I've probably got half a dozen blog posts started and in various states of done, but I can't seem to get myself to finish any of them. I wish I knew why but I feel kind of hazy, my emotional state is rather out of balance, like a vomit educing roller coaster. I am saying this only because I feel like I need to post something, to prove that I am not dead, and I haven't forgotten about here. Hopefully I will get back on the ball soon.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
A Mourning Hymn
A Mourning Hymn
Rest soft O' Earth on those we place in your care.
May these, our beloved and honored dead find rest
Warm gently O' Fire those we place in your care.
May these our beloved and honored dead find comfort
Blow sweetly O' Wind on those we place in your care
May these our beloved and honored dead find clarity
Flow calmly O' Water around those we place in your care
May these our beloved and honored dead find healing.
Mighty Weigher of Hearts, keeper of the scale
Judge them compassionately, for we are all imprefect
Wise Lady of Mourning, giver of healing
Comfort them who have passed, comfort us who mourn
Unseen Lord, Host of Many
Welcome them with open arms, we entrust them to your care now
Mysterious Lady, Keeper of Rebirth
Bring life again to those now gone, that the cycle may continue
Rest soft O' Earth on those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may know peace
Warm gently O' Fire those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may find comfort
Blow sweetly O' Wind on those we have placed in your care
That we who are left behind may find clarity
Flow calmly O' Water around those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may find healing.
(The center of this prayer is a greco-egyptian blend referencing Anpu, Nebt-het, Hades, and Persephone, it could theoretically be replaced with references to the deities and beliefs of the deceased person/persons as needed. I chose these four not just because of my own beliefs but also because they cover various parts of mourning and the afterlife, judgement of the dead, the process of mourning, letting go of the deceased/consigning them to the care of the beyond, and the hope for rebirth (either physical or in some spiritual realm.) I included the last part, to also acknowledge that mourning and funerals aren't just about those who have passed but the loved ones they leave behind.)
I was inspired to write this out of the rather strange mood I've been in today, I can't really describe the way I feel in words, it's a quiet and peaceful state but maybe just a little sad. I do hope that the next time I write will be sooner rather than later and not in such a weighty and dark vein.
Blessings,
Satiah
Rest soft O' Earth on those we place in your care.
May these, our beloved and honored dead find rest
Warm gently O' Fire those we place in your care.
May these our beloved and honored dead find comfort
Blow sweetly O' Wind on those we place in your care
May these our beloved and honored dead find clarity
Flow calmly O' Water around those we place in your care
May these our beloved and honored dead find healing.
Mighty Weigher of Hearts, keeper of the scale
Judge them compassionately, for we are all imprefect
Wise Lady of Mourning, giver of healing
Comfort them who have passed, comfort us who mourn
Unseen Lord, Host of Many
Welcome them with open arms, we entrust them to your care now
Mysterious Lady, Keeper of Rebirth
Bring life again to those now gone, that the cycle may continue
Rest soft O' Earth on those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may know peace
Warm gently O' Fire those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may find comfort
Blow sweetly O' Wind on those we have placed in your care
That we who are left behind may find clarity
Flow calmly O' Water around those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may find healing.
(The center of this prayer is a greco-egyptian blend referencing Anpu, Nebt-het, Hades, and Persephone, it could theoretically be replaced with references to the deities and beliefs of the deceased person/persons as needed. I chose these four not just because of my own beliefs but also because they cover various parts of mourning and the afterlife, judgement of the dead, the process of mourning, letting go of the deceased/consigning them to the care of the beyond, and the hope for rebirth (either physical or in some spiritual realm.) I included the last part, to also acknowledge that mourning and funerals aren't just about those who have passed but the loved ones they leave behind.)
I was inspired to write this out of the rather strange mood I've been in today, I can't really describe the way I feel in words, it's a quiet and peaceful state but maybe just a little sad. I do hope that the next time I write will be sooner rather than later and not in such a weighty and dark vein.
Blessings,
Satiah
Friday, April 6, 2012
A World So Full Of Terror
Tonight I don't really have much specifically of religious import on my mind. I am more concerned about the violence that has sprouted up where I now work and once went to school. I am speaking of the Oakland campus for the University of Pittsburgh. So far as I am aware I have never been in any direct danger from any of it and for that I give thanks. I also pray for those who are not so fortuante, the victims of the WPIC shootings in Febuary. I used to work there and I sat helplessly at work watching it all unfold through the internet, praying for no one to get hurt and more specifically for those who I had known even in passing who might still work there. Sadly that was not the case as there were two dead and seven injured. One among the dead was the shooter and I'm not sure how I feel about that. On one hand I am glad that the police acted with bravery and efficiency in preventing what could have been a total masacre. On the other I want to see him stand trial, to see justice done in a legal setting. Someone willing to throw their life away can do such unspeakable harm if they have no fear of reprisal since they'll be dead.
More recently there have been bomb threats, so many of them. Today alone five buildings have been targeted and needed to be evacuated. As far as I know no bombs have been found during any of the sweeps, but if these were just pranksters they would have been caught by now. There are rumors going around about more sinister fears, that maybe they are using the evacuations to comit theft. Or looking to flush out people in order to start shooting. I pray every day that who ever is behind this is brought to justice and we can all get some peace and quiet. As quiet as Oakland ever gets.
