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The Three Kindred

Posted in ADF, altars, An Dagda, ancestors, animals, Brighid, Celtic culture, cosmology, Dedicant Program, Druidism, Earth Mother, Earth-Centered, environmentalism, folklore, Gods, growth, Irish Culture, Land Sea and SKy, mythology, Nature Spirits, offerings, Paganism, polytheism, practice, prayer, study programs, three realms, writing on December 27, 2010|

In my early days of Pagan study and worship, it was easiest for me to connect with and understand the Nature Spirits. I was raised to respect them and even taught by my mother to believe in fairies and unicorns, even if they were part of a different reality than our own. As time went by, I forged some bonds with deities, but it wasn’t until taking up the Dedicant Program that I was truly able to feel connected to and understand the Three Kindreds of Nature Spirits, Ancestors, and Gods.

While I very much believed in the unseen Nature Spirits as a child, I was more aware and interested in the visible and tangible. I have always cared deeply for plants and animals and have been an environmentalist from an early age. As I grew, my animism developed and I came to the realization that there really was more to the natural world than met the eye. As a child, I was bombarded with the modern myth of fairies – little, beautiful creatures with wings and fairy dust. I am still very much attracted to this image and often incorporate such creatures into my artwork, but I’ve come to realize that the Spirits of Nature are as varied as people and that they can be perceived by humans as beautiful, silent, loud, mischievous, disgusting, and, perhaps, aggressive. While some are weaker than humans, others are much, much stronger. Studying Irish folklore and mythology has given me a more mature frame of perception in regards to the Nature Spirits. They are, indeed, the unseen forces of nature that can be creative, like a spirit attached to a garden, or destructive, like the Pooka of Irish lore, and they can come in any guise. In my own spiritual work, I’ve found that I believe that all beings, even the rocks and trees, have souls, and so I feel that they are also Nature Spirits worthy of respect and, in some cases, veneration.

So how do I perceive the Nature Spirits? They are the birds and the song that they sing. They are the rocks in the earth. They are the drops of rain. They are the wind rustling the trees. They are the sequins of sunlight that splash through the forest canopy. They are the trees, alive and decaying. They are the dandelions poking up through cement sidewalks. They are the ferrets cohabiting with me in my bedroom. They are the unseen creatures that move my things without any explanation. They are the rotting corpses of animals on the streets. They are the diseases that we get. They are the unseen forces in the dark. They are at work outside making the flowers and vegetables grow. They are present within the upper, middle, and lower worlds and represent all the elements. I believe that my existence is inextricably linked to theirs and so they deserve to be honored and treated with respect, like brothers and sisters who have their own wants, needs, and motivations. I may not always like what the Nature Spirits have in store, but I’m sure they don’t always agree with me either! As with human siblings, we have to give and take equally and learn to live in harmony with each other.

I am always trying to stay connected with my brothers and sisters or nature, as well as the Earth Mother, whom I see as a Goddess and mother of all life. I try to learn about the seen and unseen Nature Spirits, and I try to live in harmony with them through environmentalism and vegetarianism. I thank them before eating. I remember them in my rituals and make offerings to them. I’ve kept in mind that some offerings may be harmful to nature spirits, and so I avoid chocolate and sharp objects left out in the open. My favorite offerings to give are flowers and birdseed.

I will speak of the Gods next, not because they are less important than the Ancestors, but because my relationship and familiarity with them was the easiest for me to experience next. Despite my Roman Catholic upbringing, I always had a fascination with mythology from a very early age. One of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons was a series of animated Greek and Roman myths. The exploits of Herakles, Castor, Pollox, and Jason mesmerized me and the Gods captivated my imagination. Visiting museums and seeing statues from Egypt amazed me. Who were these mysterious beings? The statues exuded a power. For me, this power was a calling and made me want to dance. I continually felt the pull of the Old Gods. The more I read about them and devoted time to them, the more they seemed to “talk” to me. At first, it was difficult to go from monotheism to the duotheism of Wicca. There was a certain taboo about it and, with it, a certain fear of the unknown. Gradually, I started to form a relationship with Gods and Goddesses. First it was the Greek and Egyptian Gods, probably because I was most familiar with them. I had dreams of Dionysus and Bast. It was easy as an eclectic Wiccan to worship both at the same time, but it wouldn’t satisfy me for long.

Here I am, a few years later, worshiping the Tuatha de Danann of the Irish. I don’t know how it happened, and it was probably through my love of Irish music and Arthurian myth, but I was called by the Old Gods of the Green Isle, the home of my ancestors. As with the Nature Spirits, studying Irish myth and legend has helped me to understand the Tuatha de Danann immensely. Studying the myths and legends of other cultures has deepened my awareness of many other deities. My Roman Catholicism and its veneration of various saints helped ease me into polytheism, and I now consider myself a hard polytheist. I believe that, for the most part, the Gods can reside in any of the three realms and often interact with and interbreed with the Nature Spirits. Because the Gods are so tied to the land and various natural phenomena, they further sanctify the environment. Some of the Gods, like the Tuatha de Danann, are local deities and so I’ve come to believe that they mostly live in Ireland. The same is probably true for other deities as well, such as Aphrodite dwelling primarily on the island of Cyprus. However, as the Gods are more powerful than humans, I believe that they can interact with humans who are far from their sanctuaries. While I don’t believe that you have to be Irish to love and worship the Tuatha de Danann, I can’t help but feel that my connection to them is partially due to my blood ties to Ireland. I feel that it enables an easier connection. I also feel that repeated ritual and interaction with certain deities at an altar or through a talisman can, in some way, create a home away from home for them and that their energy becomes imbibed in foreign places where they are frequently made welcome (such as the powerful seeming statues in museums). I also think that Gods associated with certain energies, such as arts, can manifest while a person is tapping into those energies. I believe that the Gods are the most powerful and wise of the Three Kindreds and that they know how to use magic in ways that humans can only dream of. Like the Nature Spirits, and like human beings, I believe that the Gods are all individual and have their own personalities, faults, and motivations. Many, like Brighid, Odin, Thor, or Prometheus, have given us different arts and protect humanity. Others, like the Morrigan or Loki, are a bit harder for me to understand and seem more interested in protecting the land or chaos rather than the tribe. I don’t consider them evil – they have their place, but they can be hard for humans to relate to. As a former Catholic, it is hard for me not to subjugate myself to the Gods. I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing to do, but I think the Tuatha de Danann, or the Gods of any other Pagan culture, prefer that their followers view them more as kin – incredibly powerful and wise kin – but kin all the same. I envision them to be a bit like parents, teachers, or tribal leaders.

I try to connect to the Gods in many ways. The first is through study. My fascination with mythology and ancient history has eclipsed all other academic interests. Not only am I learning about other cultures and world history, but I am having fun as it is intrinsically satisfying. Perhaps it is because through study that I am able to get to know the Gods and the other Kindreds and so my soul becomes happy. I also connect to the Gods through ritual, meditation, prayer, art, and dance. In ritual, I am able to express my love for the Gods and honor them for their many blessings. In meditation, I am able to contemplate and maybe even receive a message from them. In prayer, I talk to them. I mostly thank them for any number of things, but there are times when I ask for help as well. I always ask that Lugh, protector of travelers, and Cernunos, the Gaulish God of animals, protect me or those I love while on the road. I also pray in thanks before each meal. I feel that I’m able to connect to the Gods through art and dance because those activities connect me to a very spiritual part of my brain and soul and allow me to open up to the inspiration of the Gods, especially to Brighid. Dance is especially helpful because it can put me into a trance and open me up in ways similar to meditation. Another way I show the Gods I care is through service to them and the other Kindreds. By leading rituals and keeping to my oaths, I am building lifelong relationships with allies who deserve to be honored due to their many positive influences in my life. I no longer consider myself an eclectic Wiccan duotheist but a hard polytheist, a priestess to the Tuatha de Danann, and a Druid in training with Celtic Reconstructionist tendencies. I feel that the Tuatha de Danann called me to this.

Finally, ADF has helped me form a closer bond with my ancestors. When I began to study and practice Paganism, I didn’t consider my ancestors as part of my belief system. I knew that Native Americans and Shintos highly honored their dead and, in some instances, created altars for them. The only real emphasis on the ancestors in Wicca was to remember them on Samhain. There were a few Samhains where, indeed, I felt their presence strongly. Some books recommended that special altars be made, or that places be set aside for the ancestors at a Samhain meal. I never really did that – at most I threw some bread out for the souls of the dead as an afterthought. As a whole, it felt that Wicca only honored the ancestors on a certain holiday and forgot about them for the rest of the year. Because of this, my connection with the ancestors was not considered and not developed until I began my Druidic studies.

