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YAY Jul. 18th, 2008 @ 02:31 pm
[info]notofthistime
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hmmm Jul. 18th, 2008 @ 01:34 pm
[info]puckdecoyote
I actually originally put this as a response to Jenya in my last thread, but I think it warranted a seperate post.  This is how I see the whole hooplah:
(Edited for better grammar lol)

I  have a *HUGE* problem with this idea that the "Tradition" is somehow separate from its practitioners. To me that is a cult mentality. It is no longer about "What is the work of *this* God?" or even "Do as thou wilt."  It strives to take away my power as an individual. I have no need for that. Feri is the energy and the people who mediate that energy.

Feri is what Feri does.

I see a lot of the same thing in the company I work for, it is the corporate mindset. It used to be that the company was the people who worked together toward a common goal, but now it is The Company, which is used as a vehicle to get the individual in line.

When the company became The Company, it devalued the employee.

If the tradition becomes The Tradition, it will devalue the initiate.
 

come to a decision Jul. 18th, 2008 @ 10:22 am
[info]puckdecoyote
I have decided that all the Feri email lists serve no positive purpose in my life.  What they do provide is a toxic environment for people to disrespect one another and be generally vile.  I have no use for self important, self righteous individuals who feel the need to condemn those I care about and/or myself.  

Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful people there...but I can still have those people in my life via some other medium.  Here for example...or....<gasp> in real life!

I will not be leaving the lists, I may decide I have something I need to mention, but will be setting them to web only so I won't have my mail box filled with angry rants every day.  

home alone... Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 06:37 pm
[info]notofthistime
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Mad Men Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 05:21 pm
[info]carnivalia
I haven't had much time to spend in front of the tube lately, but I have been getting into the show 'Mad Men.' I'm in awe of how quaintly it portrays sexism and a multitude of prejudices, almost as though those days were to be missed. I become somewhat shocked at my reaction, however. In my daily life I would think nothing of being introduced to a divorced woman in slacks, but when such is introduced in the show suddenly I seem to share the same ugly sentiments as the characters do, thinking 'I bet she's on the pill.' I'm not sure if it is helping me learn more about myself, or simply affirming that under the right circumstances I too would be an asshole. Plus, it makes me want to smoke, now especially every time I step into an elevator. I must say though that the acting is great. I adore all of the characters, most especially the women in the cast, as each in her own way seem courageous amidst her flaws. 

Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 04:31 pm
[info]arliss, posting in [info]pimp_my_altar


I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of my Midsummer Altar. Not very different from last year's at this time, but it makes me happy. )

Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 01:37 pm
[info]dearmelynn

Iron Pentacle Class - TOMORROW NIGHT! Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 10:53 am
[info]faerywolf
Crossposted to: [info]feri:

Just a little reminder that I will be teaching an introductory class on the Iron Pentacle at my store in Walnut Creek, CA tomorrow night. Class starts at 7pm. Cost: $20.

The Iron Pentacle is one of the most important tools of self-transformation that the Feri tradition has to offer. In this class we will delve into each of the five points of our beloved pentacle to see how they play out in our lives, as well as invoke this symbol in ritual to see how and where we are in or out of balance so that we may then begin to reclaim our lost power.

Limited street parking available. Parking validated for 2 hours at the nearby Cypress St. garage. Call the shop at 925-933-2342 for more information.

Iron Pentacle Class - TOMORROW NIGHT! Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 10:53 am
[info]faerywolf, posting in [info]feri
Just a little reminder that I will be teaching an introductory class on the Iron Pentacle at my store in Walnut Creek, CA tomorrow night. Class starts at 7pm. Cost: $20.

The Iron Pentacle is one of the most important tools of self-transformation that the Feri tradition has to offer. In this class we will delve into each of the five points of our beloved pentacle to see how they play out in our lives, as well as invoke this symbol in ritual to see how and where we are in or out of balance so that we may then begin to reclaim our lost power.

Limited street parking available. Parking validated for 2 hours at the nearby Cypress St. garage. Call the shop at 925-933-2342 for more information.

Thursday Thoughts ~ Il dolce far niente Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 10:25 am
[info]southernpm
There is an Italian expression “Il dolce far niente,” which means the sweet art of doing nothing.  

I love the whole thought of having an art of doing nothing.  Of sitting and being.  Spending time just relaxing, watching the world go by, talking to friends or sipping a cup of coffee.  The fact that there is not a schedule or a plan but just to be able to enjoy the moment you are in and the people that you are doing it with.  The spontaneity or the lethargy that might ensue.  



