tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97791612024-03-14T11:36:47.756-04:00Tony's Druid BlogThis is Tony's Druid Blog. Tony is a member of <a href="http://www.keltria.org"> The Henge of Keltria</a>, and is interested in Celtic spirituality, Irish Druidry, and Keltrian Druidism in particular. Specific topics included in this blog relate to the paths of the Bard, the Seer, and the Druid. These paths provide a framework for honoring the Ancestors, revering the Nature Spirits, and celebrating the Gods and Goddesses of our Celtic Tribe.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-22855131823445572242015-08-02T13:20:00.000-04:002015-08-02T13:21:37.342-04:00ISSUU - A Book and Magazine Resurch for Druidic Research<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe1zA9w2Np_0JtevmLGaVN4hgvYzUl0BBTzB3vBNVOnwNeKaXTR_mDb4KjjO-sSuBqjDsiemsUmSByJN5ui0dVjV4bMTZCBBxfP4Uke-6wbzKoQ63cmtRT77gISsF8SxIz9K0uw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-02+at+12.43.38+PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe1zA9w2Np_0JtevmLGaVN4hgvYzUl0BBTzB3vBNVOnwNeKaXTR_mDb4KjjO-sSuBqjDsiemsUmSByJN5ui0dVjV4bMTZCBBxfP4Uke-6wbzKoQ63cmtRT77gISsF8SxIz9K0uw/s200/Screen+Shot+2015-08-02+at+12.43.38+PM.png" width="200" /></a>I had seen <a href="http://issuu.com/home" target="_blank">ISSUU</a> before but really hadn’t paid much attention to it. It seemed to me to be a magazine site that showed magazines that I’ve really never been interested in. So, I just sort of ignored it.<br />
<br />
I received another email from them and thought I might want to give it a try and see what it has. First of all, access is free – Free is good. I then searched for “Druid.” As I expected, there was “Druid City Living” and “Druid Hills Outlook.” But, also there was the 1924 edition of Dudley Wright’s <i>Druidism, The Ancient Faith of Britain</i>. All 191 pages of the book were they also. Nice. Passing by some D & D books there was a group of Llewellyn books, including <i>Druid Power</i>, <i>Celtic Tree Magic</i>, and <i>The Wisdom of Birch, Oak, and Yew</i>. I had been talking with a student of mine earlier in the day about <a href="http://issuu.com/llewellyn/docs/9780738741017" target="_blank">Celtic Tree Magic</a>, so I thought I’d take a look at it. Easily readable there were the first 33 pages of the book, covers included. Nice. Just enough to read so you can know if you really want to purchase the book. <br />
<br />
Then it dawned on me to search for “Keltria.” Again, success. Eleven publications were presented. Four of them were from the RDNA Anthology books. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5QFKMdF0UhWOYqJMEPf5ejXOhHmT6PRYIz6-Wi3I73TayBUF23doUrwMixtrBstpUAgQ3EaT7i92GzWQP_2ZW7o3GuYnLzwcECmF4bJswxZn68N0PwTIU5AwetehlesnZyiPHA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-02+at+12.45.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5QFKMdF0UhWOYqJMEPf5ejXOhHmT6PRYIz6-Wi3I73TayBUF23doUrwMixtrBstpUAgQ3EaT7i92GzWQP_2ZW7o3GuYnLzwcECmF4bJswxZn68N0PwTIU5AwetehlesnZyiPHA/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-02+at+12.45.15+PM.png" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://issuu.com/hamzaali79/docs/a_reformed_druid_anthology-00-intro">A reformed druid anthology 00 introduction</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://issuu.com/hamzaali79/docs/a_reformed_druid_anthology-04-laws_">A reformed druid anthology 04 laws, trivia and calendars</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://issuu.com/hamzaali79/docs/a_reformed_druid_anthology-06-the_g">A reformed druid anthology 06 the green books</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://issuu.com/hamzaali79/docs/a_reformed_druid_anthology-08-a_gen">A reformed druid anthology 08 a general history</a> </li>
</ul>
Three of the hits for "Keltria" were Ellen Evert Hopman noting that she was the Vice-President of the Henge of Keltria. The books all had the first 30-40 pages displayed. Again, enough to read to know if you want to purchase the entire book. I was surprised that there wasn't a direct link to purchase the full book on the pages, but that's okay -- I can certainly find them for purchase online. <br />
<br />
There were Pantheacon flyers as well as a 198-page March 2011, “Keepers of the Underworld.”<br />
<br />
On <a href="http://issuu.com/home" target="_blank">Issuu</a> you can create “stacks” for your magazines. For example I have stacks for “Druid” and for “Ogham” and can now put my books and booklets into the stacks for future reference. There are many books, magazines, and book extracts that may be of interest when you want to research druidic, bardic, and seer arts.<br />
<br />
Sadly, you can’t download any of the books or magazines but you can take a screen shot if you just need to have a copy. Also, knowing the title you can sometimes find a PDF version on the internet as is the case with the <a href="http://orgs.carleton.edu/Druids/ARDA/" target="_blank">Reformed Druid Anthologies</a>.<br />
<br />
So, I will definitely add ISSUU to my research sites. My goodness, there are over 40 publications that mention, "cattle raid of cooley." Some, I'm sure won't relate to what I'd be looking for, but I'm also sure there are many I will be interested in. Be specific in your searches and you can find some real gems.<br />
<br />
I think that I’ll add a project to my list of projects to add past
“Public” editions of Henge Happenings to Issuu and possibly extracts
from Past Keltria Journal. Exposure in additional venues is a good
thing. If you use Issuu, <a href="http://issuu.com/tonytaylor" target="_blank">follow me</a> and see what I’ve stacked and what I
publish over the coming weeks and months. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-42454003696159275272014-11-16T10:57:00.003-05:002014-11-16T10:58:14.615-05:00Arbor Day - SC, FL, & LA<h2>
Arbor Day in South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana</h2>
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I recently had someone ask, “Why it is that, if Druids are so connected with trees, why don’t they seem to be honoring them on Arbor Day.” <br />
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What a great question. My initial response was, “Well, yes we do celebrate Arbor Day.”<br />
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The Second Hallmark of Keltrian Druids applies to this question — “We revere the Spirits of Nature.” This hallmark addresses our deep resonance and relationship with nature, which is a common thread held by many druids. Developing relationships with all living things is significant in Keltrian practice. As such, developing a relationship with trees is an important activity in our daily lives. We use the symbolism of the tree in our tree meditation and other practices. Establishing a relationship with a specific tree or groves of trees is an important aspect of our practice. Recognizing the importance of trees in our lives is a characteristic of both Keltrian Druids and the Arbor Day Foundation. Because different states have different dates for Arbor Day, the Henge has never proposed a specific date to celebrate Arbor Day nor has it suggested specific activities for service, however, participating in Arbor Day activities would be considered “service to community” as a Keltrian Druid service commitment. <br />
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Over the years various groves have done Arbor Day types of activities with their groves and individual members have provided service individually. As an example, back in the 1990s I organized my office to plant 13 trees around the parking lot of my work office. It was a great success and many of those original trees still stand although some of them have been replaced (due to infant tree mortality). Likewise, I was a member of my city’s Tree Board for several years and used that position to promote trees in our city and helped protect the city's ancient trees from destruction. <br />