A year or so before my calling to Druidry, my Aunt Debbie died of cancer and I felt that I should do something special for her on Samhain. I made her a bouquet of evergreens as I felt they symbolized never ending life. I wasn’t sure where her grave stone was (indeed, she had yet to have a stone installed), so I tossed the bouquet into the air and did not look back at where it landed, content to believe she caught it. I did not even think that throwing it meant the bouquet was trash rather than a gift. To me, it was the easiest way to make an offering to her.

As I’ve progressed through ADF, I’ve felt a stronger pull to my ancestors. It feels as if they are happy to be part of my daily practice. I light a candle for my ancestors as part of my daily ritual. At larger holidays, more is offered. I feel like the ancestors really do watch over us. Whether they are right with us or watching from a distance when they feel it necessary, I do not know. Celtic lore says that the dead go to the Otherworld, and I do believe in such a place, but I can’t help but feel that they are able to communicate with us in some way, especially around Samhain and Beltaine. I believe that care and concern do not end at death. I also believe that some of the dead can get trapped in the world of the living as ghosts.

I would like to honor more of my ancestors on Samhain such as my Grandmother and Grandfather. Truly, I think of my ancestors every day now, but I feel that the entire day of Samhain should be planned around visiting the graves of relatives. Honoring ancestors needn’t only be about immediate relatives or even recent friends and relations. When I visited England a few years ago, I felt very connected to the land. I was very much aware of a presence linked to my own blood. As I toured historical landmarks like White Tower, Westminster Abbey, or even Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris or St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, I felt as if I was connecting with people from long ago. I was so aware of the feet that had walked where I was walking, wearing down the stone steps until they were smooth with time.

Today I do my best to honor and remember my ancestors. I make offerings, verbally thank the ancestors, read their stories, research their land, and anticipate visiting my ancestral homelands. We are here because of our ancestors and we should not limit our celebration of them to one day in the year.

Because the ancestors are human, it seems that they would have been the easiest for me to connect to. It may have something to do with my grandfather’s obsessive interest in genealogy. I’ve had my ancestors pounded into my head since a very young age, so I may have been resistant to thinking any more about them. I’ve also considered their humanity to be a deterrent, possibly because I’ve viewed them as just mundane humans who died a long time ago. To a younger me, otherworldly beings were infinitely more fascinating. Having matured, I’ve realized the importance of family and heritage. I am proud of where I come from. I often ponder my Irish and Germanic background. I worship the Tuatha de Danann, but I sometimes feel the pull of my Germanic ancestors. I sometimes wonder if there is an easy way to integrate the two hearth cultures together to satisfy my gene pool.

The Three Kindreds have many differences, and yet they have many similarities too. This essay could extend for pages as I contemplate the many ways that they overlap. Their main similarity, as far as I’m concerned, is that they have made my spiritual path seem whole and balanced. Honoring the Three Kindreds not only helps me to form bonds with the Gods, but it keeps me connected to the Nature Spirits with whom I cohabit, and helps me to remember my very large, very extended family. I am grateful to have grown closer to the Nature Spirits, Ancestors, and Gods and hope that my ability to honor, love, and worship them deepens and matures with the years.

My Home Shrine

Posted in ADF, altars, An Dagda, ancestors, Brighid, Dedicant Program, Druidism, Earth Mother, Gods, hearth and home, Irish Culture, magic, meditation, mythology, Nature Spirits, offerings, ogham, outsiders, Pagan culture, Paganism, polytheism, practice, prayer, ritual, ritual tools, study programs, symbols, writing on December 27, 2010|

Creating a shrine was not a difficult requirement for me as I’ve been making altars for a few years. The challenge, however, was making an altar in accordance with a hearth culture and within a Druidic framework. Having started on a Pagan path through Wicca, I was used to having certain articles on my altar. When I realized that Wicca was not the path for me, I abandoned some of the traditional tools, such as the athame, and turned my altar into a mishmash of significance. It was only through the deep introspection and study of mythology encouraged by ADF that I was able to build a shrine that was truly important to me and symbolic of my faith.

When I first started to think about putting together an altar for ADF, I knew it would have to be different from my past altars. It would require space for offering bowls, something I’d never dealt with before. My altars used to be built on top of slender bookshelves. After moving into a new apartment, I decided to use an old vanity that I was not using.

My altar is in the kitchen, the hearth of my home, near the stove. In the very center of my altar is a representation of the Bile, the world tree. It is a wand I made from an apple branch, wire, and silver bells, similar to the wand given to Cormac in Irish mythology. To the right of the tree is a doll/statue I made to represent Brighid. Below her is a dish with a candle so that I can keep her flame once every month. To the Bile’s left is a large stone representing An Dagda. I found the stone during a hike I dedicated to him. Atop the stone is a ring of black twine that is also significant from that hike. Behind the stone is a lap harp I bought at an Irish Festival. It always reminds me of An Dagda and his harp of seasons. Perhaps I will learn to play it one day and I will be able to incorporate it into my rituals!

There is also a representation of the fire and the well on my altar in the form of a candle and a cauldron. Towards the front of the altar are three small bowls containing tea lights that represent the three Kindreds. The center candle represents the Gods while the right candle represents the ancestors and the left represents the nature spirits. In addition to these there is a fourth bowl on the altar into which offerings are given. There are also a few small incense holders. Everything sits atop a beautiful green altar cloth with black Celtic knots swirling over its surface. On the wall above my altar are photos of some of my ancestors and a candle that I can light when I want to specifically pay homage to them. I think the photos serve as poignant reminders of my ancestors and enable me to really connect with them spiritually and emotionally.

All of the items on my altar are significant because they represent something spiritually important whether it’s symbolic of a deity, spirit, or simply the connection I have to the other world or my hearth culture. Seeing these symbols reconnects me and mentally prepares me for the rituals and mediations held before the altar.

I don’t feel that my altar is complete. There are many improvements that I would like to make to it. To begin with, I would like to locate more photos of ancestors to put on my wall. I would also like to find better storage compartments for underneath the altar. Currently all of my candles are in a cardboard box and everything else is in baskets just sitting there, vulnerable to my two curious cats and all of the fur they shed. I also look forward to the day when I have a larger home and will have room to expand my altar. Perhaps I will move it from the kitchen area to the living room to make it more central and accessible to larger worship. Ideally, it would have its own room one day, complete with prayer mats, a library of Pagan-related books, and soundproof walls for meditation. One can dream, right?

I have enjoyed creating my Druidic altar. It has become such a significant focal point in my spiritual life. Never before did I interact with an altar on a daily basis. Never before was an altar so important to me. The altar is not only a shrine to the Kindreds, but a peaceful sanctuary for me.

My altar as of March 2010.

I moved my altar in the autumn of 2010. Here it is incomplete.

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I Envy You Professional Pagans…

Posted in arts and crafts, Druidism, health, practice, study programs on November 4, 2010| 2 Comments »

I envy the professional witches and druids out there. It’s not that I dislike my career. I get a lot of fulfillment out of it and find that it’s quite compatible with Druidism. But when I come home, I’m so exhausted. I focus on my artwork because a) it’s spiritually fulfilling to me and b) it’s easy to focus on while relaxing in front of a show (unless I’m using a sewing machine… then it’s impossible). Free weekends are few and far between. There’s always something happening. A ritual an hour and a half away. Family visitations. Socializing with friends. Vacation. Craft shows.

I envy the professional witches and druids who have time to really focus on more than one aspect of their spirituality. They have the time and energy to, not only craft, but study herbalism, meditate for long periods, take nature walks, study the lore, write essays and/or books, practice divination, and serve the greater community. I want that! That is, at least, my goal for retirement.

One of the biggest reasons I started the Initiate Study Program was because I wanted a structured way to help me explore the other areas of Druidism – trance, magic, liturgy, language, etc… I’ve found myself moving through it slowly – not out of boredom or disinterest! I merely have little time and energy. That said, I don’t want to give up. I know that, if I sit down and focus, I’ll be able to finish Magic 1 (at least a first draft) very soon.

Taking a sick day has helped me once again realize just how little time and energy I usually have. I took that day and finished the book I had been picking at for months. I started to organize my notes on it and even started answering the questions. I had time and energy – it felt amazing. I felt like I was getting somewhere in my Druidic studies. In the summer I felt so alive. I had free time to walk in the woods, explore the plants in the hedges, tend my herbs, etc… Now it’s back to the grindstone and back to feeling spiritually stifled.

Except for art. It’s the one thing I cling to when everything else goes to the back burner. I really need to focus on and cultivate that. Perhaps it’s a calling?

