7/23/2022
Geoff Gluck's Memorial(by Dave Aldag) WE call upon the Earth, that which forms our material bonds, to witness what we do here today. We call upon the Sky, which supplies our breath, our words, to witness our honor this day. We call upon the Waters, which grants us movement and life, to witness our actions this day. We gather here today not to witness for a death, but to honor a life. Our lives are not enclosed within our bodies, nor confined to houses or fields, That which is you dwells above the mountain and roves with the wind. It is not a thing that crawls into the sun for warmth or digs holes into darkness for safety, But a thing free, a spirit that envelops the earth and moves in the ether. For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek the gods unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then shall you begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance. These lands are a cradle and a stepping-stone. Whenever you pass by the field where you have laid your ancestors look well thereupon, and you shall see yourselves and your children dancing hand in hand. We go with the wind, but not down into emptiness; We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and are scattered. The mist that drifts away at dawn, leaving but dew in the fields, shall rise and gather into a cloud and then fall down in rain. I do not mourn Geoff's passing. Geoff has simply taken ship to a to a deeper ocean I can not reach via cellphone or text. I will have to travel on that same ship to reach those shores, to talk to him again. And he will have marvelous things to tell me of when I get there. The wind blows, and restless are the sails; Even the rudder begs direction; Now they wait no longer. The stream has reached the sea, and once more the great mother holds her son against her breast. It was but yesterday we met in a dream. We shall meet once more, we shall speak again together and sing a deeper song. Our hands shall meet in another dream and we shall build a tower in the sky together again. A little while, and his longing shall gather dust and foam for another body. A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind, and another woman shall bear him. I am not here to perform an eulogy. We are ALL here to do that. This is a Memorial, all who have a memory of Geoff that marks how he affected their life are invited to stand, or sit if you wish, and tell us your remembrance of him. We are not here to mourn Geoff Gluck's passing, but to honor the memory of his life. You are here because of his life. He had an impact on your life that you still feel. And as long as his memory still remains, his life is not gone. Thus this memorial is not a spectator sport. I ask all here to participate with me in remembering all the good that has come from Geoff's life. Yes, there are parts all of us dislike, that is inevitable in the tides and hurlings of our lives in uncertain footings. Each of us harbor certain memories that define Geoff in our live that we continue to call upon. That we feel good about and towards. Let us share those memories so that each of us leave here richer for them. I will begin. I ask each of you to follow. I Remember Geoff Gluck. I first encountered him in high school. We had similar interests in military history and the occult. Geoff was always an optimist. A firm believer that everything would work out. He had a love of the sea and sailing, of guns and the history of it all. He went into the Navy right out of high school with the intent to make his way on his own. Fate has a way of altering plans, and he came back to Kalamazoo. Geoff was always an optimist and always wanted to make his own way, in his own way. He found his own path for religion, closer to Druidry than most. He helped us start an earth-based religious community that still thrives in Kalamazoo. Our paths constantly crossed over the years. We never seemed to get too far apart from each other, through the ups and downs of navigating modern life and the constant distractions it brings. For all the difficulties his life brought him he never seemed to quite lose the optimisism of his youth, and in the last few years it seemed he had finally found a balance in his life. I Remember Geoff Gluck.
