EMBRACING PERSONAL HISTORY.
The more commonly recommended approaches to advanced perception involve, among other things, the abandoning of identity, ambition and ego. Among the cliches of the Casteneda influenced Toltec teachings is to 'erase personal history'. This is just fine for the guru who is waiting to take over for you. The life events of the surviving Casteneda accolates don't speak well for the results of this abandoment of personal life. There is something very sad and oppressive there.
By contrast, there is something naturally invigorating and loving about the realities and possibilities of what our ancestors and ourselves have done with 'embracing personal history'. It is by knowing who we are that we know where we are going. There is no need to insult the individual by admonishing him to lose his family. To really 'see' the entire picture of the presence of our mystic lives should come into focus.
The notion that to perceive hidden dimensions requires one to 'sign up' with arbitrary moralisms of self-sacrifice to ruling religious institutions. The esoteric doctrines of 'independent' gurus too often remain influenced by accepted rules of despots who have dominated from headquarters and pulpits. The surprisingly good news is that there is much more to our souls and spirits than we have been allowed to remember.
There is an intellectually forgotten yet instictively remembered greater understanding of our Spirit and Souls. The current assault on the 'ego' by people who have books, TV networks, and magazines with their names prominent on the covers is a hint that for success the 'ego' should not be abandoned. That there are only two functioning realties - - the 'ego' and 'non-ego' - is an oversimplification of how the psyche relates to the phenomenal and the numinous. Even Freud was working with limited concepts of the 'id' and 'ego'. Carl Jung was empowering with his erudition of what mystics and teachings of ancient mages had to teach us. His work is valuable in regaing a greater understanding.
The works of Edred Thorsson have the most comprehensive study of the many aspects of an individuals many spiritual aspects. Rather than repeat these at the moment, I want to read some of our Primary Sources and let the Lore guide me to experience and then communicate aspects of our true Spiritual identity.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
TRANSFORMING FRAME OF REFERENCE.
The abundance of self-help metaphysics takes us to worldwide cultural representations. The miriad of Toltec teachings will by definition use the Meso-Amercan ambience and certainly eventually use the Carlos Casteneda terminology. Zen focus will use the Japanese model or the earlier source of Chinese practioners. The more sutra-oriented Buddhism will model the origination in India where it is now nearly extinct. Theosophical modeled energy body representations will use the Hindu and Indian subcontinent cultural history. Widely popular and of comfort to many are the more metaphysical interpretations of common Biblical institutions. Some are eclectic with a tolerance and even advocation of the religious science of areas outside the usual cultures of Rome and the Middle East.
There is a better way. We didn't know this in the late 1960's when there was a kind of 'cosmic' seeking to expand our horizons toward more understanding of life. We turned to the I-Ching, Egyptology, Zen, and anything in far away places. If we had known better, or if had been time, we would have found ourselves in our Selves and the very places where we lived. The framework for personal consciousness research has a model given by our ancestors. Politically charged failed policys of the Marxist era will be corrected by a recognition that there was something Spiritual about our own Declaration of Independence. This time of Spiritual expression went on to frame our Constitution.
Wherever you are in the United States you are probably there because of the courage and ambition of immediate family, ancestors, or your own resolve and motivation. To now advocate any foreign teaching that nullifies ego and over-simplifies a selfless life would create an unnecessary conflict. The path with a heart that has respect for human complexity is available.
That is the direction this blog will take in future entrys. Much of this integral Germanic cultural referrence awaits rediscovery. There is progress in remembrance and authentic creativity every day. We have our ways and we are learning more.
The abundance of self-help metaphysics takes us to worldwide cultural representations. The miriad of Toltec teachings will by definition use the Meso-Amercan ambience and certainly eventually use the Carlos Casteneda terminology. Zen focus will use the Japanese model or the earlier source of Chinese practioners. The more sutra-oriented Buddhism will model the origination in India where it is now nearly extinct. Theosophical modeled energy body representations will use the Hindu and Indian subcontinent cultural history. Widely popular and of comfort to many are the more metaphysical interpretations of common Biblical institutions. Some are eclectic with a tolerance and even advocation of the religious science of areas outside the usual cultures of Rome and the Middle East.
