Book Review #1 -- Comparative Mythology by Jann Puhvel

Puhvel, Jaan.  Comparative Mythology.  Johns Hopkins Paperback edition, 1989.  Baltimore, Maryland:  Johns Hopkins University Press, 1987.  Print.

Jaan Puhvel's Comparative Mythology is a comparison study of Indo-Iranian and Indo-European myth over the centuries from Vedic India through medieval Baltic Prussia, working its way through Vedic and epic India through ancient and epic Iran, through Greece and Rome, through the Celts and the Germanic-Norse to the mythologies of the Baltic-Slavs.  He bases the progression on the theory of monogenesis, that there is an origin from which the others evolved.  This fits with the theories of the proto-Indo-Europeans originating in the Balkan steppes and migrating south and east through ancient Iran and India, and westward through Greece, Rome and throughout western and northern Europe.  

Puhvel divides the book into three parts: The first part sets forth the definition of the study of myth within the context of this book as well as describing the creation myths from the ancient Near East and what is meant when using the terms Indo-Iranian and Indo-European in the context of this comparison study.  The second part recounts the various myths from the Indo-Iranian/Indo-European cultures.  In the third part, Puhvel gets down to comparing specific themes across cultures, such as god and warrior, king and virgin, and horse and ruler and their roles within the specific cultures and their similarities and their differences.

Having an interest in mythology in general and Indo-European studies specifically, I find the book interesting and informative, if not exactly engaging.  This book reads like the lecture series is represents without the benefit of being able to engage with others in the class in real time.  Perhaps Puhvel's humor is not as dry when he is speaking as it is in writing.  However, if I could make only one suggestion to improve its readability, I would suggest including a pronunciation guide.  One is bogged down stumbling through the unfamiliar deity names of the various cultures (for me, it was the Vedic names that posed the biggest challenge).  Its inclusion as one of the choices for the Indo-European studies portion of the Dedicant's Program gives me the opportunity for a broad overview of the many myths across the Indo-European spectrum and shows the mythological timeline as it developed and evolved in some cases over the centuries and throughout the Indo-European cultures. 

I do recommend this book as a good way to familiarize yourself with the various Indo-European cultures and their inter-related myths.

High Day Attendance write-up

Lughnassadh 2012

I celebrated Lughnassadh 2012 with Hallowed Oaks Grove as I have for the past 6 years and my second year as Senior Druid.  We began as we usually do, by gathering all the participants in a central location and presenting a pre-ritual briefing.  Most of the attendees are not ADF and usually about half have never attended ritual with HOG previously, and this gives us a chance to go through the steps of the COoR and everyone knows a little of what to expect as well as some of HOG's customs for ritual participation such as when and if personal workings/offerings will be allowed.  After the briefing, we proceeded to the fire pit, singing We Approach the Sacred Grove and each person stopping briefly at the altar to cense and asperge at the small station set up for that purpose before continuing around the fire and forming a circle. 

Once all the participants had been past the altar and our circle was formed, I led a group meditation using the Two Powers imagery.  An offering and invitation were made to the Earth Mother.  Our statement of purpose and introduction of the Deities of the Occasion were presented by the ritual's presiding druid.  An offering was then made to the Outdwellers.  We consecrated the three hallows and called on Mannanan Mac Lir to open the gates.  With the gates open, Brigid was called upon for Bardic Inspiration, and then the three Kindreds were invited to join us.  We then made the key offerings to the DotOs – milk to Tailtui, beer to Lugh, and beer to the Ancestors.  An omen was taken using runes, drawing Fehu, Eihwaz, and Othala – read ( by me) as a positive omen with a reminder to honor our roots and that our present prosperity is rooted in the inherited wealth of the past.  We then called for the Waters of Life, and horn was passed around the circle for all to partake of the blessings. 

Then we allowed any who wished to make offerings to the deities of their choice and perform any personal workings.  After that, we began the unwinding of the ritual, first saying farewell to the DotOs and the three Kindreds, then closing the gates and thanking the gatekeeper and finally thanking and saying farewell to the Earth Mother. 

All in all, a good ritual with good smooth energy flow throughout (it helps to have some seasoned energy workers in your midst).  All assembled shared a potluck feast afterward, and fellowship continued into the evening.  

Checking in

Good morning.  I haven't abandoned my post(ing) here.  I've just been busy with a new job that leaves my brain a bit fried at the end of the day. 

I've been thinking about Imbolc lately (wonder why?) and composing my Imbolc essay for the DP reqs.  Imbolc tends to be a very quiet High Day for us around here, even though it's very obvious in my immediate surroundings -- I have an actual groundhog living under my house who is beginning to stir now and a patch of daffodils have shown up in my yard already.  Perhaps I really should make a bigger deal of this High Day from now on and look closer at the tiny spots of spring color peeking through the white and gray of winter. 

Blessings to you all.
Brenda

Blog day 2: Good morning.

Checking in quickly.  I've added links to the page to showcase some of my favorite sites for resources, interesting reading, or just plain fun (always helpful in resetting the brain when it becomes far too full of serious matters).  The first links are to ADF itself and to my home grove, Hallowed Oaks Grove, ADF.  I'll be adding more and more.  If you have any sites you particularly enjoy, let me know so I can check them out.

Also, I've added a picture of the tattoo I designed about 4 years ago.  It is actually a kind of synopsis of my personal spirituality.  The yin/yang, the pentacle, and the om, all encircled by sacred creative fire.  Balance, nature/elements (that's what the pentacle represents to me), and overarching oneness of all things, with inspiration and creativity connecting, surrounding, and invigorating them all.  I wear this symbol on my body.

Until next time, peace be with you,
Brenda

Greetings and a simple introduction

I have been on the Dedicant's Path for several years.  I joined ADF in 2005 and planned to start the DP immediately.  Didn't happen.  So, the thought/intention has sat and stared at me, daring and encouraging me to get my butt in gear and just do it.  Two years ago, Lughnassadh 2010, I formally announced in ritual, to my Grove, that I was starting the DP in earnest.  I've managed to do a little bit since then.  I've finished a couple of books on the required reading list, but not actually written the reviews as yet.  I've attended more than enough High Day rituals to complete those requirements.  I've just been lax (very lax) about writing about them. 

So, I've entered the blogosphere to keep me on track.  I'll post my essays and reviews, as well as rants about my progress or lack thereof.  I hope for feedback including any constructive criticisms and encouraging words.  If I can get myself moving, I hope to actually be done by this year's Lughnassadh. 

So, thank you for accompanying me on this journey. 

Brenda