Bardic: Finding Awen in Many Ways

Searching for Awen is something that Bards need to do in order to create their works. “Finding” Awens differs with each Bard, since all perceive Awen in their own particular way. However, one of the most common and easiest things that Bards do is to go out into Nature. A Bard would simply sit or walk in Nature, while becoming hyperaware of her surroundings. She would then speak to a tree and listen to its wisdom. While hearing the rustle of the wind or the call of the squirrel, a Bard goes deeper into Nature and discovers Awen.

 “Finding” Awen can by experiencing Bardic works. The creative fire of Awen is often exchanged between Bards in this manner. Through the efforts of one Bard, Awen flows to the other Bard, who embraces his piece. Listening to a symphony or reading a poem places a Bard in contact with Awen, that fills the creation.

  Spending time in devotion to the Gods is another way to “find” Awen. Performing regular rituals such as morning devotions or High Day observances will place the Bard in contact with the Divine. In this sacred time and space, a God may come to inspire the Bard to compose an ode in their honor. At other times, the Bard communes deeply with the Divine, and receives the “fire in the head,” compelling her to create.

 A Bard can seek Awen by wandering on the land. After finding a proper listening spot, he prepares to listen deeply to the Spirit of the Land. By employing meditation and paying close attention, the Bard can touch Awen through this Spirit. 

 During particular times of the year or at specific places of the earth, the door to Other Worlds will open. Going through the portal, a Bard can enter these Other Lands. This experience itself will connect the Bard to the wonder and awe of Awen. However, the Bard needs to take care not to become entrapped in the Other World.

 Through their craft, Bards can “find” Awen. By creating a song, picture or some other work, the Bard immerses himself into the stream of Awen. As the Bard deepens his contact through his craft, the more Awen will course through him. Awen usually comes to the Bard who opens himself up to create.

 As a channel for Awen to the present World, the Bard is the intermediary between Awen and people. She gives voice to the unseen and unperceived parts of the Worlds. Therefore, the Bard has to take special care in “finding” Awen. Moreover, she has the responsibility to “use” Awen wisely.

Ghost Riders in the Sky or the Wild Hunt

The wild hunt: Åsgårdsreien (1872) by Peter Nicolai Arbo

Going by many names, the myth of the Wild Hunt can be found throughout Europe.  Although the details of the Hunt changes from region to region, the core remains the same.  A troop of the Dead is lead by a God, notable figure, Cursed Hunter, or the Devil (in Christian versions).  Dogs and livestock, such as horses or pigs, are included in the Troop of the Dead.  Usually the procession is in pursuit of something.  

The Furious Host are usually heard before They are seen.  When the sky darkens, thunder rumbles and lightening flashes warning people of Their coming.  Then the baying of the hounds, blowing of the horns or shouts of the Dead are heard.

The Wild Hunt can appear at any time.  However most sightings are reported during the times when the Dead roam freely upon the earth.  These are February, Midsummer, Winter’s Nights (October), and Yule.

A person encountering the Furious Host could escape by lying face down on the ground.  They could also greet the Leader of the Hunt politely, and receive gold.  A disrespectful person would be abducted or be told they were to die soon.

The Western song “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” (Stan Jones, 1948) is a retelling of the Wild Hunt.  The songwriter Stan Jones (American, 1914-1963) heard the story of the Wild Hunt in Arizona.  He was a teenager riding the range with an old cowboy.  Whilst watching an on-coming storm, the cowboy told Jones a Western version of the myth.

Jones’ song tells the following story.  A cowboy riding a ridge sees a storm coming up.  Suddenly, he sees and hears a herd of red-eyed cattle with shiny black horns.  Possessing flaming brands, the cows also breathed fire.  This was the Devil’s Herd passing by him.

Pursuing the herd was a group of gaunt, sweaty, and tired cowboys.  They were trying to stop the stampede of the Devil’s Herd.  The horses that the cowboys rode were also snorting fire.  (Suffering riders is a motif in many Wild Hunt legends.)

One of the doomed cowboys calls the watching cowboy by his name.  He warns him of his potential fate if the cowboy does not repent.  He will then become one of the cursed group chasing the spooked cattle.  Shaken by his experience, the cowboy returns home.  (Being called by name and asked to repent is in Christian motifs of the Wild Hunt.)

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Works Used:

Berk, Ani and William Spytma, “Penance Power, Pursuit: On the Trail of the Wild Hunt”, http://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/forhunt.html

Boxell, Geoff, “The Wild Hunt or Fairy Raed”, http://geoffboxell.tripod.com/hunt.htm

Lecoutex, Claude, “Phantom Armies of the Night”. (book)

Sundlin, Michelle, “Stan Jones”, WMA Hall of Fame, http://www.westernmusic.org/performers/hof-jones-stan.html

---, “The Wild Hunt”, Orkneyjar – The Heritage of the Orkney Islands, http://www.orkneyjar.com/tradition/hunt.htm

Periwinkle (2)

On my walks around the neighborhood, I connected with this plant elder. Whenever, I went, I encountered “many hills of purple”. In his natural places, I could relate to Periwinkle and meditate with Him.

Periwinkle is a plant of the semi-wild places, and not of the home. Silvanus, the Roman God of the uncultured land and woods, watches over this plant elder. It is best to meet Periwinkle outdoors on the fringes of gardens.

I understand why Periwinkle has so much strength and intensity. This plant elder is a wild untamed flower living in the city. Periwinkle creeps around seemingly tame, but then takes over without notice. For me, this plant cannot be contained on an altar but must be free. I see Periwinkle as a Spirit of the Semi-wild Places.

Meditations on Periwinkle

Periwinkle, Your Most Purpleness
Periwinkle, Your Most Intenseness
You envelope me.

Your blossom small
Hides your spirit wild.
I say to all
Watch for the Periwinkle.

Note: I think of Periwinkle as a male.

References:
Andrews, Ted, “Nature-Speak: Signs, Omens, and Messages in Nature”, Dragonhawk Publishing, Jackson TN, 2004.

Bradford, Nikki, “Heal Yourself with Flowers and Other Essences”, Quadrille Publishing Ltd, London, 2006.
“Periwinkle”, A Modern Herbal by M. Grieve, Botanical.com, 2008, 21 April 2008,