I listen to the sirens of the police vehichles that drive past. It sends chills down my spine, and I wonder, 'what now?' I am here working, the lone staff member on shift, all night, it is my job to make sure that those who stay here feel safe, feel welcome, feel secure. For them I put on a brave face, and I wonder, 'what could I possibly do if the unthinkable which has been happening quite a lot lately happens here?'
I would be a fool and a liar to say I would act heroicly, that I would save the day and avert the danger. Having never started the imediate looming of death I can't even say that I would face it with dignity and serenity. The things that have been happening lately scare me more than getting stalked ever did. That was a private danger, which since so far as I knew I was the only target, it made it seem smaller, more managable, something that I perhaps could put an end to. Which I did with help, and now I look back and chuckle at my fear. It seems like a lame indie horror film to me now, and while I know why I was so scared then, I feel stronger having gone through it. But that was when the fear was about small dangers, small violences. These days violence looms large, casting a pall over many, and that's something I don't think I can conquer if it comes knocking at my door. If it reaches out to touch me, could I fend off it's grasping claws?
All I can really do is pray, that I will never have to learn the answers to those questions, how I would deal with such grave dangers should they ever come knocking at my door, and that when my time does come regardless of the means that I will face it with the serene dignity from one who knows:
More recently there have been bomb threats, so many of them. Today alone five buildings have been targeted and needed to be evacuated. As far as I know no bombs have been found during any of the sweeps, but if these were just pranksters they would have been caught by now. There are rumors going around about more sinister fears, that maybe they are using the evacuations to comit theft. Or looking to flush out people in order to start shooting. I pray every day that who ever is behind this is brought to justice and we can all get some peace and quiet. As quiet as Oakland ever gets.
I listen to the sirens of the police vehichles that drive past. It sends chills down my spine, and I wonder, 'what now?' I am here working, the lone staff member on shift, all night, it is my job to make sure that those who stay here feel safe, feel welcome, feel secure. For them I put on a brave face, and I wonder, 'what could I possibly do if the unthinkable which has been happening quite a lot lately happens here?'
I would be a fool and a liar to say I would act heroicly, that I would save the day and avert the danger. Having never started the imediate looming of death I can't even say that I would face it with dignity and serenity. The things that have been happening lately scare me more than getting stalked ever did. That was a private danger, which since so far as I knew I was the only target, it made it seem smaller, more managable, something that I perhaps could put an end to. Which I did with help, and now I look back and chuckle at my fear. It seems like a lame indie horror film to me now, and while I know why I was so scared then, I feel stronger having gone through it. But that was when the fear was about small dangers, small violences. These days violence looms large, casting a pall over many, and that's something I don't think I can conquer if it comes knocking at my door. If it reaches out to touch me, could I fend off it's grasping claws?
All I can really do is pray, that I will never have to learn the answers to those questions, how I would deal with such grave dangers should they ever come knocking at my door, and that when my time does come regardless of the means that I will face it with the serene dignity from one who knows:
'Life and Death are but two sides of the same coin. No matter which side I am on, the Gods will be there, to guide and teach, bastions of many blessings for both living and dead.'
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Some Thoughts
I'm anxiously awaiting some books I ordered off Amazon over a week ago. It was supposed to arrive today but the package has been sitting in a depot stop 45 minutes away for three days. Really I would have gone and gotten it myself and saved them the trouble. (Perhaps I used up my good luck with Teramo in picking that lock.) I don't know why I am so antsy about this package, but I am antsy about a lot of things right now. I'm looking to change several things in my life for the better or so I hope. I think I'm fixating on this small hiccup so I don't worry about bigger things that I don't exactly have a lot of control over.
I mentioned that I was being tested last time, and I think I'm on the other side and successful. I don't have a lot I can articulate about my experience I am still processing it, but I feel like I've gotten to know the Lady a good bit better. I probably should have mentioned this before but when I mean the Lady I am speaking of a specific goddess and for what ever reason I don't feel comfortable using her name in this blog or even speaking it. It's weird. I can use it when talking about things like a book,a devotional anthology related to her, or when discussing in a more accademic way but when it comes to refering to Her in a religious sense and naming her I get tongue tied. I probably should ask about this.
One of the things I've been concerned with was the concepts of womanhood in a modern pagan context. I haven't had a lot of success in finding discussion on this topic that didn't in some way relate to marriage, children, or home life in some way. Not that I've tried nearly as hard as I could. I admire these women and their experiences. Sadly my life doesn't fall into any of these categories. I am unwed, childless (unless you count the family cat), and the home I reside in belongs to my parents. At the age of 25 I feel like girlhood is far behind me, and yet I don't quiet feel like a woman. I do have a rough vision of womanhood for myself and what that means for me but it is daunting to me in developing not just a more refined conception but also in taking the steps forward.
This idea of mine falls into three categories.
1. Adhering to the virtues most dear to me. I had a list at one point last year that was a mixture of Ancient Roman and Aesthetic virtues in two lists. One that was internal and the other for external relationships. I haven't been able to find a lot of the writings I did at the time. This sounds really lazy of me but I haven't concerned myself lately with specific virtues but I have focused more on trying to be in general a better person, and behave in ways that I won't look back on and cringe.
