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Post by aisling on Sept 30, 2014 13:39:56 GMT -5
Month 1--Week 3 Week 3 Moon Path Reflection: Seeking Awen
What does the Awen mean to you? What are the forces in your life that are seeking balance? How have you/can you seek the Awen and attain balance?
Awen is the deep connection of spirit that flows between all living things. It is what is expressed by our very being. Awen is that which cannot be put into words, yet is universally understood as Beautiful and True. Yes, Awen brings balance to the forces in my life when I take the time to reflect (as in this week’s meditation), and this is a good thing. For me, the forces that need balance lie somewhere between “worry and hurry.” I find that when I take time to be still and reflect, I am able to feel that force of Awen entering and allowing me to calm the forces and bring clarity.
Additionally, I believe that one must become open to Awen in order to grow in one’s understanding and experience of it. If I am not open to the possibility of experiencing Awen, I will miss the gift of it. Sometime Awen sneaks up on me and overloads my senses in brilliant moments. An example from this week… my husband, Tom, and I went hiking last Friday morning while the kids were in school. It was a glorious morning to be outside walking the trails and noticing the birds and the changing colors on the trees. It was a rare time for us to have alone…and quiet. As we were walking along the river, out of the woods and onto the path about 50 feet in front of us, stepped 3 coyotes! The site of them was stunning. All three stopped and turned and just stared at us, then eventually walked away and disappeared. That moment absolutely took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. So unexpected was this gift and so perfect was that moment – 3 coyotes, 2 humans, gazing at each other in the midst of countless small creatures who surrounded us with music – THAT is Awen.
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Post by Sencha on Sept 30, 2014 19:11:17 GMT -5
//For me, the forces that need balance lie somewhere between “worry and hurry.” I find that when I take time to be still and reflect, I am able to feel that force of Awen entering and allowing me to calm the forces and bring clarity. // I've also found that the more I experience the nwyfre through the Awen, the less worry and hurry I experience! Awen helps me to 'live in the moment.' //As we were walking along the river, out of the woods and onto the path about 50 feet in front of us, stepped 3 coyotes! The site of them was stunning. All three stopped and turned and just stared at us, then eventually walked away and disappeared. That moment absolutely took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. So unexpected was this gift and so perfect was that moment – 3 coyotes, 2 humans, gazing at each other in the midst of countless small creatures who surrounded us with music – THAT is Awen. // That IS Awen indeed. That's the THIRD time I've heard from Brother Coyote this week....the book I'm currently working on is 'Call of the Coyote.' At Piedmont Pagan Pride last weekend, I met a fellow Druid whose torc was twin coyotes. And last night the coyotes that live near the farm were howling. Perhaps a message for one of us...or both of us?
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Post by rlt123 on Oct 7, 2014 23:28:25 GMT -5
Month 2 Week 3: meditations
Mentally, the experience of nature has made me more observant of my surroundings. For example, my Dad planted a bunch of trees in our back yard years ago and I just recently noticed that one of the trees grew pretty tall (about the size of an pine). Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, nature calms and soothes me.
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Post by rlt123 on Oct 7, 2014 23:40:01 GMT -5
Month 2 Week 4: Earth Path questions I tried to answer the questions the best I could. My town's drinking water is from ground and surface water. I get most of my food from Kroger (and occasionally Walmart). As to how far it is shipped, that is hard to say but I think as far as Cincinnati. My town does have a farmer's market. My clothes come from different stores. My clothes are mostly cotton. For reducing my carbon footprint, as I said earlier my Dad planted a bunch of trees in my yard. As far as I know there are no environmental groups in my area. To start one would take local interest (and probably money).
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Post by Sencha on Oct 8, 2014 15:41:18 GMT -5
Starting a local group doesn't have to cost money. I started several through social media like Facebook and Twitter. If you're in Ohio, though, it might be difficult to garner interest.
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Post by deanna on Oct 23, 2014 13:56:33 GMT -5
Week 1 Earth Path Reflection: Meaning of Awen 1. What places in nature inspire you? 2. Do you have a favorite outdoor place? Why? 3. How does nature inspire you??
1) I find inspiration in forests, mountains, waterfalls, flowing rivers, ocean shores, pretty much everywhere in nature. The further away from the sounds of mechanical noises the better. I am in awe of the sunset over a desert mesa; the moon rising from the middle of a lake; a flock of migratory birds quietly resting on the surface of a lake; and the quiet turning of the night sky from my own back yard.