Anyway, I find myself questioning my routine and my priorities. Should I just focus on art and try to make time for meditation and as my schedule and energy levels allow? Or should I attempt to make myself a schedule? I like structure and routine, for the most part. I could benefit from, at the very least, an attempt to meditate/trance once or twice a week on a set day when Weretoad is working. That could be a start. Then perhaps I could schedule myself a day to walk in the woods? A day to study? It all goes against what should be my Sagittarian nature, but I need to do something to feel more balanced.

Any suggestions?

( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )

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Building Mental Discipline

Posted in ADF, Dedicant Program, Druidism, Land Sea and SKy, magic, meditation, practice, rituals, spirit guides, stress, study programs, symbols, three realms, trance, Two Powers, visualization on October 27, 2009|

What follows is the journal I started for the purposes of recording my experiences with developing mental discipline. I made a point to meditate as much as possible over a five month period as part of my Dedicant Program. Since it was a journal the language may at times seem informal or even grammatically incorrect. I read through it a few times to check for spelling errors and to remove erroneous material. Some entries were written the next day but are organized according to the day described.

1/2/08

It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything here. It’s also been awhile since I’ve seriously sat down to meditate. It’s hard to do it during the semester. I get so tired and stressed out – it’s really hard to try and relax my body and mind. Yet I know that it’s something I need to do. My body and mind need to relax, especially during such stressful times. It’d be better for me than vegging out in front of a tv or game. My soul craves it during the semester. Without it, I seem to become extra sensitive and edgy.

I’m alone in Ron’s apartment. After some lazing about, I decided it was time. It was a good opportunity. I was alone and the house was quiet. I was wide awake. I made an offering to the kindreds to ask them for peace through meditation. I gathered some matches, a candle, and some incense. Preparing Ron’s room, I washed my hands as an act of purification. I then put on some meditation music and sat with my back against a pillowed wall.

My thoughts ran wild, but slowed to a sleep-like state afterwards. I must have meditated for twenty or so minutes, which was good. I didn’t want to do too little because I feel that’s been the case for the past few months. Yet I didn’t want to do too much. I was starting to fall asleep – I was a little too relaxed! I need to ease myself back into it and make it a common practice, even if it’s every other day.

I feel peaceful, accomplished, and sleepy all at once. I saw some images as I started to settle: A tree, a flower girl with her arms outstretched, a bearded man, and a woman with long hair.

1/8/08

I attempted to meditate before bed last night. I felt my mind start to slip into that all familiar, high-like state where my body feels light. However my body was so very tired that I decided it was best to go to sleep. I decided to try again the next day.

1/9/08

Ron and I meditated together!

I’m so glad I got him to do it with me. It wasn’t a tree of life or Two Powers meditation per se. I want to go slowly, especially with him. He doesn’t meditate very much at all. I decided it would be best to put on a meditation instrumental for a few minutes. We would relax and breathe deeply just for one song. I hope to work up to several songs in a row.

While I breathed, I quickly fell into a relaxed though mindful state. Towards the end, I suddenly envisioned myself as a tree. I was very pastel – all soft browns and oranges. My green branches reached into the sky and pulled down the sun’s rays. I felt buzzing inside of me. Then my roots extended and sucked up the life giving water. I felt so close to the world outside, even though I’m in a city.

1/10/08

Meditated before bed. Just a simple Two Powers. Really tired. Not much to say. In some ways I felt like I was just going through the motions… I’m sorry to admit that.

1/11/08

Attempted a better Two Powers meditation. It was a bit improved, although I have to do these things earlier in the day. I feel that I rushed myself so I could just go to bed and, therefore, did not get much out of it.

1/12/08

I’ve started to do a Two Powers meditation before my daily devotionals again. I really need to put in the effort to do it if I’m to develop the skill.

It felt great to do it. I didn’t so much see but feel the sky and earth energy flowing into me. It was really relaxing. I found it helpful to focus on the fact that I’m connecting to nature and all of the spiritual realm. I think it’s good to remember that before doing the ritual. The meaning is brought to the fore.

1/13/08

There was a Mohawk Valley Pagan Network meeting tonight. We did a ritual with meditation. The purpose was to sort of … reestablish our connection to each other and infuse blessings upon each person present. There were some slightly awkward moments as two of the newer members were nervous and unsure of what to say or do. We made it through and I had a pleasant, spiritual experience.

I enjoy guided meditations. I’m able to just let my mind go with only a slight, fuzzy focus on the speaker. We began by visualizing a rock. This is a typical MVPN meditation which I enjoy. I always envision a light grey rock covered in Celtic spirals. We were then told to walk around the rock, clockwise, until we found a door. We entered the door and explored the innards of the rock. There was a chamber for us to meditate in, but we passed that for the time being. We entered another chamber where we met the spirit of the rock. It was the same spirit I’ve always met when visiting this rock. He’s obviously Celtic. He speaks English to me, but he has a strange, Irish-Scottish accent. He has a big, red beard and a friendly, hearty personality. He greeted me with a heavy pat on the back and a deep, booming hello. He bid me to sit by him and asked if I brought him some whiskey. I asked him if Druidry was the path for me, and he said, basically, “Why not?!” He explained that it was associated with my ancestors and that it doesn’t insult him. He asked that I remember him in my worship. I gave him a spiritual gift of whiskey, but I would like to offer him real whiskey sometime.

We then entered a silent, unguided meditation. I found myself in a swirl of dancing Tuatha De Danna. It was mesmerizing and lovely to feel like I was really there in their halls.

1/14/08

Before my daily devotional, I sat before my home shrine and breathed, preparing my body and soul for the Two Powers meditation. It was strange. I was tired, yes, but my new-found determination seemed to override that factor a little bit. I say a little because there were times when it was hard to simply not fall asleep, but for the most part, I was easily able to slip into that “in-between state” where awareness seems to go inward and expand outward.

I felt the stretch of spiritual branches from my head as I reached to the stars for the sky energy. I’ve begun to reach for the sky before the ground. I’m not sure why, yet. Maybe because I do the earth first and I’d like a change. I don’t think it matters. If anything, it invigorates me more as I view the sky energy as fire energy, and I’ve always had a special connection to fire.

I felt the tingle in my head, heart, and loins as the fire energy coiled in them. I felt the same when I pulled up that cold, earth energy. I basked in the brilliance, knowing that I was connected to the sky and to the earth – to the whole cosmos. I don’t think that I only am so during these meditations or rituals. I think we always are, but these exercises serve as powerful, visceral reminders.

1/15/08

I tried to get Ron to meditate with me before bed, but by the time he seemed ready, it was very late and I was very tired. I needed to do my daily devotional and that would require the last of my energy so we put that activity off for the next day.

I prepared myself for the Two Powers, again, by breathing deeply. I find myself breathing in threes. Everything is in threes. It’s very reflective of my hearth culture.

Anyway, the meditation went well. Better than yesterday, I think, except that I had a cat on my lap. This was ironic as my devotional was dedicated to the Nature Spirits that night. However his weight was a bit distracting until I adjusted. Then I just fell into that meditative state… It was hard to come out to do the actual ritual. It felt good to just float.

1/16/08

I meditated before my evening daily devotional. I felt rushed due to fatigue, but at the same time, I actually felt the heat of the sky energy and the coolness of the earth energy. In retrospect, I find it strange that the earth energy is cool as, when considering molten lava, the center of the earth is quite hot. I suppose it makes sense when taking the coldness of a rock into account. Perhaps it has something to do with the ground’s frozen quality at the moment (it is winter, after all…).

1/17/08

Again, a two powers meditation before the daily devotional. I felt the heat and coolness of the sky and earth energies, respectively, but I can’t help but wonder if the energy really feels that way, or if I’m making myself believe it feels that way. I also wonder if the energy is really there…

The funny thing is, I have no problems believing in, and even feeling, quite powerfully, the existence of deities, nature spirits, etc… Yet sometimes energy is a bit harder. It’s not that I don’t believe in energy. Energy is all around as is made evident by the fire of my altar candles, the heat of sex, the attraction of lovers, or the biting winter air. And yet, are we really able to direct it so much? Am I really pulling down sky and earth energy, or is it just a symbolic gesture to acknowledge my connection? Would it matter if that’s all it was? These are questions I must sort out for myself.

1/18/08

The more I meditate, the more I feel the temperature of the different energies. I really don’t know what to make of it, but I guess, in the end, that is the basis of faith. One experiences something that is hard to explain. By accepting that oddity, they put faith in something that others would scoff at.

