Author: Lugh Sulian

Standing on the Ledge: Rebuilding from the Rubble—an ongoing, real-time record of what happens after collapse, when old rules stop functioning and new ones haven’t yet earned trust.

Transformations at Canada’s Longest-Running Pagan Festival

So it is interesting to note the changes to a long time festival. One of Canadas longest running festivals, but certainly not its longest running as it was born out of Wiccan fest if lore serves me correctly. It to my knowledge was always referred to simply as a “Pagan” festival and Not catering to any particular one pantheon. As memory serves me the management deemed it was better not to do so at one time so as to be impartial and not favoring one particular belief over others. It seems now to be (at least through its advertising) pandering to “witchcraft”, “Pagan” and “heathen” communities does this mean that it is now choosing to favor two belief systems?

Just the things I notice….. and sometimes it is the little changes that sneak in over time that mean the most.

9/11 and a certain Cohen song

When the event of 9/11 occurred I was working the Netzero(Juno) contract at a Convergys operated call center located in Ottawa Ontario, I happened to be at work that day. And my then spouse was working at 99 bank street. Within minutes of the first plane striking the Trade Towers video feeds started popping up. Live feeds, peoples recordings, raw unedited imagery of the after math of the first plane strike, and live data of the second strike. I saw these things live as well as many of my friends. The horror, shock and disbelief. for the next few days the world was bombarded with this catastrophic event. And I suppose it struck home for me due to my work environment at the time, as well as my former partners. I spoke to people who had to return to work at 1 trade center and other areas that were affected for internet related matters. People were rattled, frazzled and angry but mostly in shock. My ex’s work environment was affected due to the proximity of the Saudi embassy. My work environment was impacted. People of certain ethnicities were advised that they were allowed to use “non ethnic” names on the phones to avoid back lash, and if back lash did occur were allowed to transfer their calls to another agent, and If I recall they were also afforded lower priority on the phones so they would be less likely to take calls.

But where does this fit into a Cohen song you may ask? I am not sure how quickly it happened it may have been the same day, or within days I cannot recall but I do know Jeff Buckleys version of Cohens Hallelujah was set to imagery of the 9/11 attack. And due to my own personal memories of that day it heralded a lot of emotion, a lot of anger, a lot of sadness and tears.

S0 fast forward a few years a bit of Karaoke I became decent at singing this song it still generated some emotion for me but I put that into my singing. Fast forward a few more years and happening on a pagan campground, and things called work week-ends. Well on these work-week-ends after the work is completed, meals are done it becomes dark. Camp fires are lit, guitars and drums and other musical instruments are brought out. Alcohol consumed… Singing begins. Turns out one of the influential people of the campground likes Cohen…. finds out I can sing “Hallelujah” …… guess what I wind up doing at work week-ends singing that song, much to the dismay of other people who hate it, but are afraid to say it. But hey I make someone happy at least.

Now present day I have not much to do with the campground in some ways my choice, in other ways not. I Have also realized I Hate “Hallelujah” just as much as the rest of them. But I have also realized that it does not conjure up the same imagery of 9/11.

Hail and Horn Gathering

The following information is gathered from multiple posts sourced on the website for Ravens Knoll.  

More commonly referred to as HHG, Hail and Horn is an annual gathering organized by Canadian Heathens to express in fullness an ancient religious custom. The gathering is anchored by three intertwined rituals – blót, húsel and symbel – and a deep reverence for the Gods.
HHG seeks to appeal to as many interests our varied participants enjoy. It is hoped that those who come will be able to express their relationships to the Gods, Ancestors and community however they feel most comfortable. That said, a happy medium between boisterous and introspective behaviour is the goal, so that everyone respects each other’s sensibilities at the proper times and places.

Why is the festival called the Hail and Horn Gathering?

The festival is named for the values that are embodied each year in the actions of the people who attend.