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So yes, Keltrian Druids revere trees and many individuals and groves have activities to directly support trees and Arbor Day activities in their individual states (or countries). <br />
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The next Arbor Day celebration is South Carolina’s, which is the First Friday in December. Then come Florida and Louisiana, which both celebrate the 3rd Friday in January. So, if you are in these states it is a great time to plan a individual, group, or grove activities that promote trees. You might do so in conjunction with another group or plan your own activity. The Arbor Day Foundation has some <a href="https://www.arborday.org/arborday/celebrate.cfm" target="_blank">great ideas for activities</a>. Don’t know when your state’s Arbor Day occurs, check the <a href="https://www.arborday.org/arborday/datestext.cfm" target="_blank">ADF</a> (Arbor Day Foundation) <a href="https://www.arborday.org/arborday/datestext.cfm" target="_blank">dates page</a> for your state's dates and links to local activities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABaldCypress_BG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="By Boriana (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="BaldCypress BG" height="200" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/BaldCypress_BG.jpg/256px-BaldCypress_BG.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASabalPalm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="By William Bumgarner (en.wp:Zsinj) (w:User:Zsinj) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="SabalPalm" height="200" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/SabalPalm.jpg/256px-SabalPalm.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabal Palm</td></tr>
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By the way, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina’s state trees are Baldcypress, Cabbage Palmetto, and Sabal Palm. Can you match the state with the State Tree?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://keltria.blogspot.com/p/answer-baldcypress-cabbage-palmetto.html" target="_blank">Answer Here</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
/|\ Tony <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-42119084693517515862013-09-13T16:50:00.002-04:002013-09-13T16:52:25.773-04:00Religious Mysteries<style>@font-face {
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I have been following several conversations in the Pagan and
Druid communities regarding Religious Mysteries. Magickal Rites and the
inclusion of Religious Mysteries in the Keltrian Druid initiation practice was
one of the several key defining points in establishing Keltrian Druidism as a
separate and unique path.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Merriam-Webster On-line dictionary has as its first
meaning,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1. a</span></i><span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:</span></b><span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a religious truth that one can know only by
revelation and cannot fully understand</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9779161#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That meaning is close, but I think of
it slightly differently. I see a Religious Mystery as “a religious truth that
is known by revelation and cannot be logically explained.“ </span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A religious Mystery, cannot be logically explained, but, rather it must be experienced. Once embraced, the Mystery changes your entire being and the way you relate to the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the Mystery is a part of your being you
can do things you could never do before. </span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I like to explain how a religious
Mystery works through an example of a secular Mystery – The square root of a
negative one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No real number multiplied
times itself can give a negative number. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea that a number multiplied times itself
and give a negative result doesn’t make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But once you have embraced it, once it becomes a part of your being a
whole new mathematical world opens up for you; you now have the world of imaginary numbers available to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For every real number there is an imaginary
number. The mathematical world of numbers doubles with the addition of the
square root of a negative one (called “I” in mathematics or “j” in
electronics).</span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More than just the world opening up for
you, you now have the tools to do mathematical problem solving you couldn’t
solve before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mind is open to new
possibilities and capabilities because you have embraced the mystery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A religious Mystery operates in a
similar manner. It is usually impossible to explain in a rational way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But once it has been revealed to you in a
manner in which you can absorb the concept you can have a new world open up for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have the ability to do things
you couldn’t do before. The Mystery provides a context for further actions and
you get it, even those who haven’t embraced the Mystery don understand what you
are doing.</span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have long felt the revelation of a
Mystery is one of the underpinnings of a religious initiation. Consequently,
self initiation cannot have the ability to reveal a Mystery, something
unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initiations into Mystery
Traditions include a process for the candidate to learn and embrace something
that does not make sense but opens their eyes to a new reality. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9779161#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystery</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-47006446044269399062012-10-11T06:47:00.000-04:002012-10-11T06:48:10.081-04:00BBC Radio - The Druids<br />
I ran into an interesting podcast on BBC Radio 4: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mqq94">In Our Time, The Druids.</a><br />
<blockquote>
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Druids, the priests of ancient Europe. His guests include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Barry Cunliffe - Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at the University of Oxford</li>
<li>Miranda Aldhouse-Green- Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University</li>
<li>Justin Champion - Professor of the History of Early Modern Ideas at Royal Holloway, University of London</li>
</ul>
Of
particular interest is the "For Further Reading" listing associated
with the podcast. It includes several <b><span style="color: #274e13;">standards</span></b> but also a number of
books that I am not familiar with. Certainly some of them will be <b>added</b> to my wish list. <br />
<ul>
<li>Miranda Aldhouse-Green, ‘<b><a href="http://amzn.to/OVFZII" target="_blank">Caesar's Druids:</a> Archaeology of an Ancient Priesthood</b>’ (Yale University Press, 2010)
</li>
<li>Justin Champion, ‘<a href="http://amzn.to/T7VxEJ" target="_blank">Republican Learning</a>: John Toland and the Crisis of Christian Culture’ (Manchester, 2009)</li>
<li>Barry Cunliffe, ‘<b><a href="http://amzn.to/RbLvT2" target="_blank">Druids</a>: A Very Short Introduction</b>’ (Oxford University Press, 2010)
</li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Miranda J. Green, ‘Exploring the <a href="http://amzn.to/SNx2R2" target="_blank">World of the Druids</a>’ (Thames and Hudson, 1997)