In continuing my thoughts from the previous entry, I’ve started to wonder if, instead of directing energy, I’m simply opening myself up to it? Slipping into that “in-between” state has become easier and easier, and so perhaps that’s why I’ve been better able to feel the tingling, and now hot or cold, sensations of the energy.

1/19/08

Meditating while grumpy and sick feeling isn’t easy. I tried my best, even if I decided to forgo the Two Powers Meditation and simply do some deep breathing. It relaxed me so much that, by the time I was done with the meditation and my daily ritual, I felt really relaxed and all of my tension had gone. For the time being, I felt fine.

1/20/08

I felt really sick on this day. My head was pounding and this was making me nauseous. I just wanted to go to sleep. All the same, I didn’t want to fall out of the habit of honoring the Kindreds. Deciding to do a simple ritual rather than open the gates and do a meditation, I simply decided to breathe easy and light a candle for Brighid. I was pleased that I was able to do that before crashing into bed.

I then felt guilty for not doing a full mediation. It’s something I want to do more of, after all. And it had made me feel a bit better the night before. So I laid on my back and attempted to meditate but simply could not due to the pounding headache I had. It was too much and I’m afraid that I’m not mentally disciplined enough to focus on something other than the pounding. I tried and just could not.

1/21/08

Meditating again! It felt good to do it after the short break due to illness. I can still feel coolness and heat in the energy I allow to circulate through me.

1/22/08

I did my meditation after opening the gates. I had been meditating before opening the gates but doing it after seems to make more sense to me. I envisioned myself reaching up or down through the gates to gather the energy. It was a more powerful experience. I think I will continue to order my rituals that way.

1/23/08

I felt that I rushed my meditation this night. I was really tired from having stayed up so late, and nervous about getting enough sleep before school, so I rushed through my meditation. Doing this started the decline in my daily devotionals last semester. Great way to start out spring. I really need to stay disciplined!

1/24/08

Meditation was really good tonight. I made sure that I had time and energy to do it, however it was late at night before bed, so I felt that it was easier to fall into that “in between state.”

It’s easier and easier to work with the energy of sky and earth. I tend to pull the sky energy down first. Along with the temperature, I’m able to feel the pulse and swirl. Like sparks. I felt that I could have meditated for longer after doing the Two Powers, but I needed to go to bed. I’d like to make time for deeper, longer meditations.

1/25/08

Meditation is becoming shorter again… Stress levels from college rising…

1/26/08

I was able to meditate a little bit today. I’ve shortened my ritual with the intention of doing a full one each week. I still hope to meditate before the rituals, though. I just did a basic two powers meditation before lighting candles for the Kindreds. I don’t think that doing the Two Powers without opening the gates is a bad thing. However my experience is beginning to teach me that I can feel the powers of earth and sky more when the gates are opened.

1/27/08

I specifically honored Brigid in my devotional today. After lighting her a candle, I meditated on her for a bit. She expressed the desire for me to make her a doll as an offering for Imbolc. I shall begin the doll soon. I think it’s important for me to honor her desire. I was pleased to receive this vision from her and feel close to her after honoring her.

1/28/08

I did some deep breathing today. I was really stressed out from school work and figured that it would help. I didn’t “see” anything, but I did feel myself relax a bit.

1/29/08

I didn’t even meditate this day. I was so tired after having stayed up too late that I did a short devotional and went right to bed after. I tried to meditate in bed, feeling guilty, but fell asleep. I don’t want this to happen with such frequency. Last semester, I stopped meditating almost entirely due to fatigue and poor time management skills.

1/30/08

Why do my energy levels have to fall to such a low this time of year!? And why does stress have to make meditation so difficult?! It’s truly frustrating that I can’t focus or discipline myself enough to start earlier.

2/1/08

I made sure to do my ritual and meditate today. For Gods’ sake – I’m leading a ritual on Sunday and I need to be on top of my game. Meditation will help me prepare and relax. It was easy to get into a relaxed state today, and I think it’s because I hadn’t done anything all day. No classes, no work… I was free to do as I pleased. Those days are the best for me when it comes to spiritual growth.

I had been working on the write-up for my upcoming Imbolc ritual when I realized how late it was. I went to my altar, sat before it, took three deep breaths for relaxation, and then jumped into a Two Powers meditation. It felt quick in some ways. It seemed that as soon as I had stretched out my spiritual roots and branches the Two Powers came thundering through me. In some ways it was disconcerting. Why so fast? Why at the same time? It felt really nice after a few days of failing to meditate, that’s for sure.

2/2/08

I opted not to go to the Muin Mound Imbolc ritual today due to dubious weather. I decided to do a private run-through of my upcoming ritual. This included a Two Powers meditation. For the most part, everything went really smoothly with the ritual. The meditation went really well too. In addition to the Two Powers, I am planning to guide a meditation. As I went through this I spoke aloud to myself. I’ve found that speaking aloud while meditating is a strange experience. Sometimes it can be effective, but I find that it’s more distracting for me to lead myself. I’m more focused on what I’m doing rather than just meditating and relaxing. Maybe this will change one day.

2/3/08

My ritual went so well! Everyone was really pleased with it.

I had meant to do the Two Powers meditation before making offerings to the Kindreds, but due to a little slip up, we did it after. No one seemed to notice, however. It all went really smoothly.

Standing up while meditating is still strange to me, no matter how many times I do it. Coupled with actually leading the meditation, and thus speaking aloud, it was all odd. I felt something but it wasn’t as intense as when another person leads or I do it on my own in silence.

All the same I’m glad that everyone else enjoyed it.

2/4/08

I attended my first Crafting Magic and Ritual class today. It’s lead by my Wiccan friend, Katrina. We introduced ourselves and then delved into some deep questions about life, Paganism, magic, and who we are.

We then went into a meditation lead by Katrina. It was a tree of life meditation, one I’m quite familiar with, but it seemed really long and drawn-out in some parts. It started off really well. We imagined that we were trees with tap roots. In the meditation she explained that most trees don’t have a tap root. It seemed distracting and besides the point. All the same, I intend to read about roots soon. We then went on with the standard stretching of our roots and pulling up energy. But then it went in a direction I wasn’t anticipating and it was kind of distracting.

We stretched out runner roots, four in total, to each of the cardinal directions. I was visualizing myself as the world tree, thus a huge plant that was enormous on the globe. Katrina warned not to tangle our roots, but it was too late. I’d already envisioned myself as THE tree. I don’t know what that says about my personality, but I wasn’t getting tangled with the other peoples’ roots – I was dominating them. It was really strange. Perhaps it had something to do with my level of experience within Paganism compared to the others, yet I know that sounds haughty and I don’t want to seem that way…

We then prolonged the meditation further by making the sounds we consider a tree to make. Most people were reluctant to do this, and so it seemed like a long, unnecessary, and even intimidating meditation for newcomers. The meditation ended with many people feeling sore. Not a good sign, I don’t think…

2/5/08

Oh gosh… I was so tired last night, I could barely meditate. I did my ritual quickly and went to bed… I think stress makes meditation harder because stress makes me dwell on all the things I need to do or should do. It makes focusing on the Two Powers or anything spiritual very hard.

2/6/08

Repeat of last night… I am annoyed with myself.

2/7/08

I tried to meditate. I really did. But, being so tired, I fell asleep while doing it. I should have sat up by my altar to do it.

2/8/08

Yay! I managed to meditate. I sat before my altar and quieted my mind before my ritual through some deep breathing. I breathed in, held my breath, and released each for a count of four. I did a Two Powers meditation while envisioning myself as a tree. I think that meditation works best when it’s to the point. I’d rather do it that way than imaging my roots spreading out to different directions and such. I felt the energies happily flowing through my body. It was simple but powerful.

2/9/08

I meant to meditate but fell asleep… That’s what I get for putting it off and then feeling tired…

2/11/08

I went to Katrina’s class today. As usual she lead a meditation. We did the rock meditation. I’ve actually become quite fond of it because it’s always the same rock and the same spirit within. The rock is covered in Celtic spirals. I walked around it clockwise while feeling the texture. It’s always grainy and I can feel the bumps of the carvings. Eventually, the rock formed a door. I entered a chamber, passing a room or two. When I got to the main chamber, I found the spirit of the rock.

For me, it’s always this middle-aged, Celtic warrior with red hair, a long mustache, and beard. He’s in some armor but is jolly and hospitable. He always greets me with a hug and calls me daughter. I think that he is both an ancestor and a God – he hinted at being An Dagda this time. This makes me feel good because I’ve been feeling distant from him lately. Not on purpose, of course! But with Imbolc and my flame keeping, I seem to put a lot of emphasis on Brighid. Luckily, An Dagda seems loving towards me all the same. He is a male deity and perhaps he feels it best for me to be closer to a female deity.

