My Daily Ramblings

Madonna booed in Bucharest for defending Gypsies

FyreChyld — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:10:36 GMT

BUCHAREST, Romania - At first, fans politely applauded the Roma performers sharing a stage with Madonna. Then the pop star condemned widespread discrimination against Roma, or Gypsies — and the cheers gave way to jeers. The sharp mood change that swept the crowd of 60,000, who had packed a park for Wednesday night's concert, underscores how prejudice against Gypsies remains deeply entrenched across Eastern Europe. Despite long-standing efforts to stamp out rampant bias, human rights advocates say Roma probably suffer more humiliation and endure more discrimination than any other people group on the continent. Sometimes, it can be deadly: In neighboring Hungary, six Roma have been killed and several wounded in a recent series of apparently racially motivated attacks targeting small countryside villages predominantly settled by Gypsies. "There is generally widespread resentment against Gypsies in Eastern Europe. They have historically been the underdog," Radu Motoc, an official with the Soros Foundation Romania, said Thursday. Roma, or Gypsies, are a nomadic ethnic group believed to have their roots in the Indian subcontinent. They live mostly in southern and eastern Europe, but hundreds of thousands have migrated west over the past few decades in search of jobs and better living conditions. Romania has the largest number of Roma in the region. Some say the population could be as high as 2 million, although official data put it at 500,000. Until the 19th century, Romanian Gypsies were slaves, and they've gotten a mixed response ever since: While discrimination is widespread, many East Europeans are enthusiastic about Gypsy music and dance, which they embrace as part of the region's cultural heritage. That explains why the Roma musicians and a dancer who had briefly joined Madonna onstage got enthusiastic applause. And it also may explain why some in the crowd turned on Madonna when she paused during the two-hour show — a stop on her worldwide "Sticky and Sweet" tour — to touch on their plight. "It has been brought to my attention ... that there is a lot of discrimination against Romanies and Gypsies in general in Eastern Europe," she said. "It made me feel very sad." Thousands booed and jeered her. A few cheered when she added: "We don't believe in discrimination ... we believe in freedom and equal rights for everyone." But she got more boos when she mentioned discrimination against homosexuals and others. "I jeered her because it seemed false what she was telling us. What business does she have telling us these things?" said Ionut Dinu, 23. Madonna did not react and carried on with her concert, held near the hulking palace of the late communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Her publicist, Liz Rosenberg, said Madonna and other had told her there were cheers as well as jeers. "Madonna has been touring with a phenomenal troupe of Roma musicians who made her aware of the discrimination toward them in several countries so she felt compelled to make a brief statement," Rosenberg said in an e-mail. "She will not be issuing a further statement." One Roma musician said the attitude toward Gypsies is contradictory. "Romanians watch Gypsy soap operas, they like Gypsy music and go to Gypsy concerts," said Damian Draghici, a Grammy Award-winner who has performed with James Brown and Joe Cocker. "But there has been a wave of aggression against Roma people in Italy, Hungary and Romania, which shows me something is not OK," he told the AP in an interview. "The politicians have to do something about it. People have to be educated not to be prejudiced. All people are equal, and that is the message politicians must give." Nearly one in two of Europe's estimated 12 million Roma claimed to have suffered an act of discrimination over the past 12 months, according to a recent report by the Vienna-based EU Fundamental Rights Agency. The group says Roma face "overt discrimination" in housing, health care and education. Many do not have official identification, which means they cannot get social benefits, are undereducated and struggle to find decent jobs. Roma children are more likely to drop out of school than their peers from other ethnic groups. Many Romanians label Gypsies as thieves, and many are outraged by those who beg or commit petty crimes in Western Europe, believing they spoil Romania's image abroad. In May 2007, Romanian President Traian Basescu was heard to call a Romanian journalist a "stinky Gypsy" during a conversation with his wife. Romania's anti-discrimination board criticized Basescu, who later apologized. Human rights activists say the attacks in Hungary, which began in July 2008, may be tied to that country's economic crisis and the rising popularity of far-right vigilantes angered by a rash of petty thefts and other so-called "Gypsy crime." Last week, police arrested four suspects in a nightclub in the eastern city of Debrecen. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia also have been criticized for widespread bias against Roma. Madonna's outrage touched a nerve in Romania, but it seems doubtful it will change anything, said the Soros Foundation's Motoc. "Madonna is a pop star. She is not an expert on interethnic relations," he said. ___ AP Writers Alison Mutler in Bucharest, William J. Kole in Vienna and Nekesa Mumbi Moody in New York contributed to this report.

1955 GMC PD-4104 Greyhound bus

FyreChyld — Sat, 16 May 2009 08:40:43 GMT

I finally reached my dream. Me and my fiance just bought a 1955 GMC PD-4104 Greyhound bus. It was a conversion bus, but the last owner decided to strip it and rebuild it and never got around to the rebuilding part. Runs strong as a bull. Strong engine and body. Lots of conversion work plans for the inside. Was converted but the guy gutted it to rebuild. Everything is still in place though. Water and septic tanks, propane setup, most plumbing setup and has toilet installed. Has hot water heater/tank. Still has full size fridge, double sided stainless steel sink, stove/oven & washer/dryer. Have to rewire and so forth. Will set up a blog journal to track our progress with it for folks later. Can't believe we manifested this gem. This is my long time dream come true. Anyway, money is tight and we have a online store if people want to help us convert it at http://www.shady-grove-designs.com

Shady Grove Designs is now open!

