Wolfsong Gathering Cont’d

Day 2

As previously mentioned woke up at 7:30 am made coffee, scarfed down some pain/allergy meds and dig out a clean pair of pants. Time for a walk about. Forego the foot wear and get some grounding in. On my walk about it would appear there is some where in the neighborhood of 15 people here, At least it appears this way judging by the people, cars and tents etc. The previous days wind is gone and it is slightly overcast. Temperature wise it is very comfortable not too hot nor too cold. A wonderful day so far.

I spent the day relaxing and chatting with friends. I missed the previous nights drumming and made apologies for that. Over the course of the morning aside from chatting and visiting I wandered the land, visited the horses and just let the world drift away.

I miss horses. I really wish I had been able to keep mine. He would have be 28 this year if he is still around. Mystic was a grey dappled roan Arabian/French Canadian cross. An even tempered sturdy horse albeit a little small for some one of my stature.

While on my wanderings it began to rain slightly. I headed to my tent grabbed a light jacket and headed over to the firepit and added a few logs to keep the fire going.

Forgot to mention, as some of you reading have never been here, several years ago a stage was built in the field. It was built around the flatbed of an 18 wheeler and has been modelled to look like a pirate ship. Some day I shall have to post a photo. I have watched a few bands and singers perform on it. It is amazing to look at. As well some people have built cabins and small villages. One particular little village has been made to resemble a small kingdom complete with a castle.

Over the morning I learned that some people I had been hoping to connect with would not be out. Apparently there was mention of rain and they decided to stay home. Damn was hoping to see them. As this is my first time here for the May 24 gathering there were some people who I thought were mainstays for this event were not present…I guess I was wrong, people are fickle. Normally I would be somewhere else this week-end. That may or may not be something I write about later as I remember stanza 127 of the Havamal “GIVE THEM NO FRITH”

With the rain the wind started to pick up a little so I ambled back to my site to grab some food and take a quick nap. At 1:20 an alert blared one my phone. I ignored it as I was try to get some sleep. The wind really picked up and the skies opened up. I lay there for about another 15 or twenty minutes trying to sleep. But the rain was really pelting down, and the wind was getting quite strong. I got up looked at my phone to see what the alert was about. It was a severe weather alert interesting first time I received one of those. The alert indicated high winds, sever rain and the potential for “toonie” sized hail. For you non-Canadians that is about an 1 and a quarter size. The winds were now close to gail force, I could here the trees creaking and the thunder was continuous and it got very dark. Only about 15 or so minutes past from the time the alert was received to what was happening outside my tent now. What a great advance warning.

My tent was fairing well so far, no leaks and it was not blowing in. The thunder continued to boom, and the wind and rain was relentless. I began to wonder if I should head to my car just in case trees decided to come down. At the time of that thought three sharp gusts of wind occurred causing my tent to balloon out. Ok Thor I get the hint. I organize my things in the tent so that if it did leak my stuff should stay dry. Unless of course the wind blows it in. I got out of the woods and into open ground. WOW that wind was fierce and the rain was coming down sideways.

From the initial weather alert to the time the weather settled back down was only about 45 minutes. I faired well my tent remained standing and all was dry. Unfortunately there were some people who lost their tent. I found out later they were in it when it collapsed on them, a kitchen tent became a parachute and went flying, some ones tent flooded and a structure blew down. The tent that flooded had its windows left open while the people were off site. Rule number one never leave your windows in your tent open if you leave site. And the power was knocked out at the house as of may 25th they were still out of power).

Some of the campers were off site when the storm hit. Some were out shopping some just out for a cruise. Those who were shopping had to abandon their trip due to the stores loss of power. Reports of major devastation, down power lines and trees on the roads, some had to get out and help clear roads so they could return. The property next door to the Magik Morn lost buildings. By reports the storm hit most of Southern Ontario, wide spread damages, and power outages. It was an impressive storm at least I can say I survived it with no loss. As a result though some people cut their losses and went home early. I certainly can understand wet gear sucks.

Speaking of wet gear the ground was now soaking wet, and the temperatures were cooler. I had been bare foot until now and decided it was time to don footwear, blah, unless you are tending fire footwear other than sandals really sucks when camping.

Around dusk checked on the fire it was still going, the fire keepers started to ramp it up for the night. It was going to be a coldish and damp night and people want to be warm. I went off to prep a thermos of coffee and filled my travel mug. Blarg my chair was damp. Oh well a nice warm fire makes the difference.

The remaining group was small around 10 or so people but we spent many hours chatting, no drumming happened but the conversation was good and lively, I headed off to bed around 4:30 am and this concludes the second day.