I gave him a gift of the first thing I thought of from my spiritual pocket. I pulled out chocolate hearts. He liked them, but was confused with the tin foil wrappings. He kept them anyway, considering them precious metals. We bid each other farewell until the next time.

I then went into another chamber of the rock where I grounded. We later entered the meditation again, working on shielding ourselves with energy.

I imagined the energy like a yellowed web. It surrounded me and yet, like a dream catcher, allowed good in while keeping the negative out.

We also worked in partners, trying to feel each others’ energy fields. I felt buzzing and fuzziness. My partner felt temperatures, especially heat. It was interesting.

All in all, the meditation this week was much better. It seemed more focused and I was better able to relax.

2/12/08

I meditated very, very quickly today. I was grateful to the Gods for protecting me as I traveled through bad weather (mostly slippery snow). When I returned home, I offered them whiskey out of thanks and took a moment to breathe.

2/13/08

Quick meditation before bed. I did a Two Powers. I felt rushed but I could still feel the energy. I then lit the candles for my devotional.

2/14/08

I sat on my bed, my back against a wall, and took three deep breaths after closing my eyes. I kept breathing, focusing on three. Eventually I fell into that beautiful state where you feel as if you could almost float away.

I did a Two Powers meditation. This time I did something I don’t usually do. When I pull the earth and sky energy into me, I visualize it curling in my loins, heart, and head. I usually, when letting it go, just let it go. But this time I visualized it uncurling out of these areas. It seemed to make the meditation all the more powerful.

2/15/08

I made sure to meditate today, although I was tired. It was okay – but college is really burning me out. There’s got to be a better way to balance everything…

2/16/08

I managed to do some deep breathing before my altar today. It was relaxing. Perhaps, some days, our bodies just don’t want/need to meditate? Or perhaps that is just an excuse on my behalf…

2/17/08

Quick breathing exercise before bed. I hate this… The exercise usually relaxes me, but I’m too stressed out for even that. Maybe Buddhist monks are better able to meditate because they devote their lives to it?

2/18/08

Meditation at Katrina’s today. Heidi led the grounding and focused on earth, it seemed. We went inside a mountain and met the spirit of the mountain. I sat in a crystal chair. The meditation felt awkward for me, mostly because her descriptions were full of light and I imagine the inside of a mountain to be dark or at least dimly light with firelight. This is where guided meditations kind of fail, in my opinion. When the leader is too descriptive it can throw off someone’s instincts and own personal perceptions. The vaguer the guided meditation, the better.

Katrina lead us on an elemental meditation, focusing on the four elements of Wiccan theology. I’ve done this so many times that I figured it would be the same for me. When I got to fire and water, however, Brighid and Danu were there. They were powerful, passionate women. It felt great to connect with them so vividly. Especially Danu. I never work with her…

2/19/08

In preparation for a ritual with Katrina and some other Pagans, I had to come up with a grounding ritual, but they wanted something other than a tree or a rock. As we were celebrating the eclipse and the moon, a lunar meditation seemed best. After thinking about it, I decided to walk myself through it while lying in bed. Unfortunately, I was so tired that I fell asleep halfway through. I was too tired to feel much more than fatigue during the first half, though…

2/20/08

Ron and I went to the lunar ritual at Katrina’s. It was more of an Esbat fashioned after a Wiccan rite, but it was still an experience and is therefore valid, in my ever-evolving opinion.

My grounding ritual seemed to go over well, but I felt really awkward about it. I’m not used to meditating on moon beams… As my friend Gina said afterwards (she’s also in ADF), it’s good to try new things and experiment. I do agree with her, but I don’t think it was exactly my thing. Maybe it’s just that I’ve not tweaked the meditation.

All the same, leading a meditation feels so different. Unlike my Imbolc ceremony, I invited everyone to sit down. I’m much better at meditating while seated. While leading, I felt my body buzz and spin. I usually only feel this while I’m leading a ritual. Perhaps I induce a special type of trance-state onto myself.

2/21/08

I made the point to meditate before bed. It’s easier when classes and work are over and I have a few days off ahead of me. I feel lighter and less exhausted. Refreshed, I guess.

So I made the point to meditate before bed. I shut the lights off and sat in my bed, letting my mind quiet down. Then I went into a Two Powers meditation. It was a bit hard to relax and fully lose myself in it. I guess, even when classes are over and I have some time off, I still have a lot to work on between homework and costumes for an upcoming play… Tomorrow I have my flame keeping ritual for Brighid. I hope I can relax a bit for that…

2/22/08

Meditation before bed was short and sweet. My purpose was to connect to the realms and Kindreds and I think I accomplished that.

2/23/08

I tried to meditate but fell asleep. I stayed up too late sewing and reading.

2/24/08

I was able to do a really quick Two Powers meditation before my short ritual. It’s amazing how much practice has helped. I feel better able to tap into the energies of sky and earth. Sitting before the altar allows for a better experience compared to doing it while laying down in bed. I always fall sleep then…

2/25/08

I found out that ADF was doing podcasts. I got a hold of the Imbolc edition and was pleasantly surprised to find a guided meditation at the end lead by Ian Corrigan, I believe. It was a very basic meditation meant to relax the body before trance. First, I relaxed my feet, then my legs, and I moved upwards. It felt really good, and even helped me to distress after a terribly stressful day. Even my jaw, a body part that’s been aching a lot lately, seemed fine for a moment.

2/26/08

My boyfriend needed to go to bed earlier than I’m used to last night. That being the case, I was able to successfully meditate while laying in bed! It felt good to do so, actually. I’m always more comfortable meditating while laying down rather than standing. Sitting up is okay, but only if I have really good back support, like a wall. Unfortunately I usually fall asleep doing it in bed. Luckily I was awake for a change!

I combined the relaxation meditation from the podcast with the Two Powers. The relaxation came first as a way to prepare my body. I then did the Two Powers. Although my back feels more supported while lying down, The Two Powers is hard to do in such a state. It’s the only downside to meditating in this way while in bed. I imagined roots coming out of my tail bone, and a tree growing out of my naval. The rest of my body acted as runner roots, I suppose. It wasn’t that powerful of a meditation but it was relaxing. While I like to meditate lying down, sometimes it’s not always the best for experience. That said, the imagery it created was interesting…

2/27/08

I did some deep breathing before bed, but I didn’t meditate…

2/28/08

I was feeling stressed out so I just did some deep breathing again. I will try to meditate tomorrow.

2/29/08

Very brief Two Powers meditation at my devotional. Even though it was fast, I felt that I was able to connect and feel the flow of energy.

3/1/08

I did a meditation while in bed but fell asleep. I’ve been very busy at play rehearsals and was just zonked…

3/2/08

I Did some deep breathing before my altar while lighting candles as offerings to the Kindreds. Sometimes it’s all I need to do to feel connected. I suppose an actual meditation would have been better, but focusing on my breathing is a way of practicing, right? I need to exercise that skill so that I can continue doing deeper meditations.

3/3/08

I went to my crafting magic and ritual class at Katrina’s. We did a strange grounding and meditation that I didn’t really like. We had to visualize ourselves sitting in front of an apple tree. I know it was tying into her discussion on the wheel of the year, but I just wasn’t digging the meditation. I was able to visualize just fine but I didn’t feel anything.

You know, I think the biggest issue was that my back hurt. I really need to lean against a wall to meditate while sitting. Otherwise I slouch and don’t breathe as well.

3/4/08

I did a very quick meditation that was more like deep breathing. I first took three deep breaths to ready myself. I then breathed in, imagining my feet as roots digging into the earth, then breathed out, imagining earth energy flowing up through me. I breathed in again, only this time reaching into the sky. I breathed in sky energy. The last set of breaths was to release any negative energy. I should probably do that first.

It was quick but I felt the energies. Every time I do a meditation it feels easier, so long as I’m comfortable.

3/5/08

I breathed deeply before my altar at night. At least I had the energy to do that… I find myself breathing in on a count of three, holding for three, and breathing out on a count of three. Everything is turning into threes!

3/6/08

Thursday nights are always better. I’m done with college for a few days, and it’s such a relief. I usually find the time to meditate on Thursdays. I did so today. I can’t think of anything to say about it (it was mostly relaxing… nothing profound).

3/7/08

I’ve been trying to do deep breathing before I do any sort of artwork. I breathed while focusing on Brighid and her energy, and I thanked her for her gifts. If anything, it helped me feel really connected to her and to Imbas. I’m starting to think that the act of sewing, something I enjoy very much, is a form of meditation.

