A lot of things, among them some rather terrifying episodes from earlier days. From the one time I drove under the influence, fell asleep at the wheel and only avoided hitting a telephone pole by the Grace of the Gods ( I was driving on the *left* hand shoulder between the road proper on my right and the line of poles on the left when I awoke. It was the first and last time I ever did that.), to sitting in a truck and heading for a 'safe' location because we were only minutes from Failsafe...and a whole lot of other incidents of various sort. Some connected to that last bit, although from different causes.
What I find interesting is how few people ever knew what was happening in the latter cases. To this day the majority of people don't know how often we came close to a nightmare. Gives me the shivers.
We were fortunate; on both sides the military at least had respect for one another and kept cooler heads than political masters for the most part. We can hope this remains true in perpetuity.
Nations are funny things; their governments tend to become living organisms in their own right, independent of the wishes of their people...witness our own Congress and President of late for example. Some are worse than others, from dictatorial regimes through to pretty peaceful 'democracies', but none of them are immune. All eventually develop the instinct of self-preservation..and will cling to that regardless of consequence.
The Collective West....is being rather dense these days. For nearly ten years they've plundered and dictated to what remained of the old Soviet Union...Russia effectively, aka the Russian Confederation. It seemed safe enough; the bear was de-clawed and the teeth blunted, or so it was said. We were 'helping' them, we said. Most places don't need that kind of help. But Russia wasn't being complacent..not really. They were biding their time, and with the energy crunch they are now strong, for a little while anyway, and reasserting themselves with a vengeance, and with no interest in listening to those who effectively plundered them.
Western markets think the bear's teeth are not so sharp. After all, they are capitalist and their markets depend on the world etc. Well...not so much. Since they have the energy, and they control its distribution, they have immense power. People will have to turn to them. Why? Because there's no spare production capacity...no one else can make up the flow but there are a LOT of buyers.
And no 'modern' nation on the Earth is free of the need of oil, natural gas, jet fuel, and all the rest. Well, that might not affect those of us who don't get much or anything from Russia...except it will...because it will play out in the geopolitical alliances and the way the markets work as those who are dependent feel the crunch..and default on loans and the rest. Their 'industries' in the form of corporations are unhappy, would be more unhappy as the crunch hit...but the government there has made it clear they'll nationalize the companies if there's any resistance. Then again, they've never been known to concern themselves with the weaknesses the West assumes are present. They can sell to China even more, or India, deal with Iran, any number of things that would make up the EU oil flow. As has been noted, there is little spare capacity and there is a lot of desire.
And all of this assumes Russia doesn't choose to use all that Western debt it has...some 30% of the US debt alone, give or take. So perhaps the oil flow isn't necessary to screw with the US at all....ugly thought there.
We won't even consider the response to the agreement with Poland on installing an anti-missile shield. Russia said that response would be military in nature. The Pentagon says it doesn't take this seriously. That's about as boneheaded as it gets. I think it would be very interesting to see if Russia decides to make a treaty with someone who happens to be very close to our borders and does the same thing...only with offensive missiles. Not fun, but interesting for certain.
Russia has made no bones about the desire to reclaim old territory lost in the collapse of the Soviet Union...Ukraine is high on the list for certain. You have to admit, they've learned a lot. Recognize dissident citizens as Russian, tell the nation they can't harm Russian citizens or else. They've taken a note from the pages of some Western nations.
So yeah, I'm worried. I don't like these developments. The world isn't the same as it was in the '70s...energy isn't plentiful and cheap as it was in the 80s, countries aren't as stable. Food is getting scarcer and climate change is starting migrations. This is not a time for posturing and stupidity or closed minds...or worse. Confrontations under these conditions can possibly produce far riskier and more dangerous escalations than they once did. And faster.
I don't like the way my dreams seem to tie in with some of this stuff. I don't like the apathetic attitude of my government either, to be honest.
Now with any luck, none of this stuff develops into anything truly worrisome, this is the great hope. There isn't much to do about it if it does anyway. Unfortunately I think the real energy wars are just beginning.. So why do I worry about it? I don't know, I just do.
Make the Gods make smooth the paths before you.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
A Journey of Illumination and Discovery
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Of storms and stuff
This morning I drew Hazel, Hawthorn, and Ash; Wisdom, Patience Required, Linkages & Connections respectively. The rune I drew was Tiwaz, sign of Tyr, rune of Justice, War, and the Tree Column. *twitch*
I wonder...I have my restitution hearing on the 26th....
Hel, Norse Goddess of the underworld, of the 9 'hells' so to speak, half blue-black, half pale flesh...or so the common idea of Her runs. Yet She was earlier the Lady of Shadows, of the realm that all go to in the end, regardless of the manner of their deaths.
We are at sea sailing North by Northeast, making good way due to a stiff breeze...the forerunner of the angry storm that pursues from the Southwest...tattered clouds stream ahead of the dark mass, as harriers running down prey. We are the prey it seems....I look at the crew, much the same as before with some changes and few exceptions; there are my sons, both grown to manhood now, and there is Diarmait, and my ancestor Sigriđr as well as various others. The shields lining the gunwales are the same, the ship is the same one except it now has bears for figureheads instead of dragons. We are making for a bay not far to the North, the orginal hope being to outrun the storm and get into more sheltered space. It does not now seem we shall manage it, but it is too late to go elsewhere, so we run before the wind. After a time the winds gusts are much stronger so the sail is reefed and then finally taken in. A sea anchor is dropped and we prepare to ride things out. We watch as a wall of rain overtakes us and evening turns to full night in a moment. The waves have their tops ripped off and swells become mountains, the wind screaming around us like lost souls. Faces form and fade in the foamy seas, voices come and go on the wind, people scream and curse and pray, making promises of any sort should they see the end of this storm. Sliding down the back of one huge wave, looking astern at the sky and crest, I see....Hel...She is simply there, standing on nothing, watching quietly. It is not a sight that pleases me, nor one that inspires hope. I simply nod and return my attention to my ship and crew. The night lasts lifetimes and the storm's fury mounts for years until finally it seems the wind is falling off. We can hear hardly anything at all, our eyes are swollen from salt spray and strain. We are all exhausted. Crew members bail water since some planks were slightly sprung and there is leaking. The mast is cracked so we may not use the sail. No one has been lost. All through this Hel stood and watched, until just before a lightening of the darkness suggested dawn, then She was gone. Turning to look over the crew I see the familiar blonde Lass from before; She'd been right through it too. I frown a bit, wondering what it is all about, but we need to sort ourselves out, make landfall and take our measure. As swiftly as it came the storm leaves, and sunlight glitters on the still restless sea. We break out the oars and begin to row on a Northern course, but I don't yet know where we are. I use my bearing wheel when the sun is fully out and come to think we are far up in the bay, an assessment that is borne out when land is sighted on both sides of the ship. We make for the western shore.....