FyreChyld — Wed, 06 May 2009 06:36:01 GMT

I worked long and hard to get this site up. But it is finally up and my girl has been busy filling it up with designs. Right now I'm working on the Shady Grove Bookstore. Then I'll be working on the Shady Grove Woodshop. I'm building portable altars, chests and my new project is small faery houses for gardens. Anyway check out my store site and tell me what you think at: http://www.shady-grove-designs.com

Found my Earth Mama, Living my dream of Homesteading and have a new company

FyreChyld — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:59:48 GMT

So yah! I found my Earth Mama and am homesteading with the love of my life in Waldport, OR. We are fixing up the 1+ acres we are on but dream of a 10 acre spread. I have started a Handyman business and soon will have a new chainsaw with different size blade. What for you ask? Well I live in the woods next to the ocean. I have miles of beautiful Oregon coast to collect driftwood for my woodcraft. I'm a carpenter by trade. I figure I'll take a chainsaw out in the woods and find old big tree stumps and take slices off of them to create beautiful altars with them and driftwood and sell them on me and Rachel's new online store (which I'm working on) called Shady Grove Designs. I like to point out I designed and created our logo. I put a copy of my different Adobe photo shop & graphic art programs on Rachels laptop and one day I was complaining that I could not find any decent Awen or Druidic stuff and she started creating some. I turned her on to Cafepress and Shady Grove Designs was born. Below are a few links to some of her designs if you are interested. I am still working on all the descriptions on Cafepress as well as a website to tie all the pages in together as well as a place to showcase my woodworks. So anything you buy from our store helps support us and improve our land and save towards our bigger plot. We plan to build a hobbit style house like this: http://www.simondale.net/house As soon as I get the site up I'll post it here. http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt1 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt2 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt3 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt4 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt5 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt6 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt7 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt8 http://www.cafepress.com/ShadyGroveArt9 P.S. We also plan to open a bohemian style coffee shop called "Brighid by the Sea" next to a Pagan shop in Seal Rock called "Ancient Light".

Rainbow Druid looking for his Rainbow Earth Mama

FyreChyld — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:04:06 GMT

About Me: I would love to meet someone who could be a lifetime companion, to thrive together. I love learning and engaging with people and am a bit of an idealist/dreamer. Living life fully rooted in a state of joy, love and abundance rocks. I dont feel like I am looking, but I am open. I am just so busy enjoying a full life that I have been in a state of contentment. Loving myself well helps of course. I am open for a goddess to come and sweep me off my feet and lead me off on various adventures. I am obsessively creative and led by intuition. I am a craftsman and a performer. I am led by spirit and a desire to propagate love in the world. I believe in magic. Not just the, wow, that was neat! kind, but the lets change the weather so It is safe to drive kind. I'm sure you know what I mean. I live in a sanctuary surrounded by a cathedral created by nature. I worship here daily. I am a Druid. I enjoy the fullness of life in all its flavors and am comfortable with my place in it. I love the experience of being human. I live for blackberry splinters, sore backs and orgasms, the moments of hedonism and self-sacrifice, the awkward moments as much as the shining ones. Life is for living and I am hands on. I am deeply committed to the people that I love. I am far from perfect and have a strong desire to continue to grow. What I'm Looking For: This time 'round I am manifesting a spectacular relationship experience. I am looking for a nice clear sign of immediate connection. I am amused anticipating how you are reading this and that you know that I am writing just for you. Its amazing that we haven't met before considering our geographical proximity. I am eagerly anticipating being impressed by your strength and presence. Creativity oozes from you like some delicious intoxicating perfume. You are a woman who devours life in huge mouth watering hunks. You are wise enough to know that problems are opportunities. You are fluent in the language of humor and silliness. You are competent, self confident and healthy. You already know how beautiful and strong you are. You expect the adoration that a goddess of your stature deserves. I see that I am calling you out. yes you. You are ready for an unconventionally wonderful relationship. This is not a cop-out for monogamy, but a realization that we are both powerful people with much to do in the world. We can love our lives, together sometimes, apart others. Our relationship does not require close proximity to feel secure. We know that if our beloved is out in the world, then the world is benefiting from their light. I'm drawn to women who are intellectually curious and engaged, kind and caring about others and the world, wanting to enjoy all of what life has to offer, open-minded; someone who respects herself and others deeply. It would be cool if we could connect spiritually also (I am a practicing Druid within ADF). P.S. Looking to manifest a School bus and settle some land and do the Festies & Rainbow gatherings during the the summer. You willing to rough it Rainbow style? You can message me here or email me at gypsyvillalobos@yahoo.com

Why have the Elders been forgotten?