3/8/08

I didn’t meditate today and I feel really guilty about it. At least I’m being honest…

3/9/08

I tried to meditate while focusing on the moon. It’s waxing right now. It was a bit challenging. To begin with, I’m always more perceptive and in tune to the moon when it’s full. It seems more powerful then. Perhaps that’s the problem – I’m not as connected as I could be and only focus on the climax. Anyway, I attempted to meditate on the moon and it wasn’t that great or deep of a meditation.

I decided it would be more fruitful to do a full ritual at my altar. I’ve not done it in awhile because of college. I breathe before my altar and light candles for the Kindreds – it’s much shorter than the usual ritual I do – but I feel a bit less disciplined and connected when I do things that way.

I sat before my altar and did the whole thing, even giving offerings of oil to the gatekeeper. I faltered a little bit but it felt good to reach out to the otherworld like that again. I did the tree of life meditation during this and it felt slightly rushed, but I was able to connect all the same.

3/10/08

Katrina led us through a lunar meditation tonight. That’s why I was trying it last night; she wanted us to practice. I wasn’t that keen on it even when she led it. We were supposed to imagine ourselves on the moon – I can do that but the moon is so barren in my opinion. Maybe it’s just because I react very positively to forests and fields but not desert-like environments. Then again, there’s life in a desert – but not so on the moon. It felt hostile and desolate.

When we visualized ourselves going into the moon, I was able to connect better. We were to meet the moon spirit. She seemed childlike and carefree. She gave me a drink that seemed to have a narcotic in it because it gave me a momentary buzz so that I felt I was floating. I gave her a marble.

3/11/08

I breathed before my altar today. I’m feeling overwhelmed. I don’t know if I could focus on meditation if I wanted to…

3/12/08

I did that exercise where I focus on each part of my body and then release the stress in that area, thus relaxing it. It’s quickly become one of my most favorite meditation exercises. I really feel, at least for a moment, as if I’m relaxing my whole body. It’s a great way to practice focus and visualization in relation to one’s body, I think.

3/13/08

I did some deep breathing today. I think I’m getting really good at focusing on my breath.

3/14/08

I must work on my discipline… Breathing before my altar is nice and works to connect me, if only very simply, to the Kindreds, but I think full meditation is the best and most powerful way.

3/15/08

I wrote out a meditation for the upcoming final ritual at Katrina’s. It’s the core of the ritual – a meditation that walks us through the woods. We’re each on our own individual path until we come to a gathering where everyone is celebrating life and spirituality. We join them in a chant. We end it by returning to our paths, knowing that we are different and yet interlaced. I hope they like it… Since it’s a group meditation I won’t really know how effective it is until the ritual. When I did it by myself I think I felt more during the solitary portions while walking through a spiritual forest in my head.

3/16/08

I did the relaxation meditation before sleeping this day. I can’t remember much of how it felt, but it certainly helped lull me into a restful state. When lying down I prefer that meditation to the Two Powers and Tree of Life.

3/17/08

Today was my last magic and ritual class at Katrina’s. I was sad to see it end, but all things end and I’m in dire need of some free time.

The purpose of our final ritual was to dedicate/rededicate ourselves to our path. I came up with the idea because it seemed more appropriate for a final class ritual than anything else. It was Wiccan-inspired, but I wanted to make sure we were tolerant and open to other ways. Obviously, it was important because we don’t all identify ourselves with Wicca. I’m on a Druidic path, Dave is a Presbyterian with Pagan-leanings, and Jess is somewhere between Wicca and Buddhism. I decided to, for my part in the ritual, lead a meditation focusing on this theme.

After closing our eyes, I started us out by walking, in our mind, into a dark forest. We were to take note of the vegetation, the energy, any symbols in the environment… We were to take note that we were on a path, no matter how well worn. Eventually, I directed everyone to imagine distant music. We walked towards it and found people celebrating. I directed everyone to join in a chant. I started, softly at first, with “I am of the earth,” a one-lined chant that I came up with for the event. Everyone joined in and took it where they needed. I felt it really added a powerful energy to our rite. I felt buzzed during it, as if I would float away. I want to incorporate the chant into a future ritual. I felt that it added so much to the meditation. Chanting while meditating! What an amazing combination!

3/18/08

I did a Two Powers meditation before bed. I was able to feel the energies, but I feel bad because I didn’t put much time into it.

3/19/08

I decided to do the relaxation meditation this night. I knew I wouldn’t fall asleep right away so it felt like a perfect thing to do while lying in bed. I’m not sure if I finished… I think I drifted off…

3/20/08

I was really bad and didn’t do anything today… I’m just…worn out, stressed, and tired. I will try to make up for it tomorrow as I celebrate Ostara. I can’t seem to focus or quiet my mind. There are too many things bothering me and I’m the sort of person who has a hard time relaxing when I know there are things I need to do…

3/21/08

Having not done any meditations or offerings the day before, I was really guilty and sorry feeling. After waking up and going through my more mundane morning ritual, I did a full devotional at my altar. Of course, I included the Two Powers.

It felt strange to do it all in daylight. I’m used to doing rituals at night now.

Later, in the evening, I attended an Ostara ritual led by my friend Gina. She’s also in ADF and this was her first public ritual. I really liked her Two Powers meditation. She has a very relaxing voice, even though she read it off from a paper. For most people, that detracts from the meditation, I think, but Gina’s voice makes up for it. It’s very relaxing.

3/22/08

Ron and I went to Muin Mound to celebrate Ostara today. I was happy to go because I didn’t get to for Imbolc. It was nice to see everyone and be remembered.

I had a hard time meditating and relaxing, though. The children who inevitably attend were really rambunctious tonight and it was rather distracting. I don’t fault anyone for it, of course. Family is important, and I feel that children should be exposed to such things. However the energy was just too high strung for me to focus… It helped when I shut my eyes. My inner eye was better able to put me in a more relaxed, open state. I envisioned the fire, well, and tree transforming into portals. They looked like swirling vortexes to me.

3/23/08

I’ve been trying to pay homage to Brighid before any artistic pursuits. I sometimes breathe in front of her statue and ask for her inspiration and aid. I sometimes light a candle or incense. I would like to develop this into an actual meditation sometime down the road. Perhaps, before beginning a new project, I could light a candle or incense, pray to her for inspiration, then meditate on what to do.

As always, these meditations take discipline. My discipline seems to fade during the semester. It frustrates me that I can’t seem to bring myself to meditate every day. I try to do something relaxing and spiritual, of course, but to feel that I have no energy so that I can’t even meditate is just not right.

3/24/08

I’m stressed about going back to college after spring break. I feel like I barely had any time to myself to meditate or anything. It’s really my fault. I keep myself too busy with too many commitments.

I like my free days, though. I’m able to stand before my altar and breathe for awhile. Today I did a Two Powers meditation before my altar. I felt the energies swirl through me.

I do so many ritualized activities in threes. I started doing it to revere my Celtic path and ancestors. Now it’s so internalized that it’s nearly obsessive. I need to start and end every meditation with three deep breaths, for instance. I don’t feel purged of enough excess energy if I don’t take three breaths. Irrational, perhaps, but it helps.

3/25/08

College. Work. Blah. Nothing like a double whammy of going back to the grind stone. Needless to say, I was pooped by the time I returned home. I lit candles on my altar and took some deep breaths, but nothing long and drawn out. It helped to ground me for a bit but I once more feel stressed.

3/26/08

When I went to bed on this day, I laid down feeling terribly stressed. After a few deep breaths, I started the relaxation meditation I’ve grown so fond of. It may only serve as a temporary relief, but it’s something.

I’m starting to wonder if I need a massage. I’ve found that I notice the aches in my back more when I’m meditating. I wonder if it’s simply because I constrain myself to a certain position for several moments and so the stiffness becomes worse.

3/27/08

I stayed home from college. I was drained. My sleeping habits are screwed up. I feel like I have so much going on and I’m overwhelmed. I write short blurbs about these feelings and worries because I think they directly affect my meditation. Or at least they are an indication of my inability to relax.

Staying home helped me to calm my nerves. I was able to complete several things that I had been putting off. With that out of the way, I lit my altar candles, did some breathing, then did a relaxing Two Powers meditation. I feel that the Two Powers works really well before my altar and during ritual. It’s a way to remind myself of the connection I already have with the cosmos. The exercise strengthens that connection. I feel the energies of earth and sky run up and down me like electricity.