</span></li>
<li>Michael Hunter, ‘<a href="http://amzn.to/RhFQ1m" target="_blank">John Aubrey and the Realm of Learning</a>’ (Duckworth, 1975)
</li>
<li>Ronald Hutton, ‘<b><a href="http://amzn.to/Q0xJBZ" target="_blank">Blood and Mistletoe</a>: The History of the Druids in Britain</b>’ (Yale University Press, 2009)
</li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Stuart Piggott, ‘<a href="http://amzn.to/QkIoJd" target="_blank">Ancient Britons and the Antiquarian Imagination</a>’ (Thames & Hudson, 1989)
</span></li>
<li>Sam Smiles, ‘<a href="http://amzn.to/QTFr4C" target="_blank">The Image of Antiquity</a>: Ancient Britain and the Romantic Imagination’ (Yale, 1994)</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Of
course, I'd be interested in a review of any of the books, particularly those dated since 2009. If you would like to submit a review to either Henge Happenings or to Keltria Journal, please do so to <a href="http://submissions@keltria.org./">submissions@keltria.org.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-76896804134195328292012-10-02T17:27:00.002-04:002012-10-02T17:29:13.830-04:00Tony's Recommended Reading<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every few years it is good to reconsider which books
a person recommends. Certainly some books fall out of favor and other books become better sources for information. Sometimes we go back to a book read long ago that really crystallized some concept. Finally, the ideas we
think are important change somewhat as we, ourselves, progress. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My top three recommended books in each of
the service areas are:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Druid’s Path:</i></b></span></span></h4>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1564146715/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1564146715&linkCode=as2&tag=keltria-wp-20">* <i>Pagans and the Law</i></a><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1564146715" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />: Understand your Rights</i> by Dana D. Eilers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738711993/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0738711993&linkCode=as2&tag=keltria-wp-20">* <i>Neopagan Rites: </i></a><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0738711993" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> A Guide to Creating Public Rituals that Work</i> by Isaac Bonewits</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/keltria.15358602"><i>The Henge of
Keltria Book of Ritual</i></a> by Pat Taylor & Tony Taylor </span></span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Bard's Path:</i></b></span></span></h4>
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</style><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b><i>* </i></b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1577315936/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1577315936&linkCode=as2&tag=keltria-wp-20">The Hero with a Thousand Faces</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1577315936" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></i> by Joseph Campbell
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Flush"><span class="srTitle"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892818743?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0892818743">The Making of a Druid: Hidden Teachings from The Colloquy of Two Sages</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.keltria.org/Publications/Bookstore.htm_files/ir_053.gif" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></span><span class="srTitle"> <span class="Flush"><span class="srTitle">by Christian J. Guyonvarc'h </span></span></span></span><span class="Flush"> [<a href="http://www.keltria.org/hengehap/HH74/HH74-Reviews.htm#TheMakingOfADruid">Review</a>]</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Flush"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1577315413?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1577315413">The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel</a></i> by Frank MacEowen [<a href="http://www.keltria.org/hengehap/HH74/HH74-Reviews.htm">Review</a>] </span><b><i><span class="Flush"><b></b></span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Seer's Path:</i></b></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0919345530/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0919345530&linkCode=as2&tag=keltria-wp-20">The Master Book of Herbalism</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0919345530" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </i>by Paul Beyerl
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062501747?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062501747">Fire in the Head:</a></i><span class="style18"><i> Shamanism and the Celtic Spirit</i> by Tom Cowan</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/thehengeofkeltri/detail/1859060536">Celtic Wisdom Sticks:</a></i><span class="style18"><i> </i><i>Ancient Ogam Symbols Offer Guidance for Today</i> by Caitlin Matthews</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i><b><i><span class="style18">Survey of Religions</span></i></b></i></b></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><a class="title" href="http://www.amazon.com/Bonewitss-Essential-Guide-Druidism-Bonewits/dp/0806527102/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349211999&sr=1-1&keywords=bonewits">* Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism</a> <span class="ptBrand">by Isaac Bonewits </span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="style18"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143038192?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0143038192">Drawing Down the Moon:</a></i><i><span class="ptBrand"><span class="style18"> Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America</span></span><span class="ptBrand"><span class="style18"> by Margot Adler</span> </span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="style18"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892819049?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0892819049">Being a Pagan:</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.keltria.org/Publications/Bookstore.htm_files/ir_011.gif" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </span></i><span class="style18"><i><span class="style18"><i><span class="style18">Druids, Wiccans, and Witches Today<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.keltria.org/Publications/Bookstore.htm_files/ir_011.gif" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></span></i></span></i> by E. Hopman and L. Bond</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* indicates a book new to my list.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-1251669627206603522012-09-22T07:47:00.001-04:002012-09-22T07:47:15.852-04:00I endorsed the "Open Letter on Family Planning"<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The Religious Institute is asking ordained clergy, professional religious educators, theologians, and staff of religious institutions. to endorse an open letter on Family Planning. I agreed with everything they are stating so I've endorsed it too. If you agree with their position on family planning and are one of the above, I think your support will also be appreciated.<br/> <br/><a href='http://www.religiousinstitute.org/olfp'>Religious Institute | Endorse the Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Family Planning</a><br/><blockquote>Endorse the Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Family Planning<br/><br/>We seek your endorsement of the Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Family Planning. <br/><br/>Tweet about the Open Letter<br/><br/>You can read the full text of the letter by clicking here. <br/>Read the current list of endorsers by clicking here.