“Hail” is about the worship of the Gods. The word “hail” means something which is healthy, holy, and wholesome. The whole of the HHG experience is orchestrated around the worship of the various holy powers (Gods, Ancestors, and land-spirits). Each year a new Goddess or God is selected to be given a central place in the community’s worship and a god-pole is raised by the folk to their honour, constituting a blót. The central theme of the weekend event is constructed around the mythos and esthetics of that deity so that a right ritual experience is the result.

“Horn” is about sacred social communion. The use of the “horn” is both symbolic and physical, as we not only share good words with each other in the hall, but also ever bear in mind the social bonds that rallying around the horn entails. At the ritual of symbel (sumbel) we sit within a metaphoric hall, upon benches pressed shoulder-to-shoulder, speaking boldly of our successes and gratitude to friends, family, and Ancestors.

A “gathering” is a time and place where community is built through the work of frið. HHG encourages kindreds, circle, study groups, groves, banners, hearths, and individuals to be together with other Heathen folk. We all recognize each group and person’s individuality, but also that we share common bonds and can work side-by-side with one another to accomplish shared goals, shared laughs by the hearth fire, or share a relationship with the holy powers. Gatherings of friends, kinships, and individuals was an important historic activity, as it is today. At HHG community building is a principle focus.

HHG is constructed to be a holistic, immersive experience. All of the rituals are connected to one another. It is hoped that those coming to the festival will feel drawn to a high degree of participation and engagement. It is an event of the folk, for the folk. It is not an event for tourists. The registration fees are structured to reflect this philosophy. (See “Are gifts required?” for more context on this second point.)

That said, it is understood that people can find the weekend to be a demanding one, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Also, some people simply do not have the time off work or have child-care responsibilities to which they must see. Therefore, any level of participation must be determined on a personal basis.

Many do find volunteering “behind the scenes”, prepping food or setting tables, to be an important act of devotion to the Gods as well as folk. This is always appreciated by all.

So, yes, it is possible, but it is not encouraged and doing so is less cost effective.

What are the rituals like?

It is difficult to fully describe the feel of the rituals, but we will do our best.

Some have commented that the rituals are both powerful and introspective. Others find greater happiness in the sharing of food with friends, than the raising of a god-pole. As there are many different people coming to HHG, the “feels” of each are manifold. Many will tell you that at least one of the rituals has been incredibly meaningful and transformative.

The rituals are, in reality, not truly separate from one another. They are threads woven together to create a grander ceremony that is the tapestry of the whole festival. Each ritual relates to the others of the weekend, which is why people are encouraged to attend for the entire weekend. The esoteric rite often stands most apart from the other rituals, but it can provide a keystone of understanding linking the entire weekend’s experience for some people.

What is a blót?

Ask a hundred Heathens, you will get a hundred answers. Therefore, we will describe blót in the context of HHG. Each year, a God or Goddess aligned with the ætt (tribe or clan) of the Æsir is carved into a pole which is raised in the Æsir Vé by the folk. Many offerings are given to the Gods, foremost of which are some of the raw ingredients which will be used to prepare the húsel feast on the next day. Once the god-pole (an idol) is raised, the folk are welcome to return throughout the weekend (and in the future) to give further offerings, building upon the gift cycle. This is the ritual where the most personal interactions with the Gods takes place.

What is a suitable offering at blót?

Most anything can be a suitable offering. Many folk give mead (or other alcoholic strong drink), coins, jewelry, fruit, etc. Whatever is of importance to the giver is believed to be well-received in the Vé. Some give in relation to the nature of their request or as a thank you for favours already received. Offerings are usually symbolic and/or personal. For the most part, offerings that are considered to contravene the rules of the Vé are forbidden (such as items containing human body fluids).

Offerings are removed periodically from the Vé to be sunk in the Raven’s Knool Sacred Well or burnt in a sacred fire if it is not possible to sink them in the Well. Thus, please refrain from offering plastics or polluting items. Also, food items are much more likely to be quickly removed from the Vé and ritually transformed and sent on their way, in order to protect the lives of local wildlife that could become problematic visitors (such as bears and coy-wolves).