A condensed version of the first longship dream this time around. Seeing Freyja row was...surreal at best. Seeing Hel was...not reassuring let me tell you. Confusing is the whole Norse aspect to these things; I do not really understand this at all. There's no denying Their presence in these things though, not to mention all the other trappings, but you know it is damned strange. It does bear some resemblance, especially in the second dream, to some accounts of discovering Vinland, at least in a rather general way, but of course the paved road, or what's left of it in that one, rather gives it away.
No dream last night, thank goodness. These things are intense so I'm as happy they don't come all at once.
May your days bring many blessings and few burdens.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
I wonder...I have my restitution hearing on the 26th....
Hel, Norse Goddess of the underworld, of the 9 'hells' so to speak, half blue-black, half pale flesh...or so the common idea of Her runs. Yet She was earlier the Lady of Shadows, of the realm that all go to in the end, regardless of the manner of their deaths.
We are at sea sailing North by Northeast, making good way due to a stiff breeze...the forerunner of the angry storm that pursues from the Southwest...tattered clouds stream ahead of the dark mass, as harriers running down prey. We are the prey it seems....I look at the crew, much the same as before with some changes and few exceptions; there are my sons, both grown to manhood now, and there is Diarmait, and my ancestor Sigriđr as well as various others. The shields lining the gunwales are the same, the ship is the same one except it now has bears for figureheads instead of dragons. We are making for a bay not far to the North, the orginal hope being to outrun the storm and get into more sheltered space. It does not now seem we shall manage it, but it is too late to go elsewhere, so we run before the wind. After a time the winds gusts are much stronger so the sail is reefed and then finally taken in. A sea anchor is dropped and we prepare to ride things out. We watch as a wall of rain overtakes us and evening turns to full night in a moment. The waves have their tops ripped off and swells become mountains, the wind screaming around us like lost souls. Faces form and fade in the foamy seas, voices come and go on the wind, people scream and curse and pray, making promises of any sort should they see the end of this storm. Sliding down the back of one huge wave, looking astern at the sky and crest, I see....Hel...She is simply there, standing on nothing, watching quietly. It is not a sight that pleases me, nor one that inspires hope. I simply nod and return my attention to my ship and crew. The night lasts lifetimes and the storm's fury mounts for years until finally it seems the wind is falling off. We can hear hardly anything at all, our eyes are swollen from salt spray and strain. We are all exhausted. Crew members bail water since some planks were slightly sprung and there is leaking. The mast is cracked so we may not use the sail. No one has been lost. All through this Hel stood and watched, until just before a lightening of the darkness suggested dawn, then She was gone. Turning to look over the crew I see the familiar blonde Lass from before; She'd been right through it too. I frown a bit, wondering what it is all about, but we need to sort ourselves out, make landfall and take our measure. As swiftly as it came the storm leaves, and sunlight glitters on the still restless sea. We break out the oars and begin to row on a Northern course, but I don't yet know where we are. I use my bearing wheel when the sun is fully out and come to think we are far up in the bay, an assessment that is borne out when land is sighted on both sides of the ship. We make for the western shore.....
A condensed version of the first longship dream this time around. Seeing Freyja row was...surreal at best. Seeing Hel was...not reassuring let me tell you. Confusing is the whole Norse aspect to these things; I do not really understand this at all. There's no denying Their presence in these things though, not to mention all the other trappings, but you know it is damned strange. It does bear some resemblance, especially in the second dream, to some accounts of discovering Vinland, at least in a rather general way, but of course the paved road, or what's left of it in that one, rather gives it away.
No dream last night, thank goodness. These things are intense so I'm as happy they don't come all at once.
May your days bring many blessings and few burdens.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Some dreams are just weird
Here's a truly weird one I had last night. Nope, not the longship.
Myself and my family are in Thailand..yes, I said Thailand. We're driving along...no, I don't know why...anyway we're driving along in the old powder blue van I once had, a Tradesman 100 by Dodge...the very first vehicle I ever owned actually...and we're towing my current trailer. We pull into a parking area, hard dirt surface it is, and go into a sort of road house for a bathroom break and a touch of chow.
We do what we do and mill about for a while, taking it easy, chatting with the guy behind the counter and finally get ready to go. Upon getting outside we see the van and trailer are gone...so naturally it is back inside to use a phone and report this. At one time I spoke Thai very, very fluently, so the phone is not so strange.
The roadhouse guy tells me it probably got towed to a place a bit down and on the other side of the road. I head off in that direction...the road looking a LOT like Sukhumvit Road only different. I find the place and step in and notice two things right off; one is the van and two is a Caucasian woman looking at it and noting something on a clipboard. I go on into the office area and tell the man there that I want my van and trailer back and that I have seen them.
The man gives me an ugly look and makes a phone call. Meanwhile the gal comes in and says she's with the embassy investigating something or other, I don't recall what, and says she'll intercede. The man gets off the phone looking even more sour and spits that I should just take them and get out, tossing the keys.
I get the keys, go get the van...and hestitate looking at the woman...and then ask her, point blank and in the open, if she is DEA and if I need to worry about the van harboring something it shouldn't. She grins and makes a call, asking for a search team.....
And then I woke up.
That was just weird. I lived in Thailand for some three years and enjoyed it immensly, but I can't figure why a dream would take on this appearance. It has me wondering about some things.
*****
In other news I had Hazel, Aspen, and Rowan this morning, the which mean Wisdom, Courage & Endurance, and Blessings & Insights respectively.