There is a better way. We didn't know this in the late 1960's when there was a kind of 'cosmic' seeking to expand our horizons toward more understanding of life. We turned to the I-Ching, Egyptology, Zen, and anything in far away places. If we had known better, or if had been time, we would have found ourselves in our Selves and the very places where we lived. The framework for personal consciousness research has a model given by our ancestors. Politically charged failed policys of the Marxist era will be corrected by a recognition that there was something Spiritual about our own Declaration of Independence. This time of Spiritual expression went on to frame our Constitution.
Wherever you are in the United States you are probably there because of the courage and ambition of immediate family, ancestors, or your own resolve and motivation. To now advocate any foreign teaching that nullifies ego and over-simplifies a selfless life would create an unnecessary conflict. The path with a heart that has respect for human complexity is available.
That is the direction this blog will take in future entrys. Much of this integral Germanic cultural referrence awaits rediscovery. There is progress in remembrance and authentic creativity every day. We have our ways and we are learning more.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
ENACTMENT OF PRINCIPLES.
The call of daily life, with its own potential for heroic and sovereign action, means that I should arrive at some intermediate conclusions of a practical nature. There is an imperative for the enactment of the principles of this study of heritage and primary sources in literature. The original premise is that my homesteading ancestors in Montana acted with courage, enterprise, and honor. They didn't know the ancient source of their drive and values as a conscious theory, yet they were acting with a natural commitment to advancing their teleology.
This began as a series of essays about studying primary sources in literature as a means of rebuilding our Teutonic Heathen values and a search for practical truth. I've mentioned that my own attention has sometimes fallen short of those values, and with detrimental results. These results need to be corrected. Live and learn. I chose the title to represent a return to Traditional values and a search for practical truth. This is a work in progress that requires action toward victory.
At its inception "Heathen And Heritical Ways" looked at two premises.
A. That Spiritual values of a Heathen nature are already present as the intuitive source of our pioneer ancestors' skill in successful living and prosperity.
B. That research into literature has instruction and lore that could reveal more about how to enact and increase this successful living.
These two premises are studied with the following immediate details.
A. Kindred settlement in Montana.
B. The 'Rigsthula' lay of The Poetic Edda, translated by Lee M. Hollander. Also 'Beowulf' translated by Seamus Heaney.
The enactment of the themes are hinted at in the explanation of the title for this blog site. The word, "Heathen" is capitalized because it is a proper name for our natural religion. A look at any dictionary will reveal that the word comes from the Old English 'Haithen' and the related Old High German 'Haiden'. A definition is that it describes people who kept their native faith and culture without converting to an invading foreign poitical religion. Since 'Heathen' is of Teutonic origin we use it instead of the more common word, 'Pagan'. The Latin Pejorative aspects of 'Pagan' is a consideration since we are talking about taking back the ways of a Teutonic people. By 'Heathen' we mean the the ancestral, religious, social, magical, and personal approach to life that can be as shamanic, devotional, and pragmatic as individuals decide for themselves. In the Heathen Teutonic curriculum I will present studies of runes, religion, magic, and social constructs.
The second part of my title, 'heretical', refers to the imperative of breaking free from oppressive and manipulative organizations and taking a more individual approach to enlightenment. The individual is what's important, not foreign cults that promote self-hatred and then offer enslavement to their organization as a cure. For us, the term 'heretic' is complimentary. It means the willingness to seek Truth with knowledge, intuition, and love.
Enactment in daily life requires that I reach some intermediate conclusions and challenge for results. The results of practicilng lore should bring an individual back in harmony with his Teutonic heritage. Certain realizations from this study of the Rigsthula lay of the Poetic Edda and also the study of the Beowulf epic will offer some possible actions. Two of these realizations toward action are that we are ambitious and generous. With that in mind I should take the following actions.
A. I must get this house in cleaned and in order to better greet my friends with the thew of 'guestfriendliness'. Also to better care for my mother I should make the house uncluttered and in better order. The environment has a reciprocal influence. An impressive environment is shown to be important in Tradition.