2) It is hard for me to choose a single favorite place but if I base my choice on some place I want to visit again and again it would be a wild beach near Tofino, Vancouver Island in British Columbia. I have only been there once, years ago on a business trip. It was cold, windy, and the North Pacific was throwing huge waves against the beach. There were a couple of brave surfers in wetsuits riding the storm waves as well as others walking the length of the sand. The spray from the waves snug as it hit my skin. Not only was the water near freezing but it carried with it fine particles of sand. The only sound you could hear was the crashing of the waves. Part of the beach was covered with huge tree trunks washed up on the shore from this and previous storms. Some were so huge I could only imagine they were 100's if not 1000's of years old. Areas of rock outcroppings provided shelter for small colonies of barnacles, starfish, and crabs. Even in the middle of a huge storm, it was the most peaceful place. Even though there were other humans in the area I felt isolated, in a good way, and cut off from the modern world.
3) I am going on the assumption that the question is asking what effect does nature have on me that reflects the definition of Awen. Sometimes the effect is very viseral. I feel like the Grinch who stole Christmas when his heart grew 10 sizes. It is a literal feeling of my heart growing bigger and bigger within my chest, my breath becomes painful in my lungs, my eyes well with tears, and yet I feel a joy so great that I feel like I shine brighter than the sun.
Other times I simply feel the need to draw, paint, carve, or otherwise attempt to "capture" the look and feel of a place or thing. I have composed very rudimentary, and painfully horrible, impromptu poetry or songs. The natural world makes me smile, an action that is very rare for me. If I find a place where I can be alone and feel safe I will sometimes lay down, or sit against a tree or stone, and allow myself to feel at one with the surroundings. At times like that I imagine I am perfectly camouflaged by becoming part of the object I am touching.
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Post by Sencha on Oct 24, 2014 11:58:37 GMT -5
Welcome Dee! Great start! Yes, the third question is designed to get you to thinking about how to seek the Awen through nature. The first two questions are to get you to think about which places might help you personally find your own space for seeking Awen/Imbas. Different places resonate with different people. We all have our own special sacred place and sacred space. Sounds like you've found yours!
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Post by sweetkitty12 on Oct 30, 2014 23:33:43 GMT -5
I'm new here and I just sent an e-mail to get a mentor. I'm looking forward to learning here and meeting great, new, people. I'm 34 years old and I'm really excited. The question that I do have is this. Do I have to turn my assignment in on Sunday or can I do it next Friday? I'm asking this because I started this course on Friday, meaning that I started reading the assignment. Thanks for any help.
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Post by deanna on Oct 31, 2014 13:44:57 GMT -5
Week 2 Sun Path Reflection: Celebrating Awen Think about the ways nature inspires you. Are there certain seasons that give you more inspiration than others? Is there a particular High Day that is your favorite? How does this seasonal inspiration help you to celebrate nature? Find something that inspires you about each of the High Days.
I have always found Fall and Winter to be more inspirational than Spring or Summer. Of the two, I prefer Fall. The smells, the colours, the sounds, the feeling of Fall is almost gut wrenching in its beauty. There is nothing better than walking through a Fall forest when the sky is clear, the air is cool, and the sun is warm on your face. Or sitting by the fire and watching the sky, the cool air seems to make the sky clearer and the Fall stars brighter.
The Wheal of the Year links on the BMDO page are not working but I was Neo-Wiccan for 20+yrs before my recent path change. I am relying heavily on the Wheel of the Year learned through Wicca for the meanings to complete this part of the journal.
While I like all the Fire Festival High Days: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnassa. My favorite has to be Lughnassa followed very closely by Samhain. The final fruits and vegetables come out of the garden between these two days. They are both the embodiment of Fall to me. The nights are getting cooler. The windows can be opened to air out the house and it is cool enough in the house to bake fresh bread again. It is both a time for winter prep, storing foods that can be stored, and a time of feasting on foods that are abundant but not easily stored. These two days, and the time between them, bring me closer to the cycles of nature than any other time of the year. I feel a deep kinship to the animals of the forest who are doing their own versions of prepping for Winter.
High Day Inspirations from my own observations. Samhain - The focus and worship of the Ancestors. Alban Arthan (Yule) - The returning light of the day. The sun stays up longer and it is easy to start thinking about the coming spring. Imbolc - The warmth begins to return to the sun. Usually after Imbolc there are days when the sun feel warm even of there is still snow on the ground.You KNOW Spring is coming. Alban Eilir (Ostara) - Crucuses begin to bloom. The bird migrations begin, especially the Canadian and Snow Geese. Some of the hardier trees begin to put out leaves. Beltane - The garden is planted, the birds and animals have all paired off and created the next generation, and the trees are in full leaf and blossom. Alban Heruin (Midsummer) - Early vegetables are beginning to be harvested. The young are exploring the world around them. Summer heat has begun. Lughnassa - Garden is in full fruit. We are picking more vegetables than we can eat so storage is begun. We share our bounty with friends. Fresh Bread is being made. Mead is set up to ferment. Alban Elved (Mabon ) - Apple Harvest begins. First batch of Mead is bottled. Feasting with pork and apples.