Given the situation with Russia, I would suggest anyone holding off any kind of emergency preparation get in gear; the US has no real power over Russia any longer and they know it. They have the Europeans in an energy stranglehold, they hold enough of our own debt to shake the already rickety banking system, and they know we can't do a thing to help anyone anyway...and wouldn't if we could. And they are pointing this out to the world at large. Mostly we are caught up in our own misery, but I remind people that they have nukes....almost as good as our own. Putin and his puppet are old hard line communist types..and they haven't forgiven the US for anything...and Gorbachev's statement from yesterday was spot on. The bill is coming due.
The US will not risk nuclear war for Ukraine, Georgia, Poland or anywhere else...and that's being made abundantly clear to everyone. Russia has said they'll deal with the missile defense base in Poland with more than diplomatic means. Anyone who can't figure that out needs help.
I'm sorry folks, but I find the gradual collapse scenario painted by so many, where it takes a couple of hundred years or a few generations for us to reach bottom, a bit optimistic. It never factors in little things like...oh, nukes. Or the fact that the US and her people do NOT play well with others when they feel threatened...or the fact that humanity in general doesn't play well together when shortage is on the line. It assumes a cooperative thrust that simply doesn't exist in a crisis where there are too many people and not enough of what is wanted. That's history talking, not me. It also does not credit humanity with the ability to be absolutely stupidly greedy and shortsighted...again a historic state.
If we do not watch ourselves, do not change our behavior, that collapse may just turn out to be a lot faster than we expect and happen a lot sooner.
You are returned to your regularly scheduled whatever.
Bright blessings
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Myself and my family are in Thailand..yes, I said Thailand. We're driving along...no, I don't know why...anyway we're driving along in the old powder blue van I once had, a Tradesman 100 by Dodge...the very first vehicle I ever owned actually...and we're towing my current trailer. We pull into a parking area, hard dirt surface it is, and go into a sort of road house for a bathroom break and a touch of chow.
We do what we do and mill about for a while, taking it easy, chatting with the guy behind the counter and finally get ready to go. Upon getting outside we see the van and trailer are gone...so naturally it is back inside to use a phone and report this. At one time I spoke Thai very, very fluently, so the phone is not so strange.
The roadhouse guy tells me it probably got towed to a place a bit down and on the other side of the road. I head off in that direction...the road looking a LOT like Sukhumvit Road only different. I find the place and step in and notice two things right off; one is the van and two is a Caucasian woman looking at it and noting something on a clipboard. I go on into the office area and tell the man there that I want my van and trailer back and that I have seen them.
The man gives me an ugly look and makes a phone call. Meanwhile the gal comes in and says she's with the embassy investigating something or other, I don't recall what, and says she'll intercede. The man gets off the phone looking even more sour and spits that I should just take them and get out, tossing the keys.
I get the keys, go get the van...and hestitate looking at the woman...and then ask her, point blank and in the open, if she is DEA and if I need to worry about the van harboring something it shouldn't. She grins and makes a call, asking for a search team.....
And then I woke up.
That was just weird. I lived in Thailand for some three years and enjoyed it immensly, but I can't figure why a dream would take on this appearance. It has me wondering about some things.
*****
In other news I had Hazel, Aspen, and Rowan this morning, the which mean Wisdom, Courage & Endurance, and Blessings & Insights respectively.
Given the situation with Russia, I would suggest anyone holding off any kind of emergency preparation get in gear; the US has no real power over Russia any longer and they know it. They have the Europeans in an energy stranglehold, they hold enough of our own debt to shake the already rickety banking system, and they know we can't do a thing to help anyone anyway...and wouldn't if we could. And they are pointing this out to the world at large. Mostly we are caught up in our own misery, but I remind people that they have nukes....almost as good as our own. Putin and his puppet are old hard line communist types..and they haven't forgiven the US for anything...and Gorbachev's statement from yesterday was spot on. The bill is coming due.
The US will not risk nuclear war for Ukraine, Georgia, Poland or anywhere else...and that's being made abundantly clear to everyone. Russia has said they'll deal with the missile defense base in Poland with more than diplomatic means. Anyone who can't figure that out needs help.
I'm sorry folks, but I find the gradual collapse scenario painted by so many, where it takes a couple of hundred years or a few generations for us to reach bottom, a bit optimistic. It never factors in little things like...oh, nukes. Or the fact that the US and her people do NOT play well with others when they feel threatened...or the fact that humanity in general doesn't play well together when shortage is on the line. It assumes a cooperative thrust that simply doesn't exist in a crisis where there are too many people and not enough of what is wanted. That's history talking, not me. It also does not credit humanity with the ability to be absolutely stupidly greedy and shortsighted...again a historic state.
If we do not watch ourselves, do not change our behavior, that collapse may just turn out to be a lot faster than we expect and happen a lot sooner.
You are returned to your regularly scheduled whatever.
Bright blessings
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Landfall
We are in the estuary, upriver a bit from the bay in which the storm raged. We have made landfall on the western shore to facilitate some repairs that need looking after. The banks are not particularly high here, being the edges of floodplain by the looks, although they rise higher some 50 meters North and West of us; the high water mark of the river here being marked out by the forest that runs along that increase in elevation. The forest is untidy, in a word. Thick with brush and bramble it looks more like the kind of forestation that occurs after a fire or when a field is reclaimed by the trees than anything else.
I'm standing in the stern gazing thoughtfully at those trees. As before I am wearing an odd combination of clothing; dressed in pants and chemise/shirt except for the apron style dress over the shirt and pants which is split up the sides to the hip, obviously to facilitate movement. The brooches are gold, the strings of beads between them both amber and glass, with some pearls included. My belt includes both the small knife and my sword as well as a pair of scissors and a pouch. It is not an ornate belt but rather plain in appearance. My boots resemble the soft high boots of fantasy literature; moccasin like really, but with a modern style sole. It is odd because the sword that I wear, as well as the spear and bow with quiver near to hand, are all actually owned by me; they are absolutely the same.
The ship...is the same but different. The shields lining the gunwales are the same, the sail is the same, and the size overall is the same. But the bow and stern posts are not dragon carved, but rather done in the likeness of bears. No cats line the yardarm, rather there is one large tom in the boat; an old campaigner by his looks, and he has a very sharp eye. An osprey perches on the masthead. Amidships we have a tent shelter rigged; the commonly supposed geteld or viking style tent striped black and white.