B. To be generous, first there must be something to be generous with. This is not only 'charity' on any side of a gift exchange, but a bonding of kinship and tribal alliance formed from ancient principles. I should get serious about my online business.
To establish the insight necessary for action based upon literature and lore, it might be profitable to read again the entire essay in Heathen And Heretical Ways, yet I want to focus for the present time on the following edited quotes.
"This story of land-taking, courage, cosmic learning, and working ability supported by Diety is a perfect description of the migration from Europe to what is now called North America. This is how we arrived in Montana and created a destiny. My kindred and folk are here and we have prospered." (September 4, 2006)
"A few things to note here. Those skilled in runes can listen to nature. They have shamanic skills and are also familiar with wealth and prosperity. It is said that Konunger went on to prove himself by victory in Denmark. He wed Dana, the daughter of Danpr. Their son is said to have united Denmark. So even the achievement of Jarl as they were surpassed by Konungr were surpassed in deed by the next generation."
"There is no place in Teutonic Magical skill for throwing away a legacy to prove oneself. Rather, the proof is in making gains from what Orlog has been given to the person through his lineage. Once this is understood, Spiritual economics of social progress of Teutonic tribes will rise again. This knowledge can be used for skillful adventures in wealth." (October 3, 2006)
Now is the time to work on claiming our more recent lineage and reclaiming the best of our ancient lineage.
The call of daily life, with its own potential for heroic and sovereign action, means that I should arrive at some intermediate conclusions of a practical nature. There is an imperative for the enactment of the principles of this study of heritage and primary sources in literature. The original premise is that my homesteading ancestors in Montana acted with courage, enterprise, and honor. They didn't know the ancient source of their drive and values as a conscious theory, yet they were acting with a natural commitment to advancing their teleology.
This began as a series of essays about studying primary sources in literature as a means of rebuilding our Teutonic Heathen values and a search for practical truth. I've mentioned that my own attention has sometimes fallen short of those values, and with detrimental results. These results need to be corrected. Live and learn. I chose the title to represent a return to Traditional values and a search for practical truth. This is a work in progress that requires action toward victory.
At its inception "Heathen And Heritical Ways" looked at two premises.
A. That Spiritual values of a Heathen nature are already present as the intuitive source of our pioneer ancestors' skill in successful living and prosperity.
B. That research into literature has instruction and lore that could reveal more about how to enact and increase this successful living.
These two premises are studied with the following immediate details.
A. Kindred settlement in Montana.
B. The 'Rigsthula' lay of The Poetic Edda, translated by Lee M. Hollander. Also 'Beowulf' translated by Seamus Heaney.
The enactment of the themes are hinted at in the explanation of the title for this blog site. The word, "Heathen" is capitalized because it is a proper name for our natural religion. A look at any dictionary will reveal that the word comes from the Old English 'Haithen' and the related Old High German 'Haiden'. A definition is that it describes people who kept their native faith and culture without converting to an invading foreign poitical religion. Since 'Heathen' is of Teutonic origin we use it instead of the more common word, 'Pagan'. The Latin Pejorative aspects of 'Pagan' is a consideration since we are talking about taking back the ways of a Teutonic people. By 'Heathen' we mean the the ancestral, religious, social, magical, and personal approach to life that can be as shamanic, devotional, and pragmatic as individuals decide for themselves. In the Heathen Teutonic curriculum I will present studies of runes, religion, magic, and social constructs.
The second part of my title, 'heretical', refers to the imperative of breaking free from oppressive and manipulative organizations and taking a more individual approach to enlightenment. The individual is what's important, not foreign cults that promote self-hatred and then offer enslavement to their organization as a cure. For us, the term 'heretic' is complimentary. It means the willingness to seek Truth with knowledge, intuition, and love.
Enactment in daily life requires that I reach some intermediate conclusions and challenge for results. The results of practicilng lore should bring an individual back in harmony with his Teutonic heritage. Certain realizations from this study of the Rigsthula lay of the Poetic Edda and also the study of the Beowulf epic will offer some possible actions. Two of these realizations toward action are that we are ambitious and generous. With that in mind I should take the following actions.
