the most profound things anyone ever said to you was:

A defining moment on your Path was:

Oathing in 1990.

Have you ever taken a “leap of faith”?

Many.

Please tell us something stupid, reckless or embarrassing you did once in your practice:

The oath when I was 16 to a Goddess I had not identified (it took me almost twenty years to be sure because *she refused to tell me*) was pretty reckless. It’s worked out very well for me, but if I could go back in time I would make sure I asked some basic questions first.

What is the most frustrating thing about your Path?

The vagary of my patron Goddess.

Have you ever been frightened?

Gods, yes. Many, many times. Remember, kids, mental discipline is no joke.

Can you perform ritual without a script?

Yes, In a few styles. I can ‘write’ a Druidic ritual as we go.

Have you ever preformed spontaneous magick/spellcraft?

Yes.

What are you still exploring or experimenting with?

I’m exploring the intersection of paganism and LGBT issues, the importance of transformation (and rites of passage) in our paths, and how we can build a comprehensive culture of paganism for future generations.

What (or whom) are you the most committed to in your practice and on your Path?

Hmm. Most implies a hierarchy that I don’t really feel. If I had to name something, I would say Nature (however you want to personify it), Cathubodua and integrity.

Ritual tools are …

Mostly they add grandeur to the situation. If we’re including statuary that has been dedicated to particular Beings, I would have to add that they inspire (in me) reverence and proper respect.

Magickal tools are …

Depending on the situation, they can be necessary, important, useful, or just cool looking. I don’t do much magic these days, though.

The one thing you can’t do without is:

Fire to carry my prayers and offerings. (Can you tell that I’m writing invocations to Agni right now?)

Seeking personal power is …

for other people.

Politics and you Path are …

only vaguely related. I believe that my sense of personal liberty and responsibility as well as my commitment to the environment are informed by my path.

One thing you wish people would understand about your Path and/or practice is:

That my path is mine alone. I will gladly talk about it, or teach techniques that work for me, but I will never expect that it would work for anyone else.

Do you teach?

Yes, but only one-on-one or in an article writing sense. I get too frustrated by classroom dynamics.

What do you feel is the role of clergy in modern Paganism and Heathenism?

They inspire us to be more, to do more and to live our path. They also have the dubious honor of being unwanted intermediaries and unused fonts of wisdom. In general, I am for a paid clergy because it would allow them to write and teach more, and generally to do more. They are the ones we look to for constructing the things that will last through generations.

When the Veil (or Hedge!) is thin, how does that feel to you?

Tingly, crunchy, and dark blue.

What entities do you work with most? (ancestors, gods, fae etc)

Three Gods and Goddesses (Cathubodua, Brigindona and lately Maponos), a few specific Nature Spirits (One who has been with me since I began and the other Garanus Crane), and a few specific Ancestors.

What is your relationship with the Land?

I tend the land, make offerings and the land provides for me and my family. In a more general sense, I feel deeply rooted to the area I live in (not the actual house or town, though), and I do what I can to keep it as clean as possible. I make offerings to the local Land Spirits, and I enjoy ‘being’ in nature.

The most important aspect of ritual is:

Focused attention.

The main purpose of ritual is:

Giving and receiving. *Ghosti

What is the purpose of divination/dowsing (or whichever for of augury you use)?

Communication with the Kindred.

What was the most difficult book you ever read? (Either difficult to understand or hard to face what it said or both)

Ulysses by James Joyce. (I actually didn’t finish it, but I tried.)

What book do you recommend the most to others?

Heaven, Heroes, and Happiness by Shan M. M. Winn

What is you favourite podcast (if any) and favourite blog (other than your own)?

Tribeways is the only podcast I listen to.
My current favorite blog is The Thang Blog which has absolutely nothing to do with paganism.

If you could impart only one last piece of wisdom or knowledge, or share one experience with the world at large, what would it be?

Everyone has a right to his or her opinion. They do not, however, have the right to enforce it on anyone else.

Is there an additional question you would like to see here? What is it? (please also answer)

nope.

Please finish this meme with a picture, image or photograph of some sort:

Omens were personally significant:

• From the Ancestors: Owl–an underworld guide, psychopomp
• From the Nature Spirits: Ancient Scholar–wisdom and learning
• From the Shining Ones: Snake–the ability to shed the past

okie-dokie…

Our omens were ambiguous again, and there will likely be some discussion about what they mean:

• The Ancestors: Sow (generosity)
• The Nature Spirits: Bear (sovereignty)
• The Shining Ones: Cow (the Goddess)

The system consists of six categories of six tiles each. This was a deliberate paring down from my original set of 54 tiles (6 x 9), which had too much overlapping of meanings between the tiles (and which would have required a much larger bag to hold the tiles).

(You can also download this divination system as a PDF file.)

