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beansideThe longest night is over, and slowly, sluggishly the light is returning to the world. Happy Belated Solstice to everyone.
It's funny, I don't generally practice any religion these days. I'm kind of agnostopagan? Unsure, but following the rhythms that made the most sense out of the religion's I know? I still say hello to crows and hawks, but I don't still do rituals. I miss it sometimes, especially worshipping with a Coven. There was a community there that was like a family you chose. I don't know that I especially *want* it again, but at the same time, around the big holidays, there's a certain ache.
My Coven only lasted about three or so spins of the Wheel, but while it was there, it was warmth and safety and comfort. I also miss the ritual? I grew up as catholic, so I expect a certain amount of drama to my religion. And Paganism had that. Especially on the big holidays. My favorite was Samhain. That was my holiday to lead. We started a ritual called the Negativity pumpkin. I had done a haunted house with magic geeks, and had been introduced to the wonders of flash paper. This is paper treated with chemicals to ignite and burn in seconds if you introduce it to a spark. When you see magicians do a slight of hand that involves a little burst of fire? That's flash paper.
So, baby me got the idea to use flash paper in the ritual. We'd each get a piece and you'd either write the things you wanted to leave behind for the coming year, or just try to imbue it with that intent. Then, you'd crumple it up and put it in the hollowed out pumpkin. At the climax of the ritual, the priestess would toss a match in. It was like a goddamn flame thrower. Fire would shoot out of the open top of the pumpkin, sometimes up to 4'. The first year, we did the ritual indoors, and it nearly wiped out the ceiling fan. It was awesome, and bright and people fucking loved it. I miss that drama. Also picking out wine for the ritual.
I mention this today, because just like all the other rituals, ours are about to change. Christmas is going to be different. The coming year, we're going to be finding new paths. And maybe I needed to take a moment to think about what came before, so I'm moving forward in a direction that will work for who I am now.
Okay, I have navel gazed enough. Time to consider what I need to do before my 2pm game today. Possibly a look at the module. Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!
It's funny, I don't generally practice any religion these days. I'm kind of agnostopagan? Unsure, but following the rhythms that made the most sense out of the religion's I know? I still say hello to crows and hawks, but I don't still do rituals. I miss it sometimes, especially worshipping with a Coven. There was a community there that was like a family you chose. I don't know that I especially *want* it again, but at the same time, around the big holidays, there's a certain ache.
My Coven only lasted about three or so spins of the Wheel, but while it was there, it was warmth and safety and comfort. I also miss the ritual? I grew up as catholic, so I expect a certain amount of drama to my religion. And Paganism had that. Especially on the big holidays. My favorite was Samhain. That was my holiday to lead. We started a ritual called the Negativity pumpkin. I had done a haunted house with magic geeks, and had been introduced to the wonders of flash paper. This is paper treated with chemicals to ignite and burn in seconds if you introduce it to a spark. When you see magicians do a slight of hand that involves a little burst of fire? That's flash paper.
So, baby me got the idea to use flash paper in the ritual. We'd each get a piece and you'd either write the things you wanted to leave behind for the coming year, or just try to imbue it with that intent. Then, you'd crumple it up and put it in the hollowed out pumpkin. At the climax of the ritual, the priestess would toss a match in. It was like a goddamn flame thrower. Fire would shoot out of the open top of the pumpkin, sometimes up to 4'. The first year, we did the ritual indoors, and it nearly wiped out the ceiling fan. It was awesome, and bright and people fucking loved it. I miss that drama. Also picking out wine for the ritual.
I mention this today, because just like all the other rituals, ours are about to change. Christmas is going to be different. The coming year, we're going to be finding new paths. And maybe I needed to take a moment to think about what came before, so I'm moving forward in a direction that will work for who I am now.
Okay, I have navel gazed enough. Time to consider what I need to do before my 2pm game today. Possibly a look at the module. Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!