Wolfsong Gathering

Day One

I left work around 2:30 AM the car was all ready packed up and ready to go. I hit Tim’s for a coffee and a muffin and a quick stop at the bank for some cash and was off and running.

This will be my first May 24 long week-end at Magic Morn, normally I am some where else, but this year the tides changed. The trip out was non-eventful, and minimal traffic. Although I did stop midpoint to grab a two hour power nap. I probably could have made it out in one shot but I needed to get a few last minutes supplies. Food is an important thing.
I arrived onsite at about 9:30 am on Friday and it looks like I am the early bird. I prattle around for about an hour decompressing before setting up camp in my usual spot for Ancestorfest (Wolfsong II). It is a decently shaded spot along the tree line until about midday and it is probably the closest spot I can get to the fire pit, which is handy when you are walking back to your tent in the dark. I get my tent set up with bedroll etc and decide to leave the rest in the car till later as sleep is still needed. Whilst I was setting up got a message from Lisa asking if that was me she saw driving in to which I give a yes response. She replies back.. cool I will see you when I am done feeding the horses.

Around noon it is starting to get really warm, and windy. Lisa had come down to say Hi and I decide to try lay down for a nap. I toss and turn in the heat, wind has really picked up, and my tent blew in but recovered from it. Then that happened again… so much for withstanding 30 kph winds. Well fuck me I decide to move the tent.

At this point another fester has shown up and starts to set up near me, we exchange hellos and then I head off to scope out other set up spots. I find a perfect shaded spot in the woods between the Underworld larp site and Faerie camp. The wind is not penetrating the trees as bad here. The downside of this site there are lots of bugs, and it is far from the fire pit. Thankfully I have note fully unloaded the car so moving was not difficult, save for the fact I managed to kill my car battery. Rule 2 of camping bring booster cables cause you just never know when you or someone else may need a boost. I set up fully this time as I am about 200 feet from where the car is now and I really don’t want to truck stuff in later. Dang bugs and I have no bug spray.

I still cannot sleep. I guess to many tims on my way here. Kim Morgan is back on site and we chat for a while while chatting discover how many have past in the Pagan community over the last year. Death toll has been high. We also chat about the pagan community in general.

Ok one more time try grab some sleep after feeding my face and hydrating. It is now about 5:30 in the afternoon. Success finally! Only to be woken at midnight by a migraine. Damnit. I fumble in tent to find flashlight and Scarf down some pain meds, allergy meds and fire up stove to steam my head. Meanwhile I hear drumming….people hailing… laughter and drums. Darn freaking migraine I am in no shape to people right now. Rule 3 leave your flashlight where it can be found easily in the dark. Migraine gone after about an hour. But I am physically drained by the pain it caused. I go back to bed and wake up at 7:30 am, scarf down some more pain/allergy meds and on to day two.

Fuel saving tips.

With rising gas prices we all want to lower our fuel bill and increase fuel efficiency. These are some things that I have learned over the last few years and they are simple things some may cost you money up front some will cost you nothing.

Free things to help you save

  • regularly check your tire pressures and make sure they are correct.
  • keep a record of your fuel economy, doing this serves several purposes. It may alert you to a problem if your fuel economy suddenly or gradually gets worse. It also makes you conscious of your driving.
  • To use cruise or not. Cruise control in theory should make your vehicle more fuel efficient. I have found it does not. It is not adaptive it does not anticipate road conditions with respect to up hill grades or cornering. Cruise will make every attempt to maintain speed and keep applying fuel so it can do so.
  • to use AC or not. In my current vehicle I have not noticed any fuel efficiency difference between when I use AC or not. However this does not mean there cannot be differences. People have a tendency to idle their vehicle more in summer so they can keep their car cool.
  • Less idling. Leaving your car run to cool it/heat it will cause you to burn more fuel
  • Do not use the drive through, get out and walk in, if you cannot do that if you know you are going to be stopped and idling for more than 60 seconds shut your car off

Hal-an-tow

there are varied lyrics for this song

Lyrics

Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act 4, Scene 2

Second Lord (sings)
What shall he have that killed the deer?
His leather skin and horns to wear.
Then sing him home.
(The rest shall bear this burden.)
Take thou no scorn to wear the horn.
It was a crest ere thou wast born.
Thy father’s father wore it,
And thy father bore it.
The horn, the horn, the lusty horn
Is not a thing to laugh to scorn.