The crew is different in some respects; some faces I don't know and some that have changed a lot. My sons are present as grown men, both of them. My ancestor Sigriđr is there; she is dressed much like myself in fact, as are most of the women aboard although not all.
As the carpenter gets on with the work, I decide to go ashore and proceed to gather up bow and quiver before debarking. The ground is very fertile; this can be seen simply by looking at the grass although it is early Autumn in season. Some of the trees have just begun to turn and the air is cool, the wind having a bite in it when it gusts. I know we're heading upriver when we are done here, I think of it as heading home. We have been away much of the Summer, exploring and mapping for the most part.
The country looks like New England and bears some resemblance to southern New England at that; familiar hills and folds in the land...sort of. They seem oddly off somehow. There are no signs of habitation about though and the lush area has not seen cultivation recently. We make our way to the woods and climb the embankment there, entering just inside the trees and pausing to listen, but the only sound is the wind in the trees, birds, and insects..with the odd scurrying of squirrels and chipmunks. A little further in an old road seems to spring out of the ground and run Southwest, broken and overgrown in places it was once a paved way, perhaps to a ferry or something. It is impossible to say now. There are no signs of houses or people here and the animals are unafraid...
And then I woke up. This series is interesting and yes, there has been at least one preceding episode I haven't posted. I may not post them all...I hadn't intended to post any really, but somehow I seem to need to post this one. *shrugs* Oh well. What do I know? I just go with the flow.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
I'm standing in the stern gazing thoughtfully at those trees. As before I am wearing an odd combination of clothing; dressed in pants and chemise/shirt except for the apron style dress over the shirt and pants which is split up the sides to the hip, obviously to facilitate movement. The brooches are gold, the strings of beads between them both amber and glass, with some pearls included. My belt includes both the small knife and my sword as well as a pair of scissors and a pouch. It is not an ornate belt but rather plain in appearance. My boots resemble the soft high boots of fantasy literature; moccasin like really, but with a modern style sole. It is odd because the sword that I wear, as well as the spear and bow with quiver near to hand, are all actually owned by me; they are absolutely the same.
The ship...is the same but different. The shields lining the gunwales are the same, the sail is the same, and the size overall is the same. But the bow and stern posts are not dragon carved, but rather done in the likeness of bears. No cats line the yardarm, rather there is one large tom in the boat; an old campaigner by his looks, and he has a very sharp eye. An osprey perches on the masthead. Amidships we have a tent shelter rigged; the commonly supposed geteld or viking style tent striped black and white.
The crew is different in some respects; some faces I don't know and some that have changed a lot. My sons are present as grown men, both of them. My ancestor Sigriđr is there; she is dressed much like myself in fact, as are most of the women aboard although not all.
As the carpenter gets on with the work, I decide to go ashore and proceed to gather up bow and quiver before debarking. The ground is very fertile; this can be seen simply by looking at the grass although it is early Autumn in season. Some of the trees have just begun to turn and the air is cool, the wind having a bite in it when it gusts. I know we're heading upriver when we are done here, I think of it as heading home. We have been away much of the Summer, exploring and mapping for the most part.
The country looks like New England and bears some resemblance to southern New England at that; familiar hills and folds in the land...sort of. They seem oddly off somehow. There are no signs of habitation about though and the lush area has not seen cultivation recently. We make our way to the woods and climb the embankment there, entering just inside the trees and pausing to listen, but the only sound is the wind in the trees, birds, and insects..with the odd scurrying of squirrels and chipmunks. A little further in an old road seems to spring out of the ground and run Southwest, broken and overgrown in places it was once a paved way, perhaps to a ferry or something. It is impossible to say now. There are no signs of houses or people here and the animals are unafraid...
And then I woke up. This series is interesting and yes, there has been at least one preceding episode I haven't posted. I may not post them all...I hadn't intended to post any really, but somehow I seem to need to post this one. *shrugs* Oh well. What do I know? I just go with the flow.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Thursday, August 14, 2008
August musing
This morning I drew Fir, Heather, and Ash; Objectivity, Dreams & Luck, and Linkages & Connections respectively. Hmmmmm.
August, 2008...August, 1914. How fascinating, if in a very unpleasant fashion.
Here lies a possible lead-in to Autumn on the cusp of Winter; anyone wishing to see what the 'End of Empire' looks like could do worse than to look at the U.S. at this moment in time.
It is for each person to deal with in their own way and my way is to tie up the tiny loose ends and be flexible towards whatever occurs, be it good or bad. I am pleased and not a little relieved that the majority of my preparations are accomplished and that what remains I can do without in a pinch. I could wish for better accommodations but that's not in my control just now.
It is an axiom that one ought not underestimate a known enemy, and this applies seven-fold to unknown quantities, or shall I say, people. The desire, tendency even, to assume good intentions in someone is a western trait...and not necessarily a good one. It is one we have cultivated to the point of near blindness. As in all other things, this too will be balanced.
Improvise, adapt, overcome...a mantra that is often laughed at or scorned, used as second rate dialogue in some way or other. It is a very powerful and real mantra for all of that.
To run or walk through the forests, to live and breath at once within the heartbeat of the natural world, these things frighten most of us in these modern times. We need our wilderness managed and our comforts maintained or we feel cheated and put upon, so we manage and contain, constrain and remove until there is no threat we count as unreasonable. That management shall not last.
Shortsighted we are, unwilling to look too far ahead for fear we must needs change something dear. We convince ourselves the fears of others are distant and amorphous, not something to be concerned with right now, or something we can master with our management techniques and inventions. We will be proven as wrong as every other civilization before us, and sooner than most people like to think.
The Gods of War stir, watchful, ever present; They know Their field is never left fallow for long. Those of the Underworld whose work is ever ongoing prepare for the harvests that inevitably come; they will be bumper crops in good time.
It is for each person to deal with on their own. I have dealt with it, I am at peace with it, whatever comes. Who can say the same is indeed as ready as they shall ever be.
May the Gods grant vision and courage to all.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
August, 2008...August, 1914. How fascinating, if in a very unpleasant fashion.
Here lies a possible lead-in to Autumn on the cusp of Winter; anyone wishing to see what the 'End of Empire' looks like could do worse than to look at the U.S. at this moment in time.