So, mes amis, tell me about time you practice the “sweet art of doing nothing” or the “sweet art of making something out of nothing” ?  Do you want to do it again?
Current Location: work
Whilst Pondering: calm
Current Music: Neverending Story (Power Club Vocal Mix)

QUEEN TO QUEEN'S LEVEL THREE* Jul. 17th, 2008 @ 12:09 am
[info]tinuviel13
 

The Queen's Confidante

Congrats! Only 5-7% of the population score this!

The Queen's Confidante

The Queen's Confidante is the first to hear the beat of a different drum. Many plunge into the avant garde experience and generally set the trend for their friends. They are more in touch with reality using their senses but this makes them want to live for the ‘here and now’. The Confidante is full of charm and may flow with compliments even if it isn’t deserved.  Rather than write a poem on the beauty of life – they would rather live out the written story of beauty.

The Queen’s Confidante is usually peaceful and easygoing in nature. They usually adopt a 'live and let live' approach to life. They take things at their own pace and live for the moment. They may be quiet but are pleasant, considerate and caring. They may not be inclined to debate or air their views, but of course their values are important to them. They will solve problems as they arise especially if it concerns people. Generally the Confidante is one who develops great team spirit through the promotion of cooperation. They will only repeat facts without placing too much spin or interpretation on them. Because of this they may be the best mediators.

The Confidante is sensitive to its environment, and much more perceiving than others with regards to the physical world. They can notice variations in behavior of others. They are highly conscious of companions and friends, but they prefer to let others direct. This ‘Pawn’ is rarer than others because they are emotionally well rounded with a great degree of empathy. Because of this empathy, they can be overly concerned with ‘feelings’. They may even sacrifice their ideals and not contribute enough, especially if they don’t wish to exercise criticism.


Undying Gratitude Jul. 16th, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
[info]astarrymist
Cut because sometimes that's just what things need to be. )
Tags:

Watering the Garden (not always with our tears) Jul. 16th, 2008 @ 09:53 pm
[info]yezida
If you are against torture, you must also stop torturing yourself.

If you are against war, you must also cease warring with your friends.

Conflict is essential for growth, but not this slow wearing down of soul.

Cultivate joy, along with your garden - sun and water and laughter are also necessary.

Do two generous things today, one for yourself and one for another.

Re-enter the flow of All.

A Benefit for The Stone City Foundation Jul. 16th, 2008 @ 07:30 pm
[info]127fascination, posting in [info]feri

Earlier this year a CD of Victor Anderson’s poetry read by the Feri Community was produced to promote fundraising for Cora Anderson’s care (www.thegreenwand.com/Tracks.html). Sadly, Cora has since crossed, but the A Jewel For Cora CD was a big success at the time of her greatest need. There remain 25 copies prepared on black CD. Although Cora was never able to visit Stone City, she did see pictures of the stone circle (www.stonecity.moonfruit.com/#/photoshenge/4520460205) and was glad that such a place existed so close by. As a tribute to Cora and to benefit Stone City, these 25 copies are available for $12 each (plus $3 for US shipping). All proceeds go to The Stone City Foundation. No additional CDs will be made.

Email Onyx at

thujone7@hotmail.com for ordering details.

Sharing a phot of my altar Jul. 16th, 2008 @ 09:11 pm
[info]miadhachain, posting in [info]pimp_my_altar
Hi there,

I came across this community and thought it was great.  I love to see how other people have set up their sacred spaces.  Anyways, I thought I would share a few images of my altar.  I am a Celtic Reconstructionist with Irish leanings.  This is a shrine to my Patron, Manannan mac Lir.  You can see the various images here:

Click here for photos!

Miadhachain

The Dolphin is nearly dead Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 10:19 pm
[info]carnivalia
So it is nearly official... we are changing the name of the store from 'Dolphin Dream' (gag, can't you taste the chum) to... drum roll please...

'The Mystic Dream.'

We've got the name secured for the county and the web address, what a relief. On the one hand it was a difficult decision, since the store has been there for 18 years and everyone knows that name. Problem was that the name was dated, and blatantly New Age, and I hate dolphins. Oh I tried to like them, talked up how in Greek culture they served as psychopomps and such, but their greyish flesh and highpitched nagging cries actually give me the willies. Also, many of them are rapists.

So now we have to find a way to promote this change. This may not be so easy. Spiritual folk don't often welcome change. However if pissing people off is unavoidable then you might as well have fun with it, right?

Someone at my shop suggested that dolphins only live to be about 18 anyway. Not sure if that is true, but I wonder if I can turn that into some sort of advert. Perhaps I could draw a picture of a geriatric dolphin, sort of Wilford Brimleyesque, with a thought bubble that says 'No antibiotics please, I just want to die.' Or I could take a page from the old Jack In The Box commercials where they blow up the clown, except I'll blow up a dolphin. I could totally get that up on YouTube if only I could catch a dolphin (not even sure what to use for bait there).