2. Art, practicing art, not just one but several. Exercising the mind and to varying degrees the body is really important. I really think that having a passion, a hobby, helps to make a person more well rounded. And the goal of cultivating these things isn't about gaining profit or notoriety, but to enrich one's own life, to have something to be proud of, to get a sense of accomplishment, and to share with beloved family and friends.
My arts are writing, dancing, jewelry making, and embroidery, along side some scholarly pursuits, I'd like to get back into studying some languages, continue my education, and look into other topics that interest me. I've been really enjoying Powered By Osteons lately. I took just one class on forensic anthropology but I still find it fascinating and something that I do enjoy reading about though I will never be an expert.
3. Maintaining health, but more than that. It's also about using the body as a visible vehicle for presenting the inner glow which comes from being a good and worthwhile person. To present a manicured and refined appearance to the world. To walk the fine line between rejoicing in ones body and modesty. I have things I don't like about my body, things I'd like to change, like weight I'd like to loose, but I don't feel any shame about this skin I was born into, so I don't to hide it but I don't want to just let it all hang out all the time either.
I usually define modesty as self-respect shown through restraint. I am comfortable in my own skin so I don't feel like I need to show off all that I have to offer not just physically but mentally. I know that I am of a reasonable amount of intelligence so I don't feel like I have to really go out of my way to show the breadth of that intelligence in order to get people to like me.
And that's where I'm at right now, and I'm more or less fumbling blindly, taking little steps in each direction, now I know that there is no end goal, the closest thing to 'mission accomplished' is if I am to be so fortunate as these things become fully integrated into my life.
Before I go, I feel I should back track a bit. I want to clarify why I was picking a lock, with a bobby pin no less. My mother had locked the key for a cedar chest owned by my grandparents in the chest. So I took to the task with much stubbornness and some petitioning of Teramo for success. I managed to get very lucky because apparently most sane people leave bobby pins in the realm of Hollywood when it comes to picking a lock.
That's all from me now, time to finish watching Ghost Hunters International and get some sleep. I really love the stories of these places where they travel to.
Blessings,
Satiah
I mentioned that I was being tested last time, and I think I'm on the other side and successful. I don't have a lot I can articulate about my experience I am still processing it, but I feel like I've gotten to know the Lady a good bit better. I probably should have mentioned this before but when I mean the Lady I am speaking of a specific goddess and for what ever reason I don't feel comfortable using her name in this blog or even speaking it. It's weird. I can use it when talking about things like a book,a devotional anthology related to her, or when discussing in a more accademic way but when it comes to refering to Her in a religious sense and naming her I get tongue tied. I probably should ask about this.
One of the things I've been concerned with was the concepts of womanhood in a modern pagan context. I haven't had a lot of success in finding discussion on this topic that didn't in some way relate to marriage, children, or home life in some way. Not that I've tried nearly as hard as I could. I admire these women and their experiences. Sadly my life doesn't fall into any of these categories. I am unwed, childless (unless you count the family cat), and the home I reside in belongs to my parents. At the age of 25 I feel like girlhood is far behind me, and yet I don't quiet feel like a woman. I do have a rough vision of womanhood for myself and what that means for me but it is daunting to me in developing not just a more refined conception but also in taking the steps forward.
This idea of mine falls into three categories.
1. Adhering to the virtues most dear to me. I had a list at one point last year that was a mixture of Ancient Roman and Aesthetic virtues in two lists. One that was internal and the other for external relationships. I haven't been able to find a lot of the writings I did at the time. This sounds really lazy of me but I haven't concerned myself lately with specific virtues but I have focused more on trying to be in general a better person, and behave in ways that I won't look back on and cringe.
2. Art, practicing art, not just one but several. Exercising the mind and to varying degrees the body is really important. I really think that having a passion, a hobby, helps to make a person more well rounded. And the goal of cultivating these things isn't about gaining profit or notoriety, but to enrich one's own life, to have something to be proud of, to get a sense of accomplishment, and to share with beloved family and friends.
My arts are writing, dancing, jewelry making, and embroidery, along side some scholarly pursuits, I'd like to get back into studying some languages, continue my education, and look into other topics that interest me. I've been really enjoying Powered By Osteons lately. I took just one class on forensic anthropology but I still find it fascinating and something that I do enjoy reading about though I will never be an expert.
3. Maintaining health, but more than that. It's also about using the body as a visible vehicle for presenting the inner glow which comes from being a good and worthwhile person. To present a manicured and refined appearance to the world. To walk the fine line between rejoicing in ones body and modesty. I have things I don't like about my body, things I'd like to change, like weight I'd like to loose, but I don't feel any shame about this skin I was born into, so I don't to hide it but I don't want to just let it all hang out all the time either.
I usually define modesty as self-respect shown through restraint. I am comfortable in my own skin so I don't feel like I need to show off all that I have to offer not just physically but mentally. I know that I am of a reasonable amount of intelligence so I don't feel like I have to really go out of my way to show the breadth of that intelligence in order to get people to like me.
And that's where I'm at right now, and I'm more or less fumbling blindly, taking little steps in each direction, now I know that there is no end goal, the closest thing to 'mission accomplished' is if I am to be so fortunate as these things become fully integrated into my life.