It is for each person to deal with in their own way and my way is to tie up the tiny loose ends and be flexible towards whatever occurs, be it good or bad. I am pleased and not a little relieved that the majority of my preparations are accomplished and that what remains I can do without in a pinch. I could wish for better accommodations but that's not in my control just now.
It is an axiom that one ought not underestimate a known enemy, and this applies seven-fold to unknown quantities, or shall I say, people. The desire, tendency even, to assume good intentions in someone is a western trait...and not necessarily a good one. It is one we have cultivated to the point of near blindness. As in all other things, this too will be balanced.
Improvise, adapt, overcome...a mantra that is often laughed at or scorned, used as second rate dialogue in some way or other. It is a very powerful and real mantra for all of that.
To run or walk through the forests, to live and breath at once within the heartbeat of the natural world, these things frighten most of us in these modern times. We need our wilderness managed and our comforts maintained or we feel cheated and put upon, so we manage and contain, constrain and remove until there is no threat we count as unreasonable. That management shall not last.
Shortsighted we are, unwilling to look too far ahead for fear we must needs change something dear. We convince ourselves the fears of others are distant and amorphous, not something to be concerned with right now, or something we can master with our management techniques and inventions. We will be proven as wrong as every other civilization before us, and sooner than most people like to think.
The Gods of War stir, watchful, ever present; They know Their field is never left fallow for long. Those of the Underworld whose work is ever ongoing prepare for the harvests that inevitably come; they will be bumper crops in good time.
It is for each person to deal with on their own. I have dealt with it, I am at peace with it, whatever comes. Who can say the same is indeed as ready as they shall ever be.
May the Gods grant vision and courage to all.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Random Static
Our television died last night, or rather, manifested death throes so that we know it will be dead soon. Ordinarily this would be of little concern to me on the whole, but the timing is annoying in a small way as the Olympics are under way and I dearly enjoy watching them. Ah well, so it goes; we may get another tube, or we may not. I can keep up with what goes on with the computer to a degree, I just can't watch the televised events realtime is all. Such is life.
It is good in another way as moving that thing out of here, along with some other things, makes room for another item which is far more useful. :) This is a good thing.
I'm still looking for a place to buy, or rent although the latter I can't do until February as we can only break our lease here for purchase, not rental...if we move out to another rental situation I am still responsible for the rent here until someone else moves into it or the lease naturally runs out. You have to love the way our society does things.
The Autumn is here, but of course the colors are still weeks away as of yet despite the fact we have had some delightfully cool temperatures at night. Today is very foggy and is likely to have some rain later on as well. What a wet Summer it has been, unbelievable. It is possible next week will finally break that pattern. I hope so.
There is much leatherwork to do; the completion of the rucksack, a bowcase and sock, more boots, various pouches carefully designed for multiple uses and attachments, flute/whistle quiver and harp case, and of course scabbards too. Added to that work are things like the sewing of shirts and trousers, the crafting of a kind of bodice, and then a touch of woodworking with the scabbards. I have been hampered in completing these things by everyday things like Tali's tutoring which is finally done, physicals and various other appointments, and family stuff. Pretty routine really, although anytime something gets in the way of a desired project it can be aggravating to one degree or another.
The projects listed up there have more to do with Ranger evolutions than anything else, although woven throughout are the threads of my Druidry; I'm experimenting with some things here and there, not least some teaching methods of a rather non-standard sort. The more I work on this the more I suspect that it is how my Priestess duties and Warrior nature were meant to meld; Warrior Druids are not what normally pops into a person's mind when the subject of Druidry is brought up, and even then it usually expresses itself as the classic Warrior who is a Druid type of thing. Even I did that, and indeed there are those who do so and it is well. But Rangers are another type of Warrior and one that I have most in common with from my own background...and their work dovetails, intertwines with and compliments Druidry in so many ways it's an excellent thing to behold. Being Pathfinders and Way Watchers, Guides and Protectors, these are things worthy of looking up to.
LOL Several songs pop into my head at these thoughts, no surprise as music is never far from what I do anyway. 'Along the Road' by Fogelberg is one naturally. 'Wandersong' by Paxson is another.
My life is 'shrinking' in a way, looking more towards where I am and less outward and away to larger things, which in time may matter little in the day to day needs of life in general. I have my duties still of course, and those I shall not flag in, but other than those I'm becoming far more regional in scope, something I rather like actually.
Harvesting of things from the garden is ongoing. Despite the war of weeds and weather, our harvest is a good one once again. Not as good as it could have been, nor as plentiful as last year, but good nonetheless. The oats are ready for reaping as is the buckwheat. The scarlet runner beans are ripening on the vines, squash is going crazy as usual, eggplant is to be harvested today, green beans are maturing and the tomatoes are covered with fruit. No complaints given the situation this Summer.
I have some waybread recipes to work on, which ought to be fun. I'll grind the flour for them myself in fact. First, I'll do them as written, then start experimenting with various ingredients and baking methods until I get something I like and that is useful for more than a chewing exercise. ;) Buccelatum these won't be. LOL
I'm also working out some ways to make my own oilcloth. I could purchase it for 18 dollars a yard or so, and that's fine, but I'd also like to know how to make it myself; I have no doubt it will come in handy at some point.
I'm losing weight, yep, really. Finally. It's been a while getting to this point. I'm happy with it. So far my physicals have been very good. We'll see what happens when they squish and examine my boobs this Friday. With any luck it'll be all good.
Brightest of Blessings
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
It is good in another way as moving that thing out of here, along with some other things, makes room for another item which is far more useful. :) This is a good thing.
I'm still looking for a place to buy, or rent although the latter I can't do until February as we can only break our lease here for purchase, not rental...if we move out to another rental situation I am still responsible for the rent here until someone else moves into it or the lease naturally runs out. You have to love the way our society does things.
The Autumn is here, but of course the colors are still weeks away as of yet despite the fact we have had some delightfully cool temperatures at night. Today is very foggy and is likely to have some rain later on as well. What a wet Summer it has been, unbelievable. It is possible next week will finally break that pattern. I hope so.
There is much leatherwork to do; the completion of the rucksack, a bowcase and sock, more boots, various pouches carefully designed for multiple uses and attachments, flute/whistle quiver and harp case, and of course scabbards too. Added to that work are things like the sewing of shirts and trousers, the crafting of a kind of bodice, and then a touch of woodworking with the scabbards. I have been hampered in completing these things by everyday things like Tali's tutoring which is finally done, physicals and various other appointments, and family stuff. Pretty routine really, although anytime something gets in the way of a desired project it can be aggravating to one degree or another.