FyreChyld — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:32:40 GMT

One of the things that disturbs me much in the modern Pagan community is how much they have surrendered to urban life. In the early days, paganism was very much part of the counter-culture. The back to landers, the activist, the community builders, the environmentalist, etc.... Now Paganism has gone much mainstream. I remember some years ago when a small group of us try to get a Pagan runned social service going in Portland. We met resistance. Folks didn't like what we was doing cause our example was reminding them that they were not practicing the Green community ideaology that is at the root of of Pagan spirituality. In the early days when I first entered the Pagan community when someone asked us what was a Pagan. We defined ourselves by what we were first. We are the Green People, we are earthy, we are tribal, we are community orientated, we are a Earth Centered Spirituality. In them days people were looking at homesteading, communal living, community farming, environmental activism as well as honoring the gods. Today when you ask someone what a pagan is, the mass majority defines us by what we aren't first. We are not monotheist, we are not Satanist etc.... People are more interested in organizing a fetish ball than helping the less fortunate in their community or saving a National Forest or visiting and honoring our elders in the old folks homes. The problem is most of todays Pagans grew up spoilt in the cheap energy of the 80's. The things that screamed for help from Pagans did not reach them so the Green part of their heart died. The Green Mother & Father became just archetypes to them. Nothing more than symbols and metaphors. Cheap little statues on their altars that they payed nothing more than lip service to on their way out the door dressed in their gaudy earth destroying fetish outfits seeking only to gratify their own hedonist pleasures & pretend that they are the gods that sit alone upon their altars. They come home, go to bed and get up and put their Paganism away in the closet and go to their earth unfriendly boring 9 to 5 jobs. They don't go to support their spirituality. They go to support their selfish pleasure. There are elders in our community who gave their selves to us unselfishly for years. Elders you all know well cause they were the who's who in the Pagan community of the 60's 70s & early 80. These same elders are struggling today. Forgotten by those who they nurtured in the early days of our community. One Patriarch & Matriarch, a couple who are still hard at work in the community even though they both have major medical problems are struggling to make ends meet. But they carry on with a caring smile on their face. Yet one of their close friends has to go out and guilt the community into helping them with food and things. They are on the verge of homelessness. Yet they continue to give of themselves unselfishly. Where are all the priestesses that this powerful and loving Matriarch initiated over the years. Why are they not at her side taking care of her & honoring her in her Crone years. Why has this Queen of witches been forgotten? These young spoilt witches are to busy having some guy kiss their leather boots at some fetish ball to care less about the woman who taught them to be strong powerful women. Where are all the young mages, wizards & druids that this charismatic & powerful Patriarch trained over the years. These young spoilt mages are busy at the witches balls or Burning Man events seeing how many young women their Pagan wiles can get into the sack to care less about the man who taught them to reclaim their pre-christian sensitive masculinity. It is sad to see these Elders forgotten even though these young Pagans will bragged that they know them & have studied their work. But then I don't see these deviant christian in Pagan clothing as true Pagans. I don't see hedonism as a heathen way. Hedonism to me equals selfish pleasure. 2007 I only saw 1 Pagan sister at the Earth Day Festival held in NE Portland. Where were they all? I know the young Pagans here are shaking their fist at me right now for judging them. Saying I am violating the "Wiccan Rede". I have news for you. That's a Wiccan Rede not a Druid Rede. Druids were judges & counselors & the health of their community was their duty. The older Pagans here are trying not to be confrontational. But they are still nodding their heads silently agreeing with me as they go back to tending their gardens forgotten by the young. You young ones have violated the Wiccan Rede already with your pursuit of selfish pleasure. Your selfish hedonism is harming the Pagan community as a whole. There is nothing community based about fetish balls and pleasure gatherings. It doesn't better the community. Gathering together to seek pleasure from one another is not what community building is. And your recycling & driving a little car is not enough to stamp out the carbon footprint that your hedonist ways create. Your lifestyle is hurting the Mother. So you can't use the Wiccan Rede as a excuse to me. Most of you have twisted the Wiccan Rede to justify your selfish ways. Most of you are out of shape and have lazy urban bodies. Most of you could not last a week in the woods or even a rural community for that matter without your city pleasures. Some of you are like "but the goddess is fat!" No! The Venus (properly should be called Danu) of Willendorf is not fat! She is pregnant with creation. Stop using these goddess images as excuses to justify your gluttony and laziness. The Lady & Lord are powerful and if you ever really came face to face with them you shit your pants. And for the record, one can be a big person and can still be healthy. But Urban people are too lazy to develop the muscles to properly & healthly carry their extra weight. Some folks can't help their genes. But you can help how you carry it and not just surrender to it and let it become obesed & unhealthy. Urban Pagans can hear the gods but barely. The Old Gods voices are being muffled by the steel & concrete that you surround yourself with. The Old Gods struggle to reach their green fingers through the cracks in the sidewalks and you all just lay more concrete over it. The Old Gods reach out to touch your skin with loving hands and you withdraw and cover it with leather & latex. You are ill and rather than heal yourselves you revel in your sickness. You are part of the environment but your bodies & minds are environmental disasters. Ok I'm done ranting. Paganism is a spirituality not a lifestyle. But young urban Pagan treat it as a lifestyle. IT'S NOT A LIFESTYLE LIKE PUNK, GOTHIC OR EMO!

Quote of the day

FyreChyld — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:41:14 GMT

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Musings of a solitary Druid

FyreChyld — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:42:13 GMT

Grant, O Holy Ones, thy protection And in protection, strength And in strength, understanding And in understanding, knowledge And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it And in that love, the love of all existences An in the love of all existences, the love of earth our mother, and all goodness. Awen, Awen, Awen. A blessing exists for every realization of why you exist in a certain time and space within the cosmos. That which you seek the answer to already exists within you as a map of nature. Fathom the beauty of your spirit and the harmony of the universe will reveal itself and resonate through you, eroding the stone wall of your blind ego...

Help me manifest a Skoolie!