6/8/2022
Dressing the WellA custom from old Britain that I'd like to see become popular here in the USA is Well Dressing. It is an ancient tradition with roots in Paganism that has become Christianized. Dressing the Well involves placing flowers and trinkets around a sacred well. It is done at the famous Chalice Well in Glastonbury, but also at numerous smaller springs in towns and in the countryside. There is a whole festival dedicated to the tradition in the Peak District, which is where the above photo is from. Sometimes clay tablets are used to press flowers into to form a picture. You can see more of these on my Facebook Page, British Isles Folkloric Tradition. https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=british%20isles%20folkloric%20tradition
5/31/2022
In Flanders FieldsDave was honored and privileged to read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae at the Breedsville Memorial Day parade. This custom had fallen by the wayside, and was always touching. The poem moves anyone who hears it. McCrae, a surgeon, did not survive WWII. Poppies grow where blood has soaked the ground in battlefields. It’s the meaning behind the “Buddy Poppy” sold by veterans at Memorial Day. The poem: In Flanders Fields BY JOHN MCCRAE In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
5/3/2022
Beltane at Our HavenWe spent a lovely, spiritual Bealtaine / Beltane / Calan Mai / Mayday at Our Haven Nature Sanctuary in southern Indiana. It was a lovely drive down there, seeing the blossoming trees atop the rock formations around Bloomington / Seymour. We got lost numerous times on tiny rustic backroads, some of them gravel, but that gave us an opportunity to view more of nature, and be helped by a kindly gentleman in a lifted pickup. Our Haven has a deservedly wonderful reputation with their neighbors. Little trickling streams, old-growth forest, tiny picturesque farms – and panic because it was getting dark, and the GPS route had a bridge out over a gorge! When we finally arrived, we were put up in a cozy cabin created from a shed, that was quite luxurious. Furniture, a comfy bed, privacy, and quiet, all by a shrine to fire. It was nestled against a bluff and quite woodsy. The people at our Haven including Mary Thomas are all very welcoming and friendly. I gave workshops on British folk deities and on the May Branch. Posey the Pixie aka Virginia Ackley (Ginger) was our May Queen, bearer of the branch, and resident songstress. Her musical knowledge and performance talents are incredible. There were concerts, feasts, other workshops, and an opportunity to walk the property and commune with the gurgling streams and the many trees, which blossom much earlier in southern IN than they do here in MI. We drummed and danced the bonfire each night. Our Haven is clothing-optional in places, and around the main fire after 10PM when the kids have a curfew. It was freeing to dance naked around the fire for the festival! We became members of Our Haven, for just $10, and you can too, by going here: https://www.ourhaven.info/ Pan Pagan festival is now being hosted at this gorgeous site in late July to early August. I would 100% recommend spending time at this beautiful, cordial, mystical place just a short drive from French Lick, IN, especially at Beltane. The drive back was spectacular as well. Not far from the festival grounds is a lovely, secluded waterfall called “Serenity Falls”. We also found an antique metal bridge across a steamlet, and saw more flowering bushes growing atop stone cliffs. It really spoke of springtime to me.
3/9/2022
The Mill of MagickAuthors: Traditional; as written by Robert Cochrane, Doreen Valiente, and /or William Gray Chorus, version 1: Work the will for which we pray. Io Deo Evohe! Chorus, version 2: Work the will for which we pray. Io Deo Ha He Yay! Chorus, version 3: Work the mill on which we tread, by the Black and White and Red The Chant: Air breathe, air blow. Make the mill of magic go. (Chorus) Fire flame, fire burn. Make the mill of magic turn. (Chorus) Water heat, water boil. Make the mill of magic toil. (or roil) (Chorus) Earth without, Earth within. Make the mill of magic spin (Chorus) Notes: In Traditional British Witchcraft & British Isles Folkloric Traditions, boring repetitive work was used as an opportunity to induce a trance and to 0perform magick. People used hand-crank mills to grind coffee, tea, small grains, sausage, and nuts. A large stationary mill in the yard, called a quarn, was used to grind grain. A horse was led around and around the quarn (like the pony ride at the fair) to generate the physical power to grind the wheat into flour. The “Mill of Magick” chant was used during the process in order to facilitate a magickal working. The energy was sent remotely for healing, or stored in a talisman. People could also enter a trance state while performing the task. The “Black and White and Red” is from Traditional British Witchcraft – the Black represents the Dark Bucca / Horned God / Winter / Night; the White represents the Goddess or the Light Bucca / Horned God / Summer / Day; the Red represents the bloodlines of the People.
2/21/2022
Chipmunk as "Spirit" AnimalFirst, we’ll get out of the way the debate about whether or not “spirit” animals are actually a thing, and if they are cultural appropriation. These beings can also be called totems. The word “totem” is a mispronunciation of the word doodemen, which comes from the language of the first nations of Michigan, according to Webster’s Dictionary.
