Midwinter Script is Posted

I just finished the script for my Midwinter Ritual for tomorrow.  You can read it here.

I turned in Essay 2 on Jan 28th--the one about the High Days.  Once I got the ball rolling and got out of my own head, it was easy, although I ran into a couple of issues with the Summer Solstice and Lughnasadh, in terms of reaching that 125 word limit.  I checked out a few different sources for information--druid and other--not many of them had much to say either!  

As I've mentioned before, I celebrate my High Days differently from the general groups, secular and non.  Apparently I don't have 125 words for celebrating Sunna, and I honor Bee Entities on August 1st, with energy that's more focused on the sweetness of life and preparing ones mental state for the upcoming winter, instead of typical harvest and celebration energies.

Imbolc wasn't as annoying, I'll say, as in the past.  Brigit recently joined my Personal Pantheon, so I've been reading up on Her here and there.  Like Hekate, She's a very popular goddess, She also has a huge following, with lots of folks excited about Imbolc.  No shortage there on information, in fact I had to leave out a lot of information like the meaning of Brigit's bed.  I focused on what my local grove does for Imbolc and celebrating Brigando, who is the Gaulish Brigit.  There wasn't enough words to explain Imbolc.

But I got that essay done.  I just hope it passes.  The essays are introductions and summaries, not full on papers.  I'm worried about a couple of the High Days, but if I have to do a re-write, I have to re-write, at least I'll know what to focus on, with the Reviewers helpful suggestions (let's hope that I don't have to re-write!).  I want to work on the next, which I think I decided on #7 Working with Nature Spirits.  I had inspiration for it, but then it was quickly overtaken by my desire to finish my Midwinter Ritual.

I'm excited about Midwinter and the hearth work.  Not sure why, but it just feels good.  A light in the darkness, I suppose.  Make it better if we could have a fire.  I don't know about tomorrow's weather, but today it's been rainy and in the 50F.  Also makes me wish that my tent had a rainfly and better ground peg things.

I'm hoping to go camping at least once this year for a High Day.  Due to being an outsider, I was pushed from one of the local general pagan groups, so I don't really have anyone that I know well enough to camp with for a ritual.  I'd rather not go with my kids.  Nor do I want to be alone, really.  It's not safe.  I'll have to figure something out.  My uncle has lots of land, so maybe I'll camp on his farm?  Dude's a retired Marine so I know I'll be safe.

Also I need to practice more Seidr this year, too, which means learning my vardlokkur from the Nature Spirits and Freyja.  Aka learning my spirit songs, which is recommended that one does alone or at least with a trusted friend who can watch over your tranced self.  Actually, I do have a student who might be down for such an adventure.  And I have another long time witch friend who was wanting to do some camping, too.  

I'm wrong, I do know people!

Three Cranes Grove is having this Imbolc ritual on Sunday, at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.  As much as I'd love to be there in person, my husband's working.  Hopefully I'll be able to attend on Zoom.

Happy High Day Eve!

- Dedicant and Hearth Keeper, Foxlyn