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Post by Sencha on Nov 1, 2014 8:32:44 GMT -5
//The question that I do have is this. Do I have to turn my assignment in on Sunday or can I do it next Friday? I'm asking this because I started this course on Friday, meaning that I started reading the assignment. Thanks for any help.//
It's a self-paced course, so you can turn it in any time you want. The year-and-a-day is just a suggested format.
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Post by Sencha on Nov 1, 2014 8:37:13 GMT -5
//The Wheal of the Year links on the BMDO page are not working but I was Neo-Wiccan for 20+yrs before my recent path change. I am relying heavily on the Wheel of the Year learned through Wicca for the meanings to complete this part of the journal.// Yeah, I'm updating the website. Hopefully have it all done by the first of the year. There's enough similarity with the Wiccan Wheel so that it shouldn't be a problem. //While I like all the Fire Festival High Days: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnassa. My favorite has to be Lughnassa followed very closely by Samhain. The final fruits and vegetables come out of the garden between these two days. They are both the embodiment of Fall to me. The nights are getting cooler. The windows can be opened to air out the house and it is cool enough in the house to bake fresh bread again. It is both a time for winter prep, storing foods that can be stored, and a time of feasting on foods that are abundant but not easily stored. These two days, and the time between them, bring me closer to the cycles of nature than any other time of the year. I feel a deep kinship to the animals of the forest who are doing their own versions of prepping for Winter.// In the higher courses, there's sections on animal totems. Yes, it's easier for me as well to feel kinship with the animals in fall and spring, since that's when they're the most active. We usually try to do a retreat in August when the Monarch butterflies are migrating. //Samhain - The focus and worship of the Ancestors. Alban Arthan (Yule) - The returning light of the day. The sun stays up longer and it is easy to start thinking about the coming spring. Imbolc - The warmth begins to return to the sun. Usually after Imbolc there are days when the sun feel warm even of there is still snow on the ground.You KNOW Spring is coming. Alban Eilir (Ostara) - Crucuses begin to bloom. The bird migrations begin, especially the Canadian and Snow Geese. Some of the hardier trees begin to put out leaves. Beltane - The garden is planted, the birds and animals have all paired off and created the next generation, and the trees are in full leaf and blossom. Alban Heruin (Midsummer) - Early vegetables are beginning to be harvested. The young are exploring the world around them. Summer heat has begun. Lughnassa - Garden is in full fruit. We are picking more vegetables than we can eat so storage is begun. We share our bounty with friends. Fresh Bread is being made. Mead is set up to ferment. Alban Elved (Mabon ) - Apple Harvest begins. First batch of Mead is bottled. Feasting with pork and apples.// You did quite well, considering that part of the website is currently down.
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Post by Siofra on Nov 1, 2014 11:10:33 GMT -5
Week 1: Awen, Oct. 24-Oct. 31 2014 1. What places in nature inspire you?: I have never been in a natural setting that didn’t inspire me. When I wish to soothe my mind, I choose a place in nature that makes me emanate peace. I often choose a beautiful waterfall in the woods, accompanied by a unicorn. However, I have also imagined myself in ancient Egypt on a terrace, enjoying the balmy desert evening. Whenever I step into the woods, something in me changes and I often feel inspired. But even sitting in my computer room, and looking out the window to see the sunset touch a wispy cloud pink makes me stop what I’m doing, and washing me in awe. Such experiences often inspire me to write nature themed poetry. Nature has this effect on me, even in my dreams. 2. Do you have a favorite outdoor place? Why?: I have a few favorite outdoor locals in my area. One of them is the river in the backyard of my old house. I grew up there and that is where I had my first past life memories and shamanic experiences. It is also where I have been given personal treasures by the river: a Native American artifact in the form of a small pendant, I think a bear but it’s been so eroded over the years it’s hard to say. The other item, which I sadly misplaced, was a large unpolished rose quartz stone, given to me during a time of immense emotional trauma. Another location is the nature trail along the river, down the road from my old home, where I have had encounters with Nature Spirits. It is one of the most enchanted places I have ever been. In my new town, there is also a nature trail along the river (same river) and I greatly enjoy walking there. I’ve had a shamanic experience there as well, and often feel as if my worries and problems are lifted once I step into the woods. Another location is Sackett’s Harbor on Lake Ontario, my favorite place being the historic Battlefield that overlooks the lake. The final area, the Thousand Islands Region, is my also my favorite, along the St. Lawrence Seaway. There are literally thousands of islands in the region. I love visiting, though the water is too cold to swim in for most of the year. It’s the closest we get to the ocean. You could say I have a strong affinity for forests and natural bodies of water. I couldn’t be happy living away from either. 3. How does nature inspire you? Nature inspires peace and joy in me, even when I am feeling depressed. It has a power over me, that renders me moved inside my heart and soul. It inspires me to draw and to write poetry: There is a whisper in the forest that beckons those with a place in their heart of yearning for the wilderness, each flower is a cloud blossoming in color, each leaf upon the tree is a universe in depth, the moss speaks of ancient tales while the rocks and stones listen. This is the place where faeries roam and animals are prone to graze. But be wary to enter these woods at twilight when the paths are not so kind, shadows murk and linger and the sky is visible in pockets through the canopy. The sent of trees and earth permeate the air, the air is crisp with autumn musings, yet travelers will not be harmed sun or moon, for there is a peacefulness here that rests over the forest, heart and soul. (Sorry I couldn't get a better shot of my drawing without glare. It's hanging on the wall and I'm pretty short.)