Before I go, I feel I should back track a bit. I want to clarify why I was picking a lock, with a bobby pin no less. My mother had locked the key for a cedar chest owned by my grandparents in the chest. So I took to the task with much stubbornness and some petitioning of Teramo for success. I managed to get very lucky because apparently most sane people leave bobby pins in the realm of Hollywood when it comes to picking a lock.
That's all from me now, time to finish watching Ghost Hunters International and get some sleep. I really love the stories of these places where they travel to.
Blessings,
Satiah
Friday, March 23, 2012
Fallow Times
I woke up this morning, too early if you ask me, but the birds were singing a whole symphony outside my window making sleep no longer an option. Rather than waste a lot of time on Facebook, which is the sort of meaningless thing I do when I don't want to get out of bed I chose to make my laziness more productive and actually look for and read things of interest. This morning I found two posts on the same topic, one that I haven't really heard much discussion about.
Satsekhem's Post on Fallow Times
Dver's Post on Fallow Times
I have noticed that often times there's not a lot of serious and honest talk about the dark parts and rough patches that all spiritual paths hit (or maybe I am looking in the wrong places). I know I've hit a lot of this mostly dealing with 1 and then exacerbated by 3 on Satsekhem's list:
Though for me I lump 1 and 3 together and call it college. Now I find myself actually coming out of a fallow period brought about by working two jobs and doing a ton of running around on top of it. I find this the most dangerous time, for me at least, when the shoots are young and a single frost could ruin everything, albeit a frost of my own making.
I think right now I'm being tested, though I'll get into details once I pass through to the other side of it. Though this test isn't a true fallow period, it could become one, I am looking for advice and all I get is a sort of feeling akin to a gentle knowing smile and "I know you'll figure it out soon" attitude from the Lady in question. The thing is I seem to be looking in all the wrong places, but as I ponder through it now I get an image of a labyrinth, the walking kind. That might be a good idea....to find one and walk it. The Lady does like labyrinths.
I knew one day this might come in handy.
So there are 6 in my area, three in churches, one is portable and borrowable by donation, one is a outdoor memorial at a Chatham University just down the road from Pitt, where I attended school, now near work, and another is by the Mon in Homestead, and looks gorgeous. Now it's simply a matter of finding time to go and walk one or the other to see what happens.
Well that's as much as I have for now, time to cuddle up and catch up on a tv show before I do more productive things (hopefully).
Blessings,
Satiah
Satsekhem's Post on Fallow Times
Dver's Post on Fallow Times
I have noticed that often times there's not a lot of serious and honest talk about the dark parts and rough patches that all spiritual paths hit (or maybe I am looking in the wrong places). I know I've hit a lot of this mostly dealing with 1 and then exacerbated by 3 on Satsekhem's list:
- Simply put, it’s the mundane overpowering the spiritual.
- The gods are busy.
- We want it so badly, we block ourselves.
- It’s a test.
- There’s a problem.
Though for me I lump 1 and 3 together and call it college. Now I find myself actually coming out of a fallow period brought about by working two jobs and doing a ton of running around on top of it. I find this the most dangerous time, for me at least, when the shoots are young and a single frost could ruin everything, albeit a frost of my own making.
I think right now I'm being tested, though I'll get into details once I pass through to the other side of it. Though this test isn't a true fallow period, it could become one, I am looking for advice and all I get is a sort of feeling akin to a gentle knowing smile and "I know you'll figure it out soon" attitude from the Lady in question. The thing is I seem to be looking in all the wrong places, but as I ponder through it now I get an image of a labyrinth, the walking kind. That might be a good idea....to find one and walk it. The Lady does like labyrinths.
I knew one day this might come in handy.
So there are 6 in my area, three in churches, one is portable and borrowable by donation, one is a outdoor memorial at a Chatham University just down the road from Pitt, where I attended school, now near work, and another is by the Mon in Homestead, and looks gorgeous. Now it's simply a matter of finding time to go and walk one or the other to see what happens.
Well that's as much as I have for now, time to cuddle up and catch up on a tv show before I do more productive things (hopefully).
Blessings,
Satiah
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Vernal Equinox 2012
And yet again another holiday catches me more or less off guard. I've been living a nomads life most of this month, spending more time at Wolfe's apartment, some overnight shifts at work, and a night or two in my own bed. Actually I think I've only spent one night in my own bed this month so far. All this running around between two jobs, which between the two add up to over 40 hours per week, packing, unpacking, and repacking has really made the days just blur together. I've never been very good with holiday calenders of any shape or variety, days get away from me, and some weeks feel like months and sometimes only like a day or two. This is why I like to write things down, (especially my work schedule) and I do have a festival calendar written down but it's on Groove at home, which was a silly place to put it as I never really look at Groove even when I have plenty of time at home.
It was 80 degrees today not really very spring like but our winter was blessedly mild, or nonexistent if you compare it to what parts of Europe got hit with. Today I had hoped, and still do, to spend some time to honor Tellus Mater and Sol Indiges, when I get out of my second shift of the day, in the presence of their physical manifestations. Nothing compares to the feeling of cool grass or earth beneath my feet and the warmth of the sun on my skin when it comes to honoring and celebrating the wonders of the two pillars of the natural world. The moon and the night are equally magical and wondrous but without the bounty of the earth and the sun who makes life and growth possible we would not be here.