Helston recording

Robin Hood and Little John
Are both gone to the fair O
And we will to the merry greenwood
To see what they do there O
And for to chase O
To chase the buck and doe

Chorus (after each verse):
Hal-an-tow, jolly rumble O
For we were up as soon as any day O
And for to fetch the summer home
The summer and the May O
For summer is a-come O
And winter is a-gone O

As for St. George O
St. George he was the knight O
Of all the knights in Christendom
St. George he had the right O
In every land O
The land where’er we go

But for a greater than St. George
Our Helston has the right O
St. Michael with his wings outspread
The archangel so bright O
Who fought the fiend O
Of all mankind the foe

The Watersons sing Hal-an-Tow on Frost and Fire

Take the scorn to wear the horn
It was the crest when you was born
Your father’s father wore it
And your father wore it too

Chorus (after each verse):
Hal-an-tow, jolly rumble O
We were up long before the day O
To welcome in the summer,
To welcome in the May O
The summer is a-coming in
And winter’s gone away O

What happened to the Spaniards
That made so great a boast O?
Why they shall eat the feathered goose
And we shall eat the roast O

Robin Hood and Little John
Have both gone to the fair O
And we will to the merry green wood
To hunt the buck and hare O

God bless Aunt Mary Moyses
And all her power and might O
And send us peace to England
Send peace by day and night O

The Watersons sing Hal-an-Tow in Travelling for a Living

Since man was first created
His works have been debated
We have celebrated
The coming of the Spring

Chorus (after each verse):
Hal-an-tow, jolly rumble O
We were up long before the day O
To welcome in the summer,
To welcome in the May O
The summer is a-coming in
And winter’s gone away O

Take the scorn to wear the horn
It was the crest when you was born
Your father’s father wore it
And your father wore it too

God bless Aunt Mary Moyses
And all her power and might O
And send us peace to England
Send peace by day and night O

Shirley Collins sings Hal-an-Tow

Robin Hood and Little John
They both are gone to fair O
And we will to the greenwood
To see what they do there O
And for to chase O
To chase the buck and doe

Chorus (after each verse):
Hal-an-tow, jolly rumble O
For we are up as soon as any day O
For to fetch the summer home
The summer and the May O
For summer is a-coming in
And winter is a-gone

Where are the Spaniards
That made so great a boast O?
Why they shall eat the goose feather
And we shall eat the roast O
In every land O
The land where’er we go

And as for our good knight St. George
St. George he was a knight O
Of all the knights in Christendom
St. George he is the right O
In every land O
The land where’er we go

God bless Aunt Mary Moyses
And all her power and might O
And send us peace in England
Send peace by day and night O
In merry England
Both now and evermore

Job Boden sings Hal-an-Tow

What shall we have that kill the deer?
His leather skin and horns to wear
Then sing him home without a care
The rest shall bear this burden

Take no scorn to wear the horn
It was the crest when you was born
Your father’s father wore it
And your father wore it too

Chorus (after each verse):
Hal-an-tow, jolly rumble O
We were up long before the day O
To welcome in the summer,
To welcome in the May O
For summer is a-coming in
And winter’s gone away O

What happened to the Spaniards
That made so brave a boast O?
Oh they shall eat the feathered goose
And we shall eat the roast O

Now Robin Hood and Little John
They both went to the fair O
And we shall to the jolly green wood
To hunt the buck and hare O

God bless Aunt Mary Moses
And all her power and might O
And send us peace to England
Send peace by day and night O

For the cadence, melody what ever of this song here is a good resource

https://www.riseupandsing.org/songs/hal-tow

Sage Advice

So you’re not where your want to be.
You feel like your supposed to be somewhere else.
Let’s say you could snap your fingers and be exactly where you wanted to be
I bet you would still feel that way, not in the right place.
The point is you can get so hung up on where you would rather be
that you have forgotten how to make the most of where you are.
Take a break from worrying about what you cannot control
and live a little.

What is (NEO)Paganism

What is a NEOPAGAN

Modern Paganism, also known as Contemporary Paganism and Neopaganism, is a collective term for religious movements influenced by or derived from the various  historical beliefs of pre-modern peoples . Although they share similarities, contemporary Pagan religious movements are diverse, and do not share a single set of beliefs, practices, or texts. Most academics who study the phenomenon treat it as a movement that is divided into different religions; others characterize it as a single religion of which different Pagan faiths are denominations.

What is a Pagan

It is crucial to stress right from the start that until the 20th century, people did not call themselves pagans to describe the religion they practiced. The notion of paganism, as it is generally understood today, was created by the early Christian Church. It was a label that Christians applied to others, one of the antitheses that were central to the process of Christian self-definition. As such, throughout history it was generally used in a derogatory sense. – Owen Davies, Paganism: A Very Short Introduction, 2011.

Is (NEO)Paganism a fully recognized religion?