From my book, Common Magick, I define a totem as: “A spirit animal (is) usually defined as a physical being or spiritual entity that represents a person, family, clan, profession or other group of people. They can also be called a “totem”, which comes from the Ojibwa tribe of Anishinaabec people, although many cultures employ a similar concept, including British society. For example, the practice of heraldry often uses animals to signify a family or royal house. Spirit animals can help us as we perform rites, serve as a guide, or be a messenger from a deity.” How it was explained to me by an elder of the Pottawatomi tribe is: A totem represents a family or clan, while a spirit animal guides a specific individual. However, I do not believe this is cultural appropriation, as the notion of a spirit animal is found throughout British Isles literature and legend, especially that of the Celts. There are animal messengers, guides, and representatives all over the place – for example, King Arthur’s animal spirit was said to be a bear. There are white stags and a salmon of wisdom, wise crows, clever wrens, and sly foxes… all of whom have something to say to protagonists of the tales. That said, let’s move on to the chipmunk. I dreamed about one last night, and when I stepped outdoors this morning, there he was, eating seeds and corn kernels that had spilled from a bird feeder onto the back porch. His little cheeks were packed with his gleaning. He looked at me, uttered a squeak of surprise, and zoomed off the floorboards like an Olympic sprinter, keeping hold of his prize. His hole is in the dirt beneath the porch, where he likely has a wife who will give birth to his children later in the spring. If so, he’s a very good provider. People disagree about whether or not merely encountering an animal is a sign, but I think that if you view a particular being in a dream / journey / vision, then see that animal the next morning, it’s pretty much a message from the spirit world. We must also take into account that two days ago, it was 15o F here in Michigan, but yesterday, it was a warm, balmy 44 degrees, which is almost a heat wave. Spring is on her way, and the hibernating animals are awakening. The first birds and mammals that return or emerge have some significance to the season ahead. So I looked up the symbolism of the chipmunk online, and it said that he represents hard work that pays off, tenacity, quickness, socialization, and conversely, a tendency to be flighty and have a short attention span. Hmmm…. When I was a small child, living with my parents and sometimes a cousin or six in rural Delton, MI, I used to feed the chipmunks. This requires a lot of patience, and peanuts. One must sit very still, sometimes for hours, first offering a peanut some distance away. The chippy will scurry out of her burrow, grab the treat, and zip away to vanish underground. Gradually the nuts are placed closer and closer, until the little critter can be persuaded to take the peanut from your hand. After a while, the chipmunk will contentedly sit in your hand and munch away, or stuff all the nuts and seeds into their cheek pouches, to take home to share with their family. So yeah, there is a connection there, definitely. I welcome the little chipmunk, stuffing his face with nutrients, living right beneath our feet, and I welcome his message. The Gods be thanked for sending this messenger to remind me to keep pluggin’ away, that hard work will eventually be rewarded, and that persistence leads to bounty. And I welcome Springtime, and the emerging and returning animals and birds. Bendythion, chippy, and have some more corn.
2/17/2022
Sacred DrummingEvery Full Moon, Dave and I enjoy sacred drumming. It’s a way to connect to spirit through the rhythm of the Earth. It’s conducive to healing. Drumming helps form community bonding. And it’s fun! Every culture has holy drumming in one form or another. Any society that has shamans (medicine talkers, spirit folk, hedge-riders, aka those who freely cross between the seen and unseen, or who connect human civilization to the natural world) has some form of spiritual percussion music. Some folx use the sound for making dream journeys, others for meditation or trance work. Dancing, chanting, and questing also can accompany that beat. Sacred drumming is best done in a circle, outside around a bonfire, with room enough for body movement – although realistically, those who live in freezing climates must make do with a cozy room indoors and a hearth-fire, woodstove, or candles. A nice slow rhythm is best, with a plain four-count that mimics the heartbeat. However, faster rhythms of five, six, or seven beats can get the blood flowing. Complex beats are most satisfying later in the evening, when everyone has found their groove. Wild, chaotic drumming can summon energy for a cause. The tempo often builds to a crescendo, then fades. In the in-between times, folks can light candles, offer prayers, hydrate, read or recite poetry, or chat together. It’s best to keep subject matter positive – since energy is high during the moons, and power is raised by drumming, spoken words can come into manifestation during drumming sessions. Then it’s back to the shared drumbeat, the sacred chants and songs, the counter-rhythm, and the bonding that ensues. The photos are from Elements, The Lavender Door in Marcellus, top left and bottom right, and KellyAnna at Paganstock, lower left
2/13/2022