FyreChyld — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:17:28 GMT

Hi! The links below are to my stores. I'm hoping they will help me to fullfil my dreams of one day owning a 36+ foot (I'm hoping for a 50') diesel school bus some day. I'm trying to raise between $5,000 and $8,000, which is about what it will cost for a mechanically sound used school bus. I plan on converting it to a bio-fueled Housebus using recycle material as much as possible. So every item you buy will get me that much closer to my dream. Hope you enjoy my stuff. I'll update this thread as the money comes in so everyone can see how close I'm getting. I'm working on some more art that will be focused towards Buses so check back here often for new links to new designs. Also the name of my shop is lame so if you have any ideas for a good name for my shop post it here. Thanks all! www.cafepress.com/GypsyShoppe1 www.cafepress.com/GypsyShoppe2 www.cafepress.com/GypsyShoppe3

Please help my single Rainbow Mama friend for Yule/Xmas

FyreChyld — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:56:50 GMT

Hail & Welcome! I have a close friend who is a single mama struggling without child support. She is an extraordinary poet, artist and crafstman. She has been doing tons of crafts and painting to make ends meet. Yule is upon us and she is feeling the bite deeper than normal. She has been making these beautiful bags. Please help this struggling mama and her beautiful little laughing 2 1/2 boy so they can enjoy a stress free holiday. Her patron Brighid has been putting her through the forge for the last 2 1/2 years. With your help we can pull her from the forge for a bit and dip her in the trough for some much needed rest before Brighid sticks her back in the forge again. She also does astrology charts when she has the time between all her crafts work and paintings. Thank You! Beannach Leat! /|\ Gypsy /|\ PS Her email below is also her paypal email, so if you don't want a bag you can still donate a few bucks to her if you so feel moved to do so. Every single dollar this lass makes goes toward food & rent. She eats poorly so as to afford buying her little one good wholesome organic food. Groovy!!! ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- B o o m e r a n g B a g s -----------> <-------------- “The green gift bag that comes back to you!” We have made you 4 sizes of gift bags with ties! great gift size ..............12.5” x 11”.............$6.00 bottle size .....................15” x 5”.................$5.00 card / diviner size..............7” x 5”..................$3.50 jewelry / trinket size...........3.75 x 2.75..............$3.00 ALL Bags have jute or ribbon ties plus some have additional wooden beads. ANY SIZE can be special ordered for that “hard-to-cover” gift with 50% down. Get 10% off when you order 10 or more bags, and get 15% off when you order 15 or more bags! We will trade for other handmade durable goods. FREE shipping with the purchase of 5 or more bags -- e m a i l astrologychart(at)ymail(dot)com for payment pal information. 100% Recycled and Reusable! ALL BAGS MADE FROM FABRIC DISCARDS ALL RIBBON AND JUTE ARE REMNANTS 100% Green! 100% Earth Friendly! ASTROLOGYCHART(AT)Ymail(DOT)COM

BOXES & MORE BOXES

FyreChyld — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:51:34 GMT

I wrote this some time ago in response to a message from a friend. I come a cross it recently and thought I edit and post it here. BOXES & MORE BOXES Druids & New Agers; The difference between the two. To be told that because I identify myself as a Druid that I am placing myself in little boxes and placing the mysteries under a microscope kinda ticks me off. Um yah! The microscope I'm looking through was created by the gods and all I have to say is Wow! Theres a whole other awe inspiring world under that microscope. The more powerful the microscope the greater the mysteries become for me. Heres my thing. New Agers tend to be spiritual anarchist or better yet unruly spiritual vagabonds. They have no roots and because of that hold no loyalty to a community. They tend to come into your home (boxes) uninvited (or sometime invited), help themselves to your fridge, use up all your clean towels in the bathroom, plop themselves in front of your tv or computer in your best house robe chowing down on your food spilling crumbs everywhere. When you come in to confront them about it and how if they want to stay they have to follow some basic house rules like cleaning up after themselves they get all offended talking about how you are oppressing them with your rules and pack their stuff and leave your house in a shambled mumbling about they won't give up their freedom. I'm not only aware that there is a spiritual world outside of the box I'm in, I even travel through it quite often. As a Druid I'm expected to. In fact its that world outside of the box that is a Druid's true home. So why do we chose to place ourselves in the box if our home is outside of it? Because as Druids we are not only the seekers of knowledge outside of the box but are also the sharers of that knowledge to those who still live within the limits of that box. For one reason or another some need the comfort and security of their boxes and contrary to what the New Agers believe, ripping down the walls of their boxes or ripping the labels from out from under their feet is not going to suddenly enlighten them. In fact its probably going to cause more spiritual damage than anything. By taking on the label of Druid I am unselfishly stepping back into the box to help those who can not see beyond its walls which they have created. I love this song by Rush. We obviously are the Oaks & New Agers are the Maples. THE TREE There is unrest in the forest, There is trouble with the trees, For the maples want more sunlight And the oaks ignore their pleas. The trouble with the maples, (And they're quite convinced they're right) They say the oaks are just too lofty And they grab up all the light. But the oaks can't help their feelings If they like the way they're made. And they wonder why the maples Can't be happy in their shade. There is trouble in the forest, And the creatures all have fled, As the maples scream "Oppression!" And the oaks just shake their heads So the maples formed a union And demanded equal rights. "The oaks are just too greedy; We will make them give us light." Now there's no more oak oppression, For they passed a noble law, And the trees are all kept equal By hatchet, axe, and saw.