It was 80 degrees today not really very spring like but our winter was blessedly mild, or nonexistent if you compare it to what parts of Europe got hit with. Today I had hoped, and still do, to spend some time to honor Tellus Mater and Sol Indiges, when I get out of my second shift of the day, in the presence of their physical manifestations. Nothing compares to the feeling of cool grass or earth beneath my feet and the warmth of the sun on my skin when it comes to honoring and celebrating the wonders of the two pillars of the natural world. The moon and the night are equally magical and wondrous but without the bounty of the earth and the sun who makes life and growth possible we would not be here.
Hail Most Eminent Mother
Maker of Mountains
Embracer of Oceans
Foundation of All Life
Hail Most Eminent Father
Giver of Day
Bringer of Growth
Ancestor of All Mankind
Today we celebrate
The Gift of Springtime
The Wonder of Rebirth
And give thanks to you
The Ancient Ones
Who in your turnings
Make it possible
Blessings,
Satiah
Friday, March 16, 2012
Making a Portable Altar
I spend a decent chunk of my week with my boyfriend of many years at his place. Now when I'm away from home I still like to keep up with small devotionals so I don't feel like my spiritual and religious life stops the minute I walk out the door. I have a little pouch in my purse where I carry a small string of prayer beads and two stones I am particularly fond of. (One is a piece of moonstone that is a natural worry stone, the way it feels between my fingers and slowly warms as I hold it is very soothing.) Now when I would say prayers at my boyfriend's (let's call him Wolfe) I always felt a little uncomfortable, sort of like I was intruding. He has his own altars and his own ways and I fully embrace and respect that. I asked Wolfe a few weeks ago if I could set up a small altar of my own so to speak on the little set of wire baskets that serve as my dresser for clothes and other small things I either keep there or bring with me. Today he said ok, I could set it up as long as it followed what I had promised and his own rules. So while putting it together I thought I would blog about the process.
This altar isn't one dedicated to any of my deities but one for mediation and contemplation, which also means it can be put away when I'm not there. Logically then it needs to fit in a singular container.
For what ever reason I like boxes, and containers, and I have a decent variety laying around. The trickiest part is finding one about the right size that isn't already full of stuff. Little wooden cigar box was my first thought but it's full of skeins of embroidery floss. But then I remembered the vintage French cookie tin they used to be in. I found it still in the closet and unused since my thread stash outgrew it. (Looks like this but mine doesn't have a hinge lid.) It's the prefect size.
This altar isn't one dedicated to any of my deities but one for mediation and contemplation, which also means it can be put away when I'm not there. Logically then it needs to fit in a singular container.
Challenge #1 - Find a Container.
For what ever reason I like boxes, and containers, and I have a decent variety laying around. The trickiest part is finding one about the right size that isn't already full of stuff. Little wooden cigar box was my first thought but it's full of skeins of embroidery floss. But then I remembered the vintage French cookie tin they used to be in. I found it still in the closet and unused since my thread stash outgrew it. (Looks like this but mine doesn't have a hinge lid.) It's the prefect size.
Challenge 1 - Complete.
Challenge #2 - Keeping Stuff Safe
The only issue with this box is that it is made of tin, and while I'm still choosing all I want to put in it, I don't want stuff crashing around an making noise or worse yet breaking or getting damaged. Seems simple enough, a bit of fabric to wrap things up in and to double as an altar cloth when it's out. Now to dig through my drawer of scarves and bandannas. Thankfully that wasn't too hard, the scarf I was looking for was right on top, it's a small silk one that Wolfe bought me two or three years ago.
Challenge 2 - Complete
Challenge #3 - What to put in it.
I know for sure that I want a little Book of Shadows, a mini version that compiles some of my favorite prayers and meditations from my larger Book of Shadows and also culled from the various books in my library, and the Internet. I don't need rituals or anything, just those things that I sometimes find myself inspired to contemplate or recite when I'm over there. (It takes me a while to memorize and sometimes I feel more comfortable reading if I'm going to with something other than spontaneity.) I don't know if I have a tiny journal that will fit, if not I can always make a scroll or something. Another element that I must add are stones, I like nature and when I started sticking my toes into the paganism pool I started with stones. I've always had a rock collection and I thought it would be discrete. I have a bag I'll have to dig through and see if I have any meditative faves to bring with. Now some of those like to roll around, so I have a little silver plate, (silver plate electroplated on steel to be correct) it fits in the box and it's not doing anything useful here so in it goes. The last piece is a visual element, I construct things visually, I work better with maps and calenders rather than just being asked what days I'm available or where to get to somewhere. I like images but images of deities isn't what the focus is here, I'll have to think on this. Well I'm going to go dig around and see what I can put together.
So I ended up sleeping on it and I ended up with a few of my favorite pieces, a Labdorite orb a large piece of Kyanite, and the most precious piece a Lapis Lazuli stone that originally sat on my primary altar for many years. (Thank you Anpu and Nebt-Het for letting me borrow it for this). The visual element hasn't been determined so this is a work in progress.
Challenge #3 - Complete
It's not quite complete but I want to work with it a few times before I start making revisions so to speak. This is primarily an exercise in space, place, and belonging. It's nice to have the familiar close at hand to help facilitate finding peace and tranquility in a place that isn't inherently ones own, the stuff is just a physical expression of that. A repository for the feelings and energies that I like to surround myself with during prayer and mediation.