<br/><br/>To endorse the Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Family Planning, please complete the form below.<br/><br/>Please note: We are seeking endorsements from ordained clergy, professional religious educators, theologians, and staff of religious institutions. If you do not fit one of these categories, but would like to express your support for sexual justice, please join the Faithful Voices Network.<br/><br/>Thank you! We are deeply appreciative of your support of sexual justice. </blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-76269143830886597122012-09-22T07:20:00.001-04:002012-09-22T07:20:50.908-04:00Druid ritual closes Paralympics in London 2012<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Great video showing BDO style Druid ceremony. I'll bet the closing with dozens of fire handlers was totally awesome to see in person, the video was excellent! See it on <a href='http://youtu.be/eNE8PTgsjWk' target='_blank'>YouTube</a>.<br/><br/><a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eNE8PTgsjWk'>Paralympics 2012 Druid Ritual - YouTube</a><br/><blockquote>Former army medic, Rory MacKenzie, speaks words from a Druid ritual composed by Philip Shallcrass (Greywolf) and Emma Restall Orr (Bobcat) for celebrating the seasonal festivals of Paganism in open, public, multi-faith rituals that were pioneered by the British Druid Order in the 1990s at the Avebury henge in the UK and elsewhere, from Stonehenge to Seattle. Broadcast live to 750 million people worldwide during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics. Blessings to all.</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-64791776692468206242012-07-07T14:39:00.000-04:002012-07-07T14:43:14.831-04:00Remembering Robert Heinlein<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Robert Heinlein was born July 7<sup>th</sup> 1907 and passed
on May 8<sup>th</sup>, 1988.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Heinlein-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Heinlein-face.jpg" width="155" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He was one of the most important science fiction authors of
his day.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> He is known for his nearly 60
short stores, over 30 novels, and his Hugo Award winning novel, <i>Stranger in a Strange Land,</i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I first began reading his books in the ‘50s. His book, <i>Have
Space Suit - Will Travel</i> was something
of a take-off of my favorite TV show of the time, “Have Gun – Will Travel.”
Heinlein’s book was among the first science fiction novels I read as a child. It expanded
my education, gave me an appreciation for science, and expanded my imagination. (Maybe I, too, could go to the moon.) In
the ’60s I read <i>Methuselah's Children </i>and<i> Stranger in a Strange Land. </i>Amazing
books and among the very few I have on my “reread” list. In the Early ‘70’s he wrote “Time Enough for
Love” which is arguably my all-time favorite science fiction novel. I still
quote sayings from the main character in that book, Lazarus
Long. Sayings such as, “Everything in excess… Moderation
is for monks,” “One man's theology is another man's belly laugh,” and “You can
have peace -- Or you can have freedom -- Don't ever count on having both at
once,” still provide a philosophical view of the world that can be life
changing. Lazarus appears in several of
Heinlein’s books and I have seen a small book of nothing but Lazarus Long sayings. An amazing character who has a wisdom provided by Heinlein.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In the ‘80’s I met Otter G’Zell (now
known as Oberon Zell-Ravenhart) and learned about the Church of All Worlds
(CAW) and their fascinating tradition.
The CAW founders took ideas from Heinlein’s <i>Stranger in a Strange Land</i> (social libertarianism water-sharing
rituals, and many other concepts) and developed a wonderful religious path. Some of the most wonderful, caring, loving people
I’ve ever known have been CAW waterkin.
I’m proud to have been able to share water with so many of them. In many
ways they have provided a template about how loving a church can be. I think of
them often and know they will "Never Thirst." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Today, on the 105th anniversary of his birth, I remember Robert
Heinlein and give thanks to him as an Ancestor. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-48034636395590099282012-05-21T07:25:00.000-04:002012-05-21T07:25:17.264-04:00Remembering Gwydion Pendderwen<style>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Gwydion
Pendderwen (Thomas deLong) was born May 21<sup>st</sup> 1946 and passed on November
9<sup>th</sup>, 1982.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
He was a musician, conservationist, and Pagan and is probably best known for
his music, including the albums, </span><i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Songs for the Old Religion</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> and <i>The Faerie Shaman.</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was also one of the founders of “Forever Forests”, an tree planning
organization in Northern California. He was also one of the early leaders of
the Feri Tradition and is known as the start of the “Watchmaker Line” in that
tradition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">His music
was among the first specifically Pagan themed music I ever purchased. In the late
1970’s and early 1980’s there wasn’t much Pagan music available; Gwydion’s
material was one of the few one of the few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Songs such as “The Lord of the Dance “ and “We Won’t Wait Any Longer “
were important to the Neopaganism movement in general and helped define the
period. He and the other folks Northern California Pagans set the tone and
direction of Paganism in the 1980’s. Gwydion had given a concert at the Pagan
Spirit Gathering, in 1980, before I began attending the Gathering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With his release of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Faerie Shaman </i>in 1982, I was hoping he would return to PSG (in
1983) to promote it and give me the opportunity to listen to him in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall my sadness when I learned of his
death due to a car accident in the fall of ‘82.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of his work with Forever Forests, I still think of him at Arbor
Day and other times when tree planting take place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Today,
on the 66th anniversary of his birth, I remember Gwydion Pendderwen and give
