In a bid to actually focus and finish the Dedicant Path, I’m keeping this online journal to consolidate all my thoughts and writings on my path and to document my growth as a Druid and a Pagan.
2018 Fall Colour
CenTex at its Fall best. A bit behind the rest of the world, these beautiful trees are showing their colours the Sunday AFTER Thanksgiving here in the U.S.... that's starting the LAST WEEK OF NOVEMBER. For someone who really hates the heat, I don't know how I tolerate...
Main altar update
I tend to update my altar 4 times a year. The candles I update twice - once to signify the dark half of the year with black cherry candles - and the second to signify the light half of the year with currently the golden orange. I'm still not feeling right about the...
Looking back at more than a decade of Gaelic study groups
I took a moment today to really think about how long Gaelic has called to me and what I've DONE about that calling. You know, I came to the path of Druidry through the language. I had a dream... the ancestors told me through the blackness 'you have to study Gaelic....
Fortitude
Mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously OR resolute endurance
Got Bloom?
It's that time in CenTex again when the wildflowers are out and so are the bugs. Even though it didn't start out as a goal, I wound up spending some time wandering the fields of Overlook Park and breathing in the bluebonnets. I never knew they had such a 'loud' smell...
Fairy Acknowledgement
Since the fairies are expecting attention, I believe something simple and traditional is the best way to go. Don't spy, don't be negative, don't trample anything, and for the Gods' sakes don't THANK them, just get in there and give them their due and get out. I think...
In Acknowledgement of the Fairies
I was so not thrilled by the discovery of the Fairy Tree, that I sat down and took out my pendulum and worked out a few answers and a course of action. My questions, and the responses: Is this a Fairy Tree? Yes Have the Gentry noticed me? Yes Are they asking for...
The Fairy Tree
I had a sneaking suspicion that this was *not* an ordinary tree. It's on one side of the Valley, below the new ritual area that has agreed to allow me to build a labyrinth there and do a little ritual now and again. The first time this tree caught my attention was a...
DNA / Ethnicity update
I finally went and actually took a closer look at my DNA test results that I had done a ways back. According to the test, I'm: 43% of British descent; 10% Irish; 33% Western European, mostly German; and 14% various and sundry other stuff The 'other stuff' breaks down...
Committing to creating a Labyrinth
After doing this meditation requirement for the DP, one of the things I've come to realise about myself is that when I meditate, the most calming type and the one that brings the most peace and focus, is moving meditation. I sit too still at the computer, working; I...
Perseverance – dictionary def
per·se·ver·ance ˌpərsəˈvirəns/ noun noun: perseverance steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. "his perseverance with the technique illustrates his single-mindedness" synonyms: persistence, tenacity, determination, staying...
When Virtue becomes Vice
I recently saw that on a blog about business and good management; and thought sin e! That's exactly what I mean when I want to look at the 9 Virtues, but need to look at both the shadow and the light of them. Think 'too much of a good thing'. For example, tolerance....
Perseverance
A brilliant friend of mine, Seosaidh, gave me the idea of looking at both the Shadow and the Bright of the various virtues... so, if perseverance is sustained effort in the face of obstacles and kin to self-discipline, the bright side of this would be consistent right...
Taking of signs… a new ritual area welcomes me
Yesterday, I was walking in the Preserve and found a path to follow; it cut through some underbrush and then to a lovely stream and wash area, bounded on one side by a small hill and by a copse of trees I consider to be Fairy-touched. In fact, as I was walking across...
Vernal Equinox Altar
Altar elements: The Celtic Knot Fountain as my well The Firebox area of the fireplace that have my black cherry candles for the dark half of the year The Texas Mesquite offering bowl made by a local artist The spring greenery intertwined with evergreen for ...
More signs and omens oh my
These past few months have seen increasing amounts of my power animals wacking me on the head with 'wake up! wake up!' and 'what do we have to DO to get your attention!??!!!' The biggest wackola was a multiple encounter with Fox and Coyote over nearly a week in early...
Calanais Overview
Calanais is a series of stones shaped as a celtic cross, at the head of Loch Roag. The centre dates back to ~2900BC. The site was built in stages, but was complete by ~1200BC, when it was abandoned, covered in a peat bog due to climate change. I find this very...
Well, at least I’m Indo-European
I had a DNA test done, and it confirmed that yes, I'm Indo-European and probably 69% Continental Celt and 29% Viking. The other 2% is undetermined. My DNA is shown to come directly from Austria / Switzerland, Slovenia, Southern Germany into Northern France, and all up...
Neimheadh
I always wondered where, in the literature, the Druids worshiped in a 'nemeton', which was the idea of a sacred ring of trees, because 'nemeton' didn't sound Gaelic, or Celtic, if you will. According to many sources, it is Celtic. So, when I ran across this on...
Samhuinn 2012 Altar
My Tradition has a name
As I research and work deeper into the Hearth culture and studying the Gaelic language, I had the opportunity to study a Gaelic language course put together by Alexander Mearns, in his home Parish of Sutherland. He calls this course 'An Ceathramh'. This is what he has...
Tradition Research
Quarterland A Quarterland or Ceathramh was a land measurement. It was used mainly in the west and north. It was supposed to be equivalent to eight fourpennylands, roughly equivalent to a quarter of a markland. However in Islay, a quarterland was equivalent to a...
Vernal Equinox
When I actually get my research done, and get more rituals and High Days up, this will go under the appropriate section... but, I needed to record this: Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20, 2012, at 1:14 A.M. (EDT).
Exit Standard for Two Powers Meditation
From the website: An essay focusing on the Dedicants understanding of the meaning of the "Two Powers" meditation or other form of 'grounding and centering', as used in meditation and ritual. This account should include impressions and insights that the Dedicant gained...
Exit Standard for Home Shrine
From the website: A brief description, with photos if possible, of the Dedicant's home shrine and plans for future improvements. (150 words min.) Notes: