Messages In This Digest (4 Messages)
- 1.
- BOOK REVIEW - The Path of Druidry From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 2.
- CD REVIEW - Untie the Wind From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 3.
- CD REVIEW - An English Arcanum From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 4.
- Stories and Myths From: Radiohawthorne
Messages
- 1.
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BOOK REVIEW - The Path of Druidry
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net gleasonm01915
Tue Nov 8, 2011 8:13 am (PST)
The Path of Druidry by Penny Billington © 2011 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN: 978-0-7387-2346-4 Paperback 384 Pages $18.95 (U.S.)
When dealing with the topic of Druidry there are inherent dangers. One can present a scholarly look at the few remaining historical references to the Druids and the speculation which has raged around them, one can present romanticized imaginings and call them "ancient secrets passed down in an unbroken succession through the ages"; or one can simply say "Here is what we know and this is how we relate to it in a vastly different world." The latter is the method I personally prefer, it allows one to start from a solid base and then modify as required by the needs of the 21 st Century
The approach to Druidry which Ms Billington espouses is that of a living, evolving religion which seems eminently reasonable and practical to me. It is one which will allow the individual to discover the truths which work for them, while still providing a base of knowledge which will be acceptable to many others who follow a similar path. Each individual, ultimately, follows a unique path and has a unique perspective on religion and the religious experiences encountered along that path.
Considering that what is "known" about historical Druids is speculation by classical writers who, often enough, had never actually encountered a Druid in real life (many of them nor putting their ideas down until centuries after the destruction of the Druids and their verbal teachings) it is not surprising that there are many ideas about what they believed and how they related to the world around them. Any attempt to do more than speculate is doomed to failure, I fear. In addition, our existence is very different from that of the Celtic peoples who gave birth to the Druids. Our wealth lies not in cattle and our own reputation, but in concepts of money and ownership.
Ms Billington takes a thoroughly rational approach to the study of Druidry. In keeping with traditional training, she insists that the individual must be properly grounded and present in the world in which we all live, there is no emphasis on removing yourself from the concerns of the mundane world. Such concerns are, in her understanding, uniquely necessary to the ability to function as a Druid in the here and now. She expects the reader to take many possible opportunities to react to the physical world by taking a walk as much as by meditating on it.
If you come to this book expecting to be led by the hand through training and on to being a Druid you will be disappointed. Druidism is an on-going journey, not a destination. Her approach shows how beautiful that journey may be.
This book takes the reader through the journey on several levels, exposing mythic connections; connections to the natural world and devotional applications. The chapters include study breaks, visualizations and some basic correspondences. Mostly, however, the book stresses the fact that Druidry is an individual religion – not that groves don't exist or that they are a bad idea, but that each Druid relates to the universe as an individual. Ms Billington strives to allow her readers to make valid connections with the wider Druid world in ways that most Druids would find acceptable while still encouraging their individuality and personal experiences.
Druidry is not my chosen path, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate her presentation of the "facts"
as they are perceived. I, personally, tend to put qualifiers on statements which cannot be "proven" in many cases, whereas she (and other authors) frequently accept "personal revelation" as being as valid a source as any other. Ultimately, however, even the most commonly accepted facts started out as a personal revelation in the beginning. Therefore I don't say it isn't acceptable, merely that some of it is unacceptable to me.
There will be those who will find objections to much that Ms Billington has written. Some of those objections may be valid, some may not. No author is capable of producing a book which will be universally accepted, that just isn't going to happen in the real world. Ms Billington, however, has presented a book filled with stimulating ideas and thoughts which should promote discussion among, and contemplation within, individuals.
I spent a mere ten days reading this book, and that really wasn't nearly enough time. It needs time to ferment and evolve within the mind of the reader. It will be interesting to look back in a few months and see what additional insights have developed.
- 2.
-
CD REVIEW - Untie the Wind
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net gleasonm01915
Tue Nov 8, 2011 8:39 am (PST)
Untie the Wind CD by Telling the Bees © 2008 Black Thrustle Bla Thr 001 11 Tracks Running Time 54:09 $15.75 (U.S.)
Waiting for the Dawn 4:28 Telling the Bees 4:18
Quietly Raging 4:25 Barrow Song 6:08
Fithfath 3:17 Beautiful 4:57
Wood 4:58 Untie the Wind 5:58
Lyra 4:12 Frost 5:21
The Worship of Trees 6:13
The songs which comprise this CD are presented in the classic ballad/story telling style for the most part. Andy Lechter, the lead vocalist, has a voice which reminds me a little of Bob Dylan in that it is, by no means, a voice which will appeal to everyone, but which nonetheless has a haunting quality and a power which draws the listener in.
The instrumentation is quietly understated for the most part and serves as a support rather than as a dominating factor. Those songs which are instrumental display a subtlety of presentation which is in keeping with the overall tone of the album. The songs display flavors of tribal dance (specifically "belly dance") and traditional ballad-style, as well as some some which display a simply folk music feel. The "belly dance feel" comes on Fithfath (track 3), but that isn't a fair description of it – it isn't Middle Eastern at all, but somehow conveys that feeling.
I have come to expect a percussion-heavy approach in modern neo-Pagan music, since much of it appears to be intended as accompaniment for rituals and/or pathworkings. This album seems, to me, to be aimed at the "cool down" time after the work is done or at the time when the listener simply wants to enjoy music with no other purpose. It is, therefore a welcome addition to my library, and should be to your own as well.
I know that many of the younger generation have moved away from this style of music in favor of more "contemporary" offerings. In my opinion, they don't know what they are giving up. There is a place for many different musical styles within our community and in order to be well-balanced, it is necessary to experience variations. One of my early teachers insisted that one should try something new three times – once to see if you enjoy it; a second time to confirm your first opinion; and a third time to see if you tire of it quickly. That is my advice to you if you are one of those who look with disfavor on the older styles of music simply because they are not contemporary.
My only regret, at this point, is that I didn't discover these talented folks a lot sooner. I could have been enjoying their pleasant approach and presentation for several years by now. You may be assured that I will be on the look-out for more offerings from this enjoyable British group.
- 3.
-
CD REVIEW - An English Arcanum
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net gleasonm01915
Tue Nov 8, 2011 8:56 am (PST)
An English Arcanum CD by Telling the Bees © 2009 Black Thrustle Bla Thr 002 11 Tracks Running Time: 49:18 $15.75 (U.S.)
Saddle the Hare 4:35 Pilgrim's Progress 4:42
The Language of Birds 5:03 Blackbird 4:52
Playing at Gypsies 5:16 (A Crumb for a Song)
Gallina 4:04 Icarus 4:12
Otmoor Forever 4:25 Uncle Tom and Aunt 3:12
Sweet Dreams 3:33 Sally
Apple 5:24
Everything I said in my review of their previous album ("Untie the Wind") still holds true. I commented that the lead vocalist had a voice which probably would not appeal to everyone, and that is still true, but the more I hear the better I personally like it. Maybe it is simply growing on me, but for whatever reason, it is becoming more appealing. The backing vocals provide a bit more depth and help to round things out a bit.
Their instrumental work continues to impress me. Where it supports the vocals, it does so in a strong (but not an overpowering) way and where the song is devoted to the instruments alone they convey everything you need for an enjoyable experience. Even though I know it undoubtedly took numerous takes and a certain degree of melding and blending the songs seem to convey the idea that the musicians simply sat down one day and had fun recording this album.
When I prepare to review albums I like to listen to the work once with no expectations as a reviewer and simply get a feel for what is there and how it comes across, then I can go back and listen for details and imagery. Even on my first listening to these songs, they tended to sweep me along and encourage introspection. This impression carried through the next several times I listened to them.
The one major difference between the two albums, in terms of packaging, is that this album includes the lyrics (even if the typeface is a trifle small for my tired old eyes). It is always nice to have the lyrics available.
There is one advantage to my not discovering this talented British group a few years ago. I had the advantage that I could pick up a couple of their albums at the same time and didn't have that annoying interval of waiting for the next offering to come out. Of course, now that I've heard the first two collections of their ballad-style songs, I am awaiting the NEXT one to come out, and hoping that I won't have to wait too long for it. The fact that this album came out two years ago gives me hope that the next one CAN'T be too far off (can it?).
- 4.
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Stories and Myths
Posted by: "Radiohawthorne" radiohawthorne@yahoo.com radiohawthorne
Tue Nov 8, 2011 5:50 pm (PST)
"Sing, O Muse!
Sing to us of the Glorious Gods who ruled the Land and the Sea.
And tell us of the Fair Beauty of the Goddessess who dwell in Eternal Olympus!
Sing to us, O Muse, of ages that have come to pass;
of those Mighty Warriors wielding their deadly spears,
from the Lores of our Timeless Myths!"
This week we talk about Stories and Myths. Why are stories and myths so important to us? Stories are central to the human experience. If you think about it, really everything we do on a daily basis is a function of our telling stories - whether it be to eachother or even to ourselves. So, I want to share some stories with you. One of my all-time favorites is a traditional Story of Magickal Initiation from Britain, called "To the Cauldron Born". Then, I have another story which has a lesson. This one is called, Quarellsome Damyan.
And, at around 60-minutes into the show, we'll be joined by Dawn Hunt, the Kitchen Witch, of Cucina Aurora.com, with her monthly segment all about food and magick.
I hope you enjoy this week's show! Let me know! spiraldance1@excite.com
The Spiral Dance is now streaming audio on the web LIVE. Listen to The Spiral Dance LIVE every Monday at 8PM, Eastern Time over AM1630/ Radio Independent Voice! Find the webstream at www.RadioIndependentVoice.weebly. com
Some of the music you'll hear on this week's show include;Moody Blues: "The Voice"; Isaac Bonewitz & Friends: "I Fell in Love with the Lady"; Revels: "To the Begging I Will Go/Jack of All Trades"; SteelyeSpan: "Drink Down the Moon"; Blackmore's Night: "The Hanging Tree"and more.
Please listen to The Spiral Dance with Hawthorne each week. It's an online Pagan radio show (Webcast & Podcast). The podcast gives you the option to either<BR>listen to right from the website or download to your
computer. It's FREE and it's fun. Your suggestions and comments are welcome!
Each episode is approximately 75 - 80 minutes. Podcasts remain posted for about 4 or 5 weeks, so you can go back and listen to the other episodes for some great interviews, information and fun!
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?
Maybe you've composed a new poem and would like to hear it on the radio. If you want to submit audio to The Spiral Dance, send me an email. There are basically no rules - just no harsh language, no commercial
self-promotion and no Christian-bashing. Please let me know what you think about the show. I'm always open to suggestions; email spiraldance1@ excite.com/radiohawthorne@yahoo. com
You can also catch The Spiral Dance with Hawthorne webcast and Podcast by visiting my website to find the links.
www.thespiraldance.weebly.com/ home.html
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___________________________________________________________________________
�` Earthwise �`
<:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::]]======0
The Worldwide Spirit of Paganism
in Australia, America & Worldwide!
Take a Look at Our Huge EBay Store
For all your Magickal & Ritual Supplies
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Astarte-Earthwise
___________________________________________________________________________
This Earthwise Book of Shadows group holds the expectation
that a tolerant, mature and respectful dialogue be strived
for in our communications with each other. Members are
encouraged to challenge anyone not adhering to these
principles and to notify the list owner Astarte if you are
offended by a posting, write to me at
earthwise@bigpond.com
Thank you.
___________________________________________________________________________
Earthwise is a world wide group.
We are based in Bolwarra, NSW. Australia.
Located in the beautiful Hunter Valley where we hold sacred rituals, workshops, social events and outings, for more information see our calendar of events at Witches Meetup
http://www.meetup.com/earthwise/
___________________________________________________________________________
Astarte also works full time as a Psychic Counsellor, Medium,
Clairvoyant, Healer and Teacher.
If she can be of assistance to you, please see her home page at
www.earthwise.net.au
___________________________________________________________________________
ARE YOU CREATIVE?
Astarte is always sourcing new suppliers of quality pagan
related items, to purchase wholesale or even put on consignment,
she willing to purchase worldwide items for the Earthwise Store.
If you have something of interest please contact Astarte
earthwise@bigpond.com
___________________________________________________________________________
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