I touched a Rainbow

FyreChyld — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:25:56 GMT

The day before Thanksgiving I had an experience that defies science. I don't say that lightly cause as a Druid I tend to be very scientific. Science saids it is impossible to reach the end of a rainbow as it moves away further the closer you move to it. So how do I explain what I experience without sounding like a wacko? It took me a few days to finally get the guts to post this. The day before Thanksgiving I was heading home from doing laundry. I live in Solvang, CA and was coming from Buellton. I was coming down the hill on Hwy 246 (aka; Mission Drive) towards Alamo Pintado Rd. I saw a beautiful rainbow crossing over Hwy 246. On the corner is a Santa Barbara Bank & Trust with a grassy area on its side and back. Lo and behold the rainbow was touching down right on that lawn. I couldn't believe it. I turned off Hwy 246 onto Alamo Pintado and parked on the street, never taking my eyes off the rainbow. It never faded or moved as science said it should have. I rushed over and stood right in it reaching out and touching it with my hand. I remember looking around thinking, wheres the pot of gold. LOL I decided I wanted to rush home and tell a friend of mine in New York online. So I jumped back in my car and turned around and crossed over Hwy 246 on Alamo Pintado Rd (I live right off of Alamo Pintado Rd.). I looked up and lo & behold a second rainbow crossing over Alamo Pintado Rd in the opposite direction of the other rainbow. Making a almost T with it. This one also touched the ground on a hill to my left. I didn't stop for it though. I was so excited I rushed home. Heres the thing. A friend told me what I experience was very special and I should share it with my Order and see if it has any meaning besides just totally blowing me away. And how do I deal with the fact that it defied scientific fact that you can't get near one, much less stand within it's glow and touch it? Did it actually happen? Was it a sign or did I imagine the whole thing (for the record I don't do drugs)? Anyway I would love folks feedback. Even it's to tell me you think I'm a wacko. LOL Peace Out! ┌─┐　─┐ 　│▒│ /▒/ 　│▒│/▒/ 　│▒ /▒/─┬─┐ 　│▒│▒|▒│▒│ ┌┴─┴─┐-┘─┘ │▒┌──┘▒▒▒│ └┐▒▒▒▒▒▒┌┘ 　└┐▒▒▒▒┌┘ 　└┐▒▒▒▒┌┘ /|\ Gypsy /|\

Spontaneous Trip to Frisco

FyreChyld — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:12:09 GMT

Sunday Night I took off to Frisco. Ended up in Santa Cruz for a day. Am in Carmel now and heading back slowly to Santa Ynez. I may have found my daughter and I'm really stoked. Now if I could just find a way to bring the other woman of my heart back I be in Nirvana. Anyway I been writing on my Iphone. I been emailing it to myself in pieces. I may post it later of my trip. Loving you Family! /|\ Gypsy /|\

Nature - Going back to my roots

FyreChyld — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:11:23 GMT

This is short and simple since I have a few other posts for this morning. My favorite quote of the day. You will find something far greater in the woods than you will find in books. Stones and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters. - St. Bernard

Divine Misfits

FyreChyld — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:51:45 GMT

My favorite quote of the day. Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. Steve Jobs US computer engineer & industrialist (1955 - )

Help Save Our Wolves Ban Wolf Hunting Relocate the Wolf

FyreChyld — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:19:47 GMT

Wolves have been driven to near extinction in the past, and now exist in a mere sliver of their former habitat. Since the mid-1990’s, when wolves were re-introduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho, they have made significant strides towards reclaiming their rightful place on our nation's wild land, as a key predator and as intelligent and caring members of the ecosystem they were meant to inhabit. Today, as arguments rage about how much protection to offer to wolves, and for how long, this critically important species is once again being poisoned, shot and trapped as history sadly repeats itself. Their survival is contingent upon healthy, open, and connected wild ecosystems, a concept that has been as endangered as the wolves themselves. In fact, wolves play an essential role in reshaping and restoring habitat. Demon or benefactor, monster of nightmare or caring family member of a pack? Who will speak for the wolf? I WILL, WILL YOU? http://www.savewolves.org & http://www.petitiononline.com/wolf/petition.html

