"Two other important ways to recover the soul of the ancestors, and ways theoretically very much akin to the rediscovery of their spiritual practices, is the learning of the archaic languages they spoke, e.g., Old Norse (Icelandic), Old English, and/or learning their methods of crafting things in the physical universe, e.g., metal-working, weaving, wood-working. At first these seem to be merely technical undertakings, but as time goes on the soul of the activity will manifest itself as the acts of today begin to resonate with the actions of the past and a sort of inter-epochal harmony begins to arise in the soul of the modern heathen." Stephen Flowers in "How to be a Heathen"
As I take up the Runes and consider my life, I think of the many ways that my habits and actions now draw me closer to my Gods and my ideals. L:iving the Nine Virtues are a obvious example = more on that later!
Changes have abounded in my life, many have been difficult but all have strengthened me and brought to where I am today... a good place. (Hail Odin!)
Since my move, the way has been made clear to create my physical space in a manner that honors my Gods and ancestors. It also eases the way for me to continue my actual practice of living closer to their ways in order to capture the spirit they lived in without an outdoor toilet!
My spinning wheels are now a part of my living space in a way that a spindle or wheel is at my reach at all times ~ no idle hands here! My home now shines and is pleasing to Frigga ~ a fit Altar for Her blessings. Othala sits above my door, and a candle burns before my Gods. The Grotto begins construction this weekend (possibly sooner) and Freyja's herbs and pond will begin to take shape. This interests me as I had pictured it surrounded by Mermaids, but when Freyja expressed interest, I was surprised to find that grottos are Her place of protection and She dwells close to those places that are sacred.
Soon, the herbs will be ground, recels created, soap poured and the loom warped. Step by step I seep myself in the practices and beliefs of my Folk. Yes, I use a microwave ~ and running water (grin) but it is the SPIRIT I am seeking here. It is the thought and intent that went into daily tasks that just doesn't seem to be there for me when I push a button or just purchase something! It is this spirit that I am stiving to fill my life with ~ this spirit that colors my world and tints my vision so that my decisions and actions contain the same sort of thought and intent.
For instance ~ the act of creating an recel... At first this was simply adding every good smelling thing I could find into a bucket and mixing it together! Some of you may still have containers of these experiments I gave out (Whoops). The chaos of energy within these containers is something I can now feel. This craft soon become one where the energy of the season was considered, the blending of scents became secondary to the blending of the energy signature of the herbs and resins. Far from being a "fun" craft ~ this act brought me knowledge and depth and a closer walk with the earth! I am still learning and hope to be in this state of open heart, open spirit ~ until the day Odin calls me Home!
I find that many of us have deceptively simple tasks that we make a part of our lives that bring us closer to Walking our Walk... What are yours?
creative