Storm's idea was to say something to the effect of "The dolphin is gone, but the dream continues." Best idea I've heard so far.

Meme's Pawn to Meme's Pawn 4 Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
[info]faerywolf

Your result for Which Chess Piece are You Test?...

The Queen's Rook


The Queen’s Rook is a pensive, analytical individual. They don’t mind spending long periods of time on their own to work through problems. They may venture so far into thought they appear vacant or detached; often they really are oblivious of the world at that moment. These wayward princes are precise about descriptions and by habit correct others (or feel sorely tempted) if the shade of meaning is slightly off. This is annoying to the less concise, but this is what gives the Queen’s Rook a gift for gab, especially in writing.

This Rook is relatively easy going until their principles of truth, knowledge and justice are violated. Because of this they hate the formalities of bureaucracy, politics, and authority – which tend to mask the truth of operations. They will respond with a flip of the switch and become outspoken and inflexible. They will eventually drop the issue, because they do prefer a reserved and benign ambiance. The problem with the Queen’s Rook is when they are debating a point; they may be convincing themselves as much as their opponent. They spend a considerable amount of time second-guessing their abilities and may come to multiple conclusions that offer plausible solutions.

An indicator that a friend may be a Queen’s Rook is an obsession with logic. If a mistake is made, it is because there wasn’t enough data or it was placed out of context. Another indicator you’re friend is a Rook, throw a strategy game at them. They enjoy Risk, Bridge, Chess, and word games. Never rush the Rook. They don’t draw conclusions very quickly. If one were to gather a bunch of Rooks together to form a group they may debate:

1.) Whether or not there should be a group.

2.) Exactly what name should the proposed group choose?

3.) Which of the persons in the group should take responsibility or should they rotate?

Take Which Chess Piece are You Test? at Hello Quizzy


Random Quote of the now... Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 09:49 pm
[info]southernpm
"...the second Elizabeth is a food writer. With an apartment in Rome, a house in Umbria, an Italian husband and a job that requires her to travel around Italy eating food and writing about it for Gourmet, it appears that the second Elizabeth must have saved a lot of orphans from drowning in a previous lifetime."


-Elizabeth Gilbert, eat pray love
Tags:

Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 04:39 pm
[info]carnivalia
Thanks to all of you who congradulated Storm and I on our upcoming wedding, the response was touching. The Devil is now in the details, which is fun and nervewracking at the same time.

Lets see, what else is new... after visiting with some swell folk on Saturday Storm, his mom, Daniel and I went to see Kathy Griffin. I'm glad that I watch 'Best Week Ever' or else I wouldn't have understood most of her pop culture references. I really had a good time.

Looks like I might be able to hire some help for the shop, which will free me up considerably. So many projects yet so little time. I think I will spend this evening designing personal business cards.

I need a little day-long getaway, like a visit to a winery or a museum or something. Something that involves walking to some extent. Hmmm.

found on [info]design_bear's blog and looked interesting Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 01:12 pm
[info]notofthistime
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Some thoughts about Feri, and a metaphor Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 03:40 pm
[info]elorie, posting in [info]feri
In light of discussions and rumors of discussions elsewhere on the Internets, I feel moved to say this because I think it needs saying.

Due to the fact that a few teachers are very public, and a whole bunch aren't, Feri is like an iceberg. You only see one-tenth of it; the other nine-tenths are underwater where you can't see.

That one tenth is still obviously an integral part of the iceberg. But it is not the *whole* iceberg. Because some lines and teachers are much more public than others, and Feri is so divergent, what you do see cannot be construed as telling you much about the whole. In feel, yes. In specific, no.

Hell, even as an initiate I don't know everything. Each line has their own lore, and just because the Bloodrose stuff is so prevalent, that doesn't mean that's what everyone has or does. Even some of us who are Bloodrose "cousins" have or do a whole bunch of stuff they don't. Keep that in mind.

I know some of you who are finally thinking you've got the hang of this stuff are going to be a bit dismayed to hear this. But look at it this way: the Mystery continually unfolds. Not just in your relationship to the current and the Gods, but in your relationship to other Fey. The tradition in some sense is the people, and they are a nearly inexhaustible resource. It'll be fine.

Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 02:16 pm
[info]hexeengel, posting in [info]pimp_my_altar
Altar and other sacredness )

*whew!* Some of all that mess was posted to other places like [info]pagan_thrift and [info]pagan_d_i_y, so apologies if you see any of it more than you’d like.

scooter to borrow in Austin?? Jul. 15th, 2008 @ 08:46 am
[info]ardaraith
Anyone know of or have a small scooter I could borrow for one day?

I'm thinking of buying one and want to try it out.

Another thank you to the mighty St. Expedite! Jul. 14th, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
[info]apocalypso23, posting in [info]pimp_my_altar
Let this post serve as a testament to the amazing St. Expedite! A million thanks to him!