The projects listed up there have more to do with Ranger evolutions than anything else, although woven throughout are the threads of my Druidry; I'm experimenting with some things here and there, not least some teaching methods of a rather non-standard sort. The more I work on this the more I suspect that it is how my Priestess duties and Warrior nature were meant to meld; Warrior Druids are not what normally pops into a person's mind when the subject of Druidry is brought up, and even then it usually expresses itself as the classic Warrior who is a Druid type of thing. Even I did that, and indeed there are those who do so and it is well. But Rangers are another type of Warrior and one that I have most in common with from my own background...and their work dovetails, intertwines with and compliments Druidry in so many ways it's an excellent thing to behold. Being Pathfinders and Way Watchers, Guides and Protectors, these are things worthy of looking up to.
LOL Several songs pop into my head at these thoughts, no surprise as music is never far from what I do anyway. 'Along the Road' by Fogelberg is one naturally. 'Wandersong' by Paxson is another.
My life is 'shrinking' in a way, looking more towards where I am and less outward and away to larger things, which in time may matter little in the day to day needs of life in general. I have my duties still of course, and those I shall not flag in, but other than those I'm becoming far more regional in scope, something I rather like actually.
Harvesting of things from the garden is ongoing. Despite the war of weeds and weather, our harvest is a good one once again. Not as good as it could have been, nor as plentiful as last year, but good nonetheless. The oats are ready for reaping as is the buckwheat. The scarlet runner beans are ripening on the vines, squash is going crazy as usual, eggplant is to be harvested today, green beans are maturing and the tomatoes are covered with fruit. No complaints given the situation this Summer.
I have some waybread recipes to work on, which ought to be fun. I'll grind the flour for them myself in fact. First, I'll do them as written, then start experimenting with various ingredients and baking methods until I get something I like and that is useful for more than a chewing exercise. ;) Buccelatum these won't be. LOL
I'm also working out some ways to make my own oilcloth. I could purchase it for 18 dollars a yard or so, and that's fine, but I'd also like to know how to make it myself; I have no doubt it will come in handy at some point.
I'm losing weight, yep, really. Finally. It's been a while getting to this point. I'm happy with it. So far my physicals have been very good. We'll see what happens when they squish and examine my boobs this Friday. With any luck it'll be all good.
Brightest of Blessings
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Monday, August 11, 2008
Qui Tacit Consentire
In silence, consent. Interesting quote that, one of my personal favorites and one of my mottoes to boot. Our modern society has gotten to the point that one should never ever speak out openly, but only in privately and in certain very ritualized fashion. Those who ignore this are sometimes celebrated, until they screw up, but almost never really respected. The whole 'If you can't say something nice about someone, say nothing at all' is a big part of this behavior. It's so much bullpuckey. It is one reason we are in the various situations we find ourselves dealing with.
Letters to officials have to be worded in a positive way to even get them to read them; same with employers, or anyone else. If you don't want to be tuned out or ignored, you must take a positive approach to any problem, even when doing so allows...encourages..the recipients to dance around the real problem in favor of some interpretation that allows them to avoid real action. So ridiculous.
Yet that is how our society works. When you tie this in with our penchant for credentials it gets out of hand quickly. I can hope that dealing with the approaching and ever growing troubles will slap some sense into us, but I don't really expect it will. Eh well, I wasn't ever partial to this behavior anyway so...blunt I have been and blunt I will continue to be...always will be. Some things never change, even in a person who is changing. I give fair warning; 'Do you really wish to know?' is my most common response to someone asking what I think or for an opinion. That ought to be plenty of warning.
It is a sad thing when so many quietly say so much is wrong and needs fixing, but if braced publicly outside of a crowd of like minded people, they will say nothing at all...or worse, mouth the status quo lines, whatever those may be. Few are willing to risk much of value. It is an interesting thing to see really, if a bid sad.
*****
Here we go, sliding into Autumn with Winter hard after. This should be interesting. We're pretty well set for the moment, which allows me to settle into some other routines of a support nature. I like to be careful in my planning.
It also allows me to concentrate a bit more on the Temple work I am doing, the which is very satisfying and fulfilling to me on a personal level. Slowly building up my practices and methods, working out the Temple space and so on, it's very absorbing work. Of course, communing with Deity adds a certain amount to the whole thing.
I can also spend a bit more time traveling; I've been to the City of Smiths a lot, but I want to spend more time at the Bard's Keep as well...not to mention simply exploring a bit...when I'm not busy doing some work or other.
The spiritual aspect of life is a dominant force for me; a very real calling and not something I do when I have time, but one in which I have consistently made more time to accommodate instead. Not for everyone perhaps, but it suits me well.
May the Gods make smooth the paths before you.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Letters to officials have to be worded in a positive way to even get them to read them; same with employers, or anyone else. If you don't want to be tuned out or ignored, you must take a positive approach to any problem, even when doing so allows...encourages..the recipients to dance around the real problem in favor of some interpretation that allows them to avoid real action. So ridiculous.
Yet that is how our society works. When you tie this in with our penchant for credentials it gets out of hand quickly. I can hope that dealing with the approaching and ever growing troubles will slap some sense into us, but I don't really expect it will. Eh well, I wasn't ever partial to this behavior anyway so...blunt I have been and blunt I will continue to be...always will be. Some things never change, even in a person who is changing. I give fair warning; 'Do you really wish to know?' is my most common response to someone asking what I think or for an opinion. That ought to be plenty of warning.
It is a sad thing when so many quietly say so much is wrong and needs fixing, but if braced publicly outside of a crowd of like minded people, they will say nothing at all...or worse, mouth the status quo lines, whatever those may be. Few are willing to risk much of value. It is an interesting thing to see really, if a bid sad.
*****
Here we go, sliding into Autumn with Winter hard after. This should be interesting. We're pretty well set for the moment, which allows me to settle into some other routines of a support nature. I like to be careful in my planning.
It also allows me to concentrate a bit more on the Temple work I am doing, the which is very satisfying and fulfilling to me on a personal level. Slowly building up my practices and methods, working out the Temple space and so on, it's very absorbing work. Of course, communing with Deity adds a certain amount to the whole thing.