A. I must get this house in cleaned and in order to better greet my friends with the thew of 'guestfriendliness'. Also to better care for my mother I should make the house uncluttered and in better order. The environment has a reciprocal influence. An impressive environment is shown to be important in Tradition.
B. To be generous, first there must be something to be generous with. This is not only 'charity' on any side of a gift exchange, but a bonding of kinship and tribal alliance formed from ancient principles. I should get serious about my online business.
To establish the insight necessary for action based upon literature and lore, it might be profitable to read again the entire essay in Heathen And Heretical Ways, yet I want to focus for the present time on the following edited quotes.
"This story of land-taking, courage, cosmic learning, and working ability supported by Diety is a perfect description of the migration from Europe to what is now called North America. This is how we arrived in Montana and created a destiny. My kindred and folk are here and we have prospered." (September 4, 2006)
"A few things to note here. Those skilled in runes can listen to nature. They have shamanic skills and are also familiar with wealth and prosperity. It is said that Konunger went on to prove himself by victory in Denmark. He wed Dana, the daughter of Danpr. Their son is said to have united Denmark. So even the achievement of Jarl as they were surpassed by Konungr were surpassed in deed by the next generation."
"There is no place in Teutonic Magical skill for throwing away a legacy to prove oneself. Rather, the proof is in making gains from what Orlog has been given to the person through his lineage. Once this is understood, Spiritual economics of social progress of Teutonic tribes will rise again. This knowledge can be used for skillful adventures in wealth." (October 3, 2006)
Now is the time to work on claiming our more recent lineage and reclaiming the best of our ancient lineage.
BEOWULF.
ANOTHER DUAL-LANGUAGE EDITION.
The excellent Seamus Heaney translation with the Old English on the left side pages adds the ambience of the original power to the reading. This has been done before by Howell D. Chickering in 1977. I'm now reading a new addition of this classic and enjoying the way the two books (Heaney and Chickering translations) work together and present their own experience of the epic.
I would use them both for a full experience of the potentials that can be interpreted in this extensive scholastic field. Here is the information on the new Chickering edition:
"BEOWULF : A Dual Language Edition" , Translated and with an Introduction by Howell D. Chickering, Jr.
With a New Afterword.
As Howell Chickering points out in the new afterword of this 2006 edition, the real power of the Beowulf epic is found in the experience of the individual reading it, hopefully in the Old English. There are vast resources of scholarship and how to find them given in the afterword. The power of the poem stands on its own.
ANOTHER DUAL-LANGUAGE EDITION.
The excellent Seamus Heaney translation with the Old English on the left side pages adds the ambience of the original power to the reading. This has been done before by Howell D. Chickering in 1977. I'm now reading a new addition of this classic and enjoying the way the two books (Heaney and Chickering translations) work together and present their own experience of the epic.
I would use them both for a full experience of the potentials that can be interpreted in this extensive scholastic field. Here is the information on the new Chickering edition:
"BEOWULF : A Dual Language Edition" , Translated and with an Introduction by Howell D. Chickering, Jr.
With a New Afterword.
As Howell Chickering points out in the new afterword of this 2006 edition, the real power of the Beowulf epic is found in the experience of the individual reading it, hopefully in the Old English. There are vast resources of scholarship and how to find them given in the afterword. The power of the poem stands on its own.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
To extend the Beowulf section of this essay with best effect would require my gaining a better knowledge of Old English and also the background in literature. Since this work is to address the success formulas of the Elder Ways there are some limits to my writing time owed to my meeting the very responsibilities, values,and areas of life that are represented here. Considerable success and valued endeavor has been created since I began this essay about two years ago.
I bring an experiential bias to this work with my interest in returning the heroic and prosperous dynamic spirit of our past age. There has already been too much of the hijacking of European metaphysics (or rather a false invention of modern interpretation) by forces of political Marxist or socialist agendas. I have seen way too much poverty and suffering in the neo-pagan community owed to this hijacking by means of misinterpretation.
While the quality of this work will need upgrading in the future I'd still like to continue with my own theorys that I hope will increase our frith and weal. We should live in dynamic, creative, peace and we should have prosperity.
