Saturday, December 15, 2007, 04:47 PM MST [General]
Sadly, I felt it necessary to leave one of my Yahoo groups today. While the dispute that resulted in this did not have anything to do with me directly, I felt as if a fellow member there was being treated unfairly by the owners of the group. I came to her defense on the board and tryed to encourage peace in the matter, but it was already too late, as she had decided to leave, and the owners put her on moderation, limiting what she could say to defend herself. It began, to my eyes anyway, as a simple misunderstanding, with the owners immediately going on the defensive, and I felt the whole situation was handled very poorly by the owners, who continued the drama on and off-board, never taking responsibility for their part in the dispute, of course....but they should know better. When I first joined the group, I had heard some less than favorable things about the owners, but decided anyway to give it and them a fair chance. But after witnessing their behavior for myself, I came to the conclusion that that particular group was not one that I wanted to be a part of any longer. It is no great loss, as I am grateful to still be a participant in a few other local pagan Yahoo groups, ones that I feel are open, tolerant, positive and supportive. But all the in-fighting within the pagan community disturbs me greatly as it weakens us as a whole.
As a Scorpio, I have been known to "sting" with my words, therefore, I attempt to choose my words very, very carefully. I am not always as successful at this as I would like, but I do think that I am able to remain respectful for the most part. I think that alot of people forget that this form of communication has its limitations, and therefore we should all make an extra effort to think before we speak, choose our words wisely, and keep the exchanges as amicable as possible. Yes, disagreements will happen, but attacks should not. Is it not our responsibility as pagans to walk our talk, with honesty and integrity? This was not something I saw today from my former group's owners, those who should set an example for the rest did nothing but perpetuate the negativity. I feel sorry for them, but still, I wish no ill will towards anyone. Perhaps as I was informing the board that I was leaving, I should have said more, explained further. But I kept it brief and polite, and moved on. I hope they will too, for the sake of the other members of the group.
This is not a problem I have experienced on Covenspace, and I hope I never will. This and other online pagan communities are important to many, including myself.
this is actually kind of funny. the medieval group that i play in was having it's weekly meeting tonight at a local church. a friend and fellow gypsy calls me beforehand and asks if i will bring along some of the decks that i have been selling. i do and she buys two from me. i just think it's funny that this exchange happened in a church, and you know what? i didn't get struck down or anything! do you think the church might frown on that if they knew? and why am i so amused by this? maybe i'm just going to that place they call hell, but ask me if i care. heeheeheeheehee.
We begin stirring at around 7:30 am (entirely too early in this gypsy's opinion), make strong, dark roast coffee first thing! Next is the task of finding clean garb. I settle for what I have, a black peasant blouse and skirt w/ a paisley hip scarf and my Squire sash about my hips. My husband dons his usual black tunic (he got it from me, it used to be a dress) I ask him, "Who are you today, Olaf (his norse persona) or James (his alternate persona-an irish monk)?" He tells me James. I, of course, am only Eala. Finding feast gear now, a platter to share, his lidded tankard, my embellished goblet...dont forget the cloaks. Good. Not even done with the bowl of a cup of coffee, and already jittery. Keeping it simple, I add more jewelry, scarves, and a purple velvet vest...and then some more jewelry.
Mistress Rhiannon and her son, Padraig, carry us in their chariot to the Northwestminster Abbey, the home of Abbott Cryspin, the Church of the Warhammer, and the location of today's Winter Warfare Tourney. It is chilly, but clear, virtually no snow on the ground of the Abbey. We have a small group for this morning's court (only 8 people or so), it being overseen by our Viceroy Conri and the Abbott...the basic schedule for the day is announced, and court is closed with a blessing from the Abbott.
We have one Arts and Sciences entry crafted by our own Abbott and judged by three, a rather large, heavy Seax blade, with a horn handle and runes engraved on one side reading "to bite". Because he is the only entrant, he takes the win for A&S, but likely would have anyway for the superb blade.
The archery range opens so that shooting can begin, with Rani Lily, my Knight, to shoot first as she has to unfortunately leave early. I sit to watch as long as I can stand the growing numbness from the chill, dragging giant goblet around. The archer's oath is given, practice and shooting for points commences. James O' Mannan, the Irish monk, shoots well today, taking the win in the Bowman's List, and the Abbott and young Bruno NoBeard tie in the Huntsman's List, and end up having a shoot off...the Abbott winning by 6. As Rani Lily departs, she leaves me her white and purple bog coat to keep warmer with.
We then have a lunch of various meats, breads, cheeses, and spiced cider, with the walls of the Abbey and good conversation providing warmth. Two more people join us.
Combat begins with James, Conri, Padraig and the Abbott as the combatants. I do not stay to watch but the beginning. I have to laugh at James, he is looks as if he is flailing with his double swords, though he is quite an adequate fighter. I think I hear him say something about stupid gypsies. I say something about how only an unwise man insults gypsies. James takes one of the wins.
The slower moments of the day involve more pleasant and diverse conversation, perusing lovely, magical recipes, darning socks, lucet and embroidery. Im sure if there were more folks, like more singing, drumming gypsies such as my Knight, there would be more entertainment...nevertheless, I truly enjoy the closeness of our sometimes smaller group and quieter events...I appreciate the peace of the Abbey.
Evening court mainly to announce the wins of the day and other brief business, followed by a potluck feast. Mistress Rhiannon's clam chowder (I dont even like clam chowder, but I love hers!)is divine, and we also enjoyed savory green beans, rice and mushrooms, chicken, more bread and cheese, topped with pumpkin pie. I swear I eat better at events than I do at home.
We relax the remainder of the evening. I barter one of my tarot decks with the Abbott, for some hand-forged eating utensils (on order for Spring), and sell two other decks to Mistress Rhiannon...she is enamored with the Animals Divine and the Hanson-Roberts. I compare decks with another reader. Plans are made for future gatherings such as our upcoming demo downtown Dec 31. And before I know it, I find myself having to say my farewells again to dear friends. Hugs all around, and we make our way southward to our home. I must send words of thanks to the generous Rhiannon for her carrying us to and from. Though tomorrow I return to a mundane existence, I am blessed to have this day, and every other.
Lady Eala the Shy (sometimes Bold) Chivani of House Silver Circle Scribe of Canton Urar Tiene Archduchy of Alhambra
Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 12:03 AM MST [General]
...that I am amazed at the beautiful community that is Covenspace. My goal is to become friends with everyone here. Maybe unrealistic, not everyone, even among pagans, will get along, but ppsshhhh, why not? Because I think of how fortunate we all are to be able to connect and "gather" in freedom and acceptance and love, because people have died and many still kill each other in this world over religion. Because I still believe that a strong, visionary group of people, innovative, creative, open and understanding, can affect real change on this planet, with love for this planet, our home. No matter how naive that really may be, I have to believe that. Alot anymore, I feel as if the "fate" of the human race could really go either way, that we are teetering, that the future is a vision of light and beauty as is in our true potential, or, well, we all know what the or is, the kind of ugliness that has already been expressed in this reality. Wow, how wonderful to have each other, how blessed are we! Peace and Thankyou!
On this day Dec 8th, 1980 John Lennon was killed