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Post by sweetkitty12 on Nov 1, 2014 20:39:50 GMT -5
Week 1 Earth Path Reflection: Meaning of Awen
1: What places in nature inspire you? 2: Do you have a favorite outdoor place? Why? 3: How does nature inspire you?
The first question, what places in nature inspire you? The answer to that one is very easy. The Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls are both places that inspire me. They burst forth through erosion millions of years ago and from the melting of the ice caps thousands of years ago. When I look at them they make me think about the gods and inspire me to want to go there.
The second question, do you have a favorite outdoor place? Why? Three years ago I couldn't answer that question because I didn't have an outdoor place. Now that's changed. My backyard is my favorite outdoor place. And the reason for this is that I've never had a piece of land that I can call my own. Just knowing that I can step outside and be where I love to be at is just wonderful.
The third question, how does nature inspire you? The answer to that one is pretty simple. Places that look as though they come from a dream inspire me to paint and to take photo's. There's a man on the net that takes photo's of places in Montana and he does it so well that I believe him to be an artist. What I see makes me want to take up the brush and paint. I would really love to paint and photograph in areas that hold meaning to me and to publish them.
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Post by trockipixie on Nov 2, 2014 11:42:35 GMT -5
Week 1 Earth Path Reflection What places in nature inspire you?
I currently live among the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, but I have lived in the prairie of the Midwest; the hot, flat land of Texas; alongside the salty sweet ocean in Florida; and the lovely countryside of Germany. I've camped in canyons, marshes, in the mountains, along the beach, and everywhere else that I can think of. In every one of these instances, I have been awed and inspired by the greatness of Mother Nature, for her artwork is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it penetrates the deepest parts of the soul. Even as I step out onto my back deck in the wee hours of the morning to sip my hot coffee, I am greeted by the trees, the birds, the mist, and the morning sun. Every day I am inspired by her beauty, and there are times where I wish that I could do more than just admire her, but be a part of the landscape that draws me in.
Do you have a favorite outdoor place? Why?
I used to have a sacred space that I would go and visit with my son, back when I lived in Illinois. It was a secret retreat for us, because it was easily accessible, yet no one else seemed to know it was there. This place was deep within in the forest, with a small wooden bridge over a bubbling creek that flowed into the river. It was a place of enchantment, and we could sense the nature spirits who dwelled there. While we were at our secret place, we would go about “looking for faeries” as I told my son the old stories that I had learned about the fae. It was a magical time for both of us. Nature brought us closer together, and it helped me to teach my son about ecology, faery lore, and environmentalism.
How does nature inspire you?
Once upon a time I was an artist, and after being outdoors, I would go inside and try to channel my inspiration into the artwork. I would draw a lot of fairies, and I especially enjoyed drawing gnomes. Nature also inspires me to want to protect her, and to act as a steward rather than an exploiter of her resources. I have also been inspired to help rescue some of her creatures, as I am now an animal rescue volunteer [in addition to my day job]. Ultimately, I would like to build a homestead in the woods where I can focus on my art, as well as create a sanctuary for animals who need help. That dream is a long way off, but I have miles to go before I sleep...
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Post by Sencha on Nov 4, 2014 10:36:51 GMT -5
Siofra- Sounds like water would be your elemental power. You wouldn't happen to be a water sign, by chance? Fantastic art and poem! Would you mind if I shared your poem in the next newsletter?
One of the goals of the Dedicant Path is to discover the elements for which you have an affinity. Sounds like Danu has already given you a few gifts in that area. Water is associated with the west and with powers of the mind. Were you a good student in school?
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