Simple Answer NO it is not fully recognized as a religion within Canada, however there is some headway being gained on this. Currently the Canadian military is recognizing some aspects of Paganism see https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/385123/publication.html and Correctional Services of Canada has recognized and thereby given status to Pagans within federal correctional facilities. Outside of Canada however there is a Druidic order that has been recognized as an official religious order but they themselves do not refer to their order as “Pagan.”

Why is (NEO)Paganism not a recognized religion?

As per the first two topics covered ‘paganism,’ or ‘neopaganism,’ is colloquial terminology that covers a broad spectrum of polytheistic and some monotheistic belief systems and spiritual beliefs. If one follows the conventions of the early Christianity it was actually a derogatory term assigned to those who did not follow the teachings of Christ.

For further information regarding the hurdles to legitimizing (neo)paganism as a religion I would refer you to this article https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/creed-freedom-religion-and-human-rights-special-issue-diversity-magazine-volume-93-summer-2012/toward-definition-legitimate-religions for it is long winded.

Omnis

Today I sat down and watched the 2018 version of “Fahrenheit 451” and so many thoughts poured into my mind and it is difficult for my fingers to keep up to my thought processes as I type this out. For the uninitiated the movie is about complete total censorship and the control of thought. for a more detailed break down I suggest if your interested to look up a synopsis or watch the move.

For my self at this time so man things have sprung to mind so many thought processes. I some what understand where the author of the book was going. Written word, independent thought, not blindly going where others want to lead you. “Independent thought” these things scare people. If you have the ability to write well they fear your words as words can be a weapon. Especially if they cannot dominate your thought process and censor you. If you are to independent in your thought, if they cannot control you, if you do not follow blindly without question you become a liability, you are no longer a team player. Your words might just waken other people and cause descension and they cannot have that because they then lose control.

The premise for most censorships is about control. Again going back to the movie the burning of books, the banning of independent thought was initially supported as the removal of certain books was thought good because it removed controversy, removed harmful thought and what people thought and how they behaved. It was believed that it would increase happiness. But in reality it caused the opposite.

Myths

What are your favorite myths, legends or stories? The ones that are not common knowledge, that you would not necessarily find in print. always looking to share materials and to grow knowledge. The things to share while sitting around the campfire with a few good friends.

Have one send it to me via e-mail or post it in a comment. My e-mail address is kevin@unpluggedpagan.com

Why the Raven is Black

Origin of this myth is unknown to me at this time but I found it interesting.

Why the Raven is Black~

Great Spirit decided it was time to give the winged (the birds) their colors. Before this time all of the birds were gray. Their feathers did not carry the beautiful colors they do today. Great Spirit told all of the winged to gather at a special lake which was hidden high in the mountains. All of the winged flew to this magical body of water. Great Spirit told them to dive into the water and they would emerge with beautiful colors in their feathers. Brave little Hummingbird dove in first. He didn’t stay long but when he came out he was a beautiful green and had ruby on his throat. Jaybird was next. He stayed a little longer than Hummingbird had. When he emerged he was a bright blue and had a white throat. He wore a black necklace low on his neck. Wren splashed into the depths. When he got out of the water he was brown with a golden chest. Cardinal flew into the lake. He stayed in a bit longer than the others. When Cardinal broke the surface he was bright red and beautiful. Bluebird splashed into the water and stayed for a while. He came up blue with his beautiful red breast. Indigo Bunting dived in. He stayed linger than any of the previous birds. He came up such a beautiful blue that the other birds gasped at his gorgeous color.

Raven had been watching all of this. He was aware that the longer the birds stayed under the water the more beautiful they were when they emerged and Raven wanted to be the most beautiful of all of the winged.. Raven filed his lungs with air until his chest swelled up much larger than it usually was. He dove into the lake and swam deep into the depths. Raven grabbed a large rock and held onto it so he would not use up his air too quickly. He stayed under water so long that all of the other birds became worried that he would drown. Kingfisher dove into the lake and looked for Raven but could not find him. Kingfisher emerged a pretty blue gray color. Still Raven did not come up. The winged were just about to ask the fishes to help them find Raven when Raven finally broke the surface. He thought he would have the most beautiful colors of all of the winged but he was wrong. Raven had absorbed all of the colors and far too much of them at that. He was as black as a piece of coal and was just as shiny. Though Raven was not happy with his color he had brought something special out of the deep waters of the lake. He had been submerged for a very long time. When he did this Raven had found the opening between this world and the world of Spirit, which lies under the waters of the Earth Mother. Raven brought the secrets of Magic to the surface world. He brought the ability to shape shift and to work magic for healing and to do good for the entire world. This was many years ago and Raven is still black, and he still carries much strong Medicine.