3/28/08

Sometimes it seems that making love is a form of meditation. It is a great form of magic. I can feel the electric bond between us… It’s beautiful and can be very relaxing. I seem to remember reading about people who can meditate during an activity like walking. Perhaps this is similar? And yet perhaps it is not meditation after all. Perhaps making love is ritual and emotional/spiritual magic. Maybe sometimes meditation and ritual are separate?

3/29/08

I told Ron about my difficulties with letting go of things that have yet to be completed or taken care of before meditating. I explained that these difficulties make it really hard to experience the deep meditations that are so relaxing and so profound. He said that that is sad and that I should work on that. I know I should, but I don’t know how…

I tried to do a relaxation meditation in bed on this day, but I must have fallen asleep because I really don’t remember it…

3/30/08

I lit the candles on my altar and breathed before it, standing as I did the Two Powers meditation. I wanted to practice standing up today since it seems to be an area I could work on. I felt the energy move through me, but I felt that I was rushing it. I don’t think this had anything to do with standing or sitting. I feel that my spiritual life has been put on the back burner, and I don’t like that feeling. My altar area is cluttered so that I have to move books to sit before it. I’ve turned my daily devotional into a really quick ritual that I’ve even skipped a couple times due to fatigue or illness. Skipping because of illness is fine, I think, but just because I’m tired it shouldn’t be an excuse. I need to make the time. I think my failing stems from staying up too late and spending too much time watching late night television with my boyfriend rather than winding down. I need to be able to watch the news and say, “Ok, I’m going to meditate. Then we should go to bed.”

3/31/08

While at Ron’s, I took advantage of his high powered internet connection and downloaded the latest ADF podcast. I look forward to another meditation.

After listening to some of the podcast, I felt really inspired to go up to my room and do a proper daily devotional. I filled a blue glass pitcher that a friend had given me as a gift with oil. It now sits on my altar, ready to give offerings. I used it to give offerings to the gate keeper, Brighid, and An Dagda. I lit candles for the Kindreds. I realize now that I’ve left out the Earth Mother…

I did the whole devotional last night after a Two Powers meditation. It felt wonderful to partake in the ritual again. After, I decided to create a cycle for my devotionals. Keeping in mind that I am to keep Brighid’s flame for a flame-keeping group on the 2^nd of April, I put together a schedule in my head. This night I honored everyone (sans the Earth Mother, but I shall make amends on the next round). Tomorrow I will pay homage to An Dagda. On the 2^nd, I will honor Brighid as part of my flame keeping duty. Then on Thursday, I shall honor the nature spirits, Friday for the ancestors, and Saturday for the Gods. I think I will honor the Earth Mother on Sunday, then everyone on Monday. I hope this works out.

4/1/08

Today was Dagda’s day. I still opened the gates and meditated beforehand. I didn’t want to do a typical two powers, though. Instead, I walked until I saw a door. It was rounded and had a big, brass door knob. I realized that the door was in a tree. I entered and found myself in the hallow of a large tree. I continued to breath and then connected with the earth and sky spirits. It was different in that I wasn’t extending roots or reaching up to the sky – the powers entered through the tree and then entered me. Perhaps I will try this again down the road.

The meditation was really relaxing. I took some time to breathe away all of my worries. I would dedicate one breath to each annoyance and push it away with a soft exhalation. I only did my ritual once I felt free of burden.

After making offerings, I meditated on the Dagda. I’ve only done this once or twice before. For the most part, I feel that I have a good, growing relationship with Brighid, but I’ve become a bit distant with Dagda. I always had a hard time envisioning him. When I closed my eyes this time, he seemed to move before me – and there he was! His description actually matches the lore, as well. He had semi-long hair and a beard. He was roundish. He didn’t look like my grove leader, though, who could also match such a description! An Dagda wore a tunic that was just about too short because you could sometimes see his masculinity peeking out from underneath. He was hearty and greeted me. He also made it known that he’d like ale or whiskey. I promised I would find him some. It was a good ritual and meditation, I think!

4/2/08

This was Brighid’s day. I meditated after making offerings, but didn’t have the vivid vision I had had the night before with the Dagda. I sometimes wonder if I’m just forcing visions. I get worried that I’m not “seeing” anything, and so I worry that suddenly I make myself see things. I suppose it could be half and half. You don’t see anything and your worry of disconnect heightens your need and thus your call, and the deities are more likely to hear you – maybe. Then again, that could be truly detrimental to people susceptible of delusions and such.

4/3/08

I honored the nature spirits today. I was tired and didn’t really meditate. I did a Two Powers meditation. I can’t help but wonder if meditating every day is good or not. Some Buddhist monks train to meditate for hours every day. Yet I wonder if it’s as spiritual every day. All the same, the mind needs discipline. That being said, I feel myself slipping out of my pattern again…

4/4/08

I was tired on this day. I went to bed vowing to meditate and do a devotional the next day.

4/5/08

I dedicated this day to the ancestors and the Gods. I felt guilty about skipping my ritual last night, so I decided to honor these Kindreds together in one day. I didn’t necessarily think it was a bad or disrespectful choice. In my opinion, the Gods are a type of specialized ancestor. I hope they didn’t mind. I felt that my meditation was, again, rushed. I am stressed about homework and an upcoming craft show. When they’re over, I hope to regain my focus.

4/6/08

The Earth Mother is my ritual’s focus this evening. I gave her a kiss as is customary in Muin Mound as well as some oil. I would like to offer more herbs, but it seems impractical for me to keep them readily available in my room. For starters, my room is very small and so I only have so much surface area to work with. As a result, many of my herbs are stored in a cabinet. The cabinet is hard to get in and out of due to piles of books stationed in front of it, and then the basket with the herbs is also hard to get out due to a box of gems. The process seems too annoying to repeat every day. Leaving the herbs out in an unclosed container is out of the question due to the cats and ferrets. I should look for another jar with a lid. Or maybe I should stop being lazy and just build up this darn mental discipline I’m supposed to be working on…

I know this doesn’t have much to do with meditation, but the practical side of ritual is just as important in many ways.

4/7/08

I laid in bed on this day and did some deep breathing. I inhaled, held, and exhaled my breath using a count of four. The pattern must have lulled me into a deep sleep because I don’t remember any dreams. I don’t know why I decided to focus on four rather than three. I used to do that all the time and I found it a bit easier to breathe because of it.

4/8/08

I did some deep breathing and a quick Two Powers meditation before my altar. I say “quick” because it was one of those instances where the energies suddenly rush through me. My whole body seems to shiver on such occasions. I find that it happens after not doing a Two Powers meditation for one or two days. I think it may also have to do with my visualizations which have grown quite vivid.

I’ve been meaning to make a note of visualization. I am able to see things very clearly but I cannot hold them for long. Perhaps this is something that I need to work on more.

4/9/08

I performed a full devotional rite for the Kindreds today. I did some deep breathing before the ritual began to help put myself in the mindset and prepare my faculties. I’ve had a lot of stress to deal with lately. An upcoming craft show, homework, money… it all adds up and makes it really difficult to stay on task with meditation, a skill that takes focus. Some focused breathing before the ritual seemed to really help.

I like to envision myself breathing my frustrations away into space. I really do feel so relieved after visualizing my stress floating away like a ball…

4/10/08

I am disappointed in myself today because I did not meditate.

4/11/08

On this day I meditated and performed a small ritual before bed. I felt that it would have been wrong to not acknowledge the Gods in any way before a major event (a craft fair). I feel that Brigid, especially, inspired me in much of my work. I wanted to thank her and ask for both her help and Lugh’s as he is a God of crafts and even merchants (or so I’ve read in some sources). I gave an offering of Irish cream. I did not feel as if I entered a trance-like state, but the meditation certainly made me feel better.

While I’m thinking about it, I’m noticing that I feel something when I open and close the gates. It’s very subtle but it is something – even if it’s only a shift in my focus.

4/12/08

Today I focused on the spindle ogham. I pictured it in my mind while I did a deep breathing exercise using a count of four. I experienced a lot of lucid thoughts during this exercise that I think had to do with the ogham – home, doing artwork in the home, and caring for family.

4/13/08

I was really exhausted today. I didn’t want to go to bed until doing a ritual though. I lit candles for the Kindreds. Now that I’m developing relationships with the spirits, it seems rude to randomly ignore them. I did not meditate but I think I’m realizing that doing a devotional ritual just about every night is a form of discipline. My mind may not be prepared for deep focus but the act of going to the altar and taking that time to say “thank you” helps to connect me.

4/14/08

I did a Two Powers meditation as part of a ritual. I feel that I can do it faster and feel connected so much faster. I’m used to meditation and mental work being a slow, relaxing process, but I’ve found the two powers to be electric and energizing. Having practiced with it, I feel better able to realize the connection I have with the powers of land and sky more readily.