Whilst Pondering: grateful

Olympic Game research Jul. 14th, 2008 @ 03:39 pm
[info]ardaraith
Wanna help some Grad students?

One of the Professors I work with has a couple of students on a project about China and the Olympic Games. They are short on subjects, and need to collect data before the Games begin in August. So, I"m asking you, as she asked me, to be a part of the study, and (if you are willing) to pass this email along to your friends and family to encourage them to participate. The entire study can be done online. Basically, you complete an online survey, watch a 9 minute video 3 times (3 exposures needed for an effect), complete the survey again, and then complete a survey after the Olympic Games. The full details appear in the original email below:



Hello! This email is from a research team at The University of Texas at Austin. We are studying the effects of the Olympic Games on China, and would like you to share your thoughts with us. Information about the study, and instructions for participation are shown below. If you know others who would be willing to participate, please forward this email to them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

The UT Research Team


We are interested in your thoughts and opinions about China and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. In addition to your opinions about China and the Olympic Games, we would like to get your reaction to several short video clips. In order to provide you with access to the video clips, we request that you provide an email address. We will only use the email address for this study, and will destroy all records of your email address and any other identifying information at the close of the study. We ask that you provide your email address at each stage of the study so that we can track your participation. When you submit your email address in the final survey and complete all of five surveys, we will send a $10 online gift certificate to your email to thank you. The principal investigators for the study are the only people who will have access to your email address. You can discontinue your participation in the study at any time by emailing one of the principal investigators listed at the end of this email. The study procedure is as follows:
Day 1 Complete web survey #1 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HlxGGOhTzmDUj_2b16H8mbWw_3d_3d
Day 3 Receive email with web link
Day 3-5 View 9 minute video and complete 5 question survey #2A
Day 5 Receive email with web link
Day 5-7 View 9 minute video and complete 5 question survey #2B
Day 7 Receive email with web link
Day 7-9 View 9 minute video and complete web survey #3
No contact for 6 - 8 weeks
Day 1 Receive email with web link
Day 1-3 Complete web survey #4
Day 4 Email address deleted
If you have any questions about the study or your participation in the study, please contact one of the principal investigators listed below:
Dr. Won Jae Seo utksachair@gmail.com
So Youn Lim slim@mail.utexas.edu
Dr. Yongjun Sung yjsung@mail.utexas.edu
Dr. Christine Green bcgreen@mail.utexas.edu 512 471-1273
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us! Please click the following link to begin the web survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HlxGGOhTzmDUj_2b16H8mbWw_3d_3d

San Francisco AIDS Walk Jul. 14th, 2008 @ 11:31 am
[info]southernpm
I'm going to briefly pimp myself out.  

I'm doing the San Francisco AIDS Walk this Sunday. 

If you would like to sponsor me you can do that here.

"Nimue and the Black Heart of Innocence" Weekend Intensive with Karina Jul. 14th, 2008 @ 01:09 pm
[info]swansister, posting in [info]feri
Hello,

The September 27th-28th "Nimue and the Black Heart" workshop with Karina in West Virginia is filling up fast.

Only three spots are left!

Hurry,

Swan

Workshop Description )


Registration form )
Whilst Pondering: giddy

for fucks sake.... Jul. 13th, 2008 @ 05:34 pm
[info]puckdecoyote
I have heard from many people that the year after their initiation was really hard.

I get that.

Its like the world conspires to push you right to the edge, not quite push you over, let you get a breather for a few days, and then push again even harder.

So are you all know, I had a recent sigh of relief on the financial front with some surprise help.  I thought "Gee...things seem to be lining up quite nicely, maybe things will be less stressful now."

Yeah....

I was under the impression that I had everything lined up at work for school.  I was really impressed that everyone seemed so willing to accommodate me, and that I was even going to get Fridays off, a day I don't have school, so that I would actually have a whole day off.  Well, today my manager let me know that *her* boss decided that I am not selling enough to accommodate that, and despite the fact we had a whole schedule already worked out, that we needed to change it so I would specifically NOT have Fridays off until I sold more.

Yes....because burning me out because I don't have a day off will do so fucking much to improve my morale you piece of shit.

So because this asshat got some hair up his ass, instead of trying some positive reinforcement they have decided to make my life harder.

Right up to the fucking edge again...

The freefall might be peaceful... 


I totally realize that none of these things on their own would be enough to throw me out of alignment like this, but it is the cumulative effect of repeated stresses.  I also realize that none of this is permanent.  It doesn't make it any less frustrating now.

Bearbar Jul. 13th, 2008 @ 02:02 pm
[info]notofthistime
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hee hee Jul. 13th, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
[info]anaar
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