1. 1. Dog (The dog is a LOYAL and PROTECTIVE companion.)
   2. Horse (A horse helps us to TRAVEL.)
   3. Crow (Crows are CREATIVE with what they find.)
   4. Eagle (The eagle has CLEAR SIGHT, and can help us see the TRUTH.)
   5. Hare (The hare understands HIDDEN TEACHINGS and deep INTUITION.)
   6. Snake (The snake has the power to SHED THE PAST.)
2. 1. Crane (The crane thrives in-between. He is the very defined by LIMINALITY.)
   2. Dragon (A dragon brings DANGER for the tribe.)
   3. White Stag (The white stag’s appearance heralds a time of TRANSFORMATION.)
   4. Griffin (The griffin is a teacher of POWERFUL MAGIC.)
   5. The Sacred Bull (The sacred bull’s willing sacrifice demonstrates great PIETY.)
   6. Owl (The owl is a silent flier with keen sight. It is also a guide to the UNDERWORLD.)
3. 1. Hazel (From the hazel, we gain HEALING.)
   2. Oak (The sacred oak give the acorns to the divine pigs in an act of HOSPITALITY.)
   3. Mistletoe (The otherworldy mistletoe imbues us with FERTILITY.)
   4. Parsley (Parsley gave STRENGTH to those who chew it before battle.)
   5. Thyme (Thyme can bring back HAPPINESS.)
   6. Grapes (From grapes we make wine, which requires us to learn MODERATION.)
4. 1. Warrior Spirit (A warrior spirit gives us COURAGE to face danger.)
   2. Ancient Scholar (The spirit of a sage offers us WISDOM.)
   3. Watch Stone (The silent spirits that watch us as we go through our lives, demanding INTEGRITY.)
   4. The Earth Mother (A cornucopia displays the BOUNTY of the Earth Mother.)
   5. Inspiration (The bard’s harp brings POETRY, MUSIC, and INSPIRATION into our lives.)
   6. Gatekeeper (The Gatekeeper provides OPENNESS to the Kindreds’ Blessings.)
5. 1. Ax (An ax CAREFULLY CHOPS, cutting down only the trees we need to cut.)
   2. Bow (This bow is used for HUNTING elusive prey.)
   3. Sword (The sword defines CONFLICT because there is no other use for a sword.)
   4. Spinning Wheel (The spinning wheel transforms the individual fibers into a cohesive strand that can, with PERSEVERANCE, be used for a new creation.)
   5. Plow (The plow allows us to WORK the soil.)
   6. Harness (A harness allows us to work TOGETHER in the fields.)
6. 1. The Well (The WELL is a gate to the UNDERWORLD.)
   2. The Fire (The FIRE carries our SACRIFICE to the Shining Ones.)
   3. The Tree (The world TREE CONNECTS the worlds.)
   4. Nemeton (A place for the SACRED in our lives. PIETY.)
   5. Hearth (The hearth is the heart of the home, it provides WARMTH and FOOD.)
   6. Sun (The sun ILLUMINATES our lives.)

I’m happy with how they came out. The method I used to transfer the designs was not as simple as I had hoped, and there was a clear point about halfway through making them that they started looking much better.

The story centers around two periods in history: the taking of the Library of Alexandria by a Christian mob and then, later, the expulsion of Jews from Alexandria and the solidification of political power by the Church.

No, it is not a happy story. It doesn’t have a surprise ending (after all, this is historical fiction). This is the story of someone who is so concerned with science that she doesn’t really pay all that much attention to what is going on with the people around her. With Christians as the bad guys, I expected to have more representation of a pagan viewpoint, but Hypatia was portrayed as an Atheist, and the passing of the old religion was barely a footnote in the first half of the movie. In that, I was disappointed. I was not disappointed in much else about this movie, though. As a story of what can happen if you take your worldview and inflict it on others, it has few peers.

I would recommend this movie to:

• Anyone looking for a good cry.
• People (especially scientists) who are interested in history and historical fiction.
• Anyone interested in a look at the early Church that is not biased towards Christians.

We honored the Ancestors in four parts (Ancestors of Humanity, Blood, Religion, and Culture). As an unusual step for us, we read the Declaration of Independence as a praise offering for the Ancestors of Culture. We also honored Isaac Bonewits (Kat sang the English verse of his Hymn to Brigit).

We called on Dea Matrona as Earth Mother, Brigindona for Inspiration, and Cernnunos as the Gatekeeper. As it is our Samhain tradition, the gates were left open while we were on site to allow people private time with the Kindreds.

We had a wonderful, if chilly, pot-luck in the park afterward. We had 8 people in attendance, including two new attendees. It’s wonderful and exciting to meet new people and to get to spend time with such great people.

Blessings

We received some wonderful blessings from the Kindreds:

• From the Deities we received Piety
• From the Nature Spirits we received Travel/Journey
• From the Ancestors we received Wisdom

After the water was blessed, our wonderful Senior Druid blessed tokens of grove membership (Connecticut quarters with the Charter Oak on them) with the Waters and gave them to the full members of the grove.