I remember feeling surprised when I first visited a grove. The Wiccan rituals I’ve attended in the past spent a long time working through guided meditations. In ADF rites, at least on the high days, the focus is more on honoring the Kindreds. The Two Powers meditations are very fast but I’m now finding them to be effective in formal ritual.

4/15/08

I wanted to try the new meditation from the ADF podcast. I can’t remember who lead it, but it focused on the cauldrons. The inner cauldrons are a concept that seems similar to the Eastern Chakra system, only we only worked with three cauldrons – one in the loins, one in the heart, and one in the head. I can’t remember what they each represented – I will have to work with it again.

I couldn’t feel myself that drawn into the meditation, though. Beforehand, the host of the podcast warned that such a meditation can lead into a trance and that the practitioner should be in a safe environment before listening. I felt relaxed but not trancelike. Maybe next time.

4/16/08

I did a very short meditation as part of my daily devotional today. Again, I felt the quickly reaffirmed connection with the earth and sky. It’s like a buzz of electricity.

4/17/08

Feeling like I had enough energy, I tried to meditate before bed and after doing my devotional. I must have fallen asleep while attempting to meditate. How disappointing…

4/18/08

I meditated while standing before my altar. I never fall asleep doing it that way, but I also never feel that I can do a nice, long meditation standing either. It’s always very quick and meant to reestablish my connection to the earth and sky. I’m glad that I’ve gotten back into the habit of honoring the Kindreds before bed.

4/19/08

On this day, I made another attempt at meditating in bed. It always seems like a good idea at the time. I’ll have been lying in bed for awhile, unable to fall asleep. I’ll decide to meditate as a way to relax my body and further my spiritual growth. I’ll do a simple relaxation meditation. Next thing I know (or don’t know) I’m asleep. I woke up realizing that it had happened again. At least it relaxed me!

4/20/08

After performing my daily devotional, I decided to meditate before bed while sitting up against a wall. It was a good night to do it because I had the energy and the ambition.

I’m leading a Beltane ritual for my local Pagan alliance in a couple of weeks. One of the deities to be honored is Angus. While I make an effort to honor and grow close to the Irish Gods in a general sense, I don’t get to know them on an individual level (besides my patrons Brighid and Dagda). My goal was to meditate on Angus.

I had a difficult time. To begin with, I couldn’t really clear my mind. It’s something I need to work on. I kept refocusing on Angus and my desire to speak to him or know him in some way. I spoke aloud to him, stating my intentions. I didn’t really experience much. I grew tired, I suppose, and decided to try again soon. I hope to do that for the next day.

4/21/08

Today was a very, very special day. Ron proposed to me on top of Bald Mountain, right by the stump where, last summer, I made an offering to An Dagda. Prior to the proposal, I had made another offering to An Dagda at his stump. I had collected a few mementos on my way up and left them there, along with some of the last of our water. The stone I had offered during our last visit was still there and still nicely hidden. I sat and meditated after that, just focusing on how good it felt to be in the Adirondacks atop a mountain while worshiping a God. The proposal after was just perfect. I felt that An Dagda was smiling at us.

4/22/08

I did a quick meditation before bed. I did a relaxation meditation followed by a Two Powers meditation. I realized today that I don’t seem to notice the temperatures so much anymore. What I feel is more akin to electricity. I feel tingling in my hands especially.

4/23/08

I attempted to meditate on Angus again. I’m having a hard time with it.

4/24/08

Before bed I did a quick Two Powers meditation. Sometimes I wonder if I’m rushing. Sometimes it seems as if the buzz I feel is self-produced due to a tension I create with my muscles. But how do I know that it doesn’t happen because I’m opening myself up to higher powers?

4/25/08

I focused more on connecting to the nature spirits through recycling today. I did not meditate, but I did faithfully honor the Kindreds by making candle offerings to them at my altar.

4/26/08

Excited by the good weather, I brought a blanket out back and, after making offerings at my shrine, I faced the forest and meditated. First I breathed in and out deeply three times. I’m starting to wonder if I’m breathing properly. I know that, when meditating, it’s often better for a person to breathe into the stomach, however sometimes it feels like such an effort for me, especially when sitting. Am I doing it right? Maybe my posture is bad? Or am I just not used to it?

I then did a relaxation method, trying to focus on specific bodily regions before visualizing the tension dissipating. Next I did a Two Powers meditation followed by some simple breathing.

I didn’t experience any visions. Again, I had hoped to make a connection with Angus or Flower Face, but no such luck.

Later, while doing a devotional, I realized that I could find them everywhere, from the flowers, to the budding leaves, to the many beautiful things outside. Perhaps this is the best way to feel connected to these Gods.

4/27/08

You know, I can’t recall if I meditated or did my ritual last night. I think I fell asleep… I feel really guilty now, and I guess saying that I had a busy weekend is no excuse… I need to make sure, in the future, that I do my devotional beforelying in bed to read.

4/28/08

I did a meditation as part of my daily devotional. I felt that it was too short. Then again, I’m able to feel the connection with sky and earth very quickly. Perhaps another type of meditation is in order.

4/29/08

Before sleeping, while lying in bed, I meditated. I did a Two Powers meditation before my altar as part of my devotional as well. I tried to elongate the process. I tried to really feel and enjoy the sensation of earth and sky energy. I tried to really feel them mingling. It felt like a low buzzing, but very deep.

In bed, I just tried to relax my mind. It was a bit hard as I had a cat in bed with me and he sometimes kneaded my arm. However his purring seemed to act as chanting or drumming would and I felt nearly trance-like.

4/30/08

In preparation for my upcoming Beltaine ritual, I sort of “rehearsed” it as part of my daily devotional. I did a Two Powers meditation, but I felt kind of discouraged with it, I guess. I think it’s because I was nervous about the upcoming ritual.

5/1/08

I did another full ritual as a rehearsal for the Beltaine ritual tomorrow. I feel that the meditation went much better this time, although I’m still nervous. Instead of imagining the powers of earth coming up from the deep parts of the planet, I just imagined the earth’s surface as crawling with untapped power. I imagined my body as already full of water. From the sky, I pulled energy down into my head. In this way, I reconnected myself to the land, sea, and sky. I think I will use this tomorrow for my ritual. Now, I just need to relax my nerves…

5/2/08

I think the ritual went really well, but there were a few minor hiccups. I forgot to call on the Bardic deity, which may have caused the other snafus. We were going to call on Brighid, though, as I have a good relationship with her, I hope she realized that it wasn’t on purpose.

We also forgot to do the chants after honoring the Kindreds. It wasn’t a huge, huge deal, but I felt silly after having gone through the chants and printed up chant sheets.

I think the meditation went really well though. I discovered something that I think worked wonders. I did what I planned to do – described energy flowing across the surface of the earth, water already in our bodies, and energy in the sky. However, when I instructed everyone to pull the energy up or down through their bodies, I used my hands and slowly raised or lowered them as I imagined the energy moving. I felt that it really added something to the experience for myself.

5/3/08

Today I felt really sick. I was supposed to go to Muin Mound Grove to celebrate Beltaine with my friend Gina, but between the cold and the wet I didn’t think it would be smart for me to go and get myself in a worsened state, especially when I have to work the next day. Instead, I did a very, very quick meditation before my altar. I couldn’t breathe well due to congestion, so a full meditation would have been frustrating. I wonder what Buddhist monks do when they’re congested. Do they get congested? They must, being human, but perhaps their minds are trained so well that they are able to disregard it…

I watched an interesting video on youtube a few days ago. It featured a type of monk (I’m not sure what kind) and he was using chi to chop through blocks, withstand blows, and other amazing things. He concentrated it in certain parts of his body. I thought it was interesting and recalled it as I thought about my hand movements during the Two Powers meditation.

5/4/08

Another quick meditation due to my congestion. I feel bad for not doing a full meditation, but I can’t help it… I don’t feel that meditating is very effective at all in such a state.

5/5/08

Again, I am feeling ill but not so congested. I tried to meditate before bed. It was relaxing, and I certainly felt myself enter a trance-like state. However, I soon fell out of it and decided it would be best to just go to bed. At the very least, I was relaxed. I hadn’t had a real goal anyway.

5/6/08

I performed a Two Powers meditation today. It went smoothly. It made me more aware of how clear my nasal passage had become compared to a few days ago.

5/7/08

Another successful Two Powers meditation today. I did my best to focus more and just drift in the feelings.

5/8/08

Maybe it’s because college is ending and I have a ton of finals and final projects to finish… I just feel exceptionally exhausted. I don’t feel like I could meditate well at all but I will try…

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