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MIA and the returning of the light

12/24/2011

2 Comments

 
I apologize for being gone for so long.  This last month has been rather busy, although that is hardly an excuse.  I officially turned in my DP on Dec. 1st, and nope, haven't heard back yet.  After the reading, re-reading, re-re-reading process, I decided I needed a break for a bit.  I have since found myself daydreaming about my next step (if I pass), which will hopefully be the Initiates Path.  To that end, and just because I was going to do it anyway, I started working on learning ancient Greek.  This will be a very interesting process and one I am very much looking forward to. I am using a teach-yourself book, but have also found a great way to hear what it should sound like.


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Yule Ritual was a lot of fun, with about 15 in attendance.  Our final offering to the God Saturn was a rousing game of Zoom, Schwarts, Pafigliano.  I have yet to play that game and not have it be a great deal of fun, as well as a great energy raiser. I truly believe that Saturn was pleased. The omens were Woad for the acceptance of the offering; Air Dragon for what the Gods ask of us; and Bear for what they offer in return.

Woad is symbolic of freedom, bardistry, and warriorhood.  I took this to mean that the sacrifices were accepted.

The Air Dragon is the symbol of inspiration, insight, and vitality.  This was a bit hard to interpret for me, because it felt more like something that was being offered, not asking an action from the group.  I think that the Kindreds were asking for clear headedness as well as insight.

Ah, the bear, he has a deep connection to winter in my mind (might come from all the times as a school child that we talked about hibernation as soon as the air got nippy).  He represents primal power, sovereignty, and intuition married with instinct.  This is a very powerful card to receive as an offering from the Kindreds, and is also a card I have very rarely drawn in my private practice.  I took this to mean the ability to not only survive, but to thrive during this cold time of the year, and that the instincts and intuition to do this would be provided.

I am extremely glad to have the light returning, and that soon we will come to my all time favorite holiday of Imbolc. I am still trying to figure out how best to celebrate this one as a grove though. I hope that the returning of the light will bless us all.
2 Comments
Jane Hoskinson
12/24/2011 09:53:52 am

Bear is also a harbinger of spring. Because they hibernate, bears signify rebirth and renewal.
At the vernal equinox in the Pyrenées, the Carnival Bear ran wild until he was caught and shaved and danced with by a barber wearing a woman's dress. (from Jacqueline Simpson, European Mythology)

Amanda, I've been enjoying your posts in Kansas Pagans. Thank you.

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Amanda
12/24/2011 10:07:07 am

Cheers Jane. Your right about spring being part of the bear, but for some reason the winter comes to mind first. Odd ball, me!

Blessed Yule to you and yours

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    Amanda Thomas is the Grove Organizer for the Ad Astra Grove.  She also serves on the Topeka Interfaith Council.

    Hera Lakeshore is a practicing druid and contributor to the Ad Astra Grove blog.

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