Saraswati, Brighid of the East

FyreChyld — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:53:14 GMT

Sometime ago I have felt drawn to the east and I believe Brighid has encourage it and introduced me to Saraswati of India. Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. Like Brighid she is also a trinity goddess. she forms the Tridevi ("three goddesses") . She is the consort of Brahma, hence she is a Universal Goddess (the Goddesshead as Brahma is the Godhead ). As I said I have felt drawn to her and been studying her, but had not yet added her to my altar. A friend had warn me that the Vedic/Hindu gods are complex and I could easily get lost, so I stuck with just studying her. But Brighid is my patron and when she places my mind's feet upon a intellectual path I must follow it to its final destination. Saraswati continued to pull at my heart strings as well as my mind. She has perked my interest now she is demanding my attention. Recently I joined a group of Pagans on Stickam and met a sister of Arabic & Indian/Pakistani heritage. She was once Muslim but has felt pulled to her Indian blood and is now a Pagan. I can't mention her name cause she is well known in the Muslim community and her Pagan beliefs could cause her problems. Never the lest, I have grown fond of our late night discussion about the Middle East & India and must admit I pay the closes attention when she speaks of Vedism & Hinduism. Being of that culture she obviously has a greater understanding of it than those of non-Indian blood. She has already dispelled many misconception taught by Westerners who profess to follow Hinduism. She is also of the Brahmin caste so she is privileged to much of its lore. Though Saraswati is not my friend's patron, her sharing of her knowledge of her people has made Saraswati tug harder on my heart, demanding that I show more than just a intellectual interest in her (Saraswati, not my friend). So now that I know she will join Brighid upon my altar, how do I preceded in adding her without insulting her & the Indian people? Do I continue to pick my friend's mind and continue to study the lore I find on her? Should I seek out a Vedic or Hindu Temple here in Portland and ask. And if so, how do I approach them and get them to take me serious and not just see me as another New Age Westerner trying to steal their beliefs? Talking to my friend I know that there are some things that Western practitioners of Hinduism do that is seen as insulting to them. I won't talk about those as I'm not interested in correcting them. I just don't want to make those mistakes myself. I know I can never fully intergrate Vedism or Hinduism into my Path since there are cultural aspects I can never truly understand unless I was raised in their culture. But Saraswati is a Universal Goddess & its those Universal concept that I wish to draw from as well as honor her. To honor her & use her as a gateway into understanding my fellow earthlings of the East & their eastern mindset that is truly different from our western one. To find where the two meet yet respect & honor our differences. Below is some info about Saraswati for those who may not know who she is. Goddess Saraswati is often depicted as a beautiful, white-skinned woman dressed in pure white often seated on a white Nelumbo nucifera lotus (although Her actual vahana is believed to be a swan), which symbolizes that she is founded in the experience of the Absolute Truth. Thus, she not only has the knowledge but also the experience of the Highest Reality. She is mainly associated with the color white, which signifies the purity of true knowledge. Occasionally, however, she is also associated with the colour yellow, the colour of the flowers of the mustard plant that bloom at the time of her festival in the spring. She is not adorned heavily with jewels and gold, unlike the goddess Lakshmi, but is dressed modestly — perhaps representing her preference of knowledge over worldly material things. She is generally shown to have four arms, which represent the four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. Alternatively, these four arms also represent the 4 vedas, the primary sacred books for hindus. The vedas, in turn, represent the 3 forms of literature: * Poetry — the Rigveda contains hymns, representing poetry * Prose — Yajurveda contains prose * Music — Samaveda represents music. The four hands also depict this thusly — prose is represented by the book in one hand, poetry by the garland of crystal, music by the veena. The pot of sacred water represents purity in all of these three, or their power to purify human thought. She is shown to hold the following in her hands: * A book, which is the sacred Vedas, representing the universal, divine, eternal, and true knowledge as well as her perfection of the sciences and the scriptures. * A mala (rosary) of crystals, representing the power of meditation and spirituality. * A pot of sacred water, representing creative and purificatory powers. * The veena, a musical instrument that represents her perfection of all arts and sciences. Saraswati is also associated with anurāga, the love for and rhythm of music which represents all emotions and feelings expressed in speech or music. It is believed that children born with that name will prove to be very lucky in their studies. A white swan is often located next to her feet. The sacred swan, if offered a mixture of milk and water, is said to be able to drink the milk alone. The swan thus symbolizes discrimination between the good and the bad or the eternal and the evanescent. Due to her association with the swan, Goddess Saraswati is also referred to as Hamsa-vahini, which means "she who has a swan as her vehicle". She is usually depicted near a flowing river, which may be related to her early history as a river goddess. The swan and her association with the lotus flower also point to her ancient origin. Sometimes a peacock is shown beside the goddess. The peacock represents arrogance and pride over its beauty, and by having a peacock as her mount, the Goddess teaches Hindus not to be concerned with external appearance and to be wise regarding the eternal truth.

My New Car

FyreChyld — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:34:06 GMT

Well as you all know I had a 99 GMC Sonoma. Nice truck but heavy on the MPG. On Feb. 9th I turned 43. The next day I had a accident on W. Burnside. Long story short it was a former co-worker who turn right then shot left right in front of me. Both vehicles were totaled. Me and him came out with only a bump. My insurance cut me a check for my truck ($1,200 more than I paid for it) and has found me not at fault and now is going after the other insurance company. Looking forward to getting my deductible back. Due to job drama & the fact that it has cost me two vehicles I quit my job as a Oregonian Carrier. I wasn't about to have it take another vehicle from me. Wear and tear took my 2001 Ford Escort, and the accident took my 1999 GMC Sonoma. Now I own my little dream car. A 1999 Subaru Outback. Thats it above sitting in front of my house. I love this little car and been wanting one for the last few years. I paid only $4,600 for it though it does have 134,000 miles on it. But if you own or have own a Subaru you know they are tough little cars and can put as many as 250,000 miles on one. Lest than 3 miles from the guy I bought it from the engine light came on and I was pissed. The guy wouldn't respond to my calls. I own a OBDII Diagnostic reader and plugged it in. Said it has a Knock Sensor malfunction. The next day I took it to Wentworth Subarucity here in Portland and had a full diagnostic done on it. Turned out she is a strong running engine with nothing major wrong with her other than she has a lot of different leaks. Though they are minor to moderate leaks they are expensive as hell to fix. Wentworth Subarucity was going to charge me over $1,800 to fix it all. They did replace the front Boots on it and it cost me $605. Also I decided to have the brakes checked at Les Swab and they was shot. I didn't like their quote and shopped around and found a awesome mechanic over on Hawthorne & 7th ( AFFORDABLE TIRE & BRAKE CO. ) Cost me $350 to have all the pads replaced and they were able to save the front rotors, but the rear rotors had to be replaced. He looked at my estimate from Wentworth and shook his head. Couldn't believe they charged me $605 to replace the Boots. He said he would have replace all 4 Boots and serviced my axils for $400. The owner of this shop is really cool. He takes you out and actually shows you whats wrong with your car and not just blow smoke up your arse. I know my way around a engine and mechanics enough to understand what he is showing me. Needless to say after looking at my Wentworth estimates for repairs he has brought it down to about $900 that he will do them for as well as service several other things including my timing chain. I just discovered that I can replace the Knock Sensore myself so I will save about another $150 right there. Oh and the windshield has a crack across it and that will cost me $135 to replace by MS Glass and been told by several mechanics that is a good price. So when I am fished I will have paid about $6500 for this car and been told I have a good strong car that has many many miles left on it. But I quit my Carrier job and am hard at work trying to find another job. Heres the problem. I'm tired of working jobs that break my back that I don't enjoy, only making enough to pay my rent and bills and demanding large amounts of my time. I really want to go back to school and become a Herbalist but I need a stable job that doesn't burn me or my vehicle out. I'm looking to move out of my house and now that the weather is getting better willing to live in my tent to save money. I like to get a job on a local Organic Farm or Ranch. Be allow to sleep in a tent and make about $800 a month. Enough to pay my three main bills. Car Insurance, my cellphone bill & a hospital bill I owe to OHSU which is $100 a month. Those three bills equal about $290 per month. The rest would pay for gas & food and slowly allow me to get my car fixed. So if you have land and you want a live in caretaker or labourer please contact me here. I have a lot of experience working the land from my youth and like to go back to that simple life. I'm somewhat quiet & don't smoke or do drugs. Have no pet and a rather neat and clean person. My profile pretty much speaks for itself but if you have any questions just ask. I am a practicing Druid but because of my old school hippy and rural country ways of thinking have withdrawn from the local Pagan community due to disagreements with the way Urban Pagans practice, so I won't be throwing any wild skyclad fetish parties. lol So if you have any leads for me please let me know. Peace! /|\ Gypsy /|\

