Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.--Bertrand Russell

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Modern Heathen II?

I started this particular blog after I started a new spiritual awakening. I have been wondering in a period of apathy and hibernation. Over the last couple of years I have been feeling the call of self improvement. It has been 16 months since I smoked a cigarette. It has been 6 months since I have had a mountain dew. I used to drink at least two liters a day. I was consuming a pound of sugar each day just by drinking this poison. I have started eating healthier. I have started fulfilling other goals. One of my goals is to practice my word craft regularly. So I write four or five blogs. I don't write all the time, but I write.

Back to my new spiritual awakening. I have been opening myself up again to that which is greater than ourselves. I have been trying to define my spirituality. Eventually that is what I hope to accomplish with this blog. I choose the label Heathen for myself, but my pantheon is not dedicated solely to the Aseir. I try to live my life with the ideals held by the nine noble virtues. I am a member of several online Heathen groups, and often I find that most of the conversation is stuck in the past. It is rehash of lore and mythology. It is debate about ancient lore and its relation to modern Heathen life.

I think though that my ancestors would have been a bit more realistic. I believe that deeds are better than debate. They would of said there is work to do. I spend my time working my trade to support my family. My wife and I run our "Urban Farmstead." When the work is done we enjoy life. We home brew. We are working to start our online retail business with products we make by hand.

I guess my definition of modern heathen has come down to living my life by ancient values such as courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, self reliance, industriousness, and perseverance, while acting in a responsible manner towards the planet and humanity. I honor my ancestors and my many gods, including my modern deities such as Score, goddess of free cycling, dumpster diving, and good deals.

I think I am going to ask in online heathen groups what most people think a modern heathen should be. I will report results here later.

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    The Wolf and The Raven

    The nights sat long and dark upon my soul,
    and I oft wondered why I stayed so cold,
    so lonely, though by my friends I was surrounded.
    I was emptiness embodied, with grief I was flooded.
    I heard a sound and turned to look- a man on a charger,
    With sword held ready- a knight in shining armor!
    I beckoned to him, and as he came forward to greet me,
    I was captivated by his eyes, wild weary, and free
    I did not notice at first his wounds and scars,
    Only a fae light dancing like fireflies beneath the stars.
    I saw his steed was tired, thirsty, and ungroomed,
    yet docile and magnificent this beast still loomed.
    The knight dismounted, it was then that I noticed
    that his armor was dented and dirty, ropes bound his wrists.
    But his eyes still shone with fire, his manner light,
    Whatever battle he'd been in, his spirit still burned bright.
    He told me his adventures as the days quickly passed,
    And every night I tended to his wounds, mending fast
    I groomed his horse, built his new armor,and sharpened his blade,
    Dreading the day he'd say farewell, and into the twilight fade.
    Then one day he appeared, leading a new horse, smaller than before,
    He handed the reins to me, and smiled like ne'er before.
    "Wolf-woman, I've many battles yet to fight," he said gravely,
    "But I need you by my side, my love, won't you come with me?"
    And so we travel, the wolf and the raven, side-by-side,
    Fighting our battles together, and into the moonlight fade.
    C2001 Ulfmar