What is an esoteric ritual and do I need to attend?

An esoteric ritual at HHG is a ritual containing mainly sorcerous or mystical elements. Long after nightfall on the night of the blót, a ritual is held to honour of Holy Power of the year. The ritual may include elements of divination, trance-work, possession, or performance. These rituals tend to by heavily influenced by personal or collective gnosis and may have more syncretic elements than other rituals at the gathering. It is important to note that not everyone is expected to participate. Some HHG participants prefer to relax after a long day by the hearth fire and reflect upon moments experienced at the blót. This is the ritual where the mystical and otherworldly experiences tend to occur (or, in reflection, afterwards).

What is húsel?

The húsel is a sacred feast. The feast consists of a multi-course menu, thematically connected to the nature of the God or Goddess honoured in the given year. The menu is balanced and is inspired by the historic foodways of Heathen peoples and those they encountered. The meal is considered a sacral feast and is not just a meal with entertainment. The húsel is the link between the blót and symbel. The blót is for the Gods, the húsel is where the folk eat with one another, with the Gods, and with the Ancestors. We eat the same foods at húsel that are offered to the Gods in blót, húsel is an extension of blót. Many attendees volunteer to prepare the feast, others selflessly offering to provide table service to the majority and all enjoying the privilege of soulful eating in pleasant company. We serve each other and the Gods at húsel. This is the ritual where less formal relations are developed between people, the Gods, and the Ancestors.

What is symbel?

The symbel (sumbel) is a form of communal ritual where words are spoken over a horn from which one drinks. At HHG, we use a more historically-inspired form of symbel than most. We sit in hall-like tents, side-by-side at the bench. An alcoholic beverage is used to fill the ceremonial drinking horn, Friðdrífa. The drink is made sacred through a blessing (i.e., hammer hallowed). A Byrele (Hornbearer) carries the drinking vessel to those who would speak. They may give toasts to whomever they wish and boast how they will. At a point, gifts are exchanged by those who would do so, during a part of the symbel called the “Giftstool” (the gifting round). At HHG, we do not oath at symbel as, understanding the sacral mechanics of the ritual, we cannot hold each other to follow-through as vast distances may separate us. It should be noted that boasting about something that is going to happen in the future gets into the realm of an oath, so the wording for such an utterance must be chosen carefully or avoided. This is the ritual were the most personal interactions between people takes place.

labels

By an individual only known on the invisible internet as “haven” Please note I have not bothered to try and gender/race/age/religion identify them either

Why We Should Stop Labeling People:

Labels do not define us
When we are born , we are born innocent. Our mentality shows no prejudice to anyone, we are full of love. Our hearts do not see color, but character. So why is it when we grow up, we start to judge people by their race, sexual orientation, or gender. What causes us to see them other than human. That can be answered in one word, Labels.
Labels have taught us to classify people as black, white, gay, straight, etc. We were forced to believe we were just the labels society put on us. But, when we start to label our children, we teach them to see people and themselves based on what we think they are, not who they are. The labels have caused a division between people. We no longer see people based on their character, but their appearance. We link terrorism to all Middle Eastern, crime to all Blacks, wealth to all Whites, immigration to all Mexicans, and intelligence to all Asians. As if these events are linked to one race.
No one is born the same, we all have distinctions from one another. Our bodies should not be the placeholder for identity. Our identity should be found by who we think we are inside. Some might say that these labels are just classifications to tell people apart, but that’s just it. They were made to separate us, to not see ourselves as the same. Labels are just costumes covering up someone’s true identity.
The only way we can stop the danger of labeling is with love. We must love everyone and see ourselves as equal. Unity and love is a must if we want to progress as society. Racism, sexism, feminism, all -ism’s are created from the harm of labeling. All colors, and genders need to be equal. So, I hope after you read this, you try not to let the stereotypes affect your perception of someone. We are all human, and deserve equal respect and love from one another.