Blessings,
Satiah
Blessings,
Satiah
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Little Artemis (A Poem)
It has been far too long since I have written. Work has kept me running from place to place, living in two different homes to better facilitate travel, working overnight shifts to complicate matters. And in what quiet points I have found, I've been separated from the Internet ( It's tragic I know...). It's also been tough to actually finish a post, there are so many things that I've started to write about but never finished. I think my draft posts are triple my actual completed posts. I mean this to be a simple explanation of my absense, rather than an excuse.
I wanted to share something today that I wrote probably back in 2009 or so. It has elements of prayer but it's also biographical. When I was small I spent a lot of time running around in the woods by my maternal grandmother's house out in the country. When I came to the University of Pittsburgh to study I often found myself missing those times so much, especially when confronted by the confines and polution of urban enviroments and the violence and ugliness people perpetuate upon each other for what ever manufactured reason. I really try when ever I can to get outside, to find somewhere close to those woods so I can for at least a little while be the little girl I was again, and find the clarity and confidence I had then. When I ran in those woods I feared nothing (not to say I wasn't aware of the risks and dangers, I was almost run over by an ATV once because I had slipped and fallen.) I felt more in my element, more in control, and now I feel like I know so much fear, that I exist out of my element, as isolated from my surroundings as Tellus Mater is from the rain when covered with concrete.
I wanted to share something today that I wrote probably back in 2009 or so. It has elements of prayer but it's also biographical. When I was small I spent a lot of time running around in the woods by my maternal grandmother's house out in the country. When I came to the University of Pittsburgh to study I often found myself missing those times so much, especially when confronted by the confines and polution of urban enviroments and the violence and ugliness people perpetuate upon each other for what ever manufactured reason. I really try when ever I can to get outside, to find somewhere close to those woods so I can for at least a little while be the little girl I was again, and find the clarity and confidence I had then. When I ran in those woods I feared nothing (not to say I wasn't aware of the risks and dangers, I was almost run over by an ATV once because I had slipped and fallen.) I felt more in my element, more in control, and now I feel like I know so much fear, that I exist out of my element, as isolated from my surroundings as Tellus Mater is from the rain when covered with concrete.
Little Artemis
Sweet Maiden of the Wood
Fleet sprit swift as the wind
Fragile as new spring growth
Yet strong as the oak that towers above you
Barefoot you tread the wilds without fear
Free as all creatures are, so are you
With your hounds you hunt
But no animal must flee in fear
You seek the beauties of the wild
The secrets only you have seen
Your youthful eyes hold great widsom in their depths
Not lessons taught by pain and strife
But Gaia's whispered softly
Watchful dreamer, vigilant and carefree
You know the risk of the wilds you tread
You know the dangers of weather and season
Your mother wails, fearful for you
Warning of danger by the hand of man
That one so small and young as you may risk
No fear have you, who dare to tread where others would not
You know these pathless woods as you know your face
A haven and comfort to those wise enough
You can smell the rain upon the wind
You know the call of dangerous beasts
Like a bird you know the way home by heart
Like a cat you can move unseen by the eyes of men
All of Gaia's wisdom at your fingertips
Keeps you safe from all harm
Yet, no matter how swift
No matter how vigilant
You cannot escape the passage of time
So swift it comes, draging you away
To a place foreign and strange
With mighty buildings in place of trees
Set paths to tread and travel by
Life muted by constructed forms
Oh that fear which at first consumed
The new dangers that bit and tore
How horrifying how tragic
No matter what you do not yeild
For men and women are no different than beasts
Except for their sometimes sensless savagry
Gaia still whispers through the stone that covers her
And now this artifical wilderness you come to master
Greatest is she who is at home in either place
To stride through civilization and wilderness with equal freedom
Holding the delicate balance in your hand
You ensure the survival of all
May all men admire you
May all women aspire to be you
Hope you liked it.
Blessings,
Satiah
Hope you liked it.
Blessings,
Satiah
Sunday, February 26, 2012
My brain has been a riot of thoughts lately, it's hard to know what to write about as I find myself pulled in several directions. I've been doing a bit of this and a bit of that and there is so much more that I would love to do but I don't really have the time for right now (like spend all night in the university library reading and taking notes, but I need to be functional during the day). I've had this strong urge to read and study and to create things, especially jewelry, but I've also done other crafts. However to be truly productive I need to set an order of priority, I do have some projects on a deadline that I don't want to get lost in the shuffle.
I really need to get a camera or find a way to get pictures off my phone so I can share some images of the things I've made, including the companion set of ceremonial prayer beads (to rest on an altar) and functional mini-twin (that I can keep in a little pouch in my purse). So it would make more sense when I try to describe the thought that went behind making it.
I've also lately had is insatiable to desire to read, so I might see if I can pop by the library and pick up a few books before I go home tonight. After being out of school for almost two years I'd really love to go back and short of going back I will do my best to continue my education on my own.
Blessings,
Satiah
I really need to get a camera or find a way to get pictures off my phone so I can share some images of the things I've made, including the companion set of ceremonial prayer beads (to rest on an altar) and functional mini-twin (that I can keep in a little pouch in my purse). So it would make more sense when I try to describe the thought that went behind making it.