thanks to him as an Ancestor. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-51662465959654228522012-04-21T07:38:00.001-04:002012-04-21T07:38:11.585-04:00Cornwall schools to teach<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>As an American, I tend to feel that the separation of church and state is extremely important and I am always concerned when public educators teach religion. That said, I am very pleased to see that Cornwall schools will include alternative religions, including Paganism, Wicca, and Druidism, in their program. The Cornwall Council's estimate of a 0.1% pagan population appears to be an attempt to be dismissive of Pagan acceptability when the others put the 2001 census indicating close to 8%. Contrary to the Council, Druidism, Paganism, and Witchcraft/Wicca are not faddish and are growing throughout the world. <br/><br/><a href='http://au.christiantoday.com/article/religious-education-now-includes-paganism-witchcraft-in-uk-schools/13149.htm'>Religious Education now includes Paganism, Witchcraft in UK schools</a><br/><blockquote>Religious Education now includes Paganism, Witchcraft in UK schools<br/>A U.K. school system has included the study of witchcraft and druidry on its official religious education syllabus for the first time, meaning pagan practices will be taught alongside contemporary religions, such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism.</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-9510078574092079112012-03-26T07:09:00.002-04:002012-03-26T07:13:42.274-04:00Remembering Joseph Campbell<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/Joseph_Campbell_circa_1982.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 197px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/Joseph_Campbell_circa_1982.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; 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mso-fareast-language:JA;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:JA;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in .75in 1.0in .75in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:10pt;" >Joseph Campbell was born March 26<sup>th</sup>, 1904 and passed on October 30<sup>th</sup> 1987.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" ><br />He was a mythologist, writer, and speaker and is best known for his PBS series with Bill Moyers, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Power of Myth</span> that aired posthumously.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was a professor at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His many books have had a huge impact upon understanding the purpose of myth in various cultures, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>throughout time, and include important insight into the functions of myth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Campbell’s book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hero With a Thousand Faces</span>, influenced George Lucas’s Star Wars and provided Lucas with a foundation to create a consistent mythology. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" >He had a great influence upon me as a writer and as a video lecturer, his is beyond comparison to any other speaker in his videos, particularly with Bill Moyers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His advice to “follow your bliss” is important to my personality, but his concept to MYTH – <span style="font-style: italic;">Make Yourself The Hero</span>, was mind changing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His MYTH concept was the imbus for the “cattle raids,” which we held at many gatherings in the mid-west in the early 1990s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the “cattle raids” we would steal each other’s stuffed toy cattle using and then tell stories about the evening fire. The stories would grow in the telling, often to mythic proportions. The story telling, where your actions became the basis for the development of new myth, became the stuff legends come from. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalIndent" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" >Likewise, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Masks of God</span> was an important influence upon my understanding of how deity is interpreted by different cultures at different times.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cultural context of the people is fundamental to understanding the development of their myths as well as understanding how spiritual relationships develop. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" > Today, on the 108th anniversary of his birth, I remember Joseph Campbell and give thanks to him as an Ancestor. </span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-41399329571550869452012-03-24T07:53:00.001-04:002012-03-24T07:53:37.122-04:00"Solitary Druid" = murder your family - NOT<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I always worry when the State wants to use their ignorance about Druidism as the basis for motive. The idea that someone calling themselves a "solitary Druid" means that they wanted to get rid of their family is ludicrous. <br/>I hope the judge bars the mention of the defendant's beliefs as no good can come to anyone, either the defendant or the Druid community, if the prosecution want to use such information in such a way.<br/><br/>That said, I would think that the defense would want the person's Druid beliefs brought up. That Druidism holds that all life is sacred is an important tenet. And that "solitary Druid" only means a person following a Druid path without benefit of a grove, congregation, or in-person clergy.<br/><br/>I sincerely hope that Vaughn didn't do it and is found not guilty, but if he did it, there is no amount of honor price that could be paid for such a despicable act. (Illinois abolished the death penalty last year.) <br/><a href='http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-vaughn-hearing-0324-20120324,0,2809866.story'>Christopher Vaughn's defense team seeks to bar mention of his Druid beliefs - chicagotribune.com</a><br/><blockquote>In one dated April 24, Vaughn asked, "does anyone know of anyone in the Yukon territories by chance?" and added that he wanted to move there "permanently," said Assistant State's Attorney John Connor. Vaughn spent time in Canada a month later, he said.<br/><br/>Prosecutors also want to include a posting Vaughn made in which he called himself a "solitary Druid." Connor said it was another indication Vaughn wanted to rid himself of his family.</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-8040506393250777872012-03-10T07:19:00.001-05:002012-03-10T07:19:52.869-05:00Author seeks essays on polytheistic experiences<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Saw an interesting request for essays for inclusion in a book being done by an author, William McGillis. I think maybe I'll write up an essay about my encounter with a mountain lion and submit it. That encounter was probably the most spiritual, sacred, experience in my life. <br/><br/><a href='http://ccwe.wordpress.com/tag/william-mcgillis/'>William McGillis « Cambridge Centre for Western Esotericism</a><br/><blockquote>Seeking thoughtful, original, and previously unpublished non-fiction essays recounting first-hand encounters with Gods, ancestors, spirits, disembodied intelligences, and sacred presences in nature.</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-26984115507877531142012-02-21T08:23:00.001-05:002012-02-21T08:23:38.991-05:00Biography of Isaac Bonewits is in the works<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I came across this website where someone is writing a biography about Isaac Bonewits. Certainly, Isaac had an important influence upon the Henge and upon Keltrian Druidism. I hope that Seligman's book focuses upon Isaac's impact upon the Druid community as he suggests it will. I'll be interested in reading the book when it comes out.<br/><br/><a href='http://wgseligman.livejournal.com/30866.html'>The Argothald Journal - A Biography of Isaac Bonewits</a><br/><blockquote>My name is Bill Seligman. I am writing a biography on the life of Isaac Bonewits. I intend to tell the story of his life; how he influenced the Neopagan, Druid, and Wiccan communities; and to include a generous share of "Isaac stories." It will be a biography, not a hagiography; I don't think he'd want his image to be polished (nor tarnished!) from anything other than what it was.<br/> <br/><br/>Please share this web page (http://bit.ly/IBbio) and my e-mail addresses ([bonewits.research] of [gmail.com] or [william.seligman] of [gmail.com]; sorry for the obfuscation) with anyone you know who is strongly connected to Isaac's life.</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-87967585616789752132012-02-21T04:55:00.001-05:002012-02-21T04:55:05.139-05:00New Discoveries at Stonehenge?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Archaeology Magazine is one of the magazines I subscribe to, so I am always pleased to see when they run bits about western Europe, particularly the Celts or megalithic monuments. They're reporting "new discoveries" but I'm not sure what is new in their report.