There are three monsters that are defeated by Beowulf and we have only gotten to the first. As mentioned earlier, the less well-known part of this epic is that the young hero returned home to become the supporter of the rightful leader of his own people and eventually become king himself. The hero fights those monsters who threaten the tribe and is loyal to strong leaders who protect and advance the tribe. Our lesson here is that to protect our happiness and prosperity there are opponents to be defeated. And there are communitys that share our victorys.
It is the human structure of kindred or tribal society that serves the hero who serves the tribe. Wunjo could be seen as a rune that describes this mutual support of the tribe's strength and the individual's personal power. There is no exclusion of the community interests and the individual interests. There is a battle that leads to peace. The Gimle that translates as 'Gem Roof' from Icelandic is the teleology of our quest. This should not be forgotten by the immature anarchists who only aspire to leveling of our interests and merits while reveling in misery. Any claim they have to directing our purpose is bogus. This essay is an attempt to show through the primary sources of the 'Rigsthula' of the Poetic Edda and the Beowulf study now being studied that there is another more effective approach to the Elder Ways. The individual can find transformation and have a reciprocal benifit to the tribe.
On pages 119 - 123 of the Heaney translation, Hrothgar gives advice on how to be a considerate and respected leader. Hrothgar can see that the time would come when the Geats would need Beowulf to be king. This is advice worth reading for how we should conduct ourselves toward each other. An interesting comment on tradtional values is given on page 127. Hrothgar says, "I know your people are beyond reproach in every respect, steadfast in the old way with friend and foe." Foes are defeated and friends are honored.
So this is one of the Heathen values that advance the individual life and the Kindred. There are mainstream political forces today that would try to deceive us into not keeping this principle. Homogenized 'globalism' would have us abandon our tribal connections for an abstract sloganeering of ineffective altruism and aggression against other people. In standing up to them by living rightly we are keeping the heretical imperative.
I bring an experiential bias to this work with my interest in returning the heroic and prosperous dynamic spirit of our past age. There has already been too much of the hijacking of European metaphysics (or rather a false invention of modern interpretation) by forces of political Marxist or socialist agendas. I have seen way too much poverty and suffering in the neo-pagan community owed to this hijacking by means of misinterpretation.
While the quality of this work will need upgrading in the future I'd still like to continue with my own theorys that I hope will increase our frith and weal. We should live in dynamic, creative, peace and we should have prosperity.
There are three monsters that are defeated by Beowulf and we have only gotten to the first. As mentioned earlier, the less well-known part of this epic is that the young hero returned home to become the supporter of the rightful leader of his own people and eventually become king himself. The hero fights those monsters who threaten the tribe and is loyal to strong leaders who protect and advance the tribe. Our lesson here is that to protect our happiness and prosperity there are opponents to be defeated. And there are communitys that share our victorys.
It is the human structure of kindred or tribal society that serves the hero who serves the tribe. Wunjo could be seen as a rune that describes this mutual support of the tribe's strength and the individual's personal power. There is no exclusion of the community interests and the individual interests. There is a battle that leads to peace. The Gimle that translates as 'Gem Roof' from Icelandic is the teleology of our quest. This should not be forgotten by the immature anarchists who only aspire to leveling of our interests and merits while reveling in misery. Any claim they have to directing our purpose is bogus. This essay is an attempt to show through the primary sources of the 'Rigsthula' of the Poetic Edda and the Beowulf study now being studied that there is another more effective approach to the Elder Ways. The individual can find transformation and have a reciprocal benifit to the tribe.
On pages 119 - 123 of the Heaney translation, Hrothgar gives advice on how to be a considerate and respected leader. Hrothgar can see that the time would come when the Geats would need Beowulf to be king. This is advice worth reading for how we should conduct ourselves toward each other. An interesting comment on tradtional values is given on page 127. Hrothgar says, "I know your people are beyond reproach in every respect, steadfast in the old way with friend and foe." Foes are defeated and friends are honored.
So this is one of the Heathen values that advance the individual life and the Kindred. There are mainstream political forces today that would try to deceive us into not keeping this principle. Homogenized 'globalism' would have us abandon our tribal connections for an abstract sloganeering of ineffective altruism and aggression against other people. In standing up to them by living rightly we are keeping the heretical imperative.
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