I can also spend a bit more time traveling; I've been to the City of Smiths a lot, but I want to spend more time at the Bard's Keep as well...not to mention simply exploring a bit...when I'm not busy doing some work or other.
The spiritual aspect of life is a dominant force for me; a very real calling and not something I do when I have time, but one in which I have consistently made more time to accommodate instead. Not for everyone perhaps, but it suits me well.
May the Gods make smooth the paths before you.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Rune & Hammer magic
I am a smith, I've stated this before and those who know me know this quite well...the blacksmith without a forge. So why repeat it for the umpteenth time?
Because I am more than just a blacksmith or bladesmith.
I have an Elven Longknife I forged myself. I tell folks it's my version of Aragorn's blade in the LotR movies because it is easier for them to understand and comprehend. It is far more than that naturally; I had the help of the salamanders and the blessings of Belisama and Govannon in its making. Why? Because it was always meant to be the knife by which I defend my Crane Bag and its contents. Yes, the Order's comments on it say it is a sort of statement rather than an absolute use...it's a statement of the willingness to protect the item.
However, I am a Warrior Priestess who serves Gods of War and Victory so for me it is more than a symbolic statement. The blade is infused with the spirit of Battle and the intent to Defend. How? Marks on the tang in part, simple infusion of magickal intent for another, and of course singing and speaking songs and stories of Battle and Victory to the steel as it was forged and coaxed to shape. I suppose one could therefore call it a magic blade of sorts.
What's the difference? Well, you're dealing with the Spirit of the iron and carbon in the blade, the Spirits of Fire, the Blessings of Deity and the Songs of the Ancestors. Smithing uses all the elements in the making of things, an already magickal operation on its own.
Interestingly, one doesn't have to forge from scratch to do this, although it certainly makes it easier. A good smith can take a blade already made and effectively return it to simple iron and carbon, then reforge it so to speak, infusing it with intent and desire...magic. The sword that I have is one such blade.
I don't do this only with weapons; I have done it with the sickles I have made, and other tools and utensils as well; I just vary the intent during the making. However, my main focus is the forging of weapons and armor of various sort, unsurprisingly.
I have been aided in this by trips to the City of Smiths, where I have been taught a great deal that I have yet to actually have a chance to try. There is much yet to learn before I should even think of being a Master in that place, despite having the skill to be a Master here in the everyday. They are free with their knoweldge, at least to me, and I have spent countless hours watching, listening, and working there. I itch to try those techniques here. I know I will have my chance.
There is more to this of course. Any Weapon Smith also knows how to form wood for grips, bows, and handles...as well as the making of strings for bows and slings; when I said I served Gods of War and Victory I meant it. These are not, for the most part, Underworld deities, although They work closely together as can be imagined readily enough. Sometimes there is some overlap. As a result my Temple work includes a bit of both these days and I work with the Spirits of those beyond the Veil fairly often.
My practices have been changing to reflect all of this, but other elements are coming into clearer focus too, such as Arduinna and Cernunnos...appropriate for the other thing I do I should say. The Temple I am slowly creating as a result of these changes is fascinating. The constant reinforcement in my efforts to return to proper health and strength are amazing and so very welcome; the affirmations that yes, this is the Way, and that will be the Goal is reassuring in many ways. The passage of time turns me on, unlike many my age.
If this has made no sense to you who read, then be assured it will make perfect sense to those who need to know.
Strength & Honor, Honor above Ambition, and may the Gods make smooth the paths before you and take you to Themselves when the time is right and not before.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Because I am more than just a blacksmith or bladesmith.
I have an Elven Longknife I forged myself. I tell folks it's my version of Aragorn's blade in the LotR movies because it is easier for them to understand and comprehend. It is far more than that naturally; I had the help of the salamanders and the blessings of Belisama and Govannon in its making. Why? Because it was always meant to be the knife by which I defend my Crane Bag and its contents. Yes, the Order's comments on it say it is a sort of statement rather than an absolute use...it's a statement of the willingness to protect the item.
However, I am a Warrior Priestess who serves Gods of War and Victory so for me it is more than a symbolic statement. The blade is infused with the spirit of Battle and the intent to Defend. How? Marks on the tang in part, simple infusion of magickal intent for another, and of course singing and speaking songs and stories of Battle and Victory to the steel as it was forged and coaxed to shape. I suppose one could therefore call it a magic blade of sorts.
What's the difference? Well, you're dealing with the Spirit of the iron and carbon in the blade, the Spirits of Fire, the Blessings of Deity and the Songs of the Ancestors. Smithing uses all the elements in the making of things, an already magickal operation on its own.
Interestingly, one doesn't have to forge from scratch to do this, although it certainly makes it easier. A good smith can take a blade already made and effectively return it to simple iron and carbon, then reforge it so to speak, infusing it with intent and desire...magic. The sword that I have is one such blade.
I don't do this only with weapons; I have done it with the sickles I have made, and other tools and utensils as well; I just vary the intent during the making. However, my main focus is the forging of weapons and armor of various sort, unsurprisingly.
I have been aided in this by trips to the City of Smiths, where I have been taught a great deal that I have yet to actually have a chance to try. There is much yet to learn before I should even think of being a Master in that place, despite having the skill to be a Master here in the everyday. They are free with their knoweldge, at least to me, and I have spent countless hours watching, listening, and working there. I itch to try those techniques here. I know I will have my chance.
There is more to this of course. Any Weapon Smith also knows how to form wood for grips, bows, and handles...as well as the making of strings for bows and slings; when I said I served Gods of War and Victory I meant it. These are not, for the most part, Underworld deities, although They work closely together as can be imagined readily enough. Sometimes there is some overlap. As a result my Temple work includes a bit of both these days and I work with the Spirits of those beyond the Veil fairly often.
My practices have been changing to reflect all of this, but other elements are coming into clearer focus too, such as Arduinna and Cernunnos...appropriate for the other thing I do I should say. The Temple I am slowly creating as a result of these changes is fascinating. The constant reinforcement in my efforts to return to proper health and strength are amazing and so very welcome; the affirmations that yes, this is the Way, and that will be the Goal is reassuring in many ways. The passage of time turns me on, unlike many my age.