<br/><ul><li>There is evidence that there may have been alignments between specific stones and posts at the solstices. </li><li>Some of the bluestones were quarried in Preseli Hills in West Wales. </li></ul>It is techno-cool that they apparently figured out where one of the stones was quarried to within a 6 by 15 foot area, but I'm not sure that is is really "new." Anyway, glad to see a bit about Stonehenge.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><a href='http://www.archaeology.org/1203/trenches/stonehenge_heel_stone_petrography_bluestones.html'>From the Trenches - New Discoveries at Stonehenge - Archaeology Magazine</a><br/><blockquote>Stonehenge and its surrounding area continue to offer new information about how the prehistoric site was used. A ground-penetrating radar survey led by Vincent Gaffney of the University of Birmingham has revealed evidence of two large pits that, when viewed from the Heel Stone, a small standing stone near the entrance to the site, align with sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice. The pits may have held wooden posts or standing stones, and the area between them and the Heel Stone may have been used for summer solstice rituals.<br/><br/>Some of the stones from the site were the subject of a different study, by geologists Rob Ixer of the University of Leicester and Richard Bevins of National Museum Wales, to determine where they came from. The researchers used a technique called "petrography," a common tool for geologists for more than 100 years. It involves looking at extremely thin slices of rock under a microscope and describing the way the minerals that compose it blend with one another to form a unique texture—as distinctive as a fingerprint. By comparing rock fragments from some of the site's "bluestones" (a generic term used to describe stones outside the site's iconic center) to samples from a rhyolite outcropping at Preseli Hills in West Wales (above), Ixer and Bevins were able to narrow down the area where at least one stone had been quarried to a six-by-15-foot space. The information could lead archaeologists directly to the places where Neolithic people cut the rock that was made into Stonehenge up to 5,000 years ago. The geologists have examined about 700 pieces of rock from Stonehenge but have only completed analysis on a few pieces of rhyolite. "I've been at this for 20 years," says Ixer, "but it is really just the beginning."</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-41168859618558907342012-02-16T08:53:00.002-05:002012-02-16T09:03:40.338-05:00Remembering Pamela Colman-Smith<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/RWS_Tarot_01_Magician.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 264px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/RWS_Tarot_01_Magician.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Pamela Colman-Smith was born on February 16th, 1878 and passed on September 19th, 1951.<br /><br />She was an artist, illustrator, writer, and editor. She edited the short-lived magazine <span style="font-style: italic;">The Green Sheaf</span> that included material from Yeats. Yeats introduced her to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. There she met A.E. Waite. Her collaboration with Waite inspired her most famous and enduring work -- the Waite-Smith Tarot. That work, republished and recolored became know as the Rider-Waite Tarot, is the standard for most tarot readers’ collections.<br /><br />I, like many interested in the occult and alternate spirituality, studied and practiced the Tarot. Of course, I began with the Rider-Waite Tarot. I’ll admit, I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the artist/illustrator of the work in my early learning. It was several years later, and familiarity with many more Tarot Decks, that I grew to really appreciate the work that Pamela Colman-Smith did. Her work had endured like few others and is the standard by which all other A.E. Waite based tarot cards are judged against. Although I’ve grown to use another deck when I do tarot readings, I still can use the Pamela Coleman-Smith drawn decks.<br /><br /> Today, on the 134th anniversary of her birth, I remember Pamela Colman-Smith and give thanks to her as an Ancestor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-76946760620517753412012-01-31T14:54:00.001-05:002012-01-31T14:54:21.150-05:00Giant Jesus at Primrose Hill?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I have always, in the back of my mind, had a notion that when I finally visit England, <br />I’d reach out to the various Druid groups in England and hopefully be able to attend some of the rituals around the country. I had always figured that a visit to Primrose Hill would occur, even if by myself as it has traditionally been the site for so many Druid rituals and is so well known for it. <br/><br/>However, doing so under <br />the gaze of a giant fiberglass Jesus would be very disconcerting. It really is up to the local Druids to take up a call to action about this project. But, I will say if they don't stop it and a giant fiberglass Jesus (It may as well be a giant plastic Jesus.) is erected, I probably won't be interested in visiting the site. It certainly won't be on my registry of "Important Druid Sites" to visit. <br/><br/>I'll be interested in following this issue and see of the London Area Druids take take any action regarding the project.<br/><br/><a href='http://druidlife.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/druid-news-2/#comment-578'>Druid News « Druid Life</a><br/><blockquote>Plans to erect a giant fibreglass replica of the Rio De Janeiro ‘Redeemer Statue’ on top of London’s posh Primrose Hill have been revealed. The project will be funded by the Brazilian government to mark the end of the London 2012 Olympics and the hand over of the torch to the Rio Olympic committee for the 2016 Games. The installation, is based on the famous statue which overlooks Rio harbour from Corcovado mountain.<br/><br/>For the rest of that article, go to http://www.artlyst.com/articles/residents-up-in-arms-over-primrose-hill-jesus<br/><br/> As yet, no one has mentioned Druids. However, Primrose Hill in London has been an important meeting place for UK Druid groups for pretty much as long as there have been modern Druids. Those early groups would have been more fraternal and probably self-identifying as Christian, so it’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, their contemporary descendents have to say about it....<br/><br/></blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-26793832006941324302012-01-23T06:45:00.005-05:002012-01-23T07:46:06.612-05:00Remembering Marija Gimbutas<b>Marija Gimbutas </b>was born on January 23, 1921 and passed on February 2, 1994. She was an was an archeologist who incorporated linguistics and mythology. In her work she developed the Kurgan hypothesis which stated that a peaceful gynocentric (matriarchal) society was, in the Bronze Age, replaced by an androcratic (patriarchal) society. In her view the the gynocentric societies were peaceful, respected homosexuals, and were egalitarian.