I've also lately had is insatiable to desire to read, so I might see if I can pop by the library and pick up a few books before I go home tonight. After being out of school for almost two years I'd really love to go back and short of going back I will do my best to continue my education on my own.
Blessings,
Satiah
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Adorations of Diana
So here it is, as promised in my first post. It took a bit more fussing than I first thought, but I am really happy with it now.
The 81 Adorations of Diana
Why 81 because 9 is a special number for her and 9x9 = 81 and also 8+1= 9
The 81 Adorations of Diana
Why 81 because 9 is a special number for her and 9x9 = 81 and also 8+1= 9
1.
I adore you, Shining One
2.
I adore you, Darkness of Creation
3.
I adore you, Joy of Life
4.
I adore you, Night-veiled Lady
5.
I adore you, Bringer of Light
6.
I adore you, Mistress of Magic
7.
I adore you, Law of the Wild
8.
I adore you Essence of Survival
9.
I adore you, Sister of Fortune
10.
I adore you Solace of the Oppressed
11.
I adore you, Chaste Maiden
12.
I adore you, Fearless Maiden
13.
I adore you, Bringer of Aid
14.
I adore you, Illusive Lady
15.
I adore you, Many Natured One
16.
I adore you, Heavenly One
17.
I adore you, Lady of the Moon
18.
I adore you, Brightest of All Stars
19.
I adore you, She of the Changing Face
20.
I adore you, Crescent Crowned Maid
21.
I adore you, Lady with the Silver Chariot
22.
I adore you, Most Lovely One
23.
I adore you, She of the Silver Bow
24.
I adore you, Huntress with the Arrows of
Moonlight
25.
I adore you, Layer of Dew
26.
I adore you, Leader of the Hounds
27.
I adore you, Giver of Success
28.
I adore you, Punisher of Actaeon
29.
I adore you, Fate of the Hunt
30.
I adore you, Keeper of Life’s Blood
31.
I adore you, Untamed Lady
32.
I adore you, She who runs with the Wolf
33.
I adore you, She who races the Stag
34.
I adore you, Queen of the Grove
35.
I adore you, Lady of Trivoli
36.
I adore you, Mistress of Tifata
37.
I adore you, Goddess who resides in Aricia
38.
I adore you, Lady of the Mirror
39.
I adore you, Lover of Virbius
40.
I adore you, Companion of Egeria
41.
I adore you, She of the Golden Bough
42.
I adore you, Beloved of her Priest
43.
I adore you, She who Presides over the Succession
of the King
44.
I adore you, Lady who comforts the Slain One
45.
I adore you, Most Regal Goddess
46.
I adore you, Patron of the Latin League
47.
I adore you, Guardian of Civilization
48.
I adore you, Mediator between Man and Wild
49.
I adore you, Lady on the Aventine
50.
I adore you, Giver of Sanctuary
51.
I adore you, Patron of the Free
52.
I adore you, Lady of the Deer
53.
I adore you, Daughter of Latona
54.
I adore you, Sister of Apollo
55.
I adore you, Light of Hope
56.
I adore you, Pure One
57.
I adore you, Easer of Pain
58.
I adore you, Healer of Wounds
59.
I adore you, Destroyer of Infection
60.
I adore you, Setter of Bone
61.
I adore you, Giver of Succor to Women in Labor
62.
I adore you, Wise One
63.
I adore you, Mighty One
64.
I adore you, Queen of the Wilds
65.
I adore you, Advocate of the Newborn
66.
I adore you, Mother of the Wild Beasts
67.
I adore you, Keeper of Our Instinctual Wisdom
68.
I adore you, Lady of Forests and Hills
69.
I adore you, She who Hides in the Mist
70.
I adore you, Lady with the Shimmering Hair
71.
I adore you, Leader of the Torch-lit Procession
72.
I adore you, Queen of the Fata
73.
I adore you, Watcher in the Twilight
74.
I adore you, Wandering One
75.
I adore you, Revealer of Mysteries
76.
I adore you, Lady of Life and Death
77.
I adore you, Queen of the Witches
78.
I adore you, Mother to her Hidden Children
79.
I adore you, my Queen
80.
I adore you, my Mother
81.
I adore you, Diana
There's a mixture of different influences here, some Roman, some Hellenized, some Medieval, some more Modern, a few personal, and rather then bore you with a massive commentary section, if you feel so inclined I encourage you to give it a try, and if you have burning and specific questions I'll be happy to answer them in the comments. As I feel so inspired and I have a moment of time I might take little chunks and do some more in-depth analysis.
Blessings,
Satiah
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Lupercalia 2012
So today is Lupercalia, an ancient festival known to be a rip-roaring good time. On this day when the Wild invades the urban landscape to reawaken it from winter's slumber I was thinking of heading to a local park and just having a good time enjoying the grass and trees and looking for the first signs of the Earth's reawakening. Today I am beyond dead tired, I was at work all night and I got no sleep. Two hour nap after shift didn't help much, but it's better than 0. I'm sitting here at a little coffee shop looking out at the grey sky, people wrapped up in themselves to stave off the cold and the sleepy looking buildings of the college campus in the distance. This city and myself could really use a band of men (and women) running around leaping, howling and laughing drunk on the invigorating power of the Great Golden Wolf.