If this has made no sense to you who read, then be assured it will make perfect sense to those who need to know.
Strength & Honor, Honor above Ambition, and may the Gods make smooth the paths before you and take you to Themselves when the time is right and not before.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Changes
"After changes upon changes we are more or less the same" ~ Simon & Garfunkel 'The Boxer'
How very true that tends to be. However, it probably shouldn't be taken as a blanket statement; the 'more or less' is a qualifier after all.
In my case, I am Warrior born...that is, my gifts brought into this lifetime deal far and away with the profession of the Warrior, so much so that I'm a little hampered in other areas. I used to wonder why I would focus so heavily on the one thing to the near exclusion of others, but I think I was wiser before being reborn than I have been. I did it because I saw or felt that it would be necessary. I believe that to be true even yet.
Anyone who has seen me would wonder in an instant; I am no longer the lean and mean Marine of years past, being now strongly in the grip of middle age excess. But that too is changing. I've been training very hard, I've taken my eating even more firmly in hand and it is starting to show. My stamina is building and the route step marches uphill don't wind me like they did. I am still a goodly way off where I ought to be, but I will get there and probably before the Autumn has passed too. I am hardening in body and in mind, and I welcome this return to something so familiar...and yet it has differences.
Mentirn training is hard, very very hard. As hard as myself and some others could think of to make it. Despite drawing from people who've chosen to play at being Rangers in Middle Earth and therefore a solid core to begin with, it still has a very high attrition rate, which is very good. Granted, it is used by some folk to return to the condition of an earlier age since all of us are over 40, and granted that it is a fantasy fulfillment in part, yet even so I think it is useful. We may never do more than run about playing, but there may come a time of emergency where level headed thinking and solid fitness will be desirable, useful, and helpful to others. That little chance is enough.
I am peculiar within it, being at once a Druid and Mentirn; a former Marine with a solid foundation not forgotten who loves Tolkien and lives Druidry. It is true the Mentirnath must study Druidry, but studying it doesn't make one as it were. I cannot be wholly in the latter since my role in the former precludes that, at least at this time. We will see what comes.
So I am changing still, in many ways. There is the continuing change within, and now the change without to go with it. It is all good. I may well be able to keep up with the youngsters in good time, at least far better than I can now. LOL Not all change is welcome and too many people dislike change at all...I tend to welcome it for the most part. :)
Changes are waiting in the wings for Oakstone too. This year sees it working hard and serving as an umbrella of sorts to starting Study Groups in the region. In due time those groups will go to full Grove and the umbrella will no longer be needed; this is the way of growth and development. It will be a some time yet, but it is as near a certainty as anything can be. I think my way as a Druid will eventually be more like an itinerant hedge Druid of sorts...rank notwithstanding...giving blessings, performing rites, and so on while going about life in general and doing the duties of a Mentirn. Now that's a solid way to end up eh? :)
This weekend sees me off in the forests with the trainees; I've some lessons to impart on Druidry and other things. It will be good to get some bush time.
The composite bows are inbound now, and the last batch of sealed grains and beans are also inbound. There remain small things to handle here and there, but nothing really large outside of my anvils.
I won't be recording Mentirnath items here in future; those are for a separate list elsewhere. This one will be more Druid oriented as it has been and should be.
May your days bring many blessings and carry few burdens.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
How very true that tends to be. However, it probably shouldn't be taken as a blanket statement; the 'more or less' is a qualifier after all.
In my case, I am Warrior born...that is, my gifts brought into this lifetime deal far and away with the profession of the Warrior, so much so that I'm a little hampered in other areas. I used to wonder why I would focus so heavily on the one thing to the near exclusion of others, but I think I was wiser before being reborn than I have been. I did it because I saw or felt that it would be necessary. I believe that to be true even yet.
Anyone who has seen me would wonder in an instant; I am no longer the lean and mean Marine of years past, being now strongly in the grip of middle age excess. But that too is changing. I've been training very hard, I've taken my eating even more firmly in hand and it is starting to show. My stamina is building and the route step marches uphill don't wind me like they did. I am still a goodly way off where I ought to be, but I will get there and probably before the Autumn has passed too. I am hardening in body and in mind, and I welcome this return to something so familiar...and yet it has differences.
Mentirn training is hard, very very hard. As hard as myself and some others could think of to make it. Despite drawing from people who've chosen to play at being Rangers in Middle Earth and therefore a solid core to begin with, it still has a very high attrition rate, which is very good. Granted, it is used by some folk to return to the condition of an earlier age since all of us are over 40, and granted that it is a fantasy fulfillment in part, yet even so I think it is useful. We may never do more than run about playing, but there may come a time of emergency where level headed thinking and solid fitness will be desirable, useful, and helpful to others. That little chance is enough.
I am peculiar within it, being at once a Druid and Mentirn; a former Marine with a solid foundation not forgotten who loves Tolkien and lives Druidry. It is true the Mentirnath must study Druidry, but studying it doesn't make one as it were. I cannot be wholly in the latter since my role in the former precludes that, at least at this time. We will see what comes.
So I am changing still, in many ways. There is the continuing change within, and now the change without to go with it. It is all good. I may well be able to keep up with the youngsters in good time, at least far better than I can now. LOL Not all change is welcome and too many people dislike change at all...I tend to welcome it for the most part. :)
Changes are waiting in the wings for Oakstone too. This year sees it working hard and serving as an umbrella of sorts to starting Study Groups in the region. In due time those groups will go to full Grove and the umbrella will no longer be needed; this is the way of growth and development. It will be a some time yet, but it is as near a certainty as anything can be. I think my way as a Druid will eventually be more like an itinerant hedge Druid of sorts...rank notwithstanding...giving blessings, performing rites, and so on while going about life in general and doing the duties of a Mentirn. Now that's a solid way to end up eh? :)
This weekend sees me off in the forests with the trainees; I've some lessons to impart on Druidry and other things. It will be good to get some bush time.
The composite bows are inbound now, and the last batch of sealed grains and beans are also inbound. There remain small things to handle here and there, but nothing really large outside of my anvils.
I won't be recording Mentirnath items here in future; those are for a separate list elsewhere. This one will be more Druid oriented as it has been and should be.
May your days bring many blessings and carry few burdens.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
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