Hawks are Nature, TooNatural wildlife purists have castigated me, in the past, for putting up feeding stations to attract wild animals and birds to my yard. Some of the reasons they’ve given: It’s not natural – birds and other wildlife should be encouraged to forage on their own, otherwise they become dependent on humans. Bird feeders attract predators, including hawks, who then prey on the wild birds and the squirrels. Animals and birds hanging out in your yard can spread diseases. Birds in flight can wham into windows, and become injured. Others, who are themselves birders and wildlife aficionados, think that feeding stations are a positive thing, for various reasons: Much of bird and wildlife habitat has given way to urban sprawl and suburbs. Animals and birds are displaced, and have fewer locations to forage. Feeding stations even out the disparity between natural habitat and human space. Yes, birds sometimes hit windows – I’ve rehabilitated several – but they can still bang into the glass in locations with no feeding stations, as well. Clean feeders in well-kept areas are no more disease prone than in Nature. And, well, the hawks and predators gotta eat, too. Yes, the occasional sparrow or squirrel is taken by a feral cat. Which in turn are sometimes on the menu for owls and hawks… they are called “raptors” for a reason. Yesterday, the Northern Harrier whom we named “NoisyHawk” for her repeated piercing cry, took a small bird right out of our front yard, not ten feet from the picture window. She flew triumphantly away with her prize, proclaiming it loudly to anyone who could hear. My husband Dave witnessed the harvest (he is not as bird-savy as I, so all he could tell was that it was not a cardinal or blue jay). To the nay-sayers who begrudge the raptors their reaping, I reply, NoisyHawk is part of Nature, too. She deserves to eat as much as any other bird. There also are kestrels, three or four species of owl, and red-tailed hawks dwelling in this area. The barred owl asks “who cooks for you?” while the great horned owl wonders “who, who?” At night, they hunt for raccoons, opossums, bats, squirrels, field mice, moles, voles, and yes, the occasional stray cat. The red-tailed hawks mostly migrate to warmer climates, and thus aren’t around to prey on the bird feeders during winter. The kestrels clean out the invasive species, like English sparrows and starlings, who can take over a habitat and monopolize all of the seeds. But Noisyhawk? She’s here all year, and we can’t begrudge her the occasional bird. Northern Harrier aka NoisyHawk. Post-Covid-19, the Pagan festival and convention scene is finally resuming. We've missed them so!
Paganicon is hosted by the Twin Cities Pagan Pride committee in Minneapolis each springtime around Oestara / Alban Eilir. This is one of the better-organized Witchcraft events, closing in on its tenth year. The convention held in the Crowne Plaza hotel, and features a con suite, Witches' Masquerade Ball, vendors, an art show, musical entertainment, and classes and workshops. So. Many. Classes! I am honored to present a workshop on how to help accommodate disabled Pagans and Witches during rituals and events, as well as a class on Talismans, including creating a magickal protection sigil for yourself. We are looking forward to meeting new friends, hanging out in the Llewellyn suite (and teaching some folk magick stuff and things), and attending other folks' classes. What an opportunity! See you at Oestara!
2/11/2022
WitchCon 2022!Where can you find 100 Witches, Voudoun priests / priestesses, and magical people of all traditions? Why, Witchcon, of course! It's happening next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 -20, online. There are practitioners from many states in the USA, as well as the UK and worldwide, giving talks, workshops, and presentations. Knowledgeable elders teaching classes and giving demonstrations, amazing performers, rituals, virtual tours -- and if you watch LIVE, you can ask them questions directly! If you miss it, but still bought your ticket, you can watch online, anytime, anywhere, for the next year. You can also catch broadcasts from last year. Some of the more well-known of year's presenters include Phyllis Curotte, Trish Telesco. Oberon Zell, Christian Day, Lilith Dorsey, the Dragon Ritual Drummers, Gus diZerega, Priestess Miriam, Raven Digitalis, and Silver Ravenwolf. Yet there are a lot of up-and-coming authors, teachers, and practitioners as well. So many WitchCon presenters are from Michigan! Lady Kate Henriot Jauw, Baba Ted Jauw, Kenya T Coviak, Diana Rajchel, Synty Boehm, Mark NeCamp, Miss Aida, Shannon Marie Daoust, and myself! I feel honored and blessed to be in such auspicious company. Last year, I learned about Bulgarian witchcraft, took a virtual tour of the Buckland Witchcraft Museum, learned some helpful money magick and money management skills, learned about Hoodoo practices, heard Laurie Cabot speak about the evolution of witchcraft since the 1970s, danced to some amazing drumming, learned about herbal tinctures, and just hung out with really cool people. WitchCon also has a "virtual vendorium" where you can buy awesome merchandise, get a reading, or be first in line for special deals. The virtual meet and greet is like a con suite, only online, so you can chat with authors, mediums, readers, ritual leaders, and performers, as well as get to know your fellow Witches and Pagans. Totally worth $99 bucks. Join the fun at https://witchcon.com/ |
A.C. Fisher Aldag
Chronicler of Cymric Folklore, Granmother and grouch. Enjoyer of good food. Archives
April 2024
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Publications
Common Magick from Llewellyn Worldwide
Witches & Pagans # 38 & # 39 from BBI Llewellyn's Witches' Companion 2022, 2023 & 2034 from Llewellyn Worldwide Llewellyn's Spell-a-Day Almanac, 2025 from Llewellyn Worldwide |
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