I feel like amidst all this concrete landscapes and cultivated suburbs we've lost the Wild. There seems to be this idea that it's some far away and untouched place where lions and tigers and bears rule as supreme heads of the food chain. It's a laughable idea now that we near or have surpassed 7 billion people. It's a lot closer than many seem to realize. It was just last year that I saw a turkey, a big old wild tom strut down the sidewalk near the Cathedral of Learning. A creature that was reintroduced to western PA in my mother's lifetime. I wish I had thought to take a picture, not many believed me, but trust me not much in an urban landscape can be mistaken as this distinctive bird. I've seen deer too hiding in the thickest parts of Panther Hollow, or wandering in Allegheny Cemetery. The Wild isn't far away, it's all around us, invading and adapting to our urban landscapes because there's less space for us all to share. Oh Diana, how are we to learn to live in symbiosis with your wild children before it's too late? How can we learn through you and Lupercus to accept the Wild around us and even inside us before we banish it to the lands of myth? How can we adjust to the changing boundary between the two?
Since I cannot find the energy to go racing around shrieking and howling in rapture of your awakening cry, I will devote my time to thinking on these questions and looking for the Wild all around.
Blessings,
Satiah
I feel like amidst all this concrete landscapes and cultivated suburbs we've lost the Wild. There seems to be this idea that it's some far away and untouched place where lions and tigers and bears rule as supreme heads of the food chain. It's a laughable idea now that we near or have surpassed 7 billion people. It's a lot closer than many seem to realize. It was just last year that I saw a turkey, a big old wild tom strut down the sidewalk near the Cathedral of Learning. A creature that was reintroduced to western PA in my mother's lifetime. I wish I had thought to take a picture, not many believed me, but trust me not much in an urban landscape can be mistaken as this distinctive bird. I've seen deer too hiding in the thickest parts of Panther Hollow, or wandering in Allegheny Cemetery. The Wild isn't far away, it's all around us, invading and adapting to our urban landscapes because there's less space for us all to share. Oh Diana, how are we to learn to live in symbiosis with your wild children before it's too late? How can we learn through you and Lupercus to accept the Wild around us and even inside us before we banish it to the lands of myth? How can we adjust to the changing boundary between the two?
Since I cannot find the energy to go racing around shrieking and howling in rapture of your awakening cry, I will devote my time to thinking on these questions and looking for the Wild all around.
Blessings,
Satiah
A New Blog
So here I am with a shiny new blog. I plan on using this place to ruminate and ponder things I find of a religious or spiritual sort and to share my own writings and thoughts with you dear reader.
I chose to start this because I love reading the religious and spiritual blogs of others and I feel that I shouldn't just be a voyeur and that I should share in turn. It also gives me a chance to really think things through easier than trying to explain things verbally. That and I can link to what ever image or song or bit of poetry that sparked the idea or tangent in the first place which usually helps. Real life does not yet come with hyperlinks.
Lately I've been working with prayers particularly those that involve prayer beads. I have one made and it's nice though I did a wire link type construction, like one would find on a traditional rosary, and it's not quite working out, it tends to get warped and tangled a lot more than I expected, but it fits better in my hands than it did on cord. I find working with said beads very soothing and it helps me to focus. I love to dance and my mind tends to wander if I sit too still. Right now I'm looking at making something of an infinite prayer bead set, one that can be more or less 'all purpose' when it's more of a chant or an Adoration, basically the sort of thing where if I get into a 'groove' I can keep going with out the interruption of a Y connector or a pendant. It's a matter of getting the materials and the numbers worked out at this point.
Speaking of Adorations, I do believe Sannion has started quite the craze over on his blog. Can be found here. Personally, I love the idea. I currently have one for Diana written but I want to work with it before I share. I think I will also write ones to Tellus and Sol Indiges for when I get a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Well it's time to go to work.
Blessings,
Satiah
I chose to start this because I love reading the religious and spiritual blogs of others and I feel that I shouldn't just be a voyeur and that I should share in turn. It also gives me a chance to really think things through easier than trying to explain things verbally. That and I can link to what ever image or song or bit of poetry that sparked the idea or tangent in the first place which usually helps. Real life does not yet come with hyperlinks.
Lately I've been working with prayers particularly those that involve prayer beads. I have one made and it's nice though I did a wire link type construction, like one would find on a traditional rosary, and it's not quite working out, it tends to get warped and tangled a lot more than I expected, but it fits better in my hands than it did on cord. I find working with said beads very soothing and it helps me to focus. I love to dance and my mind tends to wander if I sit too still. Right now I'm looking at making something of an infinite prayer bead set, one that can be more or less 'all purpose' when it's more of a chant or an Adoration, basically the sort of thing where if I get into a 'groove' I can keep going with out the interruption of a Y connector or a pendant. It's a matter of getting the materials and the numbers worked out at this point.
Speaking of Adorations, I do believe Sannion has started quite the craze over on his blog. Can be found here. Personally, I love the idea. I currently have one for Diana written but I want to work with it before I share. I think I will also write ones to Tellus and Sol Indiges for when I get a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Well it's time to go to work.
Blessings,
Satiah
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