First They Came

FyreChyld — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:42:01 GMT

I recently found this piece written by a man who had once been a stout supporter of Hitler and the Nazi Party. When he turned against them he was locked up. By the time he was freed he had become a full blown Peace Activist. He cried out against injustices. I to cry out against injustices and will not be silence even by those who mean well. I will continue to cry out against political, social & community apathy just as Martin Niemöller did. Peace can not be attain through silence but by the eradication of political, social & community injustice & apathy. FIRST THEY CAME When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat. When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist. When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I wasn't a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out. ~Martin Niemöller~

Give me a slow Country Road thank you very much!

FyreChyld — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:46:54 GMT

All the great Holy teachers have taught us that the road to enlightenment is a narrow and twisting road. To me it’s a nice little country road like the one my friend and fellow Druidess used in her blog.. We found that road cause we looked for the signs (labels). New Agers want one big super highways so everyone can rush to enlightenment together. All them speeding people bound to be a lot of accidents along the way. And most are going too fast to pay proper attention to the signs (labels & rules) that tell you where you are at, exits and not to mention the rules of the road which most ignore. How many times have you heard people say, “Oh I missed my exit cause I wasn’t paying attention.” or “The other driver wouldn’t let me over to get off.” They also miss all the scenery (they see it but it goes rushing by to fast in the window to truely enjoy it). I walk slow enough to be able to read the signs and because of that I’m also able to enjoy the beautiful scenery along my journey. Also my actual feet touch & travel upon Mother Earth (unlike New Agers whose heads are usually lost in La la land in the clouds.). Occasionally a critter runs out in the middle of my path, but I’m walking slow enough to stop and enjoy its company for a few minutes & not run it over. I’m also walking slow enough to have conversation with everyone else who is following the same road (Tradition) as I. New Agers are all trying to rush to enlightenment on the super highway and the only connection they have with one another is the super highway itself. They all drive in their own vehicles (non-structure systems). Some race on in BMWs, others in Pontiacs and other putt putt along in VWs. They may wave at each other through the windows but that’s the closes they come to connecting to one another. Some will travel together on cramp & stuffy buses or Rvs. Other on rumbling motorcycles. But they are so busy usually focusing on their driving that they can’t actually enjoy the journey. Pulling over and stopping to check something out or what not is a chore for them and they have little impersonal stations that fill up their cars with gas (spiritual energy) and fast food restaurants with drive throughs so they can rush on through eating garbage as they race along to their intended destination. How many times have you heard people say when they get home from a trip say, “I’m so glad I’m home.” They are burnt out by the bloody journey. Me I can carry a little lunch on me and the traffic on the country road don’t hinder me getting to the side to sit under some shady tree and enjoy the food along with the fresh air and scenery. Waving at other travelers as they wander by, occasionally one stops to talk or join me for lunch. Not to mention all the great little Country Inns along the way where one can sit by a warm fire and enjoy a home cook meal and maybe a tankard or two of good ale. Maybe a Bard back in the corner playing his Lute or telling a story or sharing stories with my fellow travelers around the Inns hearth. Someone just come over the Pass and tells us its snowed in now. We all nod are heads and discuss alternative routes around it etc... We get news of the towns and villages we have not yet visited and tell our stories of the places we came from. All of us walking our spiritual path, following the wisdom & rules given to us by more experience travelers (Our spiritual Elders/teachers). These wisdoms & rules shared with us become our Traditions (for me Druidry). We walk the path worn down by others. We get to know each bend and corner, each hill and pass, each tree & stone, each village & town. These are the mysteries I get to know well (I believe someone called my getting to know them as placing them under a microscope?). We don’t just rush by them accepting that they are there & exist like the New Agers. We stop and get to know them intimately until they are no longer mysteries and become a part of us cause we now KNOW them. This is why us Druids call our Path the Path of Knowledge. /|\ Gypsy /|\

