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sabrinamariVisiting with my brother and his wife in the last few days has been really cool. In so many ways, it has been a *tremendous* gift. In order to reach for something that's not tragic and overwhelmingly emotional, I'm not going to talk about that. Instead, I'm going to talk about something completely different.
My brother is doing his dissertation on Pagan music in the department of American Studies at the university in Lansing, MI. He knows an incredible amount about the history of Craft and Craft music, about theology, philosphy and about those intellectua tools that are good for analyzing and understanding the American Pagan scene. He knows about a million famous Pagans.
It's pretty amazing to me, and quite cool. I haven't read a Craft book in years. I don't *remember* when I last read one. I have few intellectual tools with which to think about it as a religion. Half the time, I have to probe a bit further when my brother and I talk to make sure I've understood him, since my grasp of critical theory outside of my own fields are pretty weak. That's OK, though---I'm pretty secure in my intellect so it doesn't bother me. But it does make me notice how I relate to Craft.
For years, now, it's only been about practice for me. Participating in, creating, leading and supporting others in monthly rituals, ROPs (rites of passage), and public rituals and teaching. There hasn't been much teaching in my regular circles, though---only magic and worship and energy work there---cause my diss sucked up the energy to do everything else. Workshops at festivals have become the central venues through which I teach (and also lead rituals). So it has all been practice, practice, practice. I have been almost completely free of new theory, of self-reflection about my practice---other than on an immediate spiritual, transformative level---for years.
I don't really know anybody outside of Blue Star except folks who are part of the Maryland FreeSpirit community. I have become somewhat insular. I may be becoming a bit stale.
I do what I do well, but other's people's inspirations and thoughts and influences are important if one is to keep growing, keep moving in new directions, and keep contributing to the community. Maybe I should read more Craft. My brother has already given me one book and Karen has lent me another. I should check them out and see what I think. What has the rest of the country been doing while I've been busy?
My brother is doing his dissertation on Pagan music in the department of American Studies at the university in Lansing, MI. He knows an incredible amount about the history of Craft and Craft music, about theology, philosphy and about those intellectua tools that are good for analyzing and understanding the American Pagan scene. He knows about a million famous Pagans.
It's pretty amazing to me, and quite cool. I haven't read a Craft book in years. I don't *remember* when I last read one. I have few intellectual tools with which to think about it as a religion. Half the time, I have to probe a bit further when my brother and I talk to make sure I've understood him, since my grasp of critical theory outside of my own fields are pretty weak. That's OK, though---I'm pretty secure in my intellect so it doesn't bother me. But it does make me notice how I relate to Craft.
For years, now, it's only been about practice for me. Participating in, creating, leading and supporting others in monthly rituals, ROPs (rites of passage), and public rituals and teaching. There hasn't been much teaching in my regular circles, though---only magic and worship and energy work there---cause my diss sucked up the energy to do everything else. Workshops at festivals have become the central venues through which I teach (and also lead rituals). So it has all been practice, practice, practice. I have been almost completely free of new theory, of self-reflection about my practice---other than on an immediate spiritual, transformative level---for years.
I don't really know anybody outside of Blue Star except folks who are part of the Maryland FreeSpirit community. I have become somewhat insular. I may be becoming a bit stale.
I do what I do well, but other's people's inspirations and thoughts and influences are important if one is to keep growing, keep moving in new directions, and keep contributing to the community. Maybe I should read more Craft. My brother has already given me one book and Karen has lent me another. I should check them out and see what I think. What has the rest of the country been doing while I've been busy?
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no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 05:10 pm (UTC)Meanwhile, is your brother on LJ? Would he be willing to talk with us about what he know, in exchange for our knowledge/intuition, etc.? What is his name? Is Karen his wife? Sorry, too many questions.
Your brother's disseration
Date: 2004-11-28 05:29 pm (UTC)Do you think your brother would find value in a copy? I should have some old issues of that zine locked away in storage somewhere. If you like, forward my email info to him or vice versa. :)
Hugs to you.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 06:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 07:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 08:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 10:59 pm (UTC)Re: Your brother's disseration
Date: 2004-11-28 10:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 11:00 pm (UTC)Re: Your brother's disseration
Date: 2004-11-28 11:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 11:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-28 11:39 pm (UTC)In the meantime, it's SO wonderful that spending time with your brother and his family is opening up some new avenues for you to explore. And when you're done with the book he's given you, would you be willing to post the review?
no subject
Date: 2004-11-29 03:27 am (UTC)So, let me know if you dicover any good books. :)
no subject
Date: 2004-11-29 06:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-30 12:35 am (UTC)