...was another good festival this year.  Re-connected with people I haven't seen for a whole year (in particular the very fun Chicago group).  IMO it's one of the better festivals, not because it's particularly large - it isn't - or because of any astoundingly impressive rites or speakers, but because of the hospitality of the hosts and general friendliness of the attendees.  I think this is nurtured somewhat by the fact that the festival is specifically for ADF, so everyone feels a sense of kinship.

There were some very good workshops, including a Slavic harvest rite, and a workshop on the sacred center which included a nice guided trance journey.  I enjoy the Summerland festival a lot.

...was great fun.  Connected with some new people, re-connected with old.  The workshops - overall - were great.  I especially enjoyed Amy Castner's "Runemaker" workshop.  For only $5 materials fee we each made a complete set of runes (Elder Fuþark, but Ms.Castner graciously let me make all 33 runes of the Fuþorc), a bag to keep them in, and a beautiful divinatory rune casting cloth.  Other notable workshops were Raven Kaldera's lectures on northern European shamanism, and Ian Corrigan's discussion about Building Your Personal Paganism.

The weather was fantastic, and the people warm and welcoming.  From the woman who greeted me at the gate saying "Welcome home", to the man at the gate who (five days later) wished me a safe trip home, I felt constantly enveloped with a sense of fellowship and community.  I'm definately going back to Starwood next year if I possibly can.

You scored as Crow, You are the Crow. You are able to discover your own character and help others find themselves as well. You are very creative in the field you are in and tend to be the intelligent one of the bunch. Dog 67% Crow 67% Ram 58% Bull 58% Salmon 58% Eagle 50% Fox 50% Snake 50% Dragon 50% Horse 42% Deer 33% Wolf 33% Stag 33% Bear 33% Which animal totem best suits you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Norse Pantheonic Pagan (Asatru), You might well be Asatru, or Norse Pagan. With prodominantly Germanic and Slavic roots, the Gods of the Norse are strong, bawdy and passionate. Many men feel drawn to these gods, and this is the faith for those who celebrate courage, valor and strength. Home of one of the most well known Gods of mischief and fire, Loki, followers of this pantheon tend to be full of good humor and also strong in spirit and frequently the protectors of those they care for. Norse Pantheonic Pagan (Asatru) 85% Zoroastrian Pagan 55% Shamanic Pagan 50% Greek Pantheonic Pagan 45% Celtic Pantheonic Pagan 40% Eastern Pagan 40% Roman Pantheonic Pagan 35% Egyptian Pantheonic Pagan 35% Ecclectic Pagan 15% Sumerian, Babylonian, and Mesopotamian Pagans 10% Kabbalistic Pagan 5% Catholic (Pagan?) 5% What kind of Pagan are you? created with QuizFarm.com

 

Ásatrú is ICELANDIC.  Yes, when translated the word means "true to the northern European gods", but it isn't the same religion as Fyrnsidu or Forn Sed, and certainly not the same as Norse Wicca or ADF's Norse Druids.

People who use Ásatrú as an umbrella term for all northern European paths annoy me ALMOST as much as people who use Pagan as if it were a synonym for Wicca.

The interesting thing here is seeing "Zoroastrian Pagan" come up as #2.  I don't even know what a Zoroastrian is.  And Shamanic as #3?  I don't see it, but whatever.

My extended weekend was a contrast between an abysmal experience with US Airways and the fun and sense of community I enjoyed with members of the Fellowship of Anglo-Saxon Heathenry. The plane trip was a nightmare coming and going. On the flight out my plane was two hours late departing. So I arrived in Denver much later than planned, but Osric and Leofrun visited with me into the night.

The following morning we headed out for a ranch in the Rocky Mountains. We met Robin and JoLynne and Æschere at a truck stop en route, and then formed a caravan for the remainder of the trip. Colorado is such a beautiful place. Our journey led us along dirt roads through the most wonderful, scenic landscape as we climed into the mountains. Eventually we came to the ranch, where a rustic cabin stood not far from a rushing mountain stream. Our caravan was the first to arrive, but we were soon joined by other Anglo-Saxon Heathens.

We held symbel that Sæterniht after dinner, all of us marveling at the stars overhead. There was a firepit near the stream. Even in the dark we were still aware of the majestic mountains around us, in particular Goat Mountain, which I think most of us felt an affinity for just because of its name. The hírdas of Tirfæst, Earendel, Martinez and Friþhus were represented at the symbel.

I was pleased with how much "business" we accomplished over the weekend, and how things turned out in general. I distributed copies of Sé Ærendraca to all of the gesiðas attending. People seemed enthusiastic about the revised Wéofodþegn Study Program that I proposed, and Osric appointed me to administer it. But most importantly, I think, we defined our membership more clearly.

On Sæterdaeg some of us hiked up a foothill at the base of Goat Mountain. The slope was covered with quartz outcroppings, lichen covered stones and small cacti.

After sunset, as Sunnaniht came over us, Jolynne went into trance during a wiglung rite. I brought a question to her and was reassured by the vision that was related to me (although, for now, I'll keep this to myself). After this we held symbel again, and Artgyr of Friþhus gave his oath.

The folk of Tirfæst were wonderful hosts throughout the weekend. The meals they laid out were delicious; marinated steaks, a pork roast, burgers. Hot breakfasts of bacon, eggs, toast and pastries. The horn was raised more than once to Leofrun, who'd found the site for the gathering. And of course it was Tirfæst who helped coordinate things for us out-of-towners. I was glad to finally meet Osric and Leofrun. I've spoken to them so often on the phone and exchanged so many emails. Osric is much as I envisioned him. His enthusiasm can be infectuous. And he doesn't hesitate to speak his mind, which I like in a person. Leofrun seems older than I expected, although she really isn't. She's mature - and strong - for a woman of her years. I'd like her to meet Efenehð. They both have a strong interest in fiber arts, and I think they'd like each other.

All good things must end in their time, and I think all of us were sorry to leave the ranch. Next year we may extend this another day. I could certainly have spent another day with my fellow gesiðas from across the country.

Late on Monaniht we discovered that my flight home had been cancelled. Leofrun got it straightened out, but I had to take an early morning flight (after getting about two hours' sleep), and Scott had to take off work to pick me up at the airport. I'd missed him. Next year I hope he'll go with me. I think he'd have enjoyed the retreat.

And next year I want to make an offering to Þunor at the peak of Goat Mountain.