<br /><br />Gimbutas' books, particularly <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0520046552/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-wp-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0520046552">The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0520046552" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> </i>(1974); <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0500282498/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-wp-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0500282498">The Language of the Goddess</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0500282498" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> </i>(1989), and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062508040/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-wp-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062508040">The Civilization of the Goddess: The World of Old Europe</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=keltria-wp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062508040" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> </i>(1991), were really important in defining much of what is today modern Goddess belief and built upon speculation that Neolithic Goddess cultures had superior social structures. She also defined a "Great Goddess" of which many other focused goddesses, such as river goddesses, snake goddesses, etc., were manifestations of.<br /><br />In the 70's, I became read (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0520046552/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-wp-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0520046552">The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe</a></i>) and found it extremely interesting - eye opening even. She helped me understand the ramifications of Goddess worship from a social viewpoint. My understanding of how the various gods and goddesses can be viewed as manifestations of a single god and goddess was clarified by her writings. Although I continue to be a true polytheist, I understand the pantheistic view of deity because of Gimbutas.<br /><br />Of course, several of her books are in my library. Her vision of "The Goddess" has given me an understanding of goddess worship and the implications of the social impact of such worship.<br /><br /> Today, on the 91st anniversary of her birth, I remember Marija Gimbutas and give thanks to her as an Ancestor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-44799741014236459192012-01-04T10:19:00.002-05:002012-01-04T10:38:26.480-05:00Remembering Doreen Valiente<span style="font-weight: bold;">Doreen Edith Dominy Valiente</span> was born on 4 January 1922 and passed 1 September 1999. She was interested in magic from an early age and studied occult. When she was 30, she met Gerald Gardner and was initiated into his coven the following year. She went on to become his High Priestess, split from him, and became the High Priestess of several other covens -- some that she formed. She went on to write several important books including <span style="font-style: italic;">An ABC of Witchcraft</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Natural Magic</span>, and much later, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0709083696/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonysdruidblog-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0709083696">The Rebirth of Witchcraft</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tonysdruidblog-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0709083696" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />.<br /><br /> During the mid 1970’s I was investigating various religious paths. Doreen’s book, <span style="font-style: italic;">An ABC of Witchcraft</span> was one of the first books I read regarding Witchcraft. Her approach made more sense to me than Steward Farrar’s <span style="font-style: italic;">What Witches Do</span>. I thought her approach was more in tune with Nature than some of the other materials I read at the time. (She may have been influenced by Robert Cochrane.)<br /><br />She had a very positive approach to relationships with coven members and with the outside world in general. It was a refreshing approach to Witchcraft and was the closest thing I had found to my beliefs and expectations before I found modern Druidism.<br /><br />Of course, we still have her books in my library. (Many of them are now out of print.) Her vision of Witchcraft gave me a much broader vocabulary of modern Witchcraft (Wicca) and an understanding of what it should be about. She provided a clear perspective of the Craft as a positive, life affirming, religion that was important for me to understand at a time when "Witchcraft" conjured visions of Satanic Rituals.<br /><br /> Today, on the 89th anniversary of her birth, I remember Doreen Valiente and give thanks to her as an Ancestor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-90177297501012238672012-01-03T07:15:00.002-05:002012-01-03T07:51:42.968-05:00Remembering J. R. R. Tolkien<b> John Ronald Reuel Tolkien </b>was born on 3 January 1892 and passed 2 September 1973. A university professor at Oxford, he is particularly noted for his fantasy works, <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618968636/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonysdruidblog-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0618968636">The Hobbit</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tonysdruidblog-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0618968636" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618640150/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonysdruidblog-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0618640150">The Lord of the Rings</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tonysdruidblog-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0618640150" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span>trilogy. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /> The Hobbit</span> was probably the first full-length novel I ever read. Certainly, I read it as a preteen and it is the first "real" book I can recall reading. I read The <span style="font-style: italic;">Lord of the Rings</span> trilogy sometime in my teens and, of course, have seen all of the movies - several times. His detail of the Middle Earth helped give me a desire to understand the historical places that gave inspiration to his world.<br /><br /> Although not a direct influence upon my spiritual life, Tolkien's books helped to pave the way to my accepting alternative worlds and alternative world views.<br /><br /> I know that I still have copies of his books in my library that have made the move across the country and back again as his books have always been important to me. Although far down on my "I'd like to read again" list, his writings will always hold an important place in my heart.<br /><br /> Today, on the 120th anniversary of his birth, I remember J. R. R. Tolkien and give thanks to him as an Ancestor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-71801551979421147182011-12-31T08:11:00.007-05:002012-01-01T10:52:47.392-05:00Remembering Sir James George Frazer<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> <a href="http://keltria.blogspot.com/2011/12/remembering-carlos-castaneda.html">Remembering Sir James Frazer</a> </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> Sir James Frazer was born on 1 January 1854 -5/7/1941) and passed 7 May 1941. A social anthropologist, he is particularly noted for his work, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQUEC4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thehengeofkeltri&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000JQUEC4">The Golden Bough</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thehengeofkeltri&l=as2&o=1&a=B000JQUEC4" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, which is now available (abbreviated form) at no charge on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQUEC4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thehengeofkeltri&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000JQUEC4">Kindle</a> Kindle and in an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684818507/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thehengeofkeltri&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0684818507">illustrated edition</a>. Frazer's approach to religion focused upon what people did rather than theology. I have always wanted the 12 volume complete set, but have only encountered the abridged edition. I read his material first in the early '70's and was blown away. It opened my eyes to all of the similarities in religion. His material was among the first to have me understand how much of the Christ myth was a duplication of other, more ancient myths (virgin birth, resurrection, etc.). His work expanded my understanding that many religions share similar stories. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQUEC4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thehengeofkeltri&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000JQUEC4"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Golden Bough</span> </a>was probably the most eye-opening book I ever found any many later books, such as the Silver Bough, built upon my learning. Definitely on my "needs to be read again" list and on a special "I'd love to get the entire 12 volume set" list.<br /><br />Today, on the 156th anniversary of his birth, I remember Sir James George Frazer and give thanks to him as an Ancestor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-11538592642280752192011-12-31T07:10:00.001-05:002011-12-31T07:10:49.532-05:00OBOD Druids in Mass. Celebrate Winter Solstice<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Very nice article about the OBOD Druids of the Mystic River Grove in Massachusetts who celebrated the Winter Solstice with an evening bonfire ritual. Photos at <a href='http://bit.ly/tnhBfy' target='_blank'>http://bit.ly/tnhBfy</a> <br/>They met at "<a href='http://www.PeaceAbbey.org' target='_blank'>The Peace Abbey</a>" which is an interesting looking organization. Although they are moving, for members in the Boston Metro area, it may be good to look at their site for potential activities in the future. They have a Bed & Breakfast as well as conference spaces for rent. They also have a Pacifist Living History Museum and a Quaker room. It looks like a place it would be nice to have an Keltria Gathering and/or Annual Meeting.<br/><br/><a href='http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/features/x1282426776/Druid-ceremony-at-Sherborns-Peace-Abbey-celebrates-the-return-of-the-sun#axzz1i6udAry6'>Druid ceremony at Sherborn's Peace Abbey celebrates the return of the sun</a><br/><br/><blockquote><i>The Order of the Bards, Ovates and Druids celebrated Winter Solstice at the Peace Abbey on Wednesday, Dec. 21.....<br/><br/>...the Boston “[Mystic River] grove” has been in existence for about 20 years....<br/><br/>..."the goals of Druid practices are similar to the practices of the Peace Abbey such as embracing Mother Earth.” </i><br/><br/><div align='left'>OBOD Druids mentioned in the article include: <br/><ul><li>Sarah Fuhro of Natick.</li><li><br />Cat Hughes of Berlin </li><li><br />James Dempsey (A Shamanic Energy Healer)</li><li><br />Liz Tobin </li></ul></div></blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-9614771116474369822011-12-25T08:04:00.001-05:002011-12-25T08:04:01.440-05:00Remembering Carlos Castañeda<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Carlos Castañeda was born 25 December 1925 and passed 27 April 1998. Although an anthropologist, he is particularly noted as an author. In 1968 his published <i><a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0520256387/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thehengeofkeltri&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0520256387'><b>The Teachings of Don Juan:</b> A Yaqui Way of Knowledge</a><img width='1' height='1' border='0' style='border:none !important; margin:0px !important;' alt='' src='http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thehengeofkeltri&l=as2&o=1&a=0520256387'/>. </i>Certainly, Carlos Castañeda was an important author in the late 1960's and early 1970's. His work helped expand the ideas of Native American Shamanism (Yaqui) and Toltec wisdom. I read his book when it first came out and found it both confusing and enlightening. I was still a teenager and the book was beyond my comprehension. However, it did expand my understanding of alternative beliefs and practices and is thus provided an important step along my path in Druidism. Today, on the 86th anniversary of his birth, I remember Carlos Castañeda and give thanks to him as an Ancestor.<br/><br/><br/>Technorati Tags: <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Remembrance' class='performancingtags'>Remembrance</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Shaman' class='performancingtags'>Shaman</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Don%20Juan' class='performancingtags'>Don Juan</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Carlos%20Castaneda' class='performancingtags'>Carlos Castaneda</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Carlos%20Casta%C3%B1eda' class='performancingtags'>Carlos Castañeda</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Ancestor%20' class='performancingtags'>Ancestor </a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-88145405073860803592011-12-20T06:23:00.001-05:002011-12-20T06:23:36.322-05:00Mara Freeman led Celtic Journeys<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Mara Freeman, author of the Henge recommended <b><i><a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006251685X?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=006251685X' target='_blank'>Kindling the Celtic Spirit</a>,</i></b> Meditation Leader (See: "<a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006251685X?ie=UTF8&tag=keltria-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1890851051' target='_blank'>Celtic Spirit Meditations"</a>), and regular contributor to <i><b><a href='http://www.keltria.org/journal/Journal-Index06.htm' target='_blank'>Keltria</a>:</b> Journal of Druidism and Celtic Magick</i> during the 1990's is leading some wonderful Celtic Spirit Journeys. Besides tours of Ireland she also leads groups to Scotland, Wales, and Avalon. They look wonderful. If you are able to participate in any of her tours, please say "hello" from me. Of course, we'd love a review of your experience. <br/><br/><a href='http://www.celticspiritjourneys.com/ireland.php'>Celtic Spirit Journeys - Spirit of Ireland Tour</a><br/><blockquote>Join Mara Freeman on an inspirational journey that will open you to the living presence of the Goddess in Ireland - and provide an opportunity for you to awaken to your innermost self deep within Ireland’s Spiritual Heartland. <br/><br/>Refresh your spirit in the heart of Connacht, the ancient western province of Ireland associated with learning, wisdom and magic. We will be staying in Sligo, traditionally known as The Land of Heart’s Desire, a breathtakingly beautiful county, with spectacular scenery and unspoilt landscapes: long sweeps of sandy beaches, rolling green hills, shining lakes, waterfalls, and magical woodlands. Sligo is home to possibly the most abundant ancient sacred sites in Ireland, stretching back more than 5,000 years</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9779161.post-70281338772019053542011-12-17T05:57:00.001-05:002011-12-17T05:57:49.838-05:00Another Mistletoe Article with the Green Santa at Tenbury Wells<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Xanthe Clay, chef and food writer has a lovely article about Mistletoe in the Telegraph. Another great photo of the Green Santa at the Mistletoe auction at Tenbury Wells, England.<br/> <br/><a href='http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/8956358/Mistletoe-the-kiss-of-Christmas.html'>Mistletoe, the kiss of Christmas - Telegraph</a><br/><blockquote><i>But kissing [under the mistletoe] only became a national Christmas tradition in the 18th century, thanks to the Victorians’ obsession with Druids, driven by William Stukeley, the first archaeologist to complete a serious study of Stonehenge. </i></blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245955397322384350noreply@blogger.com0