Team Player

About a month or so ago some one told me I was not a team player. I had to sit and think on this one for a long time. Had to think is this true, am I really not a team player? I sat and reflected on this and this is what I have deduced from all the things…. all the angles I could look at in regards to their statement. The short answer is that this is a false accusation. I am a team player. We are all team players. I had to realize this was simply a gas lighting statement made to make myself feel less than worthy. And indeed I felt that way for a while. But not after inner reflection and subsequent realizations.

What makes a good team player? First and foremost a good team, a good leader, and a shared vision. A good team works together to make the team successful. The following are all elements of a good team.

  1. Communication:
    Effective communication is the most important part of teamwork and involves consistently updating each person and never assuming that everyone has the same information. Being a good communicator also means being a good listener. By listening to your colleagues you show them respect, which is an essential trust-building method. Offering encouragement also goes a long way to getting the best out of team members. Collaborating and being open to new ideas are also essential ingredients for a harmonious team environment.
  2. Delegation:
    Teams that work well together understand the strengths and weaknesses of each team member. One of the benefits of strong teamwork is that team leaders and members are adept at identifying all aspects of a project and allocating tasks to the most appropriate team members.
  3. Efficiency:
    A strong and cohesive team develops systems that allow them to collaborate efficiently to complete tasks in a timely manner. Through working together, colleagues will be aware of their own capabilities and the capabilities of the group in general, and can organise the workload accordingly.
  4. Ideas:
    When a team works well together, colleagues feel more comfortable offering suggestions and ideas. A respectful and trusting team environment will not only enable colleagues to think more creatively, but will lead to more productive and collaborative brainstorming sessions.
  5. Support:
    All workplaces provide challenges, but having a strong team environment in place can act as a support mechanism for staff members. They can help each other improve their own performance as well as working together toward improving their professional development. Building bonds on trust and reliance on each other can be extremely important when facing a particularly difficult challenge or if the group is forced to deal with the loss of a team member while continuing to maintain productivity.

So after my reflections I realized on so many levels the team I was supposed to be part of failed to communicate, failed to support, failed to share vision, leaders failed to lead. WHY? personal dynamics, outside influences other factors who knows. Did I change over the years, did I possibly lose faith in their leadership abilities? I quite possibly did. Does this make me not a team player. Possibly for their team but that in no way change the fact I am a team player, for the right team.

Navigating Post-Pandemic Life Challenges

Well I am not even sure if I should post this, write this or make it public or not? Life has been challenging since March. I am not sure if it is work related, just me, or life and people in general. I will let you be the judge.

I have been really struggling with dealing with work and personal life. Pre-pandemic I have always been able to find an outlet and be able to talk with a friend or two in person. Have always have had at least one sounding board so to speak. The Pandemic hit and that went away. I have not had that outlet. The social distancing guide lines prevented visiting, prevented getting out and doing things and prevented socializing. And in some ways that was ok. Less people equaled less interactions, less interactions amounted to less stress less conflicts.

Post pandemic and restrictions being lifted and life getting back to normal you would think that life would be better. I am finding that this is not the case. I am not sure about you or any one else but the lack of interactions seems to have created a problem. I think I have forgotten how to “people” and I think other people have forgotten how to people to. My ability to resolve conflicts seem to have gone away, my ability to interact has been diminished. I struggle daily with the simple daily interactions of life.

I am also dealing with other personal things which I am not going to delve into here. These things are to personal to post publicly, but I am working on them. I am re-evaluating just who I am, where I have been, where I am going. And there are days where I do not think I recognize myself. Or maybe my self identification is incorrect. I am re-working personal boundaries, re-working how I interact with the world. Life goes forward not backward.

So my dear readers, friends please stand by do not adjust your sets. I am still here. Still will continue to write when I can and write about the things I feel safe writing publicly about. Consider this a check in “How Are You Doing?” If your inclined drop a line or two. Check in on the people who are in your circle. Remember to that possibly we are all struggling to regain normalcy as this pandemic situation finally dies out.