Tradition/Judgement

The title is a reference to two Greenwood Tarot cards that have drawn today.   The first was from my real-life deck, the second from the online draw; both are more than relevant.   A chance chat with a relative in Ireland has shown some light on something I had (almost) forgotten.   Now, I am intrigued and am planning a trip there for this year; something I had not planned to do for several years.

I have previously mentioned on this blog how I have only known about my maternal family history for a short time.  Now, this morning, a light has been shone on my paternal line from a source from which I generally keep myself distant (family/personal issues).   I have been made aware that certain things have also been passed down my paternal line, though very much out-of-sight.  An offer has been made and I feel ... no!  I know that I cannot refuse.  I am more than surprised and, if I am honest, nervous.

I am vaguely aware that this will mean change and a significant change at that.  When it comes to personal matters, I have always been wary of change, fearful even, but this one seems necessary though once on the other side I am generally adaptable.  This, though, is something I have wanted but pushed to the back of mind (that old wariness again) and now, it appears it has arrived.

So, the Tradition card relates to my family and its history and the Judgement card relates to the following:

"The only thing in life that is assured is that if you wait long enough, it will change. How you survive that change and who you are after change is down to you. The major element in this process is judgement of yourself and others. This may relate to an assessment regarding a personal matter or situation, and could be linked to the process of forgiving. It may also relate to a group or social decision.


In the process of judgement, both as an individual and on the universal level, honesty is the key. Be honest, be forgiving, be patient, but most of all, be assured change is at hand.


Remember, the universe has a long memory. Nothing is ever forgotten.


...


Your approach to the issues in this card affects your future, decides the nature or even the possibility of your rebirth.


The entrance to a passage grave beckons you; this is a place to lay your past to rest, a still safe sanctified space in which the parts of your life can be reconstituted after the trauma of Death. (see Rebirth, eight of cups).


You are sensitive, and require someone to stand watch for you; either the highest part of oneself, an ancestral guardian... "*

I think the above is able to convey what I am unable put into words here.  I do these online draws for fun when I am bored and they have no bearing whatsoever but, in this one instance, it is a strange coincidence. 

It's only three hours in and already it's proving a fateful and enlightening day.












* From The Greenwood Tarot.

Pagan Voices

I would be grateful if anyone is able to locate a copy of a book called "Pagan Voices" by Joe McGowan, published in Ireland in 2007. I have been searching for a reasonably priced copy for quite some time. So far, I have only located two copies, both of which are to be purchased through what appear to be unsecured websites. I am wary of this, as I had my credit card, and personal details ripped from another unsecured book site a few years ago.

I am prepared to pay postage and am happy to do a favour in return for anyone that can assist me.

Association of Polytheist Traditions - Membership Offer

The Association of Polytheist Traditions [APT] is a non-profit organisation based in the UK. Most of us practise Reconstructed European Pagan Religions. But we welcome all polytheists, including those who adhere to 'world religions' and those who simply have personal relationships with individual gods.

The Association of Polytheist Traditions has an announcement for all RENEWING and NEW MEMBERS for the year May 2008-2009.

"Last year 2007-08 - we know that we didn't do that much. Really we know. Personal circumstances intervened for so many people that it wasn't funny at all... This year, we've started with a fantastic Mini-Conference in Birmingham on Gods and Ancestors in the Landscape, and are holding more events around Britain, with a revised website coming up shortly and issue 5 of our members' magazine Many Gods, Many Voices now being posted out.

So here's an offer. This year's membership is on us. Membership of the APT is free until 31st May 2009 - whether you are renewing or joining fresh. However you have to tell us through our joining form, sending it to us electronically or by snail mail (obviously omitting the cheque) and make sure we have your current address and email."

Moderating Fora

Well, one of the fora that I frequent have decided to set up a separate section for those new to ideas of Irish paganism and Irish witchcraft. So far, its been a very closed site, allowing new members only through invitation. I was very lucky to have received such an invitation after I kept asking questions of one of its members, who frequents An Fianna.

I am still a beginner, having started on a heathen path, which originated with Anglo-Saxon interests. When I made the transition, after a freak encounter, I started to trawl information about Irish paganism on the internet, only to find it overloaded with pages from delusional and/or uninformed writers. Even my limited grasp of Irish history and society told me that what I was reading was unreliable at best. Bibliographies were missing, and those that were in place were loaded with authors I knew to be doling out fodder for fires - see the ancient Irish potato goddess of one particularly prolific author.

I joined ITW in February of last year and have been asking questions, on an off, since that time. With trepidation, I consented to moderating the fora for new members of ITW. I have to admit to having some doubts, as I cannot answer the questions of fellow seekers at this point; I am still reading ferociously and trying to absorb the meanings behind texts, whilst getting a good grasp on history. It can be overwhelming and somewhat confusing - I just hope that other newcomers won't be put off by the work involved in treading a traditional path.