I don’t hide from the fact that I have probably ticked off a good majority of the online pagan community at one point or another. Ask around about me in the Celtic Reconstructionist pagan community and no doubt, you’ll get some pretty harsh words. Ask about me in the Druid community,(…)
Author Archives: Black Bird
"May I ask how you incorporate physical ‘warriorness’ in your life this day and age?"
Original Entry Oct 29, 2006
Another interesting question posed to me. This comes from a Yahoo group specifically focusing on the Morrigan (Irish Goddess of War, Lust and Death). Questions(…)
Pre-workout Meditation
So I’ve begun applying the ADF Two Powers “focus” to my personal meditation, but my meditation is not at all passive. My meditation of choice is quite the opposite as it is part of my “physical training.” My issue, and it’s not uncommon I have come to find, is that I am not a(…)
Checking In…
Hey there all –
So I haven’t forgotten about this blog. In fact, it’s always in the back of my mind. I’ve just been busy with other projects that I’ll definitely share when they’re ready. I’ve been dealing with my thyroid issues along with finding out I have lots of(…)
Bare Knuckles
You would think, as someone interested in the martial arts, that the martial arts workout for the week would be something I would be interested in. Yea, that would make sense. Unfortunately, this is more of what I would call “aerobic martial arts.” Don’t get me wrong, I actually(…)
Say No To Yoga
I’ve joked on and off about my disdain for yoga. I can see it a as helpful meditation tool for some or as a way to stretch out before or after a long work out for others. What I can’t understand is using it as a fat burning workout. Blame my (figuratively speaking) ADHD or perhaps(…)
The Names Upon The Harp – Marie Heaney
This is probably my favorite children’s book on Irish legends. The gorgeous artwork by P.J. Lynch alone makes it invaluable. It’s perfect for eight to eleven year olds (though even my two year old is taken with it). The stories range from five to eight pages in length and generally include two to three paragraphs a page and the language is maybe a fourth grade level if I had to guess. The legends are separated by where they fall in the cycles so that is a great introduction for kids on the break up of the Irish legends and the stories are very engaging and told in the heroic manner in which they are meant to be conveyed.
The Strong Female Character
Inspired by a recent conversation I began to look for pictures to put together a semi-“shrine” in my workout area to make a space that reflects the devotional act to which my workouts are sometimes intended. I began looking for pictures of women that I consider strong, but that(…)
The Loss of a Warrior
A grieving widow and two small children take the long walk to the flag covered casket not 20 feet away. The tears stream down the faces of family members holding their hands to keep them from falling over. Overhead, a large black crow begins to squawk Her message to the onlookers. Badb has come to take the fallen warrior’s soul safely home to his God. If one thing gives me peace, it’s that knowledge.
I took a hard blow a few weeks back with the loss of a local peace officer and coworker. …
When The Morrigan Calls…
In an effort to touch on my pagan path I’ll share a bit about my experience with my Patron Goddess to whom many seem to cringe upon hearing Her name – The Morrigan.
She has many functions, but they all tend to revolve around the act of war and as such She is most definitely considered a Goddess of war. For those who may not be familiar with Her, An Morrigan is a Goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann whose exploits with An Dadga (leading to the bloody end of the Tuatha’s enemy the Fomorians) …