Gypsy's Lil' Store

FyreChyld — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:15:36 GMT

Below is a link to my Amazon store that list all my favorite books and some. Many of these books I either own or have owned (hope to add them to my bookshelf again). Others I have read. Others are books I have not read, but are by authors who's work I have read and greatly respect. Almost all of these books are on Druidry. In the future I plan to expand this store into other areas as I learn how to build this site. If you purchase any of these books you will be helping me to make my new truck payments. So please allow me to thank you ahead of time, any who purchase from my store. I'll create a fancy banner link later to put in my profile and other places on the web. But first I'm working on the store. I'll be adding other areas dealing with Homesteading, Sustainable living, Music and other areas that greatly interest me. So be sure to check back often. Again thank you ahead of time for any purchases you make. The faster I pay off my truck the less financial stress I have. LOL My Druidic Library http://astore.amazon.com/gypsshomeonth-20 P.S. And yes I'm a cheesy Dragonlance fan.

Ah Books! How I Love them!

FyreChyld — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 05:06:57 GMT

1. Grab the nearest book. 2. Open the book to page 23. 3. Find the fifth sentence. 4. Post the text of the next four sentences in your journal along with these instructions. 5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST. "I have laid out a number of solutions and guidelines for ethical behavior, all of which are in active play, all of which are failing. I return to the question: is it possible to have a code of ethics that is inclusive, universal, and effective?" In Paganism, particularly in Pagan spiritualities based on the oral tradition, the emphasis on the uniqueness of the individual is paramount. Each situation, in its distinct location, witnessed by the spirits of place, the gods, the powers of nature, the elements, the ancestors, sliding through a unique moment in time, further adds to the context within which that individual's action might be judged." From the book "Pagan Visions for a Sustainable Future" edited by Ly de Angeles, Emma Restall Orr & Thom van Dooren

Science & Spirituality, unlikely bed buddies? Druids don't think so.

FyreChyld — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:55:33 GMT

We Druids are what is referred to as Natural Spiritual Scientist. The Greeks referred to us as adepts in Natural philosophy or the philosophy of nature, known in Latin as philosophia naturalis. It is a term applied to the objective study of nature and the physical universe that was regnant before the development of modern science. It is considered the precursor of what is now called natural science, especially physics. Later (I believe in the 17th century) Natural Philosophy was formalized as Science. We know little of the actual practice of the Druids (though we are discovering that much can be gleaned from linguistics). But what we do know is that the Druids were the Celtic intelligentsia of the ancient European world, and its in that spirit do we modern Druids practice. Christians and most "revealed truth" religions follow the "Path of Devotion" while I believe most of my fellow (not all) Druids would agree that we Druids follow the "Path of Knowledge". We question everything, even our gods, and they would have it no other way. They gave us a whole universe to explore and exploring it we are. Our ancestors the Paleo-Druids studied things such as Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrology, Meteorology, Physical Geography, Oceanography, and Physics. Of course such had different names back then. The Christians of ancient times hated knowledge base traditions like science cause it made folks question their authority. They didn't like that. They ended up defining what is religion, so many scientist later came up as atheist which is sad cause they have moments of spiritual Awen every time they make a discovery. To the Druids, they saw no conflict between religion and science. In fact their discoveries shaped their religion. Today one of the main fields of science that modern Druids feel drawn most to or I should say they study all the others in support of is Deep Ecology. The sudden high interest in Deep Ecology has caused a great spiritual awakening in the scientific community that was badly needed. The non-spiritual (though they do constantly experience spiritual wonder in their field) scientist is dying out. The belief that science & spirituality can not share the same bed is a Christian (and other revealed truth religions) & New Agers (who dislike science cause it follows natural laws which makes their fantasy driven pseudo-sciences invalid. Sorry New Agers! You can place a dull razor under a pyramid with a crystal on top all you want. Its not going to sharpen it. :-P ) concept. Druids, and most Pagans in general really see no conflict between natural philosophy & spirituality. In fact most embrace them as a very very valid Path. Now I'm referring to science in relations to spirituality. Science in relations to magick itself is a whole other area and share some commonality with my above piece. One area that both religion (the real meaning of the word is to "re-link or re-connect") & magick share is in liturgy (the science of rituals). But as I said, that is another whole subject which I'm sure some Hermetic or Chaos Magician would love to explain to you. LOL Final note: I believe the separation of spirituality & science is the cause of environmental destruction & religious wars. Atheist scientist have lost most of their morals & religion without logic & rationality has created a lot of religious fanatics.

The Gods have been shining on me.

FyreChyld — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:03:52 GMT

I got a new truck yesterday! Woo Hoo! Its a 99 GMC Sonoma with a shell. Isn't she beautiful?

Greg Pattillo

FyreChyld — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:20:59 GMT

It is common knowledge among my friends that I'm a Jethro Tull fanatic and play the flute though I'm very very rusty. I discovered this guy on YouTube and was just blown away. This guy Beatboxes on the flute like no ones business. His video is at the top of my profile here. Check out his other videos & music. This guy has truly inspired me to pick the flute back up and play music that isn't normally played on it just like Ian did back in the 60's. You can also find all his videos on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/freedomworksfilms More of his music at: His personal MySpace. http://www.myspace.com/pattillostyle His Duet. http://www.myspace.com/thenationaldebt His band. http://www.aoka.moonfruit.com or http://www.myspace.com/aoka His Unofficial Fan Site: http://www.gregpattillo.com